China's envoy to India expresses expectation for resuming direct flights Xinhua) 11:15, September 22, 2024 NEW DELHI, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has voiced hope for positive measures from India in resuming direct flights between the two countries. At a seminar in New Delhi on Thursday, Xu said the foundation of China-India people-to-people friendship was profound. "It is hoped that the Indian side could provide a sound business environment for the Chinese enterprises in India. We are willing to advance exchanges and cooperation with India in science and technology, education, culture and tourism," he said. "We also expect positive measures from India in resuming direct flights and facilitating visas for Chinese citizens," he added. According to the envoy, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in India have issued more than 400,000 visas to Indians since last year, "greatly facilitating people from all walks of life to visit China for exchanges and cooperation." Direct flights between China and India have been suspended for over four-and-a-half years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Local community group, Lincoln Courts Youth and Community Association, has been awarded 430,515 in National Lottery funding to provide activities and services to connect people across the Waterside area. The National Lottery 'Community Fund' grant award will assist the project, 'Connecting Communities Linking BT47', over three years and reduce social isolation, improve community relations, build skills and increase wellbeing. The project includes workshops for older people, recreational activities for young people, inclusive community events and development of a strategic plan to build a stronger community. Welcoming the news, Project Manager Don McClay said: Lincoln Courts Youth and Community are delighted to receive funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for our project, Connecting Communities Linking BT47. Our project will provide community orientated activities, developed from the bottom up, for the benefit of all residents within the Waterside (BT47) area of Derry. The impact of the funding will be to develop and sustain activities which have addressed the specific needs and aspirations of community members and are reflective of the priorities and values as seen by the community. The project will empower local people and the community by building capacity and encouraging active participation. The project will promote self-reliance and sustainable development by enabling individuals to take ownership of their developmental processes. A heartfelt thank you to the National lottery players for making this project and the associated benefits attributed to this project possible. ABOVE: Members of the congregation of Maynooth Community Church, one of Presbyterian Church in Irelands 500-plus congregations, and guests, on the day its purpose-built building was officially opened by Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Richard Murray. Credit PCI/Jamie Trimble September 14 marked an historic moment in the life and witness of one of the Presbyterian Church in Irelands (PCI) youngest congregations, Maynooth Community Church (MCC) in County Kildare, when for the first time in over a century the Moderator officially opened a new congregations brand-new purpose-built church since the Irish Free State was established. The Moderator, Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray said it had been a wonderful and encouraging day[and] while I give thanks for our rich Presbyterian heritage on this island, I also give thanks for what God is doing now, and His plans and purposes for the future. Over the years, many Presbyterian churches have been renovated, extended, and rebuilt. More recently new church buildings have been built in existing locations in Kilkenny, Drogheda and Mullingar. This is the first time, however, that a brand-new congregation has opened its own purpose-built building in what is now the Republic of Ireland, since Arklow Presbyterian Church in 1915. MCC began life when a small group of prayerful people, mainly from Lucan Presbyterian Church, started meeting to study the Bible together in September 2002. Five months later in February 2003, having grown to around 18 people, the decision was taken to run some monthly services in Maynooth Post Primary School. The first public weekly service as Maynooth Community Church was held on 7 September that year. Four years later, in November 2007, MCC was formally constituted as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland with Rev Dr Keith McCrory, who led the project from its beginning, formally installed as its inaugural minister. Over the last 17 years, the congregation has had a number of temporary homes, most recently with the Irish Secondary School, Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Nuad, in the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board premises in Manor Mills Shopping Centre but no longer. Dr McCrory leads a 140-strong church family, one of PCIs 500-plus congregations, with a home that they can now call their own. At a total cost of 4.5million, building started on the 3.2 acre greenfield site opposite the new Tesco shopping park in April of last year, Looking back on the journey that we have travelled, the ups and downs, the tears and setbacks along the way, one thing has remained so tangibly constant, and that has been Gods amazing grace and His faithfulness. It really has been a miraculous journey, he said. At the start, Dr McCrory said that they werent originally convinced that they needed a building, but eventually realised that if they could, having a permanent presence in Maynooth would create a greater capacity for gathering and ministry. It would also increase our witness, and contribute to the availability of social space in the town, which the community so badly needs. I have had a number of inquiries from various local groups to see if they could use it already, Dr McCrory said. The Derry born minister continued, I am still looking around the building in amazement. God has been so good, as have our members who have given sacrificially for over 10 years, our other donors and PCI through the Council for Mission in Ireland. The prayers and support of so many people and congregations across the denomination, not least Lucan, our parent church and its minister at the time, Dr Trevor Morrow, have made such a difference. Our architect Judith Hamilton, her team at Knox and Markwell, the builders Corbally Construction, our local politicians, Kildare County Council, and those who have hosted us in the past, have all played their part in this journey, and we give thanks to God for each and every one, he said. In the afternoon, PCIs Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, dedicated and officially opened the church building in front of guests from Dail Eireann, Kildare County Council and Maynooth Community Council. Local churches, including the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Church (both dedicated to St Mary), along with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, were also present. Many other friends of MCC from PCI, and the local community, were also present, and heard Dr Murray preach the sermon. Speaking after the service, the Moderator said, This has been a wonderful and encouraging day as we have been able to rejoice together in the goodness of God and I would like to thank MCC for inviting me. This afternoon I preached on Revelation 3, where in verse 8 it says, I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut... MCC is an open door to witness, outreach, of opportunity and a new dawn, and I commend them for their commitment and bravery in making this journey. Above all, I commend them for their faith in Jesus Christ who is the Saviour and Leader of His people. Having a permanent home now, it is my prayer that it will further establish the congregation's witness in the town, and as the Bible is faithfully taught, I hope that the hunger of many hearts for spiritual truth will be met, he said. The Moderator continued, An important part of my role is to support and encourage our Church and my brothers and sisters in Christ. In the past while I have planted a tree to commemorate the 350th anniversary of a congregation in Donegal, tomorrow, Sunday, I will preach at the 50th anniversary of another congregation in County Antrim. This week I planted another tree in West Belfast, having visited our special ministry there, where we are seeking to re-establish our presence in that part of the city, and today I am here. While I give thanks for our rich Presbyterian heritage on this island, I also give thanks for what God is doing now, and His plans and purposes for the future. PCIs Council for Mission in Ireland has encouraged Maynooth Community Church over the years in its development, and provided central funding and other support. It is also oversees and supports Home Mission congregations, including Maynooth, and is responsible for the all-Ireland denominations Church Planting Strategy. Council Secretary Rick Hill, also attended the official opening. Church planting lies in the history and heart of Irish Presbyterianism, because for each of our congregations to exist, they had to be planted. As Maynooth turns another page in that history, this new building represents the next phase of church development for them, following almost two decades of meeting in rented accommodation, he said. While the Church has always been more than bricks and mortar, its mission also happens in a specific context and this building helps to establish the churchs presence and witness in a more visible way within this local community. It is our hope and prayer that it will be a wonderful blessing to the people of Maynooth and that we would see similar developments across Ireland, north, south east and west, in the years to come. Maynooth Community Church The new church building covers 900 square metres and has a worship space for 220 people, a welcome area, kitchen, prayer room, three kids rooms, a family room off the main sanctuary, a room for counselling, ministers office and administration office, and a large meeting room. Presbyterian Church in Ireland The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has around 200,000 members belonging to 500-plus congregations across 19 regional presbyteries throughout Ireland. The Presbyterian form of Christian faith is best described as 'Reformed' with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God, the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible. It is the largest Reformed denomination in Northern Ireland. Irish Presbyterianism had its origins in Scottish migrations to Ulster in the early 17th Century. Ballycarry Presbyterian Church in County Antrim is the oldest congregation dating back to 1613. The newest, Donabate Presbyterian Church in County Dublin, opened its doors in 2010. In 1840 two Presbyterian Churches, the General Synod of Ulster and the Secession Synod formed the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, with Rev Dr Samuel Hanna elected as the first Moderator of the new church. Presbyteries In the Presbyterian system of church government, each presbytery consists of ministers and elders who are drawn from local congregations and other ministries in a particular area. As a court of the church, each presbytery is responsible for overseeing those congregations in its local area, while undertaking other important tasks, which include the ordination and installation of ministers (also known as teaching elders), the ordination of elders, and the annual selection of the Moderator. There are currently 19 regional presbyteries. The Presbytery of Monaghan and the Presbytery of Dublin and Munster are located in the Republic of Ireland, while the Presbytery of Derry and Donegal is cross border, with congregations located in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Moderator of the General Assembly: Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is the most senior office-bearer of the Church and its principal public representative. By convention, the Moderator is selected each year on the first Tuesday in February by ministers and elders meeting separately across Ireland in their presbyteries. Having been selected for office, the Moderator-Designate is then elected by the General Assembly in June and installed at a special service in front of invited civic guests. Seven Moderators have served twice. The last being Very Rev Dr David Bruce (2020-2021 & 2021-2022) the first in nearly 130 years to do so. The serving Moderator is given the honorific style, Right Reverend (Rt Rev), former Moderators are known as Very Reverend (Very Rev). Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray is the current Moderator and the 179th person to hold PCIs highest office since the establishment of the Church. He has been the minister of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church near Ballymoney in County Antrim since 2016. Born in 1965, he was ordained in 1997 as minister of Hilltown and Clonduff Presbyterian Churches, near Rathfriland in County Down, where he served for seven years, before being called to Connor Presbyterian Church near Ballymena in 2005, where he served as minister for 11 years. When Dr Murray was called to Drumreagh it was a joint charge with Dromore Presbyterian Church, which amalgamated with Drumreagh in 2022. As part of his ministerial training, Dr Murray was also the assistant to the minister of Terrace Row Presbyterian in Coleraine for three years, before his ordination as minister of Hilltown and Clonduff Presbyterian. Dr Murray was originally from Ladybrook in west Belfast, worshipping at Sufolk Presbyterian Church. The family moved to Finaghy in south Belfast, and worshipped at Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church. Married to Lynn, a GP in Coleraine, their son Andrew is married to Erin. His late father-in-law, Very Reverend Dr David McCaughey, was Moderator for 1994-1995. Dr Murray was formally elected and installed as Moderator on 21 June 2024, having been selected as Moderator-Designate by the Churchs 19 presbyteries on 6 February that year. During his year in office, he will travel throughout Ireland and overseas to see the work and ministry of the Church, encouraging minsters and PCI members. He will also represent the Church at significant national and state events, while working closely with other church leaders through the Church Leaders Group (Ireland). Another important role is the chairing of a number of the General Assemblys Councils. His theme for the year is Mighty to Save. 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 St. Mochtas G.F.C. have kindly partnered with the Louth Village Community Centre on their forthcoming 24-hour Walk, in a unique partnership to raise the 10,000 needed to reopen the Louth Village Community Centre/Hub. The walk will start on Friday 27th September and conclude at 6pm on Saturday 28th September. The initiative will raise money for the running of the Mochtas GAA club and to raise the funds required to reopen the Community Centre. This is an excellent example of the community groups within the village coming together. Local charity the Friends of Liam Foundation have been the standard partner for this event for a number of years but have kindly directed their efforts to the reopening of the centre. The Community Centre has been closed since July 2023 due to damage caused to the floor by a water leak, which affected the main hall and kitchen areas. The suspended timber floor was deemed to be unsafe and complete replacement of the floor is required. The negative effect of the closure on local community life has been significant as the centre is used by many local groups including the Teddy Bear Club, Monday Club, Bowling, Girl Guides, Brownies, Youth Clubs, Dance Groups and Taekwondo. The cost of the repair works will be met in the main by a funding application which is currently being finalised. However, this will still leave a shortfall of 10.000 which will need to be met by local fundraising efforts. Without this funding the hall will remain closed. Read Next: Call for bus services in north end of Dundalk The community are being asked to play their part by taking part in the 24-Hour Walk or by contributing via the sponsorship cards which are being distributed widely. For those who would like to donate online, they can do so at www.gofund.me/d8fa4bc Barry Eaton of the Louth Village Community Hub Committee stressed the importance of reopening the centre. He said the village is experiencing huge growth in terms of its population. The Community Hub is at the heart of Louth Village life and bringing people together. It is vital that the centre reopens so that it can once again provide a welcome space for everyone to meet, interact and forge positive relationships. We urge everyone to get behind this unique fundraising effort to reach the 10,000 target and reopen the centre which would be a great boost for the village. We would also like to express our gratitude to St. Mochtas G.F.C, the Friends of Liam Foundation and all the local groups and individuals who have gotten behind this fundraising campaign. Denis McArdle of St. Mochtas G.F.C. believes that the collaboration of local groups can only benefit the entire village. He said we are delighted that our annual 24-Hour Walk is going from strength to strength and that we will play our part in getting the Community Centre reopened. We urge all local people to contribute in any way they can and appreciate the ongoing support of the community. Louth County Council have launched an appeal to the public to avoid disturbing seals along the Louth coastline, following a serious incident involving a dog at Clogherhead. The appeal comes after a seal attack was reported on a dog in the harbour at Clogherhead. The incident had tragic consequences as the dog sustained serious injuries and sadly had to be put down. Visitors to local beaches should be aware that September to December is a particularly important time for grey seals, as it is the breeding season during which time the adults seek safe sites to 'haul out' on land. These are beaches where the animals return year after year to breed, rest, moult and engage in social activity. It is also the time when they give birth to a single pup which is born with distinctive white fur and needs to stay on land for a number of weeks while it is being weaned by its mother. During the autumn and early winter season it is common to see seal pups along Irish coasts, and they can be vulnerable to disturbance by curious humans and their pets. A 'disturbance' can easily occur when seals become aware of human presence even at a distance. Read Next: INTERVIEW: Retired Louth teacher Florence Gillan on the art of writing psychological thrillers Louth County Council are appealing to the public, and especially dog owners out walking with their pets, to maintain a minimum distance of 100m from seals that are on land. Human and other animal proximity to seals and their pups will cause stress and can lead to the abandonment of pups by mothers. Orphaned pups have very little chance of survival and often Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) must intervene by bringing a seal into rehabilitation whereas without human disturbance the pup would have been successfully cared for and weaned in the wild. If any member of the public comes across a seal it is very important to keep a distance, never touch and never attempt to return a young animal to the sea. It is important to remember that seal bites can inflict injury on dogs and humans. Seals are legally protected under the Wildlife Act and it is illegal and dangerous to approach them or to allow dogs to do so. For more information and to report sightings, visit www.sealrescueireland.org or contact the Seal Rescue Hotline on 087 1955393. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Shark fins are a highly sought after item in Asian countries where it is believed they help delay aging and improve memory loss. Thousands of shark fins were discovered in the devastating police bust. Source: Jam Press Police have seized a whopping 1.3 tonnes of highly sought-after shark fins allegedly intended to be shipped to Asia for making soups and aphrodisiac concoctions. The shocking find last Sunday was made in a warehouse in the Peruvian city of Tumbes, near the border with Ecuador. The police said the distribution company did not have sufficient documentation to prove their origin of the fins. We seized 1.29 tons of dried shark fins of various species," The Peruvian customs agency SUNAT stated. Pacific Products Fishing and Foods S.A. was charged with failing to present documents supporting its legal origin. Customs officials believe the shipment was intended to be illegally exported to Asia where shark fins are highly valued due to their supposed aphrodisiac properties. The Ecological Movement of Peru said: Shark fins are highly valued on international markets such as in Asia, which has driven illegal fishing practices, seriously affecting marine biodiversity." According to popular belief, shark fin soup is used to delay aging, improve appetite, help memory loss and stimulate sexual desire. Requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae) and hammerhead sharks (Sphynidae) are the most commonly used species in shark fin soup. There are around 400 species of sharks in the world, 66 of which are in Peru, according to the NGO Oceana. What is finning? Finning involves cutting off the predator's valuable fin and then dropping it back into the ocean to die. Researchers argue we should only be using fins of animals where the whole animal is processed. Sharks need to be constantly moving forward to survive and lose the ability to move without their fins. Suffocation, blood loss as well as predation from other species mean sharks will suffer a slow and painful death after they're finned. "Removing sharks from the marine ecosystem threatens the health of our well-managed fisheries," Justin Bathurst, AFMAs General Manager, Fisheries Operations said. "Sharks are an important part of a healthy ecosystem, helping to control the balance of marine species and ensuring ecological stability." Shark fin soup remains a popular delicacy in many Asian nations. Source: Getty Shark fin fast facts: Shark fins are commonly used in East and Southeast Asian soups and these dishes are associated with wealth and status. The global shark fin trade is centred around Hong Kong, which hosts up to 50 per cent of all imports, with half of this re-exported. Australia is responsible for about 1 per cent of products imported into China and Hong Kong. Jam Press Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The first Cork and Kerry Recovery Walk is due to take place in Cork city on Sunday September 29, as part of Recovery Month. All are welcome at the walk, with participants wearing the colour purple to mark recovery from addiction. This event builds on the remarkable success of the Recovery Walk which has been held annually in Dublin for the past 11 years. The Cork and Kerry Recovery Walk will begin in Cork city centre at noon, traversing Patrick St, before arriving at Fitzgeralds Park, where a family-friendly event will be held at 1pm. At Fitzgeralds Park, TV producer, journalist, and podcast host of Left on Read, Brenda Dennehy will share her powerful story of recovery. The afternoon will be packed with music, face-painting, the Wobbly Circus and a very special performance by the High Hopes Choir Cork, featuring individuals affected by homelessness. This inaugural event is a collaborative effort led by the Cork Recovery Academy, alongside multiple agencies including: the HSE, Cork City Council, An Garda Siochana, Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Cork City Partnership, Coolmine, Tabor Group, Cork Simon Community, Cork Alliance and Focus Ireland. It is a great privilege to join together with the people of Cork and Kerry for the very first Cork and Kerry Recovery Walk, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle said. By joining together in solidarity, we will highlight the importance of lending our support to people who have been impacted by addiction and who are now on their journey to recovery. With support, education, and treatment a pathway to recovery is open to everyone. Minister of State at the Department of Health with Responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Cork TD Colm Burke said: I recognise that the concept of recovery involves more than just control over substance use. It requires better mental and physical health, but just as importantly it involves the development of a meaningful life. Recovery is a process that often takes time to achieve and effort to maintain. Through this walk we give our support to those who have gone through or are going through this journey. Mark Wright, Cork Recovery Academy Coordinator added: We are delighted to bring the Recovery Walk to the south this year. Its a long-overdue display of the positive and inspiring impact recovery has across Cork and Kerry. This walk is truly about building recovery communities, challenging stigma, and celebrating International Recovery Month. Its a day for everyone in recovery, their families, and our entire community. David Lane, General Manager of Social Inclusion, HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare commented: In line with the HSEs aim to reduce health inequalities and improve access to services for vulnerable and excluded groups, this walk is a testament to the power of recovery and the strength of community. Its an opportunity to walk side by side with those on their remarkable journey and remind them they are not alone. Joe Kirby, Manager of the Cork Local Drug and Alcohol task force added: This walk is a symbol of the solidarity and resilience of our recovery communities. Its a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and it thrives with the support of everyone from individuals to entire communities. To register for the Cork and Kerry Recovery Walk, visit https://tinyurl.com/yemthze5. A Cork student has been crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2024. Sofia Labus, 21, of Montenotte, was honoured with the win at this years ceremony, which was hosted at The Fairways Hotel in Dundalk. Ms Labus, a criminology student at University College Cork (UCC), was one of 27 finalists who competed at the ceremony, which featured a special-guest performance from Irish chart-topping Boyband Next in Line. Current title holder, Aisha Akorede, crowned Ms Labus, who will now go on to represent Ireland at the 73rd Miss Universe competition on November 16 in Mexico. The competition later this year will feature 90 women from around the globe vying for the job of Miss Universe, selected through events on the day, which include personal statements, in-depth interviews, evening gown modelling, and swimwear modelling. The evening will culminate with the 72nd Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua crowning her successor. In a post shared on social media, Ms Labus said: I am eternally grateful for everyone behind the show and most importantly for my Miss Universe Ireland sisters who are my friends for life. The feeling of waking up as your Miss Universe Ireland is indescribable. I cannot wait to see what this journey holds for me going forward. Sponsors of Miss universe Ireland 2024 included Professional Beauty, Iconic Bronze, Blingalicious,Sweet King ,Millennial Hair, Flowers.ie, Choicely and The Fairways Hotel. Culture Night took place across Cork city and county on Friday evening, with a plethora of exciting, free, family-friendly activities offered for festival- goers to enjoy. With more than 90 venues taking part in this years celebration across the city, the annual event continued to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Cork. Now in its 17th year, the national event, which first came to Cork in 2008, continues to see large numbers of festival-goers from all backgrounds come from far and wide to enjoy the celebrations on the night. MTU Cork School of Music Theatre & Drama Showcase during Culture Night 2024. Picture: Joleen Cronin With families and friends gathering at every corner of the city to take part in the creative and inclusive festival, Leesiders were spoiled for choice, with live music, food stalls, art exhibitions, and drag-queen performances among the events which took place in a variety of spaces across Cork. Highlighting Corks status as a place where arts and culture thrive, among the venues in the annual showcase were Cork Opera House, Nano Nagle Place, University College Cork, Cork City and County Libraries, the Marina Market, and the Everyman Theatre. Culture Night also included the Open Streets series of events, which saw North Main St, Cornmarket St, and Patrick St transformed into a flurry of animation, with music, dance, and games. Elisa Gallo-Rosso performs 51 Removals in Millennium Hall at Cork City Hall Concert Hall during Culture Night 2024. Picture: Joleen Cronin Other events spread across the city included powerful photography exhibitions, guided tours, cultural showcases, lively circus workshops, choral performances, literary readings, music sessions, and engaging quizzes. Popular events on the night included a performance from Irelands leading drag haus and pure Cork legends Mockie Ah! at The Everyman, an immersive experimental audio experience by composer Kevin Terry at Cork Opera House, a walking tour led by Cathal Kerrigan, highlighting the history and impact of LGBTQ activism at UCC, and a performance from the Cork Light Orchestra at Cork City Gaol. Cork City Hall Culture Night 2024 team Michael Mitten, Amandine Lebrun, Samit Dharia, Michael Naughton, Ahmed Elhassan and Neilio Ryan. Picture: Joleen Cronin Visitors were also given the opportunity to step into history at Nano Nagle Place, which offered guests free museum admission, as well as a Georgian dress-up corner, a lace revival exhibition on the history of lace artistry, and an exclusive look behind the scenes at Miss Nagles Parlour. This years celebration included a great number of inclusive and accessible events, which saw people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, and sexualities taking part. Photographer Paul OCarroll (centre) at his 6-A-Side exhibition at Cork City Hall with Penny and Darragh Long and Trish and Tara Conroy, at Culture Night 2024. Picture: Joleen Cronin Other events throughout the day included childrens workshops from viral sensations The Kabin Crew, as well as an impromptu performance by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, who played Imagine by John Lennon on the piano outside Cork City Hall. The annual event is organised by the Arts Council of Ireland, in conjunction with local authorities and cultural organisations, and takes place in most counties throughout the country. Tributes have been paid to the former lord mayor of Cork Brian Bermingham who passed away over the weekend. A book of condolence is to be opened at City Hall followed by a special meeting on Monday. A Cork City Council spokesperson said this evening: "The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle will call a special meeting of Cork City Council on elected members agreement to pay tribute to former Lord Mayor, Brian Bermingham who died over the weekend. "Brian Bermingham, former Fine Gael and Progressive Democrats politician was first elected to Cork City Council in 1979 and represented the people of Cork South West until 2009. "He was elected the Lord Mayor of Cork in June 2008, 40 years after his father John Bermingham, who was elected in 1968. A book of condolence will also be opened by the Lord Mayor at City Hall... to mark the passing of the former lord mayor." On learning of his passing Mr Boyle expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Mr Bermingham. I am saddened to learn of the death of Brian Bermingham, a councillor and former lord mayor whose family have had such a positive legacy in Cork. "Brians father John was instrumental in setting up the COPE foundation and Brian also dedicated his life to helping people through ongoing education and advocacy. He served his city well and will be remembered fondly by all those who he crossed paths with. he said. Fine Gael city councillor Shane O'Callaghan said: Im very sorry to hear about the passing of former Lord Mayor of Cork, Brian Bermingham. Brian gave many years of service to Cork and its people as a city councillor and lord mayor and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam" Cork North Central Fine Gael TD Colm Burke said js was "saddened" by the news. "Brian served for over 30 years as a Cork City Councillor. He will be sadly missed and my condolences to his family. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam." By Claudia Savage, PA Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on the British Government to make clear its intention to trigger a referendum on Irish unity. Speaking at a fringe event at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Ms McDonald also urged British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to walk the final length of the Irish journey. While in opposition, Starmer said a referendum on Irish unification was not even on the horizon, while Sinn Fein has called for a date for a vote to be set before the end of the decade, but have not specified when. Ms McDonald told the audience in Liverpool that the reunification of Ireland presents the single greatest opportunity to unlock our potential and to deliver prosperity for all. She said: Were living in a time when history will be made by the people. Thats why referendums on Irish unity must be held by the end of this decade to allow the people to have their say. The moment will come to name the date, but first, the British Government must make clear its intention to trigger a referendum as per the Good Friday Agreement, and set out the threshold for the referendum as they see it there cant be any more dodging. We need clear and we need an honest conversation. Our countries are each others nearest neighbours, and good neighbours should always want whats best for each other. What is best for Ireland is that Britain end its involvement in our affairs, and that the people of Ireland finally get to decide our future together. The Sinn Fein leader was asked what she would say if given five minutes with Sir Keir, to which she replied: I would say, this is a question of honour. This is a question of keeping your word and of doing the right thing. And when the history books are written, I think he would wish them to record that it was a Labour prime minister who had the integrity and the vision to walk the final length of the Irish journey and to consign the ancient quarrel and the harm that was done by colonisation and partition to the dustbin of history. Ms McDonald said successive British Governments have absolutely refused to outline the thresholds for an Irish unity referendum. She said: I think we have to work from first principles: acknowledge whats in the Good Friday Agreement, accept, therefore, that there will be referendums, and then once you have acknowledged that, you then move to the question of when and how. Since becoming the Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn has shared the Prime Ministers commitment to a reset in relations with Ireland. Ms McDonald said the current climate called for not merely a reset, but indeed a transformation of British-Irish engagement. She said: The immediate post-Good Friday Agreement era was not without its challenges, times when our relationship required dialogue, diplomacy and leadership, challenges that we navigated in a spiritual partnership, even, at times, a very intense disagreement. And then came Brexit. I think its reasonable to say that the post-Brexit realities have frayed the relationship, fuelled in the most part by Tory gameplay, undermining of agreements and general belligerence towards the safeguarding of Irish interests. Its clear that the relationship between our countries requires now recalibration. One that puts respect back at the heart of engagement. The leader of the opposition in the Irish Parliament said her party would make reunification a key priority by establishing a reunification and one Ireland unit, appointing a minister and giving all MPs from Northern Ireland speaking rights in the Dail. She said: The new Ireland that we seek to build belongs every bit as much to the families of the Shankill as it does to the families of the Falls. Every bit as much to the families of Fermanagh as the families in Dublin and Cork and Galway. And whether you argue for Irish reunification or the preservation of the Union, the nature and quality of the conversation really matters. We have to listen to each other, engage with the facts and resist the urge to be driven by fear or misinformation, such as we witnessed during the Brexit debate. (Photo: Vatican News)Pope Francis welcome at Jakarta Airport. Mainly Muslim Indonesia has inaugurated the world's tallest statue of Jesus, which is 61 meters (200 feet) tall, at a tourist site in the North Sumatra province. Located on top of a hill next to the popular Lake Toba in Samosir regency, the ceremony for statue was led on Sept 19 by the head of the Bishops' Conference of Indonesia Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, Medan Archbishop Kornelius Sipayung, along with local authorities, The Jakarta Post reported. The statue of Jesus is at least 20 meters taller than the world famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, in Christian-majority Brazil, which stands at 39.6 meters. UCA News cited Bishop Bunjamin noting that the statue was unveiled after a miniature statue was blessed by Pope Francis at the Vatican embassy in Jakarta on Sept. 6, when he visited Indonesia. The Holy Cross prelate said the prayer inscribed under the statue on a plate was also signed by Francis. "What is admired about Jesus the Savior is his infinite love," Francis said in the prayer. Bunjamin said, "This is a hill blessed by God, which is expected to be a place that can strengthen the faith of people." The Capuchin Archbishop Kornelius Sipayung of Medan Sipayung, who attended the inauguration, said the statue is "a reminder that God has been present in the world." "This statue is not only an object of beauty but is a call for humans to be a light for the world," he said. Jesus' open hands symbolize that "Jesus accepts everyone with love," he added. North Sumatra, comprising Medan archdiocese and Sibolga diocese, is one of the areas with a high Christian population in Indonesia. According to the Central Statistics Agency, of North Sumatra's 15 million population, Catholics are 1.1 million and Protestants 4.01 million. The surprising find has left Aussies saying they would be running a mile in the opposite direction. Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers were called out to find two angry snakes fighting in a skylight. Source: Facebook An Aussie snake catcher has captured the moment two angry male pythons were caught in a vicious brawl in a skylight, before they were released and carried on fighting on a familys lounge room carpet. It comes as snakes reemerge following the colder months and mating season begins. Josh Castle, from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers, said he arrived to a call out at a home in Dakabin, Queensland, to find the reptiles trapped in a light fitting which he unscrewed from the ceiling, causing them to drop down onto him. Dramatic footage of the pair intertwined while attempting to attack each other as they fought over a female snake was shared on the companys social media feed. They were caught in the skylight fixture so I untwisted that and they pretty much fell on me as I pulled it out, Castle told Yahoo News Australia. It happens a bit. They would have used the down pipe to climb into the roof more than likely. They were battling it out for about 15 minutes while I was there. I released them back into the backyard and they continued to fight. He eventually separated the two coastal carpet pythons, which are not venomous but each have about 80 teeth meaning a bite would be quite painful and dangerous to small animals such as guinea pigs or rats. Snake catcher Josh Castle said the snakes were fighting over a mate. Source: Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 Castle, who has been catching snakes for eight years, said the non-territorial pythons were previously chilling in the backyard but had come to blows because mating season is underway. It lasts from August to the end of November. The two males were fighting over a female scent they could smell nearby, he said. Its the time of year. The average person is not going to run into it all the time but we see it every year. Snakes are looking for food and females, says catcher Castle said this was a busy season for snake catchers and he was currently receiving 10 calls a day. They come out of brumation and are looking for food as well as females, he added. They can congregate together quite comfortably. Ive done jobs where Ive found six together. They are not as territorial as a lot of people think they are. The snakes likely climbed up a down pipe into the roof and got trapped in a skylight where they fought before falling into a family's lounge room. Source: Facebook In comments posted on the footage, one person wrote, No way would I be videoing, I would be outta there, while another said, Id sell my house. Take it outside guys! someone else said. Shes very likely to have a headache anyway, a fourth joked. However, others pointed out the carpet pythons were not dangerous to humans although a bite could hurt small animals including cats. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Swiss voters rejected proposals to bolster biodiversity protections as well as a pensions reform in twin referendums on Sunday, according to projected results. Switzerland may be associated with pristine natural landscapes, but environmentalists have sounded the alarm over its endangered ecosystems and were urging voters to back broader biodiversity protections. The proposal failed, however, with only 37 percent of votes in favour and a turnout of 45.2 percent, according to provisional results reported by federal authorities around 1430 GMT on Sunday. Voters also rejected a planned reform of the financing of the wealthy Alpine nation's pension system, the results indicated. - Nature reform proposal - The first proposal had the backing of a number of environmental protection organisations, including Pro Natura and BirdLife. They warned that Switzerland's biodiversity "has declined". "Switzerland has one of the highest levels of threatened species and environments among the European countries in the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation)", Sarah Pearson Perret, a Pro Natura director, told AFP, citing a report by the European Environmental Agency. Published in 2020, that study shows that the percentage of protected zones compared to the national territory is lower in Switzerland than anywhere else in Europe. The cantons of Basel-City and Geneva were the only ones to back the proposal. The Swiss Union for Arts and Crafts said it was "relieved" that the initiative had been rejected and hailed voters' "foresight". It claimed that if it had passed, the reform could have imperilled electricity and food production. The country's top party, the right-wing UDC, said it hoped "moralising environmentalists will finally let Swiss farming families do their precious jobs in peace". The Green Liberal Party of Switzerland however, viewed the outcome as a "missed opportunity to preserve our natural heritage, which is essential to the quality of life and the economy". - Biodiversity investment - Switzerland's federal government currently invests around 600 million Swiss francs ($700 million) each year in the preservation of biodiversity. The organisations behind Sunday's referendum said that was not enough. They were asking voters to approve boosting the biodiversity budget and to expand the number of protected areas. A landmark biodiversity agreement reached in Montreal in 2022 called for at least 30 percent of the planet's lands and oceans to be protected by 2030. But last year, Switzerland's Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) said just 13.4 percent of the Alpine country's territory was dedicated to biodiversity conservation. The FOEN acknowledges that Swiss biodiversity protection is insufficient, with half of all natural environments and a third of natural spaces threatened. Aquatic environments and marshes are among the most threatened. The organisations backing the referendum deemed the situation "alarming", stressing that "the mass extinction of species directly affects us humans". Both the government and parliament came out against the proposal, insisting Switzerland is already doing enough and warning that the measures would severely impact the economy, agriculture, construction and energy production. - Pensions reform proposal - Swiss voters on Sunday also rejected a government-backed reform of pension financing, the projections indicated. Federal authorities reported that 67.1 percent of voters had opposed it, with the no vote prevailing in every canton, and a turnout rate of 45 percent. Swiss pensions are split into three pillars: the basic state pension, a compulsory pension fund into which employers and employees must pay and voluntary top-ups into private funds and investments. According to the government, low financial market returns and rising life expectancy have left the second pillar underfinanced. Bern's proposed reform would require employers and workers to raise their contributions into the obligatory occupational funds. But the unions who demanded the reform be put to a referendum charged that it would force people to contribute more even as they would see their pension payments shrink. The Swiss Trade Union Federation, an umbrella group of 20 unions, slammed the proposals as a "scam". apo-vog/ju/rlp The government has extended its 'restricted zone' set up to curb bluetongue virus to seven more counties in England following an uptick in cases. Defra said it had identified further bluetongue 'BTV-3' cases close to the edge of the original restricted zones, in place in East Yorkshire, Kent and East Sussex. This means the new zone now covers all of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey and West Sussex. As of Sunday (22 September), a total of 95 farms have now reported an outbreak of the disease since late August, which was this summer's first case. Farmers and livestock keepers in the restricted zone must follow restrictions on animal and germinal product movements. Susceptible animals cannot be moved out of the zone without a specific licence, and a general licence to move animals to designated abattoirs is also available. However, movements within the restricted zone are permitted. UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss said: As the number of bluetongue cases continues to rise in England and northern Europe, we are taking prompt action to mitigate the spread of the disease. I urge farmers within bluetongue control zones to adhere to restrictions and remain vigilant to prevent the disease spreading to their herds. We appreciate the impact restrictions can have on farmers and are committed to working with everyone affected. "We will continue to keep control zones under review as our understanding of the disease picture develops. Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) chief executive, Jenny Stewart, urged farmers and livestock keepers to be vigilant. She said: Since the first BTV-3 case for this season was detected last month, case numbers have continued to rise. "I want to remind keepers of the importance of monitoring their livestock and taking up free testing where necessary. Scientists, vets and field teams from APHA are working hard to help tackle bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to date and supported. It follows confirmation of the disease in a single sheep on a farm in Norfolk in late August, which made it the first UK bluetongue case this summer. Before this, in November 2023, government vets identified the first case of the disease in Britain since 2007. The worsening situation follows the government's decision to permit the use of three bluetongue vaccines to curb infections. The vaccines are suppressive, meaning they will reduce some of the clinical signs experienced by animals with the disease, but they do not prevent infection. Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions. BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of it in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301. The mysterious wreath flowers that emerge in rural WA every year are 'only found in a few spots in the whole world'. Wreath flowers growing along a 100-metre stretch of road in Pindar, in rural WA, attract up to 10,000 tourists a year. Source: Helen Ansell/Supplied A 100-metre stretch of red dirt on the side of a dusty rural road has become one of Australias most unusual and popular tourist destinations. While it looks like your typical outback scene, close to 10,000 travellers come from all over the world every year just to get a glimpse of the incredibly rare sight. During August and September, the iconic wreath flowers otherwise known as lechenaultia macrantha come alive in the very specific spot on Beringarra-Pindar Road in the heart of Western Australias wildflower country, local Helen Ansell told Yahoo News on Friday. The well-known artist who owns a gallery in the nearby town of Mullewa, which sits roughly 450kms north of Perth, had never heard of the species until she moved to the area seven years ago. They like growing in the real gravel, sparse bit so to see these really pink, white fluffy flowers on this red flat dirt is really quite amazing, she said. While not a lot is known about the 'amazing' wreath flowers, locals say they love to grow in 'disturbed soil'. Source: Helen Ansell/Supplied In the years since, the mum said she has enjoyed learning about the very mysterious wreath flower from those who have lived there for decades and visiting botanists. I guess I got to find out about them through a number of sources, going out and visiting them each year, Ansell, who often features them in her artwork, said. Also each year, [I] find out new information about them because theyre new and different every year as well. Wreath flowers only found in a 'few spots around the world' Ansell explained that wreath flowers, which are only found growing in a few spots in the whole world, are perennials so they lay dormant underground with their blooms heavily dependent on the amount of summer rain received. The wildflowers, whose colours can vary annually from pure white to pink, and orange and red, are rumoured to have tap roots that reach deep underground. So if we have lots of rain over the summer, the flowers can be big and fully flowering and growing as early as May, the artist said. Although there were concerns about a lack of precipitation this year, a late influx of rainfall has prompted the species to emerge, yet they are slightly smaller than usual. Helen Ansell has been painting wreath flowers since she moved to Mullewa seven years ago. Source: Supplied Mysterious wildflowers love to grow in disturbed soil According to the Mullewa Visitors Centre, nobody really understands why wreath flowers grow where they grow. Interestingly, botanists also have yet to discover how to propagate them, Ansell said. We havent figured out how to grow them so we dont have them in Kings Park. We dont have them in nurseries. You have to travel here to be able to see them. What is well-known about the circular flower is that it loves disturbed soil, especially on the side of roads where dirt is often graded. Obviously, in the wild, that doesnt really happen naturally, so its kind of amazing [that] theyve really adapted to this man made environment, and they love to thrive in it, she added. Wreath flowers suddenly appear on side of rural road While wreath flowers can also be found in farming country around Tardun and Canna, they are mainly spotted along the 100-metre stretch of Beringarra-Pindar Road but they werent always there and only appeared in the last decade. They used to be in a gravel spot, which is another 10 kilometres away. The story goes that some of that gravel was used to fix up the side of the road, and without meaning to, they must have moved some of the plants or some of the seeds and they absolutely loved it," Ansell told Yahoo News. In a good year we can get thousands of wreath flowers growing in that one spot. Learn more about WAs wildflower country. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Prince William was a "fantastic support" to the Middleton family in their early days of fame. Prince William supported Catherine, Princess of Wales' family as they adjusted to fame The 42-year-old royal met Catherine, Princess of Wales in the days that she was known as Kate Middleton during their time at university and the pair tied the knot in 2011 but her brother James Middleton, 37, has recalled how the prince helped them all through the "pressure" of adjusting to global notoriety amid his struggles with mental health. He told The Sunday Times: "William was a fantastic support for us as a family. He did everything he could to protect us from the intense interest, not just in Catherine, but also her immediate family. But at that time I was already in a vulnerable state of mind and it was an added pressure." James - who is now married to Alizee Thevenet and has son Inigo, 11 months, with her - was then asked to give a Bible reading at the wedding of William and Catherine - which was televised and received an audience of 162 million viewers from around the world - and recalled that it was such an "honour" that his sister had asked him to do it in the first place, although he noted that the anticipation was just like any other family wedding he has been to. He said: "Id never seen a royal wedding. "There hadnt been one in my lifetime. Not a big one anyway. I wasnt aware of the scale or the global interest. I just felt privileged that my sister was asking me to do it, and it meant something to her. I wanted to make sure I did it. Really, the build-up to Catherines wedding was no different to Pippas or other friends weddings." REJO Unveils Innovative Heating Devices REJO AF1 and REJO Mate Air Announces Global Expansion Plans at InterTabac 2024 Signing of MOU with a major partner from Czech Republic DORTMUND, Germany, Sept. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- REJO, a pioneering brand in heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco industry, made a significant impact at this year's InterTabac event, further solidifying its position as a pioneering global provider in innovative tobacco solutions. As the world's leading event for tobacco industry, InterTabac serves as a key platform for industry players to showcase their latest products and technologies. REJO's participation underscored its growing global influence and commitment to advancing the future of smoking. Committed to enhancing smoking experience At InterTabac 2024, REJO's booth was a focal point of attention, drawing crowds with its vibrant displays and cutting-edge product presentations. The brand's messaging focused on its mission to enhancing smoking experience by offering alternatives through advanced technologies. REJO's mission is to deliver diversified and high quality HNB products while significantly reducing harmful chemicals resonated with attendees, earning praise from industry experts and consumers alike. REJO emphasized the core values of innovation, high-quality and a deep respect for the rich traditions of tobacco, all while embracing modern advancements. The tagline "Embrace the Future of Change" encapsulated REJO's forward-thinking approach, positioning the brand as not only evolving with the times but also shaping the future of the industry. Introducing REJO AF1 and REJO Mate Air A major highlight of REJO's participation in InterTabac was the unveiling of its two new products: the REJO AF1 and REJO Mate Air. These devices represent the latest advancements in HNB technology, featuring cutting-edge design and functionality that meet the needs of modern smokers. The REJO AF1 is a state-of-art heating device specifically designed for granular sticks, providing an ideal pairing with its own branded tobacco granular sticks OICES and herbal granular sticks TOZE. Leveraging advanced hot airflow heating technology, REJO AF1 ensures that each tobacco granule is evenly and thoroughly heated. This method preserves the natural tobacco aroma while reducing the production of harmful chemicals, delivering a richer and more satisfying smoking experience. Three main colors of the new REJO AF1 Heating Device The REJO Mate Air is another innovative addition to REJO's product lineup, ideal for users who prioritize portability without compromising performance. This compact and lightweight device is equipped with advanced round heating technology to produce dense clouds and full-bodied flavor. Its sleek design and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced HNB users. Full series of the new REJO Mate Air Heating Device Increasing Global Reach In addition to showcasing its latest products, REJO announced global expansion plans, marking a major milestone in the brand's international growth. REJO has already established a strong presence in Southeast Asia, introducing the HOMER and SIU heated stick products to Malaysia and Indonesia, where demand for heat-not-burn product is rising. Building on this momentum, REJO is now set to launch new products in Europe and the UAE, with these regions identified as key markets for HNB innovation. A significant step in this strategy was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a major partner from the Czech Republic during InterTabac 2024, strengthening REJO's foothold in Europe alongside its growing presence in Italy. This strategy focuses on meeting the increasing demand for reduced-risk tobacco products by offering tailored devices and heated sticks that cater to local preferences. Through localized marketing campaigns and partnerships with regional distributors, REJO aims to solidify its market presence and establish itself as a leading brand in these regions. Popularity at the Event REJO's popularity at InterTabac 2024 was undeniable. The brand's booth was consistently buzzing with activity as visitors flocked to experience the new products firsthand, Industry professionals, media representatives, and consumers were all eager to learn more about REJO's offerings, with many praising the brand's commitment to innovation and quality. The positive reception at the event is a testament to REJO's growing influence in the global HNB market. The brand's ability to attract such a diverse and engaged audience highlights its strong market positioning and the appeal of its product range. The successful debut of the REJO AF1 and REJO Mate Air further cements the brand's reputation as a leader in the industry. Visitors Flock to the REJO Booth Looking Ahead With a successful showcase at InterTabac 2024 and the impending launch of new products in key international markets, REJO is poised for continued growth and success. The brand's focus on innovation, quality, and consumer satisfaction will undoubtedly drive its expansion efforts, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the HNB industry. As REJO continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in tobacco technology, its presence at events like InterTabac serves as a powerful reminder of the brand's commitment to shaping the future of smoking. Consumers and industry professionals alike can look forward to exciting innovation and initiatives from REJO as it continues to lead the charge in the global HNB market. About REJO REJO is a global provider of quality heat-not-burn products, along with its own branded heating devices and heated sticks, recognized for the innovative technologies and global operational capabilities. For more information about REJO and its products, visit www.rejonow.com For media enquiries and visual selects, please contact: newsroom@rejonow.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5fbc7b8b-4fb5-4b74-976b-f58d9520fed6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e4a59b2-a554-4e7d-8eed-b50607c7b3fa https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d634483-10b1-42cc-8b8c-f99c85a5d78d WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet Society (ISOC), a global charitable organization advocating for an open, globally connected, and secure Internet, released a comprehensive report on the state of Internet connectivity across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The report underscores Internet connectivity as a catalyst for economic growth and social development and how an increase in fixed broadband access has a direct impact on growing gross domestic product (GDP). Key Findings : Growth in Mobile and Fixed Broadband: Both mobile and fixed broadband connections have grown substantially from 2015 to 2021, particularly in Gulf States with advanced fiber-optic and 5G networks. However, deployment has been slower in other parts of the region, primarily due to infrastructure challenges and affordability issues. Mobile Internet users increased from 130M to over 180M between 2016 and 2021, with Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco showing the highest growth rates. Fixed broadband users rose from 17M to 29M in the same period, with Egypt leading the way. The Arab region lags behind other regions in fiber optic deployment, with stagnation in investment since 2018. High-Income Countries: Significant progress in broadband infrastructure, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries due to 5G rollout. High-income countries improved their Internet availability from 77.34 to 79.37, surpassing global averages. Low-Middle-Income Countries: Broadband has improved modestly, but challenges persist. Despite overall progress, a significant digital divide remains between high-income and low-middle-income countries, partly due to political and economic instability in some regions, such as Tunisia and Syria. Infrastructure Challenges: There is a heavy reliance on European Internet Exchange Points for international Internet traffic, which results in slower speeds due to additional data hops. Emerging Technologies: The report emphasizes the role of emerging technologies such as High-Throughput Satellites (HTS) and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in bridging the connectivity gap. These technologies are crucial for expanding access to underserved rural areas. Impact of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected network performance and digital transformation plans, causing delays and disruptions in connectivity improvements. Recommendations: Policy and Regulation: The Internet Society advocates revising regulatory frameworks to accelerate infrastructure deployment. Key recommendations include enhancing spectrum policies, removing regulatory barriers, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive investment, competition, and support for small and medium enterprises. Spectrum Availability : North African countries have limited spectrum compared to global averages, impacting network capacity and costs. Regulatory Frameworks : Enhance regulatory frameworks to foster investment, encourage spectrum and infrastructure sharing, and support new technologies like HTS and LEO satellites. Collaboration and Investment: Promote public-private partnerships and update national broadband plans to improve infrastructure and connectivity. Digital Skills and Literacy: Addressing digital skills and literacy is crucial for maximizing the benefits of Internet connectivity. The report calls for more affordable, relevant, and inclusive education and training programs to build a digital workforce. Local Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): The report stresses the importance of establishing and upgrading IXPs to enhance local Internet traffic, reduce costs, and improve service quality. Governments are encouraged to support IXPs by providing resources and facilitating network interconnections. "The Internet has become indispensable for many people, and its role in connecting people, fostering economic opportunities, and driving innovation is undeniable. The Arab region has made big leaps in the availability and adoption of the Internet in recent years; however, adoption rates are still low. We hope that governments will use our report to learn about the improvements that can be made in infrastructure deployment, affordability of service, market structure, and regulatory frameworks," explains Nermine El Saadany, Regional Vice President for the Middle East for the Internet Society. About the Internet Society Founded by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society (ISOC) is a global charitable organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet. Through a global community of chapters and members, the Internet Society collaborates with a wide range of groups to promote the technologies that keep the Internet safe and secure and advocates for policies that enable universal access. The Internet Society is also the organizational home of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656167/Internet_Society.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/internet-society-report-highlights-challenges-and-recommendations-for-internet-connectivity-in-the-middle-east-302251836.html Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben? Die Branche steht vor einem erneuten Innovationsschub von bahnbrechenden Medikamenten bis hin zu revolutionaren Therapien. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Sie sollten jetzt in Biotech-Aktien einsteigen, weil wir am Beginn einer neuen Ara der medizinischen Innovation stehen konnten! Gen- und Zelltherapien, personalisierte Medizin und bahnbrechende Technologien konnten das Gesundheitswesen revolutionieren und die Aktienkurse in die Hohe schieen lassen. Die nachste Erfolgsgeschichte im Biotechbereich warten nur darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Wer jetzt investiert, hat die Chance, von gigantischen Durchbruchen und enormen Renditen zu profitieren. Warten Sie nicht, bis es zu spat ist - der nachste Biotech-Superstar konnte morgen schon durchstarten! Verpassen Sie nicht diese Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Biotech-Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 3 Biotech-Aktien das riesige Potenzial haben, Ihren finanziellen Erfolg zu sichern. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen zukunftstrachtige Investments im Biotech-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Kelly Andrade worked as an au-pair for fast-food mogul Michael Esposito, his wife and their four children, when she made the horrifying discovery. Live-in nanny Kelly Andrade found 'hundreds' of hours worth of a footage in a secret camera in a smoke detector in her bedroom. Source: Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC/New York Post A "petrified" live-in nanny, who found hundreds of hours of footage of herself in the nude after discovering a hidden camera concealed in a smoke detector in her bedroom, has been awarded an incredible $4 million in damages from her former boss. Kelly Andrade, 28, flew from Colombia to New York in 2021 to work as an au-pair for fast-food chicken mogul Michael Esposito, 35, his wife and their four children. Andrade quickly became suspicious of Esposito, who she said frequently "fiddled" with the smoke detector in her bedroom, in Tottenville on Staten Island. After just three weeks in the job, Andrade uncovered a tiny camera hidden in the smoke detector, and quickly found a memory card containing hundreds of hours of footage of her in various states of undress. Alarmed, Esposito then reportedly raced home "within minutes" to intercept Andrade, trying to break down her door. Chicken mogul Michael Esposito was ordered to pay Andrade a staggering A$4 million in damages. Pictured here with wife Danielle. Source: Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC/Daily Mail Nanny says former employer's sentencing 'not good enough' Believing he may have been armed, Andrade, who said she feared for her safety, then jumped out the window and fled on foot. She claims she injured herself while trying to escape and then slept "on the street in a bush" on her first night out of the home. The next day she attended a nearby police station, where she handed in the footage, The New York Post reported. Esposito was eventually arrested on a charge of unlawful surveillance in March 2021, then in 2024 being ordered to pay US$780,000 in emotional distress damages as well as US$2 million in punitive damages totalling $2.8 million (A$4 million), this month. Andrade said she trained for over a hundred hours prior to taking up the job and criticised Esposito's sentencing, arguing he inflicted "irreversible damage" upon her. "Its not enough for the whole situation Ive been through these three years," Andrade told The Post. "I was angry because the damage that he caused me is irreversible. "Right now Im working on myself recovering. It wasnt easy for me to be on a trial. It was a very difficult time for me. It brings back memories that Im trying to forget." Esposito was ordered to undergo counselling and satisfy two years probation. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. HAIKOU, China, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Hainan International Media Center (HIMC): On September 21, the 14th China International Digital Publishing Expo opened in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province. This year's Expo focuses on topics such as developing new quality productive forces in the publishing industry, creating high-quality digital publishing content, and promoting international cooperation in digital publishing. Including representatives from international professional organizations such as the Japan Book Publishers Association, Korea Creative Content Agency, and the French Syndicat national de l'edition, over 600 domestic and foreign guests met to share insights and discuss cooperation in digital publishing at the main forum. In France, digitalization has breathed new life into old books. At the main forum, Virginie Clayssen, chair of Syndicat national de l'edition Digital Commission, introduced their "Relier" project to digitize early 20th century French books with the goal of reviving over 96,000 out-of-print titles through technological means. Arnout Jacobs, president of Springer Nature Greater China, believes that even with AI's rapid development, human participation will continue to play an important role in the publishing industry. "AI will not replace humans, but will only become a powerful assistant to humans, helping us to develop more efficiently and faster. In the process of digitalization of the publishing industry, we need to decide which technologies can be used and which should be abandoned, and select those technologies that can help us develop and benefit mankind." As it is driven by waves of globalization, the development of digital publishing is bound to move in that direction. Seiichi Higuchi, general legal representative and executive director of the Japan Book Publishers Association, holds the view that the development of digitalization and the technological upgrading of distribution channels are not something that can be solved by a single country on its own. "We must have a clear understanding of the international situation, strengthen international cooperation on the basis of maintaining technical standards and legal coordination, and jointly explore our future direction." In building an open digital economy innovation highland, Hainan has become a fertile ground for the digital publishing boom. "Hainan Publishing and Distribution Group is building a digital publishing and copyright trade incubation base that leverages the policy advantages of the safe and orderly flow of data in the free trade port to develop foreign digital cultural trade and promote cultural exports," said Wu Bin, chairman of Hainan Publishing and Distribution Group. Over the three days of the Expo, its 30,000m exhibition area will welcome over 500 publishing companies and cultural and technological enterprises with their new products and projects. It will also showcase new achievements and breakthroughs in international cooperation in digital publishing. A report released by the China Academy of Press and Publication at the exhibition shows the overall scale of China's digital publishing industry reached over 1.6 trillion yuan ($0.23 trillion) in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 19.08%. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2512113/Virginie_Clayssen_chair_Syndicat_national_de_l__dition_Digital_Commission_delivers.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/over-600-guests-discuss-international-cooperation-in-digital-publishing-in-hainan-302254934.html Lumivero, a Denver, CO-based developer of qualitative data analysis (QDA) software NVivo, acquired ATLAS.ti, a computer-assisted QDA solution for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Lumiveros portfolio of QDA offerings, providing customers with a broader suite of comprehensive solutions. Founded in 1993, ATLAS.ti is a QDA and mixed-media software provider that helps researchers to analyze complex phenomena hidden in unstructured data. With it, researchers and students get an overview of their findings for various kinds of research projects. Today, ATLAS.ti is widely adopted by academics and professionals globally as a premier QDA solution. Led by CEO Gareth Morrison, Lumivero is providing comprehensive data-intelligence software that enables research and decision-making. The company, which maintains offices in Australia and throughout Europe, recently announced MyLumivero a new, centralized solution management portal for customers to create actionable insights by doing more with their data. Earlier this year, Lumivero announced the acquisition of Risk Decisions, which strengthened the value proposition of their existing integrated risk management solutions. FinSMEs 22/09/2024 For a long time, it has been believed that drinking lots of water would reduce the intensity of a hangover. It could rid you of nausea, headaches and fatigue. However, new research indicates that this remedy may not be as effective as you believed read more The study underlined that there is currently no scientifically proven, commercially available treatment for hangovers. Representational Image/Pixabay Hangover misery can be awful. For a long time, it has been believed that gulping down water would reduce its intensity. New research, however, indicates that this remedy may not be as effective as you believed. The study says while dehydration is only part of the problem, drinking water wont help you with its unpleasant symptoms like nausea, headaches and fatigue. Lets take a look. Can drinking water cure hangovers? No. To learn more about the connection between hangover symptoms and dehydration, researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands examined data from three studies. Advertisement The volunteer boozers were split into two groups: those who drank alcohol and then drank water before turning in for the night, and those who did not. Remarkably, the next morning, both groups reported similar levels of pain, nausea, and tiredness. Even though the hydrated group reported feeling less thirsty, their level of hangover discomfort remained unchanged. The results show that drinking water does not significantly prevent or lessen the effects of a hangover, either during or after drinking. According to the research, dehydration from alcohol consumption occurs because alcohol activates the hormone system responsible for regulating blood pressure, fluid, and electrolyte balance. Representational Image/Pixabay The study claims that alcohol dehydration results from activating the hormone system that controls blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte balance. The next day, thirst is a common symptom that results from the loss of water and electrolytes caused by this hormonal stimulation. Dr Joris Verster, lead author of the study, explained that dehydration is not the primary cause of hangover symptoms. The more you drink, the more likely you are to get a hangover. Drinking water may help against thirst and a dry mouth, but it will not take away the misery, the headache and the nausea, he said. Advertisement Whats behind the hangover? Dr Johnny Parvani, founder and chief medical officer of REVIV, was quoted by the New York Post as saying that dehydration is only one part of the experience; hangovers are caused by a combination of impacts on alcohol metabolism and dehydration. Research also indicates that the other classic hangover symptoms brought on by oxidative stress and the bodys inflammatory reaction to alcohol are more persistent than thirst and dehydration. Significant discomfort is brought on by the bodys inflammatory response to alcohol, and headaches and other symptoms are partly caused by oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals. The study emphasised that at this time, there is no scientifically proven, readily available remedies for hangovers. Representational Image/Pixabay Is there a cure for hangover? Advertisement No. The study emphasised that at this time, there is no scientifically proven, readily available remedies for hangovers. In fact, data and academic research concur that hangovers tend to worsen with advancing age. Research indicates that as we age, our liver function deteriorates and becomes less effective at metabolising alcohol. Alcohol levels rise in the bloodstream as we lose muscle mass and the bodys water content falls at the same time. What can be done to feel better? Theres no real way to speed up recovery, despite what some may say about coffee and showers. After eight to 24 hours, hangover symptoms usually fade away. Your body needs to detoxify from alcohols harmful byproducts, replenish fluids, repair damaged tissue, and return to normal functions and activity. Advertisement For those seeking comfort, cutting back on alcohol consumption or giving it up completely is the only guaranteed method to prevent a hangover. Have complex carbs with bland foods, such as crackers or toast.lessening nausea and raising low blood sugar levels. Get sleep to counteract fatigue. To aid with stomach settling, take antacids. If youre experiencing pain or discomfort, consider taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as per Cleveland Clinic. With inputs from agencies Indias approach to climate change not only sets a new standard for political engagement with environmental issues but also offers valuable lessons for nations worldwide in balancing development, sustainability, and global leadership read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the US for a round of meetings on various agendas. On September 23, he is expected to address the Summit of the Future in the UN General Assembly, where he would focus on Indias efforts to fight against climate change. India, once viewed primarily with Western bias as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions due to its rapid industrialisation and large population, has now positioned itself at the forefront of climate action. This trend is not just reshaping Indias domestic policies but is also influencing global climate diplomacy. Advertisement As a country where a priority is to lift millions out of poverty, India was often not very zealous with global climate initiatives that prioritised environmental concerns over economic growth. The argument was simple yet powerful: why should developing nations, stretching their limits, bear the burden of climate action when developed countries, responsible for the majority of historical emissions, continued their unsustainable practices? This stance, however, started being updated in the early 2000s as India started recognising the severe impacts of climate change on its diverse ecosystems. From the melting Himalayan glaciers to the vulnerable coastal regions, the effects of global warming became increasingly apparent and urgent. This was the time when the Vajpayee government started hosting the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit that would later become the World Sustainable Development Summit. After 2004, Indias stand began to be consolidated as a sympathiser of environmental concerns, but the leadership position was far away. The turning point in Indias climate diplomacy was the Paris Agreement of 2015. Instead of being perceived as a reluctant participant, India emerged as a key player in shaping the agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement of ambitious renewable energy targets showcased Indias commitment to being part of the solution. India pledged to reduce its emissions intensity by 3335 per cent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and to achieve 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by the same year. India and France founded the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an alliance with more than 120 signatory countries. India has made remarkable progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity. As of 2024, Indias installed renewable energy capacity reached 199.52 GW, with solar power contributing 89.43 GW. Domestically, India has also launched the National Hydrogen Mission and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) to combat climate change. Advertisement The Modi governments approach to climate change has significantly influenced its foreign policy and diplomatic efforts. The country has positioned itself as a bridge between the developed and developing worlds, advocating for climate justice while also taking significant steps towards mitigation and adaptation. India has been positioning itself as a leader of the Global South through initiatives like the ISA and has been pushing for technology transfer from developed to developing countries to make climate change solutions more accessible and affordable. Indias approach to climate change not only sets a new standard for political engagement with environmental issues but also offers valuable lessons for nations worldwide in balancing development, sustainability, and global leadership. Advertisement The writer is an independent columnist who writes on international relations, and socio-political affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. As the Islamists regain their place in Bangladeshi society and politics, fears loom over the safety and freedom of Hindus read more The transition ahead presents a historic opportunity to reform and revitalise the countrys institutions, to restore fundamental freedoms and civic space, and to give all in Bangladesh a part in building the future. - Volker Turk, UN Human Rights Chief The student-led protests in Bangladesh in July this year violently ended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas 15-year iron fist rule and paved the way for a dramatic transition of power in an already fragile democracy. Almost two months later, the unfolding events exposed the true nature of the political crisis and evaporated hopes for re-establishing the democratic process in the country under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Advertisement First, in his quest to form an interim government that would represent all sections of the political system, Yunus appointed ex-army general Sakhawat Hussain as the home affairs advisor (equivalent to minister in an interim government), but three days later, Hussain was given a different portfolio due to criticism stemming from the protest leaders, including the BNP. They argued that Hussain advised officials of Sheikh Hasinas Awami League to reorganise with new faces and play a part in Bangladeshi politics. Although the Awami Leagues participation in Bangladeshi politics after Hasina is crucial for an equal representation of all views and communities in the country, it was seen by the protest leaders as a move to rehabilitate and whitewash the murderers from the Awami League and immediately threatened to oust anyone who would tread this path. This might explain why since Yunus took over, he made several decisions in favour of the BNP and its allies. He lifted a ban on Jamaat-e-Islami that had been in place since 2013 due to the partys charter violating the constitution. Now, the Islamist party can resume its activities and run in future elections. Asif Nazrul who was appointed as the Law advisor in the interim government defended the decision, saying that the ban on Jamaat was used for political manoeuvring. Nazrul has been a strong defender of the Jamaat since the 2010 war crimes trial began. Moreover, the Yunus-led interim government appointed Supreme Court lawyer Tajul Islam as the chief prosecutor of the international crimes tribunal (to investigate the crimes committed during the liberation war in 1971 by Pakistan and its local accomplices such as the Jamaat). It is worth pointing out that Tajul Islam was the joint convener of a political branch of Jamaat-e-Islami, the Amar Bangladesh Party, and is known as the top lawyer of the Jamaat. The other prosecutors, appointed by Yunus, also hold a track record of defending Jamaat activists and working on cases against Hasina. Advertisement As the Islamists regain their place in Bangladeshi society and politics, fears loom over the safety and freedom of Hindus. Since the protests, the Hindu minority, constituting about 13 million individuals or nearly 7.95 per cent of the total population, has been a target of more than 200 attacks on communal backgrounds. The government led by Yunus argued that reports on the attacks are exaggerated and a non-issue. He also reiterated that the security and freedom of all communities in Bangladesh is a top priority, and Hindus can feel safe, a message he also conveyed to Indias Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Even if such reports were an exaggeration, the fears among the Hindu minority have solid grounds. In the current political environment, there is no party to represent the interests of the Hindu community, which generally supports the Awami League, and is on a path to becoming alienated from the countrys politics. Advertisement Moreover, in a recent order by the home affairs advisor, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, he urged the Hindu community to halt some of the traditional activities practised during Durga Puja (mainly playing music), and not to interfere with the Muslim prayers. Such a step, even if minor, indicates the shrinking space of religious freedom in Bangladesh. These developments do not hold a positive prospect for Bangladeshi democracy under the interim government, which seems to bend under the pressure of anti-Hasina and Awami League factions, drifting away from achieving the goals of inclusion and unity. Those who led the opposition not long ago, are now using similar means to suppress their opponents, proving that not much has changed in Bangladesh and unity seems unachievable. Advertisement This is a concern, not only internally for the stability of Bangladesh and the future of its people but also in the broader geopolitical rivalry between China and the US with mounting challenges to India. Following the coup, Hasina fled to her close ally India, exposing it to pressure from all directions. On the one hand, families of the 1,000 protesters killed during the violent protests in July and early August demanded Sheikh Hasina be brought to trial on accusations of crimes against humanity, including in the International Criminal Court, if she seeks asylum. Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty in 2013 and as the chief prosecutor, Mohammad Tajul Islam, expressed his plans to request Hasinas extradition. Advertisement On the other hand, India is expected to protect the Hindu community in Bangladesh and be more vocal about it in the international community. Yet, India is not seeking to meddle in Bangladeshs internal affairs and maintains a delicate approach as it was considered by BNP and others as the enabler of Hasinas government for many years. In the meantime, the US sent an official delegation to assess the new situation. Yunus met with the delegation and expressed his desire to reset, reform, restart the country. In return, he got a promise from the US for additional aid during the transition. At the same time, the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka met with the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami, a natural engagement between the two, as China became the main supporter of Pakistan and one of the few countries to interact with the Taliban in Afghanistan. This may be another negative development for Western interests in the Indo-Pacific. Joseph Rozen is a distinguished expert in International Relations, Asian affairs, and National Security. He previously served as the Director of APAC and Euro-Asia Affairs at the Israeli National Security Council. Currently, Joseph is the CEO of Solaris Global Partners and a senior fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Culture wars have no winners because there is no end. The only victory to be had is by whoever will be the president, but apart from that, American society remains utterly divided read more The 2024 US elections between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have been arguably one of the most watched elections in history. There had been assumptions about if and when President Joe Biden would step down from the race to be re-elected, excitement about who the Democrat candidate would be once President Biden stepped down, the ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris as Presidential candidate, and more recently, the two assassination attacks on former President Trump within a span of 10 weeks. Advertisement Trump accused Harris and Biden of taking politics in our country to a whole new level of hatred. The former presidents running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, also pointed the finger at Democrats over what he called inflammatory rhetoric. It was made light by Rachel Vindman, who commented, No ears harmed. She is the wife of Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the impeachment trial of Trump in 2019. Trumps ally Elon Musk, on the other hand, commented on X, And no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala. The general disdain and the level of aggression have been on an all-time high of any election previously fought. Political analysts have compared the burgeoning political violence to that of the 1970s, with the difference that the perpetrators destroyed government buildings and public property and were seeking policy change. Whereas today the violence is personal. American society is polarised like never before. Political debates are no longer addressing issues regarding development or the economy but rather issues that were considered personal choices not just in the US but across the world. Today, the US elections are centred around the differences in social values of Trump and Harris supporters. A Pew Research Centre survey from April 2024 revealed some of the biggest polarising factors were gender identity and same-sex marriage, society and family, abortions and contraceptives, and illegal immigration, which is perhaps the only topic that has a connection to a larger political and national security discourse. The survey interviewed 8,709 adults and gave an insight on the contrast between Trump and Biden/Harris supporters. Nearly 59 per cent of Trump supporters say society is better if family and marriage are prioritised, as compared to 19 per cent of Biden/Harris supporters. 90 per cent of Trump supporters say gender is determined by sex at birth whereas 59 per cent of Biden/Harris supporters say that gender can be different sex at birth. Of the debate on abortion, only 38 per cent of Trump supporters support legalisation of abortion in all cases, as opposed to 88 per cent of Biden/Harris supporters. Advertisement Contrary to popular belief, the famous Roe vs Wade Supreme Court decision did not put the discourse around abortion rights to rest. This is evident in the fact that even today the political discourse is split by the debate to the extent that it can definitely be called a pillar of the ongoing culture wars. Opinions on matters such as these have been politicised to such an extent that today it amounts to judgement on ones moral values, identity and progressiveness. Even though the genesis of pro- choice and anti-abortion debates has historical and religious moorings today the discourse is still evolving with Trump opening up a new debate on whether women should be penalised if abortion becomes illegal? Advertisement But the widest gap is seen in the debate on deportation of illegal immigrants. 63 per cent of Trump supporters favour deportation of all illegal immigrants as compared to just 11 per cent of Biden/ Harris supporters. Trump supporters argue that 5,000 illegal aliens per day, or 3.3 million since 2021, released into the US, is only a part of the larger issue. The issue of welfare for illegal immigrants is burdening the taxpayer with an estimated net annual cost of $150.7 billion. A study by Federation of American Immigration Reform (FAIR) calculated that each illegal immigrant costs the government approximately $8,776, notwithstanding the fact that over 617,607 have entered with criminal records. Recently, the story of a small town in Ohio called Springfield with 60,000 residents has been in the news because of the 20,000 immigrants that have been settled there. Local residents have complained of cultural clashes and social issues with changing demography. For instance, driving has become a daily problem as illegal immigrants may have driving licenses but they cannot read traffic signs, causing a rise in road accidents; there is an increasing burden on social services; and there is allegedly a trend of illegal immigrants eating pet animals. Springfield residents have complained of declining geese and ducks in the area. Whether these allegations are true or not, Trumps recent statement that Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats has added fuel to the already burning topic, exposing the cultural differences once again. Advertisement All of these debates are being thrown up while the US economy is sending mixed signals, and some say it is in danger of slipping into recession. Unemployment rates are historically low but are slowly moving up, however, hiring has come to a halt. Mortgage rates have gone up about 6 per cent, pushing housing prices upwards and creating a housing crisis, perhaps the only trend that Trump and Harris both agree on. It is estimated by experts that the biggest expense for Americans is rent, with nearly 30 per cent of their income going towards it. Furthermore, the budget deficit for FY 2024 is $1.9 trillion, and the national debt stands at $35 trillion; the last time it was this high was at the end of World War II. Advertisement But the economy would be a tricky subject for many who have yet not joined the job market, such as students, to comment on. Therefore, culture takes precedence. Culture wars are hinged on demonising the aggressor, and US media does not shy away from making one party the aggressor and the other the oppressed fighting for social justice, even though they presently wield political power. Both the left and the right, the Republicans and the Democrats, are responsible for creating an atmosphere of visceral hate for each other over cultural issues. But Democrats, with their defence of wokeism and image of coastal elites with little tolerance for American values, are coming across as a party that is creating a street veto and succumbing to the pressure of street veto. It is true that some of the culture debates are important, but the defence of the cancel culture, which cancels anyone with a differing view, puts the Democrats in an indefensible position. Especially in universities, as we saw during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The 2023-2024 ADL annual report tallied 2,087 incidents of assault, vandalism, harassment, protests/actions and divestment resolutions on US campuses and found a staggering 477 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The report found that the protests disrupted operations on campus and aimed at marginalising Jews, demonising them, and making a concerted effort to exclude them from campus life. Woke fanaticism and the cancel culture it promotes are a real monster that will not cease until it turns on its own progenitor. The US has a problem on its hands, and these elections are just showing the world the symptoms of the larger issue in American society. The assassination attempts on Trump are an extension of the culture wars that have dominated the elections in the US; the intolerance is palpable. Culture wars have no winners because there is no end. The only victory to be had is by whoever will be the president, but apart from that, American society remains utterly divided. Rami Niranjan Desai is an anthropologist and a scholar of the northeast region of India. She is a columnist and author and presently Distinguished Fellow at India Foundation, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost. The blast struck a coal mine in Tabas, about 540 kilometers (335 miles) southeast of the capital, Tehran, on Saturday night. By Sunday, weeping miners stood alongside mine cars that brought up the bodies of their colleagues, all covered in coal dust. read more A devastating explosion ripped through a coal mine in eastern Iran on Sunday, claiming the lives of at least 51 workers and injuring several others, according to official reports. This tragic incident is one of the most severe mining disasters in Irans history, with several workers still unaccounted for hours after the blast. Approximately 70 individuals were on site when the explosion occurred. Later reports from state television indicated that 17 people were believed to be trapped approximately 200 meters (650 feet) beneath the surface, within a 700-meter (2,300-foot) tunnel. Advertisement Throughout Sunday, conflicting reports emerged regarding the disaster in the rural area, with some estimates suggesting a higher death toll. Authorities attributed the blast to a methane gas leak, a common hazard in mining operations. Despite modern safety protocols emphasizing ventilation and protective measures, the disaster highlights lingering concerns over worker safety in Irans mining industry. The accident was caused by a methane gas explosion in two blocks, B and C, of the mine run by the Madanjoo company, state media said. 76% of the countrys coal is provided from this region and around 8 to 10 big companies are working in the region including Madanjoo company, the governor of South Khorasan Province Ali Akbar Rahimi told state TV on Sunday. The rescue operation in block B has been completed. Of the 47 workers who were in the block 30 died and 17 were injured, Rahimi said earlier. Rescue operations in block C have started. Methane density in the block is high and the operation will take around 3-4 hours, he added. There were 69 workers in the blocks at the time of the explosion, state TV reported. Seventeen injured people were transported to the hospital and 24 people are still missing, it said earlier on Sunday citing the head of Irans Red Crescent. Advertisement The explosion occurred at 9 pm on Saturday, state media said. President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the victims families. I spoke with ministers and we will do our best to follow up, Pezeshkian said in televised comments. Irans mining industry has been struck by disasters before. In 2017, a coal mine explosion killed at least 42 people. Then-President Hassan Rouhani, campaigning ahead of winning reelection, visited the site in Irans northern Golestan province and angry miners besieged the SUV he rode in, kicking and beating the armored vehicle in a rage. In 2013, 11 workers were killed in two separate mining incidents. In 2009, 20 workers were killed in several incidents. Lax safety standards and inadequate emergency services in mining areas were often blamed for the fatalities. Advertisement Oil-producing Iran is also rich in a variety of minerals. Iran annually consumes around 3.5 million tons of coal, but only extracts about 1.8 million tons from its mines per year. The rest is imported, often consumed in the countrys steel mills. With inputs from agencies. World powers on Sunday implored Israel and Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement to refrain from escalating their conflict as the Gaza war threatened to spill over across West Asia. read more People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. - AP Hezbollah announced to enter into an open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel, following a barrage of rocket attacks targeting northern Israel. The development comes as global powers appealed Sunday to both sides to pull back from the precipice of full-scale war. The conflict escalated as Israeli warplanes unleashed their most intense bombardment in nearly a year across southern Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah launched its deepest rocket attacks into Israeli territory since the onset of the Gaza war. Advertisement Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said Sunday his group was in a new phase in its battle against Israel, which it has waged from across the Lebanese border since the Gaza war erupted. We have entered a new phase, namely an open reckoning with Israel, Qassem said at the funeral ceremony of a senior Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli strike on Friday. Threats will not stop us We are ready to face all military possibilities, he said, in the first comments from a senior group official since the strike on Beiruts southern suburbs killed Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force. World powers are intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, emphasising the imperative for restraint and de-escalation. Hezbollah and Israeli forces have traded regular cross-border fire since Palestinian Islamist group Hamass unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel sparked the devastating war in Gaza. But fears of an all-out regional conflagration soared this week as both sides intensified the fighting, with Israeli strikes killing dozens in Lebanon, including top Hezbollah commanders. United Nations UN chief Antonio Guterres told broadcaster CNN he feared the possibility of transforming Lebanon (into) another Gaza. The UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, warned on X that the region was on the brink of an imminent catastrophe and that no military solution would make either side safe. Advertisement Guterres also said neither Israel nor Hamas were interested in achieving a ceasefire to end the brutal war in Gaza that has raged for almost a year. That is a tragedy, because this is a war that must stop, he added. United States White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said escalating the conflict was not in key US ally Israels best interest. Washington was saying this directly to our Israeli counterparts and believes there can be time and space for a diplomatic solution here and thats what were working on, he told ABC. Egypt Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told AFP there was great concern about the possibility of an escalation in the region leading to all-out war. Advertisement The latest surge in violence negatively affects the Gaza ceasefire talks Egypt has been mediating for months with Qatar and the United states, he added. European Union The 27-nation bloc is extremely concerned about the escalating violence and is calling for an urgent ceasefire, its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. A full-blown war must be averted, including by renewed intense diplomatic mediation efforts, he added. Britain Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Israel and Hezbollah to reach an immediate ceasefire following a worrying escalation. Addressing his Labour partys annual conference, Lammy said a ceasefire would facilitate a political settlement, so that Israelis and Lebanese civilians can return to their homes and live in peace and security. Advertisement With inputs from AFP. Local media reported that rockets shot from Lebanon were intercepted in the areas of Haifa and Nazareth. The Israeli military said only that it had monitored the launch of about ten rockets from Lebanon, of which most were intercepted read more The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah announced that it fired a barrage of missiles at a military base deep inside Israel early Sunday following an Israeli airstrike more than a day earlier that killed at least 37 people, including one of the militant groups senior leaders as well as women and children. It was not immediately clear if any of the rockets had hit their target. Israels emergency medical services reported that a man was lightly wounded by shrapnel from a missile that was intercepted in a village in the lower Galilee. Advertisement Local media reported that rockets shot from Lebanon were intercepted in the areas of Haifa and Nazareth. The Israeli military said only that it had monitored the launch of about ten rockets from Lebanon, of which most were intercepted. Hezbollah said it had launched dozens of Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 missiles - a new type of weapon the group had not used before - at the Ramat David airbase, southeast of Haifa, in response to the repeated Israeli attacks that targeted various Lebanese regions and led to the fall of many civilian martyrs. In July, the group had released a video with what it said was footage it had filmed of the base with surveillance drones. Israel and Hezbollah had exchanged heavy fire on Saturday as rescue crews in Beirut searched the rubble of an apartment building that was leveled by the Israeli strike the day before. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel for a wave of apparently remotely detonated explosions that hit pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members Tuesday and Wednesday, killing at least 37 people - including two children - and wounding around 3,000. The attacks were widely blamed on Israel, which has not confirmed or denied responsibility. Advertisement On Friday, an Israeli airstrike took down an eight-story building in a densely populated neighborhood in Beiruts southern suburbs as Hezbollah members were meeting in the basement, according to Israel. Among those killed was Ibrahim Akil, a top Hezbollah official who commanded the groups special forces unit the Radwan Force. Also killed was Ahmed Wahbi, a top commander in the groups military wing, the Israeli military said. Lebanons health minister, Firass Abiad, told reporters Saturday that at least seven women and three children were killed in Fridays airstrike on the building. He said another 68 people were injured, including 15 who were hospitalized. Advertisement It was the deadliest strike on Beirut since the bruising monthlong war in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah, and the casualty count could grow, with 23 people still missing, a government official said. Israels defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said the attack thwarted the groups chain of command while taking out Akil, who he said was responsible for Israeli deaths and who was on the U.S. wanted list for years. This is our commitment to the fallen and their loved ones. This is our commitment to the residents of the north. And this is a clear message to all those who seek to harm us, he posted on X. Advertisement The Israeli government braced for an expected surge in Hezbollah rocket attacks by setting new caps on the size of gatherings and other restrictions in the north of the country, near Israels border with Lebanon. Hezbollah confirms more than a dozen operatives were killed Akil, the main target, had been wanted by the U.S. for years for his alleged role in the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s. The U.S. State Department last year announced a reward of up to $7 million for information leading to his identification, location, arrest, and/or conviction. Advertisement White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan called Akils death a good outcome and said he had American blood on his hands for the embassy attack. You know, 1983 seems like a long time ago, Sullivan said. But for a lot of families and a lot of people, theyre still living with it every day. Wahbi was described as a commander who played major roles within Hezbollah for decades and was imprisoned in an Israeli jail in southern Lebanon in 1984. Hezbollah said he was one of the field commanders during a 1997 ambush in southern Lebanon that left 12 Israeli troops dead. Hezbollah announced overnight that 15 of its operatives had been killed by Israeli forces, but it didnt how or where they died. Meanwhile, the Israeli army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, said Saturday 16 Hezbollah fighters were killed in Fridays strike. Israel airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks continue Israel and Hezbollah engaged in heavy back-and-forth strikes on Saturday. The Israeli military confirmed that about 90 rockets had been fired at northern Israel and that Israel had struck more than 400 rocket launchers in Lebanon during the day. Expecting a surge in rocket attacks, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli defense spokesman, announced updated safety guidelines for areas north of Haifa, including caps on gatherings of 30 people in open spaces and 300 in enclosed spaces. Work and school can continue if people can reach protected areas in a timely manner. But since students and teachers in some places wouldnt be able reach shelters in the required time, Sunday classes were canceled in at least two border regions within an hour of the announcement. Earlier this week, Israels security cabinet said stopping Hezbollahs attacks on the countrys north, which would allow displaced residents to return to their homes, is now an official war goal, as Israel considers a wider military operation in Lebanon that could spark an all-out conflict. Israel has since sent a powerful fighting force to its northern border. Hezbollah has maintained that it will halt its strikes only when a cease-fire is reached between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire regularly since Hamas Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel ignited the Israeli militarys devastating offensive in Gaza. But previous cross-border attacks have largely struck areas in northern Israel that had been evacuated and less-populated parts of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah bombardments preceded the Israeli strike Fridays strike came hours after Hezbollah launched one of its most intense bombardments of northern Israel in nearly a year of fighting, largely targeting Israeli military sites. Israels Iron Dome missile defence system intercepted most of the Katyusha rockets. The militant group said its latest wave of rocket salvos was a response to Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon. However, it came days after mass explosions of Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies killed at least 37 people, including two children, and wounded roughly 3,000 others. Abiad, the Lebanese health minister, said Saturday that hospitals across the country were filled with the wounded. The pager and walkie-talkie attacks have been widely attributed to Israel, which hasnt confirmed or denied involvement. They marked a major escalation in the past 11 months of simmering conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border. India, PM Narendra Modi said, is not like fire. We are like the sun which gives brightness, he said. read more PM Modi said that India is the first country to arrive whenever there is an earthquake somewhere or a civil war somewhere. India does not seek its dominance but wants to play a role in the prosperity of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, asserting that Indias role will be crucial in accelerating the global peace process. Addressing thousands of Indian-Americans in New York, Modi said India today has a foreign policy of maintaining equal closeness with all and not equal distance. The role of India would be crucial to accelerate the process of global growth, and Indias role will be crucial to accelerate global peace, he said. Advertisement Indias goal is not to increase its global influence but to play a part in its prosperity. Indias priority is not to increase its pressure in the world but to increase its impact. Hum aaag ki tarah jalaane waale nahin, Suraj ki kiran ki tarah roshani dene waale hain. We dont want our supremacy in the world, but to increase cooperation in the prosperity of the world, he said. Referring to his remarks This is not the time for war, Modi told the diaspora that the severity and the seriousness of this was understood by all friends. Whenever in the world there is a disaster, India has come forward as a first responder, the prime minister said, referring to the recent help provided by New Delhi to people across the world including during the COVID-19 crisis to more than 150 countries. India is the first country to arrive whenever there is an earthquake somewhere or a civil war somewhere, he said. He also said We are also a strong voice of the Global South. Today, when India says something on a global platform, the world listens. Some time ago when I said that this is not the era of war, its severity was understood by all. Whether it is promoting yoga, lifestyle or the environment, it does not aspire for only a GDP-centric but a human-centric growth for all of you, he said, adding that India does not want to seek its global dominance. India, he said, is not like fire. We are like the sun which gives brightness, the prime minister said. Overflowing bins are a frustrating problem for residents and also provide an opportunity for scavenging birds. Councils around the country have presented a very simple, yet highly effective solution for some residents' bin woes. Online, Aussies showed how they previously used heavy water bottles to keep lids closed. Source: Facebook/Campbelltown City Council The issue of waste disposal is one councils all around the country are grappling to deal with right now. As suburbs grow and our population increases, so too does the amount of rubbish households create. There's nothing more annoying than missing bin night or even worse, when garbage collectors don't show up at all and you're left with an overflowing bin for another week. This common scenario is one that's played out across Australia in recent times. It's frustrating for residents and, it also attracts opportunistic, scavenging birds. The result? Rubbish strewn all over the lawn and a lot mess left to clean up. In response, several Aussie councils have come up with a clever solution to keep bins tidy and pesky birds away from foraging for a snack. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for a major Sydney council said their handy little bin latches have been so successful among its residents at keeping rubbish in and birds out during a trial phase, that they are expanding the trial across the entire LGA. In suburbs around Australia, councils are handing out these handy little bin clips to keep pesky birds out and rubbish in. Source: City of Onkaparinga/Flickr Councils' simple device keeping bin night stress-free A simple strap that clamps the lid to the bin's body, the little devices are actually being offered across a whole range of Aussie councils, mostly complimentary, or for a small fee in some parts. In Campbelltown in Sydney's southwest, a council spokesperson said residents have very much enjoyed keeping their bins tidy thanks to the handy clips. "Council conducted the bin lock trial between June and November 2023 across five suburbs, before extending the trial to the remainder of the LGA, with 258 participants," a Campbelltown spokesperson told Yahoo. "Council has resolved to relaunch the bin lock trial to make it available to businesses and apartment building managers and to increase promotion and awareness among the wider community, Campbelltown City Council spokesperson." On social media, it appears some residents could certainly use the clips, with a photo emerging this week showing one Sydney local's rather creative, but much more complicated way of keeping their bin lids closed using full, zip-tied water bottles. Luckily, people responding informed that resident of the existence of the clips. In Victoria, the City of Monash council have also offered the devices as a trial. "Monash Council has been trialling bin latches on two residential streets to help prevent waste from escaping," a statement said in June. "Residents on both streets have been surveyed about the trial, with most people finding the devices easy to use and resulting in reduced litter on their streets and in our drains and waterways. In most places the clips are free, while in some LGAs, councils are selling them for a small fee. Source: City of Monash. Over 90 per cent of respondents indicated they would continue using the latch if it was left on their bin. "We will use this information from residents to review the program and how we use it in the future," the statement continued. Speaking to Yahoo, a City spokesperson said as of September the trial is ongoing. In South Australia, the City of Onkaparinga located on the southern fringe of Adelaide have the clips available for $7.50 each for the first one, and $15 each after that. "Sales of bin latches have been steady ever since our initial trial in December, 2021, with peaks in sales following high wind events. We originally purchased 1,000 latches and are about to order more because our stock on hand is down to less than 100," a spokesperson told Yahoo. "The steady sales" and the "positive feedback weve received" suggest the latches are successfully keeping lids closed and preventing litter from reaching the streets, they added. "Crows are the primary bird/animal issue in our area for bin litter and latches certainly deter the birds from pecking at exposed bags and allowing litter out of the bin. The latches are also a much safer option to keep your bin lid closed than using bricks or bottles, which we discourage because of the risks posed to passers-by, collection trucks and passing vehicles," the spokesperson said. Many councils around Australia offer the handy little feature and locals have been told to contact their council to see if the clips are available. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been a significant force in the region, and its tensions with Israel have been a longstanding concern. The recent escalation has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict and instability in the region. read more Israeli security and rescue forces work at the site hit by a rocket fired from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel, on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. - Image- AP White House national security spokesman John Kirby warned on Sunday that regional military escalation is not in Israels best interest, amid rising cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon that have sparked fears of an all-out war. This statement comes on the heels of Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassems declaration that his group has entered a new phase in its longstanding battle against Israel, waged from across the Lebanese border since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Advertisement The situation has intensified with Israel and Hezbollah engaging in escalating cross-border exchanges, including a barrage of rockets fired overnight at northern Israel. This barrage prompted hundreds of thousands of people to seek refuge in bomb shelters, according to Israels military. Kirbys statement emphasise the need for restraint and diplomacy to prevent further escalation, highlighting the risks and consequences of all-out war. The situation remains volatile, with the international community watching closely for developments. We have entered a new phase, namely an open reckoning with Israel, Qassem said at the funeral of a senior Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli strike this week. Threats will not stop us We are ready to face all military possibilities, Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem added. We dont believe that escalating this military conflict is in their best interest, Kirby said on ABCs This Week, adding that the United States was saying this directly to our Israeli counterparts. The tensions are much higher now than they were even just a few days ago, Kirby said. But he added that we still believe that there can be time and space for a diplomatic solution here and thats what were working on. The overnight rocket fire reached Kiryat Bialik on the edge of north Israels biggest city Haifa, leaving a building in flames, another pockmarked with shrapnel, and vehicles incinerated. Advertisement The attacks follow a Friday air strike on Beirut that killed 45 people including Hezbollah commanders and deadly blasts of communication devices across Lebanon earlier in the week that left 39 dead and almost 3,000 wounded. Israel has signalled its intention to turn its focus to Hezbollah after nearly a year of cross-border fire that began in October, after the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched an unprecedented raid on Israel that precipitated its war in Gaza. Weve been working since the beginning of this conflict, October 8th and on, to try to prevent an escalation, to prevent a broadening of this conflict there in and around Israel, but also in the region, Kirby said. Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day vowed to return residents of northern Israel displaced by nearly a year of fighting near their homes. An escalating war is certainly not going to be in the best interest of all those people that Prime Minister Netanyahu says he wants to be able to send back home, Kirby said. Meanwhile, the European Union is extremely concerned about an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and is calling for an urgent ceasefire, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Sunday. The European Union is extremely concerned about an escalation in Lebanon after the attacks Friday in Beirut, Borrell said in a statement, calling for a ceasefire along the demarcation line separating them, as well as in Gaza. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israeli forces would continue to pursue their war goals, which since earlier this week formally include returning the residents of the north to their homes. read more Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel had landed a series of blows on Hezbollah after a night of intense cross-border fire and attacks this week in Lebanon. In recent days, we have landed a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined. If Hezbollah did not get the message, I assure you it will get it, Netanyahu said. No country can tolerate attacks on its citizens or cities. And we, the State of Israel, will not tolerate it either, he said, vowing to return residents of northern Israel displaced by nearly a year of fighting to their homes. Advertisement Israeli forces would continue to pursue their war goals, which since earlier this week formally include returning the residents of the north to their homes, said Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Before the expansion of the war goals, they focused on crushing Hamas and securing the return of hostages seized during the Palestinian militant groups October 7 attack that triggered the Gaza war. In a statement issued by his office, Gallant said Hezbollah has begun experiencing the impact of Israels military capabilities, and they sense that they are being pursued. Military actions will continue until we reach a point where we may ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes, he said. This is our goal, this is our mission, and we will employ the means necessary to achieve it. Before announcing the grant, the Prime Minister highlighted the initiatives taken by India to fight cervical cancer. He insisted that India will be open to sharing its experience and expertise with Quad and the world read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a grant of a whopping $7.5 million in support of sampling kits, detection kits and vaccines which will help the Quad nations in their battle against cervical cancer. The proclamation from the Prime Minister came while he was addressing the Cancer Moonshot event in Delaware. The event was held on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit. During his address on Saturday, PM Modi laid out Indias vision of One Earth One Health. The Indian premier is on a three-day visit to the United States, during which he attended the summit, held a bilateral meeting with the Quad leaders and will be addressing the United Nations General Assembly. Before announcing the grant, the Prime Minister highlighted the initiatives taken by India to fight cervical cancer. Advertisement He insisted that India will be open to sharing its experience and expertise with Quad and the world. I want to thank President Biden for organising this event. This reflects our shared determination to provide affordable, accessible and quality health care. During the COVID pandemic, we had taken the Quad Vaccine initiative for the Indo-Pacific and I am glad that in the Quad, we have decided to jointly tackle challenges like cervical cancer. In cancer care, collaboration is essential for the cure, PM Modi said. My remarks at the Quad Leaders' Cancer Moonshot event. https://t.co/Q9avnKJVs6 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024 PM calls for an integrated approach The Cancer Moonshot is a White House initiative that aims to bring renewed leadership in the worlds fight against cancer. During the event, PM Modi called for the need to have an integrated approach while battling the disease. An integrated approach of prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment is necessary to reduce the burden of cancer. In India, a very cost-effective cervical cancer screening program is being carried out, he explained. The Prime Minister emphasised that India has developed its own vaccine for the disease. Along with this, he noted that the country is using Artificial Intelligence to introduce new treatment protocols. India is running the worlds largest health insurance scheme and special centres have also been set up to make medicines available to everyone at affordable cost. India has also developed its own vaccine for cervical cancer and new treatment protocols are also being introduced with the help of Artificial Intelligence, PM Modi asserted. Advertisement India is ready to share its experience and expertise. Today, many experts from India working in cancer care have joined us in this event. Indias vision is One Earth One Health. I announce the support of sampling kits, detection kits and vaccines worth USD 7.5 million, he added. Modi noted that India will cooperate with radiotherapy treatment and plans to provide 40 million vaccine doses for the Indo-Pacific region. India will also cooperate in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. I am happy that India will contribute 40 million vaccine doses for Indo-Pacific countries under GAVI and QUAD initiatives. These 40 million vaccine doses will become a ray of hope in the lives of crores of people. As you can see when the QUAD acts, it is not just for nations. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach, he said. Advertisement About the Cancer Moonshot event Cancer Moonshot is an initiative well in place across the US government along with the public and private sectors. The aim of the initiative is to lay out a solid foundation to fight against cancer. As of now the US, under the initiative has announced more than 95 new programs, policies, and resources to address five priority actions. 170 private companies, non-profits, academic institutions, and patient groups are also collaborating with the government in this initiative. Last month, the US Embassy in New Delhi conducted the first ever US-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue on August 5-6 at the National Institute of Immunology. The event was hosted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the dialogue focused on strengthening US-India biomedical research cooperation. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Amid shared concerns over Chinas growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, the Quad leaders strongly opposed any destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. read more President Joe Biden greets from left, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at the Quad leaders summit at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Del., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. - AP President Joe Biden told Indo-Pacific allies on Saturday that Chinas growing military presence is a strategic move to test the regions resilience during a challenging time for Beijing. Biden emphasised that his administration views Beijings actions as a tactical shift rather than a fundamental change in strategy. The Quad leaders also unveiled significant strategy to bolster maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and pledged for lasting peace in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the Quads commitment to a rules-based global order, emphasising respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. During the annual Quad summit hosted by Biden in Delaware, leaders expressed grave concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and adjacent waters, condemning the hazardous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels without directly referencing China. Advertisement The Quad summit showcased the alliances unified stance on regional security and cooperation, with Bidens comments highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides Modi and Biden, the fourth in-person summit on Saturday was attended by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominated one where all countries are free from coercion, and can exercise their agency to determine their futures, the leaders said in a joint statement. In his address, Modi said a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a shared priority of the Quad. Our meeting is taking place at a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and conflicts. In such a situation, it is crucial for the Quad to unite around our shared democratic values for the greater good of humanity, Modi said in his remarks at the summit. We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of all issues, he said. In a joint statement, the leaders rolled out a number of new and ambitious initiatives in areas ranging from maritime security, infrastructure to critical and emerging technologies and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Advertisement A key outcome of the summit was a decision on having joint coast guard operations under which a first-ever Quad-at-Sea ship observer mission will be launched in 2025 to advance maritime safety and to continue with further missions in future across the Indo-Pacific. The leaders also announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable partners to maximize tools provided through Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and other Quad initiatives. The initiative is aimed at monitoring and securing waters, enforcing laws, and deter unlawful behaviour. The IPMDA was announced in May 2022 that allowed the partner countries to fully monitor the waters on their shores and help ensure peace and stability in the region Under the initiative, data is being supplied for countering illicit maritime activities and responding to climate-related and humanitarian events. Advertisement We look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. Furthermore, we welcome the launch of a Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders said. In addition, Quad partners intend to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year, to continue to deliver cutting-edge capability and information to the region. The leaders also announced the launch of a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, to pursue shared airlift capacity among the nations and leverage collective logistics strengths, in order to support civilian response to natural disasters across the Indo-Pacific region. Advertisement On the situation in Ukraine, the leaders expressed deepest concern over the raging war in that country including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. Each of us has visited Ukraine since the war began, and seen this first-hand; we reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, they said in the joint statement. The leaders noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least-developed countries. In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We underscore the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterate that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state, they said. Advertisement Modi, Biden, Kishida and Albanese said they share a great interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. The leaders also unequivocally condemned the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas on Israel. The large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable, they said. We affirm the imperative of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and emphasize that the deal to release hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, they added. The Quad leaders underscored the urgent need to significantly increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza as well as the crucial need to prevent regional escalation. We urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable, they said. The leaders also unequivocally condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and vowed to work in a comprehensive manner to combat the menace. We are committed to working together to promote accountability for the perpetrators of such terrorist attacks. We reiterate our condemnation of terrorist attacks, including the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and Pathankot, and our commitment to pursuing designations, as appropriate, by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, the leaders said. With inputs from agencies. The comments from the Indian premier came while he was delivering a powerful address at the Quad Leaders Summit which was being organised in Delaware. PM Modi is currently on a three-day visit to the United States where he also held bilateral talks with the Quad leaders read more While reaffirming Indias commitment to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the group a force of Global Good. The comments from the Indian premier came while he was delivering a powerful address at the Quad Leaders Summit which was being organised in Delaware. PM Modi is currently on a three-day visit to the United States where he also held bilateral talks with the Quad leaders. During the meeting, the Prime Minister gave his own abbreviation to Quad. He described it as Quick Unified Assistance Delivery, and insisted that the regional body is here to stay. According to ANI, the leaders lauded Indias role in the Indian Ocean. US President Joe Biden mentioned that the US has things to learn from Indias experience and leadership in the Indian Ocean. Advertisement Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida extended support to PM Modi for his initiative to organise Voice of Global South Summits. The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese went on to call India a predominant power in the Indian Ocean. Addressing the Quad Leaders' Summit. https://t.co/fphRgLwLPS Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024 Quad - a force for global good. PM Narendra Modi participated in the Quad Leaders Summit along with President Joe Biden of the USA, PM Fumio Kishida and Australia PM Anthony Albanese today. PM Modi reaffirmed Indias commitment to the Quad cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Quad will continue to assist the regions development priorities and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing glimpses from the event. Highlights of PM Shri Narendra Modis remarks at the Quad Leaders Summit: pic.twitter.com/jGBT7kPMLg Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 21, 2024 Advertisement Quad calls for reforms in the UNSC In the joint statement released after the meeting, Quad leaders called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council, pushing for Indias permanent seat in the body. We will reform the UN Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council. This expansion of permanent seats should include representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean in a reformed Security Council, the statement reads. Advertisement The group also slammed Chinas growing aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and the South China Sea. We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We continue to express our serious concern about the militarization of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea. We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous manoeuvres, the joint statement reads. The body also insisted that the issues of maritime security should be resolved peacefully. We also oppose efforts to disrupt other countries offshore resource exploitation activities. We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS, the statement furthered. Advertisement It is important to note that the sixth edition of the Quad Leaders Summit is a farewell summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. During his remarks, Prime Minister Modi noted how the Quad leaders have joined hands to usher in positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like Health, security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change and capacity meetings. At the summit, the Prime Minister also announced that India would be hosting the Quad Leaders Summit in 2025. With inputs from agencies. Leaders from the four nations were rolling out plans to expand an Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, launched two years ago to include the Indian Ocean region, senior Biden administration officials said read more US President Joe Biden, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi take part in a Quad leaders summit family photo in Claymont, Delaware, U.S., September 21, 2024. Reuters Leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States are taking new security steps in the Indian Ocean as outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden hosts counterparts from the Quad grouping, which was established due to shared concerns about China. Biden welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a four-way meeting near his Delaware hometown on Saturday to stress the importance of maintaining the Quad, which he sees as a signature foreign policy achievement before he leaves office after the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election. Advertisement Leaders from the four nations were rolling out plans to expand an Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, launched two years ago to include the Indian Ocean region, senior Biden administration officials said. The leaders are planning joint coast guard operations that will see Australian, Japanese and Indian personnel spend time on a U.S. coast guard vessel. The officials said that the countries also plan to increase military logistics cooperation. While the White House said the Quad summit was directed at no other country and that Beijing should find no issue with the initiative, Biden started the summits group session with a briefing on China. He described the country as shifting tactics, but not strategy, while continuing to test the United States in the South China and East China Seas as well as the Taiwan Strait. We believe (Chinese leader) Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimize the turbulence in China diplomatic relationships, and hes also looking to buy himself some diplomatic space, in my view, to aggressively pursue Chinas interest, Biden said in remarks carried on an official event feed. Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including territory inside exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam. It also claims territories in the East China Sea contested by Japan and Taiwan. China also views self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory. Advertisement Xi has objected to the Quad grouping, seeing it as an effort to encircle Beijing and ramp up conflict. Analysts said new maritime security initiatives would send a message to Beijing. They said it also represents a further shift of emphasis of the Quads activities to security issues, reflecting growing concerns about Chinas intentions. The leaders are also stepping up work to provide critical and security technologies, including a new open radio access network, to the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, regions of intense competition with China. A health initiative by the leaders is aimed at combating cervical cancer, officials said. Lisa Curtis, an Asia policy expert at the Center for a New American Security, and a former administration official, said India, which is not part of any military alliance, has been worried about perceptions that the Quad could be militarizing the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement But I think Chinas recent maritime aggression could be changing the equation for India and could be prompting India to become a bit more open to the idea of Quad security cooperation, she said. Analysts and officials say Biden hosting the Quad is part of efforts to institutionalize the body ahead of his departure from office and that of Kishida, who is stepping down after a leadership contest next week and elections in Australia by next year. Asked about the groups staying power, Biden grasped Modi by the shoulder and said the group was here to stay. The Quad met at the foreign minister level under the previous administration of Donald Trump, who is running against Vice President Kamala Harris in November, and enjoyed bipartisan support, as reflected by the formation of a congressional Quad Caucus ahead of the summit. Biden elevated the Quad to the leader level in 2021. The bombs fell Saturday night on the district of Shevchenkivsky, north of the center of Kharkiv, which is the second-largest Ukrainian city, local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. Nine residential buildings sustained varying degrees of damage, including 16- and nine-story buildings, he added. read more A light is shone on a damaged car after a Russian strike on a residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine early Sunday Sept. 22, 2024. - AP Russia launched new strikes in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv that hit high-rise apartment buildings, leaving at least 21 wounded in a second consecutive night-time attack. The strike hit late on Saturday, hours after Russian attacks killed five people including two children in central Ukraine. Kyiv earlier said it struck two ammunition depots in Russia this weekend, including what it called a key arsenal for Moscows invasion. Kharkiv which almost fell to Russian forces in 2022 before they were pushed back by the Ukrainian army has seen relentless attacks this year. Advertisement Last night, Russia struck Kharkiv again, this time with aerial bombs targeting an ordinary residential building, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media. As a result, 21 people were injured, including an eight-year-old child and two 17-year-olds, he added. Regional leader Oleg Synegubov said two people were in critical condition. He said dozens of residents were asleep when the building was struck. Kharkiv which was home to 1.4 million residents before Russias invasion has been bombed heavily this year. The attack came after another late Friday that wounded 15 people, including children ages 10 and 12, as Russian airstrikes hit three Kharkiv neighborhoods, Terekhov said. Ukrainian officials said that KAB-type aerial glide bombs a retrofitted Soviet weapon that has for months laid waste to eastern Ukraine were used in both attacks. Russia also launched 80 Shahed drones and two missiles at Ukraine overnight into Sunday, the Ukrainian air force said. Ukrainian air defense shot down 71 drones, and another six were lost on location due to electronic warfare countermeasures, the statement said. Kyiv long-range strikes call The citys mayor Igor Terekhov said at the site: As you can see, there are no military here. Advertisement Every day and every night Kharkiv suffers the hits, he added. AFP saw an elderly man with his head bandaged being brought to an ambulance, as well as a man whose face was covered in blood, holding a small terrier dog. Zelensky said the attack showed why his forces needed to use weapons supplied by Western allies to strike deeper into Russian territory, which so far they have refused to authorise. He is due in the United States in the coming days, in a last-ditch effort to convince the West to let Kyiv use delivered long-range weapons to hit Russian targets. We need to strengthen our capabilities to better protect lives and ensure safety. Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities, he said. Advertisement We are working to convince our partners of this. We will continue these discussions next week. In Washington, he is due to hold talks with Joe Biden, as well as both US presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. With inputs from agencies. Outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe who took office at the peak of the 2022 economic collapse and imposed tough austerity policies per the terms of an IMF bailout took a distant third with 17.27 percent. read more Sri Lankas election commission declared a previously fringe Marxist politician the countrys president-elect on Sunday after a vote coloured by discontent over the island nations response to an unprecedented financial crisis. The commission said that Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, the 55-year-old leader of the Peoples Liberation Front, won the presidency with 42.31 percent of the vote in Saturdays election. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa took second place with 32.76 percent. Outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe Wickremesinghe has yet to concede, but Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said it was clear that Dissanayaka had won. Advertisement Though I heavily campaigned for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the people of Sri Lanka have made their decision, and I fully respect their mandate for Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, Sabry said on social media. Dissanayaka will be sworn in on Monday morning at the colonial-era President Secretariat in Colombo, election commission officials said. IMF deal Economic issues dominated the eight-week campaign, with widespread public anger over the hardships endured since the peak of the crisis two years ago. Dissanayaka would not tear up the IMF deal but would seek to modify it, a party politburo member told AFP. It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate, said Bimal Ratnayake. He said Dissanayaka had pledged to reduce income taxes that were doubled by Wickremesinghe and slash sales taxes on food and medicines. We think we can get those reductions into the programme and continue with the four-year bailout programme, he said. Dissanayakas once-marginal Marxist party led two failed uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s that left more than 80,000 people dead. It won less than four percent of the vote during the most recent parliamentary elections in 2020. Advertisement But Sri Lankas crisis has proven an opportunity for Dissanayaka, who has seen a surge of support based on his pledge to change the islands corrupt political culture. Our country needs a new political culture, he said after casting his ballot on Saturday. Around 76 percent of Sri Lankas 17.1 million eligible voters cast ballots in Saturdays poll. Dissanayakas party sought to reassure India that any administration he led would not be caught up in geopolitical rivalry between its northern neighbour and China, the countrys largest lender. New Delhi has expressed concerns over what it sees as Beijings growing influence in Sri Lanka, which sits on vital shipping lanes criss-crossing the Indian Ocean. Advertisement Sri Lankan territory will not be used against any other nation, Ratnayake told AFP. We are fully aware of the geopolitical situation in our region, but we will not participate. Austerity rejected Wickremesinghe sought re-election to continue belt-tightening measures that stabilised the economy and ended months of food, fuel and medicine shortages during Sri Lankas economic meltdown. His two years in office restored calm to the streets after civil unrest spurred by the downturn saw thousands storm the compound of his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who then fled the country. But Wickremesinghes tax hikes and other measures imposed under the $2.9 billion IMF bailout he secured last year left millions struggling to make ends meet. Advertisement Official data showed that Sri Lankas poverty rate doubled to 25 percent between 2021 and 2022, adding more than 2.5 million people to those already living on less than $3.65 a day. Thousands of police were deployed to keep watch over voting on Saturday. A temporary curfew was imposed after polls closed, despite police reporting that there had been no violence during or after balloting. No victory rallies or celebrations are permitted until a week after the final results are declared. Marxist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake won Sri Lankas presidential election, the Election Commission announced Sunday, after voters rejected the old political guard that has been widely accused of pushing the South Asian nation toward economic ruin. read more Marxist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake waves as he leaves from the election commission office after winning Sri Lankan presidential election, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.- AP Sri Lankas newly elected president Anura Kumara Dissanayaka invited his fellow citizens to join him in writing a new chapter in the countrys history. The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true, he said in a statement shortly after the announcement," he said, adding that millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history." Dissanayake received 5,740,179 votes, followed by Premadasa with 4,530,902, Election Commission data showed. Advertisement The economic meltdown has inflicted immense hardship on Sri Lankans, creating an environment ripe for change. Dissanayakas surge in popularity is a testament to the publics desire for a new direction. Now, as president-elect, he is poised to harness this momentum to rewrite Sri Lankas history, ushering in a fresh era for the cash-strapped nation. Dissanayake, whose pro-working class and anti-political elite campaigning made him popular among youth, secured victory over opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and incumbent liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took over the country two years ago after its economy hit bottom. The election held Saturday was crucial as the country seeks to recover from the worst economic crisis in its history and the resulting political upheaval. This achievement is not the result of any single persons work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us, Dissanayake said in a post on X. Outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe who took office at the peak of the 2022 economic collapse and imposed tough austerity policies per the terms of an IMF bailout was a distant third in the contest with 17 percent of the vote. History will judge my efforts, but I can confidently say that I did my best to stabilise the country during one of its darkest periods, he said in a statement. Advertisement He congratulated Dissanayaka on the win and said he was confident the politician would steer Sri Lanka on a path of continued growth and stability. US ambassador Julie Chung also passed on her congratulations, saying in a statement that Washington stood ready to work together on shared priorities with the next administration. Dissanayaka will be sworn in on Monday morning at the colonial-era President Secretariat in Colombo, election commission officials said. - IMF deal - Economic issues dominated the eight-week campaign, with widespread public anger over the belt-tightening measures imposed by Wickremesinghe since the peak of the island nations bruising financial crisis. Dissanayaka would not tear up the IMF deal but would seek to modify it, a party politburo member told AFP. Advertisement It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate, said Bimal Ratnayake. He said Dissanayaka had vowed to reduce income taxes that were doubled by Wickremesinghe and slash sales taxes on food and medicines. We think we can get those reductions into the programme and continue with the four-year bailout programme, he said. Dissanayakas once-marginal Marxist party led two failed uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s that left more than 80,000 people dead. But Sri Lankas crisis has proven an opportunity for Dissanayaka, whose popularity rocketed on his pledge to change the islands corrupt political culture. Around 76 percent of Sri Lankas 17.1 million eligible voters cast ballots in Saturdays poll. Advertisement Dissanayakas party sought to reassure India that any administration he led would not be caught up in geopolitical rivalry between its northern neighbour and China, the countrys largest lender. New Delhi has expressed concerns over what it sees as Beijings growing influence in Sri Lanka, which sits on vital shipping lanes criss-crossing the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan territory will not be used against any other nation, Ratnayake told AFP. We are fully aware of the geopolitical situation in our region, but we will not participate. - Austerity rejected - Wickremesinghe sought re-election to continue the austerity policies that stabilised the economy and ended months of food, fuel and medicine shortages during Sri Lankas economic meltdown. Advertisement His two years in office restored calm to the streets after civil unrest spurred by the downturn saw thousands storm the compound of his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who then fled the country. But Wickremesinghes tax hikes and other measures imposed under the $2.9 billion IMF rescue package he secured last year left millions struggling to make ends meet. Official data showed that Sri Lankas poverty rate doubled to 25 percent between 2021 and 2022, adding more than 2.5 million people to those already living on less than $3.65 a day. Thousands of police were deployed to keep watch over voting on Saturday. A temporary curfew was imposed after polls closed, despite police reporting that there had been no violence during or after balloting. No victory rallies or celebrations are permitted until a week after the final results are declared. With inputs from agencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day trip to the United States, held a meeting with Joe Biden and then attended the Quad Summit at the US Presidents Wilmington home alongside Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. From the US and India firming up the drone deal to announcing support for Indias permanent seat at the UNSC and the launch of the Quad cancer initiative, lets take a closer look at the big takeaways from the first day of the visit read more President Joe Biden told Prime Ministe Narendra Modi that the US recognises the need for reforms of global institutions to reflect India's important voice. PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in the United States. Modi attended the Quad Summit at President Joe Bidens Wilmington home alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He also met Biden separately ahead of the summit. The Quad Summit, the sixth such meeting between the leaders since 2021 and fourth-in person gathering, was seen as a farewell of sorts for both Biden and Kishida. Modi is set to address the United Nations. Advertisement But what are the takeaways from day 1 of his US trip? Lets take a closer look: Quad here to stay Modi in a strong message to China reiterated that the Quad is here to stay. Modi said that the Quad is not against anyone, but for a rules-based international order and respect for sovereignty. Free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our priority, Modi said. We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues," Modi added. We have together taken several positive and inclusive initiatives in areas such as health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change and capacity building, Modi said as per Indian Express. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. Our message is clear Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement, Modi said. Advertisement Together we have taken many positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, capacity building, he said. He said that the Quad leaders have gathered at a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and conflicts. At such a time, the working together of Quad with its democratic values is significant for the entire human race, the prime minister said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi in a strong message to China reiterated that the Quad is here to stay. PTI Glad to have met Quad Leaders during todays Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The discussions were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. We will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity building," Modi said in a post on X. Advertisement During the meeting, the leaders discussed novel ways of cooperating with partners in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and South Asia while reviewing and steering the direction for the future of Quad cooperation, a senior administration official told reporters after the meeting. Calling their conversation wide-ranging, the official said the talks ranged from deepening security and the maritime security space, the Quad logistics network, and ways to deepen humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation. Responding to a question, the official said North Korea was also touched on, and more was supposed to be discussed during the dinner. Theres a lot of alignment in our perspectives on North Korea, said the official, pointing to the joint statement, which has the strongest language against North Korea that the Quad has ever offered. Advertisement Obviously, all of these leaders share significant concerns about the degree to which Russian military assistance is emboldening North Korea and contributing to its illicit programmes, said the official. Quad a force for global good!," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X. PM reaffirmed Indias commitment to the Quad cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Quad will continue to assist the regions development priorities and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, it added. Reiterating that the Quad remains a force for global good, the four leaders announced various initiatives to address the development priorities of the Indo-Pacific region and the global community as a whole, the MEA said. Advertisement Drone deal India and the United States have firmed up a multi-billion dollar deal over MQ-9B Predator drones. The US in February had announced the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion during Modis state visit. Under the deal, India will get 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, of which the Navy will get 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each of the land version SkyGuardian. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The US in February had announced the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion during Modis state visit. AFP This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region, the agency had said. The proposed sale will improve Indias capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation, it added. US support for Indias permanent seat The United States has also offered India support for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Biden told Modi the US recognises the need for reforms of global institutions to reflect Indias important voice. The leaders said the reformed UNSC and the India-US partnership is vital to the success of efforts to build a cleaner, inclusive, more secure, and more prosperous future for the planet. The UNSC currently has 15 members and just five permanent members the US, the UK, Russia, China and France. These five members hold veto powers and through its use have stalled action in the Council to address global challenges and conflicts such as in Ukraine and Gaza. India has been highlighting the need for reforms at the UNSC to make it more diverse and equitable. India has warned that global institutions need to reform or risk facing oblivion. India earlier proposed making permanent members elected democratically by the General Assembly and flexibility on the veto issue. India has called for membership to be increased from the current 15 to 25-26, by adding six permanent and four or five non-permanent members. Among the six new permanent members, two each are proposed to be from African states and Asia Pacific states, one from Latin American and Caribbean states; and one from Western European and Other states. The White House also praised Indias role as leader of the global south. India is at the forefront of efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world, the White House said. Biden also praised Modi for visiting Poland and Ukraine and his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Kyiv. Cancer initiative Modi also announced the formation of the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region by combating cervical cancer. The Cancer Moonshot is a pet project of Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. This is relevant as India has a growing number of cancer cases and is known as the cancer capital of the world. Modi announced that India would grant $7.5 million for cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. India is ready to share its experience and expertise, Modi said in his remarks, asserting that the grant was made under Indias vision of One Earth, One Heath. He added that India will also provide assistance in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. When the Quad acts, it is not just for nations, it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach, he said. During the COVID pandemic, we had taken the Quad Vaccine initiative for the Indo-Pacific and I am glad that in the Quad, we have decided to jointly tackle challenges like cervical cancer. In cancer care, collaboration is essential for cure, he was quoted as saying by The Week. India has also developed its own vaccine for cervical cancer and new treatment protocols are also being introduced with the help of Artificial Intelligence, Modi added. The Cancer Moonshot is a pet project of Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. AP We have decided to jointly face the challenge of cervical cancer, Modi said. I heartily congratulate President Biden for organising this important event. It reflects our shared determination for affordable, accessible and quality healthcare, the Prime Minister said. In cancer care, collaboration is essential for cure. An integrated approach of prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment is necessary to reduce the burden of cancer, he asserted. Modi noted that India is running a very cost-effective cervical cancer screening programme on a mass scale. Also, India is running the worlds largest health insurance scheme. And, special centres have also been created to make medicines available to everyone at affordable cost. India has also developed its own vaccine for cervical cancer. And, new treatment protocols are also being introduced with the help of AI, he said, adding that India is ready to share its experience and expertise. I am happy that India will contribute 40 million vaccine doses for the Indo-Pacific countries under the GAVI and QUAD initiatives. These 40 million vaccine doses will bring rays of hope to the lives of crores of people. As you can see, when the QUAD acts, it is not just for nations it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach, he concluded. Experts say this could be a game changer. Shekhar C Mande, former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and senior professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University, told NDTV, Making this invaluable cancer data publicly accessible marks a pivotal step in accelerating scientific discoveries and enhancing patient outcomes. By openly sharing this data, we are empowering researchers, clinicians, and innovators to collaborate, explore new frontiers, and drive transformative breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Cooperation in healthcare- a key Quad priority. PM @narendramodi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event today. The four leaders committed to detection, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. In keeping with Indias vision of ONE WORLD, ONE HEALTH, PM announced the dedication of a grant of $7.5 million to cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region, the MEA said in a separate post on X. Energy cooperation The US and India plan to elevate bilateral technical, financial, and policy support to expand complementary manufacturing capacity for building on existing clean energy cooperation between the two nations, according to the White House. To launch the partnership for establishing a shared, resilient, and cutting-edge techno-industrial base centred on innovative clean energy manufacturing techniques, the US and India are working to unlock $1 billion in new multilateral finance through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for projects, including catalysing Indias domestic clean energy supply chain buildout, the White House said in a statement. The partnership will look to expand complementary US and Indian manufacturing capacity for clean energy technologies and components and lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in third countries, with a focus on partnerships in Africa. This effort will build on existing clean energy cooperation between the US and India, including clean energy initiatives launched during Prime Minister Modis visit to the US in 2023, and the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership led by the US Department of Energy and Government of India ministries, among other initiatives. The US-India partnership sets a strong example for the world and positions our countries to lead clean economic development in the 21st century, the statement said. The United States and India share an enduring commitment to deepen our collaboration on issues of shared national and economic security. As an important aspect of our economic growth agendas, we are committed to working together to capture the benefits of the clean energy transition, including the creation of high-quality jobs for our populations, acceleration of clean energy deployment globally, and achievement of global climate goals, it said. Over time, we seek to mobilise additional financing into priority clean energy manufacturing sectors that harness public and private financial tools and pioneer innovative financial vehicles to meet the rapid demand for flexible climate finance solutions, said the White House. The US and India plan to elevate bilateral technical, financial, and policy support to expand complementary manufacturing capacity for building on existing clean energy cooperation, the White House said. Reuters Noting that the United States and India intend to work with relevant government agencies, civil society and the private sector to identify a package of pilot projects across the clean energy value chain, it said that the two nations also pledge to work with industry leaders on the following lines of effort to launch and eventually scale this new partnership. Other initiatives launched include the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to enable Indo-Pacific partners to maximize tools provided through the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness and other Quad initiatives. The first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 was also launched to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety. Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will harness the groupings collective expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific, was launched. Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure in the region and beyond, and a Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation to enhance the resilience of Quads semiconductor supply chains, were also launched. President Biden and Prime Minister Modi hailed a watershed arrangement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next generation telecommunications, and green energy applications, the White House said. The leaders also launched the Collective Quad effort to boost energy efficiency, including the deployment and manufacturing of high-efficiency affordable cooling systems in the Indo-Pacific region. An initiative for Indias establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius, to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact, was also launched. Also launched was a new sub-category under the Quad STEM Fellowship, announced by India, for students of the Indo-Pacific region to pursue a four-year bachelors level engineering programme at a Government of India-funded technical institute. Modi said he will be happy to host the Quad Summit in 2025. The Quad Leaders Summit this year was earlier supposed to be held in India, but US President Biden was keen to hold the event in his hometown. The US, Japan, India and Australia had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter Chinas aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. The four-member Quad, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, advocates upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. China claims that the grouping aims to contain its rise. With inputs from agencies An investment banker in Ithaca has proposed a new use for Wells College while maintaining the Aurora institution's educational history. Dr. Alan Biloski, senior managing director of Brock Capital Group, detailed his plan in an interview with The Citizen. The concepts include boarding schools for kindergarten through 12th grade, international students or low-income rural children. Each idea is modeled after existing boarding schools, such as the Keystone Academy that has sites in China and Singapore and the Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania. An international boarding school, Biloski explained, could attract students who attend English language boarding schools in other countries, such as India and South Korea. The schools have high tuition more than $60,000 a year, he said and excess demand. "They could cede some of their students to Wells to basically populate that campus," Biloski said. The Milton Hershey School was founded in 1910 and has students from kindergarten through 12th grade. While it is based in Pennsylvania, Biloski noted one-third of the school's students are out-of-state residents. A similar school on the Wells campus could get students from the surrounding rural areas and out of state, he said. A boarding school for low-income rural children would be based on the SEED Foundation's existing work in urban areas. The foundation has schools in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. More than 1,400 students attend the four schools, according to the foundation's website. Biloski said rural counties face many of the same problems alcohol and drug abuse, poverty and lack of access to libraries as cities. "We thought we could use (the SEED Foundation's) franchise model, together with some altruistic capital, to create a rural model," he added. Wells College has not accepted Biloski's proposals. He submitted his plan at the end of June and received an acknowledgment in mid-July. On July 31, he spoke to the college's asset divesture committee about his boarding school idea. The virtual meeting lasted 45 minutes. Biloski said the feedback was positive. One trustee asked him how he would be successful raising money for this venture when the college was unable to generate enough revenue before it closed this year. He responded by noting the differences between fundraising for a liberal arts college and a boarding school, which he says is in demand. Biloski highlighted successful boarding schools, including Union Springs Academy in Cayuga County and the Princeton International School of Math and Science in New Jersey. "Do I have a guarantee that this is going to work? No," he said. "But there's lots of options to do this. I know if you don't try, the probability of success is zero." One day after Biloski's presentation, he received an email from a Wells trustee notifying him that while his ideas "have merit," the college opted to launch a formal request for proposals. A follow-up conversation with another trustee yielded a similar response that the college wants to explore alternative uses. The revelation frustrated Biloski, who also had discussions with the state attorney general's office and state Sen. Rachel May's staff to build support for his proposal. Wells must submit an asset disposition plan to the state attorney general's office for review. The college has not forwarded that plan, Biloski was told, so the attorney general's office does not yet have a role in the process. Biloski has offered to travel to Aurora to meet with Wells College's leadership. Aside from a phone call with a trustee and what he described as mostly one-way email exchanges, there hasn't been a lot of communication about his proposal. "I've volunteered to come there and they have not shown any interest. Zero," he said. Wells College owns several properties in Aurora and has sold at least five since the closure announcement in April. The college is also selling the Ruth P. Thomas House, which was used as the president's residence. The fate of the campus has not been decided. Although Wells leaders have not granted interview requests, the college said on its website that it is gathering feedback from the community and working with the attorney general's office on an asset disposition plan. The process is expected take months and won't be finalized until sometime next year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted US President Joe Biden a silver train model made by master artisans from Maharashtra and First Lady Jill Biden a Pashmina shawl in a papier mache box. But what is the significance of these gifts? Lets take a closer look read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted US President Joe Biden a silver train model and First Lady Jill Biden a pashmina. Modi, who is on a visit to the United States, met Biden ahead of the Quad Summit in his hometown of Wilmington in Delaware. But what is the significance of Modis gifts for the Bidens? Lets take a closer look: Silver train model for Joe Modi gifted Biden an antique silver hand-engraved train model. The piece made by master artisans from Maharashtra, which is known for its rich heritage of silver craftsmanship showcases the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry. Advertisement The piece which is made up of 92.5 per cent silver has intricate filigree work. A tribute to the steam locomotive era, it merges artistic brilliance and historical significance. The model also pays tribute to the India-US relationship with the world Delhi-Delaware inscribed on the sides of the main carriage and Indian Railways on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi. The train model has Indian Railways inscribed on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi. News18 The model set is a testament to the exceptional skill of the artisan as well as a tribute to the long history of Indian railways and its global influences. This is also the perfect gift to Biden who has made no secret of his love for trains. In fact, sections of the press had dubbed the president Amtrak Joe for his love of the US rail operator. Its no secret I love trains. Ive taken more than 7,000 round trips on Amtrak over the course of my career. When there was a chance to take a train trip to meet voters, it was full steam ahead, Biden wrote on Instagram in October 2020. Biden during his 2020 campaign had vowed to spark the second great railroad revolution to propel our nations infrastructure into the future and help solve the climate emergency. Advertisement Pashmina for Jill For the First Lady, Modi picked a pashmina shawl in a papier mache box. Pashmina shawls are considered the apex of Jammu and Kashmirs rich and fine legacy of handcraft. Contemporary designers are incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bolder colours, playful patterns, and even fusion styles. This ensures the legacy of Pashmina remains relevant, captivating hearts across generations and cultures. Pashmina was discovered in the 16th Century when India was under Mughal rule. Crafted by hand, Pashminas are famed for their softness and warmth. News18 It is made from the fleece of Changthangi Goat found only 15,000 feet above sea level in Ladakh. Its winter coat, known as Pashm, is the soul of the shawl. This incredibly fine and soft fiber is hand-combed Advertisement Crafted by hand, Pashminas are famed for their softness and warmth. Families have passed down the skill of weaving a pashmina from generation to generation. Pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mache boxes from J-K, that are renowned for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. These boxes are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue, and other natural materials. Each box is a unique work of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. These boxes are not only functional but also serve as decorative items in their own right. With inputs from agencies The rejection came after the Democratic presidential nominee accepted an invitation from CNN to participate in another showdown against Trump. The debate is scheduled to take place on October 23, if Trump agrees read more As the race for the White House intensifies, former US President Donald Trumps campaign has once again rejected the invitation to debate Vice President Kamala Harris. The rejection came after the Democratic presidential nominee accepted an invitation from CNN to participate in another showdown against Trump. The debate is scheduled to take place on October 23, if Trump agrees. I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23. I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me, Harris wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. After accepting the invitation, the Harris campaign pointed towards Trumps appreciation for the CNN moderators, the first time he debated US President Joe Biden, this year. Advertisement I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23. I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me. https://t.co/Trb8HUBsDh Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 21, 2024 Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate. It is the same format and setup as the CNN debate he attended and said he won in June when he praised CNNs moderators, rules and ratings, the Harris campaign chair, Jen OMalley Dillon, said in a statement. Trumps campaign rejects the invitation When asked about Harriss decision to take part in the second debate, the Trump campaign pointed to the former presidents previous remarks where he said that he wouldnt do a third presidential debate. Trump later spoke at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, and said that Harris only wants a rematch because she is losing. Shes done one debate, Ive done two. Its too late to do another, Id love to in many ways but its too late, the voting is cast, and the voters are out there, immediately is everybody voting, please? Get out and vote, Trump said. Trumps rejection of another debate came days after the first in-person voting began in Minnesota, Virginia and South Dakota. Apart from this, several postal ballots were sent out a few days earlier as well. Advertisement It is important to note that Harris and Trump held their first presidential debate in Philadelphia on September 10. The debate was moderated by ABC News. Two days after the debate, Trump made it clear that he wouldnt be taking part in any other debate against Harris. When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH, he wrote on TruthSocial at that time. Interestingly, multiple rejections from Trump have prompted the Harris campaign to refer to him as chicken. Meanwhile, the vice presidential debate between Harriss running mate Tim Walz and Trumps VP pick JD Vance is scheduled to take place on October 1. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a three-day trip to America, announced the formation of the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative in the Indo-Pacific. This builds on the US own Cancer Moonshot Initiative a pet project of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, which aims to prevent over four million cancer deaths by 2047 and to improve the experience of people impacted by cancer. Lets take a look at the programme read more India has pledged millions of dollars and vaccines to the fight against cancer. That was one of the several announcements made during Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to the United States. Modi announced the formation of the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative in the Indo-Pacific to battle cancer. The US has its own Cancer Moonshot programme a pet project of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. But what is the Cancer Moonshot Initiative? And how will India help? Advertisement Lets take a closer look: What is it? The Cancer Moonshot was launched in 2016 to speed up scientific research on cancer. It was then president Barack Obama who announced the launch of the programme during his January 12, 2016, State of the Union. Funding for the programme was provided by the 21st Century Cures Act which was passed in 2016. Obama had appointed Biden, at the time vice-president, to chair the task force. The task force was charged with: Improving understanding of cancer and how to prevent and treat it Improve patient access and care Support greater access to new research, data, and computational capabilities Encourage development of cancer treatments Identify and address any unnecessary regulatory barriers and consider ways to expedite administrative reforms Ensure optimal investment of federal resources Identify opportunities to develop publicprivate partnerships and increase coordination of the federal governments efforts with the private sector, as appropriate A Blue Ribbon Panel of experts was also formed. Barack Obama had announced the launch of the programme during his January 12, 2016, State of the Union. AFP In 2016, the Blue Ribbon Panel, which first met on April 11, 2016, submitted its report to the National Cancer Advisory Board (NCAB). It made 10 recommendations on how to achieve a decades worth of progress in half the time including Establish a network for direct patient involvement Create a translational science network devoted exclusively to immunotherapy Develop ways to overcome cancers resistance to therapy Build a National Cancer Data Ecosystem Intensify research on the major drivers of childhood cancers Minimise cancer treatments debilitating side effects Expand use of proven cancer prevention and early detection strategies Mine past patient data to predict future patient outcomes Develop a 3-D cancer atlas Develop new cancer technologies By 2022, Biden had taken over as US president. The president and first lady had set the initiative two goals to prevent over four million cancer deaths by 2047 and to improve the experience of people impacted by cancer. Were building a world where the word cancer loses its power, a diagnosis isnt a death sentence, we prevent cancer before it starts, we catch cancer early so people live longer and healthier lives, and patients and families dont have to navigate their cancer journey alone, the Cancer Moonshot page on the White House website states. Advertisement The White House then put together a Cancer Cabinet comprising nearly two dozen agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration and Office of Management and Budget. Bidens personal experience with cancer is also thought to have also played a part in his promotion of the initiative. His son Beau passed away of brain cancer in 2015. Advertisement Biden has speculated that his son Beau, who deployed in Iraq, could have developed cancer from the US militarys burn pits. Science has recognised there are certain carcinogens when people are exposed to them, Biden was quoted as saying by PBS. Depending on the quantities and the amount in the water and the air, [they] can have a carcinogenic impact on the body. How will India help? Modi said India would contribute $7.5 million to cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi also said India would contribute 40 million vaccines under the Gavi and Quad initiatives. The White House described cervical cancer as a largely preventable disease that continues to be a major health crisis in the Indo-Pacific region. India is ready to share its experience and expertise, Modi said in his remarks, asserting that the grant was made under Indias vision of One Earth, One Heath. He added that India will also provide assistance in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. Advertisement When the Quad acts, it is not just for nations, it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach, he said. During the COVID pandemic, we had taken the Quad Vaccine initiative for the Indo-Pacific and I am glad that in the Quad, we have decided to jointly tackle challenges like cervical cancer. In cancer care, collaboration is essential for cure," Modi further said. I want to thank President Biden for organising this event, Modi added. Every year, 150,000 women die from cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific. We cant and will not let that continue. The four of us are proud democracies. Were coming together to deliver better hope, more hope for our people, Biden said as per India Today. Advertisement In practice, the Quad Cancer Moonshot means more collaboration between our hospitals, research centres and cancer foundations. More investment in screenings, treatment and research and more exchanges between our countries to improve vaccination rates all across the regionIm proud to announce that our four countries, the leaders behind me and many organisations here today are committing over $150 million for HPV screening and therapeutics. Modi said this would go a long way in providing affordable, accessible and quality health-care to people in Indo-Pacific countries. Cooperation in healthcare- a key Quad priority. PM @narendramodi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event today. The four leaders committed to detection, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. In keeping with Indias vision of ONE WORLD, ONE HEALTH, PM announced the dedication of a grant of USD 7.5 million to cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region, the MEA said in a separate post on X. The MEA in a release said Quad partners, through the Initiative, intend to work, within respective national contexts, to collaborate in advancing research and development in the area of cancer and to increase private sector and non-governmental sector activities in support of reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the region. They will also work together with United Nations agencies on bulk purchasing of HPV diagnostics to bring down the cost of cervical cancer screening, and work with the International Atomic Energy Agency to improve access to and quality of medical imaging and radiation therapy, the MEA added. With inputs from agencies Two rival factions of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel have been fighting since Sept. 9, a conflict that can be traced to the high-profile arrest on U.S. soil of legendary trafficker, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, on July 25 read more Mexican security forces respond at the scene of a crime where five men were murdered amid a wave of violence between armed groups in Culiacan, Mexico. File image/ Reuters The U.S. ambassador to Mexico on Saturday rejected President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors claims that the U.S. was co-responsible for violence in the western state of Sinaloa, where more than 50 people have died in an intra-cartel war this month. Two rival factions of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel have been fighting since Sept. 9, a conflict that can be traced to the high-profile arrest on U.S. soil of legendary trafficker, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, on July 25. Advertisement Zambada alleges he was kidnapped in Mexico and flown to the U.S. by Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a senior crime boss in a rival faction of the Sinaloa Cartel who had been holding talks with the U.S. about surrendering. The incident has strained relations between the two countries, with Mexico demanding to know more details. The recent violence in Sinaloa has killed at least 53 people, left 51 missing, and paralyzed many towns and cities. Lopez Obrador, who is due to step down next month, said on Thursday the U.S. shared responsibility for the violence because of its operation, a reference to the prior surrender talks with Guzman. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar, who had previously denied U.S. officials were involved in the alleged kidnapping of Zambada, rejected the Mexican presidents argument. What is being seen in Sinaloa is not the fault of the United States, Salazar said in a press conference in the northern state of Chihuahua, adding that the U.S. cannot be held responsible for the massacres that we see in different places. Salazar said he has told incoming Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. will have to be strong and deep to deal with the security challenges. Mexican authorities said on Saturday that another 600 soldiers had arrived in Sinaloa to help reinforce security. The latest polls suggest that initial enthusiasm has waned for the proposal that would boost public funding to encourage farmers and others to set aside lands and waterways to let the wild develop more, and increase the total area allocated for green spaces that must remain untouched by human development read more A poster for the Yes campaign is seen in a garden ahead of a biodiversity referendum due to take place on Sept. 22, in Belp, Switzerland. AP Switzerland, known for natural beauty like pristine lakes and majestic Alpine peaks, ranks among the worlds richest countries whose plant and animal life is under the greatest threat. Environmentalists are seeking better protections for the countrys biodiversity in a nationwide vote that culminates Sunday. The latest polls suggest that initial enthusiasm has waned for the proposal that would boost public funding to encourage farmers and others to set aside lands and waterways to let the wild develop more, and increase the total area allocated for green spaces that must remain untouched by human development. Advertisement The contest, which is mostly decided by mail-in ballots followed by a morning of in-person voting Sunday, still looks tight: A poll by the respected agency gfs.bern for the Swiss public broadcaster published Sept. 11 showed support falling to 46% in early September from 51% survey in an earlier poll in mid-August. The federal government parliament and the executive branch opposes the plan, as do many rural voters and the countrys main right-wing party, according to polls. They call it too costly, say 600 million Swiss francs (over $700 million) is already spent on biodiversity protection each year, and fear economic development will suffer. Passage would cost at least another 400 million francs for national and local governments, the Federal Council estimates. The initiative would also, for example, prohibit construction of new railway lines through a protected dry meadows even if such meadow is set aside and developed elsewhere, it says. Passage of the biodiversity initiative would severely limit (sustainable) energy and food production, restrict the use of forests and rural areas for tourism, and make construction more expensive, argues the campaign for a no vote on its web site. YES to biodiversity, but NO to the extreme biodiversity initiative. Proponents, meanwhile, point to dwindling natural resources in Switzerland and threats to bees, frogs, birds, mosses and other wildlife. They argue that protected green spaces are the main capital for tourism and more of them would support local economies. Advertisement Diversified nature guarantees air purity, drinkable water, pollination, fertility of the soil, and our food supply, said a committee that backs the idea. But in Switzerland, biodiversity is suffering. One-third of all our plant and animal species are threatened or have already disappeared. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a think tank that counts 38 mostly rich countries as members, has produced a comparative look at threats to plan and animal life. Switzerland ranks among the top four countries with the highest rates of threatened species in all eight categories of wildlife. The voting is part of the latest Swiss referendums, which take place four times a year to give voters a direct say in policymaking in the country of some 9 million people. The only other nationwide issue up for consideration this time is a pension reform plan backed by the government that also shows weakening support, the poll showed. Amid the brewing tensions in the Middle East, Israeli forces conducted a brutal raid and announced the closure of Al Jazeera Offices in Ramallah in the West Bank. In the videos circulating online, heavily armed and masked Israeli soldiers can be seen barging into the offices of the Qatari news outlet, leaving the bureau in complete shambles. According to Al Jazeera, after creating a ruckus, the Israeli officials handed a 45-day closure order to the networks West Bank bureau chief Walid al-Omari early on Sunday. No reason was given for the closure, however, many journalists operating in the region expressed no surprise over the matter. It is pertinent to note that Al Jazeera is already banned from reporting inside Israel. Advertisement Weve heard Israeli officials threatening to close down the bureau. Weve heard the government discussing this, asking the military ruler in the occupied West Bank to close down and shut down the channel. But we [had] not been expecting it to happen today, Ramallah, Al Jazeeras Nida Ibrahim said in a phone call to another bureau of the news outlet. BREAKING: The Israeli military is raiding downtown Ramallah, broke into Al-Jazeera offices and ordered its closure for 45 days by military order. This is around 3:20 a.m. local. pic.twitter.com/0xbn2HrwFK Mariam Barghouti (@MariamBarghouti) September 22, 2024 Past instances While commenting on the Sunday raid, al-Omari the bureau chief raised concerns about what Israeli soldiers may do to the office and the bureaus future in the region. Targeting journalists this way always aims to erase the truth and prevent people from hearing the truth, he said. Meanwhile, the Government Media Office in Gaza called the Israeli raid a deadening scandal. We call on all media organisations and groups that deal with human rights in the world to condemn this heinous crime that is a blatant violation of press and media freedom, the Gaza Media Office said in a statement, Al Jazeera reported. Advertisement Ever since the start of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, several media groups have slammed the Israeli government for restricting and attacking journalists who have been covering the conflict. Since October, Israeli forces have reportedly killed 173 journalists, according to a tally from the Government Media Office. Interestingly, the Sunday raid came two days after the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for an end to the Israeli occupation. It is also important to note that Ramallah is under the jurisdiction of Palestinian Authorities and not under Israeli settlers. With inputs from agencies. Chinese, British business leaders pledge closer ties Xinhua) 11:25, September 22, 2024 LONDON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Business leaders from China and the United Kingdom (UK) pledged to strengthen business ties on Friday. At a forum introducing Beijing Financial Street (BFS) to the London business community, Zeng Linfeng, executive deputy mayor of Beijing's Xicheng District, extended an invitation to London businesses, emphasizing investment opportunities and the district's commitment to openness. BFS, located in Beijing's Xicheng District, hosts key Chinese financial regulatory bodies and the headquarters of major financial institutions. It also serves as a hub for significant financial infrastructure like the Beijing Stock Exchange, along with global financial firms like UBS Group, MasterCard, and Goldman Sachs Gao Hua Securities. Zeng said "Xicheng will offer businesses a broad market, fair competition, a comprehensive policy framework, a healthy industrial ecosystem, efficient government services, and an international business environment." Fang Wenjian, general manager of the Bank of China's London Branch, also highlighted the shared financial and cultural values between Xicheng and London. Fang said "there are numerous key areas for financial cooperation, including environmental, social, and governance issues, green finance, digital finance, and the internationalization of the RMB. Both the City of London and Xicheng District serve as pioneers, experimenting and innovating in these fields." Meanwhile, Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group Club, spoke optimistically about China's economic outlook, citing its resilience and continuous innovation. He noted that despite global challenges, China is expected to maintain a steady growth. "Beijing Financial Street plays a crucial role in China's financial landscape, just as London remains a global leader in financial services. Together, these two financial hubs can enhance cooperation, generate mutual benefits, and pave the way for broader international collaboration," said Perry. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) China was the top item on the agenda as US President Joe Biden hosted his counterparts from Australia, India and Japan #Gaza: Too many of our staff are being killed as our buildings are attacked UNRWA 20 September 2024 From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter) #Gaza: too many of our staff are being killed as our buildings are attacked. At the same time, @UNRWA continues to be the target of a barrage of misinformation & disinformation. This includes attempts of justifying the killing of staff by labeling them operatives of armed groups like Hamas. Such horrific claims, made publicly, are not backed by evidence & are dangerous. Most importantly, they instigate fear among our humanitarian frontline workers in Gaza. Several colleagues told us they no longer feel safe to put on the UNRWA vest. Their children are begging them not to go to work fearing they might be killed while in UNRWA buildings. The misinformation attacks are not about the neutrality of #UNRWA or our humanitarian workers. They aim at: - Creating distraction from the atrocities of this war. - Dehumanization by rendering the unbearable justifiable. - Undermining & eliminating UNRWA, the largest humanitarian provider in Gaza including for food, shelter and health care. Everyone has a responsibility to control the spread of inaccurate or malicious information. Before sharing, check the facts to avoid the trap of putting the lives of others at risk. Background Information: UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on. UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese UN envoy calls for 'maximum restraint' of all parties, urges Israel to abandon its reliance on the use of force Global Times By Fan Anqi Published: Sep 21, 2024 06:56 PM China's permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong denounced the indiscriminate attacks on Lebanese civilians through wireless communication device explosions as "outrageous" and "something unheard of in history," while calling for Israel to abandon its reliance on force and refrain from further risky actions that could plunge the Middle East into new disasters. Fu expressed deep concern over the potential escalation of tensions between Lebanon and Israel during an emergency session of the UN Security Council, and urged all parties to exercise "maximum restraint." Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have been escalating since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of Hamas. The latest explosions of pagers and handheld radios across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday have resulted in 37 deaths and 2,931 injuries, the Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday, citing Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad. Fu said the attack using remote-controlled communication devices, which caused mass civilian casualties and panic, is something "unheard of in history," and such actions constitute "a serious violation of a nation's sovereignty and security, a blatant breach of international law, particularly humanitarian law, and a complete disregard for human life." "The brutality of the attack and its heinous nature are outrageous and deserve the strongest condemnation. China called for a comprehensive and timely investigation into the incident to hold the planners and perpetrators accountable," Fu said. "The destruction of a nation's critical infrastructure using these tools as weapons has set a dangerous precedent and could provoke other terrorist or extremist forces. This not only highlights the immediate severity of the situation, but also exposes potential future security risks and hidden dangers," Zhu Yongbiao, executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times on Saturday. The Chinese envoy also emphasized the precariousness of the current situation in the Middle East, as Israel on one hand continues its ongoing military actions in Gaza that have claimed the lives of more than 40,000 Palestinians, while on the other hand escalating tensions along its border with Lebanon. China specifically called on Israel to abandon its reliance on force, immediately cease its military operations in Gaza, stop infringing on Lebanon's sovereignty and security, and refrain from further risky actions that could plunge the region into new disasters, Fu said. Israeli launched an air strike on the southern suburb of Lebanon's capital Beirut, killing at least 14 people with another 66 wounded, including five children, said Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health on Friday. Lebanese group Hezbollah's senior commander Ibrahim Aqil was also downed in the attack, the group has confirmed, Al Jazeera reported on Friday. Multiple aerial bombs exploded around the camp of China's 22nd batch of peacekeeping troops in Lebanon on Thursday. The shockwaves and debris from the explosions damaged some facilities in the camp, but fortunately no one was injured, China Central Television reported on Saturday. The troops were in the midst of their daily peak physical training at the time of the explosions, and the bombing took place just 730 meters away from the camp, the report said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xem them ... Tin bai cuoi cung Khong con du lieu e load Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari- September 21, 2024 IDF Press Release September 21, 2024 21.09.24 IDF Good week, In the past hour, we have been striking extensively in southern Lebanon, following detection of Hezbollah preparing to fire toward Israeli territory. Dozens of Israeli Air Force aircraft are currently striking terrorist targets and rocket launchers to remove the threat to Israeli civilians. We are methodically targeting and degrading Hezbollah's launching capabilities, eliminating commanders and terrorists, as we did throughout the day. Overall, today we struck approximately 400 Hezbollah launchers, including thousands of rocket launcher barrels. In accordance with the situational assessment and our operations, in the last few minutes, the Minister of Defense signed a special order for the home front. We are taking all necessary precautions, and this evening, we are updating the Home Front defensive guidelines from the Haifa area northwards to "Level 2." This means that from Haifa northwards, educational and work activities can continue in locations where it is possible to reach a protected space within the required time. Gatherings are permitted indoors for up to 300 people and outdoors for up to 30 people. Full instructions can be found on the Home Front Command website. If there are any further updates overnight or in the morning, we will notify immediately. Rockets and other threats may be launched toward Israeli territory in the near future. We ask you to strictly follow the Home Front Command's defensive guidelines. We are in the midst of a time of warfare, so it is important to remain vigilant and alert. I will update you immediately here and on official platforms regarding any changes to the defensive guidelines. Yesterday, in a targeted strike in Beirut, we eliminated Ibrahim Aqil, Head of Hezbollah's Operations Unit, along with 15 commanders of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Unit. They had gathered in the heart of the Dahieh neighborhood in Beirut, under the cover of the civilian population. They met to plan terror attacks and infiltrations into Israeli territory, but we knew where they were, and preempted them - eliminating them in a precise and powerful operation conducted by the Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Air Force. We are prepared for what's next and are in a very high state of readiness both offensively and defensively. IAF aircraft are armed and ready to strike anywhere, and our aerial defense systems are deployed and on high alert to intercept threats. In Gaza, we continue operating to dismantle Hamas' military wing. We have not forgotten, even for a moment, the hostages, and we are doing everything possible to bring them home. This evening, we updated the families of Hersh, Eden, Ori, Alex, Almog, and Carmel, may their memories be a blessing, that we eliminated two terrorists who had held them hostage in a tunnel in the Rafah area. The day after the hostages were murdered, troops from the 162nd Division identified two terrorists emerging from an underground tunnel shaft in the Tel al-Sultan area and eliminated them during an encounter. After investigating the findings from the tunnel and equipment on the terrorists, we found DNA evidence and several items belonging to the terrorists we eliminated. Based on the findings and the information available to us, these terrorists that were eliminated were the same terrorists who were in the tunnel where the bodies of the six hostages were discovered. The findings show they were there when they were murdered and we are investigating their involvement in the murder. Should we obtain further information, we will first update the families and then the public. We will pursue and reach everyone responsible for this heinous murder, and we will not stop until we reach them all. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Underground and in the heart of Hezbollah's stronghold in Beirut: The IDF eliminated the senior commanders of the Radwan Force in the Hezbollah terrorist organization IDF Press Release September 21, 2024 21.09.24 Last night (Friday), in a precise strike, IAF jets, guided by the Intelligence Directorate, targeted and eliminated Ibrahim Aqil, head of operations and commander of the Radwan Force of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, during a meeting with Radwan Force commanders in the Dahieh neighborhood of Beirut. As well as Aqil, 15 other Hezbollah terrorists were eliminated in the strike, including senior commanders in the Radwan Force chain of command. Among the terrorists eliminated, was Abu Hassan Samir, who served as the head of the Radwan Force training unit. He held various positions within the terrorist organization and was commander of the Radwan Force for a decade until early 2024. He was one of the planners and leaders of the "Conquer the Galilee" attack plan and was involved in advancing Hezbollah's entrenchment in southern Lebanon, while attempting to improve the organization's ground combat capabilities. Over the years, and during the first months of the war, he planned and executed numerous shooting attacks and infiltrations into Israeli territory. Commanders from the Radwan Force attack unit: Samer Abdul-Halim Halawi - Commander of the coastal area. Abbas Sami Maslamani - Commander of the Qana area. Abdullah Abbas Hajazi - Commander of the Ramim ridge area. Muhammed Ahmad Reda - Commander of the Al-Khiam area. Hassan Hussein Madi - Commander of the Mount Dov area. These commanders had been leading and planning the Radwan Force's attack and infiltration plan into Israeli territory for years, to be executed when given the order. Additionally, senior officials in the organization and within the Radwan Force headquarters were eliminated. Hassan Yussef Abad Alssatar - responsible for Radwan Force operations. He led and advanced all of the force's fire operations. Hussein Ahmad Dahraj - Chief of Staff of the Radwan Force. He was involved in the transfer of weapons and the strengthening of the organization. Aqil and the commanders eliminated in the strike were responsible for planning, advancing, and executing hundreds of terrorist operations against Israel, including the planning of Hezbollah's murderous scheme to raid the communities of the Galilee. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Hermes drone shot down over Lebanon IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 21, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- An Israeli Hermes drone has reportedly been shot down in skies over southern Lebanon. The Palestinian news agency Samaa stated that the drone was shot down off the coast of the town of Adloun, south of Sidon. Hezbollah had previously downed several Hermes 900 drones belonging to the Israeli regime, each valued at approximately $10 million. Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces have exchanged fire across the border in an almost daily basis since the war on Gaza began nearly a year ago. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah launches missile barrage in response to Israeli aggression IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 21, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah says it has conducted a new wave of missile attacks, firing 25 rockets into northern occupied Palestine in response to the Israeli army's aggression in southern Lebanon. Israeli Channel 14 reported that a building in the Birya area near Safed in northern occupied Palestine was directly hit during the strikes. Hezbollah announced that the attack targeted the main air defense command center of the Israeli Northern Command. Additionally, Hezbollah confirmed it struck the deployment center of the 631st reconnaissance battalion associated with the Golani Brigade at the Ramot Naftali military site using Katyusha rockets. Israeli media also reported renewed missile fire from Lebanon towards the occupied Golan Heights in Syria. Lebanese media indicated that this latest wave of Hezbollah attacks was a response to 70 airstrikes carried out by Israel on various areas in southern Lebanon. At least 31 people, including senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil, were martyred in an Israeli attack on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Desperate' Netanyahu dragging entire region into war: Iran FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 21, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to achieve any of his objectives in almost a year of genocide in Gaza and is now attempting to escalate the conflict across the entire region. "Nearly one year after the start of genocide, Netanyahu has not reached any of his goals and is now, out of desperation, seeking to drag the entire region into war," Araghchi said in a post published on the social media platform X on Saturday. Pointing to the recent Israeli attack in Dahieh, he said while the Israeli regime conceals its own losses, Hezbollah proudly honors the sacrifices of its martyrs. At least 31 people, including senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil, were martyred in an Israeli attack on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday. In a separate post on X, Araghchi quoted Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic, as saying, "Whenever a flag falls from the capable hands of a commander, another commander picks it up and comes to the field." 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns terrorist attacks of Zionist regime in Beirut IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 21, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani strongly condemned terrorist attack by the Zionist regime on a residential building in Beirut on Friday. Kanaani strongly condemned Friday's terrorist attack by the Zionist regime on a residential building in a densely-populated area in Beirut, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of many people, including ordinary citizens, women and children. "The brutal and malicious aerial attack of the Zionist regime on Beirut shortly after the brutal and terrorist act of this criminal regime in the mass killing of the Lebanese people by misusing the means of communication is a gross violation of the rules and regulations of international law, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity and national security of Lebanon. And it should be condemned by the international community in the strongest terms," he added. Kanani added that there is no doubt that the Zionist regime, contrary to the overwhelming majority of the governments and nations of the world on the necessity of establishing a ceasefire, seeks to intensify the tension and develop the geography of war and conflict in the region, and such a malicious policy is a clear and maximum threat to international peace and security. Kanaani voiced the firm support and solidarity of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the people, government and resistance of Lebanon, and emphasized that the government, people and resistance of Lebanon, despite the recent barbaric attacks by the Zionists, proved that they will not stop their honorable and honorable support for the defenseless and oppressed people of Palestine. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Death toll from Israeli strike in Lebanon's Beirut rises to 37: Health Ministry Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 6:35 PM The Lebanese Health Ministry says the death toll from an Israeli strike on a residential building in a densely populated area in Beirut has risen to 37. Health Minister Firass Abiad announced the latest update at a news conference on Saturday, saying three children aged four, six and 10 as well as seven women were among the victims of the Israeli terrorist attack in Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiyeh. He also noted that more than 60 people were wounded in the attack, adding that rescue efforts are continuing for 17 people who remain trapped under the rubble. On Friday, Israel carried out a terrorist attack on a residential building in a heavily populated area in Beirut during rush hour, which resulted in the killing of many people. The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah confirmed that one of its top commanders Ibrahim Aqil was killed in the Israeli attack. Hajj Aqil joined Hezbollah in the 1980s and was responsible for the resistance group's operations against Israel. He has replaced Fuad Shukr, who was assassinated in an Israeli-targeted killing attack against Beirut on July 30. Earlier in the day, Lebanese Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh denounced as a "war crime" Israel's attack in Beirut, stressing that the occupying regime is "dragging the region into a war". Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi also stated that Lebanon had entered a "decisive" phase after the attack, stressing that "everything must be done to prevent further violations of Lebanese territory and avoid further deterioration of the security situation." Friday's attack came after the explosion of wireless communication devices, known as pager pagers, across the country on Tuesday left at least a dozen dead and thousands injured. The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, whose members were among the casualties, blamed the unprecedented attacks on Israel. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip following a surprise operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group. The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its Gaza war, which has so far killed at least 41,390 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Hezbollah fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006, forcing a humiliating retreat upon the occupation's military on both occasions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Houthi: Yemeni forces will stand by Hezbollah resistance fighters in the fight against Israel Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 5:57 PM The leader of the Yemeni Ansarullah resistance movement says his country's armed forces will stand by the side of Lebanese Hezbollah resistance fighters in the fight against the occupying Israeli regime, stressing that last week's missile strike by Yemeni forces on an Israeli military target near Tel Aviv was 'influential.' "Our stance regarding continued support of Yemen for the resistance front remains solid and unshakable. We strive to provide the Palestinian nation with greater support. We stand by the side of all our Muslim brethren, Hezbollah resistance fighters as well as all freedom-loving people of the world," Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said in a televised speech broadcast live from the Yemeni capital Sana'a on Saturday afternoon. He added that the Yemeni missile attack that struck an Israeli military target near Tel Aviv on Saturday 15 was a major and influential operation that shook the Zionist enemy. The Yemeni ballistic missile evaded Israeli interception and defense systems. It was a great achievement in terms of the fifth phase of escalation in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, Houthi noted. He described the United States as the primary loser of the September 21 Revolution of 2014 against a Saudi-backed regime in Yemen, which removed it from power. "Yemenis could achieve key objectives as a result of the revolution, which were restoration of freedom and independence. The US, Israel and their allies have resorted to all forms of aggression against our nation in recent years. Aggression against Yemenis since the September 21 Revolution has been wide-ranging, with aggressors committing the most heinous crimes and fully besieging the nation," the Ansarullah chief pointed out. He noted that Washington sought to restore its control over Yemen through its mercenaries, stressing that the US and its regional pawns tried to occupy and exploit the country and deprive Yemenis of their rights; but they failed. The Ansarullah leader said, before the revolution, the US ambassador to Sana'a Matthew Tueller was the one who had the greatest influence in various official institutions and he was the first decision-maker. He said now, Yemenis do not have any will dictated to them, neither by the Americans, nor by the Israelis or their agents, and they enjoy freedom, independence, pride, and dignity. Houthi also reiterated Yemen's support for Palestinians in the face of the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. He said Yemen is seeking to further enhance support for Palestinians. The Ansarullah leader also pointed to agricultural developments in Yemen and said the country has achieved an export surplus in many crops. Earlier on Saturday, Yemeni Armed Forces staged a military parade at al-Sabeen Square in the capital Sana'a to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 21 Revolution and express solidarity with Palestinian and Lebanese nations amid Israeli atrocities. The forces, clad in the traditional Yemeni attire, marched past the podium while carrying copies of the Holy Qur'an, their weapons as well as Yemeni and Palestinian flags. They carried banners and signs affirming the Yemeni nation's firm support for the Palestinian resistance front. The Yemeni forces also chanted pro-Palestine slogans. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel attacks another school in Gaza, killing at least 22 people Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 2:36 PM Israel's military forces have once again attacked a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 22 people, according to health officials. Gaza's Government Media Office said in a Saturday statement that the regime's forces have committed a "horrific massacre" by bombing the Zeitoun School in the eastern part of Gaza City. It said that 13 children, six women, and a three-month-old baby were among the victims of the attack on the school. At least 30 people have also been wounded, including several who suffered severe burns, said the media office. The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, released a statement saying that the massacre has been carried out "under US cover." Hamas said the regime's "ongoing and unprecedented crimes," are being "supported by military and political cover from the US administration." "This puts the international conscience and the global system, with all its institutions, to an ethical, humanitarian, and legal test, challenging them to confront the Zionist occupation's aggression, halt its crimes, and hold its terrorist leaders accountable." The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) transformed its schools into emergency shelters for families forced to flee their homes in Gaza since Israel launched its genocidal war there almost one year ago. The vast majority of the Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the regime's savage offensive, which has so far killed over 41,390 Palestinians, according to latest figures released by the Health Ministry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Attacks on Lebanon show Israeli plan to expand war across region, says Turkish President Erdogan Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 2:16 PM Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly condemned the recent wave of deadly attacks caused by exploding pagers and walkie-talkies in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, stating that the detonations have proven Ankara's concerns about Israel's ambitions to extend conflict throughout West Asia. Speaking to the media in Istanbul on Saturday ahead of his departure to New York, where he will address the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Erdogan said that Israel is carrying out attacks like a terrorist group. "With this attack, Israel demonstrated it has no civilian sensitivities, it can use any means to achieve its hateful ambitions," he added. This assault also indicates that Israel is extending its attacks throughout Lebanon and the region, with the support of some Western countries, Erdogan noted. The region is now facing an "inexplicably huge crisis," the Turkish president stated. "For our region not to be dragged into a great disaster, the pressure on Israel must be increased even more," Erdogan said. He also called on the international community, especially Western states, to "stop watching Israel's heinous actions and take deterrent steps." "It is time for all countries with the mission of protecting world peace to come up with solutions that will stop Israel," Erdogan said. The Turkish president underlined that Israel's genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip will top the agenda of his speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. "In order to end this oppression that has been going on for almost a year, to establish a permanent ceasefire [in Gaza] and to ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid, all of us, the whole world and especially the UN, have important duties," he said. The death toll from the multiple blasts involving pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon now stands at 37. Twenty-five people were killed on Wednesday and 708 were injured while on Tuesday, 12 people were killed and 2,323 injured, according to the latest Health Ministry figures. The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, whose members were among the casualties, blamed the unprecedented attacks on Israel. Hezbollah also pledged to retaliate against Israel following the terrorist attacks. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have incrementally escalated since the occupying regime launched a ruinous war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip in October last year, which has claimed upwards of 42,200 innocent lives, most of them women and children. The two sides have on a near-daily basis exchanged heavy fire resulting in the loss of more than 600 lives on the Lebanese side. Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the deadly wireless device explosions by Israel amount to a declaration of war on Lebanon, vowing a harsh response to the regime. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Israel to pay price for assassinating top Hezbollah commander': Hamas Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 2:09 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has denounced as "a foolish act" the Israeli regime's assassination of a top Hezbollah commander in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, warning that Tel Aviv will pay the price for the crime. Hamas made the remarks in a statement on Saturday, a day after the Lebanese resistance Hezbollah announced the assassination of top-ranking commander Ibrahim Aqil in an Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs. "We affirm that this crime committed by the occupation is a foolish act for which it will pay a heavy price, and that the blood of the martyr, the leader Ibrahim Aqil, along with the blood of the martyrs of our people and our Islamic nation, shed on the path to al-Quds, will be the flames that engulf this artificial entity," it said. The resistance group went on to say that this crime committed by the Israeli regime would be "a major step toward the removal of the occupation from Palestine and its eradication from the region." Hamas further noted that the killing of Hezbollah leader Aqil reaffirms the unity between the two groups and their shared fate and path. It also thanked the Lebanese resistance group for its ongoing support to the Palestinian people, who are subjected to brutal genocide by Israel, while extending condolences over the martyrdom of Hezbollah's senior commander Aqil. On Friday, Israel carried out a terrorist attack on a residential building in a densely populated area in Beirut, which resulted in the killing of many people, including women and children. Hezbollah confirmed that one of its top commanders Ibrahim Aqil was killed in the Israeli attack. Hajj Aqil joined Hezbollah in the 1980s and was responsible for the resistance group's operations against Israel. He has replaced Fuad Shukr, who was assassinated in an Israeli-targeted killing attack against Beirut on July 30. Meanwhile, Lebanese Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh has condemned Israel's latest attack in Beirut, stressing that the occupying regime is "dragging the region into a war". He also stated that the strike constituted a war crime, adding that it was an attack on the "laws that govern the international community". The Israeli regime has intensified its attacks on Lebanon, mostly its southern areas, since October 7, when it launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. Hezbollah has been responding with hundreds of retaliatory strikes both in support of the war-hit Gazans and in response to the Israeli escalation against Lebanon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM warns of desperate Israeli PM's plot to drag entire region into war Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 2:06 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to achieve any of his objectives in almost a year of its genocidal war in Gaza and is now trying to escalate tensions across the entire region. "Almost a year into his genocide, Netanyahu has achieved none of his aims, desperate to drag the region into war," Araghchi said in a post on his X account on Saturday. Araghchi also attached a picture of 12 members of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, who were killed in an Israeli air attack in Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday, and said Hezbollah proudly honors the sacrifices of its martyrs. "While the Israeli regime hides its losses, Hezbollah honors martyrs by showing their sacrifices for us allinspiring countless more to dedicate themselves to their noble goals," the top Iranian diplomat pointed out. At least 37 people, including three children and seven women, were killed and 68 people injured in an Israeli strike that wrecked two buildings in the Lebanese capital's Dahiyeh district during rush hour on Friday. Hezbollah confirmed that two of its top commanders, Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmad Mahmoud Wahabi, along with 12 other members, were killed in the strike. Speaking upon arrival in New York to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday night, Araghchi said Israel will not achieve its objective of inflaming the region to extricate itself from the Gaza quagmire, stressing, however, that the regime will get a response to its atrocities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's FM: Israel will fail to escalate tensions, but will get response to crimes Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 11:22 AM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Israel will not achieve its objective of inflaming the region to extricate itself from the Gaza quagmire, stressing, however, that the regime will get a response to its atrocities. He made the remarks on Friday night upon arrival in New York, where he is expected to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Speaking to reporters, Araghchi said that Israel's recent terrorist crimes in Lebanon, including the assassination of a top-ranking commander of the Hezbollah resistance movement, shows that the regime is desperately scrambling to drag the entire region into the dangerous deadlock that it has got itself caught in. "In my opinion, the Zionist regime has not reached any of its goals ... after a year of brutal war and killing of people in Gaza. This has put the regime in a dangerous position ready to commit any crime and inflame the region in order to save itself," he added. "The countries of the region and the Islamic Republic of Iran have always dealt with these issues with vigilance... The Israeli regime will definitely not achieve its objectives of escalating tensions and war, but it will get a response to its crimes." Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil was among 14 killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs of Dahiyeh on Friday. The terrorist attack came after the explosion of thousands of booby-trapped devices killed 42 people and left nearly 3,500 others injured across Lebanon. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel, which is also waging a genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip. Araghchi said Hezbollah will make its own decision and will show appropriate reactions to Israel's terrorist acts. He also emphasized that Israel's July 31 assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas resistance group, in the Iranian capital Tehran, will not go unanswered. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sri Lankans vote in presidential election amid fury over IMF plan Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 6:30 AM Voters have taken to thousands of polls across the island country to participate in Sri Lanka's presidential election. Over 17 million voters have the chance on Saturday to choose a desired president from among a record 38 presidential candidates. The South Asian country was hit by an economic crisis that saw it default on its international loans in 2022. The election serves as a referendum on the unpopular austerity plan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Shortages of food and fuel then led to protests forcing President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country in July that year. All of the 38 presidential candidates taking part in the crucial contest are focused on rebuilding the country's ailing economy. However, only three of the presidential candidates are seen as serious contenders. First is the incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe,75, who took over from Rajapaksa. He has been making efforts to turn the economy around. After him, there is the opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, 57. He is the son of Ranasinghe Premadasa, who was the president of Sri Lanka from 1989 to 1993. Leftist Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 55, is the third serious contender. The current MP is the man who leads the party that launched two uprisings against the state in the 1970s and 80s. Dissanayake has promised tough anti-corruption measures and bigger welfare schemes for the poor. Early opinion polls claimed Dissanayake, popularly known as AKD, was leading in voting preferences at 36 percent, followed by Premadasa, as Wickremesinghe stands in third place. In Sri Lanka, the election system allows voters to cast three preferential votes for their chosen candidates, with the candidate securing 50 percent of the votes or more to be declared winner. If no candidate secures a majority in the first round, then preferential votes are tallied for the top two candidates to determine the winner. A good turnout is expected, in line with Sri Lanka's record of high voter participation in every general election. The last presidential election in 2019 saw a voter turnout of 83.72 percent. Voting, which started at 7 am local time, will continue until 4 pm. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran says to respond to Israeli attack on ambassador to Beirut Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 5:52 AM Iran has condemned Israel's attacks in Lebanon where the explosion of thousands of booby-trapped devices killed dozens of people and left nearly 3,000 others injured, including the Islamic Republic's ambassador to Beirut. "The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns in the strongest terms these horrible and barbaric attacks," Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the Security Council meeting in New York. "We will rigorously pursue accountability for the attack on our ambassador in Lebanon. We reserve our right under international law to take all necessary measures to respond to this egregious violation," he said. Iravani said the attack on Iran's Ambassador Mojtaba Amani is a blatant violation of international law and diplomatic norms. "The Israeli terrorist attack has flagrantly violated 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." Iravani said reports suggest that Israel intended to kill at least 5,000 civilians, targeting thousands of people across various age groups in densely populated areas of Beirut whether in their homes, streets, workplaces, or shopping centers. "These widespread and systematic crimes, aimed at mass killings, severe suffering, and serious injury to civilians, constitute crimes against humanity," he said. "The Israeli barbaric attack has left Lebanon hospitals and medical staff in an unprecedented state of emergency and attacks have sparked widespread fear and panic across Lebanon." Iravani said the repercussions of this attack extend far beyond Lebanon's borders. "The targeting of communication devices in the heart of Beirut sends a clear message to the international community: Israel is willing to commit any crime, no matter how extreme, to violate and attack the sovereignty and security of countries in the region and threaten regional and international peace and security." The Iranian diplomat also regretted the UN Security Council's failure to perform its duty to maintain international peace and security, stating that Israel's malevolent activities are often overlooked or outright supported by certain Western nations. He said the unwavering political, military, and economic support provided to Israel by the United States, and United Kingdom emboldens the Israeli regime to continue its violations without fear of accountability. "This unconditional support, coupled with the deliberate blocking of any international effort to hold Israel responsible, has created an environment of impunity. The international community must not ignore the role that the Western countries, in particular the United States play in enabling Israel's aggression." Iravani said the gravity of Israel's atrocious against the people of Lebanon must be recognized, not just as an attack on Lebanon, but as a threat to peace and security across the region. Explosions targeted pagers and other communication devices across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing more than 30 people, including children, and wounding some 3,500 others. The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, whose members were among the casualties, blamed the unprecedented attacks on Israel. Hezbollah also pledged to retaliate against Israel following the terrorist attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns Israel's latest terrorist strike in Lebanon Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 2:50 AM Iran has strongly condemned Israel's latest terrorist attack on a residential building in a densely populated area in Beirut, which resulted in the killing and wounding of many people, including women and children. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said on Friday that the brutal air attack of the Zionist regime on Beirut is a gross violation of international law and the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also called on the international community to condemn it in the strongest terms. Kan'ani added that there is no doubt that the Zionist regime is seeking to intensify and expand war and conflict in the region. He called it a malicious policy which is a clear and maximum threat to international peace and security. The spokesman reiterated the firm support and solidarity of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the nation, government and resistance movements of Lebanon. "Despite the recent barbaric attacks of the Zionists, the government, people and resistance of Lebanon, have not stopped their honorable support for the defenseless and oppressed people of Palestine," Kan'ani said. He expressed hope that the countries and governments that support international peace and security will use the opportunity to sit in front of the United Nations General Assembly and "take decisive measures to stop the Zionist regime's mass killing machine against the oppressed Palestinian nation and other countries in the region including Lebanon and Syria." The death toll from Israel's airstrike on southern Beirut rose to 14, including children. Hezbollah confirmed that one of its top commanders Ibrahim Aqil was killed in the Israeli attack. According to Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA), five children were among the fatalities. Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network said a drone fired several missiles against Beirut's heavily populated Dahiyeh suburb. The NNA, meanwhile, said an F35 jet targeted residential areas with two strikes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top Yemeni official to US, Israel: 'Coming days are full of surprises' Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 1:49 AM A top Yemeni official has told the United States and Israel that the "coming days are full of surprises." On Friday, the head of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, Field Marshal Mahdi Mohammad Al-Mashat, congratulated the Rocketry Forces on their success in striking a military target in Tel Aviv with the Palestine 2 hypersonic missile. Al-Mashat noted that the missile bypassed and penetrated all layers of American, British, and Israeli defense systems. He affirmed that "the coming days are full of surprises." "Our operations will continue as long as the aggression and siege on Gaza persist," he said. Al-Mashat also reiterated Yemen's unwavering and principled stance in support of the oppressed Palestinian people until the occupied land is liberated from Israeli occupation. "No power in the world will deter us from this decision, regardless of the cost or the challenges," he added. Al-Mashat made the remarks during a speech marking the 10th anniversary of the glorious September 21 revolution against a Saudi-backed regime in the country and its removal from power. In 2014, the people of Yemen led a popular uprising against the Saudi-backed unpopular regime of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. As protests gripped the country, the Ansarallah resistance movement on September 21 took control of the capital Sana'a following a rapid advance south from their northern stronghold of Sa'ada. The massively popular protests were against the incompetent and corrupt regime in Sana'a backed by Riyadh. Al-Mashat emphasized Yemen's full commitment to achieving a just and honorable peace. He called on leadership of aggressive countries to stop this senseless war, as it has become clear that its objectives cannot be achieved. "The only solution is to approach peace with sincere intentions, lift the siege, and meet the requirements for peace, which include paying the salaries of Yemenis from their national resources, fully opening Yemen's airports and ports, releasing all prisoners, compensating for damages, and the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces," he said. Al-Mashat warned against the risks of maintaining a state of neither war nor peace, while prolonging hostilities against the Yemeni people, tightening the siege, and starving them by obstructing salary payments. He announced that the major central event usually held in Sana'a to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 21 Revolution has been canceled in solidarity with what is happening to their brothers in Gaza. He explained that "From its very inception, the September 21 Revolution prioritized the Palestinian cause as its central issue and the greatest injustice, from which all other injustices in our region and the Islamic world stem." "The revolution has maintained its principled and religious stance of standing with the Palestinian people, solidified by blood and enduring positions," he added. "It has prevented Israeli navigation through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean, and has mobilized all its resources in support of the Palestinian people, in solidarity with our brothers in Palestine and Gaza," he stated. "Without this revolution, normalization with the Israeli enemy entity would have been declared from Yemen, in compliance with American directives," he noted. Al-Mashat affirmed that the revolution "halted the collapse of the country's overall situation, thwarted the project of dividing and disintegrating Yemen's unity, and dismantling its national state." "It put an end to foreign interference in Yemen's internal affairs, restored national sovereignty, and freed national decision-making from the control of foreign powers that were allied with and protecting corrupt and criminal forces." Al-Mashat noted that the September 21 revolution emerged after decades of betrayal and dependency, during which national decisions were handed over to foreign powers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vietnam releases 2 political prisoners ahead of leader To Lam's US trip Environmental activist Hoang Thi Minh Hong was serving a 3-year sentence, Tran Huynh Duy Thuc 16 years. By RFA Vietnamese 2024.09.21 -- Vietnam has released two prominent political prisoners, a day before its top leader To Lam headed to the United States to speak before the United Nations General Assembly. Climate campaigner Hoang Thi Minh Hong, was sentenced to three years in prison last September for tax evasion. She was freed on Friday from a prison in Gia Lai province, her husband told the AFP news agency. "She took a bus home, it took her 12 hours to reach Ho Chi Minh City and I picked her up from the bus station at 5:00 am this morning," Hoang Vinh Nam told the news agency. "It's just amazing. She's good, she's healthy and she's the same person she was when she went in." Hong, 52, founded the non-profit CHANGE VN, which campaigned to raise environmental awareness. She shut it down in October last year after the arrest of several environmental activists. Prosecutors accused her of dodging US$274,000 in taxes, which she was ordered to pay back, along with a fine of $4,000. Authorities also released Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, eight months before the end of his16-year sentence, his brother Tran Huynh Duy Tan told Radio Free Asia. "There is nothing more joyful than this, waiting every day, every minute, every second," Tan said. "There is nothing more to say, this moment has been very much awaited." Tan added that his whole family had gathered at Thuc's house to welcome him home. Thuc, 57, is the co-founder of human rights group Vietnam Path. He was arrested in 2009 and sentenced the following year for "activities aimed at overthrowing the people's government," in connection with his online articles criticizing Vietnam's one-party state. "I was very surprised and also very happy when Thuc was released a few months early, before the end of the 16-year term," said former political prisoner Nguyen Tien Trung, who fled to Germany to avoid possible re-arrest. "However, for me, Mr Thuc's sentence is completely unjust and the 16-year sentence is incorrect, completely wrong by the Vietnamese government." Trung told RFA Vietnamese that Thuc's release comes at a time when the government is clamping down hard on the democracy movement. "Most of the prominent democracy activists had to leave or were arrested," Trung said. "This means that Thuc will face many difficulties when he gets home and there may be very few people left by his side to continue the fight." There was no announcement from the government as to why the two were released but it came one day before Communist Party General Secretary To Lam boarded a flight from Hanoi to New York where he is due to speak at a UN Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Vietnamese media reported. In January 2023, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan group of U.S. Congress members, called on Vietnam to release Thuc "immediately and without condition." And in September last year, the U.S. State Department reacted to news of Hong's sentencing by calling for the release of the environmental activist and other political prisoners. "NGO leaders like Hoang Thi Minh Hong play a vital role in tackling global challenges, proposing sustainable solutions in the global fight against the climate crisis, and combating wildlife and timber trafficking," the State Department said. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hungarian Intelligence Denies Local Firms Played Part in Lebanese Pager Explosion Sputnik News 20240921 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - None of Hungarian firms or experts played a role in the production or modification of pagers that exploded in Lebanon, Hungary's Constitution Protection Office, the civilian domestic intelligence agency, said on Saturday. Taiwanese pager-maker Gold Apollo said on Friday that the exploded pagers had been produced by Budapest-based BAC Consulting KFT under Gold Apollo's license. "We constantly update international organizations and the National Security Commission of the Hungarian parliament on investigation results. The probe has clearly established that so-called pagers have never entered the Hungarian territory and that no Hungarian company or specialist have been involved in their production or modification," the office said in a statement. On September 17 and 18, pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in parts of Lebanon. According to the country's health ministry, 37 people were killed and more than 3,000 injured. Hezbollah and the Lebanese authorities blamed Israel for the attack. Israeli authorities have neither confirmed nor denied their involvement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Military Striking Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon Sputnik News 20240921 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday it was striking assets belonging to Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah. "The IDF is currently striking targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon," the IDF wrote on Telegram. On Friday, at least 31 people died in an Israeli airstrike on a southern suburb of the Lebanese capital city of Beirut, acting Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abyad said. There were three children and seven women among those killed. Another 68 people were injured. On September 17 and 18, pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in parts of Lebanon. According to the country's health ministry, 37 people were killed and more than 3,000 injured. Hezbollah and the Lebanese authorities blamed Israel for the attack. Israeli authorities have neither confirmed nor denied their involvement. Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have escalated after Israel started a military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The Israeli military and Hezbollah have been exchanging cross-border fire almost daily. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address People check the damage following an Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs on September 20, 2024. The Israeli military announced that the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit, Ibrahim Aqil, and other senior figures of the Lebanese armed group had been killed in the air strike. [Agencies] The resumption of cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah after pager and walkie-talkie explosions that have already killed at least 37 and injured more than 3,000 people in Lebanon may trigger a war between the two sides. This may be what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gambling on in order to prolong his stay in power. Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in the evacuation of about 6,000 Israeli residents from the northern part of Israel. When they will be able to return to their homes remains a question, although the Israeli government has set their returning to their homes one of the objectives of its military action. But the pager explosions and the air strikes that followed against Hezbollah have only escalated tensions in the border areas with Lebanon, which has made it even more unlikely the displaced residents will be able to return to their homes anytime soon. What Israel has done in Gaza and its repeated attacks on Hezbollah targets as well as its military actions in the West Bank have created a vicious cycle. The more actions it takes, the deeper Israel becomes mired in conflict with various military organizations around itself. The irony is the more intent the Netanyahu government is on military action, the more it is undermining the security of Israel. Israel could have made concessions in talks with Hamas that would have realized a cease-fire and helped promote the negotiated return of the hostages held by Hamas, but it did not. Netanyahu's insistence on continuing Israel's military action has only resulted in the prolonged conflicts both in Gaza and Lebanon. Israel's military carried out raids and air strikes in multiple parts of the occupied West Bank in late August, which means military conflicts between Israel and Hamas as well as other Palestinian organizations will continue. Netanyahu is trying to prolong his own political life at the expense of not only tens of thousands of innocent lives, but also at the cost of regional peace as well as the future of Israel. It is not difficult to conclude that an end to the current conflict could easily result in the Israeli prime minister being swept away from office especially once investigations are concluded into how Israel ignored evidence of the Oct 7 attack by Hamas in 2023 that killed about 1,200 Israelis, and how slowly Israel's defense forces responded. And while Israel had the sympathy of the international community on its side after Hamas' attack on Oct 7, it has now lost the support of most countries because of its brutal persecution of the Palestinians and its reckless broadening of its war aims. The Netanyahu government has turned a blind eye to the fact that tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives in Gaza as a result of the military action it has launched and many more are struggling to survive amid the worsening humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. The pager explosions in Lebanon last week have reinforced the image of the Netanyahu government being beyond all restraint. Yet in terms of military resources, Israel has been overstretching itself and it is reliant on the support of the United States. The only way to stop the vicious cycle of violence Netanyahu is so single-mindedly fixated on is for the US to unequivocally and unconditionally stop speculating on his monomania by enabling it. The International Court of Justice has made it clear that Israel's actions violate international law. It is therefore not an option but a legal obligation for Israel to cease those actions and for the US to stop being complicit in them. "Pressure on Israel must be increased to prevent our region from being dragged into a massive catastrophe" Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey 21.09.2024 Holding a press conference before departing for the U.S. to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Erdogan said: "Pressure on Israel must be increased further to prevent our region from being dragged into a massive catastrophe." President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a press conference at the State Guesthouse of Ataturk Airport in Istanbul before leaving for the U.S. to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Noting that he will soon depart for New York, President Erdogan stated that over 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend this year's United Nations General Assembly debates. Pointing out that an intensive traffic of meetings and talks will take place in the U.S., President Erdogan highlighted the Summit of the Future, to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General, as the most critical event of the General Assembly this year. Noting that he will address the summit on September 23, President Erdogan said: "I will once again draw attention to the need for reform of the global governance mechanism, especially the UN Security Council and the international financial architecture. I will highlight Turkiye's contributions and support for efforts in this direction. This year's General Assembly debate will take place under the theme of leaving no one behind. I will address the UN General Assembly on the first day of the talks, Tuesday, September 24. We will inshallah share there our opinions regarding issues that are on the agenda of our region and the humanity. I will specifically touch on the joint steps that can be taken against the genocide in Gaza and Israel's aggressive policies." "UNITED NATIONS HAS IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES TO ESTABLISH PERMANENT CEASEFIRE" Warning that the approaching winter season would further aggravate the hardships currently experienced by the Gazans, President Erdogan pointed out that the situation on the ground is further deteriorating because of hunger, lack of water, and shortages of basic foods and medical equipment. Underscoring that the Israeli government has been massacring the nearly 2 million people in Gaza, which it has turned into a kind of Nazi extermination camp, either with bombs or with hunger and lack of water, President Erdogan said: "We, the entire world, and particularly the United Nations, have important responsibilities to stop this oppression, which has been going on for nearly a year, as well as to establish permanent ceasefire and ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid. We will remind our counterparts of these during our visit. I have been saying since the beginning that Gaza is not Israel's sole target. The recent attacks on Lebanon have proven our concerns about the Israeli government's plans to spread the war to the region to be true. Netanyahu and his network resort to all kinds of provocations and incitement to implement their radical Zionist ideology. The escalating attacks and harassments against al-Aqsa Mosque, our first qiblah, are also a part of the same dirty scenario." President Erdogan continued as follows: As Turkiye, we have repeatedly expressed the level of our sensitivity on this issue. Our position is the same today as well. Pressure on Israel must be increased further to prevent our region from being dragged into a massive catastrophe. On the margins of the General Assembly, I will hold talks with my counterparts from many countries, including with the UN Secretary-General, at the Turkish House. Besides these bilateral talks, I will maintain my talks with the heads of government and government representatives who have asked us for rendezvous. During the visit, we will also come together with our citizens living in the U.S. We will have meetings with think-tank representatives and the leading members of the U.S. business community. I wish our visit and the talks we will hold may lead to favorable developments for our country, our nation, and for the entire humanity." "ISRAEL HAS BEEN CONDUCTING ATTACKS LIKE A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION" Following the press conference, President Erdogan answered reporters' questions. Asked about Israel's pager attacks in Lebanon, President Erdogan said: "Israel, yet again unfortunately, has been conducting attacks not like a state but like a terrorist organization. It is a clear indication of this that it has now launched these cyber attacks. With this attack, Israel demonstrated that it has no regard for civilian sensitivities and will use any means to achieve its hateful objectives. Another meaning of this attack is that Israel, backed by some western countries despite our warnings, is spreading the conflicts to Lebanon and to the region in its entirety." "IT IS HIGH TIME FOR ALL COUNTRIES THAT HAVE A MISSION OF PROTECTING THE PEACE IN THE WORLD TO PUT FORWARD SOLUTIONS TO STOP ISRAEL" Stressing that the region is now facing an inexplicably huge crisis, President Erdogan stated: "The international community, especially Western countries, should stop watching Israel's brutal actions and take deterrent steps. It is high time for all countries that have a mission of protecting the peace in the world to put forward solutions to stop Israel. The humanity doesn't have one single day left to waste. On the other hand, the attack that took place in Lebanon attests to the importance of national technologies not only in defense industry but also in a much larger framework. In the face of these developments, we, for our part, have of course taken remarkable measures and mobilized all our resources." "WE WILL EXPRESS IN A CLEAR MANNER THAT THE TENSION IN SYRIA MUST STOP" Asked whether a meeting with Syria should be expected soon, President Erdogan stated: "The Turkish House will this time be home to very distinctive talks and contacts. We will turn the Turkish House into a center where we take steps for meetings with leaders from various countries." Underscoring that he in the U.S. will express in a clear manner the tension in Syria must be brought to an end and that Israel is wreaking terror state, President Erdogan said: "This is no longer a simple, an ordinary terror, but rather a state terror. We have said this repeatedly so far. However, some others, particularly Western countries, persist in not understanding this. Yet, we, for our part, will persist in saying this and I will inshallah highlight this in my speech at the UN. There are steps that Turkiye and Syria can take jointly to end this tension and to establish peace and stability all over the Syrian territories. We see that there has been a period of non-conflict between the Damascus government and the opposition for some time now in Syria. This situation provides a favorable environment to open an effective door toward a lasting solution. Millions of people outside Syria are waiting to return home. We have made our call on this issue. We have also demonstrated our will to meet with Bashar Assad to normalize relations between Turkiye and Syria. Now we are waiting for a response from the other side. We are ready for this. As two countries with Muslim populations, we want to achieve this unity as soon as possible. I believe a new period in the relations between the two countries may inshallah start following such a meeting." Asked if a tete-a-tete is planned with President Joe Biden of the U.S., President Erdogan stated that the main agenda item in New York will be the United Nations General Assembly and the talks to be held on its margins, and added: "Yet, Biden or other surprise meetings, where and how they will take place, we will discuss all of this with the developments there. We will have an intensive traffic of meetings both at the Turkish House and the United Nations headquarters. Within this traffic, there is not a planned bilateral meeting with Mr. Biden yet. However, we may inshallah come together on various occasions." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the situation in El Fasher, North Darfur United Nations Secretary-General New York 21 September 2024 Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General New York, The Secretary-General is gravely alarmed by reports of a full-scale assault on El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He calls on Lt. General Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo to act responsibly and immediately order a halt to the RSF attack. It is unconscionable that the warring parties have repeatedly ignored calls for a cessation of hostilities. Any further escalation will also threaten to spread the conflict along intercommunal lines throughout Darfur. The Secretary-General underscores that a ceasefire is not only necessary, but is an urgent imperative, both in El Fasher and across all other conflict zones in Sudan. The humanitarian situation in this area is already catastrophic, with hundreds of thousands of people in acute need. The parties to the conflict have clear obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, and attacks must not be directed against them or civilian infrastructure and constant care must be taken to spare them. The Secretary-General recalls that his Special Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, continues his efforts to advance peace. He stands ready to support genuine efforts to halt this violence and move toward peace. Humanitarian organizations also stand ready to rapidly scale up assistance in El Fasher and other areas of need across Sudan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Quad' leaders move to create 'free and secure' Indo-Pacific at summit By Anita Powell September 21, 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday hosted the leaders of Australia, India and Japan at his private home in the U.S. state of Delaware for his final convening of the Quad, a strategic security grouping focused on the Indo-Pacific. But it was Biden's comments, unintentionally heard by the press, that illuminated the main topic at this unusually private meeting -- and that topic was China. Biden said his administration reads Beijing's recent actions, including flexing its territorial muscles, as a "change in tactic, not a change in strategy." "We believe [Chinese President] Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimize the turbulence in China's diplomatic relationships, and he's also looking to buy himself some diplomatic space, in my view, to aggressively pursue China's interests," Biden told the other three leaders in what he said were prepared remarks. "China continues to behave aggressively, testing this all across the region, and it's true in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, South China, South Asia and the Taiwan Straits. It's true across the scope of our relationship, including in economic and technology issues," he added. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including territory claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. It also claims territories in the East China Sea contested by Japan and Taiwan. It views democratically governed Taiwan as part of China. Publicly, Biden's message was shorter, simpler - "The Quad is here to stay." Those six words were also the final sentence of a lengthy joint statement from Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The group issued their nearly 5,700-word missive after a day of meetings so cloistered that the president of the White House Correspondents' Association called the lack of access "unacceptable." In their statement, the quartet announced moves they say will boost cooperation among the four democracies and address concerns beyond their borders in the massive region, home to more than half of the world's population and two-thirds of its economy. While they used the word "China" sparingly - only three times, and all three times in reference to the South China Sea - they made very clear how their stance differs from Beijing's. "As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity," they said. "We strongly oppose any destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We condemn recent illicit missile launches in the region that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. We express serious concern over recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominated one where all countries are free from coercion and can exercise their agency to determine their futures." China has previously called out the Quad for its thinly veiled criticisms of China, with a Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson in July comparing the grouping to "exclusive clubs that undermine trust and cooperation among regional countries." Biden spoke briefly to tout the major steps, including one that aims to strengthen maritime security, and that will inevitably affect China's maritime presence in others' waters. "We're announcing a series of initiatives to deliver real, positive impact for the Indo-Pacific that includes providing new maritime technologies to our regional partners, so they know what's happening in their waters, launching cooperation between coast guards for the first time, and expanding the Quad fellowship to include students from Southeast Asia," Biden said. That includes, the leaders' statement said, a 2025 joint mission by the four nations' coast guards. That step is also something that Japanese officials presented as a big summit takeaway when briefing reporters earlier in the day. Earlier in the week, when a top U.S. officials previewed the summit, he said the aim is to counter illegal fishing - adding, tellingly, that the vast majority of illegal fishing vessels are Chinese. VOA asked the Japanese officials about a point of contention between Washington and Tokyo: Biden's opposition, on national security grounds, to a proposed takeover of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel. Biden administration officials appeared to play down the matter, noting that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States recently extended its review into the deal, pushing any decision past November. "The president will obviously allow that process to run its course because that's what's required from the law, and then we will see what happens," Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, told reporters Saturday. The American steel company is headquartered in Pennsylvania, an electorally critical state in the fast-approaching U.S. presidential election. VOA asked the Japanese government to share Toyko's position on the politically sensitive merger. Japanese officials would not say whether Biden and Kishida even planned to speak on this topic in any of their meetings. "As a government we refrain from commenting on that," replied a Foreign Affairs Ministry official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. The official quickly added that Japan is the No. 1 investor in the U.S., and that Tokyo hopes the countries' cooperation will continue. Australia's leader said it matters that the four "like-minded countries," all democracies, work together. "We assert the view that national sovereignty is important, that security and stability is something that we strive for, as well as shared prosperity in our region," Albanese said. Analysts had predicted China discussion would dominate behind the scenes, but the leaders would refrain from publicly poking Beijing. "That doesn't show up in the readouts," Rafiq Dossani, a longtime Asia scholar, told VOA ahead of the summit. The four leaders began to meet yearly, in person, under Biden's presidency. Much of their effort, said analyst Kathryn Paik of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, is directed at bread-and-butter governance issues such as health, infrastructure, maritime security and resources, and people-to-people ties. "This is certainly not a Contain-China club," she told VOA. But, said Dossani, who is a senior economist at the Rand research corporation and a professor of policy analysis, there is room for the Quad to evolve. "The question is as the competition, or the rivalry, between China and the U.S. evolves, how will that at that time affect the deliberations?" he said. "As the Chinese economy recovers and they become more assertive, then you'll see a different context for the dialogue." In the present, though, Biden sees this dialogue among the four leaders as important to his legacy, Paik said. "It was a central piece to the Indo-Pacific strategy, and elevating the Quad to the leader level has been a significant piece of that strategy," she said. "Just the fact that the Quad has met annually at the leader level every year of Biden's administration is quite significant." VOA's Celia Mendoza in Wilmington, Delaware, and Paris Huang and Kim Lewis, in Washington, contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Wilmington Declaration Joint Statement from the Leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States September 21, 2024 Today, wePrime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United Statesmet for the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. Four years since elevating the Quad to a leader-level format, the Quad is more strategically aligned than ever before and is a force for good that delivers real, positive, and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific. We celebrate the fact that over just four years, Quad countries have built a vital and enduring regional grouping that will buttress the Indo-Pacific for decades to come. Anchored by shared values, we seek to uphold the international order based on the rule of law. Together we represent nearly two billion people and over one-third of global gross domestic product. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. Through our cooperation, the Quad is harnessing all of our collective strengths and resources, from governments to the private sector to people-to-people relationships, to support the region's sustainable development, stability, and prosperity by delivering tangible benefits to the people of the Indo-Pacific. As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity. We strongly oppose any destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We condemn recent illicit missile launches in the region that violate UN Security Council resolutions. We express serious concern over recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominatedone where all countries are free from coercion, and can exercise their agency to determine their futures. We are united in our commitment to upholding a stable and open international system, with its strong support for human rights, the principle of freedom, 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 international law, including the UN Charter. Reflecting the Vision Statement issued by Leaders at the 2023 Quad Summit, we are and will continue to be transparent in what we do. Respect for the leadership of regional institutions, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), is and will remain at the center of the Quad's efforts. A Global Force for Good Health Security The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the world how important health security is to our societies, our economies, and the stability of our region. In 2021 and 2022, the Quad came together to deliver more than 400 million safe and effective COVID-19 doses to Indo-Pacific countries and almost 800 million vaccines globally, and provided $5.6 billion to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment for vaccine supply to low and middle-income countries. In 2023, we announced the Quad Health Security Partnership, through which the Quad continues to deliver for partners across the region, including through the delivery of pandemic preparedness training. In response to the current clade I mpox outbreak, as well as the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak, we plan to coordinate our efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries. Today we are proud to announce the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region. Building on the Quad's successful partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, our collective investments to address cancer in the region, our scientific and medical capabilities, and contributions from our private and non-profit sectors, we will collaborate with partner nations to reduce the burden of cancer in the region. The Quad Cancer Moonshot will focus initially on combatting cervical cancera preventable cancer that continues to claim too many livesin the Indo-Pacific region, while laying the groundwork to address other forms of cancer as well. The United States intends to support this initiative, including through U.S. Navy medical trainings and professional exchanges around cervical cancer prevention in the region starting in 2025, and through U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) openness to finance eligible private sector-driven projects to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, including cervical cancer. Australia is announcing the expansion of the Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer Program (EPICC) with support of the Australian Government and the Minderoo Foundation to AUD 29.6 million, to cover up to eleven countries in the Indo-Pacific in helping advance the elimination of cervical cancer and support complementary initiatives focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. India commits to providing HPV sampling kits, detection kits, and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. India, through its $10 million commitment to the WHO's Global Initiative on Digital Health, will offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region for the adoption and deployment of its Digital Public Infrastructure that helps in cancer screening and care. Japan is providing medical equipment, including CT and MRI scanners, and other assistance worth approximately $27 million, including in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, and is contributing to international organizations such as the Gavi Vaccine Alliance. Quad partners also intend to work, within respective national contexts, to collaborate in advancing research and development in the area of cancer and to increase private sector and non-governmental sector activities in support of reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the region. We welcome a number of new, ambitious commitments from non-governmental institutions, including the Serum Institute of India, in partnership with Gavi, which will support orders of up to 40 million HPV vaccine doses, subject to necessary approvals, for the Indo-Pacific region, and which may be increased consistent with demand. We also welcome a new $100 million commitment from Women's Health and Empowerment Network to address cervical cancer in Southeast Asia. Altogether, our scientific experts assess that the Quad Cancer Moonshot will save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Twenty years since the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, when the Quad first came together to surge humanitarian assistance, we continue to respond to the vulnerabilities caused by natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific. In 2022, the Quad established the "Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief in the Indo-Pacific" and signed Guidelines for the Quad Partnership on HADR in the Indo-Pacific, which enable Quad countries to rapidly coordinate in the face of natural disasters. We welcome Quad governments working to ensure readiness to rapidly respond, including through pre-positioning of essential relief supplies, in the event of a natural disaster; this effort extends from the Indian Ocean region, to Southeast Asia, to the Pacific. In May 2024, following a tragic landslide in Papua New Guinea, Quad partners collectively contributed over $5 million in humanitarian assistance. Quad partners are working together to provide over $4 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Vietnam in light of the devastating consequences of Typhoon Yagi. The Quad continues to support partners in the region in their longer-term resiliency efforts. Maritime Security In 2022, we announced the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) to offer near-real-time, integrated, and cost-effective maritime domain awareness information to partners in the region. Since then, in consultation with partners, we have successfully scaled the program across the Indo-Pacific regionthrough the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, with partners in Southeast Asia, to the Information Fusion CenterIndian Ocean Region, Gurugram. In doing so, the Quad has helped well over two dozen countries access dark vessel maritime domain awareness data, so they can better monitor the activities in their exclusive economic zonesincluding unlawful activity. Australia commits to boosting its cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to enhance regional maritime domain awareness in the Pacific through satellite data, training, and capacity building. Today we are announcing a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable our partners in the region to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad partner initiatives, to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior. We look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. Furthermore, we welcome the launch of a Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Quad partners intend to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year, to continue to deliver cutting edge capability and information to the region. We are also announcing today that the U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard, plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety, and continuing with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific. We also announce today the launch of a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, to pursue shared airlift capacity among our nations and leverage our collective logistics strengths, in order to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region. Quality Infrastructure The Quad remains committed to improving the region's connectivity through the development of quality, resilient infrastructure. We are pleased to announce the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will harness the Quad's expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific, in collaboration with regional partners. In 2025, we intend to hold a Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference, hosted by India in Mumbai. Through this new partnership, Quad partners intend to coordinate, exchange information, share best practices with partners in the region, and leverage resources to mobilize government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region. We applaud the expansion of the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships to more than 2,200 experts, and note that Quad partners have already provided well over 1,300 fellowships since the initiative was announced at last year's Summit. We also appreciate the workshop organized by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in India, working to empower partners across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen power sector resilience. Through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, we continue to support and strengthen quality undersea cable networks in the Indo-Pacific, the capacity, durability, and reliability of which are inextricably linked to the security and prosperity of the region and the world. In support of these efforts, Australia launched the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre in July, which is delivering workshops and policy and regulatory assistance in response to requests from across the region. Japan will extend technical cooperation to improve public ICT infrastructure management capacity for an undersea cable in Nauru and Kiribati. The United States has conducted over 1,300 capacity building trainings for telecommunication officials and executives from 25 countries in the Indo-Pacific; today the U.S. announces its intent, working with Congress, to invest an additional $3.4 million to extend and expand this training program. Investments in cable projects by Quad partners will help support all Pacific island countries in achieving primary telecommunication cable connectivity by the end of 2025. Since the last Quad Leaders' Summit, Quad partners have committed over $140 million to undersea cable builds in the Pacific, alongside contributions from other likeminded partners. Complementing these investments in new undersea cables, India has commissioned a feasibility study to examine expansion of undersea cable maintenance and repair capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. We reaffirm our support for the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles, which are an expression of Pacific voices on infrastructure. We underscore our commitment to an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, reliable and secure digital future to advance our shared prosperity and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific. In this context, we welcome the Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure. Critical and Emerging Technologies Today, we are proud to announce an ambitious expansion of our partnership to deliver trusted technology solutions to the broader Indo-Pacific region. Last year, Quad partners launched a landmark initiative to deploy the first Open Radio Access Network (RAN) in the Pacific, in Palau, to support a secure, resilient, and interconnected telecommunications ecosystem. Since then, the Quad has pledged approximately $20 million to this effort. Quad partners also welcome the opportunity to explore additional Open RAN projects in Southeast Asia. We plan to expand support for ongoing Open RAN field trials and the Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA) in the Philippines, building on the initial $8 million in support that the United States and Japan pledged earlier this year. The United States also plans to invest over $7 million to support the global expansion of AORA, including through establishing a first-of-its-kind Open RAN workforce training initiative at scale in South Asia, in partnership with Indian institutions. Quad partners will also explore collaborating with the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation to ensure the country's readiness for nationwide 5G deployment. We remain committed to advancing our cooperation on semiconductors through better leveraging of our complementary strengths to realize a diversified and competitive market and enhance resilience of Quad's semiconductor supply chains. We welcome a Memorandum of Cooperation between Quad countries for the Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network. Through the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture (AI-ENGAGE) initiative announced at last year's Summit, our governments are deepening leading-edge collaborative research to harness articial intelligence, robotics, and sensing to transform agricultural approaches and empower farmers across the Indo-Pacific. We are pleased to announce an inaugural $7.5+ million in funding opportunities for joint research, and welcome the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between our science agencies to connect our research communities and advance shared research principles. The United States, Australia, India, and Japan look forward to launching the Quad BioExplore Initiativea funded mechanism that will support joint AI-driven exploration of diverse non-human biological data across all four countries. This project will also be underpinned by the forthcoming Quad Principles for Research and Development Collaborations in Critical and Emerging Technologies. Climate and Clean Energy As we underscore the severe economic, social, and environmental consequences posed by the climate crisis, we continue to work together with Indo-Pacific partners, including through Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP), to enhance climate and clean energy cooperation as well as promote adaptation and resilience. We emphasize the significant benefits of transitioning to a clean energy economy for our people, our planet, and our shared prosperity. Our countries intend to strengthen our cooperation to align policies, incentives, standards, and investments around creating high-quality, diversified clean energy supply chains that will enhance our collective energy security, create new economic opportunities across the region, and benefit local workers and communities around the world, particularly across the Indo-Pacific. We will work together, through policy and public finance, to operationalize our commitment to catalyzing complementary and high-standard private sector investment in allied and partner clean energy supply chains. To this end, Australia will open applications for the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chains Diversification Program in November, providing AUD 50 million to support projects that develop and diversify solar panel, hydrogen electrolyzer and battery supply chains in the Indo-Pacific. India commits to invest $2 million in new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles. Japan has committed to $122 million grants and loans in renewable energy projects in Indo-Pacific countries. The United States, through DFC, will continue to seek opportunities to mobilize private capital to solar, as well as wind, cooling, batteries, and critical minerals to expand and diversify supply chains. We are pleased to announce a focused Quad effort to boost energy efficiency, including the deployment and manufacturing of high-efficiency affordable, cooling systems to enable climate-vulnerable communities to adapt to rising temperatures while simultaneously reducing strain on the electricity grid. We jointly affirm our commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensure the resilience and sustainability of port infrastructure. Quad partners will leverage our learning and expertise to forge a path towards sustainable and resilient port infrastructure, including through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Cyber In the face of a deteriorating security environment in the cyber domain, Quad countries intend to enhance our cybersecurity partnership to address common threats posed by state-sponsored actors, cybercriminals, and other non-state malicious actors. Our countries commit to taking concrete steps to increase our collective network defense and advance technical capabilities through greater threat information sharing and capacity building. We plan to coordinate joint efforts to identify vulnerabilities, protect national security networks and critical infrastructure networks, and coordinate more closely including on policy responses to significant cybersecurity incidents affecting the Quad's shared priorities. Quad countries are also partnering with software manufacturers, industry trade groups, and research centers to expand our commitmentto pursuing secure software development standards and certification, as endorsed in the Quad's 2023 Secure Software Joint Principles. We will work to harmonize these standards to not only ensure that the development, procurement, and end-use of software for government networks is more secure, but that the cyber resilience of our supply chains, digital economies, and societies are collectively improved. Throughout this fall, Quad countries each plan to host campaigns to mark the annual Quad Cyber Challenge promoting responsible cyber ecosystems, public resources, and cybersecurity awareness. We are constructively engaging on the Quad Action Plan to Protect Commercial Undersea Telecommunications Cables, developed by the Quad Senior Cyber Group, as a complementary effort to the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience. Our coordinated actions to protect global telecommunications infrastructure as guided by the Action Plan will advance our shared vision for future digital connectivity, global commerce, and prosperity. Space We recognize the essential contribution of space-related applications and technologies in the Indo-Pacific. Our four countries intend to continue delivering Earth Observation data and other space-related applications to assist nations across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate early warning systems and better manage the impacts of extreme weather events. In this context, we welcome India's establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius, to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact. Quad Investors Network (QUIN) We welcome private sector initiativesincluding the Quad Investors Network (QUIN), which facilitates investments in strategic technologies, including clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, and quantum. The QUIN is mobilizing a number of investments to promote supply chain resilience, advance joint research and development, commercialize new technologies, and invest in our future workforce. People-to-People Initiatives The Quad is committed to strengthening the deep and enduring ties between our people, and among our partners. Through the Quad Fellowship, we are building a network of the next generation of science, technology, and policy leaders. Together with the Institute of International Education, which leads implementation of the Quad Fellowship, Quad governments welcome the second cohort of Quad Fellows and the expansion of the program to include students from ASEAN countries for the first time. The Government of Japan is supporting the program to enable Quad Fellows to study in Japan. The Quad welcomes the generous support of private sector partners for the next cohort of fellows, including Google, the Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital. India is pleased to announce a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth $500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a 4-year undergraduate engineering program at a Government of India-funded technical institution. Working Together to Address Regional and Global Issues Today we reaffirm our consistent and unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and unity. We continue to support implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and are committed to ensuring the Quad's work is aligned with ASEAN's principles and priorities. We underscore ASEAN's regional leadership role, including in the East Asia Summit, the region's premier leader-led forum for strategic dialogue, and the ASEAN Regional Forum. As comprehensive strategic partners of ASEAN, our four countries intend to continue to strengthen our respective relationships with ASEAN and seek opportunities for greater Quad collaboration in support of the AOIP. We recommit to working in partnership with Pacific island countries to achieve shared aspirations and address shared challenges. We reaffirm our support for Pacific regional institutions that have served the region well over many years, with the PIF as the region's premier political and economic policy organization, and warmly welcome Tonga's leadership as the current PIF Chair in 2024-2025. We continue to support the objectives of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. We and our governments will continue to listen to and be guided at every step by Pacific priorities, including climate action, ocean health, resilient infrastructure, maritime security and financial integrity. In particular, we acknowledge climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific and applaud Pacific island countries' global leadership on climate action. We remain committed to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. We strongly support IORA as the Indian Ocean region's premier forum for addressing the region's challenges. We recognize India's leadership in finalizing the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (IOIP) and express our support for its implementation. We thank Sri Lanka for its continued leadership as IORA Chair through this year and look forward to India's assuming the IORA Chair in 2025. As Leaders, we are steadfast in our conviction that international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace, safety, security and stability in the maritime domain, underpin the sustainable development, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. We emphasize 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. We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We continue to express our serious concern about the militarization of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea. We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous maneuvers. We also oppose efforts to disrupt other countries' offshore resource exploitation activities.We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS. We re-emphasize the importance of maintaining and upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law. We re-emphasize the universal and unified character of UNCLOS and reaffirm that UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and the seas must be carried out. We underscore that the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. Together, with our global and regional partners, we continue to support international institutions and initiatives that underpin global peace, prosperity and sustainable development. We reiterate our unwavering support for the UN Charter and the three pillars of the UN system. In consultation with our partners, we will work collectively to address attempts to unilaterally undermine the integrity of the UN, its Charter, and its agencies. We will reform the UN Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council. This expansion of permanent seats should include representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean in a reformed Security Council. We stand for adherence to international law and respect for principles of the UN Charter, including territorial integrity, sovereignty of all states, and peaceful resolution of disputes. We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. Each of us has visited Ukraine since the war began, and seen this first-hand; we reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also note the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least developed countries. In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We underscore the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterate that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. We condemn North Korea's destabilizing ballistic missile launches and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). These launches pose a grave threat to international peace and stability. We urge North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs, refrain from further provocations and engage in substantive dialogue. We reaffirm our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula consistent with relevant UNSCRs and call on all countries to fully implement these UNSCRs. We stress the need to prevent any proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies related to North Korea in the region and beyond. We express our grave concern over North Korea's use of proliferation networks, malicious cyber activity and workers abroad to fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. In that context, we urge all UN Member States to abide by the relevant UNSCRs including the prohibition on the transfer to North Korea or procurement from North Korea of all arms and related materiel. We express deep concern about countries that are deepening military cooperation with North Korea, which directly undermines the global nonproliferation regime. As the mandate of the UN Panel of Experts tasked with monitoring violations of North Korea-related UNSCR sanctions was not renewed, we reiterate our commitment to continued implementation of the relevant UNSCRs which remain in full force. We reconfirm the necessity of immediate resolution of the abductions issue. We remain deeply concerned by the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, and again call for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of all those unjustly and arbitrarily detained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, resolution of the crisis through constructive and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, and a return to the path of inclusive democracy. We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN-led efforts, including the work of the ASEAN Chair and the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar. We call for full implementation of all commitments under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. The ongoing conflict and instability have serious implications for the region, including increases in transnational crime such as cybercrime, the illegal drug trade, and human trafficking. We restate our appeal to all States to prevent the flow of arms and dual-use material, including jet fuel. We remain resolute in our support for the people of Myanmar and commit to continuing to work with all stakeholders in a pragmatic and constructive way, to find a sustainable solution to the crisis in a process which is led by the people of Myanmar and returns Myanmar to the path of democracy. We call upon all States to contribute to the safe, peaceful, responsible, and sustainable use of outer space. We remain committed to fostering international cooperation and transparency, as well as confidence-building measures with the goal of improving the security of outer space for all States. We reaffirm the importance of upholding the existing international legal framework for outer space activities, including the Outer Space Treaty, and the obligation of all States Parties to the Treaty not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, install such weapons on celestial bodies, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner. The Quad reaffirms its commitment to fostering a resilient information environment including through its Countering Disinformation Working Group by supporting media freedom and addressing foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation, which undermines trust and sows discord in the international community. We recognize these tactics are intended to interfere with domestic and international interests, and we are committed, together with our regional partners, to leverage our collective expertise and capacity to respond. We reaffirm our commitment to respect international human rights law, strengthen civil society, support media freedom, address online harassment and abuse, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and counter unethical practices. We unequivocally condemn terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. We are committed to international cooperation and will work with our regional partners in a comprehensive and sustained manner to strengthen their capability to prevent, detect and respond to threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism, including threats posed by the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, consistent with international law. We are committed to working together to promote accountability for the perpetrators of such terrorist attacks. We reiterate our condemnation of terrorist attacks including the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and in Pathankot, and our commitment to pursuing designations, as appropriate, by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. We welcome the constructive discussions held at the first Quad Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and the fourth tabletop exercise in Honolulu last year, and look forward to Japan hosting the next meeting and tabletop exercise in November 2024. We share great interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. We unequivocally condemn the terror attacks on October 7, 2023. The large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable. We affirm the imperative of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and emphasize that the deal to release hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza. We underscore the urgent need to significantly increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza as well as the crucial need to prevent regional escalation. We urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable. We welcome UNSCR S/RES/2735 (2024), and strongly urge all parties concerned to work immediately and steadily toward the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire. We call on all parties to take every feasible step to protect the lives of civilians including aid workers, and facilitate the rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief to civilians. We also encourage other countries, including those in the Indo-Pacific, to increase their support in order to address the dire humanitarian need on the ground. We underscore that the future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza should be supported by the international community. We remain committed to a sovereign, viable and independent Palestinian state taking into account Israel's legitimate security concerns as part of a two-state solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace. Any unilateral actions that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, including Israeli expansion of settlements and violent extremism on all sides, must end. We underscore the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region. We condemn the ongoing attacks perpetrated by the Houthis and their supporters against international and commercial vessels transiting through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which are destabilizing the region and impeding navigational rights and freedoms and trade flows, and jeopardize the safety of vessels and people on board including sailors. We reaffirm our commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We underscore the importance of achieving the SDGs in a comprehensive manner without selectively prioritizing a narrow set of such goals, and reaffirm that the UN has a central role in supporting countries in their implementation. With six years left, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and accelerating progress toward all the SDGs in a comprehensive manner that is balanced across three dimensions - economic, social and environmental. From global health to sustainable development and climate change, the global community benefits when all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute to addressing these challenges. We affirm our commitment to contributing to and implementing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. We underscore our commitment to strongly engaging constructively in the discussion on advancing sustainable development, including at the Summit of the Future. The Quad continues to realize a safe and secure world where human rights and human dignity are protected, based on the central premise of the SDGs: "Leave no one behind." We, the Quad Leaders, remain dedicated to working in partnership with Indo-Pacific countries in deciding our future and shaping the region we all want to live in. Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific Over the past four years, Quad Leaders have met together six times, including twice virtually, and Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times in the last five years. Quad country representatives meet together on a regular basis, at all levels, including among ambassadors across the four countries' extensive diplomatic networks, to consult one another, exchange ideas to advance shared priorities, and deliver benefits with and for partners across the Indo-Pacific region. We welcome our Commerce and Industry ministers preparing to meet for the first time in the coming months. We also welcome the leaders of our Development Finance Institutions and Agencies deciding to meet to explore future investments by the four countries in the Indo-Pacific. Altogether, our four countries are cooperating at an unprecedented pace and scale. Each of our governments has committed to working through our respective budgetary processes to secure robust funding for Quad priorities in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure an enduring impact. We intend to work with our legislatures to deepen interparliamentary exchanges, and encourage other stakeholders to deepen engagement with Quad counterparts. We look forward to the next Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting hosted by the United States in 2025, and the next Quad Leaders' Summit hosted by India in 2025. The Quad is here to stay. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On-the-Record Press Gaggle APNSA Jake Sullivan at the Quad Leaders Summit September 21, 2024 8:50 A.M. EDT MR. SULLIVAN: Thank you, guys, for being here. Today, we have the fourth Quad Leaders Summit, fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit, and the first time that President Biden has actually hosted leaders in his hometown and, literally, at his home in Wilmington, Delaware. You guys have heard the President say many times that all politics is personal, all diplomacy is personal. And developing personal relationships has been core to his approach to foreign policy as President. So, opening his home to the leaders of India, Japan, and Australia is a way of him showing, not just saying, that these leaders matter to him, that the Quad matters to him as a significant foreign policy priority. And institutionalizing and deepening and elevating the Quad has been one of the things that he's going to be very proud of when he leaves office and passes the baton to the next President of the United States. When President Biden came in, within the early months, he held a Quad a virtual summit, and it was the first time the leaders of the Quad had actually met in any format. And what the President wanted to do was not just have this be something where leaders convened occasionally, but actually a vehicle for driving deepening cooperation and integration across the region. And so, if you look at the last three and a half years, whether it's on the response to COVID-19 or humanitarian response across the region, or issues like cyber and cyber capacity-building across the region, there's a range of significant achievements the Quad has already had. And today, the Quad leaders will announce a number of further steps forward. There'll be the announcement of the Quad Cancer Moonshot, which we're very excited about, with all four countries coming to the table with resources and capacities to help drive towards the cures to deadly cancers. And there'll be more to say on that later today. There's the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative, which is a mouthful, but is really about integrating new technologies and new capabilities, not just for Quad members, but for countries in Southeast Asia and the rest of the region, for them to understand their maritime domains so they can better manage and regulate them and ensure their security and also ensure that they are delivering economic benefits to the people of the relevant countries. There will be we'll have an announcement of the expansion of the Quad fellows, which will now not just be fellows from the four countries, but fellows from Southeast Asia as well. We'll announce the pre-positioning of relief supplies across the region and the ability for Quad countries to react more rapidly in the case of humanitarian crises and natural disasters. And the Quad will announce its first-ever coast guard mission together as well, which will show the joint capabilities of the four countries in terms of their ability in terms of their coast guards. So, there's a number of other things that you'll see in the fact sheet as well, but this just shows the breadth and range of ways in which the Quad is becoming a feature of the architecture of the Indo-Pacific. And we hope and expect that that will deepen in the years ahead. And the reason I think we can have some confidence in that is there's genuine bipartisan support for the Quad. It's something that really transcends party lines. And, in fact, over the last 24 hours, we've had the announcement of a bipartisan, bicameral Quad Caucus, something I never quite thought I would see, but Republicans and Democrats in both the House and the Senate actually standing up a caucus to support this, this platform, because of the importance that Congress places on it and what it can deliver. The last thing I would say is that when you look at the Quad and AUKUS and the Camp David trilateral and our engagement with the Pacific Islands in ASEAN, one thing that has been a hallmark of the President's foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific has been to move from the traditional hub-and-spoke model, rooted largely in bilateral alliances and bilateral partnerships, to a latticework approach with multiple institutions, overlapping partnerships, different configurations that all add up to genuinely new architecture for the Indo-Pacific, and the Quad is a critical part of that. And I think it leaves the United States in a stronger position, with a more dense and capable and dynamic set of partnerships, and with relationships not just between us and our partners, but among our partners, that allow us to deliver greater results and achieve more stability and security and drive towards the ultimate objective, which is a free and open Indo-Pacific. So let me stop there, and happy to take your questions. Q Jake, just (inaudible), you didn't mention China directly in the joint leaders' statement. What sort of language should we expect directed at the PRC? MR. SULLIVAN: The Quad isn't really about any other country. It's not directed at another country. It's directed at problem solving and standing up for a set of common principles and a common vision for the region. So, I don't think you should expect to see a focus on any particular country, including the PRC, in the Quad leaders' statement. That's been the pattern since the beginning, because the nature and purpose of this institution is really about the kinds of things I just described. It's about delivering vaccines, delivering cyber capacity, delivering coast guard capacity, delivering humanitarian assistance, delivering science and technology progress. So that's what we're going to continue to focus on, and that's what you'll see in the fact sheet the joint leaders' statement. Q But, Jake, as you add more security features to this partnership, you know, is there a risk, a possibility that China, which has already expressed concerns about encirclement related to the Quad, begins to have objections to this cooperation? MR. SULLIVAN: Look, I'll let the PRC speak for itself, and obviously it does speak for itself about a number of different initiatives the United States has taken in the Indo-Pacific. We're just going to prove year on year everything that I just said, which is really that the thrust and purpose of the institution writ large and the security features of it are about a positive agenda to enhance security, not just for Quad countries but for other regional partners. So, it's hard for me to see how and why the PRC should object to the four countries, for example, doing a coast guard mission together, or doing cyber trainings for Southeast Asia together, or taking steps with respect to maritime domain awareness. These do not, to me, indicate any form of aggression or assertive behavior. They're fundamentally constructive and positive, and that's where we're going to continue to position the Quad. Q Can you speak a little bit to the President's meeting with Prime Minister Modi and what, if anything, he'll say about what he wants to do vis-a-vis China and Russia (inaudible)? MR. SULLIVAN: I won't go too deep into the details of what he will say on those issues, which are obviously sensitive and will obviously be critical priorities in the bilateral meeting. I will just say this: that the United States has been clear about our view that Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine flouted every norm and principle of international law, that countries like India should step up and support the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that every country everywhere should refrain from supplying inputs to Russia's war machine for it to be able to continue to prosecute this brutal war. So they will talk about that. The President will also hear from Prime Minister Modi about his trip to Ukraine, which was an important and indeed historic trip, and it will be the opportunity for the two of them to talk about their respective views of the way forward. And then, with respect to China, you know, they will talk about how they see China's actions in the region, where China is headed. And that's not just true in the security domain, but the economic and technology domain as well. And we'll work to try to coordinate approaches to the extent that that makes sense for both countries. Q In the past month or so, there's been a lot of (inaudible) China (inaudible). There's been lots of (inaudible) still in the offing. Can you speak to, like, how the President himself is reviewing the culmination, I guess, of the administration's China strategy leading up to this? And should we consider this Quad sort of part of that puzzle, (inaudible)? MR. SULLIVAN: I think you should consider this Quad and all of our other actions part of an effort to strengthen the capacity of the United States to defend our interests, support our allies and partners, advance problem solving on critical common challenges, and generally put ourself in a more robust, competitive position writ large. But I don't think you should see it again as being directed at China. And I think this is American foreign policy, in a way at its historic best, which innovation partnerships designed to enhance stability, designed to deliver results, and connected to other partnerships that are going the same thing. And I think, kind of, over-cranking the emphasis on any one country is missing what I think the central thrust and purpose of these kinds of institutions, including the Quad, are all about. Q You mentioned at the top the personal nature of this visit. And the White House is using the terminology "personal meeting" rather than the usual "bilateral meeting." Can you give us a sense of how these meetings are different, what we might expect? For example, Prime Minister Albanese yesterday, did he get a tour of the house? See the Corvette? Were there family members present? Can you can you give us a flavor of that? MR. SULLIVAN: He did get a bit of a tour of the house. I don't think he saw the Corvette, though. I can't confirm that for sure, because the two of them sort of went off by themselves for a bit, and I haven't had a chance to speak to the President about what exactly the Prime Minister saw. There weren't other family members there. It was really a sort of one-on-one opportunity for President Biden and the Prime Minister to sit and talk. And then, a few of us joined them, obviously, for part of the meeting when it turned to substance. It was just honestly, the vibe of it was sort of two guys, one at the other guy's home, talking in broad strokes about where they see the state of the world, about you know, swapping some stories from their respective political careers, you know, talking about the history of the U.S.-Australia alliance. It just kind of had a feeling like if you had someone come over for a cup of coffee or a meal. You know, that kind of feeling was much more present than, like, a stiff bilateral. And the President told everybody, "Take off your jackets. Get comfortable," which we all obliged. So, yeah, I'm very bad at answering questions like that, but that's my best shot at it. Q Well, if I may, on Sudan, a United Nations panel of experts has accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying arms to the RSF in breach of the weapons embargo on Darfur. MBZ, I guess, is coming to the White House this week. Will the President raise those allegations directly with the leader of the United Arab Emirates? MR. SULLIVAN: I'll let the President talk to Sheikh Mohamed privately about Sudan. I think it would be more effective to do that. What I will say is we are concerned about a number of countries and the steps they are taking to perpetuate rather than resolve the conflict. And I will also say that Sudan will certainly be on the agenda, and the President will be as direct and candid with Sheikh Mohamed as he is with every leader. And then, after the fact, we'll share what we feel we can. And the reason why I'm not, sort of, laying it out all in public right now is: Our ultimate objective is to get the entire conflict in Sudan on a different track than the tragic and horrific track it is on right now. And I think that requires some intense but sensitive diplomatic conversations with a number of players. That's what the President is intending to do writ large. And as I said, Sudan will certainly be part of the agenda with the UAE President on Monday. Q Jake, so (inaudible) President will Japan Prime Minister Kishida. Do you expect him to talk about that deal between U.S. Steel and Japan Nippon Steel? And does (inaudible) oppose that deal and try to stop it? MR. SULLIVAN: I cannot say yet whether that particular deal will come up in the conversation today. There are obviously huge priorities in terms of current events and geopolitical trends and economic and technology cooperation. So, I'm not sure that it will come up. And the President has spoken to this issue before, but the matter really is, at the moment, in a official process while the transaction is studied by the relevant authorities and the relevant agencies, the U.S. government. And so, you know, the President will obviously allow that process to run its course because that's what's required under the law. And then we will see what happens. Q Prime Minister Kishida will step down soon. You going to talk about his contribution, achievement, but what do you expect from the new Japanese prime minister? MR. SULLIVAN: One thing that I do expect, whoever the new Japanese prime minister is, is continued investment in and support for the U.S.-Japan alliance as the cornerstone peace of security in the Indo-Pacific. And I expect that because the overwhelming majority of the Japanese people support that and because this alliance is bigger than any one leader on either side, in Japan or the United States. So I have confidence that the strong bond and partnership between our two countries will continue no matter who takes the helm, although I will say Prime Minister Kishida should be saluted, and President Biden will salute him, as a very significant contributor to the high-water mark we've reached in the U.S.-Japan alliance at this point and in Japan's global leadership role. So, it will obviously be different because Prime Minister Kishida is a unique individual, but one thing that we think will remain the same is the strong alliance between the United States and Japan. Q Just on the Nippon deal, very quickly: Some proponents of that deal are interpreting last week's extension as a sign that the President is having second thoughts. What would you say to them? MR. SULLIVAN: I can't speak to that because I think nobody should overread what happened last week as a substantive expression of views, rather as a matter of process to ensure that the transaction gets the full review that's appropriate in a case like this, as I said, from the relevant authorities and agencies. And the President really does want to let that play out. Q You mentioned that it's not about one country, but of course, China comes to mind over time. As just recently, they announced sanctions against American companies. They're selling weapons to Taiwan. Taiwan is getting money from the United States to be able to defend themselves. And the incidents in the past few weeks in (inaudible) has been escalating, not only with Taiwan with China, but also Philippines. During this meeting, is that top of mind, or is this something that you want to address? Because, I mean, you mentioned the coast guard event shouldn't be questioned by the Chinese; it's just an event that they're going to do as a group. But from their point of view, they're talking about it and condemning these types of actions. Should we worry about China moving forward or being more aggressive as the world is focused on Lebanon, the Middle East, Ukraine? MR. SULLIVAN: Well, first of all, it's true that the front pages of newspapers are filled with stories about the Middle East rather than the Indo-Pacific right now. But the United States of America is focused in both places. And there's probably no better proof point than the fact that we're sitting here right now, on a Quad Summit day, meeting with leaders of the Indo-Pacific, even as we continue to closely monitor events in the Middle East. So, if you look at the work that we have done over the last four years, the intense engagement with allies and partners, the work on this latticework that I described, the efforts to strengthen our own industrial and innovation base, the measures we've taken to protect our sensitive technologies, we feel like we are in a very strong position to stand up for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. And obviously, we are concerned about actions that China has taken, and we speak out about those actions quite directly and candidly. But we are also putting the United States and our allies and partners in a position to effectively defend our interests and to defend the rules of the road that have kept the peace in the Indo-Pacific for a long time. We're going to continue to do that. The other thing I would say is that each of the four members of the Quad has their own approach to the PRC. There's not going to be some "Quad approach" to the PRC. But of course, in the course of the conversation today, the four leaders will have the opportunity to talk about all of the developments in the Indo-Pacific, and obviously the PRC is part of that. So, it will be one of the issues or one of the topics that come up among many. Q If I may, on Venezuela because Venezuela is close to China right now, and it's one of the allies, but also Russia and Iran. So we know four Americans are detained in the past few days. The situation is getting just harder and harder to get to an agreement. We are expecting a meeting at the United Nations to talk about Venezuela, led by Uruguay and other countries. Do you see any possibility of moving forward in this subject? We understand the U.S. have supported the talks. Is it a possibility to go back to Qatar? Is Qatar in the table again? MR. SULLIVAN: We continue to talk to Qatar, who wants to play a constructive role in engaging the Maduro regime, the opposition, the United States, other players. At the moment, there's not much traction on talks, and what we're instead continuing to see are negative steps by the Maduro regime in the aftermath of an election where we have been very clear our judgment is that Edmundo Gonzalez received the most votes. So, we'll continue to work, particularly with countries in the region, to try to develop a common approach forward to support democracy and a democratic transition in Venezuela. But I will say that at the moment there is not a substantial diplomatic opportunity to make progress, and we're going to have to keep looking for one. Q Jake, on the Middle East, the Lebanese are saying at least 31 were killed in that bombing of a building that apparently targeted at least one Hezbollah commander. Has the U.S. figured out who exactly was targeted and killed? MR. SULLIVAN: The Israelis have announced, and I believe Hezbollah itself has confirmed, some of the people who were killed in that strike. And I will let Israel and Hezbollah speak to it, because obviously we don't have an independent capacity at this point to confirm. But I believe a fair amount of that is out in the public domain at this point. Q If at least one of those was one of those responsible for organizing the barracks bombing back in the '80s, how significant would that be that he's now dead? MR. SULLIVAN: That individual has American blood on his hands and has a Rewards for Justice price on his head. And he is somebody who the United States promised long ago we would do everything we could to see brought to justice. And anytime a terrorist who has murdered Americans is brought to justice, we believe that that is a good outcome. But again, I'm not in a position this morning, until I have the opportunity to talk again to my Israeli counterparts today, to formally confirm anything; just to say, you know, 1983 seems like a long time ago, but for a lot of families, a lot of people, it was they're still living with it every day. Q One other. Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich have been in Washington in recent days, mostly to visit with lawmakers. Is there any plan for them to meet with the President? MR. SULLIVAN: I guess not. The President met with both of them, obviously, when they came back to the States. So there wasn't we didn't have a plan for them to sit down this past week or this coming week in Washington. But, you know, I'm sure he would be happy to see them again at some point. Q There's a report that I got (inaudible) disagree with about U.S. officials conceding that there won't be a deal during the President's term. What is your assessment of that? MR. SULLIVAN: I think that's crazy. I mean Q So, it was correct that you'd (inaudible). (Laughter.) (Inaudible) disagree with it, that yes MR. SULLIVAN: This is not me sitting here saying, "Hey, there will be a deal." One can't know. And I've you've heard me repeatedly use this George Mitchell line of "700 days of failure, one day of success." But this is diplomacy. Every day, you get up and you try to drive towards a deal that brings about a ceasefire, the return of hostages, surge of humanitarian assistance, and ultimately the end of the war. We're doing that today. We're going to do that tomorrow. We're going to do that every day. And I do still believe there is a path to get there. It has been a winding path, a frustrating path, but we are still on that path, and we hope to reach the destination. But we're also mindful of the fact and very clear-eyed about the fact that there's still obstacles in the way; we're going to do our best to clear them. And I can't make any predictions about what's going to happen, but what I can certainly say is we are not conceding that, period. Q But we've been waiting a while in terms of a new bridging proposal. Is that right? So when is when do you expect to put that on the table? MR. SULLIVAN: I can't tell you that because we're not at a point right now where I can where we're prepared to put something on the table. We're continuing to work with Qatar and Egypt. They're talking to Hamas. We're talking to Israel. The Qataris and Egyptians are talking to Israel. And when we feel ready to take another step, we'll take another step. Q What's the holdup? MR. SULLIVAN: Well, at the moment, we don't feel like we're in a position, if we put something down today, to get both sides to say yes to it. Could that change over the course of the coming days? It could. You know yeah, I'll leave it at that for now. Q Jake, in terms of the events of last week in Lebanon, do you have any assessments what that has done to the operational capabilities of Hezbollah? And what is your current level of concern that what you've been trying to prevent the last, you know, 11-plus months could start off as (inaudible)? MR. SULLIVAN: It stands to reason that Lebanese Hezbollah's capabilities have taken a hit. How significant a hit, how that translates to their ability to represent a threat to Israel, I think we still need some more assessment to reach more guidance on. The risk of escalation is real; it has been since October 7th. There are moments where it is more acute than others. I think we are in one of those moments where it is more acute. But I would take a step back and make an observation that I don't think gets sufficient attention in the reporting on this dynamic, which is that Hezbollah started this whole thing. Hamas attacks on October 7th, this vicious massacre. And then, as Nasrallah just said in his speech this week, the way he put it, Nasrallah opened the Northern Front. Israel didn't start just randomly attacking into Lebanon. Hezbollah and its allies in its terrorist allies in Lebanon started attacking Israel. And tens of thousands of Israeli citizens had to leave their homes. That led to an exchange of fire, and then Lebanese citizens had to leave their homes. And we've been in that dynamic ever since. So, that's an important structural factor that I think, kind of, gets set aside in the commentary and the coverage of the current circumstance. That being said, the United States' position is we would like to see calm on the northern border and a durable solution that allows the people on both sides of that border to return to their homes. We are driving at that. Amos Hochstein was recently back in the region to work towards that. I've spoken with my Israeli counterparts just in the last couple of days to see how we find a way forward on that. And so, while the risk of escalation is real, we actually believe there is also a distinct avenue to getting to a cessation of hostilities and a durable solution that makes people on both sides of the border feel secure, and we're going to do everything that we can to bring that about. Q And can I just (inaudible) when you say the risk of escalation is real, are you saying the IDF flattening tower blocks in Beirut is not an escalation? MR. SULLIVAN: I think the question he was asking the heart of his question was: could we get into a wider war that we have been trying to avoid for the last 11 months. I think that's what the question was. Q Then I'll ask the question. MR. SULLIVAN: I was answering (inaudible). Q I'll ask the question then: Was the IDF strike an escalation, in your view? MR. SULLIVAN: Look, when I talk about escalation, I mean where does this take us from the point of view of, "Are we going to end up in a wider war." We're not there yet. I hope we do not get there. When you pose a question, "Was this strike escalation? Was that strike escalation?" the United States is not going to score-keep like that. There's a number of different ways to look at this strike. The chief way I personally look at it goes back to the discussion we were having before, which is it was a strike against a senior terrorist who has both Israeli and American lives on his hands. So we could pick any moment, any set of rockets launched by Hezbollah, any set of strikes by Israel, and say, "Is this an escalation? Is that an escalation?" and so forth. I think it's not a particularly useful exercise. For us, the most useful exercise is to try to drive both parties to a place where we get an agreed and durable outcome that can end the cycle and keep us from ending up in the larger war that, as we were just talking about, we've worked so hard to (inaudible). Q Is there any announcement that we should expect next week about Haiti? (Inaudible) report that says that even though we have now the Kenya team there and the security forces, 80 percent of Port-au-Prince is run by gangs. Things are not getting better for the people. Violence keep growing. And of course, we don't have elections or plan of a government soon. MR. SULLIVAN: Look, things are not where we would like them to be in Haiti, but I think it is not correct to say that things have not gotten better from a low point when flights were shut down, the port was shut down, it looked like the entire government was going to be run out of the country. We have improved the situation from that low point, but the progress we have made has been slower and more uneven than we'd like it to be. Our goal is to continue to enhance the Multilateral Security Support Mission and ultimately work with the United Nations to make sure that it gets institutionalized. But I don't know that we have any particular announcements next week. Rather, our goal is to use the U.N. General Assembly to get more resources, more contributions, and a common vision around building step by step on what we've put in place so that we can improve the situation beyond where it is right now. MODERATOR: We have time for about two more questions. Q Just a follow-up. And how can that happen? I know Colombia wanted to help, but, like, it's not an actual mission like (inaudible) it was the U.N. (inaudible) is this a security group, and the U.S. is leading the efforts. So how the countries will get involved, and how can they operate? Like, Mexico cannot (inaudible) officers MR. SULLIVAN: Well, a number of countries have pledged contributions, including police units, former police units. And so, the first thing that can happen is we can turn those pledges into reality, and then we can work bilaterally with countries like Mexico and Colombia on their legal requirements to try to satisfy them so that they could, in fact, (inaudible). Q To put a pin, though, you know, the discussion about China, you know, before, in the lead-up to this, administration officials at the podium were telegraphing that there could be talk about aggressive PRC military action on fair trade practices, tensions over the Taiwan Strait. You know, preview that there's going to be discussion of North Korea. I know you said that the Quad is not about one country, but to China and to many people, it looks like it's focusing on China. So I'm curious to what your response to me, to folks that say you're trying to have it both ways on China. MR. SULLIVAN: I guess what I would say, and I think I said this before, is the leaders are going to talk about all of the significant developments and dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Everything you just mentioned fits into that category. So we don't take issues off the table to discuss or speak about. But my point is that the purpose of the Quad is not to come together around China or any other country. It's to come together around how to construct a free and open Indo-Pacific. And actions and policies that disrupt or undermine that are certainly not just of interest, but are going to be a matter of discussion for Quad members. But the way I square the circle is to say these issues are on the agenda because they relate to a free and open Indo-Pacific, but China is not the focus of the Quad, and the Quad is not about one country. It is about a larger vision that we're (inaudible). MODERATOR: All right, thanks, everyone. 9:26 A.M. EDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 23rd GRAU Arsenal, Oktyabrskii Toropets South Ammunition Depot On 21 September 2024 an ammunition depot near Toropets in the Tver region caught fire due to a drone attack. As reported by Governor Igor Rudenya, UAVs were shot down in the southwest of the Tver Region by the Russian Defense Ministry. Emergency services specialists are working on the scene together with representatives of the regional administration. No casualties were reported. The federal highway M-9 "Baltia" was closed. "In connection with the incident" the railway station Staraya Toropa was evacuated, the press release of the October Railway said. There were approximately 750,000 shells there. Toropets Ammunition Depot South [US Designation] is located 16 kilometers south of Toropets. As of 1964 the installation covers approximately 480 acres and included 4 administrative buildings, barracks, 6 quarters, 77 storage buildings, support buildings and a possible motor park. The installtion was covered by 9 KEYHOLE missions between February 1962 and October 1964. Comparative analysis revealed that the installation was occupied during this period. No significant changes were observed. A rail spur serves the secured storage area. Two trackside docks (length undetermiined) were observed. By 2024 some storage sites at the 23rd GRAU Arsenal near Oktyabrskii lacked warehouses, while at many others, missiles were stockpiled next to storage buildings or at the loading bay. The open-air stockpiling of missiles suggests they were either awaiting transfer to active missile units or set aside for disposal and pending decommissioning. The Russians had started using these warehouses as transit warehouses. This is prohibited. Reserve Colonel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, pilot instructor, and military expert Roman Svitan said in a daily military report on Channel 24 "Such warehouses cannot be used as transit warehouses. "In a transit warehouse, loading, unloading, and reloading occurs on the ground. They are very easy to blow up, and secondary detonation can also blow up underground warehouses. After the Russians began using underground strategic warehouses as transit warehouses, we caught them. Our intelligence detects the transportation of large quantities of cargo, which is why they are destroyed". Intelschizo reported: "The importance of Ukraine taking out this depot will be felt immediately, particularly in Task Group North. The 23rd GRAU Arsenal like most Soviet and Russian Military Depots such as the 107th GRAU Arsenal targeted earlier in the week is directly connected to the Russian rail network. The 23rd GRAU Arsenal has munitions shipped by RZD West to Velikiye Luki then to Nevel then south into Belarus passing the Belarus Ammunition depot at 55.511101,29.937067 then continues to Vitebsk Belarus then crosses the border back into Russia going to Smolensk where it continues down to Bryansk then Lgov or Oryol then to Kursk then to Belgorod to Task Group North. Other munitions continue from Kursk to Start Oskol then to Valuyki into Occupied Ukraine or to Voronezh continuing South towards Rostov then back into occupied Ukraine. This depot also highlighted the complicity and involvement of the Belarus government in Russia's aggression in Ukraine by continuing to allow Russian Railways freedom to ship military goods through their country before going to Russian Forces in Ukraine.... Using the math from @Mattl8241 in his Russian Logistics Thread this single depot if at full capacity with around 14,000 tons of munitions could supply Task Group North for about 10 days if I'm reading" Zelenskyi's evening speech on 21 September 2024: "Today, it is again worth celebrating our soldiers for their marksmanship - marksmanship precisely on enemy territory. This is what fundamentally changes the situation - our ability to bring the war home, to Russia. There is another defeat of the arsenal in Russia, and it was a significant arsenal for the occupier. All our soldiers of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine who were involved - thank you! The Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine and all those involved - well done! "There is also good work by the SBU on another arsenal of Russian troops. These were warehouses of Russian tactical missiles and guided aerial bombs - all that Russia uses for terror against our cities, our positions. And I want to emphasize: we are doing this thanks to our capabilities, our weapons - without those means that can be provided by partners and which can significantly accelerate the end of this war thanks to the destruction of the Russian offensive potential." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 719th GRAU Arsenal Military Unit 01704 unit 57229-41 Kamenny, Tikhoretsk, Krasnodar Krai Rostov Oblast - 45.88 40.04 Ukraine's SBU intelligence service hit the depot in Tikhoretsk in a joint operation with the Ukrainian military on 21 September 2024. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the attack on the Tikhoretsk arsenal and announced the destruction of more than 2,000 tons of ammunition, including from North Korea. In the message, the General Staff notes that this warehouse "is one of the three largest ammunition storage bases and is one of the key ones in the logistics system of the Russian troops." This warehouse is one of the three largest bases in Russia and is key in their logistics system. According to local authorities, 1,200 people are being evacuated from there. According to NASA FIRMS data, not only the ammunition depot was on fire but also a local airfield. There is no apparent relationship between the Tikhoretsk Munitions Storage Facility and the Tikhoretsk Airbase, which is a pilot training approximately 5 km to the east. "According to available information, at the time of the strike, another train was on the territory of the arsenal, which delivered at least two thousand tons of ammunition, including from the DPRK. The Podlet radar station, which detected air targets in the direction of the arsenal, was also attacked," the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. Rostov Oblast governor Veniamin Kondratiev stated "At night, the Tikhoretsk district was subjected to a terrorist attack by the Kiev regime. Two drones were suppressed by air defense and electronic warfare forces. The falling debris of one of them caused a fire that spread to explosive objects. Detonation began. Now, for safety reasons, the residents of the village located near the fire site are being temporarily evacuated to nearby settlements. A temporary accommodation point has been set up in Tikhoretsk. Fire brigades and special services are working at the scene. On my instructions, the head of the district, Anatoly Perepelin, is at the scene, reporting on the situation. According to preliminary information, there are no casualties among the residents of the district as a result of the emergency." A fire was still burning the next day at an ammunition depot near the village of Kamenny in the Tikhoretsky District of Russia's Krasnodar Region. It can be seen in a picture from the Sentinel-2 satellite published by the investigative project "Schemes" of Radio Liberty's Ukrainian service. The photo also shows that the fire is continuing near the Tikhoretsk military airfield, which is located near the ammunition depot. According to ASTRA analysis, there are two military units in the village: military unit 57229-41 (locals call it white sheds) and military unit 01704. It is known that the facility is protected by a multi-layered security fence with guard towers and covers about 2.6 square meters. The warehouse is also served by a railway line from a small railway station in Tikhoretsk, which is 3 kilometers to the north. Satellite image taken on August 16, 2023 showed that the Tikhoretsk ammunition storage facility has two main functional areas: headquarters and storage. The headquarters area includes administrative and technical buildings, as well as vehicle maintenance facilities, a communications center, and open storage facilities. The warehouse area consists of four closed warehouses, 27 lined warehouses, two small reservoirs and open parks for storing equipment. An important component is the access line with the railway line, which allows for the efficient loading and unloading of ammunition and artillery systems. Satellite imagery from December 20, 2023 revealed a significant increase in the number of new liner units for shipping containers at the Tikhoretsk Ammunition Storage Facility. The warehouse has about 280 new storage bins, of which about 50% were filled, which may indicate the possible storage of various classes of ammunition for numerous military units. The number of railway cars at the site had tripled and was now around 90. The number of transport containers, trailers and civilian vehicles, particularly trucks, approaching the site has also increased. At the same time, data from 10 February 2024 showed a moderate decrease in the number of wagons to 80, together with the occupancy of new storage facilities, which amounted to approximately 35%. Despite this, activity on the warehouse territory continued to remain high. In January 2024, OSINT analysts from Frontelligence Insight investigated the routes of transportation of shells from the DPRK. The base near Tikhoretsk, along with a warehouse near the village of Yegorlitskoye in the Rostov region and Mozdok in North Ossetia, was their storage site. The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, Andrey Kovalenko, also confirmed that North Korean KN23 ammunition, as well as artillery shells and ammunition for the Smerch, were stored at a warehouse in the Tikhorsky district of Russia. Tikhoretsk was a main hub for shells and was hugely enlarged for the whole war. The depot in Kamenny, Tikhoretsky district, was old and not even protected to modern standard, but looked like an unusual lot of material was left outside. Possibly because was ready to go on trains and trucks. The US Mission to the UN reported 13 October 2023 "Our information indicates that, in recent weeks, the DPRK has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions. These arms transfers directly violate UNSC resolutions and we will expose these arms deals at UN alongside our Allies and partners." John Kirby, the White House National Security Council's strategic communications coordinator, said on 13 October 2023, "We have received information that North Korea has provided Russia with weapons for use in Ukraine.... We now have information that North Korea has delivered arms to Russia for use in Ukraine. Our information indicates that in recent weeks North Korea has provided Russia with more than 1000 containers of military equipment and munitions. Today, we are releasing imagery showing the movement of these containers from the DPRK into Russia by ship. According to our information, in recent weeks North Korea has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and ammunition, Coordinator Kirby said in an online briefing that day. At the same time, they released photographic evidence showing the containers being moved from North Korea to Russia via ships and trains. According to data released by the White House, on the 7th and 8th of last month, approximately 300 standard 6-meter maritime transport containers were captured loaded onto the North Korean port of Rajin. On the 12th, the Russian-flagged Angara was spotted anchored at the port of Dunai in eastern Russia carrying containers, and on the 1st, a train carrying containers was confirmed to have arrived at an ammunition depot in Tikhoretsk, a region on the border between Russia and Ukraine. According to this data, between the 7th of last month and the 1st of this month, a Russian ship transported containers containing military supplies from the North Korean port of Rajin to the Dunai region in eastern Russia, where the containers were then loaded onto a train and transported to an ammunition depot in Tikhoretsk, southeastern Russia, about 290 km from the Ukrainian border. In response, Coordinator Kirby emphasized, We condemn North Korea for providing Russia with military equipment that will be used to attack Ukrainian cities, massacre civilians, and further escalate Russias illegal war, and We will continue to monitor additional North Korean weapons shipments to Russia. Tatarigami_UA reported the Tikhoretsk ammo depot was closely monitored by Frontelligence Insight for its role in artillery ammo logistics, gained international attention in 2023 following the arrival of North Korean ammo. Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported that two UAVs targeting Tikhoretsk were "suppressed", with debris causing a fire and detonation of flammable materials. Videos on social media suggest a large denotation. The Tikhoretsk ammo depot was expanded in 2023 to store North Korean munitions. Most ammo arrived by train in containers, unloaded and stored in revetments - essentially pits in the ground under open sky. Civilian trucks then transported the munitions to frontlines. As of late 2023, the Tikhoretsk depot lacked any proper cover for ammo in revetments. Given that ammo at the Toropets depot detonated despite being stored in "bunkers," the chances of ammo surviving in open-air pits are even lower. NASA FIRMS data confirmed significant fires at the Tikhoretsk ammunition depot, with fires also raging at a nearby airfield. Highmarsed noted : "Ukraine might have destroyed some artillery systems in the strike on the 719th Artillery Ammunition base. In 2021 the base held more than 200 towed artillery units (marked red) and in a more recent image from August 2024 there were still 58 units left." The massive Ukrainian drone attack set a Russian arms depot ablaze deep inside the country, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said ahead of his visit to the White House that Kyiv's multi-point "victory plan" demands quick action from the US. Zelenskyi's evening speech on 21 September 2024: "Today, it is again worth celebrating our soldiers for their marksmanship - marksmanship precisely on enemy territory. This is what fundamentally changes the situation - our ability to bring the war home, to Russia. There is another defeat of the arsenal in Russia, and it was a significant arsenal for the occupier. All our soldiers of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine who were involved - thank you! The Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine and all those involved - well done! "There is also good work by the SBU on another arsenal of Russian troops. These were warehouses of Russian tactical missiles and guided aerial bombs - all that Russia uses for terror against our cities, our positions. And I want to emphasize: we are doing this thanks to our capabilities, our weapons - without those means that can be provided by partners and which can significantly accelerate the end of this war thanks to the destruction of the Russian offensive potential." Kiev Independ journalist Illia Ponomarenko wrote "This is the way Russia will be forced to stop its war on Ukraine. Not with begging, or thinking about "saving Putin's face," or "giving him another chance," or twisting Ukraine's arms for "compromises for peace," or protecting the Russian airbases from Ukrainian attacks, or surrendering to Putin's endless nuclear extortion, or with absurd exercises in "escalation management" or "not wanting to spoil future relations with the Kremlin". This is the only way, and Ukraine is doing it right now." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 21 September 2024 - Day 941 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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that overnight on 17/18 September 2024, Ukraine conducted a successful one-way attack (OWA) uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) strike on Toropets strategic ammunition depot in Russia's Tver region, approximately 500km from Ukraine. This depot is a storage site of the 107th Arsenal of the Russian Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, and almost certainly housed munitions of varying calibres for frontline use, as well as missiles and glide bombs used by nearby airfields. Ammunition procured from North Korea was also reportedly stored here. Renovated in 2018, this is one of Russia's largest strategic ammunition depots directly supporting its operation in Ukraine, storing more than 30,000 tonnes of ordnance. Recent improvements to the site had been driven by previous poor storage of aging explosive material leading to a series of explosions across several depots. One such explosion in June 2011 in Pugachevo, Udmurtia, saw 3,000 homes damaged and 30,000 people evacuated. The explosion at Toropets was recorded at 2.7 on the Richter scale, equivalent to a mild earthquake, with fires covering a 6 km-wide area. It is highly likely that poor storage of munitions, left vulnerable to OWA UAVs, caused a chain reaction of cascading detonations within the bunker system, resulting in enormous losses of ordnance. Russian air defence continues to struggle with Ukrainian deep strike operations, despite claiming to have intercepted more than 50 UAVs in this attack. Although part of a wider supply network, this loss will highly likely disrupt Russian ground operations, particularly in the Kursk region. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 125 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day. More than 50% of the total number of fights took place in Pokrovsky, Lymansky and Kurakhivsky directions. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the Russian attempts to advance into the depths of Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. Russian zagarbniki made two missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine, 63 air strikes, dropping 86 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, more than 650 kamikaze drones were engaged for impressions and carried out almost 3,400 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces twice unsuccessfully stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the Vovchansk area. At the same time, the army aviation of the Russian enemy struck unkempled aviation missiles on the Cossack Lopana. In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces carried out offensive actions near synkivka, stepovoi novoselivka, kruglyakivka, kotlyarivka, stelmahivka and lozovoi. Ukrainian defenders stopped five Russian attacks. Two more clashes continue. In the Lyman direction Russian zagarbniki 23 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces near Druzhelyubivka, Cherneshchyna, Grekivka, Nevsky, Makiyivka, Bilogorivka and Novosadovoye. Four clashes are still ongoing. In the Sivers .komu direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled the assault of the occupation troops in the direction of Viimka. In the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces with the support of aviation stormed Ukrainian positions near Kalinivka, Maysky, Andriyivka and White Mountain. Defense forces stopped seven attacks of the zagarbnikiv, two more clashes continue. There were 11 fights in the Toretsky direction. Russians also with the support of aviation stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near Toretsk, Scherbinivka and Nelipivka. Seven attacks of the Russian aggressor have been repelled, four are yet to be completed. On the Pokrovsky direction, from the beginning of this day, Russian forces 25 times attacked in the areas of Novotoretsk, Selidovogo, Novogrodivka, Krasnogo Yaru, Vozdvizhenko, Mikhailivka and Marinivka. Ukrainian defenders repelled 24 attacks. The fight is still ongoing near Selidovogo. Today, according to preliminary data, 460 Russian invaders were defecated, of which 188 - irrevocably. Two combat armored vehicles and 11 vehicles were also destroyed. A tank, one BBM, seven artillery systems and nine cars were damaged. In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian forces made 20 attempts to break through Ukrainian defense near the Wanted Second, Tsukurinogo, Georgiyivka, Konstantinivka, Katerinivka and Girnik. Thirteen boezitknen completed, seven more - still continuing In this direction, according to preliminary data, the Russian casualties were irreversible and 100 wounded. Four combat armored vehicles were also destroyed. In the Vremivs komu direction, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian units near Vugledar, Katerinivka and Vodanogo five times. There is still one Russian attack. In the Orihivsky direction, the troops of Zagarbnikiv four times stormed the positions of Defense Forces near Robotiny, Novoandriivka and Novodanilivka. One battle is still going on. In the rest of the destinations - there are no special changes. The operation is ongoing in the Kursk region. The Russian enemy's aviation continues to strike controlled aviation bombs across its villages and cities. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have carried out a group strike with precision-guided weapons and strike drones, as a result of which the following have been hit: power facilities that supported the work of enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry, UAV production workshops, and positions of AFU manpower, weaponry, and materiel. The goal of the strike has been achieved. All assigned targets were engaged. In Liptsy and Volchansk directions, the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the 36th Marine Brigade, 113th Territorial Defence Brigade near Liptsy, Volchansk, and Volchanskiye Khutora (Kharkov region) and the city of Kharkov. Three counter-attacks launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 71st Jaeger Brigade were repelled. The enemy lost up to 135 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, two 152-mm D-20 guns, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 14th, 43rd, 44th, 54th, 66th mechanised brigades of the AFU, 110th, 117th, 125th territorial defence brigades, 1st National Guard Brigade near Petropavlovka, Zagryzovo, Izyumskoye, Vishnyovoye, Kolesnikovka, Kovsharovka (Kharkov region), Nevskoye, Novoyegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The Russian units repelled two counter-attacks of 116th Mechanised Brigade and 3rd Assault Brigade of the AFU. The AFU losses amounted to up to 435 troops, for tanks, two U.S.-made M113 APCs, five motor vehicles, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 and two U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzers, two 152-mm D-20 guns, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer. One U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar and seven field ammunition depots were destroyed. The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions as well as inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 24th, 28th, 30th, 54th, 93rd mechanised brigades, 56th, 59th motorised infantry brigades, 144th Infantry Brigade, 81st Airmobile Brigade, 10th, 128th mountain assault brigades, and 114th Territorial Defence Brigade near Seversk, Kramatorsk, Serebryanka, Verkhnekamenskoye, Chasov Yar, Predtechino, Belaya Gora, Ostroye, Kurakhovo, and Katerinonka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses are up to 840 troops, two tanks, two Kozak armoured fighting vehicles, 22 motor vehicles, four UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzers, a U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, a 152-mm D-20 gun, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and a U.S.-made 105-mm M1119 gun. Russian units destroyed three Anklav-N EW stations. The Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 23rd, 31st, 150th mechanised brigades, 144th Infantry Brigade, 46th Airmobile Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade, 78th Air Assault Regiment of the AFU, 109th, 112th, 119th territorial defence brigades, 14th, 15th brigades of the National Guard, and 3rd Border Security detachment near Pokrovsk, Dimitrov, Grodovka, Krutoy Yar, Selidovo, Ukrainsk, and Gornyak (Donetsk People's Republic). The Russian units repelled nine counter-attacks of 100th Mechanised Brigade, 68th Jaeger Brigade, 25th Airborne Brigade, 425th Assault Battalion of the AFU, 2nd, 12th brigades, and 5th Regiment of the National Guard. The Ukrainian formations losses are up to 520 troops, two pickups, two 152-mm Msta-B howitzers, four 122-mm D-30 howitzers, a 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun, as well as U.S.-made a MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle, a 155-mm M777 howitzer, and a 105-mm M119 gun. One AFU field ammunition depot was destroyed. The Vostok Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line and engaged formations of 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 105th,241st territorial defence brigades, 21st National Guard Brigade near Ugledar, Novoukrainka, Zolotaya Niva, Velikaya Novosyolka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novodarovka (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 160 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, two French-made 155-mm Caesar howitzers, a 152-mm D-20 gun, and an EW station. The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware 141st Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 37th Marine Brigade, 124th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 3rd National Guard Brigade near Nesteryanka, Pyatikhatki, Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region), and Antonovka (Kherson region). The enemy lost up to 60 troops and four motor vehicles. One AFU field ammunition depot was destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces destroyed two missile and artillery ammunition depots, a cargo ship carrying missiles and ammunition provided to the Kiev regime by the West states, as well as clusters of manpower and materiel in 153 areas. Air defence units shot down six Neptune long-range missiles, three French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, ten U.S.-made HIMARS rockets, and 177 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, 646 airplanes and 283 helicopters, 31,983 unmanned aerial vehicles, 579 air defence missile systems, 18,317 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,457 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 14,963 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 26,328 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mexican president blames US for surging drug cartel violence Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 9:12 AM Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says the US is partly responsible for the increased Sinaloa cartel violence that has left tens of people dead in the past week. The "instability and clashes" in the past week that led to 53 deaths in Mexico's northern state of Sinaloa is the result of a "totally illegal" operation conducted by US forces, Lopez Obrador said during his morning news briefing. Some 51 others are missing since rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel began clashing on Sept 9, with gruesome violence showing no signs of abating. The trigger for the conflict between the two most powerful factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, a drug gang, dates back to July, when top trafficker and leader of one of those groupings, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, was arrested in the United States. Zambada alleges that a senior member of the Los Chapitos, another faction of the cartel, kidnapped him and then flew him to the United States against his will. Since fighting broke out on Sept 9, shootouts have disrupted daily life in the capital, Culiacan, where schools have had to close on some days while restaurants and shops shuttered early. Zambada was detained along with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. Lopez Obrador said the United States bears some of the responsibility for the violence "for having carried out that operation" to arrest Zambada. He said the arrest "produced the confrontation that is taking place in Sinaloa." US ambassador to Mexico City Ken Salazar rejected his country was responsible for the cartel violence. "When it is said that the United States, we, are responsible for what is happening in Sinaloa, in other places, well, I do not agree with that," Salazar said from Ciudad Juarez, according to Mexican media reports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran among world's top 10 countries in space industry: Commander Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 5:02 PM A senior Iranian commander hails the grand achievements of the Armed Forces and their high power, saying the Islamic Republic is among the top 10 countries in the world in the space industry. Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army's Air Force Brigadier General Ali Akbar Talebzadeh made the remarks on Saturday during a military parade in the southern province of Bushehr on the occasion of Sacred Defense Week, which marks an eight-year war of aggression on Iran by then-Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the 1980s. He said Iran is proceeding with the path toward achieving self-sufficiency and manufacturing indigenous systems to improve national security. The country has succeeded in acquiring the know-how to repair the most sophisticated weapons and the systems related to them and breaking the monopoly in manufacturing fighters and different types of drones, he added. The commander emphasized that Iran is now on par with the powers in possession of military technology. Talebzadeh noted that unity among all Iranian organizations, Armed Forces, Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), voluntary forces and people during the eight years of Sacred Defense prevented the enemies from achieving their goals. He reiterated that the Iranian Armed Forces are precisely monitoring all developments in the region and the world and are prepared to defend national security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia September 20, 2024 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia today in Wilmington, Delaware. The President thanked the Prime Minister for his partnership and highlighted the progress made in strengthening bilateral ties since the Prime Minister's Official Visit to Washington, D.C., last October. The leaders underscored that the U.S.-Australia Alliance remains the core of the bilateral relationship, and welcomed the depth of cooperation across its three pillars: defense and security, economic, and climate and clean energy. The leaders noted the recent Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) Joint Leaders Statement reaffirming their shared commitment to advance this historic trilateral partnership and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable. The leaders reflected on the strength of the economic relationship and discussed progress over the past two years to modernize the Alliance in the face of new challenges, including addressing climate change and the clean energy transition. They also reaffirmed their commitment to expand cooperation to build more diverse and resilient critical minerals supply chains and accelerate the transition to clean energy in accordance with the "Compact" they signed in Hiroshima, Japan, in May 2023. The two leaders also discussed their support for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, their continued assistance to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's brutal aggression, and their support for a sustainable ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The leaders discussed their respective diplomacy with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and their shared concerns about the PRC's coercive and destabilizing activities, including in the South China Sea. The President welcomed Australia's contributions to the Quad, its growing partnership with Japan, and its active engagement in the Pacific region, where the United States intends to provide $1.5 million to support the World Bank's efforts to strengthen correspondent banking relationships in Pacific Island countries. The leaders committed to continue deepening the bilateral partnership to advance their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China targets high-ranking officials who read banned books The crackdown on restricted content could upend a system that once gave senior officials a more global education. By Zhu Liye for RFA Mandarin 2024.09.21 -- China's Communist Party is clamping down on the secret hobby of some high-ranking officials: reading banned books, a series of state media reports suggest. Officials from glitzy Shanghai to poverty-stricken Guizhou have been accused in recent months of "privately possessing and reading banned books and periodicals," according to state media reports, which typically surface when the officials are probed by the party's disciplinary arm. Senior officials have traditionally enjoyed privileged access to materials banned as potentially subversive for the wider population, via the "neibu," or internal, publishing system, former Communist Party officials told RFA Mandarin in recent interviews. Now it appears that President Xi Jinping is coming for their personal libraries and private browsing habits in a bid to instill the same ideas in all party members regardless of rank. During the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution, any foreign book could be considered a "poisonous weed that promotes the bourgeois lifestyle." Books banned since 2000 have typically been works about recent Chinese history or inside scoops on senior leaders, including memoirs from Mao Zedong's personal physician, late ousted premier Zhao Ziyang and a book about the later years of Mao's trusted premier Zhou Enlai. Overseas publications are often banned or tightly controlled in China, either online, or via a complex process of political vetting by the authorities, including a 2017 requirement that anyone selling foreign publications in China must have a special license. Wider knowledge makes better leaders Former Party School professor Cai Xia said officials were generally allowed to read whatever they liked until the turn of the century. The arrangement encouraged officials to broaden their perspective, making them better leaders. "Politics, like art, requires imagination," Cai said. "Because experience shows that the more single-minded and closed-off the thinking of the Communist Party, especially the senior cadres, the narrower their vision and the poorer their thinking, and the harder it is for them to grasp the complex phenomena and situations that have emerged in China's rapid development," she told Radio Free Asia. Wider reading encourages deeper thought, which helps China "to move forward," she said. Du Wen, former executive director of the Legal Advisory Office of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region government, said the purge of readers of banned publications is worrying. "This phenomenon is so scary, because it sends the message that there is no independence in the ranks of the Chinese Communist Party," Du said. "Even dialectical materialism and critical thinking have become evidence of guilt." Nearly 20 officials have been accused of similar infractions, Du said, basing the number on his observation of media reports. Officials have been tight-lipped about the names of the books and periodicals these officials were reading, yet the accusations keep coming. Those targeted In November 2023, the party launched a probe into former Zhejiang provincial Vice Gov. Zhu Congjiu, accusing him of losing his way ideologically. In addition to making off-message comments in public, Zhu had "privately brought banned books into the country and read them over a long period of time," according to media reports at the time. In June 2023, the Beijing branch of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection expelled former state assets supervisory official Zhang Guilin for "possessing and reading books and periodicals with serious political issues," alongside a slew of other alleged offenses including "engaging in power-for-sex and money-for-sex transactions." Many of those targeted have been in the state-controlled financial system, while some have been concentrated in the central province of Hunan and the southwestern megacity of Chongqing, according to political commentator Yu Jie. "Interestingly, a lot of officials in the political and legal system, national security and prison systems, which are responsible for maintaining stability and persecuting dissidents, are also keen on reading banned books," Yu wrote in a recent commentary for RFA Mandarin, citing the case of former state security police political commissar Li Bin. In Hubei province, the commission went after one of their own in party secretary Wang Baoping, accusing him of "buying and reading books that distorted and attacked the 18th Party Congress." "Monitoring what people are reading shows the authoritarian system's determination and ability to maintain its power and to destroy any resources that could be subversive and any doubts about the legitimacy of the authorities' rule," Yu wrote in a Chinese-language commentary on May 28. "Xi Jinping's ... goal is to turn more than 80 million party members into marionettes or zombies, and follow him, like the Pied Piper, in a mighty procession that leads to hell," he said. Categories Zhang Huiqing, a former editor at the People's Publishing House, told RFA Mandarin that "gray" books were allowed to be published under the watchful eye of the party's Central Propaganda Department, which also reviewed and vetted foreign-published books for translation into Chinese, for distribution as "neibu" reading material. Divided into categories A, B and C, where A was restricted to the smallest number of officials, "reactionary" books were those that could potentially cause people to challenge the party leadership, and they were once distributed in a highly controlled manner, Zhang said. Du Wen said that while he was an official in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region government, he had access to a slew of foreign news outlets not usually sold on the streets of Chinese cities, including Bloomberg, The New York Times, The Washington Post and newspapers published in democratic Taiwan. "These were all allowed because if you want to do research, you have to understand what's going on overseas," Du said. "How can you research something if you don't understand the situation?" Yet recent changes to party disciplinary regulations have brought more publications into the danger zone. Nowadays, any publication not entirely in line with orthodox Marxism-Leninism or the official view of Communist Party history is likely to be seen as "reactionary," as is any information about China's highest-ranking leaders, both past and present, according to a senior figure in the Chinese publishing industry who spoke to RFA Mandarin on condition of anonymity. "There's a lot of randomness and contingency that affects whether something winds up being labeled as reactionary," the person said. "It also depends on the level of understanding and personal ambition of the person in charge of an investigation." And times change, making it hard for officials to stay on the right side of the rules. "A book that was reactionary yesterday may not be reactionary today, and vice versa," the person said. Public hotline Typically, Chinese publishing houses take direct instructions from the General Administration of Press and Publication and its provincial branches about what they can and can't publish. But a public hotline and a highly cautious attitude in recent years has meant that a book can be banned on the basis of a single phone call from a concerned individual. The senior publishing industry figure said one work of non-fiction was canned on the say-so of the widow of a senior cadre because she didn't like the way her late husband was portrayed. The man had only played a minor role in the book. "All of our editing, proofreading, binding, design, printing, marketing and distribution work was wasted," the person said. "We had already printed several thousand copies of the book, but we had to send them to be pulped." The Chinese Communist Party's internal rule-book entry on what constitutes a banned book offense has been amended three times since 2015, with categories being added each time. Article 47 of the original regulations issued in 2003 warn: "Anyone who brings reactionary books, audio-visual products, electronic reading materials and so on into the country from abroad shall be criticized and educated; if the circumstances are serious, they will be given a warning or a serious warning; more serious offenses will be disciplined by removal from party post, probation or expulsion from the party." Since 2015, the rules have been updated three times to include anyone "reading privately, browsing or listening" to banned material, which now includes "online text, images and audiovisual material." Another senior media figure who requested anonymity said the key factor that makes a book reactionary these days is whether or not it tells the truth, especially about the Chinese government. "Actually, the most reactionary thing is the truth," the person said, "because the truth could shake the foundations of party rule." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Luisetta Mudie and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong diaspora media in Britain reports 'government-backed attacks' By Kris Cheng September 21, 2024 The Chaser, a news website run by Hong Kong journalists in Britain, says Google informed the diaspora media outlet that its company email was being targeted by "government-backed attacks." China is presumed to be behind the attacks, something Beijing denies. Analysts say the case highlights the growing difficulties Hong Kong journalists face both at home and overseas. On Tuesday, The Chaser published a report about the incident on its website, including a screenshot of the email from Google about the government-backed attack. The email listed the severity of the attack as high. According to Google, only 0.1% of users worldwide have been subjected to similar attacks. Google also pointed out that it cannot rule out that the warning may be a false alarm, but the company believes it has detected suspicious activities. These could include attempts to steal passwords or personal information through emails containing harmful attachments, harmful software download links or links to fake websites. VOA reached out to Google for more details on the attack but has yet to receive a response. 'There is no way out' The Chaser said it immediately reviewed all online security measures after receiving the notice and has taken the necessary protective actions. The Chaser said in a statement, "At a time when Hong Kong's press is mired in the White Terror, the invisible black hand has unscrupulously reached out to the diaspora media overseas. "Our team members are from Hong Kong and came to the UK three years ago, hoping to continue chasing news on free soil. In today's turbulent world of press freedom in Hong Kong, there is no way out. Our team strongly condemns all threats to press freedom and pledges to remain at our posts." VOA efforts to seek a response from China's Embassy in Britain were unsuccessful, but the Chinese Embassy in Washington denied that China was involved in the cyberattack. "China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with law. Without valid evidence, they jumped to an unwarranted conclusion and made groundless accusations against China," the embassy said in an emailed statement Thursday. "It is extremely irresponsible and is a complete distortion of facts. China firmly opposes this." Last month, The Chaser released an investigative report that said the Chinese Embassy in Britain had pressured Dragons Teaching, a British publishing house, in 2018 to remove the phrase "Republic of China" from chapters about Taiwan in Chinese textbooks. The Republic of China is Taiwan's official name. Beijing is relentless in its global campaign to quash any recognition of the democratically ruled island a no matter how small. The publishing house eventually gave in to pressure from Beijing, according to the report from The Chaser. The textbooks are used in exams for secondary school courses in Britain. The Chinese Embassy in Britain has declined to comment on the incident and report, though other British media picked up the story. Journalists report harassment The cyberattack comes as journalists in Hong Kong are under increasing pressure. Last week, the Hong Kong Journalists Association said that from June to August of this year, dozens of journalists, their families, employers, landlords or neighbors were harassed and intimidated in different ways on the internet and in their daily lives, which was unprecedented. Benson Wong, a Hong Kong political scholar living in Britain, doesn't believe the attacks on The Chaser and other Hong Kong journalists are purely coincidental, especially as China's National Day is approaching. "From their point of view, it is understandable that the national security and intelligence units would do some things or do some 'homework' as part of their performance," he said. He said he believes the attack is meant to send a signal that Hong Kong journalists who make critical remarks about China cannot expect to be safe from interference or even attacks just because they move overseas. VOA reached out to Britain's National Cyber Security Center for comment on the attack but has yet to receive a response. Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Sends Reply Message to Xi Jinping Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, September 22 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a reply message to Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China, on September 15. The message said: I express thanks to you for extending sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 76th birthday of the DPRK. It is the common desire of the peoples of the two countries to steadily consolidate and develop the DPRK-China friendship with a long historical tradition. I am convinced that good results will be continuously made in accomplishing the common cause of the two parties and countries for dynamically promoting socialist construction, providing the peoples with substantial well-being and safeguarding the global peace and the regional security. I wish the Chinese people greater success in building a modern socialist country this significant year marking the 75th birthday of the People's Republic of China under the leadership of the Communist Party of China with you, general secretary, as its core. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister attends the sixth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware India - Ministry of External Affairs September 21, 2024 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the sixth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware on 21 September 2024, hosted by the President of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Prime Minister of Australia, H.E. Mr. Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida also participated. 2. In his address, Prime Minister thanked President Biden for hosting the Summit and for his personal commitment to strengthen the Quad as a force for global good. Prime Minister stated that at a time when the world is ridden with tensions and conflicts, the coming together of Quad partners, with shared democratic ethos and values, is important for humanity. He emphasized that the group stood for upholding the international order based on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and with a commitment to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes. He further stated that a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific was a shared objective of the Quad partners. He underlined that the Quad was here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement the efforts of Indo-Pacific countries. 3. Reiterating that the Quad remains to be a "force for global good," the Leaders made the following announcements to address the development priorities of the Indo-Pacific region and of the global community as a whole: * "Quad Cancer Moonshot", a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region by combating cervical cancer. * "Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific" (MAITRI) to enable Indo-Pacific partners to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad initiatives. * First-ever "Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission" in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety. * "Quad Ports of the Future Partnership" which will harness the Quad's collective expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific. * "Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure" in the region and beyond. * A "Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation" to enhance resilience of Quad's semiconductor supply chains. * Collective Quad effort to boost energy efficiency, including deployment and manufacturing of high-efficiency affordable cooling systems in the Indo-Pacific region. * India's establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius, to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact. * A new sub-category under the Quad STEM Fellowship, announced by India, for students of the Indo-Pacific region to pursue a 4-year bachelor's level engineering programme at a Government of India funded technical institute. 4. The Leaders welcomed the next hosting of the Quad Leaders' Summit by India in 2025. To take the Quad agenda forward, they adopted the Quad Wilmington Declaration. Wilmington, Delaware September 21, 2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister's meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan India - Ministry of External Affairs September 21, 2024 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan in USA on 21 September 2024 on the sidelines of Quad Leaders' Summit, in Wilmington, Delaware. 2. The two Prime Ministers warmly recalled their many interactions, especially since their first Annual Summit in March 2022. Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Kishida for his unwavering dedication and leadership in enabling advances in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership over the last few years. 3. The two leaders noted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is in its 10th year and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the relationship. The two Prime Ministers reviewed the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries and exchanged views to deepen cooperation further, including defense and security ties and B2B and P2P collaborations. 4. Prime Minister bid farewell to Prime Minister Kishida and wished him success and fulfillment in his future endeavours. Wilmington, Delaware September 21, 2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister's meeting with the Prime Minister of Australia India - Ministry of External Affairs September 21, 2024 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Australia H.E. Mr. Anthony Albanese met on the sidelines of the 6th Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, USA. This was their ninth in-person interaction since May 2022. 2.The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas such as political and strategic, defence and security, trade and investments, education and research, climate change and renewable energy, and people-to-people ties. The Prime Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They acknowledged that the frequency of high-level contacts has imparted a strong momentum to bilateral relations. 3. Both leaders renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the multilateral fora and reiterated their commitment to take the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to even greater heights. Wilmington, Delaware September 21, 2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India's Muslims await Supreme Court ruling on 'bulldozer justice' By Shaikh Azizur Rahman September 21, 2024 Rights advocates in India are looking to a Supreme Court hearing October 1 in hopes of a permanent ban on so-called bulldozer justice, in which state governments frequently demolish the homes of people a often Muslims a who have been accused of crimes. After hearing a batch of petitions against punitive demolitions on Tuesday, the justices ordered that until the October 1 hearing, "there shall be no demolition anywhere across the country without seeking leave" of the court. According to the Housing and Land Rights Network, more than 153,000 homes have been demolished in the past few years by state governments, displacing about 738,000 people. State and local governments often justify the action by saying the buildings were unsafe or illegally constructed, but the demolitions often target individuals who have been accused but not convicted of crimes. Many of the demolitions have taken place in states ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP. Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy director of the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, said Indian authorities are using "summary and abusive punishments against people, mostly Muslims," by demolishing their properties. "This violates the basic principle of justice. In courts, government lawyers claim that the properties were illegal. But it is unlawful to arbitrarily demolish properties without due process," Ganguly told VOA. "Yet, shockingly several BJP leaders have openly said that they believe in such bulldozer justice." Collective punishment without the sanction of law Former Indian Supreme Court Justice Madan Lokur told VOA in an interview that in his view, the residential houses are being demolished as a form of collective punishment without the sanction of law. "Houses are demolished on suspicion of being encroachments or being illegally constructed. Residential houses cannot be constructed overnight. Were the municipal authorities sleeping when the alleged illegal construction was going on? Surely, they are guilty of dereliction of duty," Lokur said. After firebrand monk and Hindu nationalist BJP leader Yogi Adityanath became the chief minister of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, or UP, in 2017, he declared that he would make the state crime-free. Adityanath asked his officials to take the "strictest possible actions against all criminals" in the state. Soon, the police and other civic officials in UP started taking "anti-criminal" actions, including the demolition of illegal constructions. In 2022, after Nupur Sharma, a BJP spokesperson, made an allegedly offensive comment against the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims in UP staged a protest rally. Soon after, the state authorities demolished many houses and shops owned by those who had taken part in the rally. The same year, after communal tension broke out between Hindus and Muslims in the BJP-ruled state of Madhya Pradesh, the authorities pulled down at least 50 houses and shops a all owned by Muslims. Over the past few years, houses, shops and other "illegal" structures owned by accused criminals, communal violence rioters and others have been demolished in states including UP, MP, Haryana, Assam and Maharashtra a in most cases where the BJP was in power. Over the past two years, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a leading organization of Islamic scholars in India, filed multiple petitions to the Supreme Court seeking orders to prevent governments from demolishing homes or shops as a form of extrajudicial punishment. While hearing one petition filed by Rashid Khan, a Muslim autorickshaw driver, the court observed on September 2 that punitive demolitions cannot be justified, even if the property belongs to someone accused or convicted of a crime. On August 17, authorities demolished Khan's one-story house in Udaipur, in Rajasthan state, which he had rented out to two families. Khan, who filed a petition with the Supreme Court last month seeking compensation from the state, said he believes his home was targeted in a punitive action because the 15-year-old son of one of his Muslim tenants had been accused of stabbing his Hindu classmate to death on August 16. On September 13, while hearing another petition, the court observed: "Running a bulldozer on the property of an accused is akin to bulldozing the law of the land." The court noted that it does not oppose the demolition of unauthorized structures. But it said the demolitions are not being carried out in accordance with proper procedures. "First issue notice, give time to answer and seek legal remedies, before going for demolition," the court said, adding that it would soon issue national guidelines on the demolition of illegal structures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Iranian ballistic missiles were unveiled today IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 21, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- On the occasion of the beginning of Sacred Defense Week, Iran Armed Forces have unveiled the latest achievements such as Shahed 136B drone and Jahad ballistic missile, in a ceremony on Saturday morning. The Iranian Armed Forces launched extensive military parades across the country on Saturday to observe Sacred Defense Week. The ceremony in Tehran was attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior military officials. In Tehran, the ceremony was held in the south of the capital at the mausoleum of the Founder of the Islamic Republic, the Late Imam Khomeini. Forces from the Iranian Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Police, Border Guards, and Basij have participated in the parades. The march was also organized coincidently across the country. Shahed 136B drone, the newest Iran-made drone, was showcased at the Armed Forces military parade, Jahad ballistic missile, the newest IRGC ballistic missile, was also showcased at the armed Forces military parade on Saturday morning. The Sacred Defense Week, which starts today, marks eight years of the Iraqi imposed war on Iran in the 1980s. This week is annually celebrated nationwide to commemorate martyrs and war veterans of the Iraqi-imposed war on the Islamic Republic in 1980-88. 6125**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran border guards deal heavy blow to terrorist group on southeast border Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 8:20 AM A terrorist group attempting to infiltrate Iran through the southeast border has been dealt a "heavy blow" from Iranian border guards in Sistan and Baluchestan province, according to the border police commander. Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Goudarzi said the vigilant border guards of Sistan and Baluchestan, stationed in the Sirkan border zone, used intelligence and continuous monitoring to detect the movements of terrorists attempting to breach the border and execute subversive activities inside Iran. Highlighting the operational and combat capabilities of the Iranian border police, General Goudarzi said, "This terrorist team intended to enter the country through the border area last night to carry out destructive operations." However, he continued, due to the "alertness and heavy firepower of our border guards during a strike operation, they were thwarted, and a significant blow was dealt to them." General Goudarzi explained that during the operation, two members of the terrorist group were killed. He added that the Iranian border guards also seized a large number of weapons and ammunition, including two handheld wireless devices, 21 magazine chests, two wireless chargers, an infrared camera, one improvised explosive device, two explosive device batteries, and a smartphone. Additional items found included clothing, food supplies, and a satellite phone. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Unveils New Missile, Drone With 4,000 km Range Amid Seething Regional Tensions Sputnik News 20240921 Ilya Tsukanov Mideast tensions are on a knife's edge, reaching a fever pitch this week after a suspected Mossad attack targeting thousands of pagers and other communication and household electronic devices in Lebanon. The escalation comes as the bloody war in Gaza approaches its one-year anniversary. Iran revealed a new solid-fueled ballistic missile dubbed the Jihad ('Holy War') at a military parade in Tehran on Saturday commemorating the Iran-Iraq War of 1980-1988. Dubbed the Jihad (lit. 'Holy War') the missile has a reported range of up to 1,000 km, and was designed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' aerospace division. The missile one of nearly two dozen Iranian-made long-range strike weapons appearing at the parade, among them the Kheibar Shekan ('Castle Buster' or 'Fortress Buster'), which was fired at terror targets in Syria earlier this year, and the Khorramshahr, named after the Iranian city of the same name, which has a range up to 2,000 km and has a 1.8 ton warhead. Also making its debut at Saturday's parade was the Shahed-136B - the latest modification of Iran's mainstay piston engine-powered Shahed-136 kamikaze drone. The upgraded drone touts a range of over 4,000 km - enough to reach anywhere in the Middle East and most of continental Europe. Manufactured by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) and Shahed Aviation Industries, hundreds of base model Shahed-136s were used to keep Israeli, US, French, British and Jordanian aircraft and air defenses busy while Iran slipped missiles past them to strike an aerodrome and intel base in April. The base 200 kg drones are equipped with a 50 kg warhead, and have a 2,500 km range. The weight and warhead characteristics of the new, upgraded model have yet to be revealed, but based on its appearance, modifications are significant, with the new drone featuring a completely different wing configuration, and more bulbous fuselage. Iran is a regional superpower in the development, production and fielding of drones, missiles, and other advanced weapons, possessing dozens of indigenous designs developed by local companies. The Islamic Republic's arms industry was grown from the ground up beginning in the 1980s after its traditional weapons sellers slapped the country with an embargo during Iraq's US-backed war of aggression, and got a major shot in the arm thanks to Iran's hard-earned status as one of the top scientific powers in the world. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan September 21, 2024 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan today in Wilmington, Delaware, to advance cooperation on a range of security, economic, and diplomatic issues. The President underscored that the U.S.-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of regional peace and prosperity, and commended the progress made in strengthening the global partnership with Japan since the Prime Minister's Official Visit to Washington, D.C., in April 2024. The President praised the Prime Minister's visionary and courageous leadership over the past three years, which has fundamentally enhanced Japan's defense capabilities and transformed its role in the world. He thanked the Prime Minister for his resolute support for strengthening Alliance defense cooperation, including on command and control, defense industrial cooperation, and enhanced exercises and training, and for advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders welcomed progress in pursing cooperation on advanced capability projects under Pillar 2 of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) trilateral partnership. The two leaders also reiterated their resolve to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and underscored their opposition to any attempts to change the status quo by force. The leaders discussed their respective diplomacy with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and their shared concerns about the PRC's coercive and destabilizing activities, including in the South China Sea. They also reaffirmed their commitment to developing and protecting critical and emerging technologies such as AI and semiconductors while increasing their resilience to economic coercion. The leaders also discussed Japan's robust contributions to global and regional security, including through the Quad and its leadership of the G7 last year, as well as its support for the United Nations and increased humanitarian funding to meet unprecedented needs across the globe. The President welcomed the Prime Minister's principled and resolute support to Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's brutal aggression. He also commended the Prime Minister's courage and conviction in strengthening ties with the Republic of Korea (ROK), which enabled the launch of a momentous new era of U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation at the historic Camp David Summit in August 2023. The two leaders committed to sustain efforts to take the U.S.-Japan Alliance to new heights and to continue standing side-by-side together as steadfast global partners. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rights group says Myanmar military to execute activists By Luke Hunt, Ingyin Naing September 21, 2024 A prominent Southeast Asian rights group said Friday that Myanmar's ruling State Administration Council reportedly intends to execute five democracy activists Tuesday following their May 2023 conviction and sentencing for alleged involvement in a deadly 2021 shooting on a train in Yangon. The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights said it was deeply troubled after receiving a report from what it called a reliable source about the pending executions, which were ordered when a civilian court delivered a verdict in a closed-door hearing held in Insein Prison. It said Zaryaw Phyo, 32; San Min Aung, 24; Kyaw Win Soe 33; Kaung Pyae Sone Oo, 27; and Myat Phyo Pwint, age unknown, were charged with murder and illegal weapons possession under several statutes, including the 1949 Arms Act and a 2014 counterterrorism law. "The use of capital punishment as a tool to suppress dissent is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms," Wong Chen, a Malaysian member of the parliamentarians group's board, said in the group's statement. The organization demanded the State Administration Council halt the executions and immediately release the five activists. The SAC is the official name of the military government formed in February 2021 when the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted by a coup d'etat, tipping the country into civil war. It said such actions represented a grievous infringement of human rights and a blatant disregard for international legal standards. "We call upon the SAC to immediately release them and ensure that, pending their release, the detention conditions comply with international standards, including access to legal representation, medical care and contact with their family," said Mercy Chriesty Barends, the chairperson of the parliamentarians group. Lawyers, families of the condemned and prison authorities contacted by VOA could not confirm whether the executions were scheduled to proceed Tuesday; however, one prison authority noted their bodies and necks had been measured regularly. Myanmar's ruling military hanged four democracy activists in July 2022 after the SAC accused them of carrying out "terror acts." They were the first people to be executed in Myanmar in more than 40 years, leading to widespread international condemnation. Shortly after the executions, the G7 leading economies called on the ruling military to "refrain from further arbitrary executions" and to free all political prisoners, warning the absence of fair trials showed the junta's contempt for the democratic aspirations of the people of Myanmar. The parliamentarians group said it was "particularly disconcerting" that the five executions would be carried out under the first death sentences ordered by a civilian judiciary a rather than a military tribunal a since the coup, signaling a disturbing shift in judicial proceedings in Myanmar. Jason Tower, country director for the Burma Program at the United States Institute of Peace, said the death sentences marked a hardening of attitudes by the junta, which has suffered a litany of losses on the battlefield since anti-regime forces launched an offensive last October. "This is very concerning, and there's not enough action on this internationally. The junta is out of control a atrocities are everywhere," he told VOA, adding the broader international community had not done enough to counter an "illegitimate regime that is perpetrating horrific violence." He also said a recent shift in China's posture toward Myanmar's military regime had sent a signal that the junta can get away with mass atrocities and executing human rights defenders and political opponents without consequences. "China has blatantly ignored a dramatic increase in junta airstrikes targeting civilians, IDP camps, schools and hospitals, moving forward with inviting senior junta officials to Chinese-led multilateral platforms," he said. Those platforms include the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Xiangshan Forum and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation. "Participants in these platforms have failed to push back, and there are worrying signs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations could be tilting toward closer relations with the military regime despite the dramatic increase in atrocities and war crimes," Tower said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistani Opposition Rally Ends After Power Cut In Lahore By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal September 21, 2024 Thousands of supporters of the opposition Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party rallied in Lahore to demand the release of imprisoned leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, but the gathering was cut short after authorities shut off power to the lights and sound system at the site, local media reported. PTI leaders traveled from Peshawar to Lahore to meet up with other supporters from throughout the country. PTI was given permission to hold the rally from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., at which time the power was cut at the meeting place. Government leaders insisted they had given the PTI "free hand and ensured their security" but that only about 3,000 people had shown up, the Dawn newspaper reported. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-pti-khan- lahore-protest/33129052.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Humanitarian crisis in Syria threatens to spiral out of control By Lisa Schlein September 21, 2024 U.N. investigators are warning the humanitarian crisis in Syria threatens to spiral out of control as violence increases and the collapsing economy keeps the population mired in poverty and hopelessness 13 years after civil war erupted in the country. "As world attention and resources shift to other grave political or humanitarian crises, Syria descends further into a quagmire of misery and despair," Paulo Pinheiro, chair of the U.N. Syria Commission of Inquiry, told the U.N. human rights council Friday. In presenting the latest report by the three-member commission, Pinheiro painted a dark picture of a society that has fallen into an abyss of "multiple failures and missed opportunities." "We have seen 13 years of internal armed conflict brought about by the Syrian state's violent and repressive response to peaceful demonstrations," he said. "Our report to you documents continuing arbitrary detentions with state officials continuing to forcibly disappear, torture and ill-treat detainees in their custody." The report says that fighting has intensified along multiple front lines, as disparate military forces use heavy artillery to maintain territorial control and resort to intensified violence against their perceived political opponents. It accuses these militias of committing a litany of human rights violations and abuses against the civilian population, increasing the fear "of a large-scale war" breaking out. For example, the report says that in the northwest of the country, conflict between a Syrian terrorist organization, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, and some factions of the Syrian National Army continue to "arbitrarily detain, torture and disappear civilians and those perceived as political opponents." The report cites intensified fighting by Syrian government forces in the Idlib area of northwest Syria, where civilians have been killed, injured and maimed "in unlawful attacks" with cluster munitions in densely populated urban centers. In the incidents investigated by the commission, the report finds more than 150 civilians, half of them women and children, were killed and injured by government forces. The vast majority were in indiscriminate ground attacks near frontline villages and towns "in violation of international humanitarian law." "Such attacks may amount to war crimes," it says, noting that "airstrikes by Syria's ally, Russia, again led to casualties." "Aerospace forces of the Russian Federation may have failed to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians, in violation of international humanitarian law," authors of the report say. Syria's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Haydar Ali Ahmad, responded to the report by calling the commission's mandate into question and branding the commissioners as "nothing but tools designed to implement specific agendas" of certain Western powers. "What is the benefit of such mandates when we are faced with a commission of inquiry whose task is not to investigate but establish the misleading Western narrative on the situation in Syria?" he said. "Regrettably, it has betrayed the principles of impartiality, objectivity, independence and transparency." Commission Chair Pinheiro expressed particular alarm at "the heightened regional tensions stemming from the conflict" in Israel and Lebanon. "These have led to intensified Israeli airstrikes a and last week a raid into Syria atargeting Iranian officials and militias across Syria, causing civilian casualties on at least three occasions," he said. "Iranian-affiliated groups and the U.S. have stepped up attacks on each other in northeast Syria since the start of the Gaza war." He warned of the dangers to the system of international law itself "if the member states charged with upholding it are seen to be failing in this obligation," a sentiment shared by Geir O. Pedersen, U.N. special envoy for Syria. In a briefing Friday to the Security Council, Pedersen said he was deeply alarmed at the reports of "a large number of communication devices exploding across Lebanon as well as in Syria ... resulting in casualties, including children, and subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon and Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel." "There is a clear and present danger of a wider regional war that drags the Syrian people into its crosshairs," he said. Pinheiro cited multiple other ongoing military operations in different parts of Syria by various military groups intent on seizing land, extorting money and other possessions for personal gain, regardless of the costs. "Civilians continue to be killed on a daily basis in a senseless war that has left the country economically and politically broken, dramatically eroding the social fabric," he said. The United Nations reports more than 306,000 civilians have been killed in Syria since civil war broke out in 2011, and nearly 14 million have been forcibly displaced, 7.2 million inside Syria and 5.6 million as refugees in neighboring countries, across Europe and beyond. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports 16.7 million people, or 3 in every 4 people in Syria, need humanitarian assistance. Of those, 13 million face acute food insecurity, and upwards of 650,000 children under the age of 5 are stunted from severe malnutrition. "Living conditions are increasingly desperate, and we note the failure of the international community to fund more than a quarter of the U.N.'s [$4.9 billion] 2024 humanitarian response plan," Pinheiro said. "Overall, Syria's GDP has shrunk by more than half since 2011, a result of the combined effect of destruction of infrastructure and economic networks, forced displacement of more than half the population, predatory practices and rampant corruption," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allies call for Taiwan's inclusion in joint letter to United Nations ROC Central News Agency 09/21/2024 01:16 PM New York, Sept. 19 (CNA) Permanent representatives to the United Nations from nine of Taiwan's diplomatic allies on Thursday sent a joint letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for the country's inclusion in the world governing body. In the letter, the allies said the U.N. should take proactive actions to address the "malicious distortions" to U.N. Resolution 2758 that have endangered the status quo in the Taiwan Strait as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. It called for the U.N. to facilitate Taiwan's participation and incorporate the latter's contribution to U.N.'s sustainable development goals, as U.N. Resolution 2758 does not exclude Taiwan's meaningful participation in the U.N. system. Furthermore, the letter also urged the U.N. to uphold the principle of neutrality and "stop erroneously citing U.N. Resolution 2758 and improperly depriving Taiwanese people and the media of the right to enter the United Nations to visit, attend, or cover meetings and events." Beijing claims that the U.N. resolution "confirmed" its "One China" principle, which asserts there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is "an inalienable part of China." Taiwan, on the other hand, argues that the resolution only addressed the issue of China's representation at the U.N. and did not mention Taiwan, nor did it address its political status or establish China's sovereignty over Taiwan. The joint letter, signed by Belize, Eswatini, Guatemala, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and Tuvalu, was delivered to Guterres' office ahead of the U.N.'s Summit for the Future as well as the General Debate of the 79th session of the U.N. General Assembly scheduled for next week. After handing over the letter, SVG Permanent Representative to the U.N. Inga Rhonda King told reporters outside the U.N. headquarters in New York that it is hard to imagine that Taiwan will be excluded from the upcoming summit. According to information on the U.N.'s website, world leaders will convene at the Summit for the Future from Sept. 22-23 to adopt the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes. "Could you imagine that the world's technological juggernaut which is Taiwan was not able to participate in those negotiations," she said, pointing out the leading role the country plays in advanced semiconductor production and in artificial intelligence technology. Guatemalan Permanent Representative to the U.N. Carla Maria Rodriguez Mancia, meanwhile, expressed hope that more nations would join in to support Taiwan's inclusion in the U.N. Speaking of the summit, Mancia said the issues that are being discussed this year "make it more relevant to have Taiwan among us because it is "a big democracy, a country of freedom and technology and we are discussing the future." Carlos Fuller, Belizean Permanent Representative to the U.N., said Taiwan is one of the island nations most threatened by rising sea levels, making its exclusion from U.N. conferences on climate warming an important issue. In a separate statement, Lee Chih-chiang (), who heads the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, thanked Taiwan's diplomatic allies for taking action to express their strong support for the country's participation in the U.N. system. Lee emphasized that the top priority of Taiwan's U.N. campaign this year is to help the international community correctly understand U.N. Resolution 2758 and urge the world governing body to seek appropriate ways to include Taiwan. (By Tony Liao and Ko Lin) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelensky says US, UK forbid Ukraine's use of long-range missiles Iran Press TV Saturday, 21 September 2024 11:33 AM Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the United States and Britain have not given authorization to Kiev to use Western-supplied long-range missiles on targets inside Russia. "Neither America nor the United Kingdom gave us permission to use these weapons on the territory of Russia, on any targets, at any distance," Zelensky said on Friday. "I think they are worried about an escalation (of hostilities)," Zelensky added. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West not to let Ukraine use Western-supplied weapons to hit Russia. The Russian leader said that firing long-range weapons into Russia would amount to the US-led NATO countries declaring war on Russia. Meanwhile, Zelensky said Kiev's Western allies had increased their military support to Ukraine, which is struggling to keep the Russian troops out of the Donbas region in the east. "(Military aid) accelerated in September. We are glad. We can feel the difference," he said. Kiev has fewer men and fewer arms and munitions compared to Moscow. The neighboring countries have been engaged in war since Russia launched its special operation in eastern Ukraine in February 2022. Also, Zelensky dismissed the idea of a peace plan put forward by China and Brazil. He said he did not trust the plan, implying that Beijing and BrasAlia were hiding something. "I don't think it was a concrete plan. I don't see any specific action or stages in it, just generalized procedures," he said on Friday evening. Generalizations always hide something," Zelensky told reporters rejecting the peace plan suggested by them. China and Brazil had suggested the idea of an international peace conference acceptable to both sides in which all options would be on the table. Zelensky, who was an actor before becoming president, aims to pitch a so-called "victory plan" to US President Joe Biden in Washington next week. "The plan is designed for decisions that will have to happen from October to December... We would like that very much. Then we believe that the plan will work." Meanwhile, Russia dismissed Zelensky's talk of a plan to end the war. On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "This is not the first time that we have heard such statements from representatives of the Kiev regime." "We are continuing our special military operation and will achieve all of our goals," Peskov asserted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's Zelenskiy To Begin U.S. Trip With Visit To Pennsylvania Munitions Factory By RFE/RL September 21, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to kick off his U.S. visit on September 22 with a stop at a Pennsylvania factory producing key munitions for his country's fight against Russia's invading forces. Two U.S. officials told AP that Zelenskiy will tour the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant as he begins a crucial journey that will also see him address the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24 and meet separately at the White House with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on September 26. The Ukrainian presidency announced separately that Zelenskiy also will meet former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican party's presidential nominee in the November election against Harris. Zelenskiy is looking to shore up global support for Kyiv's battle against Russia and to gain permission -- particularly from the United States and Britain -- to use Western-suppled weapons deeper inside Russia to help prevent the Kremlin's forces from launching attacks on Ukrainian civilian and military sites. He plans to present Biden his "victory plan," which includes requests for long-range strike capabilities and other weapons and would stand as the basis for any future talks with the Kremlin. "This will be the start and foundation for talking in any format with Russia -- in any format, with any of its representatives -- because there will be a plan and something to show," Zelenskiy told a briefing on September 20. Zelenskiy's first stop will be the city of Scranton -- Biden's birthplace -- to tour an ammunition plant manufacturing 155 mm artillery shells used in howitzer systems that can strike from up to 32 kilometers away, allowing troops to take out enemy targets from a protected distance. The United States has so far provided Kyiv with more than 3 million of the shells and has fired up to 8,000 of them a day. Top Pentagon officials and Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro are expected to meet Zelenskiy at the plant. With reporting by AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy-pennsylvania- ammunition-factory-ukraine-war/33129029.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'We Can Feel The Difference,' Zelenskiy Says Of Increased Aid By Allies By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 21, 2024 KYIV -- Kyiv's allies have increased military support for Ukraine this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said, after the European Union pledged a new $39 billion loan for the country's recovery. "[Aid] accelerated in September...and we can feel the difference," Zelenskiy said late on September 20. The EU loan -- backed by revenues of frozen Russian assets -- was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who visited Kyiv on September 20. Ahead of the trip, she said the EU will provide an additional $178 million to help Ukraine repair damaged energy infrastructure, expand renewable energy, and finance shelters. However, Zelenskiy also pointed to U.S. resistance to allowing Kyiv to use Western-supplied weapons to strike deep inside Russia, saying it is a result of fears by the White House of potential escalations by the Kremlin. "I think [U.S. President Joe] Biden is really getting information from his entourage today that there may be an escalation. But -- and this is important -- not everyone around him thinks so. And this is already an achievement in that not all of his entourage thinks so," said Zelenskiy, who is traveling to the United States in the upcoming week to address the UN and meet with Biden and other U.S. leaders. Experts have warned that the coming winter could be the hardest yet for Ukraine, as the country's energy infrastructure is under significant pressure amid Russian strikes on its power plants, heating plants, and transmission networks. Russia's Defense Ministry said on September 21 that it again struck Ukrainian energy facilities overnight using high-precision weapons and drones. The claim cannot be independently verified. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Kyiv believes that Moscow is preparing to strike Ukrainian nuclear facilities before the onset of winter and he urged international watchdogs to establish "permanent enhanced missions" at the sites. "Damage to those facilities creates a high risk of a nuclear incident with global consequences," he wrote on X. Late on September 21, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said explosions rang out in Kharkiv - Ukraine's second-largest city - with a guided bomb hitting a high-rise residential building, injuring at least 12 people. Ukrainian authorities said an earlier Russian attack killed three civilians in central Ukraine, as Ukrainian drone strikes forced Russia to evacuate residents of a border village. A 12-year-old boy and two elderly women were killed in the city of Kryvyi Rih in the Dnipropetrovsk region in "a terrifying attack in the middle of the night, when the city slept," regional Governor Serhiy Lysak wrote on Telegram. He said three other people were wounded in the attack, which also destroyed two buildings and partially damaged 20 more. Kryvyi Rih, a major steel-producing city, regularly comes under Russian air strikes. Earlier, Ukrainian authorities reported that two people were killed and 15 others, including children, were wounded in Russian attacks in the northeastern Kharkiv region late on September 20. Ukrainian air defenses shot down five Russian missiles and 11 drones on the night of September 21, according to a statement by the Ukrainian Air Force. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed on September 21 that 101 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight over various Russian regions. The drone attacks forced Russian authorities to evacuate at least 1,200 people from the Tikhorets district in southwestern Krasnodar region, the regional governor said on September 21. Veniamin Kondratyev said on Telegram that falling debris from a downed drone "caused a fire that spread to explosive objects." Residents were evacuated but no casualties were reported, the governor added. Kondratyev did not provide further details about the incident, but the Telegram channel Astra reported that falling debris caused a fire and explosion at a weapons depot. In a statement on September 21, Ukraine's military said it had struck a depot near the city of Tikhoretsk, labeling it one of Russia's "three largest ammunition storage bases [and] one of the key ones in the logistics system of Russian troops." It also said Kyiv's forces struck a key weapons arsenal near the settlement of Oktyabrskiy in Russia's Tver region. A highway was closed for two hours in the Tver region town of Toropets on the morning of September 21 to ensure the safety of traffic, Russian news agencies reported, citing a branch of the federal roads agency. Ukraine, which has been defending itself against the full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022, has repeatedly attacked targets on Russian soil, including ammunition and fuel depots, to disrupt supplies for Moscow's troops fighting in Ukraine. Off the battlefield, Russia Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on September 21 said the Kremlin will not take part in any follow-up to the June peace summit hosted by Switzerland, calling the process a "fraud" carried out by Ukraine and its Western backers. More than 90 nations attended the summit in June, although Russia -- which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 -- was not invited and China declined to attend. Some countries have suggested that Moscow be included in the next gathering. With reporting by dpa, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-air- strikes-target-kharkiv-ukraine-drones-aid/33128690.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Hits Ukrainian Military Energy Facilities - MoD Sputnik News 20240921 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces launched a coordinated attack on energy facilities supplying the Ukrainian defense industry, as well as on drone production lines and clusters of Ukrainian manpower and military equipment overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "Last night, the Russian armed forces used high-precision weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles to strike energy facilities that ensured operations of enterprises of the Ukrainian defense industry complex, UAV-making workshops, locations of military personnel, weapons and military equipment of the Ukrainian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement. All goals were achieved and all designated targets were hit, the statement added. The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 2,150 servicepeople in the zone of the special military operation over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. Ukrainian forces lost up to 435 soldiers, four tanks and two armored personnel carriers in the area of responsibility of Russia's Battlegroup Zapad. In battles with Russia's Battlegroup Vostok, Ukrainian units lost up to 160 soldiers and a French Caesar howitzer. Russia's Battlegroup Yug secured more advantageous positions, with the enemy losing up to 840 soldiers, two tanks, two Kozak armored personnel carriers. Russia's Battlegroup Sever defeated the formations of two Ukrainian brigades in the Kharkov Region and repelled three attacks, with the enemy losing up to 135 soldiers. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr repelled nine counterattacks of the Ukrainian armed forces, with the enemy losing up to 520 soldiers and a MaxxPro armored fighting vehicles. Meanwhile, Russia's Battlegroup Dnepr destroyed a Ukrainian ammunition depot, with Kiev losing up to 60 soldiers. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Few discussions result in more fur flying than those involving people with differing views on large carnivores like gray wolves. Such issues are more complex than who's right, who's wrong, who's bad, who's good, said Francine Madden, executive director of the Center for Conservation Peacebuilding, CPeace for short. Madden would know. She helped Washington state navigate its wolf management process and has now taken on the issue nationwide. Last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it had "launched a new effort to create and foster a national dialogue around how communities can live with gray wolves (Canis lupus) to include conflict prevention, long-term stability and community security." Madden will help guide this dialogue. This conversation aims to give voice to all people, build understanding and determine a shared path forward, said Jennifer Carpenter, chief of the Yellowstone Center for Resources. Carpenter introduced Madden at the 16th Biennial Scientific Conference on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in Big Sky in early September. During her talk, Madden explained some of the ways she navigates the complicated task of conflict resolution. 3 steps For this national dialogue, step one for Madden and her colleague, Australia-native Kim Wolfenden, was to meet with more than 6,000 people advocates as well as adversaries. From these 6,000 people the duo selected about a dozen to represent the varied views and values of the multitude. They will soon begin meeting over the course of the next year. An Emmy-nominated media company was hired to film the process and produce a long-form podcast telling the peoples story to model a different way of engaging, Madden said. The goal is to have the film show that adversaries can become allies, they can come together. From this lengthy process, the goal is for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to use the interactions to inform its policies and future rulemaking regarding wolves. The agency plans to have its "first-ever nationwide gray wolf recovery plan" completed by the end of 2025. USFWS Martha Williams, the former director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and now the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reached out to recruit Madden for the national discussion. Right now, the only way engagement is happening is through lawsuits, Madden said, prompted by fights over the Endangered Species Act. It's a complex issue, and maybe what we need is a little more humility, a little more humanity and a little more understanding, she said. That is what led to this national wolf conversation. Getting nerdy To help those gathered at Big Sky understand her conflict-resolution approach, Madden discussed humans neurological responses to perceived threats. As with any divisive conversation, Madden said those involved in the wolf talks come to the discussion prejudiced, a trait that worked to humans advantage for thousands of years when we were largely a tribal species. The thing about this species is that when they feel under threat, they can be quite vicious, she said. In the modern world, instead of having to worry about another small tribe, we must now cope with numerous other threats or perceived threats not only locally but nationally and internationally that may be bombarding our brains day and night via television, radio and websites. So we're like in hyper trigger mode all the time, Madden said, which neurologically causes us to want to fight, flight or freeze. This is the primary thing that got you away from the enemy, the lion, the wooly mammoth, but now that perception of threat is often overstimulated, she said. Once a threat is perceived, humans may confine themselves to their own tribe others who agree with them or think like them, Madden explained. So, if society has changed, if the system that we're operating in is constantly evolving, then our process and how we bring people together and how we reconcile these deep-rooted conflicts in society has to evolve as well, she said. Tools of the trade Using this knowledge, along with other conflict resolution tools and insights, in 2015 Madden took on the task of mediating Washington states wolf discussion. For three years prior to her involvement, stakeholders had convened with no progress. Not only did they not get anywhere, not only did they not come to an agreement on anything, but this wolf advisory group process started fueling destructive conflict in the state, she said. To begin, Madden talked to almost 90 people to assess the situation. Then she left it up to the stakeholders to decide if she was the right person to lead the process. They wanted her back, so she asked them to design the method. She focused on making it a relationship-centered process where their identity was being legitimized, where they had genuine voice, where they could speak to their need for recognition, and then each could recognize and give respect and acknowledgement to their other. At their first meeting, Madden had the group go out to dinner together, but they couldnt talk about wolves. During that dinner, a livestock producer and vegan found common ground they both liked whiskey. Reaching a decision Following about six meetings over the course of a year, the Washington wolf group devised a policy. When it was put into practice, however, no one liked it. Too many wolves and livestock were being killed. So they regrouped. Following two more meetings, the stakeholders revised the policy to kill wolves sooner, but fewer of them. This work was being undertaken as rioters protesting the 2020 election stormed the nations capitol. One of the things that came out of this was a recognition that what was going on across the country was impacting what could be done at a state level, Madden said. There was this giant, systemic dark cloud and I'm not talking about who was president, I'm talking about how society was functioning, how society was dehumanizing, how each side saw themselves as morally and intellectually superior, how they dehumanize their other, how they discredit their way of life, their core values, because they perceive a threat. Despite the national conflict, the group pressed on, seeing their collaboration as one possible salve for the nations wounds. The goal isnt to get rid of conflict, Madden stressed. The goal is to have society be able to keep coming back together. We're in this for the infinite game. We're in this so that we can keep having people and fish and wildlife thriving together. And it starts with people thriving together. The adversaries thriving together. Hopefully with a national conversation about wolves, Madden said, people can understand the complexity of the issue, that there arent just good guys and bad guys, us versus them. We Will Continue to Talk with Partners about the Need for Full Long-Range Capabilities for Ukraine - Address by the President President of Ukraine 21 September 2024 - 20:28 I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians! Today, once again, it is worth praising our warriors for their precision - precision on the enemy's territory. This is a fundamental turning point - our ability to bring the war back home - to Russia. Another arsenal in Russia has been damaged, and it was a significant arsenal for the occupier. All our warriors of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine who were involved - thank you! The Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and everyone who was involved - great job! There is also a good job done by the SSU on another arsenal of Russian troops. These were depots of Russian tactical missiles and guided aerial bombs - all the things that Russia uses to terrorize our cities, our positions. And I want to emphasize that we are doing this thanks to our capabilities, our weapons - without the means that can be provided by our partners and that can significantly accelerate the end of this war by destroying Russia's offensive potential. If we could direct all our precision to the defense of our state, if we had enough missiles and the permissions that our partners can provide, the overall situation in the war would be much better for our security - for the security of Ukraine and everyone in the world who does not want to exist in conditions of such aggressions as this Russian one. We are convincing our partners - and we will continue to talk about this next week - that Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities. And not only our own drones, not only our own missiles, which still do not have enough range, but also everything that can protect the world from terror, from Russia. Today, I will separately acknowledge our Special Operations Center "A" of the Security Service of Ukraine. Well done, warriors! I also thank every unit, every soldier, sergeant and officer serving on the enemy's territory in the Kursk region of Russia. Our active actions there have exactly the effect on the frontline situation that we need now in Ukraine. And of course, our front, our combat brigades. The Pokrovsk direction, Kurakhove and all directions in the Donetsk region. Our Kharkiv region, our Zaporizhzhia and our entire south. I want to thank everyone for their resilience! This week, it is especially worth mentioning the 46th separate airmobile brigade, the 68th jaeger brigade named after Dovbush, and the 425th separate assault battalion. Thank you for your bravery in the direction of Pokrovsk. The Orikhiv direction - the 65th separate mechanized brigade, and the Prydniprovske direction - the 35th separate marine brigade. Thank you! I thank everyone who fights for Ukraine and all those who help us defend lives! The next week can be decisive in many ways for stopping the Russian terror, this aggression, and restoring normal security. For this to happen, the determination of our partners must match the courage of Ukrainians. The answer to the question of when this war will end lies in the question of when our partners' determination will keep pace with what we can do for our defense, for our independence, for our victory. Ukraine must prevail in this war! It can prevail. But only together with the whole world. Our clear strategy will be on the table for our partners. For the President of the United States. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address White House eager to hear Zelenskyy's 'victory plan,' wants to align strategic goals By Iuliia Iarmolenko September 21, 2024 The meeting between President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House next Thursday will be an opportunity to "align strategic goals" for the remainder of Biden's administration - says the National Security Council's Michael Carpenter. Zelenskyy is expected to present Ukraine's "victory plan" directly to Biden. VOA's Iuliia Iarmolenko asked Ambassador Carpenter what President Biden is prepared to do to ensure Zelenskyy's plan is successful. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. VOA: President Zelenskyy is coming to New York and Washington and is set to present Ukraine's "victory plan." Has President Biden been briefed on the details of this plan, or maybe members of the administration? And should Ukraine expect full support for this plan from the White House? Michael Carpenter, senior director for Europe, National Security Council: We're in constant communication with our Ukrainian partners on all range of issues. However, with this particular conversation, I understand that President Zelenskyy wanted to come here and brief this plan directly to President Biden. So no, we are not familiar with it, but the presidents will have a chance to have that conversation soon and also to align their strategic goals for the remainder of this administration, which is going to be very important. VOA: But should Ukraine expect full support of this plan from the administration? Carpenter: I don't know what's in the plan, so I can't tell you how the reaction will be. But, of course, President Biden is absolutely determined to support Ukraine and to put it in the strongest possible position at the end of his term in office. And he has directed all of us who work for him to move heaven and earth to ensure that we are providing all of the ... especially the military assistance, but also some of the near-term energy security assistance that we have pledged. And that has been part of the supplemental bill that was passed in April to get that out the door as fast as we possibly can. That is his instruction to us, and we are executing on that as we speak. VOA: And recently, the administration sent their strategy on Ukraine to the Congress. Is there any correlation or coordination between the Ukrainian victory plan and the administration's strategy on Ukraine? Carpenter: Well, again, we're eagerly anticipating President Zelenskyy's presentation of his strategic vision for victory. And, you know, when that happens, I'm sure the president will be very interested in all the various details and how they fit together. The military, the economic, the diplomatic. All of that is important. And so I think it's going to be a very interesting and substantive conversation when they meet. VOA: We can expect that strikes inside Russia using American long-range systems will be a topic of discussion when President Biden and President Zelenskyy meet at the White House? Are there any movements towards lifting the restriction? Carpenter: I don't have any announcements to make for you. What I will say is that we have a number of efforts underway to give Ukraine an advantage in terms of how they are able to prosecute targets from which Russia is firing at Ukrainian positions and Ukrainian cities and inflicting damage on Ukrainian infrastructure. And so we will continue that conversation. Obviously, some of that we can talk about in public, but other elements of it are best left in private. VOA: But there are some active discussions of the topic ... Carpenter: There are very active discussions on this. And in fact, we judge that Ukraine needs to have long-range capabilities that it can employ. In fact, Ukraine does have some indigenous long-range capabilities of its own that it has used highly effectively. I would remind you that there was a strike that the Ukrainian armed forces carried out recently near the Russian-Belarusian border that was very successful. And so we will be having the broad conversation on all the range of capabilities that we think are most important for Ukraine right now, to put it in a position of strength. And again, this is President Biden's top priority. He is committed to this. And I'm sure we're going to have a good conversation. VOA: President Zelenskyy said that for a "victory plan" to work, it requires fast decisions from partners, namely the United States. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan recently said that President Biden will use these four months left in his presidency to put Ukraine in the position to win the war. So should we expect fast bold decisive actions in the next months? Carpenter: Yeah, I think you will see that we will undertake a number of initiatives both in the coming week and in the coming months to put Ukraine in a stronger position, bearing in mind that we have already spent a lot of the money from the supplemental bill that was passed in April. So there are not a lot of funds left, but we will try to prioritize the most important capabilities to give Ukraine strength on the battlefield. VOA: Does President Biden want to see Ukraine's victory as a part of his legacy? Carpenter: Absolutely. The president is committed to Ukraine as a sovereign, democratic, independent state and pushing back on this vicious attack from Russia. As we've noted many times, Putin could end this war today if he wanted to. And nobody wants peace and stability and security more than the Ukrainian people. They are the victims here. They are the ones whose towns, whose villages, whose neighbor's houses have been bombed out, whose schools and kindergartens. I mean, we've seen the most atrocious war crimes, even crimes against humanity have been found to have been perpetrated inside Ukraine. So we understand that Ukrainians want peace above all else, but we need to give them the strength to be able to achieve that. And that is where we plan to have a very substantive discussion, how to align our policies to achieve that end goal. VOA: World leaders are gathering in New York for a United Nations General Assembly. Will President Biden use the UNGA platform to push for more support for Ukraine in this critical time? Carpenter: I think you can expect that Ukraine will feature in the president's speech to the General Assembly. And I can assure you that in most of the conversations with our partners and allies from around the world, this will be one of the top topics of conversation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address REJO Unveils Innovative Heating Devices REJO AF1 and REJO Mate Air Announces Global Expansion Plans at InterTabac 2024 Signing of MOU with a major partner from Czech Republic DORTMUND, Germany, Sept. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- REJO, a pioneering brand in heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco industry, made a significant impact at this years InterTabac event, further solidifying its position as a pioneering global provider in innovative tobacco solutions. As the worlds leading event for tobacco industry, InterTabac serves as a key platform for industry players to showcase their latest products and technologies. REJOs participation underscored its growing global influence and commitment to advancing the future of smoking. Committed to enhancing smoking experience At InterTabac 2024, REJOs booth was a focal point of attention, drawing crowds with its vibrant displays and cutting-edge product presentations. The brands messaging focused on its mission to enhancing smoking experience by offering alternatives through advanced technologies. REJOs mission is to deliver diversified and high quality HNB products while significantly reducing harmful chemicals resonated with attendees, earning praise from industry experts and consumers alike. REJO emphasized the core values of innovation, high-quality and a deep respect for the rich traditions of tobacco, all while embracing modern advancements. The tagline Embrace the Future of Change encapsulated REJOs forward-thinking approach, positioning the brand as not only evolving with the times but also shaping the future of the industry. Introducing REJO AF1 and REJO Mate Air A major highlight of REJOs participation in InterTabac was the unveiling of its two new products: the REJO AF1 and REJO Mate Air. These devices represent the latest advancements in HNB technology, featuring cutting-edge design and functionality that meet the needs of modern smokers. The REJO AF1 is a state-of-art heating device specifically designed for granular sticks, providing an ideal pairing with its own branded tobacco granular sticks OICES and herbal granular sticks TOZE. Leveraging advanced hot airflow heating technology, REJO AF1 ensures that each tobacco granule is evenly and thoroughly heated. This method preserves the natural tobacco aroma while reducing the production of harmful chemicals, delivering a richer and more satisfying smoking experience. Three main colors of the new REJO AF1 Heating Device The REJO Mate Air is another innovative addition to REJOs product lineup, ideal for users who prioritize portability without compromising performance. This compact and lightweight device is equipped with advanced round heating technology to produce dense clouds and full-bodied flavor. Its sleek design and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced HNB users. Full series of the new REJO Mate Air Heating Device Increasing Global Reach In addition to showcasing its latest products, REJO announced global expansion plans, marking a major milestone in the brands international growth. REJO has already established a strong presence in Southeast Asia, introducing the HOMER and SIU heated stick products to Malaysia and Indonesia, where demand for heat-not-burn product is rising. Building on this momentum, REJO is now set to launch new products in Europe and the UAE, with these regions identified as key markets for HNB innovation. A significant step in this strategy was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a major partner from the Czech Republic during InterTabac 2024, strengthening REJOs foothold in Europe alongside its growing presence in Italy. This strategy focuses on meeting the increasing demand for reduced-risk tobacco products by offering tailored devices and heated sticks that cater to local preferences. Through localized marketing campaigns and partnerships with regional distributors, REJO aims to solidify its market presence and establish itself as a leading brand in these regions. Popularity at the Event REJOs popularity at InterTabac 2024 was undeniable. The brands booth was consistently buzzing with activity as visitors flocked to experience the new products firsthand, Industry professionals, media representatives, and consumers were all eager to learn more about REJOs offerings, with many praising the brands commitment to innovation and quality. The positive reception at the event is a testament to REJOs growing influence in the global HNB market. The brands ability to attract such a diverse and engaged audience highlights its strong market positioning and the appeal of its product range. The successful debut of the REJO AF1 and REJO Mate Air further cements the brands reputation as a leader in the industry. Visitors Flock to the REJO Booth Looking Ahead With a successful showcase at InterTabac 2024 and the impending launch of new products in key international markets, REJO is poised for continued growth and success. The brands focus on innovation, quality, and consumer satisfaction will undoubtedly drive its expansion efforts, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the HNB industry. As REJO continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in tobacco technology, its presence at events like InterTabac serves as a powerful reminder of the brands commitment to shaping the future of smoking. Consumers and industry professionals alike can look forward to exciting innovation and initiatives from REJO as it continues to lead the charge in the global HNB market. About REJO REJO is a global provider of quality heat-not-burn products, along with its own branded heating devices and heated sticks, recognized for the innovative technologies and global operational capabilities. For more information about REJO and its products, visit www.rejonow.com For media enquiries and visual selects, please contact: newsroom@rejonow.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5fbc7b8b-4fb5-4b74-976b-f58d9520fed6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e4a59b2-a554-4e7d-8eed-b50607c7b3fa https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d634483-10b1-42cc-8b8c-f99c85a5d78d New York, USA, Sept. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Graft versus Host Disease Market to Increase at a CAGR of 9.9% During the Study Period (20202034) | DelveInsight The graft versus host disease market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the ongoing adoption of branded therapies such as JAKAFI, IMBRUVICA, ORENCIA, and REZUROCK compared to off-label drugs, a strong pipeline with the anticipated launch of over 10 new drugs during the forecast period, and increased awareness of GvHD management. Innovative treatments and ongoing research are expected to further expand market opportunities, addressing unmet needs in this complex condition. DelveInsights Graft versus Host Disease Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, graft versus host disease emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted graft versus host disease market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into 7MM [The United States, the EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. The report provides comprehensive insights into the GvHD country-specific treatment guidelines, patient pool analysis, and epidemiology forecast to help understand the key opportunities and assess the markets underlying potential. Key Takeaways from the Graft versus Host Disease Market Report According to DelveInsights analysis, the market size of GvHD in the 7MM was USD 1.3 billion in 2023 which is expected to grow further, driven by the launch of emerging therapies such as Axatilimab, CSL964 (Alpha 1 Antitrypsin) , among others and the continued uptake of branded therapies such as Jakavi/Jakafi and REZUROCK . in 2023 which is expected to grow further, driven by the launch of emerging therapies such as , among others and the continued uptake of branded therapies such as and . Among the 7MM, the US accounted for the highest market share, followed by Japan and Germany, respectively. According to DelveInsights analysis, the market size of GvHD in the US reached about USD 1 billion in 2023 and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2024-2034). in 2023 and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of during the forecast period (2024-2034). According to DelveInsights estimates, in the 7MM, the total incident cases of aGvHD for Grade B, Grade C, and Grade D were around 6,000, 3,000, and 2000 , respectively, in 2023, which are expected to increase by 2034. , respectively, in 2023, which are expected to increase by 2034. Prominent companies working in the domain of GvHD, including Equillium, Biocon, Takeda, CSL Behring, Regimmune Corporation, Syndax Pharmaceutical, Mesoblast, JCR Pharmaceuticals, Incyte Corporation, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Roche-Genentech, Genentech, Inc., VectivBio AG, Seres Therapeutics, Inc. , and others, are actively working on GvHD medication. These novel GvHD therapies are anticipated to enter the GvHD market in the forecast period and are expected to change the market. , and others, are actively working on GvHD medication. These novel GvHD therapies are anticipated to enter the GvHD market in the forecast period and are expected to change the market. Some of the key therapies for GvHD treatment include EQ001 (itolizumab; Bmab600), ENTYVIO (vedolizumab), ZEMAIRA (CSL 964, alpha-1 antitrypsin), RGI-2001 (KRN-7000; RGI-7000), SNDX-6352 (axatilimab), RYONCIL/TEMCELL HS (remestemcel-L), Itacitinib, Glasdegib, Abatacept, Obinutuzumab, GDC-8264, Apraglutide, SER-155 , and others. and others. In February 2024, Incyte announced that the FDA has accepted for Priority Review the Biologics License Application (BLA) for axatilimab, an anti-CSF-1R antibody, for the treatment of cGVHD after failure of at least two prior lines of systemic therapy. announced that the FDA has accepted for Priority Review the Biologics License Application (BLA) for axatilimab, an anti-CSF-1R antibody, for the treatment of cGVHD after failure of at least two prior lines of systemic therapy. In February 2024, REGiMMUNE announced the positive results of their Phase IIb clinical trial for the prevention of aGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) at the 2024 Tandem Meeting of ASTCT and CIBMTR. Discover which therapies are expected to grab GvHD market share @ Graft versus Host Disease Treatment Market Report Graft versus Host Disease Overview Graft versus host disease (GvHD) is an immune system disorder that arises from a complex interaction between the donor's and recipient's immune systems. It mainly presents in two forms: acute (aGvHD) and chronic (cGvHD). These forms are further categorized based on their clinical features into acute classic GvHD, persistent, recurrent, or late-onset acute GvHD, Classic chronic GvHD, and overlap syndrome. Acute GvHD usually appears within the first 100 days after a transplant, whereas chronic GvHD can develop at any time following an allogenic transplant, commonly within two years. GVHD Diagnosis typically involves a range of tests, including abdominal X-rays, CT scans of the abdomen and chest, liver function tests, PET scans, MRIs, capsule endoscopy, and liver biopsy. Skin and mucous membrane biopsies may also be used to confirm the diagnosis. Graft versus Host Disease Epidemiology Segmentation The GvHD epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current GvHD patient pool and forecasted trends for the 7MM. It helps recognize the causes of current and forecasted patient trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. The GvHD market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 20202034 in the 7MM segmented into: Total Hematopoietic Stem-cell Transplant Cases Total Allogeneic Transplant Cases Total GvHD Cases by Types Total Incident Cases of aGvHD by Grading and Organ Involvement Total Five-Year Prevalent Cases of cGvHD by Severity and Organ Involvement Total Treated Patients of GvHD Mortality Adjusted GvHD Treated Patients Download the report to understand which factors are driving GvHD epidemiology trends @ Graft versus Host Disease Epidemiological Insights Graft versus Host Disease Treatment Market Treatment for GvHD is determined by the severity of symptoms and the specific organs affected. Typically, treatment options aim to suppress the donor T cells' immune response, and this must be carefully managed to alleviate GvHD symptoms without compromising the beneficial graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect. Corticosteroids are still the most frequently used treatment. Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) should receive preventative treatment for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). While specific protocols vary between institutions, the typical approach involves a combination of cyclosporine and methotrexate, which is continued for several months after the transplant. Additionally, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal prophylaxis are generally used post-HCT to reduce the risk of infections. Management of GvHD commonly includes medications such as steroids (prednisolone, methylprednisolone), calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), antithymocyte globulins (Thymoglobuline, ATG-Grafalon), monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, infliximab, rituximab, basiliximab), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (sirolimus, everolimus), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib), tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (etanercept), thalidomide, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMDH) inhibitors (mycophenolate mofetil), chemotherapy drugs (pentostatin, methotrexate), Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (ruxolitinib, itacitinib), Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK-2) inhibitors (belumosudil), and Brutons tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors (ibrutinib). Learn more about the FDA-approved drugs for GvHD @ Drugs for Graft versus Host Disease Treatment Graft versus Host Disease Emerging Drugs and Companies The GvHD pipeline is quite robust, with many late-stage assets like EQ001, CSL964, Axatilamab, and ENTYVIO anticipated to hit the market soon, providing physicians with additional alternatives. CSL964 Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, an Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (A1-PI) developed by CSL Behring, is designed to treat steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) and to prevent aGvHD in high-risk patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It is currently under investigation in: A Phase III clinical trial as a first-line treatment for high-risk acute GvHD. A Phase II/III trial for preventing GvHD in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. MaaT013 is a standardized microbiome ecosystem therapy, derived from donors and rich in diversity, which includes BUTYCOREa collection of bacterial species that generate anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids. The drug is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials and has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by both the FDA and EMA. The other GvHD therapies in the pipeline include EQ001 (itolizumab; Bmab600): Equillium/Biocon ENTYVIO (vedolizumab): Takeda ZEMAIRA (CSL 964, alpha-1 antitrypsin): CSL Behring RGI-2001 (KRN-7000; RGI-7000): Regimmune Corporation SNDX-6352 (axatilimab): Syndax Pharmaceutical RYONCIL/TEMCELL HS (remestemcel-L): Mesoblast/JCR Pharmaceuticals Itacitinib: Incyte Corporation Glasdegib: Pfizer Abatacept: Bristol-Myers Squibb Obinutuzumab: Roche-Genentech GDC-8264: Genentech, Inc. Apraglutide: VectivBio AG SER-155: Seres Therapeutics, Inc. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the GvHD market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the GvHD market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. To know more about GvHD clinical trials and recent advancements, visit @ Graft versus Host Disease Drugs Market Graft versus Host Disease Market Dynamics GVHD Treatment Options The GVHD treatment market includes treatments for both acute and chronic forms of the disease. Current therapies include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents (such as calcineurin inhibitors and antithymocyte globulin), and newer targeted therapies like JAK inhibitors and biological agents. The development of novel therapies and advancements in existing treatments are key market drivers. Emerging Graft versus Host Disease Therapies Research into new therapies, such as T-cell therapies and small molecules that target specific pathways involved in GVHD, is ongoing. Many potential therapies are being investigated for the treatment of GvHD, and it is safe to predict that the treatment space will significantly impact the GvHD therapeutics market during the forecast period. Moreover, the anticipated introduction of emerging therapies with improved efficacy and a further improvement in the diagnosis rate are expected to drive the growth of the GvHD market in the 7MM. Graft versus Host Disease Market Demand The incidence of GVHD is rising due to an increasing number of hematopoietic stem cell transplants and a growing awareness of the disease. The demand for effective GVHD treatments drives market growth, pushing pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development. Regulatory Landscape Regulatory approval processes for new GVHD treatments can impact market dynamics. The speed at which new therapies are approved and brought to market can influence the competitive landscape and market share of existing products. Geographic Variations Market dynamics can vary by region. In developed countries with advanced healthcare systems, the focus may be on new and innovative treatments, while in developing regions, there might be a greater need for access to existing therapies. Patient Population The increasing GVHD prevalence of conditions requiring transplants, such as leukemia and lymphoma, contributes to the market for GVHD treatments. Demographic changes, such as an aging population, also influence market demand. Competitive Landscape The Graft versus Host Disease therapeutics market is competitive, with several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies involved. The presence of key players and the introduction of novel therapies can impact market shares and influence competitive strategies. Graft versus Host Disease Report Metrics Details Study Period 20202034 Graft versus Host Disease Report Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] Graft versus Host Disease Market Size in the US in 2023 USD 1 Billion Key Graft versus Host Disease Companies Equillium, Biocon, Takeda, CSL Behring, Regimmune Corporation, Syndax Pharmaceutical, Mesoblast, JCR Pharmaceuticals, Incyte Corporation, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Roche-Genentech, Genentech, Inc., VectivBio AG, Seres Therapeutics, Inc., and others Key Graft versus Host Disease Therapies EQ001 (itolizumab; Bmab600), ENTYVIO (vedolizumab), ZEMAIRA (CSL 964, alpha-1 antitrypsin), RGI-2001 (KRN-7000; RGI-7000), SNDX-6352 (axatilimab), RYONCIL/TEMCELL HS (remestemcel-L), Itacitinib, Glasdegib, Abatacept, Obinutuzumab, GDC-8264, Apraglutide, SER-155, and others Scope of the Graft versus Host Disease Market Report Graft versus Host Disease Therapeutic Assessment: Graft versus Host Disease current marketed and emerging therapies Graft versus Host Disease current marketed and emerging therapies Graft versus Host Disease Market Dynamics: Conjoint Analysis of Emerging Graft versus Host Disease Drugs Conjoint Analysis of Emerging Graft versus Host Disease Drugs Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOLs views, Analysts views, Graft versus Host Disease Market Access and Reimbursement Discover more about GvHD drugs in development @ Graft versus Host Disease Clinical Trials Table of Contents 1. Graft versus Host Disease Market Key Insights 2. Graft versus Host Disease Market Report Introduction 3. Graft versus Host Disease Market Overview at a Glance 4. Graft versus Host Disease Market Executive Summary 5. Disease Background and Overview 6. Graft versus Host Disease Treatment and Management 7. Graft versus Host Disease Epidemiology and Patient Population 8. Patient Journey 9. Graft versus Host Disease Marketed Drugs 10. Graft versus Host Disease Emerging Drugs 11. Seven Major Graft versus Host Disease Market Analysis 12. Graft versus Host Disease Market Outlook 13. Potential of Current and Emerging Therapies 14. KOL Views 15. Unmet Needs 16. SWOT Analysis 17. Appendix 18. DelveInsight Capabilities 19. Disclaimer 20. About DelveInsight Related Reports Graft versus Host Disease Epidemiology Forecast Graft versus Host Disease Epidemiology Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted GvHD epidemiology in the 7MM, i.e., the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom), and Japan. Graft versus Host Disease Pipeline Graft versus Host Disease Pipeline Insight 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key GvHD companies, including Abbisko Therapeutics, Equillium, Theriva Biologics, Seres Therapeutics, CytoMed Therapeutics, Beijing Tide Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, CTI BioPharma, ViGenCell Inc., Lipella Pharmaceuticals, Cellestia Biotech, Seres Therapeutics, Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Therapeutics, Genentech, AltruBio, Orca Bio, GSK, Amgen, among others. Acute Graft versus Host Disease Pipeline Acute Graft versus Host Disease Pipeline Insight 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key acute GvHD companies, including MaaT Pharma, Medac, CSL Behring, Humanigen, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, ReAlta Life Sciences, Roche, Incyte Corporation, among others. Ocular Graft versus Host Disease Pipeline Ocular Graft versus Host Disease Pipeline Insight 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key ocular GvHD companies, including Cambium Medical Technologies, Glia LLC., OccuRx, Ocular Discovery, Selagine, among others. Acute Graft versus Host Disease Epidemiology Acute Graft versus Host Disease Epidemiology Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted acute GvHD epidemiology in the 7MM, i.e., the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom), and Japan. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Connect with us on LinkedIn|Facebook|Twitter DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crypto Content Creator Campus (CCCC), a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower and inspire the next generation of crypto influencers, is thrilled to announce its official launch in Dubai this fall. Taking place from November 8th to 10th, CCCC will serve as the premier annual gathering for the crypto community. It offers a unique platform for crypto content creators, influencers, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to learn, network, and grow together, shaping the future of the industry. As a team of industry experts and visionaries, CCCC is dedicated to fostering a thriving ecosystem for content creators within the Web3 and crypto space. Our mission is to provide an educational retreat that equips creators with the tools to drive crypto adoption and expand the crypto ecosystem. CCCC: Learn x Mingle x Grow CCCC will offer sponsors and participants an unparalleled opportunity to: Masterclass With World-Class Celebrities: Discover the secrets to personal branding and content strategies from world-renowned celebrities and influencers. Discover the secrets to personal branding and content strategies from world-renowned celebrities and influencers. Mingle With Founders of Major Ecosystems: Connect with ecosystem pioneers and discover how they are shaping the future of blockchain and Web3. Connect with ecosystem pioneers and discover how they are shaping the future of blockchain and Web3. Learn From Top Executives: Learn from industry leaders including top executives from YouTube, TikTok, and X, alongside over 200 global content creators. Learn from industry leaders including top executives from YouTube, TikTok, and X, alongside over 200 global content creators. Showcase Your Skills: Participate in the Content Creator Hacker House with top content creators and global KOLs and compete for a $70,000 prize while contributing to the future of crypto. Participate in the Content Creator Hacker House with top content creators and global KOLs and compete for a $70,000 prize while contributing to the future of crypto. Elevate Your Brand: Partner with CCCC as a sponsor and gain unparalleled exposure to a highly engaged crypto community. The team is proud to announce that CCCC has already received overwhelming support from the blockchain industry. Leading crypto exchanges have signed on as title sponsors, while key players from the Layer 2 and DeFi ecosystems have also shown their support by joining as sponsors with varying levels of participation. CCCC will provide a thought-provoking and transformative experience for crypto influencers, said Phoebe Peng, spokesperson for CCCC. We provide a supportive community and platform that empowers creators to not only expand the future of the crypto industry but to redefine whats possible in the digital age. CCCC is now accepting sponsorship applications and ticket purchases. For more information or to register, users can visit https://www.cccc.buzz/ About Crypto Content Creator Campus (CCCC) Crypto Content Creator Campus (CCCC) is led by a team of industry experts and visionaries dedicated to shaping the future of content creation within the Web3 and crypto sphere. Driven by a shared passion for creating a high-value community, CCCC curated a campus that promises an experience unlike any other. For more details about CCCC, users can visit: https://www.cccc.buzz/ For inquiries, users can contact: hello@cccc.buzz Contact PR Rep Tony Au Crypto Content Creator Campus tony.au@bybit.com New York, United States of America, Sept. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The UN Global Compact brought together leaders from the private sector, governments, the United Nations, and civil society today to discuss and identify pathways for accelerating corporate action in transforming food systems. The gathering included over 60 representatives from diverse sectors and countries, all committed to driving progress toward more sustainable and equitable food systems. The UN Global Compact Collective Action on Sustainable Food Systems was formed in response to the UN Secretary-Generals call to action made during the UNFSS+2 Stocktaking to foster increased corporate engagement in shaping sustainable food systems and enhancing accountability mechanisms ahead of the 2025 UN Food Systems Summit+4 and COP30. Corporate action on food systems is critical because businesses play a key role in shaping global food production, distribution, and consumption. By adopting sustainable practices, corporations can significantly reduce environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water use. Moreover, their engagement helps improve food security, promotes fair labour practices, and supports resilient supply chains, which are essential for addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and global inequities in food access. Ultimately, these actions will make businesses more resilient and fit for the future. Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director and CEO of the UN Global Compact emphasized her commitment to leading this change: The UN Global Compact is stepping up its work on food systems to deliver on the ambitions of the UN Food Systems Summits. Today's meeting marks the acceleration of the journey for companies and stakeholders to accelerate corporate action to transform our food systems. Mr. Yinjang Chen, CEO of Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp., said: Master Kong is honored to be a founding member of the Steering Committee of the UN Global Compact Collective Action on Sustainable Food Systems. I am looking forward to the journey ahead and building more resilient and equitable food systems. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions aimed at identifying key levers to accelerate the corporate transition and accountability toward more sustainable and equitable food systems. The event also served as a platform to outline the ambitions of the UN Global Compact Collective Action on Sustainable Food Systems. Working with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the initiative is driven by a working group consisting of 15 UN and non-UN organizations and will culminate in the launch of prioritized pathways for corporate action across key areas such as environment, social equity, nutrition, and finance. The program will also address significant challenges, by employing a regional approach, engaging SMEs and building more robust and sustainable food supply chains. This collective action will be essential in guiding businesses and financial institutions to transform their operations in line with the SDGs and ensure accountability as they contribute to the global transformation of food systems. Notes to Editors About the UN Global Compact As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact is a call to companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Our ambition is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, five Regional Hubs, 62 Global Compact Country Networks covering 78 countries and 14 Country Managers establishing Networks in 20 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the worlds largest corporate sustainability initiative one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at www.unglobalcompact.org. No further penalty for Verstappen's FIA protest "Nobody" on the Formula 1 grid agrees with the new FIA clampdown against swearing, according to the president of the drivers' union. Max Verstappen, Singapore GP 2024 Red Bull After qualifying in Singapore, Max Verstappen staged a protest against his penalty for saying f**k in Thursday's official FIA press conference. In the post-qualifying FIA conference, he basically refused point-blank to answer questions. I would prefer if you ask these questions outside the room, the triple world champion told the assembled journalists. Indeed, after saying almost nothing else in the FIA session, Verstappen happily spoke to the reporters as he walked back to the Red Bull hospitality area. This is not against the stewards, the Dutchman insisted. "But I think it is ridiculous - so why should I give full answers? With me, they seem to want to create a big precedent, which seems very strange. I didn't insult anyone. For me, this is not the way we can move forward in this sport. FIA officials visited Verstappen, 26, after his sabotage of the post-qualifying press conference, and was supported publicly by polesitter and friend Lando Norris and even seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton. I think it's a bit of a joke, to be honest, Hamilton said. "This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly won't be doing it, and I hope Max doesn't do it, he added, referring to Verstappen's penalty of doing a day of unspecified community service." Wurz, present in Singapore, admitted that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's crusade against foul language has been a big topic of conversation in the F1 drivers' Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group chat. Nobody in the chat thinks it's cool, the former F1 driver told motorsport-total.com. All the drivers are heated about it. Wurz added that it's unusual that the FIA president didn't warn the drivers before immediately deciding to go public and enforcing Verstappen-like penalties. Of course you have to be careful with your choice of words, the 50-year-old Austrian said. "But nowadays it is also so difficult for a driver to remain authentic and to be who he wants to be. I am personally not a fan of verbally attacking competitors, Wurz continued. But if Max complains about his car, then that should only be a discussion with his team boss. As for Verstappen, he confirmed that while Wurz, Norris, Hamilton and one or two others offered him public support, generally it's clear what everyone is thinking . Auto Motor und Sport says it approached the FIA to see if Verstappen might be punished further for his post-qualifying protest, and the governing body stated that the matter is closed . (GMM) Senate candidate Tim Sheehy and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem hold a rally in the Beacon Air hangar at the Billings airport on Sunday. Protestors from the Crow and Assiniboine Tribes protest outside. An anti-abortion group's lawsuit to invalidate an abortion rights measure appearing on South Dakota's statewide ballot won't be resolved until after the November election. Media reports of an apparent disconnect between attorneys and the Second Judicial Circuit over scheduling of the trial initially set for this week led the court to issue an advisory with a timeline of judge assignments in the case. A hearing on the Life Defense Funds motion for summary judgment is now set for Dec. 2, weeks after the Nov. 5 election. The release describes how, over about two weeks, the case was reassigned from Judge John Pekas after he learned of his wifes need for surgery. However, the case then was assigned back to him after another judge was removed from the case. In a statement, Life Defense Fund spokesperson Caroline Woods said both parties were surprised the trial was not going to happen this week. After an immense amount of preparation, Life Defense Fund is deeply disappointed that we are not allowed to provide our evidence to the court, she said. Dakotans for Health co-founder Rick Weiland said, I think for us the bottom line is that through this whole process and just trying to stop the voters of South Dakota from weighing in, and they've been unsuccessful every step of the way, and now their hope was to have a trial during the height of the election, and that's not going to happen. ... We're going to have a vote, not a trial. Life Defense Fund alleged a mix of wrongdoing by petition circulators in its effort to kill the measure, which would place abortion rights in the state constitution. South Dakota outlaws abortion as a felony crime, with the only exception to save the life of the mother, under a trigger ban that took effect in 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. South Dakota is one of nine states where voters will decide ballot measures enshrining abortion rights this fall. In all seven states where the issue has previously been on the ballot, voters have sided with abortion rights. The Micronesia Climate Change Alliances 3rd Annual Making Waves Summit will be held on Oct. 11, 12 and 13 with the theme, Resilience, Community Care, and a Just Recovery. It will take place at various locations, including the Guam Museum, Sagan Kotturan Chamoru, and Litekyan or Ritidian Wildlife Refuge. The summit aims to strengthen community power across the Mariana Islands and will welcome participants from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, CNMI, and climate-impacted communities throughout the Turtle Islands, MCCA said in a press release. MCCAs mission is to uplift and unite communities to protect sacred islands, waters, and peoples. Its Making Waves Summit serves as its flagship event, fostering intergenerational connections and exploring frameworks for climate justice. This year, MCCA said it aims to define what resilience means for the islands, focusing on just recovery and climate resilience through networks of care and public infrastructure. The vision for the summit includes: Gathering movement Leaders: Co-learning and organizing for collective futures amid extreme weather events, climate change, and militarization. Envisioning future resiliency hub: Collaborating at Sagan Kotturan CHamoru to co-create a supportive space for communities. Building intergenerational power: Healing from the impacts of colonialism while honoring indigenous traditions through ceremonies that incorporate amut, dance, chants, and community healing. MCCA said this gathering calls upon everyone in the Marianas, across the Pacific, and throughout the broader movement, to amplify intersectional and unified power for communities, embracing a prayerful, peaceful alignment with nature. Global communications giant Tata and local pharmaceutical distributor Medpharm are now eyeing entering into a lease with the CHamoru Land Trust Commission, after a confirmation that the two companies had separate unauthorized use of CLTC properties. Medpharm not only wants a lease, but also agreed to pay CLTC some $140,000 for the unauthorized use of their property dating back to 2014. At the CLTC meeting on Thursday, the commission said India-based Tata confirmed ownership of four undersea cables that have been or will be landed on Guam, each requiring a submerged land lease of $100,000 a year with CLTC. Medpharm representatives also acknowledged during the CLTC meeting that the company has been using a portion of a CLTC lot in Dededo next to its property for a decade without a lease and without paying for it. Discovered by chance Acting CLTC Director Joey Cruz first raised the Tata cable landings issue during a legislative oversight hearing on July 26. At the time, Cruz told senators that he only learned of the unauthorized cable landings in Piti during a meeting two months prior with a representative from another tech giant, Google, who was seeking more information about undersea cable landings. Cruz told senators at the time that four cables without CLTC approval are traversing through Tepungan reef flat in Piti, into Santos Park. CLTC was able to get confirmation from Guam Tata representative Lang Benson that the undersea cables belonged to Tata. During Thursdays CLTC meeting, Benson said there are a total of four Tata-owned cables. Two are in service, two are in the process of being constructed, Benson told the commission. CLTC counsel Lee Miller said Guam law specifies that the annual lease fee for submerged cables is $100,000, and the fee to land a cable is $100,000. There may be some difference of opinion between the lessee and lessor as to what fees are due and when they start accruing, but nobodys gonna pay anything unless the lease goes out for signature, Miller said. CLTC authorized Cruz to begin getting the signatures on the leases. We look forward to being compliant with the law, Benson said. MedPharm to pay $140K Separately, representatives from MedPharm appeared before commissioners and agreed to a proposed settlement of approximately $140,000 for the unauthorized use of CLTC property next to a Medpharm building in Dededo. Medpharm on Thursday agreed to pay for the use of the property from 2014 going forward. The company also agreed to pay for a survey of the lot and area certification, CLTCs Cruz said. Cruz estimated the total payment would be about $140,000 based on an annual rate of $5.70 per square meter. He said the company is now seeking to lease the property from the CLTC, but Cruz said that would have to be addressed at another meeting. CLTC officials in June discovered the unauthorized construction of a structure made of concrete, butler tin, and containers on the site, which also included a makeshift fence made of pallets and barbed wire. The cement block wall of the Medpharm building had been cut open, to provide access to the site, a CLTC official had reported to commissioners. Medpharm representative Mary Chargualaf told commissioners that an application to use the lot was submitted 10 years ago but there were no rules and regulations for commercial leases. She said Medpharm owner Rene Ramos met with the CLTC at the time and received verbal authorization. Chargualaf said Ramos was told, you can use it for now until such time the issue is resolved. Dave Lotz is a vocal advocate for protecting Guams unique heritage, a knowledgeable and long-time hiking enthusiast and environmental advocate, and critic of inept government. He has been a resident of Guam since 1970 and retired from the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation, Andersen Air Force Base Environmental Flight, and the National Park Service. Haiti - FLASH : President Ruto announces the arrival of 2 Kenyan contingents of 300 men each On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Kenya Airways plane (flight KQ7680) carrying Kenyan President William Ruto and his delegation, landed on the tarmac of Toussaint Louverture International Airport at 1:29 p.m. for an official visit that is part of the active participation of Kenyan forces deployed alongside the Haitian National Police (PNH) to restore security and public order in the country. Edgard Leblanc Fils, President of the Transitional Council, accompanied by 5 advisors, Kethleen Florestal who is replacing interim Prime Minister Garry Conille currently in New York, Rameau Normil, the Acting Commander of the PNH, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as Kenyan police officers in military uniform, PNH special unit officers and the National Palace band were present to welcome the Kenyan President on the red carpet. President Ruto said his visit to Haiti had two objectives: the first to meet and share ideas with the Haitian authorities aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and the second to visit the base and troops of the Mission. After a tete-a-tete of about an hour with the Haitian executive leaders at the diplomatic lounge of the airport, William Ruto went to the base of the Mission to meet the personnel of the Mission, meet with Commander Godfrey Otunge and visit the Kenyan troops and some installations of the base. Then, President Ruto before taking the plane back to Washington where he will participate in the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations, returned to the Diplomatic Lounge for a joint press conference with President Leblanc, where they stressed the crucial importance of this police collaboration to restore a climate of peace and stability for the holding of the next elections in Haiti. The President of the Transitional Council, Edgard Leblanc Fils, welcomed the fruitful discussions with President Ruto regarding bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly with regard to coordination between the PNH, the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAdH) and the forces of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Ruto said "[...] The troops we have in Haiti are not sufficient. We should have 2,500 men today. We only have 400 (the first contingent arrived on June 25 and the second on July 16). We also have logistical problems. We do not have enough equipment [...]. For his part, Leblanc Fils acknowledged that the force "[...] has started to produce results," but that "it is necessary to strengthen the mission so that it can achieve its objective and allow the Haitian State to resume its activities and ensure security after this support." Kenya's President William Ruto has announced the arrival of two (2) additional Kenyan contingents of 300 soldiers each, the first contingent will arrive next October and the second in November 2024. Other good news, Ruto indicated "[...] many other countries are starting to commit to help Haiti. There will be a deployment of 20 other countries that have committed to send men to join the multinational force." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Formal denial from Advisor Leslie Voltaire The Communications Office of Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire wishes to formally deny the totally unfounded rumors claiming that he took advantage of the visit of the President of the Republic of Kenya William Ruto to leave the country on board the latter's plane, bound for New York for personal reasons. The truth is this: "there was never any question of two delegations. Advisors Edgard Leblanc and Leslie Voltaire were part of the one and only official delegation to represent Haiti at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Following last-minute unforeseen circumstances, the President of the CPT, Mr. Leblanc, held a press briefing at Toussaint Louverture Airport, before the departure of the Kenyan President, in order to clearly explain to the media the reasons for the cancellation of his own trip and expressly asked Counselor Leslie Voltaire to represent the CPT by accompanying the President of Kenya to New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Communication Office calls on the population to be extremely vigilant in the face of the dangers posed by this campaign of disinformation and manipulation, fueled by the spread of false information on social networks." HL/ HaitiLibre A meeting was held last week between the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, to discuss the accessibility of public infrastructure for persons with disab China releases report on investigation into deadly building fire Xinhua) 11:30, September 22, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- A report on the investigation into a fire that killed 39 people in a commercial and residential building in east China's Jiangxi Province in January was released on Saturday. The report, which was recently reviewed and approved by an executive meeting of the State Council, has identified violations from multiple parties. It determined that the building's landlord had illegally undertaken rental operations in the building's basement and a cold storage facility was under construction illegally when the fire broke out. The report has also made public details of several other violations, including major defects found in the building's fire prevention facilities, the presence of illegal educational training and hotel business operations, and the failure of relevant local authorities to perform their supervision and management duties. The fire broke out at a complex in the city of Xinyu in Jiangxi on Jan. 24, killing 39 and injuring nine others, and causing direct economic losses valued at nearly 44 million yuan (about 6 million U.S. dollars), according to the report. Ten people suspected of major liabilities in the case have been arrested, and 55 local public officials have been held accountable for their part in the incident, with most receiving the severe disciplinary action of dismissal from administrative duties. Central authorities have also decided to issue intra-Party warnings to two vice governors of Jiangxi Province and one provincial-level official. The investigation was approved by the State Council and carried out by a joint team led by the Ministry of Emergency Management. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) An effort that started with four North Dakota women pushing for a state ethics commission has evolved into a larger movement to promote democracy. The BadAss Grandmas for Democracy is a nonpartisan, grassroots group that aims to get people more involved in promoting good governance. The groups to-do list includes empowering voters, encouraging people to run for office and supporting ethical candidates from any party, the North Dakota Monitor reported. We want to be a movement that will engage people locally, said Lyn Dockter-Pinnick, who facilitates the groups monthly virtual meetings. Because democracy isnt a spectator sport. It has to involve citizen participation. The group initially formed to advocate for integrity in government through a citizen-initiated ballot measure. Voters approved the measure in 2018, establishing the North Dakota Ethics Commission to promote transparency and accountability of state government. Ellen Chaffee, one of the founders, said the women stayed engaged after the vote because they feared the Legislature would undermine the intent of the initiative. It was important to keep the pressure on and it took a number of months to get the members appointed, said Chaffee, former president of Valley City State University and Mayville State University. The BadAss Grandmas have since pivoted to promoting civic involvement, said Dina Butcher, another founding member. The groups name was coined after a friend of Butchers grandson saw a photo of the original members and remarked that his grandmother is a badass. The women embraced the nickname. There are two kinds of people in the world -- there are the badasses who go out and get things done, and then there are the tight-asses that just sit around and complain about everything, Butcher said. The group is open to anyone and not limited to North Dakota residents. About 260 members are on the groups email list with attendance varying for meetings. You dont need grandchildren to be a BadAss Grandma, and you dont even need to be female, Chaffee said. My husband is a BadAss Grandpa. Members come from all walks of life and political beliefs. Butcher said she was a Republican who worked for various conservative lawmakers throughout the years, but broke from the party in the 2010s over its stance on reproductive rights. She said she still holds many conservative values but felt left behind by the Republican Party. Chaffee ran in 2012 as the Democratic-NPL Partys lieutenant governor candidate, but she said she considers herself an independent. Another founding member is former North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Sarah Vogel, a Democrat. Butcher said she sees the BadAss Grandmas movement as a rallying cry for more women to get involved and run for office. I think the main thing is that we are networking with a lot of other groups, be they national or local, to maintain momentum on remaining aware of whats going on, studying the issues and knowing your candidates, and actually helping to find candidates, Butcher said. Chaffee said since the movement has no dues, or steadfast rules about membership, all a person needs to do to join is to claim it. The group holds its virtual meetings on the third Wednesday of every month. The priorities of the BadAss Grandmas for Democracy, which include citizen engagement, supporting democracy and working across the aisle, are more important than ever, according to Dockter-Pinnick. We are united around the fact that we must be able to work together, she said. We must be able to have civil conversations, not name calling and disparagement. Haiti - News : Zapping... Cap-Haitien celebrates the birth of Dessalines As part of the celebration of the 266th anniversary of the birth of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, founding father of the Haitian Nation, a requiem mass was solemnly celebrated in the Cap-Haitien Cathedral. This event was also marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the municipality and the Haitian Heritage Reflection and Action Group (GRAPH), thus officially initiating the project to restore the statue of Dessalines located on Notre-Dame Square, which was damaged three years ago by a person suffering from mental disorders. Leslie Voltaire discusses defense with India Leslie Voltaire had the honor of speaking with Ramu Abbagani, Ambassador of India accredited to Haiti. "Our discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in key areas such as mitigating the impacts of climate change, preparing for natural risks and disasters, exploiting solar potential, training in artificial intelligence and public health, as well as strengthening our defense partnership." Message from the Association of Industries of Haiti Saturday, September 21 was the International Day of Peace. "A day when humanity is called to reflect on this concept, this ideal that it should achieve, for the good of all. If this day is an opportunity to observe ceasefires, this year it especially wants to demonstrate the importance of instilling in children and all actors in our communities, the culture of Peace. Let's act so that our actions, even the smallest, are imbued with a spirit of Peace. Let us act so that Peace spreads over our dear country. Let's act so that Peace reigns in our World," message from the Association of Industries of Haiti-ADIH France supports the action of the FAO Antoine Michon, Ambassador of France to Haiti said he was very happy to have met Pierre Vauthier, the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Haiti. France supports the action of the UN Organization to develop agricultural production and local processing in Haiti, as well as emergency programs for displaced persons. Expo : Invitation by the Consulate of Montreal As part of the "cultural Fridays" organized every last Friday of the month, the Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal invites the Haitian community of Montreal on September 27 to come and participate in the exhibition of creations, at 300 Street Leo Pariseau, suite 1100, Montreal, Quebec, H2X 4C1, on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will be happy to have you among us. Customs revenue 2nd record For the month of August 2024, customs revenue amounts to more than 9 billion Gourdes. This is the 2nd time in the entire history of customs that revenue for the month of August exceeds 9 billion. HL/ HaitiLibre The controversy surrounding the Finnish government's proposal to restrict healthcare access for undocumented migrants was covered in an article by The Guardian on September 17. Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week: The article portrays a heated debate over healthcare access in Finland, with the governments proposal facing strong opposition from medical and human rights communities. Under the new proposal, undocumented migrants would only be entitled to emergency healthcare services. Exemptions would apply to children, individuals with disabilities, and those whose health is classified as extremely vulnerable. The government justifies this move as a measure to reduce public spending and control immigration. However, the plan has faced significant criticism from medical professionals and human rights advocates, who argue that the policy could have severe consequences for the health and well-being of undocumented migrants. The Finnish Medical Association and organizations such as Physicians for Social Responsibility have been vocal in their opposition, describing the proposal as problematic and damaging in many ways. They argue that denying non-emergency healthcare to undocumented migrants could lead to life-threatening situations, especially for those with chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, who may be left without necessary medical treatment. They contend that providing full healthcare access is not only more humane but also more cost-effective, as treating conditions early through primary care is generally cheaper than emergency care Critics also argue that the proposal is politically motivated, aiming to appeal to anti-immigration sentiments rather than address any genuine budgetary concerns. Aino Tuomi-Nikula, an adviser for Physicians for Social Responsibility, said, Those who tabled this proposal pretend that we dont have enough money for everyone and that full access to healthcare would invite more people to Finland. We know this is not true, and that its actually cheaper to treat conditions in advance by primary healthcare than leaving them to emergency care. This measure is a political stunt to crack down on marginalised people and bank on public fear of migrants. Louise Bonneau, an advocacy officer for the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, said, Healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege reserved for some. This law, if passed, would lead to suffering and betray Finlands commitment to equality and justice. It must be rejected. Original story was published by The Guardian on 17.09.2024 and can be found here. Books in, screens out: some Finnish pupils go back to paper after tech push The shift in Finlands approach to education of using traditional books, after a decade of heavy reliance on digital devices like laptops and tablets, was covered in an article by Reuters on September 11. The article illustrates Finlands ongoing efforts to find a balanced approach to integrating technology in education, acknowledging both its benefits and potential drawbacks, and reflecting a growing global concern about the impact of digital devices on childrens learning and development. In the town of Riihimaki, students have returned to using physical textbooks to counteract the negative impacts associated with excessive screen time. This change comes amid growing concerns from parents and teachers about the effects of digital devices on children's focus and overall well-being. For the past several years, Finland, known for its innovative and high-performing education system, has provided laptops to students from as young as 11. However, this push towards digitalization has coincided with a decline in students learning outcomes. Teachers noticed that students were often distracted by non-educational content, quickly switching tabs to play games or browse social media during lessons. This issue has prompted a reassessment of the role of technology in the classroom. In response, Riihimakis schools have reintroduced books and encouraged the use of pen and paper, aiming to improve students concentration and reduce distractions. This initiative is part of a broader national debate, as Finland plans to introduce legislation banning the use of personal phones during school hours to further cut down on screen time. Eighth graders like Miko Mantila and Inka Warro reported better concentration and improved reading speed with physical books, although they noted that writing is still easier on digital devices. Reading, for one, is much easier and I can read much faster from books, Mantila said. And if you have to do homework late at night, its easier to go to sleep when you havent just been looking at a device, Warro said. Original story was published by Reuters on 11.09.2024 and can be found here. Border cops accuse Finnish students of crossing into Russia during school trip An incident involving Finnish ninth-grade students who allegedly crossed into Russian territory during a school trip near Finlands eastern border, was covered in an article by Politico on September 13. This article highlights the sensitive nature of border areas and the legal implications for crossing international borders without authorization. The students were on an excursion to Kangaskoski and the banks of the Kokkolan River. A group of ten students separated from the main group and entered the border zone, with five of them suspected of illegally crossing the border into Russia and then returning to Finland. The Finnish Border Guard, which noticed the group in the restricted area, reported that the students filmed themselves around a red and green pole marking the Russian border. This prompted a pre-trial investigation by the Southeast Finland Border Guard. Legal consequences may only apply to students aged 15 and older, as this is the age of criminal responsibility in Finland. The schools principal confirmed that the trip had been pre-planned but did not provide further comments. Original story was published by Politico on 13.09.2024 and can be found here. Sweden and Finland to up cooperation to fight crime in Sweden The initiative by Sweden and Finland to enhance their cooperation in combating organized crime was covered in an article by Euractiv on September 17. The article provides details of the initiative, particularly addressing the issue of Swedish gangs operating in both countries. During a meeting in Sweden, led by Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, both governments announced plans to deepen police collaboration. This includes allowing police forces to operate across borders in serious cases, such as murder, kidnapping, and robbery. The Swedish government plans to present a bill to Parliament, aiming for this cross-border police cooperation to be fully operational by early next year, pending approval by both national parliaments. This collaboration would enable police from one country to assist in criminal pursuits and emergencies in the other, particularly in border areas where local police presence might be limited. There may be something going on in northern Sweden, or there may not be police officers in that particular area on the Swedish side. But if there are Finnish police officers closer, they will be able to prevent crime and stop the worst from happening, said Lulu Ranne, Finlands Minister of Transport and Communications. The concern over Swedish gangs is shared by other Nordic countries. Denmark has already introduced border controls with Sweden due to rising gang violence, and a Nordic police hub involving officers from Finland, Norway, and Denmark is being established in Stockholm. Original story was published by Euractiv on 17.09.2024 and can be found here. NASA Taps Finlands ICEYE to Provide Earth Observation Data NASAs recent contract with Finnish Earth observation company ICEYE, to provide radar satellite imagery for scientific and research purposes, was covered in an article by European Spaceflight on September 13. The article gives details of the five-year contract, aimed at enhancing Earth science research through innovative data sources. ICEYE operates the worlds largest constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, allowing for near real-time monitoring day and night, regardless of weather conditions. This new agreement, announced on September 9, 2024, marks a continuation of ICEYEs relationship with NASA, which began with a Blanket Purchase Agreement in April 2023 to evaluate the utility of its SAR data. NASA has expressed satisfaction with the initial findings, leading to this expanded partnership. The data will be used to support various Earth science and research initiatives, enhancing access for NASA researchers and academic partners. The collaboration reflects a growing trend of incorporating commercial satellite data into NASAs scientific work, as these small satellite constellations offer valuable capabilities for monitoring environmental changes, natural disasters, and urban development. By leveraging ICEYEs advanced radar technology, NASA aims to enrich its datasets and improve its ability to conduct research, ultimately fostering scientific discoveries in the field of Earth observation. Original story was published by European Spaceflight on 13.09.2024 and can be found here. HT Craft brewers announce NC Ale Trail By Rail Get ready to discover North Carolina beer, one train stop at a time. The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild and NC By Train have announced the NC Ale Trail by Rail as part of NC Beer Month in October. The Ale Trail by Rail will combine the ease of rail travel with a flavorful journey through North Carolina's diverse craft beer landscape. We are delighted to partner with NC By Train to introduce this new and novel way for visitors and residents alike, to explore the craft breweries of North Carolina," said Lisa Parker, executive director of the NC Craft Brewers Guild. "As community gathering hubs, our North Carolina breweries offer welcoming taproom and tasting experiences." As they travel between Charlotte and Raleigh, riders may disembark at each of the stops along the route to tour the breweries and communities in each locale. NC Ale Trail By Rail designated stops are Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, Cary and Raleigh. Whether youre interested in a day trip, overnight getaway, weekend excursion, or longer adventure, the NC Ale Trail By Rail allows friends, families, or solo explorers to easily access breweries and the vibrant communities in which they are located along the rail route. NC By Train has experienced record ridership the past two years and 2024 is no different, said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director. This partnership is a great opportunity to encourage riders to explore everything North Carolina has to offer including the vibrant craft brewery market and support local businesses. Additionally, during NC Beer Month in October, the NC Ale Trail By Rail will be making a special stop at the North Carolina State Fair, Oct. 18-27. This years State Fair features the NC Public House, located on the south side of Dorton Arena, facing the train stop. The NC Public House is where good times flow as craft beer and wine are poured with fair food favorites. To plan a trip visit drinkncbeer.org/nc-ale-trail-by-rail and check out an interactive map, brewery locations and websites, hours and special events. NC Ale Trail by Rail specified breweries are located within five miles of the train stations, making it easy for passengers to disembark, sample local beers and get back on the train for the next stop. A VIDEOGRAPHER has launched a series of walking tours to celebrate the history of Henley. Richard Pinches, who runs Meadows Farm Studios, set up Henley History Tours with help from town councillor David Eggleton. The tours will take the form of a one-hour guided walk of the town centre where Mr Pinches, while dressed in a 17th century outfit, will tell stories of local characters and events that took place in Henley. This will include the story of infamous murderer Mary Blandy, who poisoned her father in 1751, and appears courtesy of friend Nicola Metcalfe. Mr Pinches and Cllr Eggleton promoted the tours in Market Place last week during the national Heritage Open Days scheme which saw venues across Henley open to the public. The pair also hope to lead bespoke talks on the early days from the Bronze Age and Iron Age, the English Civil War and the Victorian era. Cllr Eggleton will also lead ghost walks. The route for the tours will start in Market Place and take in the riverside before finishing back in the town centre. Mr Pinches said: The 17th century has a lot of history in Henley based around the civil war. Its probably the coolest era and people need to be shown what to look out for, which is why we want to run these. Dave and I are both born and bred here so we just love the town and want to pass on information to others. Henley is our passion and we want to celebrate the towns history. I wanted to add to what Dave had done with tours hed run in the past. Mr Pinches became an amateur historian following the death of his father, Peter Ginger Pinches in 2015. He had been stationed with the 8th Army in Egypt in 1942. He said: I started becoming an amateur historian in the Second World War era and then I encompassed the Napoleonic wars and 17th century along the way. I realised that there is benefit in giving these tools not only to locals but maybe to visiting tourists. There are lots of snippets about Henleys history that the locals are just not aware of unless they read a lot about the history in detail. Theres still a lot there to learn. Mr Pinches, who is also a wartime re-enactor, enjoys talking in schools. He said: I realised that I enjoy talking to groups and schools from my re-enacting season which is the summer season. I just enjoy talking about the history, especially trying to impart the history on to the younger generation. Daves also doing the psychic walks as well for the ghost tours. So theres a dedicated ghost tour or theres the general tour. David Eggleton, who lives in Henley and has run his own private walking tours for about eight years, said the tours they are running will help keep Henleys history alive. He said: You can spend so much time on different gadgets and things that you can lose contact with actual, real history. Some devices now you can tap into history quite easily but its nothing like reading books and researching. You can take one building, one article of clothing and one weapon and each one of those will tell you a story about what it was used for and what is was meant for. Theres so much history in Henley. You could pick anything in this town or any other town and it will tell you a story. A lot of people tend to look at eye level and thats all they see. Look up and look around you because theres loads of artefacts that hold culture and history above our heads that we dont see. Mr Eggleton, who dresses as a cavalier for his tours, says research is key. He said: I did the research into what a gentleman would wear and all the rigalia and weaponry. The artefacts are really important because they really help to tell a story. For more information, email info@henleyhistory.co.uk For long, New Delhi has framed Indias Northeast as a gateway or a land bridge to Southeast Asia first through the Look East Policy (LEP) and then, its recent-most iteration, Act East Policy (AEP). Yet, as far as official diplomatic narratives are concerned, the region remains firmly within South Asia. But there are good reasons both historical and contemporary why one could see Northeast India as an extension of Southeast Asia. Who decides what is South Asia or Southeast Asia? Governments? Regional organisations like SAARC and ASEAN? The UN? Area studies departments at prominent universities? Or are these figments of some abstract mental maps that no one takes seriously anyway? When we imagine South Asia or Southeast Asia in our heads, we tend to instantly think about lines etched on the map. These regions, therefore, are based on imaginaries of national borders. This is also why we tend to synonymise them not with shared communities of people, but with regional organisations made up of nation-states. In reality, organisations like SAARC and ASEAN exist because South and Southeast Asia exist not the other way around. This only means it is perfectly valid to reimagine the contours of these regions. By doing so, we not only liberate geography from the shackles of modern geopolitics but also create possibilities to revive a premodern Asia that is perhaps more interconnected than today. Historical continuities There is enough scholarship to show that Northeast India is a melting pot of history. But there is sparser work on the regions ties to historical Southeast Asia a dynamic region that, according to some historians, included the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan. Yang Bin, in his seminal book, Between Winds and Clouds: The Making of Yunnan, shows that the multi-ethnic region in China, which was ultimately fully integrated into the mainland by the Ming and Qing empires, was linked to Indias Northeast through at least two mobility routes that were part of the larger Southwestern Silk Road. These routes, which ferried a wide variety of goods, from silk to Buddhism, emerged from Yunnan and entered Burma before forking into Indias Northeast through the Chindwin River in the north and across the Arakan Mountains in the south. Yang concedes that we know very little of these routes (especially the northern one) because locals left no documents. Yet, the sociocultural implications of these inconspicuous north-south connections are all too clear today. Sukhapha (Siu-Ka-Pha), the founder of the Brahmaputra Valley-based Ahom Dynasty, came from Mong Mao a Tai (Dai) state in what is todays Yunnan province. Some historians, like Chen Ruxing, even claim that the Dai-centric Dianyue Kingdom was based in Kamarupa, the ancient name for Assam. Several major highland tribes in the Northeast, such as the Nagas and Mizos, trace their origins to historical Southeast Asia (including the broader Yunnanese sphere). In fact, some Naga historians, such as M Horam and RR Shimray, suggest that the tribe may have roots in the tropical islands of southern Southeast Asia. Contemporary congruences History tells us a romantic fable of a Northeast India-Southeast Asia affair. But history should not be overstated. The past, at best, can be a signpost for alternative futures. Two moot questions arise in the contemporary context: one, can we still frame Northeast India as part of Southeast Asia? Two, if yes, then to what end? Sometime in the early years of the last decade, at least four separatist armed groups from the Northeast who had bases in northwest Myanmars Sagaing Region bordering India got together to raise a strategic coalition. It had a provocative name: United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (ULFWSEA). Here was a motley group of Northeast Indian rebel groups claiming to represent a larger region by subverting a colonial border. It was a bit like the Islamic State tearing down, physically and symbolically, the colonial-era Sykes-Picot line between Syria and Iraq in 2014. Nothing really has come out of the ULFWSEA as yet, but understanding the context behind its peculiar name might have some value. That the ethnic groups they claimed to represent have both historical and contemporary fraternities in Myanmar and further east tells us that such radical political reimaginations of our modern geography are not entirely out of line. The only question, therefore, is who is doing the reimagination armed separatists, civil societies, asylum groups, or nation-states? Policy framework? In 2018, then Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Ma Zhanwu, said at a public event that Beijing was keen to build a direct railway line between the West Bengal capital and Kunming, the ancient capital city of Yunnan Province. The suggestion might have appeared fanciful but wasnt entirely baseless. In 1999, officials and scholars from Myanmar, China, India and Bangladesh met in Kunming to formalise what was known as the Kunming Initiative. It later became the BCIM Economic Corridor, which after a brief period of rejuvenation in the last decade, is now back in the cold storage. The Kunming Initiative and the BCIM represented a profound moment of scholarly-cum-policy consensus over the need to restore the ancient connections between Northeast and East India, southwestern China and Western Southeast Asia. Part of this plan was to build (and rebuild) some of the older trade routes, such as the Kunming-Kolkata corridor that once carried the much-desired Yunnanese horses to Bengal. Sadly, that moment seems to have slipped away now not least because of resurgent tensions between India and China, the civil war in Myanmar, and ethnic unrest in Manipur. One can even argue that the BIMSTEC, which was embraced as a less contentious alternative to the BCIM, is just a shorter shadow of the BCIM, an audacious project that could have reshaped the entire regions political geography. But, Northeast India with all its colourful transregional historical links and contemporary community relationships across the Patkai range or the Tiau river still stands as a reminder of a world that could have been. But it isnt a mere historical artefact, but also something that should continuously encourage the Indian state to think about the possibility of reimagining its easternmost frontier beyond the limiting confines of a bounded South Asia. Angshuman Choudhury is a researcher and writer from Assam and is currently a joint PhD candidate in Comparative Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore and Kings College London. The views expressed are personal With the paddy harvesting season set to formally kickstart on October 1, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has identified eight districts and 663 villages in the state as stubble-burning hotspots. These districts include Sangrur, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Moga, Barnala, Mansa, Tarn Taran and Faridkot, which recorded 23,410 cases of stubble burning last year, 64% of the 36,663 cases from September 15 to November 30. 8,000 employees to keep an eye on farm fires; state saw 36,663 such cases last year. (HT File) Farm fires in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are seen as a major contributor to pollution in the region, with the national capital and its surrounding areas bearing the major brunt every year. The 663 villages, most of which are situated in these eight districts only, have been identified on the basis of the historical date of straw burning. These villages have seen their over 75% area under farm fires in the last three years. The PPCB has already submitted a detailed action plan with the National Green Tribunal and the commission of air quality management (CAQM) to curb farm fire incidents in the state in the coming three months. Nearly 31.54 lakh hectares of area is under paddy cultivation in Punjab. The state is expecting nearly 19.52 million tonnes of paddy straw this time which was 19.55 MT last year. The state recorded a significant reduction of 26.55% in stubble burning cases in 2023 than 2022 when it reported 49,992 farm fire cases. The cases dropped by 29.84% in 2022 as compared to 2021 when 71,159 such cases were recorded. In 2020, Punjab had recorded 76,929 cases of stubble fires. PPCB chairman Adarshpal Vig said the board has already handed over the list of hotspot villages and districts to concerned deputy commissioners. The SDMs, tehsildars and other officials will personally visit these villages and ensure that no fire incidents occur in these villages, besides carrying information, education and communication activities to spread awareness towards stubble burning before the start of paddy harvesting season, the PPCB chairman said. As the window for rabi crop wheat is very short after the paddy harvest, farmers set their fields on fire to quickly get rid of crop residue for sowing of the next crop. The state government has roped in 8,000 employees of multiple departments across the state to report fire incidents on the ground in real time. This year, nearly 5,000 nodal officers, 1,500 cluster coordinators and 1,200 field officers have been deputed in 11,624 villages across the state. These officers have to share daily action taken reports through a mobile application called Action Taken Report (ATR) developed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) after verification of stubble burning incidents. The PRSC would send them the latitude and longitude of the location, which would tell the exact location of the incident so that the fire could be doused off. Focus on ex-situ management PPCB chairman Vig said that out of the total expected production of 19.52 MT of paddy straw this year, the state is hoping to manage 12.70 MT (65.11%) through in-situ techniques and 5.96 MT (30.53%) through ex-situ measures and .86 MT as fodder. Last year, 72.5% (11.50 MT) of stubble was managed through in-situ management, while only remaining 3.86 MT (23%) was managed through ex-situ measures, such as transporting paddy straw to industrial boilers, biomass power plants, compressed bio-gas plant, bio-ethanol units and brick kiln to be used as fuel. The state agriculture department has already distributed 21,000 fresh subsidised crop residue machines this year so far. For ex-situ management, the department of renewable energy, Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) and department of industry have already been roped in by the PPCB, he said. As many as 1,59,022 machines including 21,000 procured across the state between 2018 and 2024 under the Central scheme for the promotion of agriculture mechanisation for in-situ management of crop residue was started. The district heads have been directed to ensure no burning of crop residue by special categories, including lease holders of the panchayat land or shamlat land of the villages, government employees, commission agents, panchayat members and any other such category of cultivators. Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party will sweep the elections in Jammu and Kashmir because it kept its promise and abrogated Article 370. Defence minister Rajnath Singh waves to the supporters during a public rally in Jammu. (ANI) Addressing a rally at RS Pura for party candidate and national secretary Dr Narinder Singh Raina, the defence minister said that statehood will be given to Jammu and Kashmir soon after the polls. Statehood will be restored after elections, he said and urged the voters to vote for BJP, a nationalist party. Rajnath slammed National Conference and Congress for being in cahoots with Pakistan. In a despicable attempt to win elections, National Conference and Congress are falsely claiming that Article 370 will be restored if they came to power. Let me assure you that Article 370 has been done and dusted forever, he said. Earlier, party candidate Dr Raina, in his address, promised all round development in his constituency. He said better education, health facilities and improving the infrastructure were his priorities for RS Pura. My vision for this constituency which is my home is a progressive, prosperous RS Pura where we can offer better education and better health services, he said. Other news in brief: Congress-NC alliance will reverse 890 Union laws in J&K: G Kishan Reddy Jammu Union minister and J&K assembly election in-charge G Kishan Reddy on Sunday said the Congress partys anti-India mindset is coming to the forefront in J&K. Talking to reporters here, he said Congress anti-India stance is coming to the fore and the recent trip of Rahul Gandhi to the United States where he made anti-India statements is testimony to that. The Congress led alliance has promised to restore Article 370 in its manifesto. This clearly means it will reverse the 890 Union laws that were applied in J&K. J&K leader appointed Youth Cong president New Delhi Congress has appointed former J&K Pradesh Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib as president of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC). Honble Congress President has appointed Shri Uday Bhanu Chib, currently General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress and former President of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Youth Congress, as the President of the Indian Youth Congress, with immediate effect, announced Congress general secretary KC Venugopal. First time polls being held in J&K without fear: DGP The Punjab and Haryana high court (HC) has issued a contempt of court notice to principal secretary (power) and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) chairperson-cum-managing director (CMD) for not responding to a compensation plea filed by a mother-son duo after a mans death due to electrocution. The Punjab and Haryana high court (HC) has issued a contempt of court notice to principal secretary (power) and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) chairperson-cum-managing director (CMD) for not responding to a compensation plea filed by a mother-son duo after a mans death due to electrocution. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) According to the order issued on September 19, the court has given two-week time to principal secretary Tejveer Singh and PSPCL CMD Baldev Singh Sran to file a compliance report. The court directed that if the respondents fail to file the compliance report within the stipulated time, the officer concerned will appear in the court through video conferencing and will reimburse litigation cost of 50,000 from their own pocket to the petitioners. The woman, Charanpreet Kaur of Ludhianas Ishar Nagar, said in her petition that she, her husband Kulbir Singh and son Kabir Singh were living in a rented accommodation in Paradise Palms, Kharar. On October 28, 2022, her husband died of electrocution after coming in contact with high-voltage power supply cables crossing near the roof. The victim was dusting foot mats of their house at the time, she added. The petition added that the local police initiated proceedings under section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc) and a post-mortem was conducted. She said that in the post-mortem report, the doctor stated cause of death as cardio-genic shock due to electrocution. As her husband was the lone breadwinner for the family, she sought compensation for herself and her son. After the death of her husband, she had shifted to Ludhiana. According to advocate Rapton Bedi, who is representing the petitioner in the compensation case, the high court had ordered the PSPCL to frame a policy to compensate the victims of electrocution and their families following multiple writ petitions. The PSPCL had then formed a policy which came to force on December 8, 2023. The HC placed the said policy on record on December 15, 2023. According to police, the PSPCL is bound to consider the compensation applications within 30 days. Charanpreet Kaur filed an application before PSPCL on February 15, 2023, seeking compensation. However, the PSPCL has not responded to the application till date. She had moved high court earlier this month. Jalandhar During the operation, gangster Kannu Gujjar, a close associate of gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuriya, has also been arrested. (HT File) In an operation spanning over two weeks, the Jalandhar commissionerate police has busted an interstate cartel involved in illegal trade of weapons and recovered 18 weapons, 66 cartridges and 1.1kg heroin. A police officer said during the two week-long operation, the police have also nabbed 17 criminals, including gangster Kannu Gujjar who is a close associate of gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuriya. The police informed that over 38 criminal cases have been registered against the arrested criminals. Patiala The protesting farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 when their Delhi chalo march was stopped by the security forces. (HT File) The Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee, led by a retired judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has invited the protesting farmer unions for discussion, people familiar with the matter said. The protesting farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 when their Delhi chalo march was stopped by the security forces. The farmers are agitating over a plethora of demands, including legal guarantee of MSP for their produce, implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions formula, full debt waiver for farmers, pension for farmers and labourers and withdrawal of cases against farmers during the 2020-21 protest. On September 2, the apex court constituted a high-powered committee headed by former Punjab and Haryana high court judge justice Nawab Singh to amicably resolve the grievances of protesting farmers. A bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan directed the committee to reach out to the agitating farmers to immediately remove their tractors and trolleys from the Shambhu border to provide relief to commuters. The committee also comprises retired IPS officer PS Sandhu, Devender Sharma, professor Ranjit Singh Ghuman and Sukhpal Singh, agricultural economist from the Punjab Agricultural University. Farmer leaders have questioned the effectiveness and intent of the panel and suspect that rather than addressing the pressing issue of a legal guarantee for the MSP, the committee has been formed for the reopening the national highway, thereby undermining the ongoing protest. Farmer unions are yet to take a call on the committees invite which was received on Friday. The unions said a meeting would be held between the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) the two main forums leading the ongoing farmer protest to decide on their response to the committees invitation. This decision is expected in a day or two, said a farm leader. Sarwan Singh Pandher, convener of the KMM, confirmed of receiving a letter from the committee. We will hold a meeting soon to decide whether or not to engage in talks with the committee, Pandher said, adding that he was sceptic about the committees competency to address their main demands. Pandher said the SC-appointed committee could only make recommendations to the Union government and even if the panel supported their demand for a legal guarantee for MSP in its report to the Supreme Court, the final decision would lie with the Centre. These are tactics of the government to weaken our movement, he added. The Swaminathan Commission submitted its report nearly two decades ago, but it was never implemented. Even if this committee makes better recommendations, it will be up to the government to implement them. So, we dont expect this committee to resolve our demands, he added. Guramneet Mangat, another KMM member, echoed similar views: We are not averse to talks... even when teargas was used against us, we were there for talks. But this committee lacks the power to resolve our issue. The government, not the committee, should hold direct talks with us to address the MSP issue. SKM (Non-Political) convener Jagjit Singh Dallewal said: We will take a call on accepting the committees invite for talks only after holding a meeting of SKM (Non-Political) and KMM representatives. We will decide the date and venue if union leaders give a go-ahead for talks. More than 5,000 homeowners in Batavia and Salamanca are expected to receive school tax relief checks within the next week the final recipients to reap more than $188 million distributed to 328,000 recipients in Western New York this year under a state program, officials said Friday. The 4,100 taxpayers in Batavia and 1,100 more in Salamanca are set to receive the money under the states School Tax Relief or STAR program. Under STAR, New Yorkers who own their own homes as a primary residence and along with their spouses earn $500,000 or less are eligible for the tax credit, via direct deposit or a check that they can use to pay school taxes, according to the state Department of Taxation and Finance website. The program allows exemptions in the form of reductions on school tax bills to New Yorkers who have been receiving the relief for their residence since 2015; the exemption is not available for new homeowners. STAR is available to property owners of houses, condominiums, co-op apartments, manufactured homes and farm houses, the tax departments website said. On Thursday, the governors office said homeowners with incomes of $500,000 or less typically reap several hundred dollars in tax relief, while citizens aged 65 and older with incomes below $98,700 can get benefits exceeding $1,000. The Western New York recipients were among some 2.9 million people across the state reaping $2.3 billion, the governors office said in a news release. The governor said two-thirds of the recipients statewide have already received the relief. No New Yorker should have to lie in bed at night and worry about these bills or make decisions, choices, that they should not have to make between the groceries, the prescriptions, being late on a payment, the governor said Thursday at an event in New York City. Its just too hard sometimes. Another day of no rain meant that Delhi residents on Sunday experienced sweltering heat with worsening air quality, as the retreat of the monsoon season continued to be delayed in the Capital and its surrounding regions. Meteorological officials said that the city recorded its second hottest day of the month so far with the maximum temperature touching 36 degrees Celsius (C). Like Saturday, no rain was recorded at any weather station on Sunday too, and officials said that this dry spell is expected to continue till Tuesday. (Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO) Like Saturday, no rain was recorded at any weather station on Sunday too, and officials said that this dry spell is expected to continue till Tuesday. India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said that the city may record isolated drizzle after September 25. ALSO READ- Indias 5G market bigger than US': PM Modi to Indian diaspora in New York According to weather officials, the maximum temperature increased and touched 36C on Sunday two degrees above normal for this time of the year. It was the highest this month since September 4, when it touched 36.2C. The hot and dry weather, meanwhile, led to a deterioration in the air quality in the last 24 hours. The average air quality index (AQI) stood at 164 (moderate) at 4pm on Sunday it was 116 (moderate) at the same time on Saturday. Meanwhile, IMD has forecast the possibility of the southwest monsoon withdrawing from parts of western Rajasthan and the Kachchh area from Monday. However, experts said a further withdrawal from the remaining parts of northwest India is likely to be delayed, and would be further delayed for Delhi. Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet meteorology, said a low pressure area is forming near the Bay of Bengal, which might turn into a depression and move towards central India. This will bring easterly winds and so withdrawal after Rajasthan and Kachchh is likely to be delayed. The withdrawal, which commences around September 17, is already delayed and should be further delayed for Delhi, he said. ALSO READ- America-India spirit new AI power: PM Modi tells Indian diaspora in New York| Top 10 quotes The normal date for monsoon withdrawal from Delhi is September 25. Withdrawal was declared over Delhi on September 30 last year. In its all-India weather bulletin on Sunday, IMD said, Conditions are becoming favourable for withdrawal of Southwest Monsoon from parts of West Rajasthan and Kachchh around September 23. IMD officials did not comment on further withdrawal from the remaining parts of the country. The temperature on Sunday was also more than the 34.7C recorded a day ago. A mostly wet September, which has seen 14 days of rain and 192.5mm of monthly rainfall in total, has kept Delhis maximum in check on most days. It has been below 30C on four days this month, going as low as 27.6C on September 14. The minimum temperature too on Sunday increased, although marginally. At 25.4C, it was a degree above normal. It stood at 25C a day earlier. Forecasts show the maximum and minimum are likely to hover around 36C and 25C, respectively, till Tuesday, before marginally dipping by one to two degrees on Wednesday. ALSO READ- Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is Sri Lanka's new president Like Saturday, no rain was recorded at any weather station on Sunday too, and officials said that this dry spell is expected to continue till Tuesday. However, there are chances of isolated drizzle in parts of the city on Wednesday, officials in the India Meteorological Department (IMD) added. According to weather officials, the maximum temperature increased and touched 36C on Sunday two degrees above normal for this time of the year. It was the highest this month since September 4, when it touched 36.2C. The hot and dry weather, meanwhile, led to a deterioration in the air quality in the last 24 hours. The average air quality index (AQI) stood at 164 (moderate) at 4pm on Sunday it was 116 (moderate) at the same time on Saturday. Meanwhile, IMD has forecast the possibility of the southwest monsoon withdrawing from parts of western Rajasthan and the Kachchh area from Monday. However, experts said a further withdrawal from the remaining parts of northwest India is likely to be delayed, and would be further delayed for Delhi. Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet meteorology, said a low pressure area is forming near the Bay of Bengal, which might turn into a depression and move towards central India. This will bring easterly winds and so withdrawal after Rajasthan and Kachchh is likely to be delayed. The withdrawal, which commences around September 17, is already delayed and should be further delayed for Delhi, he said. The normal date for monsoon withdrawal from Delhi is September 25. In its all-India weather bulletin on Sunday, IMD said, Conditions are becoming favourable for withdrawal of Southwest Monsoon from parts of West Rajasthan and Kachchh around September 23. IMD officials did not comment on further withdrawal from the remaining parts of the country. The temperature on Sunday was also more than the 34.7C recorded a day ago. A mostly wet September, which has seen 14 days of rain and 192.5mm of monthly rainfall in total, has kept Delhis maximum in check on most days. It has been below 30C on four days this month, going as low as 27.6C on September 14. The minimum temperature too on Sunday increased, although marginally. At 25.4C, it was a degree above normal. It stood at 25C a day earlier. Forecasts show the maximum and minimum are likely to hover around 36C and 25C, respectively, till Tuesday, before marginally dipping by one to two degrees on Wednesday. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday asked whether the rule under which several BJP veteran leaders such as Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi retired from active politics when they turned 75, would apply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is turning 75 in September 2025. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi chief minister Atishi at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Sunday. (PTI) Kejriwal was speaking during the Janta Ki Adalat at Jantar Mantar in Delhi where he asked people whether they considered him honest or not. It was his first public appearance in Delhi after resigning as the chief minister. Advaniji, Murli and Manohar Joshi were retired when they turned 75 under a rule they (BJP-RSS) made. I want to ask the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat ji whether the retirement rule that applied to Advaniji and others should be applied to Modi or not, said Kejriwal.Kejriwal posed five questions to Mohan Bhagwat the chief of the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Kejriwal asked RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat if he believes the BJP breaking opposition parties is dangerous for democracy or not. The leaders PM Modi and Amit Shah once called corrupt were later inducted into the BJP. Did you ever imagine such a BJP. It is the responsibility of the RSS to check that the BJP doesnt divert from its path. Did Mohan Bhagwat ever ask Modi about it. During elections BJP president JP Nadda said BJP doesnt need the support of the RSS. Is BJP so big that it is showing eyes to its mother like RSS. Did RSS chief and RSS workers not feel hurt when they did it, said Kejriwal. I hope Mohan Bhagwat will reply to these questions. I want to ask this question to everyone. I request them to think over these questions even though they dont like me, said Kejriwal. Kejriwal resigned on September 17, days after he was released on bail from jail where he spent six months in connection with alleged corruption in Delhi liquor sale policy. Kejriwal said he was resigning so that he can rebut the false cases against him by going among the people of Delhi and demonstrating public support for his return to office when elections are held next. The upcoming Delhi assembly election will be an Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) for me. If you think Im honest, vote for me. If you think otherwise, dont vote for me, said Kejriwal. Kejriwal also recalled his anti-corruption campaign, which was also held at Jantar Mantar, saying that a group of people without money and resources contested the election and formed government in Delhi in 2013. We proved that elections can be contested without money, and can also be won with honesty, Kejriwal said. We were honestly running the government for the last 10 years in Delhi. We made electricity free, bus rides for women free, made excellent hospitals, provided free education. Modiji started feeling that if they have to win against us, we should be proved corrupt. They hatched a conspiracy and put our leaders in jail, one by one. I came out of jail and resigned. I resigned because Im not hungry for the post of CM. I came tonpolitics to change politics in the country, he said. The BJP has government in 22 states but doesnt provide free electricity, he added. Im not a politican. It affects me when they call me corrupt. Im very sad. I am honest, I dont have money in my bank. I dont have a house in Delhi. I didnt earn anything in 10 years except your love. Due to this love, people are offering their houses to me. Ill leave CM residence during Navratra and stay in one of your houses, Kejriwal said. Kejriwal said that the cases against him and AAP leaders are fake, and the Supreme Court gave bail to him. I decided that I will not sit on the CMs chair unless the court acquits me in the case. But lawyers told me that the case will continue for years, thats why I decided to come to the peoples court, said Kejriwal. The response of the BJP is awaited. The story will be updated when the BJP responds. Kolkata, Several rallies were taken out by people and political parties across West Bengal on Sunday to press their demand for justice for a doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar hospital here last month. HT Image Union minister and BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar led a rally in Howrah city. "We are only part of the mass protests demanding justice for the woman doctor. The administration had taken all steps to shield the guilty and put the onus on one accused. The people of Bengal remain vigilant and have not left the road of protest. We, as a party, are with them," Majumdar said holding a placard with "Justice for Tilottoma" written on it. A section of the media has been calling the deceased doctor Tilottama to avoid disclosing her real name. Identifying a rape victim is prohibited by a Supreme Court order. During the day, around 800 alumni of four schools participated in a rally from Dakshinapan to Gariahat in south Kolkata, demanding a safe and secure environment for every woman, either at the workplace or in public places. "Our key demands are 'justice for Tilottoma', equality for women and enabling them to lodge FIR whenever, wherever they face such situations and safety of women in all working areas," Garima Ghosh, an alumnus of St John's Diocesan, said. Students of 20 schools in Behala area of the city walked for 1 km, holding placards and posters, and raised slogans like 'we want justice'. In another rally, around 200 working professionals and retired persons from different disciplines walked from Ruby More to Gariahat in the southern part of the city, demanding justice for the victim. "We want the CBI to expedite the probe and book all those involved in the heinous crime on August 9," Biman Roy, a retired state government employee, said. The body of the trainee doctor was recovered from the seminar room of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The Central Bureau of Investigation has been probing the case. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. LUCKNOW: Out of 207 encounter deaths by Uttar Pradesh police, the STF alone has gunned down 49 dreaded criminals in the past 7.5 years since the Yogi Adityanath government came to power in the state. ADG (STF and Law & Order) Amitabh Yash said the STF was conducting a continuous campaign to curb crime and apprehend criminals across the state. (Sourced) The criminals gunned down by the STF included the slain mafioso Atiq Ahmads son Asad and three other members of his gang in February and March 2023, as well as dreaded criminal Vikas Dubey, who was involved in the killing of eight cops, including a deputy superintendent of police, in Kanpurs Bikru village, and four other members of his gang involved in the ambush attack on a police team on July 2, 2020. The remaining 158 criminals have been gunned down in separate encounters with different district police units so far. The STF has taken swift action against drug traffickers, arms smugglers, cybercriminals, and those involved in leaking question papers of various job recruitment exams. The press note stated that the UPSTF arrested over 7,000 notorious criminals, while 49 have been gunned down in various police encounters, dealing a significant blow to organised crime in the state. Additionally, significant quantities of illegal weapons, narcotics, and banned animal skins and bones have been seized. The STF, using its intelligence network, also thwarted more than 559 criminal incidents before they could occur, further demonstrating its proactive approach. ADG (STF and Law & Order) Amitabh Yash said the STF was conducting a continuous campaign to curb crime and apprehend criminals across the state, in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths directives to abolish all forms of organised crime. Since March 2017, the STF has arrested a total of 7,015 notorious and wanted criminals, with 49 criminals being killed during this period in retaliatory firing during encounters. All of them had bounties ranging from 10,000 to 5 lakh, he emphasised. The ADG said several criminal incidents were averted before they could occur, including serious crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and planned murders of public representatives, prominent individuals, and ordinary citizens, through heightened alertness and vigilance under the states zero-tolerance policy. Furthermore, 3,970 criminals involved in organised crime were arrested during the same period, he added. The press note stated that the STF had taken action against 926 kingpins and solvers from 193 gangs over the past seven and a half years to eliminate examination-related malpractices such as cheating and paper leaks. This has significantly enhanced the credibility of the Yogi government among the youth. Additionally, 379 cybercriminals involved in various cybercrimes were also apprehended. In a separate campaign targeting illegal arms smuggling, the STF arrested 189 criminals, recovering 2,080 illegal weapons and 8,229 illegal cartridges. Similarly, the STF cracked down on liquor smuggling, arresting 523 smugglers involved in transporting liquor from states such as Punjab and Haryana. A total of 80,579 boxes of liquor, 330,866 liters of rectified spirit, and 7,560 liters of prepared country liquor were seized during these operations. DSP STF Deepak Singh reported that the agency arrested 1,082 individuals involved in the illegal drug trade and seized a large quantity of narcotics, including 91,147.48 kg of ganja, 2,054.651 kg of charas, 19,727.1 kg of doda/poppy, 7.06 kg of morphine, 723.758 kg of smack, 21.521 kg of heroin, 181.012 kg of opium, 6.1 kg of brown sugar, 6.938 kg of methadone, and 280,899 banned drugs. Vehicles used in the transportation of these substances were also seized, and appropriate legal action was taken. In addition, the STF arrested 170 criminals from various gangs involved in poaching and smuggling of prohibited wildlife. The recoveries included 341 kg of tortoise calipee, 2 pangolins, 1 tiger skin, 18 kg of tiger bone, 2 elephant tusks, 8,011 tortoises, 4,922 prohibited birds, 1 hyena skeleton, 20 grey langurs, 1 leopard skin, 4.12 kg of ambergris, 4 wild boar teeth, 563.1 kg of red sandalwood, 44 ivory items, 25 leopard teeth, 24 leopard nails, 110 jackal horns, 140 Indrajal plants, 1 tiger skeleton, 1 python, and 1 snake. Vehicles, cash, and other items used in these illegal activities were also recovered. During the same period, the STF carried out a total of 2,670 commendable operations. Measures to tackle cyber threats yield results The Yogi government has taken significant measures to combat cybercrime in the state, which include the establishment of 18 regional cybercrime police stations, digital forensic labs, and cyber help desks in every police station across the state. The STF has taken decisive action against cyber criminals, resulting in the arrest of 379 individuals linked to various cybercrime activities. Notably, the STF apprehended a gang of 16 cyber criminals responsible for defrauding an associate professor from SGPGI of approximately 2 crores besides dismantling one of the largest online fraud gangs in the state, arresting 105 members and seizing approximately 2,00,000 data points from major companies such as Reliance Future, Exide, Birla Sun Life, Max Life, PNB Met Life, HDFC Agro, Paytm Online Shopping, Shyclues, and Flipkart, which were used to facilitate their fraudulent operations. DSP (STF) Deepak Singh said that in Gautam Buddha Nagar alone, 225 major cyber criminals had been apprehended, followed by 116 in Lucknow and 9 in Ghaziabad. The campaign had also resulted in the arrests of five cyber fraudsters each from Prayagraj, Agra, and Delhi, as well as one criminal each from Pratapgarh, Jaunpur, and Kanpur Nagar. Additionally, four cyber criminals were captured in Fatehpur and Gorakhpur, and three others were arrested in Rajasthan. Kota Sep 22 The Kota administration have suspended three officials after Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat flagged the demolition of the canopy of a 600-year-old memorial of ruler Rao Surajmal in a village for the proposed airport here, according to a Sunday order. HT Image A three-member committee has been constituted to investigate the matter and submit a report, according to the order. Angered over the demolition, the Bundi royal family and locals have called for a demonstration on Monday. Shekhawat took to X to share about the incident saying, "The demolition of the chhatri of Bundi Naresh Rao Surajmal Hada is a sad and distressing incident. Did KDA commit this act despite knowing the historical importance of the chhatri? Investigation and adequate action is necessary in this regard." "It is the moral responsibility of the system operators to keep public sentiment supreme," the minister said. The memorial, built in the honour of Rao Surajmal, the 9th ruler of the erstwhile Bundi state, is located in the neighbouring Bundi district in Tulsi village. The demolition was carried out on Saturday by the Kota Development Authority . Meanwhile, Bundi MLA Harimohan Sharma, Vanshvardhan Singh of the Bundi royal family and members of the Karni Sena and Rajput community on Sunday visited the demolished site and condemned the KDA's actions. Kota Collector Ravindra Goswami, who is also the chairman of KDA spoke to them over phone. He told them that one bigha of land along the national highway in Ballop panchayat of Bundi district has been allotted as an alternative to the existing 16 biswa land rebuild the statue. However, the Rajput community representatives and local villagers, disagreed with this arrangement and demanded that the proposed airport be named after Rao Surajmal and that his statue be installed at its entrance. The Rajput community, under the aegis of Karni Sena, called for a demonstration at the Bundi district collectorate on Monday to protest against the demolition. In an order issued by the KDA secretary on Saturday night, Tehsildar Praveen Kumar, land record inspector Murlidhar, and a patwari, who were involved in razing the historic canopy, were suspended with immediate effect for "hurting public sentiments" and "negligence" in executing government work. The Kota district collector issued an order forming a three-member probe committee comprising the SDM of Kota, an officer on special duty at KDA, and the tehsildar of Ladpura, directing them to submit a report on the matter. MLA Harimohan Sharma said one bigha of land along the national highway in Ballop had already been allotted for the reconstruction of Rao Surajmal Chattri, and the KDA chairman has assured that the chattri would be reconstructed on the new land. He added that the KDA chairman told him the site was razed following a direction in a letter from the Airport Authority ofIndia without comprehending its historic and heritage significance, but the body now regretted its actions. Vanshvardhan Singh condemned the demolition, emphasising that it was a 600-year-old site of significance where inscriptions on stone and other objects of historic importance were destroyed. He urged KDA officials to safely remove and extract rubble from the site, as some significant inscriptions or articles might be lying beneath, while claiming to stand with public sentiment on the issue of agreeing to new land for the Chattri. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra will release the final merit list for BBA/BCA/BMS/BBM/integrated MBA and integrated MCA courses today, September 22. When released, candidates can check it on the official websites, cetcell.mahacet.org and on bbabcacap24.mahacet.org. MAH BBA/BCA/BMS/BBM/integrated CET final merit list today at cetcell.mahacet.org (Representational image)(Unsplash) The provisional merit list for the test was released on September 17. Also read: Konkan Railway Recruitment: 190 vacancies announced for Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka candidates, check eligibility Candidates were asked to submit grievances, if any, regarding the provisional merit list from September 18 to 20 (up to 5 pm). Candidates had the option to raise grievances regarding correction in the information displayed on the provisional merit lists. Also read: Maharashtra School education minister proposes transfer of management of all state schools to education department After the final merit list is released, candidates can submit and confirm the option form from September 23 to 25. The provisional allotment result for CAP round 1 will be announced on September 28. After that, selected candidates need to accept their seats between September 29 and October 1 (up to 3 pm). They have to report at the allotted institute and confirm the admission by submitting the required documents and the fee between September 29 and October 1 (5 pm). The second round of admissions will begin on October 3. Also read: RRB NTPC UG Recruitment 2024: Registration for 3445 posts begins at rrbapply.gov.in, heres how to apply Steps to check MAH BBA/BCA/BMS/BBM/integrated CET merit list Ravensbourne University, London has opened admissions for its one-year MBA in Fashion Business & Entrepreneurship course. The course has been particularly designed for aspiring fashion professionals and entrepreneurs, which will offer students the advanced knowledge and skills to navigate the ever-evolving world of fashion. Ravensbourne University London have announced admissions for MBA in Fashion Business & Entrepreneurship. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) During the programme, students will engage with industry experts, participate in live projects, and gain access to Ravensbournes extensive network of fashion and business professionals, a press release informed. Also read: JNVST 2024: Registration for Class 6 entrance test ends tomorrow at navodaya.gov.in It may be mentioned here that apart from the MBA program, Ravensbourne University London also offers a diverse range of other creative courses in design, media, and technology. These programmes are BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment Architecture, BA (Hons) in Digital Photography, and BA (Hons) in Music & Sound Production, among others. Besides, OIEG in partnership with Ravensbourne also delivers student recruitment, compliance, conversion, admissions, student support, and enrolment services. The Oxford International Education Services (OIES), a division of OIEG in India, aids University partners scale and diversify student enrolment, the release added. Also read: Ashoka University sets up Isaac Centre for Public Policy aimed at hosting research on public policy programmes & more Speaking about the MBA programme, Mohit Gambir, the Managing Director at OIES stated that the course has been uniquely designed for all those who are interested in pursuing a career within the fashion industry. Students will study among the UKs finest creatives in a design-led, technological, and business environment and participate in a collaborative working environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for students from India who want to drive innovation and find solutions to global issues within the world of fashion. Also read: IIT Roorkee, Samarkand State University sign two major agreements, aim to boost India-Uzbek ties in research and more Meanwhile, those interested in applying should hold a bachelors degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, such as fashion, business, or a related discipline. Ravensbourne also offers a range of scholarships and financial aid packages designed to support students from around the globe in achieving their academic and career aspirations. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) launched a research centre on Diabetes to drive advancements in diabetes research and develop innovative technologies to address the challenges in diabetes care and associated complications. The Shankar Center of Excellence for Diabetic Research (SCoEDR) has been supported by funding from IIT Madras Alumnus Awardee Subramonian Shankar (1971 - B.Tech - Electrical Engineering). This Shankar Center of Excellence for Diabetic Research (SCoEDR) has been supported by funding from IIT Madras Alumnus Awardee Mr Subramonian Shankar (1971 - B.Tech - Electrical Engineering). The centre was inaugurated in the presence of Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Chris Hodges, U.S. Consul General, Chennai, Subramonian Shankar, CEO and Founder, AmZetta Technologies, LLC, Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean-Designate (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, and other dignitaries. Also Read: IIM Bangalore and Kings College London unveil collaborative research project The Shankar Center of Excellence for Diabetic Research has come at a very important juncture when we are building the Department of Medical Science and Technology. The objective of the Department is to see how technology can intervene to either prevent an illness or diagnose quickly and treat the illness. With diabetes being one of the most prevalent illness in the country, the outcome of this joint activity that will happen in this centre of excellence will be of great societal and national importance," said Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras. It is stunning to see the amount of intellectual genius every time I come here. On treating diabetes, you are talking about isolating variables in a challenging environment. It is satisfying to see the partnership between two leaders - IIT Madras and Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC) at Emory University, U.S - come together and even greater to see members of the Indian Diaspora in the U.S. like Mr. Subramonian Shankar lead such initiatives, said Chris Hodges, U.S. Consul General, Chennai. The Center will support 15 PhD students as Shankar Fellows over the coming years, enabling them to undertake cutting-edge research. The new Centre will also foster product development, potential start-ups, and commercialisation efforts to transform diabetes management and treatment, informed IIT Madras. Also Read: BITS Pilani Alumni couple pledges 8.40 crore for institutional development I came to know of a Centre at Emory University that was working on diabetes. What stuck me about this centre was that It was a research facility and in my entire life, I have been a research and development person. This Centre was publishing hundreds of papers a year but all academic with not much going to the industry and applying the research for the bettering of human health condition. Being a entrepreneur, I suggested to the Centre that his work can be applied to the industry and offered to work with him on this aspect. The Emory University agreed to my suggestions. said Subramonian Shankar, CEO and Founder, AmZetta Technologies, LLC. As part of its mission, SCoEDR established a partnership between IIT-Madras and the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC) at Emory University, U.S. This collaboration will enable joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange and expertise-sharing in diabetes research, combining the strengths of both institutions in biomedical innovation and public health, mentioned the press release. Also Read: Balancing innovation with responsibility: Ethical challenges in computer science Ashoka University has established the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP) which will introduce public policy programmes and commission advanced interdisciplinary research. Ashoka University establishes the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP). (HT file image) The Centre is aimed at contributing towards accelerated, inclusive, and sustainable growth that will enable India to become a $10 trillion economy by 2035, a press release informed. It will collaborate with leading public, private, and non-profit sector stakeholders to identify research gaps linked with policy-making and implementation. Also read: MAH BBA/BCA/BMS/BBM/integrated CET final merit list today at cetcell.mahacet.org, here's what happens next The Centre was founded through a grant from the Ajit Isaac Foundation (AIF), a philanthropic organisation established by the Founder & Chairman of Quess Corp Ltd., Ajit Isaac, and his wife, Sarah Isaac, who also serve as Distinguished Founders and Trustees of Ashoka University, the release added. Notably, with the latest endowment, Ajit Isaac will join the ranks of Ashoka Universitys top-tier donors who have made significant contributions of over 100 crores. Sarah Isaac stated that the establishment of the Centre comes in line with the Universitys philanthropic vision to build an academic institution that can help create social impact at scale and contribute to nation-building. Also read: IIT Roorkee, Samarkand State University sign two major agreements, aim to boost India-Uzbek ties in research and more Likewise, Ajit Isaac stated, the Centre will primarily create a research environment allowing experts across domains to help find scalable solutions to pressing and complex policy challenges in areas such as economic development, labour and employment, healthcare, gender, and fiscal policy to name a few. Prachi Mishra, Director and Head of Isaac Centre for Public Policy, stated that the Centre will utilise the significant position of Ashoka University to engage with public policy experts and become a hub for research-based interventions that contribute towards socio-economic development. Also read: UP Police Constable Result 2024: Where, how to check scores when announced It may be mentioned here that the Centre will offer key undergraduate-level programmes in Economics and Public Policy. Additionally, it will provide graduate and executive-level programmes. As informed in the release, the ICPP will focus its initial research efforts on the following priority areas: Agriculture and Rural Economy Employment and Labour Indian Regulators Public Finance Ashish Dhawan, Founding Chairperson, Board of Trustees at Ashoka University said, Since its inception, Ashoka University has fostered an environment of meaningful research across disciplines, to address complex challenges facing the nation. A key challenge of policy making, and implementation is that unit-level issues are not adequately accounted for due to lack of sufficient ground-based evidence. This Centre will fill that critical gap to make the policy-making and implementation process more informed, he added. Meanwhile, the Centres advisory committee includes Ashoka University founders, Ajit Isaac and Ashish Dhawan. It also has veteran bureaucrats including Sushama Nath, former Finance Secretary, Tarun Bajaj, former Revenue and Economic Affairs Secretary, KP Krishnan, former Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr Sekhar Bonu, a senior fellow at NITI Aayog, and Anup Wadhawan, former secretary at Ministry of Commerce. For more related information, visit the icpp.ashoka.edu.in XLRI and MBAUniverse.com hosted the 14th Edition of the Indian Management Conclave (IMC) at the XLRI Jamshedpur campus on September 20 and 21, 2024. The 14th Edition of the Indian Management Conclave was conducted at the XLRI Jamshedpur campus on September 20 and 21, 2024. The two-day conclave consisted of thought-provoking discussions on the theme, Identifying Contemporary Roles & Competencies for Reshaping MBA Programs. Among those who addressed the conclave included AICTE Chairman, leading deans and directors from IIMs, IITs, XLRI, SPJIMR, MDI, and CXOs from ITC, Uber, and Axis Bank. Also read: National Consumer Helpline facilitates students, aspirants to get 1 crore refund from coaching centres Additionally, consultants from Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC. Over 200 Directors, Deans, and academic leaders attended the conclave. Notably, the IMC International Research Conference (IMC-IRC) 2024 was one of the key highlights of the IMC Conclave. The conference was conducted for the first time at the event, a press release informed. The release further informed that of the out of the 150 Research Papers submissions received, only 50 papers were selected for presentation at IMC 2024. Besides, over 45 leading B-schools participated in the IMC Award for Excellence in Management Education 2024. On the inaugural session, the Guest of Honour and keynote speaker Dr T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, New Delhi addressed the gathering. Besides, an international keynote address was made by Alexandre de Navailles, Director General of Kedge Business School, France. Also read: Study abroad: Ravensbourne University London opens admissions for MBA in Fashion Business & Entrepreneurship Some of the important speakers included Pawan Bhageria, President of Global HR & Education, Tata Technologies, Hemant Malik, Executive Director at ITC, and Dr Geoff Perry, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at AACSB International. The welcome address at IMC 2024 was delivered by the host, Fr. Sebastian George, S.J., Director of XLRI Jamshedpur, and Amit Agnihotri, Founder of IMC and MBAUniverse.com. Besides, a host of business leaders from the Consulting sector (including Management, Financial, and Business Process Consulting firms) addressed IMC 2024, along with leaders from IT Services and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Also read: JNVST 2024: Registration for Class 6 entrance test ends tomorrow at navodaya.gov.in Prominent business leaders who shared their insights included Richard Lobo, chief people officer at Tech Mahindra, Giridhar S, management consulting co-leader (USI) at RSM US LLP and former Director at PwC, and Ashish Maheshwari, director education at KPMG. Also, leaders from banking and finance sectors discussed evolving business paradigms, changing expectations from MBA graduates, and their approach to hiring for specific roles and required competencies at IMC 2024. Some of these leaders included Rajkamal Vempati, head-human resources at Axis Bank, Atrayee S Sanyal, vice president-HRM at Tata Steel, and Sucheta Mahapatra, the managing director, Branch International India. As part of IMC 2024, a directors roundtable discussion was held which featured 9 leading academicians. The academic leaders discussed how B-schools adapt to changing industry needs, focusing on developing MBA graduates with the right competencies and addressing challenges like policy frameworks and industry support, the release informed. The academic leaders comprised of Directors from SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIM Ranchi, TAPMI Manipal, BIM Tiruchirappalli, Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Regional Director - South Asia, Middle East & Africa, GMAC, Member ACITE Board of Management Studies, and Director General of IILM. In the final session, Prabhjeet Singh, president of UBER India and South Asia, presented a powerful keynote address on the conclave theme. The session also included the presentation of the IMC Awards, including the IMC IRC Best Research Paper Award 2024 and the IMC Award for Excellence in Management Education 2024. The winners of Best Paper Award Competition at IMC 2024 1.Gold Category: Prof. Aindrilla Chatterjee and Prof. Tulika Sharma Research Paper: Extension of Lessons from Business Ethics Education to Business Situations: Evidence of Role of Authority from an Experimental Study. 2. Silver Category: Dr Neethu Ismail and Dr Lishin M Joshy Research Paper: Unravelling the Influence of a Paradox Mindset on Technology Driven Self-Learning: A Moderated Meditation Model among Indian Management Graduates. 3. Bronze Category: Dr Pooja Jain and Dr Yukti Ahuja Research Paper: An Experiential Learning Field Study for Sensitization and Sustainability Literacy of Management Graduates. The winners of IMC Award for Excellence in Management Education 2024 Mumbai, Veteran actor Anil Kapoor says he is fortunate to be associated with the cast and crew of Taal, which is set to be re-released in cinema halls on September 27 to mark its 25th anniversary. Anil Kapoor on 25 years of 'Taal': Magic happens when good artists come together Directed by Subhash Ghai, the musical romance drama also starred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna. "Taal" was released on August 13, 1999 and is still remembered for its soundtrack created by lyricist Anand Bakshi and composer AR Rahman. The movie was a reunion for Kapoor and Ghai, who previously worked on titles such as "Meri Jung", "Karma", and "Ram Lakhan". "I've worked with him before and I'm very fortunate to have been working with him. Sometimes magic is created. The universe does it. "When good technicians and artists like Rahman sahab and others come together, then magic happens," Kapoor told PTI on the sidelines of a special screening of Taal on Saturday, organised by Radio Nasha. Ghai, who also co-wrote, edited, and produced "Taal", said he is happy that the film has also found an audience in the current generation. Its been 25 years of Taal and there was a time when we would make a film, we hoped the film would run in theatres for 25 weeks. When we made the film, we didnt have any idea that it would be in theatres for that long time. Whats most thrilling is that the film connects with the younger generation as well. Today, when we make films we think it should run for two or four weeks or so, he said. The filmmaker credited producer Kumar Taurani for promoting the film far and wide, along with Rahman for giving a soulful soundtrack of the film. We wanted to make music that is immortal and divine, irrespective of whether it works or not. We wanted to make excellent music and he put his soul and talent into it, he added. Kapoor actor also said that the International Emmy Award nomination for the Indian version of "The Night Manager", in which he stars as the antagonist Shelly Rungta, came as a surprise. Also starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Sobhita Dhulipala, "The Night Manager" recently received a nomination in the drama series category at the 2024 International Emmy Awards. It is the only entry from India across 14 categories at the nominations. Kapoor said he is looking forward to the upcoming awards ceremony in November in New York. "I'm excited about it. It was unexpected. The show has received a lot of love and it feels great to have received this nomination. "I believe one should just keep working hard, and your hard work always pays off, and in some or the other way you get the validation for it," he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. It was celebration time for Farah Khan this Sunday as she hosted a bunch of her friends at her place to celebrate their wins, both personal and professional. Farah took to her Instagram to share a video where many of her celebrity stars gathered to celebrate and eat cake. Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, who got married earlier this month, cut a beautiful sunflower-designed cake, while Stree 2 star Rajkummar Rao celebrated the blockbuster success of his film by cutting modaks. (Also read: Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth make first public appearance after marriage, hold hands at Mumbai airport. Watch) Aditi Rao Hydari, Siddharth, and Rajkummar Rao were seen having a gala time at Farah Khan's house. Farah shares new video of her friends In the new video, Aditi and Siddharth were seen cutting the cake, with Aditi feeding the first piece to lyricist Javed Akhtar who stood beside her. Farah turned the camera around to show who else were present. From her brother Sajid Khan, to actor Huma Qureshi and brother Saqib Saleem, to Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, they all cheered along. Next, Rajkummar cut modaks to celebrate the blockbuster success of his last film Stree 2. The film made a new record of becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film ever in India, with a collection of 586 crore. Helmed by Amar Kaushik, the horror comedy stars Rajkummar, Shraddha Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana and Pankaj Tripathi in the lead. More details In the caption, Farah wrote: Lots of friends to Celebrate!! @aditiraohydari & @worldofsiddharth ki shaadi (wedding) @rajkummar_rao giving the biggest HIT!! @patralekhaa in #IC814 @rachitsingh08 ka happy budday! N just me having the best friends in the world ! Lovvv them. Aditi and Siddharth tied the knot earlier this month. Aditi had shared a series of pictures on Instagram. Both the bride and groom chose ethnic outfits for their wedding. Aditi wrote in the caption, "You are my Sun, my Moon, and all my Stars... To being Pixie Soulmates for eternity...to laughter, to never growing up... To Eternal Love, Light & Magic..Mrs & Mr Adu-Siddhu." Kareena Kapoor is celebrating a milestone in her career, for completing 25 years in Bollywood. In an interview with Fever FM, the actor shared how everyone told her not to get married and that it will end her career. But that did not deter her, as Kareena proclaimed that she has worked more after getting married and giving birth to her two kids, Taimur and Jeh. (Also read: Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan wish Kareena Kapoor on 44th birthday: Work or play, no one does it better) Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan have been married for over a decade now.(PTI) What Kareena said During the interview, Kareena talked about two of her most iconic roles- Poo from Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Ghum and Geet from Jab We Met. She said, Poo and Geet were so lovable. That's why people believed that's me because she was as true as anyone. Poo was so confident even while walking with two different shoes saying that it was couture! Geet was also someone who loved herself, loved life who didn't think that if I run away what would happen. In some way I am a little bit like that because I have also done what I want, in my life. People like to see that connectivity People were like, Dont get married! Your career will be over!' I was like, Okay if my career is over so be it! I have worked more after marriage! After having children! So I think it is about taking up the challenge, believing in yourself and going against the tide. More details Kareena and Saif Ali Khan married on October 16, 2012 in Mumbai, after years of dating. He was earlier married to actor Amrita Singh. They parted ways in 2004. Saif and Amrita have two children Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan. Saif and Kareena have two sons Taimur Ali Khan (born in 2016) and Jehangir Ali Khan (born in 2021). Kareena was last seen in The Buckingham Murders, a suspense thriller directed by Hansal Mehta. Fans will see her next in Rohit Shetty's Singham Again, which also stars Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles. Actor Rani Mukerji on Saturday took time off her work schedule to meet with cancer patients in Mumbai. She partnered with the charity organisation Cancer Patients Aid Association to mark World Rose Day, which is celebrated to raise awareness about cancer and to showcase solidarity with cancer patients and their loved ones. (Also Read | Rani Mukerji is manifesting films for her and Shah Rukh Khan with Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman) Rani Mukerji posed with kids in Mumbai. Rani spent a fun-filled day with a few children who have been battling cancer. Not only did she interact with them but also cut the cake with them. She also travelled with the children in an open bus as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link was lit up in red. At the event, she also spoke with ANI and urged people to give unconditional love to cancer patients. "I am thankful to the organisers for inviting me. With this initiative, I got the chance to spend quality time with kids who have been battling this disease. I pray to God for the recovery of cancer patients...Also, I feel more celebrities should take part in such initiatives and try to bring smiles to the faces of cancer patients. Children who are fighting this big disease are real heroes," Rani emphasised. "We all must try to give our time to these kids, shower love on them. Our love and support will give them the courage to fight cancer...Also, with my medium, I will try my best to raise awareness about cancer. If I ever get a chance to be part of a project around this subject, I will definitely do it," she added. On the tenth anniversary of her film Mardaani in August, the makers teased fans about the next chapter of the franchise. More details regarding the project are awaited. Hyderabad, Megastar K Chiranjeevi on Sunday received the Guinness World Records certificate as the most prolific film star in the Indian film industry. A representative of the Guinness World Records handed over the certificate to Chiranjeevi at an event here. (Also Read: Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan donate 50 Lakhs each to Telangana CMRF for flood victims) Chiranjeevi enters Guinness World Records "The most prolific film star in Indian Film Industry actor/dancer is Konidela Chiranjeevi aka Mega Star achieved on 20 September 2024," said a certificate issued by the Guinness World Records. "I never expected to get Guinness World Records. All these years of my film career, dance had become part of my life," Chiranjeevi said, thanking everyone for the honour. "Mega star Chiranjeevi has performed 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years," sources close to the actor said. "22 September also happens to be the day when the mega star made his debut in the year 1978," they said. Superstar Aamir Khan, who shared the dais with Chiranjeevi, said he is a huge fan of Chiranjeevi garu. "I see him as my elder brother. I was so happy that Chiranjeevi garu is being given this honour and I was really thrilled to know that. If you notice him in any song of his, his own heart is in it, and he is enjoying himself," Khan said. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in a post on X congratulated Chiranjeevi and said, "It is a matter of pride for Telugu people that popular movie actor Konidela Chiranjeevi got a place in the Guinness Book of World Records." Chiranjeevi is one of the top stars of the South cinema, having worked in over 150 feature films in Telugu as well as Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Some of his popular films include Rudra Veena, Indra, Tagore, Swayam Krushi, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Stalin, and Gang Leader. He was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, along with Indian cinema icon Vyjayanthimala, in May this year. He was previously honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2006. As the beloved sitcom Friends celebrates its 30th anniversary on September 22, the occasion is bittersweet, particularly in light of the passing of Matthew Perry, who portrayed the iconic Chandler Bing. Perry's death, less than a year ago, has deeply affected fans and the show's creators, bringing a sombre tone to what would otherwise be a jubilant milestone. (Also Read New Matthew Perry documentary to expose secret Hollywood drug ring's dark truth: When and where to watch) Friends creator miss Matthew Perry on the show's 30th anniversary(CBS) Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and executive producer Kevin S Bright recently discussed the significance of this anniversary in an interview, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Kauffman candidly acknowledged, It's a huge loss and it does make the 30th a little fraught. Bright reflected on Perry's impact, stating, "He made us laugh every day," as per The Hollywood Reporter. Perry's struggles with addiction were widely known, and Bright shared that the actor had seemed to be on a path to recovery in the years leading up to his death. "He'd been fighting the good fight for so long, and it really did feel like... he had finally found some peace," Bright remarked. Kauffman recalled a conversation she had with Perry just two weeks before he passed away, describing him as "happy and chipper" and in a positive emotional state. She expressed her disbelief at the suddenness of his passing, stating, "It seemed so unfair... He looked good. He quit smoking. Yes, he was sober," as per The Hollywood Reporter. In the aftermath of Perry's death, an investigation revealed a "broad underground criminal network" linked to his use of ketamine, which ultimately contributed to his untimely demise. Following this, five individuals were indicted in connection with the case. In another interview, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Kauffman and Crane reflected on their relationship with Perry, noting that they had grown close over the years. Crane recounted, "There was a point where we said to him, 'Do you want to stop [being in the show]?' And he was adamantly like, 'No, this is really important to me.'" Kauffman hopes that fans will remember Perry not just for his struggles but for the joy he brought to audiences. As per The Hollywood Reporter, she said, "Two things come to mind [about how to celebrate him], one of them is to donate to drug treatment centres let's fight the disease," adding, And the second way is to watch Friends and remember him not as a man who died like that, but as a man who was hilariously funny and brought joy to everybody. I'm pretty sure if you're a fan of the seminal sitcom, you would've attempted the Which Friends character are you quiz umpteen times, usually to varying results. That's because at different stages of life, we're a new Friends character sexy yet childish like Joey, brainy yet clumsy like Ross, wise but tepid like Chandler, kind yet eccentric like Phoebe, generous yet obsessive like Monica, and sweet yet entitled like Rachel. '90s kids like me have all grown up with them in that initially messy, eventually perceptive fashion. The cast of Friends from The One Where They All Turned 30 (Also Read: Friends creators say 30th anniversary celebration is a little fraught after Matthew Perry's death) The One Where They All Turn 30 Remember Episode 17 from season 7? The One Where They All Turn 30. It's Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) 30th birthday, and she just wouldn't come out of her room even though everyone else screams in joy outsider, waiting with gifts and balloons. Can I have all these presents and still be 29? she says after stepping out finally. At a time when all my friends are turning 30 (and I was the first to get there, mind you), that Friends episode feels like group therapy. Rachel is the last one to turn 30 on Friends Like my friends, the characters of Friends also have different reactions to them hitting the three-decade milestone. Joey (Matt LeBlanc), who was the first one to turn 30 in the group (not technically, as we find out later), just sulks very audibly with Why, God why we had a deal! rants. His whining continues even on Chandler's birthday, who turns 30 next. The otherwise self-assured Joey can't get a grip on himself for months from his birthday to Chandler's. The smooth How you doin's or the (over)confident dialogue delivery on Days of Our Lives go swiftly out of the window. It's quite a contrasting response to that of Ross (David Schwimmer), who in his defense, gets a flashy red car as a practical purchase on his 30th. He's high on borrowed reckless youth as he revs up the engine, even though he can't paint the town red, since his car would just not wriggle out of the tight parking spot. For Ross, a proud palaeontologist, the cherry red car comes as a flashy wrapping paper on his otherwise dead-as-dinosaur adulting life. It's more of a red flag and an equivalent to the deceptive yet painful I'm fine-s he dishes out earlier when he finds out about Monica and Chandler's affair. Ross' "practical purchase" on his 30th birthday Speaking of Monica, the perpetually organised chef and homemaker turns up completely drunk to her surprise 30th birthday party. Age is not a napkin set that she can arrange orderly on her dining table. And Monica doesn't know how to get around things she can't get ahead of so she drinks, makes a fool of herself in front of her friends and family, before passing out in the middle of the party. Haven't we all turned to the dreaded bottle to escape the forced mundanities of our lives? But for the prim and proper Monika to do so? That takes a different level of trauma. One would imagine turning 30 would've been the most seamless transition for Phoebe, given she doesn't give two hoots to life. In fact, her only goal before she turns 30 is to cover 1 mile on a hippity-hop. However, when she finds out from her twin sister Ursula that she's actually 31, the world comes crashing down on her. I haven't met any Portuguese people, not had the perfect kiss, or signed up for sniper school, that's quite an odd yet fitting list for someone who doesn't take life seriously. Even though her goals might sound like resolutions made on a drunk New Year's Eve night, not checking them off the list would still irk a little. Phoebe is the eldest of the Friends lot Coming to terms with life Meanwhile, Rachel's goals are strictly conventional. She wants to have three kids the first one at the age of 35, so getting married at 33, 1.5 years to plan her wedding, and 1.5 years to get to know her prospective husband. So she should already be with the guy she wants to tie the knot with and her then-boyfriend Tag isn't him. She sits him down and breaks up with him, telling that he's just a kid who's freaking out at turning 25. If I want to have just two kids, can I keep him for another year? Rachel asks her friends wishfully after breaking the news to him. But that's what every episode of Friends feels like it's designed as a miniature version of life. Start with a misunderstanding, spend 15 odd minutes with everyone trying to bury it so that they don't hurt their friend, and end with them coming out clear, leading to a bittersweet resolution. That's the template Friends followed ensuring that there's a relatable arc in every episode. Rachel turning 30 isn't a misunderstanding, but the harsh truth. But coming to terms with that by making a difficult yet important decision signifies character growth. The first episode of Friends premiered on September 22, 1994 It takes us back to the very first episode, which released on this date September 22 30 years ago. When the others take the runaway bride Rachel under their wing, they also convince her to chop off her credit cards. Monica welcomes her with the pep talk, Welcome to the real world. It sucks. You're going to love it. If you come to think of it, that's exactly what each episode of Friends, and the show in general, has stood for over the 10 seasons it ran for. That one is allowed to crib, fumble, and fall, but then one must get up, dust themselves off, and walk again. The quick resolutions are escapist for sure, but the white lies also make the show undoubtedly universal. Now that the cast of Friends are in their late 50s or early 60s (Lisa Kudrow eldest, Jennifer youngest), it's still life-affirming to see them reunite whenever they do. After Mathew Perry's death, we've seen Jennifer Aniston struggling to make sense of Friends rewatches, but we've also seen Lisa finally watch Friends (for the first time!) in his memory. The one where one of them dies is the harshest life or adulting could've been to them, but given the legacy of what they've created together, I'm pretty sure that whenever they regroup now, they must be cracking a Chandler Bing joke or two. Could life BE any more sad? Milan Fashion Week surely knows how to conclude the last of its big runway shows with a bang and what better way than to schedule the native legacy brand, D&G's Spring/Summer 2025 collection up for an ornate display. Dubbed 'Italian Beauty', Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's delightfully dark lineup of looks featured a heavy hand of sultry-coded black and red with an equally strong dose of unmissably feminine paraphernalia like garters, corsets and floral prints. Though evergreen pop icon Madonna may not have been directly cited as the core inspiration, nobody needed to look twice to figure out how 'Italian Beauty' was undoubtedly a sartorial ode to her. How are we so sure? Here's your crash course on the not at all demure, but very mindfully feminine, cone bra. Dolce and Gabbana pay tribute to Madonna's iconic 90s staples with special emphasis on the cone bra(Photos: X) The cone bra: Then and now A recurring part of D&G's 'Italian Beauty' lineup were the cone bras donned by the blonded (if you know, you know) models. Be it as the statement detail in the satin slip dresses or layered beneath snug jackets and svelte skirts it was definitely the detail you couldn't help but drool over. But what's the history of the cone bra? Madonna debuted the cone bra, crafted by Jean Paul Gaultier, during her Blonde Ambition Tour in 1990 Getting right into it, the cone bra is among Madonna's most iconic looks over the years. Back in 1990, at the turn of the decade, the popstar collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier whose icy white cone bra leotard creation not only furthered Madonna's legacy of outrageously iconic fashion, but set the tone for the decades to come as well. The look was debuted during her Blonde Ambition tour, which pulls right back into the uniform permed, banded platinum bubbly blonde hair sported by every last model who walked the ramp for D&G yesterday. The cone bra's icon status comes from the fact that the simple silhouette is as confrontationally feminist as it gets, and we're here for it. And evidently, so is D&G. Beyond the cone bra The cone bra and the blonde locks were of course the focal point. Other notes which turned heads included waist-cinching corsets, lots and lots of sheerness some lace-locked, others not and fun and flirty florals, largely in bright red. Some references to these include the 1990 Vogue music video in which Madonna pulled off a sheer, black, skin-tight lace top, her bright yellow corseted Olivier Theyskens ballgown look from the 1998 VH1 Fashion Awards and the red, hooded Jean Paul Gaultier Kimono dress from the Grammys in 2000. Some of Madonna's most iconic looks from the 90s Speaking of the icon herself, Madonna of course graced the D&G exhibit in an entry that was laced with mysterious drama, pun intended. She donned a trailing black Chantilly lace veil, fixed in place with a gold and crystal-encrusted crown as she took her front row seat next to Naomi Campbell. The conclusion of the show was marked with her heartily greeting the designer duo of the hour. What's your favourite Madonna look from over the years? The dismembered body of a 29-year-old woman from Jharkhand was found stashed in a refrigerator in a flat in Bengalurus Vyalikaval area on Saturday. Bengaluru murder: The woman had been living separately from her husband. (Representational photo) The body was first discovered by the landlord of the victim who had entered the flat to find out the source of the foul stench that had been pervading the neighbourhood for over two days. The woman has been identified as Mahalakshmi, the wife of Hemant Das, who used to live alone in the flat. The police have recovered 30 pieces from the 165-litre refrigerator. The neighbours initially thought the foul smell was coming from the house because of rotten food. They informed Jayaram, the owner of the flat who lives in the same building, after the stench became unbearable, reported The Indian Express. The flat was locked from the outside. He entered the flat despite the overbearing stench and opened the fridge in which he found dry blood and the dismembered body. He informed the police. Her husband lives separately with their daughter. The police are questioning him. The victim had moved to the flat five months ago after domestic discord with Hemant Das. The police say the woman was murdered around four to five days ago. Her mobile was switched off on September 12. Additional Commissioner of Police (West Zone) N Satheesh Kumar said, "A woman's body was found chopped into pieces and stored in a fridge at a house within the Vyalikaval police station limits. It appeared to have been done 4-5 days ago. The body has been identified. The probe is going on. We will give more information after the investigation. She was settled in Karnataka but is originally from another state," Kumar told reporters. The incident was a stark reminder of the brutal murder of Shraddha Walker by her live-in partner Aftab Poonawalla in 2022. Aftab Poonawala allegedly strangled Walkar and sawed her body into 35 pieces. He kept them in a fridge for three weeks. With inputs from PTI Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi was sworn in as the eighth chief minister of Delhi on Saturday evening a day after the President accepted the resignation of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal a change of guard the party has insisted is temporary so that its chief can rebut the false cases against him by demonstrating public support for his return when elections are held next. Lieutenant governor VK Saxena and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi during her swearing-in ceremony as the chief minister of Delhi on Saturday. (ANI) Atishi became Delhis third woman chief minister as she was administered oath of office along with five ministers by lieutenant governor VK Saxena at Raj Niwas around 4.30pm. AAP chief Kejriwal, and senior functionaries of the party were present at the ceremony. Four of the five ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kailash Gahlot, Gopal Rai, and Imran Hussain were part of the Kejriwal cabinet. The new entrant is Mukesh Ahlawat, a first-time MLA and the partys Dalit face. In her first address after taking the oath, Atishi urged people of Delhi to re-elect her predecessor to the top office. It is an emotional moment for me as he will not be the chief minister. He understood the pain of every person. He ensured free treatment for people, worked to improve the lives of the students of government schools, brought the provision of free bus rides for women, she said, before lashing out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for hatching a conspiracy against the AAP chief by naming him in a false case. The BJP implicated him in a false case and did everything to break him, the chief minister said while referring to Kejriwal as her guru and thanking him for giving her the opportunity. Atishi hailed Kejriwal for setting an example in morality by stepping down as the CM despite being granted bail in the excise policy case by the Supreme Court. This is the first time that Kejriwal does not hold the topmost government position since 2013, the year AAP scripted one of Indias most notable political upsets as a year-old party that emerged with the largest number of seats in Delhi assembly elections. The party did not have a majority on its own and eventually decided to dissolve the assembly, a move that paid a historic political dividend when the party won 67 of 70 seats in 2015. It scored a stunning victory again in 2020 by winning 62 of the 70 seats, but its influence has been limited to the state elections, with party having not won a single Lok Sabha seat from Delhis seven parliamentary constituencies. Atishi was picked as the chief minister-designate on Tuesday. The oath ceremony capped a brief upheaval in the Capital following Kejriwals announcement of resignation, a few days after his six-month-long pre-trial incarceration for alleged irregularities in the excise policy ended with a Supreme Court order that lambasted federal agencies for the arrest. Kejriwal said that he will seek the certificate of honesty from the people and will occupy the CMs chair only after he is re-elected as the chief minister. After being administered the oath to the office, Atishi was seen touching the feet of Kejriwal to seek his blessing. The CMs parents, Union minister and East Delhi MP Harsh Malhotra, former deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Delhi assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, leader of opposition in the Delhi assembly Vijender Gupta, Delhi Police commissioner Sanjay Arora, Delhi MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Manoj Tiwari were in attendance. LG Saxena and Kejriwal, who have been often engaged in what has been a bitter political fight in matters of policy and administration, were seen shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. Kejriwal and BJP leader Vijender Gupta too engaged in long, cheerful exchanges after the ceremony. Atishi is likely to hold her first cabinet meeting on Monday, the first working day after taking over as the CM. A key matter likely to be taken up by the government soon includes the rolling out the 1,000 per month financial assistance scheme for eligible women of Delhi. The draft of the scheme has been prepared by the women and child development department and will now be put before the cabinet. To be sure, the scheme will require the LGs approval. Atishi will likely prove majority on the floor of the Delhi assembly which begins its session on September 26. Atishi handled several key departments such as finance, Public Works Department, education, revenue, and vigilance. She was appointed minister after Sisodia resigned as deputy CM post his arrest in 2023. In the last cabinet, Bharadwaj, a third-term MLA from Greater Kailash and second-time minister, handled health, industry, urban development, and tourism-art-culture; Gahlot who has been a minister since 2017, handled transport, home, information technology, administrative reforms; Rai, who has been a minister since 2015, handled environment, development and general administration; while Hussain, who was a minister since 2015, handled food and civil supplies and elections. While allocating portfolios, Atishi retained 13 departments for herself, which she handled in the Kejriwal cabinet. Similarly, the departments handled by Bharadwaj, Gahlot, Rai and Hussain have been re-allocated to them. Meanwhile, Ahlawat, has been allocated SC & ST department, gurudwara elections, land & building, labour, and employment. All these departments were with Raaj Kumar Anand in the Kejriwal cabinet. Anand resigned as minister in April citing political differences with the AAP leadership, and later joined the BSP following which he was disqualified from the Delhi assembly under anti-defection laws. The party on Saturday said that Kejriwal will speak at Janta Ki Adalat at Jantar Mantar on Sunday morning, where people from different parts of the city are expected to turn up. AAP leader Dilip Pandey on Saturday said that Kejriwal is honest and the people of Delhi will put their stamp on it in Janta Ki Adalat. An array of important projects have been in limbo due to a lack of consensus between the LG and the government, and the delay in the formation of the Standing Committee, which holds the purse strings of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. At the press conference on Saturday, Atishi alleged that the BJP has tried everything to stop the work in Delhi. For the next four months, my work will be to take care of the people of Delhi. BJP has tried everything from jailing AAP leaders and stopping the work of development in Delhi. BJP and LG stopped the road work, stopped medicines from reaching the hospitals, tests in mohalla clinics... They stopped the garbage collection but I promise you... now that Kejriwal is out of jail, all these works will get completed, she added. Atishi is the third woman chief minister of Delhi after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit, and only the second sitting woman chief minister in India alongside Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal. Leader of the opposition in the Delhi assembly Vijender Gupta said Atishis ideology was leftist, which would hardly prove beneficial for the Capital. In the next few months, after the monsoon rains and waterlogging-related deaths, Delhis pollution levels are expected to rise again, forcing residents to breathe toxic air. Smoke from burning stubble, dust from the roads, emissions from dilapidated buses, and the fumes from vehicles driven by citizens with no choice but to use their own transport, along with heaps of garbage and foul smells, may once again force people to live in hellish conditions. As usual, AAP will make temporary, superficial measures on paper and once again use corruption as a means to profit, said Gupta. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said Atishi was unsuccessful as a minister, and the people of Delhi have no expectations from her government. With Atishi as the new CM, only the face of the AAP government has changed, not the character. Since the government remains the same, corruption, irresponsibility, and chaos will persist. If Atishi wants to offer a changed government, she should first open former CM Kejriwals luxurious bungalow, built at the cost of over 60 crore during the pandemic, to the public, said Sachdeva. Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Sunday said he had no objections to the party's decision to appoint Subhankar Sarkar as the new president of its West Bengal unit. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has been a long-time critic of the party allying with the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress at any level. (PTI) When asked if he wanted to say anything on the appointment, Chowdhury said, I don't want to say anything. Anyone can become the president. The party high command has the right to choose the state party president. If it selected a party president, why would there be an issue? I have no objection. Sarkar, formerly the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary in charge of northeastern states, replaces Chowdhury, a seasoned leader who had served as the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee chief. Chowdhury stepped down from the position after losing his home seat, Baharampur, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Yusuf Pathan. In an official statement, the Congress leadership, led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, appreciated Chowdhury's contributions and confirmed Sarkars appointment with immediate effect. What Subhankar Sarkar said on his appointment Sarkar, in his first statement as the new state Congress chief, stressed the importance of rebuilding and revitalising the party. "As a president, my first priority is to talk to the people from lower level to higher level. My priority is to revamp, rebuild and strengthen Congress...," he said. The state Congress will function as the party workers in Bengal want. Chowdhury, known for his strained relations with the TMC at the state level, had resigned following the partys dismal performance in West Bengal in the recent parliamentary polls. Also Read | Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's first remark after resignation: The day he became Cong Prez The appointment of a new president follows feedback from state leaders, who have been tasked with navigating the Congress' complex relationship with the TMC, balancing coordination at the national level while managing local rivalries. Sarkar now faces the challenge of reviving the Congress in a state where it has steadily lost ground to both the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent years. Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, 59, will take over as the next chief of the Indian Air Force on September 30, the government announced on Saturday. Singh will succeed Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari who will retire after holding the top position for three years. Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh (HT Photo) Singh has been closely associated with the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) programme, a platform whose newer variants will form the cornerstone of IAFs combat power in the coming decade and beyond. He will take charge of the worlds fourth largest air force in the rank of Air Chief Marshal at a time when it is aggressively modernising its capabilities with locally produced military hardware, the armed forces are charting a path towards theaterisation, a long-awaited reform for the best use of the militarys resources to fight future wars, and the country is locked in a dragging military standoff with China in the Ladakh sector. An accomplished fighter pilot with more than 5,000 hours of flying experience, Singh is currently serving as the IAFs vice chief. He was commissioned into the air force in December 1984. In a distinguished career spanning almost 40 years, he has served in a variety of command, staff, instructional and foreign appointments, the defence ministry said in a statement. Singh has commanded an operational fighter squadron, a frontline airbase, led the MiG-29 upgrade project management team in Moscow and served as the project director (flight test) at the premier National Flight Test Centre in Bengaluru, a role in which he was involved in the flight testing of the Tejas LCA Mk-1. The other appointments held by him include Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command and Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and National Defence College, New Delhi, Singh is a qualified flying instructor and an experimental test pilot. Singh takes over the top job at a time when the LCA Mk-1A (an advanced variant of the Mk-1 aircraft) programme is delayed and IAF is concerned about the possible risks this could pose to its combat effectiveness. The issue has been flagged to the manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has been nudged to execute the 48,000-crore contract for 83 fighters on time, by 2028-29. Also, the defence ministry could award HAL a contract for 97 more LCA Mk-1As worth 67,000 crore by the year-end. Many in the air force are sceptical about the LCA Mk-1A deadlines being met, and one of the main reasons for that is the lingering delay in the supply of the F404 engines to HAL by US firm GE Aerospace. To be sure, GE Aerospace has conveyed to HAL that it will start delivering two engines per month November 2024 onwards for the LCA Mk-1A programme. The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAFs Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter. Other key modernisation programmes in the works include the Sukhoi-30 upgrade by HAL at a cost of around 65,000 crore and the induction of more Prachand light combat helicopters. The Su-30 upgrade will involve equipping the fighters with the indigenous Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare suites, weapon control systems, avionics and new weapons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called American-Indian spirit' as the new AI power of the world. Addressing the Indian community in New York, he said,"For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here." On the second day of his visit, the prime minister was accorded a grand welcomed by the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York. PM Modi's US visit LIVE coverage I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora. I understood it even when I held no official position...For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you 'Rashtradoot, he said. ALSO READ: PM Narendra Modi says Quad here to stay, holds 'fruitful' talks with Joe Biden | 10 points Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Indian diaspora during a programme, in New York on Sunday.(PTI) Here are top 10 things Modi said in his address to the Indian community: 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US president Joe Biden for inviting him to his home in Delaware. Wherever I go in the world, every leader praises the Indian diaspora. Yesterday, President Biden took me to his home, in Delaware. His affection was a heart-touching moment for me. That honour is of 140 cr Indians, this honour is yours, and of lakhs of Indians living here. I am grateful to President Biden and you people, he said. ALSO READ: Modi gets a warm welcome in US, holds talks with Biden 2. Recalling the Lok Sabha elections, Modi said,"This year of 2024 is important for the entire world. On one side there is conflict and struggle between some countries, on the other side, democracy is being celebrated in many countries. India and America are together in this celebration of democracy." 3. On the Lok Sabha elections, the prime minister said,"Elections are about to be held here. The elections that were just held in India were the biggest elections held so far in human history. We had almost double the number of voters than the total population of America. When we see this scale of Indian democracy we feel even more proud." 4. Sharing his vision for Viksit Bharat (developed India), PM Modi coined a new term PUSHP. In this third term, we have to achieve many goals. We need to move ahead with three times the power and strength. Remember the word 'PUSHP'! P-Progressive Bharat, U-Unstoppable Bharat, S-Spiritual Bharat, H-Bharat committed to community, P-Prosperous Bharat. We will build Viksit Bharat, combining the five petals of PUSHP. 5. Today, India's 5G market is bigger than America. It has happened within two years. Now, India is working on made-in-India 6G, he added. 6. Highlighting his government's achievements, Modi said,"Along with women's welfare, we are also focused on women-led development. Govt constructed many homes and they were registered in the names of women. In the last 10 years, 10 crore women have joined the micro-entrepreneurship scheme. In agriculture, we are using technology." 7. India is now the land of opportunities. It doesn't wait for opportunities anymore, it creates opportunities. In the last 10 years, India has created launching pads of opportunities in every sector, he told the Indian diaspora. 8. Congratulating the Indian chess teams, the prime minister said,"Bharat is full of energy and dreams. Every day we see new achievements. Today, both India men's and women's teams have won gold medals in Chess Olympiad." 9. On being elected as prime minister for a third term, Modi said,"After a long process of election, this time something unprecedented has happened in India... For the third consecutive time, our govt has returned to power. Such a thing didn't happen in the last 60 years. This mandate of the people of India has great importance. In this third term, we have to achieve big targets." 10. We belong to a country where there are dozens of languages and dialogues, all faiths and religions of the world and yet we are moving forward united, he added. (With PTI, ANI inputs) NEW DELHI Theres a certain concern thats crept into the otherwise confident camp of the Congress in Haryana. Could the internal rift between former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and member of parliament Kumari Selja, or at least the perception of it, have dampened what they hoped was a sure-shot chance with the 20% Dalit vote? Along with the dominant Jat community that comprises approximately 27% of the electorate, Muslims who make up 7% and Sikhs who are about 5%, the Congresss internal surveys told the party brass that it could have got up to 70 seats in the 90-seat assembly (HT PHOTO) Along with the dominant Jat community that comprises approximately 27% of the electorate, Muslims who make up 7% and Sikhs who are about 5%, the Congresss internal surveys told the party brass that it could have got up to 70 seats in the 90-seat assembly, according to people in the know. However, after the ticket distribution made it clear that Seljas suggestions were rebuffed, there is a fear that followers of the senior Dalit leader may be angry with the party. Now our estimates stand at 55-60 seats, said a key party strategist. To be sure, both the Congress and the BJP have given an equal number of 17 seats to Dalit candidates in reserved constituencies. However, Seljas picks are now limited to just the 5 or 6 of these 17, who are incumbents. The rest are Hoodas recommendations. The problem is that the community will consider those candidates their own, who are recommended by a Dalit leader. If they are picked by a general leader, then they may not be seen as representative of the oppressed classes, the above strategist explained. Its a theory that has enthused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which has held at least two press conferences on the issue, led by state general secretary Archana Gupta. Kumari Selja was not there at the launch and her photo isnt anywhere. Its just the Hoodas, she said, This shows the Congress partys record on the issue. All this talk of Dalit emancipation is just that. The Congress refuses to acknowledge this publicly. In fact, Hooda has reprimanded Seljas detractors by saying that the person who made an offensive remark about her has no place in the Congress. They say that it doesnt matter who recommended a candidate, as long as all groups get representation. Asked about an upset Selja, Deepender Hooda told reporters on Saturday: We are fighting the polls together and all leaders will be seen together on the campaign. Congress spokesperson Ved Prakash, too, said: All this is the BJPs propaganda. There is no such problem in the Congress. We are about to win with a comfortable majority. In the run-up to the 2024 general elections, the big change in the Congress was to embrace the politics of caste and to demand equality for backwards and Dalits. As insiders explained, they went from being a party that advocated a casteless society to one that realized that inequities in caste exist and therefore, the need to fight for their rights. In this relatively new phase, many insiders feel that the party needs to be more demonstrative in its actions. For instance, the party is highlighting that it fielded 20 OBC candidates, as opposed to the BJPs 19. The BJP has given tickets to 16 Jats, focusing on other communities, as seen in 11 given to Brahmins as opposed to five by the Congress. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday asked the Sikh community if his comments about freedom of religion made in the US recently were incorrect, as he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading lies. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said the BJP was desperate to silence him because they could not stand the truth. (HT PHOTO) The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said the BJP was desperate to silence him because they could not stand the truth. The BJP has been spreading lies about my remarks in America. I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad is there anything wrong in what I have said? Shouldnt India be a country where every Sikh and every Indian can freely practise their religion without fear? Gandhi said in a post on X. As usual, the BJP is resorting to lies. They are desperate to silence me because they cannot stand the truth. But I will always speak up for the values that define India: our unity in diversity, equality, and love, he said while sharing a short clip of his remarks in the US where he referred to a Sikh man. Addressing a gathering of Indian-Americans in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, on September 10, Gandhi said, First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial. Gandhi asked one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows to give his name. The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions, the Congress leader had said. On Saturday, the BJP cited a joint statement of several Sikh groups to ask him to withdraw his statement, which it alleged had created an atmosphere of fear in the country. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa told reporters several Sikh and gurdwara management bodies had met Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai over the issue and that he asserted the sacrifices of the Sikhs had made the country strong. National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah on Saturday hit out at home minister Amit Shah for accusing the Abdullahs of being responsible for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, saying he should decide whom to blame for it them or Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah (JKNC-X) Amit Shah should come clean. Amit Shah should tell who is responsible for terrorism in J&K. When BJP talks in the rest of India, they blame Pakistan for that, but in J&K, they blame NC and Congress, Abdullah said, as quoted by ANI. He further questioned that if the BJP truly believes that NC and Congress are responsible for terrorism, then why they are not talking to Pakistan. If we are responsible, then talk to Pakistan because they are not responsible. The roads you have blocked, open them because Pakistan is not responsible. In Jammu and Kashmir, you blame us; in the rest of the country, you blame Pakistan. First, you should decide on whom to blame for terrorism, the NC leader said. Abdullah also asserted that people in the valley are suffering due to the current situation and want solutions. The people are suffering due to the current situation, and they want solutions. FIRs that have been registered against youth, many of them are being kept in jail outside J&K, he said. Amit Shah's scathing attack Amit Shah, during a rally in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, launched a scathing attack on three dynastic families of the Abdullahs, the Muftis and the Gandhis, accusing them of arming the youth of Jammu and Kashmir with machine guns and stones. According to him, under the rule of NC, Congress and Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP, 40,000 people were killed over 35 years in the valley. Jammu and Kashmir was burning in the fire of terror for 35 years under the rule of these three families: the Gandhi family, Mufti family, and the Abdullah family. Curfew was imposed in Kashmir for 3 thousand days, 40 thousand people, and many army personnel were killed... Prime Minister Modi has buried terrorism under the ground. Today, I want to tell these three families that try as hard as you can; even your third generation cannot bring back terrorism, he said. Addressing five back-to-back rallies at Mendhar, Surankote, Thannamandi, Rajouri and Akhnoor, Shah said Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented transformation under PM Modis leadership. (With inputs from ANI) In a landmark move towards addressing climate crisis impacts, the Loss and Damage Fund board has completed crucial groundwork for distributing aid to vulnerable nations. Meeting in Baku on Saturday, the board made key decisions that will allow the fund, years in the making, to begin disbursing money in 2025 to countries hit hardest by climate disasters. The COP29 Presidency said it will use the summit to work with countries that have already pledged nearly $800 million to convert those pledges into tangible funding. It will also call for further contributions. (AP) The developments follow years of negotiations, which were finalised following a three-day meeting in Azerbaijan, which will host this years UN climate conference COP29. This breakthrough in Baku marks a crucial step in enabling action on climate change. This is a truly historic day, years in the making, that has required determination from so many and an unwavering focus on the needs of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis, COP29 president-designate Mukhtar Babayev said in a statement. Loss and damage had long been a contentious issue in the UN climate talks, with less-developed countries calling for a new fund that specifically assists countries for the catastrophic losses theyve incurred due to rising seas and turbo-charged storms and wealthier nations concerned this could become a form of compensation for the impact of their share of greenhouse gas emissions. The progress made now includes the election of the funds executive director and the boards endorsement of several crucial agreements. These include arrangements for the World Bank to host the funds secretariat and act as trustee, as well as templates for contribution agreements and arrangements. The board also endorsed plans for a high-level launch of the Annual High-Level Dialogue, to be co-hosted by Azerbaijan and the funds board on the margins of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at COP29 in Baku. These agreements essentially lay the groundwork for the fund to disburse money for the first time in 2025, following years of diplomatic negotiations since its establishment at COP27 and the decision on its operationalisation at COP28. The COP29 Presidency said it will use the summit to work with countries that have already pledged nearly $800 million to convert those pledges into tangible funding. It will also call for further contributions. HT reported on July 12 that observers to these negotiations have demanded that the fund be filled at scale to meet the real needs of the most vulnerable people facing climate disasters. The amount of money the fund can mobilise will be crucial for developing and vulnerable countries, including India. The boards discussions in July focused on the scale of available funds, particularly in light of recent climate extremes and disasters linked to record warming. Currently, several countries including the UAE, Germany, Italy and France have pledged around $700 million to the fund. The United States, historically the highest greenhouse gas emitter, has pledged $17.5 million. These pledges were made during the UN Climate Conference in Dubai last year. An assessment in Springer, led by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, estimates the economic cost of loss and damage in developing countries alone to be between $290 billion and $580 billion. By 2050, this cost is projected to rise to between $1 trillion and $1.8 trillion. Loss and damage refers to the consequences of climate change that go beyond what people can adapt to. This includes both immediate climate disasters and slow-onset events such as cyclones, droughts, heatwaves, sea level rise, desertification, glacial retreat, land degradation, ocean acidification and salinisation, according to the World Resources Institute. Harjeet Singh, climate activist and global engagement director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: I warmly welcome Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diongs appointment as the first executive director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. As communities worldwide grapple with the devastating impacts of climate change, it is essential that the Fund scales up to hundreds of billions of dollars to meet their urgent needs while safeguarding their rights. We stand ready to collaborate and support his efforts in delivering a just recovery for those most affected, he added. The India-France strategic defence partnership is set to take another big step forward with the Emmanuel Macron government ready to discuss and support the construction of nuclear attack submarines, and offer 100% transfer of technology for 110 kilo-Newton thrust aircraft engines and underwater drones with full capabilities to India. File photo of PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron at Bastille Day parade in Paris These are among the issues on the agenda of the India-France strategic dialogue between September 30 and October 1 between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Macrons diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne in Paris. This is the first bilateral strategic engagement after Macron's visit to India in January. Doval is also expected to meet Macron during his visit and brief the French President on Indias efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Macron has been totally supportive of Indian efforts to engage with the Russians to end the war and work together to mitigate its consequences on the Global South. Doval travelled to Russia this month and briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on Prime Minister Narendra Modis conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 23 on how to end the war. France and India are already collaborating in new domains of potential future conflicts such as space with Doval signing a letter of intent on military satellites with French Defence Minister Sebastian Lecornu during Macron's visit to India as the chief guest on Republic Day. The French offer on submarines comes at a time when the Indian Navy has approaching the highest levels of the Modi government on the need to build two nuclear attack submarines for future operations.France has also offered full spectrum autonomous systems to India in air, surface and underwater domain to enhance Indias ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities and protection of Indian naval assets such as submarines. Doval will also seek to make progress on an offer made by the Kolkata born Chairman of Safran Engines Ross McInnes to the Modi government when he visited India last week. Safran, which helped ISRO develop space rocket engines in the 1970s, has offered to jointly design, develop, certify and produce 110 KN engines for future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project with 100% TOT including hot engine sections. It has also offered to train Indians in advanced metallurgy. The jointly developed engine will be sovereign property of India, which it can export to third countries without any restrictions, HT learns. Safran has also offered to help India upgrade this fighter jet engine for newer versions of AMCA in the future. France has long been a trusted supplier of advanced weaponry to India, and the partnership is central to Indias strategic autonomy. While India and France are negotiating for Indian Navy to acquire 26 Rafale-Maritime fighters for Indias two aircraft carriers, the French Naval Group will also jointly build three more latest Kalvari class diesel attack submarines for India under Project 75. The Indian Air Force is also looking towards France for more Rafale fighters to up its depleting fighter squadron strength. France, India decided to deepen cooperation in Indo-Pacific While defence and security will be the key aspect of the September 30 dialogue, HT learns that Doval and Bonne will discuss other issues where there is alignment and common interest. France and India have decided to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific with focus on the Indian Ocean as both countries are resident powers, and the two advisors will also discuss the Middle-East conflict and the targeting of commercial shipping by Houthis in Red Sea, people familiar with the matter said. France has keen interest in the India-Middle-East Economic Corridor and has already appointed a special envoy to support the ambitious project. The situation in Bangladesh and the elections in Sri Lanka will also be topics of discussion under the strategic dialogue umbrella. Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda on Sunday revealed why the grand old party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could not form a pre-poll alliance for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections. In an exclusive interview with HT's Kumkum Chadha, Hooda said,"The AAP's ground presence in Haryana is limited. They have made efforts to extend their presence here. AAP has not been able to gain success in elections. It has not been able to get any vote share, but still we gave them one seat in the Lok Sabha elections." Before the assembly elections, we had a formal conversation with them. We wanted to bring them (AAP) together. We offered them, in our view was a just equation. But while our conversation was going on with AAP, they announced all their candidates, the Congress leader said. ALSO READ: BJP on way out, contest with Congress, says Haryana AAP chief Overall in Haryana we tried for an alliance. But on the ground, the Congress is capable on its own. It is not going to affect our electoral prospects, Hooda added. Congress MP Deepender Hooda Was ex-CM Bhupinder Hooda reluctant on alliance with AAP? During the interview, Deepender Hooda was asked if his father Bhupinder Singh Hooda, currently leader of opposition, was reluctant to tie up with AAP. The Congress leader replied,"No, this is not the correct impression. Rahul Gandhi was keen on adjusting as some of the alliance partners. The state Congress unit had a very open mind. That's why we were having those conversations. I think towards the end, the AAP for some reason, while the conversation was ongoing, they ended up announcing their candidates. We had no problems with the AAP." During the Lok Sabha elections, the state unit was happy in giving them one seat. Otherwise, AAP does not have so much presence to get one Lok Sabha seat, he added. "Even in the assembly elections, any just seat figure could have worked out and was very much acceptable to the state unit. Is there infighting in Haryana Congress unit? Deepender Hooda rejected rumours of infighting within the Haryana Congress unit ahead of elections. The Congress is absolutely united under the leadership of Kharge ji, Rahul ji and Sonia ji. From one corner to the other of Haryana, you can find the echo of a united Congress. During the Lok Sabha elections, a same analysis was given about the Congress being a divided house. But after the results came out, you saw that the party worker fought under the central leadership with the ideology and under the state leadership of Uday Bhan ji and Hooda ji, the Congress leader said. Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut, who is from Himachal Pradesh, alleged that the hill state has empty coffers as the Congress government takes loans which it then gives to Sonia Gandhi, the ex-president of the grand old party. Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut (File Photo) The statement from Ranaut, the BJP MP from the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal Pradesh, came amid the ongoing financial crisis in the state. They take loans and give it to Sonia Gandhi and this has made the state hollow, PTI quoted Ranaut as saying on Sunday. Everyone is aware that corruption is prevalent and the Congress-ruling governments have hollowed their respective states, she added. A frequent and bitter critic of the Congress's first family, the Gandhis, the BJP member also accused the Congress of having taken Himachal Pradesh several decades back. Also Read: Kangana Ranaut throws fresh barbs at Rahul Gandhi Disasters and Congress have taken the state decades back. I would appeal to people to root them out. Our contribution to the disaster funds should go to the CM relief fund. However, everyone knows it goes to the Sonia relief fund, she remarked. The Congress party's incumbent government came to power in Himachal Pradesh in December 2022. Meanwhile, expressing concern over the grim financial situation in Himachal Pradesh, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared late last month he, his ministers, chief parliamentary secretaries and chairpersons/vice-chairpersons of boards and corporations would not take salaries for two months. However, Sukhu blamed the previous, BJP-led administration for the financial situation. If anyone is responsible for this, it is the previous BJP government. They had received around 10,000 crore from the revenue deficit grant according to the 15 Finance Commission, and since then this grant has been reducing, he stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, praised India's technological advancements, particularly in 5G, and expressed hope for a made-in-India chip to be used in America soon. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi speaks at an event in Uniondale, N.Y., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(AP) Addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi said, Today, India's 5G market is bigger than America. It has happened within two years. Now, India is working on made-in-India 6G. The prime minister added, "Today, almost every big brand of mobile in the world is made in India. India is the world's second-biggest mobile manufacturer of the world...Now, India doesn't follow, it creates new systems and leads. India has given the world a concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)." ALSO READ- US hands over 297 stolen Indian antiquities amid PM Modi's visit We chose the path for the green transition: Modi PM Modi said India is committed to solar and wind energy, noting that India is the first G20 country to achieve its Paris climate goals. "When compared to the entire world, our carbon emission is negligible. We chose the path for the green transition. It is our tradition of love for nature that guided us and we are focusing on solar and wind energy areas. India is the first G20 country to achieve its Paris climate goals. We want to make every house in India a solar power household," PM said. ALSO READ- Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is Sri Lanka's new president 'Made-in-India chip in America soon' PM Narendra Modi expressed hope that very soon "you will see the made-in-India chip in America. This small chip will take India's flight of Viksit Bharat to a newer height. 'Ye Modi ki guarantee hai'." Referring to the strong ties between India and the US, Modi coined a new term for "AI," calling it the "American-Indian spirit," a symbol of the partnership between the two nations. For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here, Modi said. ALSO READ- America-India spirit new AI power: PM Modi tells Indian diaspora in New York| Top 10 quotes He lauded the Indian diaspora as Indias strongest brand ambassadors. Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day visit to the US from September 21-23. Earlier on Saturday he participated in Quad Summit, where he held bilateral meetings with President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Delaware/New York: When PM Narendra Modi met President Joe Biden at the latters personal lake house in Wilmington on Saturday, Modi told Biden, according to foreign secretary Vikram Misri, that he had opened the doors of his home after having opened his heart to India. It was a special moment, a farewell of sorts, and Modi profusely thanked Biden. President Joe Biden talks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he leaves the Quad leaders summit at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Del., Saturday. (AP) But it wasnt just Biden who had opened his heart and doors. Modi, too, had come all the way, at the very end of Bidens term, to the Presidents hometown, when the political returns from such a visit are limited, and swapped the opportunity to host the Quad summit with the US because Biden had made a request. The reason why Modi had done this was because Biden notwithstanding the ways in which parts of Indian social media mock the 81-year-old veteran for his increasingly visible age-related deficits has been a transformative president for India-US ties, the most transformative since George W Bush invested his political capital to push through the civil nuclear deal. Modis own base has trouble understanding this at times, but Indias top political and bureaucratic leadership is aware of the reality. ALSO READ- Indias 5G market bigger than US': PM Modi to Indian diaspora in New York Biden understood Indias real dream of becoming an industrial and military manufacturing power. And he opened not just his heart and home, but the doors of the closed US national security and technology establishment (partly, not wholly, of course) to help India and Modi meet this dream. This largely happened under the framework of the initiative on critical and emerging technology (iCET), a framework driven by Bidens closest aide and NSA Jake Sullivan and Modis closest aide and NSA Ajit Doval, whose absence during the visit was conspicuous. But go back a little to the beginning of Bidens term. Dispelling any doubts about the new administrations commitment to the Indo-Pacific, an adversarial approach to China, and attitude to India, Biden elevated the Quad to the level of leaders within two months of taking oath. During the second wave of the pandemic that devastated India, the US was a bit late in responding but respond it did with resources and inputs to save lives and help India overcome the challenge. In September 2021, Biden hosted Modi in the White House with an in-person Quad summit that laid out a radically ambitious agenda, especially on emerging technologies. But the real game-changer was in the summer of 2022 when Biden and Modi decided to get their national security secretariats to begin working on iCET, which then was formally launched in January 2023. ALSO READ- America-India spirit new AI power: PM Modi tells Indian diaspora in New York| Top 10 quotes Here was the fundamental hypothesis behind the framework. India recognised that it needed jobs for growth and to manage social stability. Jobs required manufacturing. Manufacturing required capital. And the US remained a major source of capital. India recognised that the new frontier of geopolitical competition lay in technology and it needed the US to move from the technology-denial regime and technology-sharing ambivalence to actively supporting Indias technological aspirations. And India recognised that if it wanted to be a great power, it could not become so without developing its own military-industrial base, which, once again, required coproduction and co-development at home. Indias size, location, talent, scale, and strategic importance needed to be leveraged for this trifecta of military-industrial-tech dream. And Delhi was aware that no power since the second World War, be it in Western Europe or East Asia or China itself, had risen without the US playing this role in enabling their boom. But for his part, Biden was the one who invested the weight of the White House to develop synergies with this Indian aspiration. The pandemic had made the US and the rest of the world realise the perils of dependence on a single geography, China, and had brought home the need to diversify supply chains India was a natural destination. The rise of new technologies had made the US realise that retaining its edge required collaboration with players such as India which brought talent, scale, data, and an entirely new perspective because of its own history to the table. And managing Americas relative decline while shaping what came next required burden-sharing militarily. But merely selling weapons the old way wasnt going to work, and therefore there was a need to allow American capital to go and invest in India in sensitive areas and do the hard work of reshaping USs own export control restrictions. Aided by a solid team in NSC, Biden gave the green signal for this. And he did not allow divergences over Russia, or the different ideological beliefs of Democrats and the BJP, or even controversies such as the alleged plot to assassinate a terrorist who happens to be a US national come in the way of this cooperation. Instead, he stepped in to help India when it mattered to Delhi, including during Indias G20 presidency by displaying flexibility so that the Indian presidency succeeded. This is the true bond between Biden and Modi. They understood what the other wanted to do for his country and respected it and were willing to help each other achieve that aim. And that three-fold frame of defence-tech-manufacturing is what is most visible in the bilateral factsheet that was released on Saturday. ALSO READ- Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is Sri Lanka's new president From US military supporting Indian startups to produce chips that will be used by America and its allies to Ford returning to manufacture in India; from both countries working to develop an alternative supply chain for clean energy to space collaboration; from a deeper knowledge partnership in science and technology through additional resources to shaping new regimes on AI and research on quantum; from deeper strategic collaboration through a defence industrial cooperation roadmap to getting American and Indian private sector and academia to work together in defence innovation; from collaborating in third countries through American financing for Indian private sector on infrastructure to working together on mineral security; from US recognising the power of Indias digital public infrastructure to both countries working together for the reform of multilateral development banks, the list really touches the core issues that matter most to India and America. And that is why Biden called Modi his friend and Modi went to thank Biden. History will recall the Biden presidency as a remarkable chapter in bilateral ties. Satyapal Malik, former Jammu and Kashmir governor, said on Sunday that he will be campaigning for the Mahas Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the upcoming Maharashtra elections, reported news agency PTI. Satyapal Malik will campaign for the MVA in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls After announcing his decision to join the opposition in the state, he also claimed that the ruling BJP would be wiped out of the state elections. Satyapal Malik met former Maharashtra chief minister and head of the Shiv Sena (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai on Sunday. Malik said to reporters, "The BJP will not just receive a major blow, but the party will be wiped out in the state elections. Uddhav Thackeray will play the most important role in this election. You need not worry." Also Read: Maharashtra expands committee investigating Shivaji statue collapse in Malvan He also strongly criticised the current government headed by CM Eknath Shinde of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Satyapal Malik also referred to the polls as the "last nail in BJP's coffin". On Saturday he said that the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra would significantly a the alter the political landscape of the entire country. Malik, is best known for his role in the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status while he was the governor. Elections in Maharashtra will be a battle of alliances, with the Mahayuti, comprising the Shiv Sena, NCP and BJP, going up against the MVA, consisting of Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP-SP and Congress. Polls for Maharashtra's 288-member assembly are likely to be held in November. "I have extended my full support to the MVA. I will also campaign for it," Malik stated. He also criticised the government for delaying elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, suggesting that they were afraid of losing to the opposition. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who recently relinquished the chief ministerial post, said on Sunday that he resigned because he was hurt by the corruption allegations levelled against him by the opposition and central agencies. Addressing a gathering in the national capital, he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attacking his honesty and sending AAP leaders to jail. AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal with party leader Manish Sisodia at 'Janta Ki Adalat' meeting, in New Delhi.(PTI) "I resigned because I was hurt by corruption allegations. I have only earned respect, not money," Kejriwal said at the event. "For the last ten years, we were running the government honestly, we made electricity and water free, made treatment free for people, and made education excellent Modi ji started thinking that if he wanted to win against them, he would have to attack their honesty and then hatched a conspiracy to prove Kejriwal, Sisodia and AAP dishonest and put every leader in jail," he added. Arvind Kejriwal resigned earlier this month, two days after being released from jail on bail in the excise policy scam case. AAP leader Atishi has become the new chief minister. "I resigned because I did not join politics to indulge in corruption or sit in the CM's chair," he added. He also announced that he would vacate the chief ministerial house when Navratri begins. "These leaders have thick skin, they are not affected by the allegations, I am affected, I am not a leader...I will leave the CM's bungalow in a few days, I don't even have a house...I have earned only love in ten years, the result of which is that I am getting calls from so many people asking me to take their houses...After the Shraadh is over, at the beginning of Navratri, I will leave the house and come and stay at the house of one of you," he said. Granting him bail, the Supreme Court barred Arvind Kejriwal from entering the CM's office. The BJP claimed he resigned because of the court's conditions. Arvind Kejriwal later announced he would not assume the post of the chief minister of Delhi until he was exonerated by the people's court. He further said that he would accept any official post only after the people of Delhi re-elect him. With inputs from PTI, ANI Narendra Modi US visit highlights: Prime minister Narendra Modi has arrived in New York to attend the Summit of the Future at the UN after wrapping up day one of his US visit with the Quad leaders summit. Modi will also address a large community event in Long Island on Sunday and will speak at the UN's Summit of the Future on September 23 before returning to India. His address to the Indian diaspora will take place at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New York....Read More PM Modi as well as Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, Australian PM Anthony Albanese have pledged to collaborate with US president Joe Biden to initiate training for doctors in Indo-Pacific regions to screen for cervical cancer, at the Quad leaders summit. PM Modi was attending a Cancer Moonshot event in Wilmington, Delaware, where President Joe Biden emphasised the need for screening and vaccination of cervical cancer that claims lives of 1,50,000 women in the Indo-Pacific region. In his jam-packed three day visit as a part of the Quad leader's summit, PM Modi conducted bilateral meetings with President Joe Biden and PM Kishida respectively, for whom this is the last summit as leaders of their countries. During the summit, PM Modi said that the Quad is not against anyone, but for a rules-based international order and respect for sovereignty. "Our message is clear - Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement," he said in his opening remarks at the summit. He also expressed the desire to host the next summit in India. The Quad summit- which is the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue - also featured discussions about the countering China and the activities being conducted in the South China sea. The group of leaders also issued a joint statement, called the Wilmington Declaration which said, Anchored by shared values, we seek to uphold the international order based on the rule of law. Together we represent nearly two billion people and over one-third of global gross domestic product. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. After the Quad summit, PM Modi presented President Joe Biden with a silver-antique train model and gave a pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden. Talking tough on terror, Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said no stone pelter or terrorist will be released in Jammu and Kashmir and there will be no talks with Pakistan till terrorism is wiped out. Amit Shah (PTI) At an election rally in Nowshera in support of J-K BJP president Ravinder Raina, the senior BJP leader said he would like to talk to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, whom he referred to as "lions". They (NC-Congress alliance) want to release stone pelters and terrorists (after formation of their government as promised in their manifesto). Farooq Abdullah is talking about revival of terrorism in Jammu hills but I want to tell them that this is Modi government and we will bury terrorism in patal (deep inside earth). No terrorist or stone pelter will be released, he said. Shah said the NC and Congress are batting for talks with Pakistan. I want to tell Farooq Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi that there will be no dialogue with Pakistan till terrorism is wiped out. I will talk with my lions (youth of J-K) and not with Pakistan. Referring to underground bunkers constructed by the government for the safety of border residents over the years, he said there will be no need for such structures as nobody has the power to open fire from across the border. If they fire a bullet, we will respond with a shell, he said. He also slammed the NC-Congress leaders' remarks on reservation, and said nobody will be allowed to touch reservation given to deprived sections, including Paharis, Gujjars, Dalits, other backward classes. Rahul Gandhi is saying in Amercia that there is no need for reservation. I want to tell him that you will not be allowed to finish reservation for the deserving communities, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a silver antique train model to US President Joe Biden and a pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden after wrapping up the Quad leaders summit on day one of his US visit on Saturday. PM Modi gifted a silver vintage train model made by Indian artisans to President Joe Biden The gifts commemorated the strong diplomatic ties between the countries, which were termed as the defining partnership of the 21st century in a joint statement by the two leaders. The antique train model, which is made of 92.5 per cent silver, is a rare hand-engraved piece exhibiting the craftsmanship of artisans from Maharashtra. The elaborate metalwork, use of repousse techniques (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs) and intricate filigree work, display both the artististic heritage of the country and also pays tribute to the steam locomotive era. The piece also signifies the importance of ties between India and the US, with a sign on the model inscribed with Delhi-Delaware on the sides of the engine. The Quad leaders summit was held in Delaware, the hometown of President Joe Biden, making it a special nod to the occasion. The prime minister also gifted a pashmina shawl in a papier mache box to First Lady Jill Biden, which highlights the beauty of the Jammu and Kashmir produced textile and its unique designs. Pashmina shawls are passed down through the generations as heirlooms, carrying special significance as a gift to the First Lady. The Changthangi goat, native to Ladakh, produces the core of the shawl, with its winter coat Pashm. It's fine and soft fiber is hand combed and spun into yarn by hand with techniques generationally passed down to artisans in the region. Natural dyes from plants and minerals in the region decorate the shawl with captivating colours. Pashmina shawls also are traditionally presented in papier mache boxes made in Jammu and Kashmir. The boxes are not only functional but are also a work of art by themselves. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in the United States on Saturday for his three-day official visit, attended the Quad Leaders' Summit and held bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden. In his opening remarks at the Quad Summit, Modi sent out a clear message to the world that the Quad is here to stay, assist, partner, and complement. He also reaffirmed Indias commitment to the Quad cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in US. (REUTERS) The Quad brings together four countriesIndia, Australia, Japan, and the United Stateswho are committed to working as a force for global good and supporting a prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific that is open, free, and inclusive. Here are the latest updates from Modi's visit to the US: PM Modi, in his opening remarks, made a veiled reference to China. We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues, he said. Reaffirming India's commitment to the Quad cooperation, Modi said a "free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our priority. Together, we have taken many positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, and capacity building, he added. According to Modi, the Quad leaders gathered at a time when the world was surrounded by tensions and challenges. At such a time, the working together of Quad with its democratic values is significant for the entire human race, the prime minister said. Modi announced the dedication of a USD 7.5 million grant to cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region during the Quad Leaders' Cancer Moonshot event, a special initiative to prevent, detect, and treat cancer in the region. He also assured that India will provide assistance in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. During the Quad Summit, Modi recalled the first Summit held in 2021 under Biden's leadership. In such a short time, we have expanded our cooperation unprecedentedly in every direction. I thank you for your steadfast commitment, your leadership, and your contributions to the Quad, he said. Ahead of the Summit, Modi held an extremely fruitful meeting with Biden, during which the two leaders discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on global and regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. A joint statement issued after the meeting said that the India-US partnership is decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good, calling it the "defining partnership of the 21st century". They also affirmed that the partnership must be anchored to uphold democracy, freedom and the rule of law for all as India and the US strive to become "more perfect unions" and meet their shared destiny. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Biden also expressed confidence in the strength and continuing resilience of the relationship and their belief in its significance for all areas of human endeavour between the two countries. The two leaders applauded the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)'s success in deepening and expanding strategic cooperation across key technology sectors and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with "like-minded partners" to build more secure and resilient supply chains for critical industries. During the meeting, Biden commended Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, and praised his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law. Meanwhile, Modi expressed his appreciation for Biden's unparalleled contributions to impetus the India-US partnership. Following the meeting, Biden, in a post on X, said: The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than at any time in history. Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. What's next on Modi's agenda? On Sunday, September 22, Modi will travel to New York to interact with the Indian diaspora in Long Island. According to MEA, he will also interact with the CEOs of leading US-based companies to foster greater collaborations between the two countries in the cutting-edge areas of AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology. Modi is also expected to interact with thought leaders and other stakeholders active in the India-US bilateral landscape. On the last day of his visit to the US, the prime minister will address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The theme of the summit is Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow. (With inputs from ANI, PTI) The Punjab police on Saturday claimed that radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates pose a serious threat to the life of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, in addition to being a threat to law and order in the state. Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh has written an email to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking permission to attend the Parliament session from July 22, sources said on Tuesday. (HT file photo)(HT_PRINT) The police have made these claims in an affidavit submitted before the Punjab and Haryana high court, where they have cited few video clips recorded outside the Ajnala police station, reported The Times of India. In these purported clips, the Khadoor Sahib MP can be heard saying that the chief minister is functioning in a manner that would ensure he meets the same fate as former chief minister Beant Singh. Beant Singh was assassinated in a suicide bomb attack inside the state secretariat in August 1995. We warned CM Mann to not walk on the path of CM Beant Singh CM Mann is still proceeding on the path earlier tread by him. Dilawar acted as a human bomb and blew up CM Beant Singh CM Mann has ensured that several such Dilawar's have taken birth out of this present crowd today, Amritpal is heard saying in those videos. Police said such statements have the potential to mislead the youth into believing that assassinating a democratically elected chief minister was a "heroic deed". Police also said they have reasonable apprehensions that Amritpal Singh and his associates are likely to commit serious illegalities against anyone who dissent against their radical thoughts. Also read | SC rejects plea against Amritpals LS election "If he was to take law in his own hands and go about harming everyone who may not agree with his ideology, as he has done in recent past a serious and adverse situation of law and order, maintenance of public order and security of the state was most likely to arise in the area/state," the police said in a detailed affidavit. These affidavits are a part of the police's reply to petitions filed by the preachers' associates, Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi and Gurmeet Singh Gill, who challenged their fresh detention orders passed by the Punjab government under National Security Act (NSA) in March 2024. When PM Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida stepped out for a family photo of Quad leaders on Saturday afternoon right before the summit commenced, a reporter asked Biden if the Quad will survive beyond November. US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Quadrilateral Cancer Moonshot initiative event on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit(PTI) Putting an arm around Modi, with a smile, Biden said, Way beyond November. Way beyond November. Modi laughed and gave a thumbs up sign. Not only would he host the next summit in India, Modi will also become the most senior leader who has stayed at the helm the longest in the group of four democracies that has changed the architecture of the Indo Pacifi. At one level, the presence of the four leaders in Bidens hometown and high school, Archmere Academy, was a tribute to the American presidents leadership of the group and acknowledgment of him raising the groups engagements to the level of leaders. But at another level, it was a signal from all four leaders, both to domestic constituencies and external adversaries, that irrespective of the political change that is the staple of democracies this will be both Biden and Kishidas last summit the group will stay. The fact that it was under Donald Trumps administration that foreign ministers of the four countries began meeting, and that the US Senate and House have just set up a bicameral and bipartisan Quad caucus, also lends it an element of rare unity in an otherwise polarised American polity. This then also became the key theme of the opening statements of the leaders at the summit. Modi, Biden, Kishida, Albanese and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sat around a table inside the high school. Behind Modi were external affairs minister S Jaishankar, foreign secretary Vikram Misri, and Indian ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra among other officials. Behind Blinken were US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, and US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy among other officials. Biden said, Quad is here to stay In his remarks, Modi hailed Bidens contribution to Quad, and declared that Quad wasnt against anyone else. All of us support a rules based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of all disputes. A free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo Pacific is our shared priority and shared commitmentOur message is clear. Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement. Kishida said, It is ever more important for us, the Quad, who share values such as freedom and democracy, to continue to demonstrate our firm commitment to our common vision of FOIP, the free and open Indo Pacific, to the international community. And Albanese added Australias voice to express continued commitment to the group and spoke about Quads short history allowing it not to be confined by tradition but leaving room to evolve and contribute. This spirit of reaffirming Quads continued presence was then reflected in the Wilmington declaration. In the final section of the text, Quad leaders said that they had met six times, including four times in person, in the last four years. Quad foreign ministers had met eight times in the last five years. Quad country representatives, including ambassadors in various countries, met on a regular basis. The declaration announced that Quad commerce and industry ministers would meet for the first time, as would the heads of the respective development finance agencies of the four countries. And the declaration said, Altogether, our four countries are cooperating at an unprecedented pace and scale. Each of our governments has committed to working through our respective budgetary processes to secure robust funding for Quad priorities in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure an enduring impact. We intend to work with our legislatures to deepen interparliamentary exchanges, and encourage other stakeholders to deepen engagement with Quad counterparts. We look forward to the next Quad Foreign Ministers meeting hosted by the United States in 2025, and the next Quad Leaders Summit hosted by India in 2025. The Quad is here to stay. That was clearly the big message from Wilmington. Quad retains its flexibility, as the shift in venue from India to the US at a pretty late juncture in the diplomatic calendar showed, but it is also steadily moving towards institutionalisation and permanence as a feature of international political system. News / Religion by Simbarashe Sithole/ Gideon Madzikatidze in Beitbridge There was drama in Beitbridge at the Spirit Angels of God Church on Sunday where a former ZANU PF ward 4 councillor (and current party official), Aphos Ndlovu refused to be expelled from the church by its founder, Paul Simetch Ndhlovu.Spirit Angels of God Church's founder, Archbishop Simetch Ndlovu had to read the riot act to his former bishop (Aphos Ndhlovu) who insisted he is still a bishop.After serious confrontation the politician left the church in rage together with his wife and brother-in-law.The church made frantic efforts to seek audience and engagement with the former Bishop who professed ignorance while assuming power from his previous position of doubling as Zanu-PF member and a Bishop.In several letters which the Bishop was saved with, the congregants also copied Arch-Bishop, their church's representative regional board, Council for Churches in Africa (CCA) and Beitbridge municipality of their decision to chuck him out."The Spirit Angels of God Church appeals to the law to assist the congregation and protect it against Aphos Ndlovu and his wife, Pernitent (nee Muleya). They are harassing congregants during church services, insulting other church leaders, abusing church properties, unprocedurally making decisions without consulting stakeholders, insubordination to the Arch-Bishop, among other threats to church's well-being," the petition reads.In a termination for membership and subsequent dismissal notice dated 26 July 2024, Reverend Nqobile Ncube who is the church Secretary General, Arch-Bishop Paul Simetch Ndhlovu and his executive unanimously agreed to relieve the Bishop from assuming his previous duties and responsibilities citing gross breach to the church constitution, insubordination, among other unruly actions."In its rigorous inquiry, which mobilised overwhelming evidence, the church's stakeholders (both external and internal) have ultimately instituted an independent panel of inquiry (consisting of expertise, authorities and moderators) to initiate several peaceful, conflicts resolution mechanisms, engagement and litigious frameworks which proven to a futility in the eyes of you as the church's former lieutenants," Reverend Nqobile Ncube said."Indeed, all stakeholders and supposedly means of engagement or conflicts resolution mechanisms have become victims of their innocence as they ended up being recipients of abuse, accusations, multi-faceted threats, among other deliberate deprivations," Ncube added."With regards to our church constitution, the decision to warn, suspend, terminate and subsequent dismissal was derived from several variables including unilaterally making decisions without consultations and seeking multi-stakeholders engagement prescribed by the Spirit Angels of God Church constitution," Ncube added.According to article 5 of sections 2, 2 in sub-section 1 of their church constitution, to be eligible to be a member of the Spirit Angels of God, one has to (5.2) demonstrate repentance towards God and bear the fruits in keeping with repentance thereof, as well as demonstrate that faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ which produces Godly works."You violate this constitutional provision on several occasions and lied under oath even before the courts of law. This was absolute disregard and violation for the founding principle values of our constitution," Ncube cites.The Bishop has also been accused of violating Article 6 under section 4 which stipulates that members should attend church services without failure (and what happens if they violate this article and section?), which further dictates that, members who fail to attend church services for four consecutive Sundays, without any reasonable excuse, will forfeit membership and cancelled from the church register."Closely related to this, you left the church for more than 13 years (from 2010 to 2022) whilst erratically attending church services and failing to report for duty timeously. Despite having Ndangariro Dube being left in custody of the church business (acting in that district as the caretaker), you dismally failed to report for duty (execution) on several occasions and discharge your responsibilities as expected for a leader (Bishop)," said Ncube."On several occasions, you disregard the request for meaningful engagement and independent conflict resolution mechanisms as evidenced by communiques attached to this letter as well as judgements by Zimbabwe's courts of law. Thus your miscarriage of justice and defiance is second to none," Ncube added."Church discipline is part of leadership integrity, accountability and responsibility. According to article 27 of sections and sub-sections 1 to 10, you dismally failed to pass the litmus test as expected for a Bishop. This article and all its sectional provisions have been violated timeously, hence we unanimously agreed to institute these resolutions and subsequent termination of your membership and dismissal from the office of a clergyman in the title and assumption of duty as a Bishop," Reverend Nqobile Ncube the church Secretary General wrote.Meanwhile, the Council for Churches in Africa (CCA) has reaffirmed its confirmation of membership termination and dismissal communique."We do hereby confirm that the organisation has been served with several procedural communication documents from Spirit Angels of God Church leadership, Arch-Bishop Paul Simetch Ndhlovu, Executive Committee and congregants," Apostle Pauline Nyathi who is the organisation's Secretary General said."Considering that the church is one of our affiliate member, we deploy and dispatch some members from other independent churches to constitute an independent team of inquiry and observe some developments recurring in their Beitbridge assembly point. We also received several internal disciplinary and protocol procedural documents as stipulated by their church's constitution," Nyathi said."Amongst the documents include caution statements, suspension letter, petition from congregants, appeals for engagement, conflict resolutions proposal mechanisms, among other important documents as stipulated by their constitution," Nyathi added."As the Council for Churches in Africa, we operate within the confines of the law as prescribed and dictated by the national constitutions of the countries from which we operate in. We also consider and respect our affiliate membership's constitutions which mandate, oblige and prescribe or govern how its parties subscribe and associate/interact with its provisions," Nyathi noted."After rigorous interaction, engagement and consultation with our partners, relevant departments, legal infrastructural frameworks (internal and external) and liaison with the Spirit Angels of God Church constitution; we welcome the decisions and disciplinary measures applied in the ultimate membership termination and dismissal from church; including assumption of duties (relief from previously assigned duties) between APHOS Ndlovu and Pernitent Ndlovu (nee Muleya )," Nyathi said.The Council for Churches in Africa wrote that it operates within the confines of the Cannon Law, which empowers it to endorse, effect and confirm all constitutional processes and procedures applied by its membership to institute disciplinary actions against some elements within the church who put the name of church into disrepute, violates freedoms of worship, infringe upon other congregants' rights, among other forms of abuse and malcontents including fraudulent activities, gross breach of contractual obligations or duties, among others. Deploying the strongest language it has used so far against Chinas activities in the Indo-Pacific, without mentioning China, Quads leaders have said they are seriously concerned about the situation in the South and East China Seas, listed out specific actions that warrant concern, and backed international legal frameworks and dispute resolution verdicts that Beijing has rejected. US President Joe Biden, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in US.(AP) In the Wilmington Declaration issued after PM Narendra Modi, President Joe Biden, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida met on Saturday in Bidens hometown, Quad expressed concern over the militarisation of disputed features and the coercive and intimidating maneuvers in South China Sea. A comparison of the Wilmington and Hiroshima declaration, issued in May 2023 when the same set of four leaders last met, reveals that the section on developments in the maritime space in South and East China seas is more elaborate and blunt. The four countries also laid out their positions on Ukraine, calling for peace and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the first time at the leaders level, extensively dealt with the situation in West Asia, calling for a hostage deal and ceasefire immediately and a two state solution. Commenting on the geopolitical highlights of the Quad declaration, Dhruva Jaishankar, executive director of the Observer Research Foundation-America, said, The Quad joint statement was, as usual, detailed but contained stronger language than in the past on condemning the use of force in the Indo-Pacific. It also contained some broad agreement on strategic developments, such as in Gaza, Yemen, Myanmar, and even Ukraine. On turbulence in the waters In the backdrop of Chinas aggression against Philippines in particular in the maritime space, Quad condemned the the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous maneuvers. Quad opposed efforts to disrupt other countries offshore resource exploitation activities. Quad leaders reaffirmed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a framework that China has consistently rejected and violated. Quad leaders re-emphasised the universal and unified character of UNCLOS and reaffirmed that UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and the seas must be carried out. Quad also underscored that the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea a decision that went in favour of Philippines against China and wasnt accepted by China as a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. On Ukraine Quad also took a similar position but with some significant nuanced differences on the war in Ukraine in its declaration on Saturday. The fact that PM Narendra Modi visited Kyiv found its way into the declaration. Reiterating that Quad stood for principles of the UN Charter, including territorial integrity, sovereignty of all states, and peaceful resolution of disputes, a position that it has consistently taken, the text went on say, We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. Each of us has visited Ukraine since the war began, and seen this first-hand; we reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Quad countries reiterated the negative impact of the war on global food and energy security, asserted that use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable, and said that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. On Gaza The big change from the Hiroshima summit in the summer of 2023 is the fact that a war has been raging in West Asia for almost a year. This found strong reflection in the Quads Wilmington Declaration. The group of four democracies said they shared great interest in achieving peace and stability in the region. Quad unequivocally condemned the October 7 terror attacks, but also said that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was unacceptable. On the way forward, the declaration said, We affirm the imperative of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and emphasize that the deal to release hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in GazaWe welcome UNSCR S/RES/2735 (2024), and strongly urge all parties concerned to work immediately and steadily toward the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire. The reference is to a UN resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire under a three-stage plan, a proposal that the US is currently pushing. Quad also highlighted the need to increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza as well as the crucial need to prevent regional escalation and urged all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. The four countries asked all parties to take every feasible step to protect civilian lives and facilitate the rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief to civilians. It underscored that the international community should support the future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. All Quad partners also said that they remain committed to a sovereign, viable and independent Palestinian state taking into account Israels legitimate security concerns as part of a two-state solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace. And it said that unilateral actions that undermined the prospect of a two-state solution, "including Israeli expansion of settlements and violent extremism on all sides, must end. At a time when the region is on the brink of an escalation in conflict, given the increased tensions between Israel and Lebanon, Quad also underscored the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region. It also condemned the ongoing attacks perpetrated by the Houthis and their supporters against international and commercial vessels transiting through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and said these were destabilizing the region and impeding navigational rights and freedoms and trade flows, and jeopardising the safety of vessels and people on board including sailors. The parts of the Wilmington declaration dealing with the most pressing geopolitical issues show that all Quad partners have similar levels of concern and apprehension about China and have a similar prescription for the way forward in terms of wanting Beijing to play by the rules. Quad partners also appear to have common goals in both West Asia of a hostage deal, ceasefire, humanitarian relief, two-state solution, Israeli restraint, prevention of escalation, opposition to terror and Ukraine peace in keeping with principles of sovereignty even if the four countries may have different policy pathways, based on their distinct relationships with the key protagonists in the conflict on how to get there. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) said on Saturday that the divinity and purity of Srivari laddu is 'unblemished' now. Earlier, the temple board also announced plans to install in-house adulteration testing machine to ensure food-safety standards at the temple. The Tirupati laddu is made by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam which manages the Tirumala Venkateswara temple.(X) On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that previous government headed by YSRCP's Jagan Mohan Reddy compromised religious purity of India's richest temple by allowing the use of adulterated ghee that contained animal fat. Naidu cited a lab report from Gujarat that claimed the ghee contained traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard. What is beef tallow? Beef tallow refers to a substance made from fat extracted from beef cuts like a rump roast, ribs and steak. Tallow can also be produced by heating and melting the fat skimmed from meat, turning it into a liquid that hardens into a flexible, butter-like consistency when cooled to room temperature. Did lower price lead to adulteration? The company in the eye of storm is Dindigul based AR Foods in Tamil Nadu. The firm was among the five short-listed companies was the Dindigul-based AR Foods, with the lowest bid of 320/litre. "We used to supply ghee to TTD till June, July. Then we stopped supplying. We have a legacy of 30 years. We do not do any adulteration with our products", said an AR Dairy spokesperson to a Tamil local news channel. "Of the total quantity procured by TTD, we supplied only 0.1%. Even for those supplies, we have conducted tests and have sent the reports, even ones from FSSAI, to TTD", she explained. The company also rubbished claims of fish oil being used as a ghee adulterant saying the substance was more expensive than ghee. Any adulteration of this kind would immediately be detectable by smell alone, said the company's quality control officer. TTD executive officer J Shyamala Rao said the lab tests confirmed the presence of animal fat-contaminated ghee and said the board was in process of blacklisting the contractor. The officer highlighted that the supplier took advantage of these deficiencies, who supplied ghee between 320 and 411 and called this price band as unviable for supplying pure cow ghee. Citing unviability of supplying ghee at such low prices, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) opted out of the contract in 2023. However, KMF began resuming supplies to TTD in last month following Naidu's directive to improve the quality of laddus. Also read | Amid Tirupati laddu controversy, Karnataka mandates testing of temple prasada and use of only Nandini ghee Political slugfest Reacting to Naidu's allegations, the YSRCP hit back accusing him of politicising the issue to divert attention from his government's failure over flood relief. The party also moved the Andhra Pradesh high court to demand an investigation into Naidu's claims. The bench suggested that a public interest litigation be filed on September 25, whose arguments would be heard on the same day. Former chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CJI DY Chandrachud demanding action against Naidu for twisting facts. Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday sought a report from the Andhra Pradesh government and promised to take suitable action. Meanwhile, chief minister Naidu said on Saturday that his government will consult priests and top Hinduism experts to decide its next course of action and how the samprokshana (ritualistic purification) should be done. (With inputs from agencies) Tirupati Laddu row: An employee of AR Dairy Food Private Limited a Tamil Nadu-based company in the dock for allegedly supplying adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for Sri Venkateswara Temple prasadam has called the allegations against the firm absurd. The office of AR Dairy Food Private Limited, that supplied ghee to Tirupati Lord Balaji temple (PTI Photo) A day after the TTD initiated legal action against the firm, the employee refuted the allegation that fish oil was used to prepare ghee. He said the charge was absurd because fish oil was more expensive than ghee. Kanan, a quality control officer of the firm, said any adulteration of this kind would be immediately detectable by smell. These allegations, ranging from vegetable oil to animal fat adulteration, are severely damaging to our business. Moreover, the claim that fish oil was added is absurd; fish oil is more expensive than ghee. Any adulteration of this kind would immediately be detectable by smell alone, he told a Tamil channel, according to The Indian Express. The officer said the company has been producing ghee since 1998. He said the milk procured for ghee undergoes 102 quality checks. He said the company's ghee was approved by TTD. Our ghee samples are first tested in national laboratories before being dispatched to TTD. Upon arrival, TTDs food safety officer checks the samples again, he added. Meanwhile, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said in a post on Sunday that the row has inflicted a deep wound in the Hindu psyche. The Tirupati laddu row has inflicted a deep wound and rage in the Hindu psyche. It is high time that temple management is overseen by, and handed over to, religious leaders and devotees, rather than self-serving officials, ruthless business people and politicians, he wrote on X. TTD executive officer J Shyamala Rao said last week that lab tests revealed the presence of animal fat and lard in chosen samples of the ghee supplied by the company. Andhra minister Nara Lokesh said on Saturday that the government will not spare those involved in using animal fats in Tirupati laddus. "NDDB's report is clear that adulteration happened. The report is clear, this is not an allegation. Chandrababu Naidu spoke with facts. We will not spare anyone and we will also not leave this issue with just a CBI inquiry," he said. With inputs from PTI, ANI Andhra Pradesh's deputy chief minister, Pawan Kalyan, said that he will seek atonement (reparation for a sin) for not being able to detect animal fat in laddu prasadam given at Tirumala Tirupati temple. Pawan Kalyan alleged that even the temple administrators did not find out or were afraid to talk about it due to fear of demonic rulers of that time. In a post on social platform X, he said he was shocked to know about the alleged use of animal fat and called it "a stain on the Hindu race". "Tirumala Laddu Prasadam, which is considered to be sacred, has become impure as a result of the depraved tendencies of the past rulers. Not being able to detect this sin in the beginning is a stain on the Hindu race. The moment I came to know that the laddu prasadam contained animal remains, I was shocked. Feeling guilty. As I am fighting for the welfare of the people, it hurts me that such trouble did not come to my attention in the beginning," Kalyan wrote on X. He further said that everyone who believes in Sanatana Dharma should atone for this "terrible injustice" done to the God of Kali Yuga. "As part of that, I decided to do a penance initiation. On 22nd September 2024, Sunday morning, I will take initiation in Sri Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Nambur, Guntur District. After continuing the initiation for 11 days, I will visit Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy," the post added. Referring to alleged use of adulterated ghee during the tenure of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Kalyan said those who indulge in such crimes have no faith in God and no fear of indulging in such crimes. He alleged that even the temple administrators did not find out or were afraid to talk about it due to the fear of demonic rulers of that time. "It seems that they were afraid of the demonic rulers of that time. The behaviour of the past rulers who committed acts of blasphemy to the sanctity, pedagogy, and religious duties of Tirumala, which is considered Vaikuntha Dham, has hurt everyone who follows Hindu dharma. And the fact that ghee containing animal remains was used in the preparation of Laddu Prasad caused a great uproar. The time has come to take steps towards restoring Dharma," he added. On Friday, Kalyan called for the formation of a Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board at a national level to look into all issues related to Hindu temples. He also promised to ensure stringent action against those involved, including the need for discussions by policymakers, citizens, the judiciary and more about religious desecration. (With ANI inputs) The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, has announced the formation of a sensory panel to assess the quality of food offerings, following a controversy over the alleged adulteration of ingredients used in the temples famous laddu prasadam. The panel will evaluate food samples based on aroma, taste, and texture, said TTD Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao during a press briefing on Sunday. The Tirupati laddu is made by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam which manages the Tirumala Venkateswara temple.(Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams/X) To ensure confidence is restored in devotees and they pray with a peaceful mind, one-day samprokshnas and shanti homams (purification rituals) will be conducted tomorrow, said Rao. We hope this restores the sanctity of the devalayam (temple). Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Inspector General rank or higher, to probe irregularities in the procurement of ghee and other matters related to temple operations. "An IG level or above officer manned SIT will be formed. It will probe all the reasons, misuse of power and give a report to the government. The government will take stringent action to avoid recurrences (laddu adulteration), there is no compromise," said Naidu. The move comes after TTD revealed findings of sub-standard ghee and the presence of lard (pig fat) in recent samples tested for quality, echoing claims made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu had previously criticised the procurement procedures for ghee during the former YSRCP government, alleging that lax standards had led to the compromise in quality. Referring to the letter written by YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu dismissed it as an attempt at diversion, calling the allegations part of "concocted stories" aimed at deflecting blame. To restore the temple's sanctity, Naidu announced a special purification ritual, the Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana, would take place on Monday at the Bangaru Bavi (golden well) Yagashala inside the temple. "From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., this ritual will be performed to undo the desecration," he said. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on Saturday that a cleansing process will soon be initiated across all temples in the state, following allegations regarding the use of animal fat in Tirupati Laddus. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu According to an India Today report, Naidu, while addressing the media at the Telugu Desam Party's Central office, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to respecting religious sentiments. He also promised to take necessary steps after consulting with religious leaders. A decision will be made soon after consultations with Jeer Swamy, Kanchi Swamy, and other religious leaders in response to the Tirupati Laddu controversy, Naidu was quoted as saying. Naidu said that the government will consult with pontiffs, sages, priests, and other leading Hinduism experts to determine the future course of action. After these consultations, the government will make its decision regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the official custodian of the renowned Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati. This announcement follows allegations by him and his TDP, which claimed that during the previous YSRCP regime, beef tallow, lard, and fish oil were allegedly used in the preparation of Tirumala Laddus, offered as prasadam to Lord Venkateswara in the temple. How is it possible to get cow ghee at 320?: Naidu Naidu criticised the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) over the Tirupati Laddu controversy, accusing the party of not only committing the act but also labelling it as diversional politics. How is it possible to get a kg of cow ghee at 320? Naidu questioned, stressing the need for caution when making decisions related to the renowned sacred site of Tirumala. Naidu highlights the unique glory of Tirupati Laddu On Saturday, Naidu highlighted the unique glory of the Tirupati Laddu, saying that despite attempts by many to create superior prasadams (consecrated food), none have succeeded. "In Ayodhya also they tried to replicate Tirumala laddu and workers were also taken from here but it was not possible. This matter was told to me by people from there (Ayodhya)," Naidu was quoted as saying by PTI pointing out that the Tirupati Laddu has a history spanning centuries. The CM further pledged that the government would prioritise the sanctity of temples and safeguard devotees' sentiments. "Every religion will have some customs and traditions and the government needs to protect them," he said, while also mentioning that several alleged incidents of temple desecration occurred during the previous YSRCP government. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has implemented a geo-positioning system (GPS) on vehicles supplying ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), following allegations of usage of "animal fat" in the preparation of laddus used as prasadam at the temple, according to a PTI report on Saturday citing an official. The Tirupati laddu is made by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam which manages the Tirumala Venkateswara temple(Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams/X) M K Jagadish, KMF's managing director, mentioned that the dairy cooperative resumed supplying Nandini Ghee a month ago after being awarded the tender by the temple trust. We restored the supply of ghee (to TTD) a month ago. We have installed the GPS system and Geo Location Devices on the vehicles so that we can find out where they stop. This is to ensure that no where adulteration happens, Jagadish told PTI. Nandini is a well-known brand from the Karnataka Milk Federation. According to M K Jagadish, KMF secured the contract to supply 350 tonnes of ghee. "We will supply ghee as and when required," he added. This controversy arose after Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in making the Tirupati laddus, a sweet offered at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, during the previous YSRCP government The TTD reported on Friday, citing a lab report, that there were traces of beef tallow, lard (pig fat) and other impurities in the ghee. TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao said the board was working on blacklisting the contractor who supplied the adulterated ghee. Latest developments on Tirupati Laddu row - Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan accused the previous government of altering the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board for political gain. This statement followed Chandrababu Naidu's allegation that the YSRCP government used animal fat in the Laddu Prasadam offered at the Tirumala Temple. - Pawan Kalyan also began an 11-day 'Prayaschitta Diksha' (penance ritual) at Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Guntur as a form of penance in response to the controversy. - Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu announced plans to consult pontiffs, sages, priests, and Hindu experts to decide the future course of action after allegations of animal fat adulteration in Tirupati laddus. - Naidu criticised YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for dismissing the animal fat claims and the NDDB lab report on the ghee used in laddus, questioning how cow ghee could be purchased for 320 per kg. He also raised concerns about YSRCP's reverse tendering policies related to laddu production. - After forming a new government, CM Naidu ordered the TTD executive officer to improve the quality of laddus by blacklisting certain suppliers and taking steps to sanitise Tirumala. - YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing CM Naidu of trying to tarnish the reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams with the laddu adulteration allegations. - Surjit Singh Yadav, President of the Hindu Sena Samiti, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, requesting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the animal fat allegations in the Tirupati prasadam. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit, the US handed 297 antiquities to India that had been smuggled out of the country, an official statement on Sunday said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden beside one of the returned artefacts on Sunday.(X/Narendra Modi) The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office said On the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the United States, the US side facilitated the return of 297 antiquities that had been stolen or trafficked from India. PM Modi also took to X to share the news, saying, Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. Additionally, he posted pictures of the returned antiquities alongside President Joe Biden. He thanked Joe Biden for supporting the return of these artefacts, emphasising that they are not merely part of India's historical material culture, but also represent the core of its civilisation and consciousness, according to the statement. Sources cited by PTI highlighted that the illicit trafficking of cultural property has been a persistent issue impacting many cultures and nations throughout history, with India being particularly affected. All about the antiquities - The antiquities span nearly 4,000 years, from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE, and originate from various regions across India, according to PMO's statement. - Most of these artefacts are terracotta items from Eastern India, while others are crafted from stone, metal, wood, and ivory, representing different parts of the country. - According to the government, since 2016, the US has played a key role in returning a significant number of trafficked or stolen antiquities. During the Prime Minister's visit to the US in June 2016, 10 antiquities were returned, followed by 157 in September 2021, and 105 more during his visit in June last year. In total, 578 cultural artefacts have been repatriated from the US to India since 2016, the highest number of returns by any country. - Additionally, in July 2024, on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, India and the United States signed their first 'Cultural Property Agreement' to prevent and combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the US. Here are some notable antiquities handed over: - Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to 10-11th century CE - Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to 15-16th century CE - Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE - Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE - Lord Ganesh in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE - Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE - Lord Vishnu in Bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE - Anthropomorphic figure in copper from North India belonging to 2000-1800 BCE - Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE - Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE See more Get Current Updates on... Get Current Updates on India News Weather Today along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India. Get real-time updates on the Assembly Election 2024 Camila Cabello attended the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas and served two head-turning looks, that went from demure to daring. The popstar with poise and aplomb embraced both the look, channeling both red carpet chic elegance and on-stage adrenaline-surging energy. The change reflected her fashion range as she effortlessly pulled off two very distinct looks in one night. The popstar returned from her blonde hair to the iconic brunette hair with bangs, reminiscent of her Havana-era. Her hair complemented both outfits that featured black accents in one way or the other. Camila Cabello delivered two stunning 'dark' looks one in a sheer ombre dress and the other in a pop-rock outfit.(Instagram/@camila_cabello) ALSO READ: D&G's veiled tribute to Madonna begs a revisit to the cone bra and other fashion staples immortalised by the pop icon Look 1: Red Carpet Ombre dress The black dress had a minimalistic elegance, with a unique play between sheer and solid panels in the dress.(Instagram/@justjared & Instagram/@iheartradio) Her sheer, red carpet dress exuded a minimalistic chic aesthetic. Her dress had a form-fitting silhouette, evoking a quintessential red carpet glam. It was an ombre dress, with the black transitioning to beige toward the hemline, creating a subtle gradient effect from a solid dark color to a lighter colour. The beige areas of her dress had a sheer fabric. She paired black heels to match her dress. The entire vibe of the outfit was classy, feminine, and demure, perfect for that understated evening glam. ALSO READ: Milan Fashion Week highlights: All-white looks, casual grandeur and artisanal intelligence steal the show Look 2: On-Stage Punk Outfit This on-stage dress had a rebellious vibe.(Instagram/@camila_cabello) Later, she changed into a much darker outfit for her stage performance. Camila Cabello's on-stage look was a dark monochrome ensemble with a bold and edgy style. The top was a high-neck, punk-style leather jacket, with a central zipper and buckles. The jacket had light blue accents on the underside of the arms. The skirt was a micro-miniskirt adorned with metal chains and dangling crosses, draped around a distressed hemline, embodying a rebellious, grunge vibe. The statement piece of her ensemble was her footwear, knee-high boots with faux fur, perfectly channeling her energetic stage presence into her outfit. ALSO READ: 5 best Spring/Summer 2025 fashion trends spotted at Milan Fashion Week: Corporate chic, monochromatic black and more Princess Gauravi Kumar of Jaipur announced earlier this year that she has been chosen as an ambassador of fashion house Jimmy Choo. On Friday, she attended a special event for the brand during the Milan Fashion Week and posted pictures of her chic look on Instagram. (Also read: Mouni Roy, Rashmika Mandanna's Milan Fashion Week look to Kim Kardashian's daring attire: Best-dressed celebs of the day) Princess Gauravi Kumari attended the Jimmy Choo SS25 Presentation in Milan. Details of Princess Gauravi Kumari's look The princess turned up in a dual-tone black and beige off shoulder dress that that she paired with a top with puffy sleeves. The dress came with scallop details on the waist and a skirt had a beige, metalling look. The Riesling dress and Reisling top are from Indian brand Moonray. While the dress costs 98,000, the top is for 38000. She carried a Jimmy Choo bag to the event (Cinch M bucket bag) that retails at $2,500. That is about 2 lakh. Check out details of the look here: Details of the dress. Details about the top. Details about the bag. The princess posted multiple pictures from the event on Instagram, specially ones in which she posed with Sandra Choi, the creative head of Jimmy Choo. She posted photos of stilettos from the brand too. Yesterday at the Jimmy Choo SS25 Presentation in Milan thank you for having me, she wrote. Gauravi's followers showered her with complimets for her look. Once a Princess Alwayas A Princess. Looking like a , wrote a person. So pretty, wrote another. About Princess Gauravi Kumari Princess Gauravi Kumari is a member of the royal family of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. She is the daughter of Princess Diya Kumari and the granddaughter of Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh of Jaipur. Educated in India and abroad, she is known for her interest in fashion, sustainability, and philanthropy. Her brother Maharaja Padmanabh Singh is the current Maharaja of Jaipur. He is also active on social media. In May, she announced that she has been chosen as the face of Jimmy Choo. I am honored to be joining the Jimmy Choo family as an ambassador for the house. Jimmy Choo is synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and glamour. I have always loved wearing Jimmy Choo, she wrote in an Instagram post. Taking care of your child's skin can be challenging as it is delicate and sensitive to environmental factors like weather and pollution. Are you making any of the five common skincare mistakes? Parents beware: These 7 common skincare habits could be damaging your childs skin (Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rishabh Raj Sharma, Dermatologist at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences College and Hospital (NIIMS), shared, Nowadays, people are concerned about their skin and skin related issues. They make sure that not only theirs but their kids' skin is also healthy. Following are the mistakes that parents make in their kids skincare - 1. Using adult skin care products: Dr Rishabh Raj Sharma said, Many parents apply adult skincare products on children, which can be too harsh for their sensitive skin. It's essential to use products specifically formulated for kids. Prasanna Vasanadu, Parent Educator and Founder of Tikitoro, shared, "One common mistake parents make is using adult skincare products on their kids. Children's skin is more sensitive to harsh chemicals, perfumes and preservatives found in these products. Adult products often contain stronger active ingredients, alcohol, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, which can disrupt a childs skin barrier. Even "natural" or "organic" items may contain ingredients unsuitable for delicate skin. Always opt for skincare products specifically formulated for kidshypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested." 2. Neglecting Sun Protection: According to Dr Rishabh Raj Sharma, some parents underestimate the importance of sunscreen but kids need protection from UV rays, so applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is crucial, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen lotions are a must-have skincare essential. (Pexels) Prasanna Vasanadu added, Ignoring sunscreen is a major skincare mistake parents often make. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun can seriously harm a kid's skin, raising the possibility of sunburn as well as long-term consequences like early aging or even skin cancer. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that's formulated for kids, and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Protecting their skin from an early age helps build healthy habits for the future. 3. Overbathing: Dr Rishabh Raj Sharma cautioned, Bathing kids too frequently or using hot water can strip their skin of natural oils, leading to dryness. Aim for lukewarm baths and limit them to a few times a week. Overbathing kids(Shutterstock) 4. Ignoring or Avoiding Moisturisers: Parents might forget to moisturize their child's skin after bathing but Dr Rishabh Raj Sharma asserted, Applying a gentle moisturiser helps maintain hydration and prevents dryness, especially in colder months. Prasanna Vasanadu echoed, Another common mistake parents make is avoiding or skipping moisturizer for their kids. Many believe that since childrens skin is naturally soft, it doesnt need additional hydration. However, a childs skin can easily become dry, especially after bathing or exposure to harsh weather conditions. Without proper moisture, their skin barrier can weaken, leading to irritation, itching, and even conditions like eczema. Opt for a gentle, allergen-free moisturizer designed for kids to lock in hydration and protect their delicate skin. Moisturising right after a bath is especially effective in keeping their skin soft and healthy. 5. Not Addressing Skin Issues Promptly: Dr Rishabh Raj Sharma said, Parents may overlook signs of skin problems like rashes or eczema. It's important to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist if any persistent issues arise to ensure proper treatment. 6. Using products that contain strong fragrances: For kids with sensitive skin, Prasanna Vasanadu pointed out that fragrances in skincare products are a major source of allergic reactions. She said, Fragrances can range from body washes to scented lotions and can aggravate skin problems like dermatitis or eczema by causing redness, irritation, or rash. The wise choice is the look for products that have allergen-free fragrances, which are IFRA certified. For kids with sensitive skin, fragrances in skincare products are a major source of allergic reactions(Shutterstock) 7. Using Over-the-Counter creams without consulting with an expert: Prasanna Vasanadu highlighted, Parents commonly try to cure rashes with over-the-counter (OTC) lotions without consulting a doctor. This leads to postponing the treatment of illnesses like eczema, fungal infections, or allergic responses, which exacerbates the issue. Consult with a paediatrician or dermatologist if a rash intensifies, lasts longer than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever. OTC creams, particularly steroid creams, should not be used on young skin without a doctor's advice. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Mouni Roy evoked show-stopping energy in Italy with her chic style. On a trip to Italy to attend the Milan Fashion Week, she took out time to soak up Italys quaint atmosphere. Exploring the surroundings that are teeming with a soothing, Mediterranean vibe, she relished the Italian delicacies as well. Donning a chic white, polo dress, with a leather jacket atop for an edgy look, she shared her aesthetic pictures on Instagram. Mouni Roy's Milan trip is full of pristine aesthetics and joy.(Instagram) So if youre planning to visit Italy next, here are some top aesthetic places in Italy you need to visit. Venice The floating city is for the romantics. The slow boat rides, also known as Gandola rides in the network of canals, with the rows of beautiful houses on either side, create an idyllic, dreamy moment. Venices architecture has the quintessential European style. The famed Venetian Gothic architecture has an air of vintage allure. Positano Positano, a coastal gem nestled along the Amalfi Coast, is a unique "vertical" town, with colourful buildings cascading down the hillside. This picturesque destination has ethereal cobblestone alleys and narrow roads. The breathtaking views of the turquoise waters from its cliffside almost feel surreal. Positano feels like a page straight out of a coastal fairytale storybook, with its whimsical charm, bright sunshine and vibrant colours. ALSO READ: Want to be President? This new Washington DC tourist attraction puts you in Bidens seat Alberobello This Italian town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The houses have a unique style that will leave you stunned. The houses are called Trulli and feature whitewashed walls, with fascinating cone-shaped roofs. All the houses in this town follow this architectural style. The uniformity of the trulli houses throughout Alberobello creates a truly remarkable and visually striking townscape. ALSO READ: Inspired by Ankita Lokhande's gorgeous Georgia trip? Check out these top must-visit places Siena For rustic, medieval European charm, Siena possesses a grounded grandeur. Its a culturally rich city with art, museums, and restaurants serving gastronomic delights. Siena is perfect for capturing the old European urban aesthetic. With the rolling hills of Tuscany in the backdrop, the city evokes a certain warmth with the red-brick buildings, stone archways, and narrow winding roads. Siena also has vineyards infusing the urban setting with pastoral tranquillity. Florence Also known as The Cradle of Renaissance, exploring Florence is a deep dive into the Italian culture. The artistic heritage is evident in its countless sculptures, art museums, and frescoes in every corner of the city. Emanating a timeless grace, Florence evokes a compelling balance in art, culture, and beauty. ALSO READ: Azerbaijan's Baku is the dream European destination on a budget, needs no Schengen Visa; flight costs just Rs. 20K -SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday in a post on social media platform X. HT Image Earlier this month, Musk had said that the first Starships to Mars would launch in two years "when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens." The CEO on Sunday said that the first crewed mission timeline will depend upon the success of the uncrewed flights. If the uncrewed missions land safely, crewed missions will be launched in four years. However, in case of challenges, crewed missions will be postponed by another two years, Musk said. Musk, known for providing changing timelines on Starship's readiness, said earlier this year that the first uncrewed starship to land on Mars would be within five years, with the first people landing on Mars within seven years. In June, a Starship rocket survived a fiery, hypersonic return from space and achieved a breakthrough landing demonstration in the Indian Ocean, completing a full test mission around the globe on the rocket's fourth try. Musk is counting on Starship to fulfill his goal of producing a large, multipurpose next-generation spacecraft capable of sending people and cargo to the moon later this decade, and ultimately flying to Mars. NASA earlier this year delayed Artemis 3 mission and its first crewed moon landing in half a century using SpaceX's Starship, to September 2026. It was previously planned for late 2025, NASA said. Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa in June canceled a private mission around the moon he had paid for, which was to have used SpaceX's Starship, citing schedule uncertainties in the rocket's development. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Sept 22 - Two of the world's largest chipmakers, TSMC and Samsung Electronics, have discussed building potential chip projects in the United Arab Emirates in coming years which could be worth more than $100 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. HT Image Top executives at TSMC have visited the UAE recently and talked about a plant complex on par with some of the companys largest and most advanced facilities in Taiwan, WSJ said citing people familiar with the interactions. South Korea-based Samsung Electronics, the maker of smartphones, TVs and memory chips, is also considering major new chip-making operations in the country in the years ahead, the paper said citing unnamed sources. TSMC and Samsung did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Senior figures at Samsung Electronics visited UAE recently and discussed the idea, WSJ reported, adding that the discussions were still in the early phases and may face technical and other hurdles. Under initial terms being discussed, the projects would be funded by the UAE, with a central role for Abu Dhabi-based sovereign development vehicle Mubadala, according to WSJ. The paper added that the broader goal would be to increase global chip production and help bring prices down without hurting chip-makers profitability. As tech deals in the region speed up, Washington has become increasingly concerned about the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries becoming a conduit for advanced U.S. AI technology reaching China. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. In 2024, the number of cars in the world has grown to 1.475 billion that's one car for every 5.5 humans, or 182 per 1,000 humans. That number might seem innocuously gigantic until you hear of what they do to the planet - a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Multiply that 4.6 metric tons by 1.475 billion cars and the picture turns nightmarish. Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws 20 million tourists a year, is vehicle-free. What if we had no cars and we could live without traffic snarls and honking horns? That might now seem like an impossible dream but a few cities around the world have chosen to stay car-free every day. On World Car-free Day, lets walk around a few car-free cities: Zermatt (Switzerland): Lying at the foot of Matterhorn, one of the worlds most photographed mountains, Zermatt has been car-free for as long as anyone can remember. For private vehicles, access is allowed until Tasch (5 kms from Zermatt). In Tasch, one changes to the shuttle train and travels to Zermatt (trains run every 20 minutes). You can by get around by foot, by horse-drawn carriage, by eTaxi, by bike or mountain bike or free eBus (2 routes: skibus and Winkelmatten bus). La Digue Island (Seychelles): La Digue, a tiny dot in the Seychelles archipelago barely 1 hour 45 minutes from the capital Mahe, is an island where nobody is in a hurry. No traffic snarls. No honking horns. Hop on a bike and take a lazy ride around the main road that loops around the island. Stop by at Anse Source d'Argent, renowned as one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Trek to Anse Coco, grab a snorkel or a see-through kayak to check out the fish. And if you want to make some slow-moving friends, stop by to feed the giant tortoises at La Union Estate, try the coconut wine while you are there! Those who prefer not to walk or have limited mobility, a few electric buggies are available as an alternative. Venice (Italy): Venices Centro Storico is often described as the Europes largest pedestrian-only urban space. Built on a group of 126 islands, Venice has over 400 staired bridges running over canals to connect each of the districts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws 20 million tourists a year, Venice is vehicle-free. The Venetian once even planned to ban rolling suitcases! Thats how much they dislike wheels of any kind. Lamu (Kenya): Home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili towns, Lamu has banned cars. There are donkeys for land transport and dhows to travel throughout the archipelago. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the 1960s, the hippies tagged Lamu as Africas Kathmandu. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, Lamus Old Town is characterised by narrow streets and magnificent stone buildings with impressive curved doors, influenced by unique fusion of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian and European building styles. Fes el Bali (Morocco): Fes-al-Bali, the larger of the two medinas of Fes, is a nearly intact medieval city. With 13,380 historic buildings, the entire medina was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 and is probably the largest contiguous car-free area in the world. Some streets in Fes are as narrow as 24 inches and very few hit the 16 feet width mark. The streets are generally too narrow to even permit the use of bicycles, although there are a few areas in which bicycles and motor scooters are found. Ghent (Belgium): The city centre of Ghent, a university town famous for its medieval architecture and a row of guildhalls, has been car-free since 2017. Ghent has a free park-and-ride shuttle. In addition, the regular city bus routes, tram lines and even an electric boat ensure environmentally friendly mobility. Night buses and free transport for children up to the age of 14 make the local public transport even more attractive. Hydra (Greece): If you plan to head to the mountainous island of Hydra, leave your car - even bicycles - behind. Not only is this island car free, even bicycles are banned. So, how do you about the labyrinth of alleys? Walk, of course. But if you have wobbly knees, hop on the back of the islands mules. Mules can be tardy but youll get used to their lumbering pace. Boats are best for the furthest beaches. Giethoorn (The Netherlands): Barely 75 miles from Amsterdam, Giethoorn has no cars. Not even tarred roads. The postcard-perfect hamlet known as the Dutch Venice can be navigated by bike, boat, or foot through the footbridges crossing the maze of canals. Story is that the town got its name after its original farmer-settlers discovered a collection of wild-goat horns that they believed died in the Flood of 1170. Geytenhoren (goat horn) became Giethoorn later. Yelapa (Mexico): Literally, where two rivers meet the sea, Yelapa is nestled in the southernmost cove of the Bay of Banderas, the worlds seventh largest bay. There are no cars in Yelapa, although there is a road which leads to the outskirts of the village. The most widely used method of travel to and from the pueblo is by boat. In the 1960s and 70s, hippies strung hammocks in open-air houses called palapas. Id rather have a palapa in Yelapa than a condo in Redondo is still a common T-shirt slogan. Good to know: To learn more about car-free movement around the world, visit World Carfree Network the hub of the global car-free movement. Read Carbusters Online, their e-magazine. Edelweiss Mutual Fund Managing Director Radhika Gupta took to X to call out on airlines and packaged food industries to put an end to sandwiches served in fligts. She said so as India has a variety of breakfast options that are healthy and tastier than just a sandwich. Edelweiss MF CEO Radhika Gupta's post has sparked a chatter on X. (Instagram/@iamradhikagupta) "I am calling for an end to airlines and makers of boxed food who serve two pieces of bread stuffed with cheese and coleslaw (veg sandwich) in the name of breakfast. This is India, not the West. We have amazing breakfast food from across the country - parantha, idlis, dhoklas, and countless others - that is healthy, tasty, affordable, and has a shelf life. Our moms make amazing takeaway parantha rolls with leftover sabzis that taste fab. Please be creative. Spare us the sandwich. We can do better," wrote Radhika Gupta in her post. (Also Read: This Indian CEO, worth crores, claims she still uses Zomato coupons: I get excited about 40 rupees) Take a look at the post here: This post was shared on September 21. Since being posted, it has gained more than four lakh views. The share also has close to 10,000 likes, and the numbers are only increased. The post also has numerous comments. Here's how people reacted to it: An individual wrote, "Cold, soggy nonsense that sticks to the top of your mouth. It's so dry! Don't know why the bread behaves as if it's in the middle of that desert and our mouth is the oasis it found." Another X user, Monica Jasuja, commented, "Thank you for saying this. With the variety of breakfast options we have, airlines should indeed do better." "India has such a rich variety of delicious, healthy, and regionally diverse breakfast options that are far superior to bland sandwiches. It's time airlines and food makers embrace our culinary heritage and serve options like parathas and idlis," commented someone else. X user Sushant Chaturvedi added, "Most plane food tastes like warm plastic. There is a big market to be captured by someone who can creatively address this issue." Industry experts have often spoken about the open to work banner on LinkedIn, adding that putting it on could turn out to be biggest red flag for candidates actively searching for work. A graphic designer shared her opinion about this perception and posted that she came up with a new banner to counter it. It is a desperate banner. According to her, people looking for a new opportunity, especially the victims of redundancy, should never shy away from letting people know that they are desperately looking for a job. People have appreciated her gesture, and many agreed with her point of view. The image shows a UK-based graphic designer who added a desperate banner on her LinkedIn profile. (LinkedIn/Courtney Summer Myers) Theres been a lot of discourse about how the hashtag #OpenToWork banner puts off recruiters and hiring managers, because it makes you come across as desperate. Frankly, as a victim of redundancy, I am desperate, and I dont think thats anything to be ashamed of, UK-based Courtney Summer Myers wrote. She added that being laid off doesnt always mean that a person lacks skills or work ethics. Hence, no one should be embarrassed that they need to pay their rent and bills, support their family, or feed themselves and should wear the #opentowork banner with pride. She concluded her post with a few lines about her professional expertise. Heres the full LinkedIn post: LinkedIn users were in agreement with Summer Myers, and many praised her for taking the step to talk about an aspect of the professional networking site that is often overlooked. What did LinkedIn users say? We need to change the language around redundancy, you didnt lose your job, you werent made redundant, your role was. As you say, you were unfortunate. Wishing you all the luck in the world finding your next position, wrote a LinkedIn user. Well done, brave move, and completely agree, no one should be shy about their need for work. I suspect there is going to be quite a bit of it coming your way very soon. You are now very definitely in my contact list for the next project I need some design help with, praised another. A third posted, Best of luck with the job search. May you land the opportunity you deserve (rather than potentially just a job serving a company that might not respect or value your talents.) In an interview, former Google recruiter Nolan Church mentioned that putting up the Open To Work banner on LinkedIn is not a smart move. According to her, it makes recruiters think that because you need something from me, that means that I have the power in this conversation. What are your thoughts on this new banner by a woman on LinkedIn? By Mushtaq Ali Attack on foreign diplomats' convoy in Pakistan kills police officer, police say PESHAWAR, Pakistan -A roadside bomb hit a convoy of foreign diplomats visiting northwest Pakistan on Sunday, killing a police officer in their security detail, police said. Swat district police officer Zahidullah Khan said the diplomats were visiting the Swat valley area on the invitation of the local chamber of commerce to showcase it as a potential tourist destination. "The squad that was leading the convoy was hit by a roadside bomb," he said. Another four police officers were wounded, Khan said. No one has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, which was condemned by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. The bomb exploded as the convoy was en route to a hill station and ski resort called Malam Jabba, police and government officials said. All the nearly dozen diplomats were safe and were heading back to Islamabad, police said. "All the ambassadors remained safe in the attack and had been shifted to a safe place before their departure to Islamabad," Deputy Inspector General of police Mohammad Ali Gandapur told Reuters. The nationalities of the diplomats were not immediately clear. A Pakistani foreign office spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. Pakistani counter-terrorist forces maintain a strong presence in the Swat valley, which has long been a hotbed of Islamist militant insurgency. The militants have stepped up their attacks since late 2022 after breaking a ceasefire with the government. In 2012, Islamist militants shot and wounded Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai in the valley. Soldiers and police cordoned off the area after the bombing, and started a search operation, a senior security official told Reuters, adding that a curfew has been imposed in the area. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. In the QUAD summit, US President Joe Biden was caught on hot mic telling other leaders of the grouping that China was testing them, news agency PTI reported. U.S. President Joe Biden, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a Cancer Moonshot announcement at the Quad leaders summit in Claymont, Delaware, U.S., September 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque(REUTERS) Biden's opening remarks was caught on the hot mic as a pool of reporters were leaving the summit venue. Chinese President Xi Jinping is looking to buy himself some diplomatic space, in my view, to aggressively pursue Chinas interest, he was heard saying. Also read | Narendra Modi US visit live updates The 81-year-old leader added that China continues to "behave aggressively, testing us all across the region on several fronts, including on economic and technology issues". Biden emphasised that the QUAD nations believe that this requires intense diplomacy in times of intense competition. The US President's remarks came during the QUAD summit on Saturday, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A senior official from the US administration sought to downplay these remarks by the outgoing US President. He said that there is no need to elaborate on those remarks as it was consistent with what the US has said before. "I don't think it'll be much of a surprise that our inside voice matches our outside voice," the official said. He also sought to explain that the QUAD nations were not obsessed with China alone, and there were a number of topics on the agenda. "I think it's not surprising that China would have been on the agenda. It's an Indo-Pacific convening. This is an Indo-Pacific partnership. China is a major country in the Indo-Pacific. But I think it's also fair to say that there were a number of other topics on the agenda, the official explained. China's stakes in IOR In a veiled reference to Beijing's aggressive military actions in the South China Sea, QUAD nations have continued to emphasise on their commitment to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific region. China is engaged in territorial disputed in both South China Sea and East China Sea regions. It had proposed a nine-dash-line theory in the South China Sea to claim sovereignty over all areas where Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. Beijing had dubbed the QUAD as Asian version of NATO, a military alliance in Europe, whose sole aim is to contain its rise in Asia. (With PTI inputs) A new Histology Lab is opening this fall semester at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, providing cutting-edge educational and hands-on research opportunities for students and faculty in applied biochemistry and molecular biology, applied science and biology programs. The Histology Lab enables hands-on learning in tissue preparation and analysis and provides new opportunities for biological and biomedical research. By studying the microscopic structure of tissues, we can gain valuable insights into their function and pathology, said lecturer Tiffany Hoage. Furthermore, it complements the Cadaver Lab, as students are now able to observe both microscopic (cell/tissue-level) anatomy and gross (organ-level) anatomy. Last spring semester, Hoage worked with seniors Ethan Kalin and Natalie Mercill to establish the space within Jarvis Hall Science Wings larger biotechnology labs. Histology is the study of the microscopic structures of biological tissues and is important for medical diagnosis, forensic investigation and scientific study. While UW-Stouts Histology Lab is not intended to diagnose patients, it will help students prepare for their future careers in biological and biomedical research and health care fields. As they were establishing the Histology Lab, Kalin and Mercill learned how to operate the equipment, which includes a Leica EG1160 paraffin embedding center, a Leica RM2255 rotary microtome, a Fisher Scientific warm water bath and staining equipment. They used such equipment only once before during a tour of Mayo Clinics histology department with the universitys Prehealth Society. The tour definitely got us interested in histology, Mercill said. Kalin, of Maplewood, Minnesota, graduated in May from UW-Stout in applied science, with a concentration in biology and minors in cognitive neuroscience and chemistry. Mercill, of Woodbury, Minnesota, graduated in biology from UW-Eau Claire. They now work at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Kalin is a clinical lab technologist in a genomics lab, extracting DNA for cancer and hereditary disease diagnosis. Mercill does phlebotomy as a lab services technician and is starting the cardiovascular invasive specialist program at the Mayo School of Health Science, where she will learn the skills to assist with diagnostic and therapeutic invasive cardiology procedures. Getting to work in the Histology Lab made me much more confident in my ability to pick up new techniques and put them into practice. I believe this has helped me work through training I have undergone at my new position in Rochester. I hope to see the lab we created allow for other students to grow in the same ways I have and discover new passions that will help expand their horizons, Kalin said. Revisiting the lab before it opened for the semester, Kalin and Mercill practiced what their peers will experience in class. They extracted the brain from a zebrafish and used the microwave method to dehydrate the tissue to prepare it for paraffin embedding. Zebrafish are a model organism for research, as the fish shares more than 80% of genes known to trigger diseases in humans, such as cancer types and heart disease. The brain of an adult zebrafish is about four millimeters in length, or the width of a sunflower seed. Even with that small of a tissue sample, you can create hundreds of microscope slides, Mercill said. At the paraffin embedding center, Kalin placed the silver mold under the paraffin wax dispenser and partially filled it. He used a forceps to place the tissue into the molten wax. He placed an embedding cassette, a blue plastic slotted tray about one-inch square, into the silver mold. Additional molten paraffin wax was added, and he placed mold on a cooling platform to solidify the wax and form the tissue block. Mercill readied the rotary microtome to slice the tissue block into sections around five microns thick. By comparison, an average human hair has a diameter of 100 microns. She clamped the tissue block into the microtome and installed a blade into the holder below. Turning the operating handle, she moved the block up and down to slice it, creating a length of perforated squares for microscope slides. Mercill used a pair of tweezers to lift a perforated section from the tray and handed it to Kalin, who laid it in the warm water bath, heated to 37 degrees Celsius, or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. As it floated on top, the warm water flattened and smoothed the section, and it was adhered to a slide and dried. The sections were then stained to observe the tissues components. Specific stains are used to better visualize cells and structures of interest, Hoage explained, noting thioflavin-S highlights the amyloid beta, a protein that accumulates in the brains of patients with Alzheimers disease, while H&E hematoxylin and eosin is used to stain DNA purplish blue and the rest of the cell pink. Under the microscope, Kalin and Mercill observed zebrafish tissue stained with H&E. The initiative to establish the lab stemmed from an Honors College project in fall 2023 that involved Kalin and Mercill dissecting a brain from a cadaver with Alzheimers disease. They wanted to further their educational experience and see the microscopic pathology of Alzheimers disease, so their mentor Dr. Alex Hall connected them with Hoage. With a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from Mayo Clinic Graduate School and histology experience from her thesis research, Hoage was thrilled at the opportunity to help establish the Histology Lab. With Ethan and Natalie helping to set up the lab and now working at Mayo, it feels like theyre completing the cycle, Hoage said. The lab allowed them to continue their project at the microscopic level when they successfully sectioned and stained the cadaver brain to see amyloid beta plaques. In another project, Kalin and Mercill compared the conventional method of tissue processing with the microwave method for processing zebrafish tissues. Their preliminary findings show both tissue processing methods are equivalent with respect to tissue integrity and staining quality, Hoage said. Their findings are important, as the microwave method takes less than one hour versus the conventional method, which takes about six hours. The shorter processing time will allow the microwave method to be integrated within a regular lab period. Kalin and Mercill were among nearly 300 undergraduate and graduate students who presented at UW-Stouts Research Day in April. Kalin also presented his temporal analysis at Research in the Rotunda in March at the state Capitol. During their undergrad, Kalin and Mercill volunteered in the Cadaver Lab with Hall, giving tours to visiting high school students. Nearly 300 students from 15 high schools visited last semester to examine human organ systems on the 75-minute tour. By Alexandra Valencia Ecuador cuts power in half of its provinces amid historic drought QUITO, Sept 22 - Ecuador's government has announced the suspension of electricity service for nine hours on Sunday in 12 of the Andean nation's 24 provinces and placed 19 areas on red alert due to a drought that has reduced the water levels of hydroelectric plants. The blackout in the provinces will be from 8:00 a.m. local time until 5:00 p.m., the Ecuadorian presidency said in a statement released Saturday night on X. It is in addition to the government's plans announced on Tuesday for eight-hour nightly power cuts nationwide from Monday to Thursday. Ecuador is gripped by the worst drought in the country in 61 years and an energy crisis made worse by what the government says is lack of maintenance of existing dams and contracts to ensure new energy generation. The Ecuadorian authorities said the extra suspension of electricity for Sunday was based on "protecting water resources." The measure was taken after a session of the Emergency Operations Committee on Saturday night. "We are in 19 provinces with shortages of water, fires and food security ," Environment Minister Ines Manzano told reporters in Cuenca on Saturday. "The corresponding entities must accept and comply with the resolution declaring a red alert." After the government announced the planned power cuts on Tuesday, the military entered the Mazar hydroelectric plant, of about 170 megawatts and considered key for its large storage capacity, to support its operation and protect it. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Wilmington, Delaware: For President Joe Biden, battling cancer is personal. His son, Beau, died from it, and the cancer moonshot is a flagship initiative of his administration. For Biden, Quad is personal too, reflected in his decision to host the summit not just in his hometown of Wilmington but also his old school complex. US President Joe Biden speaks during a Cancer Moonshot event at the Quad leaders summit in Claymont, Delaware on September 21. (REUTERS) And so there was perhaps nothing more special for him that combined the personal with the geopolitical than announcing the Quad cancer moonshot with three leaders that he has called my friends and friends of our nation, and who clearly share his view of Quad as a force for public good Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japans PM Fumio Kishida. At a special event after the main proceedings ended, Quads four leaders announced the groups Cancer Moonshot, with a particular focus on battling cervical cancer initially. Building on the Quads successful partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, our collective investments to address cancer in the region, our scientific and medical capabilities, and contributions from our private and non-profit sectors, we will collaborate with partner nations to reduce the burden of cancer in the region, the declaration stated. India committed to providing HPV sampling kits, detection kits, and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. India, through its $10 million commitment to the WHOs Global Initiative on Digital Health, will offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region for the adoption and deployment of its Digital Public Infrastructure that helps in cancer screening and care, the declaration said. The US will support this through its Navy medical trainings and professional exchanges around cervical cancer prevention in the region starting in 2025, and through Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing of eligible private sector-driven projects to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, including cervical cancer. Australia announced the expansion of the Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer Program (EPICC), to cover 11 countries in the Indo-Pacific. And Japan, the declaration said, will provide medical equipment, and other assistance worth approximately $27 million, including in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. We welcome a number of new, ambitious commitments from non-governmental institutions, including the Serum Institute of India, in partnership with Gavi, which will support orders of up to 40 million HPV vaccine doses, subject to necessary approvals, for the Indo-Pacific region, and which may be increased consistent with demand. We also welcome a new $100 million commitment from Womens Health and Empowerment Network to address cervical cancer in Southeast Asia. By Tim Kelly, Casey Hall and Ben Blanchard Hack of Hezbollah devices exposes dark corners of Asia supply chains TOKYO/SHANGHAI/TAIPEI -The lethal hack of Hezbollah's Asian-branded pagers and walkie-talkies has sparked an intense search for the devices' path, revealing a murky market for older technologies where buyers may have few assurances about what they are getting. While supply chains and distribution channels for higher-margin and newer products are tightly managed, that is not the case for older electronics from Asia where counterfeiting, surplus inventories and complex contract manufacturing deals can sometimes make it impossible to identify the source of a product, analysts and consultants say. The response from the companies at the centre of the booby-trapped gadgets that killed 37 people and wounded about 3,000 in Lebanon this week has underlined difficulties in discerning how and when they were weaponised. Taiwan-based Gold Apollo put the blame on a Europe-based licensee of its pager, sparking investigations in Hungary, Bulgaria, Norway and Romania into the origins of the deadly device. Japan's Icom initially said it could not tell if the walkie-talkies bearing its name were real, in a market awash with fake products. It issued a statement on Friday saying it was highly unlikely that the exploded products were theirs. Icom cited Lebanese telecoms minister Johnny Corm as saying the devices were not imported through a distributor and that counterfeit products of the same model number were being imported from other countries. Physical examination of the devices that exploded would be needed to conclude they were not Icom products, but in light of multiple pieces of information that have been revealed, chances are "extremely low" that they were Icom's, the Japanese maker said. "If the supply chain was compromised to put explosives inside ... it's incredible engineering to do that. But the actual supply chain compromise is not that hard. Probably the easiest part was the supply chain compromise," said David Fincher, a China-based technologist and consultant. He said counterfeit products are prevalent, especially in big manufacturing centres like China where fake components can be easily produced, adding that it isn't a big leap to go from fake components to supply chain compromise. "As the technologist I am, I can tell you getting a little explosive in a radio is not that hard." Hezbollah acquired the devices around five months ago, according to a security source, who added that the armed group thought it was buying the pagers from Gold Apollo. The hand-held radios, which the source said were purchased around the same time as the pagers, had labels bearing the name of Osaka-based Icom and the phrase "Made in Japan", images of one exploded device showed. Both companies have ruled out the possibility that any of the deadly components were made in factories in either of their home locations. Taiwan's Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei has also said the components used in the pagers that detonated in Lebanon were not made in Taiwan. A preliminary investigation by Lebanese authorities into the devices found that the explosives were implanted before they arrived in the country, according to a letter to the U.N. Security Council by Lebanon's mission to the United Nations. FAKE GOODS But, for now, that's about all anyone is certain of. It's not clear how or when the pagers and walkie-talkies were weaponised so they could be remotely detonated. Joe Simone, partner with Chinese intellectual property firm East IP, said part of the problem is that smaller brands tend to invest less in policing counterfeits, due in large part to costs that could impact their profitability. "Authorities are happy to deal with low-tech counterfeits but the IP owners need to monitor, investigate and file complaints and that doesn't always happen as much as it might for high-tech and bigger technology brands," he said. For Icom, one problem is that it stopped making the IC-V82 model in question a decade ago, around the time it started introducing holographic stickers as a protection against counterfeit products, the company said. The company has long warned about imitation products, especially of its older models. In fact, more than 7% of firms in Japan reported business losses from counterfeit products in 2020, according to the latest available report by the Japan Patent Office, with around a third of cases linked to China. Icom has urged that customers only use its official distributor network to ensure they are buying genuine products. But in China, there are dozens of shops selling Icom-branded walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba.com, Taobao, JD.com and Pinduoduo, including in some cases the IC-V82 model, according to Reuters checks. Among three China-based vendors of Icom products on Alibaba.com, none of which were listed as official suppliers on Icom's website, Guangzhou Minxing Communications Equipment Co and Chengdu Bingxin Technology Co Ltd both said they sell authentic products, while Quanzhou Yitian Trading Co acknowledged selling "Chinese made imitations" in addition to original products. Icom has said it makes all its products in its factories in Japan. It did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Icom-branded products sold in Chinese online sites. The discontinued IC-V82 model is also sold in Vietnam on e-commerce platform Shopee, a Reuters check showed, indicating wide availability of such products. For Gold Apollo, which licensed its brand to Budapest-based BAC, the supply chain devolved into a mysterious production trail that authorities in various countries are now trying to piece together. "The widespread availability of cheap, second-hand manufacturing equipment meant counterfeiters were increasingly able to go beyond single components and even make full-fledged products," said Diganta Das from the University of Maryland's Center for Advanced Lifecycle Engineering, who studies counterfeit electronics. "I wouldn't call it counterfeiting anymore, it's like illegal manufacturing," Das said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. * Hezbollah, Israel exchange heavy fire in 'new phase' of fighting Israel says operation to continue until evacuated can return * Hezbollah says it launched squadrons of attack drones * Iran-backed group in Iraq reports attacks on Israel By Timour Azhari and Miro Maman BEIRUT/HAIFA, Israel, Sept 22 - Hezbollah and Israel exchanged heavy fire into Sunday, as the Lebanese militant group sent rockets deep into northern Israeli territory after facing some of the most intense bombardment in almost a year of conflict. Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem told mourners at the funeral of one of the group's commanders killed last week in Beirut: "We have entered a new phase, the title of which is the open-ended battle of reckoning." Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said operations would continue until it was safe for evacuated people on his side of the border to return - also setting the stage for a long conflict as Hezbollah has vowed to fight on until a ceasefire in the parallel Gaza war. The conflict - which sharply escalated over the past week - has raged since Iran-backed Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel, saying it was acting in solidarity with Palestinians facing an Israeli offensive further south in Gaza. On Tuesday and Wednesday, thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded in an attack widely blamed on Israel but which it has not confirmed or denied responsibility for. The next day, Israel launched its heaviest bombardment of Lebanon yet. Friday saw Hezbollah's senior commander and founder of the elite Radwan forces, Ibrahim Aqil, killed along with several other senior military figures in a strike on Beirut's southern suburb. Saturday again saw unprecedented bombardment that the Israeli military said struck around 290 targets, including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels. "In recent days we have inflicted a series of blows on Hezbollah that it never imagined," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Sunday. "If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message." SIRENS SOUND, SCHOOLS CLOSED Speaking at Aqil's funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday afternoon, Hezbollah's Qassem said Israel was seeking to paralyse the group, but would not succeed. Qassem said Israel's escalation of the conflict would lead to further displacement of its own citizens. Israel has closed schools, restricted gatherings in the north and ordered hospitals there to move patients and staff to protected areas - many have secured or underground facilities designed to withstand rocket fire. Air raid sirens sounded constantly in Israel on Sunday. About 150 rockets, cruise missiles and drones were fired at Israel overnight and into Sunday, most of which were intercepted by air defences, including an "aerial target" that came from the east, the military said. Several buildings were struck, including a house badly damaged near the Israeli city of Haifa. Rescue teams treated wounded but there were no reports of deaths. Residents had been instructed to stay near bomb shelters and safe rooms. Hezbollah said it hit a barracks and another Israeli position with squadrons of attack drones on Sunday, and also launched rockets at military-industrial facilities in an "initial response" to the device attacks last week. An official in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a grouping of Iran-backed armed factions, said they launched cruise missile and explosive drone attacks at Israel at dawn on Sunday as part of "a new phase in our support front" with Lebanon. "Escalation in Lebanon means escalation from Iraq," the official said. The move will stoke fears that the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon could spread into the rest of the region. CHRISTIAN CLERIC MOURNS The U.N. special coordinator in Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasscharet, said in a post on X that "with the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer". Lebanon's top Christian cleric Bechara Boutros al-Rai said in his sermon on Sunday that Lebanon was "deeply saddened" by the casualties among civilians and within Hezbollah in this week's attacks, in a very rare case of the Christian leader expressing condolences to the group. "We direct an appeal to the to put an end to this war by all available means," Rai said. Israel wants Hezbollah to cease fire and withdraw forces from the border region, adhering to a U.N. resolution signed with Israel in 2006, irrespective of any Gaza deal. Tens of thousands of people have left their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in October in sympathy with Palestinians in Gaza. The Gaza conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed more than 41,300 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, plunging Gaza into a humanitarian crisis and displacing nearly the entire 2.3 million-strong population. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A blast caused by a gas leak at an Iranian coal mine has killed at least 51 people, state media said Sunday, in one of the country's deadliest work accidents in years. Miners and police officers gather around the site of a coal mine where methane leak sparked an explosion on Saturday, in Tabas, some 335 miles (540 kilometers) southeast of the capital Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(AP) "The number of dead workers increased to 51" in the explosion at the Tabas mine in eastern Iran, the official IRNA news agency reported, revising an earlier death toll of 30. It added that 20 other people were injured. The explosion occurred at around 9:00 pm (1730 GMT) on Saturday, when around 70 workers were present at the site in South Khorasan province, IRNA said. According to the report, a leak of methane gas led to the blast in two blocks of the mine, which is owned by private Iranian firm Madanjoo. State TV broadcast footage of ambulances and helicopters arriving at Tabas to transport the injured to hospital. Online footage carried by IRNA showed bodies of some of the victims, wearing their work uniform, carried out of the site on mining carts. South Khorasan governor Javad Ghenaat told state TV that rescue teams were working to recover the remaining bodies. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, in remarks carried state TV before departing for the UN General Assembly in New York, offered his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a probe into the deadly incident. "Unfortunately, we learned that an accident occurred in one of the coal mines in Tabas and a number of our compatriots lost their lives. I offer my condolences to their respected families," Pezeshkian said. His first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, spoke with cabinet members to ensure "emergency follow-up" and support for the victims and their families, IRNA said. - Trapped - Iran's Red Crescent said search and rescue operations were underway in the mine, where some workers remained trapped. According to IRNA, they were about 250 metres (820 feet) below the surface, cut off from rescuers by chambers that had filled up with concentrated methane gas. "Gas accumulation in the mine" has made the search operations difficult, local prosecutor Ali Nesaei was quoted by IRNA as saying. "Currently, the priority is to provide aid to the injured and pull people from under the rubble," Nesaei said. He added that "the negligence and fault of the relevant agents will be dealt with" later on. Last year, an explosion at a coal mine in the northern city of Damghan killed six people, also likely the result of methane leak according to local media. In May 2021, two miners died in a collapse at the same site, local media reported at the time. A blast in 2017 killed 43 miners in Azad Shahr city in northern Iran, triggering anger toward Iranian authorities. Mineral-rich Iran has around 1.5 billion tons of proven coal reserves, according to state media. The Tabas mine covers an area of more than 30,000 square kilometres (nearly 11,600 square miles) and holds mass reserves of coking and thermal coal, according to IRNA. It is "considered the richest and largest coal area in Iran," IRNA said. Israel and Hezbollah threatened on Sunday to escalate their cross-border attacks despite a chorus of international calls for both sides to step back from the brink of all-out war. Israel and Hezbollah urged to step back from the brink Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after a night of intense rocket fire from Lebanon that Israel has dealt "a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined". Hezbollah was equally defiant, with the group's deputy chief Naim Qassem saying it was in a "new phase" in its battle against Israel. They spoke nearly a year after the outbreak of the Gaza war and after attacks on northern Israel sent hundreds of thousands of people to bomb shelters and caused damage in the area of Haifa city. "No country can tolerate attacks on its citizens," Netanyahu said nearly a year into the Gaza war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel that has also drawn in Iran-backed groups across the region, including Hezbollah. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant meanwhile said military actions "will continue until we reach a point where we may ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes". "This is our goal, this is our mission, and we will employ the means necessary to achieve it." Israel's key ally the United States said Sunday military escalation is not in Israel's "best interest". White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said "we still believe that there can be time and space for a diplomatic solution". UN chief Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of Lebanon becoming "another Gaza". Speaking ahead of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, he nonetheless added it was "clear that both sides are not interested in a ceasefire" in the Gaza war. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for an "immediate ceasefire" after a "worrying escalation", and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell echoed the ceasefire call, saying Europe was "extremely concerned". Hezbollah rocket fire reached Kiryat Bialik on the edge of north Israel's largest city Haifa, leaving a building in flames, another pockmarked with shrapnel and vehicles incinerated. "This is not pleasant. This is war," said one resident, Sharon Hacmishvili. Hamas in a statement on Sunday hailed Hezbollah for its "resilience and bravery" in attacking Israel. Israel has signalled its intention to shift focus to Iran-backed Hezbollah after nearly a year of cross-border fire that began in October in what Hezbollah calls support for Hamas Palestinian militants fighting Israel. Friday's Israeli air strike in a densely populated Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut killed the head of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil. The Lebanese health ministry said the strike killed 45 people. It came after a series of coordinated communication device blasts on Tuesday and Wednesday that killed 39 people and wounded almost 3,000, and which have been blamed on Israel. Speaking at Aqil's funeral in Beirut Sunday, Qassem said: "We have entered a new phase, namely an open reckoning" with Israel. "Threats will not stop us... We are ready to face all military possibilities." Hezbollah's Radwan Force has spearheaded its ground operations, and Israel has repeatedly called for its fighters to be pushed back from the border. UN special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert posted on X that the region was "on the brink of an imminent catastrophe". "It cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer," she wrote. The Israeli army said more than 150 rockets, missiles and drones were fired at its territory during the night and early Sunday, most from Lebanon. It said it attacked Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in response and "to prevent a larger-scale attack". Lebanon's health ministry said three people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern areas, and Hezbollah announced two fighters were killed. Israel's civil defence agency ordered all schools in the north closed after the rocket fire. "It reminds me of October 7 when everybody stayed home," Haifa resident Patrice Wolff told AFP. Hezbollah said it had targeted Israeli military production facilities and an air base in the Haifa area after this week;s communication device blasts. "In an initial response" to the explosions of the pagers and two-way radios, Hezbollah said it "bombed the Rafael military industry complexes" in northern Israel with "dozens" of rockets. It said it targeted Ramat David airbase with Fadi-1 and Fadi-2 rockets. The site is among the deepest inside Israel so far targeted, and this appeared to be Hezbollah's first use of that rocket type during the Gaza war. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has acknowledged that the communication devices attack was "unprecedented". He vowed that Israel which has not commented on the blasts would face retribution. Months of near-daily exchanges have killed hundreds in Lebanon, mostly fighters, and dozens in Israel and the annexed Golan, forcing tens of thousands on both sides from their homes. Netanyahu on Tuesday announced an expansion of the country's war goals to include the return of northern Israeli residents. International mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States have for months tried to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, which diplomats repeatedly said would help calm regional tensions. Netanyahu's critics in Israel have accused him of dragging out the war, with thousands again gathering in Tel Aviv Saturday demanding a deal to free hostages in Gaza. Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity. Of the 251 hostages also 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 41,431 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has acknowledged the figures as reliable. burs-smw-ami/it/srm/jsa This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Peshawar, Suspected militants set off an explosion targeting a convoy of foreign diplomats in Pakistans restive northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Sunday, killing a policeman and injuring three others. Militants target convoy of diplomats in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, policeman killed The diplomats drawn from 11 countries were safe, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said. The blast occurred in Jehanabad area of Swat district when the convoy of foreign diplomats was heading towards the mountainous Malam Jabba. The convoy included diplomats from Russia, Vietnam, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Portugal. The three injured policemen are in a critical condition, hospital authorities said. All the diplomats are completely safe. The improvised explosive device targeted the convoy of police that was on security duty, the police official said. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement said the group of diplomats has returned safely to Islamabad and expressed sympathies with the family of the deceased policeman. The Foreign Ministry said an advance scout police vehicle was hit by the IED which resulted in the policemans death. We honour our law enforcement authorities that remain steadfast in the face of terrorists. Such acts will not deter Pakistan from its commitment towards the fight against terrorism," the ministry said. The diplomats and their families were going to Malam Jabba, a hill station, for a night stay. Under tight security, they were escorted back to Islamabad. The diplomats were on an official visit to the Swat district arranged by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Swat Chamber of Commerce. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the blast and said, We salute our brave police force for their matchless sacrifices in the war against terror. Their sacrifices would not go waste. The Swat district remained a hotbed of Taliban militancy during the period of insurgency in 2009. The militants were flushed out after a massive military operation in the district and a majority of the militants fled to the neighbouring Afghanistan. An exodus of local people had taken place to other parts of the country during the insurgency, however, after a five-month operation, the people returned to their native areas in Swat district. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon turned out in force Sunday for the funeral of a top commander killed in an Israeli air strike, in a major show of support for the Iran-backed group. Mourners at commander's funeral express loyalty to Hezbollah Hezbollah has hailed commander Ibrahim Aqil as "one of its great leaders", saying the 61-year-old died in an "Israeli assassination... in Beirut's southern suburbs" on Friday. Aqil headed Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit, and had been on a US sanctions list for nearly a decade. Israel said Friday's "targeted strike" killed Aqil and several other commanders in the Radwan Force. Men and women, many wearing black, gathered for the packed ceremony in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital where Hezbollah enjoys steadfast support. Some mourners carried photos of Hezbollah members who have been killed. Fighters in fatigues and red berets lined up while others carried Aqil's coffin and that of another Hezbollah member, both covered in the group's yellow flag, as a brass band played. Security was tight, with the immediate area surrounded by metal fencing. Amira Makki, 60, told AFP she was attending the funeral "to say that we are all with" Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. "We sacrifice our children and grandchildren for him," she said, carrying a photo of her brother and brother-in-law who were killed by Israeli fire in recent months. Nearby, a woman who identified herself only as Fatima said that attending Aqil's funeral was a "duty". "Every martyr protects us... and if not for our men's sacrifices, we wouldn't be here," the 26-year-old said. "We are in... a fateful battle," she told AFP. One poster near the procession read: "We will not abandon Palestine", a reference to Hezbollah's position that only a ceasefire in the Gaza war will put an end to its attacks on Israel. Hezbollah has traded near daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces in support of Hamas since the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack triggered the Gaza war. Tensions and violence spiked dramatically this week, with heavy Israeli strikes on south Lebanon and Hezbollah firing rockets at Haifa in north Israel this weekend, raising fears of all-out war. Addressing the funeral, Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said the group was "ready to face all military possibilities" in its battle with Israel. The crowd interrupted his speech with intermittent chants of "Death to America, death to Israel!" and expressions of devotion to Nasrallah. Qassem said Aqil was "a commander of Hezbollah operations" and had established the Radwan Force and its leadership in 2008. Friday's strike targeted an underground meeting of commanders of the force, killing 16 of them. Lebanon's health ministry has put the overall death toll from the Israeli air strike at 45 people including civilians. Hezbollah has said a second senior commander, Ahmed Wahbi, was also among the dead. After the funeral ceremony, mourners walked near the coffins which were placed on a truck and laid with wreaths. Aqil was the second senior Hezbollah commander to be killed since October, after an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs in July killed top commander Fuad Shukr. Also this week, at least 39 people were killed and almost 3,000 wounded when Hezbollah pagers and two-way radios exploded. Hezbollah has blamed Israel, which has not commented. Despite the soaring violence and growing fears of war, Hezbollah supporters at Sunday's funeral expressed unflinching loyalty to the Shiite Muslim movement. "We are ready to give our blood and our children," said engineer Hussein Zaarur, 72, who said two of his relatives had been killed since October. "We are ready, and our fingers are on the trigger," he told AFP. lk/am-lar/lg/srm This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. TIRANA, Albania Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Sunday his country would transform the Tirana-based Bektashi Muslims, an Islamic Sufi order, into a sovereign state to promote moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Premier says Albania will grant sovereignty to Bektashi Muslims in Tirana, similar to the Vatican Speaking at the United Nations, Rama pointed out that Albania, a tiny Western Balkan country, saved Jewish refugees from the Nazis during World War II and sheltered Afghans after the Taliban came to power three years ago. Albanians are also proud of giving to the world Mother Teresa who embodied love for humanity, he said. She told us that not all of us can do big things, but we can all do small things with big love, he said. That is our inspiration in supporting the transformation of the World Bektashi Order into a sovereign state in our capital, Tirana, as a new center of moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Albania's 2.4-million population is about 50% Muslim with the rest of the population Catholic and Orthodox Christians and other smaller communities. The country is known for its religious harmony and co-existence. Bektashi Muslims make up about 10% of the Muslims in the country, according to the last census. It wasn't immediately clear how the order would legally be granted sovereignty. But the Bektashi Order said it considers the move the beginning of a new era promoting global religious tolerance. Such a historic step aims at recognizing the Beltashi Order as a sovereign, self-governing state, committed to supporting its century-old culture of moderation and spiritual involvement, it said in a statement. The Bektashi Order will receive sovereignty identical to that of the Vatican, governing religious and administrative issues independently of Albania, the Order said. Citizenship would be provided only to the top religious members and those individuals involved in managing the state, while the leadership will run from the head of the Bektashi, Baba Mondi, and a council that will monitor its religious and administrative operation. The new state will aim at nothing but the spiritual leadership, the statement said. The Bektashi Order originated in the Ottoman Empire in the 13th century. The Bektashis acquired political importance in the 15th century, when the order dominated the Janissary Corps, the elite infantry units that formed the Ottoman sultans household troops. After the foundation of the Turkish Republic, its leader Kemal Ataturk banned religious institutions that were not part of the Directorate of Religious Affairs and the Bektashi communitys headquarters relocated to Albania, where it became involved in politics. One of its members, Ismail Qemali declared Albanias independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Follow Llazar Semini at https://x.com/lsemini This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Colombo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe who lost Sri Lanka's presidential election on Sunday bid an emotional farewell to his 26 months job as the island nation's president and handed over the care of the "child" called Sri Lanka to president-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Ranil Wickremesinghe bids an emotional farewell to Lanka presidency President Anura Dissanayake, I am handing over to your care the lovable child called Sri Lanka, whom we both love very dearly," the 75-year-old outgoing president said in a statement. Wickremesinghe, who took charge after then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned as protesters stormed the presidential palace following the country's economic crisis, said he over the last two years safely carried the "child" Sri Lanka "along a long distance safely - on the dangerous rope bridge". "Close to the very end of the bridge, people have decided to hand over the dear child called Sri Lanka to President Anura Dissanayake. I wish that you will be able to carry this child away from the bridge to the other bank, even safer than the way I carried the child," the outgoing president said. Wickremesinghe also said he followed the right path and saved people from hunger and sorrow following the economic crisis that led to the shortage of essential commodities in the island nation. "I hope that the new president will also follow the right path and put an end to the remaining issues that the people are facing," said Wickremesinghe who finished third in the election with just 17 per cent of the vote. "I will be devoted to serving my motherland with or without power, with or without a post or powers, for the rest of my life," the outgoing president said, thanking his supporters and even those who did not support him. After taking over in 2022, Wickremesinghe steered the economy with the IMF bailout of nearly USD 3 billion. However, the tough austerity measures in the International Monetary Fund programme made him unpopular despite his hard work in turning around the bankrupt economy. Reflecting upon his role as a caretaker, Wickremesinghe said he accepted the challenge at a time when no one else dared to face it and completed the responsibility that history put upon his shoulders. "I was able to rescue my motherland from bankruptcy within a short period of two years and increased the Foreign Reserve, which was at USD 20 Million when I came to power, to USD 5.7 Billion." Marxist leader Dissanayake, 56, popularly known as AKD, was declared the winner of Saturday's presidential election. The election on Saturday was the first to be held since mass protests unseated Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 after the country suffered an economic crisis. His accession to the post is a remarkable turnaround for his half-century-old party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna , which had long remained on the margins. He is Sri Lankas first-ever Marxist party leader to become head of state. Dissanayake faces the immediate challenge of determining the future of economic reforms in the cash-strapped country. Historically, the NPP has opposed International Monetary Fund programmes, but its recent endorsement of the current programme, although with a renegotiation of its terms, marks a significant shift. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A University of Virginia physician and a member of the school's Faculty Senate is calling UVa President Jim Ryan a liar. Last week, Ryan referred to allegations of criminal and unethical practices within the UVa Health System and School of Medicine, detailed in a letter penned by 128 doctors and faculty members, as generalized and anonymous claims of wrongdoing. Dr. Stephen Culp, a UVa Health physician and member of the UVa Faculty Senate, told his fellow senators Friday that Ryan's assertions are "categorically false." Culp then promised to tell fellow senators "the honest truth." According to Culp, university administrators have been well aware of the allegations in the letter sent to the school's governing Board of Visitors on Sept. 5 for the "better part of the year, if not more" and not the few months Ryan has claimed. Culp also said administrators were handed the names of multiple complicit employees, not just UVa Health CEO Dr. Craig Kent and School of Medicine Dean Dr. Melina Kibbe both of whom the letter's signatories have called on to resign. I can stand here before you honestly and claim these statements to be categorically false, Culp said of Ryan's statement while addressing the Faculty Senate in a hall at the university's Darden School of Business. I can say I know firsthand that documentation and names were provided to university leadership for them to investigate as I was involved in providing some of this documentation and names. These were not generalized anonymous claims. In an email to the 1,400 faculty members of the School of Medicine on Sept. 7, Ryan expressed both his disappointment in the authors of the letter and his endorsement of Kent and Kibbe. His response did little to reassure its recipients that he or the Board of Visitors will take the egregious acts allegedly committed by the pair seriously. Kent and Kibbe are accused of: Allocating money to their cadre of executive colleagues despite shortages at the clinical level. Turning a blind eye as senior leaders tampered with billing and patient records to modify adverse outcomes and productivity. Wielding promotions as a means to intimidate and retaliate against those who spoke up out of concern for patients. Pressuring medical personnel to not officially report concerns regarding patient safety. Ignoring integrity and quality standards during the hiring process. And explicitly threatening those who spoke out against them. Ryans email, which the UVa chapter of the American Association of University Professors has referred to as dismissive and inappropriately hostile, said the 128 signatories unfairly and unwittingly tarnished the reputations of not only Kent and Kibbe, but the university and its affiliated health system. Ryan said he is disappointed in his own faculty, but Culp said its physicians and faculty at UVa's hospitals and medical school who are disappointed. In early 2024, Culp and other School of Medicine faculty members began to reach out to the Faculty Senate and university leadership. They wrote multiple open letters to Kent and Kibbe raising the alarm over what they said was a toxic work environment within the health system. They also specifically called out the One Team | United on Access initiative. That initiative was rolled out in July 2022 and was promoted by UVa Health as a way to restructure patient access, standardize various processes and optimize workflow. The reality was quite different, according to Culp, who said it infringed upon our ability to do research activities at time for academic medicine and to mentor junior faculty and students and residents. So, he and other faculty members in the School of Medicine, took their concerns along with a draft Faculty Senate resolution to UVa Provost Ian Baucom on Jan. 9. Culp recalled specifically asking the provost whether they should bring the resolution to their fellow senators. Do not involve the Senate, he said they were told by Baucom. It will be taken care of. A couple of months later, on March 5, a working meeting was held with more than 200 faculty members in the School of Medicine, who again claimed the health system had become a toxic work environment under the direction of Kent and Kibbe. While Culp described the conversation as productive at the time, he said it was not long after that reports of retaliatory behavior directed towards School of Medicine faculty members, including multiple School of Medicine faculty senators began to increase. Many senators in the room on Friday began to shake their heads in dismay upon hearing this, and they later asked Culp to further explain what such retaliation entailed. It's been going on for a couple of years, but after the joint faculty meeting, there were denials of different faculty members going up for promotions they were qualified for, he said. There were title strips. There were forced early retirements. Culp and other UVa Health employees, who have agreed to speak with The Daily Progress under the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation, said hospital and medical school leaders have cut the salaries and bonuses of faculty and physicians who spoke out and put "concern cards" and records of "insubordination" in their personnel files. The anonymity of their accusers has been a top talking point for university administrators, who have asked the 128 individuals behind the letter of no confidence, who did not sign their names, to come forward to discuss their allegations. Administrators have also said that 128 people does not reflect the entirety of the 1,400 School of Medicine faculty members and 30,000 UVa Health employees. A small number of dissatisfied employees is typical of a large organization, UVa has said. Culp and his compatriots have said the letter likely has broader support, but faculty right now are so fearful of retaliation, no one will ever chance submitting a grievance. We have tried to use every avenue, he said. We got nowhere. Culps remarks struck a chord Friday with his fellow senators, who called it a watershed moment for UVa. Unsatisfied with the manner in which their administration is handling the crisis at the School of Medicine, the Faculty Senate unanimously passed a motion to show support for their colleagues in the School of Medicine. Proposed by associate professor Brian Pusser, the body pledged to as soon as possible create a resolution regarding the issues in the School of Medicine currently the subject of review by the university administration and Board of Visitors. That review is already underway and being handled by the Washington, D.C.-based international law firm of Williams & Connolly. While the Board of Visitors has said the firm will serve as outside counsel to conduct an independent review, the faculty senators and others are already questioning the legitimacy of the investigation. Their doubts were underscored by UVa's decision that it will not be releasing the findings of the review. If the crises in higher education over the past 30 years have taught me anything, this is precisely the wrong way to conduct an investigation without extensive information and collaborative discussion, Pusser told the Faculty Senate on Friday. We may get through this situation, but we will be poorly positioned to empower a broad group of the university community to ensure that such crises will not be repeated. UVa spokesman Brian Coy told The Daily Progress that the decision to conceal the law firm's findings was based on the possibility of any sensitive information being revealed to the public in a report. "Given the nature of the allegations made in the anonymous letter, this review will cover sensitive personnel and legal matters and will be conducted under privilege," he said in an email. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka's incoming President, described his victory in the island nation's presidential polls, held on Saturday, as not a single persons work' but a collective effort. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate from National People's Power, shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote at a polling station, on the day of the presidential election, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 21, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. This achievement is not the result of any single person's work, but the collective efforts of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us, he posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the declaration of results. The politician, 55, who leads the left-wing People's Liberation Front (JVP) alliance, and won a three-way race for the top office, thanked all those who gave their sweat, tears, and even their lives for this cause. Further, Dissanayake stated that people were ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history, and called for a fresh start. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision, he added. Meanwhile, outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who sought a re-election, said he was handing over to the new President. With much love and respect for this beloved nation, I hand over its future to the new President, a statement from Wickremesinghe read. The runner-up was opposition leader Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). This was the first presidential election of Sri Lanka since the 2022 economic crisis that led to the forced ouster and escape of then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The Parliament elected Wickremesinghe for the remainder of Rajapaksa's five-year term. The small town of Bamban in the Philippines is fairly unremarkable. But it has become the place of feverish headlines this year ever since allegations emerged that Alice Guo, who was elected mayor of the town in 2022, abused her position to protect online casinos operating from there. Government officials have stated that these gambling hubs were a front for financial fraud, money-laundering, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture and murder. In July the 34-year-old Ms Guo went missing. On September 3rd she was arrested in Indonesia. Ms Guo denies having any links to criminal activity. Alongside the scam-farm allegations, Ms Guo has also been accused of faking her identity and being a Chinese spy. Ms Guo says she was born and raised on a pig farm in Bamban to a Chinese father and Filipina mother. But in June politicians claimed her name was Guo Hua Ping, and that she was a Chinese national who arrived in the country in 2003 with her family. Ms Guo then allegedly procured a fake birth certificate showing she was born in the Philippines. This allowed her to qualify for a passport and run for mayor. The solicitor-general is now seeking to cancel this birth certificate. Ms Guos lawyers vow to provide substantial evidence of her Philippine citizenship. The claim that she is a Chinese spy is dubious. As hostilities increase between China and the Philippines, some Filipino politicians accuse Ms Guo of being a proxy of the Chinese government. Others have speculated that the Chinese Communist Party secretly supports criminals of Chinese origin in South-East Asia because they steal billions from Westerners through their online cons. But there is no evidence of this, according to law-enforcement officials in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia. Although the Communist Party has a record of working with organised crime, especially in Hong Kong, it has long been opposed to the gangs which have set up shop in South-East Asia. The Hong Kong triads sometimes help further the partys aims. The criminals in South-East Asia do not. The reason these gangs are in South-East Asia is that the Communist Party forced them out of China. When Xi Jinping became leader of China in 2012, he launched a crackdown on corruption and organised crime, including in Macau, the worlds largest gambling centre by revenue and once a common destination for wealthy Chinese to launder their money. The Philippines became popular because of its proximity to China and the ease of running online casinos, known locally as Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs. These mostly targeted punters in mainland China, where gambling is illegal. The groups then expanded into scams. Indeed, Chinas government is infuriated that these criminals continue to target Chinese nationals. Billions of dollars have been stolen from ordinary Chinese at a time when the economy is stagnating and the party is trying to curtail capital outflows. The Supreme Peoples Court, Chinas highest judicial authority, prosecuted more than 300,000 people in 2023 for crimes related to online scams. Behind closed doors, China urged the Philippines to shut down its POGOs, according to government officials. When President Ferdinand Marcos finally banned POGOs in July, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines welcomed the decision, even as tensions between the two countries soared in the South China Sea. Ms Guos links appear to stretch beyond China and the Philippines. In August last year Singaporean police arrested ten people in the countrys largest-ever money-laundering bust. They seized $3bn in luxury properties, cars, gold bars and cash. Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying, two of Ms Guos business partners at the scam compound in Bamban, were convicted in the money-laundering case in Singapore. In Bamban the POGO complex, which is visible from the mayors office, dwarfs the town. The enclosure of 36 buildings includes office towers, a shopping mall, dormitories and luxury villas reserved for the criminal ringleaders. Police rescued more than 800 people when they raided the site in March. When your correspondent visited after the raid, dusty BMWs and Mercedes were impounded beside a now-empty swimming pool. Questions remain. Sherwin Gatchalian, one of the senators leading the campaign against online swindles in the Philippines, argues that POGOs are run by the same shadowy group but have different enablers across the country. Ms Guo, he thinks, was one such collaborator: an adept politician who navigated the corruption that permeates the Philippines. Mr Gatchalian has urged Ms Guo, who was sent back to the Philippines on September 6th, to expose her co-conspirators and any officials who protected her. The net may yet widen. UN members adopted a blueprint for the future Sunday to tackle the myriad wars, environmental threats and technological challenges facing humanity that was hailed by the organization as "groundbreaking" but panned by critics as unambitious. UN adopts pact to tackle volatile future for mankind Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who championed the "Pact for The Future" and its components, billed them as "landmark agreements a step-change towards more effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism." As an opener for the annual high-level week of the UN General Assembly, which begins Tuesday, dozens of heads of state and government gathered for the adoption, which faced last-minute opposition from Russia and its allies. Leaders pledged to bolster the multilateral system to "keep pace with a changing world" and to "protect the needs and interests of current and future generations" facing "persistent crisis." "We believe there is a path to a brighter future for all of humanity," the document says. The pact outlines 56 "actions," including commitments to multilateralism, upholding the UN Charter and peacekeeping. It also calls for reforms to international financial institutions and the UN Security Council, along with renewed efforts to combat climate change, promote disarmament, and guide the development of artificial intelligence. The adoption of the text faced a brief delay when Russia's deputy minister of foreign affairs, Sergey Vershinin, introduced an amendment emphasizing the "principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states" and urging the UN to avoid duplicating efforts. Russia's objections were backed by allies Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Nicaragua and Syria, but its amendment was overwhelmingly dismissed in a motion to take no action. "It was somewhat irritating that, in the end, Russia once again tried to stop the whole process and did not want to go down the path that the whole world had taken," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, co-sponsor of the text, after the adoption. Passage of the text was never a guarantee, and sources said Guterres had prepared three separate versions of his speech for the potential outcomes of the vote. During the negotiations phase, the UN Secretary-General had urged nations to show "vision" and "courage," calling for "maximum ambition" to strengthen international institutions that struggle to respond effectively to today's threats. But while there are some "good ideas," the text "is not the sort of revolutionary document reforming the whole of multilateralism that Antonio Guterres had originally called for," Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group told AFP. "Ideally, you would hope for new ideas," said one diplomat. The fight against global warming was one of the sticking points in the negotiations, with references to the "transition" away from fossil fuels having disappeared from the draft text weeks ago, before being re-inserted. "The real test will be the delivery of these" goals, said environmental campaign group 350.org. Despite criticism of the pact, it is still "an opportunity to affirm our collective commitment to multilateralism, even in the difficult current geopolitical context," one diplomat said, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust between the Global North and South. "This pact gives us hope and inspiration for a better future," said Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, who has been a keen advocate for the Global South at the UN through his country's membership of the Security Council. Developing countries have been particularly vocal in demanding concrete commitments on the reform of international financial institutions, aiming to secure easier access to preferential financing, especially considering the impacts of climate change. The text does indeed include "important commitments on economic justice and reforming the international financial architecture," Human Rights Watch commented, while also praising "the centrality of human rights." Regardless of its content, the pact and its annexes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations are non-binding, raising concerns about implementation, especially as some principles such as the protection of civilians in conflict are violated daily. "Now it is our common responsibility to walk through it. That demands not just agreement, but action. I challenge you to take that action," Guterres said following the adoption. abd-ia-gw/aha This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. New York City's interim police commissioner revealed late Saturday that federal authorities had executed search warrants at his homes the previous day. New York City Police Department (NYPD) Interm Commissioner Thomas Donlon is greeted by a United Nations Department for Safety and Security officer following a news conference ahead of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid(REUTERS) Thomas Donlon, who became the interim commissioner just one week ago after the resignation of his predecessor, issued a statement on the search through the police department. On Friday, September 20, federal authorities executed search warrants at my residences. They took materials that came into my possession approximately 20 years ago and are unrelated to my work with the New York City Police Department, the statement said. This is not a department matter, and the department will not be commenting, he added. The statement did not address what the investigation was about, which federal authorities were involved or what materials had been seized. The unexplained and surprising search comes as the administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been reeling from other federal law enforcement investigations. Fabien Levy, the citys deputy mayor for communications, said: As we have repeatedly said, we expect all team members to fully comply with any law enforcement inquiry. Just a week ago, the previous police commissioner, Edward Caban, resigned after federal authorities seized his electronic devices as part of an investigation that also involved his brother, a former police officer. Federal agents also have seized phones in recent weeks from the head of the city's public schools, a top deputy mayor, Adams' top public safety adviser and others. Previously, investigators searched homes connected to Adams' top campaign fundraiser and the Democrat's Asian affairs director. Last autumn, federal agents also seized Adams' phone as he left an event. Charges have not been brought in connection with any of those searches and it was unclear whether there was any connection to the search involving Donlon, who wasn't part of the Adams administration until a few days ago. An FBI spokesperson declined to comment. An email seeking comment from a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney in Manhattan was not immediately returned. A text sent to Adams' top spokesperson late Saturday night also wasn't immediately returned. Donlon spent decades with the FBI, where he worked on terrorism cases including the investigation into the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and a 2000 attack on a U.S. Navy destroyer. Roughly 20 years ago he was a top counterterrorism official for the FBI in New York. From 2009 to 2010, Donlon led New York state's Office of Homeland Security before going into the private sector security industry. Adams appointed Donlon as his commissioner last week and he assumed the post on Sept. 13, one week ago Friday. The choice of an outsider with a long career in federal law enforcement but no history of working with the NYPD seemed at the time to be a potentially stabilizing move for the police department after Caban's resignation. Caban and his brother, James Caban, who runs a nightlife security business, had both denied any wrongdoing through their lawyers. Through it all, Adams, who is in his first term, has said he won't be distracted by the investigations and will continue to serve the city. President Biden welcomed leaders from Australia, Japan, and India to his hometown of Wilmington for what could be the final meeting of the Indo-Pacific partnership established during his presidency. An awkward moment was caught on camera when Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, snapped at a staffer just before introducing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi addressed the QUAD leaders Summit and highlighted the Cancer Moonshot initiative. U.S. President Joe Biden, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi take part in a Quad leaders summit family photo in Claymont, Delaware, U.S., September 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Also read: PM Narendra Modi says Quad here to stay, holds 'fruitful' talks with Joe Biden | 10 points Joe Biden snaps at staffer during Quad summit The video shared on X (formerly Twitter) captures yet another embarrassing gaffe by Biden as the 81-year-old president wraps up his speech at the Cancer Moonshot event, eagerly awaiting his aide to cue the next speaker. After discussing the Quad's mission to tackle cancer, he said, So I want to thank you all for being here. And now, who am I introducing next? It seems the aide was running a tad behind schedule because after a brief, awkward pause, Biden quipped, Whos next? With a swift hand gesture, another staffer finally pointed to the stage, leading to the introduction of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As PM Modi walked on stage to join the US President, Biden instantly relaxed, cracked a joke and then wrapped his hands around the Indian PM, in an attempt to ease the tense atmosphere. The former 2024 presidential hopeful is no stranger to public gaffes, which raised concerns among Democrats and Americans alike during his now-suspended campaign. He is completely and totally cooked and Kamala Harris covered it up, a user on X commented on the video taking a swipe at Democratic nominee and Vice President, Kamala Harris. A longer version of the clip shows hes either being funny, or hes losing it and tries to save face by being funny, another wrote. He could care less at this point to do Any of his duties. They kicked him out... why should he? He's gonna do as lil as he possibly can & continue slipping up & letting tidbits of info go on purpose! He's still pissed! a third added. President Joe Biden hosts final quad meeting The gathering was dedicated to pushing forward Biden's initiative on the "cancer moonshot," which is designed to foster collaboration among the U.S. and its Quad partners in order to combat the disease. Biden earlier expressed to PM Modi how "struck" he is by their ability to discover new avenues for cooperation, stating, Today was no different. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida were also present at the Quad summit which was created in 2007 to help balance out China's increasing power in the Indo-Pacific area. Also read: Kamala Harris dodges Trump, set to break a 60-year presidential tradition by skipping. "I'm proud to announce the Quad Cancer Moonshot to end cancer around the world, starting with cervical cancer. Joe Biden said. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet every year 150,000 women in the Indo-Pacific die from it. We cannot and will not let that continue," he added. After their get-together, the four world leaders came out with a big declaration they called the "Wilmington Declaration." The agenda is to about reaffirming how really dedicated they are to keeping the Indo-Pacific free and open which is also inclusive and resilient." The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India in 2025. A White House press release said, In 2025, we intend to hold a Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference, hosted by India in Mumbai. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to break a 60-year presidential tradition by skipping this years Al Smith Dinner, making her the second presidential hopeful to do so since Walter Mondale in 1984. Meanwhile, former President Trump has confirmed his attendance at the October 17 event, the dinner benefitting Catholic Charities. According to Harris campaign, will instead campaign in key battleground states during this critical period leading up to Election Day. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. August 20, 2024 and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., August 15, 2024 are seen in a combination of file photographs. REUTERS/Marco Bello, Jeenah Moon/File Photo (REUTERS) Kamala Harris to skip Al Smith Dinner In a decision that may ruffle some feathers, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, who entered the race mid term, after President Biden stepped down following a debate mishap with Trump, will skip this year's Al Smith charity dinner in New York. The event, which has been a tradition since Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy shared the stage in 1960 while throwing barbs at each other, is known for fostering collegiality and healthy humor, with presidential candidates from both parties appearing together and exchanging lighthearted jabs. Also read: RFK Jr.s wife Cheryl Hines steps out without wedding ring amid his sexting scandal with much younger reporter Archdiocese spokesperson Joseph Zwillng reflecting on the guest list of 79th iteration of the iconic dinner informed the Post that Harris wont attend the scheduled event. We are disappointed that she will not be with us, he said. As this is an evening of unity and putting aside political differences in support of a good cause of helping women and children in need regardless of race, creed, or background, Zwiling continued hoping the campaign to reconsider their choice of skipping. Donald Trump to mark his attendance at the white-tie gala Following Trump's 2016 appearance at the gala, where he was met with boos from the audience after accusing Democrat Hillary Clinton of being corrupt and claiming she hated Catholics. But, he didnt stop and went on to further remark, I dont know who theyre angry at, Hillary, you or I. For example, here she is tonight, in public, pretending not to hate Catholics. Trumps team has now confirmed his attendance at the 79th Archdiocese of New Yorks dinner on October 17, according to the Post. Named after Alfred E. Smith, the first Roman Catholic major party presidential nominee in 1928, the dinner raises millions for Catholic charities and serves as a rare opportunity for candidates to display camaraderie. In 1996, it notably excluded Bill Clinton and Bob Dole due to Clinton's veto of a late-term abortion ban. Also read: Kamala Harris disagrees with Taylor Swift when it comes to supporting Travis Kelces. While Harris has decided to skip, Trump campaign reached out to the event oragnisers to confirm his presence. Meanwhile, the Democratic nominee told the hosts, she hopes to attend similar events as president if elected in November. Trump and Biden, unable to attend the dinner in person due to the peak of COVID-19, delivered pre-taped video remarks at the first-ever virtual Al Smith Dinner in 2020. During that event, the focus shifted from lighthearted banter to the candidates trying to win over Catholic voters. Harris said Saturday that she's taking up CNN's offer to have a debate with Trump on October 23. Trump, who had been said to be cool with another debate earlier, said it was "too late" for another presidential face-off. The New York magazine reporter, Olivia Nuzzi got obsessed with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after interviewing him in California, revealed a source, close to Kennedy Camp, to The Post. She pursued RFK Jr. via rigorous texting so much so that the latter had to block her, repeatedly. Nuzzis camp pushed back on allegations stating it was a case of fatal attraction. However, they did not deny that their fling was a little turbulent indicating that there were times when one of the two stopped texting. Olivia Nuzzi was reportedly 'obsessed' and rigorously texted RFK Jr.( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File, Photographer: Hannah Beier/Bloomberg) Also Read: RFK Jr.s wife Cheryl Hines steps out without wedding ring amid his sexting scandal with much younger reporter Olivia Nuzzi obsessed with RFK Jr. A source revealed to the NY Post on Saturday, She went after him aggressively. She targeted him pretty hard. Bobby was blocking her continually. It was a little scary. She was obsessed with him. I think she still is. However, a person with knowledge of the situation denied Kennedy Camps claims. They said, Its absolutely untrue that she was the aggressor, but both parties were aware of how high pressure and high risk the circumstances were and for that reason, their communication was very on and off. Another close to the NY magazine reporter said, Olivias point of view is that to call this a relationship or affair is completely inaccurate. It was at most a flirtation. Their alleged affair began sometime after Nuzzi interviewed the 70-year-old when he was still a presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. While their relationship was allegedly purely digital, an exchange of risque pictures for reported by Puck News as cited by a source on Friday. RFK Jr. is married to Cheryl Hines while Nuzzi was engaged to a fellow reporter, Ryan Lizza. Ryan and Nuzzi have split since the sexting scandal came to light. The nephew of former President John F. Kennedy was expected to attend a family event where Ted Kennedys granddaughter, Grace Kenedy Allen got married in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. However, RFK JR. was a no-show. He was also expected to attend a Donald Trump campaign event on Saturday but was not seen in attendance, as reported by the NY Post. Also Read: Laura Loomer gets her hands on ABC whistleblower's complaint alleging network colluded with Harris for Sept 10 debate Aftermath of the scandal RFK Jr.s close friend said that it was not uncommon for women to throw themselves at him during the campaign. The Post reported that hot MILFS were flirting with him on the day he launched his campaign in Boston, in April 2023. Nuzzi was put on leave since Thursday when the editors of the magazine came across the inappropriate relationship. RFK Jr. has not commented on the news of the sexting scandal and his wife was seen attending a Milan Fashion Week afterparty where she ditched her wedding ring, as reported by the Daily Mail. The former presidential candidate has had a history of women entanglement with a rumour that he once kept a list of 43 mistresses in his phone in 2014. His wife, Hines was one of the girls on this list who ended up marrying him that year. A new royal has ascended to the throne of popularity among Britons. In a recent Ipsos poll that has royal watchers debating on results, the spotlight shines on Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who has topped the rankings by an astounding margin compared to other royals, including her husband, Prince William, next in line for the throne. Britain's Prince William, second left, Kate, Princess of Wales, left, Britain's Prince Harry, second right, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex view the floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England on Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)(AP) While one might expect Harry to make the top five, if not Meghan, it may come as a surprise that the estranged royal has seen his popularity decline in recent years. This shift is likely due to their controversial decision to step back from royal duties, even as he attempts to make a comeback in the royal arena. The most and least popular Royals revealed The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who underwent a mysterious abdominal surgery in January and later revealed her cancer diagnosis while announcing a temporary break from royal duties to focus on preventative chemotherapy, has won the hearts of 66% of those surveyed, with only 10% expressing an unfavourable opinion of her. Also read: Joe Biden snaps at staffer, Whos next? moments before introducing Indian PM Modi during Quad final meet In the Ipsos survey, which gathered opinions from Britons aged 18 to 75 about the royal family, Prince William came in second place as the favourite royal, getting a 65% thumbs up and a 13% thumbs down. It was a big surprise that Princess Anne, the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth, made it to the top three with a score of 62%. And even more surprising, only 9% of people had a bad opinion of her. UK public happy with King Charles III reign The survey conducted among the UK population indicated that the public is relatively happy with King Charles IIIs reign, which began in September 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch continues to demonstrate dedication to his royal duties despite battling cancer. He came in fourth place with a 56% favourability score. Also read: RFK Jr.s wife Cheryl Hines steps out without wedding ring amid his sexting scandal with much younger reporter The overall impression of the UKs Royal Family is quite positive, with 53 percent of locals holding a favourable view of them. Its also noteworthy that over half of Britons believe King Charles is performing well in his role, and only a minority want to abolish the monarchy, suggesting a degree of stability in the Royal Familys image, said Gideon Skinner, Senior Director of UK Politics at Ipsos. Prince Harry and Meghan are the least popular Royal member It comes as no surprise that Britons have a particular aversion to Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Duke Prince Harry, who left the UK in 2020 to settle in California, stepping back from their royal duties. They have since become two of the most disliked members of the royal family. Only 28 percent of Britons view Prince Harry favorably, while Meghan Markle's approval rating is even lower at 21 percent. A staggering 46 percent of respondents have an unfavorable view of Harry, and Meghan's disapproval rating stands at a dismal 53 percent. Joining them at the bottom of the popularity rankings is Prince Andrew, whose already declining reputation has further suffered due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Only 10 percent of Britons hold a positive opinion of the disgraced royal. According to IPSOS, Harry and Meghan performed better among the young generation who also supported the idea of Harry making a comeback. Donald Trump returned to the battleground state of North Carolina on Saturday, where he made direct appeals to women. The former president expressed confidence in becoming a champion for women, who would no longer have to think about abortion should he be reelected. WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 21: Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump greets his granddaughter Carolina onstage at a campaign rally at the Aero Center Wilmington on September 21, 2024 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Trump is returning to Wilmington, North Carolina after his previous scheduled rally in April was canceled because of a thunderstorm. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) Trump makes bizarre claim that women would be happy due to abortion bans Addressing the crowd during his rally speech, the GOP nominee made an unsubstantiated claim that Democrats want execution of a baby after birth, reported Rolling Stone. In addition to the baseless allegation against his rival party, Trump also claimed that women would be happy due to abortion bans. Women will be happy, healthy, confident, and free. You will no longer be thinking about abortion because it is now where it always had to be, with the states, the former president claimed. ALSO READ: Paramore's Hayley Williams pauses iHeartRadio festival set to condemn Trump, Project 2025 Despite his claims, 63 percent of American adults have demanded legal abortion in most cases, according to a Pew Research Center Survey. Many Republican-led states have taken steps to restrict or eliminate abortion access following the overturning of Roe vs. Wade in 2022. Last year, North Carolina banned most abortions after 12 weeks. I will protect women at a level never seen before. They will finally be healthy, hopeful, safe, and secure. Their lives will be happy, beautiful, and their lives will be great again, the Republican presidential nominee went on. So women, we love you. Were going to take care of you, he added. ALSO READ: What is Early Voting? First in-person votes for presidential election cast in 3 key US states Both Trump and Kamala Harris have highlighted the abortion issue throughout their campaigns. However, an overwhelming number of voters have expressed confidence that the Democratic nominee is the better person to handle the sensitive policy. 55 percent of the voters favoured Harris, while just 27 percent put their trust in Trump, according to a poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. SAN DIEGO Donald Trump has long pledged to deport millions of people, but he's bringing more specifics to his current bid for the White House: invoking wartime powers, relying on like-minded governors and using the military. Trump's goal of mass deportations fell short. But he has new plans for a second term Trumps record as president shows a vast gulf between his ambitions and the legal, fiscal and political realities of mass deportations of people in the United States illegally 11 million in January 2022, by the Homeland Security Department's latest estimate. Former President Barack Obama carried out 432,000 deportations in 2013, the highest annual total since records were kept. Deportations under Trump never topped 350,000. But he and his chief immigration policy architect, Stephen Miller, have offered clues in interviews and rallies of taking a different approach if they are returned to power in November. They could benefit from lessons learned during their of four years in office and, potentially, from more Trump-appointed judges. What Trump seems to be contemplating is potentially lawful, said Joseph Nunn, counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York Universitys School of Law. There might not be a lot of legal barriers. It is going to be logistically extraordinarily complicated and difficult. The military is not going to like doing it and they are going to drag their feet as much as they can, but it is possible, so it should be taken seriously. The Trump campaign, asked how his pledge would be carried out, said Trump would begin the largest deportation program in U.S. history, without elaborating in detail. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman, said Trump would marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers." How would Trump overcome inevitable legal challenges? Trump has said he would invoke the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that allows the president to deport any noncitizen from a country that the U.S. is at war with. Texas Gov, Greg Abbott has advanced a theory that illegal immigration amounts to an invasion to justify state enforcement measures, so far without success, but legal scholars say judges may be reluctant to second-guess what a president considers a foreign aggression. The sweeping Alien Enemies Act authority may sidestep a law that bans the military from civilian law enforcement. Trump has said he would focus on deploying the National Guard, whose troops can be activated on orders of a governor. Miller says troops under sympathetic Republican governors would send troops to nearby states that refuse to participate. The Alabama National Guard is going to arrest illegal aliens in Alabama and the Virginia National Guard in Virginia. And if youre going to go into an unfriendly state like Maryland, well, there would just be Virginia doing the arrest in Maryland, right, very close, very nearby, Miller said last year on The Charlie Kirk Show. The military has been peripherally involved at the border since President George W. Bushs administration with activities that are not deemed to be law enforcement, such as surveillance, vehicle maintenance and installing concertina wire. Nunn, of New York University's Brennan Center, said Trump may look to 2020, when he ordered the National Guard to disperse peaceful Black Lives Matter protests near the White House, despite the mayor's opposition. Trump did so without invoking the 18th-century war powers law, but the District of Columbias federal status gives the president outsized authority to act. Trump may also contend with rights afforded under immigration law and court rulings that took shape after 1798, including a right to seek asylum that became law in 1980. Under a 2001 Supreme Court ruling, people in the country illegally can't be detained indefinitely if there is no reasonable chance their countries will take them back. Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and others are either slow to accept their citizens or refuse. How would Trump pay for this? U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is funded by Congress for 41,500 detention beds this year, raising questions about where Trump would house people before they board deportation flights and how long they could hold them if countries refuse to take them back. Miller floated the idea of large-scale staging grounds near the border, most likely in Texas. ICE officers are painstakingly deliberate, researching backgrounds of their targets and prioritizing people with criminal convictions. They try to capture suspects outside their homes because they generally work without court warrants and people don't have to let them inside. A single arrest may require hours of surveillance and research, a job that one ICE official likened to watching paint dry. On practical level, it will be nearly impossible for to do the things hes talking about, even if could bring in the military, said John Sandweg, a senior Homeland Security Department official in the Obama administration. Obama's deportation numbers were made possible by local police who turned people over to ICE, but many state and local governments have since introduced limits on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Obama's presidency also predated a surge of asylum-seekers at the border, which drained limited resources of the Trump and Biden administrations. How would a mass deportation drive fare politically? While many support Trump's plans, mass deportation could tear apart families, exacerbate labor shortages and uproot people with deep ties to their communities. Pew Research Center estimates 70% of households with at least one person in the United States illegally also have someone in the country legally. Military leaders are likely to resist because it would undercut other priorities and damage morale, Nunn said. The military is going see this and say this is not the kind of duty that soldiers signed up for," he said. "This is getting the military involved in domestic politics in a way the military doesnt like to do. Adam Goodman, associate professor of history and Latin American studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago, who has written about deportations, said a threat of a mass expulsion can have a serious impact even if it isn't carried out. He thinks it is highly unlikely that Trump can do what he promises but it can strike fear in immigrant communities. In June 2019, Trump announced ICE would "begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens" the following week. A month later, the agency said it targeted about 2,100 people, resulting in 35 arrests, indicating the president's plans fell far short but only after they generated widespread concern in immigrant communities. Trump himself acknowledged the political perils during an interview Sunday with journalist Sharyl Attkisson. You put one wrong person onto a bus or onto an airplane and your radical left lunatics will try and make it sound like its the worst thing thats ever happened," Trump said, before repeating his pledge: "But were getting the criminals out. And were going to do that fast. Associated Press writer Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Chinese culture on display at tourism fair in Bangladesh Xinhua) 11:30, September 22, 2024 DHAKA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Asian Tourism Fair was held in Dhaka from Thursday to Saturday to boost the tourism industry. More than 100 tourism companies and institutions from eight countries including China, Bangladesh and Maldives participated in the exhibition. China set up "Hello! China" Pavilion to show its rich and colorful tourism resources and profound cultural heritage. The pavilion was designed in the Beijing architectural style, featuring brackets and eaves. Screens and photos in the pavilion displayed tourism books, materials, and handicrafts such as paper cutting, kites, Chinese knots and lanterns. In the interactive area, visitors were encouraged to find the Chinese cities they are interested in visiting on a map. China's policies to facilitate tourism and payment were also introduced. Organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh jointly with the Confucius Institutes and Classrooms and Chinese enterprises in the country, performances featuring both Chinese and Bengali songs and dances were shown at the exhibition on Friday. "I am so curious and I want to have a solo trip, so I come here," Bangladeshi visitor Simi Hossain told Xinhua on the occasion. "Now I know what kind of tourist spots are in China." "Chinese culture spreads all over the world now. I haven't got the chance to travel there but I like it very much," the visitor said. "I think when we go there on a trip, we will learn more about the culture there." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) With just 45 days until the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump remains razor-thin. Despite Harris gaining momentum in the polls, particularly after the candidates' ABC debate earlier this month, the outcome is still far from certain. A voter works on his ballot at a polling station at theElena Bozeman Government Center in Arlington, Virginia, on September 20, 2024. Early in-person voting for the 2024 US presidential election began in Virginia, South Dakota and Minnesota. (Photo by AFP)(AFP) According to a Guardian 10-day polling average released on September 21, Harris now holds a 2.6-point lead over Trump, 48.5% to 45.9%. This marks an improvement from her 0.9-point advantage last week and represents a noticeable shift from the near tie in early September. The shift follows the much-anticipated debate in Philadelphia on September 10, where Harris was largely seen as the winner. Trump, the Republican nominee and former president, drew criticism for focusing on crowd sizes and repeating discredited claims about immigration, moves that many believe hurt his standing. Guardian 10-day polling average gives a marginal lead to Kamala Harris against Donald Trump Kamala vs Trump: state of the race trends A New York Times/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena poll taken just after the debate showed the two candidates locked in a 47% tie, a slight improvement for Harris compared to the one-point lead Trump held before the debate. Other polling, however, has been more encouraging for Harris. A Morning Consult survey, drawing from over 11,000 respondents, gives her a six-point lead, 51% to 45%, her largest margin since she took over the Democratic nomination from Joe Biden nearly two months ago. The survey is supported by a separate poll from Quinnipiac, shows Harris with a six-point lead in Pennsylvania, 51% to 45%. Moreover, the Quinnipiac poll gives Harris leads in two neighbouring battlegrounds, Michigan and Wisconsin, 5% and 1% respectively. While the 2.6-point national lead for Harris remains within the margin of error, the latest figures show growing optimism for her campaign. However, with just over six weeks left before election day, both candidates will need to fight for every vote, especially in key swing states that could ultimately decide the election. A recent wave of layoffs in the US Tech industry has shocked the sector to the core with its disproportionate impact on workers of Indian origin, especially those on H-1B visas. This situation along with the new visa rules introduced has created a challenging new landscape for the immigrant international students and skilled workers in America. Recent layoffs in the U.S. tech industry, particularly affecting Indian H-1B visa holders, combined with significant visa fee increases and stricter application processes, have created a challenging environment. ((Pixabay - representational image)) Also Read: RFK Jr.s wife Cheryl Hines steps out without wedding ring amid his sexting scandal with much younger reporter US tech layoffs In a sector once considered to be recession-proof, approximately 438 tech companies have laid off 137,500 employees, as reported by Layoffs.fyi. This has created a scarcity of job options in the tech market. Moreover, the H-1B visa provides a limited timeframe for Indian workers to look and secure for a new job or face having to leave the country. Reports by the U.S. Congressional Research Service suggest that Indian workers have to wait for long periods for green cards, sometimes over 190 years even after meeting every labour requirement. This accumulation of requests has made the unstable situation even worse. The U.S. Department of State's October 2024 visa bulletin outlined the availability of immigrant visa numbers for the 2025 fiscal year. This bulletin is part of the regular updates provided to inform applicants about which visa categories are open and the status of their applications. This had an impact on various categories of visas including the EB-5 investor visa program, as reported by Telugu360. Also Read: Kamala Harris dodges Trump, set to break a 60-year presidential tradition by skipping. New visa changes and its impact on Indian workers The EB-5 visa allows people to get visas by investing in certain projects, like those in rural areas or places with high unemployment. While these visas are available globally, applicants from mainland China and India often face delays. However, there are some signs that processing times are getting better. Along with this, an increase has been implemented in the H-1B visas. The fee increased from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, an astonishing 2150% increase. There has also been an increase in the application fee with paper filing rising from $460 to $780 resulting in a 70% increase. The new visa changes have also impacted the green card applicants as well. The general filing for an I-30 petition is now priced at $675 for paper filing and $625 for online filing. A new Asylum Fee program was introduced for certain petitions which cost $600. The sift has also been seen for international students as additional scrutiny has been implemented for F, M and J visa applicants. They are now required to provide accurate information about their passports while applying for appointments. On a brighter note, the maximum validity has been pushed forward to five years on Employment Authorization Documents for eligible individuals. This will provide relief on the terms of work permit extensions. Students can still take advantage of practical training opportunities like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The 24-month STEM OPT extension is still available, and some employer requirements have been loosened. These changes are meant to simplify processes, improve security, and manage costs. However, they may also increase financial pressure on applicants and change the makeup of the U.S. tech workforce. * Zelenskiy seeks 'truly just peace' for Ukraine during US visit Zelenskiy to present 'victory plan' to Biden, Harris and other partners * Ukraine president to speak at UN summit on Monday, Security Council on Tuesday, General Assembly on Wednesday * Zelenskiy hopes to meet Trump, who criticizes US aid to Ukraine * US preparing $375 million military aid package for Ukraine By Elaine Monaghan WASHINGTON, Sept 22 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in the United States on Sunday to attend sessions at the U.N. General Assembly and urged his partners to help achieve "a shared victory for a truly just peace." "This fall will determine the future of this war," he said in a post on X alongside his nightly video address, delivered from a plane he said was en route to Pennsylvania. Ukrainian media later reported he had arrived in New York. He is also due to visit Washington later in the week. Zelenskiy did not say what his plans were in Pennsylvania, but the state is home to a munitions plant in President Joe Biden's hometown of Scranton that is a key producer of crucial 155-millimeter artillery shells. The Ukrainian leader's concerns about a shortage of such munitions have taken on added urgency as Russia pummels Ukraine's energy grid ahead of the critical winter months. In his video, Zelenskiy said Ukraine was doing everything it could, by acquiring weapons and through diplomacy, "to consolidate our partners' support and force Russia into peace." The Ukrinform state news agency reported separately that Zelenskiy had arrived in New York and that he would meet heads of U.S. companies to discuss his country's energy needs as well as leaders of states and international organizations on Sunday. Zelenskiy's visit coincides with U.S. efforts to prepare a $375 million military aid package for Ukraine, breaking a months-long trend toward smaller packages for Kyiv's military operations. Zelenskiy said he would present a "victory plan" in Ukraine's war against Russia first to Biden. He is also expected to discuss the plan with Vice President Kamala Harris in a separate meeting on Thursday, as well as with other world leaders. Zelenskiy also hopes to meet Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has called U.S. aid to its eastern European ally a waste of money and has declined to say he wants Ukraine to win. Trump has said he will probably meet with Zelenskiy this week but no date has been announced. Trump faces Harris in the Nov. 5 U.S. election. Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday that an aid package, expected to be announced this week, includes patrol boats, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems , 155- and 105-millimeter artillery ammunition, spare parts and other weapons. The officials said the contents and size of the package could change in the coming days ahead of Biden's expected signature. Ukrinform said Zelenskiy would speak at a UN summit on Monday, participate in Security Council meetings on Ukraine on Tuesday, and speak during the General Assembly on Wednesday. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)'s broader coalition National People's Power (NPP) has been elected as Sri Lanka's next President after the first elections since the country's economic crisis. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)(@anuradisanayake) Dissanayake secured almost 42% of the popular vote against his nearest rival Sajith Premadasa, who secured only 23% of the votes polled. The incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe trailed behind at third position with only 16% of the votes. Read on to learn more about the island nation's new President. Early life and student politics 1. Dissanayake was born into a lower-middle-class family in Thambuttegama village in Anuradhapura district, around 170 km away from the country's capital Colombo. Despite his father being a daily wager and his mother a homemaker, they managed to educate their son, who graduated with a science degree from the University of Kelaniya. 2. Dissanayake's active participation in student politics on the campus led him to join the JVP's anti-government armed uprising between 1987 and 89 against the "imperialist and capitalist" regime of then Presidents Jayawardene and R Premadasa. Mainstream politics 3. The Marxist leader rose to the position of national organiser of the Socialist Students Association in 1995 and was later appointed to the JVP's central working committee. In 1998, he became a member of JVP's political bureau. 4. In 2000, Dissanayake became a member of Parliament by contesting the Presidential elections through the nationalist list. While JVP supported President Kumaratunga's administration, his party later aligned with Sinhala nationalists in 2002 to oppose peace negotiations with the Tamil rebel group LTTE, fighting an armed uprising against the Sinhala-dominated government in Colombo. 5. The JVP rose to prominence in the 2004 presidential elections after forming an alliance with Mahinda Rajapaksa's United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA). The front campaigned explicitly on an anti-ceasefire stance with the LTTE. Buddhist nationalist 6. Addressing an election campaign among Buddhist monks, Dissanayake assured them that Article 9 of the Constitution, which guarantees a foremost place to Buddhism, has divine protection and guarantees them against any amendments to it. JVP-headed coalition NPP has also committed to protect Article 9. 7. Dissanayake reportedly also warned a Tamil audience of being labelled as those who oppose the decision. "Be a stakeholder in this change When the South is gearing up for change. If you are seen to oppose that change, what do you think the mindset of the South be? Would you like it if Jaffna was identified as those who went against this change? Those who opposed this change? Would you like it if the North was identified this way?" he asked. Anti-India? 8. Dissanayake's JVP had denounced the Tamil-origin estate workers from India as an instrument of Indian expansionism. The party has also opposed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on trade that would promote greater trade and investment between both countries. 9. The new President-elect has also opposed any attempts to give back the Katchatheevu island to India and said it cannot be allowed to succeed at any cost. Notably, New Delhi has also reached out to the JVP by inviting Dissanayake and a JVP delegation for an 'official tour' earlier this year. Stance on Tamil ethnic minorities 10. Dissanayake's JVP has opposed any devolution of power to the Tamils. His party has opposed the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 signed by then India's Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The party has also opposed the 13th amendment to SL Constitution that created Provincial Councils to grant greater control over land revenue and police in the country's Tamil-dominated North-East. Dissanayake's anti-federalist party manifesto states that it will ensure "territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country without compromise". The party had approached the Supreme Court against the merger of Northern and Eastern provinces, as promised by the 1987 accord, which led to formal de-merger of those provinces in 2007. As the minister of agriculture, lands and irrigation, Dissanayake rejected the possibility of post-tsunami aid distribution with the LTTE, and the government withheld large amounts of aid for the North-East. Backing armed forces JVP has backed the SL Armed forces during their brutal military campaign against LTTE and its leader Prabhakaran. Dissanayake has consistently opposed any attempt at an international investigation into the SL Army's war crimes. According to Tamil Guardian, Dissanayake dubbed the 2002 ceasefire agreement between LTTE and the Sri Lankan government as a foundation to establish a separate state in the island. As part of Mahinda Rajapaksa's coalition, JVP continued to oppose peace negotiations, which culminated in a brutal campaign in 2007. The JVP staged agitations in front of the United Nations office and other Western Embassies in Colombo against their demands for an international investigation into the alleged war crimes. According to Tamil Guardian, Dissanayake claimed last month that even the victims do not expect anyone to be punished. JVP has also embraced military officers accused of war crimes. General Aruna Jayasekara was put in charge of drafting their defence policy. The officer was accused of running a child sex trafficking racket while heading a UN peacekeeping operation in Haiti between 2004 to 2007. Disagreement on IMF bailout Sri Lanka is awaiting the release of next trance worth $350 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) out of its bailout package worth $3 billion. Dissanayake has repeatedly said that his party would seek to re-negotiate the terms of the agreement, something that the current government has warned against. WASHINGTON - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has arrived in New York to attend sessions at the U.N. General Assembly, the Ukrinform state news agency reported on Sunday. Zelenskiy arrives in New York for UN meetings, Ukrinform says Zelenskiy's visit to attend sessions at the U.N. General Assembly in New York coincides with U.S. efforts to prepare a $375 million military aid package for Ukraine, breaking a months-long trend toward smaller packages for Kyiv's military operations. Zelenskiy will present a "victory plan" in Ukraine's war against Russia to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in separate meetings scheduled for Thursday. Zelenskiy also hopes to meet Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has called U.S. aid to its eastern European ally a waste of money and has declined to say he wants Ukraine to win. Trump has said he will probably meet with Zelenskiy this week but no date has been announced. Trump faces Harris in the Nov. 5 U.S. election. Zelenskiy has long complained of a shortage of weapons, including crucial 155-millimeter artillery shells made at the Scranton plant. Those concerns have taken on added urgency as Russia pummels Ukraine's energy grid ahead of the critical winter months. Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday that an aid package, expected to be announced this week, includes patrol boats, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems , 155- and 105-millimeter artillery ammunition, spare parts and other weapons. The officials said the contents and size of the package could change in the coming days ahead of the Biden's expected signature. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Israel and Hezbollah threatened on Sunday to escalate their cross-border attacks despite a chorus of international calls for both sides to step back from the brink of all-out war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after a night of intense rocket fire from Lebanon that Israel has dealt "a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined". Hezbollah was equally defiant, with the group's deputy chief Naim Qassem saying it was in a "new phase" in its battle against Israel. They spoke nearly a year after the outbreak of the Gaza war and after attacks on northern Israel sent hundreds of thousands of people to bomb shelters and caused damage in the area of Haifa city. "No country can tolerate attacks on its citizens," Netanyahu said nearly a year into the Gaza war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel that has also drawn in Iran-backed groups across the region, including Hezbollah. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant meanwhile said military actions "will continue until we reach a point where we may ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes". "This is our goal, this is our mission, and we will employ the means necessary to achieve it." Israel's key ally the United States said Sunday military escalation is not in Israel's "best interest". White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said "we still believe that there can be time and space for a diplomatic solution". UN chief Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of Lebanon becoming "another Gaza". Speaking ahead of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, he nonetheless added it was "clear that both sides are not interested in a ceasefire" in the Gaza war. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for an "immediate ceasefire" after a "worrying escalation", and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell echoed the ceasefire call, saying Europe was "extremely concerned". Hezbollah rocket fire reached Kiryat Bialik on the edge of north Israel's largest city Haifa, leaving a building in flames, another pockmarked with shrapnel and vehicles incinerated. "This is not pleasant. This is war," said one resident, Sharon Hacmishvili. Hamas in a statement on Sunday hailed Hezbollah for its "resilience and bravery" in attacking Israel. Israel has signalled its intention to shift focus to Iran-backed Hezbollah after nearly a year of cross-border fire that began in October in what Hezbollah calls support for Hamas Palestinian militants fighting Israel. Friday's Israeli air strike in a densely populated Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut killed the head of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil. The Lebanese health ministry said the strike killed 45 people. It came after a series of coordinated communication device blasts on Tuesday and Wednesday that killed 39 people and wounded almost 3,000, and which have been blamed on Israel. Speaking at Aqil's funeral in Beirut Sunday, Qassem said: "We have entered a new phase, namely an open reckoning" with Israel. "Threats will not stop us... We are ready to face all military possibilities." Hezbollah's Radwan Force has spearheaded its ground operations, and Israel has repeatedly called for its fighters to be pushed back from the border. UN special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert posted on X that the region was "on the brink of an imminent catastrophe". "It cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer," she wrote. The Israeli army said more than 150 rockets, missiles and drones were fired at its territory during the night and early Sunday, most from Lebanon. It said it attacked Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in response and "to prevent a larger-scale attack". Lebanon's health ministry said three people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern areas, and Hezbollah announced two fighters were killed. Israel's civil defence agency ordered all schools in the north closed after the rocket fire. "It reminds me of October 7 when everybody stayed home," Haifa resident Patrice Wolff told AFP. Hezbollah said it had targeted Israeli military production facilities and an air base in the Haifa area after this week;s communication device blasts. "In an initial response" to the explosions of the pagers and two-way radios, Hezbollah said it "bombed the Rafael military industry complexes" in northern Israel with "dozens" of rockets. It said it targeted Ramat David airbase with Fadi-1 and Fadi-2 rockets. The site is among the deepest inside Israel so far targeted, and this appeared to be Hezbollah's first use of that rocket type during the Gaza war. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has acknowledged that the communication devices attack was "unprecedented". He vowed that Israel -- which has not commented on the blasts -- would face retribution. Months of near-daily exchanges have killed hundreds in Lebanon, mostly fighters, and dozens in Israel and the annexed Golan, forcing tens of thousands on both sides from their homes. Netanyahu on Tuesday announced an expansion of the country's war goals to include the return of northern Israeli residents. International mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States have for months tried to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, which diplomats repeatedly said would help calm regional tensions. Netanyahu's critics in Israel have accused him of dragging out the war, with thousands again gathering in Tel Aviv Saturday demanding a deal to free hostages in Gaza. Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity. Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,431 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has acknowledged the figures as reliable. A late-night strike on a residential neighbourhood of the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv wounded 21 people, Kyiv said Sunday. The strike hit late on Saturday, hours after Russian attacks killed five people -- including two children -- in central Ukraine. The weekend attacks came ahead of a crucial visit by President Volodymyr Zelensky to the United States, where he is due to present proposals on how to end the war and press the West for a green light to use long-range weapons on targets inside Russia. "Last night, Russia struck Kharkiv again, this time with aerial bombs targeting an ordinary residential building," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media. "As a result, 21 people were injured, including an eight-year-old child and two 17-year-olds," he added. Regional leader Oleg Synegubov said two people were in critical condition. He said dozens of residents were asleep when the building was struck. AFP saw rescuers scrambling through a heavily damaged building, with burned-out cars in the parking lot outside, using chainsaws to cut through walls to get to distressed residents in the dark. "Mama, mama, mama," sobbed one woman, who struggled to breathe and was too scared to descend the stairs. Rescuers helped her down to find her mother, who hugged her tightly as the woman trembled. "She is scared," her mother, Oleksandra Ivanivna, told AFP. "It's not the first time." Kharkiv -- which was home to 1.4 million residents before Russia's invasion -- has seen relentless attacks this year. "We were asleep. It (the building) was just blown up... the place is a wreck," Ivanivna said. The city's mayor Igor Terekhov said at the site: "As you can see, there are no military here." "Every day and every night Kharkiv suffers the hits," he added. AFP saw an elderly man with his head bandaged being brought to an ambulance, as well as a man whose face was covered in blood, holding a small terrier dog. Zelensky said the attack showed why his forces needed to use weapons supplied by Western allies to strike deeper into Russian territory, which so far they have refused to authorise. "We need to strengthen our capabilities to better protect lives and ensure safety. Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities," he said. "We are working to convince our partners of this. We will continue these discussions next week." In Washington, he is due to hold talks with Joe Biden, as well as both US presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Details of Kyiv's so-called "victory plan" have not been made public, but Zelensky has said Ukraine has prepared all of its points. He has also said Kyiv plans to invite Russia to a second international peace summit in November. But Moscow this weekend said it would not attend and referred to President Vladimir Putin's conditions to enter talks: that Ukraine surrender four of its regions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told CNN Sunday that he does not see a real interest in talks. "I think both are still betting on the possibility of a military victory," Guterres told CNN in an interview aired Sunday. "President Zelensky has announced that he has a victory plan to present in the United States... The Russians have clearly indicated that they also have victory (in mind)." Zelensky will travel to the United States after a summer of intense fighting, with Moscow's troops advancing fast in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv holding on to swathes of Russia's Kursk region. Turneo, a leading travel tech start-up focused on experiential hospitality, today announced the successful closing of a 2m seed investment round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from Underline Ventures. The investment will accelerate Turneos mission to revolutionise hospitality by enabling the worlds leading hotels to offer incredible in-destination activities to their guests. In addition to growing the team, the funding will enable expansion into new markets and significant product enhancements. Founded in 2022, Turneo enables hotels to manage their entire activities offering in one place. It allows hotel guests to browse and book in-destination activities and transfers on the hotel website or app. At the same time, it provides hotels with a single platform where the entire offering of in-house and partner activities is managed. This includes creating and publishing new activities, partnering with local providers, as well as reviewing activities data, insights and reviews from their guests. Travellers plan and book activities before arriving at their destination. With Turneo, hotels can finally showcase their destinations and manage the activity offering to their guests. This means happier guests, with additional revenue and less operational hassle for hotels. Fran Kauzlaric, co-founder of Turneo Data they are seeing from the 2024 Europe summer season is fantastic: guests who booked activities gave hotels on average 8% higher ratings on review sites, and over two-thirds of guests who booked activities at hotels using the platform did so online. Recent years have seen significant growth in the experiences and hotel activities market which is projected to reach $463bn by 2030. Turneo predicts $172bn will flow through hotels. We are thrilled to have the support of such incredible investors as Bessemer Venture Partners and Underline Ventures. This funding validates the huge opportunity as well as our vision, and it enables us to scale our operations, enhance our technology, and form critical partnerships so that we can empower more hotels to deliver amazing activities to their guests. Matija Marijan, CEO and co-founder of Turneo Turneo Raises 2m Seed Funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners to further expand its revolutionary hospitality technology Source: Turneo Bessemer Venture Partners, a global leader in early-stage venture capital, recognised Turneos potential to disrupt the travel industry, following earlier investments in the likes of Shopify and Toast, as well as household names such as LinkedIn, Pinterest and Skype. Beyond just capital, their investment places Turneo at the forefront of the hospitality industrys transformation, with the funds ability to leverage its expertise to guide the company towards becoming the industry leader. Historically, rooms were the main revenue driver for hotels. However, traveller preferences have changed dramatically over the last few years, and only selling rooms isnt enough. Turneo is playing right into this market shift by building a platform for hotels to seamlessly create, manage and monetise rich experiences for guests - whether it is spa treatments or in-destination tours. Aditya Nidmarti, investor at Bessemer Venture Partners and newly appointed Board Director at Turneo Turneo is uniquely positioned to transform how people experience travel and how hotels elevate destinations they operate in. The company's focus on destination management and the role hospitality companies have in it is exactly what the industry needs. We see Turneos potential to revolutionise in-destination experiences. The VC fund, known for its pivotal role in Shopifys growth, sees Turneo as the next major disruptor in the hospitality tech space, positioning the company to lead the vertical software revolution in experiential travel. Alex Ferrara, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, who previously led Shopifys Series A round in 2010 With this new capital injection, Turneo plans to expand its product offerings, grow its global user base, and establish strategic partnerships with visionary global hoteliers. The company, which was previously recognized as one of the Hot 25 Travel Start-Ups for 2024 by PhocusWire, will also invest in further developing its AI-driven platform to offer even more personalised and efficient travel experiences through hotels. About Turneo Turneo is the world's leading hospitality platform that enables innovative hotels and resorts to offer incredible in-destination experiences to their guests. It was founded in 2022 by Matija Marijan, previously Senior Director of Strategy at Expedia, and Fran Kauzlaric, previously Innovation Lead at Brussels Airport. Pittsfield veterans remember missing comrades on Friday at South Street Memorial Park. Post 1236 Cmdr. Brian Sedgewick displays a photo of Lt. Col. John Francis Overlock of Stephentown, N.Y., an Air Force pilot who has been MIA since 1968. PreviousNext Pittsfield Veterans Remember Missing Comrades, POWs Mayor Peter Marchetti says more attention needs to be paid to events like National POW/MIA Recognition Day, noting there are still families waiting for their servicemembers to come home. PITTSFIELD, Mass. Around 20 people gathered at the South Street Memorial Park on Friday morning to mark National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Ceremonies like these are held to keep memories alive of prisoners of war and servicemembers missing in action while pledging not to cease efforts to bring them home. "By doing this, we are observing all of the POW/MIA's from different wars so that they will never be forgotten," American Legion Post 68 Cmdr. Woody Vaspra said. Mayor Peter Marchetti said we need to do a better job of teaching patriotism and getting folks to attend these events. "I think these are one of the more important events that happen in the city," he said. "And we know that there are people that we are still waiting to return home and families that are struggling, too." Later on Friday, Marine Pvt. First Class Erwin S. King returned to his hometown of Clarksburg after his remains were identified eight decades after being killed in action during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. The 18-year-old had enlisted only six weeks after Pearl Harbor and never returned home. Congress and the president solidified the recognition day in 1979 after a drive for more accountability from families of more than 2,500 Vietnam War POWs and MIAs. There have been more than 138,000 since World War I. The Charles Persip American Legion Post 68 held the inaugural ceremony last year. Army veteran Henry "Hank" Morris had attended a fellow Vietnam veteran's funeral in Albuquerque, N.M., the prior year and was inspired to start the tradition. Vaspra explained that the day is very important to him. "I had a friend that was shot down in 1965 and came back in 1973," he said. "And when I went to visit with him, all we could do was sit across from each other and cry because there are no words to describe what they went through." In May of 1972 while in the Air Force, Vaspra received the news that his roommate was shot down in Vietnam and listed as missing in action. "I told the Air Force, 'if you find him alive, call me.' The call never came," he said. "It took 26 years for me to finally go to the Vietnam Wall to take care of that business." BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 22. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov left for New York to attend the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Trend reports. During the visit, Minister Bayramov will address the General Assembly and take part in a number of other international events. During the high-level week, bilateral meetings with official representatives of foreign states and heads of international organizations are also planned. Berkshire NAMI marks its 40th anniversary during its annual business meeting on Wednesday. Board President Ruth Healy and Executive Director Paul Johansen present Dr. Deborah Buccino with the Silver Ribbon Mental Health Advocate Award. Board member Abigail Hunt with Pittsfield Police Officer Hunter O'Neill, who received the Eunice E. Zorbo Citizen of the Year Award. Healy, VP Bethany Persing and board member Rae LangsdaleRae Langsdale, this year's recipient of the Eunice E. Zorbo Member of the Year Award. Local author and former psychiatric nurse Kevin O'Hara reads stories from his 2021 book 'A Christmas Journey.' PreviousNext Berkshire NAMI Celebrates 40 Years Executive Director Paul Johansen welcomes the gathering at Zucchini's. PITTSFIELD, Mass. NAMI Berkshire County is celebrating 40 years of breaking down stigmas and supporting mental health. The local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness held its annual meeting at Zucchini's Restaurant on Wednesday. Between fundraising and sponsorships, the organization brought in nearly $91,700 in the last year and invested about $28,000 into its programs. The 40th anniversary also comes with change, as Paul Johansen was hired as the new executive director and the nonprofit moved to an office space at 141 North St., Suite 301 in downtown Pittsfield. Johansen said he finds it important and rewarding work because mental illness cuts across all barriers, affecting all types of people regardless of factors such as race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic class. "It's been very rewarding just reaching out and talking to other leaders and other nonprofits and other organizations about how we can collaborate," he said, explaining that if you look for common ground, you can always find it and figure out where interests overlap. He has both a personal and professional interest in the field and has even worked with fellow Yale alumni to settle a case against the Ivy League for having detrimentally poor mental health support for students. Incorporated in 1984, the non-profit's mission is to improve the quality of life for local residents with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy. In the last year, more than 200 people have been reached through support groups; over 150 have received education through youth mental health retreats, youth mental health first aid training, and a workshop for community health worker students at Berkshire Community College; more than 600 people through awareness efforts, and over 400 through advocacy. In October 2023, NAMI executive directors across the country met in Washington, D.C., for Capitol Hill Day to meet with senators and representatives and asked for expanded mental health crisis response services. Additionally, a mental health resource guide was created and citizen monitor volunteers were trained to visit behavioral health units at Berkshire Medical Center monthly and solicit feedback about where additional supports would be effective. Board President Ruth Healy pointed out that the organization's expenditures were around $30,000 higher than its yearly revenue and support. "A nonprofit is not intended to make a profit but that does put us in a hole so we are really trying to ramp up grant funding and fundraisers of any kind," she said. "Every dollar helps." During the event, Kevin O'Hara incited laughter and a few tears when he read two Christmas stories from his 2021 book, "A Christmas Journey." O'Hara was a psychiatric nurse at Berkshire Medical Center for more than 30 years and details the experience in his other book "Ins and Outs of a Locked Ward." Awards were presented to three individuals for their contributions to the community. Rae Langsdale received the Eunice E. Zorbo Member of the Year Award, Officer Hunter O'Neill received the Eunice E. Zorbo Citizen of the Year Award, and Dr. Deborah Buccino received the Silver Ribbon Mental Health Advocate Award. Langsdale is a board member and is said to go above and beyond for members of the peer support group that she facilitates. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 22. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan expressed condolences to the Iranian side, Trend reports. "We express our condolences to the people and government of Iran, as well as the families of those killed in the coal mine explosion in Khorasan province. We hope for a speedy recovery of the victims and a quick elimination of the consequences of this tragic incident," the message in "X" says. It should be noted that the death toll has exceeded 50 people as a result of an explosion at a coal mine in Tabas, South Khorasan Province in eastern Iran. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson has been ridiculed by social media users after claiming young women should return to the office to improve their romantic prospects in the vein of Bridget Jones. The former prime minister, 60, compared modern post-pandemic working practices, where many employees choose to split their time between working from home and their office, to those seen in Helen Fieldings Bridget Joness Diary. First published as a column in The Independent in 1995, Bridget Joness Diary was adapted into a trilogy of hit films starring Renee Zellweger. Johnson claimed that Bridget, who walks to her job as a publicity assistant at a publishing company every day, had a habitat where she could be sure of finding breeding partners, adding that the Bridget Joneses of today will never meet their Mr Darcy if they work from home. In the article for the MailOnline, Johnson called Bridgets office an environment with a reasonable number of heterosexual males and suggested Mother Nature would want young people to return to the office for all sorts of evolutionary reasons. Social media users were quick to point out an error Johnson had made in the piece. In Fieldings novel, Bridget doesnt meet Mark Darcy at work. Instead, hes an old friend of her family with whom she becomes reacquainted at her mothers annual turkey curry buffet party. Bridget Jones didnt meet Mark Darcy at the office. She did however meet her highly inappropriate boss who ended up being a toxic af boyfriend, one person responded. Read a book Boris, another user recommended. Colin Firth and Renee Zellweger in Bridget Joness Diary ( Universal ) Several social media users also pointed out that Bridget was sexually harassed at both of her workplaces in the movie. While working as a publicity assistant, her boss Mr Fitzherbert nicknamed T**spervert openly stares at her breasts. Meanwhile, when she changes careers to work as a journalist at a small news channel called Sit Up Britain, her new manager tells her nobody ever gets fired for shagging the boss. Of Johnsons error, another social media user added: Ive been silent about this mans shortcomings for too long, but I cannot allow him to misrepresent basic plot points of Bridget Jones. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Boris Johnson giving his final speech as Prime Minister in September 2022 ( Getty Images ) When Johnson worked as a journalist in the Eighties, he was sacked by the Times over inaccuracies in his work. Johnson had written a front-page article for the paper about the discovery of Edward IIs Rose Palace, in which he allegedly invented a quote from his grandfather, the historian Sir Colin Lucas. He later said of the incident: The trouble was that somewhere in my copy I managed to attribute to Colin the view that Edward II and Piers Gaveston would have been cavorting together in the Rose Palace. Gaveston was actually killed 13 years before the palace had been built. Zellweger in Bridget Jones Diary ( Shutterstock ) The fourth instalment in the Bridget Jones franchise will arrive in cinemas on Valentines Day in 2025. The latest sequel, titled Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, will see Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant reprise their roles as Bridget and Daniel Cleaver. It will also star Leo Woodall (One Day, The White Lotus) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, Doctor Strange). It has not yet been confirmed whether Colin Firth will return as Bridgets original love interest Mark Darcy, much to the concern of fans. But Grant has hinted that Firth will not be a part of the sequel. Its partly based on Helen Fieldings experiences of bringing up two children by herself after her husband died, Grant said of the film. And so Bridget is bringing up two kids and wondering whether she should ever go back to dating. Its a very good script. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Isle of Wight Festival boss John Giddings has claimed that Oasis would snub Glastonbury organisers due to the festivals fee structure. Last month, it was announced that brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher are set to reform the beloved Britpop band following years of estrangement. Oasis are set to embark on a stadium tour next year, though have confirmed that they will not be playing at Glastonbury 2025. The Gallaghers also confirmed that Oasis would not be performing at any other festivals throughout the year. Speaking at the Experience 25, Giddings said (per The Mirror) that Isle of Wight and Glastonbury cant afford to book Oasis as headliners, because they want money. Within the UK festival scene, Glastonbury is renowned for offering lower fees to artists than many of its competitors. Organiser Emily Eavis has stated that this allows more of the festivals revenue to be invested into its site, as well as charitable causes. Elsewhere, Giddings issued a defence of Oasis, following a controversy over the high price of tickets for their forthcoming reunion tour. Oasis have announced two new Wembley Stadium gigs (Simon Emmett/Fear PR/PA) ( PA Media ) I think that they expected a big demand, I dont think they expected more than 10 million people to apply for over a million tickets, Giddings said, via Music News. What people dont realise, what the general public dont appreciate, is that within a ticket price, 20 per cent of it goes to the government in VAT before you begin, he continued. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Its 10 times more expensive to put on shows since COVID, since Brexit, since all of that, and artists want to present a show. The back screen, the fireworks and everything going off with it. Thats what audiences want because we can see by the number of tickets theyre buying. People vote with their feet if they dont want to come then were all dead in the water. Unverified reports have claimed that the Gallagher brothers could be set to make 50m between them from the shows that have been announced with merch sales and sponsorship deals on top of that. Oasis are also expected to announce further tour dates outside of Europe at a later date. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Erik Menendez has described the new Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story as a dishonest portrayal of the crimes he committed with his brother Lyle, accusing the shows creator Ryan Murphy of disheartening slander. The Menendez brothers were convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty. They were arrested for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder outside their home in March 1990 and sentenced to life in prison in 1996. In 2024, new evidence emerged that has the potential to set them free. The siblings are serving life sentences at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California. Monsters stars Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny as Jose and Kitty, with Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch as the brothers. The drama includes the harrowing sexual abuse that Lyle and Erik alleged to have been perpetrated by their father, but Erik Menendez has accused Murphy of distorting the truth. Menendez responded to the series in a statement posted to X/Twitter by his wife, Tammi. It reads: I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show. I can only believe they were done so on purpose. It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent. open image in gallery Erik Menendez pictured during a pre-trial hearing in Los Angeles on December 29, 1992 ( AFP via Getty Images ) It is sad for me to know that Netflixs dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime have taken the painful truths several steps backward back through time to an era when the prosecution built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused, and that males experienced rape trauma differently than women. Those awful lies have been disputed and exposed by countless brave victims over the last two decades who have broken through their personal shame and bravely spoken out. So now Murphy shapes his horrible narrative through vile and appalling character portrayals of Lyle and of me and disheartening slander. He continued: Is the truth not enough? Let the truth stand as the truth. How demoralizing to know that one man with power can undermine decades of progress in shedding light on childhood trauma. Violence is never an answer, never a solution, and is always tragic. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free As such, I hope it is never forgotten that violence against a child creates a hundred horrendous and silent crime scenes darkly shadowed behind glitter and glamor and rarely exposed until tragedy penetrates everyone involved. To all those who have reached out and supported me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. The Independent has contacted Murphys representative for comment. Since the series arrived on Netflix on Thursday, viewers have been cautioning others on social media about the graphic nature of the violence depicted in the show. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kim Kardashian and Cooper Koch, star of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, reportedly paid a visit this weekend to convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez, along with other prisoners, at San Diego Countys Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Yesterday, Erik Menendezs wife Tammi posted a statement on social media describing Ryan Murphys Netflix series Monsters as dishonest and disheartening slander. According to TMZ, Kardashian was joined by her sister Khloe Kardashian, her mother Kris Jenner and film producer Scott Budnick along with Koch, who plays Erik Menendez in the new series. Kardashian, a longtime advocate for criminal justice reform, is said to have discussed prison reform with the inmates. She also spoke of the Greenspace project, which encourages rehabilitation by beautifying prison yards, which both Menendez brothers have been involved in. The brothers are serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty. They were arrested for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder outside their home in March 1990 and sentenced in 1996. In 2024, new evidence emerged that has the potential to set them free. Monsters stars Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny as Jose and Kitty, with Koch and Nicholas Chavez as the brothers. open image in gallery Kim Kardashian visited convicted murderers Lyle and Erik Menendez (pictured right, at court in the 1990s) at San Diego Countys Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. ( Getty ) In a statement posted to X/Twitter by his wife Tammi, Erik Menendez responded to the series by saying: I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show. I can only believe they were done so on purpose. It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent. It is sad for me to know that Netflixs dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime have taken the painful truths several steps backward back through time to an era when the prosecution built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused, and that males experienced rape trauma differently than women. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Those awful lies have been disputed and exposed by countless brave victims over the last two decades who have broken through their personal shame and bravely spoken out. So now Murphy shapes his horrible narrative through vile and appalling character portrayals of Lyle and of me and disheartening slander. Is the truth not enough? Let the truth stand as the truth. How demoralizing to know that one man with power can undermine decades of progress in shedding light on childhood trauma. Violence is never an answer, never a solution, and is always tragic. As such, I hope it is never forgotten that violence against a child creates a hundred horrendous and silent crime scenes darkly shadowed behind glitter and glamor and rarely exposed until tragedy penetrates everyone involved. To all those who have reached out and supported me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. The Independent has contacted Murphys representative for his response to the statement. Since the series arrived on Netflix on Thursday, viewers have been cautioning others on social media about the graphic nature of the violence depicted in the show. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Archbishop of Canterbury has made a powerful intervention pressing for urgent action to address the climate crisis before it is too late to save the world. Writing exclusively for The Independent, Justin Welby stated that God is green and those who claim to be Christian but argue the climate crisis is a hoax are wrong. Britains chief cleric has defiantly told his detractors he wont be silenced as he enters what he sees as the most crucial debate of the current age. He said: If it is interfering to seek to avert the climate change catastrophe, let us interfere. His intervention comes as The Independent prepares to host the Climate 100 event in New York with keynote speaker, former prime minister Baroness Theresa May, and publishes its inaugural Climate 100 List celebrating the worlds foremost environmentalists. Baroness May herself has come in for criticism from members of her own party for pushing the climate crisis agenda, particularly by forcing through the clean air legislation which became the basis of Londons expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez). open image in gallery Archbishop Welby has spoken out on the climate crisis ( EPA ) And the archbishop, like other prominent figures in the debate, has been the target of political attacks and abuse for taking a stand. But in the defiant opinion piece, Archbishop Welby insisted that he will not be silenced on the issue. His piece also takes on a growing political narrative from the right of politics against action on the climate crisis. Donald Trump has described the science behind the crisis as a hoax, while Nigel Farage has called it a scam, with those claims repeated at the Reform UK party conference last week and at Republican presidential rallies in the US. But even more concerningly, the climate crisis sceptic agenda has crept into the more mainstream Tory party, with the candidates to replace Rishi Sunak as leader all pledging to row back on measures to help bring down CO2 emissions. This comes after Sunak postponed targets on banning cars which use diesel and petrol and granted licences for more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. open image in gallery Baroness May will be a keyote speakr at Climate 100 in New York ( House of Lords/UK Parliament/PA ) Often, politicians claim that measures needed to reduce carbon emissions are too expensive for ordinary people, while others point to countries like China that are not trying to reduce CO2. In his uncompromising piece, Archbishop Welby made it clear that those with faith should support tackling the climate crisis. He wrote: God is green, and He calls on us to be green. It is vital that we tread carefully, and respond to the urgency of the climate emergency, and curb the effects of the climate crisis. And this means waking up to the reality of the crisis. He made it clear that he fears that the climate crisis sceptic narrative is too often coming from Christian communities. He said: It dismays me when I hear Christians disputing scientific facts or saying that it is simply Gods problem. That is to misunderstand the awesome responsibility that God entrusted us with in caring for his planet and its people. It is a moral imperative to do as much as we can not to destroy the green world that God created for us. And we must act now, before it is too late. With Mr Trump in the running for a second term as president and resistance to tackling the climate crisis persisting in major powers such as China and India, the archbishop lays out a mission to convert world leaders to the cause of saving the planet. He said: We must seek to persuade the powerful that it is in their interest to do good and be green. Some never will and we have to accept that. Cynics, some of whom even call it a hoax, will accuse us of interfering in politics. If it is interfering to seek to avert the catastrophe of the climate crisis, especially as it affects the poorest, then let us interfere. I call it humanitarian care. The Independents Climate 100 event will take place in New York City on 25 September to mark the launch of the Climate 100 List, a roll call of leading climate activists, innovators, scientists, business leaders, creators, policymakers and entrepreneurs from around the world, selected by The Independent. Taking place during Climate Week NYC, the event will be broadcast over Zoom, and you can attend online for free. Simply register here to reserve your place. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were both pulled from their planned media commitments following the Singapore Grand Prix with borderline heatstroke. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Hamilton, who complained about his teams strategy after he started third and finished sixth, fell ill in the immediate aftermath of the 62-lap race. Russell was also deemed not well enough to conduct his media duties. The 26-year-old, on a different strategy to Hamilton, started one place behind his team-mate, but crossed the line ahead in fourth. The media duties are obligatory for all of the drivers. However, Mercedes contacted the FIA in the immediate aftermath of the race to request a medical exemption for both of their drivers on the advice of the teams doctors. The race in the city-state is considered one of the most demanding on the calendar such is the humidity, but the grids 18 other drivers all managed to fulfil their press calls. Lando Norris, who won from pole position, did complain about feeling dizzy after he emerged from his McLaren cockpit. Russell finished the race in Singapore where he started ( AP ) They did not feel well, borderline heatstroke or something like that but they have had water, said Wolff as he explained his drivers absences. They would not have been able to go to the (television/print) pen. There were no bad feelings or any annoyance. It is just that we had the doctors with them. But they are all good. A Mercedes spokesperson added: Unfortunately neither George or Lewis will be attending the media pen this evening as they recover from the exertions of this evenings race. They did not feel well, borderline heatstroke or something like that but they have had water. Toto Wolff Hamilton, who has six races remaining at Mercedes before he heads to Ferrari, was the only leading contender to start on the soft tyre, and the seven-time world champion, in his 350th appearance, made the switch to the hard compound on lap 17, dropping him to 13th. But the 39-year-old, who bumped the wall on his way into the pit-lane, was quickly on the radio to express his frustration at the decision. We will be in trouble later, he said over the radio. I am already struggling with this tyre you are killing me with this offset (strategy), mate. Moments later, Hamilton ran off the road as he attempted to pass Yuki Tsunoda. Hamilton was back on the radio. Something is definitely wrong with the car, he said. Wolff was seen holding his head in his hand at the back of the garage. To make matters worse for Hamilton, Russell emerged ahead of him after he made his sole tyre change on lap 30. Hamilton was then gazumped by Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc in the closing stages. Hamilton finished 85 seconds behind Norris and 21 sec adrift of Russell. He is sixth in the standings, 19 points clear of his British team-mate ahead of the next round in Austin, Texas on October 20. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Max Verstappen has threatened to turn his back on Formula One in the wake of his community service order for swearing. Verstappen was sanctioned by the sports governing body after he described his Red Bull as f***** in a televised press conference prior to Sundays Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen effectively boycotted the FIAs mandatory post-qualifying media call on Saturday, in response to his punishment and then kept his answers to a minimum after he finished second in the race. Away from the FIAs official press conference, the triple world champion, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, was asked if the punishment the finer details of which are yet to be determined have left him considering his future. These kind of things definitely decide my future, if you cant be yourself or you have to deal with these silly things, Verstappen, 26, said. Im now at the stage of my career that you dont want to be dealing with this all the time. Its really tiring. Of course its great to have success and win races, but once youve accomplished all of that, then you want to just have a good time as well. Everyone is pushing to the limit, everyone in this paddock, even at the back of the grid. But if you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me that is not a way of continuing in this sport, thats for sure. open image in gallery Verstappen has a 52-point lead in the world championship with six rounds remaining ( AP ) Verstappen stated at last months Dutch Grand Prix that he is already halfway through his career, and has previously questioned the demands of the ever-expanding calendar. Verstappen, who holds a 52-point lead over Lando Norris with six rounds remaining, continued: I will always be myself. I will not change how I am in my life. At one point when its enough its enough. Racing will go on, and F1 will go on without me. If you cant really be yourself to the fullest, then its better not to speak. But thats not what anyone wants, because then you become a robot, and thats not how you should be going about it in this sport. Verstappen, bidding to win a fourth consecutive title, will return to action at the next round in Austin, Texas on October 20. At the beginning of this week, as an author and campaigner, I had a long and friendly meeting with Luis Vayas Valdivieso, who serves not only as Ecuadors ambassador to the United Kingdom but also as the chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on plastic pollution. What is the INC? Well, readers of The Independent may remember the papers banner headline on 2 March, 2022: Countries agree historic move to draw up legal treaty to end plastic pollution Representatives of 175 countries endorsed a resolution at the UN Environment Assembly [Unea] in Nairobi to end plastic pollution and draw up an international legally binding agreement by 2024. Negotiation efforts will begin this year, and the treaty is expected to tackle plastic through its life cycle, including its production, design and disposal. After the meeting, Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep), said: Today marks a triumph by planet Earth over single-use plastics. The then international environment minister, Zac Goldsmith, said: This agreement by governments at Unea is truly historic, and Im so proud that the UK co-sponsored the proposals and helped get them over the line. Well, euphoria has its sell-by date. With the eyes of the world on other issues Ukraine, the Middle East, the US election, etc is there a danger that the heady enthusiasm of March 2022 may prove to have been misplaced? open image in gallery A man picks up litter from a beach in the Galapagos Islands ( Stanley Johnson ) Ambassador Vayas said that work on the plastic pollution treaty had now reached a crucial phase. Even though the INC has had four meetings so far (the most recent INC 4 held in Ottawa, Canada, in April this year), these events as the ambassador put it have been based on information exchange and discussion, rather than negotiating sessions. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee aims to approve the text of an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) at its fifth session, which will take place from 25 November to 1 December in Busan, Republic of Korea. As the ambassador put it to me: To achieve this goal, we will have only seven days at INC 5 in which to finalise the text if we are to conclude, as we must according to the UN resolution, by the end of 2024. The ambassador frankly admitted that the document currently before governments and other interested parties is far from ideal as a basis for negotiation. It bristles with brackets, footnotes and options, and extends altogether over 70 pages. In my continuous consultation since INC 4, I have heard from a very broad range of members that, if we are to work incrementally on the current compilation text, we will not achieve our goal in INC 5. I share this view. If ever a warning flag was being ever so diplomatically raised, this was that flag. Ambassador Vayas is now engaged in intensive discussions with UN members. His hope is to build a common understanding of how a text can be agreed and approved at INC 5. One of the key issues in the text to be negotiated in Busan will be what the term full life cycle (as mandated by the 2 March 2022 UN Resolution) actually means. open image in gallery The impact of plastic production on the attainment, or otherwise, of climate goals is immense ( Getty/iStock ) Will the final text indicate which polymers will be targeted, not merely for reduction in terms of the quantities produced, but actually for elimination due to their intrinsic hazard (including to human health), leakage into the environment, and recyclability? Will the text clearly recognise that action on plastics, whether at the production or the consumption stage, will crucially impact the attainment of other sustainable development goals, including health, where the potential health impact of microplastics is of increasing concern? For example, the impact of plastic production on the attainment, or otherwise, of climate goals is immense. According to documents now being considered by delegates, in 2020 the total lifecycle emissions from plastics were estimated at 2.4 billion tonnes (Gt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 e). In 2050, under conservative growth scenarios and assuming decarbonised power grids, the total lifecycle emissions are estimated to increase to 3.9 Gt CO2 e, constituting 19-23 per cent of the remaining global carbon budget to limit warming to 1.5C under the Paris Agreement. Widespread calls have come from governments, civil society, scientists and progressive industries for the ILBI to include a framework for reducing polymer production to sustainable levels. How ready will delegates to the Busan meeting be to respond to those calls? open image in gallery A crested grebe collects plastic waste to use alongside plant material as it builds its nest ( Getty/iStock ) Realistically, less than 10 per cent of plastics are recovered, reused or recycled. Without action on the production (or supply) side, we may be spitting in the wind. At the end of our conversation, I was in absolutely no doubt that the ambassador, as chair of the INC, is determined to press for the best possible outcome of negotiations in Korea and at INC 5. The UN resolution of 2 March 2022 was sponsored by Peru and Rwanda. Co-sponsors included the UK. Those countries, with other parties such as Germany, Ghana, Vietnam, and the EU, continue to play a key role in the development of the Global Plastic Treaty. But as a former minister in the government of his country, and now as Ecuadors ambassador to London, Luis Vayas clearly welcomed the fact that the world is already talking informally about the Galapagos Plastic Pollution Treaty. Galapagos belongs to Ecuador, he said, but there is a special resonance in the name. But conscious of his role as chair, he quickly added: I must be strictly neutral in this, as in all matters. The ambassador had a final thought. If Galapagos did finally emerge as the venue of choice for a signing ceremony, perhaps King Charles himself might be able to attend in person. It would be so good to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla in Santa Cruz, Ambassador Vayas said. That was a good note to end on. Stanley Johnsons most recent book, In the Footsteps of Marco Polo, is published by Telensky International Editions The Independent will be hosting a Climate 100 event in New York on Wednesday 25 September, which can be attended online. To reserve your place click here Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Angelina Jolie has a matching tattoo with one of her children. The actor and director recently spoke with CR Fashion Book about her store, Atelier Jolie, which sells sustainable designer clothing and has a cafe run by refugees and immigrant chefs. At one point during the interview, she also spoke about her most recent inking. I got Stay Gold with my daughter Viv during our time with The Outsiders, she said. It means so much to us separately and together. There is also a bird that I share with some of my children that is personal to us. Jolie has six kids with ex-husband Brad Pitt: Maddox, 23, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 16. The Outsiders is a book written by SE Hinton and published in 1967. It details a coming-of-age story about two rival gangs called the Greasers and the Socs divided by their socioeconomic status. The book was made into a movie in 1983 and then a Broadway musical which opened in April. Both Jolie and Vivienne worked on the Broadway production together with Jolie as a lead producer and her youngest daughter being an assistant. The words stay gold are both one characters last words, and also a song title in the musical. The Mr & Mrs Smith actor has previously spoken about working with her daughter, explaining that she was the one who introduced her to the new musical to begin with. She saw an early workshop a few times and then invited me to it, Jolie told People. She has been there to assist in any way she can and has learned so much from [score and co-book writer] Justin Levine and the whole creative team, the actress added. In another interview, Jolie mentioned that Vivienne is a tough assistant. Shell correct me, she said. Shell say, Didnt you read the memo? We have to do this. We have to go through this. Shes been a really tough assistant, she added. She takes it very, very seriously. Although Vivienne and her twin brother Knox are still in high school, Jolie recently revealed where she plans to move after her twins turn 18. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last month, the 49-year-old Oscar winner spoke about her family dynamics amid her ongoing, contentious divorce from Pitt. Despite having grown up in Los Angeles, Jolie admitted she has only stayed in the city because of the divorce proceedings. I have to be here from a divorce, she revealed to the outlet. But as soon as theyre 18, Ill be able to leave. She plans on being a globetrotter, starting with traveling to Cambodia, where she adopted her son Maddox in 2002. Ill spend a lot of time in Cambodia, she said. Ill spend time visiting my family members wherever they may be in the world. When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety, Jolie added, noting that she yearns for the connection and experiences she encountered in her early travels. I have a house now to raise my children, but sometimes this place can be that humanity that I found across the world is not what I grew up with here. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 22. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Iran Ali Alizade met with the head of the Department of International Legal Affairs of the Iranian Foreign Ministry Seyed Ali Mousavi. This is stated in the publication of the Azerbaijani embassy on their X page, Trend reports. According to the information, bilateral legal issues were discussed during the meeting. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Zendayas stylist Law Roach has opened up about one decision he made when he first began working with her - by making her look like other celebrities. When the actress started her career on the Disney channel in the shows Shake It Up and KC Undercover, luxury brands didnt want to work with her, thinking she couldnt adequately market the clothes to a wider audience. Roach specifically revealed on the podcast The Cutting Room Floor that Chanel, Saint Laurent, Dior, Gucci and Valentino had all refused to work with her. He had a rule for whenever a brand turned the two of them down, they would never be able to again. If its a no now, its a no forever, he said. I figured out that whoever got the most press got the best dresses, so I was, like, I need to get her more press, the stylist told The New Yorker. Part of his method to get the Euphoria star seen more was to particularly get her into US Weeklys Who Wore It Best poll, where two celebrities wearing the same outfit are shown side by side and readers vote on which outfit they liked more. Roach mentioned intentionally dressing The Greatest Showman actress into outfits he had seen other celebrities wearing. He explained that he wasnt afraid of her potentially losing the poll, saying, Because I know shes going to win a battle. open image in gallery Roach first started working with Zendaya when she was 14. He now says he dressed her in the same clothes as other celebrities ( Getty Images for The Met Museum/ ) This isnt the first time the stylist has spoken about the lack of brands that wanted to work with Zendaya. In a February interview with Vogue, he mentioned that she largely wore vintage pieces when they first started working together because that was all that was available to them. Weve been [pulling vintage] since Zendaya and I began working together, for 13 years now. At first, it came out of necessity because back when we started, nobody would lend her clothes, he proclaimed. And I come from vintage - I had a vintage store in Chicago - so a lot of the things that she wore were things from my store or vintage pieces. The stylist also recalled a time in 2014 when a publicist didnt want to give him a black-and-teal Ungaro dress that Zendaya would wear to the Grammy Awards. When youre talking about that price point, it doesnt really make sense to have a girl translating the brand to a woman that has the means to buy those clothes, the publicist told The New Yorker. However, Roach refused to leave without the dress, and after the creative director of Ungaro saw Zendaya in it, she scored her first invite to The Met Gala. Although Roach announced his retirement from celebrity styling in 2023 he admitted to Interview Magazines Mel Ottenberg that he would not stop working with her. How can I just pick up and leave somebody when Im the only stylist theyve ever had? Shes literally the one client where Im like: That is my family, he remarked. And I know what I mean to her because she tells me all the time. So I am trying to figure out how to change my position. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A roadside blast caused by an improvised explosive device, targeting a convoy of foreign diplomats, killed a policeman and injured four others, an official said Sunday. The diplomats were traveling to a tourist area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan and is a base for militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban. The blast occurred at the tourist spot and hill station of Malam Jabba, one of Pakistans two ski resorts, some 250 km (155 miles) north of the provincial capital Peshawar. The diplomats in the convoy were from Indonesia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Iran, Russia and Tajikistan. All of them are safe and a heavy security contingent is at the scene, police officer Javed Khan said. They were visiting the area at the invitation of the local chamber of commerce and industry, Khan added. A statement from the Foreign Ministry said an advance scout police vehicle was hit by an IED. The diplomats have returned to the capital Islamabad. Our sympathies are with the families of the policeman. We honor our law enforcement authorities that remain steadfast in the face of terrorists, said the ministry. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack. In a separate incident, in southwest Balochistan province, gunmen opened fire on a security patrol team in Zhob district and killed two officers on Saturday night. A third died from his injuries on Sunday, said Assistant Police Inspector Ghulam Muhammad. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A building surveyor who swindled the National Trust out of more than 1 million through false invoices has been jailed along with his son. The judge told Roger Bryant, 73, that he actively abused his position and that his sons were consciously complicit, after 148 payments totalling 1,125,304.86 were made to two bank accounts controlled by the 73-year-old. Bryant, of Barnstaple, was sentenced to six and a half years imprisonment at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, following his conviction for 28 offences after a lengthy trial at the same court. His sons James Bryant, 49, and Scott Bryant, 38, both of Barnstaple, were also found guilty of two charges in relation to them knowing or at least suspecting the money generated for their own companies by their father was the proceeds of crime. Appearing in court alongside their father, James Bryant was sentenced to four years imprisonment and Scott Bryant was handed two years suspended for 18 months. Passing sentence, His Honour Judge Burgess KC described Roger Bryants criminality as audacious and protracted. Appearing in court alongside his father and brother, James Bryant was sentenced to four years imprisonment ( Devon and Cornwall Police ) The judge said he had a position of considerable trust within The Trust and was responsible for a budget of more than half a million per year while he was employed by the charity as a building surveyor. During the almost three-month trial, a jury was told he fraudulently submitted invoices to the organisation for building work that was either partially or wholly not completed on its properties. If some work did take place, it had not been specified on the schedule and was not of the standard expected. Between January 2008 and October 2013, the National Trust believed it was paying two companies for work that had been completed, JR Contracting and SB Construction. During this time period, the Trust made 112 payments totalling 1,061,096.29 in respect of invoices from JR Contracting. Between February 2011 and October 2013, the Trust made 36 payments totalling 64,208.57 after invoices from SB Construction. The payments were made to one of two bank accounts, both controlled by James Bryant. The fraud was discovered during a meeting in October 2013, when JR Contracting was identified as the biggest supplier to the Trust in the Arlington and North Devon area but the general managers had not heard of the company. When confronted, Roger Bryant said that JR Contracting existed and had done the work. Following the discovery of the fraud, Roger Bryant attempted to pervert the course of justice by asking two people to lie by saying they had witnessed works take place at various locations. In a separate fraud against the National Trust in 2013, Roger Bryant submitted invoices in relation to a real contractor for work supposedly carried out on the charitys properties when the work had in fact been carried out on his own property. Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Adam Bond said: "The sentences passed today by His Honour Judge Burgess KC reflect the severity of this fraud, especially when considered the victim is a much-loved and respected charitable organisation responsible for much of the countrys building and countryside heritage." The National Trust said: We trust our staff to do their jobs efficiently and honestly which is vitally important to an organisation responsible for looking after many different places in such a wide geographical area. We have all been very shocked at the crimes committed by a trusted of member of staff. We are immensely grateful for the diligence of the teams involved in this legal process who include, former and current National Trust staff, National Trust tenants, contractors, suppliers and especially Devon and Cornwall Police, whom without such perseverance would not have seen these crimes brought to justice. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Relatives of Grenfell Tower fire victims have demanded answers over Theresa Mays rapid decision to order the public inquiry, which they now fear has delayed the criminal prosecutions of those responsible. The day after the blaze that killed 72 people on 14 June 2017 as the fire was yet to be brought under control and people desperately searched for missing loved ones the former prime minister ordered a full public inquiry to ensure this terrible tragedy is properly investigated. But with the inquirys final report published this month, police have said they must now go through its findings line by line meaning charges are not expected to be brought until the end of 2026, with the prospect of trials not commencing until 2029. Police are said to have told Grenfell survivors they have never known a public inquiry to be conducted at the same time as a criminal investigation, and bereaved families now fear the complex web of blame heard by the inquiry could make it more difficult to prosecute for manslaughter. The Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people ( Reuters ) The group Grenfell Next of Kin which includes the immediate relatives of 34 victims has now written to Baroness May to demand answers over the advice she received before calling the inquiry. In the letter, seen by The Independent, Kimia Zabihyan, an advocate for the group, wrote: Your decision only hours after the fire, before you had visited the site even, had massive consequences on our pursuit of our justice. It has delayed justice and will essentially make it very difficult if not impossible to bring manslaughter charges... We would like to know what advice you took and if you were aware of the impact that an inquiry going before criminal prosecutions would have on our right to justice? Warning that assurances given days after the fire by ministers Alok Sharma and Nick Hurd that the inquiry would not delay the conclusion of the police probe have turned out not to be true, Ms Zabihyan asked: Can you please tell us what advice you and your cabinet had and from whom? While London mayor Sadiq Khan had been among those demanding a full inquiry prior to Baroness May announcing it, MP David Lammy whose friend Khadija Saye died at Grenfell had already called the fire corporate manslaughter and called for arrests. Seven years later, Ms Zabihyan warned the web of blame heard by the inquiry a term lead counsel Richard Millett KC used to illustrate the magnitude of claims and counterclaims made by cladding firms, developers, the council, and government itself has almost done the defences job for them. By putting the inquiry first, they gave the organisations and individuals the opportunity to defend themselves not before a court and judge and jury that could then decide the causation of the deaths but before a sort of mock court, if you like, Ms Zabihyan told The Independent. Members of a support group for the next of kin and families of some of the 72 people killed in the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017 ( PA ) But now that evidence has to be taken into consideration by the CPS, which means that it would be difficult for the people or organisations named to be charged especially for manslaughter charges. Thats really infuriating the immediate family members, who are saying: Why did you take us down this road? Max Hill, who was director of public prosecutions from 2018 to 2023, told The Independent that he can certainly see why Grenfell bereaved and survivors would have wanted criminal investigation and prosecution before the public inquiry. The police and the CPS are used to complex investigations, he said. Of course, there is a mass of detail, look at other major and complex investigations and prosecutions. The task at hand is to cut through the detail. While criminal probes would have taken years in any event and the information gathered by the inquiry will help the police, the immunity given to some inquiry witnesses means police and prosecutors will still have to gather evidence that will be admissible and reliable in court, Mr Hill added. Scotland Yards Grenfell lead, Detective Superintendent Garry Moncrieff, previously told The Times that manslaughter and homicide is at the heart of our investigation, but said that manslaughter is one of the hardest of cases to prove. He said that in the case of Grenfell you have got so many people and companies that are involved. In the same interview, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy repeatedly said confidently that his officers will submit charging files to prosecutors. This week, a House of Lords committee called for a major overhaul of the public inquiry system, including better decisions at the start of an inquiry to expedite its work, reduce costs and ensure victims and survivors are properly involved. Baroness May was approached for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Transport secretary Louise Haigh will portray herself as the heart and soul of the socialist agenda in Keir Starmers Labour government when she unveils a bus service revolution in her keynote conference speech. Labours first conference less than three months after winning a massive majority in the general election has been defined by concerns from activists and unions about the potential for a new wave of austerity because of difficult finances, with a 22 billion black hole left by the Tories. But Ms Haigh plans to give Labour members some traditional socialist red meat when she uses her speech to highlight the huge legislative agenda to renationalise and renew the UKs creaking transport system. She will stress the country has endured 14 years of Conservative neglect and failure when it came to public transport, and that the Labour government is ushering in a transformative agenda to get communities moving again. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is ushering in a transport revolution (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire ) She has already put in place the legislation to nationalise the UKs rail service by 2027 under Greater British Rail and on Monday she will talk about restoring bus services to public ownership with new investment. This will include bringing back lost routes, particularly to rural communities which private companies have abandoned because they are less profitable. Sources close to the transport secretary, who is seen as one of the few leftwing firebrands in the Cabinet, say she is proud to be the first transport secretary to make a speech on buses. The announcement will come during a meeting with regional mayors on restoring services to public ownership outside Liverpools iconic Liver Building, flanked by franchised and publicly owned buses from Liverpool, London, Greater Manchester and Warrington. Ms Haigh will be joined by Labour Mayors Steve Rotheram, Andy Burnham, Tracy Brabin, Kim McGuinness, Oliver Coppard and David Skaith to demonstrate the power of local leaders and government working hand in hand to deliver change. With lost bus services one of the biggest complaints in the mailbags of MPs, Ms Haigh believes that focussing on a subject which does not often make headlines is an important way of proving the government wants to get on with delivery. She will say: I couldnt speak to you today without talking about a passion of mine. Buses. For too long politicians in my position have cared too little, and its shown. Buses are an engine of social justice. People on lower incomes rely on them far more than the wealthy. For decades private operators were allowed to pick and choose routes that put profit ahead of passengers, with no control for communities. Her goal is to allow councils to take back control of bus services to ensure communities are not forgotten. She will tell delegates: Last year I stood in front of you and promised we would bring in powers so that every area of the country could take back control of their local bus services. And weve done it. Within weeks of being elected, our Labour government has brought forward legislation to bring our buses back under public control. And later this year we will overturn the ideological Tory ban on public ownership of bus companies. Privatisation of our transport is not pragmatism. It doesnt spur innovation. It hasnt made things better. Privatisation is defeatism. And we dont accept defeat when it comes to the lives and livelihoods of the British people. Ms Haigh has been at the forefront of undoing reforms which have been in place since the Margaret Thatcher government of the 1980s. But she will tell delegates she is not finished. The Better Buses Bill is expected to be introduced by the end of the year, in a clear signal of the Labour governments intent to fast-track these flagship reforms. The Bill will empower local leaders to deliver wide-ranging improvements to local bus services, including removing the Conservatives ideological ban on the creation of new, publicly-owned bus companies. There is so much more work to do. We are going to transform the way we invest in infrastructure. Well get HS2 under control, and give people faith that Britain can build again and well work across Government to deliver a 10-year infrastructure strategy which supports growth right across the country. The task ahead is not easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Together we will fix the foundations of this country. Together we will deliver the change that we promised. Together we will build a better Britain. Lets move even faster. Lets fix things. We can do it. Together. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Jeremy Corbyns allies have tried to use the far-right riots over the summer as a weapon to attack Sir Keir Starmers fledgling premiership. At an event which appeared to be aimed at hijacking the conference narrative, Starmer was accused of having embraced anti-migrant rhetoric by a former member of the partys National Executive Committee (NEC). Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has come under scrutiny (Phil Noble/PA) ( PA Wire ) Speaking at an event on the fringes of the Labour conference in Liverpool on Sunday, Mish Rahman, a far left member and critic of the prime minister, claimed that the government has thrown its own fuel onto Islamophobia and racism in the UK, adding that the far-right riots which rocked England and Northern Ireland in August were inevitable under this climate. ( Photo credit: Harry Rose ) At the same event veteran MP Diane Abbott, a close ally of Corbyn who Starmer attempted to block running as a Labour candidate in the election. warned that a renewed austerity drive would bring an increase in racism with ethnic minorities bearing the brunt of the governments attacks. Mr Rahman - who was a member of the NEC from 2020-2024 - took aim at Sir Keir for meeting with right-wing Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this month. It comes as more than 24,000 migrants have now crossed the English Channel to the UK since the start of the year after 707 people made the crossing on Saturday. Some 11 boats were intercepted in the busiest day for a week, Home Office figures show. It brings the total for the year so far to 24,335, which is up one per cent on the number of people who made the crossing by this time last year, but 20 per cent down on 2022. Mr Rahman said: We also saw Rishi Sunak courting his best friend who is the far right fascist leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. This is the same Meloni that warned that Italians are victims of an ethnic replacement by waves of migrants who she branded criminals and rapists. We got rid of the Tories, so things are going to change, you all may say. But last week, or the week before, Keir Starmer met the same far-right fascist Meloni and Keir Starmer was keen to know from Meloni, how her far right government dealt with migration so well. Mish Rahman at a Stand up to racism event on the fringes of the Labour conference ( The Independent ) He continued: After scrapping the unworkable Rwanda scheme, which is not just unethical in his view - just expensive and unworkable - hes keen to find out how the Rwanda scheme may be replaced by an Albania scheme. Sir Keir met with Ms Meloni in Rome last week, with the Italian prime minister telling a press conference that the Labour leader showed great interest in the Italian governments migrant deal with Albania. Last year, Italy confirmed plans to open two migrant processing centres in Albania which aim to process 36,000 migrants each year. The government has argued the system is different from the Conservatives Rwanda deportation plan, which they scrapped in July. Mr Rahman said British politics is now loaded with anti-migrant, anti-asylum politics and Islamophobia, continuing: But the lessons dont seem to have been heard. In fact, Starmers Labour seem to have embraced the current debate by contributing and throwing its own fuel onto the bin fire by promising their own blitz on illegal immigration. He added: The riots over last summer were inevitable under this climate. Meanwhile, in a statement read out at the meeting, Ms Abbott warned that the governments promise that things will only get worse presented a grim outlook for ethnic minorities in the UK. She said: We are in a very difficult period. There is both a renewed war drive and a renewed austerity drive. Whenever either of these happens, they are always accompanied by an increase in racism. Now that both are happening simultaneously, black and Asian people in this country, as well as Muslims, are bearing the brunt of the Government attacks. Labour has been contacted for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as the annual Labour Party conference kicks off in Liverpool, with speeches from Angela Rayner and foreign secretary David Lammy. The event began on Sunday morning (22 September) still mired in a row over gifts to senior MPs and questions about Sir Keir Starmers chief of staff. Senior government figures sought to move on from the row over donations in a series of interviews ahead of a conference that had been expected to be a victory lap for the party after its landslide election victory in July. Ms Rayner, the deputy prime minister, said she understood why people were frustrated and angry that figures including Sir Keir had received thousands of pounds in gifts. But she added these had been a feature of our politics for a very long time, arguing that donations were necessary because of the expense of running for office, and stressing the importance of transparency. Ms Rayner has herself been criticised for staying in a flat owned by Labour donor Lord Waheed Alli while on holiday in New York, but denied breaking any Commons rules about declaring the gift. She also hit out at reports suggesting strife in Downing Street focused on Sue Gray, the prime ministers chief of staff. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Gamers and cyber experts will be fast-tracked into the countrys online defence forces to help thwart the threat posed by Vladimir Putin, Defence Secretary John Healey said. The new cyber track will have different selection and basic training requirements to other branches of the armed services. The Sun on Sunday revealed that suspected Russian actors have been caught trying to hack into Britains core defence structure 90,000 times over the past two years. We will remove unnecessary barriers and fast-track bright candidates into cyber defence to help face down Putins online aggression John Healey Mr Healey, who will set out details of his plans in a speech at Labours conference in Liverpool on Monday, also eased outdated recruitment requirements for the wider armed forces. Over 100 recruitment policies have been scrapped or updated since Labour entered Government, including measures blocking some sufferers of hay fever, eczema and acne, and some injuries that have fully healed. Mr Healey also promised a new ambition to make a conditional offer to would-be recruits within 10 days and confirmation of a training start date within 30 days. The Defence Secretary said: Labour is a party with historic roots in Britains armed forces. We are deeply proud of those who serve our country and we are determined to tackle the crisis in recruitment and retention caused by years of Conservative hollowing-out. Our armed forces rightly set the highest standards and with Labour that will continue. At the same time, we will unblock the bottlenecks, the needless red tape and delays which are turning great talent away from our forces. As the world changes, and threats evolve, we also need to ensure our recruitment is right for the 21st century. Thats why we will remove unnecessary barriers and fast-track bright candidates into cyber defence to help face down Putins online aggression. Alongside the largest pay rise in 20 years for existing troops, Labour is getting on with fixing the foundations of our armed forces and supporting the brave men and women who keep Britain safe. Mr Healey used a Sun on Sunday interview to give more detail of his cyber plans, telling the newspaper: If you are good at tech, if you have a passion for cyber, if youre good at gaming, then you may have the skills that the British military needs. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rachel Reeves will attempt to lift the gloom that has settled over Labours conference in Liverpool with a pledge that there will be no return to austerity. In a bid to offer some hope, she will say: My optimism for Britain burns as bright as it ever has done. My ambition for Britain knows no limits, because I can see the prize on offer if we make the right choices now. But the message threatens to come across as jarring amid growing concerns among Labour activists about government cuts and tax rises in her Budget next month. The chancellor will attempt to reset the narrative by insisting that she is optimistic for Britain. It comes as the Labour leadership has faced a tirade of criticism over Sir Keir Starmer and other senior ministers receiving thousands of pounds worth of gifts and freebies. Rachel and Ellie Reeves open the annual conference ( Getty ) And as activists gathered in Liverpool, the conference had the feeling of being under siege from protesters, with some supporting the Palestinians and others accusing Labour of preparing to slash public services. In a disastrous interview on Sunday morning with the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner attempted to explain away the prime ministers acceptance of gifts by asserting that all MPs do it. Her response appeared to jar with the narrative of change Labour had promised at the election, along with the conference slogan, Change begins. While Ms Rayner rallied from her interview with a barnstorming speech promising a series of red-meat socialist measures such as reform to private lettings and the housebuilding programme for which she was loudly cheered other speeches, including those by foreign secretary David Lammy and health secretary Wes Streeting, had a much more muted reception. Ms Rayners fellow cabinet ministers will today attempt to inject a sense of purpose and mission into the party membership notably transport secretary Louise Haigh, who is leading the charge on renationalising rail and bringing bus services into public ownership. Angela Rayner gives a barnstorming speech on the first day ( EPA ) But against a barrage of criticism over her own acceptance of clothing donations and her decision to cut the winter fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners, Ms Reeves will today make a concerted effort to lift the gloom after Sir Keir used pre-conference interviews to warn that things will get worse. She has been accused of potentially damaging Britains economic recovery with her downbeat message centred on claims of a 22bn black hole in the public finances. Meanwhile, union leaders, led by Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, are using the conference to push for a different direction to be taken from the prudent one set by the chancellor. Ms Reeves will use her speech today to promise that there will be no return to austerity. But she will temper this with a warning that the legacy left by the Conservatives will mean making tough decisions. She will say that growth is the challenge and investment is the solution. I believe in a better Britain. A Britain of opportunity, fairness, and enterprise. I know that promise has felt far off in recent years, as our growth, productivity and family incomes have fallen behind. But it doesnt have to be that way. The response to Lammys speech was more muted ( Getty ) Ms Reeves is expected to say: I can see the prize on offer, if we make the right choices now. And stability is the crucial foundation on which all our ambitions will be built; the essential precondition for business to invest with confidence and families to plan for the future. The mini-Budget showed us that any plan for growth without stability only leads to ruin. So we will make the choices necessary to secure our public finances and fix the foundations for lasting growth. Stability, paired with reform, will forge the conditions for business to invest and consumers to spend with confidence. Growth is the challenge, and investment is the solution. She will insist that growth is the Labour governments No 1 mission, to create jobs that pay enough to raise a family on, for you and your children. Put real money in the pockets of working people and wealth in all our communities, that flows into vibrant high streets. This is how well achieve what we promised a decade of national renewal, she will say. Addressing the topic of the Budget next month, Reeves is expected to say: There will be no return to austerity. Conservative austerity was a destructive choice for our public services and for investment and growth, too. We must deal with the Tory legacy, and that means tough decisions. But we wont let that dim our ambition for Britain. So it will be a Budget with real ambition. A Budget to fix the foundations. A Budget to deliver the change we promised. A Budget to rebuild Britain. She will add: My Budget will keep our manifesto commitments. Every choice we make will be within a framework of economic and fiscal stability. We said we would not increase taxes on working people, which is why we will not increase national insurance, the basic, higher or additional rate of income tax, or VAT. And we will cap corporation tax at its current level for the duration of this parliament. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Four people are dead and at least 17 others injured after gunmen fired over 100 shots in a mass shooting in Birmingham late Saturday night that police believe was a targeted attack. The killers remain at large after the shooting in the Five Points South neighborhood, home to the University of Alabama campus and a number of bars and restaurants. Two men and one woman were found unresponsive on the sidewalk and died at the scene, the Birmingham Police Department said. The fourth victim, an adult man, later died at a local hospital. More than 100 shots were fired from at least one automatic weapon, local outlet AL.com reports. No arrests have been made as of Sunday evening. Police say the shooters drove to the area, exited their car and fired multiple shots at a group of people before fleeing the scene. Investigators believe the shooters were paid to kill a targeted individual, who is among the four dead, according to Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond. A bullet hole in Birmingham, Alabama, where four people are dead following a mass shooting. Officials said more than 100 rounds were fired ( AP ) Someone was willing to pay money to have that person killed, Thurmond said. Dozens of people were injured, including four people with life-threatening wounds. Everyone injured was standing on a sidewalk or in the street, police said. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital received 11 of the victims, including one of the people who died, hospital spokesperson Hannah Echols told CNN. Police on the scene of a mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday night. Investigators believe the gunmen were paid to kill an individual target ( WVTM 13 News ) Its still unclear what motivated the violence. Anyone who witnessed the shooting should contact the police, Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald said. There is a $5,000 reward for any tip that leads to an arrest. There is no greater resource than he public, Fitzgerald said. Drops of blood on the sidewalk in the Five Points South neighborhood following Saturdays shooting. Police say the gunmen may have used switches to allow their firearms to function as machine guns ( AP ) If you were out here, if you saw anything if you heard anything, please reach out. Witness Dajon Singleton told local outlet WVTM-13 the scene was very scary. I walked up when it was just ending, because everybody was screaming, there was people crying, Singleton said. The grieving type screaming, like I know someone is hurt, or that passed away, he added. That type. Thats when I instantly knew someone lost a lost one. The shooting occurred in the Five Points South neighborhood, home to several restaurants and bars, as well as the University of Alabama campus ( WVTM 13 News ) Police have asked local businesses for their security footage. The FBI and ATF are both assisting with the investigation. Rest assured, we are going to do everything we possibly can to make sure that we uncover, identify and hunt down who was ever responsible for preying on our people, Fitzgerald said. There have been more than 400 mass shootings in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. These mass shootings have more to do with culture than they do with criminality, Fitzgerald said. We are seeing far too many arguments being decided by bullets. The Independent has contacted the Birmingham Police Department for further information. This article was amended on 23 September 2024. It originally said one of the people who had died was called Hannah Echols, but Echols is the hospital spokesperson and not one of the victims of the shooting. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 22. In the first quarter of 2024, Georgian investors contributed $88.5 million to Kazakhstans economy, Trend reports. This was announced during a meeting between Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Georgias Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili. Over the past decade, Georgias total investment in Kazakhstan has surpassed $500 million. The two sides discussed areas of cooperation, including transport and logistics, agriculture, energy, tourism, aviation, and cultural and humanitarian ties. Special attention was given to the opportunities in the transit and transport sectors, with both countries serving as key links in major transcontinental transport corridors that provide the shortest routes from Europe to China and Southeast Asia. Levan Davitashvili expressed Georgias keen interest in strengthening ties with Kazakhstan and emphasized the important role of the Intergovernmental Commission in driving forward bilateral relations. Davitashvili visited Astana to participate in the 12th session of the Kazakhstan-Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Have you ever seen a dead body? Its the chilling question then 14-year-old Carly Gregg asked her friend after she shot and killed her mother, high school teacher Ashley Smylie, inside their Mississippi home earlier this year. Carly told the friend to come over, claiming there was an emergency before revealing the horrifying situation, telling the friend: My mom is in there. During the week-long murder trial, jurors heard how the teenager shot Smylie, 40, to death with a .357 magnum on March 19 when they got home from Carlys school, Northwest Rankin High School, where her mom was a math teacher. Prosecutors told the court that the shooting was carried out because Smylie had discovered her daughters secret life with drugs. They painted Carly as a dangerous killer who had burner phones, hidden vape pens containing marijuana, and a history of cheating at school and self-harm. Carly Gregg sobbed in court on Friday as a jury finds her guilty of killing her mother ( Court TV ) Carly then lured her stepfather Heath Smylie home by texting him pretending to be her mother, writing: When will you be home honey? When Heath later arrived at the house, Carly shot him in the shoulder before he overpowered her and she was arrested a short time later. The teens defense team argued she was experiencing significant mental health issues and that while she was having a state of psychosis in an episode of acute stress on March 19, she lost herself in what was the perfect storm. Harrowing video footage was played in court that appeared to show the teen hiding something behind her back just moments before walking to a back bedroom where the sounds of three apparent gunshots and her mother screaming could be heard. Now, after just four days of testimony, a jury deliberated for two hours on Friday before finding the teen guilty of killing her mother, guilty of attempting to kill her stepfather and guilty of tampering with evidence. At just 15 years old, she will spend the rest of her life in prison without parole. A Deadly Secret Prosecutors say Carly killed her mother after the teens friend revealed Carlys secret life with drugs on the day of the shooting. From the testimony of a friend, he was so worried about Carlys use of smoking marijuana, so worried about her being high, and so worried about her having these burner phones, that [Carlys] mom didnt know about, that he felt compelled to tell Miss Ashley Smylie that day, Rankin County Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Newman said Monday during opening statements. Ashley Smylie searched Carlys room and discovered vape pens just moments before she was shot and killed, according to WLBT. Prosecutors say Carly killed her mother Ashley Smylie after the teens friend revealed Carlys secret life with drugs on the day of the shooting ( Northwest Rankin High School ) Psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark testified during the trial that the teen was facing a mental health crisis that day and that her significant mood swings were made worse by her medications as she was hearing voices and having dissociative problems. And then, her mother finds out shes smoking marijuana, Clark said. For Carly, in particular, she so cared about her mothers approval, so for her, this was a crisis. She was having mood issues, eating disorder issues, cutting herself, hearing voices and sleeping difficulty all leading up to January of 2024, Clark added. On March 12, just days before the shooting, she had been put on new medication, which she said made her symptoms worse. Prosecutors also presented a journal to the jury in which Carly kept a written list of five beliefs, including there is no God, its okay to be evil, and you dont need family. The journal was evaluated by a forensic psychiatrist, who called the entries highly concerning. Her defense team argued that the journals paint a picture of a mentally unwell child who had repeatedly detailed just how much she was struggling. Harrowing new video shows moments before and after killing Carly was captured on home surveillance footage walking around the house before allegedly firing three shots at Smylie, who died from a gunshot wound to the face. Wearing a Nirvana t-shirt, the teen is seen wandering around the house and appears to be holding something behind her back, later identified as a .357 Magnum handgun, as she positions herself facing the camera and then slides out of the room. After Carly disappears from view, three apparent gunshots and a womans screams are heard. The teen returns to the kitchen seconds after the shooting, hiding the weapon behind her back as she slides onto a stool at the counter and grabs her mothers phone as her two dogs hovered near her. Prosecutors alleged during the trial that this is when Carly used her mothers phone to text her stepfather and lure him to the house. Harrowing new video shows moments before Carly Greggs mother was killed She also texted one of her friends, BW, to come over claiming that there was an emergency. Once the friend arrived, Carly allegedly asked her if she had ever seen a dead body before before leading her to her mothers body and saying her stepfather was next. Nearly an hour later, video from the garage showed Carly running away after she allegedly shot her stepfather and struggled with him over the gun. Carly broke down in tears when bodycam footage was shown in court of deputies arriving to find her crying stepfather saying his wife was dead. She killed her mom! Heath is heard telling the authorities: She tried to shoot me! When Carlys stepfather Heath took the stand this week, he said the teen had no recollection of the shooting. I never seen anybody like that, even in movies, she was not herself and I do not believe she even recognized me, Heath said. He said he remembered Carly as a sweet little girl, but that day it looked as if she had seen a demon or something. Carly was captured on home surveillance footage walking around the house before allegedly firing three shots at Smylie, who died from a gunshot wound to the face ( Court TV ) Heath also recalled the horror of finding his wife dead. She was laying on her back with her arms over here and a towel covering her face, he testified. I knew that she had been shot, there was blood around, Im not sure exactly where, on the right side of her face. 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 said. 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. Despite this, Heath said he and Carly still talk daily and their relationship is good. In closing on Friday, State Attorney Michael Smith said Carly knew the difference between right and wrong. Theres no doubt that Carly Madison Gregg is the one who killed her mom, Ashley Smylie, he told the court. Theres no doubt that she attempted to kill Heath Smylie when she aimed the gun right at his head and shot and hit him in the shoulder. And theres no doubt that shes the one who hid the camera, thus tampering with evidence. We would ask that you go back there and find her guilty of all three because she was not insane at the time that this happened. She knew exactly what she was doing, and she knew the difference between right and wrong. However, the defense urged the jury to find her not guilty by reason of insanity. This was not a bad kid. This was not a kid who was enraged. This is not a kid who had hatred in her heart for her mother or her stepfather, in fact, it was the exact opposite. This was a kid who was experiencing significant mental health issues, defense attorney Bridget Todd told the court. The same mental health issues that ran in her family that we know are hereditary. This is a kid who was compliant with the medication she was put on, however, that medication without them being able to tell beforehand, caused her symptoms to worsen, she continued. And while she was having a state of psychosis in an episode of acute stress on March 19, she lost herself in what was the perfect storm. Experts testified on Thursday and deemed Carly competent to stand trial and that she doesnt meet the states standard for insanity. However, this contradicted the testimony given Wednesday from a psychiatrist who said Carly didnt remember shooting her mother. Whats next for Carly? Prior to the trial, the teen was offered a plea deal of 40 years in prison, but turned it down. Instead, her team pursued an insanity defense. But it wasnt enough. Carly sobbed in court on Friday when the jury found her guilty on all three counts. After just an hour more of deliberation, the jury sentenced the 15-year-old to prison. She will spend the rest of her life behind bars, without parole. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Police in Florida stopped a man for running a red light only to discover he was wanted for a cold-case murder in Virginia that happened more than a decade earlier. Timothy Hickerson, 43, was stopped by authorities on September 17 after running a red light on Old Kings Road in Palm Coast, Florida, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office. During the stop, deputies determined Hickerson had a warrant for murder out of Virginia. He was wanted in connection to the March 24, 2010, killing of Shane Donahue, 23, in Nokesville, Virginia, according to the sheriffs office. Donahue was reported missing 14 years ago and was last seen leaving his parents home, about an hour southwest of Washington, DC. Timothy Hickerson, 43, was stopped by Florida authorities after running a red light. They then learned he was wanted in connection to a cold-case murder. ( Flagler County Sheriffs Office ) The victim was never found and the case went cold. That was until recently, when investigators got new information and reopened the investigation, according to the sheriffs office. Authorities said Hickerson was also seen leaving Donahues parents home and then returning to the victims home. Hickerson was also connected to a burglary at Donahues home days before the victim went missing. To this day, the victims remains have not been found and he is presumed dead. Shane Donahue (left) went missing in 2010 in Virginia and his remains have not been found. Police have now arrested Hickerson (right) in connection to his killing ( Flagler County Sheriffs Office ) Authorities have not released a motive for why the suspect killed Donahue or if they have information about where Donahues remains might be located. Hickerson will be held in jail until he can be extradited to Virginia. This shows there is no such thing as a simple traffic stop. This one ended with a fugitive meeting justice who was wanted for a murder that occurred more than 14 years ago, said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. If youre a fugitive, we will catch you regardless of where you ran from and take you to jail. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man is accused of fatally stabbing his neighbor then raping the victims wife and daughter in a horrific attack. Timothy Ernest Legard, 50, now faces 11 felony counts including first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Legard was neighbors with the unidentified victims in Pontiac, Michigan, according to Fox 2 Detroit. Police say that around 6am on September 18, Legard went to the house and met the man as he was helping his daughter get ready for school. Legard then stabbed the victim. The suspect went into the home where he sexually assaulted both the mans wife and daughter, according to the report. The two victims escaped the home and ran to another house to call 911. Timothy Ernest Legard is accused of killing his neighbor and then sexually assaulting the victims wife and daughter. ( Oakland County jail ) Police arrived and found the man dead in the driveway with a stab wound to the chest. Authorities found Legard walking nearby and he was arrested. No motive has been released in the case. "Theres going to be a lifetime of emotional scars from this," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, according to Fox 2. "I dont know how you get over that kind of assault, that kind of absolute victimization of these two completely innocent people." Legard is being held in jail pending an arraignment hearing. "This was an absolutely brutal and horrific attack on a family," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "First-degree Murder, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and kidnapping are life offenses, and they are the most serious charges my office brings. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to protect dolphins along the Mississippi Gulf Coast after dozens were killed or sickened in 2019 following the prolonged opening of a spillway used for flood control. US District Court Judge Louis Guirola Jr. ruled Wednesday that local governments and business groups that filed the civil complaint in January had no legal standing to sue. The judge said the plaintiffs, who called themselves the Mississippi Sound Coalition, failed to show they faced imminent harm. The coalition had sued the Army Corps of Engineers over its operation of the Bonnet Carre' Spillway upriver from New Orleans. The spillway is used to divert Mississippi River water to Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne, after which it flows to the Mississippi Sound in the Gulf of Mexico. When the river is high, opening the spillway eases pressure on the levees that protect New Orleans. However, it also flushes pollutants and nutrients into the Mississippi Sound and reduces salinity. The coalition's lawsuit said that polluted freshwater flowing into the Gulf in 2019, when the spillway for opened 120 total days, left dead and sickened bottlenose dolphins stranded along Mississippi beaches. One expert quoted in the lawsuit said 142 sick and dead dolphins washed onshore. The coalition said the grisly sight tarnished tourism and seafood industries that are vital to the area's economy. A judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to protect dolphins along the Gulf Coast. Environmental groups sued the Army Corps of Engineers for releasing pollutants that led to dolphins getting sick or dying ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The group's attorneys argued the Marine Mammal Protection Act requires Army Corps and other agencies to obtain a U.S. Department of Commerce permit when their actions may kill, harm or harass animals like the bottlenose dolphin. They wanted a judge to order the Army Corps to seek permits before future operations of the Bonnet Carre Spillway. The judge sided with the Army Corps in ruling that the coalition failed to show that it faces imminent harm from future spillway openings because their frequency and duration are unpredictable as is the potential threat to dolphins. The judge noted that the coalition presented no evidence that dolphins were harmed when the spillway was last opened in 2020, or during prior openings in 2018 and 2016. The possibility of future harm claimed by Plaintiffs is too speculative, the judge wrote. Robert Wiygul, an attorney for the Mississippi Sound Coalition, did not immediately reply to an email message Saturday. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The US is set to break a new record number of homeless people with more than half a million people living on the street this year. Data collected and reviewed by The Wall Street Journal from more than 250 homeless organizations have counted at least 550,000 homeless people so far, a 10 percent rise from last years reports. The numbers gathered from cities and rural areas show homelessness as it was on a single night earlier this year. The upward trend means that the US will probably reach and pass the 2023 estimate of 653,000 homeless people. Its the highest number since the government began sharing such data in 2007. The final estimate of the number of unhoused people will depend on data not yet reported from areas such as New York City, which had the highest population of any city in 2023. Contributing to the most recent rise are migrants bused by Texas to cities such as Chicago and Denver. Large numbers of migrants have also arrived in New York, increasing the numbers last year. The most recent counts of homelessness in the United States were mostly conducted in January, shortly after there was a record number of unlawful border crossings. In the months that followed, there was a large decrease in crossings at the southern border and no migrants have been sent to Chicago or Denver since June. However, the counts were typically done before that time. Its not just migrants adding to the expected record, since the end of aid during the pandemic, rising house prices and rents have forced people out of homes, homeless advocates say, The Journal noted. Members of the Los Angeles Inside Safe team help an unhoused person make their way from an encampment to a bus to be brought to interim housing, as part of an Inside Safe operation in September. The US is on pace for its highest homeless population count ever. ( Getty Images ) Other issues spurring the numbers include crises of mental health and fentanyl last year, the US set a new record for chronic homelessness, which includes disabled people who consistently are unhoused. Almost 400 groups conduct the counts and some have declined to share their figures before the 2024 report by the Department of House and Urban Development is released in December. The figures are still preliminary and are a view of a single moment when the counts were conducted. The counts are seen as being undercounts that can be severely affected by how many volunteers agree to take part or harsh weather conditions. HUD has said that some cities are making progress, citing this years decreases in unhoused individuals in Pheonix and Los Angeles. The agency pointed to government efforts, including helping veterans, $175 million for housing, and $40 million for legal aid for residents facing eviction. The department noted that its still reviewing the numbers for this year and that the counts from January might not be the same as today. Boston said its number of unhoused people rose by 11 percent, partly due to rising numbers of migrants. Some cities and areas report their figures separately, but the numbers reported show that the figures went from 4,430 in 2023 to just over 12,000 this year. The state said almost half of the 7,250 families in shelters in Massachusetts were migrants and the state is set to spend over $1 billion on shelters and other measures this fiscal year. Other cities that reported increases in homelessness include Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Miami. Milwaukee saw a 16 percent decrease, according to The Journal. The number of unhoused people in Chicago increased by almost triple, reaching almost 19,000. Over 70 percent of the homeless people in the city were migrants in shelters. However, the number of migrants in shelters had been lowered by September. In January, the number of homeless people in Denver rose by 42 percent to around 14,300, a rise contributed to by migrants arriving by bus. The count took place when the number of migrants in shelters in the city was close to its highest point. In December last year, Texas sent 144 buses to the city. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Below United Nations headquarters, a state-of-the-art security post dubbed the Brain Center hums with activity on the eve of next weeks high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. The annual diplomatic pilgrimage is bringing more than 140 world leaders to New York City, including the heads of Israel, Palestine and Ukraine. Keeping them safe is the US Secret Services next big challenge. The agency, under a cloud after a July assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, is confident in its multi-layer, multi-agency plan to protect the UN General Assembly, which is deemed a Super Bowl-level National Special Security Event. The plan developed with New York City police and the UN Security and Safety Service, among other agencies includes not just motorcades and protective details, but NYPD helicopters and patrol boats, a dozen UN security K-9 teams sweeping for explosives, road closures and traffic diversions. The Secret Service is bringing in agents from posts around the world for the event. The Coast Guard is restricting East River access near the UN and the Federal Aviation Administration is closing airspace. With so many presidents, prime ministers, monarchs and others dignitaries in one city and under one roof at the same time, the UN General Assembly is actually bigger than the Super Bowl. It's the most complex event the Secret Service is involved in each year. The US Secret Service now faces the challenge of protecting the UN General Assembly after two assassination attempts ( AP ) This year, it's coming during a especially busy stretch highlighted by the Republican and Democratic conventions and the final weeks of the presidential campaign. Speaking Monday after the Secret Service thwarted another apparent assassination attempt on Trump in Florida, Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr. said employees were redlining" like an engine pushed to its limit. But, he said, they are rising to this moment and meeting the challenges. The operational tempo is incredibly high, said Patrick Freaney, the special agent in charge of the Secret Services New York field office. The Associated Press got a rare look inside security preparations for the UN General Assembly, including the Brain Center and a joint operations center that lets the Secret Service, NYPD and other agencies communicate instantly to root out threats and logistical snags. They're also coordinating with the foreign security services that protect each of the dignitaries. Freaney said the National Special Security Event designation for special events of national significance smooths the way for interagency planning, communication and cooperation. The Secret Service is in charge, but the NYPDs robust counterterrorism and other operations, and the UNs 300-person Security and Safety Service, play pivotal roles. We have over 140 heads of state, heads of government that were moving around the city, Freaney said during a tour of the joint operations center, which has space for 10 local and federal agencies, including the FBI and Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State and Defense departments. One of the most important things is bringing all of them in here and then departing safely," Freaney said. "Think about that logistically bringing 140 motorcades into one area all at the same time. This plays an integral part of bringing those details in safely. Many world leaders are set to address the UN General Assembly in the coming days ( EPA ) The Secret Service, NYPD and State Department will also be operating their own command centers in Brooklyn, at One Police Plaza in Manhattan and at a nearby hotel ballroom. The NYPD, the nations largest police force, has its Joint Operations Center equipped to give officers real-time feeds from security, drone and helicopter-mounted cameras, along with other critical information. The UN Security and Safety Service, which is in charge of keeping the UN headquarters campus secure, has its command post in the Brain Center. Down a basement hall from the main hub of UN activity, wall-to-wall monitors show live feeds from dozens of the 1,400 security cameras on the 18-acre (7.2-hectare) headquarters campus. All are recorded and can be reviewed instantly. Automated voices alert potential breaches and emergencies. Computers generate real-time data and photos for each of upwards of 22,000 people who pass through security checkpoints per day. Fire alarms tie directly into the citys central dispatch system for immediate response. The command post is staffed around the clock by UN security officers who work in 12-hour shifts while world leaders are in town. The goal, Inspector Malinda McCormack said, is to receive, analyze and quickly disseminate information. Security plans for General Assembly started to take shape a few months ago. The Secret Service and its partner agencies use past gatherings this is the 79th edition as a blueprint, while making adjustments for changing world events such as the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Theres an incredible trust, said Michael Browne, chief of the UN Security and Safety Service. Theres incredible sense of collegiality and collaboration, which I think is a key ingredient for success in a very complex and challenging operation such as UNGA. As of Friday, authorities said, there were no specific or credible threats to the event. But, Rebecca Weiner, the NYPDs deputy commissioner for intelligence and counterterrorism, acknowledged the chaoticness, the diversity and the unpredictable nature of the threat environment requires law enforcement to be nimble and anticipate all the many ways someone could seek to cause harm. These are very different times, Weiner said. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Freaney speaks at a news conference outside the United Nations Headquarters. New York area authorities are working to protect 140 world leaders next week ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. ) World leaders are meeting at the General Assembly for the first time since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, triggered an Israeli offensive in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of people. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said Friday that the department has tallied more than 4,000 protests over the war, with more anticipated next week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both expected at General Assembly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to return, but not Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the fighting is an ocean away, authorities are thinking about whats happening overseas in these home countries and what we can anticipate here, Weiner said. The whole purpose of this assembly is bringing countries together," she added. The whole purpose of our security posture is making sure were doing the same. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Squatters and graffiti taggers have taken over an abandoned multi-million-dollar mansion in the Hollywood Hills, prompting concern from local officials and nearby residents in the ritzy neighborhood. The four-story home, which belongs to John Powers Middleton, whose father owns the Philadelphia Phillies MLB team, has reportedly been vacant for about a decade. Squatters and taggers began spending time at the property about a year ago, neighbors told NBC Los Angeles. The outside walls of the property are now covered floor-to-ceiling in graffiti. The Los Angeles police have responded to the property four times in the last week on calls of burglary and trespassing, and 10 people were removed from the home on Wednesday. An aerial view of an abandoned mansion at 7571 Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, which has been taken over by taggers and squatters. ( KTLA ) Residents - in the neighborhood where homes routinely cost $2 million - say theyre concerned about the people coming in and out of the abandoned house. "Every time we call, the police will come and theyll clear it out, and then within an hour or two, five more people are there and staying the night," one neighbor, speaking anonymously, told 6ABC. "Apparently, some squatters came and actually attacked one of the neighbors with steel rebar and beer bottle," they added. "This is really tragic," resident Pat Johnston told NBC Los Angeles, adding that he hopes the building is torn down. "This is a fire hazard for us." The Independent has contacted Middleton for comment. The house, built in 2003, was purchased by Middleton in 2012, according to NBC Los Angeles. Middleton hasnt paid taxes for years on the property, which has a lien against it, according to public records obtained by KTLA. The office of city councilwoman Nithya Raman told the station the LA Department of Building and Safety has issued an abatement order for the house, then tried to secure the property with fencing, which was quickly breached. The owner is in egregious violation of the law and we are elevating the issue with the abandoned buildings unit at DBS [Department of Building and Safety] to ensure that the fullest extent of enforcement is being implemented urgently and swiftly, Ramans office said. The Phillies organization told 6ABC the team and its owner have no relationship with the property. "The California properties are owned by John Powers Middleton. No other members of the family have ownership, investment, control or involvement in these properties," the Phillies said in a statement. The home was once used for a music video by Sean Diddy Combs. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump likely would not run for president again in 2028 if he loses the election this November. During an interview that aired Sunday on TV news broadcaster Sinclairs Full Measure, the former president was asked if he could see himself running in 2028. No, I dont, Trump said. Donald Trump has said in a new interview he doesnt see himself running in 2028 if he loses this November ( REUTERS ) If Trump wins this election, the 22nd Amendment would bar him from running again in 2028, but a loss now would leave another campaign on the table for the future. Trump is rare to concede anything, but it seems running again in 2028, at which point he would be 82 years old, is something even he wont bluster about. That will be it, Trump added. I dont see that at all. I think hopefully were gonna be successful [in 2024]. According to our poll tracker, Kamala Harris retains a nearly three-point lead over Donald Trump at this stage in the campaign, a gap thats grown gradually since the candidates were functionally tied in late July. The more immediate concern for many is whether Trump will accept the 2024 election results if they show he lost. Trump would be 82 years old if he ran in 2028 - older than current President Joe Biden who dropped out of this years contest ( AP ) In August, Joe Biden said he was not confident at all Trump would concede, setting up another potential January 6. He means what he says, Biden said. We dont take him seriously. He means it. All the stuff about if we lose, therell be a bloodbath. [The elections] have to be stolen, look what theyre trying to do now in the local election districts. Earlier this summer, Trump refused to give a straight yes-or-no answer on whether he would accept the 2024 results. If its a fair, legal and good election, absolutely, he said during the debate, before repeating his baseless claims that fraud derailed his election chances in 2020. Other prominent Republicans such as Elise Stefanik, Tim Scott and Marco Rubio have also suggested they may not accept the 2024 results. When Biden bowed out of the 2024 race, it made Donald Trump officially the oldest person to run for president in U.S. history. An issue that would be amplified he ran again in 2028. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Behind Alabama, North Carolina is tied with Georgia for having the most historically Black colleges and universities. And that means that as Vice President Kamala Harris makes a play for North Carolina, she has made a play for HBCUs. HBCUs play a significant role in the Black community. Initially created after the Civil War, they became important institutions for Black Americans when they could not attend predominantly white institutions that remained segregated. Harriss history as an alumnus of an HBCU Howard University and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alphas has some believing she will be able to uniquely appeal to younger Black voters who were moving away from the Democratic Party until President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election. James Christian, who is from Prince Georges County in Maryland, and a student at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, called the election brutal but said he made his decision after the debate between Harris and Trump. He likes that Harris is representing the Black community, he added, and thinks shes the better of the two options in this election. Aimy Steele, the chief executive at the New North Carolina Project, told The Independent said that her organization is going to high schools and colleges to get voters registered and energized. But she added that Israels war with Hamas, as well as student loans and economic mobility, remain big issues for young people. That could pose a problem for Harris later down the line. And on NCCUs county of Durham, Harriss support is not as dyed-in-wool as she might hope. Cameron Johnson, a senior at NCCU, said that he will be voting for Harris, but added caveats. I think she's getting a lot of love right now, not necessarily because of her policies or anything like that, but because a lot of people can't stand Trump, he told The Independent. I think one thing that we need to focus on is trying to clean up our own problems before we clean up other problems for other nations. Harriss ascendancy to the top of the ticket has seen a marked improvement with young voters for the Democrats, particularly with young Black voters in swing states like Pennsylvania. A survey by North Carolina Asian Americans Together, a non-profit group, showed that 53 percent of young Black voters between the ages of 18 and 35 have either a favorable or somewhat favorable opinion of Harris, compared with only 29 percent who said the same about Biden. But some voters are not torn between Harris or Trump; instead, they cant decide whether they will vote at all. It's either Harris or no one, okay, but I'm trying to study more on Harris first before I just decide, just because she's a Black woman, that I should vote for her, Nya Lumsden, who is from Atlanta, told The Independent on NCCUs campus on Thursday. As a college student, it's kind of like I don't really know which way to lean to. Lumsden said abortion is a top issue for her, which would make some believe that Harris would be the perfect candidate for her, given that she has focused heavily on restoring abortion rights in her campaign and has traveled to the state to talk about abortion rights. Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump nominated the judges who overturned Roe v Wade. But Lumsden isnt as sure. Trump shouldn't tell us what we can and can do with our body, she said. Also, Kamala is very big on keeping abortion. But... I don't think she's going to keep all the wars away from us like Trump did. Barack Obama won North Carolina in a rare victory for the Democrats in 2008, becoming the first Democrat to win it since Jimmy Carter in 1976. He did so by energizing turnout in places like Durham County, where he won more than 75 percent of the vote and more than 136,000 voted. By comparison, 144,000 people voted for Biden in Durham County four years ago and he still narrowly lost the state to Trump. Like many young people, Christian sees affordability as the top issue: making sure everyone has housing, affordable housing, making sure that you don't have to spend $60 to get gas are two of his biggest priorities, he said. Lumsden is not the only voter who is undecided. Aaliyah Burt from Henderson said she likely was not going to vote for either candidate. They both just say very reckless things about people, about us, people in the world, she told The Independent. Specifically, she cited Harris saying in 2014 that kids between 18 and 24 are stupid, which has been used to hammer Harris, but was taken out of context from a speech about reducing recidivism. And Trump just talks so bad about the immigrants, Burt added. Other students are more focused on what the consequences are of a second Trump presidency. Aundrea Diaz, a graduate student from Jacksonville, North Carolina, said Bidens decision to drop out surprised her. But she said she would be voting for Harris. I try to base all my political decisions off of not just my own morality, Diaz, who is half-Black and half-Puerto Rican and is gay, told The Independent. I feel like, personally, I take a lot of things into consideration, and I feel like Trump being the president, I don't really feel safe. So far, Harris has not campaigned in the HBCUs, though she has campaigned near them in places like Greensboro, home of North Carolina A&T University. If the vice president is to have any hope in this state, she will need to convince students to turn out for her in a big way and its clear they still need convincing. But Democrats will not just need to win Black college students; they will need to win Black voters without degrees. Khalil Thompson, who runs Strategies for Change Group, said he leads a group of young Black men who meet regularly to discuss politics at a barber shop. He pointed out the first question they would ask Harris was about abortion. They see the Dobbs decision as being not just impactful on women, but what does this mean about the health choices that they wish to have?he told The Independent. He added that as a Jamaican American, he was disgusted by Trumps vitriol toward Haitians. The fact that at this particular moment, we couldnt find ways to just talk about policy, but were talking about a red herring and a nasty, ugly trope that just shouldnt be discussed, I think, is telling about the two options that we have in this election cycle, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened up and gave a rare insight into her marriage with former president Bill Clinton while promoting her recent memoir, Something Lost, Something Gained. CNN host Fareed Zakaria, in an interview airing Sunday, asked Hillary about the dark periods in her relationship with Bill, wondering, Do they stay with you? Nobody really knows what happens in a marriage except the two people in it, Hillary responded. Every marriage Im aware of has its ups and downs, not public hopefully for everyone else. And you have to make the decisions that are right for you. Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and President Bill Clinton speak onstage during In Conversation with David Rubenstein in New York City. Hillary has recently made rare comments about her marriage to Bill ( Getty Images ) For the Clintons, those ups and downs have been more public than most anyone else in the country, the center of headlines since the 1998 Monica Lewinsky affair scandal, Bill Clintons impeachment trial and beyond. Hillary, though, has remained with Bill through the scandals, and the two are approaching 50 years of marriage. I would never tell anyone else stay in a marriage, leave a marriage, whatever the easy answer is, Clinton added. For me and for us, I think its fair to say we are so grateful at this stage in our life. We have our grandchildren, we have our time together. I write about how we start the morning playing Spelling Bee in bed. We just have a good time, Clinton continued. We have a good time sharing this life that weve together for now really 50 years of marriage. Thats what is right for us. Thats really my message. The Lewinsky days may be long behind the Clintons but the pairs personal life continues to be in the spotlight, fairly and otherwise. Bill Clintons name has surfaced throughout court proceedings tied to the late pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, though the former president denies any wrongdoing. And both Clintons were imagined players in the right-wing delusion that was the QAnon conspiracy theory. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 22. Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov met with Konstantin Limitovsky, Vice President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Trend reports. During the meeting, Limitovsky highlighted the transport sector's crucial role in AIIB's activities and expressed the bank's strong interest in pursuing future joint infrastructure projects. Makhkamov, in turn, emphasized that AIIB is one of their key partners among international financial institutions, providing substantial support for major transport projects. The two sides discussed the progress of ongoing joint projects and explored opportunities for AIIB to participate in future high-priority initiatives. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} White House and State Department officials have said for weeks that the US is on the verge of orchestrating a ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Israels military and Hamas. But now, a top White House spokesman has admitted that talks have essentially stalled. John Kirby made the admission Sunday on ABCs This Week when he was asked about a Wall Street Journal report which seemed to drain the optimism surrounding Gaza talks, indicating that senior-level Biden officials no longer believe peace is achievable this year. Bidens national security council spokesman told ABC that no progress has been made in two weeks on the deal, which he and others have previously said is largely hammered out. It appears that the Gaza ceasefire talks have gone cold. Is that right? host George Stephanopoulos asked. I would say that we are not achieving any progress here in the last week to two weeks, Kirby replied. Not for lack of trying. He then firmly laid blame on Hamass Yahya Sinwar for refusing to continue negotiations in good faith. Sinwar became the lead negotiator for Hamas after his predecessor was killed in an Israeli strike in August. .@GStephanopoulos: It appears that the Gaza cease-fire talks have gone cold. Is that right? White House's John Kirby: I would say that we are not achieving any progress here in the last week to two weeks Not for lack of trying. https://t.co/D2DfoLK09n pic.twitter.com/xNJwIwBF6T This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 22, 2024 Its the latest mixed message from the Biden administration when it comes to Israel and Hamas, and the negotiations which the US has been facilitating through Qatar, aimed at ending the nearly year-long conflict. Biden has also said that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, deserves some blame for the negotiations failing to reach a deal. The devastating conflict has now claimed more than 40,000 Palestinian lives, including thousands of children. Netanyahu commented on the matter in a Fox News interview earlier this month. Theres not a deal in the making ... unfortunately, its not close, he said. That sentiment was echoed by an unnamed senior Biden administration official in the WSJs report last week. No deal is imminent, the official said. Im not sure it ever gets done. Theres no chance now of it happening, another official, from an Arab country, commented in the same report. Everyone is in a wait-and-see mode until after the election. The outcome will determine what can happen in the next administration. At the State Department, officials spent the past week taking questions about a bloody attack, believed to have been perpetrated by Israel, which set off explosions in pagers and walkie-talkies across Lebanon used by Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah. The attack killed at least 39 people, and has escalated tensions between Israel and its neighbor. State officials have refused to officially attribute the attack to Israel or explain the US position on whether it violated international laws. Israel has denied having any involvement. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance campaigns in Pennsylvania on Saturday 21 September. He will be making a stop in Berks County hours after rival Democrat Tim Walz spoke from the city of Allentown. The pair will face off next month in the only scheduled US vice presidential debate, a chance for each man to reinforce his running mates message to voters just weeks before the 5 November election. The 90-minute discussion, hosted by CBS News, will take place on Tuesday 1 October at 9pm ET in New York City, a Democratic stronghold that is the former home of Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate. Ground rules for the debate are not yet public. At the September presidential debate, the candidates microphones were muted when it was not their turn to speak, and there was no studio audience. Mr Vance, a US senator from Ohio, will have to work hard not to be on the defensive throughout the debate if Mr Walz employs his running mate Kamala Harris debate strategy. He likely will face questions about his inflammatory rhetoric and could punch back with his typical combative style. On the campaign trail, Mr Vance has portrayed Mr Walz and Ms Harris as radical liberals. He also has questioned Mr Walzs depictions of his military record and his familys fertility struggles. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} More and more mainstream Republican officials are calling on Mark Robinson, their partys nominee for governor in North Carolina, to sue CNN if he really believes a damning report about his history of comments on an online porn site is false or step aside in the race. Robinson was trailing his Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, before the release of the report on Thursday. CNN's article uncovered a deep history of shocking and outrageous comments apparently made by Robinson on a porn site years before he entered politics. In the comments, the account linked to an email address and username known to be used by the Lt. Governor described himself as a Black Nazi while making graphic descriptions of his sexual preferences. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham became the latest GOP lawmaker to call on Robinson to prove his claim that CNN is lying about him on Sunday, as the leading Republican spoke on NBCs Meet the Press. What I would do if I were him, I would hire me the best lawyer I could find. Id sue the hell out of CNN because what theyre saying about him is just unbelievable, said the senator. "The charges are beyond unnerving. If they're true, he's unfit to serve." Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, is facing more calls to sue CNN over its report about his online postings, or to drop out of the race ( C-Span ) Grahams urgings echoed those of Thom Tillis, a senator from North Carolina, who has called on Robinson to quit the race for governor if he cant prove the claims are false. If the reporting on Mark Robinson is a total media fabrication, he needs to take immediate legal action, Tillis wrote on Friday in a Twitter post. If the reporting is true, he owes it to President Trump and every Republican to take accountability for his actions and put the future of NC & our party before himself. Republicans have been privately panicking about Robinson for months. The embattled GOP nominee for governor is down by significant margins in his race against Stein, according to all available polling, weighed down by other coverage of comments he has made expressing right-wing views about race relations, women and other issues. Before Thursdays report came out, the gubernatorial nominee was already battling fallout from comments he had made in 2020 at a GOP womens event saying he thought women shouldnt vote. WATCH: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) says Mark Robinson "deserves a chance to defend himself" when asked if Donald Trump should pull his endorsement of the North Carolina Republican.@LindseyGrahamSC: "The charges are beyond unnerving. If they're true, he's unfit to serve." pic.twitter.com/74H4W52ULG Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) September 22, 2024 Stein, as a result, is on track to overperform his partys 2020 margins in North Carolina by a wide margin; Joe Biden lost the state to Donald Trump in the last presidential election cycle, though by just about 1.4 percent of the vote. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is already playing with similar margins in the state and has forced the GOP on defense. The latest comments from Robinson have the potential to chip away at Trumps standing in the state not through any direct connection between the ex-president and the Lt. Governor, though he has Trumps endorsement. Rather than damage the ex-presidents image directly, the scandal is more likely to drain enthusiasm from Republican voters on the margins of participation in this years election. At a rally in Wilmington Saturday, Trump ignored the scandal and Robinson completely. The states highest-ranking statewide Republican official was not invited to attend the campaign event, and the ex-president did not include his onetime ally in a list of shoutouts he made during his address. But Trumps running mate, JD Vance, was unable to escape the embattled Robinsons shadow on the campaign trail and seemingly backed up the Republican lieutenant governor, telling a local news reporter that the allegations werent necessarily reality. I believe him, I dont not believe him, Vance said. [L]ook. the allegations are out there, but the allegations arent necessarily reality, and what I say its up to Mark Robinson and North Carolina whether he wants to be their governor and whether he wants to stay in the race, he continued. Robinsons account was found by CNN to have made numerous comments on the site Nude Africa, comments which were reportedly deleted after the publication of the investigation. In those posts, Robinson, an avowed opponent of transgender rights, expressed a fascination for tranny on girl porn and even seemingly admitted to what would have been a sex crime, if true: peeping on women changing in a locker room without their knowledge. 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 He denied the veracity of the networks reporting in a video released on Twitter before the investigation was published, though GOP operatives such as the conservative writer Erick Erickson quickly took to social media to infer that rumors of the allegations detailed in the CNN report had been floating around. While I only knew the rumors of Mark Robinsons indiscretions, many people in North Carolina have known the explicit details of his Nazi comparisons and fixation on transgender porn for years, Erickson wrote on Friday. Democrats, meanwhile, have reacted with glee to the news. Its great news for the Democrats, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, opined on Sunday when asked about Robinson on Meet the Press. Hes the new dream candidate to run against. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former Republican Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney has said that conservatives may have to start a new party after the GOP has grown corrupted by former President Donald Trump. Cheney, who has said that she and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, will vote for Vice President and Democrat Kamala Harris in November, spoke to Peter Baker of The New York Times at the 2024 Cap Times Idea Fest on Saturday. During the event, hosted by The Capital Times in Madison, Wisconsin, Cheney revealed that she thinks the Republican Party may have outlived its usefulness after devoting its existence to Trump. Its hard for me to see how the Republican Party survives because its been so corrupted, she told Baker on stage. Cheney said that the US needs two strong parties, adding that the Republican Party may no longer be a welcome home for traditional conservatives. Baker asked if the party might be able to purge itself of Trump. Liz Cheney speaks at the 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. She is now suggesting conservatives might have to start a new political party ( Getty Images ) We need our political system to reflect the goodness of the American people, Cheney argued. Whether its organizing a new party ... its hard for me to see how the Republican Party, given what it has done, can make the argument convincingly or credibly, that people ought to to be voting for Republican candidates until it recognizes what its done. She added: I think making sure that on an individual basis, were casting votes for serious, responsible people, that were encouraging people to get involved and run. There is certainly going to be a big shift I think in how our politics work. I dont know exactly what that will look like, Cheney admitted. I dont think it will just simply be, Well, the Republican Party is gonna put up a new slate of candidates and off to the races, she said. I think far too much has happened. Its too damaging. Baker asked if a new party would be required, such as the Republicans came after the Whigs in the 1850s. It may well be because again, so much of the Republican Party today has allowed itself to become a tool for this really unstable man, Cheney said. Her comments come after more than 100 former Republican administration officials endorsed Harris in a letter stating that Trump is unfit to serve again as President, or indeed in any office of public trust. The letter was obtained by The New York Times. Former defense secretaries Chuck Hagel and William Cohen, former CIA directors Michael Hayden and William Webster, and former Trump administration officials Miles Taylor and Olivia Troye all signed it. Troye also spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris. 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 states. The signatories of the letter note that they may very well disagree with Harris on a litany of issues but they say that Trump is simply not worthy of the highest office in the land. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hezbollah launched more than 100 rockets across northern Israel on Sunday as a senior leader declared an open-ended battle of reckoning, with both sides appearing closer than ever to all-out war. Some of the rockets landed near the city of Haifa; one struck near a residential building in Kiryat Bialik, wounding at least three people and setting buildings and cars on fire. It followed Israeli strikes on Lebanon that have killed dozens, including a veteran Hezbollah commander, and an unprecedented attack targeting the groups communications devices. Air raid sirens across northern Israel sent hundreds of thousands of people scrambling into shelters. Patients and staff at Haifas Rambam Hospital evacuate to lower floors on Sunday after rockets were fired into the area from Lebanon ( AFP via Getty ) Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would take whatever action was necessary to restore security and allow people to return to their homes. No country can accept the wanton rocketing of its cities. We cant accept it either, he said. Lebanons health ministry said three people were killed and another four wounded in Israeli strikes, without saying whether they were civilians or combatants. Hezbollahs deputy leader Naim Kassem said his group is now in an open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel. We admit that we are pained. We are humans. But as we are pained you will also be pained, Kassem said at the funeral of top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil. He said the rockets fired on Sunday were only the beginning, vowing to destroy Israels economy. It came after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday that killed Aqil and dozens of others, including women and children, and a sophisticated attack on Hezbollah that caused thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies to explode just days earlier. Aqil had been on the US most wanted list for years over his alleged role in the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut and the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon during the civil war in the 1980s. In the United States, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby remained hopeful of a peaceful resolution, saying Washington had been involved in extensive and quite assertive diplomacy. In a separate development, Israeli forces raided the West Bank bureau of Al-Jazeera, which Israel banned earlier this year, accusing it of serving as a mouthpiece for militant groups. The allegations were denied by the pan-Arab broadcaster. Hezbollah fighters carry the body of commander Ibrahim Aqil at his funeral in southern Beirut on Sunday ( AFP via Getty ) Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire since the outbreak of the war in Gaza nearly a year ago, when the militant group began firing rockets in solidarity with the Palestinians and its fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. The low-level fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and hundreds in Lebanon, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the frontier. Until recently, neither side was believed to be seeking an all-out war, and Hezbollah has so far stopped short of targeting Tel Aviv or major civilian infrastructure. But in recent weeks, Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon. Hezbollah has said it will only halt its attacks if the war in Gaza ends, as a ceasefire there appears increasingly elusive. The war in Gaza began with Hamass 7 October incursion into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed around 1,200 people and took around 250 others hostage. They are still holding around 100 captives, a third of whom are believed to be dead. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry. It does not say how many were fighters, but claims that women and children make up more than half of the dead. Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least 51 people died and 20 were injured in a coal mine blast triggered by a gas explosion in South Khorasan province in Iran, state media reported on Sunday. The accident occurred at around 9pm local time on Saturday, the IRNA news agency said. The explosion was reportedly caused by a methane gas leak in blocks B and C of the mine, which is run by the Madanjoo company. The mine is located in Tabas, around 540km (336 miles) southeast of the capital Tehran. About 76 per cent of the countrys coal is provided from this region, and eight to 10 big companies are working in the region, including Madanjoo company, South Khorasan governor Ali Akbar Rahimi told state TV, according to reporters. The rescue operation in block B had been completed, Mr Rahimi said earlier, while emergency personnel were still at work in block C. Methane density in the block was high and the operation would take three to four hours, he said. Several workers were still missing and feared trapped in the mine, state TV reported, quoting the head of Irans Red Crescent. Ambulances at the site of the coal mine blast in Tabas, Iran ( AP ) Irans president Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said efforts were underway to rescue the trapped workers and aid their families, as he prepared to leave for New York to attend the forthcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly. I spoke with ministers and we will do our best to follow up, he said in televised comments. An investigation into the explosion had begun, the president added. This is far from the first disaster to strike Irans mining industry. At least 42 people were killed in a coal mine blast in 2017, and 11 workers were killed in two separate mining incidents in 2013. In the past, reports cited lax safety standards and inadequate emergency services in mining regions as the primary factors in these incidents. Iran is rich in a variety of minerals. It consumes some 3.5 million tonnes of coal annually, but only extracts about 1.8 million tonnes from its mines. The rest is imported and mostly consumed by the countrys steel mills. Close Israeli hostages families march to Netanyahus home on October 7 anniversary For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sirens have sounded in central Israel after five projectiles were launched from Lebanon on the anniversary of the 7 October attacks. The Israeli military said some of the projectiles, which were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory, were intercepted, while the rest fell in open areas. Lebanons Hezbollah later issued a statement saying it launched a missile operation targeting a military intelligence unit near Tel Aviv. Earlier, the Israeli military said it would launch operations on Lebanons southern coast as it told residents on a 60-kilometre stretch along the Mediterranean to stay off the beaches. More than 2,080 have been reported killed in total, and a further 9,869 wounded, since Israel began its bombing operations in Lebanon last month. On Monday, Israeli citizens marked the anniversary of Hamass deadly 7 October attacks, during which 1,205 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. Of those, 101 remain in Gaza. Nearly 42,000 Palestinians have since been killed by Israels retaliatory air and ground attacks, according to the local, Hamas-run health ministry. Families of the hostages marched to Benjamin Netanyahus residence in Jerusalem on Monday to demand the Israeli prime minister make a deal to bring them home. On Christmas Day last year, while other political leaders were posting messages of peace and prosperity, Donald Trump took to his own Truth Social app to go on a festive rant against all that he thought was wrong with the world. Among those on his list were the evil and sick THUGS pushing for electric car lunacy in the US. MAY THEY ROT IN HELL, he wrote. AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Less than nine months later, and just two months away from the presidential elections, the Republican candidate is now publicly proclaiming his love for the technology. Im for electric cars, he told supporters at a rally in Georgia last month. I have to be because Elon [Musk] endorsed me very strongly. This sudden shift in sentiment was cemented when he was presented with a brand new Tesla Cybertruck, gifted to him by the controversial streamer Adin Ross. Emblazoned with his Make America Great Again slogan on the bonnet, the electric truck featured an image on the doors of Trump with his fist raised shortly after Julys assassination attempt. Trump appeared enthralled. That is beautiful, he said. I think its incredible. Streamer Adin Ross gifted former president Donald Trump a custom-wrapped Cybertruck ( Screenshot/Kick/Adin Ross ) While it wasnt clear whether he was talking about the truck or the wrap, Trumps pivot follows a broader trend of Republicans and those on the right shifting their allegiance to Elon Musk and his assorted companies. Having been a champion for environmentalists after supercharging the transition to electric vehicles, Musk has since staked his ideological flag in the MAGA camp, pushing far-right conspiracies and radicalising himself on his own platform. The move has drawn in those who had previously shunned electric vehicles former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson posted an hour-long video praising the Cybertruck but it has also turned Democrats off Teslas. The polarising antics of the worlds richest person saw the portion of Democrat Tesla buyers fall from 40 per cent in 2023 to just 15 per cent at the beginning of 2024, according to figures from research firm Strategic Vision. In California a Democratic stronghold and the former home of Musk and Tesla before they both moved to Texas Tesla registrations fell 12 per cent between January and July, according to S&P Global Mobility. Despite the rejection among Democrats, the latest figures show that the Tesla Cybertruck is currently outselling all other electric pickup trucks combined throughout the US, with sales shooting up 61 per cent in July the same month that Musk first publicly endorsed Trump. The new fanbase has seen the vehicle be dubbed the MAGAmobile and the Deplorean referencing the deplorables phrase that Trumps 2016 presidential rival Hillary Clinton used to describe the Republican candidates followers. In July, the New York Times described it as a culture war on wheels. Whole communities have emerged that are dedicated to actively mocking Teslas latest vehicle and its association with Musk. More than 160,000 people have joined the Reddit forum r/Cyberstuck, which aims to mock the stainless steel polygon and anyone who buys it. Popular images and videos shared on the subreddit which has more members than there are owners of the Cybertruck include humiliated owners breaking down or having to deal with yet another recall for the apocalypse-proof truck. Less than a year after launching, the forum is now among the top 2 per cent of subreddits on the site, with dozens of posts and hundreds of comments each day, showing that the truck has become as controversial as Musk himself. And with Trumps new pro-Tesla stance, the Cybertruck has become the latest symbol of American division. Cybertruck owner forums have generated hundreds of posts discussing the phenomenon, with many lamenting the unwanted attention their vehicle choice has attracted. At first I didnt care but now its starting to get annoying, wrote one owner. Its my first time owning an EV and this attention is crazy. Ive never seen car fandom/hatedom quite like this ever before, and I sincerely hope this is an inane phase well get past, because at this moment, we all seem kind of nuts Jason Torchinsky in a note on The Autopians Cybertruck review Another noted: Many are vehement anti-Trump/Musk and post in anti-conservative subreddits. I am guessing folks who hate Trump and see Musks support extends to anyone who supports Tesla is an instant villain... I will note, I think the term w*nkpanzer is quite hilarious and have caught myself referring to my Cybertruck as the w*nkpanzer. Musks takeover of Twitter, now renamed X, has supercharged his own transition from an apolitical moderate a few years ago, to a far-right instigator raging against what he perceives as woke culture and social justice activists. Musk has driven the division lines even deeper in recent weeks, claiming that anything other than a vote for Trump in Novembers presidential elections will be catastrophic for the US. The worlds richest person is lined up to be a governmental adviser for Trump, which would further entrench him within the MAGA camp, and would likely increase controversy around the Cybertruck. As a political and cultural statement, ownership of a Cybertruck is increasingly being seen as an endorsement of Musk, and by extension, Trump. Unlike other Teslas, which conform to conventional automobile design, the Cybertruck is deliberately contrarian much like the Tesla boss himself. It is therefore impossible to separate the man from the machine: if you hate Musk, you wont like the Cybertruck. Automotive journalist and editor in chief of The Autopian David Tracy wrote in June: The Tesla Cybertruck should be renamed the Tesla Powderkeg, and reviewing it is totally pointless While I think both groups those who love Tesla and those who loathe it have good intentions, oftentimes neither can think clearly. One is blinded by hatred, one is blinded by admiration. Tracys review attracted hundreds of comments, with one admitting: There are some people (myself included) that consider Musk a large enough problem that they will judge a persons character when that person uses or praises his work. A note from The Autopians co-founder Jason Torchinsky added: Ive never seen car fandom/hatedom quite like this ever before, and I sincerely hope this is an inane phase well get past, because at this moment, we all seem kind of nuts. Those who first bought Teslas due to Musks commitments to clean energy may no longer be buying his cars, but theyll likely still be driving his rivals electric vehicles the likes of Lucid and Rivian. His new acolytes may have never before considered an electric vehicle, and now theyre drawn to the Cybertruck to support a person who they see as a warrior against woke culture, and potential saviour of planet Earth. This could make the Cybertruck the best thing to ever happen to electric vehicles. Or maybe not. Its been more than a month since Trump was gifted his own bulletproof Cybertruck, and despite the assassination attempts, he still hasnt been pictured riding in it. The Israeli president has said that he rejects out of hand any connection between his state and the wave of detonating pagers and walkie-talkies that hit Lebanons Hezbollah in particular, but a lot of bystanders too. It is not clear what led Isaac Herzog to contradict that otherwise universally accepted connection, which has been cheered on by some, and deplored by others. It brings to mind the words of Claud Cockburn, who warned his readers well over eight decades ago: Never believe anything until its officially denied. President Herzogs blanket refusal to accept Israeli responsibility or, alternatively, take credit for an unprecedented intelligence killer blow to its northern enemy is even odder, since it came within hours of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus threatening warning to Hezbollah on the same day: If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message. That seems as clear an official claim of credit for the exploding pagers and walkie-talkies as the prime minister could make. Why, then, should the president be so much more reticent about celebrating Israels apparent masterstroke in its unique brand of terrifying counterterrorism? President Herzog is well aware that critics of Israels dramatic sabotage operation last week accuse its secret services of engaging in an indiscriminate attack, hitting Lebanese civilians as well as Hezbollah militants. The International Criminal Tribunal could be persuaded to add the collateral casualties of the attacks to its indictments against senior Israeli officials. Mr Netanyahu is widely reported to be about to be formally indicted by the ICC for actions of the IDF in its war on Hamas since last October. The Israeli prime minister displays contempt for both the allegations and the jurisdiction of the ICC. His recent visit to the US to address Congress in Washington and confer with the Biden Administration shows that, in the prime ministers calculus, only America matters. His recent outburst against Keir Starmers modest limitations on UK weapons, as well as the ICC prosecution headed by the British lawyer, Sir Karim Khan, showed his contempt for states which try to punch above their weight and promote international jurisdiction. Perhaps because of his British background, todays Israeli president is more sensitive than US-educated Bibi Netanyahu to the impact of public opinion and policymakers in European countries on perceptions of Israels war-making however much he may endorse robust (to put it mildly) measures against its enemies. Herzog is also aware of the Europeans signatures on the ICCs charter. Tensions within Israels political elite reflect the divisions inside Israeli society which, though it might be united against its external enemies, is polarised in its attitudes towards Netanyahus handling of the conflict since 7 October. Herzog prioritises getting hostages home. Netanyahu is going for military victory His government seems to be following not least with its strikes deep inside Lebanon against Hezbollah a strategy of de-escalation through escalation. What that means is deterring Hezbollah from striking at northern Israel by showing how much more power to wreak havoc that Israel possesses than the Lebanese militants can deploy. It is clearly the case that the IDF and Mossad can increase the pain inflicted on Lebanon in general and Hezbollah in particular. But the question is: how long can Israel sustain Hezbollahs disruption of normal life and economic activity in its northern regions? Sadly, Lebanese have become accustomed to tragedy and scrabbling to get by on the margins. If, after the dramatic body blows to Hezbollah at the start of last week, Hezbollah and its allies from Iraq to Yemen can continue to fire rockets and drones into Israel, then the euphoria about the crippling blows to around 4,000 or so Hezbollah supporters could dissipate fast. Putting it bluntly, many Israelis are facing an unprecedented fall in living standards as well as security even if the level of both of these problems for them would seem a vast improvement to many Lebanese. Knowing that the grass is more scorched on the other side is little comfort. Israeli intelligences coup may turn out to be no more decisive than Japans attack on Pearl Harbor, or 9/11 was for al-Qaeda. Israeli celebrations of the maiming of Hezbollah and the decapitation of its key commanders had something eerily reminiscent of Palestinians dancing in the streets after the Twin Towers collapsed 23 years ago, mistaking a successful surprise attack for a decisive blow. Premature celebration of victory could sharpen the Israeli publics divisions, if Israels longest war by far since 1948 drags on for many more months and drags everyday life down. This war has ominous echoes of Algeria in the 1950s and Vietnam in the 1960s. Then, the modern French and American armies could defeat the insurgents in every pitched battle, but attrition wore down the technologically superior forces will to fight on. Divisions at the top of Israeli politics about how to present their strategy against Hezbollah and Hamas could weaken popular support for an apparently endless war. Mark Almond is director of the Crisis Research Institute, Oxford ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 22. Kazakhstan exported 2.5 million tons of grain to Central Asian countries from January through August 2024, Trend reports. This was revealed during the regular meeting of Kazakhstan's Operational Headquarters for the fall field work under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin. A total of 1.8 million tons of grain was sent to Uzbekistan, 600,000 tons to Tajikistan, and 100,000 tons to Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. "For 12 days of September, 132,000 tons of grain were sent to Central Asian countries. It is 2.5 times more than in September 2023. Until the end of the month, the volume of grain shipments will be about 250,000 tons," the Managing Director of Kazakhstan Railways, Bauyrzhan Urynbasarov, said. Meanwhile, grain transportation within the country increased by 11.3 percent from January through August 2024 compared to last year and amounted to more than 1.5 million tons. A total of 5.7 million tons of grain were transported. Credit unions are increasingly removing their caps on savings 'After the birth of my second child it became more urgent to solidify my family's financial security.' Photo: Getty Q I stopped saving with my local credit union a few years ago because it had a savings cap in place at the time. This restricted the amount I could save with it to 15,000. But I heard that these savings caps are now being removed. If this is true, how much interest could I expect to earn on my lump sum if I put it into a credit union? Oisin, Co Wicklow A Many credit unions introduced savings caps in recent years, which limited the amount that members could save with them. But credit unions are increasingly removing these caps today, making it easier for members to save larger amounts. In addition, some credit unions have recently introduced attractive fixed-term deposit accounts, which are ideal if you have a lump sum that you wont need to access immediately and want to earn a reasonable return on your investment. The interest earned on fixed-term deposit accounts in credit unions varies; it typically depends on the credit union, the duration of the fixed-term account, and the amount saved. However, some credit unions pay rates of as high as 2pc to 2.25pc a year on one-year fixed-term deposit accounts and 2.5pc a year on two-year fixed term accounts (5pc gross interest over the two-year term). Outside of the fixed-term deposit accounts, credit union members typically earn dividends on their savings. The dividend paid by credit unions varies from one to the other, depending on the surplus income available to each credit union at their year end. Your credit union savings are known as shares and the amount you have in shares will determine how much of a dividend you earn. While these dividends are not guaranteed and may be low, credit union members often receive the loan interest rebates (a partial refund of the interest paid on a loan) that are paid to members who borrow money. 'After the birth of my second child it became more urgent to solidify my family's financial security.' Photo: Getty Will my credit unions life savings insurance provide enough life cover to look after my family when I die? Q Im 38 and my wife just had our second child, which has made me think about the importance of providing my family with financial security in case anything should happen to me. However, were on a tight budget as were renting and saving to buy a house. Someone told me I can get free life insurance by putting my savings into my credit union. If so, will it suffice to look after my family when Im gone? Peadar, Co Roscommon A Yes, many credit unions do offer free life savings insurance. This means that if youre a member of your credit union when you die, life savings insurance will pay out a lump sum to the person you nominated when you first joined the credit union. The amount of insurance you are entitled to is in proportion to the amount of savings you have. It also depends on your age at the date of lodgement as well as the maximum life savings limit in place at your credit union. Typically, with life savings insurance, you receive 1 of insurance cover for every 1 saved before the age of 55, up to the maximum amount of cover available at your credit union. As you get older, the benefit decreases slightly; typically, every 1 saved between the ages of 55 and 59 gives you 75c in cover, falling to 50c cover between the ages of 60 and 64, and 25c if youre aged between 65 and 69. In general, no insurance is provided for savings after your 70th birthday. While this insurance remains in effect as long as you keep your savings in the credit union, withdrawals can affect any benefit. To be eligible for life savings insurance, you must be under the age of 70 and either actively working or in good health (if you were not working when you started saving). But if you have a small amount of savings with a credit union, the amount of life savings insurance you would be entitled to would also be small because the insurance is in proportion to the amount of savings you have. Therefore, its important to ensure that any life cover you have, whether from a credit union or elsewhere, is adequate. If you have no other life insurance apart from that youre considering getting through a credit unions life savings insurance scheme, you may need to supplement it with a separate life insurance policy. Its important to seek impartial advice from a regulated financial adviser about this, as they will help you identify the type of life cover thats most suitable for you and your family. This will mostly depend on your circumstances, health, and medical history. It will also help you identify cover or benefits you might not need. Note, too, that many credit unions also offer free loan protection insurance. This will cover the outstanding balance of a credit union loan if you pass away while having the loan, provided you are eligible and have signed the credit agreement. This insurance typically lasts until your 70th birthday, though some credit unions extend the age limit to 85. Paul Roche is CEO of the Teachers Union of Ireland Credit Union. You can email questions to Gabrielle Monaghan at g.monaghan@independent.ie The tech hiring market would not have accepted this move two years ago Why do big companies really want people back in the office? In recent weeks, there have been a number of theories advanced by angry staff letting off steam after being informed that they will soon be required back in the office on three, four or five days a week. South Dublin residents crowdfund 13k in two weeks to launch High Court case against councils social housing plan Homeowners launch challenge against development as they are locked out of process South Dublin residents association has raised 13,000 in two weeks to finance a High Court Mark Tighe Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 03:30 Residents in a south Dublin suburb have come together to raise 13,000 in two weeks to fund a High Court legal challenge to plans by South Dublin City Council (SDCC) to develop 31 social and affordable housing units on a site adjacent to the M50. University of Limerick staff get guidance on giving character references after trial of hurler Kyle Hayes Professor was a referee for Limerick hurler, who was convicted over violence at nightclub Kyle Hayes got a suspended jail term. Photo: Brendan Gleeson Wayne O'Connor Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 03:30 The University of Limerick (UL) has set out rules for staff issuing character references in the wake of a court case involving hurler Kyle Hayes. Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan are seen to be more aligned politically The fate of Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and the rest of Rupert Murdochs media empire was presumably being decided in a courtroom in Reno, Nevada, last week as the media mogul wages a legal battle against several of his children over their family trust. Irish health and social care services are struggling to deal with an ageing population A postcode lottery operates in Ireland which dictates what kind of care people receive. Stock image The woman wanted to remain in her own home. Stock image posed by model Families all across Ireland are struggling to get the support they need. Stock image posed by model This is the story of how the mental health of one elderly woman deteriorated rapidly over the past six months. Its also the story of how her family tried to cope during those desperately difficult days, in circumstances that will sound familiar to many Irish families. The story concerns a 76-year-old widow who we will call Mary. Beginning in May, Mary experienced rapid cognitive and mental health decline. The account that follows details her familys interactions with Irish health and social care services struggling to cope with an ageing population. Mary was in good physical health at the beginning of this year, living an independent life in a large provincial town. She has five grown-up children who are based in different parts of Ireland and, in most cases, they are living a considerable distance away from their mother. Then, in late May, came the first signs of a deterioration in her mental health On their regular visits home, the family witnessed their mother functioning well, attending family events and looking forward to the birth of another great-grandchild. Then, in late May, came the first signs of a deterioration in her mental health. Mary experienced confusion, insomnia and anxiety. A routine blood test showed low sodium levels, and she was admitted to the local general hospital for two nights for a sodium infusion. After she was discharged, she felt psychologically unwell within days. The family decided to organise a rota to care for their mother. One of her children would stay with her in the family home or they would take her to where they now live. A postcode lottery operates in Ireland which dictates what kind of care people receive. Stock image The following four-and-a-half months unfolded like this: June 1: Marys high blood pressure prompted a call for an ambulance and she attended the emergency department of the local general hospital, accompanied by a family member. She was admitted for overnight observation and discharged the following day. Mid-June: Mary began to tell family members that she could no longer care for herself, remember her medication or perform basic tasks like cooking. She attended her GP and was prescribed sleeping tablets. The hospital planned to discharge Mary, despite the familys concerns about her psychiatric issues On another visit to her GP, she was prescribed antidepressants. Both treatments proved to be ineffective, and the family grew increasingly concerned about their mothers cognitive and emotional state. July 6-8: Following further mental health deterioration, the family took Mary to the local general hospital where she was admitted, but she was discharged two days later due to the absence of medical issues. July 11: After no improvement and witnessing further deterioration in their mothers mental health, two of her children brought Mary to the regional psychiatric unit without a GP referral, seeking urgent psychiatric care. Despite her non-communicative and psychotic behaviour, the unit declined to admit her, diagnosing severe depression. This refusal left the family distressed and they returned home with their mother, uncertain of where to seek further help. July 15: Mary received a visit from a clinical nurse specialist, a member of the psychiatry of later life team attached to the psychiatric unit. The nurse found her in good spirits. July 18-19: Within days of the visit of the nurse, Marys mental health declined further. Due to her escalating hallucinations and delusions, she was taken again to the local general hospital and subsequently discharged to a local nursing home for respite care. Her mental health continued to deteriorate with further extreme hallucinations and she refused to eat or drink. July 22: Mary was transferred back to the general hospital from the nursing home after developing a blood clot and a urinary tract infection. Hallucinations and confusion persisted during her hospital stay, which lasted five weeks. August 1: The family met the healthcare team at the general hospital and were informed there would not be a formal diagnosis of Marys condition for six months. However, the medical team informed the family that they believed she had dementia. The hospital planned to discharge Mary, despite the familys concerns about her psychiatric issues. After intense discussions, the team agreed to discharge her to a nursing home for six weeks of respite care. Read more Patrick McGarty: The ties that bind are a vital tool in ensuring no one dies alone However, no nursing home placement was secured as two facilities refused to admit her, citing an inability to meet her needs despite claims of dementia-friendly services. Family members asked hospital staff to transfer their mother to a psychiatric unit but were repeatedly informed that this was not possible. She remained in hospital, where she continued to be prescribed antipsychotic medication. Mid-August: Despite ongoing confusion and mental decline, Mary was discharged home without any public health services or community supports in place. The family queried whether the HSEs integrated care programme for older persons was functioning in their mothers health region but were informed that it isnt fully operational. The woman wanted to remain in her own home. Stock image posed by model During her stay in hospital, nursing staff applied for post-discharge home supports under two separate HSE funding mechanisms, the Community Rehabilitation Service (CRS) and Community Intervention Team (CIT) support. Both applications were refused without explanation, though an offer was made to provide two comfort keeper visits per week. To date, these supports have not materialised. August 23: Mary was discharged from hospital. End of August: Having cared for their mother within the family home, and in their own homes since late May, the family arranged informal private companionship for weekdays by employing a young woman to stay with Mary. As she was adamant that she wished to stay in her own home, the family continue to care for her at weekends. While at home, Mary continued to experience severe psychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations, and her physical condition worsened. The psychiatry of later life nurse returned and was shocked at Marys continuing mental health deterioration. He advised the family that her medication was not working and that she should be admitted to psychiatric care. Early September: The family engaged with the GP, seeking guidance on Marys continuing decline and to get a referral letter for psychiatric help. Despite her being at home for two weeks, no public health nurse visited as no communication had been received from the hospital regarding the August 23 discharge. There was no engagement from community care services other than the two visits from the clinical nurse specialist with psychiatry of later life. A public health nurse, because of a personal connection to the family, visited Mary and submitted a new application for CRS and CIT support. September 14: After a further decline in her condition, the family took Mary to the regional psychiatric unit where they were advised to return during weekday hours. At the familys insistence and after exhausting advocacy, Mary was admitted to a psychiatric unit, where she remains. The experience of this family is not unique. Despite the HSEs Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programmes 240m investment in community health services, nearly 6,000 older people continue to wait for homecare hours. While health and social care professionals continue to provide high quality care to older persons, they openly admit that provision of services is disjointed with a postcode lottery operating that is wholly dependent on where a service user resides. Like any lottery, there are winners and losers. And that begs the question about whether you, or a loved one, will be a winner or loser if and when the time comes. Dr Patrick McGarty is a senior lecturer in Public Policy at Munster Technological University A former elite Irish soldier has been killed in action in Ukraine, the Irish Independent has confirmed. The man, aged in his late 20s, was killed in combat on Thursday, September 19. It is understood the man, who was a highly skilled and experienced soldier had been a member of the Defence Forces Army Ranger wing. It is understood the deceased joined the Ukrainian army at the outbreak of war but suffered significant injuries in late 2022. However, he returned to Ukraine earlier this year and was killed fighting on the front line. The deceased is believed to be from the East of the Country. President Michael D Higgins extended his condolences to the family of the former Irish solider who died in Ukraine, describing it as a terrible tragedy. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said: The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of reports and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the detail of individual cases. More to follow... *This story was amended to reflect that the significant injuries suffered by the soldier were in late 2022, not 2024. The Northern Executive has declined to release internal records relating to a Sinn Fein U-turn on puberty blockers for children seeking gender care. The party had supported allowing access to such drugs, but now backs a ban. The Sunday Independent submitted Freedom of Information (FoI) requests for records relating to the U-turn after Michelle ONeill, the Sinn Fein First Minister, agreed last month to an urgent decision process to have the North join a temporary ban being extended by the Labour government in Westminster. Last year Sinn Fein Assembly member Emma Sheerin had called for a legal guarantee that the drugs, which pause puberty in children, could be given to children seeking gender care. There have been protests on both sides of the border by trans rights activists about the Northern Ireland Executives decision to join in the ban, which was announced by Mike Nesbitt, the Ulster Unionist minister for health. The UK government banned their use for children earlier this year following a landmark report by Hilary Cass, the former head of the UKs Royal College of Paediatrics, that found the rationale for their use was unclear with remarkably weak evidence supporting their prescription. Dr Hilary Cass speaking about the publication of her report. Photo: PA The use of puberty blockers is under review in Ireland by Karl Neff, the HSEs new lead for gender medicine. Both the Northern Ireland Department of Health and the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister declined to release any records relating to the decision made last month. The records sought under FoI law included details of any consultations carried out by the executive. Andrew Scholes, a civil servant in the Executive Secretariat, said the records included correspondence between ministers and minutes of discussion. He wrote that disclosure of the records could increase transparency and help build trust and understanding of how the Executive functions. However, he also said the ministers must be free to have frank debates in private. Frank and honest debate is a key component of high-quality policy formulation and there is a public interest, in appropriate situations, in maintaining a private space for discussion away from public scrutiny to effectively formulate and develop policy, he said. Ministers need to be able to consider difficult policy issues with candour and this would be inhibited by the release of information demonstrating the details of such considerations. If ministers were to feel inhibited from being frank and candid with one another because of the possibility of the disclosure of such considerations, the quality of debate supporting the decision-making process would be diminished, ultimately resulting in weaker policy formulation. Government ministers must be able to undertake a full consideration of all of the options and this requires a private space in which to carry out a candid assessment. We feel it would be inappropriate and misleading to disclose incomplete policy information Mr Scholes said premature disclosure of advice and assessments may close off discussion and the development of better policy options and undermine frank reporting on progress and the identification of risks. He said on balance it was not in the public interest to release the records sought, adding: To publish the material at this juncture would be likely to negatively impact the future operation of government at ministerial level through a failure to provide time and space for policies to be formulated and developed in a safe space. He also said publication of the records could also damage the collective responsibility convention that requires all ministers to be bound by the Executive Committees decisions and carry joint responsibility for government policies. The Pledge of Office affirmed by Northern Ireland Ministers upon taking office requires them to support, and to act in accordance with all decisions of the Executive Committee and Assembly, Mr Scholes said. Prior to such decisions being taken by the Executive Committee, it is however important that ministers are able to express their own views freely, frankly and with candour with their Executive colleagues. The Department of Health also rejected a request to release its records under FoI, stating that the candour of ministers in having discussion before making a decision will be affected by the release of the records. It noted that the Northern Ireland ban on puberty blockers was currently in place up to November 26. The department said it was working with its English counterpart and other devolved administrations to develop proposals for permanent solutions that ensure prescribing of these medicines is consistent with the recommendations set out in the Cass Review. Given this to be the case we consider that the policy is still in development and we feel it would be inappropriate and misleading to disclose incomplete policy information which is still under consideration and still in development as this could have a negative impact on public perception and, subsequently, an adverse effect on the overall policy development process, it said. Crackdown could see community group chiefs appearing before committee to account for handouts The Irish government could be set to call time on the shocking level of funding for loyalist paramilitary-linked community groups in Belfast. Bosses from the International Fund for Ireland, which in the past two years has provided 1.6m in donations to four UVF and UDA-backed charities in the city, are being asked to appear before a committee to account for the handouts. Spokesperson says President Higgins stands over claim message was circulated and presented as something out of the ordinaryTaoiseach Simon Harris criticises Israeli response to letter saying: You'd like to think that Israel would be more concerned with the fact that 14,000 children in Gaza are dead, that at least 20,000 are missing, many presumed dead The Taoiseach has said he has no interest in getting into a row with Israel, over the best wishes letter President Higgins wrote to the new Iranian head of state. President Michael D Higgins has insisted he did not claim Israel leaked the letter to the head of the oppressive Iranian regime, but stood over his claim the Israeli embassy had circulated it and that it had been presented as being something out of the ordinary. Taoiseach Simon Harris also said he did not know how the letter was circulated, but insisted it was normal diplomatic protocol between heads of state. However, Mr Harris was critical of the Israeli embassy in Ireland for publicly criticising the letter the President sent to congratulate his counterpart on taking office. You'd like to think that Israel would be more concerned with the fact that 14,000 children in Gaza are dead, that at least 20,000 are missing, many presumed dead, Mr Harris said Certainly my focus here in New York is not on an exchange of letters, but is on the fact that there is still a horrific, bloody humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East. "I have no interest whatsoever in getting into any sort of tit for tat or back or forth with the Israeli embassy or the government of a country that is continuing to allow this horrific humanitarian situation continue where children are dying on a daily basis, many more being maimed, and many, many hundreds of 1000s, if not millions, being deprived access to humanitarian aid. Speaking to reporters during the UN General Assembly, President Higgins accused the Israeli embassy in Ireland of circulating the letter he wrote congratulating the recently elected Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian. Mr Higginss letter was published by the London-based Jewish Chronicle in August and drew criticism from Fine Gael TDs. The Israeli embassy has described his allegations as baseless accusations. A claim has also emerged that in any case the letter was tweeted in full by the Iranian embassy in Ireland, before being deleted. A statement containing a summary of President Higginss communication remains on the website of the Iranian foreign ministry. Speaking in New York, the President urged reporters to question why the letter was circulated and by whom. Pressed on the matter, he said he believed the letter was circulated by the Israeli embassy, but said he had no idea how they accessed the private correspondence he wrote to his Iranian counterpart. My letter was standard, one I have written to many heads of state, and I stressed in it the importance of peace in the region, and the importance as well of diplomacy returning in relation to the resolution of disputes and so forth, he said. One of your journalist colleagues got [the letter] from the Israeli embassy and rang somebody and asked was I concerned and I wasnt concerned, he added. Mr Higginss letter was criticised by Fine Gael TDs when it emerged during the summer. In a statement, the Israeli embassy to Ireland described the Presidents comments as a baseless accusation. Unfortunately in Ireland, since the October 7 invasion by Hamas and massacre in Israel , which triggered this awful war, Israel has been subjected to a high level of malicious statements and accusations that have often manifested as incitement to hatred, it said. This baseless accusation is highly inflammatory and potentially slanderous and the embassy rejects it completely. The fact remains that the letter was written and therefore it is the burden of the author to defend its content, which did not mention the threat Iran poses in the region, that it calls for Israels destruction, that it arms and funds terrorist organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah, not to mention the violations of human rights against its own citizens, it added. A spokesman for President Higgins said the president made no suggestion the Israeli embassy leaked his letter, but rather that they circulated it. "The exchange of letters upon the coming to office of a new Head of State is standard diplomatic practice for countries which share diplomatic relations. As is usual practice, the letter in question was drafted based on material supplied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and issued via standard diplomatic channels. Such letters have been sent to incoming Presidents of Iran for a number of decades," said the spokesman. "In response to questions, the President indicated his view that this standard diplomatic letter had been circulated over the summer and presented as being something out of the ordinary. "The President made no accusations of a leak, he solely referred to the letter being circulated. In this context, the question of reporting does not arise, he added. Housing Mr Higgins was separately asked how he would characterise the Governments handling of the housing crisis, but he said he would not comment on any particular government. However, when it was put to him that it was an abject failure to have thousands of homeless families, he said: Theres no doubt whatsoever that as one looks at it I have to answer the question properly now, it has failed in many dimensions. The planning is a disaster. There arent enough planning officers working for the local authorities. He spoke about the suggestion the delay in providing houses is due to people going to court to exercise their rights. I think the total number was two per cent. In most cases where the courts took the decision, it was in relation to planning flaws. So theres side that of it, he said. Mr Higgins said it is inconceivable that the State would not directly build new homes and said the current policy was relying on seducing the private market. The President was also critical of the Governments policy on immigration. No one has proved any arguments in relation to changing benefits as a deterrence. Theres no evidence for that in Europe, and there isnt much for it anywhere else either, even in relation to Mexico and the US. I began studying migration in 1968. Its a long time ago, he said. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 22. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov has arrived in New York for a working visit, Trend reports. According to the presidents office, he will be taking part in the events of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. Today, Japarov is set to attend the Summit of the Future, where the "Pact for the Future" will be adopted. On Tuesday, he will address the General Assembly during the general debate. Several bilateral meetings are also on his agenda. Nick Clegg interview: Meta chief opens fire on Irish data regulator as standoff between big tech and EU worsens Technology giants are foaming at the mouth at what they see as regulation by EU committee on generative AI development Meta's Nick Clegg (centre) and the DPC's Dale Sunderland (left) and Des Hogan (right) Adrian Weckler Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 03:30 In Helen Dixons era as Data Protection Commissioner (DPC), Ireland was sometimes slagged off for going too easy on big tech. Now its catching flak for doing a 180-degree turn. Dara OMalley-Daly, who has died after a short illness at the age of 63, was station officer with Malin Head Coast Guard who combined his passion for the sea, swimming and surfing with development of water safety. His Irish Coast Guard colleagues, including air crew with the Rescue 118 helicopter in Sligo, members of Water Safety Ireland (WSI) and volunteers with the RNLI Lough Swilly lifeboat station, are among those who have paid tribute to him. His contribution has been so immense that it is almost impossible to describe, Irish Surfings development officer Zoe Lally said. He was born in London to Anthony OMalley-Daly, a marine radio officer, and Mary Hanna of the Hanna Hats family from Donegal. The couple returned home and settled in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, where he went to the De La Salle national and secondary schools. His mother was a swimming teacher, so winters were spent with his three siblings in the towns pool while summers were on Rossnowlagh Beach where he trained as a lifeguard while still a teenager. He opted for a career as a marine radio officer, like his father, and studied at Atlantic College in Dublin and Kevin Street College (now part of TU Dublin). He went to sea in 1985, joining Quadrant Marine Services in London and travelling the world. A passionate waterman who helped to forge links between surfing, swimming, lifeguarding and the Irish Coast Guard While at home in Ballyshannon, he had met Mairead Finn, who worked with Allied Irish Banks, and the couple married and reared two sons, Oisin and Eoin. On Eoins birth, in 1994, Dara decided to come ashore and took up a post with Barry Electronics in Killybegs. OMalley-Daly became a familiar face in home fishing ports and in shipyards abroad, spending time fitting and fixing electronic equipment in wheelhouses. After eight years with the pioneering Donegal company, he took up a post with the Irish Coast Guard as radio officer at their Malin Head station. While he often said he missed his time at sea, he was devoted to his wife and family and to water sports. He was a member of Rossnowlagh Surf Club and held various roles within Irish Surfing, the national governing body, including chairperson, secretary, safety officer and instructor developer. During his time as Irish Surfing chair, he was part of the organising committee for Eurosurf Bundoran in 2011, and he competed regularly as part of the Donegal Z team with Kevin McCloskey, Dodo McLoughlin and Kevin Tobin. He held many roles with Water Safety Ireland, including examiner and instructor, and always took the most positive approach to testing lifeguards on their skills. Former WSI vice-chair Seamus ONeill remembers how he nominated many candidates for their Just in Time awards, and was involved in devising a WSI-approved award to trained surfers in life-saving. Dara OMalley-Daly was a keen surfer Ms Lally of Irish Surfing said he was a passionate waterman, who helped to forge links between surfing, swimming, lifeguarding and the Irish Coast Guard. She noted he was also very proud of his two sons who both became very competent surfers. He was always on the end of a phone for calm and professional advice, she said. One such instance involved criticism in the media of tow-surfers on jetskis after they waved away a rescue helicopter in Clare. Tow-surfing involves surfers being towed by jet-ski into the path of huge waves. In the controversy, Clare Co Council had considered banning the activity. But through OMalley-Dalys influence, tow-surfing became organised at club level and members provide safety cover at events. He was also instrumental in running a campaign for eastern European anglers who had moved to Ireland to make them aware of the tidal differences between the Baltic and the Atlantic. It followed a number of sea-angling fatalities. He was a very accomplished open water swimmer. Both he and John Maguire completed a 19km charity swim in August 2004 from St Johns Point in Donegal to Creevy Pier, near Ballyshannon, to raise funds for Parkinsons disease. He also did the Alcatraz swim in San Francisco Bay with his three siblings on October 4, 2019. He participated in Christmas Day swims and one of his last public acts was to present proceeds of the 2023 swim to the Good and New charity, which runs a free bus for cancer patients travelling to Galway and the North-West Hospice. OMalley-Daly is survived by wife Mairead, sons Oisin and Eoin, his mother, Mary, and his sisters and brother, Orla, Sarah and Patrick. Some 14 people have been arrested in Northern Ireland as part of a UK-wide operation aimed at cracking down on people-smuggling gangs and those exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA). Under the CTA, UK and Irish citizens are able to travel freely between and reside in either jurisdiction without restriction. The recent operation which took place from September 16 to 18 involved the Home Offices Immigration Enforcement teams, UK police forces and international partners. They descended on locations across the UK, including Belfast, Liverpool and Scotland, over the course of the three days. PSNI officers were involved in the tactical and operational support side, including officers from the PSNIs Organised Crime Branch and Road Policing Teams. The operation was targeting criminal gangs who often exploit vulnerable migrants, charging them thousands of pounds to enter the UK illegally. Checks were conducted at major ports, airports and road networks in a bid to disrupt smuggling routes. The 14 people arrested in Northern Ireland, including seven Albanian nationals, were detained at Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, Belfast Docks, Belfast city centre and in the vicinity of the A1 dual carriageway. Across the UK a total of 31 arrests were made. Some 400,000 in criminal cash and 10 fraudulent identity documents which allow criminals to evade immigration controls were seized. Police and Border Force make arrests in Belfast The operation was led by Immigration Enforcements criminal and financial Investigations team in Northern Ireland, the PSNI, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and other police forces and international partners. Angela Eagle, the UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said the Government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people, risking their lives and giving them false hopes of a better life in the UK. Driven by greed, these gangs have no regard for human life or safety, charging outrageous fees, preying on those desperate to escape hardship, and forcing them into illegal and dangerous situations, she said. Home Office Immigration Enforcement Inspector Jonathan Evans said: This operation has been a huge success and sends a clear message that the smuggling gangs who break our laws will face serious consequences. We are taking action day in, day out to ensure we stay a step ahead of these criminal groups, disrupting them at the earliest possible stage. We will continue working relentlessly to ensure no one abuses the Common Travel Area or the UK's borders. Im incredibly proud of our teams across the country, as well as our partners from the police, the National Crime Agency, and international counterparts, for their hard work and collaboration in carrying out this important operation. A 2023 Westminster report examined how the CTA operates, and its potential pitfalls when it comes to illegal immigration. The lack of routine border controls on the land frontier means that there is potential for abuse of the CTA for unauthorised migration, it said. The British and Irish governments cooperate closely to guard against this, including through data sharing and the joint Operation Gull, but do not disclose the details of how this works. The immigration authorities of both countries conduct occasional checks within their own territory. Operation Gull is a joint exercise by the UK and Irish authorities aimed at tackling the movement of undocumented migrants across the CTA. Government parties wont sign off on a final budget package until next weekend Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe is understood to believe the proposal is not targeted enough at the most disadvantaged children in society Tensions are rising in the Coalition over the Green Partys demand that the Governments last budget before the general election should include the introduction of a 560 baby boost for all new parents. Senior figures in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have poured cold water on the plan, championed by Green Party leader Roderic OGorman, for a quadruple payment of child benefit in the first month of a newborns life. I dont think it can be afforded something else would have to be sacrificed to pay for it Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe is understood to believe the proposal is not targeted enough at the most disadvantaged children in society and feels there are better ways to address child poverty. There are also concerns over the cost of the baby boost and the impact the scheme would have on other budget measures. A senior Fianna Fail source said: I dont think it can be afforded under the limitations of the Summer Economic Statement which sets out spending levels for the budget. Fianna Fail are not against it in principle, but its a new policy development that would have to go into base spending so the cost of it in Budget 2025 does not look possible. Or at least something else would have to be sacrificed to pay for it. Child poverty has to be tackled and the more mainstreamed and targeted it is the better. It should be across all State systems as a priority not just piecemeal, the Fianna Fail source said. However, Mr OGorman is continuing to pursue the payment in budget talks, with a senior party source saying they are continuing to work on getting this over the line. Heather Humphreys wants a 15 increase in the State pension Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys publicly said she is supportive of the baby boost payment and said she previously looked at developing a similar scheme. However, she did not pitch an enhanced child benefit payment as part of her budget negotiations with Finance Minister Jack Chambers and Mr Donohoe. It is expected there will be a double payment of the child benefit to all parents before the end of the year. Meanwhile, Humphreys is set for a budget row with her Coalition colleagues, after it emerged she is pushing back against increasing the weekly rate of jobseekers allowance at the same level as the state pension and other welfare payments. A number of social welfare payment increases are on the table The minister is proposing a 15 increase to the state pension and other benefits such as the carers allowance and disability payments. But she is insisting there is not a case for increasing jobseekers allowance at the same level as this would mean there would be less funding for other welfare supports. The Green Party and Fianna Fail believe all weekly payments, including the jobseekers allowance, should be increased at the same rate. A Fianna Fail source said excluding jobseekers from budget increases would backfire and put more people into poverty, due to cost-of-living challenges which have worsened in recent years. The Sunday Independent understands that the Coalition leaders held budget discussions last week, but wont sign off on the final package of measures until next weekend. A government source said that among the measures thought to be guaranteed are the proposed cut to college fees, and the permanent reductions to school transport costs. A 1.5bn cost-of-living package is being considered, less than last years 2.3bn package. The source also confirmed that a number of social welfare payment increases are on the table, including a once-off payment of 200 to people getting the living alone increase and a once-off payment of 300 to people getting fuel allowance. Board members of the States adoption authority said they were being exploited by a government department and being made to work far more hours than they were being paid for. In a row over fees, the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) warned the Government that pressure was becoming so intense that standards would inevitably fall as they dealt with ever-more complex cases involving vulnerable kids. In a letter Orlaith Traynor, the chair of the authority, wrote as well of board members feeling entirely undervalued with a 7,965 annual stipend. A similar role at broadcaster RTE paid 15,000. Correspondence reveals how officials from the Department of Children and Equality did ask the Department of Public Expenditure to examine whether the payments could be increased. However, their requests for an increase in the stipend as well as a rise in the annual salary of 134,854 that applies for the chief executive were rejected. Concerns over the size of the payment were raised multiple times in 2022 and culminated in a letter to Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman that October. By June of last year, the AAI again wrote to the department, saying the size of the stipend was now considered a high-risk item for the authority. The pressure of work... leads us to the conclusion that standards will ultimately begin to fall A letter from the board said members were now dedicating up to 60 days a year to the job well in excess of what would be considered to be reasonable. It said their work had become much more complex dealing with a huge increase in volume of tracing requests from adoptees and uncertainty over surrogacy cases. Unfortunately, the pressure of work under which the current board is being placed inevitably leads us to the conclusion that standards will ultimately begin to fall, the letter said. It said that only people who were retired with a healthy pension or self-employed within a well-established practice could even consider serving on the board given the demands being made of their time. The current board is not prepared to tolerate the current situation and any action we may take will be considered but decisive and will depend on the response to this letter, the letter said in conclusion. In response, Mr OGorman said staff of his department had put together a strong business case supporting the request for higher fees. However, despite the hard work of officials, the Department of Public Expenditure had rejected the case and said the AAI board members had signed up for five years on existing terms. Mr OGorman wrote that his departments position remains that the board have experienced an upswing in the volume, nature and scope of their work. He said however, the final decision lies with the Department of Public Expenditure. Last November, the AAI wrote again to the minister, saying the decision made did not reflect the reality of the circumstances the board were working in. It explained how multiple emergency meetings were being called each year in relation to specific adoption cases with board members making themselves available at short notice. Unfortunately, your response is likely to dilute this willingness, which will have grave consequences particularly for children whose [adoption] orders may not be made on time, the letter said. It said the board felt entirely undervalued especially compared to other state boards, including that of RTE where fees were 15,000 with one meeting a month. They also said they had learned that the board of the state training agency Solas had just had 12,000 a year fees introduced. The letter said the board was quite surprised that the Department of Public Expenditure does not consider our time commitment to be sufficient to permit an increase in our remuneration. It concluded by saying the authority feared resignations of board members are imminent if just financial recompense is not put in place. Asked about the correspondence, the Adoption Authority of Ireland confirmed that board fees and the salary for the CEO position remained unchanged. A spokeswoman said: Discussions by the Board of the AAI regarding this issue remain ongoing. Ireland is the largest accommodation provider in Europe according to the Irish Red Cross More than 10,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia were accommodated in homes here last year, according to new figures from the Irish Red Cross. It said those fleeing the war were hosted in 3,955 Irish homes, which made Ireland the largest accommodation provider among nine EU countries studied under an EU-wide research programme. The countries studied were Ireland, Belgium, France, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Irish Red Cross secretary general Deirdre Garvey said the organisation would continue working to expand its volunteer base in Ireland to support those impacted or displaced by conflicts and natural disasters. The overwhelming support from the Irish public has been vital in enabling us to continue our mission at home and abroad, she added. The Irish public donated 900,000 to the Red Cross Ukrainian appeal last year The charitys annual report for 2023, published last week, said 10,019 Ukrainians were accommodated last year by Irish hosts. The Irish public also donated 900,000 to the Red Cross Ukrainian appeal last year. It said work this year is ongoing to expand trauma support services for Ukrainians who fled their country in 2022 and 2023. The report also highlighted life-saving work in Palestine because of the ongoing conflict with Israel, as well as initiatives in Turkey, Syria, Libya and Morocco after earthquakes and flooding had devastating impacts in these countries. A Gaza appeal raised 634,000. The group said this contributed to more than 3,500 trucks filled with essential supplies reaching those in need. However, aid agencies on the ground have complained of difficulties getting further supplies into Gaza and say more help is needed. More than 1.6m in funding was provided to support emergency relief efforts in Turkey and Syria, as well as shelter and medical aid. Domestic causes also benefitted from support provided by the Irish Red Crosss 3,000 volunteers here. This included responses to flooding in Midleton, Co Cork, with the charity responsible for administering 7.4m in aid under the Small Business Flood Relief Scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise. The annual report also pointed to a significant number of new Generation Z volunteers to the organisation. About 40pc of new members (221) were aged 23 or under. These young people are obviously highly engaged in social causes both here in Ireland and abroad and are looking for ways to make a tangible impact which is brilliant for our society, Ms Garvey said. Key focus areas in Ireland for the coming period include expanding our volunteer base to assist vulnerable people in every county in Ireland, expanding our first aid public education programmes and continuing to help traumatised refugees in Ireland and abroad rebuild their future. Escalating tensions in the Middle East, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the brutal conflict in Sudan are expected to be the focus (left to right) Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Micheal Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris during a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in Dublin Castle (PA) Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin are to focus on conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Mr Harris and Mr Martin are travelling to New York on Sunday for several days of engagements at the high-level week. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins is to address the UN Summit of the Future on Sunday at the UNs headquarters. In his address, Mr Higgins will emphasise again the importance of food security for Africa and how to achieve a new, invigorated United Nations. Mr Higgins will also join Mr Harris and Mr Martin, as well as other heads of state and government, in attending the first day of the annual high-level general debate on Tuesday. Mr Harris will attend the Summit of the Future, will co-chair one of four interactive dialogues, and attend high-level events related to the situation in the Middle East and in Ukraine. The Taoiseach will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with other leaders, including with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Mr Harris said ahead of the events that his focus would be on the grave situation in the Middle East. The immediate priority of the international community must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. A dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance is urgently needed. The safety of UN and other humanitarian workers must be adequately protected. All efforts must be made to prevent escalation in the region and I call on all sides to practise restraint. The Taoiseach, who recently returned from a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, said that Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine would also be raised, as would the devastating conflict in Sudan. Mr Martin said ahead of the trip that the UN event was a key international moment for Ireland and indeed the world. I look forward to working with like-minded partners and, vitally, those with whom we may not agree, to seek solutions and find a way forward to build a more peaceful, prosperous, just and sustainable world. I also look forward to engaging with a wide range of counterparts to discuss the urgent need to address the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. On Sunday, Mr Martin will attend a working dinner meeting with other ministers on the Middle East hosted by the International Peace Institute. On Tuesday, he will attend the opening ceremony of the UN General Assembly and hold a range of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers. Actress Kate Winslet stars as Lee Miller in her new film Lee. Miller was a model turned photographer who took many pictures relating to the life and work of James Joyce Does Kate Winslet enjoy a pint? Certainly her alter ego, Lee Miller, got the smell of Guinness firmly in her nostrils when she visited Dublin for Vogue magazine in 1946. This remarkable woman, the subject of Winslets new film Lee, left behind an archive of photographs inspired by James Joyces Dublin, the most notable of them being boys playing near the Martello Tower at Sandycove, where Ulysses opens, and Barney Kiernans pub which she immortalised with a photograph of an old man sinking a pint of Guinness. Her life, up to her arrival in Dublin that year, reads like an improbable Hollywood plot said the blurb to an exhibition of her work in the James Joyce Centre some years ago. Originally from upstate New York, Lee Miller was raped as a child. She went on to become a model for Vogue and then a photographer. She moved to Paris, becoming the lover, muse and assistant to the avant-garde artist Man Ray before moving to London. Lee slept in Hitlers bed and was photographed in his bathtub by Life photographer David Scherman when the Allies took Munich With the outbreak of World War II, she became a war correspondent, documenting the Blitz, the liberation of the concentration camps at Buchenwald and Dachau and famously sleeping in Adolf Hitlers bed and being photographed in his bathtub by Life photographer David Scherman when the Allies took Munich. Scarred by what she had seen and heard she turned to alcohol. Possibly to take her mind off the horrors of war, a Vogue editor dispatched her to Dublin to illustrate an article When James Joyce Lived in Dublin for the magazine. The article was written by Constantine Curran, a college pal of Joyces at University College Dublin, who remained a lifelong friend of the writer. Joyce had once pronounced: If I can get to the heart of Dublin, I can get to the heart of all the cities in the world. A man in Barney Kiernans pup in Dublin in 1946. Photo: Lee Miller Archives Although much of the city he chronicled lives on only between the covers of old Thoms Directories, Lee Miller did manage to track down a few of the original landmarks that characterised Joyces Dublin. Back then much of the city was untainted by the prosperity that would reduce many of the landmarks he immortalised to rubble. The collection provides an inside view of Millers journey, more than 60 years after the fact, and is a unique portrait of post-war Dublin including many fascinating images relating to the life and work of Joyce including some important Joycean locations that were thought never to have been photographed, according to the catalogue accompanying an exhibition of her photographs in the Joyce Centre in 2014. The article and photographs appeared in American Vogue in May 1947 and British Vogue in 1950. The pictures provide a record of Dublin in the aftermath of the war, when neutrality, emigration and poverty had made the country a backwater. After all these years, what remains of Lee Millers Dublin let alone the city that James Joyce criss-crossed? The film Lee was made in 2023 as a pet project of Kate Winslet. Directed by Ellen Kuras and starring Winslet, Marion Cotillard and Josh OConnor, it was adapted from a 1985 biography by Millers son Antony Penrose. It took eight years to make and is only now being released in cinemas, to acclaim from some critics. Kate Winslet as Lee Miller in 'Lee' After all these years, what remains of Lee Millers Dublin let alone the city that James Joyce criss-crossed flitting from one rented house to the next as the family fortunes dwindled? The truth is, little enough, which becomes abundantly clear when you visit Little Britain Street, just off Capel Street in central Dublin which is around the corner from the old Green Street Courthouse that used to house the Special Criminal Court. Bernard (Barney) Kiernans pub at No 8 is gone, although the building still exists. It was put up for sale in 2022 and remains intact, unlike many other buildings around the corner in Green Street, its windows boarded up and disfigured by graffiti. Those who know their Joyce also know that the pages of his most famous book, Ulysses, are peppered with Dublin pubs Dan Bergins (now Lloyds), the Signal House under Amiens Street bridge (now J&M Clearys), Dunphys in Phibsboro (now Doyles) and The Oval bar, which still retains its own name. And thats only a few of them. Most of them are only namechecked in the book as Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus wander the streets of the city on June 16, 1904, ending up in one of the biggest red light districts in Europe, behind Talbot Street, where prostitution was legal. What makes Davy Byrnes in Duke Street and the bar of the Ormond Hotel different from most of the others is that events take place in both establishments, and Barney Kiernans pub is particularly special for Joycean scholars because nearly all of Chapter 12 in Ulysses is set in the bar. Lee Miller talking to art critic Frederick Laws at a play in London in March 1950. Photo: Getty In the episode, timed at 5pm, Leopold Bloom, the non-practising Jewish protagonist, encounters The Citizens, based on the antisemite bigot Michael Cusack, founder of the GAA, who is in the pub with his vicious dog Garryowen waiting for people to buy him drink. Joyce viciously lampooned Cusack in Ulysses and the episode ends with the enraged Irish nationalist chasing Bloom from the pub and flinging a biscuit tin after him, to the amusement of locals. Many devotees of Joyce and Bloomsday speculate on what is the most Joycean pub in Dublin today. Mulligans of Poolbeg Street, which is not in the book, but features in a short story in Dubliners, is generally given that honour as is Kavanaghs (The Gravediggers) in Glasnevin. But on my own perambulations around Dublin pubs, and going by Lee Millers famous photograph taken in Barney Kiernans, neither they nor the other Victorian pubs that remain really fit the bill. Of course, the timeline is right, and most of the old pubs serve a superior pint, but they are a little too fancy to recapture the atmosphere of a working mans pub in 1904. My own candidate for the title is Fallons Capstan Bar in The Liberties. Inside it remains what a working mans pub would have looked like back then and, at 5pm at least, has a touch of the same atmosphere. It isnt in Ulysses or any other Joyce story, but its original, unfussy and unpretentious air makes it, if not exactly like Barney Kiernans, at least very much in the same vein. A woman admiring the photographic exhibition titled 'Lee Miller in James Joyce's Dublin' at the James Joyce Centre in 2014 As for Lee Miller, after her assignment she returned to England where she lived with her husband Sir Roland Penrose, until her death at the age of 70 in 1977. During her lifetime she didnt bother with self-promotion, but since her death her photographic archive of more than 60,000 prints, including the Dublin episode, are now in the Lee Miller Archives. And after all those years her life has been immortalised on screen, thanks to the admiration and persistence of Kate Winslet, in a film thats a far cry from The Holiday. The atmosphere was dead at the Etihad Stadium last Wednesday night during Manchester Citys disappointing scoreless draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League. It was hard to say whether this was related to the official opening of the Premier League case against City for 115 breaches of Financial Fair Play rules or whether the whole City phenomenon has a deadening effect on the souls even of its main beneficiaries. Former WBC champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) said the result of his fight with Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) was unfair. The British heavyweight lost on points on May 18. ADVERTISIMENT According to the Gypsy King (nicknamed Fury), he was the best in the first fight and will prove it in the second. "He was given a decision in the fight with the Gypsy King, period... That is, everything is in the past. They unfairly deprived me of my innocence. It would probably be strange if I did it for 50 pounds, but considering that I was 'broken' for a lot of money, it doesn't matter. I'm going to knock him out," Michael Benson quoted Tyson as saying. As reported by OBOZ.UA, both Usyk and Fury will be present in London at Wembley Stadium during the show, the main event of which will be the fight between Anthony Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs) and Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs). Alexander has already arrived in London and posted a photo with his team. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Simeon Burke, younger brother of Enoch Burke, claims he is being shut out from practising law The name of Burke is rarely out of the news these days. This time it belongs to Simeon Burke, younger brother of teacher Enoch, whose extended stay at the States pleasure for refusing to purge his civil contempt of court over a continuing protest at Wilsons Hospital School has become increasingly frustrating to weary observers of the saga. As a recently qualified barrister, Simeon Burke has now written to the Bar Council to complain that he is effectively being shut out from practising law due to his failure to find a so-called master willing to take him on for a year as an unpaid pupil, known as a devil, as required by tradition before representing clients in court. The system is undoubtedly archaic and would appear to present obstacles to other candidates, not simply members of this controversial family, should they displease potential masters. To be denied entry to those hallowed halls by what some argue is a closed shop must be distressing. A sense of unfairness is only natural. Nonetheless, the system has worked effectively for centuries, and one can understand a reluctance among barristers to take on a member of the Burke family as a pupil when their clashes with the law regularly attract negative publicity. Simeon Burkes 2023 conviction for a breach of the peace following a protest at the Four Courts in support of his brother, which led to him being dragged away by gardai, was struck out in April on the grounds of insufficient evidence for a criminal offence, but the judge did note that the young mans behaviour was unbecoming. The Burkes appear to wake up each morning and choose confrontation Masters cannot be expected to take on any devil without demur when they come with such baggage. Academic qualifications, of which Simeon has an abundance, are the bare requirement. There must be a personal compatibility and an inherent trust between master and pupil. If there are doubts about the ability to build such a relationship of mutual respect, it is unreasonable to ask masters to disregard their misgivings. As sole traders, barristers discernment is an indispensable asset. They need to show good judgment and be of good character to maintain standing with the courts. Such respect is hard won and easily lost. Once lost, it can be all but impossible to get back. To maintain it, a regard for the law of the land is non-negotiable. Being right is not enough. There is a certain give and take necessary to ensure civil society functions for all. The Burkes appear to wake up each morning and choose confrontation. Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 23rd In that respect, they are fierce individualists, and such disruptors do have a value in every society that values freedom of thought; but Christian writers have long warned against the dangers of unchecked individualism. We have relationships and obligations that extend beyond us into the community. All our rights ultimately derive from nurturing them. Christ said: Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars. The phrase has been interpreted by scholars in many ways, but is generally taken to mean that sometimes it is wise to submit to earthly authority to avoid unnecessary discord. The Burke family may be better off rendering unto Caesar. If they continue to defy him, Caesar can be forgiven for being less than sympathetic. They have tested his patience long enough. To think someone in Russia typed in the co-ordinates of the childrens hospital Irish teacher who spent summer in Ukraine tells of missile attack on most vulnerable Ger Barretts time in the war-torn country showed true horror of what people must cope with Ger Barrett has seen Ukrainians start to lose hope in face of onslaught Tom McCaughren Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 03:30 Things have changed, says my friend Ger Barrett on his return from a second summer teaching in Ukraine. The people are living on their nerves. They feel they have been forgotten. Rescued kidnap victim Jennifer Guinness being driven away following her release from captivity. Photograph: Frank Mc Grath Jnr Heir to the brewing and banking fortune, Jennifer Guinness lived a quiet life, residing in a luxury Howth mansion. In April 1986, however, a traumatic incident catapulted her into the headlines and resulting in one of the biggest manhunts in the history of the State. The investigation was sprawling, involving expert Gardai from divisions such as the Serious Crime Squad, Special Branch and Security Task Force. The saga, which began on the night of April 8, 1986, led to an eight-day nationwide manhunt for John 'The Colonel' Cunningham, his brother Michael, and Dublin criminal Anthony Kelly, all of whom had links to the notorious criminals Christy Kinahan, and Martin 'The General' Cahill. Jennifer Guinness, a mother of three who was 48 at the time of her ordeal, was held at five different locations around Dublin city centre during the drama. "I had no doubt at all, most of the time that my life was in danger," she said after being rescued by armed gardai from a flat in a large house on Waterloo Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, after a six-hour stand-off, as the kidnappers desperately tried to set conditions to escape. Irish Independent Special Correspondent Paul Williams speaks to Fionnan Sheahan about the dramatic kidnapping of Jennifer Guinness and the snowball effect it would have on the Irish crime scene for decades to come. Member Eilish Kavanagh, said that they generated these funds after hosting a Heritage Vintage weekend in Clonhamon village. They have held this event on the street for the last few years where they would usually sell tea and coffee, as well as bacon and cabbage boiled in old famine pots. However, this year they held the weekend in a local field due to the large number of returning crowds. "The crowds have been so big, we decided to take it to the field. We involved vintage cars, vintage tractors, anything vintage really. We also had a stage where Gavin Gribben and Dancing with Declan performed. We also had a storytelling event as we try to cater to everybody, she said. What is unique to this event is that they host it in a movable old bog cottage on loan from a man called Johnny Howard in Kildare. This partnership began after Ms Kavanaghs son became friendly with Mr Howard four years ago and proposed the idea over a drink in a pub. Not only has the cottage travelled annually to Wexford, but it also has a yearly stint in London, aided by the fact that it was built on a trailer. "For the last two years we have brought the cottage to Trafalgar Square in London for St Patricks Day weekend. The cottage goes on the Ferry and we take a flight - expenses that we pay by ourselves, she added. The group decided to give the money to the day centre as a way to give back to the community for always supporting them. "The staff in the day centre were amazed. They rely so much on sponsorship as they do not get any funding. It was also a great night with homemade cakes and we were given a tour of the centre. As well as that, we also donated 500 to the Hope Centre in Enniscorthy, she said. Next on the agenda for the club is their big Christmas plans; on December 7 they are hosting a Christmas market with a visit from Santa in aid of the Heart Unit in Crumlin Hospital. On December 14, they will have their Light Up Christmas road run in aid of the Wexford branch of the Irish Kidney Association. Trish Kenny carries the ashes of her distant relation Mary Balfe Campeau to their final resting place in Tomacork graveyard. Photo: Joe Byrne Trish Kenny and Anne Kraushaar with a photo of the late Mary Balfe Campeau who was interred in Tomacork graveyard on Friday morning. Photo: Joe Byrne Mary Balfe Campeau (front, third from left) with friends and family at the Mass Rock in Tinahely in 2018. Photo: Joe Byrne The late Mary Balfe Campeau with her distant cousins, Mick and Liz Kenny from Carnew at the Mass Rock in Tinahely in 2018. Photo: Joe Byrne Tirhs Kenny and Anne Kraushaar with members of the extended Balfe and Kenny families along with Kevin and Eleanor Lee at the grave where the ashes of the late Mary Balfe Campeau were interred. Photo: Joe Byrne In September sunshine and with a soft, warm breeze caressing the faces of her cousins and friends, the circle of life for the late Dr Mary Bernadette Balfe Campeau was completed when her ashes were interred in Tomacork graveyard in Co WIcklow, after a poignant service in the adjoining church. It was the dearest wish of Mary that she return home to Ireland from her home in Kingston, Ontario, after her passing to rest in the land of her ancestors from where Thomas Balfe and Sarah Kenny departed for Canada in 1847. And on Friday morning last, those wishes were granted with the utmost respect and decency when her cousin, John Balfe, from North Bay in Ontario, knelt in front of the headstone of Marys family and placed a simple but precious wooden urn into the soil into a grave not disturbed since way back in 1932. From that same soil, Marys ancestors forged a life for themselves in tough times, as famine ravaged the land. But with desperation great, Thomas and Sarah, like so many other residents of Coollattin Estate, made the profoundly difficult decision to head across the wild Atlantic in search of a new beginning, in search of hope. Mary was born in 1940 to a family now well established in the Canadian province of Ontario and farming in tough but happy and contented circumstances. A kind and generous person, Mary went on to have a successful real estate business in Kingston, but her life will be remembered as having been one of fulfilment and goodness. She received a masters in Canadian Literature from Queens University, was elected as the first woman to serve as President of the Kingston and Area Real Estate Association and completed her PhD at Queens in Geography and Planning in 2019. Generosity and kindness are two words that are used when people speak of Mary. She was heavily involved in volunteering her time to worthy causes, including the settling of refugees into her local area in recent years. Speaking during the ceremony conducted by Fr Martin Casey at St. Brigids Church in Tomacork, Marys cousin, John Balfe, said that her return to her ancestral homeland was the completion of the circle of life. Today, we remember the brave people who left this homeland to make a new life in Canada, John said. We thank Bridget and the Kenny family who welcome Mary home to this sacred ground in Tomacork, completing the circle of life. Mary had enjoyed visits home to Ireland in the past and had felt a deep connection with her homeland, which made her return last Friday morning an occasion of poignancy and sadness but also one of profoundness and peacefulness. Dont hide your light under a bushel says our expert, who is all about bodycare that doesnt cost the earth Our faces may be our fortune and our hair is our crowning glory, but its all about what lies beneath our clothes this autumn/winter. I know were all thrilled to be able to hide our bodies away in layers and jeans again, but bodycare products are having a real moment. Im a huge fan of Irish cosmeceutical brand Skin Formulas and their Skin Mist (45, skinformulas.ie). But after four years in development, founder Geraldine Jones told me about the brands new body collection. The range includes a Body Scrub (50), Shower Oil (45), Body Oil (55), Body Balm (55), Hand Wash (42), and Hand Lotion (42) that Im pleased to say I love to indulge in, especially for the transformative powers of orange and neroli essential oils. I swear I feel like Im in a spa in my own bathroom using them. Somebody who always has her finger on the pulse is the sensational Susan Fox who owns Eden Beauty Group in Wicklow. Fox is an expert on everything to do with skin, so naturally her new Ealu range of Irish-made bodycare products are bursting with goodness. There are three products so far Ealu Body Drench (25), Body Sand (25) and Body Gloss (38, ealu-moments.com), and their active formulas and signature jasmine and coconut fragrance will rejuvenate your skin and invigorate your senses. Start with the vitamin-enriched body scrub, massage with body drench all over, paying particular attention to any dry areas, and add some glow with the ultra-hydrating body oil, which has a subtle shimmer this is hands down my favourite product in the range. Im currently covered in it! M&S Beauty Burst Bodycare, 6.75-11, marksandspencer.com Layering scents is always a great way to feel pampered, and the M&S Burst Bodycare (6.75-11, marksandspencer.com) has five lovely products at a great price, including a body butter, body scrub, shower gel, hand wash and hand lotion. The own-brand products come in scents of shea, orange, mango, melon and cherry, and they contain fruit extracts that are kind to the skin. New to Ireland is Australian brand Sundae Body and it has a divine range of whipped shower foams that come in a range of scents. The Sundae Body Shower Foam (14.95, sundaebody.ie) smells good enough to eat. They come in scents like Passionfruit Pop, Coconut Cream, Very Vanilla and Honey Honey and are foamy and frothy. Theyre also free from parabens and sulphates, and are vegan and cruelty-free. Q+A Collagen Body Butter (13, pharmacies nationwide) is another vegan-friendly star, and its rich and intensely moisturising, and designed to renew lacklustre skin. It has a delicate pale pink hue, and it works to promote elasticity and preserve firmness for soft and supple skin. Finally, milk bathing is an ayurvedic practice that cleanses the body, pampers the skin and calms the senses, all of which The Ritual of Ayurveda Coconut Milk Bath (17.90, rituals.com) promises. A sprinkle of translucent powder on a stain can help absorb the grease Trick Powder that stain Weve all done it left the house looking pristine, only to spill something oily or greasy on your outfit. Well heres a quick fix that works wonders! Sprinkle translucent powder on the stain to absorb the grease before it sets in. Remember, a little powder can go a long way in saving your outfit so youre not left in a panic of putting together a whole new get-up! Barenia by Hermes, from 116, brownthomas.com Treat Barenia by Hermes, from 116, brownthomas.com Mmmm, the new fragrance from Hermes, Barenia is a true olfactory masterpiece created by the talented Christine Nagel, with notes of rich leather, warm spices and delicate florals. Its named after the luxurious barenia leather in Hermes handbags and accessories. Best of all, the bottle is refillable, created to last. Just like their bags! Forma face treatment, from 120, kerryhanaphy.com Treatment Forma face treatment, from 120, kerryhanaphy.com Say hello to firmer, tighter skin with Forma, a cutting-edge radio-frequency treatment that works wonders on collagen production. This advanced treatment effectively tightens and firms the skin, particularly in the lower face and jowl area, delivering noticeable results with minimal downtime. Trionas budget friendly beauty buys Kate, with her husband Britains Prince of Wales, joined King Charles and Camilla at church in Balmoral on Sunday The Princess of Wales has been seen in public for the first time since her cancer treatment ended (Mike Egerton/PA) Kate Middleton has been seen in public for the first time since her cancer treatment ended. Kate, with her husband Britain's Prince of Wales, joined King Charles and the Queen at church in Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday. It comes after the princess confirmed in a deeply personal video shared earlier this month that she will return to public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy course. In the video, Kate said: I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. She had been receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer since late February with King Charles beginning his cancer care earlier that month following his diagnosis after treatment for an enlarged prostate. While receiving treatment, Kate had been undertaking some work behind the scenes, meeting with her staff and representatives from the centre but these were not officially recorded. On Tuesday, she was listed in the official record of royal events for the first time since her cancer treatment ended. Kate was featured in the Court Circular after holding a meeting at Windsor Castle about an issue that aides in the past have described as her lifes work the early years development of children. The princess took some time away from public engagements after being diagnosed with cancer. She attended the Kings birthday parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, in June and the following month presented the winning trophy in the mens Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz. She was also seen joining William, Charles and Camilla at Crathie Church, near Balmoral Castle, in August. Kiwi pilot freed after 19 months in rebel captivity in Indonesias Papua region: Today I finally got out Mr Mehrtens sobbed while talking to his family via video and an Indonesian official tried to calm him down by patting his back New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, who has been freed more than year and a half after being held hostage by a pro-independence group, arrives at Military Airbase Operation Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta, Indonesia, September 21, 2024. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana Niniek Karmini and Charlotte Graham-McLay Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 09:39 A New Zealand pilot held hostage for more than a year in the restive Papua region of Indonesia was freed on Saturday by separatist rebels. LATEST | Hezbollah and Israel exchange heavy fire after deadly strike on Beirut, which killed 45 people including three children Israel army says it hit 290 targets, destroying rocket launchersHezbollah says it targeted airbase with dozens of missilesHezbollah says 16 members killed in Friday strikeIsrael says group's military chain severely damaged A child wears a headband during a funeral of three Hezbollah members Hassan Youssef Abdel Sater, Ahmed Samir Deeb and Abbas Sami Muselmani, who were killed on Friday in Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon September 21, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh Timour Azhari and Miro Maman Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 09:21 Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire into Sunday, with Israeli warplanes carrying out the most intense bombardment in almost a year of war across Lebanon's south and Hezbollah firing rockets deep into northern Israel. Hezbollah declares open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel as 100 rockets launched across Northern Israel Isaac Herzog said he rejects out of hand any connection to the operation against Hezbollah in recent days The comments come days after surprise attacks by Israel in Lebanon (AP) Natalie Melzer and Kareem Chehayeb Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 16:49 Hezbollah has launched more than 100 rockets across northern Israel, with some landing near the city of Haifa, as Israel launched hundreds of strikes on Lebanon. Ukrainian defenders have warned that the military of the aggressor country Russia has resorted to a new way to make its attack drones more damaging. Now they treat UAVs with a substance that causes chemical burns. ADVERTISIMENT A corresponding warning was issued on September 22 by the Kharkiv Operational and Tactical Group. In particular, the OTG said that the substance used by Russian criminals to treat their drones causes chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin. Therefore, the Ukrainian military urged to be careful with trophy drones and not to touch them without special protective equipment. "The Russian occupiers have started treating their drones with an unknown substance that causes chemical burns during tactile contact. Be careful and cautious, do not touch the trophy "birds" without protective equipment!" the statement reads. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the Dnipro Regional Military Administration urged not to panic over the information about a chemical substance on enemy drones. The regional military administration noted that no such cases have been recorded in the Dnipro region, but urged to be vigilant in case of suspicious objects. "Please do not panic! There have been no such cases in our region. This is officially confirmed by the regional health department. At the same time, safety rules should be kept in mind in any case. Do not touch any suspicious objects," urged the head of the RMA, Serhiy Lysak. If you see such objects, you should immediately contact the emergency services by calling 101 or 102. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, the Center for Countering Disinformation warned that the occupiers are preparing a provocation with chemical weapons in the Kursk region, in particular , they plan to stage or commit crimes similar to those committed in the occupied territories of Ukraine in order to accuse the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, back in May, Western journalists found that the Russian army was using chemical weapons along the entire front line in Ukraine. In particular, the Russians are actively using chloropicrin, which acts as an irritant. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Iran presented a new version of the Shahed - Shahed-136B - the day before . At the presentation, it was stated that the range of the new kamikaze drone reaches 4 thousand kilometers. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT Deportations, trans bans and easing fishing regulations the 41 plans for Donald Trumps potential first day back in the Oval Office Republican candidate has made bold claims over what he plans to do first in the White House Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters Derek Hawkins and Clara Ence Morse Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 03:30 Donald Trump has a long list of executive actions he says he wants to carry out on his potential first day back in the White House. Among them: begin mass deportations, eliminate perks for electric vehicles, and ban transgender women from womens sports. 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. In image QUAD leader's meeting in Delaware | courtesy: X/Narendra Modi Wilmington/IBNS: In his opening remarks at the sixth Quad Leaders Summit in the US's Delaware, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a shared objective of the Quad partners. The sixth Quad Summit is being hosted by US President Joe Biden, and is attended by the Prime Ministers of Australia Anthony Albanese, and of Japan Fumio Kishida besides PM Modi. In his address, the Prime Minister thanked President Biden for hosting the Summit and for his personal commitment to strengthen the Quad as a force for global good. Glad to have met Quad Leaders during todays Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The discussions were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. We will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity pic.twitter.com/xVRlg9RYaF Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 PM Modi stated that at a time when the world is ridden with tensions and conflicts, the coming together of Quad partners, with shared democratic ethos and values, is important for humanity. He emphasized that the group stood for upholding the international order based on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and with a commitment to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes. "At such a time, it is important for all of humanity that the members of the Quad move forward based on shared democratic values. We are not against anybody. All of us support rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all disputes. A free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our shared priority and shared commitment," he told the Quad leaders. He underlined that the Quad was here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement the efforts of Indo-Pacific countries. Reiterating that the Quad remains a "force for global good, the leaders made the following announcements to address the development priorities of the Indo-Pacific region and of the global community as a whole: * "Quad Cancer Moonshot, a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region by combating cervical cancer. * "Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to enable Indo-Pacific partners to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad initiatives. * First-ever "Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety. * "Quad Ports of the Future Partnership which will harness the Quads collective expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific. * "Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure in the region and beyond. * A "Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation to enhance resilience of Quads semiconductor supply chains. * Collective Quad effort to boost energy efficiency, including deployment and manufacturing of high-efficiency affordable cooling systems in the Indo-Pacific region. * Indias establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius, to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact. * A new sub-category under the Quad STEM Fellowship, announced by India, for students of the Indo-Pacific region to pursue a 4-year bachelors level engineering programme at a Government of India funded technical institute. The leaders welcomed the next hosting of the Quad Leaders Summit by India in 2025. To take the Quad agenda forward, they adopted the Quad Wilmington Declaration. PM Modi arrived in the US hours earlier on a three-day visit and held bilateral talks with President Biden at his Delaware home. The talks were extremely fruitful, PM Modi said in a post after the meeting. I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting. @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/WzWW3fudTn Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024 During his visit, the Prime Minister will also address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York and interact with Indian expatriates and American business leaders. Photo courtesy: X/Narendra Modi Wilmington/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event hosted by US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi deeply appreciated this thoughtful initiative of President Biden aimed at preventing, detecting, and treating cervical cancer. India fully supports this initiative. Lets collectively work to strengthen the fight against cancer! https://t.co/54oxFoPSl9 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 He stated that the program would go a long way in providing affordable, accessible and quality health-care to people in Indo-Pacific countries. He noted that India was also undertaking a mass cervical cancer screening program in the country. Talking of Indias health security efforts, he mentioned that the country has developed a cervical cancer vaccine and is working on an AI-based treatment protocol for the disease. As Indias contribution to the Cancer Moonshot initiative, the Prime Minister, in keeping with Indias vision of One World, One Health, announced the dedication of a grant of US $7.5 million to cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi also announced that India will provide support for radiotherapy treatment and capacity building for cancer prevention in the Indo-Pacific. He also mentioned that Indo-Pacific countries will be benefiting from the supply of 40 million doses of vaccine from India under GAVI and QUAD programs. PM Modi noted that when the Quad acts, it is not just for nations, it is for the people and that is the true essence of its human-centric approach. "India will also offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region on DPI for cancer screening, care, and continuum through its US$ 10 million contribution to WHOs-Global Initiative on Digital Health," PM Modi announced. Glad to have met Quad Leaders during todays Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The discussions were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. We will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity pic.twitter.com/xVRlg9RYaF Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 Through the Cancer Moonshot initiative, the Quad leaders committed to working together to address gaps in the cervical cancer care and treatment ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific countries. A Joint Cancer Moonshot Fact Sheet was released on the occasion. In image PM Modi & Joe Biden during antiquities handover/ Courtesy: PIB New Delhi/IBNS: The United States has returned 297 antiquities that had been stolen or trafficked from India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Delaware. In a symbolic handing over, a select few pieces were showcased to PM Modi and President Biden on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. @POTUS @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/0jziIYZ1GO Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 PM Modi thanked President Biden for his support in the return of these artefacts. He noted that these objects were not just part of Indias historical material culture, but formed the inner core of its civilization and consciousness. The antiquities belong to a time period spanning almost 4000 years, from 2000 BCE 1900 CE, and have origins in different parts of India. The majority of the antiquities are terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, while others are made in stone, metal, wood, and ivory and belong to different parts of the country. Ten antiquities were returned during PMs visit to USA in June 2016; 157 antiquities during his visit in September 2021 and a further 105 antiquities during his visit in June last year. The total number of cultural artefacts returned from the US to India since 2016 stands at 578. This is the maximum number of cultural artefacts returned by any country to India. PM Modi given grand welcome in New York/ courtesy: X New York/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand welcome as he landed in New York on Saturday night (US time) following his participation at the Quad Summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Delaware. "After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes," PM Modi wrote on X. After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes. pic.twitter.com/6Q48tyW4hV Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 In New York, the Prime Minister will address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York and interact with Indian expatriates and American business leaders. In his opening remarks at the sixth Quad Leaders Summit in the US's Delaware, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a shared objective of the Quad partners. The sixth Quad Summit is hosted by US President Joe Biden, and is attended by the Prime Ministers of Australia Anthony Albanese, and of Japan Fumio Kishida besides PM Modi. Glad to have met Quad Leaders during todays Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The discussions were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. We will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity pic.twitter.com/xVRlg9RYaF Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 After arriving in the US, PM Modi held bilateral talks with President Biden at his Delaware home. The talks were extremely fruitful, PM Modi said in a post after the meeting. PM Modi also participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event hosted by Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The United States earlier in the day returned 297 antiquities that had been stolen or trafficked from India during PM Modi's visit to Delaware. Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. @POTUS @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/0jziIYZ1GO Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 In a symbolic handing over, a select few pieces were showcased to PM Modi and President Biden on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. Representative image/ courtesy: Pixabay Chennai/IBNS: A 38-year-old software engineer, who was suffering from depression, has committed suicide at his Chennai home, media reports said. Police said Karthikeyan electrocuted himself and his wife found him tangled in a live wire Thursday. Karthikeyan hailed from Theni district in Tamil Nadu and lived in Chennai with his wife and two children. The kids are aged 10 and eight years. Karthikeyan had worked as a techie at a software firm for the past 15 years. According to police, he had earlier complained of being upset due to work pressure . The was undergoing treatment for depression for two months, a report by the The Times of India reported. Karthikeyan was alone at home at the time of the incident. His wife K Jayarani left for Thirunallur temple, about 300 km from Chennai, on Monday. She dropped off the children at her mother's place and returned on Thursday night. On knocking on the door, she got no response and used a spare key to enter the house. On entering the house, she found Karthikeyan lying with a live wire wrapped around his body. A case of unnatural death has been registered and a probe is on. The techie's death by suicide, allegedly triggered by depression over work pressure, comes amid nationwide outrage over toxic work conditions in the aftermath of the death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant with Ernst & Young. 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. Taking note of the email, the Union Labour Ministry has launched a probe into the death of Anna Sebastian Perayil. Photo courtesy: PIB New Delhi: U.S. President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his historic visit to Ukraine and his message of peace amid the ongoing war with Russia. The U.S. also reiterated its support for India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council. On the backdrop of a historic period that has seen the United States and India reach unprecedented levels of trust and collaboration, Modi and Biden affirmed that the U.S.-India partnership must be anchored in upholding democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all as our countries strive to become more perfect unions and meet our shared destiny. Furthering the India-USA partnership! PM @narendramodi and @POTUS @JoeBiden held bilateral talks in Delaware. The discussions centred on strengthening the India-USA partnership across areas of mutual interest. Both leaders exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific region as well as pic.twitter.com/4CtpnqlMYq PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 22, 2024 India at the global platform President Biden expressed his immense appreciation for Indias leadership on the world stage, particularly Prime Minister Modis leadership in the G-20 and in the Global South and his commitment to strengthening the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He lauded Indias efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world. President Biden commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting maritime routes, with India co-leading the Combined Task Force 150 in 2025 to secure the Arabian Sea. President Biden expressed U.S. support for India's permanent membership in a reformed U.N. Security Council. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a closer U.S.-India partnership for a cleaner, inclusive, and more secure global future. Indias Drone Procurement: President Biden welcomed India's progress in procuring 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones, which will enhance India's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across all domains. Future defence partnership Defence Industrial Cooperation: Both leaders acknowledged the significant progress under the U.S.-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, with ongoing collaboration on co-producing jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems. Co-Development of Unmanned Systems: The leaders praised the teaming between Liquid Robotics (U.S.) and Sagar Defence Engineering (India) for co-developing unmanned surface vehicle systems, and strengthening maritime domain awareness. Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA): Both sides applauded the recent conclusion of SOSA, enhancing the mutual supply of defence goods and services. GST Reform in India: President Biden welcomed Indias decision to set a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services, simplifying the tax structure and paving the way for a stronger MRO ecosystem in India. Lockheed Martin-Tata Agreement: Both leaders hailed the agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems to establish a new MRO facility in India for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Defence Innovation Collaboration: The leaders lauded growing collaboration under the INDUS-X initiative, noting joint defence innovation challenges and efforts to facilitate testing for companies in both countries. Liaison Officers Deployment: Both sides welcomed the deployment of Indias first liaison officer to the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), following a Memorandum of Agreement. Military Partnership and Exercises: They celebrated the success of India's largest bilateral, tri-service exercise (TIGER TRIUMPH), and welcomed demonstrations of new technologies like the Javelin and Stryker systems during ongoing joint exercises. Advanced Domains Cooperation: Both nations committed to deepening cooperation in advanced domains, including space and cyber. They looked forward to enhancing cybersecurity and launching bilateral defence space exercises. Technology partnership President Biden and Prime Minister Modi announced a significant partnership to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant focusing on advanced technologies for national security, telecommunications, and green energy. This initiative, supported by the India Semiconductor Mission, involves a strategic collaboration between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the U.S. Space Force. The leaders praised GlobalFoundries efforts to bolster semiconductor supply chains through the creation of the GF Kolkata Power Center. The leaders welcomed Ford Motor Companys plans to use its Chennai plant for global manufacturing exports, further strengthening U.S.-India automotive supply chains. They also celebrated the first joint NASA-ISRO research mission on the International Space Station, set for 2025, and pledged to deepen civil and commercial space cooperation. To boost research and development, the U.S. and India committed $90+ million over five years for collaborative projects between universities in both countries. New funding awards were announced for joint research on AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and sustainable technologies, highlighting an ongoing commitment to innovation. The leaders also highlighted advances in biotechnology and bioeconomy through a joint U.S.-India initiative, while announcing seventeen new awards for research in AI and quantum technologies. They welcomed IBMs partnership with the Indian government to enhance AI innovation and semiconductor development. The leaders commended efforts to expand 5G deployment and strengthen telecommunications, together with progress in fostering collaboration between startups and investors under the "Innovation Handshake" initiative. Clean energy President Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the U.S.-India Roadmap to build safe and secure clean energy supply chains, starting with a joint effort to unlock $1 billion in multilateral financing for renewable energy projects, energy storage, zero-emission vehicles, and more. The plan includes U.S. and Indian manufacturing of clean energy technologies, supporting projects across the clean energy value chain. They also highlighted the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's (DFC) partnerships in India, including loans to Tata Power Solar and First Solar for solar manufacturing facilities, emphasizing clean energy expansion and diversified supply chains. The leaders praised collaboration under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP), focusing on energy security, innovation, and job creation. A new National Center for Hydrogen Safety and the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) were announced to boost collaboration on hydrogen and energy storage. Additionally, a Memorandum of Cooperation between USAID and the International Solar Alliance will promote sustainable power systems. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to developing critical minerals supply chains and looked forward to signing a Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding. They also supported Indias progress towards International Energy Agency (IEA) membership. Both sides celebrated the progress on establishing a Green Transition Fund, with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund pledging $500 million each to encourage private sector investment in renewable energy and clean technologies. Global health and development The leaders welcomed Indias ratification of agreements under Pillar III and IV of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), emphasizing its goal of fostering resilience, sustainability, and economic growth among its 14 partners. They celebrated the U.S.-India Drug Policy Framework and a Memorandum of Understanding to combat synthetic drug trafficking and deepen public health collaboration. The leaders also endorsed the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs Threats. They applauded the first U.S.-India Cancer Dialogue and the Bio5 pharmaceutical partnership, as well as a $50 million loan to Panacea Biotech for vaccine production, and discussed expanded cooperation on healthcare, small businesses, and agricultural innovation. The leaders launched the U.S.-India Global Digital Development Partnership, which promotes responsible digital technology use in Asia and Africa, and strengthened cooperation with Tanzania through the Triangular Development Partnership, focusing on renewable energy and healthcare. They welcomed the signing of a bilateral Cultural Property Agreement and the repatriation of Indian antiquities from the U.S. in 2024. The leaders also pledged to continue working together on shared G20 goals for sustainable development and financial growth. Photo courtesy: PIB Delaware: India signed agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) on Sunday, focusing on clean and fair economies. These agreements aim to boost cooperation on clean energy, climate-friendly technologies, anti-corruption measures, and tax transparency, according to the Commerce Ministry. The agreements will boost investment, improve the business environment, and promote the development and deployment of green technologies. In June, 13 IPEF members signed the agreements in Singapore, with India delaying its signing pending domestic approval. "India has signed its first-ever agreements focused on the Clean Economy, Fair Economy, and the IPEF Overarching arrangement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Delaware, USA, on September 21," the Ministry's statement noted. The clean economy agreement focuses on energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting technical collaboration to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It also aims to bolster investment, project financing, and capacity building for clean energy technologies through initiatives like the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund and the IPEF Accelerator. The fair economy agreement seeks to create a more transparent and predictable business environment that fosters trade and investment. It aims to combat corruption by strengthening anti-corruption frameworks, improving tax transparency, and enhancing the sharing of information for tax purposes. It also supports India's efforts to tackle corruption, money laundering, and terror financing through joint actions. India also signed an overarching IPEF agreement, establishing a ministerial-level oversight mechanism for the various agreements and setting broad goals and guidance for IPEFs activities. The Union Cabinet had approved these agreements earlier in the month, and the clean economy pact includes plans to reduce GHG emissions and boost investment in green technologies, supported by events like annual Investor Forum meetings. An ongoing dialogue on critical minerals is also a key part of the framework, focusing on mapping resources, promoting trade, and ensuring sustainable mining practices among IPEF partners. Launched on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo, the 14-member IPEF bloc represents 40% of global economic output and 28% of global trade. It is built around four pillars: trade, supply chains, clean economy, and fair economy, with India participating in all except trade. Members include Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the U.S., and Vietnam. In November 2023, the IPEF concluded negotiations on clean and fair economies and the overarching IPEF agreement. These agreements will take effect once at least five members complete their internal legal processes for ratification. The supply chain agreement was signed earlier in November 2023. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay New Delhi: At least 10 detonators were discovered on a railway track, intended to sabotage a train carrying Army personnel in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur district, media reports said. The incident occurred near Sagphata railway station while the military train was en route from Jammu and Kashmir to Karnataka on Wednesday, according to an NDTV report. When the train passed over the detonators, the driver was alerted by an explosion and quickly brought the train to a halt. He then informed the station master. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Earlier today, an empty gas cylinder was found on the tracks near Prempur railway station in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the report said. The locomotive driver of a goods train had to engage emergency brakes to stop the train. Police indicated that this incident happened at 8:10 am while the train was traveling from Kanpur to Prayagraj. "It was found that the cylinder was of five-kilogram capacity and empty. It was removed from the track. The matter is being investigated," the police was quoted as saying by NDTV. This was the second such incident in Uttar Pradesh this month. On September 8, an attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express, heading towards Bhiwani from Prayagraj, by placing an LPG cylinder on the tracks. The train had hit the cylinder before coming to a screeching halt. The fact that it was the troops of the aggressor state who used cannon artillery to strike the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Viroliubivka, Kostiantynivka TG, during the distribution of humanitarian aid is documented. There is evidence that the attack on the Red Cross humanitarian mission in Donetsk region was carried out by the occupiers. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. It is noted that law enforcement officers have not only identified two places where artillery shells hit and one place where a UAV hit. There is evidence of where the mission was struck from. As a reminder, the tragedy occurred on September 12, 2024. The shelling of the mission, which was distributing humanitarian aid in Viroliubivka, killed three men. Two other employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross were also injured. "It has been established that the artillery shelling was carried out with two 152 mm high-explosive artillery shells and an unmanned barrage munition "Lancet", which is in service only in the Russian Federation. The 152-mm shells were used in tandem with a drone that has a laser rangefinder and can detect and barrage a target on its own. This indicates a premeditated attack on the Red Cross vehicles and personnel," said Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin. ADVERTISIMENT Given the damage to surrounding buildings and vehicles, as well as the recorded locations of the impacts, the direction of arrival was preliminarily determined. The firing positions of the artillery units that carried out this strike were located in the area of Yahidne, Bakhmut district, Donetsk region, a temporarily occupied territory. ADVERTISIMENT It is known that the 1065th Artillery Regiment of the 98th Airborne Division of the Russian Federation and an artillery unit of the 200th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Russians are currently stationed in Yahidne. As OBOZ.UA reported, after the criminal shelling of the ICRC convoy by the Russian army, the leadership of the International Committee of the Red Cross for some reason did not even mention who exactly carried out the attack. In addition, the ICRC was also in no hurry to respond to the deaths of three Ukrainians who were employees of the organization. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT Photo Courtesy: Pixabay The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted a bilateral meeting with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) on the sidelines of the Global Food Regulators Summit, at Bharat Mandapam, on Saturday. The meeting focused on implementation protocol of the Agreement signed between India and BFDA on 21 March 2024, during the visit of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. "This Agreement underscores a mutual commitment to enhance food safety, aligning regulatory frameworks, simplifying the Food Import Procedure and fostering technical collaboration," read a government statement. The Agreement aims to recognize the official control exercised by BFDA over food business operators (FBOs) by the FSSAI. The Agreement further seeks to enhance technical cooperation between FSSAI and BFDA, establishing a functional mechanism to facilitate and develop trade between the two countries. The meeting focused on Implementation of the said Agreement and steps taken by both FSSAI and BFDA in this regard. To further enhance this collaboration, various capacity building and technical collaboration for the BFDA officials were discussed. Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI, stated that today's meeting marks a pivotal development in our partnership with Bhutan in the area of food safety and trade facilitation. The Agreement and the outcomes of our discussions are set to streamline trade processes and enhance food safety standards. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards for consumers. By working closely with the BFDA, we are building a robust and effective food safety framework that will serve the interests of both the nations. Gyem Bidha, Director, BFDA highlighted the importance of this Agreement in facilitating Safe Food Trade between the two countries and also acknowledged the leadership in food safety by the FSSAI, GoI. He said, This bilateral meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the implementation challenges while exporting to India and on the areas of technical cooperation and capacity building to effectively implement the Agreement at the grassroot. The Director thanked FSSAI for the invitation extended to BFDA for the Global Food Regulators Summit." The meeting was attended by Gyem Bidha Director, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), and senior officials from Food Quality and Safety Division of BFDA. Tashi Peldon, Dy. Chief of Mission, Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi, and senior officials from Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India also attended the meeting. Photo Courtesy: BJP India X page Pitching India as a land of opportunities, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country has now emerged as a bigger market in 5G technology than the USA. "Today India's 5G market has become bigger than America and this has happened within just two years," Modi said while addressing an Indian diaspora event in New York where he received a rousing welcome after he reached the venue. He said India is working on 'Made in India' 6G technology at present. The Indian PM said: "Today, India is a land of opportunities. Now, India doesn't wait for the opportunities, it creates them." "In the last ten years, India has created opportunities for new launching pads in every sector. In just a decade, 25 crore people were lifted out of poverty. This was possible because we changed the old thoughts and approach," he said. Modi said his government has tried to empower the poor. Highlighting India's green transition' move, Modi said: "Our conviction for reforms is unprecedented. Our Green Energy Transition programme is a good example of it." "Despite of being 17% of the world's population, India's contribution is only 4% in global carbon emissions.We have no role in destroying the world," he said. "We could have supported our growth by burning carbon fuel. However, we chose green transition," Modi said. Meanwhile, Narendra Modi has pledged his nation will contribute $7.5 million, including 40 million vaccine doses, for Indo-Pacific countries under GAVI and QUAD initiatives Speaking at the QUAD Leaders' Cancer Moonshot Event, Modi said: " I am delighted to share that, through the initiatives of GAVI and the QUAD, India will contribute 40 million vaccine doses for Indo-Pacific countries." "These 40 million vaccine doses will become rays of hope in the lives of crores of people," he said. Modi said: "As you can see, when the QUAD acts, it is not just for nations it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach." He said India's vision is "One Earth, One Health." "In this spirit, I am pleased to announce our contribution of $7.5 million for sampling kits, detection kits, and vaccines under the Quad Moonshot Initiative. India will also offer support in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building," he said. Modi said India has a 'very cost-effective' ongoing cervical cancer screening program on a mass scale. "India also runs the world's largest health insurance scheme," he said. Photo courtesy: Video grab Israeli military raided the offices of news organisation Al Jazeera in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, on early Sunday morning during a live broadcast and ordered it to shut down for 45 days, media reports said. According to a BBC report, masked Israeli forces holding weapons barged into Al Jazeera's West Bank offices during a live broadcast on Sunday. Viewers watched as the troops handed a closure order to the network's West Bank bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, who read it out on air. BREAKING: The Israeli military is raiding downtown Ramallah, broke into Al-Jazeera offices and ordered its closure for 45 days by military order. This is around 3:20 a.m. local. pic.twitter.com/0xbn2HrwFK Mariam Barghouti (@MariamBarghouti) September 22, 2024 Israel had raided Al Jazeera's offices in Nazareth and East Jerusalem in May, asserting that the Qatar-based broadcaster was a national security threat. Al Jazeera journalist Mohammad Alsaafin reported that the soldiers confiscated the last microphone and camera outside the office and forced Omari out. They also tore down a poster of Shireen Abu Aqla, a Palestinian-American Al Jazeera reporter killed during an Israeli raid in the West Bank, the repport said. Though Israel initially blamed Palestinian fire for her death, they later admitted a high likelihood that an Israeli soldier was responsible. Relations between Al Jazeera and Israel have long been strained, hit severely since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. With foreign journalists barred from entering Gaza, Al Jazeera reporters have been among the few able to cover the conflict on the ground, the BBC report said. Israel has frequently labelled the network a "terrorist mouthpiece," a claim Al Jazeera denies. In April, Israel passed a law allowing the government to temporarily close foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security during wartime. These bans can last 45 days and be renewed, as demonstrated in Sunday's raid. Earlier in May, Al Jazeera's offices in Nazareth and East Jerusalem were also raided. Israel has not commented on the latest operation. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash A policeman died and three others were injured on Sunday after their vehicle, which was part of a convoy that was escorting dignitaries from 12 nations, was caught in an explosion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Swat district on Sunday. Swat Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Muhammad Ali Khan told Dawn News that delegations from Indonesia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Iran, Russia, and Tajikistan were part of the convoy. As a result of the blast, Constable Burhan has embraced martyrdom, while three other policemen, including Sub-Inspector Sar Zameen, Constable Amanullah, and Constable Habib Gul, have sustained injuries, Khan said. He said a heavy contingent of security officials had reached the spot. He said the area had been cordoned off. The diplomats remained safe in the incident. According to local reports, the explosion was triggered by a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED). No group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far. Left leaning Anura Kumara Dissanayake is next president of Sri Lanka. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia Creative Commons Colombo/IBNS: Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist leaning leader known for his closeness to China, has won Sri Lankas presidential election riding on the hope of combating corruption and refurbishing the struggling economy. 56-year-old Dissanayake called his win a "vote for change" in the election held for the first time since the 2022 economic crisis and mass upsurge. He won after the second round of counting. While no candidate won more than 50% of the total votes in the first round, Dissanayake got 42.31% while his closest rival, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, got 32.76%, according to BBC. Anura Kumara Dissanayake tops first round of voting with 5,634,915 votes (42.31%), while Sajith Premadasa received 4,363,035 votes (32.76%) with Ranil Wickremesinghe polling 2,299,767 votes (17.27%), Election Commission Chairman Saman Sri Ratnayake said, according to Daily MIrror. Elections Commission Chairman R.L.A.M. Ratnayake earlier said a second preference count will be conducted, as no candidate secured over 50% of the votes in the Presidential election, in line with the Presidential Elections Act of 1981, the report said. According to a Deccan Herald report, Anura Kumara Dissanayake's win will pose a fresh challenge to India, already grappling with problems in the neighbourhood with the Bangladesh crisis. He not only espouses Sinhala chauvinism and is close to China, but is known for having fanned anti-Indian sentiments in the tiny Indian Ocean island in the past, the report said. Dissanayake said that a Parliamentary election would be required soon, though he did not specify a timeline, according to the news outlet. The 1968-born president-elect was a Member of Parliament from the Colombo District before the Presidential election, and is the current party leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (from 2014) and the National People's Power (from 2019). He was a candidate in the 2019 Sri Lankan presidential election, and he was named the NPP candidate for the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election, campaigning on an anti-corruption platform in which he emerged as the winner. An MP since 2000, Dissanayake served as the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation from 2004 to 2005 and Chief Opposition Whip from 2015 to 2018. He was named the leader of JVP at the 17th National Convention of the party, held on 2 February 2014. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash At least four people died and 18 others were injured after multiple shooters opened fire at a popular entertainment centre in the US city of Birmingham in Alabama state. In its X post, Birmingham Police wrote: "BPD officers are on the scene of multiple people shot with possibly multiple casualties." "Five Points South area," the police said. When officers arrived, they found two men and a woman unresponsive with gunshot wounds, and all three were later pronounced dead on the scene, Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald told CNN. According to reports, another male victim was pronounced dead at the University of Alabama Hospital. Detectives have started investigating the incident to find the target behind the attack. No one has been detained so far. Five Points South is a popular destination in the city which houses restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and live music venues. Its unclear exactly how many people opened fire or what motivated the violence. Fitzgerald was quoted as saying by CNN. Photo Courtesy: @renmusb1 X page A US woman, whose son is accused of killing four people during a shooting incident, is now facing allegations of taping her elderly mother to a chair, stealing her phone and damaging her home, media reports said. Marcee Gray was indicted Monday in Ben Hill County, Ga., for the alleged abuse of her own mom, Deborah Polhamus in November who was bound to a chair for almost 24 hours in her Fitzgerald home, reported The New York Post quoting The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Gray, 43, was slapped with several charges including, exploitation and intimidation of an elderly person, false imprisonment, criminal damage to property in the second degree, and theft, the newspaper reported. If proven guilty, Gray might face up to 20 years in prison for the top charge of felony elder exploitation. Apalachee High School shooter Colt, who killed two teachers and students during the shooting incident recently, was raised in a troubled home, media reports said. Colt Gray, the baby-face Georgia school shooting suspect who is charged with murdering two classmates and two teachers, grew up in a broken and neglectful home, which police and child services visited on a regular basis, a former neighbour and landlord told The New York Post earlier. Colt's father Colin Gray was arrested with authorities saying he 'knowingly allowed his son' to have the weapon. Colin Gray was arrested with four counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, two charges of Second Degree Murder and eight of Cruelty to Children, said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Colt Gray was charged with four counts of felony murder in connection to the shooting at Apalachee High School, an incident which left the country shocked. After an incredibly successful season 1, Hellbound season 2 has set its OTT release date. The series director Yeon and writer-illustrator Choi's webtoon of the same name served as the inspiration for it. Netflix has released the trailer for Hellbound season 2 and made it official that fresh episodes will be available shortly, over two years after the original order was granted. After spending several years in hell, the creator of the religious cult known as the New Truth, Jung Jinsu, returns in season 2. Hellbound season 2 will be released on Netflix on 25th October 2024. Plot When we last left off in Season 1, Chairman Jung Jinsu, the religious leader, had vanished, Park Jungja had been raised from the dead, and Min Hyejin had managed to flee with baby Toughie despite the child's damnation. The religious groups the New Truth, the Arrowheads, and Sodo leader Hyejin have to deal with the unexpected resuscitations of the previously condemned in Hellbound season 2. Cast and crew Hellbound season 2 stars Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Hyun-joo, Kim Shin-rock, Moon So-ri, Lee Dong-hee, Cho Dong-in, Moon Geun-young, Im Sung-jae, Yang Ik-june, Lee Re, and Hong Eui-joon. For the unversed, In Hellbound's second season, Yoo Ah-in was removed from the cast, and Kim Sung-cheol assumed the lead role. Following a drug use investigation, Yoo was fired from the horror series. Additionally, the first Korean drama to be shown at the festival was Hellbound, whose pilot episode debuted on September 9, 2021, in the Primetime program of TV series at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The story of the series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez, by Ryan Murphy, has generated a great deal of controversy due to its inaccuracies in certain areas. It tells the story of two brothers who brutally murdered their parents while attempting to cover it up. In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of killing their parents in Beverly Hills. The second part of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's Netflix anthology series, goes back to the notorious true crime story. After the latest release, the show quickly gained popularity. Scroll down to find out what happened to Erik and Ryan in the end. Where are Lyle and Erik Menendez now? According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Erik and Lyle Menendez are serving out their life terms at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California. Following their conviction, the two were taken apart and sent to separate prisons. Over the next few years, Lyle kept asking to be moved to be closer to his brother. Finally, in February 2018, it was approved when Erik was transferred from Mule Creek State Prison in Northern California to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. On April 4, the brothers were eventually put in the same cell block. This dinner table fight was the first thing Javier Bardem, Chloe Sevigny, Cooper Koch, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez ever shot together as the Menendez family. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is now playing. pic.twitter.com/WrPwgs0cmP Netflix (@netflix) September 21, 2024 Is the show inaccurate? Erik Menendez, one of the convicted, has released a statement in which he has called out the recently released Ryan Murphy series. Menendez said in an online statement that the drama series continued to depict them both in "ruinous character portrayals" through his wife Tammi Menendez's X account. It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent, Menendez wrote. In addition, he expresses sadness about what he sees as a regression in our knowledge of childhood trauma and condemns the show for spreading false information and defamatory remarks. You can stream Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. A Reddit post questioning the stark contrast between moonlighting and overwork in Indian corporate culture has drawn widespread attention following the tragic death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil, allegedly due to extreme work pressure at Ernst & Young (EY). The Ministry of Labour & Employment is now investigating concerns of unsafe and exploitative work conditions within the firm. Anna's passing prompted her mother, Anita Augustine, to write a heartfelt letter to Rajiv Memani, the chairman of EY India, condemning the firms toxic work culture. This letter, initially intended to remain private, was reportedly leaked from EY's Pune office. The family of Anna Sebastian Perayil expressed deep sorrow and raised serious concerns about the work environment that contributed to her death. Meanwhile, the company has denied these allegations, but the incident has intensified discussions about the toxic work culture that many corporate employees in India endure, with the issue being widely debated on social media platforms. Reddit post sparks debate on work culture in Indian companies On Reddits r/unitedstatesofindia subreddit, a post has ignited conversations about the state of work culture in India. The post, highlighting that working 8 hours each for two companies is seen as moonlighting, but working 16 hours for a single company on an 8-hour salary is considered "Indian culture," resonated with many. In response, several Redditors shared their insights on the plight of corporate workers in India and the urgent need for stronger labor protections. One user commented, "Overworking is glorified in India. To the point that leaving on time and not working on weekends will lead to censure, hostility, or at least snide remarks. The whole attitude towards work needs to change. Our duty is to our well-being and our families, not to disconnected capitalists." Another Redditor pointed out that corporate practices differ drastically between regions, writing, "Many companies are pro-employee in EU, ultra-toxic in 3rd world countries. The submissive work-culture, excessive supply of workforce, and relaxed labor rules make the life of employees very difficult." Others discussed the lack of a strong labor movement for white-collar workers in India. "This is happening in India because there's no workers rights movement. All the unions that exist are corrupt or don't cover white-collar jobs," wrote one user. Another remarked, "Messrs Ola, Bombay Shaving Company, and 70-hr work week are suspiciously silent right now." One particularly detailed comment dissected the root causes of India's toxic work culture, stating, "Toxic work culture doesn't seem to capture the horrors at Indian companies. It seems much crazier." The user then outlined key points: "Companies have no boundaries on hours; Bosses act like they own the employees; Respecting people below doesn't existIndia is mass producing workers; Country of workers instead of country of owners; Parents sole focus is getting offsprings to settle in a job; No respect for small businesses in society; Not enough opportunity creators as role models." Some users advocated for collective action, suggesting that only by saying no to exploitative work conditions could real cultural change happen. If we all collectively start saying no, then a culture might develop, one person commented, while another pointed out, "It's about time we needed strong labor laws." New developments in EY employee's tragic death The tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil has also attracted the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has taken suo motu cognizance of the case. In a press release, the Commission revealed that it had issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, requesting a detailed report on the situation. Reportedly, the mother has written a letter to the employer claiming that long hours of work had taken a heavy toll on her daughters physical, emotional, and mental health, a charge denied by the company. The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment is getting the matter investigated, the NHRCs statement read. Also Read: 'I could have been another Anna Sebastian; work pressure, harassment almost killed me, my unborn child': Ex-EY employee Previously, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, reached out to the grieving parents of Anna Sebastian Perayil, offering his support and promising to fight for improved working conditions for millions of professionals in India. Gandhi emphasized his commitment to addressing the systemic issues that contribute to such tragedies. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. The passage of persons and vehicles through the Ustyluh-Zosyn checkpoint is carried out in a slow mode due to the registration of persons on laptop computers. In addition, at several other checkpoints, such as Chop-Zahony and Solotvyno-Sighetu Marmatiei, repair work is underway, which restricts traffic. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Earlier it was reported that the passage of persons and vehicles was not carried out at all. Due to a malfunction in the database of the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland, the passage of persons and vehicles through the Ustyluh-Zosyn checkpoint was temporarily suspended until 12:30 on September 22. Information about the problem was received at night, and the Polish side was actively working to resolve it. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine urged citizens and carriers to choose other border crossing points to avoid delays. At the moment, the passage of people and vehicles is being carried out in a slow mode due to the processing of persons on laptop computers. ADVERTISIMENT Situation at other checkpoints This is not the first time that the Ustyluh-Zosyn checkpoint on the Ukrainian-Polish border has faced temporary restrictions. On September 3 , restrictions were imposed on traffic in the direction of Ukraine due to repair work that will last until November 30. This has made it difficult to cross the border, and now the situation is complicated by technical problems with the database. In addition, repairs are being carried out at other important checkpoints. For example, on the Hungarian border at the Chop-Zahony checkpoint , road works began on September 19. This partially restricted the movement of cars and trucks, as only two of the five lanes were left open. The repairs will last two weeks and are expected to be completed in early October. The repairs are being carried out as part of a USAID-supported border infrastructure modernization project. ADVERTISIMENT Other problems at the borders The situation on the Ukrainian-Romanian border also remains difficult. At the Solotvyno-Sighetu-Marmatiei checkpoint, a partial restriction on traffic is in place until October 5 due to the repair of the bridge over the Tisa River. The repairs are caused by an emergency on the bridge, and this has significantly affected the speed of border crossing. The Polish border crossing in Dorohusk also faced problems due to road repairs. The work is expected to last until November 14, which will hamper traffic in both directions. Given these temporary restrictions and technical problems, Ukrainian border guards advise citizens and carriers to choose alternative routes to cross the border. The situation remains under control, but in order to avoid delays, it is worth planning your route in advance, keeping track of the latest data on checkpoints. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, Ukrzaliznytsia stops selling tickets for the Rava-Ruska - Warsaw route starting from September 22. This is due to the expiration of the agreement with the Polish company SKPL, which operated this route. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! In a notable departure from tradition, Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will reportedly not attend this year's Al Smith charity dinner in New York. This annual event typically unites presidential candidates from both major parties for an evening filled with camaraderie and humour. The dinner serves as a fundraiser for Catholic Charities and is famous for its light-hearted banter among political rivals. It remains uncertain whether Republican candidate Donald Trump will be present at the event. Harris choice to forgo the dinner stems from her campaign's strategy to concentrate on key battleground states, with less than three weeks remaining until Election Day on November 5. An anonymous campaign official noted that the team believes it is essential for her to dedicate more time to areas crucial for winning the election, rather than spending time in the heavily Democratic landscape of New York. Understanding the significance of the dinner The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner honours the former New York governor, a Democrat who was the first Roman Catholic nominated for president by a major party in 1928. Although Herbert Hoover soundly defeated Smith, the dinner has since become a significant tradition, raising millions for Catholic charities while showcasing the ability of presidential contenders to engage amicably, even if just for one evening. Since its inception, the event has been a staple for presidential candidates, beginning with Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedys joint appearance in 1960. In 1996, however, the Archdiocese of New York chose not to invite then-President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger, Bob Dole, reportedly due to Clinton's veto of a late-term abortion ban. More recently, in 2020, Trump and then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden spoke at the dinner when it transitioned to an online format because of the Covid pandemic. The legacy of Alfred E. Smith According to time.com, Alfred E. Smith made history as the first Catholic presidential candidate from a major U.S. party, running as a Democrat in 1928. Rising from humble beginnings in New York City, he began his political career in the New York State legislature. As governor, he championed labour rights, slum clearance, and educational reforms. His nomination for president by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1924 made him a national figure. Still, Smith faced significant opposition fueled by anti-Catholic sentiment, including unfounded rumours about his loyalty to the Vatican. Also Read: Someone turned Trump's 'theyre eating the dogs, theyre eating the cats' claim into a song, and it is hilarious Though he never occupied the White House, Smith left a lasting legacy as a proponent of religious freedom and social reform. After retiring from politics in 1936, he took on various roles, including president of the Empire State Building. He passed away in 1944, and his contributions are commemorated each year through the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, established in 1945 to support Catholic charities and provide a platform for presidential candidates in the lead-up to elections. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. In an incident reported from Johor Zoo in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, a helpless cat fell into an enclosure meant for tigers and lay in a pit helpless as zoo-goers watched in shock. Luckily, authorities jumped into action quickly and retrieved the tiny feline in time. No cats were hurt in the clip. How did the cat end up in the tiger enclosure? In the clip, a helpless kitten continues to lay in a drain of sorts as two curios, adult tigers approach it tentatively, perhaps to check on it. This happened after the tiny feline suffered a fall and landed straight in the enclosure with the two tigers. Luckily for all, the zookeepers at this zoo in Malaysia jumped into action and came up with a unique way to distract the big cats while retrieving the small one. They sprayed water on the two tigers to distract them and stop them from approaching the cat again, and as the tigers stood some feet away not liking being hosed down, a hand could be seen quickly picking up the cat from the edge of the enclosure and retrieving it. The clip of the daring rescue went viral soon after. How did the internet react? The video, originally shot by a user called 'anonymous_not' was later shared by 'mustsharenews' on Instagram on September 7. So far it has raked in 1.8 million views, 94k likes and comments to match. Here's what people wrote: Credit: Instagram/mustsharenews Credit: Instagram/mustsharenews What are your thoughts on this? Hit us up in the comments section below and let us know. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Operatives of the Bauchi state police command have arrested a scavenger, identified as Dauda Saidu, a resident of Yelwa, for alleged trespassing, vandalism and theft. Saidu was apprehended on Friday, for allegedly destroying graves, located at Yelwa Christian Cemetery in the metropolis and stealing iron rods. Police Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, SP Ahmed Wakil, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. Advertisement SP Wakil added that the suspect confessed to committing the offenses after interrogation, admitting to stealing multiple iron rods and selling them to scrap metal buyers in separate transactions amounting to N9,500, N12,000, and N5,500, respectively. READ MORE: Community Vigilantes Nab Two Suspected Kidnappers In Bauchi He said: Saidu unlawfully entered the Christian cemetery in the Yelwan Kagadama area of Bauchi, damaging several graves and stealing iron rods in broad daylight. The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, has directed that Saidu be prosecuted after investigations are concluded. He also stressed the need for parental supervision and urged parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children and wards. Renowned Nigerian clergyman Mike Bamiloye has condemned Christians who act in secular films. He deemed this a misallocation of God-given talents, meant to glorify God. On his Instagram page on Sunday, Bamiloye emphasized that believers should employ their abilities to glorify God, not personal interests. Advertisement READ MORE: Basketmouth Overjoyed By Positive Feedback On Debut Film A Ghetto Love Story He wrote, It is an error when a Christian believer uses his acting gift which is meant to glorify God to satisfy self in secular movies. It is a waste of heavenly investment. SEE POST: Nigerian Afrobeat superstar David Adedeji Adeleke often known as Davido has expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans. This is coming after he received three gold certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for his albums A Good Time and Timeless. The RIAA recognizes significant sales milestones in the US, with gold certification requiring 500,000 units sold, including physical copies, digital downloads, and streaming equivalents. Advertisement READ MORE: #EdoDecides: Davido Demands Credible Election, Cites Personal Connection Taking to his X page on Saturday, Davido acknowledged his fans role in his global success. He wrote: Up up to mi fans dem !! See some comments on his post Big Wizard noted: Bruh Wizkid has 8 of this, and hasnt said shit about it you just loud for someone Thats below Tems and Rema in sales Jahboy said: Person get 8 certifications for same country e no choke us o On top 3 certs?? Abazz asked: 001 My idolo,should we expect an album this year? Da Mentor predicted: Grammy Soon, believe and mark this . Davido will win Grammy , too Grammies soon . SEE POST: Ahead of the final announcement of the Edo state governorship election result, some angry supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party have stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission. It was learnt that the demonstrators, who gathered in front of the commissions office in Benin City, on Sunday, were heard singing different solidarity songs. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the All Progressives Congress has cleared 10 local government, out of 16 LGAs released so far by INEC, while PDP won in six. Advertisement The protesters alleged that the results announced were different from what they had from the polling units. One of the angry agitators, identified as Frank said that politicians have tempered with the INECs portal. READ MORE: #Edo Election: Security Agents Force Gov Obaseki Out Of INEC Office He said: What we are saying is that we will not allow anyone to tamper with the wish of the Edo people. People have voted for our candidate (Ighodalo), and some people want to use the power from above to turn the results upside down. We wont accept it. No, we wont. We have the authentic results with us, and the ones they announced are different. That means someone has tampered with the results. We will not take it. We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in this matter. Some people should not burn our state. A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, NCSSR, have expressed disappointment at the conduct of the Edo Governorship Election. The CSOs alleged that politicians openly bought votes from electorates for as low as N5000 and a loaf of bread. The Group made the disclosure in a statement co-signed by Yunusa Z. Yau, Mimidoo Achakpa and Franklin Oloniju, on Saturday, saying that in some cases, voters were induced with food items. Advertisement The statement reads: Situation Room observers reported widespread instances of blatant vote buying and selling across several polling units, despite the huge presence of security personnel. READ MORE: #EdoDecides: APC, PDP Party Agents Bribing Voters With N10,000 YIAGA Alleges The price of votes ranged from 5,000 to 10,000 per voter in several locations, including PU08 and 09 Ward 2, Owan-East LGA; PU 02 Ward 2, Etsako-West LGA; and several polling units in Egor, Oredo and Owan-West LGAs. In some cases, voters were also induced with food items such as bread. The group also commended security agents over the arrest of the alleged two vote buyers in George Idah Primary School, Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the Situation Room is made up of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) including Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), YIAGA Africa, are TAF Africa. Asue Ighodalo, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the election conducted in Edo State on Saturday, is the worst in Nigerias history. He said this at a press conference in Benin City, on Sunday. Advertisement The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced results in 16 of the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who has won in 10 of those LGAs, is leading with a margin of over 48,000 votes. Ighodalo who accused INEC of being not fair, said his Party, PDP, recorded several infractions in the process. READ ALSO: #Edo Election: Security Agents Force Gov Obaseki Out Of INEC Office His words: From our perspective, the way these elections are going, theyre probably going to be the worst elections in the history of this country. We have over 20 polling units from the results that were announced yesterday, where the total votes are more than the accredited voters. Theres something definitely going wrong. Theres a result writing scheme going on and its totally unacceptable. This process is unacceptable and then theyre trying to disenfranchise our collation agents. Like His Excellency (Umaru Fintiri) read at every point, you find APC and their thugs supported by people dressed as security agents going to shoot at polling agents and disrupting processes. This is not acceptable in the 21st century. Definitely not in Nigeria. I think weve gone way past this. A resident of Shogoye community in the Owode Egba, Ogun State, identified as Nwachukwu Ikechukwu, has been confirmed dead, while his wife, Oyin Falodun, was hospitalized after inhaling fumes from their generating set. It was gathered that the deceased and his partner, were said to have put on the generator in their sitting room around 10 pm on Thursday, but a neighbour, Oladayo Olasubomi, who had come to drop the N1000 daily contribution for Oyin, found the couple lying down unconsciously. Upon seeing them, Olasubomi raised an alarm and alerted other community members, who rushed to the apartment. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Ogun state police commands Police Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola, while confirming the incident, in a statement made available to the public on Saturday, said that the chairman of the community, Showunmi Sunday, reported at about 11:00 a.m. on Friday. She said: One Showunmi Sunday, a male resident of Shogoye community, who doubles as the chairman of the same community, came to our station and reported that a couple residing in the Shogoye area near Owode Egba had issues in their residence. Oyin Falodun, a female, and Nwachukwu Ikechukwu, a male, both living in their personal residence, were visited by Oladayo Olasubomi, a female from the same community, who came to give Oyin her daily contribution of N1,000. Upon arriving at the couples residence, she found the lifeless body of Nwachukwu Ikechukwu on the floor in their room, and his wife, Oyin Falodun, was also found lying beside him, unconscious, with no marks of violence on either of them. Oladayo, who discovered the situation, then raised an alarm and alerted other community members, who rushed to the victims residence to rescue them. She regained consciousness and said that at around 10:00 p.m. on Friday, she asked her husband whether she should turn off the generator they were using to enjoy their fans in the bedroom, but he told her not to do so. The two of them fell asleep, and the generator must have caused the harm that befell them when it automatically turned off due to fuel exhaustion. She later discovered that her husband had struggled out of their matrimonial bed and fallen to the floor, face down, and dead. Philadelphia police investigate the scene of a one-car crash at the intersection of Pattison Avenue and Third Street in South Philadelphia early Sunday morning. This car was involved in a large meetup, and fled the scene as officers arrived to break up the illegal event. Read more READ MORE: The massive Philly car meetup was dubbed Project X online. Videos show the mayhem of the night. Multiple Philadelphia police officers were attacked and their vehicles damaged while trying to break up nearly a dozen illegal car meetups throughout the city late Saturday into Sunday morning, police said, causing mayhem and rattling the nerves of residents in nearby neighborhoods. Advertisement Investigators said there were 11 large meetups, some of which drew more than 200 cars, as well as a series of other smaller gatherings, scattered throughout nearly every corner of the city, from Northeast to Southwest. The wild scenes unfolded over the course of seven hours, with the first reported to police at 9:30 p.m. on Bustleton Avenue near Bleigh Avenue in Rhawnhurst. During that incident, 50 cars gathered at the scene, which drew multiple spectators. An arrest warrant was issued for one of the drivers, whom police did not identify, after they hit an uninvolved car while attempting to flee. Officers issued nuisance citations to nine other drivers and 15 spectators. An officer responding to an assist call nearby was hurt after his vehicle was struck by a car fleeing that meetup, police said. Other meetups saw attendees building bonfires, setting off fire crackers, and in one instance shooting a flamethrower as drivers revved and screeched through the streets, doing doughnuts, hanging out of their cars, and leaving massive scenes of smoke in their wake, according to investigators. Deputy Police Commissioner Francis Healy said at a news conference Sunday that officials believe the aggressive behavior was in retaliation to the departments increased enforcement against the meetups in recent months. Investigators were poring over video and evidence, working to identify people involved, he said. READ MORE: Wild car meet-ups dont just happen in Philly - theyre revved up on social media We have your picture. Were coming for you. If you think you got away last night, you didnt, Healy said of the drivers. Were coming with search warrants, and were coming with arrest warrants, so dont think were going to lay down and allow this to happen in our city. Deputy Police Commissioner Michael Cram said Sunday that fireworks and fires have become a standard part of the gatherings, with drivers circling around the flames to hype up the crowd. The groups often even have camera crews with them, he said, and frequently make videos for their social media profiles. Cram said that a team of officers is deployed each weekend to respond to and try to prevent the meetups from forming, but theyre difficult to police. As quickly as they form, he said, the groups disperse. Officers cannot chase after the cars for safety reasons, and when an officer is surrounded, their car sometimes being attacked, its not safe for them to even get out of their vehicle, Healy said. Its like a game of whack-a-mole, said Cram. Other meetups were reported in South Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, and Center City, according to police. At a 4 a.m. meetup at Island and Bartram Avenues, more than 200 cars were drifting speeding and whipping the tail end of the vehicle around and drag racing. Officers who responded were attacked and a vehicle was damaged, police said. Additional officers were attacked just after 4:30 a.m. at 15th and Market Streets, where more than 100 cars were reportedly drifting, and spectators were setting trash fires, police said. Five police vehicles were damaged, their windshields broken and tires flattened by spectators. Police made two arrests at 20th Street and Pattison Avenue after a car fleeing an 11:47 p.m. meetup there crashed into a pole. Investigators did not identify the driver or the passenger, a juvenile, but said they lived nearby. City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, in whose district that meetup was held, said Sunday that events like it are a matter of public safety that can have deadly consequences for unsuspecting drivers, pedestrians and neighborhood residents. Philadelphia City Council members will continue to work with the Police Department and Mayor Cherelle Parkers administration on solutions to this issue citywide, Johnson said. I also urge the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office to prosecute anyone arrested in connection with this weekends illegal car meetups, including the injuring of police officers, to the fullest extent of the law. Car meetup culture has become a fixture of the city in the last few years, organized and advertised over social media. The unsanctioned, illegal gatherings block intersections and close streets, and have led to violence. In June 2023, 18-year-old Anthony Allegrini Jr. of Glen Mills was killed by Pennsylvania State Police troopers after he struck two troopers with his Audi S4 while trying to flee a car meetup that shut down I-95 near Penns Landing. Two other assaults during that meetup were captured by bystander video. Later that year, on Oct. 1, Cody Heron, 27, brandished a gun and headbutted Nikki Bullock near Philadelphia City Hall as she was delivering for Uber Eats with her children in the car. Heron pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of an instrument of a crime. He was sentenced to one to four years in state prison and five years probation. Prosecutors have said Heron, of Frankford, was part of an ATV and motorcycle meetup that illegally drove through Center City. People who live near the site of some of this weekends car meetups say they are frustrated over inaction by the city. The citys Nuisance Car Ordinance, which carries a hefty $2,500 fine, has been an effective tool for the last month, according to police officials. But some residents, including Drew Murray, say the city needs to find a permanent solution to the issue. Murray, vice president of Logan Square Neighborhood Association, said Sunday that he expects to field multiple phone calls this week from frustrated neighbors after a meetup was held this weekend at 23rd and Spring Garden Streets, one of many in recent months. Its clearly becoming an issue, Murray said. Its extremely dangerous for people in the community. Its a quality-of-living issue. Murray, who ran as a Republican for City Council last year, says he plans on bringing his neighbors concerns to their local police district. Police dont want to make a situation even more dangerous by chasing these cars or doing something that could put other pedestrians and other people in danger, he said. But we will absolutely be in contact with the district and work with them to hopefully see what we can do going forward to prevent this. The White House has not yet reviewed the so-called victory plan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Currently, the US President's team is "looking forward to the presentation" of this document. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced by Michael Carpenter, Director for European Affairs at the US National Security Council. He clarified that the US leadership "will soon be able to talk about it and agree on their strategic goals until the end of this administrations term in office." Earlier, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield claimed that Biden had seen the plan. Moreover, in her opinion, it "can work." However, her statement coincided with Zelenskyy's own words, who claimed that "the victory plan is 90% ready." At present, the document is finished and, as Zelenskyy said, will be presented to the American side during the UN General Assembly. "President Zelenskyy wants to travel to Washington, DC, and explain his victory plan to President Biden in person. So no, were not familiar with the plan yet, but the presidents will soon be able to talk about it and agree on their strategic goals until the end of this administrations term in office, which will be very important," Carpenter said. ADVERTISIMENT According to him, Biden "instructed everyone to move heaven and earth to make sure to make sure that we get everything, especially military assistance, as quickly as possible." "I don't know what's the content of (Zelenskyy's) plan, so I can't say what (Biden's) reaction will be. But, of course, the US president is absolutely determined to support Ukraine and put it in the strongest position by the end of his term," Carpenter said. However, the American refused to comment on the issue of granting Ukraine permission to use long-range weapons deep in Russia, as he personally "has no announcements" on this matter. He also added that there are "ongoing conversations about this permit," and some of them are "better left private." "We actually believe that Ukraine needs to have long-haul assets that it can use. But Ukraine does have some of its own long-range capabilities that it's already using very effectively," Carpenter said. ADVERTISIMENT The American official added that "Ukraine remains a top priority for President Biden." As reported, the decision to allow Ukraine to strike targets deep in the Russian Federation with Western weapons has not yet been made. It is believed that the discussion will continue when Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in the United States in late September. Among other events, he will attend the UN General Assembly. It is during the UN events that he is scheduled to meet with the top US leadership. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Around 2 a.m. on Aug. 21, several teenagers were walking on Allegheny Avenue near North 18th Street. According to a police report, they encountered another group of juveniles walking in the opposite direction. The two groups exchanged angry words, tempers flared, someone pulled a gun, and shots were fired. In the aftermath, two teens were injured and rushed to Temple University Hospital. It was one of 150 shootings that occurred in the city this year between July 29 and Aug. 25. Police finished their initial investigation with a plea for anyone with information to come forward. Advertisement READ MORE: Six people injured in three shootings across Philadelphia in a violent early morning For the last five years, when police exit a crime scene, the citys Community Crisis Intervention Program (CCIP) team enters. One factor credited with helping the homicide rate decrease dramatically is ongoing neighborhood-level involvement. To date, there have been 187 homicides in Philadelphia in 2024, a 40% decrease from 2023. The last several years there has been a movement in City Council, that I have led, to support boots-on-the-ground organizations. And the reduction is a direct result of that level of investment, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson said. The citys current budget proposal includes millions of dollars in anti-violence funding outside of traditional policing. After every shooting, workers go into the community to try to quell retaliatory violence and help the traumatized while making certain that community members dont mistake them for police officers. What we are really in is the business of relationship with people, because without relationship you dont have a way to get people to listen and to consider what they need to remedy trauma, said George D. Mosee Jr., executive director of the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN), which manages CCIP, a city-created and -funded initiative that started 2018. Why violence escalated in Philadelphia When COVID-19 hit, community groups gathered, and we predicted that with the isolation and the closing down of the whole community, we knew violence would go up, explained Chantay Love, cofounder and director of Every Murder Is Real (EMIR) Healing Center. PAAN was started in 1989 by former Mayor Wilson Goode, as a successor to the city-funded Crisis Intervention Network (CIN), an anti-violence organization that employed ex-gang members to help stop gang-related fatalities. CIN received national attention for its innovative grassroots outreach efforts, but was disbanded in 1988 due to allegations of financial mismanagement. When Mosee, a former first assistant in the District Attorneys Office, took the helm of PAAN in 2017, gun violence rates had been escalating since 2015, when there were 280 homicides. There was an increase [in gun violence], but it was an increase that pales to what happened in 2020, said Mosee. In 2020, the number of homicides jumped to 499. Social institution was shut down and the impact on everyone was devastating. George D. MoseeJr., executive director of PAAN I was surprised by the magnitude of the violence, Mosee acknowledged. Literally anything you did in society was a matter of life and death. Social institution was shut down, and the impact on everyone was devastating. I believe people lost access to those things that really helped them to live in civilized society peacefully. And for some, violence was the outcome. Bringing in the trusted messengers But the numbers are going down now. PAANs citywide implementation of intervention and rapid response protocols are part of the reason. CCIP was modeled after both the Crisis Intervention Network and Cure Violence (previously called Cease Fire) where community members, known as credible messengers, worked to develop relationships with people at risk of pulling the trigger or getting shot. Most trusted messengers are like CCIP Director Don Ike Jones: people with lived experience working with people living the experience. Jones was sentenced to life for murder and robbery when he was 17 years old. He served 27 years inside, being released in 2019 at age 44. He was freed as a result of a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said mandatory life-without-parole homicide sentences for those 17 and under was cruel and unusual punishment. As a trusted messenger, Jones had a strong sense of what would motivate teenagers to shoot at each other on Allegheny Avenue in the middle of a hot summer night. Teenagers are very impulsive and lead with their emotions, Jones said. Any sign of disrespect can trigger violence. Mix into that they may have been drinking or using drugs, and youre going to get a bad outcome every time. Rapid-response protocols after a shooting In October 2019, Janet Woodson, 51, along with her husband and 17-year-old and 6-year-old sons, were shot to death inside their home on the 5000 block of Walton Avenue. Woodsons 29-year-old son confessed to the killing. He just obviously had some kind of hatred for family members and made a decision to kill them, Acting Philadelphia Police Commissioner Christine Coulter said at the time. It was a well-liked family who lived in a tight-knit, quiet community. The murders touched a large circle family, coworkers, students, teachers, and neighbors were devastated. The case became one of the first mobilizations of the citys new Rapid Response Team. In contrast, when Cheryl Seays 18-year-old son, Jarell Seay, was murdered on his West Philadelphia porch on Easter Sunday in 2011, she said there were very few formal services for her to tap into. Except for Mothers In Charge and the DAs victim support office, I dont remember anything. What she discovered was an outpouring of informal support from religious organizations and people who shared her grief. A neighbor helped by rinsing the blood off her porch. READ MORE: Parents struggle with shooting death of their son Rapid response provides immediate trauma support, social services, blight remediation, and anti-violence resources. Member organizations include the citys Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), Department of Public Health, Town Watch Integrated Services, and Licenses and Inspections. CCIPs role is to respond to every shooting in the city. For those considered rapid response, they must intervene promptly. Providing help isnt easy The Allegheny Avenue shooting was a rapid-response case, a status determined by the Philadelphia Police Department and the managing directors office. I went [to the crime scene] myself last night, Jones said the day after the shooting. Theres a school at 17th Street. Theres a senior center, and theres a storage place. Theres not much going on. The area around 18th Street and Allegheny Avenue, a former manufacturing strip, isnt a residential block. This means there are fewer potential witnesses but also fewer traumatized neighbors. Jones learned that along with the two teens, a 44-year-old bystander was injured. Despite police finding 21 shell casings, none of the three suffered life-threatening physical wounds. With few neighbors to canvass, the next step was seeing to the victims. We went out to their homes, but the juveniles had given us bad addresses, Jones said, adding that its not unusual to start out with a bad address. Trying to locate the bystander and determine his needs was also challenging. Despite a dispiriting start, Jones said they will continue to try to meet with the three people involved in the shooting and offer to help them. We will try to track them down, Jones said. JD Vance wont back down. Somehow, it was much, much better when Tom Petty sang it. Because for the Ohio senator whos now Donald Trumps 2024 running mate, rebel defiance means doubling down on easily disprovable if not deliberate bottom-feeder lies about thousands of his own Haitian American constituents living in Springfield, who yet again this weekend he lambasted as illegal aliens despite knowing they are here lawfully. Advertisement Vance brought his tour of hyperbolic xenophobia to eastern Pennsylvania on Saturday, telling a gathering at the Berks County Fairgrounds: I challenge you to go to Springfield, Ohio. which has been overwhelmed by 20,000 Haitians. Go to any community that has been overwhelmed by Kamala Harris illegal alien policies and tell me that these are stories made up by politicians. Where to start? The two programs under which Haitians fleeing some of the worst political chaos and gang violence in the Western Hemisphere have been OKd by the Biden administration to remain in the United States as protected refugees are perfectly legal, and if Vance thinks otherwise he should challenge the rulings in court, not by demagoguing it on the campaign trail. Theres considerable evidence that the 20,000 figure that Vance and other right-wingers have claimed is the number of Haitians whove moved to Springfield during the President Joe Biden years is a big exaggeration. And even local Republican politicians are calling out Vances lies, including a heartfelt essay by GOP Gov. Mike DeWine, whos from the Springfield area. Meanwhile, we keep learning new details about the Springfield misinformation campaign from Vance and Trump that show its over-the-top dishonesty. Indeed, by the moment that Trump on Sept. 10 shocked 67 million TV debate viewers by blurting out, In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs! Vances Senate aides had already been told by city officials that internet posts about Haitians stealing and eating pets a trope about immigrants or out groups that goes back a century or more were simply not true. Vance not only didnt apologize for his initial post, he then told lies that are arguably worse even while area schools, colleges and hospitals were getting closed or disrupted by bomb threats. Three days after the debate, Vance tweeted: In Springfield, Ohio, there has been a massive rise in communicable diseases, rent prices, car insurance rates, and crime. This is what happens when you drop 20,000 people into a small community. Kamala Harriss immigration policy aims to do this to every town in our country. Theres two big problems with this, and its hard to say which is worse. The first part is that much of this is utter baloney. The claim about a massive rise in communicable disease in Springfield or surrounding Clark County is just a flat-out lie. To the contrary, county officials say 2023 was actually the lowest overall for contagious illnesses in eight years. Vances false claim hinges on a yearly rise in two specific diseases tuberculosis and HIV injections yet local officials note these numbers are so small they tend to fluctuate from year to year, and theres no evidence Haitian Americans played any role. If you look at all reportable diseases as a whole, theyre actually going down, Chris Cook, the health commissioner of Clark County, told the New Republics Greg Sargent. On crime in Springfield, there are some conflicting statistics, but there has not been a massive increase, and if Vance or his aides would have bothered to check with local officials on this one, they would have learned the reality that Haitian Americans are currently just two of the 199 inmates in the county jail, or 1%. Theres no evidence of any link between Haitians and the murder rate, which peaked in 2018 when Trump was president. But its clear now that JD Vance doesnt want to know the truth. Thats bad, but heres whats arguably worse. In intentionally trying to mislead voters about the recent influx in Springfield of Haitians, whose filling of factory jobs have revitalized a Midwestern city once ravaged by deindustrialization, Vance is laboring to echo not only the xenophobic rhetoric of the demagogue who picked him for the GOP ticket, in Trump, but which also sounds little different from the worlds most vile dictators of the last 100 years. READ MORE: Springfield, Trump, and the violent gyrations of the American dream Struggling to woo voters in the middle, the 2024 iteration of Trump and now his mini-me in Vance have instead doubled down on hoping that the secret sauce of the 45th presidents 2016 upset victory a blatant appeal to fear of the Other, focused on immigrants crossing the border and a Muslim ban (which he now wants to revive) will excite the masses of low-information and low-propensity voters. It started nearly a year ago when Trump claimed to a right-wing website that migrants are poisoning the blood of America language that critics immediately cited as a callback to Adolf Hitlers Nazi Germany even as a Trump spokesman called this a normal phrase thats used in everyday life. The Republican standard-bearer continues to insist, without evidence, that refugees crossing the border are bringing communicable diseases with them. In Vance, Trump has found the perfect foil a Yale Law School grad and best-selling author, soberly citing statistics that are complete fabrications to provide some phony intellectual heft to claims that are actually just plagiarized from what Nazi propagandists said about Jewish people on the eve of World War II and the Holocaust. In 1940, Hitlers information minister Joseph Goebbels oversaw the production of an antisemitic documentary called The Eternal Jew that drilled down on false claims of Eastern European Jews spreading disease and crime, comparing them to rodents. That this sounds little different from the 2024 Republican line on refugees is depressing, outrageous and alarming. Specifically, Nazi propaganda would regularly accuse Jews of spreading typhus, a lice-borne disease that killed millions in early 20th-century Europe, Zach Beauchamp wrote recently in Vox. Much like HIV, typhus was a stigmatized ailment stereotypically associated with the moral defectiveness or dirtiness of the afflicted. Nazi doctors wrote pseudo-scientific papers accusing Jews of spreading typhus due to our alleged low cultural level and uncleanliness, part of the justification for cramming Jews in Polish ghettos before shipping my ancestors and their co-religionists to death camps. Today, the racist, xenophobic and dehumanizing lies of 2024 are aiming to prepare Americans for a Project 2025 agenda that openly calls for a mass deportation program that would send federal agents and probably federalized National Guard tanks into American cities for dead-of-night raids, with the goal of placing millions in detention camps again, sound familiar? on a path to deportation, or worse. Id like to report that weve never seen a U.S. senator with national aspirations lie so openly as JD Vance has done in recent days, but unfortunately thats not true. On Feb. 9, 1950, Wisconsin Sen. Joe McCarthy stood up before a friendly Republican crowd in Wheeling, W.Va., and lied that he was holding a list of 205 known Communists working in the U.S. State Department every bit as false as Vances modern-day claims about Haitians in Springfield. That 1950 speech launched McCarthyism, a yearslong witch hunt that with no basis ruined the lives of public servants, Hollywood screenwriters, and many more. What Vance and Trump are proposing here including the notion that thousands of Haitian refugees who fled to America legally could be abruptly stripped of their status and shipped back to their violent, lawless homeland is a kind of American pogrom that would be much, much worse than the lowest days of McCarthyism. And yet todays Republican Party has flooded the zone with so much raw sewage look over there, a GOP candidate for governor in a large state called himself a Black Nazi on a porn site! that its hard for the media and the rest of the national conversation to stay focused, even when the top of the ticket is mimicking the worst of 20th-century fascism. It took a while, but McCarthy did eventually get his comeuppance. On Dec. 2, 1954, the Senate voted overwhelmingly (67-22) and in bipartisan fashion to censure the senator for the worst of his conduct, including defaming an Army general in a congressional hearing. When the dust of the 2024 campaign settles and God willing Vance is still the junior senator from Ohio, the Senate should consider a similar censure resolution for the deliberate and clearly racist nature of his lies about the Haitians of Springfield. We shouldnt just normalize the use of Nazi-invented propaganda tactics in American political campaigns. We need to decide as a nation if the United States is a place where life-or-death deliberate lies by the likes of JD Vance can have actual consequences or else we face a very dark future. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter He always had time, and respect, for the newbies, Helen Ubinas writes of the iconic Connecticut journalist Tom Condon. Read more I spent some time last week reading poignant remembrances of Tom Condon, a veteran journalist by the late 1990s when I started my first reporting job at Connecticuts largest newspaper, the Hartford Courant. I didnt know him as well as many of his peers, so this isnt one of those tributes. Their words should serve as a lasting testament to this legend of New England journalism. But what I did know, and what never changed in the decade-plus we spent in the same newsroom together, was that he was an exceptional journalist who was an even more exceptional human being. Advertisement A gentleman is how I often heard him described, and was it ever accurate. He always had time, and respect, for the newbies. He showed me an incredible amount of grace most of which I probably didnt deserve when I joined the columnist ranks at the paper, all while continuing to do the great work he always did. As colleagues recalled in his obituary: He had a relentless devotion to the truth. He was impeccably fair. He cared deeply. He was the kind of journalist I aspired to be. I was always in awe of veteran journalists like him around me; thats never changed. But I dont know if I ever explicitly told Tom that it was an honor to be in the same newsroom as him and if I didnt, Im sorry about that. So I was touched to read how many of his friends and colleagues shared their appreciation of him with him while he was still alive and often while they still worked with him. Its a lovely example of giving people their flowers while they are still here something we need to do more of in an environment that always seems to embrace the newest and shiniest thing in the room. The generational divide in journalism, or in any field for that matter, is often presented as new, but its always been there and even in the best-case scenarios, theres always tension between a group that is never quite done before the next group is itching to take over. It may be hell on the ego, but for the most part, its a healthy and necessary evolution for journalism to not only survive but thrive. (A note to my all-caps social media trolls: Im nowhere near done, so dont get too excited.) What I saw in those remembrances of Tom, though and what I wish we sometimes had more of these days is more mutual respect, and appreciation of what each generation brings to the table and can teach the other instead of falling into the tired traps of, Watergate, we did it better or Ticktock, dinosaurs, your time is up Theres always tension between a group that is never quite done before the next group is itching to take over. And, trust me, the hypocrisy of these words being typed by someone who once participated in a newsroom workshop called Why the Courant Sucks is not lost on me. What can I say: Im older now and hopefully a little wiser. Its only after having the benefit of gulp 30 years in the business that I have really begun to grow into and appreciate things like mentorship and legacy, and the fact that were all standing on the shoulders of those who came before us in whatever fields weve chosen to pursue. But its also why I feel so strongly that we have to pay it forward, and why I created the N Fund for Latinas in Journalism in 2022 as a way to contribute to the advancement of Latinas in the field of journalism through grants to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. As I was writing this, I got some great news about Emily Nelson, a young Latina journalist whose internship at CBS News 2 in Boise, Idaho, I was able to help fund through the Voces Internship of Idaho. Nelson was just selected for the New York Times Corps, a mentorship program for undergraduates who are pointing themselves toward careers in journalism. Through the generosity of the programs donors, weve played a very small part in one young Latinas path into a newsroom where she, too, will hopefully be shown an abundant amount of grace. I look forward to doing more. But its also important to look back to people like Tom Condon, and countless others to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. Heres to them all. LEESPORT The aspiring vice presidential nominees visited Pennsylvania Saturday in a pair of campaign events within an hours distance of each other with messages miles apart. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz stepped onstage at a high school aptly named Freedom and touted his partys inclusivity, and Republican Sen. JD Vance stumped in a fairgrounds farm stand draped in American flags, promising mass deportations to approving cheers. Advertisement Walz, at an event to mark the start of Hispanic American Heritage month in Bethlehem, urged collective action to safeguard democracy, protect womens reproductive rights, and build an economy for the middle class, a fight he argued can be done with hope and joy. You chose to come here, and the reason is simple. You love this country, Walz said. Hard work can be good work. Democracy is a precious privilege and gift that we need to protect. And you can do it with joy, optimism, grace, and happiness. Vance, in Leesport, Berks County, gave a speech almost entirely dedicated to the threat of illegal immigration, which he argued has strained the economy and driven up costs, particularly in Pennsylvania. He promised to continue pressing the issue despite criticisms that many of the claims are inflammatory and untrue. What really bothers me about it is, its not just that theyve made peoples lives worse with this terrible open border, its that theyre gonna call you bad names if you dare complain about it, the Ohio senator said. We are not bad people for thinking that you should not flood millions of illegal aliens into this country. ... Kamala Harris is a bad person for letting this happen to our country, in the first place. The battle for the states critical 19 electoral votes is in super-drive with 44 days to go until the election. Both regions of the state could be key to the 2024 election. Bethlehem straddles both Lehigh and Northampton Counties, and Northampton is one of just two Pennsylvania counties to vote for Barack Obama, and then Trump, and then swing back to President Joe Biden in 2020. Berks County went for Trump by 8 percentage points in 2020, and its a place where the campaign is hoping to squeeze even more support out this time. Pack your bags As he spoke on the sprawling Berks County Fairground, Vance blasted Harris and Biden for high housing costs. Her border policies welcomed 25 million illegal aliens into this country, people who shouldnt be here, people who are competing against you and your children to buy the homes that ought to go to American citizens, Vance said. So our message to Kamala Harris is stop giving American homes to foreigners who shouldnt be in this country. Start giving them to American citizens who deserve to be. Vance and Trump have drawn criticism with attacks aimed at stoking passions by falsely claiming that Haitians in Spingfield, Ohio, are stealing and eating pets. Our message to everybody whos coming to this country illegally is in six months, pack your bags because Donald Trumps coming back, Vance said. Vance took questions on Saturday immediately following his remarks, with the rally still packed with supporters who loudly booed each reporter who asked a question. Asked about Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines op-ed in the New York Times condemning Vance and Trump for their remarks on Springfield, his hometown. Vance noted DeWine has endorsed their ticket. We are a big-tent party and were gonna have people who have disagreements, and thats OK. Vance said he put zero weight in recent polls that showed Harris with a lead in Pennsylvania. Its about sharing our values About 50 miles east, Walz joined The Bear actress and recent Emmy winner Liza Colon-Zayas and Hamilton actor Anthony Ramos. Attendees waved FREEDOM signs, Taylor Swift songs played, and some people made friendship bracelets. The Minnesota governor noted a historical connection between his home state and the Lehigh Valley ore from Minnesota was used in Pennsylvania steel mills during World War II and turned it into a dig at Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for North Carolina governor who recently came under fire for reportedly making offensive comments on a porn website. One comment read, Im a black NAZI! according to CNN. Together, it was our people that built the tanks that won World War II and freed the world from Nazi oppression, Walz said. We have folks running as Republicans for governor that are proud to refer to themselves as Nazis. Lets not pretend that theres a gradual difference between the folks that are running here. Theyre running together. He highlighted major policy differences between the two campaigns, such as the Democrats opposition to restrictions on abortion rights and tax cuts for the rich, and their support for unions. But, Walz said, the election has as much to do with bigger-picture issues as any one policy. Not everyone is going to see the world the same way but theres a set of core values that we share things that animate our service, things that lift us up together, Walz said. Its pretty obvious to us that Donald Trump and JD Vance do not share our values in any way. While the event was held in part to celebrate Latinos for Harris, the crowd of about 3,000 was mostly white. Ana Gallardo, a retired federal government worker from Pottstown said she worries about the lack of activity she sees in her community, though she was happy to attend the rally. The Latino vote could be critical to the outcome of the election in Pennsylvania. I think they need to get more out in front of the people, Gallardo said. I havent seen any signs. I havent gotten a postcard or a phone call. The VP debate ahead The appearances came just 10 days before Vance and Walz are slated to share a stage for a vice presidential debate. Vance said hed love to have a second debate, with Walz 10 days out from the Oct. 1 matchup. I think you should actually have to earn this job, he said. Thats a contrast to Trump who has said he wont do a second debate with Harris, whose campaign on Saturday challenged Trump to a second one hosted by CNN on Oct. 23. Robbie McArdle, 20, who will vote in his first election this year, backs Trump and said he thinks Vances backstory resonates in places like Berks County. Its funny when Walz attacks Vance for being a Yale graduate, he said. Look at what it took for Vance to get himself into Yale. Youre attacking him on the American dream. Iris Alanyaly, a Bethlehem Harris supporter called Walz, the father we all had before we lost our dads to MAGA, as she waited to see him speak at the high school. Hes this solid, reliable, supportive flannel dad that we all had, or my generation had, and then suddenly our dads turned into Trumpers. Everyone from the UN to the newest classroom assistant will tell you the same thing about kids and smartphones: They dont work well together. That is, they work so well together that they take over kids brains, colonising their neural pathways so effectively that it causes kids to live inside the world of their devices rather than here on Earth. This online world is unpeopled by adults, other than the ones who design the algorithms that facilitate social media addiction, cyber-bullying and all that other fun stuff that even grown-ass adults struggle with, never mind teens with still-forming brains, their pre-frontal cortexes still not fully downloaded inside their own heads, never mind digitally. What could possibly go wrong? Oh wait, it has already. Good news then that schools across Europe are finally putting proper restrictions in place initially seen as a human rights breach by denying little John and Mary a back-to-school iPhone16, or putting them in mortal danger because you cant track their every move when theyre not with you, at last the culture is shifting. Eyes are opening. We are realising that actually, giving a child a smartphone is not doing anyone (except tech companies) any favours. So will phones at school become like vaping at school? Verboten, taboo, even behind the bike sheds? I am not one of those good-old-days fetishists who longs for landlines, pen and paper, set television schedules. God no. The upside of tech, which is also its downside, is how apps allow us to communicate limitlessly across time and space; this is a problem if youre trying to teach geography to a bunch of 13-year-olds all TikToking under the desk, but a blessing if your 23-year-old lives in Australia, and Bake Off is about to come on our screens. By the sorcery of WhatsApp, Zoom, and catch-up TV apps, will she and I be able to watch our beloved cake programme together if one of us agrees to get up in the middle of the night? Never has the magic of comms tech been so apparent since my child relocated to the other side of the Earth. No offence, Mum, but I dont miss you at all, she says happily, her face and voice booming into my house. Me neither! I beam back, as I am bounced across satellites into her Melbourne front room. We dont miss each other because our hunter gatherer brains are tricked, satisfied with the sounds and images of each other from our phones that mimic real life connection. This is the power of tech: the human brain, not that long out of the cave, cannot differentiate between digital and real: In mine and my daughters case, it scratches what would otherwise be a terribly long-distance itch (or a gaping hole for pre-digital letter-writing generations). It is benign and useful, connecting us across the world. But for kids navigating hormones, adolescence, relationships, family and school dynamics, its neural heroin. And not in a good way. On the rare occasions I witness people speaking to each other in sign language, I have to admire. The speed of the hands partnered with the expressive facial movements suggests a riveting conversation. Just what are they talking about in this silent exchange, in this language that staunchly defies their disability? Sign language is not modern. Plato references it in his writings from the fifth-century BC. In the Middle Ages, some religious orders communicated through codified gesticulation. Deaf people from the Native American community used a cross tribal sign before the arrival of Columbus. Given the disparity of these and many other examples, its no surprise to discover that sign language, just like any other language, is different from culture to culture and from country to country. Irish Sign Language has roots in the early 18th century. It developed organically among Deaf communities and evolved in the 19th century with the establishment of Deaf schools, such as St Marys (1846) and St Josephs (1857). Though it was strongly influenced by British Sign Language (BSL) and later French Sign Language, through the involvement of French religious orders, it is unique to these shores. Irish Sign Language is the first and/or preferred language of 5,000 Deaf people and 40,000 people communicate in ISL. While ISL shares some of its vocabulary and handshapes with other sign languages, it is distinct from these other languages, says Lianne Quigley, chairperson of the Irish Deaf Society. Similar to spoken languages, ISL has developed organically and has been shaped by culture, as it has been passed down from generation to generation, Ms Quigley says. It has its own unique features, syntax and grammar, that are distinct from spoken languages and other signed languages. Ireland is also unique in having gendered sign language. Due to our history of segregated education, men and women in Ireland have different sign languages, though this is likely to become less apparent since the merger of the two major Deaf schools in 2016. There are also regional differences, Ms Quigley says. Just as spoken languages have regional accents, ISL has regional variations in signs and words. Sign languages arent universal, she says. They are full languages with their own grammar, structure, and vocabulary, shaped by the culture and environment of their users. Just like spoken languages, sign languages evolve naturally within specific communities. There have been attempts to standardise sign, similar to Esperanto, the universal spoken language. The most notable is International Sign (IS), which is used at international events, such as the Deaflympics and World Federation of the Deaf conferences. It remains somewhat underdeveloped, however, and relies heavily on visual gestures, so it is more of a pidgin or contact language. Attempts to fully standardise sign languages have generally been unsuccessful, because sign languages, like spoken languages, evolve naturally within their own communities and reflect their cultures, says Ms Quigley. Just as spoken languages have variations, sign languages develop unique characteristics, based on geography and social factors, making full standardisation difficult. While different sign languages offer opportunities to celebrate local identities, cultural diversity and cross cultural exchange, the lack of codification presents problems around access to information and the provision of interpreting services. But Deaf communities have always had to be innovative and have had to fight to be seen in society. Back in the time of Plato, deafness was equated to a lack of intelligence and, for centuries, Deaf people were locked out of formal education. That has changed, but there is still a long way to go with access and inclusion. At their recent run of concerts in Croke Park, Coldplay had three interpreters to provide sign language. Deaf attendees wore Subpac vests, which allowed them to feel the vibrations of the music. This is something that the band has provided since early 2022. But Coldplay are the exception rather than the rule. Coldplay had three interpreters to provide sign language at Croke Park. Picture: Gareth Chaney More needs to be done across all sectors of society to fully realise cultural participation for the Deaf community, says Ms Quigley. Article 30 of the UNCRPD, stresses the right to equal access to cultural, recreational, and sporting activities for persons with disabilities and wed like to see more done around that. And its not just cultural events that are lacking. Back in 2017, The Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act was passed and signed in to law by President Michael D Higgins. The act recognised ISL as an official language of Ireland and stated that all public bodies must ensure their services are accessible through ISL. However, implementation has faced delays and according to a National Disability Authority (NDA) report from 2020, 52% of government bodies were not even aware of the ISL Act 2017, never mind had set up services to meet its requirements. This impacts Deaf individuals ability to access public services, education, and employment opportunities and, of course, can lead to social isolation, says Ms Quigley. Addressing these issues requires improved awareness, increased availability of resources, and effective implementation of the ISL Act to ensure that Deaf individuals have equal access to services and opportunities. What if everyone in the country had a basic level of ISL taught to them from primary school? Given its status as an official language of the country, is it not time to include it in the curriculum? The Say Yes to Languages Sampler Module, a recent initiative from the Department of Education, aims to promote modern languages among primary school students by generating awareness of the range of languages used by their peers in their schools and communities. The programme allows schools to include ISL if they so wish, but the programme is only available to certain schools, so very few are likely to choose ISL, especially given the competition from other languages. With the increasing numbers of Deaf children attending mainstream schools, it is more important than ever that their language is accessible to all children, says Ms Quigley. Establishing Irish Sign Language in the national curriculum is important, because it helps create a more inclusive society. By teaching students ISL from a young age, we would make it easier for people to communicate with those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. This, in turn, builds understanding, and empathy, and ensures everyone can be a part of the community. Learning ISL also helps students appreciate different ways of communicating, making society more welcoming and connected for all, Ms Quigley says It would also allow us to eavesdrop on those fascinating chats and get an insight in to another world of communication. A former member of the Irish Defence forces has been killed in action in Ukraine. Robert Deegan, aged 29, from Newbridge, Co Kildare, died on September 19. The former member of the Army Ranger Wing with the Defence Forces was popular among his former colleagues and went to fight for Ukraine when the war broke out. He returned home after suffering serious facial injuries in an IED strike but went back to Ukraine this year, and died last Thursday. His family issued a statement on Monday and said he was a man of determination, honour loyalty and bravery. The family are extremely devastated by the loss of Robert. He made the ultimate sacrifice while staying true to his principles and character," it said. Robert should be remembered as a hero who died protecting his comrades in battle while fighting for a principled cause. He stayed behind to cover his comrades' retreat. He fought and died like a warrior. He will be forever remembered in our hearts. It added: He was severely injured in Ukraine in 2022 and lost an eye due to an IED strike. Once he recovered, he went back out to the Ukraine war against the familys wishes. Robert embodies the definition of determination, honour, loyalty and bravery." Some of his family is involved with the Irish Defence Forces. A source said it is not yet known if Mr Deegans remains have been recovered. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is providing consular assistance. The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of reports and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases, the spokesperson said. On Saturday, September 21, Ukrainian troops continued offensive operations in the Kursk region. The Russian command deployed additional units to the region, in particular from the Kharkiv and Chasiv Yar directions. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in the analysis of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russian military bloggers claimed that Ukrainian troops tried to attack the enemy in the western part of Liubimovka and in the direction of Kamyshovka. At the same time, the Russians have recently recaptured some of the territory seized by AFU. Geolocation footage published on September 21 indicates that elements of the Russian 83rd Air Assault Brigade recently advanced south of Kamyshovka after a platoon mechanized attack. Russian military bloggers also claim that the occupiers counterattacked near Liubimovka, and that fighting continues southeast of Snagost near Nikolayevo-Darino and east of Korenevo near Kremianoye. ADVERTISIMENT According to Ukrainian military observer Kostiantyn Mashovets: - Units of the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade (Black Sea Fleet, Southern Military District) are advancing towards the settlements of Kamennoye and Vetrenoye. - Units of the 51st and the 56th Airborne Regiments are advancing in the direction of Liubimovka and Darino. - Units of the 200th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (14th Army Corps, Leningrad Military District) are advancing in the area of Pogrebki (north of Sudzha). Mashovets said that the occupiers have moved to the Kursk region: - Units of the 137th and 119th Regiments of the 106th Airborne Division from the direction of Chasiv Yar and from the operational reserve. - Up to two additional howitzer divisions of the 52nd VDV Artillery Brigade from the Kharkiv direction. - Additional battalion and company-level units from other unidentified units. ADVERTISIMENT Also, according to the military observer, Russians are restoring temporary pontoon crossings in the Glushkovsky district near Zvannoye and Glushkovo, and recently repaired a bridge near Zvanoye. Vadym Mysnyk, a spokesman for the North operational command, said that Russians had dropped more than 1,300 glide bombs on areas of Kursk region where Ukrainian troops are operating. He suggested that Russian citizens were "shocked" by the bombing of Russian territory. Units of Russia's 234th Air Assault Regiment are reportedly operating near Glushkovo. The ISW also reported that the Russian authorities knew in advance about the preparation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for an operation in the Kursk region. However, the occupation command ignored all the reports of its military about the growing threat and did not make any significant efforts to increase the readiness of military units. ADVERTISIMENT The results of a poll of Russians by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) showed that Russians' interest in the fighting in the Kursk region decreased threefold after the Ukrainian army's breakthrough. Since the beginning of August, when Ukrainian troops entered the region, the number of those interested in this topic has dropped from 39% to 12%. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The controversial Cork event centre project has been hit with fresh legal issues fuelling fears of even more delays. Tanaiste Micheal Martin confirmed the Government is grappling with new legal complications linked to the substantial additional state funding required for the proposed 6,000-capacity venue which was estimated to cost around 50m when its sod was turned in 2016 but which has seen the price tag at least double to over 100m. With some 57m in state aid already pledged for a project where construction has yet to start, it is understood that an additional 30m to 40m in government funding is required. It is the latest hurdle to hit the beleaguered project after more than eight years of planning delays, a redesign, a threatened legal challenge, a global pandemic, and funding issues linked to the soaring costs. Mr Martin declined to comment on the nature of the latest legal issues but it has been suggested by sources familiar with the protracted process that it could be linked to complex state-aid rules, or to the rules governing the initial tender for state aid, which was set at 20m in 2016, but which has increased to 57m over the years. With tens of millions more in state funding required, it is understood that there are concerns that if the Government approves the additional funding, it could be wide open to a possible legal challenge on several grounds. A decision on the additional funding requirement was expected before the Dail summer recess but that never happened. Works under way at the proposed event centre site at South Main St, Cork City. Picture: Larry Cummins 22.09.2024 default Mr Martin, who suggested recently that a decision will be made before the budget in October, insisted that the Government will arrive at a decision soon but he would not give a timeline. He insisted that he isnt kicking the project down the road. I took a decision as Taoiseach to allocate additional funding to it, along with my government colleagues, and we had a memorandum in 2021 and then a detailed design followed that, he said. That resulted in a significant increase in funding being required. It is not a funding issue, in terms of funding capacity, but legal issues have arisen and the government will be making a decision in the context of those issues very shortly. Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney said everybody involved wants to deliver the project but added: There is a huge amount of frustration in those of us who really want to see this happen yesterday. It has been going on for a very long time. Cork needs an event centre. We have a fantastic site and a fantastic proposal that is ready to go but there are genuine issues. There have been many issues that had to be overcome to get this far and hopefully we will be in position to make a decision very shortly. Mr Martin said all the political leaders involved are frustrated with the protracted process and that these latest legal issues must be addressed. I can say no more about it at this stage but they will come before Government very, very shortly, he said. Figures presented to Corks city councillors earlier this month in response to a question from Labour councillor Peter Horgan show that since 2013, the city council has spent 1.6m on legal and consultant services linked to the event centre project. Gardai investigating a house fire at a residence on College Road in Cork have arrested a woman in connection with the incident. The fire broke out at around 1am today. Local fire services quickly responded and brought the fire under control, but the property sustained extensive damage. One man was taken to University Hospital Cork for treatment. However, it is understood that this was a precautionary measure and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The Irish Examiner understands four families self-evacuated from the house. Two units of the fire brigade attended the scene to bring the fire under control. The woman, aged in her 40s, was arrested at the scene and is currently being held at a Garda station in the Southern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. The scene has been preserved for a technical examination, which is set to take place later today as investigations continue. 'Unexpected' Carlos Luna, who lives on College Road and is studying business and management at UCC, said the fire came as a huge shock to the community. "It's very quiet here and more safe than where I come from in Spain so this was so unexpected," she said. This was a very unusual thing to happen. Most of the people living here are students so it almost feels like an extension of the college. We are on the street walking home at 3am in the morning so something like this is not normal." Jules Laffan, who also lives on College Road, revealed he didn't hear about the fire until the following afternoon. "In all my time here nothing like this has ever happened. I didn't hear about it until now. If there is a door open people will say hello. Other than that neighbours don't really engage with one another," he said. Eabha Healy from College Road also expressed disbelief. "I go for runs at night along here and you don't normally see this kind of thing. I think it's less shocking when you hear of things like this happening in the city but it's still unexpected." Taoiseach Simon Harris has reiterated calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions. His call comes as he travels to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high level week. The situation in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine are the top items on the agenda. Mr Harris is due to arrive in New York today for three days of engagement, including bilateral meetings with other world leaders, including the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The meeting comes as tensions worsen in the Middle East. At least 31 people died in an Israeli airstrike in a Beirut suburb on Friday, including three children and seven women. It was the deadliest strike of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah said that the dead included 16 of its members, including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and another top commander, Ahmed Wahbi. The strike sharply escalated the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed group and inflicted another blow on Hezbollah after two days of attacks in which pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members exploded. The total death toll in those attacks has risen to 39, and more than 3,000 were injured. Mr Harris has urged calm and reiterated calls for a ceasefire and hostage release deal after almost 12 months of bloody war since the Hamas attack on October 7 last year and the subsequent Israel-Gaza war, which has cost thousands of lives. "My focus will be on the grave situation in the Middle East," he said. "The immediate priority of the international community must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. A dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance is urgently needed. The safety of UN and other humanitarian workers must be adequately protected. All efforts must be made to prevent escalation in the region and I call on all sides to practice restraint." Additionally, the conference will discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukraine president Volodomyr Zelenskyy is to travel to the US in the coming days to present a plan to end the war to US President Joe Biden. Ireland has been clear in our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people, and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Mr Harris said. "In my meetings, I will be urging all countries to support President Zelenskyys peace plan and efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that is based on the principles of the UN Charter. In the meantime, we must do all we can to support Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression." Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin is also attending meetings in the coming days as part of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high level week. Irelands foreign policy is rooted in a belief in multilateralism, a commitment to the rules-based international order and adherence to international law," Mr Martin said, "UNGA 2024 is a key international moment for Ireland and indeed the world. I look forward to working with like-minded partners and, vitally, those with whom we may not agree, to seek solutions and find a way forward to build a more peaceful, prosperous, just and sustainable world. I also look forward to engaging with a wide range of counterparts to discuss the urgent need to address the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. An Irish MEP has called for a rapid escalation in the EU's response to social media regulation, claiming "hatred and violence is fuelled by social media". Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu was highly critical of social media companies in one of her first speeches in the European Parliament last week, lashing out at tech giants as being profit-hungry rebels. The Fianna Fail MEP said that efforts to regulate the sector, through the EUs Digital Services Act, are akin to David versus Goliath. The Goliath tech giants devour regulations and self-regulation and compliance for their breakfast, Ms Ni Murchu said. They thrive on enforcement and self-regulation because they know its slow, cumbersome, and full of red tape. In particular, she took aim at social media firms for the impact they have on the general public. MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu added that total bans in isolation are not helpful. Asked by the Irish Examiner if she stood by these comments, Ms Ni Mhurchu said she did and that she had huge concern over social media regulation and called for the Digital Services Act to go further. In particular, she said that the moderation of platforms is not good enough. Weve seen the riots in Dublin, Ms Ni Mhurchu said. A lot of the hatred and violence is fuelled by social media On how to tackle this, Ms Ni Mhurchu called for further EU regulations to deal with social media companies, saying that currently they are moving at the speed of light. She highlighted how governments and the EU were able to move quickly during the pandemic, saying that a similar approach is required when it comes to regulations for tech companies. However, Ms Ni Mhurchu sounded a note of caution when it came to banning social media for certain cohorts. She added that total bans in isolation are not helpful. In Strasbourg, she made a call for both injunctions and suspensions for tech firms as laws to be drawn up. She also made a case for criminal sanctions against some tech giant directors. "We need to be rapid and we need criminal sanctions for those directors of the tech giants. That will temper the tech giants, that will teach them manners, Ms Ni Mhurchu said. Ms Ni Mhurchus comments come as Coimisiun na Mean is beginning its crackdown on leading social media firms, giving companies four weeks to outline how they are complying with new rules to remove illegal content. The President has said that he believes that a letter he wrote to the new President of Iran was leaked by the Israeli Embassy in Dublin, a statement the embassy called "baseless", "inflammatory" and "slanderous". Michael D Higgins came under fire last month for writing a letter to Masoud Pezeshkian following his appointment as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Mr Higgins had told Mr Pezeshkian that Iran had a "crucial role" in peace in the region following the death of Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. I regret of course the circumstances that brought about the election, and take the opportunity to repeat the condolences of the people of Ireland for the deaths of your predecessor President Raisi. News of the letter appeared in the London-based Jewish Chronicle and prompted criticism from a number of Fine Gael TDs. Speaking at the UN in New York, Mr Higgins said he believed the letter had been circulated by the Israeli embassy, but that he did not know how the Israelis obtained it. "You should ask where the criticism came from and how the letter was circulated and by whom and for what purpose." Mr Higgins said that he had written to the new Iranian President as a new head of state and said that there had been some interest in restarting nuclear talks with Iran. Pressed as to where he believed the letter came from, Mr Higgins said he believed it had come from the Israeli side in Dublin. "It was circulated from the Israeli embassy." In a statement, the embassy told the Irish Examiner: "Unfortunately in Ireland, since the October 7 invasion by Hamas and massacre in Israel , which triggered this awful war, Israel has been subjected to a high level of malicious statements and accusations that have often manifested as incitement to hatred. This baseless accusation is highly inflammatory and potentially slanderous, and the embassy rejects it completely. "The fact remains that the letter was written and therefore it is the burden of the author to defend its content, which did not mention the threat Iran poses in the region, that it calls for Israels destruction, that it arms and funds terrorist organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah, not to mention the violations of human rights against its own citizens. A spokesperson for the President's office told the Irish Examiner: "The exchange of letters upon the coming to office of a new head of state is standard diplomatic practice for countries which share diplomatic relations. "As is usual practice, the letter in question was drafted based on material supplied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and issued via standard diplomatic channels. Such letters have been sent to incoming presidents of Iran for a number of decades. "In response to questions, the President indicated his view that this standard diplomatic letter had been circulated over the summer and presented as being something out of the ordinary. "The President made no accusations of a leak, he solely referred to the letter being circulated. In this context, the question of reporting does not arise." Kenyas president William Ruto arrived in Haiti on Saturday, claiming that because of a Kenyan police force battling gangs, the countrys security has significantly improved. Mr Rutos claim was contradicted by a United Nations security expert, who just days earlier warned that violence in the country was worsening as gangs expanded their control over the Caribbean nation. Mr Ruto stepped off the plane, passing armed officers on a small patch of red carpet flanked by other officials. He headed to a Kenyan base at the airport where he met with police tasked with battling the gangs and several high-ranking Haitian and Canadian officials. Mr Ruto speaks to Kenyan police officers, part of a UN-backed multinational force, during a visit to their base (Odelyn Joseph/AP) You have represented the people of Kenya with courage, professionalism, selflessness, compassion and sufficiency, Mr Ruto told Kenyan police surrounding him as he stood at a podium. He claimed that Kenyan forces had boosted security infrastructure and allowed displaced Haitians to return home after fleeing violence, though many Haitians say violence is just as bad, if not worse than it was when the police were deployed in June. Mr Ruto said he hoped to listen to members of the Kenyan forces deployed and hear about their progress before he heads to New York to meet with UN leaders. They are grappling with how to best support resource-strapped Kenyan and Jamaican forces who have struggled to contain the gangs terrorising the Caribbean nation. Kenya was the first nation to send forces as part of a larger effort by the UN to offer international support to Haiti, which has spiralled into conflict and political turmoil since the 2021 assassination of president Jovenel Moise. Meanwhile, UN human rights expert William ONeill, who visited Haiti this week, warned on Friday that gang violence is only spreading across Haiti and that Haitis National Police still lack the logistical and technical capacity to fight gangs, which continue to encroach on new territory. Humanitarian consequences are dramatic, he said, and warned of galloping inflation, a lack of basic goods and internally displaced people further increasing the vulnerability of the population, particularly children and women. The security mission is expected to reach a total of 2,500 personnel, with the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Chad also pledging to send police and soldiers, although it was not clear when that would happen. A New Zealand pilot held hostage for more than a year in the restive Papua region of Indonesia was freed on Saturday by separatist rebels. Phillip Mark Mehrtens, a 38-year-old pilot from Christchurch, was working for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air when he was abducted by rebels from a remote airport on February 7, 2023. Today I finally got out. I am so happy to be back home with my family soon, Mr Mehrtens told reporters in a news conference in the mining town of Timika. Thank you to everyone who helped me get out safely and healthy. Mr Mehrtens in Timika, Papua province after his release (Satgas Damai Cartenz via AP) Television news earlier showed an emaciated, long-haired Mr Mehrtens, wearing a dark green shirt and black shorts, sitting in a room surrounded by police officers and local officials. He sobbed while talking to his family via video and an officer tried to calm him down by patting his back. He was later flown to Jakarta to be reunited with his family. Rebels have used violence to try to achieve independence as the security situation deteriorates in Indonesias easternmost region of Papua, a former Dutch colony in the western part of New Guinea that is ethnically and culturally distinct from much of Indonesia. Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 under a United Nations-sponsored ballot that was widely seen as a sham. Since then, a low-level insurgency has simmered. The conflict spiked in the past year, with dozens of rebels, security forces and civilians killed. Egianus Kogoya, a regional commander in the Free Papua Movement, initially said the rebels would not release Mr Mehrtens unless Indonesias government allows Papua to become a sovereign country. Then on Tuesday, leaders of the West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement known as TPNPB, issued a proposal for freeing Mr Mehrtens that outlined terms including news media involvement in his release. A taskforce spokesperson, Bayu Suseno, said that Mr Mehrtens release was the result of hard work from a small task force team that had been communicating with the separatists led by Mr Kogoya through the local church and community leaders as well as youth figures. This is incredibly good news, said Mr Suseno. Effort to free the pilot by soft approach resulted in a hostage release without any casualties both from security forces, civilians or the pilot himself. Mr Mehrtens family said in a statement on Sunday they were extremely grateful to the Indonesian government including the police and military for prioritising peaceful negotiations in order to keep Phil safe. We are also grateful to General Kogoya and his army for keeping Phil as safe and healthy as their means allowed, and for allowing Phil to get several messages out during this period to let us know that he was alive and okay, the statement said. Those messages filled our souls and gave us hope and that we would eventually see Phil again. New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters said that a wide range of government agencies had been working with Indonesian authorities and others to secure the release for the past 19-and-a-half months. Officials were also supporting Mr Mehrtens family, Mr Peters said. Mr Mehrtens, left, with police in Papua (Satgas Damai Cartenz via AP) Many news outlets showed cooperation and restraint in reporting the story, he added. The case has taken a toll on the Mehrtens family, who have asked for privacy, Mr Peters said. New Zealand news outlets reported during Mr Mehrtens captivity that he was one of a number of expatriate pilots employed by Susi Air and in recent years lived in Bali with his family. Mr Peters had not spoken to Mr Mehrtens since his release. The news was one of the better stories Ive had in his 45 years in politics, the three-time foreign minister added. He declined to give details about how the pilot was freed. It was a tricky environment and building trust had been the most difficult aspect, Mr Peters said. It was quite nerve-wracking, holding our nerve and not getting too carried away, not doing anything that might imperil the chances, he said. Because there was always a concern of ours that we might not succeed. President of the Indonesian Republic Joko Widodo at the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022 (Leon Neal/PA) Indonesian President Joko Widodo congratulated the military and police for prioritising persuasion and safety. This was through a very long negotiation process and our patience not to do it repressively, Mr Widodo said. Mr Mehrtens arrived at Jakartas Air Force base Halim Perdanakusumah just before midnight on Saturday. He was escorted by police and military personnel as he descended the planes steps and was greeted by Indonesian officials and New Zealand diplomats on the tarmac. The coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs Hadi Tjahjanto told a news conference after the arrival that the Indonesian government officially handed Mr Mehrtens over to New Zealands ambassador to Jakarta, Kevin Burnett, who will oversee his safety. He emphasised that the separatist rebels had not demanded anything in return for Mr Mehrtens release and hostage safety is a top priority. Israel and Hezbollah engaged in heavy back-and-forth strikes during the weekend, with the latter confirming that 15 of its operatives had been killed by Israeli forces. Akil, the main target, had been wanted by the US for years for his alleged role in the 1983 bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut and the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s. The US State Department last year announced a reward of up to $7m for information leading to his identification, location, arrest, and/or conviction. Rescuers clear the rubble as they look for survivors at the site of Fridays Israeli strike in Beirut (Bilal Hussein/AP) White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan called Akils death a good outcome and said he had American blood on his hands for the embassy attack. You know, 1983 seems like a long time ago, Mr Sullivan said. But for a lot of families and a lot of people, theyre still living with it every day. Wahbi was described as a commander who played major roles within Hezbollah for decades and was imprisoned in an Israeli jail in southern Lebanon in 1984. Hezbollah said he was one of the field commanders during a 1997 ambush in southern Lebanon that left 12 Israeli troops dead. Hezbollah announced overnight that 15 of its operatives had been killed by Israeli forces, but it did not how or where they died. The Israeli military confirmed that about 90 rockets had been fired at northern Israel and that Israel had struck more than 400 rocket launchers in Lebanon on Saturday during the day. Israeli army spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said 16 Hezbollah fighters were killed in Fridays strike. Rescuers at the scene of another Beirut missile strike (Bilal Hussein/AP) Expecting a surge in rocket attacks, Daniel Hagari, another Israeli defence spokesman, announced updated safety guidelines for areas north of Haifa, including caps on gatherings of 30 people in open spaces and 300 in enclosed spaces. Work and school can continue if people can reach protected areas in a timely manner. But since students and teachers in some places would not be able to reach shelters in the required time, Sunday classes were cancelled in at least two border regions within an hour of the announcement. Earlier this week, Israels security cabinet said stopping Hezbollahs attacks on the countrys north, which would allow displaced residents to return to their homes, is now an official war goal, as Israel considers a wider military operation in Lebanon that could spark an all-out conflict. Israel has since sent a powerful fighting force to its northern border. Hezbollah has maintained that it will halt its strikes only when a ceasefire is reached between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire regularly since Hamas October 7 attack on southern Israel ignited the Israeli militarys devastating offensive in Gaza. But previous cross-border attacks have largely struck areas in northern Israel that had been evacuated and less-populated parts of southern Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire into Sunday, with Israeli warplanes carrying out the most intense bombardment in almost a year of conflict across Lebanon's south and Hezbollah firing rockets deep into northern Israel. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said strikes would continue until it was safe for evacuated people in the north to return - setting the stage for a long conflict as Hezbollah has vowed to fight on until a ceasefire in the parallel Gaza war. "In recent days we have inflicted a series of blows on Hezbollah that it never imagined," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement. "If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message." The conflict - which sharply escalated over the past week - has raged since Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel, saying it was acting in solidarity with Palestinians facing an Israeli offensive further south in Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck around 290 targets on Saturday, including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels, and that it would continue to hit more. Israel closed schools, restricted gatherings in the north and ordered hospitals there to move patients and staff to protected areas - many have secured or underground facilities designed to withstand rocket fire. Hospital staff and soldiers move patients and equipment to the underground ward at Rambam medical center as fighting escalates between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. in Haifa, Israel, on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) Air raid sirens sounded constantly in Israel. About 150 rockets, cruise missiles and drones were fired at Israel overnight and into Sunday, most of which were intercepted by air defences, including an "aerial target" that came from the east, the military said. Several buildings were struck, including a house badly damaged near the Israeli city of Haifa. Rescue teams treated wounded but there were no reports of deaths. Residents had been instructed to stay near bomb shelters and safe rooms. Hezbollah said it hit a barracks and another Israeli position with squadrons of attack drones on Sunday. It said it launched rockets at military-industrial facilities in an "initial response" to two days of attacks last week in which pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members exploded. Those attacks, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, killed 39 people and left more than 3,000 injured. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. An official in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a grouping of Iran-backed armed factions, said they launched cruise missile and explosive drone attacks at Israel at dawn on Sunday as part of "a new phase in our support front" with Lebanon. "Escalation in Lebanon means escalation from Iraq," the official said. The move will stoke fears that the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon could spread into the rest of the region. The U.N. special coordinator in Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasscharet, said in a post on X that "with the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer". Israeli army jeeps move into the West Bank city of Nablus during a raid, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024,(AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed). Several buildings were struck, including a house badly damaged near the Israeli city of Haifa. Rescue teams treated wounded but there were no reports of deaths. Residents had been instructed to stay near bomb shelters and safe rooms. Hezbollah said it hit a barracks and another Israeli position with squadrons of attack drones on Sunday. It said it launched rockets at military-industrial facilities in an "initial response" to two days of attacks last week in which pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members exploded. Those attacks, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, killed 39 people and left more than 3,000 injured. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. An official in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a grouping of Iran-backed armed factions, said they launched cruise missile and explosive drone attacks at Israel at dawn on Sunday as part of "a new phase in our support front" with Lebanon. "Escalation in Lebanon means escalation from Iraq," the official said. The move will stoke fears that the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon could spread into the rest of the region. The U.N. special coordinator in Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasscharet, said in a post on X that "with the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer". Emergency workers clear the rubble at the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) ESCALATING ATTACKS The escalating attacks come less than 48 hours after an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah commanders in a suburb of the Lebanese capital. The death toll from that strike had risen to 45, the Lebanese health ministry said on Sunday. Hezbollah said 16 members including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and another commander, Ahmed Wahbi, were among those killed on Friday in the deadliest strike in nearly a year of conflict with Israel. Israel's army said it hit an underground gathering of Aqil and leaders of Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces, and had almost completely dismantled its military chain of command. The attack levelled a multi-storey residential building in the crowded suburb and damaged a nursery next door, a security source said. At least three children and seven women were among those killed, according to the health ministry. Israel wants Hezbollah to cease fire and withdraw forces from the border region, adhering to a U.N. resolution signed with Israel in 2006, irrespective of any Gaza deal. Tens of thousands of people have left their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in October in sympathy with Palestinians in Gaza. With at least 84 people killed in Lebanon over the past week, the conflict toll in the country since October has surpassed 750 during the worst Israel-Hezbollah flare-up since a 2006 war. The Gaza conflict was triggered on October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed more than 41,300 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, plunging Gaza into a humanitarian crisis and displacing nearly the entire 2.3 million-strong population. Germany has recognized that supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia is costly for Germany. However, the defeat of the Ukrainians due to the termination of this assistance will cost much more. ADVERTISIMENT The statement was made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a discussion organized by the German newspaper Die Zeit, Ukrinform reports. He called on those who suggest the termination of support for Ukraine, explaining that "this is not our war", to consider the possible consequences. "We have to realize that if Ukraine loses this war because we or the West as a whole stop supporting it, then tomorrow there will be no Ukraine. And yes, supporting Ukraine is expensive, but the defeat of Ukrainians will cost us much more. Not only in terms of Putin's military threat, but also because of the flow of refugees from Ukraine that it will provoke," the politician said. He noted that by his actions, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin "tramples on the rules-based international order." If he is allowed to achieve his goals, he will decide that the West is weak and he can do what he wants. ADVERTISIMENT According to the minister, if Ukraine loses the war unleashed by Russia, Moldova and Georgia, and possibly even the NATO's Baltic states, could become Moscow's next victims. "What kind of signal does this send to other autocracies in the world that are essentially just waiting to be shown that the West is not ready to defend the international order? And that is why it is so important that we do this (support Ukraine - Ed.), and for as long as it is necessary. Or at least for as long as Ukraine can say that we can now bring Putin to the negotiating table," Pistorius emphasized. The German defense minister added that everything should be done now to restore peace in Europe, but "there are no signs that peaceful and secure coexistence with Russia will return in the near future." So far, Putin "has not made it clear that he is ready to do this (to reach a peaceful settlement - Ed.), at least on terms that are even remotely acceptable to Ukraine." ADVERTISIMENT "I believe that we should continue to provide all possible support to the Ukrainians so that they can find themselves in a situation where they can achieve this goal. And at the same time, I think we should be even tougher in our sanctions against Russia. There are still too many loopholes," the German defense minister summarized. As reported, Germany, together with its partners, is preparing another military aid package for Ukraine worth 1.4 billion euros. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Explosions occurred in Kharkiv on Saturday, September 21, late in the evening. The enemy attacked the city with guided bombs. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov. According to preliminary data, there were two enemy hits. According to the mayor of the city Ihor Terekhov, there was a preliminary hit to a residential high-rise building. "One of them is in Shevchenkivskyi district. Emergency services have arrived at the scene," he said in a statement. As of 23:31, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that the hit to a residential high-rise building with a guided bomb was confirmed. At least 12 people have been reported injured. The search and rescue operation is ongoing. All relevant services and volunteers are working at the site. Also on September 21, Russian occupation forces dropped explosives in Kherson and shelled Antonivka with artillery. These attacks resulted in casualties. ADVERTISIMENT As reported, the aggressor country does not stop terrorizing Ukrainian cities. This time, the Russians dropped guided bombs on Sumy. On the night of Saturday, September 21, the Russian army attacked Ukraine with 25 missiles of various types and kamikaze drones. Air defense forces destroyed five missiles and 11 Shahed UAVs. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo Israel is escalating in the West Bank, against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and against Iran. The Biden administration must put maximum pressure on its ally. ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) The numbers are clear. The temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in November last year resulted in the release of 109 hostages. Compare that to Israeli military operations, which have managed to rescue 8 hostages while killing three by accident. The military has also recovered the bodies of another 34 hostages, including six killed shortly before the Israelis made it to the underground tunnel where they were being held. Meanwhile, 33 hostages are presumed dead. By the most conservative accounting, ceasefire tactics have been more effective than military tactics by a factor of 10 in saving Israeli lives. In starting this most recent war in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu no doubt was remembering his brother, who led the daring rescue of hijacked passengers at the Entebbe airport in 1976 (and died in the process). Now the younger Netanyahu was facing his own hostage crisis. He decided, like his brother, to pursue force. He entertained fantasies of destroying Hamas, saving the 251 people kidnapped on October 7, and salvaging his own dismal political reputation. It hasnt worked out quite that way. The war hasnt eliminated Hamas, and even the Israeli military cautions that this isnt possible. The Israeli military has been spectacularly unsuccessfuland in some cases unforgivably negligentin freeing hostages. Speaking of unforgivable, Israeli forces have also killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza. The Netanyahu government has escalated its policy of expulsion in the West Bank and is now poised to go to war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The recent coordinated explosions of the pagers that the Iran-backed militia purchased to avoid Israeli surveillance, followed by a second set of explosions involving walkie-talkies, could well be the starting gun for the war. Despite (or perhaps because of) these horrors, Netanyahu is making a political comeback. Although his coalition would lose against the opposition if an election were held today, the prime ministers Likud Party remains by a thin margin the most popular party in Israel today. In other words, Netanyahu has some reason to believe that he has a winning strategy: talk tough, be tough, hang tough. He thinks that he can safely ignore the pleas of the hostages families, the demands of the demonstrators on the street, and the advice of his own military advisorsnot to mention anything that the U.S. government has said. The Israeli prime minister has dismissed evidence that the failures of his own intelligence agencies played a role in the events of October 7. As long as he visits punishment upon Israels enemiesPalestinians, Hezbollah in Lebanon, selected targets in Iranhe can secure the support of the Israeli far right and continue to present himself as his countrys savior. As such, Netanyahu believes that he has two more enemies to fight against: compromise and ceasefire. Thus, each time Israeli and Palestinian negotiators seem close to a negotiated ceasefire, Netanyahu has pulled the rug out from underneath them. So, for instance, Hamas withdrew its initial insistence on Israel committing to a permanent ceasefire from the beginning. As for the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza, another key element of the three-part plan put forward by the Biden administration, Netanyahu is now insisting that Israel retain control of the Philadelphi corridor, the section of Gaza that borders Egypt, in order to interdict any potential weapons shipments to Hamas. This apparently non-negotiable demand from Netanyahu does not reflect any real consideration of Israeli security needs. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, not exactly the most pro-Palestinian voice in journalism, points out that the Israeli military did not consider this supposedly indispensable corridor important enough to even occupy for the first seven months of the war. Israeli generals have consistently told Netanyahu there are many alternative effective means for controlling the corridor now and that supporting Israeli troops marooned out there would be difficult and dangerous. And they could retake it any time they need. Staying there is already causing huge problems with the Egyptians, too. Netanyahus own defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has reportedly said that the fact that we prioritize the Philadelphi Corridor at the cost of the lives of the hostages is a moral disgrace. So, if his own defense minister cant change Netanyahus mind, what can be done to dislodge the prime miniester from his unyielding position? Cutting Off the Arms Supply Since the Labour Party took over in the United Kingdom in July, it has made three consequential decisions related to Israel/Palestine. First, it resumed funding for the UN agency that aids Palestinian refugees. Next, it reversed the Tory decision to challenge the International Criminal Courts arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Gaza Genocide, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic / PS Express, 2024 And, at the beginning of September, it blocked a certain number of arms sales to Israel. Not surprisingly, Netanyahu condemned the decision as shameful and misguided. In fact, the UKs move was both tepid and not hugely important. The decision affected only 30 out of 350 export licenses. And Britain supplies just 1 percent of Israeli imports. Netanyahu wasnt worried so much about the UK weapons per se but rather the domino effect the decision might have on the three biggest suppliers of the Israeli military. Between 2013 and 2023, the United States provided around 65 percent of the countrys military imports, Germany roughly 30 percent, and Italy a bit under 5 percent. Italy claims that it has basically stopped arms exports, only honoring existing contracts if they dont involve the use of those weapons against civilians (no one really knows how the Italians are making this determination). German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has made a great show of pledging military support for Israel, but the countrys Federal Security Council has effectively stopped providing the promised assistance. Ultimately, the growing concerns [against Israel] are the reason why fewer approvals are being granted, even if no one wants to say it out loud, an employee of a representative on the Federal Security Council told The Jerusalem Post. Which leaves the United States. The Biden administration announced $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel in mid-August, after ordering a pause in deliveries of heavy bombs (subsequently reversed) and threatening to cancel shipments if Israel invaded Rafah (it did and the U.S. did nothing). The weapons that the United States delivers to Israel are its only real leverage over the Netanyahu government. It could be argued that this doesnt amount to much leverage, particularly when Israel isnt asking for as much these days. Also, Israel has its own military-industrial complex and can produce a lot of what it uses. Still, the nearly $4 billion that the United States sends Israel every year is a significant chunk of the Israeli military budget ($27 billion and rising). And that should translate into political capital that an American administration could use to influence Israeli policy. But Biden did not condition aid on Netanyahu signing a ceasefire deal. Talk about a non-transactional president! Lest anyone imagine that Donald Trump would do any different if he returned to the White House, the infamously transactional candidate suspended that particular aspect of his character when dealing with Israel. During his four years in office, he gave Israel everything it wanted and got nothing in return (other than the adulation of Netanyahu and the Israeli far right). What Can Be Done? Israels conduct of the war in Gaza has generated considerable international condemnation. The UNs highest court, the International Court of Justice, ruled in July that Israels occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal and must end. The International Criminal Court, meanwhile, has issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu (along with Defense Minister Gallant and three Hamas leaders, two of whom have already been killed). The UN Security Council has approved several ceasefire resolutions, including one that called for a Ramadan pause, which was ignored. In June, the Security Council passed a resolution introduced by the United States that supports (not surprisingly) the three-part ceasefire plan devised by the Biden administration. Netanyahu has so far ignored this one as well. Plenty of countries have registered their protests against Israel in other forms. Several European countriesNorway, Ireland, Spain, and Sloveniarecently went ahead and recognized an independent Palestinian state. They join 143 other countries around the world that had already made that decision. Turkey has executed an about-face from being a key Israeli trade partner to a leader of the economic boycott of the country. Now, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan is threatening to assemble a Sunni coalition, along with Egypt, in support of the Palestinians. People around the world have voted with their feet by joining protests. In the days following the October 7 attack and the start of the war in Gaza, there were thousands of pro-Palestinian gatherings in dozens of countries. Demonstrations spread on campuses, particularly in the United States and Europe but also in Australia and India. Meanwhile, in Israel, sentiment has shifted. A week ago, half a million people thronged the streets of Tel Aviv, with 250,000 rallying in other Israeli cities, demanding an immediate ceasefire. The overriding issue in Israel is the release of the remaining hostages. Interestingly, polling for the first time shows that a majority of Gazans now believe that the Hamas attack on October 7 was a mistake. This is a marked reversal since the early days of the war, when both Israelis and Palestinians were convinced that the military actions of their political representatives were correct. So, at this point, its not a question of persuading the people of Israel and Palestine of the importance of negotiations or the need for a ceasefire. The machinery of international law has been mobilized to put pressure on the Israeli government. The country most committed to Israels military defense, the United States, has also been pushing for a ceasefire. The problem is that the Biden administration has not used its most powerful levers of influencethe flow of cash and armaments to Israelto persuade Netanyahu to bend. The Israeli leader and his right-wing allies listen to the American voices they want to hearthe Republican Party, AIPACand ignore what they consider to be a lame-duck administration. Netanyahu would no doubt prefer Donald Trump to win in November. But even if Kamala Harris wins, he doesnt worry that the Democrats will make any significant changes in U.S. policy, especially if the Republicans manage to win the Senate. If anything, Netanyahu is moving even further away from compromise. Israel has ramped up operations in the West Bank in the furtherance of its campaign of ethnic cleansing. The Israeli army is preparing for a sustained military campaign against Hezbollah, which is now mulling a response to the two recent waves of bomb attackspagers, walkie-talkiesthat were the result of an Israeli operation to insert explosive devices in the devices somewhere along the supply chain. According to the most pessimistic analysis, Israel will eventually settle for a ceasefire in Gaza in order to turn its attention more fully to the West Bank and Hezbollah. Achieving a ceasefire and a hostage deal would also remove the chief obstacle to a national unity government that would give Netanyahu the political cover for these expanded operations. So, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza is necessary but not sufficient. The Biden administration must attach strings to Israeli aid related to the countrys overall policies of expulsion. Time is running out. Biden must back Palestinian demands for political autonomy before Israel has occupied all Palestinian land. He must push for regional negotiations that address the essential conflict between Israel and Iran that lies behind the dispute with Hezbollah. Its not likely that the administration will push anything so ambitious before the election. But when Biden enters his lame-duck period, he will have one last chance to back a ceasefire-plus scenario. He can even shoehorn this effort into the Abrahamic Accords, the Trump-era initiative to negotiate the Arab worlds recognition of Israel. On November 6, regardless of who wins the election on the day before, Biden needs to withdraw all his political capital from the bank and spend it in the Middle East. Netanyahu and his far-right allies are a threat to Israel, to Palestine, to the entire region. Biden gave an enormous gift to the United States when he stepped aside as a presidential candidate. In his lame-duck session after the election, he can make one final, legacy-making gift by applying just the right combination of carrots and sticks to contain Netanyahu and end the horrors in and around Israel/Palestine. Via Foreign Policy in Focus Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Al Jazeera reports that Hezbollah escalated its rocket attacks on northern Israel and Syrias Golan Heights occupied by Israel. Some of these rockets targeted the Ramat David Air Base near Haifa. The Israeli military said that most of the Hezbollah rockets were intercepted. The barrages went on Saturday and began again this (Sunday) morning, striking east and south of Gaza and the Golan Heights, as well as in the Galilee. Some rocket debris landed in east Haifa and cut off the electricity for some districts. It was the deepest Hezbollah had struck into Israel since the total war on Gaza began on October 8, and this depth of strike is unusual for the Lebanese Shiite militia. [Juan says: Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is widely believed to be seeking an widening of the Gaza war to Lebanon as a way of rallying the Israeli public and staying in power to avoid possible jail time as a result of the two civil corruption cases against him, which are paused in the courts as long as he is PM. The Biden administration had pressured Netanyahu not to go this route, but he stopped paying attention to Bidens red lines a long time ago. In the first 6 months after October 7, some 80% of the cross-border Israel-Lebanon attacks were launched by Israel, and 20% by Hezbollah.] Some 80,000 Israelis have been displaced from their homes in the north by Hezbollah rockets in the past year. About 95,000 Lebanese in south Lebanon have also been forced out of the areas near their border with Israel by Israeli air strikes. Back to Al Jazeera: Hezbollah late on Saturday said that the base and airfield at Ramat David was hit a second time by dozens of heavy long range Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 rocket shells. F-16s fly to bomb targets in Lebanon from this base. In actuality, the rockets appear to have been intercepted or to have fallen on open fields, though the Israelis admitted one fell near the base. Five barrages of 30 rockets each were fired at Galilee and East Haifa by Hezbollah. On Sunday morning some 30 rockets landed on northern Israel alone. It was announced that Haifa schools and schools of towns in its vicinity including Akka would close on Sunday. The metro area population of Haifa is about 1.1 million, and it is 20% Muslim. The Israeli press reported that there was one Israeli casualty in the lower Galilee from the Hezbollah bombardment. Israeli radio reported that the residents of Kiryat Tivon near Haifa had tried to take refuge in their local shelter but found it locked. Israeli anti-missile missiles appear to have started a fire that firemen rushed to contain. Likewise one of the Hezbollah rockets started a fire at Marj Bin Amer in the north. Al Jazeera quotes Israels Channel 12 as saying that Hezbollah was focusing on military targets and not civilians in cities, suggesting that it does not want to break the rules. It said that it is unclear if this was a limited raid or just the beginning. The Israeli Air Force replied with strikes on southern Lebanon. Hezbollah had vowed revenge on Israel for the booby trapped pagers that injured and blinded some 3000 persons, many of them Hezbollah members, though some of them were civilian Party members rather than guerrillas. One physician said he had never removed so many eyes in his life. Such booby trap attacks are forbidden by the second Protocol to the Conventional Weapons Treaty, to which Israel is a high signatory. Israel also took out a building in east Beirut, killing a high Hezbollah official, Ibrahim Aqil, who is implicated in the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut. The Israelis claim to have decimated the Hezbollah leadership, but they have never understood how clan-based organizations work; siblings and cousins step up to replace killed commanders. The State Department asked all Americans to leave Lebanon while there were still commercial flights, since these might be cancelled if hostilities escalate. Al Jazeera reports that State Department sources are afraid the current round of tit-for-tat exchanges of fire could easily escalate into a full-scale war. In other news on Saturday, Israeli jets bombed a UN school / shelter in Gaza, killing 22 persons, including a pregnant woman in what has become a daily war crime. - Video added by Informed Comment: CBS Evening News: Israel, Hezbollah exchange border fire one day after Beirut attack In Tikhoretsk in the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation, Ukrainian defenders destroyed an occupier's ammunition depot today. Earlier, Ukraine successfully attacked the largest bomb and missile depot in the entire war in Toropets, Russia. These are significant events in the war unleashed by the aggressor country. ADVERTISIMENT This is the opinion of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. That is why President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky began his traditional address to the country by thanking our soldiers for their accuracy. "Accuracy in the enemy's territory. This is what changes the situation fundamentally - our ability to bring the war back home to Russia," he said. The President emphasized that the above-mentioned strikes were carried out "thanks to our capabilities, our weapons", "without the means that can be provided by partners and which can significantly accelerate the end of this war". "If we could direct all our accuracy to protect our state, if we had enough missiles and permits that our partners could provide, the overall situation in the war would be much better for our security - for the security of Ukraine and everyone in the world who does not want to exist in the conditions of such aggressions as this Russian one," Zelensky said. ADVERTISIMENT Therefore, Ukraine "will continue to talk about this next week": our defenders "need full range capability." The next week, Zelensky believes, could be "largely decisive for stopping Russian terror." Obviously, he is referring to the UN General Assembly. "For this to happen, the determination of our partners must match the courage of Ukrainians. The answer to the question "When will this war end?" is actually when the determination of our partners keeps pace with what we can do to protect us, to secure our independence, to win," the President noted. Traditionally, the Head of State thanked all the military in Luhansk and Donetsk regions, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, and throughout the south. He particularly noted the 46th separate airmobile brigade, the 68th Dovbush ranger brigade and the 425th separate assault battalion in the Pokrovsk sector. The 65th separate mechanized brigade in the Orikhiv sector and the 35th separate marine brigade in the Prydniprovia sector were also recognized by Zelensky. ADVERTISIMENT The president also recognized the Special Operations Center "A" of the Security Service of Ukraine, which "together with every soldier, sergeant, and officer is fighting on the enemy's territory in the Kursk region of Russia." "Our active actions there have exactly the impact on the frontline situation that we need in Ukraine right now," the Supreme Commander-in-Chief believes. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Kurin "Skipper", commander of the Russian Airborne Assault Regiment, was killed in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. The Russian officer joined the list of the "two hundredth" occupiers, and this was a "great loss" for the Russian airborne troops. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Sunday, September 22, 2024 - A video has emerged of Chuka-Igambangombe Member of Parliament, Patrick Munene being heckled and chased away from his constituency for attacking Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Munene is among 48 MPs who denounced Gachagua as the Mt Kenya region kingpin and endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki. On Saturday, the MP toured his constituency and when he started castigating Gachagua, he was met with resistance from his constituents. The residents began heckling him and after some time his security came to rescue him from the angry crowd that was baying for his blood. Munene is among the MPs who are being used by Ruto to divide the Mt Kenya region into Mt Kenya East and West. Here is the video of Patrick Munene being heckled badly and chased away in his constituency.\ The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 22, 2024- Nairobi County Governor, Johnson Sakaja, has slammed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for exposing his boss, President William Ruto, in a live TV interview. On Friday, Gachagua in a tell-all interview, attacked the President, claiming he has not been protecting him when he is insulted by junior officers like Dennis Itumbi and Farouk Kibet. However, speaking on Sunday, Sakaja criticized Gachagua for making a big mistake by exposing his boss, stating that it violated the Official Secrets Act. "You cannot go and insult the president indirectly. You cannot tell the president to keep his house in order. "How can you do that? Experience is important. There is something called an official secret act. "You cannot go to TV and expose the president, revealing that he told you something directly, sakaja said. The Nairobi County boss further urged Gachagua that if he's jealous of Ruto's association with Raila Odinga, he should "hug a transformer." Ruto is now collaborating with Raila Odinga. If that bothers you so much, if youre choked with potatoes, let it go with some soup," Sakaja said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 22, 2024 - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has blasted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after his controversial sentiments against the Kenya Kwanza administration. Speaking on Saturday, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, accused DP Gachagua of scheming to divert the attention of Kenyans from serious national matters. When anybody from the presidency comes out to address the country, Kenyans expect that they will be hearing from the deputy president about how they are addressing these challenges, Wanga stated. Wanga went on to claim that Gachaguas anger at the government stemmed from President William Rutos decision to appoint some opposition politicians to his administration. The bitterness is arising from the fact that other people who are not considered shareholders by the deputy president have now come forward to participate in this company that is called Kenya, Wanga alleged. The Homa Bay Governor urged the DP to focus on the real issues affecting Kenyans, such as the changes facing fishermen in Lake Victoria, the struggling sugar cane industry in Western Kenya, and the need to create jobs, rather than focusing on a single region. We are taken aback and surprised that the DP spoke on national television about issues like who was removed from which WhatsApp group. "This is not our countrys priority. Kenya is for all of us, and everyone must have a chance to participate in national building. "The DP must realize that he is the leader of the entire country, not just one region, she stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 22, 2024 Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas ODM has weighed in after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attacked President William Ruto and his government in an explosive interview. Addressing members in Kisumu, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga hit out at Gachagua, accusing him of engaging in premature politics instead of addressing the challenges facing Kenyans. According to Wanga, Gachaguas interview was a scheme to divert the attention of Kenyans from serious national matters. When anybody from the presidency comes out to address the country, Kenyans expect that they will be hearing from the deputy president about how they are dealing with these challenges that are facing Kenyans, Wanga stated. Wanga further alleged that Gachagua's outrage against the government resulted from Ruto's decision to appoint a section of opposition politicians to his administration. Wanga faulted the DP for sowing political division which she claimed was detrimental to the country. The bitterness is arising from the fact that other people who are not considered shareholders by the deputy president have now come forward to participate in this company that is called Kenya," Wanga alleged. The DP was further accused of his habit of addressing members of the public in his vernacular despite being a symbol of national unity. "Once he took the oath as the country's deputy president, he ceased to be a man who can only converse with his people in his vernacular," commented Rozza Buyu. "His vernacular is for him when he is in the village. But when he talks, for instance in Marikiti, where there are 42 tribes doing business there, he shouldn't break to the vernacular." The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 22, 2024 - National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichungwah, has dismissed claims by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that Parliament is planning to impeach him. Speaking after the burial of his family friend and former employee George Owiro at Pap Nyadiel village in Alego Usonga Constituency on Saturday, Ichung'wah noted that there was no plot to impeach Gachagua and what he is doing is inciting Mt Kenya electorate against their MPs to gain sympathy. "As a Leader of Majority, I can tell you there has never been an impeachment plan against him. "That has been a creation of those that he walks around with. It's a sympathy-seeking gimmick to try and incite people from the Mt. Kenya region against MPs," Ichung'wah said. "If you listened to him, he passed a veiled threat to Kenyans, saying that an impeachment motion would cause political instability, or rather he framed it's about the stability of the nation. "What he meant is that he is trying to threaten that should there be one, there will be political instability," Ichungwah added. However, the lawmaker noted that any MP is at liberty to bring an impeachment motion against the DP, President, Cabinet Secretary, or any official, pointing out that there are no exemptions. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 22, 2024- Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku was booed and chased away by a crowd attending a civic education event led by activist and lawyer Morara Kebaso in Embu Town. The MP who had attempted to disrupt the meeting was met with loud jeers and chants from the rowdy crowd. He was forced to make a hasty retreat after he was chased away. Morara Kebaso seized the moment to criticize the MP and reminded locals of Rukus unfulfilled promise to bring a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) to Ishiara and further slammed him for sponsoring the controversial Maandamano Bill which is a direct affront to the right to protest. Watch the video. Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku booed and chased away by a crowd attending a civic education event led by activist and lawyer Morara Kebaso in Embu Town. The MP who had attempted to join the gathering was met with loud jeers and chants from the rowdy crowd who refused to let him pic.twitter.com/EM9bKftfsB Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) September 22, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. An excerpt from Krooked Ketamine. OK, heres the thing: I had a little problem that needed correcting if I wanted to continue to work as a government surgeon. I had a janky heart, and it had a tendency to fire off at the absolute worst possible moments. I needed a pacemaker to help with the recalcitrant muscular metronome, but I absolutely hated the thought of lying down and feeling, at least metaphorically, the cold steel of the belly of the number-ten blade on my own skin, wielded by someone elses hand. I put it off as long as possible, but even I was growing weary of the pestering jankiness deep beneath my left breast. On the day in question, I felt, as the French say, in idiomatic contradistinction to the more familiar deja vu, a definite feeling of jamais vu: a familiar thing or place that seems eerie and wholly unwonted. The holding area for patients waiting for procedures being the same in every hospital; a setting so obvious in its pragmatic, curtain-cubicled layout, allowing the candidates for demonetization to be smoothly ushered through the system should have been as familiar to me as a briar patch is to an old, brash hare, but I was scared. I wasnt used to being on this side of the frowzy paisley gown, cold, clammy, and shaky, like the new kid at cotillion. Nurse Queequeg and her twenty-two-gauge harpoon had let my inner Tashtego leech out after her third attempt at an I.V. in my forearm. I had visions of the Nantucket sleigh ride, harpooned by the needle, held fast to the gurney by the I.V. line, and eased alongside the captain for the final spading (go read Moby Dick, for Petes sake, if you dont know what Im talking about). Your veins are rolley, she mused, plumping my arm with the elastic tourniquet and surveying my arms landscape, blood vessels popping up like mole tunnels in a barely-seeded backyard. Maybe its your hands that are rolley, I wanted to say, but wouldnt. Finally, she found the antecubital hose in the crook of my elbow that even she wouldnt miss. Next in the line-up was the anesthesiologist, the guy who would be putting me to sleep for the procedure. He was tall and thin, had salt-and-pepper hair and looked to be in great shape. I always secretly distrust the guys in medicine who have time to go to the gym on a regular basis; dont they know their priorities? Hello. Dr. Sands, I think he said. My mind was too much on other things that day to roster the names of everybody I met. And, besides, I dont think I would remember anyones name on the first go on a good day. How are you doing he paused, looking down at the chart, then with a rising tone, Dr. Anderson? How do you think Im doing, numb-nuts? Fine, I offered. Nice to meet you. Ben Anderson. What kind of doctor? Surgeon general surgery. Where do you work? The medical community, even in a large city, is remarkably small and tight-knit; he would certainly know some of the people I worked with, if it were one of the big health systems in town. The VA, I returned. The VA? in a tone as if my chosen employment was some kind of sentence an ax murderer might be subjected to on the fourth level of Hades, for bloody peccadilloes meted out in a different life when there were better paying and more prestigious jobs for surgeons all across town. Yep. Government pay but also government hours. Does it feel weird, you know, on the other side? I subconsciously broke the fourth wall, turning to the audience, though my neck never moved an inch. What kind of idiot is this guy? No, it feels great! I wish I could do this every fuckin day! my inner Italian homunculus was begging to break out. Yeah, not something I want to get used to, if you know what I mean. How long have you had a fib? Feels like forever, but I guess its only been a little over a year. Did you ever require cardioversion? No, never did have to zap me. Its been controlled with the meds. In other words, the drugs got me back into a normal rhythm, rather than the thump of the electric paddles that are used for stubborn or unstable hearts. I see youre on a blood thinner. Did you take it yesterday? No, last dose was two days ago. I also see that your EF is low. Are you having symptoms? The EF or ejection fraction of the heart is the measurement, usually by ultrasound or echocardiogram, of how well the heart empties with each beat. When the EFc is low, it can be the sign of a failing heart or simply one thats been injured by a virus or a sudden shock. No, not really. It was a surprise after the first episode to find out it was low; I had no symptoms nothing. No shortness of breath? Nope. No leg swelling? Not a drop. Thats weird, he mused. Im a puzzle wrapped in a mystery, I guess. How old are you? he asked, not wanting to do the math laid out by the birthday labeled in the chart. I guess Im older than Hell but younger than dirt, I chuckled. Fifty-eight, if you count the rings. Well, to be on the safe side, were probably going to use a little ketamine to get you off to sleep. Its a little less of a cardiac depressant than some of the narcotics we usually use. Can cause some weird dreams, though, just so you know. Yeah, we used it a lot on the burn unit. Didnt quite put the kids out, but they didnt feel a thing. Youre the doc, Doc; whatever you think. Now I really was playing the patient. I dont know how many times Id heard that line from the trusting veterans I usually operated on when I tried to explain in plain English some of the esoteric maneuvers of latter-day surgical practice that lay in store for them. OK, that does it for me. Ill see you back there with the anesthetist to keep you comfortable. Alright, then. See you on the other side A few more pages of paperwork, followed by an acre of shaving from an aide that would have made an Amish Brazilian proud, and then they wheeled me out of the preoperative holding area and into the operating room. It was a simple procedure, in theory, if you were of the opinion that placing electrodes into the heart by way of accessing a major vein in the chest was a simple procedure. The audacity of repetition made it seem simple. But this time I was the patient, on the wrong side of the needle, cataloging in the not-far-enough reaches of my mind all the complications I had seen and been a party to, in my thirty-odd years of medicine and surgery, with similarly invasive procedures. My teeth chattered away in the cold austerity of the cath lab I couldnt help it. Nervous? came a voice from above my line of sight. Another astute gas passer: the nurse anesthetist, trying to be friendly. Wasnt everyone dragged into this place in their boxer shorts and paisley moomoo, dazzled by the interrogation lamps and petrified by the sundry sharp objects arrayed on the stark tables, nervous? Apparently, my nipples are, I feigned nonchalance. Its freezing in here. The warm blanket arrived and was some relief, but it didnt stop the shakes. Dont worry. Dr. Patel is the best, the nurse assured. Walk in the park. Right on cue, the good doctor strolls in and announces: Alright, everyone on your toes today. This guy is a surgeon; he knows more about this than I do. Oh, shit! The fuck I do! Nice try, Patel, but self-deprecation is not what you want in the guy about to jab you in the subclavian. Besides, I wanted these guys on their toes before they knew I was in medicine. I guess I have a sick sinus node. My heart, at rest, likes to beat about forty times a minute, which, if youre an elite athlete something I would never be accused of would be OK, but for the average schmoe, like you or me, its a whole suit shy of a full deck, jokers and filler cards included. So, here I am, nearly naked, definitely afraid, and laid out like a chicken on a spit, about to get poked with a sharp stick in a vein precariously close to the lungs which, if injured, is exactly how you kill a buffalo or the great white whale (again, I beg you, go read Moby Dick). Except for vacation and likely fewer than two weeks of sick leave, I have worked every day of my life after graduating from medical school. Now my boss wants to kneecap me, and shell use any ball bat she can find. This pacemaker was my ticket to getting her off my back and me safely back in the operating room. My heart was slow, but when I got worked up, it would beat fast. Really fast. Like, one-hundred-fifty-beats-per-minute fast! So fast I would get weak and nearly pass out, which is not good for the surgeon in the middle of a tough case, not good for his ability to keep his job, and even worse for the guy on the table, with blood welling up in his gallbladder fossa. Putting in the pacemaker would allow the pill-pushers treating me to up my dose of the medication, slowing my heart down and keeping me out of those stress-induced fast rhythms without having to worry about slowing down my already torpid baseline cardiac metronome. The pacemaker would set the pace, and I could guzzle the beta-blockers. And my boss couldnt say shit about it if I had some control over these damned spells of ventricular dispatch. In went the juice in my vein, and out went the lights Ketamine is in I vaguely remember the gas passer mumbling. The coldness of consciousness was replaced by a warm embrace of audacious color: kaleidoscopes of oranges, reds, and scarlets that coalesced into a wall of flame and conflagration. Suddenly, as I recall, the sheets of fire built to a crescendo and then condensed into individual bonfires and licks of hellfire, punctuating the darkness like madness in a dictators gray matter. Vague shapes in the darkness were burning: apparitions with hazy outlines resembling haystacks, Conestoga wagons, and carts piled high with planked boxes, appearing like some damned wagon train crossing the River Styx Now, heres where it kinda gets weird Arthur Williams is a general surgeon. 'Portrait of a Clergyman', attributed to Diego Velazquez. COMUNIDAD DE MADRID (COMUNIDAD DE MADRID) Spains Supreme Court will announce at the end of the year a decision that could open the gates for the sale of Spanish artistic heritage abroad. Rafael Mateu de Ros, a partner in the Ramon y Cajal law firm, has been locked in a legal battle with the regional government of Madrid and the Spanish state for three years over the canvas Portrait of a Clergyman (circa 1623), attributed, with enormous hesitation, to the master Diego Velazquez (1599-1660). In 2022, the regional government of Madrid gave the painting BIC designation (Asset of Cultural Interest, the highest possible protection), which makes it unexportable. But the Royo-Villanova family, which owns the artwork, wants to sell it outside Spain, where the asking price would be much higher. What is worth 10 here, is worth 40 abroad, figures the lawyer. There are significant doubts regarding the authorship of the painting. No world-renowned expert, including the late art historian and Hispanist Jonathan Brown (1939-2022), has fully confirmed that the painting is by Velazquez. And the canvas is in a poor state of conservation: it lacks pictorial material and has lost volume and shadows. It is in a very delicate condition, notes the antique art dealer Jose Antonio de Urbina. But the BIC designation report says that it is a portrait of undoubted technical and artistic quality, which maintains close technical similarities with works painted by Diego Velazquez and whose mastery is invaluable for understanding the evolution of portraiture in the first decades of the 17th century. The Supreme Court has accepted an appeal filed by the Ramon y Cajal law firm. A panel of justices must now decide whether to assign equal value to an expert report filed by the owners of the work and to another report drafted by experts from the culture ministry. If the courts decision favors the owners, it could set a precedent and put Spanish heritage at risk. The owners lawyers argue that each painting must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis before declaring it non-exportable. But many experts do not agree. Further complicating matters is the fact that Velazquez did not sign his work, Caravaggio only did so once and Ribera did it from time to time. Therefore, if there is the slightest doubt, the work cannot leave Spain; this is a rule that should govern all Spanish heritage, says a former senior official of the Prado Museum. The Spanish States legal services are also opposed to its removal. Nobody wants to make another mistake like the one made with Caravaggios Saint Andrew in 1976, which ended up in Cleveland. When in doubt, the best thing to do is to stop the sale, says the antique dealer Artur Ramon. You have to study each case. In a similar dispute over the painter Sorollas work End of the Day (1906), the Supreme Court ruled that expert reports provided by the parties should be valued similarly, and sent the case back to the High Court of Justice of Madrid to issue a new ruling with that in mind. A renowned Spanish jurist admits that by equating the value of reports from the Administration and those provided by artwork owners, the departure of works from Spain is being facilitated. There is another problem. The law provides 15 days to decide whether a good can be exported or not, a period that is generally never honored. If there is a lawsuit in court, the Justice Department allows precautionary measures to be established to prevent its export until the conflict is resolved. But in this case the delay is measured in years and at this point it would be logical for the Supreme Court to rule in favor of the family. 'End of the Day' (1900), the oil painting in Javea by Joaquin Sorolla. At the bottom of it all is money. There are only about 150 works by Velazquez and any new addition to the catalogue is surrounded by a money market. But unless there is a surprise, the Sevillian genius had little to do with this particular artwork. Its poor state of conservation does not matter. Velazquez, like all painters, had his tricks, says one of the main living historians of the master. When he painted the eyes he did not follow the rules of linear perspective [which he knew extraordinarily well, given the extensive library on optics that he possessed]. The eye did not run away, but both were almost exactly the same size. This [can be seen in the exhibition of masterpieces from the Frick collection that the Prado has shown] helped to give greater impact and strength to the portrayed individual, adds the expert. Quite often, dealers will export a work, deliberately limiting its importance and value, arguing that there is no signature or that it is dirty or damaged. But just when it reaches its destination country, as if by magic, new information emerges that helps pinpoint the author. Art speaks of life. The art market speaks of money. A lot of it. The magnificent Slieve Bloom Mountains in Laois were the setting for the launch of a five-year plan to save a rare bird of prey from extinction. The Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan 2024-2028 sets out a roadmap to prevent the rare native species from dying out and to improve its long-term prospects. The Slieve Blooms are among only six areas in Ireland designated as Hen Harrier special protection areas. Launched by minister of state Malcolm Noonan at the beautiful tourist spot on 10 September, the plan includes a series of co-ordinated, cross sectoral actions across agriculture, forestry and wind energy sectors. Minister Noonan described the plan as a significant milestone in the collective effort to prevent the extinction of our precious sky dancer. A ground nesting bird of prey, the Hen Harrier breeds in open upland bog, heather moorland and associated habitats. It has seen significant declines in recent years and could face extinction within the next 25 years if action is not taken. A rare hen harrier with her young The fifth national survey of Hen Harriers in 2022 showed that the Slieve Blooms had only nine Hen Harrier pairs, a decline of one-quarter since the 2015 survey. Only 85 confirmed pairs of Hen Harrier were recorded throughout the country, representing the most severe decline to date. The new plan describes the particular threats faced by the rare bird and sets out a series of co-ordinated actions, including the restoration of important habitats. The plan recognises the importance of landowners and farming communities in improving Hen Harrier habitats and the need for supports and incentives to engage them in conservation. Speaking at the launch, Minister Noonan said: The plight of this iconic bird highlights the broader issues we face, both nationally and globally, in tackling the biodiversity crisis and its future is very much in our hands. Its vital that we now focus urgently and strategically on implementation. We must seize the opportunities presented in this plan to deliver meaningful change to the management of our landscapes and protect our most vulnerable species. The plan features actions to address key threats and pressures, such as land use change and climate change. The actions, which are to be taken both within Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas (SPAs Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) has opened the Community Water Development Fund for 2025 and welcomes grant applications from community groups in Kilkenny County and nationwide. LAWPRO is a national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality in every county in Ireland. Speaking about the fund, Ann Phelan Community Water Officer for Kilkenny and Laois said: We are delighted to once again be able to offer community groups grant aid for water quality projects in Kilkenny. The Community Water Development Fund has supported locally led projects since 2018 and this year the fund changed. Medium to large scale water quality projects are the focus of this call and we welcome applications from 5,000 to 50,000 and beyond subject to procurement. Please contact me if your organisation is interested in making an application. The fund was officially launched by Minister of State Malcolm Noonan and Minister Roderick OGorman in Thomastown earlier this month. The fund supports communities to deliver positive actions for water quality, protection and awareness through community grants. In the 2024 funding call, over 700,000 grant aid was awarded to 155 water quality projects. The fund is open to all community and voluntary groups to help in the protection and management of water quality, both locally and in the wider catchment. Interested community and voluntary groups can download the guidelines and complete the grant application form online at lawaters.ie from September 18, with a deadline of November 20. For more information on the Community Water Development Fund open call visit: www.lawaters.ie Why would two young students rob the most important museum in Mexico? For mystery lovers, the promise of money after the sale isnt enough of an explanation. During the early hours of December 25, 1985 while the Christmas holidays were being celebrated Mexico City was the scene of one of the most shocking robberies in the history of the country. Two veterinary students from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) broke into the National Museum of Anthropology (MNA) and stole 124 archeological pieces from the rooms dedicated to the Maya, Mixteca and Mexica civilizations. The theft known as the robbery of the century in Mexico exposed serious flaws in the security of the countrys cultural venues. And, despite the meticulous investigation that followed, it took the authorities almost four years to recover most of the pieces, which the thieves had managed to hide. An unprecedented robbery Carlos Perches Trevino and Ramon Sardina Garcia both 21-years-old were veterinary students at UNAM. They belonged to middle-class families and had no criminal records. However, both Perches and Sardina shared a fascination with archeology and pre-Hispanic art. This made them obsessed with the National Museum of Anthropology, a central pillar in the conservation of Mexican heritage. In 1985, the museum had been in operation for 21 years, located between Paseo de la Reforma a major avenue and Mahatma Gandhi Street, within Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. For six months, the young men observed the routines of the museums security personnel. They detected the weak points and the opportunities to carry out the robbery. They chose Christmas Eve of 1985 as the ideal time to act, knowing that surveillance would be minimal. The robbery began at 1 a.m. on December 25, 1985, lasting until 4 a.m. The two young men entered the premises through the air conditioning ducts, avoiding security cameras and the alarm system. For three hours, Perches and Sardina broke into the museums display cases. The security personnel who were supposed to patrol the 161,000 square feet of the 26 rooms every two hours failed to do their job. They were all in one location of the museum, celebrating Christmas. The 124 stolen pieces included objects from the sacred cenote of Chichen Itza, more than 60 Mayan pieces from the Temple of Palenque, gold jewelry from the Mixteca room and the famous mask of the Zapotec Bat God, among others. According to Felipe Solis curator of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) the value of just one of these pieces on the black market exceeded $20 million at the time (about $58.5 million today). Still, the greatest damage was cultural, rather than monetary. What theyve stolen from us is a piece of our history [something priceless] and of inestimable anthropological and historical value, Solis lamented. After the robbery, the two robbers fled in a Volkswagen and headed to Perches parents house, located in the Jardines de San Mateo suburb, on the outskirts of Mexico City. They hid the pieces in a suitcase that remained stored in the closet of Carloss room. A press release put out by the National Museum of Anthropology regarding the robbery. INAH The investigation and the years that followed The scandal became worldwide news. After the slow reaction of the Mexican government to the catastrophe of the earthquake of September 19, 1985, its reputation was at stake. Hence, the response to the theft was immediate. In addition to the cooperation of the immigration body, personnel from the General Directorate of Customs, workers from the countrys airports and Interpol, more than 30 people were tasked with solving the case. Due to the massive investigation, the thieves opted to keep a low profile, refraining from any attempt to sell the pieces on the black market. The National Museum of Anthropology initially reported the theft of 140 pieces. Later on, however, the official catalog of the museum established that 124 objects were stolen. There was a discrepancy due to the absence of a precise inventory at the time of the theft. The stolen items included 94 gold objects and others made of jade, turquoise, green stone, shell and obsidian. The investigation took a turn in January 1989, when police arrested drug trafficker Salvador Gutierrez alias El Cabo in the Mexican city of Guadalajara. Gutierrez hoping to reduce his sentence confessed that he knew the whereabouts of the stolen pieces and provided information about Carlos Perches, whom he had met in Acapulco. After the robbery, Perches took refuge in that city and established links with drug traffickers such as Jose Serrano who offered to help him try to sell the pieces on the black market. Perches relationship with drug traffickers was key to his capture. Javier Coello Trejo who, at the time, was a deputy prosecutor in the War on Drugs told the newspaper Reforma that he placed wiretaps in prisons and kept track of all calls between Gutierrez and Perches. In one conversation, they were negotiating the sale of gems from one of the greatest art [collections] in Mexico. This was a light at the end of the tunnel in the search to find Perches and capture him. The recovery of the stolen works On June 10, 1989, seven months after the investigation against Carlos Perches began, the police carried out an operation in the suburb of Jardines de San Mateo. There, they recovered 111 of the 124 stolen pieces. Three days later, Attorney General Enrique Alvarez del Castillo presented the pieces at a press conference. He explained that they had been found in the residence belonging to Perches parents, wrapped in toilet paper and stored in a duffel bag. Its believed that most of the pieces remained there since the day of the robbery. Of the 124 pieces, seven remained in the possession of Ramon Sardina, who remains at large to this day. Two others were exchanged by Perches for cocaine, while the remaining four were never located. Despite the difficulties in the investigation, the authorities managed to recover practically all of the most valuable pieces, including the mask of the Zapotec Bat God and the obsidian jar shaped like a monkey. The funerary mask of Pakal and the pectoral of Yanhuitlan were recovered after being stolen in 1985. INAH The thieves fate Carlos Perches was arrested at the age of 24 and sentenced to 22 years in prison for robbery and drug-related crimes. During his interrogation, according to Javier Coello Trejo, Perches admitted to being the mastermind behind the robbery and revealed details about the whereabouts of the pieces. Coello Trejo recalled that, during conversations with Perches, he feigned admiration for his audacity, a tactic he used to gain the thiefs trust and obtain more information. The key to an interrogation is to make the accused feel comfortable, the deputy prosecutor explained to the media. Coello Trejo himself said that, beyond the value of the works after a possible sale, he doesnt know why the young men committed this particular crime. Their specific motivation remains unknown to this day. Sardina remains at large, but its believed that the seven pieces he had in his possession never left the country. Other accomplices such as Luis Perches, Carlos brother were arrested and prosecuted for concealment. Isabel Camila Masiero Jose Serranos lover was also prosecuted for concealment and drug-related crimes. The impact of the robbery The robbery of the century changed the way museums are seen and thought of in Mexico. As a result, the National Museum of Anthropology implemented strict security measures, installed electronic alarms, a closed-circuit television system and increased the number of guards. On top of all this, the Penal Code was reformed to punish crimes against cultural heritage more severely. A jar made of polished black obsidian in the shape of a monkey was one of the stolen pieces. INAH When the recovered pieces finally returned to the museums display cases in June 1989 almost four years after their theft the event was presided over by the then-president Carlos Salinas de Gortari. The writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez attended the ceremony, telling the newspaper El Universal that he was so intrigued by the case that he was thinking of writing a novel about the events. I came here as a novelist, attracted by the mystery, to understand what happened to these jewels how they were [hidden] in a closet, with their history, with their magic. [And I was fascinated with] the effort put into such an action, by the elements of the investigative body of the agency, he explained. Garcia Marquezs novel on the subject was never published. But the Mexican director Alonso Ruizpalacios did adapt one of the most important robberies in the history of Mexico to the big screen with his film Museum (2018), taking some creative liberties. Still, he maintained the question that continues to be asked to this day: why did they do it? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Tak Mak, 77, is responsible for two major discoveries one theoretical and one technical that made immunotherapy possible and turned it into a field that has revolutionized cancer treatment. Although he did not win the Nobel Prize for these momentous contributions the award went to the scientists who put his discoveries into practice: James Allison and Tasuku Honjo , he is a world-renowned figure in oncology and immunology research. Mak defends the idea that scientists should be solitary thinkers, motivated only by discovering lifes questions, regardless of the awards or recognition that may come later. His latest work studies the relationship between the brain and the immune system, a field Mak hopes will open a new avenue in the fight against cancer. The veteran Chinese-Canadian researcher believes that this scientific war may be struggling to advance, and that is why he is focusing on looking for different solutions, as he told EL PAIS in the Spanish city of A Coruna before his opening conference at the 46th congress of the Spanish Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SEBBM). Question. Is immunotherapy the biggest recent advance in the war on cancer? Answer. By far. Today, it is without a doubt the fourth pillar of cancer treatment. First came surgery, then radiotherapy and chemotherapy. But at the turn of the 20th to the 21st century, there were only 10 generic types of chemotherapy agents and no more have come out, the last one was approved in 2004. Then we moved to targeted chemotherapies, but that wellspring has also dried up. Now that the genes of more than half a million cancer patients worldwide have been sequenced, there are very few prominent new oncogenes left to target. So, in a way, we were stuck. Q. How did your discoveries that led to immunotherapy address this problem? A. Well, actually, our lab published in 1995 in the journal Science that the immune system has a brake, the CTLA-4 gene. If you remove that brake, the T cells continue to divide and grow uncontrollably. We blocked that gene in mice and saw that they died within two weeks and that 10% of their weight was T cells. However, it was James Allison whos one of my closest friends for 40 years who discovered that if you block the CTLA-4 receptor with an antibody, you can cure certain types of cancer in mice. And finally, in 2010, researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York used an antibody against CTLA-4 in patients with advanced melanoma: they saw that 20% survived and looked like they were cured. That basically opened up the field of immunotherapy. We must also not forget that Tasuku Honjo discovered another brake called PD-1. And that brake works even better. Instead of 20% of advanced melanomas, it cured 40%. Similarly, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma have responded spectacularly to this immunotherapy. For these achievements, both Allison and Honjo received the Nobel Prize in 2018. Q. In a recent interview, Spanish oncologist Joan Massague scientific director of the Sloan Kettering Institute told EL PAIS that thanks to these advances, metastasis is no longer a death sentence. Do you agree? A. I think, for sure, there is an elongation of life because of immunotherapy treatments. And we can remember cases like that of [U.S.] president Jimmy Carter, who had melanoma metastases in the brain and received immunotherapy and is now cured [Carter will turn 100 on October 1]. I know Massague well, but I cannot completely agree with his statement. We have made enough progress in certain cancers. For example, in Hodgkins lymphoma, it no longer matters if it is metastatic or not: it is cured. On the other hand, in non-small cell lung cancer metastases, from which everyone used to die, immunotherapy has now achieved that 5% live five or even 10 years with no relapse. So its not a yes-or-no answer. Tak Mak before his opening lecture at the congress of the Spanish Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. VANESSA CASTELEIRO Q. What do we need to do to stop metastasis with immunotherapy? A. In the 2010s, it was thought that it was going to be fairly easy to combine anti-PD-1 with other drugs. But unfortunately, in the last dozen years, 2,000 clinical trials have failed. There have only been small successes in combining anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1, but there is the problem of associated toxicity because by doing so we are provoking an unleashed response of the immune system, a kind of bursting. So, again, we are stuck. What are the solutions? I think the key to avoiding these uncontrolled responses which kill patients receiving immunotherapy is to better understand how T cells work, which are the detectives of the immune system and are the ones that tell the antibodies, which are the policemen inside our body, which cells to arrest and which not to. And we have also encountered this underlying problem with Covid: why do some patients get very sick and die? Why are others asymptomatic? And it turns out that one in 200,000 lose all their hair. Why? Q. Understanding of immunology is relatively new in the history of science. Are there still basic discoveries to be made in order to find the answers to the questions you raise? A. I think that, in general, the foundations have already been laid. But a large part of the reason that this puzzle is still unsolved is due to the fact that T lymphocytes are very difficult to study. In the case of Covid, we have come to know that the T lymphocyte genes that you have inherited from your parents make the difference between whether you have a bad Covid or whether you are asymptomatic. When I am asked what the fifth or sixth pillar of cancer treatment is going to be [after the latest breakthrough in immunotherapy], I really have no idea. But I think whatever it is, it will come from a continuation of our understanding of the immune system. Being Chinese, I will allow myself to quote Confucius here: We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one. And I, half-jokingly, as an immunologist, often say: Medical researchers have two lives. The second begins when they realize that the immune system is the orchestra for most of lifes symphonies. Q. What do you mean by such a poetic statement? A. On the one hand, immunology helps us better understand, of course, the fight against infections. Then there are transplants and autoimmune diseases. And now we have cancers that are either caused by the immune system itself, or are being treated by the immune system. I can also imagine that the immune system may be a component causing neurodegenerative diseases; and perhaps one day we will be able to turn that around and use it to treat these diseases, as we have done with cancer. In fact, I think the connection between the immune system and the nervous system is going to be the next important discipline. Studying how these two very complex and very important systems communicate is going to be a big new field of research, I think, that is going to blossom in the next five to 10 years. Maybe Im biased, because our lab is already at it: in 2019 we published a paper in Science showing that if you take away the ability of T cells to produce acetylcholine [a neurotransmitter], they lose their ability to completely kill a viral infection. And thats genetic proof that our brain is talking to our immune system. Q. If I were a young researcher, I would follow your advice and research that field. Because your discoveries, starting with the T-cell receptor in 1984, which was considered the Holy Grail of immunology, have laid the groundwork for immunotherapy. And the advances of others that made it a reality were awarded a Nobel Prize. A. I am not allowed to compliment myself. And there is one thing I would like to say to those who come. We are not in science for the recognition, for the Nobel Prize. We are here for one reason only: to ask ourselves why. As an author called Simon Sinek says: Everything should start with Why and then How? and finally What?. That is what we recommend in my group to our colleagues and our trainees. And then theres one more thing. I think scientists should be lonely. If youre part of a crowd, you unnecessarily follow other peoples footsteps; and if you continue to following footsteps, you will never find new paths. Im very much against crowds. I need to learn from my colleagues, students, technicians, whoever has ideas I want to hear them. But then I need to retreat and use my own thinking and my bias to evaluate it so that I can come up with a new angle. Q. Have you always been a questioner and lonely thinker, ever since you were a child? A. No way, I dont think so. In fact, I went to a Jesuit Catholic school in China, and my childhood desire was to become a priest. Q. And how did that boy who wanted to be a priest end up being a scientist? A. My parents emigrated first to the United States, and there I lost contact with the Catholic Church. Later, it was the need for money that led me to research. I had a job cleaning test tubes in a laboratory, but it was not very well paid. It was only a dollar an hour, and that money was not enough. When I finished and asked for more things to clean, the boss told me there was nothing more. But if I wanted, I could do experiments, which were better paid, and then I would have more material to clean. That is how I came to science, first as a hobby, and then it became my profession. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition StockNews.com upgraded shares of Banco Macro (NYSE:BMA Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Wednesday morning. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on BMA. Bank of America raised shares of Banco Macro from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the company from $53.00 to $62.00 in a report on Thursday, August 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Banco Macro from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the company from $14.00 to $78.00 in a report on Friday, August 30th. Get Banco Macro alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Banco Macro Banco Macro Price Performance Banco Macro stock opened at $74.06 on Wednesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $57.06 and a 200-day moving average of $55.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.37 and a beta of 1.80. Banco Macro has a 52-week low of $17.30 and a 52-week high of $76.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Banco Macro (NYSE:BMA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 22nd. The bank reported ($4.01) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by ($5.50). The firm had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter. Banco Macro had a net margin of 12.58% and a return on equity of 25.97%. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.69 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Banco Macro will post 9.7 EPS for the current year. Banco Macro Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th were paid a dividend of $1.798 per share. This represents a $21.58 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 29.13%. This is an increase from Banco Macros previous monthly dividend of $1.74. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. Banco Macros dividend payout ratio is 127.41%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Hsbc Holdings PLC bought a new position in Banco Macro during the 4th quarter valued at $1,475,000. Candriam S.C.A. bought a new position in Banco Macro during the 2nd quarter valued at $43,236,000. LSV Asset Management boosted its stake in Banco Macro by 11.3% during the 1st quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 64,000 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,084,000 after acquiring an additional 6,500 shares during the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new position in Banco Macro during the 1st quarter valued at $348,000. Finally, Diversify Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Banco Macro during the 1st quarter valued at $854,000. About Banco Macro (Get Free Report) Banco Macro SA provides various banking products and services to retail and corporate customers in Argentina. It offers various retail banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, time deposits, credit and debit cards, consumer finance loans, mortgage loans, automobile loans, overdrafts, credit-related services, home and car insurance coverage, tax collection, utility payments, automated teller machines, and money transfers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Banco Macro Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Macro and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. (NYSE:AESI Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Buy from the ten ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $26.25. Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Tudor Pickering upgraded Atlas Energy Solutions to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, June 24th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Atlas Energy Solutions from $27.00 to $26.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of Atlas Energy Solutions from $25.00 to $24.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, July 15th. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Atlas Energy Solutions from $29.00 to $27.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. assumed coverage on shares of Atlas Energy Solutions in a research note on Monday, June 24th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Get Atlas Energy Solutions alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Atlas Energy Solutions Insider Activity at Atlas Energy Solutions Hedge Funds Weigh In On Atlas Energy Solutions In related news, major shareholder Stacy Hock sold 8,571 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.44, for a total transaction of $166,620.24. Following the sale, the insider now owns 943,317 shares in the company, valued at $18,338,082.48. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In other news, major shareholder Gregory M. Shepard acquired 30,013 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 2nd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $19.60 per share, for a total transaction of $588,254.80. Following the purchase, the insider now directly owns 7,499,949 shares of the companys stock, valued at $146,999,000.40. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, major shareholder Stacy Hock sold 8,571 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.44, for a total transaction of $166,620.24. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 943,317 shares in the company, valued at $18,338,082.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders have purchased 74,133 shares of company stock valued at $1,461,398 and have sold 34,287 shares valued at $679,825. 24.34% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Atlas Energy Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $951,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Atlas Energy Solutions by 1.0% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 88,654 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,767,000 after purchasing an additional 897 shares during the last quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Atlas Energy Solutions by 5.0% in the second quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC now owns 646,571 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,886,000 after purchasing an additional 30,779 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its stake in shares of Atlas Energy Solutions by 168.7% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 40,677 shares of the companys stock worth $811,000 after buying an additional 25,540 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP boosted its holdings in shares of Atlas Energy Solutions by 71.2% during the 2nd quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 40,050 shares of the companys stock worth $798,000 after buying an additional 16,652 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 34.59% of the companys stock. Atlas Energy Solutions Stock Up 1.7 % Atlas Energy Solutions stock opened at $22.66 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.59, a PEG ratio of 5.92 and a beta of 0.56. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $20.54 and its 200 day simple moving average is $21.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.35. Atlas Energy Solutions has a fifty-two week low of $15.55 and a fifty-two week high of $24.93. Atlas Energy Solutions (NYSE:AESI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.31 by ($0.18). The firm had revenue of $287.52 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $270.55 million. Atlas Energy Solutions had a net margin of 13.71% and a return on equity of 16.75%. Atlas Energy Solutionss quarterly revenue was up 77.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.69 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Atlas Energy Solutions will post 1.48 EPS for the current year. Atlas Energy Solutions Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were paid a dividend of $0.23 per share. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.06%. This is an increase from Atlas Energy Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. Atlas Energy Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 51.11%. Atlas Energy Solutions Company Profile (Get Free Report Atlas Energy Solutions Inc engages in the production, processing, and sale of mesh and sand that are used as a proppant during the well completion process in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. The company provides transportation and logistics, storage solutions, and contract labor services. It sells its products and services to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies, and oilfield services companies. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Atlas Energy Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atlas Energy Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (NYSE:SDHC Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Hold from the six ratings firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and one has issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $30.50. Several analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $26.00 price objective on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $20.00 price target on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Smith Douglas Homes from $25.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Finally, Bank of America upped their target price on Smith Douglas Homes from $36.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. Get Smith Douglas Homes alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Smith Douglas Homes Smith Douglas Homes Stock Performance Shares of SDHC stock opened at $37.47 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $33.48 and a 200 day moving average of $29.25. Smith Douglas Homes has a 1 year low of $20.55 and a 1 year high of $39.50. Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $220.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $208.02 million. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 21.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Smith Douglas Homes will post 1.66 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Smith Douglas Homes Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 5.5% in the second quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 527,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,328,000 after buying an additional 27,300 shares in the last quarter. Hood River Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Smith Douglas Homes during the first quarter worth $14,321,000. Vanguard Group Inc. purchased a new position in Smith Douglas Homes during the first quarter valued at $13,451,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 1.9% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 450,193 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,526,000 after purchasing an additional 8,193 shares during the period. Finally, Long Pond Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes during the 1st quarter worth about $12,388,000. Smith Douglas Homes Company Profile (Get Free Report Smith Douglas Homes Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family homes in the southeastern United States. It also provides closing, escrow, and title insurance services. The company sells its products to entry-level and empty-nest homebuyers. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Smith Douglas Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smith Douglas Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE Get Free Report) had its price target decreased by equities researchers at Truist Financial from $38.00 to $37.00 in a research report issued on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the stock. Truist Financials price target suggests a potential upside of 15.66% from the companys previous close. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Stephens reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $35.00 target price on shares of Cadence Bank in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Hovde Group lifted their target price on shares of Cadence Bank from $33.00 to $36.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Cadence Bank from $31.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Cadence Bank from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, DA Davidson lifted their target price on shares of Cadence Bank from $34.50 to $39.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.46. Get Cadence Bank alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Cadence Bank Cadence Bank Stock Down 2.0 % Shares of NYSE:CADE opened at $31.99 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $5.83 billion, a PE ratio of 10.22 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. Cadence Bank has a twelve month low of $19.67 and a twelve month high of $34.13. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $31.37 and a 200-day simple moving average of $29.26. Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 22nd. The company reported $0.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $742.87 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $439.63 million. Cadence Bank had a net margin of 24.42% and a return on equity of 8.82%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.64 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Cadence Bank will post 2.56 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cadence Bank A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Cadence Bank by 4.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 20,271,283 shares of the companys stock worth $587,867,000 after purchasing an additional 940,895 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in shares of Cadence Bank by 6.4% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 9,825,909 shares of the companys stock worth $277,874,000 after purchasing an additional 593,878 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in shares of Cadence Bank by 7.3% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 8,402,615 shares of the companys stock worth $248,633,000 after purchasing an additional 574,633 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in shares of Cadence Bank by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,088,804 shares of the companys stock worth $59,071,000 after purchasing an additional 36,323 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Cadence Bank during the 4th quarter worth $60,490,000. 84.61% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Cadence Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cadence Bank provides commercial banking and financial services. Its products and services include consumer banking, consumer loans, mortgages, home equity lines and loans, credit cards, commercial and business banking, treasury management, specialized and asset-based lending, commercial real estate, equipment financing, and correspondent banking services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Cadence Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cadence Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP Get Free Report) announced an annual dividend on Tuesday, September 17th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 23rd will be paid a dividend of 2.9084 per share by the bank on Friday, October 18th. This represents a dividend yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 23rd. Credicorp has decreased its dividend by an average of 6.1% annually over the last three years. Credicorp has a dividend payout ratio of 44.6% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Credicorp to earn $21.22 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $9.29 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 43.8%. Get Credicorp alerts: Credicorp Stock Down 0.4 % Credicorp stock opened at $179.40 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. Credicorp has a 1-year low of $116.42 and a 1-year high of $182.82. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $170.74 and a 200 day simple moving average of $168.09. The company has a market cap of $14.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.14. Credicorp Company Profile Credicorp ( NYSE:BAP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The bank reported $4.49 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.64 by ($0.15). Credicorp had a net margin of 19.31% and a return on equity of 14.86%. The company had revenue of $1.37 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.32 billion. Research analysts anticipate that Credicorp will post 18.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. (Get Free Report) Credicorp Ltd. provides various financial, insurance, and health services and products primarily in Peru and internationally. It operates through Universal Banking, Insurance and Pensions, Microfinance, and Investment Banking and Equity Management segments. The Universal Banking segment grants various credits and financial instruments to individuals and legal entities; and various deposits and current accounts. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Credicorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credicorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. George Weston Limited (TSE:WN Get Free Report) Senior Officer Rashid Wasti bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, September 20th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$20.54 per share, for a total transaction of C$20,539.00. Rashid Wasti also recently made the following trade(s): Get George Weston alerts: On Tuesday, September 17th, Rashid Wasti acquired 1,100 shares of George Weston stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$21.99 per share, for a total transaction of C$24,189.99. On Monday, August 26th, Rashid Wasti bought 2,000 shares of George Weston stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$21.67 per share, with a total value of C$43,340.00. On Wednesday, August 28th, Rashid Wasti sold 150 shares of George Weston stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$222.51, for a total transaction of C$33,376.50. On Friday, August 23rd, Rashid Wasti bought 1,500 shares of George Weston stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$21.72 per share, for a total transaction of C$32,580.00. On Monday, August 19th, Rashid Wasti purchased 1,300 shares of George Weston stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$21.63 per share, with a total value of C$28,119.00. On Thursday, August 15th, Rashid Wasti sold 150 shares of George Weston stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$218.50, for a total value of C$32,775.00. On Wednesday, August 7th, Rashid Wasti acquired 1,500 shares of George Weston stock. The shares were bought at an average price of C$21.34 per share, with a total value of C$32,010.00. On Tuesday, July 30th, Rashid Wasti sold 3,300 shares of George Weston stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$215.00, for a total transaction of C$709,500.00. George Weston Stock Down 0.1 % WN opened at C$219.53 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of C$29.01 billion, a PE ratio of 24.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.42. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of C$215.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$197.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 171.94. George Weston Limited has a 52 week low of C$144.41 and a 52 week high of C$229.22. George Weston Announces Dividend George Weston ( TSE:WN Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported C$2.93 EPS for the quarter. George Weston had a return on equity of 17.52% and a net margin of 2.06%. The company had revenue of C$14.09 billion during the quarter. Analysts forecast that George Weston Limited will post 13.0828367 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Sunday, September 15th will be given a $0.82 dividend. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. George Westons dividend payout ratio is presently 36.90%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of George Weston from C$196.00 to C$220.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Desjardins increased their price target on George Weston from C$212.00 to C$232.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. CIBC raised their price target on George Weston from C$235.00 to C$254.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, TD Securities cut their target price on George Weston from C$246.00 to C$242.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$229.67. Get Our Latest Research Report on WN About George Weston (Get Free Report) George Weston Limited provides food and drug retailing, and financial services in Canada. The company operates through two segments, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (Choice Properties). The Loblaw segment provides grocery, pharmacy and healthcare services, health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, and financial services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for George Weston Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for George Weston and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited (ASX:SXE Get Free Report) announced a final dividend on Thursday, September 19th, MarketIndexAU reports. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 8th will be given a dividend of 0.05 per share on Tuesday, October 8th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 23rd. This is a positive change from Southern Cross Electrical Engineerings previous final dividend of $0.04. Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.24. Get Southern Cross Electrical Engineering alerts: About Southern Cross Electrical Engineering (Get Free Report) Read More Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited provides electrical, instrumentation, communication, and maintenance services in Australia. It offers electrical and instrumentation (E&I) construction services, which include installation and commissioning of greenfield and brownfield upgrade projects in metropolitan, remote, and challenging environments. Receive News & Ratings for Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern Cross Electrical Engineering and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Migrants are continuing to cross the Darien Gap the inhospitable jungle that marks the border between Colombia and Panama despite it being one of the most dangerous routes in the world. More than half a million people fleeing desperate situations in several Latin American countries made the crossing last year in their journey north, with most heading towards the United States. The Darien crossing is the place of impossible choices, Tirana Hassan, the first woman to be the executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), summed up last week after visiting the Colombian towns of Turbo and Necocli to document the large-scale humanitarian crisis. The Darien is where Latin Americas poor migration policies converge, forcing migrants to cross the jungle, says the Singapore-born lawyer on her way through Bogota, where she met with several officials from Gustavo Petros government. Question. What was found on the border between Colombia and Panama? Answer. I was most struck by how the situation of the families who are leaving to cross the Darien is one of impossible choices. They are fleeing situations where they had no hope and to the point that they were about to take one of the most dangerous journeys in the world. We met a family which is a perfect illustration of why the Darien crossing is so desperate and requires international attention. It was a Venezuelan family. They had arrived a few days ago with their seven-year-old, their three-year-old and their one-year-old baby, who actually just turned one yesterday [Wednesday]. They were living on the beach in Necocli. They didnt have a tent and were sleeping outside. They had lived in Colombia for several years. They were working, their children went to school, they had a home and they sold everything to go back to Venezuela to vote in the elections. When the Maduro government announced the results, they took to the streets like thousands of other Venezuelans. But it was in the days afterwards that they watched their friends and their members of their family being arrested. They saw the colectivos coming into their neighborhoods and knocking on doors, looking for people who had been participating in the rally. With the little money they had, they paid for the bus to Uraba. The Darien crossing is the place of impossible choices. Nobody that we met wanted to be there. They were all seeking a life where they could enjoy their rights, where their children would have the opportunity to go to school, where they would be able to express their opinions freely. Q. Did you see any humanitarian relief efforts? A. The humanitarian response in Necocli and Turbo is minimal and not coordinated. We documented and heard stories of children who have crossed the Darien and been separated from their parents. Ive worked in this humanitarian world and in population movements for nearly 20 years. And I have never seen what I saw with women crossing the Darien gap. Sexual violence is so prevalent and the reality that it may happen to women leads them to actually carry the morning after pill with them as they begin the crossing. We need to ensure that the government of Colombia and the government of Panama are responding to cases of sexual violence. There must be a more robust engagement from the government to address organized crime: the Gulf Clan is essentially running these towns. Q. Why is the Darien the point where poor migration policies in Latin America meet? A. This is not just a problem for Colombia or Panama. The Darien is one part of the journey. But what we have seen through years of research with interviewing migrants and asylum seekers who are making the crossing is many of them have actually left other countries in the region. Especially Venezuelans, but even Haitians, where they had been living in Brazil. And they make the crossing because they were not able to integrate into those societies because governments across the region have not had adequate policies that allow migrants and asylum seekers to be able to register, to be able to access basic services such as healthcare, the right to work or education for their children. In some cases, youre required to have a passport or an identification document. And the reality is if you are coming from Venezuela, it is highly unlikely that you are able to obtain a passport. Q. Is a transition to democracy possible in Venezuela after the July 28 elections? A. All indications thus far are that Maduro is trying to consolidate power and trying to increase repression so that he can stay in power. Human Rights Watch supports the mediation efforts, but this new wave of repression builds on ten years of widespread and systematic human rights abuses which have swept Venezuela since Maduro came into power. So there has to be accountability for the crimes that have been committed, not only in the past, but in recent weeks. Impunity is not an option. Q. Do you fear a new wave of migration in the face of the repression of post-election protests? A. We spoke to families who had just come from Venezuela. They told us that the level of repression, particularly for those who participated in the protests after the elections, was so high that they felt that they had no choice but to leave, and they told us that they knew many others who were in the same boat. Some are likely to wait until January, when there is meant to be the change of government. But right now, we have seen an increase in Venezuelans going to Brazil, so there are some indications that Venezuelans are leaving in this new wave of repression. I think it is wise for governments in the region, and particularly the Colombian government and the Panamanian government, to increase cooperation and begin to potentially prepare for a new wave of people who will be fleeing Venezuela. Q. Is the Venezuelan exodus receiving the international attention it deserves? A. The situation in Venezuela should be at the top of the international communitys agenda. We are calling on not just governments in the region but the international community to use all the tools in their toolkit to hold Maduro to account, to call on the government to release the ballot papers so that the results of the election can be independently verified. Venezuelas allies can play a key role in this. Q. What should Colombian President Gustavo Petro do to help achieve a peaceful solution to the crisis in neighboring Venezuela? A. Human Rights Watch supports the mediation efforts to try and find a resolution to this crisis, but we do have concerns at the idea of repeating the election when we know that nothing has changed inside Venezuela that could result in a free and fair election. The situation inside Venezuela is exactly the same or even worse, so there is no point rerunning an election. Q. How has the migration dynamic changed since Jose Raul Mulino who is proposing to close the Darien Gap took office in Panama? A. We have heard the threats of closing the Darien Gap, but the reality is thousands of people continued across. What is required from the government of Panama is to work with countries within the region to find solutions to ensure that they create safe and legal routes for migrants and asylum seekers to pass through. Q. Panama has started deportation flights of people who crossed the Darien, financed by the United States. It has deported people with criminal records, but the authorities have said that the agreement with Washington allows the deportation of all people who enter Panama illegally. What is the profile of the migrants they have encountered? A. On every single boat that I saw boarding in the last two days, the majority were families or women traveling with children. These were people who were seeking safety and a rights respecting life somewhere else. These were not criminals, and it just shows how flawed the U.S.-Panama agreement is. Human Rights Watch is very concerned that this agreement has the potential to result in refoulement, essentially sending individuals back to countries where they may face harm. And thats a serious violation of international standards. Q. Does the United States intend to put barriers to migration further and further from its southern border? A. This pattern that we see from the United States to essentially outsource their international protection responsibilities is not serious. Putting the burden on countries that dont have the resources to be able to process asylum cases is simply compounding the problem. Q. Is the main recommendation to implement a temporary protection regime throughout the region that grants all Venezuelans and Haitians legal status? A. One of our recommendations is to ensure temporary protection status for Venezuelans and Haitians, where we know that the situation in their countries of origin is so difficult that it is unsafe for many to return. We have seen the success of temporary protection status in Colombia, and we have seen Brazil also take steps in the past, which we would encourage other countries in the region to replicate. Q. What should Latin American societies do to create a welcoming migration narrative that counters xenophobic discourse? A. Latin American leaders should be putting forward coordinated policies that are rights respecting. And by that, what we mean is that we acknowledge that people have a right to move and cross borders. We acknowledge that people are fleeing difficult, dangerous situations and they should be afforded protection or their cases should be assessed. Leaders around the region should not be scapegoating migrants and asylum seekers for other problems in their countries. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Korea's financial watchdog plans to look into Morgan Stanley over its large-scale sell order of SK hynix shares, which was made two days before issuing a report that downgraded the chipmaker's rating, according to an industry source Sunday. Morgan Stanley published a report on Sept. 15 that cut its target price of SK hynix shares to 120,000 won ($90) from 260,000 won and downgraded its rating on the chipmaker, citing bleaker price outlooks for memory chips. Two days prior to the report issuance, the investment bank was found to have placed a sell order for around 1.01 million shares of the Korean chip giant, leading to speculation of potential insider trading. According to sources, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) plans to examine whether Morgan Stanley violated its obligations under the Capital Markets Act concerning the handling of research and analysis reports. Last week, the Korea Exchange launched a regulator probe into circumstances surrounding Morgan Stanley's moves. If any suspicious transactions are identified, the exchange will hand over the data to the FSS for further investigation. The Capital Markets Act prohibits publishers of market analysis reports from trading of financial investment products subject to their analyses for 24 hours in order to prevent insider trading based on non-public information. An FSS official said the watchdog will look into any suspicions involving compliance with regulations concerning the preparation and distribution of research reports, separate from the probe by the Korea Exchange. (Yonhap) By Yi Whan-woo Credit card companies are rushing to introduce tailor-made payment services for foreign nationals to capitalize on the surge in expats and international tourists. The number of foreign residents reached 2.61 million as of July, accounting for over 5 percent of Korea's total population, according to the Korea Immigration Service. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization revealed that 11.03 million inbound tourists visited Korea in 2023, representing a 245 percent increase from the previous year and surpassing the 10 million mark for the first time since the pandemic. As a consequence, BC Card, a Korean payment processing company, is offering services for its customers in cooperation with fintech companies. BC Card also has its own credit card brand, and issues more than 30 million cards every year. The services include cashback rewards that are worth 5 percent of purchases for shopping, travel, concerts, other cultural performances and other sectors that the company finds are closely connected with leisure and pastimes. Mobile payment is also available, such as the one utilizing QR codes, to help boost convenience for users. Overseas remittances are offered for guest workers who need to send money back home. Short-term residents can utilize prepaid phone services. The credit card arms of financial holdings groups are seeking to capitalize on the customer network of their respective groups affiliates to develop products for foreign nationals. For instance, Shinhan Card is collaborating with Shinhan Bank to gather relevant data on potential customers from abroad, including information on annual incomes, credit ratings and delinquency rates. Industry sources indicate that an increasing number of credit cards are likely to attract foreign nationals as customers, particularly as international tourists are spending more in the post-pandemic era. Their spending totaled 5.49 trillion won ($4.1 billion) in 2019 and drastically fell to the range of 1 trillion in 2020 and 2021 when the pandemic was at its height. The amount then bounced back to 2.86 trillion won in 2022 and reached 6.91 trillion won in 2023. By Lee Yeon-woo Morgan Stanley is facing suspicions of insider trading as an investigation looms, following the investment bank's sale of a significant number of SK Hynix shares before issuing a sell report on the company. According to financial industry sources, Sunday, the Financial Supervisory (FSS) will examine whether any illegal activities occurred in connection with the large-scale sale of the chip company's shares before the release of the report. The Korea Exchange (KRX) began investigating the involved accounts separately last week. On Sept. 15, during the Chuseok holiday, the world's largest investment bank released a report titled "Winter Looms," drastically lowering SK Hynix's target price from 260,000 won ($194.61) to 120,000 won. The report also downgraded its investment recommendation from "overweight" to "underweight." This caused SK Hynixs stock price to drop nearly 6.14 percent on Sept. 19, the first trading day after the holiday. Allegations of insider trading emerged when it was revealed that Morgan Stanley's Seoul branch executed a sell order for 1,011,719 shares of SK Hynix on Sept. 13, two days before the report's release. The sell volume was significantly larger than J.P. Morgan's, the second-largest seller of the day with 500,000 shares. Market insiders pointed out that it is highly unusual for over 1 million shares to be offloaded through a single brokerage in one day. The FSS will investigate whether Morgan Stanley violated its obligations under the Capital Markets Act in relation to its research reports. The act prohibits trading securities mentioned in a report for individual gain from the time the research is finalized until 24 hours after its public release to investors. With the KRX already examining accounts related to the trades, the FSS will initiate a follow-up investigation if the stock exchange's review uncovers any suspicious transactions. However, the FSS is adopting a cautious approach. The fact that the large orders were executed through Morgan Stanleys own brokerage does not automatically indicate unfair trading. Therefore, the FSS will focus initially on identifying the parties involved in the transactions. "For foreign brokerages, compliance with research reports is of utmost importance, making it unlikely that they would intentionally engage in illegal activities," an industry source said. "This could be a cultural difference, as foreign firms tend to issue 'sell' reports more decisively than domestic firms." Amid optimism and concerns, industry awaits impact By Lee Yeon-woo Korea was an early adopter of fractional investing in physical assets, a trend that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young investors, lacking substantial capital yet seeking diverse investment strategies, eagerly embraced these opportunities. The range of products is broad, including art, real estate and even livestock. However, in 2022, the market faced setbacks when financial authorities determined that such investments bore the characteristics of securities. While some projects managed to restructure and enter a regulatory sandbox, many others stalled. The industry has continued to call for legislation and comprehensive guidelines. "It will be around 2027 for the security token offering (STO) market to fully mature once legislation is enacted. Korea has significantly fallen behind in this area ... like a store that only accepts cash while others accept both cash and cards," said Lee Se-il, head of Shinhan Investment & Securities' blockchain department, at a discussion co-hosted by Rep. Kim Jae-sub and Rep. Min Byoung-dug at the National Assembly on Sept. 4. Tokenized securities represent fractional ownership of physical or financial assets, issued via blockchain technology. By 2030, they are projected to account for 10 percent of global GDP, according to Samil PwC Business Research, ultimately converting all the world's physical assets and intellectual property in the form of tokenized securities. A legislative push is gaining traction in the 22nd National Assembly, with Rep. Kim of the ruling People Power Party and Rep. Min from the main opposition Democratic Party both preparing to propose a bill. The new measures are expected to apply the same regulations governing securities, along with detailed ordinances addressing sanctions and other concerns. "Both ruling and opposition parties have committed to the swift institutionalization of tokenized securities in their policy platforms, so we can expect legislation in the second half of the year," said NH Investment & Securities analyst Yoon Yoo-dong. The recent appointment of Yoon Chang-hyun as head of KOSCOM, an IT system provider owned by the Korea Exchange, has also bolstered hopes for STO's legalization. Yoon had previously pushed for STO laws in the 21st Assembly, but the effort stalled and the bill was dismissed amid political battles among the political parties. While the market welcomes this progress, a mixture of optimism and concern persists. "If there are 100 companies looking to run business, only five to 10 will be proved 'real' ones as time goes by," Lee Jun-han, general manager at VMIC Aviation, told The Korea Times. VMIC, an aviation asset management firm, is a member of an STO consortium for aircraft engine sharing, the only initiative to be granted sandbox status by the financial authorities in the past two years. "By mitigating these risks (the absence of legalization), more robust business models can be created, and the market can become more active," Lee said, pointing to Singapore's Monetary Authority, which has established explicit guidelines for tokenized securities businesses and eligible investors. Meanwhile, startups that pioneered the concept in Korea are grappling with growing competition. Securities firms, backed by substantial capital, are accelerating their entry by forming multiple consortiums. "In every industry, the survival of the fittest is inevitable. But honestly, we worry about whether there's a room for us," said Lucent Block CEO Huh Se-young, also at the discussion hosted by Rep. Kim and Min. His startup, founded in Nov. 2018, specializes in tokenizing real estate. Yet, ultimately, the financial market will judge these ventures based on their ability to gain traction, regardless of STO classification itself, according to Anna Liu, general manager of tokenization at HashKey Group. "Turning the proof of concept stage into real commercial use while sustaining the momentum and ensuring profits are vital. If we can't profit, it's not effective, and it wont contribute meaning to the market," Liu told The Korea Times. Legislation is the first step to address these challenges. "Many Korean retail investors are involved in crypto and are token holders. If you don't allow them to trade, do you think they will go to other jurisdictions' exchanges, like unregulated exchanges abroad? Probably yes. Is there a better way to protect them? Probably yes as well." By Park Han-sol This years fall edition of the K-Royal Culture Festival is set to return on Hangeul Day, a national holiday on Oct. 9 celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet, to showcase the regal heritage of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty against the stunning autumnal backdrop. The five-day festival, running from Oct. 9 to 13, will unfold across four major palaces in Seoul Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Deoksu and Changgyeong palaces. Held every spring and fall since 2014, the biannual event has been organized by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service, along with the Korea Heritage Agency. Its spring iteration attracted over 600,000 visitors, with a quarter of them hailing from abroad. On the festival's opening day at Gyeongbok Palace, the former primary residence and office of Joseon royalty, anyone dressed in "hanbok" (traditional Korean attire) can enjoy free entry to the Hanbok Royal Banquet. The banquet features the Walking of Royal Family, a majestic reenactment of the king, queen and princely couple strolling through the palace, accompanied by live performances of gugak (traditional Korean music). Other hanbok-themed programs will also take place at the venue, including hanbok accessory crafting sessions, an exhibition of award-winning photography and the Hanbok Best Dresser showcase. There will also be a special crossover dance performance titled The Palace Concert: Ballet x Sujecheon that blends ballet with Koreas court music from Oct. 10 to 13 at the palaces Jibokjae Hall. A limited number of seats are reserved for international visitors, which can be booked through Creatrip. Meanwhile, at Changdeok Palace, visitors will once again have the chance to take a leisurely two-hour morning stroll through the palace grounds. This tranquil experience, perfect for those who want to appreciate the serene beauty of the palace in the early hours, will be enriched by the stories of artist Lee Si-woo and historian Ahn Ji-young. Other highlights include the historical play Peach Blossom: A Sorrowful Scene staged at Changgyeong Palaces Myeongjeongjeon Hall and a nighttime media art display Moonlight Lotus Show at the scenic Chundangji Pond. A total of 4,000 K-Royal Palaces Passes are available for purchase, which grant unlimited access to all four palaces through the event, as well as one nighttime admission to Gyeongbok Palace. Detailed schedules can be found on the festivals official website. The leaders of the United States, India, Japan and Australia on Saturday denounced North Korea's "destabilizing" missile launches and its nuclear program, and reaffirmed their commitment to the "complete" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a joint statement after the four countries' fourth in-person Quad summit held in Wilmington, Delaware. The summit came as Pyongyang has recently ratcheted up tensions on the peninsula with its rare disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility, continued weapons tests and launches of trash-filled balloons into South Korea, not to mention tough rhetoric. "We condemn North Korea's destabilizing ballistic missile launches and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). These launches pose a grave threat to international peace and stability," the leaders said in the statement, named "the Wilmington Declaration." "We urge North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs, refrain from further provocations and engage in substantive dialogue. We reaffirm our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula consistent with relevant UNSCRs and call on all countries to fully implement these UNSCRs," they added.They stressed the need to prevent any proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies related to North Korea. "We express our grave concern over North Korea's use of proliferation networks, malicious cyber activity and workers abroad to fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs," they said. "In that context, we urge all UN Member States to abide by the relevant UNSCRs including the prohibition on the transfer to North Korea or procurement from North Korea of all arms and related materiel." Moreover, they expressed "deep" concerns about countries that are deepening military cooperation with the North, saying that it undermines the global nonproliferation regime. The leaders also underscored the importance of sanctions enforcement against Pyongyang, noting that a U.N. expert panel monitoring sanctions violations has been disbanded. "We reiterate our commitment to continued implementation of the relevant UNSCRs which remain in full force," they said. Earlier in the day, Biden and Kishida held a separate bilateral meeting, where Biden recognized improvement in relations between Seoul and Tokyo, long strained over historical feuds. "He (Biden) also commended the Prime Minister's courage and conviction in strengthening ties with the Republic of Korea, which enabled the launch of a momentous new era of U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation at the historic Camp David Summit in August 2023," the White House said in a readout. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. The Camp David summit is the first standalone trilateral meeting among the three countries' leaders. It produced a series of landmark cooperation agreements, including the "Commitment to Consult" each other in the event of a shared threat. In their joint statement, Quad leaders also expressed their serious concern over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. "We continue to express our serious concern about the militarization of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea," they said. "We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous maneuvers." For three-way maritime security efforts, the leaders said that the U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific. They also announced the launch of a "Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network" pilot project to pursue shared airlift capacity among their countries and leverage collective logistics strengths in order to support civilian response to natural disasters "more rapidly and efficiently" across the Indo-Pacific. The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India. (Yonhap) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his intention to develop friendly relations with Beijing in his reply letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the North's state media said Sunday. Kim sent the letter on Sept. 15, six days after Xi congratulated North Korea on the 76th anniversary of its foundation, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. "It is the common desire of the peoples of the two countries to steadily consolidate and develop the DPRK-China friendship with a long historical tradition," Kim wrote in the letter. DPRK refers to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. In the message, Kim wished for the success of the Chinese people in their efforts to build "a modern socialist country" under Xi's leadership as this year marks the 75th founding anniversary of China. The exchange of letters comes at a time when relations between North Korea and China, its longtime ally, have become relatively estranged, in contrast to Pyongyang's growing military and economic cooperation with Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. (Yonhap) North Korea's foreign minister has warned that Pyongyang will not overlook any hostile acts on the Korean Peninsula, claiming that the peninsula's security situation is heading for a "more dangerous threshold," the North's state media reported Sunday. "Recently, the security situation has been an even more dangerous threshold," the North's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said in her address to the fourth Eurasian Women's Forum held in St. Petersburg, according to the Rodong Sinmun, Pyongyang's main newspaper. Choe argued that an "alliance-seeking policy" of the United States and some countries that follow the U.S. has caused a "vicious cycle of escalating tensions and confrontation." On Sept. 13, North Korea publicly disclosed its uranium enrichment facility for the first time, displaying images of leader Kim Jong-un calling for boosting the state's nuclear weapons. The U.S. has strengthened security cooperation with South Korea and Japan, its major Asian allies, to counter North Korea's missile and nuclear threats. On Saturday, the leaders of the U.S, India, Japan and Australia denounced North Korea's missile launches and its nuclear program and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. (Yonhap) Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said Sunday that the government could revisit its medical school admission quota plan for 2026 if the medical community offers a rational alternative. In an interview with KBS, Cho said, "For 2026, if the medical community presents a reasonable alternative, we can review the admissions numbers with a fresh perspective." "The government has proposed an increase of 2,000, but since the medical community has criticized this as unscientific and lacking evidence, we are asking what they believe would be a scientifically based and well-founded admission number," Cho added. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration has vowed to increase the medical school admissions quota by 2,000 seats per year over the next five years or so to address a shortage of doctors and finalized in June a quota hike of some 1,500 students for next year. The Korean Medical Association has demanded the government cancel its plan to raise the medical school admissions quota for 2025 and 2026 and discuss the possible quota adjustment for 2027 or afterward. On difficulties of launching a proposed consultative body between the political and medical communities and the government, Cho stressed the government is willing to actively engage in discussions, regardless of the format of the consultative body, if the medical community participates. 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 was set to fly to New York this week to attend the annual U.N. General Assembly, where he is expected to discuss key international issues, according to his office Sunday. During the six-day visit starting Monday, Cho was expected to deliver a keynote speech at the general debate of the high-level gathering to reaffirm Korea's commitment to ensuring global peace and prosperity. Cho also plans to 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. (Yonhap) It was Confucius who said: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. But its easier said than done. More than two-thirds of workers arent very committed to what they do, according to an annual Gallup poll. And even the luckiest ones who do what they love for work arent free from having a hard time at their job. Work is not only a source of income, it is also crucial for our mental health. It is therefore important to spot the signs that may hint we need a change, whether it be looking for new challenges in the same organization, setting up a new project or accepting an opportunity in a new workplace. And one of the easiest signs to spot is what is known as the Sunday syndrome. Our minds spend a lot of time imagining the future. So if we are not happy at work, Sunday is a bad day for us, not because of the plans we have for that day, but because we start anticipating Monday. This problem is more than just an uncomfortable feeling, which is very common and has happened to all of us at some point. When we suffer from Sunday syndrome, the day becomes a real torture, we have mood swings or even unpleasant physical sensations, such as headaches and stomach aches If this happens to us, we have to think of an alternative. Bad bosses have a lot of influence on our lives, and this is another reason to consider. In the United States, it is often said that people do not leave companies, they leave bosses. Some signs of poor management come from lack of recognition, constant overwork, failure to keep promises, and unfair promotions, among others. Once again, it is necessary to analyze whether this is a one-off situation worth learning to navigate or, on the contrary, if it means we need to make a decision. Filmmaker Woody Allen said that work is an invasion of our privacy and, even if it is, we need to be alert to the silent signs that something is eating away at us. These signs come from demotivation, and the lack of learning opportunities and new challenges. It occurs when work no longer enriches us. We see this in various ways: time passes very slowly during the work day, we are frustrated because we feel like we are wasting our abilities, and we are only excited about the weekends or holidays. Unlike the silent reasons, there are other reasons that are very obvious, stemming from conflicts that are difficult to solve, such as colleagues who make our lives impossible, toxic bosses or feeling like we no longer believe in our company. These are situations that are very damaging to mental health, so we should not waste too much time looking for an alternative. Finally, there is the option to change jobs to fulfil your dream and start your own business project. At this point, it is important to recognize the right moment to take the leap. Sergio Fernandez, author of Living Without a Boss, suggests thinking of the new project and the employees job as two airplanes. Until the first one reaches a sufficient altitude, that is, until it provide us with enough of an income, we should not abandon the one that allows us to make ends meet or to learn. Likewise, he recommends that, when we take the leap, we should leave our job on good terms. When one stage ends badly, it is likely that the next one will not start off on the right foot, says Fernandez, something that can be applied to any change we face. Therefore, it is not only important to identify the signs, but to address them in the most appropriate way possible. What motivates us at work Losing motivation can be one of the signs to look for a new challenge. Our motivation at work varies with age and experiences, and is usually a combination of the following factors: What it provides us externally in terms of pay, stability and working conditions. And if it brings us success or recognition. The work environment with colleagues and our relationship with the boss. What it offers in terms of learning and challenges. The belief in what we do. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition UN members urged to comply with prohibition of arms transfers to or from Pyongyang By Kim Hyun-bin The leaders of key Asia-Pacific countries have condemned North Koreas nuclear programs and continuing provocations, reaffirming their commitment to achieving the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed concerns over the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea in a joint statement issued after their Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) summit in Wilmington, Del., on Saturday (local time). The statement from the leaders of the Quad group, a strategic security forum of the four nations, comes amid a series of provocations by Pyongyang in recent months. These provocations include test-firing ballistic missiles, revealing a uranium enrichment facility, and sending trash-filled balloons to South Korea. "We condemn North Korea's destabilizing ballistic missile launches and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions," the leaders said in the joint statement. "These launches pose a grave threat to international peace and stability." The Quad leaders urged North Korea to adhere to its obligations under the UNSC resolutions, to refrain from further provocations, and to engage in meaningful dialogue. They reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and called on all countries to fully implement relevant resolutions. They emphasized the importance of preventing the proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies associated with North Korea. "We express our grave concern over North Korea's use of proliferation networks, malicious cyber activity and workers abroad to fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs," the leaders said. In their statement, the leaders urged all U.N. member states to comply with the resolutions, particularly the prohibition on arms transfers to or from North Korea. They also voiced deep concerns about countries enhancing military cooperation with North Korea, stating such actions undermine the global nonproliferation regime. Although the statement did not specify the names of such countries, it clearly targeted Russia, which has been strengthening military ties with North Korea since the June summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. At the time, the two nations agreed that each side would provide immediate military assistance if the other is attacked. It is widely believed that North Korea is supplying missiles to Russia to support its ongoing war with Ukraine, and there are concerns that Moscow may, in return, transfer nuclear weapons technologies to Pyongyang. The leaders underscored the necessity of enforcing sanctions against Pyongyang, highlighting that a U.N. expert panel monitoring sanctions violations has been disbanded. "We reiterate our commitment to continued implementation of the relevant resolutions which remain in full force," they said. Oh Gyeong-seob, a director at the state-funded Korea Institute for National Unification, believes the joint statement will bolster deterrence against North Koreas nuclear ambitions and suggests Pyongyang will likely respond. "North Korea will likely react strongly. It has already been significantly opposing the U.N.'s sanctions against them, so it's reasonable to expect the North to strongly resist the stance of these countries regarding their nuclear activities," Oh told The Korea Times. "The possibility of military provocations is always present." On the sidelines of the summit, outgoing leaders Biden and Kishida held a bilateral meeting. They assessed the strengthening of security and economic ties among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan as a significant achievement and pledged to continue cooperating to deter North Korea's nuclear threats. Biden commended Kishida for his "courage and conviction in strengthening ties" with South Korea, according to the White House. They also addressed China's coercive and destabilizing activities" in the Pacific, underlining the importance of unity among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo in addressing regional security challenges. By Jon Dunbar Ahead of Oct. 3, which marks National Foundation Day, David A. Mason will give a lecture for the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) Korea on Korea's legendary founding king, Dangun Wanggeom. Dangun was the founder of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, in 2333 BCE. Said to be the "Son of Heaven," he according to legend, was birthed by a bear who had been transformed into a woman. According to Mason, Dangun has inspired many artistic interpretations, but until recently they were only in two standard motifs. Mason, an American long-term resident of Korea, has recently visited the many shrines to Dangun found at Mount Taebaek in Gangwon Province. The shrines range from several decades old to much newer, and he reports having seen "many fresh artworks amazing in their innovation, lavishness and prominent presentation." He will introduce the artworks at his lecture on Tuesday, as well as delve into the socio-cultural significance of this trend, and the importance of Danguns image and story. Mason is a retired professor of Korean cultural tourism, and a researcher of the religious characteristics of Korea's mountains. He has authored 10 books on Korean culture and tourism, including "Spirit of the Mountains: Koreas San-shin and Traditions of Mountain-Worship," "Solitary Sage" and "An Encyclopedia of Korean Buddhism." The lecture starts on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor lounge of the FastFive building in Da-dong near Seoul City Hall. Entry costs 10,000 won or 5,000 won for students and is free for RAS Korea members. Attending online via Zoom is also possible. Visit raskb.com for more information. Over 1 million units of children's products with sub-par safety quality were sold in Korea last year, according to government data Sunday. According to the data received by the Democratic Party of Korea's Rep. Heo Jong-sik from the state-run Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, some 1.07 million units of 122 children's products sold were subject to recall orders last year. The volume of children's products subject to recall last year increased by 30 percent on-year from 828,299 units in 2022. Last year, only 485,348 units, or 45.2 percent of the total recalled products, were returned after being identified as defective or dangerous. Most of the products that received recall orders were identified as low-cost imports from China, highlighting the need for strengthened distribution and quality control of imported goods. For instance, all eight products subject to recall orders after an agency safety inspection on toys and baby products in May were found to be imports from China. "The government must focus its efforts on strengthening safety management for defective and hazardous products and ensuring the swift recall of those subject to recall orders," Heo said. (Yonhap) By Lee Hae-rin Masked and dressed in black, more than 6,000 people gathered at Marroninier Park in northeastern Seoul, Saturday, to call for stronger legal action against deepfake crimes targeting women. Protesters accused the government of largely neglecting sexual offenses that are evolving rapidly with the latest technologies. They argued that current laws are insufficient to address such crimes and called for a new legal system and stronger political will to combat them effectively. "Six years ago, hundreds of thousands of women gathered here in Hyehwa to condemn illegal filming and digital sex crimes and urged the government to come up with countermeasures, but they did not solve the problem," said the organizers in a joint statement. Over time, the damage has gradually expanded. Nothing has changed and even the law and system are regressing. Organized by the "Joint Action to Condemn Misogynistic Violence," a women's rights group launched mostly by university students, the protest was held near Hyehwa Station. For many activists promoting women's rights, it is a symbolic place where tens of thousands of women rallied in 2018 in a series of protests calling for the country's justice system to be fair for both men and women. "We told you not to film illegally, and now you are doing deepfake?" the protesters chanted, urging the National Assembly, police and all relevant government bodies to take a prompt, decisive action against the growing number of such criminals. "The crime of deepfake sexual exploitation is not new," the group said. "Women have faced sexual crimes for decades, with their faces and identities exposed in male online communities, while the state has downplayed the severity and remained passive. As a result, women across the country are anxious and fearful of becoming victims, leading many to abandon their daily lives." Several protesters said they were in constant fear over the possibility that such fake online content may ruin their real life. "Every time we do group assignments and hang out with male students, we have to worry about being victims of crime," an anonymous university student said. "We have to blame a society that has no choice but to suspect all men before telling us not to treat them as potential criminals." One of the teenage participants expressed her fear of joining the rally, worried that her involvement could attract unwanted attention from deepfake criminals. "I came here because I realized that nothing changes by grieving and being angry alone," she said. "Deepfake crime didnt emerge in a vacuum. It is the result of decades of abetted sex crimes and is a product of deep-rooted patriarchy that has persisted for thousands of years. If the perpetrators are not punished, second and third crimes will continue," she added. The severity of this deepfake sex crime has grown even more serious as the majority of the perpetrators and victims were teenagers. According to the National Police Agency, out of 318 suspects arrested this year, 251 or 78.9 percent were teenagers, while some 60 percent of the victims of deepfake crimes that the police investigated for three years from 2021 were also minors. Protesters also called on the government to take action and implement stronger regulations on related industries. "The government should strictly regulate the artificial intelligence industry to prevent unlawful image manipulation," said another anonymous participant. "Similar crimes will only stop when severe penalties are imposed on workplaces that fail to comply." President Yoon Suk Yeol sent a congratulatory gift and letter to the parents of newborn quintuplets Sunday, his office said. The quintuplets two girls and three boys were born Friday to parents who work in public education in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province. "It is everyone's joy that a set of quintuplets, which are rare globally, were born healthy in our country," Yoon wrote in the letter delivered by his senior secretary for low birth rate issues, You Hye-mi, to the father, Kim Jun-young, at a hospital in Seoul. "I will work to ensure Mom, Dad, and the five children can jointly create a happy future." The gift consisted of clothes in five different colors and seaweed, an ingredient often used to make soup for mothers who have just given birth. The couple and their five children will receive various forms of government support, including financial assistance for the household and medical expenses, additional scholarships and interest exemption for tuition loans. Yoon has said Korea is in a "demographic national emergency" due to its declining population. Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of children expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, reached a record low of 0.72 in 2023. The figure is far below the 2.1 births per woman needed to maintain a stable population without immigration. (Yonhap) By Choe Chong-dae It is encouraging to learn that the Korean archery team achieved a remarkable record at the Paris Olympics. Bows and arrows have been essential tools for survival throughout Korean history, evolving into symbols of strength and skill. They reached their zenith as weapons during Korea's Three Kingdoms Period (57 B.C.A.D. 668). This deep-rooted tradition underscores the significance of the bow and the values of patriotism and loyalty, exemplified by the tale of Gu Jin-cheon, a master bow-maker during the reign of King Munmu of the Silla dynasty. In 669 A.D., during King Munmu's rule over Unified Silla, a Tang Dynasty envoy arrived in the kingdom. Later, during the Joseon Dynasty (13921910), archery became both the most popular sport and a widely used weapon, transcending social hierarchies. The envoy's visit occurred after Silla had depended on Tang's military support to unify Goguryeo and Baekje, which fostered a growing sense of arrogance by the Chinese dynasty. Before his departure, the envoy noticed a remarkable bow among the tributary gifts, capable of shooting arrows as far as 1,000 steps. Greedy for this marvel, the envoy demanded that Silla send its renowned craftsman, Maestro Gu Jin-cheon, to China. At the time, Silla was not in a position to confront Tang China militarily, so they reluctantly complied with the demand and sent Gu to the empire. Arriving in China, Gu impressed Emperor Taizong, who provided him with excellent materials to craft another bow. However, the newly fashioned bow by Gu could only shoot an arrow 30 steps. When questioned, Gu attributed the discrepancy to the inferior materials provided. Determined to improve the bow's performance, the emperor requested high quality materials specifically from Silla. Yet, even with these superior materials, the bow could only reach 60 steps. Gu explained that the humidity during shipment and the voyage from Silla to Tang had affected the materials, though it was evident he was guarding a confidential technique. When Emperor Gaozong (who succeeded Emperor Taizong) demanded Gu reveal his bow-making secrets under threat of severe punishment, the craftsman chose death over betrayal, fearing that his advanced technology could endanger his homeland. This act of profound patriotism illustrates the importance of safeguarding national secrets and the depth of loyalty to ones country. In contrast, some contemporary Korean experts, after gaining fame through cutting-edge technology, choose otherwise. While departing due to a lack of opportunities is understandable, it becomes condemnable when such actions directly harm the nation. It is akin to abandoning ones mother; despite any neglect, loyalty to one's homeland should remain steadfast. Patriotism and loyalty are values that transcend time and space. Gu's tale is a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have on their nation's well-being. Todays experts and innovators should draw inspiration from Gu's unwavering dedication. Even in a globalized world, where opportunities abroad may be enticing, the security and prosperity of ones homeland should remain paramount. It is regrettable to learn that suspicions have recently emerged about the potential transfer of sensitive and confidential information, including military secrets managed by the Ministry of National Defense, to foreign countries. This troubling development underscores the critical need for a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility in protecting our national interests. Just as we cannot abandon our mothers, we must not forsake our motherland. Gu's legacy is not just a historical anecdote but a timeless lesson in patriotism and loyalty. It challenges us to reflect on the impact of our actions on our nation and to prioritize the greater good over personal gain. The sacred spirit of Gu's sacrifice should inspire contemporary experts to remain loyal to their roots, ensuring that their talents contribute to the prosperity and security of their homeland. Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association. Politicians need to handle nuclear plant project responsibly President Yoon Suk Yeols recent summit with Czech leader Petr Pavel delivered a clear and consistent message: Korea's chances of winning the Dukovany nuclear power plant project next year are higher than initially expected. If Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) secures the multi-billion dollar deal, it would be a milestone event, elevating Korea's status in the nuclear energy sector to a new level. This anticipated breakthrough could transform the local nuclear energy industry into a highly lucrative venture, particularly as demand for nuclear reactors rises with the revolutionizing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries. The AI boom has pushed global demand for electricity ever upwards. According to the International Energy Agency, the consumption of electricity by data centers will double by 2026. This surge in demand has renewed interest in nuclear reactors, as nuclear energy provides an efficient, low-emission method of power generation. Many countries that had previously been skeptical about nuclear power following the Fukushima nuclear accident are now revising their stances and unveiling plans to build nuclear reactors to meet the growing electricity needs. Time is on the side of countries like Korea, which possesses globally competitive technology and a strong track record in the industry. As the Czech president noted during a news conference on Friday following his summit with Yoon, Koreas potential success in the Dukovany power plant deal could pave the way for the Koreas exports of nuclear technology. Currently, several European countries, including the Netherlands and Poland, announced their plans to build nuclear reactors. To help Korea seize these opportunities overseas, bipartisan support for nuclear technology is necessary. Unfortunately, the current political landscape makes it nearly impossible for political parties here to unite on certain policy issues. The nation is more divided than ever before. At the National Assembly, bipartisan bills are a rarity, if not entirely absent. Parties are locked in aimless bickering and partisan politics. Politicians appear to be oblivious to issues such as the national interest, caring only about their own survival. This is deplorable, if not disgusting. A group of five opposition lawmakers held a news conference on Thursday to urge Yoon to scrap the plan to export nuclear energy technology. Among them were Reps. Min Hyung-bae from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and Seo Wang-jin from the minor Rebuilding Korea Party, who described Yoons visit to the Czech Republic as a diplomatic quick fix. They argue that Yoon decided to visit the Czech Republic in person after it became clear that securing the nuclear deal was unrealistic, following Westinghouse's appeal against the Czech governments decision to select KHNP as the preferred bidder in July. Trillions won of deficits will be inevitable if Korea wins the Czech nuclear deal. And if this happens, an astronomical amount of taxpayers money will be poured to make up the deficit, they claimed, urging the government to redirect investments from nuclear energy to renewable energy sources. These politicians did not explain why deficits are deemed inevitable, leaving them open to criticism that they might be misusing their parliamentary privileges. Criticizing an action without clearly addressing why it is wrong can be seen as mere criticism for the sake of criticism. Opposition parties and politicians are encouraged to challenge the president, the ruling party, or both if they believe policies are heading in the wrong direction. Constructive criticism based on solid evidence can foster a culture of healthy debate within the nations politics. However, politicians are expected to make valid points when criticizing the government or rival parties. Responsible politicians should focus on constructive criticism rather than criticism for its own sake to help steer the government and policies back on the right track. Baseless accusations are the source of misinformation, a common enemy that all nations are striving to prevent because they sow discord and polarize society. Politicians who rely on the old divide-and-rule tactic for their own survival are often not much different from rumormongers. The only difference is that divisive politicians are worse than rumormongers because their actions destabilize democracy. If there are doubts or unknown challenges related to the Czech nuclear deal, as the five lawmakers allege, they should clearly address what these challenges are and their significance, rather than merely repeating gossip. The triviality of self-serving political actions can leave the public weary of partisan politics. By Bernard Rowan As a student, I learned the following maxim. It summarizes the path of learning and the virtuous course of a person intent on knowledge and wisdom: An ignorant person is inclined to blame others for his own misfortune. To blame oneself is proof of progress. But the wise man never has to blame another or himself (Epictetus, "The Enchiridion"). The idea is that ultimately one understands why things happen. In a universal or holistic sense (i.e. wisdom), this is an end by itself (as knowledge) but also a means to the good life. Such knowing removes the vulgar if ever popular need to ascribe blame or praise. Second, those who are learning, trying or growing in understanding should first look to themselves in a situation, not others. What I do to contribute to a positive or negative outcome, or to a discussion of alternatives or an argument, is as important or more than being right, winning or siding with or against others. Finally, too many of us, in particular matters or generally, just blame others. That is the mark of a fool or the uninstructed, as well as one open to being used. If one spends most of his or her time ascribing blame, its a setup for the person whose answers look perfect, magical or attractive. This is what demagogues provide, and its viciousness is as old or older than the story of Prodicus and vice in Xenophons Memorabilia. While Epictetus, the author of the first quote on learning, was a Stoic and a slave, his idea was to control what could be controlled in all circumstances, i.e. the mind. Others with a less dour, perhaps, view of reality, including Plato, for example, say similar things: young men, after their first taste of argument, are always contradicting people just for the fun of itwhen theyve proved a lot of people wrong and been proved wrong often themselves, they soon slip into the belief that nothing they believed before was true ("The Republic," Book VII). An ancient Chinese text on war says it this way: He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is halfway there. He who blames no one has arrived. ("The 36 Stratagems" in ancient Chinese war). A good warrior doesnt play games of excuse or self-justification. In pursuit of victory, security or conquest, his or her actions require a studied transcendence of the chaos of reasoning in one sense, and a higher form of reasoning ultimately that comprises awareness of reasoning and its tendencies in operation in another. Confucius appears to accent the second part of the path in this quote: The archer who misses his mark does not blame the target. He stops, corrects himself and shoots again. There are many similar quotes, which could expound further the path of learning ad infinitum. Not blaming anyone releases the thinker and doer from the pedestrian and often self-defeating habit of needing to make something happen. It reflects Truth in that there is a way to anything that can be on earth, and learning and knowing ultimately arent a conflict, fight or argument. In this season of American presidential politics, and in the gathering events regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol and his leadership of the government of South Korea, what should readers of this column, and more generally citizens, take from these ancient prescriptions? First, being right isnt the only thing that matters. Those who are wrong, bad, mistaken or in disagreement set limits for the work of those who are right and righteous. As Plato also says, ones enemy or disputant today will be a friend tomorrow. Any society impoverishes itself through the kind of division rooted in the thinking of fools: winning, victory at all costs, forcing ideas and solutions on others and not remembering that ones opponents are ones fellow citizens. The word citizen contains the root word polite in it in ancient Greek. Second, if the goal of public policy is to serve justice, national security, the needs of the young and old or a particular policy end/interest, leaving behind half the country, the minority, those who lose a contest or debate, really dont advance matters that far. Tomorrow the losers of the present may be the winners. There is from the path of knowledge a more fundamental way forward. To pursue this path is not the idea of the noble sage in silence, the man or woman above it all or a kind of Delphic oracle sitting in silent judgement. Its a different manner of pursuing the matter of contention, the development of reasonable debate and discussion and the need to acknowledge the fundamental humanity of others. Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and academic services and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University. By Robert Neff Described as "a dowdy female newspaper correspondent," Anna Northend Benjamin traveled extensively throughout East Asia and Russia documenting her experiences and observations. She was blessed with an amazing gift of writing, though, depending upon the reader, her harsh opinions could be seen as a curse. Despite spending less than a fortnight in Korea during the summer of 1900, she wrote enough about the Hermit Kingdom to rankle Horace N. Allen, the conservative American minister to Korea. Nothing escaped her eye or her venomous pen. Her descriptions of the country were heavily tinged with sympathy, curiosity and sarcastic elitism. They were often bold and somewhat offensive even by the standards of her time. We may say without hesitation that the lot of the Korean woman is the most pitiable, just as the position of her people is the most deplorable, in the Far East," she wrote. "In the lower classes she must work, work, work. In the upper classes she must be entombed. Benjamin wrote extensively about the daily tribulations of Korean women but, unlike many female Western observers, devoted little attention to their clothing. What she did write seems to have been gleaned from other sources and supported her narrative of women being oppressed by misogyny and tradition. Several hundred years ago, when Korea was fighting the Chinese, the entire Korean army and all the men in the capital of Seoul had marched out in defense of that capital to meet an attacking force toward the north. At the same time another force, unknown to the Koreans, approached Seoul from the south. Since every able-bodied man had already gone to the attack, the city and the remaining inhabitants were threatened with destruction. The Korean women, however, like their sisters in other parts of the world, devised a plan by which they might frustrate the enemy. They donned their husbands long white garments with the wide sleeves, and gathering together, marched boldly toward the foe who, appalled by the sight of such an unexpected force of Koreans, fled in haste, and the city was saved. When the army returned and it was made known what the women had done, it was decreed that thereafter they should wear mens sleeves hanging from their veils as a mark of honor and a badge of their bravery in the national crisis. According to Benjamin, Koreas misogyny originated from China, from where every degrading idea was imported and carried out to the extreme. The wife is not more than a chattel, seldom seen before the marriage, which is arranged by a go between, and after marriage to talk to her even is a degradation for the husband, she described. Even the wedding customs, were, in her opinion, oppressive. The rules of ironclad Korean etiquette demand that that the bridesmaid wear her hair in a massive headdress. Huge masses of false hair swatches, as we call them are piled in a fantastic way on the unfortunate womans head, till a wonderful effect is obtained. Considering her short stay in Korea, I doubt she actually attended a wedding, and instead based her observations on what American missionaries told her. Even Isabella Bird Bishop, arguably the most popular travel writer of the time, did not describe bridesmaids in her book, Korea and Her Neighbors. Bishop did, however, echo the sentiment that Korean men treated their wives as valuable chattels and that a wife's first duty was silence especially in the higher classes. However, she added in balance, I am far from saying that the [Korean] women fret and groan under this system, or crave for the freedom which European women enjoy. To support her claim, Bishop asked an intelligent Korean woman what she thought of the manner in which Westerners treated their wives. The answer was somewhat surprising. We think that your husbands dont care for you very much. I find it rather strange that Benjamin neglected to mention the fashion enjoyed by lower classes of women bare breasts. Many contemporary male visitors described encountering bare-breasted women especially in the countryside. According to The City History Compilation Committee of Seoul, a book published by the Seoul government nearly two decades ago, poor women and female servants could not even dream of wearing a cloak. They strode about the city freely in their own old clothes. Fashions revealing the breasts were a sort of privilege (?) enjoyed only by those women who had given birth to their first son. In Seoul, however, things were changing rapidly. Again, according to the Seoul government publication: In the 1880s, a new type of woman emerged, who traded the extravagance of traditional Korean clothing for the new fashion of Western clothing. These new women were the women of the Enlightened Party and the so-called Evangelist Women. After the 1890s, more and more women wearing the latest fashions in Western clothing were seen on the streets of Seoul. Seoul was alive with talk of these new women and Western-style beauties. Apparently as late as the early 20th century, some women still walked the streets in breast-revealing clothing, causing one missionary woman to take it upon herself to carry pieces of cloth and safety pins so that she could cover them up and make them decent. Korean women were truly oppressed, not only by conservative tradition but by conservative progress. My appreciation to Diane Nars for her assistance and allowing me to use one of her images. Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters. By John J. Metzler Presidents, prime kinisters, kings and potentates are converging in New York for the 79th annual General Assembly of the United Nations. As the 193 member states meet amid the pomp, splendor and promise of a renewed challenge to settle conflicts and solve humanitarian crises, which have stubbornly eluded diplomats over this past year of widening strife, there remain deep political divisions along historic, East/West and emerging North/South geopolitical fault-lines. Speaking somberly at the ceremonial ringing of the Peace Bell at the start of the session, Secretary- General Antonio Guterres stated, We come together today to sound the call for peace. Yet peace is under threat. War is on the march. From the Middle East, to Sudan, Ukraine and beyond, we see bullets and bombs maim and kill. He intoned, The foundations of a peaceful world are fracturing. Geo-political divisions are widening. Indeed for a decade and especially during the past few years, the U.N. system seems in a political funk, a period overwhelmed by a myriad of exponentially expanding conflicts, humanitarian crises and often unpredictable events. But we are reminded again and again, that while there is a diplomatic deadlock in the decision making Security Council, the U.N. works just as well as its 193 member states allow it to. The primary military crisis confronting the global community remains Gaza, and the very real danger of an expanded regional war pitting Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. At the same time theres the pressing humanitarian civilian death toll due to nearly a year of fighting in Gaza after the Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on Israel which deliberately killed over 1,200 civilians and seized over 250 Israeli hostages, many of them American. Despite endless discussions and Security Council meetings, there is yet to be a credible cease-fire, a truce and a return of the hostages. Ukraine poses a wider challenge. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the war has largely been a conflict of attrition with significant military casualties on both sides as well as devastating civilian and material damage. Cease-fire and peace proposals blow in the wind. But here the real danger comes in escalation; namely the U.S. Joe Biden administration is discussing with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about allowing the Ukrainian military to use long-range Franco-British Storm Shadow missiles to strike deeper into Russia territory. Beyond the usual bluster, how do they realistically expect Vladimir Putin to react? As Russias U.N. delegate warned, such strikes on Russia would lead to NATO becoming "a direct party to hostilities against a nuclear power. Whos talking about a cease-fire or peace negotiations? But beyond direct conflicts theres the residue of past and brewing military confrontations, especially in Syria, Sudan and the Sahel. The aftermath of Syrias 13-year civil war remains a massive human toll of death, injury and displacement. Forgotten are the 14 million people displaced and the 5.5 million refugees. Sudan is again tearing itself apart with ethnic conflicts; here the world faces an overlooked but massive humanitarian crisis with 10 million displaced people and 25 million people in need of food assistance. Sputtering but persistent violence in Sub-Saharan Sahel states such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger continues where endemic poverty triggers Islamic/ethnic conflict. Refugee outflows across the Sahara are funneled into a vast network of human trafficking operations that transport migrants into Europe. Then theres the provocative Palestine delegations resolution demanding that Israel end its unlawful occupation of Occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem within 12 months! The nefarious plan would demand Israel withdraw from Judea and Samaria (aka the West Bank). This resolution mirrors the earlier International Court of Justice advisory opinion which increasingly isolates an embattled Israel. Such crises confront the upcoming General Debate. Among the speakers' list there are 133 presidents and prime ministers scheduled. Though the U.S. is slated as the second speaker after Brazil as is historic protocol, the question remains what will Joe Biden say? Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy certainly will be there as well as Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Israels embattled Benjamin Netanyahu will again address the Assembly. Among the Europeans will be Frances Emmanuel Macron and Giorgia Meloni of Italy. Argentinas maverick President Javier Milei shall address the U.N. for the first time. Fewer top-ranking diplomats are expected this year. India and South Korea dropped out at the prime minister/president level. The same for Germany, Singapore and China. John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism: The Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China." * The police knock on your door. Theyre investigating a possible case of fraud, they say. Did you really sign a petition to get Amendment 4 on the ballot in November? Such incidents have taken place across numerous Florida counties in recent weeks, according to testimonies published by local media and posted to social media. They are part of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis desperate campaign against abortion rights. Such coordinated efforts are aimed at derailing a ballot initiative that would overturn a current restriction that makes having the procedure illegal, with no real exceptions, after the sixth week of pregnancy a cut-off before many women even know that they are pregnant. DeSantis himself signed off on the restriction last year after the Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion. If Amendment 4 receives at least 60% of votes, abortion rights will be protected by the state constitution. Legislation known as the Heartbeat Protection Act was approved by the Republican-controlled state Congress in April 2023 by a vote of 70-40, and went into effect on May 1 of this year. Its one of the most restrictive of such laws in the country, where the legal precedent that guaranteed national access to abortion, Roe vs. Wade, was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022. States now have the power to legislate the issue. The Heartbeat Protection Act which has become one of DeSantiss primary crusades only allows abortion before the sixth week of pregnancy and then, only if there is proof and documentation to demonstrate that the pregnancy was due to rape, incest or human trafficking. Or, if it puts the mothers health in danger, though two doctors are required to certify this. Even in that case, medical professionals who sign off fear that they could face criminal action. In practice, today, there is no realistic means to legally carry out an abortion in Florida. The severity of the law sparked spirited opposition, even back when it just a proposal. When it was approved, the organization Floridians Protecting Freedom began a sweeping campaign to collect signatures that would put Amendment 4 on the ballot for the November 2024 elections. After long months, they managed to collect one million signatures, 100,000 more than the number the state requires to get an initiative on the ballot. The signatures were checked over the course of eight months by an independent entity and again by the states electoral authorities. In April, they were finally accepted and ratified by the states Supreme Court, which is closely linked to DeSantis, who appointed five of its seven judges. Trump followers spar with Harris supporters at a campaign event focused on abortion in Boynton Beach, Florida. CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH (EFE) The Amendment 4 constitutional reform proposal that will be presented to voters establishes the following: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislatures constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion. Since the courts approval of its signatures was announced, Floridians Protecting Freedom and its ally organization have been campaigning in favor of Amendment 4. They raised $12 million in two months, according to their reports, and have been ceaselessly knocking on doors and educating voters, says spokesperson Lisa Zayas. We are speaking with people about the risks of the ban, because were already seeing many women who are being denied when they are most in need And were seeing that the majority of the public supports us. This is a non-partisan initiative, that has widespread support among Floridians. Recent polls find that support for the right to abort and the amendment is between 55% and 69% of the states voters, suggesting that the initiative will achieve the majority it needs to become law. An examination room in an abortion clinic in Jacksonville, Florida on April 30. Joe Raedle (Getty Images) Amid this panorama, at the end of August, the executive and legislative branches of the Florida government began a series of actions attacking the amendment from different flanks. On August 21, the states Supreme Court approved a financial impact statement that will be published alongside the amendments text on ballots. That statement, which is substantially longer than the amendment itself, states the following: The proposed amendment would result in significantly more abortions and fewer live births per year in Florida. The increase in abortions could be even greater if the amendment invalidates laws requiring parental consent before minors undergo abortions and those ensuring only licensed physicians perform abortions. There is also uncertainty about whether the amendment will require the state to subsidize abortions with public funds. Litigation to resolve those and other uncertainties will result in additional costs to the state government and state courts that will negatively impact the state budget. An increase in abortions may negatively affect the growth of state and local revenues over time. Because the fiscal impact of increased abortions on state and local revenues and costs cannot be estimated with precision, the total impact of the proposed amendment is indeterminate. Lauren Brenzel, who is the director of the Amendment 4 campaign, accused the authors of the financial impact statement of seeking to sow confusion and obscure the real issue that is under consideration. Our campaign worked hard to ensure that the language of our initiative met constitutional standards and the state should meet those same standards for clarity and accuracy so voters are not misled. Any financial impact statement should be lawfully accurate, unambiguous, straightforward, clear, and transparent. This sham of a process is a reminder to Florida voters that politicians are playing dirty tricks to overcomplicate and politicize a simple administrative fix. DeSantiss next step was creating a website on behalf of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration that openly opposes Amendment 4. State law prohibits the government from using its authority and funds to influence an election or vote of its citizenry. When questioned about the website, which alleges that the amendment puts womens health in danger, DeSantis went on the defensive. It is not electioneering. Its things that can absolutely be done through these public service announcements. And Im glad theyre doing it. Still not satisfied, the Florida State Department which is also closely tied to the governor announced that some 37,000 of the signatures that had been verified weeks prior were suspected of fraud. DeSantis has said that they are investigating petitions that were submitted on behalf of dead people. That is when they started to make home visits to confirm signatures, despite the fact that they had already been validated and the window to question signatures had long passed. As such, the objective of the visits is not clear, since it seems legally improbable that they will be able to get the amendment taken off the ballot at this point. A woman at a protest against abortion bans on April 13 in Orlando, Florida. Joe Raedle (Getty Images) Lisa Zayas and the rest of the team behind the amendment sees these efforts as an intimidation campaign designed to torpedo the democratic process, but are undeterred in their mission. Obviously, these actions and the spread of disinformation is pathetic and dramatic [] but we are firm in that what we see in all our studies, all our information, that the majority of citizens support this. We will continue educating to consolidate that support because we know we can do this, says Zayas. However, on September 13, Floridians Protecting Freedom and the ACLU of Florida filed a lawsuit against the illegal use of public funds to campaign against Amendment 4. Beyond the official campaign, the governments tactics have generated multiple legal actions in response, and the Supreme Court recently permitted the fast-tracking of a case against Governor DeSantis and other officials who are accused of inappropriately using their power. The lawsuit asks for a ban on the misuse or abuse of their positions and agencies to interfere with the Amendment 4 election. Rather than dismiss the petition, judges have requested that defendants respond to its concerns by the afternoon of September 23. Local and national leaders at a Harris-Walz campaign event focused on abortion rights on September 3. CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH (EFE) All this could have a greater electoral impact on local elections, as well as those for the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, and even the presidential race. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is a Florida resident and may vote for Amendment 4. In recent weeks, he has been asked on multiple occasions about his position on the issue, and his responses have been erratic. First, he said that he did not support the six-week ban, and then retracted the statement a few days later. Its not clear whether he will vote for or against the ballot initiative, nor the effect that could have on Florida and national elections. Since Trumps political rise, Florida has become a state with a clear Republican majority after years of being one of the countrys key political battlefields. Still, every time abortion rights have been the subject of a referendum, from the 2022 Supreme Court decision to the referendums in conservative and progressive states, the majority of voters have backed them. Throughout this presidential campaign, abortion has been one of the major issues of the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. So far, no one has dared to say it out loud, and polls suggest that it is highly unlikely, but in the middle of a ferocious battle that has placed the issue at the center of its debate, abortion could perhaps make Florida a swing state once again. Translation by Caitlin Donohue. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Top exec vows to invest in quality, safety despite EV market slowdown By Nam Hyun-woo Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun visited Hyundai Motors manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic during the Chuseok holidays last week, emphasizing the importance of the facility as the automakers key outpost for the European electric vehicle (EV) market, the group said Sunday. According to the group, Chung visited Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) in Ostrava on Thursday (local time) and held meetings with executives and employees to express his gratitude for their work. Chung visited the Czech Republic as part of a business delegation accompanying President Yoon Suk Yeol during his recent visit to the European nation. I want to express my gratitude to the members of HMMC for their commitment, expertise and strong support, Chung was quoted as saying. As the key hub for future investments in our eco-friendly mobility vision and technology, HMMC plays pivotal roles for the sustainable success of Hyundai Motor Group despite the growing uncertainties in the global market. HMMC was established in 2008 and now stands as Hyundai Motor Groups only European base capable of manufacturing EVs. Since it began assembling EVs and hybrid vehicles in 2020, the plant has delivered more than 466,000 eco-friendly vehicles as of last month. Chung visited HMMC as uncertainties grow in the European electric vehicle (EV) market, the second largest in the world after China. With key European economies like Germany and the U.K. facing a slowdown, carmakers are pulling back on their EV strategies, concerned that weakened demand may persist longer than anticipated. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, industrial demand for electric vehicles in Europe edged up 0.6% year-on-year during the first seven months of this year, compared to a 28.2% growth for the entire year of 2023. Although we are facing difficulties due to the volatility of the EV market, we will have to double our efforts to facilitate innovation and sustainable growth, Chung said, promising that the group will spare no investments for product quality and safety in order to retain HMMCs productivity and profitability. Hyundai Motor Group said it aims to navigate the current downturn by responding swiftly and flexibly to market fluctuations. In terms of manufacturing and sales, Hyundai Motor plans to increase flexibility in its production lineup, which includes internal combustion engines, hybrids, and EVs, to better adapt to the shifting market conditions in Europe. To address the slowdown in EV demand, Hyundai Motor plans to fill the sales gap with competitive hybrid SUV models, including the Tucson Hybrid. Hyundai Motor said it seeks to reclaim its leading position in the EV market with key models such as the second-generation Kona Electric, produced at its Czech plant, the IONIQ 5 exported from Korea, and the upcoming Casper Electric, locally known as the Inster, set to launch in Europe later this year. Kia, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor, will release an upgraded version of its EV6 and introduce a more affordable trim for the EV9. The company also plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup with the launch of the EV3, which will make its global debut in Europe later this year. Hyundai Motor Group said both brands, Hyundai and Kia, will adopt a more resilient growth strategy to address the volatility in the European EV market. Hyundai Motor plans to gradually increase the production of locally manufactured EVs to align with industrial demand in preparation for a recovery in the European EV market. Kia is also accelerating efforts to establish a local EV production facility in Slovakia, with plans to begin operations in the second half of next year. US President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic Saturday telling the leaders of Australia, India and Japan that an aggressive China is "testing us," in remarks that risked undercutting a summit declaration that carefully avoided mentioning Beijing by name. The comments came as Biden opened a farewell summit in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "China continues to behave aggressively, testing us all across the region," Biden was heard in what were supposed to be behind-closed-doors remarks to the so-called "Quad." Biden said that while Chinese President Xi Jinping was focusing on "domestic economic challenges" he was also "looking to buy himself some diplomatic space, in my view, to aggressively pursue China's interest." But he insisted that recent "intense efforts" by Washington to reduce tensions, including a call with Xi in April, were helping to prevent conflict. The hot mic blunder risked undermining careful diplomatic efforts by all four countries during the summit to insist that their grouping is about more than just providing a counterweight to China. In their joint statement after the summit, the four leaders made no direct mention of China, even as they expressed concern over tensions on its borders. "We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas," their declaration said. The leaders condemned "coercive and intimidating maneuvers" in the South China Sea -- where China has been at odds with the Philippines and other nations over its maritime claims -- but without saying whose maneuvers. Disputed islands in the East China Sea have meanwhile long been a source of tensions between Japan and China. Instead the leaders used veiled statements, as they have on previous occasions, about keeping the region "free and open" and talking about geopolitical "challenges." The other shadow hanging over the summit was November's U.S. presidential election, with the isolationist former president Donald Trump in a tight race against Biden's political heir Kamala Harris. Biden insisted that the group would survive whatever the political situation. "While challenges will come, the world will change because the Quad is here to stay," Biden told the leaders in his public remarks before journalists were ushered out. Asked by reporters if the Quad would make it past the Nov. 5 election, Biden replied: "Way beyond November. Way beyond November." India's Modi made a similar pledge in a commitment that will be welcomed by Washington, Canberra and Tokyo as they court the historically non-aligned New Delhi. "Our message is, the Quad is here to stay," said Modi, who is due to host next year's Quad summit in India. Biden, who bowed out of the U..S presidential election in July after concerns about his age, filled his farewell summit with personal touches. The four-way summit took place at his former high school in Wilmington and he earlier opened up his home in the city for private, one-on-one talks with each of the leaders. "I am really pleased that you were able to be in my home and see where I grew up," he said. The leaders also announced investment into fighting cervical cancer for Biden's "Cancer Moonshot" initiative again a deeply person project as his eldest son Beau died of brain cancer. The media were given no access to the private meetings at Biden's home. Biden posted pictures on social media of him with Albanese and then with Kishida in a wood-paneled drawing room in his house, and showing them the view of a lake from a veranda. The White House said the summit reflected the way Biden prioritized international alliances. There are growing questions about what would happen if Trump who has threatened to pull the United States out of groups like NATO while praising the leaders of Russia and North Korea returns to the Oval Office. (AFP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that the end of the more than 2-1/2-year-old war with Russia depended on the "resolve" of Kyiv's Western allies in providing needed weaponry and permission to use it. Zelenskyy, speaking in his nightly video address, thanked his military for a new strike on an arsenal in Russia, though he did not identify the location. He also said his meetings next week in the United States were "crucial" to ensuring that Ukraine had the defense capabilities it needed. "If we could direct all our precision towards defending our state, if there were enough missiles and permissions that partners could provide for this, the overall situation in the war would be better for our security." He added: "The answer to the question 'When will the war end?' is actually in when our partners' resolve will not lag behind what we can do for our defense, our independence, our victory." "Our clear strategy will be on the table of our partners. On the table of the president of the United States." Zelenskyy issues almost daily pleas for Ukraine's Western allies, principally the United States, to boost supplies of weaponry to fend off the slow advance of Russian forces in the Donetsk region on the eastern front of the war. Kyiv also seeks permission to use Western weapons against targets deep inside Russia to pre-empt Moscow's air attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, including energy facilities. Ukrainian officials said on Saturday their forces had hit two Russian munitions depots overnight in Krasnodar region in the south and in Tver region in the west. Zelenskyy attends sessions next week of the U.N. Security Council and General Assembly. He has also scheduled meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also the Democratic candidate for president. Zelenskyy has also said he hopes to meet her Republican rival, Donald Trump. (Reuters) Israel and Lebanon exchanged heavy fire into Sunday, with Israeli warplanes carrying out the most intense bombardment in almost a year of war across Lebanon's south, while Hezbollah claimed rocket attacks on military targets in Israel's north. The Israeli military said it struck around 290 targets on Saturday including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels and said it would continue to strike targets of the Iran-backed movement. Israel closed schools and restricted gatherings in many northern areas of the country and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights early on Sunday. Sirens sounded all night as multiple rockets and missiles were fired from Lebanon and Iraq, most of which were intercepted by Israeli aerial defence systems, the military said. Israeli media reported that a number of buildings were hit directly or by falling missile debris, and ambulance services said they treated some lightly injured people. No serious casualties were reported. Hezbollah said it targeted the Israeli Ramat David Airbase with dozens of missiles in response to "repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon," the group posted on its Telegram channel early on Sunday. The successive barrages of rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah at Ramat David are the deepest strikes it has claimed since hostilities began. Iran-backed Iraqi militants in a statement also claimed an explosive drone attack on Israel early on Sunday. The escalating attacks come less than 48 hours after an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah commanders killed at least 37 people in a suburb of the Lebanese capital, according to authorities. Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed group, said 16 members including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and another commander, Ahmed Wahbi, were among those killed on Friday in the deadliest strike in nearly a year of conflict with Israel. Israel's army said it hit an underground gathering of Aqil and leaders of Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces, and had almost completely dismantled its military chain of command. The attack levelled a multi-story residential building in the crowded suburb and damaged a nursery next door, a security source said. Three children and seven women were among those killed, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Friday's strike sharply escalated the conflict and inflicted another blow on Hezbollah after two days of attacks in which pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members exploded. The death toll in those attacks, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, has risen to 39 with more than 3,000 injured. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. In what it said was the initial retaliation for the attacks with the exploding devices, Hezbollah on Sunday posted on its Telegram channel that it had launched rockets at Israeli military-industry facilities. Israel quickly responded, striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, the military said in a statement. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said he was worried about escalation but that the Israeli killing of a top Hezbollah leader brought justice to the group, which Washington designates a terrorist organization. "While the risk of escalation is real, we actually believe there is also a distinct avenue to getting to a cessation of hostilities and a durable solution that makes people on both sides of the border feel secure," Sullivan told reporters. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati cancelled a planned trip to the U.N. General Assembly in New York. Hezbollah has said it would keep fighting Israel until it agrees to a ceasefire in its war against Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza triggered by a Hamas-led rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7. U.S. officials say that is unlikely anytime soon. Israel wants Hezbollah to cease fire and withdraw forces from the border region, adhering to a U.N. resolution signed with Israel in 2006, irrespective of any Gaza deal. Anticipating retaliation, the Israeli military restricted gatherings and raised the alert level for residents of northern communities. The alert went as far south as the coastal city of Haifa, signalling Israel thought Hezbollah could strike deeper than it had since the war with Hamas began. In southern Lebanon on Saturday, people described huge explosions that lit up the night sky and shook the ground as Israel carried out its latest strikes. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who said last week Israel was launching a new phase of war on the northern border, posted on X: "The sequence of actions in the new phase will continue until our goal is achieved: the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes." Tens of thousands of people have left their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in October in sympathy with Palestinians in Gaza. A communique from a U.S. summit hosted by President Joe Biden with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia stressed the need to prevent the Gaza war "from escalating and spilling over in the region" but did not specifically mention the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. With at least 70 people killed in Lebanon over the past week, the conflict toll in the country since October has surpassed 740 during the worst Israel-Hezbollah flare-up since a 2006 war. (Reuters) Marxist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake leads early official results in Sri Lanka's presidential election, according to tallies released on Sunday by the Election Commission, but he is still short of the 50 percent needed for victory. The election held Saturday is crucial as the country seeks to recover from the worst economic crisis in its history and the resulting political upheaval. The election, contested by 38 candidates, was largely a three-way race among Dissanayake, incumbent liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Dissanayake, whose pro-working class and anti-political elite campaigning made him popular among youth, was leading with 47 percent of total votes counted, followed by Premadasa with nearly 28 percent and Wickremesinghe with 15 percent. It was a strong showing for Dissanayake, who won just over 3 percent of votes in a previous presidential election in 2019, and suggests voters are fatigued with the old political guard, which has been accused of pushing Sri Lanka toward economic instability. Wickremesinghe's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry congratulated Dissanayake on the social platform X and said he hopes Dissanayake will lead with a commitment to transparency, integrity, and the long-term good of the country. I wish Mr. Dissanayake and his team every success in their efforts to lead Sri Lanka forward, Sabry added. However, neither Wickremesinghe nor Premadasa has conceded defeat. If no candidate secures at least 50 percent of the total votes there will not be a separate runoff. The Sri Lankan election system allows voters to select three candidates on their ballots in the order of their preference. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two will be retained and the ballots of the eliminated candidates will be checked for preferences given to either of the top two candidates, and those votes will be added to their respective tallies. The candidate with the highest number of votes after that will be declared the winner. The election was a virtual referendum on Wickremesinghes leadership of a fragile recovery, including restructuring Sri Lankas debt under an International Monetary Fund bailout program after it defaulted in 2022. Dissanayake, 55, leads the left-leaning coalition National Peoples Power, an umbrella of civil society groups, professionals, Buddhist clergy and students. No major incidents were reported during the vote but authorities declared a countrywide curfew until midday Sunday as a precaution, police said. There were 17 million eligible voters and final results are expected Sunday evening. The government announced Thursday that it passed the final hurdle in debt restructuring by reaching an agreement in principle with private bond holders. At the time of its default, Sri Lankas local and foreign debt totaled $83 billion. The government says it has now restructured more than $17 billion. Despite a significant improvement in key economic figures, Sri Lankans are struggling with high taxes and living costs. Both Premadasa and Dissanayake say they will renegotiate the IMF deal to make austerity measures more bearable. Wickremesinghe has warned that any move to alter the basics of the agreement could delay the release of a fourth tranche of nearly $3 billion that is crucial to maintaining stability. Sri Lankas economic crisis resulted largely from excessive borrowing on projects that did not generate revenue. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the governments insistence on using scarce foreign reserves to prop up the currency, the rupee, contributed to the economys free fall. The economic collapse brought a severe shortage of essentials such as medicine, food, cooking gas and fuel, with people spending days waiting in line to obtain them. It led to rioting in which protesters took over key buildings including the presidents house, his office and the prime ministers office, forcing then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign. Wickremesinghe was elected by a parliamentary vote in July 2022 to cover the remainder of Rajapaksas five-year term. (AP) A blast caused by a gas leak at an Iranian coal mine has killed at least 51 people, state media said Sunday, in one of the country's deadliest work accidents in years. "The number of dead workers increased to 51" in the explosion at the Tabas mine in eastern Iran, the official IRNA news agency reported, revising an earlier death toll of 30. It added that 20 other people were injured. The explosion occurred at around 9:00 pm (1730 GMT) on Saturday, when around 70 workers were present at the site in South Khorasan province, IRNA said. According to the report, a leak of methane gas led to the blast in two blocks of the mine, which is owned by private Iranian firm Madanjoo. State TV broadcast footage of ambulances and helicopters arriving at Tabas to transport the injured to hospital. Online footage carried by IRNA showed bodies of some of the victims, wearing their work uniform, carried out of the site on mining carts. South Khorasan governor Javad Ghenaat told state TV that rescue teams were working to recover the remaining bodies. An apparent "gas condensation" in the mine is believed to be the cause of the explosion, said Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who was headed to Tabas. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, in remarks carried state TV before departing for the UN General Assembly in New York, offered his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a probe into the deadly incident. "Unfortunately, we learned that an accident occurred in one of the coal mines in Tabas and a number of our compatriots lost their lives. I offer my condolences to their respected families," Pezeshkian said. His first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, spoke with cabinet members to ensure "emergency follow-up" and support for the victims and their families, IRNA said. The authorities have announced three days of public mourning in the eastern province after the deadly blast, according to local media. Iran's Red Crescent said search and rescue operations were underway in the mine, where some workers remained trapped. According to IRNA, they were about 250 metres (820 feet) below the surface, cut off from rescuers by chambers that had filled up with concentrated methane gas. "Gas accumulation in the mine" has made the search operations difficult, local prosecutor Ali Nesaei was quoted by IRNA as saying. "Currently, the priority is to provide aid to the injured and pull people from under the rubble," Nesaei said. He added that "the negligence and fault of the relevant agents will be dealt with" later on. Last year, an explosion at a coal mine in the northern city of Damghan killed six people, also likely the result of methane leak according to local media. In May 2021, two miners died in a collapse at the same site, local media reported at the time. A blast in 2017 killed 43 miners in Azad Shahr city in northern Iran, triggering anger toward Iranian authorities. Mineral-rich Iran has around 1.5 billion tons of proven coal reserves, according to state media. The Tabas mine covers an area of more than 30,000 square kilometres (nearly 11,600 square miles) and holds mass reserves of coking and thermal coal, according to IRNA. It is "considered the richest and largest coal area in Iran," IRNA said. (AFP) KYODO NEWS - Sep 23, 2024 - 07:46 | All, Japan Six people were killed and 10 remained unaccounted for Sunday as search efforts continued a day after heavy rain hit Noto, a region in Ishikawa Prefecture already devastated by a powerful New Year's Day earthquake. Rescue operations and restoration work were also ongoing in the area, as record rainfall caused flooding at nearly two dozen rivers and triggered landslides, cutting off roads and isolating more than 100 communities. Two of the six fatalities were found near a landslide-hit tunnel in Wajima that suffered significant damage from the Jan. 1 earthquake and was under repair, according to the land ministry. Some workers at the site were rescued. Elsewhere in the prefecture, two people remained missing after being swept away by swollen rivers and eight others were reported as unaccounted for. In the 48 hours through Sunday afternoon, Wajima recorded almost 500 millimeters of rainfall and Suzu received nearly 400 mm. Both cities on the Noto Peninsula had been under heavy rain warnings since the previous day. The amount of rainfall in the two cities reached twice the levels for September in an average year. As the heavy rain abated, the weather agency downgraded its "special warnings" for the cities and the town of Noto to simply "warnings" in the morning. Yet the Japan Meteorological Agency urged people in Ishikawa and Niigata, another prefecture along the Sea of Japan that experienced over 300 mm rainfall in the 48 hours, to maintain strict vigilance against further disasters resulting from heavy rain until noon on Monday. As the ground in some areas of the two prefectures has loosened due to the magnitude-7.6 quake that struck on Jan. 1, compounded by the rain, even a small amount of further rain could increase the risk of landslides, the agency warned. An extratropical depression that had evolved from Typhoon Pulasan, the 14th of the season, moved northeast over the Sea of Japan through Sunday morning, bringing heavy rain to a wide area of the country, it said. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed government officials to closely monitor the damage and respond in line with the needs of local authorities, given that the region is still in the process of reconstruction from the quake, the top government spokesman said. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that he spoke with Kishida, who is scheduled to return to Japan from the United States on Tuesday, over the phone, while also holding a telephone conversation with Ishikawa Gov. Hiroshi Hase. Related coverage: 1 dies, 10 unaccounted for after rainfall in Japan's Noto ABOVE: Members of the congregation of Maynooth Community Church, one of Presbyterian Church in Irelands 500-plus congregations, and guests, on the day its purpose-built building was officially opened by Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Richard Murray. Credit PCI/Jamie Trimble September 14 marked an historic moment in the life and witness of one of the Presbyterian Church in Irelands (PCI) youngest congregations, Maynooth Community Church (MCC) in County Kildare, when for the first time in over a century the Moderator officially opened a new congregations brand-new purpose-built church since the Irish Free State was established. The Moderator, Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray said it had been a wonderful and encouraging day[and] while I give thanks for our rich Presbyterian heritage on this island, I also give thanks for what God is doing now, and His plans and purposes for the future. Over the years, many Presbyterian churches have been renovated, extended, and rebuilt. More recently new church buildings have been built in existing locations in Kilkenny, Drogheda and Mullingar. This is the first time, however, that a brand-new congregation has opened its own purpose-built building in what is now the Republic of Ireland, since Arklow Presbyterian Church in 1915. MCC began life when a small group of prayerful people, mainly from Lucan Presbyterian Church, started meeting to study the Bible together in September 2002. Five months later in February 2003, having grown to around 18 people, the decision was taken to run some monthly services in Maynooth Post Primary School. The first public weekly service as Maynooth Community Church was held on 7 September that year. Four years later, in November 2007, MCC was formally constituted as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland with Rev Dr Keith McCrory, who led the project from its beginning, formally installed as its inaugural minister. Over the last 17 years, the congregation has had a number of temporary homes, most recently with the Irish Secondary School, Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Nuad, in the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board premises in Manor Mills Shopping Centre but no longer. Dr McCrory leads a 140-strong church family, one of PCIs 500-plus congregations, with a home that they can now call their own. At a total cost of 4.5million, building started on the 3.2 acre greenfield site opposite the new Tesco shopping park in April of last year, Looking back on the journey that we have travelled, the ups and downs, the tears and setbacks along the way, one thing has remained so tangibly constant, and that has been Gods amazing grace and His faithfulness. It really has been a miraculous journey, he said. At the start, Dr McCrory said that they werent originally convinced that they needed a building, but eventually realised that if they could, having a permanent presence in Maynooth would create a greater capacity for gathering and ministry. It would also increase our witness, and contribute to the availability of social space in the town, which the community so badly needs. I have had a number of inquiries from various local groups to see if they could use it already, Dr McCrory said. The Londonderry/Derry born minister continued, I am still looking around the building in amazement. God has been so good, as have our members who have given sacrificially for over 10 years, our other donors and PCI through the Council for Mission in Ireland. The prayers and support of so many people and congregations across the denomination, not least Lucan, our parent church and its minister at the time, Dr Trevor Morrow, have made such a difference. Our architect Judith Hamilton, her team at Knox and Markwell, the builders Corbally Construction, our local politicians, Kildare County Council, and those who have hosted us in the past, have all played their part in this journey, and we give thanks to God for each and every one, he said. In the afternoon, PCIs Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, dedicated and officially opened the church building in front of guests from Dail Eireann, Kildare County Council and Maynooth Community Council. Local churches, including the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Church (both dedicated to St Mary), along with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, were also present. Many other friends of MCC from PCI, and the local community, were also present, and heard Dr Murray preach the sermon. Speaking after the service, the Moderator said, This has been a wonderful and encouraging day as we have been able to rejoice together in the goodness of God and I would like to thank MCC for inviting me. This afternoon I preached on Revelation 3, where in verse 8 it says, I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut... MCC is an open door to witness, outreach, of opportunity and a new dawn, and I commend them for their commitment and bravery in making this journey. Above all, I commend them for their faith in Jesus Christ who is the Saviour and Leader of His people. Having a permanent home now, it is my prayer that it will further establish the congregation's witness in the town, and as the Bible is faithfully taught, I hope that the hunger of many hearts for spiritual truth will be met, he said. The Moderator continued, An important part of my role is to support and encourage our Church and my brothers and sisters in Christ. In the past while I have planted a tree to commemorate the 350th anniversary of a congregation in Donegal, tomorrow, Sunday, I will preach at the 50th anniversary of another congregation in County Antrim. This week I planted another tree in West Belfast, having visited our special ministry there, where we are seeking to re-establish our presence in that part of the city, and today I am here. While I give thanks for our rich Presbyterian heritage on this island, I also give thanks for what God is doing now, and His plans and purposes for the future. PCIs Council for Mission in Ireland has encouraged Maynooth Community Church over the years in its development, and provided central funding and other support. It is also oversees and supports Home Mission congregations, including Maynooth, and is responsible for the all-Ireland denominations Church Planting Strategy. Council Secretary Rick Hill, also attended the official opening. Church planting lies in the history and heart of Irish Presbyterianism, because for each of our congregations to exist, they had to be planted. As Maynooth turns another page in that history, this new building represents the next phase of church development for them, following almost two decades of meeting in rented accommodation, he said. While the Church has always been more than bricks and mortar, its mission also happens in a specific context and this building helps to establish the churchs presence and witness in a more visible way within this local community. It is our hope and prayer that it will be a wonderful blessing to the people of Maynooth and that we would see similar developments across Ireland, north, south east and west, in the years to come. Maynooth Community Church The new church building covers 900 square metres and has a worship space for 220 people, a welcome area, kitchen, prayer room, three kids rooms, a family room off the main sanctuary, a room for counselling, ministers office and administration office, and a large meeting room. Presbyterian Church in Ireland The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has around 200,000 members belonging to 500-plus congregations across 19 regional presbyteries throughout Ireland. The Presbyterian form of Christian faith is best described as 'Reformed' with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God, the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible. It is the largest Reformed denomination in Northern Ireland. Irish Presbyterianism had its origins in Scottish migrations to Ulster in the early 17th Century. Ballycarry Presbyterian Church in County Antrim is the oldest congregation dating back to 1613. The newest, Donabate Presbyterian Church in County Dublin, opened its doors in 2010. In 1840 two Presbyterian Churches, the General Synod of Ulster and the Secession Synod formed the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, with Rev Dr Samuel Hanna elected as the first Moderator of the new church. Presbyteries In the Presbyterian system of church government, each presbytery consists of ministers and elders who are drawn from local congregations and other ministries in a particular area. As a court of the church, each presbytery is responsible for overseeing those congregations in its local area, while undertaking other important tasks, which include the ordination and installation of ministers (also known as teaching elders), the ordination of elders, and the annual selection of the Moderator. There are currently 19 regional presbyteries. The Presbytery of Monaghan and the Presbytery of Dublin and Munster are located in the Republic of Ireland, while the Presbytery of Derry and Donegal is cross border, with congregations located in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Moderator of the General Assembly: Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is the most senior office-bearer of the Church and its principal public representative. By convention, the Moderator is selected each year on the first Tuesday in February by ministers and elders meeting separately across Ireland in their presbyteries. Having been selected for office, the Moderator-Designate is then elected by the General Assembly in June and installed at a special service in front of invited civic guests. Seven Moderators have served twice. The last being Very Rev Dr David Bruce (2020-2021 & 2021-2022) the first in nearly 130 years to do so. The serving Moderator is given the honorific style, Right Reverend (Rt Rev), former Moderators are known as Very Reverend (Very Rev). Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray is the current Moderator and the 179th person to hold PCIs highest office since the establishment of the Church. He has been the minister of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church near Ballymoney in County Antrim since 2016. Born in 1965, he was ordained in 1997 as minister of Hilltown and Clonduff Presbyterian Churches, near Rathfriland in County Down, where he served for seven years, before being called to Connor Presbyterian Church near Ballymena in 2005, where he served as minister for 11 years. When Dr Murray was called to Drumreagh it was a joint charge with Dromore Presbyterian Church, which amalgamated with Drumreagh in 2022. As part of his ministerial training, Dr Murray was also the assistant to the minister of Terrace Row Presbyterian in Coleraine for three years, before his ordination as minister of Hilltown and Clonduff Presbyterian. Dr Murray was originally from Ladybrook in west Belfast, worshipping at Sufolk Presbyterian Church. The family moved to Finaghy in south Belfast, and worshipped at Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church. Married to Lynn, a GP in Coleraine, their son Andrew is married to Erin. His late father-in-law, Very Reverend Dr David McCaughey, was Moderator for 1994-1995. Dr Murray was formally elected and installed as Moderator on 21 June 2024, having been selected as Moderator-Designate by the Churchs 19 presbyteries on 6 February that year. During his year in office, he will travel throughout Ireland and overseas to see the work and ministry of the Church, encouraging minsters and PCI members. He will also represent the Church at significant national and state events, while working closely with other church leaders through the Church Leaders Group (Ireland). Another important role is the chairing of a number of the General Assemblys Councils. His theme for the year is Mighty to Save. KYODO NEWS - Sep 22, 2024 - 11:40 | All, Japan Japan will take measures as early as October to enable foreign trainees to transfer jobs more easily, as the number of those who quit without notice due to poor working conditions and other reasons hit a record high of 9,753 in 2023, government sources said. Under Japan's technical intern program, workers are prohibited from switching workplaces for the first three years in principle as they are asked to develop their skills in one area, while job transfer is permitted if there are "unavoidable circumstances." The Immigration Services Agency will revise its guidelines, which have been criticized for being vague, to ensure they clearly state that job transfers are allowed if interns are abused or sexually harassed or there has been a malicious violation of laws and regulations at their workplaces, including a breach of contract. The revised guidelines will also permit both victims of harassment and their coworkers to request transfers while allowing interns to take a part-time job of up to 28 hours per week over the period of their transfer to cover living expenses. The number of people leaving trainee jobs without notice has been on the rise, climbing to 9,006 in 2022 from 5,885 in 2020. Preliminary figures for 2023 showed a further increase, with Vietnamese workers the largest contingent at 5,481, followed by Myanmar nationals at 1,765 and Chinese at 816, according to Justice Ministry sources. Nearly half of the workers were involved in construction-related jobs, the sources said. The revised guidelines will have a special provision for those unable to find a new employer as a trainee but wish to switch to the specified skilled worker scheme, enabling them to temporarily work under a designated activities visa until they pass the exam required to obtain the status. The current foreign trainee program, which has been in place since 1993, has been criticized as simply being an avenue for Japan to import cheap labor. The government will replace the program with a new system as early as 2027 that will permit job transfers after one or two years of employment at one workplace. Related coverage: Central Japan firms helping teach Japanese to foreign workers' kids Mos Burger chain operator to start recruiting foreign workers Gardai present in Naas District Court on Thursday, September 19 last explained why a woman they arrested urinated in a patrol car. Back in January, the situation was explained to Judge Desmond Zaidan by solicitor Joe Coonan. Mr Coonan made the comments on behalf of his client, Kelsey Browne, with an address given as Doorley Park in Rathangan. Gardai present at Naas District Court on Thursday, January 4 last told Judge Zaidan that the 22-year-old was arrested for apublic disorder offence at Doorley Park on December 9 last. Upon reading the charge sheet, Judge Zaidan said to Mr Coonan that the situation 'is an embarrassing one: your client has been accused of urinating in a garda car.' Mr Coonan replied that his client had asked gardai to let her use a toilet because she had to urinate, but she claimed that gardai refused this request, and as a result, she urinated involuntarily in the car. On the latest date, a garda who was sworn in backed up Ms Browne's statement. The garda explained that gardai were called to a disturbance at a private residence in Doorley Park on December 9 last. He told the judge that an altercation happened between Ms Browne and an unspecified male, and added that she was acting in an abusive manner towards gardai, and was arrested, and the the urination later occurred in the garda car. The garda explained that they did not let her urinate outside of the patrol, given that she 'was abusive to gardai and that there were no female gardai present.' "Then why did you charge her with criminal damage?" Judge Zaidan asked, before adding that he would take the circumstances into account as part of his verdict. He also told the garda: "That [type of similar situation] may be something you'll have to prepare for in the future." The court was told that Ms Browne has one previous conviction for failing to give information to gardai, which resulted in the Probation Act being enacted on her case. Defending barrister Mark Gibbons told the court that the gardai 'have been very fair' with Ms Browne. "She is apologetic over what happened, and it won't happen again. I am just asking you to be as lenient as possible," he added. Judge Desmond Zaidan decided to fine her 500 for the public disorder offence and gave her three months to pay this fine. He further said that he took the criminal damage offence into consideration as part of his verdict. Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin are to focus on conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Mr Harris and Mr Martin are travelling to New York on Sunday for several days of engagements at the high-level week. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins is to address the UN Summit of the Future on Sunday at the UNs headquarters. In his address, Mr Higgins will emphasise again the importance of food security for Africa and how to achieve a new, invigorated United Nations. Mr Higgins will also join Mr Harris and Mr Martin, as well as other heads of state and government, in attending the first day of the annual high-level general debate on Tuesday. Mr Harris will attend the Summit of the Future, will co-chair one of four interactive dialogues, and attend high-level events related to the situation in the Middle East and in Ukraine. The Taoiseach will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with other leaders, including with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Mr Harris said ahead of the events that his focus would be on the grave situation in the Middle East. The immediate priority of the international community must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. A dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance is urgently needed. The safety of UN and other humanitarian workers must be adequately protected. All efforts must be made to prevent escalation in the region and I call on all sides to practise restraint. The Taoiseach, who recently returned from a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, said that Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine would also be raised, as would the devastating conflict in Sudan. Mr Martin said ahead of the trip that the UN event was a key international moment for Ireland and indeed the world. I look forward to working with like-minded partners and, vitally, those with whom we may not agree, to seek solutions and find a way forward to build a more peaceful, prosperous, just and sustainable world. I also look forward to engaging with a wide range of counterparts to discuss the urgent need to address the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. On Sunday, Mr Martin will attend a working dinner meeting with other ministers on the Middle East hosted by the International Peace Institute. On Tuesday, he will attend the opening ceremony of the UN General Assembly and hold a range of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers. The Government has been accused of cowardice over its decision to abandon hate incitement draft laws. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee confirmed on Saturday that parts of the hate speech Bill that would make incitement to violence and hatred an offence would be removed. She said this was being done because the Government could not get consensus on the proposed legislation. Politicians have been wrangling over the wording of the Bill, which had aimed to overhaul 1989 incitement to hatred legislation and introduce laws that would make hate an aggravating factor in certain offences. Concerns have been raised around a lack of clarity on the detail of the draft laws, such as what hate means and what impact the legislation could have on freedom of speech. Tech billionaire Elon Musk was among those who opposed the proposed laws, which aimed to modernise Irelands legislation around hate-related crimes to better tackle online activity. Ms McEntee is to propose amendments to the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 at committee stage. The Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 will now not be repealed as incitement proposals are withdrawn, despite Ms McEntee stating that she believed they needed to be updated. The minister said on Saturday: We currently have incitement to hatred legislation, I believe it needs to be strengthened, however we need a consensus to do that. We dont currently have that. So, I am moving forward with the hate crime element of the legislation. Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore accused the Government of cowardice over the changes to the bill. I think its cowardice by the government. This has been worked on for years and the fact that now (as) were coming up to an election that theyre afraid to go ahead with this is just unacceptable, she said on RTEs The Week in Politics programme. It wasnt perfect, but any of the concerns that people had, I think, could have actually been dealt with throughout the debating process, and it could have actually come out with quite a strong piece of legislation. Minister of State and Government chief whip Hildegarde Naughton said there were legitimate concerns about the Bill and that it was also about social cohesion. I know people, theyre not racist, they may have legitimate concerns around freedom of speech, expressing their opinions, and it is a difficult space to be in and thats the job of government to get this right. So, I think what Minister McEntee is doing is very sensible, as she is moving forward with the hate crime legislation, which will increase the sentences that will be given to people who breach the law. Sinn Fein TD Eoin O Broin defended his partys changed stance on the Bill, going from supporting it in the Dail last year to its justice spokesman Pa Daly calling for it to be entirely scrapped in March this year. If you go back into the record, we made clear that our willingness to allow the Bill to go through the Seanad stage was on foot of commitments for the minister that she would tackle the deficiencies of the Bill. He said changes to legislation were needed but could be done within the existing incitement to hatred act. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has accused the Israeli embassy of leaking a letter in which he sent his best wishes to the new president of Iran. Israels embassy in Dublin rejected the claim and called the remarks highly inflammatory and potentially slanderous. Mr Higgins is in New York where he addressed the UN Summit of the Future at the organisations headquarters. Speaking to journalists after his address, Mr Higgins was asked about criticism he received for sending a courtesy letter to Masoud Pezeshkian, who became Irans president after his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May. The Israeli embassy in Dublin criticised the letter to Mr Pezeshkian at the time, saying it sent the wrong message to the people of Iran living in fear under this brutal regime. Mr Higgins said on Sunday that the correspondence to Mr Pezeshkian was standard for when someone is a newly elected head of state. He added that the letter, which was leaked online in August, emphasised peace in the Middle East and the importance of diplomacy. When asked about the letter by the Irish Independent, Mr Higgins said: Why dont you ask where it came from? Where the criticism came from and how the letter was circulated and by whom and for what purpose? When pushed on the matter, Mr Higgins said: It was circulated from the Israeli embassy. He added that he did not know how Israeli authorities would have obtained the letter and noted that Israels ambassador to Ireland was not in residence to consult. Israel recalled its ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich in May in response to Irelands recognition of a Palestinian state. Ms Erlich has not returned to Ireland since, with the embassy stating earlier this month that it hopes under different, more friendly conditions, Ambassador Erlich will resume her duties in Dublin. In a statement to the PA news agency, the Israeli embassy in Dublin said: Unfortunately in Ireland, since the October 7 invasion by Hamas and massacre in Israel, which triggered this awful war, Israel has been subjected to a high level of malicious statements and accusations that have often manifested as incitement to hatred. This baseless accusation is highly inflammatory and potentially slanderous and the embassy rejects it completely. The fact remains that the letter was written and (therefore) it is the burden of the author to defend its content, which did not mention the threat Iran poses in the region, that it calls for Israels destruction, that it arms and funds terrorist organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah, not to mention the violations of human rights against its own citizens. 'Tete de Cheval Blanc' ('Head of a White Horse'), by Theodore Gericault (1791-1824). Paris, Musee du Louvre. THIERRY LE MAGE/RMN-GP What could the animal be thinking, with its gaze, a mixture of curiosity and anxiety, fixed on ours? Painted by Theodore Gericault (1791-1824), the Tete de Cheval Blanc ("White Horse's Head") is a good illustration of the fascination painters had for these enigmatic creatures. The artwork is on display at the Chateau de Versailles, as part of a wide-ranging exhibition entitled "Cheval en Majeste" ("Horse in Majesty") which explores four centuries of equestrian art, from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. The exhibition unfolds through around 10 of the palace's salons, with around 300 works on display. Organized for the Olympic and Paralympic Games the chateau's park hosted the equestrian events the exhibition will run until November 3. Visitor numbers are likely to surge with the surprise arrival of Zeus, the silver mechanical horse that thrilled spectators during the Olympics' opening ceremony with its procession on the Seine: After being displayed in the courtyard of the Paris City Hall, Zeus will take up residence at Versailles from October 1. Read more Subscribers only Paris 2024: The ancient art of dressage returns to its roots in Versailles The location probably influenced the curators' choice to focus the exhibition on court life, art and war rather than domestic life or work in the fields. The horse is depicted with the same grandeur as the monarchs who once occupied the place. From the very first room, several horses stand proudly, manes blowing in the wind like Kortom, or neatly groomed like Sultan, painted life-size on monumental canvases. Strikingly long mane These horses were favorites of Charles XI of Sweden, who had them immortalized by David Klocker Ehrenstrahl (1628-1698). Louis XIV also cherished his horses his stables included up to 2,300 of them whose names, listed in the royal household register, reflected their character Le Commode ("easygoing"), Le Charmant ("charming"), Le Pompeux ("pompous"), and so on. As for Marengo, portrayed by Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) in his famous painting Bonaparte Franchissant le Grand-Saint-Bernard ("Napoleon Crossing the Alps"), he became almost as famous as his rider. 'Portrait Equestre de Leopold de Medicis,' ('Equestrian Portrait of Leopoldo de' Medici'), by Justus Sustermans (1597-1681), in the Hall of Mirrors at the Chateau de Versailles (Yvelines), June 2024. CHRISTOPHE FOUIN "The noblest conquest ever made by man over the brute creation, is the reduction of this spirited and haughty animal, which shares with him the fatigues of war, and the glory of victory [...] He feels pleasure also in the chase, and in tournaments; in the course he is all fire," wrote Buffon in his Histoire Naturelle (Natural History, 1749-1789). For celebrations, the animals were lavishly adorned, demonstrated by a ceremonial velvet saddle embroidered with silver, a diplomatic gift from Louis XIV to the King of Poland, Auguste le Fort, and another in silk velvet woven with gold and silver thread, presented to Charles XI of Sweden. You have 53.06% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Near the Japanese school of the 10-year-old Japanese child stabbed to death the day before in Shenzhen, China, on September 19, 2024. DAVID KIRTON / REUTERS The death of a Japanese child, stabbed on Wednesday, September 18 on his way to school in Shenzhen, in southeast China, has sparked strong emotion and anguish in the Japanese expatriate community. It has also cast a new pall over the difficult bilateral relations between the two countries. The 10-year-old boy, whose father is Japanese and whose mother is Chinese, was attacked with a knife. It was the second such attack in just a few months. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida denounced a "particularly despicable crime." In a phone call with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Japanese Ambassador in Beijing Kenji Kanasugi "urgently requested" that all information on the crime be shared, and that security be stepped up around schools for Japanese residents in China. Chinese diplomacy considers this to be an "isolated incident." The assailant, a 44-year-old man, has already been arrested several times in the past, mainly for disturbing the peace. A year of diplomatic chill Most of the major Japanese companies, including Toyota, Nissan and Toshiba, have called on their Japanese employees in China to exercise caution, and have said they are inquiring about safety protocols around schools. Panasonic is allowing expatriate families to return temporarily to Japan if they wish, and covering the costs. In the weeks leading up to this attack, relations between China and the archipelago had already deteriorated, due to new Chinese military actions, while tensions have been rising in the South China Sea and off the Philippines in recent years. On August 26, a People's Liberation Army reconnaissance aircraft entered Japanese airspace for two minutes, an unprecedented incursion. Then, on September 18, a Chinese aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed into Japanese territory when it took a new route between two islands, Yonaguni and Ishigaki, located 140 kilometers east of Taiwan. Read more Japan scrambles jets after Chinese aircraft 'violates' airspace The Shenzhen attack took place on the day commemorating the start of Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931. It comes after a year of diplomatic chill, with China accusing its neighbor of polluting the oceans by having begun to discharge water from the Fukushima power plant into the sea on August 24, 2023, despite reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it complies with international standards. The intense media coverage of the issue had grabbed Chinese attention, who were genuinely concerned about the consequences for their health and the environment. Beijing has since suspended imports of all Japanese seafood products. You have 37.65% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. The funeral of 8-year-old Narin Guran in the village of Tavsantepe, in southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, on September 9, 2024. SERTAC KAYAR / REUTERS What began as a tragic and appalling news item has become a national outcry. Since the disappearance of 8-year-old Narin Guran on August 21, and the discovery 10 days later of her lifeless body, wrapped in a plastic bag submerged in her village river, Turkey has been on an emotional roller coaster. Each week brings updates from investigators, each day a new twist. No newspaper or news broadcast is without reports or condemnations, as the search for those responsible continues to dominate headlines. When police were alerted to the disappearance of the little girl from her village of Tavsantepe a 15-minute drive south of Diyarbakir, the regional capital of the predominantly Kurdish southeast of Anatolia they immediately launched a search. Narin had last been seen in the afternoon on her way home from a Quran study class. Her smiling face was soon all over social media. Public anger was vented in the streets of major cities, where numerous demonstrations took place. The debate over the disappearances of children took a political turn when opposition dailies pointed out that the village of Tavsantepe has traditionally supported Huda Par, the Kurdish Islamic party whose origins can be traced back to the Turkish Hezbollah (so-named to distinguish it from Lebanese Hezbollah, created during the same period, in 1984), a religious extremist group implicated in political assassinations in the 1990s and 2000s. Several of its cells are said to have been active in Tavsantepe. An ally of the coalition government since 2023, Huda Par is today best known for its violent diatribes against women's rights and gender equality. Fresh controversy In the moments following the discovery of Narin's body, two consecutive statements sparked new controversies. Speaking in front of Diyarbakir's Institute of Forensic Medicine, after meeting with the victim's relatives, Vedat Turgut, Huda Par candidate in one of the city's districts in the March municipal elections, pointed his finger elsewhere: "This is not our culture, this is the culture of Europe, America and Israel." Speaking on Sozcu TV, Galip Ensarioglu, a local MP for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP party, said that he'd had "a 40-year friendship with the family" and that, "sometimes there are things we don't know, and sometimes we know, but we shouldn't tell." These words, apart from stoking intrigue, raised fears that the authorities were trying to hush up the affair. The politician later explained that his words had been misunderstood. You have 61.58% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Not recognizing Nicolas Maduro's victory in the July 28 presidential election and yet not declaring the opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, president-elect: This is the difficult balancing act that most Western countries are facing during Venezuela's post-election crisis. On Thursday, September 19, the European Parliament voted in favor of a non-binding resolution proposed by the right and far right that recognizes Gonzalez as the country's "legitimate and democratically elected president." So far, no European country has taken that step. Although Spain's two legislative chambers have also passed a resolution to this effect, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has not followed suit. Apart from some 40 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa led by Russia and China, which, conversely, hailed Maduro as the winner of the election the majority of countries in the rest of the international community, led by the US, have recognized the "overwhelming evidence" of Gonzalez's victory at the ballot box. But, apart from Argentina and Panama, no government is using the term "president-elect." Gonzalez has been in exile in Madrid since September 8. Read more Venezuela's opposition candidate flees to Spain Statements from the Council of the EU merely say that "official voting records (...) published by the opposition" indicate that " Gonzalez Urrutia would appear to be the winner of the presidential election by a significant majority." In early August, Washington made it clear that acknowledging his victory did not mean recognizing him as the president-elect. In fact, on Thursday, the European Parliament rejected a clause that would have required the EU and its member countries to do so. The difference is subtle, but significant. It would have meant, starting on January 10, the day of the inauguration, forging diplomatic, political and commercial ties with a government in exile. "Hardly anyone in Europe wants to do this, because they don't want to make the same mistake as with Juan Guaido," explained a senior Spanish diplomat. Read more Subscribers only Protests over Maduro's claimed victory spread to Venezuela's streets "Enormous pressure" In January 2019, after Maduro was sworn in for a second term (following another contested re-election), the opposition declared a "power vacuum" and proclaimed the then-head of the National Assembly, Guaido, "interim president." Barely 10 minutes later, the then-US president, Donald Trump, announced that he recognized the young deputy as the legitimate president. Emmanuel Macron and some 60 other leaders, including those from other European countries, followed suit. "In 2019, the US government had exerted enormous pressure on the Europeans to recognize Guaido and to bring down Maduro's regime," said the Spanish diplomat. "This decision was influenced by the regional context, with Colombia, Brazil and Chile governed by the right. But Guaido's 'government,' despite its ambassadors, its representatives to international bodies, was made of cardboard." You have 45.57% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. THE MOTHER of a man who locked herself in a bedroom because of his aggressive behaviour says shes hoping for a miracle that he has learned his lesson. The woman, who can't be named in order to protect her identity, made her comments at a sitting of Kilmallock District Court after her son admitted breaching the terms of a Safety Order, twice on the same day. During the in-camera hearing, Inspector Gearoid Thompson said gardai attended the family home shortly before 1am after they were alerted to a disturbance. He (the son) had returned home and he started throwing bread at her (his mother). He was shouting and roaring, he told Judge Patricia Harney, adding that the man's mother and his sister then locked themselves in a bedroom. READ ALSO: Gardai issue warning amidst attempted house burglary in Limerick He said the man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and taken to a garda station. He was subsequently released but was aggressive post-release requiring gardai to attend the house again at around 10pm. He was violent and aggressive, he was shouting and roaring, said Insp Thompson who told the court the defendant admitted he had consumed whiskey, lager and cocaine in the hours between his release and his second arrest. Solicitor Ted McCarthy told the court his client was remanded in custody following a court appearance in August as gardai had concerns about him living at the family home and that an alternative address could not be agreed. He accepts he was very much out of order, he said, adding that his client was in constant contact with his mother while in custody. The solicitor said his client is due to begin a detox programme in the coming weeks and he asked that he be granted bail to allow him to attend. In her evidence, the man's mother said she is very happy for him to come home adding that she is hoping for a miracle that he has learned his lesson. Noting her evidence and Mr McCarthy's submission, Judge Harney said she was willing to grant bail. However, in doing so, she warned the defendant that the Safety Order remains in place and that gardai will come if there are any difficulties before he enters the detox programme. She also advised him that he needs to be sober in order to enter the programme. Judge Harney, who imposed strict reporting restrictions, added that the final decision regarding any sentence is hers and that, if appropriate, a prison sentence can be imposed. THERE is good news for people who drink water from wells or swim and fish in rivers and lakes in Limerick, following new government measures. Green Partys Minister for Nature, Malcolm Noonan TD, has published a plan to protect and improve Irelands rivers, lakes and coasts. Described as ambitious, the plan aims to reduce water pollution and improve the quality of over 300 lakes and rivers across Ireland by 2027. One of the most significant actions locally is the improvement of fish migration in the lower Shannon around Parteen and Ardnacrusha. It will be implemented with the support and participation of local communities who are most affected by the quality of their local water, including areas in Limerick. READ MORE: Limerick Council confirm milestone spend on upgraded pedestrian infrastructure The Water Action Plan has three broad aims: to prevent and reduce water pollution, to let more rivers run free and restore their natural ecosystem functions, and to continue the positive trajectory of investment in water infrastructure. The principal causes of the decline in Irelands water quality are the increasing loss into water of polluting phosphorus and nitrogen from farmland, inadequately treated waste water and physical impacts on water bodies, due to river barriers, and drainage of lands and rivers. Limerick TD Brian Leddin, who chairs the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action, praised the new plan. Water is one of our most precious resources so we must work hard to keep it clean and safe for everyone to enjoy, he said. Our rivers and lakes are under threat, and we need to take action to stop pollution ruining them. This plan isnt just hot air, it provides the funds to clean up our water and enforce strong controls on pollution. It will empower local communities to take control and ensure local waterways stay clean. Implementation of the roadmap of actions to improve fish migration will include the use of state-of-the-art technical solutions, with a timescale of 2027. Additionally, the Inland Fisheries of Ireland (IFI) will lead a pilot project for the Annacotty Weir. The Annacotty Weir has been identified as a significant barrier to the free movement of fish and it is located within the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation. This project is anticipated to commence in 2025 and will provide an opportunity to test a collaborative and ecology focused design approach. It will also test enhanced community engagement opportunities that go beyond the standard consultation practices involved in the planning process. This, in turn, means assisting with the design and implementation of the national restoration programme in ones area. New measures in the plan will bring communities, non-governmental organisations, farmers and industry together to understand the challenges in their area and collaborate in solving them. Local authorities are set to get more than 60 new enforcement staff to target inspections on 4,500 farms per year and ensure tighter controls on the use of fertilisers that impact water quality. The plan continues the strategic investment in wastewater infrastructure, with funding for Uisce Eireann coming to over 2.3bn since 2020. KYODO NEWS - Sep 22, 2024 - 22:34 | All, Japan, World Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is considering meeting her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi this week to discuss issues including the stabbing death of a Japanese schoolboy in China and the lifting of a ban on seafood imports from Japan, diplomatic sources said Sunday. If the talks are arranged, Kamikawa and Wang will meet Monday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, after having last met in July in Laos, the sources said. Kamikawa will likely urge China to craft measures to prevent a similar incident from happening again and make further efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals living in the country. Meanwhile, a Japanese senior vice foreign minister traveled to Beijing on Sunday, also to address the stabbing that occurred Wednesday near a Japanese school in the southern city of Shenzhen. During his three-day trip, Yoshifumi Tsuge will meet Chinese government officials over the incident, according to the Foreign Ministry. The 10-year-old boy, whose father is Japanese and mother is Chinese, died early Thursday morning after he was stabbed in the abdomen on his way to school. The male suspect was apprehended by police stationed near the educational facility. Police described the knife attack as an isolated incident and said the perpetrator was acting alone, according to local media reports. On China's ban on seafood imports, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday that Beijing has agreed to resume them, contingent on third-party nations, including itself, participating in monitoring the discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. Related coverage: China to express readiness to lift import ban on Japanese seafood Japan business group urges gov't to ensure citizens' safety in China Japanese boy dies after being stabbed by man in China's Shenzhen THE MOTHER of a young woman who was pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) after a blood clot travelled to her lung, said she hopes her daughter found her unicorn when she got to heaven. Christine Keogh from Byrne Avenue, Prospect in Limerick City, was just 28-years-old when she died on March 11, 2020 at UHL. Ms Keogh was admitted to UHL on February 24, 2020 with seizures and the woman who had a background of epilepsy, intellectual disability and was overweight, was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In ICU, she was intubated, ventilated and remained in the unit until March 8, when she was medically discharged. Christines mother Christina told the inquest that her daughter was afraid that you go in and dont come out of hospital and that she would panic with other people around or could get aggressive in an open ward. While Dr Elijah Chaila reported being told she had walked with a zimmer frame, Mrs Keogh told the court that her daughter never walked from the time of her admission in the hospital. Representing the Keogh family, barrister Liam Carroll BL, instructed by solicitor Michael ODonnell, confirmed with witnesses that Ms Keogh had been given anticoagulant medication, but this was not continued at home. Mr Carroll asked Dr Chaila why doctors would be concerned about anticoagulant for someone relatively young like Ms Keogh, and was told it was because she had suffered from a critical illness, had been intubated, and these factors combined with her high BMI and reduced mobility put her at high risk of a thrombotic event. At the time, the decision was made with the information I had just before discharge, Dr Chaila told the court. When asked about the development of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - otherwise known as a blood clot, Dr Chaila said that in all cases symptoms can vary depending on where it is, but most clots are asymptomatic and the patient may develop swelling of the legs and pain. The family maintained there was swelling in the legs, but Dr Chaila and other witnesses said this could have been attributed to fluid retention. He added: I didnt suspect DVT. Speaking about the difficulties they experienced after being transferred home by ambulance, Mrs Keogh said they had no proper plan and it was two people trying to move a 19-stone child and we couldnt get the help we needed - we rang everyone. The coroner recognised that it was a struggle for the family who were reaching out to the health board and the hospital. ICU nurse Katherine Foley remembered Ms Keogh as a sincere, happy woman and said she had expressed concerns about Ms Keoghs mobility at home and how the family would manage her care at home. She said she got the impression that she (Mrs Keogh) would be able to manage her care, but she didnt know that the battery for the hoist at the home had died. Limerick coroner John McNamara delivered a narrative verdict and said that the cause of death was acute cardiorespiratory failure due to a thrombotic embolism with a background of obesity. He said that Ms Keogh came from a very loving family who cared for her with the greatest of care one could hope for and they have suffered a terrible tragedy. Sympathies were expressed to Ms Keoghs parents Christina and John and her only surviving sister Sabrina, who were all in Kilmallock Courthouse. READ MORE: LEADER funding of 5.1m available to Limerick communities Speaking after the verdict, Sabrina described the inquest as being not enough, saying that Christine should still be alive. She should be here. We shouldn't be standing in this place, hearing Christine Keogh, deceased. We should be just watching her live her life, and becoming who she wants to be. I recently had a daughter and she's never going to meet her, she's never going to become an aunt. I don't think anything we heard today would change the fact that she's still gone, at the end of the day. She was very bubbly, outgoing, she was always up for a laugh, like, especially with our neighbours, she'd always be slagging on them, or giving them the finger, Ms Keoghs mother said, explaining with a laugh that her daughter was so innocent and naive that she would hold up her index finger rather than the middle one. She said her daughter was a bit of a rogue and was never a negative person, she was just this bubbly, funny, caring, loving person that is truly and deeply missed by everyone that knew her. Mrs Keogh said that on the night she died, her daughter was struggling to breathe and she thought it was a seizure. Her daughter Sabrina did CPR, before her husband took over, and when the ambulance arrived, it was too late and she was pronounced dead at UHL. The Keoghs lost two daughters in four years and Mrs Keogh said that Christine was so innocent that she thought she could just go to heaven, see her late sister Tonya and come back home. 'Ill just say hi to Tonya and come back down, shed say. She didnt understand that when you go there, you dont come back. She was too innocent for life. Shed always say, when I go to heaven, Ill find a unicorn. May Christine rest in peace. THE NATIONAL Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, held a special event bringing young people face to face with members of the Oireachtas to discuss funding for youth services yesterday. Taking place at Buswells Hotel in Dublin, the young advocates were able to speak directly to key decision makers ahead of Budget 2025. Yolanda Ndlovu representing the Limerick City constituency said: I really enjoyed meeting our local representatives and sharing with them some of the amazing experiences Ive had with NYCI and Foroige. 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. READ MORE: Limerick six-year-old wins Dublin Zoo art competition 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 the 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. NYCI Director of Policy and Advocacy, Kathryn Walsh, 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 smaller areas making it easier for young people to engage with these services. Furthermore, 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 People can be dragged into narratives about migration if politicians ignore genuinely-held concerns, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has said. The DUP MLA said that although people may have genuine concerns about public services and migration, they may not be accurate and should be responded to with the factual context. Serious disorder and several race-related incidents broke out on the streets of Belfast on several occasions in early August after an anti-immigration protest. The unrest and attacks on some businesses owned by people from minority ethnic backgrounds came at a time of tension in parts of the UK after misinformation on social media following the murder of three young children in Southport. Politicians in Northern Ireland have pledged to stand up against racism and hate, and repeatedly emphasised the importance of diversity for the region, particularly in the health and care sector. Speaking on BBCs Sunday Politics programme, Ms Little-Pengelly said it was important that politicians did not ignore people with genuinely-held concerns. The DUP are here to listen to people on the ground, were here to listen to people who have genuinely-held concerns, she said. The worst thing that a government can do, the worst thing that a political party can do, no matter where they are, is ignore genuinely-held concerns. Because thats exactly then how things end up spiralling because those people with genuinely-held concerns get dragged into narratives, being offered so-called solutions or reasons that are not true. People with concerns get dragged into narratives. The DUP was criticised after race attacks in the summer, when alongside clear condemnation, some DUP statements also referred to concerns that communities had about illegal immigration @little_pengelly defended the party pic.twitter.com/f4PMx0xGYv BBC The View (@bbctheview) September 22, 2024 So, its important that political parties do get down on the ground and talk and listen to people. I will never apologise for that, we will always do that in the DUP. She added: Importantly, people may have a genuinely-held concern that actually isnt accurate and its important that public representatives can come down, listen to people, talk to them and outline the factual context as well. The comments echo remarks made by DUP leader Gavin Robinson during an address to the partys conference in Belfast on Saturday. In his leaders address, Mr Robinson said that those who engage in violence lose the right to raise concerns, but added that legitimate issues on migration need to be debated. I will raise those issues without fear or favour, the MP for East Belfast said, but what I wont do is provide cover for base racism or violence. He continued: As someone who supports and promotes our country, I am pleased that it is attractive and if someone wishes to come here lawfully and, in many cases, provide vital support to our public services, then not only should we welcome them, we should sign them up. No-one, least of all care workers, nurses or doctors who contribute to our society, should feel fear from those who believe in this country. The hallmark of the Union is its rich tapestry and its salvation will be found in its strength of diversity. Following a challenging summer, its our job to show leadership and get this right. NEW DELHI : INOXGFL Group's renewable energy platform, IGREL Renewables, is looking at raising fresh equity of around 300 crore in 2025-26, said the group's executive director Devansh Jain in an interview. The fundraising would be part of the company's 12,000 crore capex strategy to build 2 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in the next two years. He noted that about a quarter of the projected capex would come from equity, while the rest 75% would come from debt. The 2 GW capacity expected to be installed by 2026-27 would cater to the group's captive requirements, commerce, and industry clients. Power will also be sold on the exchanges. Solar power would make up about half of the capacity, and wind power plants would supply the other half. Also Read: India must manage its green energy demand for a successful climate transition IGREL Renewables raised about 300 crore last week through an equity round. "We have raised 300 crore now, which is, in effect, a single-digit dilution. Effectively, we have already got equity in place for about 600 MW...and then the internal accruals are large enough to put in about 200-300 MW every year. We will raise another round next year to raise a similar amount, and that puts us on track to put 2 GW," he said. Win-win strategy Describing the platform as a "win-win" strategy for the group, he said that along with providing cheaper and green power to the group companies, the platform would also ensure the group companies are compliant with green targets and meet regulatory norms such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). "What this platform does is basically, it is a win-win for the entire group. All our operating companies get power, renewable power to fulfil their power requirements, fixed tariffs for the next 25 years, and no capex and non-core capex on the balance sheet. Most of them (group companies) export globally, so you need to achieve your climate targets, be clean in terms of global targets now." Apart from wind power equipment manufacturing major Inox Wind Ltd, power generation company Inox Wind Energy Ltd (IWEL) and wind power operation and maintenance (O&M) service provider Inox Green Energy Services, the group is also present in the chemicals business through Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd (GFL), which produces fluoropolymers, fluorospecialities and refrigerants, among others. Further, GFL's subsidiary, GFCL EV Products Ltd, manufactures intermediate materials for lithium-ion batteries. The INOXGFL Group is in the final stages of merging IWEL into INOX Wind to create a pure-play wind company. INOX Green, the listed O&M arm, will continue separately due to its growth potential and annuity business model. Further, INOX Wind's engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) arm Resco, is expected to be demerged and listed on the exchanges in 2025. "Typically, power sourced from the grid costs 50-60% higher than what we can source through this platform. At the group level, we're looking at savings of 150 to 250 crore over the next two to three years, based on current demand," Jain said in an 18 September statement on the latest fundraising. He also said that to maintain financial efficiency, the promoters have ensured that none of the listed companies carry non-core debt. "We are building this entity privately, where all the debt will come in at the promoter level. This structure ensures that operating companies receive power at a fixed price, creating value across the ecosystem," he said. Speaking to Mint, he said the company is looking at capturing the entire ecosystem in the renewable energy space, ranging from project development and manufacturing to power generation, along with captive consumption. Linde India has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Securities Appellate Tribunals (SAT) order that rejected the companys appeal against a Sebi-directed valuation exercise, said a counsel aware of the matter. The appeal is in connection with Lindes related-party transactions. Aggrieved by the tribunals order, Linde has approached the top court. They (Linde) are seeking a stay on the effect and operation of the SAT order," said the counsel on the condition of anonymity, without divulging further details. Matter to be heard on Monday A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud along with justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra will hear the matter on Monday, according to a court filing. On Friday, a SAT bench led by justices P.S. Dinesh Kumar and Dheeraj Bhatnagar directed the Sebi "to issue necessary order/clarification that the NSE and the valuer appointed by NSE shall be bound by the unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) confidentiality norms. Also Read: SAT dismisses Linde India plea challenging Sebi valuation in related party deals The tribunal also clarified that information to be divulged for valuation exercise shall be kept confidential by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and the UPSI will be given due protection in accordance with Sebi rules. On 29 April, Sebi in its interim order said that Linde India was carrying out material related party transactionswhich on the surface seem significantwithout first obtaining shareholder permission. The company did not make any valuation available to its board when the decision to award future businesses to related party was made. The matter is in regard to various transactions and agreements that Linde India entered into with Praxair India and Linde South Asia Services, both of which are related parties of the company. Also Read: Will Linde India really benefit from semiconductor business? Market regulator Sebi had asked NSE to appoint a registered valuer to carry out a valuation of the business foregone and received, including by way of geographic allocation, in terms of the joint venture (JV) and shareholders agreement (SHA) between Linde India and Praxair India that led to the formation of Linde South Asia Services. Venkatesh Dhond, senior counsel for Linde India, had argued that there was no urgency for the valuation and that the valuer had requested data dating back to 2016, which was not readily accessible. Dhond further said that with the main appeal scheduled for hearing on 15 October, the valuation exercise would be futile if Lindes appeal were to succeed. He also raised concerns about potential UPSI leaks, as the company had been asked to share sensitive information with the valuer, a third party, which could negatively affect investor confidence and the securities market. Also Read: Linde India seeks stay on valuation exercise in related-party transaction case Countering these arguments, senior counsel Darius Khambata, representing Sebi, maintained that the valuation is an integral part of the regulator's investigation into whether shareholder approval was required for the related party transactions. SHANGHAI : The chairman of drugmaker Roche denounced the recent boom in industrial subsidies by the U.S. and European governments and called them a waste of money." Roches Severin Schwan used a visit to Shanghai for a business forum to criticize support that Western nations have increasingly offered to give their manufacturing industries a boost against competition from China and other nations. The revival of subsidies in the U.S. and Europe distorts the value of competition and a level playing field," Schwan said. I really see a danger that people are jumping on that wagon." Schwan is chairman of a council of international business leaders that advises the mayor of Shanghai. He spoke Sunday at the councils annual meeting after a visit to Beijing in which he told the countrys vice premier that Switzerland-based Roche was full of confidence in Chinas economic prospects, according to state media. The U.S. and European Union have long accused China of giving its companies an unfair edge through subsidies, easy access to credit and other government support. One estimate by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, found the scale of Chinas state support for its industries by a broad definition reached nearly 5% of its annual national income. The EU is planning tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles that the EU says are needed to even out the playing field. The U.S. is supporting American manufacturing that competes with China with tens of billions of dollars of subsidies, including money for makers of batteries and solar panels. The $53 billion Chips and Science Act is helping companies such as Intel and Taiwans TSMC build advanced semiconductor factories, a business in which China is also hoping to rise. Without giving examples, Schwan said such Western policies were ultimately counterproductive because they encouraged companies to put their hands out for government favors. He said governments should put the money into basic research." If companies ask for help, he said, it would be a waste of moneydont do it." He didnt comment on Chinas subsidy policies but suggested the country shouldnt try to match what the U.S. and Europe are doing. Here in China, you have a chance to do the right thing," Schwan said. One Western executive attending the conference said he had a different view about Western subsidies, describing them as useful to jump-start nascent technologies such as renewable energy. He said global businesses welcomed U.S. efforts to improve its infrastructure. Write to Peter Landers at Peter.Landers@wsj.com Vodafone Idea will spend $3.6 billion (about 30,000 crore) on network equipment over next three years, the contracts for which have been given out to Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung, Indias No 3 carrier said on Sunday. We are committed to invest in emerging network technologies to provide a best-in-class experience to our customers. We have kickstarted the investment cycle. We are on our journey of VIL 2.0 and from hereon, VIL will stage a smart turnaround to effectively participate in the industry growth opportunities, Akshaya Moondra, chief executive officer of Vodafone Idea Ltd, said. Nokia and Ericsson have been our partners since our inception and this marks another milestone in that continuing partnership. We are pleased to start our new partnership with Samsung. We look forward to work closely with all our partners as we move into the 5G era. Finnish telecom gear maker Nokia and Sweden's Ericsson are long-time vendors to the debt-laden carrier and are now shareholders after converting part of their dues that Vi owes them into equity. South Korean electronics major Samsung has also been providing gear to rival Bharti Airtel. Also Read: Vodafone Idea signs 30,000 crore deal with Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung for 4G, 5G gear According to people aware of the details of the deal, the contracts are likely to be split equally among the three telecom gear makers. The contracts have been funded by recent equity raise of nearly 24,000 crore, including 18,000 crore Vi raised from the country's largest follow-on public offer in April. Mint had reported last week that Vi was close to signing deals with vendors, even though there has been five-month delay between it raising the funds and the deals being announced. The supplies against these new long-term awards will start in the coming quarter. First step towards rollout of companys 55,000 crore capex plan The deal marks the first step towards the rollout of the companys three-year capex plan of 55,000 crore ($6.6 billion), directed at expanding the 4G population coverage from 1.03 billion to 1.2 billion, capacity expansion in line with data growth, and launching 5G in key markets. Also Read: Govt to own 35.8% in Vodafone Idea after conversion of AGR dues into equity Vi will get its hands on the latest equipment that can be used to offer enhanced customer experience, and use valuable insights obtained by the vendors in the Indian market over the last two years. This will enable the telco to adopt a more flexible and modular rollout plan by customising the services for 4G and 5G technologies. In addition, the new equipment will also lead to efficiency gains in energy and thus lower operating costs. The top priority for the company is to expand the 4G coverage to 1.2 billion Indians. Moondra said that Vi had deployed more spectrum on existing sites and also rolled out some new sites, which has resulted in about 15% boost in capacity and an increase in population coverage by 16 million by end September. "We are already witnessing an improvement in customer experience in select geographies where these rollouts have been completed," he added. Vodafone Idea had been trying to raise funds since September 2020, and could not invest in enhancing its 4G network due to due to the paucity of funding. It was unable to launch 5G despite having bought spectrum back in 2022, even as rivals Airtel and Jio covered the entire country within 18 months beginning October 2022. Loss-making Vodafone Idea is saddled with a debt of 2.1 trillion, of which 1.39 trillion is for deferred spectrum and 70,300 crore in adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. Also Read: SC rejects Vodafone, Airtel curative petition hearing; 1.47 trillion AGR demand stands The Aditya Birla group-owned telecom services provider got an adverse result from the Supreme Court that ruled against reviewing of its adjusted gross revenue dues owed to the government, quashing hopes of getting relief of up to 35,000 crore. The telecom operator, however, is looking to raise fresh debt. Moondra said that for long-term capex, Vi was in advanced stage of discussions with its existing and new lenders to tie up 25,000 crore of funded and 10,000 crore of non-fund-based facilities. CLAYMONT, Del. (AP) President Joe Biden told Indo-Pacific allies on Saturday that he believes Chinas increasing military assertiveness is an effort to test the region at a turbulent moment for Beijing. Biden's comments were caught by a hot mic after he and fellow leaders of the so-called Quad delivered opening remarks before the press at a summit hes hosting near his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. He said his administration sees Beijings actions as a change in tactic, not a change in strategy. China continues to struggle to pull up its economy that was pummeled by the coronavirus pandemic and has seen an extended slowdown in industrial activity and real estate prices as Beijing faces pressure to ramp up spending to stimulate demand. At least from our perspective, we believe Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimize the turbulence in China's diplomatic relationships, and hes also looking to buy himself some diplomatic space, in my view, to aggressively pursue Chinas interest, Biden told Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. It is true across the scope of our relationship, including on economic and technology issues. Starting with a trade war that dates back to 2018, China and the United States have grown at odds over a range of issues, from global security, such as Chinas claims over the South China Sea, to industrial policy on electric vehicle and solar panel manufacturing. The administration has repeatedly spoken out about concerns about Chinese military assertiveness against Taiwan and more recently on the frequent clashes between the Chinese and Philippines navies in the South China Sea. Biden recently dispatched his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, to Beijing for three days of talks with Chinese officials. Sullivan during that visit also met with Xi. Both governments are eager to keep relations on an even keel ahead of a change in the U.S. presidency in January. And both sides have said they remain committed to managing the relationship, following up on a meeting between Xi and Biden in San Francisco last November. Biden added that he continues to believe intense competition requires intense diplomacy. The comments came as Biden showed off a slice of his Delaware hometown to the leaders of Australia, Japan and India as he hosted what is likely the last gathering of the Indo-Pacific partnership that has grown in prominence under his White House tenure. When Biden began his presidency he looked to elevate the Quad, which until then had only met at the foreign minister level, to a leader-level partnership as he tried to pivot U.S. foreign policy away from conflicts in the Middle East and toward threats and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. This weekend's summit is the fourth in-person and sixth overall gathering of the leaders since 2021. It will survive way beyond November," Biden declared as the leaders gathered at the Archmere Academy, his high school alma mater in nearby Claymont for joint talks. The president, who has admitted to an uneven track record as a scholar, also seemed tickled to get to host a gathering with three world leaders at the school he attended more than 60 years ago. He welcomed each of the leaders individually for one-on-one talks at his nearby home before they gathered at the school for talks and a formal dinner. "I dont think the headmaster of this school thought Id be presiding over a meeting like this, Biden joked to fellow leaders. Albanese, Modi and Kishida came for the summit before their appearances at the U.N. General Assembly in New York next week. "This place could not be better suited for my final visit as prime minister, said Kishida, who like Biden, is set to soon leave office. Earlier, the president warmly greeted Kishida when he arrived at the residence on Saturday morning and gave the prime minister a tour of the property before they settled into talks. Kishida, according to the prime minister's office, thanked Biden at the outset of their meeting for inviting him to meet at his home. White House officials said holding the talks at the president's house, which sits near a pond in a wooded area several miles west of downtown, was intended to give the meetings a more relaxed feel. Sullivan described the vibe of Biden's one-on-one meeting with Albanese, who stopped by the house on Friday, as two guys one at the other guys home talking in broad strokes about where they see the state of the world. He said Biden and Albanese also swapped stories about their political careers. The Australian leader remarked that the visit had given him insight into what in my view makes you such an extraordinary world leader. Modi also stopped by the house on Saturday to meet with Biden before the leaders gathered for their joint talks at Archmere. There cannot be a better place than President Biden's hometown of Wilmington to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Quad, Modi said. As part of the summit, the leaders were set to announce new initiatives to bolster maritime security in the region with enhanced coast guard collaboration through the Pacific and Indian oceans and improve cooperation on humanitarian response missions. The measures are meant to serve as a counterweight to an increasingly assertive China. Biden and Modi discussed Modi's recent visits to Russia and Ukraine as well as economic and security concerns about China. Modi is the most prominent leader from a nation that maintains a neutral position on Russias invasion of Ukraine. Sullivan said that countries like India should step up and support the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and that every country, everywhere, should refrain from supplying inputs to Russias war machine. Biden and Kishida, who are both stepping away from office amid sliding public support, count the tightening of security and economic ties among the U.S., Japan and South Korea as one of their most significant accomplishments. The two leaders sat down for their wide-ranging, one-on-one conversation on Saturday morning. The improved relations between Japan and South Korea, two nations with a deep and complicated history that have struggled to stay on speaking terms, have come amid worrying developments in the Pacific, including strides made by North Korea in its nuclear program and increasing Chinese assertiveness. Biden commended Kishida for demonstrating courage and conviction in strengthening ties with South Korea, according to the White House. They also discussed China's coercive and destabilizing activities" in the Pacific, Russia's war against Ukraine and emerging technology issues. The U.S. and Japan are negotiating through a rare moment of tension in the relationship. Biden, as well as presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, have opposed a $15 billion bid by Japans Nippon Steel to take over American-owned U.S. Steel. Biden administration officials indicated this week that a U.S. government committee's formal assessment of the proposed deal has yet to be submitted to the White House and may not come until after the Nov. 5 election. The Biden administration promised that the leaders would issue a joint statement containing the strongest-ever language on China and North Korea to be agreed upon by the four countries. The White House said the leaders later Saturday will rollout a new collaboration aimed at reducing cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific. The announcement is related to Bidens Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a long-running passion project of the president and his wife, Jill Biden, aimed at reducing cancer deaths. The Bidens son Beau died in 2015 at age 46 of brain cancer. ___ New Delhi: India has signed two more agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), focusing on clean energy, anti-corruption, and trade transparency, during prime minister Narendra Modis three-day US visit for the Quad summit. These agreements, aimed at creating a clean and a fair economy, are expected to enhance Indias sustainability efforts and strengthen its collaboration with other IPEF members including the US, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, and Korea, according to a commerce ministry statement on Sunday. India's growing role in global partnerships The pacts, signed on 21 September in Delaware, signify India's growing role in global partnerships, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, at a time when climate action, transparent governance, and fair-trade practices are becoming central to economic diplomacy. The agreements will increase Indias participation in global value chains and its ambition to transition toward a greener economy. Also Read: Indo-Pacific Economic Framework deal in final stage The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework was launched in Tokyo by the US and other Indo-Pacific countries on 23 May 2022. The group consists of 14 partner countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Structured around four pillarstrade, supply-chain resilience, clean economy, and fair economythe IPEF aims to foster economic growth and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. India is now signatory to three out of the four pillars under the IPEF. India ratified the agreement on supply chain resilience (pillar II) earlier in February 2024 and maintains observer status for trade (pillar I) as the current terms are seen as less favourable for the country. Also Read | PM Modi US visit: Not against anyone, Modi says in veiled reference to China at Quad meet The newly signed agreements under the clean (III) and fair economy (IV) pillars, along with an overarching administrative framework, mark a critical step forward in enhancing Indias role within the IPEF partnership, the commerce ministry said. The clean economy pact (pillar III), seeks to advance cooperation among member countries in clean energy and climate-friendly technologies. This agreement will enable technical cooperation, workforce development, and capacity building across sectors. In addition, it promotes the deployment of green technologies and accelerates efforts toward energy transition, climate resilience, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation, the ministry said. "The agreement also promises substantial economic benefits for Indian industries, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and aims to facilitate the integration of Indian companies into global value chains. The IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund and IPEF Accelerator will play crucial roles in providing financial support for these initiatives," it added. The IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund, initially backed by $33 million from Australia, Japan, Korea, and the USA, is designed to attract private investments totalling $3.3 billion, it said. Additionally, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure (PGI) Investment Accelerator has secured $300 million from the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), further supporting energy transition and climate investment. India aims to gain significantly from these efforts, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and green technologies. During the first Investor Forum held in Singapore earlier in June 2024, IPEF partners identified priority infrastructure projects worth $23 billion, of which $4 billion were offered for Indian renewable energy companies. The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has committed $1.5 billion to support Indias transition toward clean energy. New Delhi: The ninth round of free trade agreement (FTA) talks between India and the European Union (EU), which will resume on Monday, are likely to address the issue of duty relief for Indian textile products in EU markets, two people aware of the matter told Mint. While India is advocating labour-intensive textiles and apparel products to be classified as non-tariff items in the ongoing negotiations, the EU imposes higher import duties, typically ranging from 10-12%, on textile products, placing India at a disadvantage against China, the EU's leading supplier of apparel and textiles, the people mentioned above said. "The issue of duty relief for Indian textile products in EU markets will be taken up when the FTA talks resume on 23 September and go on till 27 September," the first person mentioned above said, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Also Read: India-UK FTA talks likely to resume next month, Labour to revisit mobility Negotiations for an FTA with the EU were launched in June 2022. The eighth round During the eighth round of talks in June, discussions were held on 21 policy areas and chapters, which included carbon tax, pesticides, and services. The negotiators also discussed sticky issues such as stringent EU safety standards for agricultural commodities and drugs and high tariffs. Other key issues discussed included India's trade disputes with the World Trade Organization regarding products like mobile phones and components, integrated circuits and optical instruments. Also Read: Can new govts in India, UK give FTA talks a push? Meanwhile, when the ninth round of talks resume on Monday, both sides, India and the EU, will have discussions on a 12-point agenda, which includes deforestation, electric vehicles, sustainability, carbon tax or Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, technical trade barriers, textiles, in services benefits for IT professionals, trade of more goods and services, taxes on liquors, among the others, the second person mentioned above said, requesting anonymity. "India is pushing for the relaxation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and seeks to enhance trade in electric vehicles (EVs). The upcoming talks also focus on greater access for India's services sector, tariff reductions, and strengthening investment protection," the second person added. Queries emailed to the spokespersons of the commerce ministry and the EU remained unanswered till press time. India's exports to Europe India's exports to Europe have been rising since FY21 in tandem with the global economy emerging from the pandemic. India's exports to Europe, in value terms, was $98.88 billion in FY24, up from $98.34 billion in the previous year, while imports were $95.77 billion during the same period, up from $90.99 billion in FY23. Also read: India plans to build 50 e-commerce export hubs As India and the EU continue their negotiations, reaching a comprehensive agreement holds significant promise for boosting trade and investment between the two economies. With the potential to eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods and services, the India EU Broad based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) could open up new opportunities for Indian and European businesses, said Ajay Srivastava, a former trade services official and founder of economic think tank Global Trade Research Initiative. By Takuya Karube, KYODO NEWS - Sep 22, 2024 - 07:47 | All, World, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday celebrated a stronger-than-ever alliance between Tokyo and Washington in what was seen as a farewell meeting between the two outgoing leaders. Biden, who U.S. officials say feels very close to Kishida, hosted him at his private residence in Wilmington, the president's hometown in Delaware, and praised the Japanese premier for being a "visionary and courageous" leader over the past three years. Biden noted Kishida's leadership has made it possible for Japan to fundamentally strengthen its defense capabilities and transform its role in world affairs, the White House said. "The two leaders committed to sustain efforts to take the U.S.-Japan alliance to new heights and to continue standing side-by-side together as steadfast global partners," it said. Kishida and Biden, who both took office in 2021, each decided this summer not to seek reelection amid slumping public support in their respective countries. During the meeting, which took place hours before a four-way summit of the Quad grouping also involving the leaders of Australia and India, Kishida and Biden reviewed some of their joint accomplishments and candidly discussed common challenges facing Japan and the United States, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. In addition to confirming the importance of passing the robust alliance to future leaders, they discussed major foreign policy issues, including China's "coercive and destabilizing activities" in the South China Sea and other parts of the world, according to the White House and the ministry. They said the leaders also reaffirmed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential and underscored their opposition to any attempts to change the status quo by force. Kishida agreed with Biden to continue supporting Ukraine and applying tough sanctions to Russia, as well as to deal with North Korea's evolving nuclear threats closely together and trilaterally with South Korea, according to the ministry. Kishida announced in August he will not run in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election, set to take place on Friday. Biden, who ended his bid for another four years in the White House in July, has repeatedly praised Kishida for significantly increasing Japan's defense spending amid the severe security environment in Asia. Despite the enduring conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the United States continues to view China as its most consequential geopolitical challenge and the Indo-Pacific as a region of central importance for Washington's strategic interests. Under such circumstances, Japan is increasingly seen as an indispensable ally not only by the Biden administration, but also by a large majority of Democrats and Republicans. Nonetheless, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have opposed plans by Japan's Nippon Steel Corp. to acquire United States Steel Corp., siding with a powerful labor union based in a critical battleground state that could determine the U.S. presidential election in November. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee running against the Democrat Harris for the White House, is also against the Japanese leading steelmaker's proposed acquisition of the smaller U.S. producer, making the issue a delicate one between the two countries. Kishida stressed that Japan has contributed to the U.S. economy as the largest investor, while voicing hope to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, according to the ministry. But it remains unclear if either of them touched on the buyout plan during the meeting that lasted about an hour. On many occasions, Biden has hailed Kishida's strong commitment to support Ukraine and consistent efforts to warn that "Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow," which has drawn global attention to the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Biden invited Kishida to Washington as a state guest in April, during which he said the alliance has been transformed into a "truly global partnership" during their tenures and announced a long list of agreements with the prime minister. The agreements, focused on boosting the alliance's deterrence and facilitating its networking with like-minded partners, included working toward more integrated command and control structures between Japanese and U.S. forces. Related coverage: Quad leaders to widen maritime cooperation amid China's assertiveness Japan, EU plan to set up security dialogue amid concerns over China New Japan SDF base construction for U.S. drills to be delayed to 2030 India will award 50 Quad scholarships worth 4 crore under a new initiative announced during the Quad Leaders' Summit on Sunday. These scholarships will be awarded to students from the Indo-Pacific who want to pursue undergraduate engineering program. "India is pleased to announce a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth $500,000 [ 4,17,40,225], to students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a 4-year undergraduate engineering program at a Government of India-funded technical institution," stated the Wilmington Declaration Joint Statement released by the White House on Sunday. PM Modi at Quad Summit The announcement came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Quad Leaders' Summit early Sunday (IST). He also took part in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event and held bilateral meetings with US President Biden, Japan's Fumio Kishida and Australia's Anthony Albanese. During the two events, PM Modi made a slew of announcements. PM Modi said that the Quad is not against anyone, but for a rules-based international order and respect for sovereignty, in a veiled reference to China. "Free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our priority," Modi said in his opening remarks on Saturday at the summit hosted by President Joe Biden and also attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. "We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues," PM Modi said, without naming any country. The Prime Minister announced a $7.5 million support of sampling kits, detection kits and vaccines nations to fight cervical cancer. He also said India will cooperate in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. India will also contribute 40 million vaccine doses for Indo-Pacific countries under GAVI and QUAD initiatives, he added. The recent controversy around Netflix original IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, whose makers were summoned by the government over Hindu nicknames the terrorists had assumed, has triggered fresh concerns for video streaming platforms over regulation and creative freedom. The over-the-top or OTT services, already playing safe to comply with rules under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, fear greater control being imposed on them given the sentiments in the country. A public interest litigation (PIL) has already been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre to set up an autonomous body to monitor and filter content and regulate videos on OTT and other platforms in India. The fear has definitely increased and platforms are just keeping a hawk eye on social media reactions and public sentiments around anything that is put out, said a senior executive at a streaming platform declining to be named. Nobody wants any additional restrictions on operations at a time that the core business is anyway far from making profits. Going to court and fighting just doesnt make sense. Quite a few shows on OTT platforms over the past few years that have attracted the ire of interest groups in India, irrespective of being based on fact or fiction. That increases the risk for an industry that is struggling to draw paid users. According to a report by media consulting firm Ormax, the audience universe for video streaming currently stands at 547.3 million people in India but active paid subscriptions have stagnated at 99.6 million. OTT services have drastically cut down on stand-up comedy shows where artistes would earlier freely comment on socio-political issues, the executive quoted above said. The proposed autonomous body would be a huge challenge. We already know how the censor board currently takes forever to approve multiple language versions of a film. Plus, you can never predict when or how they might get swayed or what changes they would ask for, impacting the core essence of the show. Also Read: IC 814 hijack hero Captain Devi Sharan once spooked by haunted UAE hotel, reveals new book A second executive who did not wish to be identified also pointed out that controversies with bigger platforms such as Netflix bring other services under the radar. The whole industry suffers because they are seen as the face of OTT. Netflix did not respond to Mint's queries. An email sent to the information and broadcasting ministry also remained unanswered. In terms of impact, OTT platforms are now likely to minutely examine the content they propose to publish, far more carefully than done so far. They may also choose less problematic topics or themes for their series or movies, said Ayan Sharma, head of public policy and advocacy at legal firm BTG Advaya. The commercial impact of political controversies is too large a risk for OTT platforms to ignore. Platforms, being for-profit enterprises, would rather change their content or modify it, as ultimately, safeguarding their financial viability would be paramount. Also Read | IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack did Netflix series maker Anubhav Sinha hide terrorists identity? Govt document says Looking at overall trends, however, the I&B ministry does seem to be moving towards a position that sees tighter OTT content regulations in place, which could maybe include pre-certification of online content, Sharma said. According to Aasish Somasi, associate partner at legal firm SNG & Partners, Advocates & Solicitors, the IT Rules were introduced to regulate content on OTT platforms and digital news publishers in India. However, the absence of a clear regulatory framework for OTT platforms has led to concerns about the potential for unregulated or harmful content, he said. It has also raised questions about the extent of the government's oversight over the OTT industry, Somasi added. Tricky landscape regarding political controversies As a result, the industry finds itself navigating an increasingly tricky landscape regarding political controversies. The IC814 show, despite being an adaptation of a book, has drawn sharp government attention, signalling that even creative liberties based on historical events can trigger a backlash, legal experts said. There has been a healthy balance with the OTTs self-regulating themselves and running their scripts past expert media lawyers for advice and inputs till now, according to Anupam Shukla, partner, Pioneer Legal. But if the number of instances of social backlash, justified or otherwise, keep increasing, then the government will be constrained to take a more drastic step to appease the more conservative elements of the population, Shukla said. Nilesh Tribhuvann, managing partner at White & Brief - Advocates & Solicitors, flagged growing concern about the fine line between storytelling and perceived political sensitivities. In an interview published on the Booker Prize website, Australian writer Charlotte Wood offers a key insight to unlocking her unusual and absorbing novel, Stone Yard Devotional , shortlisted for the 2024 prize earlier this week. I wanted nothing trivial, nothing insincere in this book," she says, taking a cue from the American master, Saul Bellow. Her aim was to master stillness in the midst of chaos", and thats what she achieves beautifully by taking the reader into the mind of her unnamed protagonist, a woman who gives up her life in Sydney to retreat to a remote abbey in New South Wales. The blurb attributes this decision to burnout", but there is more to it than can be pathologised. Certainly, its far from a fad that can be romanticised on social media. You do not announce on Facebook that you, an atheist, are leaving your job and your home and your husband to join a cloistered religious community," she admits wryly. Rather, her departure from the mainstream is triggered by a malaise thats peculiar to life in the Anthropocene Age. As a conservationist who strove to protect endangered species, the narrator feels it more than others. Every minuscule action after waking means slurping up resources, expelling waste, destroying habitat, causing ruptures of some other kind," she explains in the book. Whereas staying still, suspended in time like these women, does the opposite. (The sisters) are doing no harm." As it turns out, her faith in the benign impact of the community is misplaced. Her life at the abbey is rocked by malevolent forces: the covid-19 pandemic, a different kind of plague of Biblical proportions involving an explosion of the mouse population, and the arrival of Sister Helen Parry, once a much-reviled classmate, now a climate activist. Even as the narrator, unreliable as she may seem at times, seeks to convey the stillness of her life with the nuns, the tempest raging inside her keeps us hooked. Outwardly, she goes about her days, collecting eggs, exterminating mice, cooking meals for the community and attending the daily prayers. Yet nothing escapes her attention. A furtive glance, a curious exchange, an unexpected half-smile: stolen moments like these return her to the past, to her conflicted love for her mother, and the slow accumulation of despair that had her leave her life, marriage and career. View Full Image Stone Yard Devotional: By Charlotte Wood, Hachette, 304 pages, 799. In the end, this daily practice of paying attention, to her outward and inner lives, becomes a form of therapy for the narrator. We have to try to cure our faults by attention and not by will...," she reminds herself of the theologian Simone Weils words. Attention taken to its highest degree, is the same thing as prayer. It presupposes faith and love." Without ever joining the order, the narrator experiences the power of prayer in its secular glorythrough the healing force of attention and awareness. Not many can arrive at such self-knowledge through the path followed by her. In fact, her withdrawal from the centre to the peripheriesher refusal to keep at it" like her peersis seen as a form of betrayal by her friends, even as a contagion". It is in the quietly domineering figure of Sister Helen Parry that the narrator witnesses the transformational force of the life she has dared to choose. A downtrodden and bullied girl with a mentally ill and violent mother at school, Sister Helen Parry arrives at the abbey like a mythical visitation, bearing the bones of Sister Jenny, who was murdered on duty in Bangkok many years earlier. Although she extends her stay due to the lockdown, she refuses to integrate with the rhythm of the abbey. Most of her time is spent at her cabin, with her phone and laptop, which the other residents abjure. Stone Yard Devotional is unique in its spare, unadorned tone, avoidance of melodrama and a discursive style. It isnt an exposition of the troubles addressed by heavy-handed political, social and climate fiction flooding the market every week. Nothing much happens in this novel, and yet its hard to put it down. Thats the true mark of Woods genius. Somak Ghoshal is a writer based in Delhi. At the ongoing exhibition, Histories in the Making: Photographing Indian Monuments (1855-1920), at DAG, New Delhi, one can see several photographs by Felice Beato an Italian-British photographer, who arrived in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1858, to make commercial gains out of the Mutiny, or the first war of Independence of 1857, when it was almost over. He photographed sites in Delhi, Agra, Lucknow and Kanpur, where people had risen to rebellion with a clear focus upon the British travails and victories". Beatos well-known, indeed infamous, photograph of a courtyard of the Sikandar Bagh (Lucknow) with re-arranged human and animal bones illustrates the fiction that photography could introduce into the recording of historical events.," writes Sudeshna Guha in an introduction to the eponymous book accompanying the exhibition. Photography, when it was introduced in 1839 in Europe, was proclaimed as a way of showing the truth. Around the same time, the field sciences of archaeology and anthropology were launched, which too were aimed at documenting the real, based on the ground evidence. But when you look at Beatos photographs, or read books such as LArt Hindous (1885), one wonders how much that one sees in the imagery is staged or veiled under the artist or authors interpretation. Through the exhibition and the accompanying text panels, I hope to complicate the idea of documentation and recording, and provide a nuanced view of the colonial surveillance," says Guha, who is a professor at Shiv Nadar University (department of History and Archaeology) and a former curator of the photographic collections of Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge. What emerges is that photographers at the time were not documenting but creating versions of history. Hence the title, Histories in the Making." Also read: Weekly planner: Its a happy medley of events Through a collection of early photographs of monuments, which also nurtured the picturesque imagery, by the likes of Beato, Linnaeus Tripe, Thomas Biggs, Edmund Lyon, Samuel Bourne, Lala Deen Dayal, Narayan Vinayak Virkar, and more, the exhibition draws attention to the connected histories of photography and field surveys of ancient India. It also highlights the overlapping domains of colonialism, science and scholarship. These images capture a moment in history when the British Empire was consolidating its power in India, and the documentation of the subcontinent's monuments served both as a means of asserting control and as a way to showcase the empire's achievements to audiences back in Europe," mentions Ashish Anand, CEO and managing director, DAG, in the exhibition note. The accompanying publication illustrates over 150 objects created through photographic technology including paper and glass negatives, collotype, albumen and silver gelatin prints, stereographs, postcards and cabinet cards. View Full Image Linnaeus Tripe, The Great Pagoda, The Pagoda Jewels (Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple, Madurai), 1858 The exhibition and the book also look at how photography started its journey in India within months of the announcement in Europe. In October 1839, the newly appointed professor of chemistry at the Calcutta Medical School, Dr William Brooke O' Shaughnessy of the Bengal Medical Service, demonstrated his photogenic drawings to members of the Bengal Asiatic Society," writes Guha in her essay. She further mentions that by 1847, scholarship on Indian history was being carefully streamlined into two distinct modes of field enquiry, archaeological and architectural, because of the self-styling of two pioneering protagonists, Alexander Cunningham and James Fergusson. While the former embarked on archaeological surveys through excavations in Sarnath, Fergusson left a lucrative indigo business to start architectural surveys in India, 1835 onwards. He went on to publish detailed reports of his surveys of the rock cut caves of western India in 1846, and then an extensive monograph, Picturesque Illustrations of Ancient Architecture in Hindoostan (1848). He brought attention to the vandalism of many monuments he had seen, after which the Cave Temple Commission was established by the Bombay Branch of the Asiatic Society for the inspection of sites of ancient towns". Also read: What to watch this week: Strawman, Pachinko and more Such examples illustrate, time and again in the exhibition, how photography and field sciences went hand in hand to craft a narrative of history. Take the photos of Edmund Lyon, for instance, of the archaeological and architectural sites of southern India including Madurai, Tanjore, Bellary and Vijayanagara. An officer of the British Army, Lyon arrived in India in 1865 and established a studio in Ooty. Of all his photos, one of the most well-known is the retouched photo of one of the long corridors of the temple at Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) taken between 1867-68. Photography was celebrated as taking pictures of all that you see. But what you see here are the limitations of photographic scrutiny. In spite of the fact that Lyons could illuminate the dark corridor using aluminium sheets, he still had to retouch the negative after the photo was developed, so that the details of the sculptural elements of the pillars could be seen. That made one realise that photographs were not the only way of documenting. The significance of illustrations, plans and section drawings would never really go away," explains Guha. View Full Image Edmund David Lyon, Ramisseram Pagoda (Long Side Aisle) (Ramalingeswara temple, Rameswaram), 1867 68 In fact, architectural photography of India between the 1850s and 60s often entailed retrieval of key events of British colonialism of the pre-photographic era. Tropes of visual memory were employed to recreate those moments. Take, for example, the photographs of Linnaeus Tripe, who became the Government Photographer of Madras Presidency, and who went on to create six lavish albums. These, together with 120 atmospheric views of Burma taken in 1855, illuminate his purpose, namely to document the civilising mission of British colonialism". In 1856, the first issue of the Indian Amateurs Photographic Album was published by a commercial photographic firm in Bombay, William Henderson and William Johnson, in collaboration with an Indian photographic firm in the city, Merwanjee Bomonjee and Co. This is one of the first such albums of Indian views. Once you make these kinds of albums, you are creating something that was not thereyou are creating a certain kind of Indian culture, traditions, past and history, whose evident reality is ascertained as a photographic representation. So, through the exhibition, I want to gently coax viewers to think with the photos and not see them just as images," says Guha. One of the most interesting parts of the exhibition pertains to how Indian photographers adapted to the medium. The 1850s also saw the establishment of photographic societies as well, with the first one started in the Bombay Presidency on 3 October 1854 as a platform for amateur photographers to document Indias socio cultural landscape. After this, two other came up in the Madras and Bengal Presidencies as well. All three admitted natives and ladies, seen at the time to have little scientific temperament. So, photography was a leveller. Indian photographers could display their works alongside those of the British and Europeans, and many were awarded the societies gold and silver medals," says Guha. Also read: How the Ziro Festival spotlights music from the North-East View Full Image Lala Deen Dayal, Sanchi Stupa, silver albumen print mounted on card, c. 1880 In fact, she writes in the book about some of the Indian founder-members of these societies such as Vinayak Gangadhar Shastri, Ardaseer Cursetjee and Bhau Daji of that of Bombay, and Rajendralal Mitra and Raja Ishwar Chandra Singh of Bengal. Also remember, the Photographic Society of Bengal was the only one, which publicly declared Rajendralal Mitra as a brilliant photographer, even as he was being thrown out of his membership in 1857, having criticised the indigo planters," she says. A lot of the Indian photographers work was deeply appreciated. For instance, Narayan Dajis waxed paper negatives of points of views and buildings were sumptuously praised, as was Hurrichand Chintamons portrait of a boy smoking at the Bombay exhibition of February 1856. Incidentally, the latter was from the first batch of the first photography course in India, at Elphinstone Institute of Bombay, in 1855. The nativesI use the word only to make the distinctionlearnt photography from the Europeans and mastered it. For instance, there was F. Schranzhofer, a calotypist, and F.M. Montario practised with the daguerreotype in Kolkata in the mid-1840s. Although one can see a colonial gaze in the commissioned photos taken by officers of the East India Company, there are many ways in which the photos also demand a look of the native agency in the early photography of India," says Guha. In this context, Narayan Vinayak Virkar becomes significant. He followed the path of Tripe in creating a visual memory, but of a key historical event of Indian nationalism of the pre-photographic periodof the might of Chhatrapati Shivaji, which seem to emanate from his photos of the Raigad fort. Virkar had his own photography studio in Girgaum, Mumbai. Through the exhibition, I also hope to encourage enquiries into the economic histories of photography. We know the history of large commercial firms, but how much did a local photo wallah charge in the late 19th and early-20th century? Many such unexplored questions open up with the show," says Guha The exhibition can be viewed at DAG, New Delhi, till 12 October The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines festival thusly: a time of celebration marked by special observances; an often periodic celebration or programme of events or entertainment having a special focus; gaiety, conviviality. The West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee seems to have inadvertently coined a new meaning for the word. Ek maash toh hoye gelo. Aami anurodh korbo ustobey phire aashun ( Its been almost a month I request you to return to the festival)", the chief minister told the citizens of her state. She was ruing that instead of counting down to the Durga Puja festival, as is usual at this time of the year, thousands were taking to the streets every day demanding justice for the doctor raped and murdered at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on 9 August. The angry protest movement that shows no signs of abating has cast a pall over the usual build-up to Bengals biggest festival. Banerjee was trying to say that while she shared the protesters grief and outrage, thousands of small businesses, craftspersons and food vendors who rely on Durga Puja for a major chunk of their annual income were having a raw deal. Return to the festive spirit, she said, while exhorting the CBI to deliver justice quickly. But those words reverberated in ways she did not imagine. In a scathing social media post essayist and lyricist Chandril Bhattacharya wondered if the chief minister was implying that once a festival starts, protests must cease. He said its like a parent telling a child, Alright, enough playing. Its 7 oclock. Stop your protest-protest game and sit down to study." The chief minster seemed to have given festivals a new definition, a new raison detre, Bhattacharya said. We always thought of festival as a reprieve, a time for enjoyment albeit temporary. But now we are told the festival is like a giant eraser that wipes the board clean of all the crimes that happened before. Now begins a time of wondrous fun." The chief minister was barely done with her remarks when people angrily shared artful memes that declared defiantly, Ustobe phirchi na (We will not return to the festival)." Someone tweaked that meme to read ,Ut-shobe phirchi na." Shob in Bengali means corpse, an allusion to the doctor whose body kicked off the movement. Whether this movement brings about real change or not, it has certainly generated some amazing social media art. Someone should collect all the graphics that have come out of this protest. Also read: The age of the influencer is truly upon us In West Bengal, Durga Puja is of course the mother of all festivals. Before Google told us everything, whenever a new calendar arrived at home, we would hurriedly flip the pages to this time of the year to figure out the dates of Durga Puja. Some looked for the dates to plan their Puja vacations away from the madness. Some looked to the dates to immerse themselves in the madness. Either way, the year revolved around those dates. As a child a festival just meant a holiday without homework. For my great-grandmother, it meant rituals and chores. There were fruits to be chopped, lamps to be lit, prayers to be chanted. For young people it meant a reprieve from the eagle-eyed scrutiny of parents and aunts, a time when they could wander the streets late into the night, snatching moments of romance, while lost in a crowd of thousands. Lazy commentators try to explain Durga Puja to westerners as the Christmas of Bengal. But while Christmas, like Durga Puja, comes with sales, shopping and buildings bedecked with lights, the actual festival could not be more different. On Christmas Day, western cities are like ghost townsall twinkling lights and empty streets. Everyone is at home having a Christmas meal with friends and family. Even the 24-hour supermarket shuts early. In India, for many festivals, whether Durga Puja or Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali, life spills out on to the street. Its an exuberant reclaiming of the public commons, which is no small thing in a world where we increasingly cordon off our public spaces into air-conditioned enclosures where entry is guarded by uniformed security guards with wands. Now Durga Puja as a public festival has a new cachet. Thanks to the Unescos intangible living heritage tag, international visitors come to Kolkata and marvel at the biggest temporary street art installation in the world. Durga Puja has become an arts festival as well. Its not just Durga Puja. Bengal, indeed India, is home to so many festivals. In many ways, Mamata Banerjee has been the cheerleader-in-chief of this festival culture. The communist leaders who were at the helm before her party came to power were active in many Durga Pujas individually but their party stayed aloof from religious festivals. Banerjee understood the grass-roots attraction of festivals and embraced them with open arms. She added more festivals to the roster, announcing full holidays for Shab-e-Barat, the Islamic Night of Forgiveness, and Karma Puja, a tribal festival dedicated to the protector of crops and forests, saying, We give equal importance to all festivals." During jamai shoshti (a festival held for sons-in-law) , she declares half-day holidays in government offices so that sons-in-law babus can go visit the in-laws and get pampered. Thanks to her the Christmas lights stay up in Kolkata for weeks after the festival is over as if loath to let the festivities end. Every club celebrating Durga Puja gets a cash grant from the government. She personally is a whirlwind of activity, inaugurating the big Pujas, giving the final touch to the third eye of many Durga idols. She started a new tradition of having a sort of ticker tape parade of the best Durga Pujas of the city as a glitzy finale to a grand carnival. Until now people accepted this festival bonanza without thinking too much about it. Many grumbled about all the holidays and the work culture. But few soul-searched about the purpose they served beyond being an excuse to wear new clothes, eat egg rolls and stay up all night. This year its different. Durga Puja will happen. There will be mammoth crowds. Though a few clubs have decided not to accept the government grants, there will be still be great installation Durga Pujas. But it feels different. The stores are eerily empty despite the Puja sale posters. The mood is off. The government often boasts that despite huge crowds, one hears very little about major crime during Durga Puja. No one will make that claim this year without remembering the R.G. Kar incident. Even the Durga Puja carnival at the end, if it happens, will feel out of place this year. It seems this will not be the usual eat-pray-love Durga Puja festival. Of course there will be a strain of melancholy," says visual artist Sanatan Dinda. I paint pictures but I dont live in an ivory tower. My work speaks about the society around me," says Dinda who is much in demand at this time for various Durga Puja installations. But he resigned this year from the Rajya Charukala Parishad, an autonomous arts body under the West Bengal government, to protest the rape and murder and the governments reaction to it. Recently he joined a protest march by the clay artists of Kumartuli where many of the Durga images are created. This is their busiest time of the year but they left the unfinished Durgas in their workshops and took to the streets wearing black headbands in protest. Dinda says it might be a days work lost but for those whose sculpt the Durga images, this tragedy feels even more poignant. Durga Puja is a festival for a goddess who vanquishes evil and comes home. The ongoing protest is for a woman raped and killed by forces of evil, a woman who didnt get to go home. Dinda asks, Until she gets justice, how do we paint the smile on our Durgas face?" Cult Friction is a fortnightly column on issues we keep rubbing up against. Sandip Roy is a writer, journalist and radio host. He posts @sandipr. Also read: The joy of getting inked with a fountain pen MUMBAI : If your current job is still in the work-from-home (WFH) mode, you may like to explore Dubai's virtual work visa, which offers anyone working remotely residency for a year. You can explore various sights and sceneryman-made beaches, Burj Khalifa, local food and peoplewhile enjoying a long workcation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) city. The visa allows individuals to avail of local services like banking facilities, communication services, rental housing, etc. to help with their work life. Eligibility You need to submit proof of your current employment. For starters, you are required to submit proof that you are employed by a non-UAE company with a contract of at least one year. Besides, a proof by your employer stating that you can work remotely. Most importantly, you need to submit your payslips to prove that your minimum monthly salary is $3,500 ( 2.93 lakh). Additionally, you are required to submit bank statements for the last six months. View Full Image Graphic: Pranay Bhardwaj Rights With this visa, you can travel between your home country and Dubai multiple times. There is no minimum stay requirement or entry limits during the course of one year, while this visa is valid. It is like an extended tourist visa for someone looking to work out of Dubai for a longer period, as well as explore the culture," says Arindam Sengupta, founder of My Global Citizenship. However, you cannot be away from the UAE for more than six months continuously. If you are outside the UAE for more than six straight months, the visa will be cancelled. Also read: How to obtain a Dubai Golden Visa through real estate investment The remote-working visa allows people to sponsor their spouses as well as children. It even allows them to send their children to education facilities in Dubai. The visa, which is valid across the UAE, is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFAD). Costs The base fee for applying for the visa is $101 ( 8,458). You are required to have health insurance with UAE coverage validity or travel insurance with healthcare coverage, which can then be changed to UAE health insurance once your visa formalities are complete. Renewal The Dubai remote-working visa only comes with one-year validity. However, you can reapply after expiry. The UAE generally offers a grace period to those on residency visas after expiry. You can reapply during this period. However, there might be additional charges for overstaying. Also Read: How Indian students can get work visas after studying abroad Taxation Dubai is a tax haven as there is zero personal income tax. You become a tax resident of the UAE if you stay 183 days or more. You can take advantage of the India-UAE double taxation anti-avoidance treaty (DTAA) to avoid paying capital gains taxes on your mutual fund investments in India. But for a salaried income, there are two differing views on what would be the tax implications. The place of salary accrual, DTAA, applicability of the tie-break test (tests that need to be run to break the tie in favour of one of the two countries), etc. have been subject matter before various courts. In any case, the employer would be obligated to collect tax deducted at source (TDS) as per your income tax slab rate. One view is that despite relocating to Dubai for remote work, you would be liable to pay taxes in India. Salary accrues in India where services are rendered in India and would then be taxable in India. If the employee's place of posting is in India, the presumption would be that the salary accrues in India. For employees posted abroad, since services are officially rendered abroad, the salary would not be taxable in India," says Gautam Nayak, partner at CNK & Associates. The other view is that the service rendered is linked to the employee's physical presence. "Salary incomewhen paid to a foreign bank account and accruing outside Indiadoes not get taxed even for a deemed tax resident under section 6(1A) since the individual will remain as RNOR (resident but not ordinary resident). Deemed tax residents under section 6(1A) automatically become RNOR. For salary paid to an Indian bank account, such deemed tax residents may take benefit of certain judicial rulings to claim non-taxation in India. Further, individuals can also take the benefit of the DTAA if they can satisfy the tie-breaker test in favour of the UAE," says Harshal Bhuta, partner at P.R. Bhuta & Co. Chartered Accountants. The taxpayer would need to furnish a tax residency certificate issued by the foreign tax authorities to claim the benefit of the tax treaty that can help their tax refund claim. Just because the salary is credited to an Indian bank account, the salary of a non-resident cannot be taxed under Indian tax regulations. If the individual has worked in India for one month out of 12 months in a financial year, they are liable to pay taxes under Indian tax regulations for one month. But for 11 months, during which the individual has worked from outside India, they can claim tax refund by submitting a valid tax residency certificate," says Prakash Hegde, a Bengaluru-based chartered accountant. Even without a tax residency certificate, a non-resident would be able to claim the tax refund for the period for which they have not worked in India, but with a risk of litigation at the lower level," Hegde adds. By Rich McKay Sept 21 (Reuters) - A California firefighter has been arrested and accused of setting five blazes in the state's wine country, even as his fellow firefighters battle flames that have consumed almost a million acres and forced thousands of evacuations in the state this year. Robert Matthew Hernandez, a 38-year-old fire apparatus engineer of Healdsburg, California, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of arson. He was accused of setting five fires between Aug. 15 and Sept. 14 while off-duty, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said in a news release. I am appalled to learn one of our employees would violate the publics trust and attempt to tarnish the tireless work of the 12,000 women and men of Cal Fire, Joe Tyler, the agencys director and fire chief, said in a statement to media. It was not immediately clear if Hernandez had retained a lawyer. Hernandez allegedly ignited the blazes in Sonoma County, known for its wines and vineyards. The fires were all extinguished by fire crews and burned less than one acre combined, according to the fire agency. A Cal Fire spokesperson said the agency would not provide further details at this time. A motive was unclear. Hernandez was formally charged with five counts of arson to forest land. He was being held in lieu of $2 million bail in the Sonoma County Jail on Saturday, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Wildfires are still raging across the state. Three blazes in mountains around Los Angeles, the second-largest U.S. city, have destroyed more than 230 houses and other structures, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate suburbs and towns since Sept. 5. California wildfires have so far this year burned nearly four times as much land as last year at this time when the state's fire season was more benign, according to Cal Fire data. (Bloomberg) -- Getting from A to B faster is generally the goal of most travelers, particularly for those flying long-haul in economy. Now, under a trial that started last month in Asia, shaving precious minutes off hours-long trips is a reality, depending upon what route a pilot chooses to take across the skies. Since early August, air crew on selected routes between Singapore, Jakarta and a handful of cities in Australia and New Zealand have had the flexibility to choose the most direct and efficient path to get there. Its about saving time, but also fuel, hence limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Deviating from the fixed network of invisible highways that etch planes trajectories around the world and instead allowing a unique flight path for each plane may seem dicey, but its not as dangerous as it sounds. Heres a look at how it works. 1. What is the trial? Singapore, Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand have banded together to make better use of their airspace to trial quicker, more direct flight paths. The three-month trial started Aug. 5 and will be reviewed in November with a possible view to expanding it to more cities and airlines. The carriers involved are Singapore Airlines Ltd., Qantas Airways Ltd., Air New Zealand Ltd. and Garuda Indonesia and theyre able to take shortcuts on 38 routes using whats called user-preferred routing (UPR). Singapore Airlines has said that its using the trial on 15 routes, including to Sydney, Christchurch, Darwin and Perth. Garuda said its operating user-preferred routing on flights from Jakarta to Sydney and Melbourne. Other destinations involved include Brisbane, Cairns and Adelaide. 2. Whats behind the trial? In short, climate change. The aim is to help cut emissions per flight, and the thinking is that over time, fuel and carbon emissions savings will multiply. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, in a statement Aug. 15, said that airlines can potentially save up to 1,700 kilograms of fuel for a flight between Singapore and Melbourne and more than 1,960 tonnes of carbon emissions a year for that route over a year of daily flights. With about 10 flights a day each way, or some 7,745 scheduled flights between the two cities this year, according to data from Cirium, the numbers should start to add up. But user-preferred routing isnt a silver bullet, especially considering the volume of flights is also rising, particularly in Asia, home to some of the fastest-growing air travel markets. McKinsey & Co. has estimated some $5 trillion of capital investment may be needed to deliver on aviations goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, almost all of it plowed into sustainable fuel production and renewable power generation. Making flights 10 to 15 minutes shorter generally doesnt factor. 3. Have these kinds of airspace trials happened before? User-preferred routing has been trialled as far back as 2008 and in some places, like Australia, a vast continent that has its own say over its airspace, its already happening. Internationally, the practice has been limited due to the complexity of coordinating routes across national boundaries. Airservices Australia says it gets tricky when airspace is managed by different air navigation operators. In New Zealand, another place thats relatively geographically isolated, around 65% of flights across its some 26 million square kilometers of airspace use shortcuts where possible. 4. How do pilots arrange shortcuts and what role do air traffic controllers play? Pilots typically follow waypoints, or fixed points in the sky to help planes navigate safely. Under user-preferred routing, pilots and their operations teams manually plug the most efficient route as they see it into flight planning software, taking into account things like wind speed and direction, turbulence and other environmental and weather factors. The flight planning system then creates its own unique waypoints. Airservices Australia however says that pilots and controllers are encouraged not to amend routes without good reason as most user-preferred routes arent the shortest distance in track miles. The aim is to spend the shortest time in the air, therefore flying a straight line between departure and arrival points is often not the most efficient route. Airways, New Zealands air navigation service provider, says its then up to air traffic controllers to facilitate these shortcut routes taking into account what other flights are happening at the same time. 5. It sounds potentially dangerous. Is it safe? Completely. Airlines and aviation regulators are in no doubt about the benefits and the operational safety behind user-preferred routing. All trips are signed off on by air traffic controllers, whose job is to help safely navigate and manage airspace. Theres absolutely no freewheeling by pilots across the sky mid-flight, unless guided and advised by air traffic control staff on the ground. We do not share multiple flight plans to air traffic control, we only share once after the final flight plan has been set, Garuda President Irfan Setiaputra said in a statement. 6. Hows the trial in Asia going so far? Airservices Australia says theres been anecdotal evidence of considerable savings for airlines in terms of fuel and carbon emissions, although declined to elaborate. Some flights have better results than others, it said. The variability in conditions means that every flight is different. Garuda said the trial has allowed the carrier to utilize tail wind conditions to make flight operations faster as well as more fuel efficient. Other participating airlines declined to offer specific data while the trail is underway. 7. Are there plans for trials beyond Asia? Europe has sought to do something similar for 20 years under the Single European Sky initiative. Aviation bodies and airlines from the continent have long tried to reform the congested airspace and effectively integrate the skies above almost 30 countries. Under the Single European Sky plan, the vision was to have achieved, by 2020, an improvement in safety performance by a factor of 10, a 10% reduction in the impact flights have on the environment, a reduction in the cost of air-traffic management services to airspace users by at least 50% and a three-fold increase in capacity where needed. It hasnt worked out that way, with countries opting to hang onto their national air navigation service providers, and therefore benefits, like making the continents airspace cheaper, yet to be realized. In the US, user-preferred routing is also new, with United Airlines Holdings Inc. completing its first such flight only in mid-2020, over Russia. In May 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration activated 169 new, set routes along the US east coast that are more direct, saving passengers time, and airlines fuel. --With assistance from Siddharth Philip. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Bangladesh's interim government on Saturday announced plans to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India in time for Durga Puja, which will take place from October 9 to 13. This decision marks a revision of their earlier stance. Earlier this month, under the leadership of Professor Muhammad Yunus Also Read | Bangladesh: Hindu boy hacked to death in police station over blasphemous post , the interim government had imposed a ban on hilsa exports to India in order to prioritize domestic demand, halting a tradition where Bangladesh would send hilsa as a "goodwill gesture" to its neighboring country. The commerce ministry statement said, Against the backdrop of appeals by the exporters, approval has been given to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish (to India), fulfilling the specific conditions on the occasion of the upcoming Durga Puja. Accordingly, applicants have been asked to contact its relevant wing to obtain export permission. What is a goodwill gesture? Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government allowed hilsa exports to India between September and October every year as a goodwill gesture. In 2023, Bangladesh allowed 79 companies to export a total of 4,000 tonnes to India, during Durga Puja Also Read | Sheikh Hasina returning to Bangladesh? War crimes tribunal to seek extradition Bangladesh, known as the largest producer of hilsa fish globally, typically restricts its export due to strong domestic demand. However, the country often eases this restriction during the Durga Puja festival, as hilsa is a highly prized delicacy among Bengalis. Earlier this month, India's Fish Importers Association appealed to Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, requesting permission for hilsa exports to India during Durga Puja. This request comes amid concerns over potential disruptions in fish shipments this year, following political unrest and a change in government in Bangladesh. Agartala: The Tripura government, on Saturday, announced a hike for the Festival Grant, or Puja bonus for various categories of government employees and staff. With around a month left, Durga Puja festivities are set to begin from October 8. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the increase in the bonus will benefit several employees. " "The state government has decided to increase the festival grant for various levels of employees this year. Employees at different levels will benefit from this decision," the CM announced on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. 2000 for THESE employees According to the memorandum released by the State Finance Department, employees across the following categories would 2000 as the bonus: Group C and Group D employees Daily Rated Workers (DRWs) who have been engaged with prior concurrence of finance department Pensioners, and family pensioners Prists in government-run temples 2200 for THESE employees Meanwhile, the following government employees would receive 2200 each as their grant: PTW workers, that is contractual or casual workers Anganwadi workers or helpers Home guards and SPOs In addition to the puja bonus, the memo further stated that the employees can avail the amount just once in a financial year. Also Read | There will be something missing in Durga Puja this year They can avail the amount for a host of occasions such as Durga Puja, Christmas, Garia Puja, Buddha Purnima, Eid-Ul-Zuha, Eid-UI-Fitre, Guru Nanak's Birthday, or Mahavir Jayanti. Durga Puja 2024 In other news, Bangladesh's interim government on Saturday announced plans to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India in time for Durga Puja. Also Read | No Durga Puja celebrations during azaan and namaz in Bangladesh The decision comes after a revision of the earlier stance of the neighbouring country. Earlier this month, under the leadership of Professor Muhammad Yunus, the interim government had imposed a ban on hilsa exports to India in order to prioritize domestic demand, halting a tradition where Bangladesh would send hilsa as a "goodwill gesture" to its neighbouring country. By Mie Sakamoto, KYODO NEWS - Sep 22, 2024 - 07:49 | All, Japan With a ruling in the retrial of a high-profile 1966 quadruple murder case in Japan set to be given Thursday, calls are growing to revise the country's legal system to more swiftly right wrongful convictions. Hideko Hakamata, who is hoping her brother Iwao Hakamata, 88, will be formally acquitted a decade after being released from incarceration due to doubts over the safety of his conviction, demanded the retrial system be reformed. "It's not just about saving Iwao," the 91-year-old told a press conference in July. "As we fought over my brother's case, I came to feel that the legal process would never end. There must be many others who are crying because they have been wrongly convicted." Iwao Hakamata spent nearly half a century behind bars on death row before new evidence led to his release in 2014. He first filed an appeal for a retrial in 1981 but faced what seemed an insuperable hurdle for years in prosecutors' reluctance to disclose evidence and their objections to reopening the case. The criminal procedure law stipulates that a retrial will be opened if there is "clear evidence to find the accused not guilty." But it lacks provisions on the disclosure of evidence held by prosecutors, hindering efforts to overturn convictions, experts say. It was only in 2010 that prosecutors, at the insistence of the Shizuoka District Court, disclosed key evidence in Hakamata's case that included color photos of five pieces of blood-stained clothing that they allege he wore during the murder. In 2014, the Shizuoka court ordered that the case be reopened while also suspending his death sentence and permitting his release. But prosecutors appealed the decision, with the Tokyo High Court ruling in their favor four years later. It was only after the Supreme Court ordered the high court to reexamine the case, with it reversing its ruling in March 2023, that a retrial could finally be held. Hearings began last October. After Hakamata's death sentence was finalized in 1980, his mental state deteriorated severely. He was exempted from attending the retrial proceedings that concluded in May this year, with Hideko appearing in his place. Hiroaki Murayama, who was the presiding judge when the Shizuoka District Court made its 2014 ruling and is now a lawyer, said momentum for revising the system has been growing as the public has witnessed how Hakamata has continued to suffer mental illness in the 10 years since he was freed. "The unusually long proceedings have produced a disastrous outcome. The problem is now a humanitarian issue," said Murayama, 67, who serves as a deputy chairman of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations' section seeking to revise the retrial system. The bar association is seeking a change to the law to ensure that evidence held by prosecutors can be fully accessed by those seeking a retrial, and to prohibit prosecutors from filing an objection against reopening a case since they can state their case against an acquittal once a retrial starts. The association also acknowledges the need to tackle the so-called "retrial disparity" problem, in which whether to retry a case relies heavily on judges' discretion. Calls to amend the retrial system have also been increasing among legislators. A bipartisan group was launched in March to seek a change to the system, initially with some 130 lawmakers, including former Prime Minister Taro Aso, but with the number now standing at over 340. "False accusations are among the greatest violations of human rights," Masahiko Shibayama, a ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker heading the group, said at a recent rally in Tokyo. "With everyone's enthusiasm and momentum, we would like to realize a revision of the retrial law," he said. Japan's retrial system also lags far behind other countries, Murayama said, noting that some European and Asian countries, including Japan's neighbors South Korea and Taiwan, have been moving to improve their systems to facilitate retrials. In Britain, for example, an independent body with powerful investigative authority was set up in the 1990s to send cases back to courts if it judges it necessary. As a former judge involved in Hakamata's case, Murayama said he has "a responsibility to bring about a revision to the system so this kind of tragedy will not be repeated." "Such a change would help to swiftly save others suffering from false accusations as well as those who could face similar circumstances in the future," Murayama said. "I believe this would bring Japan a little closer to being a country where people can feel secure in terms of the criminal justice system." (Risako Nakanishi contributed to this story) Related coverage: Verdict due in retrial of 88-yr-old man over 1966 quadruple murder Kolkata police have registered a case against 11 members of the hairstylist body of the Bengali film industry after a woman member attempted to end her life on Saturday by allegedly setting herself on fire after being deprived of work. The woman hairstylist was saved by her daughter, but she sustained serious burn injuries, Jagran reported. The police said the victim, identified as Tanushree Das, was admitted to a local hospital and is recovering. The report said the woman hairdresser advocated for an election rather than nomination within the guild, which resulted in her suspension for three months in May. In an alleged suicide note, the victim narrated the ongoing harassment and the loss of work opportunities due to pressure from the guild. "I was suspended for three months from May 1 but even then, I was not allowed to work properly. I could not fulfil my family responsibilities properly, so I am forced to commit suicide. Committee members of my guild are responsible for this," the Free Press Journal reported. I was denied one job after another, the hairdresser wrote. I was set to work for Moinak Bhowmiks upcoming film but the production manager informed me that the guild had instructed them not to give me the assignment, she added. The woman hairdressers suicide bid has sparked outrage in Tollywood and calls for action against the alleged harassment and intimidation she faced from the hairdressers guild. The Tollywood film fraternity has expressed their support and solidarity for the victim. Even some Prominent figures from the Bengali film industry, including actors Sudipta Chakraborty and Chaiti Ghoshal rushed to the hospital to see the victim. Reacting to incident, veteran actor and BJP leader Rupa Ganguly said, A hairdresser was suspended for three months because she made some mistake. Now, even after three months, she was not allowed to work. She struggled for that period and then she was informed at the last minute that she would not be allowed to work. It is wrong. I cannot accept this injustice," Indian Express quoted actor Sudipta Chakraborty expressed her anger and frustration over the incident on a social media platform As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York to attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF), the members of the Indian diaspora greeted him graciously. They have been waiting eagerly at Hotel Lotte Palace, where PM Modi is scheduled to arrive. Several people were seen holding Indian flags and chanting slogans -- 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' with palpable excitement. "We are here to welcome our PM Narendra Modi. We are very excited to meet & greet him personally," a member of the Indian Diaspora in New York said. "I have specially come from India to welcome PM Modi. This is a handmade portrait made by a Type 1 diabetes child, thanking PM Modi for the insulin that is being provided to him," said another woman from Indian diaspora. "It is difficult to find a leader like PM Modi. We came to meet him. We are going to his event tomorrow as well, we are very excited," said another The Prime Minister will chair key bilateral meetings in New York during the visit. The Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said in a post, "PM Narendra Modi arrives in New York, the second leg of his 3 day visit to the USA. PM will address the UN Summit of the Future, interact with the community and attend other programs." Quad Leaders' Summit President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Amid ongoing row over poor maintenance of Taj Mahal, multiple cracks and damage have appeared on the walls and floors of the historic monument due to heavy rainfall in Agra over the past week, a report by Times of Indiasaid. Doors surrounding the main dome are inscribed with verses from the Quran in Arabic, the letters of which have worn away. Semi-precious stones inlaid in the walls through the intricate technique of pietra dura are also grappling with the ravages of time," Shakeel Chauhan, national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, was quoted as saying by TOI. Chauhan stated that in the western direction, stones from the floor in front of the royal mosque have chipped off, adding, "Damages can be seen on parts of the main mausoleum and walls of the iconic dome. However, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has claimed that there are no serious structural issues concerning the UNESCO World Heritage Site, said the report. Funds spent on the maintenance of the Taj Mahal are audited from time to time. So far, no concerns have been raised in these audits, said the ASI. On September 19, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav had raised questions over maintenance of the Taj Mahal and attacked the Yogi Adityanath government, saying it should be a living and active example, not just a monument. Also Read | World Heritage Week: Tourists flock Taj Mahal after ASI exempts entry fee Sharing a viral video in which a plant could be seen sprouting from the dome of the Taj Mahal, Yadav had said that the monument might develop cracks due to the roots. 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, he had said in a post on X. He further added, There is a possibility of rusting of the metal of the urn on the main dome. Water is dripping from the main dome. There is news of plants growing in the dome. If the roots of trees like these grow, then the Taj Mahal may crack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday (local time) that India's vision is 'One Earth, one Health'. Speaking at the Quad Leaders' Cancer Moonshot event, PM Modi announced the dedication of a grant of $7.5 million to cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. "India is ready to share its experience and expertise," PM Modi said in his remarks. He said India will also provide assistance in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. "Today, many experts from India working in cancer care have joined us in this event. India's vision is One Earth One Health. I announce the support of sampling kits, detection kits and vaccines worth $ 7.5 million," PM Modi said, mentioning that India has produced its own vaccine to treat cervical cancer. The Prime Minister said India will also provide assistance in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. He added that India will contribute 40 million vaccine doses for Indo-Pacific countries under GAVI and QUAD initiatives. Meanwhile, a White House release said, "India commits to providing HPV sampling kits, detection kits, and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region." The Ministry of External Affairs also posted on X, saying "Cooperation in healthcare- a key Quad priority. PM Narendra Modi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event today. The four leaders committed to detection, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region." 'India running world's largest health insurance scheme' While speaking at the Quad Leaders' Cancer Moonshot event, PM Modi said India is running the world's largest health insurance scheme. He said special centres have also been set up to make medicines available to everyone at affordable cost. "India has also developed its own vaccine for cervical cancer and new treatment protocols are also being introduced with the help of Artificial Intelligence," he added. 'Biden announces programme to train Indo-Pacific doctors combat cervical cancer' US President Joe Biden announced on Saturday (local time) to begin a programme to train Indo-Pacific counterparts in conducting cervical cancer screening and vaccination. He made the announcement at the Cancer Moonshot event in Wilmington, Delaware, his hometown, held on the sidelines of the Quad Summit. "Next year, doctors and nurses from the US Navy will begin a programme to train Indo-Pacific counterparts in conducting cervical cancer screening and vaccination. So we can reach every woman in the region...Today America, Australia, India and Japan choose to fight for every patient asking for one more day, one more week, one more year," Biden was quoted by ANI as saying. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, gifted rare pieces of silver craftwork, and a Pashmina shawl to US President Joe Biden, and US First lady Jill Biden, during his visit to the US. Yesterday, on September 21, PM Modi reached the Philadelphia airport for a three day visit to the US, to attend the Quad Summit 2024. Modi is also expected to address a community gathering at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York, and another one at Los Angeles. Antique silver hand-engraved train model Narendra Modi's antique silver hand-engraved train model gift to Biden features a railway carriage with an Indian Railways tag. It also shows the designated route as Delhi to Delaware, Biden's hometown, where he hosted the Quad Summit. According to a report by ANI, the vintage model is a rare piece, that has been crafted by artisans from Maharashtra. Entirely made of 92.5 per cent silver, the model is said to showcase the glory of Indian metalworking artistry. The antique also features an intricate filigree work, that has been done through traditional techniques such as engraving, repousse (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs). PM Modi's silver antique gift to Joe Biden Pashmina shawl for US First Lady For Jill Biden, the US First Lady, PM Modi gifted a Pashmina shawl from Jammu and Kashmir, packed in the traditional handmade papier mache boxes. The story of Pashmina shawls dates back to the Changthangi goat, native to the high altitudes of Ladakh. The goat's coat, known as Pashm, is incredibly fine, and is hand-combed by artisans to form Pashmina shawls. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals are used to add vibrant hues to the fabric. Pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mache boxes from Jammu and Kashmir. These boxes are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue, and other natural materials. Each of the papier mache boxes have a unique design from one another. These traditional boxes reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. An employee from AR Dairy Food Private Limiteda Tamil Nadu-based company facing allegations of supplying adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) for Sri Venkateswara Temple prasadamhas dismissed the claims as absurd. The employee refuted the allegations that fish oil had been used for making the laddus, claiming it was more expensive than ghee. The employee's reactions came a day after the Tirumala Temple authorities filed a complaint against AR Dairy Food Private Limited. Also Read | Tirupati Laddu row: Andhra Dy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo penance initiation The laddus served as prasad at the Tirumala Temple have been under the scanner after Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claimed that lab reports have shown that Tirupati laddus contain beef tallow, fish oil and other substandard ingredients. Nonsensical allegations Kanan, a quality control officer at the firm noted that that the allegations were nonsensical as any adulteration would be easily detectable by smell. These allegations, which range from claims of vegetable oil to animal fat adulteration, are severely damaging to our business. Additionally, the assertion that fish oil was added is nonsensical; fish oil costs more than ghee. Any form of adulteration would be immediately noticeable by its odour, he told a local media outlet, reported The Indian Express. The AR Dairy employee further added that the company has been producing ghee since 1998 and that the milk used undergoes 102 quality checks. Kanan emphasized that the ghee is approved by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Our ghee samples are first tested in national laboratories before being sent to TTD, and upon arrival, TTDs food safety officer checks the samples again," he added, stated the IE report. Deeply wounded by laddu says Ravi Shankar Spiritual guru Ravi Shankar compared the Tirupati laddu row to the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, which erupted after Indian soldiers came to know about pig fat used to line the cartridges. Amid the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam row, K. Karuna Sagar, High Court Advocate said on Sunday, shocked to hear laddu prasad contained beef, pork and fish oil. While speaking to ANI, he said, "...The Laddu prasad that is offered at Tirupati is world-famous for its divinity, sanctity and quality. I was shocked and surprised after seeing the lab reports which confirmed that the low-quality ghee which was used which was used in making Laddu prasad contained beef, pork and fish oil. This is an attack on the Hindu sentiments...This is a conspiracy..." The row comes days after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, a sweet offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, during the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. Earlier this week, Sagar submitted a complaint against former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman, board members and officials over Tirupati Prasadam row. The advocate filed a complaint to the Saidabad Police Station in Hyderabad, alleging that they allowed the use of low-quality ghee mixed with animal fat in the sacred Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirupati Venkateshwara Swamy temple. In his complaint, advocate Sagar said, As a practicing Hindu and devoted follower of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy, I hold the Laddu Prasadam in the highest esteem. This offering has been an integral part of our faith for over 300 years, symbolizing divine blessings and serving as an essential component of the spiritual experience. A visit and darshan of Swamy feels incomplete without it. President of Hindu Sena Samiti files PIL Meanwhile, Surjit Singh Yadav, President of Hindu Sena Samiti has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court on Saturday to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations of using animal fat in preparation of prasadam for Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in Tirupati. The President of Hindu Sena Samiti also sought registration of the complaint and investigation and prosecution of the persons involved in the alleged mixing of animal fat. Meanwhile, Telangana Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also demanded strict action on the issue. Speaking to ANI, VHP Vice President Ram Singh, said, "Vishwa Hindu Parishad is demanding that everyone involved in this should get immediately arrested and punished. If the government does not do that, then the Hindu organisation like Bjarang Dal, Sangh Parivar and the devotees of Balaji should take action." Amid Tirupati laddu controversy, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday alleged that current chief minister of the state Chandrababu Naidu is 'tarnishing the reputation of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams' in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "...Attempts are being made by CM Chandrababu Naidu to irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity and reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams .." Jagan's letter to PM Modi reads. "Chandrababu Naidu a pathological and habitual liar has stooped so low as to seriously hurt the beliefs of crores of people purely for political objectives...It is imperative that Mr Naidu be reprimanded in severest way for his shameless act of spreading lies and the truth be brought to light. This would allay the suspicions that Mr Naidu has created in the minds of crores of Hindu devotees and restore the faith in the sanctity of the TTD," the letter to reads. This is indeed a lie spread with political motives and this false propaganda has the potential to hurt the sentiments of hindu devotees across the globe Jagan said. Slamming the TDP government in the state, the former Chief Minister alleged that the Chandrababu Naidu government has failed on all fronts with respect to the fulfillment of the commitments made to the electorate prior to the elections and hence spreading rumours around the prasad tempering in an attempt to distract the public from its failures. The former Andhra Chief Minister said, It is noteworthy that during the period from 2015 to 2018 October, when the TDP was in power, KMF did not supply ghee to TTD and other private players who had participated in the tender process and were selected on the basis of the L1 bid, were the ones who had supplied ghee, During the period of the YSRCP Government also, there were times when the supply of ghee was done by KMF. Therefore, the allegations by the TDP are totally baseless. Jagan further said, the facts that samples from a ghee tanker that had reached Tirumala on 12 July 2024 had appeared to be of questionable quality and could not pass the three tests on examination and samples of the same were also sent to the NDDB CALF laboratory on the 17th July, 2024 and the findings of the analysis were reported on 23rd July, 2024. It is crucial to note that the ghee allegedly adulterated was rejected and not allowed to enter the premises of the TTD. The former Andhra Chief Minister said, Lord Venkateshwara has crores of Hindu devotees not just in India but across the globe and if the delicate situation is not handled carefully, these lies could precipitate a widespread agony, having far-reaching consequences on various frants. It is important to note that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday alleged that animal fat and substandard ingredients were used to make the famous Tirupati laddu during the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the irregularities in the procedures to procure ghee at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Naidu also launched a sharp attack on the previous YSRCP government and said that during their tenure, TTD board had become like "gambling". The SIT would have officers at ranks of an IG or above. "It will probe all the reasons, misuse of power and give a report to the government. The government will take stringent action to avoid recurrences (laddu adulteration), there is no compromise," said Naidu. He also noted that a Santhi Homam Panchagavya Prokshana or a ritualistic sanitisation of the temple would be held on Monday, September 23. Earlier on Sunday, the TTD also announced the formation of a "sensory panel" to check the quality of the temple's food offerings. At a press conference, TTD's Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao, he said that there would be a one-day "Samprokshnas" and "shanti homams", at the temple on Monday. Rao said, "To ensure confidence is restored in devotees and they pray with a peaceful mind, one-day samprokshnas and shanti homams (purification rituals) will be conducted tomorrow. We hope this restores the sanctity of the devalayam (temple)." While blaming the previous government, CM Naidu said that the ghee supplier should have at least three years of experience, but under YSRCP government, it was reduced to one year. He also said that the required turnover of the supplier was also reduced to 150 crore from 250 crore earlier. The issue came out a few days ago when, at an NDA legislative party meeting, Naidu claimed that the YSRCP government "did not even spare" Sri Venkateswara temple and used animal fat for making laddus. Top events today: From Narendra Modi's extensive schedule in the US, to Arvind Kejriwal's meeting at Jantar Mantar, a host of events are lined up for today. We take a look: PM Modi to address community events in US Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in the US, for the Quad meeting. In addition, he is also set to address a mega community event in Long Island and another event at BAPS Swami Narayan Temple in US. He is also scheduled to meet Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in New York. As a part of his schedule for the Quad meeting, PM Modi has met with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, as the two leaders discussed ways to deepen the bilateral ties between Japan and India. Before leaving for US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday for a three-day visit, he emphasized that the Quad has become a crucial coalition of like-minded countries dedicated to fostering peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Arvind Kejriwal at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal will speak at a 'Janta ki Adalat'(public court) at Jantar Mantar, in Delhi today. The former Chief Minister of Delhi was released from Tihar Jail last week after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the money laundering case related to the excise policy. Speaking about the event, AAP minister and Delhi state coordinator Gopal Rai said that Arvind Kejriwal's fight with the BJP has become a face to face battle. If Arvind Kejriwal is made the Chief Minister with a huge majority, then the country's respect will increase and the respect of the conspirators will dented, said Gopal Rai. Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh in Jammu and Kashmir for Legislative Assembly Election rallies Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to hold an election rally in the Nowshera constituency, today, in support of J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina. The Nowshera seat was previously held by Ravinder Raina. For 2024 Assembly Elections, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) are the major contesters for the constituency. In the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, BJP candidate Ravinder Raina won the seat with a margin of 9,503 votes. Apart from Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to address three rallies in Poonch, Surankote and Jammu. IND vs Bangladesh match, Day 4 India and Bangladesh have been competing against each other in the test series that is being hosted at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. There are speculations of whether a bad weather might delay the match, as Day 3 was marked by overcast conditions. UN Summit of the Future World leaders are expected to attend UN Summit of the Future, today, at New York. The Summit aims to "to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future," reported Reuters. According to the UN, world leaders will convene to adopt a Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes. Indo-US joint military exercise to end today The joint military exercise between India and the US began on September 9, Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. Today, marks the last date of the 20th edition of this Indo-US exercise. JERUSALEM, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that his country landed "a series of blows" on Hezbollah in recent days that the group "could not have imagined." In a video statement released by his office, Netanyahu warned, "If Hezbollah hasn't understood the message, I promise you -- it will understand the message." He emphasized Israel's commitment to restoring security in the north, declaring, "We are determined to return our northern residents safely to their homes ... We will do whatever it takes to restore security." Overnight, Hezbollah expanded its rocket attacks, targeting areas near Haifa, including the headquarters of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel's state-owned defense technology company, and a military airport in Ramat David base, both located in northern Israel. Amid the sharp escalation, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant affirmed that the military, in response, would continue its offensive. Gallant, speaking during his visit to an Air Force control center on Sunday morning, said Hezbollah "has begun to feel some of our capabilities," referencing weekend airstrikes in Beirut that killed at least 37 people, including Ibrahim Akil, acting commander of Hezbollah's Elite Radwan Force. Israel is also believed to be behind a series of attacks earlier this week, which saw thousands of wireless communication devices explode across Lebanon, killing at least 37, including civilians, and injuring thousands. In addition, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz released a statement saying he had spoken with "dozens" of foreign ministers, sending a clear message: if the international community does not pressure Hezbollah to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon, "Israel will do so." Katz added that the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces is "essential" to create a security zone, allowing Israeli residents near the border with Lebanon to return to their homes. The Israeli military announced Sunday in a statement that it is continuing airstrikes in Lebanon and has bombed 400 Hezbollah sites since Saturday. According to Lebanese military sources, at least three people were killed and four others injured on Sunday in intense Israeli airstrikes. Amid fears that the cross-border fighting, which began in October last year, will escalate to an all-out war in the Middle East, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert warned of an "imminent catastrophe" in the region. "With the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer," she wrote on the social media platform X. Top News on September 22: India's primary market remains strong with 11 IPOs launching next week, including two mainboard issues expected to raise 482 crore. The BSE benchmark hit a record high of 84,544.31, gaining 1,359.51 points, as the market cap of six major firms rose by 1.97 lakh crore, showcasing robust investor confidence. Additionally, Vodafone Idea has awarded $3.6 billion in contracts to Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung for network equipment over the next three years, indicating significant investment in infrastructure. IPO flurry to continue with 11 new public issues India's primary market boom shows no signs of slowing down, with 11 IPOs scheduled for launch next week. These include two in the mainboard segment and eight in the SME segment. The mainboard issues consist of Manba Finance and KRN Heat Exchanger, which together are expected to raise approximately 482 crore. READ HERE Market cap of 6 of top-10 most valued firms surges 1.97 lakh crore On Friday, the BSE benchmark skyrocketed by 1,359.51 points or 1.63 per cent to close at a record high of 84,544.31. During intraday trading, it spiked by 1,509.66 points or 1.81 per cent, reaching a lifetime high of 84,694.46. READ HERE Vodafone Idea hands $3.6 bn contracts to Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung Vodafone Idea will spend $3.6 billion (about 30,000 crore) on network equipment over next three years, the contracts for which have been given out to Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung, Indias No 3 carrier said on Sunday. READ HERE Arkade Developers IPO Arkade Developers shares are experiencing high demand in the unlisted market. The grey market premium (GMP) for Arkade Developers' IPO today is 63 per share, indicating that the shares are trading 63 above their issue price in the grey market. READ HERE India pledges $2 million for solar projects at Quad Summit 2024 From launching Quad Cancer Moonshot, to India announcing Quad scholarships for students from the Indo Pacific region, the Quad Summit 2024 witnessed a host of commitments by the partner countries. READ HERE BookMyShow crashes as Coldplay concert tickets for India BookMyshow server crashed on Sunday minutes after tickets sell for Coldplay India concert start. Frustrated fans, who have been waiting to get access to tickets, reacted saying This is not fair!!!!, why on earth. READ HERE PHOENIX (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris will skip this year's Al Smith charity dinner in New York, breaking with presidential tradition so she can campaign instead in a battleground state less than three weeks before Election Day. The dinner benefitting Catholic Charities traditionally has been used to promote collegiality and good humor, with presidential candidates from both parties appearing on the same night and trading barbs. Harris' team wants her to spend as much time as possible in the battleground states that will decide the election rather than heavily Democratic New York, a campaign official said Saturday, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss campaign plans and confirming a decision first reported by CNN. Her team told organizers that she would be willing to attend as president if she's elected, the official said. Donald Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to a question about whether he would attend the dinner. This years white-tie gala is scheduled for Oct. 17. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who plays a prominent role in the dinner, has been highly critical of Democrats, writing a 2018 Wall Street Journal op-ed that carried the headline, The Democrats Abandon Catholics. The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner is named for the former New York governor, a Democrat and the first Roman Catholic to be nominated for president by a major party in 1928. He was handily defeated by Herbert Hoover. It raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally shown that those vying to lead the nation can get along, or pretend to, for one night. The event has become a tradition for presidential candidates since Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy appeared together in 1960. In 1996, the Archdiocese of New York decided not to invite then-President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger, Bob Dole, reportedly because Clinton vetoed a late-term abortion ban. Trump and Joe Biden, who is Catholic, both spoke at the fundraiser in 2020, when it was moved online due to concerns about large gatherings spreading COVID-19. Amid the pandemic and economic woes, there was no joking and both candidates instead used their speeches to appeal to Catholic voters. MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (AP) A police pursuit that began in New York City ended on Long Island with the shooting death of the driver, and seven police officers and a civilian were taken to hospitals for treatment, police said. Patrick Ryder, commissioner of the Nassau County police department, told reporters Saturday that the chase began after New York City officers tried to stop a driver in the Jamaica neighborhood in the borough of Queens shortly after 11 p.m. Friday. The driver tried to ram the two police officers, striking them before fleeing, Ryder said. Officers in Nassau County boxed in the driver at one point, but he hit two police cars and forced two officers to dive out of the way, he said. The vehicle went further down the road, hitting another police car, turned around and went the wrong way before turning around again and hitting a civilian car. The driver's vehicle went out of control and stopped on a berm in Massapequa, Ryder said. Officers tried to get the driver to get out of the car, but he refused to comply and was killed by gunfire, Ryder said. Ryder described the driver as reckless, saying his vehicle was flying. "He jumped onto oncoming traffic ... hes ramming police car, hes ramming civilian cars, and he lost control of his own vehicle, he said. Five police officers from Nassau County and two from New York City were taken to hospitals, along with the driver of the civilian car, Ryder said. One officer was struck by the vehicle, two were injured diving for safety and three were taken for treatment of trauma after the police shooting, he said. Quad Summit 2024: From launching Quad Cancer Moonshot, to India announcing Quad scholarships for students from the Indo Pacific region, the Quad Summit 2024 witnessed a host of commitments by the partner countries. US President Joe Biden hosted the fourth meeting at his hometown, Delaware, on Saturday. Established to be a global force for the good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Japanese PM Kishida Fumio all came together to agree on a combined charter to combat problems within the Indo Pacific. Here are the top points: Quad Leaders Summit 2024: Key announcements A. Quad Cancer Moonshot: The Quad launched the historic Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative with an initial focus on cervical cancer. India committed to providing HPV sampling kits, detection tools and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the US made an early pledge of at least $1.58 billion over five years. B. Mpox and pandemic: In order to combat the recent outbreak of Mpox, the Quad agreed to make low-cost Mpox vaccines easily accessible for all the people in the Indo Pacific region. For pandemic preparedness, India is set to release a white paper outlining emergency public health responses, while Australia is increasing the pool of public health specialists. Beside, the US has pledged over $84.5 million to partner with fourteen countries in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. C. Solar projects: India pledged to invest around $2 million, which is around 16.48 crore in new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles. Meanwhile, the United States decided to extend a $250 million loan to Tata Power Solar to construct a solar cell manufacturing facility and a $500 million loan to First Solar to construct and operate a solar module manufacturing facility in India. Climate and Clean Energy: Japan committed to $122 million grants and loans, for both public and privated renewable energy projects in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, Australia said it will open applications for the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chains Diversification Program in November, providing AUD 50 million to support projects that develop and diversify solar panel, hydrogen electrolyzer and battery supply chains. People based initiatives: India announced a new initiative to award 50 Quad scholarships, worth 4 crore, to students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a 4-year undergraduate engineering program at a Government of India-funded technical institution. Maritime security, logistics network: The Quad announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to enable the Indo-Pacific partners to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behaviour. A Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, has also been announced for shared airlift capacity among the four nations to support civilian response to natural disasters. Besides, the US Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard also announced plans to first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 in the Indo-Pacific. As part of this mission, coast guard departments of the four countries will spend time on board in a US Coast Guard vessel operating in the Indo-Pacific. Navigating AI, and Technology: The United States plans to invest over $7 million to support the global expansion of Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA), by partnering with Indian institutions for training projects. Quad partners will also coordinate with the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation to ensure the countrys readiness for nationwide 5G deployment. Quad countries, through the Standards Sub-Group, launched two Track 1.5 dialogues on AI and Advanced Communications Technologies to promote international standardization cooperation, including frameworks for AI conformity assessment. Besides, the Quad partners said they look forward to launching the BioExplore Initiative a joint effort supported by an initial $2 million in funding to use AI technology to study and analyze biological ecosystems across all four countries. Ports and Infrastructure: The Quad Ports of the Future Partnership project are expected to bring out the Quads expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific, by collaborating with regional partners. Also Read | PM Modi pledges million vaccine doses at Quad Cancer Moonshot event Tech billionaire Elon Musk and Indian venture capitalist Vinod Khosla indulged in a war of words on social media. The dispute, which began with Musk targeting Khosla over a disputed beach, transpired into a slugfest over ideological differences, SpaceX investment, etc. The heated discussion between the two began when the tech billionaire shared a no pleb sign allegedly placed by Vinod Khosla on a public beach attached to his property. Wow, so crazy that @vkhosla put this sign on a public beach, said Elon Musk in a post on X. He also mentioned Vinod Khosla's stance on migrant issues and wrote, Vinod says we should send tens of thousands of unvetted migrants to small towns throughout America, but he didnt even want to let the public walk on his beach Musk didn't stop there and even declared to throw a BBQ party on on Vinods beach. Reacting to Musk's social media post, the Indian American businessman wrote, You can go from rational discussion to polemics and fact-less claims and name calling? Calling the US Presidential candidate Donald Trump as Musk's new mentor, Khosla also wrote, Keeping up with your new mentor @realDonaldTrump in tweeting fictional photographs or at least not one I have ever seen. There has NEVER been a dispute on access to the beach (which is public ), just accessing it thru private property is illegal. Every court ruling and appeal of the Friends of Martin's Beach lawsuit we have won that reasserted access thru private property is not legal. Separately the commies at California Coastal Commission want us to apply for a permit to close an old paid parking business and yet they have not permitted us to apply for this closure. Get details before you tweet nonsense. Also Read | Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump: Check who leads the race to White House Elon Musk vs Vinod Khosla on X Indian American businessman Vinod Khosla and Tesla CEO Elon Musk later argued over a range of issues including the last US Presidential elections. Reacting to Elon Musk's question migrants, Khosla asked a question on last US Presidential elections. And why have you never answered my previous question on if the election was stolen? (My unequivocal on MAGA extremism), read another post by Vinod Khosla on X. Also Read | Vinod Khosla says rushing to meet carbon-reduction targets by 2030 may hinder what can be achieved by 2050 No, I dont think 2020 was stolen, as all the independent voters I know, myself included, leaned towards Biden, thinking he would be a milquetoast moderate. Boring, but moderate. Unfortunately, he turned out to be a radical leftist puppet of the machine who loves overreaching bureaucracy, just like Kamala, said Musk in another post. Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry, had sneaked away to New York City in 2019 to seek the "safety" she was craving. Notably, Meghan and Prince Harry were working as senior royals at the time. However, she had complaints about the media scrutiny that came along with the title. According to media reports, the Duchess of Sussex went incognito for her NYC trip to watch Serena Williams play in the US Open. For me, sneaking to New York five years ago was a really big deal, the 'Suits' actress said, describing how she had worn a hat and kept her head down while visiting a bookstore, according to Town and Country. Also Read | Not Harry or Meghan, Ipsos survey reveals THIS person is most popular UK royal I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world. The safety of what I was craving, I knew I could find in a bookstore, Town and Country quoted Meghan Markle as saying at the opening of the Montecito bookstore, Godmothers. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex withdrew from their duties as senior members of the royal family in January 2020. The couple, who are now parents to two children, relocated to California shortly thereafter and have since given up their official residence in the UK. The recent opening of the local bookstore, established by literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and entrepreneur Victoria Jackson, drew a host of celebrities this weekend. Also Read | Prince Harry returning to UK without Meghan Markle to host award: Report Among the attendees were Meghan and Harry, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, Jane Lynch, and others. The name for the new community space was introduced by Harry during the book party for his memoir, Spare. At that event, the Duke of Sussex recognized the support he had received from Winfrey, Jackson, and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, affectionately referring to them as his "fairy godmothers." Also Read | Who will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle support during US Presidential elections Godmothers features an Our Local Authors display where Harry's memoir and Markle's children's book, The Bench, live, along with titles from Rob Lowe, Cameron Diaz, Winfrey, DeGeneres and others. Members of the Indian diaspora in the US gathered at the Nassau Coliseum ahead of the Modi and US event in New York. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to address with members of the Indian-American diaspora on Sunday evening as part of an ongoing three-day visit to the United States. It is a historical event in Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York. It looks like we are celebrating Diwali here15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states. More than 500 artists are going to perform, and we all are awaiting PM Modi, said Jagdish Sewhani one of the members of the event organising committee. Visuals shared online show several groups playing instruments and practising their dance routines ahead of the event. According to the organisers there are around 25,000 people from around the US who have registered for passes. Sehwani also noted that this was the first time that an Indian Prime Minister had visited Long Island. The Mayor of Nassau county is so excited that he said that he is going to welcome the most popular leader, not only in India but in the world, he added. PM Modi will address the UN Summit of the Future, interact with the community and attend a CEO Roundtable during his brief visit to New York. Modi will also chair some key bilateral meetings in the city. We are very excited. We are from India but we live here. We play Dhol-Tasha to keep alive the roots of India. We are excited to play this in front of the Prime Minister, a group of performers representing Maharashtra said. We are very excited (that PM Modi is coming here). We usually don't get the opportunity to see him, but I am looking forward to seeing him, from a distance at least. We try to pass on this folk music that comes from Maharashtra to the next generation by keeping the culture alive, a member of the group added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked United States President Joe Biden for returning 297 invaluable antiquities that were trafficked from India. In a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Modi said this strengthens the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India, Modi wrote. Notable Antiquities Handed Over Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to 10-11th century CE Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to 15-16th century CE Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE Lord Ganesh in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE Lord Vishnu in Bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE Anthropomorphic figure in copper from North India belonging to 2000-1800 BCE Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE. US returns over 297 smuggled antiquities In a statement on September 21, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the artifacts were returned in keeping with close bilateral ties and to foster greater cultural understanding. To this end, it added that the US State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under Ministry of Culture, Government of India had signed a Cultural Property Agreement in July 2024 to fulfill the commitments made by Biden and Modi to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage. The pieces will be shortly be repatriated to India, the statement said, adding that in a symbolic hand over, a select few pieces were showcased to Modi and Biden on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. About The Antiques The antiquities being returned belong to a time period spanning almost 4000 years, from 2000 BCE 1900 CE and have origins in different parts of India, the statement added. Majority of the antiquities are terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, while others are made in stone, metal, wood and ivory and belong to different parts of the country, it said. US President Joe Biden forgot to introduce Prime Minister Narendra Modi on stage during an event on Sunday. The octogenarian appeared visibly confused after addressing the Cancer Moonshot launch event and eventually asked what he was supposed to be doing next. Who am I introducing next? Who's next? he could be heard wondering aloud after his speech. The event moderator then intervened to announce PM Modi as the latter stepped forward to deliver his address. The outgoing POTUS has made headlines on several occasions for freezing up during public interactions or completely forgetting his words. Concerns about his health and capabilities had escalated earlier this year after a disastrous Presidential election debate with Donald Trump. Biden had eventually dropped out of the poll race to make way for Kamala Harris. Earlier in July the President had accidentally referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as his warring Russian counterpart during (yet another) introductory speech. The unfortunate moment came while Biden was closing out a three-day NATO summit in Washington soon after he forcefully vowed that "Ukraine will prevail" against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Turning to Zelensky in his war fatigues, Biden said, "Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin." Biden quickly corrected himself and Zelensky, a former comedian, promptly made light of the gaffe, saying, I am better than Putin. Also Read | Joe Biden mixes up Kamala Harris as Trump, Zelenskyy as Putin during NATO summit The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Biden hosted the Quad Leaders' Summit in his hometown over the weekend as he prepares to step down in early 2025. The group announced several initiatives including the Quad Cancer Moonshot partnership to combat cervical cancer in a joint statement. The White House initiative is aimed at bringing renewed leadership to the fight against cancer, facilitate new collaborations, and drive progress across the cancer journey utilizing all facets of the oncology community - federal agencies and departments, private companies, healthcare providers, patient groups, philanthropies, and all Americans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Indian diaspora in New York, which was attended by over 15,000 people from across America on Long Island and called them India's brand ambassadors. Modi also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to United States President Joe Biden for his warm hospitality during a visit to his home in Delaware. I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora. I understood it even when I held no official position. For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you rashtradoot. I salute you all, the Indian diaspora." Modi said. Also Read | Watch: PM Modi addresses Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York Thousands had gathered outside the Nassau Coliseum ahead of the event with the organisers indicating that around 25,000 people had registered for passes. Visuals shared online show also several artiste groups playing instruments and practising their dance routines ahead of the event. Popular artists such as Devi Sri Prasad, Hanumankind, and Aditya Gadhvi also performed in the Nassau Coliseum as part of the event. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during an event at Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum in East Meadow, New York on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonardo Munoz / AFP) Earlier on Saturday the PM had taken part in the Quad Summit and held bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Highlights from PM Modi address: Our Namaste has become multi-national, has gone from local to global, only because of you. The warmth and energy of the Indian diaspora in New York is unparalleled. I travelled in at least 29 states in America even before I was holding any post. You have connected America to Bharat and Bharat to America. There is no match to you skill, talent, commitment. You all have come here from faraway places; some of you are old faces, while some are new ones, and I am thankful to the love I am receiving here. This reminds me of those days when I was not even a politician and I came here to visit this place. We belong to a country where there are dozens of languages and dialogues, all faiths and religions of the world and yet we are moving forward united." For the world, AI means Artificial intelligence, but for me it is America-India. AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world. The same AI spirit is taking India-US relations to new heights. I salute Indian diaspora, said PM Modi amid chants of 'Modi-Modi' There was also a time when I had chosen another path for myself but destiny brought me into politics. I had never thought I would become a chief minister. I was the longest-serving CM of Gujarat. Later, the people promoted me and made me the prime minister. You may remember a word PUSHP P for Progressive Bharat, U for Unstoppable Bharat, S for Spiritual Bharat, H for Humanity fist Bharat and P for Prosperous Bharat - means PUSHP which will make India Viksit Bharat. Today, India's 5G market is bigger than America. It has happened within two years. Now, India is working on made-in-India 6G. Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Indian community on his arrival in New York India is second biggest manufacturer of mobile. There used to be a time when we imported mobiles, today we are exporting. Today, India leads. India's UPI is attracting everyone. You have wallets in your phones, but in India, wallet (e-wallet) is in their phone. India is not going to stop. Bharat wants devices to run in Made in India chips. Days are not far when you will see 'Made in India' chip in America. This small chip will take the 'flight' of Viksit Bharat to new heights and it is Modi's guarantee. For India, power and potency means - knowledge is for sharing, wealth is for caring, power is for protecting. I am the first PM of India who was born after Independence. During the freedom struggle, crores of Indians sacrificed everything and lost their lives for the nation. Though we couldn't die for nation, we could live for the country. From day 1, my aim has been clear. I couldn't sacrifice my life for swaraj, but I will dedicate my entire life for the welfare of the country. Wherever in world there is crisis, India emerges as first responder. Today's India sees big dreams, chases big dreams. India is not going to stop now, India is not going to slow down now. India is land of opportunities. India doesn't wait for opportunities, rather it creates opportunity. India has created launching pads of opportunities in every sector. Also Read | PM Modi thanks Joe Biden for returning 297 trafficked cultural properties Visitors learn about a new energy vehicle at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Fu Tian) Visitors look at a model of a fully automatic hydrogen-powered train at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) Visitors learn about a BYD Yangwang U9 at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Fu Tian) Visitors learn about a concept car displayed at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Fu Tian) Visitors look at a Hongqi EH7 new energy car at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) Visitors learn about a multi-rotor electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) Visitors learn about an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) Visitors experience an unmanned sightseeing bus at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) Visitors learn about a straddle-type monorail train at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) A boy looks at a model of an intelligent electric multiple unit (EMU) at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Fu Tian) Children pose for photos on a straddle-type monorail train at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened Friday in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, highlighting the latest products and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Diverse new ways of travel, such as straddle-type monorail train, unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and new energy vehicles, etc., have drawn people's attention at the convention. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) SEATTLE Dan Evans, a popular three-term Republican governor of Washington state who went on to serve in the U.S. Senate before leaving in frustration because he felt the chamber was too rancorous and tedious, has died. He was 98. Evans died Friday, according to the University of Washington, where he had served as a regent and where the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance bears his name. Dad lived an exceptionally full life, his sons Dan Jr., Mark and Bruce Evans said in a written statement quoted by The Seattle Times. Whether serving in public office, working to improve higher education, mentoring aspiring public servants he just kept signing up for stuff right until the end. He touched a lot of lives. And he did this without sacrificing family. Evans was a dominant force in Washington politics for decades and, until current Gov. Jay Inslee, he was the only person to be elected governor three times. Born in 1925 in Seattle, Evans was a civil engineer before entering politics. He was elected to the state Legislature in 1956 and won the governorship in 1964, beating incumbent two-term Democrat Albert D. Rosellini and prevailing in a bad year for his fellow Republicans, one which saw President Lyndon Johnson soundly defeat the GOPs Barry Goldwater. Known as a moderate to liberal Republican, the avid outdoorsman helped add new recreation and park areas in the state and supported clean air and water legislation. He created the nation's first state Department of Ecology, which President Richard Nixon used as a model for the Environmental Protection Agency. Evans also unsuccessfully pushed to create a state income tax. He opted not to run for a fourth term. After leaving the governors mansion in 1977, Evans stayed in Olympia, serving as president of The Evergreen State College. Evans had helped create the state school when he signed an act authorizing the liberal arts college, and as governor he also backed founding the states community college system. He built a national profile during his time leading the state and was the keynote speaker at the 1968 National Republican Convention. He was mentioned as a possible running mate for President Gerald Ford in 1976. Never a fan of Ronald Reagan, Evans supported Ford in 1976 and initially backed George H.W. Bush in 1980. As a popular Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, it seemed that Evans would be a shoe-in had he decided to run for the U.S. Senate. He frequently spurned such talk, saying in 1972 that I dont like Washington, D.C., very well ... and I could not stand to be in the Senate. However, in 1983 Democratic Sen. Henry Scoop Jackson died in office, and Evans accepted an appointment to serve out his term. Evans opted not to stand for election in 1988, citing the tediousness of getting decisions made. At the time he said he was looking forward to returning home to enjoy the outdoors. In later years Evans served as a regent at the University of Washington, his alma mater. He also served on many nonprofit and corporate boards. PM Modi US visit: During his ongoing three-day visit to America, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Joe Biden and participated in the QUAD summit on Saturday. He also met Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Wilmington. Earlier, PM Modi also addressed the QUAD leaders' Summit and the Cancer Moonshot event. The Indian prime minister is scheduled to attend a CEO roundtable discussion, Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations, chair some key bilateral meetings in New York, and address a diaspora event on Sunday and next day. Here are the top highlights from PM Modi's US visit in photos. PM Modi US Visit top highlights in photos **EDS: IMAGE VIA PMO** Delaware: President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Quadrilateral Cancer Moonshot initiative event on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware, USA, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI09_22_2024_000027B) *** Local Caption *** President Joe Biden talks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he leaves the Quad leaders summit at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Del., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. AP/PTI(AP09_22_2024_000001B) President Joe Biden greets from left, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at the Quad leaders summit at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Del., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) US President Joe Biden meets with (L-R, at table) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the Quadrilateral Summit at the Archmere Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, 2024. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) PM Modi meets US President Joe Biden Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden on the sidelines of Quad summit in Delaware on Saturday. While meeting his US counterpart, PM Modi emphasised the relationship between India and the USA and its significance in the comprehensive global strategic partnership. The two leaders also discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and cooperation, including global and regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. PM Modi meets Japanese and Australian counterparts Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday in Wilmington. Maintaining the relevance of Quad in the dynamic geopolitical scenario and in the era of multipolar global order were the key areas of discussions. PM Modis' meeting with Australian PM Anthony Albanese Modi and Albanese reaffirmed their commitment to "further deepen" bilateral ties, with the Indian leader saying that he "cherishes the time-tested friendship" with Australia. "Held extensive discussions with PM Albanese. We seek to add even more momentum in areas like trade, security, space and culture. India greatly cherishes the time-tested friendship with Australia," Modi said in a post on X. "Great to talk with Prime Minister @narendramodi today at the Quad Leaders Summit about ways to strengthen our partnership," Albanese said in post on X. "PM @narendramodi met PM @AlboMP of Australia today in Wilmington, Delaware. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit as well as for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region," the official account of the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X. PM Modi had a very good meeting with Japan PM Kishida PM Modi also had a very good meeting with Japanese PM Kishida. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the India-Japan relationship. "Had a very good meeting with PM Kishida. Discussed cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductors, defence, green energy and more. Strong India-Japan ties are great for global prosperity," Modi said in a separate X post. "PM @narendramodi met PM @kishida230 of Japan on the sidelines of Quad Summit in Delaware," the MEA said in a post on X. The Quad countries, consisting Australia, India, Japan and the United States, in their The Wilmington Declaration Joint Statement on September 21, said the grouping is a force for good and more strategically aligned than ever. The fourth Quad Summit was hosted by US President Joe Biden in his home town of Wilmington, Delaware, and was attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. Enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific Four years since elevating the Quad to a leader-level format, the Quad is more strategically aligned than ever before and is a force for good that delivers real, positive, and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific, the Wilmington Declaration stated. We celebrate the fact that over just four years, Quad countries have built a vital and enduring regional grouping that will buttress the Indo-Pacific for decades to come. As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity, it added. Peace, Stability in Indo-Pacific Region The grouping, in a unnamed reference to China, said it strongly opposed destabilising or unilateral actions that would upend the region's status quo by force or coercion. As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity. We strongly oppose any destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion, the statement read. It also condemned recent illicit missile launches in the region and expressed serious concern over aggressions in the Indo-Pacific. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominatedone where all countries are free from coercion, and can exercise their agency to determine their futures. We are united in our commitment to upholding a stable and open international system, with its strong support for human rights, the principle of freedom, 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 international law, including the UN Charter, it added. Notably, China is engaged in territorial disputes with neighbours both, in the South China Sea and East China Sea, a PTI report noted. The claims are hotly contested by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Health Security: Quad Cancer Moonshot The grouping also announced a health security programme with the Quad Cancer Moonshot. Building on the Quads successful partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, our collective investments to address cancer in the region, our scientific and medical capabilities, and contributions from our private and non-profit sectors, we will collaborate with partner nations to reduce the burden of cancer in the region, it said. It also announced coordinated efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines including vacine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries. The programme will focus initially on combatting cervical cancera preventable cancer that continues to claim many livesin the Indo-Pacific region while laying the groundwork to address other forms of cancer as well. Also Read | China testing us, Biden caught telling Quad leaders on hot mic India's Commitments, & Others India has committed to providing Human papillomavirus (HPV) sampling kits, detection kits, and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi announced that this was made under India's vision of One Earth, One Heath. India has also committed $10 million to the WHOs Global Initiative on Digital Health, and will offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region for the adoption and deployment of its Digital Public Infrastructure that helps in cancer screening and care. US: The country's Navy medical trainings and professional exchanges around cervical cancer prevention in the region will start in 2025. And the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is open to finance eligible private sector-driven projects to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, including cervical cancer. Australia: has announced expansion of the Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer Program (EPICC) of AU$29.6 million, to cover up to 11 countries in the region. Japan: is providing medical equipment, including CT and MRI scanners, and other assistance worth approximately $27 million, including in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, and is contributing to international organizations such as the Gavi Vaccine Alliance. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) We welcome Quad governments working to ensure readiness to rapidly respond, including through pre-positioning of essential relief supplies, in the event of a natural disaster; this effort extends from the Indian Ocean region, to Southeast Asia, to the Pacific, the statement said. In May 2024, Quad partners collectively contributed over $5 million in humanitarian assistance after a landslide in Papua New Guinea. Quad is working to give over $4 million in humanitarian assistance to Vietnam after Typhoon Yagi. Also Read | PM Modi thanks Joe Biden for returning 297 trafficked cultural properties Maritime Security Measures The QUAD nations announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable their partners in the region to maximise tools provided through Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and other Quad partner initiatives to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behaviour. We look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. Furthermore, we welcome the launch of a Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Quad partners intend to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year to continue to deliver cutting edge capability and information to the region, the declaration said. The QUAD nations also announced that the US Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety and continue with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific. Quality Infrastructure They also announced the launch of a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project to pursue shared airlift capacity among the four nations and leverage the collective logistics strengths to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region. Announcing the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will harness the grouping's expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific in collaboration with regional partners, the declaration said that they intend to hold a Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference, hosted by India in Mumbai. "Through this new partnership, Quad partners intend to coordinate, exchange information, share best practices with partners in the region, and leverage resources to mobilise government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region," the joint statement said. Applauding the expansion of the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships to more than 2,200 experts, the declaration noted that Quad partners have already provided well over 1,300 fellowships since the initiative was announced at last years Summit. Also Read | Royals were warned when Diana went on holiday with Fayed, sexual abuse accused More Initiatives Announced Critical and Emerging Technologies: An ambitious expansion of our partnership to deliver trusted technology solutions to the broader Indo-Pacific region. We remain committed to advancing our cooperation on semiconductors through better leveraging of our complementary strengths to realize a diversified and competitive market and enhance resilience of Quads semiconductor supply chains. We welcome a Memorandum of Cooperation between Quad countries for the Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network, it said. Climate and Clean Energy: Underscore the severe economic, social, and environmental consequences posed by the climate crisis, we continue to work together with Indo-Pacific partners, including through Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP), to enhance climate and clean energy cooperation as well as promote adaptation and resilience. Underscore the severe economic, social, and environmental consequences posed by the climate crisis, we continue to work together with Indo-Pacific partners, including through Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP), to enhance climate and clean energy cooperation as well as promote adaptation and resilience. Cyber: Quad countries intend to enhance our cybersecurity partnership to address common threats posed by state-sponsored actors, cybercriminals, and other non-state malicious actors. Quad countries intend to enhance our cybersecurity partnership to address common threats posed by state-sponsored actors, cybercriminals, and other non-state malicious actors. Space: Recognize the essential contribution of space-related applications and technologies in the Indo-Pacific. Our four countries intend to continue delivering Earth Observation data and other space-related applications to assist nations across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate early warning systems and better manage the impacts of extreme weather events. Recognize the essential contribution of space-related applications and technologies in the Indo-Pacific. Our four countries intend to continue delivering Earth Observation data and other space-related applications to assist nations across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate early warning systems and better manage the impacts of extreme weather events. Quad Investors Network (QUIN): Welcome private sector initiativesincluding the Quad Investors Network (QUIN), which facilitates investments in strategic technologies, including clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, and quantum. Welcome private sector initiativesincluding the Quad Investors Network (QUIN), which facilitates investments in strategic technologies, including clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, and quantum. People-to-People Initiatives: The Quad is committed to strengthening the deep and enduring ties between our people, and among our partners. Through the Quad Fellowship, we are building a network of the next generation of science, technology, and policy leaders. The Quad Leaders' Summit this year was earlier supposed to be held in India, but President Biden was keen to hold the event in his hometown. The US, Japan, India, and Australia had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. -Russian forces struck a multi-storey apartment building in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, on Saturday evening, injuring at least 12 people and prompting an evacuation of some of its residents, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. Kharkiv, 30 km from the Russian border, has been a frequent target of Moscow's attacks since the Kremlin's troops launched their February 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour. Terekhov, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said the Russians had deployed a guided bomb, and that rescue operations were under way at the site. He said many windows had been shattered and 60 residents had been evacuated from the building, . Public broadcaster Suspilne said the bomb landed in a tree outside one of the building's entrances and a number of cars had exploded or were set ablaze. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said a child was among those injured. He said there had been two attacks on the city and a strike near the city of Izium, southeast of Kharkiv, which had set two private homes on fire. On Friday, Russian forces launched three strikes on Kharkiv, injuring 15 people. Further south, a Russian drone attack killed two people on Saturday in the town of Nikopol, the regional governor said. In Kurakhove, one of the focal points of Russia's slow advance through Donetsk region, one person was killed in a Russian artillery strike, regional prosecutors said. And local authorities in Sumy region said Russian aircraft struck energy infrastructure in the town of Shostka. Sumy has been another frequent target of Russian attacks and lies opposite Russia's southern Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched an incursion last month. Donald Trump said its too late to hold another debate after Vice President Kamala Harris campaign said she had accepted an invitation for a face-off on CNN in October and challenged the Republican nominee to take the stage with her. The problem with another debate is that its too late, the former president said at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina on Saturday, noting that early voting has already started in some states and questioning the fairness of CNN as a moderator. Shes done one debate. Ive done two, Trump said. The voting is cast. The voters are out there. Harris campaign earlier Saturday said it had agreed to participate in a debate on CNN for Oct. 23, less than two weeks before Election Day, saying voters deserve another opportunity to hear from the candidates. Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate. It is the same format and setup as the CNN debate he attended and said he won in June, when he praised CNNs moderators, rules, and ratings, Harris campaign chairwoman Jen OMalley Dillon said in a statement. Trump clashed with President Joe Biden at a June debate moderated by CNN a forum which saw the sitting president deliver a calamitous performance that led him to eventually decide to end his campaign and endorse Harris for the party nomination. Harris and Trump took the stage for their only debate so far on Sept. 10, a showdown moderated by ABC News that had originally been agreed to by the Republican presidential nominee and Bidens campaign. That debate saw Trump deliver an uneven performance and a CNN snap poll showed voters viewed Harris as the clear winner. Harris campaign immediately challenged Trump to a second televised contest and she has repeatedly said at rallies that she is eager to take the stage again. Im trying to get another debate but well see, Harris said on Friday during a campaign event in Georgia. Trump has previously said he won their showdown and didnt need to debate again. On Saturday, he questioned whether CNN would be a neutral moderator, saying that while they were fair during his debate against Biden the network might not be so again. And he cited a past offer to debate Harris in a forum moderated by Fox News, an outlet that would be more favorable to Trump, saying the Democratic candidate turned it down. Trump and allies have also assailed ABC News over its moderators, saying they were biased in favor of Harris. The moderators corrected on-air the former presidents false claims that Haitian immigrants were eating their neighbors dogs and cats in the town of Springfield, Ohio, and that some states allow babies to be killed after birth. Trump and Harris running mates, Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio and Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are slated to hold their own debate on Oct. 1 with CBS News. Imagine an interaction where you encounter the worst side of your fellow citizens. Anger, outrage, swearing and threats, with every possibility of a physical altercation. Imagine this happens a couple of times every day and you have no choice but to suffer such interactions. What would your opinion be of other people? What would theirs be of you? Can endlessly repeated negative interactions form the basis of social trust? Bad traffic is destroying social capital in India, undermining our already weak sense of fraternity. By exposing our worst forms to each other, we reinforce the manifold prejudices that we harbour. To the extent that it exacerbates social divisions and precludes fraternity, bad traffic on our roads is anti-national. There have been studies that try to quantify the economic costs of traffic congestion. My public policy students found that the full economic costs can be at least 40,000 crore per year for Bengaluru alone. The Centre of Ecological Science found that 43% of the carbon emissions in the city come from vehicles. The state pollution board estimates that 32% of the fine dust pollution is due to traffic jams contributing to the respiratory disease burden. The Hindu reported that traffic-related issues were the foremost cause of anxiety among motorists in the city. These are bad enough, but the most insidious effect might be damage to social capital. Since you need social capital to address economic, environmental and health problems, the poisonous effect of traffic on social relationships is far more dangerous, far less visible, and perhaps incalculable. Our congested roads and messy traffic deter intra-city travel. Bengaluru, where I live, is a city united by weather but divided by traffic. So people tend to avoid events in other parts of town if they have a choice. They might attend family, school and office functions because they have to, but will miss functions organized by distant relatives, acquaintances and not-too-close friends. Religious festivals maybe, but civic events not really. People in the city spend time restricted to a few localities and thus have a weak sense of being Bangalorean. Increasingly, they order food and groceries home, further minimizing interaction with others. Netflix becomes more attractive when the alternative is a hour-long battle to get to a multiplex. Public transport, which all sections of society use, is inadequate. So there are more people in cars and on motorcycles, insulated from those unlike them. Traffic is among the factors causing people to live in their own bubbles, with weak bridges of social capital between these bubbles. This plays to weaknesses of Indias hyper-diverse society, where communities often treat one another with distrust. This leads to suboptimal cooperation and results in inadequate supply of public goods and their frequent abuse. It is why we have littered streets, polluted water bodies, water scarcity and dirty cityscapes. It is also why we have bad governance and pervasive corruption. Absent a broader sense of us, selfishness is rational, and we grab what we can of the public resources before they do. Cities are supposed to break down the oppressive social hierarchies of rural areas, releasing people from old caste structures into a new socio-economic canvas. Mumbai, more than any other Indian city, managed to evolve its own distinct identity by amalgamating the diverse people who became part of its social mix over three centuries. Despite its constrained geography, it managed this feat, credit for which must go in no small measure to efficient public transport. Today, however, I am not sure it is as much as a melting pot as it once was. Improving public transport helps and is a necessary part of any solution. But it wont solve the social capital problem by itself. Nor will the casually chanted slogan of we need better enforcement" of traffic rules. We need a re-commitment to being better citizens on our roads. It is as much about individual and civic awakening as it is about public policy. We can characterize the traffic problem as a grand Prisoners Dilemma, where it is rational for an individual to behave selfishly because one expects everyone else to be selfish. We can solve this dilemma when people behave better because they know others will behave better and this outcome is in ones self-interest. I used to be pessimistic about improving traffic because things would only change when everyone changes. But I now suspect there are reasons for optimism if we look at it from the lens of complexity science. It is possible to change overall behaviour by cascading behavioural change. Get a critical mass to act differently and sustain it until it permeates society. We need to adopt entirely different forms of civic action to achieve this objective. Cities are Indias best hope of creating a national consciousness that transcends caste identity. Yet, our pattern of urbanization is creating new divides that are obstructing the formation of a genuine national consciousness. For how can a society were people are angry with each other be a nation? Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, during his 'Janta Ki Adalat' address at Jantar Mantar on September 22 hit out at PM Modi-led government. The AAP supremo alleged that PM Modi-led government hatched a conspiracy to quash outperforming AAP by sending their top leaders to jail one by one. Proving his honesty, he said, "For the last ten years, we were running the government honestly, we made electricity and water free, made treatment free for people, made education excellent. Here are top ten quotes from his speech: Modi ji started thinking that if he wanted to win against them, he would have to attack their honesty and then hatched a conspiracy to prove Kejriwal, Sisodia and AAP dishonest and put each and every leader in jail. He claimed that elections can be won with honesty as proven by AAP's resounding victory at the time of Anna movement. He suggested that he resigned from Delhi Chief Minister post because he did not join politics to indulge in corruption or sit in CM's chair. Asserting that he joined politics to drive radical change then resigned because he did not come to do corruption or to earn money. Targeting BJP leaders, he said that they have thick skin and are not affected by the allegations. Arvind Kejriwal noted that he is affected by corruption allegations as he is not a leader but a common man. I will leave the CM's bungalow in a few days, I don't even have a house...I have earned only love in ten years, the result of which is that I am getting calls from so many people asking me to take my house. He further suggested that he will leave CM residence soon after Shraadh, at the time Navratri will begin. He said, "I willcome and stay at the house of one of you. "The lawyers said that this case can go on for ten years. I cannot live with this stain. So I thought that I would go to the court of the people. If I were dishonest, I would have embezzled three thousand crores meant for free electricity, would not have made rent-free for women, would not have built schools for children. Pointing figures at the Centre government, the AAP supremo said, They have a government in 22 states, electricity is not free anywhere, and rent is not free for women anywhere, then who is the thief...I want to ask you is Kejriwal a thief or those who sent Kejriwal to jail are? The series of direct attacks at PM Modi did not end here, he said, "There was rule in BJP that leaders would retire when they reach 75 years; will this not apply to PM Modi? Emphasising that the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls are 'agni pariksha' for him, Arvind Kejriwal said don't vote for me if you think I am dishonest. Launching an attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Sunday recounted the financial difficulties his family had to undergo while he was imprisoned in Tihar following his arrest in now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. I had to beg for help to pay my son's fees. I had told tell them that I have to pay my son's fees and Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen by bank account," the former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister said while addressing a public gathering at the 'Janta ki Adalat' event held at Jantar Mantar. Sisodia accused the BJP of attempting to create a rift between him and Arvind Kejriwal, though they failed. The BJP people wanted to break my and Arvind Kejriwal ji's friendship, but they could not do that. If Ram ji and Lakshman ji had ever been separated in Ramayana and met again, they would have met like we both met on September 13 after Kejriwal ji came out of jail. Sisodia allegedly claimed that he got offers to switch to the BJP, but he told them that they are trying to separate Laxman from Ram. I was told to think about myself, and that no one thinks about anyone in politics. I was told to think about my family, my ailing wife, and my son who is in college. I told them that you are trying to separate Laxman from Ram. No Raavan in the world has the power to do that. For 26 years, Arvind Kejriwal has been my brother and political mentor," he added. Sisodia further claimed that they tried to break him by saying that Kejriwal had framed him. He further claimed that I was told in the jail, name Kejriwal, you will be saved. The AAP leader alleged that he and his party colleagues were arrested for breaking AAP. Our leaders were put in jail to stop the work of the people of Delhi. They were put in jail to break our government and party. But I am saying with great pride that neither our party broke nor our government fell. I was threatened and tempted to leave Aam Aadmi Party. But I did not give in and panic. We are soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal Ji and stand firmly with him. NASA SpaceX Crew-9, comprising of astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, has arrived at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, tasked to bring back "stranded" Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from space, is set to launch on September 26. Hague and Gorbunov will now quarantine at the Neil A Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the Kennedy Centre. While there, theyll conduct a dry dress rehearsal of the mission, sleep shift to align their resting and waking periods with mission requirements, rehearse flight procedures, as well as make calls to family and friends. The SpaceX Crew-9 will also be greeted by NASA leaders for a brief welcome ceremony. Kennedy Space Center's deputy director, Kelvin Manning, and NASAs Commercial Crew Program deputy program manager, Dana Hutcherson will be a part of the ceremony. The ceremony will stream live on NASA+ and the agencys website. Hague and Gorbunov will fly to the International Space Station as commander and mission specialist, respectively, as part of a two-crew member flight aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. In addition to September 26 (at 2:05 pm EDT or 11:35 IST), launch opportunities are available on September 27 and September 28. According to NASA, Hague and Gorbonov will become part of the Expedition 72 crew aboard the ISS. They will join NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. The Crew 9 mission will bring the space stations population up to seven. Crew 9 mission has no pilot Initially, when SpaceX Crew 9 mission was supposed to launch with four astronauts, Nick Hague was the pilot assigned to the mission. But when the crew changed, Hague was assigned the role of a commander to the Crew 9 mission. NASA images: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released 5 never seen before images of Jupiter and its moon. The stunning photos captured by JunoCam offers us a glimpse into the universe's marvellous visuals. The US space agency regularly releases images depicting cosmic wonders of the world, including celestial bodies, planets, nebula, moon, star clusters, interacting galaxies, black holes and more. Let's have a look at what is in store about the fifth planet from the Sun. Jupiter NASA image - Jupiter Citizen scientist Jackie Branc is the man behind this stunning picture of Jupiter made by using raw JunoCam data. The description to this image states, This view of Jupiter was captured by the JunoCam instrument aboard NASA's Juno spacecraft during the mission's 62nd close flyby of the giant planet on June 13, 2024. Europa NASA image - Jupiter's moon Europa JunoCam aboard NASA's Juno spacecraft captured this breath-taking image of Jupiter's moon, Europa, during the mission's close flyby on September 29 two years ago. The side of the Europa facing Jupiter is visible in this image. According to NASA Europa's surface is crisscrossed by fractures, ridges, and bands, which have erased terrain older than about 90 million years. This ultimate depiction of Europa was developed by citizen scientist Bjorn Jonsson. Clouds of Jupiter NASA image - Jupiter clouds "During its 61st close flyby of Jupiter on May 12, 2024, NASA's Juno spacecraft captured this color-enhanced view of the giant planet's northern hemisphere," NASA's description to the image states. In the folded filamentary region of Jupiter, clouds and cyclonic storms can be seen. By applying digital processing techniques, citizen scientist Gary Eason developed this image using JunoCam raw data. Io Spouting Off NASA image - Jupiter's moon Io Describing the volcanic plumes that can be seen rising above the horizon of Jupiter's moon Io, the US space agency said mission scientists believe that the plumes were emitted either by two vents from one giant volcano, or two volcanoes near each other. The image captured on February 3 this year shows plumes from a distance of about 3,800 kilometres. Citizen scientist Andrea Luck developed this image using raw JunoCam data. Io's South Polar Region NASA image - Jupiter's moon Io TAIPEI, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kinmen on Sunday received its first tour group from the Chinese mainland in more than four years. The group of 20-plus tourists arrived in Kinmen from Xiamen, Fujian Province, on the Chinese mainland, and will go on a two-day sightseeing tour that ends on Monday. On Aug. 30, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the decision to resume allowing residents in Fujian Province to travel to Kinmen. Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the cyber security watchdog under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has issued a high severity alert for iOS, iPadOS and macOS users soon after the iPhone 16 launch. The warning suggests that multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Apple products that could allow an attacker to access sensitive information of users. Also Read | Weekly Tech Recap: iPhone 16 goes on sale in India, Samsung may be working on a rollable phone and more What can these vulnerabilities be used for? CERT-In warns that apart from accessing sensitive information, these vulnerabilities can be used by attackers to execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, cause denial of service (DoS) conditions, bypass authentication, gain elevated privileges and perform spoofing attacks on the targeted system." Who does the vulnerability affect? Apple iOS versions prior to 18 and iPadOS versions prior to 18 Apple iOS versions prior to 17.7 and iPadOS versions prior to 17.7 Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.7 Apple macOS Ventura versions prior to 13.7 Apple macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15 Apple tvOS versions prior to 18 Apple watchOS versions prior to 11 Apple Safari versions prior to 18 Apple Xcode versions prior to 16 Apple visionOS versions prior to 2 What should Apple users do? CERT-In states that these vulnerabilities have been fixed in the latest version of software updates by Apple and alerts the iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, Safari, Xcode and visionOS users to update to the latest software update provided by the Cupertino based tech giant in order to stay secure. Notably, CERT-In had also also warned about the vulnerabilities in Google Chrome browser earlier this month. The agency stated that these vulnerability only affected users prior to 128.0.6613.119/.120 for Windows and macOS and in versions prior to 128.0.6613.119 for Linux. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. 3.6 Crore Indians visited in a single day choosing us as India's undisputed platform for General Election Results. Explore the latest updates here! BAGHDAD, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Shiite militia group, on Sunday claimed responsibility for multiple drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets. The group said in a statement that its fighters launched a drone attack on sites in southern Israel at dawn and fired al-Arqab upgraded cruise missiles at several sites in the north. It added that its fighters also targeted with drones in the morning an Israeli military base in the Jordan Valley, which runs along the Jordan River and forms Jordan's western border with Israel and the West Bank. The group did not detail the specific sites impacted or report any casualties. It said the attacks were carried out "in solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip," pledging to continue targeting "the enemy's strongholds." Since the onset of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted multiple attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets in the region in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Irish star, Chris O'Dowd is set to join a star studded cast for new season of Black Mirror coming to Netflix. The show is set to air on Netflix sometime in 2025 for its 7th season, and is back with some huge superstars! Read Next: UFC President Dana White says 'We are going to Cork' after Callum Walsh defends title The Roscommon man is join on the cast list by the likes of Peter Capaldi, Rashida Jones, Awkwafina, and many more. Creator of the show Charlie Brooker says "Weve got an embarrassingly stacked cast". Speaking on the new season of Netflix's hit bleak sci-fi drama show, creator Charlie Brooker said "You can expect a mix of genres and styles." "We've got six episodes this time, and two of them are basically feature-length. Some of them are deeply unpleasant, some are quite funny, and some are emotional." Speaking as well on the genre of this season "Its back to basics in many ways. Theyre all sci-fi stories, but theres definitely some horrifying things that occur, but maybe not in an overt horror-movie way. Theres definitely some disturbing content in it." Fans of the show will have to wait though, as it plans on airing sometime in 2025 The EDI Centre in Longford plays a crucial role in promoting smoking cessation to enhance the health and well-being of the local community. Smoking cessation is vital because it significantly reduces the risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. Quitting smoking not only improves physical health but also boosts mental well-being, increases energy levels, and enhances overall quality of life. Key factors that contribute to successfully giving up smoking include access to a free community-based stop smoking programme to support participants to quit Smoking and stay off them for good. Group support can significantly increase the chances of quitting. Programmes like this offered by the EDI Centre provide personalised guidance and encouragement and takes a more holistic approach to quit smoking and your health. This programme is designed for delivery in the community by trained Community Facilitators. Individuals such as Geraldine Greene and Enda McManus were successful in quitting and have gone on to train as trained facilitators. FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Medications: NRT products such as patches, gum, lozenges, can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, making the process of quitting more manageable Community Support: Being part of a supportive community where others are also working to quit can provide motivation and accountability, making it easier to stay on track. Education and Awareness: Understanding the health risks associated with smoking and the benefits of quitting can serve as powerful motivators for change. Behavioural Changes and Coping Strategies: Developing new habits and strategies to cope with cravings, such as exercise, mindfulness, or other stress-relieving activities, can help replace the urge to smoke. However smoking prevalence has declined in Ireland from 22% to 18% in 2021. For the first time, 45 to 54 year olds (24%) are the most likely age group to smoke, with an increase of 6 percentage points since 2019. While we continue to make significant progress in reducing the overall prevalence of tobacco use smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and disease with approximately 4,500 deaths and 44,000 hospitalisations annually. Cigarettes contain over 7000 toxic chemicals, many of which are proven to cause cancer Why the quit smoking programme: Many smokers know that Smoking is bad for their health nevertheless, they find it a real struggle to give up. EDI centre is providing the support taking a more holistic approach to smoking and health. The Course runs for 7-week duration for (1 hr per week.) Delivered at the EDI Centre is a non-clinical community venue with a warm and welcoming, fully accessible with light refreshments provided to course participants. To maximise the opportunity for people to take part in this course, two courses will deliver on Tuesdays, September 24 with a choice of morning/afternoon or evening and the courses will be allocated times to suit registered participants. Excellent programme well worth doing for your health and financial benefits also. By thinking positive and staying focused and change your mind-set. You Only Fail When You Stop Trying How does it work? Do I have to be Smoke Free to attend the Programme? Participants dont have to arrive free from tobacco, instead they have to want to quit. They will start the programme with other likeminded individuals who have made a decision to Quit. The group supports each other to set a quit date. Once a quit date is decided they will work individually and together to plan to quit and stay quit. Smoking is a big part of a persons life and their daily routine with many smokers expressing that it helps them manage stress or prevents weight gain -if they stop. In discussion with their peers and facilitators this will be explore, and new techniques for handling stress, opportunities to change daily routines and nutritional guidance will be provided. You will receive expert advice on free NRT products and what will work most effectively for you day to day. The EDI Centre is a warm and welcoming space, non-clinical, where participants can enjoy the refreshment and a chat, where everyone supports each other on and is buoyed by each other success. By quitting, not only are you saving your health, but you are also saving money. With the cost of living and seasonal demands from back to school to Christmas here is an estimate of how much you will save on average for a year. In six weeks of starting this course if you were a 20 a day smoker you would 700 which could be beneficial in the run up to Christmas. Call out to businesses and employers in Longford: support your staff health and wellbeing This STOP smoking initiative can come to your workplace free of charge, arrange a chat or a pop-up information session please email for more information. We know that employers in Longford want to support their employees to lead healthy lives as possible; total estimated cost of lost productivity is over 1 billion. This comprises productivity lost through smoking breaks, smokers taking additional absence from work and the premature death of employed workers. The EDI Centre's focus on these factors helps empower individuals to take control of their health, ultimately contributing to a healthier Longford community. A 12-week programme designed to help you quit smoking for good begins on Tuesday, September 24. Contact 087 346 1927 ; email healthylife@edilongford.ie or check out the website www.edilongford.ie After 36 years in An Garda Siochana Lanesboro native Ciaran Prior presented a TEDx talk entitled 'Life Lessons Dealing With Death' where he unfolded aspects of his unique life experience. From that was born Traces of Truth-A CSI Investigates Life and Death which condenses three decades of knowledge into book form. Traces of Truth recounts some of the more significant instances of grief, tragedy and sorrow Ciaran encountered throughout his crime scene investigation career. It's more than just a police procedural. There's reflection on death I have drawn from experiences in my youth. I was called after my Uncle Ciaran who died tragically in a shooting accident," he said. He was my mother's brother. As a child I felt that death had a shadow over me. The strange thing was that I went on to work in a job that exposed me to death on a huge scale, Ciaran told the Leader. Traces of Truth is a revealing memoir, in which Ciaran details his work on some of Irelands most shocking murders. It centres on the character, instinct and judgement required to see justice done, and is a reflection on life and death. It traces the effect that a career spent dealing with mortality will leave on perception and psyche. The personal nature of the book is an aspect of the work that particularly pleases Ciaran. There's a reflective process going on in the book. What death means and what it means for all of us to have this thing take over. In the background we all know we're going to reach that point," he added. Ciaran Prior's Traces of Truth-A CSI Investigates Life and Death goes on sale this Thursday, September 19. My child is going back to school in September and I need help with the costs. Can I get the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance? The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) is an annual once-off payment that can help with the costs of books and uniforms for school children. You may qualify for the BSCFA if you meet the income requirements. How much can I get? In 2024, the BSCFA is: 160 for children aged between 4 and 11 and 285 for children aged between 12 and 22 How do I qualify? Your child must be aged between four and 17 on 30 September 2024. If they are aged 18-and 22, they must be returning to full-time second level education in a recognised school this autumn. You must also meet other conditions: You must be getting a qualifying social welfare payment or taking part in an approved employment, education or training scheme You and each child you are claiming for must be resident in Ireland and your household income must be within the BSCFA income limit What is the BSCFA income limit? Your total household income must be less than the weekly income limits. All dependent children are counted when the income limit is applied, including children who do not qualify for BSCFA because they are under four. Income you get from certain other social welfare payments is not counted. The weekly income limits for 2024 are one child = 666, two children = 720, three children = 774, four children = 828 The income limit goes up by 54 for each additional dependent child. How do I apply? The BSCFA is paid automatically to many families. If you are paid automatically, you don't need to apply for the BSCFA and you should have been notified of your automatic payment by 8 June on MyWelfare or by post. If you do not get an automatic payment, you can apply for the payment online through MyWelfare. You can apply until 30 September 2024. Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below. Know Your Rights has been compiled by Co Longford Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 075890 Address: Level One, Longford Shopping Centre, Longford, N39 X090 Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000 The success of John Connell's Twelve Sheep: Life Lessons from a Lambing Season is set for a new chapter as the book will get its US launch next month. It's a disservice to refer to Connell simply as a Granard author, as his career spans television, print and public speaking. My latest bestseller, Twelve Sheep, is coming out in America next month and I will be in New York on October 10 for the launch, he told the Leader. John is hoping the New York launch will follow the success of his local unveiling where there was standing room only at Longford Library last April. Twelve Sheep: Life Lessons from a Lambing Season follows on from The Cow Book and The Running Book with the same eclectic blend of history, philosophy and nature with which the author has struck a chord with readers across the globe. Formally launched by Eamon O Cuiv the book is aimed at evoking an appreciation of how beautiful life can be. The inspiration for John's latest offering is once again centred on the importance of the pastoral: This book emerged from a period of soul tiredness, he said. I had been travelling the world with The Cow Book and I was tired. I needed to re-root and the idea of these 12 sheep came to me. I wanted to be invested in something greater than myself, John told the Leader. Since the Irish launch John has once again embarked on a global adventure: The book has been on a great journey coming out in Ireland, the UK and this summer I was busy promoting it in Australia and New Zealand. America and Canada will be the next port of call. The book was an instant number one bestseller here in Ireland and spent months on the bestsellers list, I was delighted with that, he said. Aside from touring John is keeping busy: I have started work on the next book and will hopefully have news on that soon. Otherwise there are multiple projects on the go in TV, theatre and of course my farming work which is the bedrock of everything. Twelve Sheep: Life Lessons from a Lambing Season is available to buy in all good bookstores. Israeli Air Force F-16s. Israel used more than 150 warplanes in its attacks on Hezbollah between September 20 and 22. (IDF photo) The Israeli Air Force conducted numerous air strikes against Hezbollah on September 21 and September 22. The strikes capped a week in which Israel has sought to take the initiative on the northern front against the group. After 11 months and more than 8,000 attacks by the Iranian-backed terrorist organization, Israel has shifted from proportional responses to wide-ranging strikes against Hezbollahs leadership and rocket launchers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on September 22 that more than 150 warplanes were used in strikes on Hezbollah in over 40 hours of operations. The IDF eliminated Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil and 15 more of the groups commanders in a strike on September 20. In the wake of that attack, the IDF increased the tempo of strikes for two days. Hezbollah struggled to respond but eventually found its footing on the morning of September 22, launching its longest-range attack in 11 months, targeting sites and communities east of the Israeli city of Haifa. One rocket landed in Kiryat Bialik north of Haifa, causing damage to a number of apartments and wounding several people. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi laid out Israels goals in a statement on September 22. The IDF has recently raised its readiness to the highest level, he said. The IDFs strike on Aqil and key commanders of Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force had shaken the organization, the Israeli general said. For years, these commanders had been making plans to conquer the Galilee, and they are responsible for the murder of many Israeli civilians as well as soldiers over the years. Halevi went on to say that the strike on Aqil that killed Hezbollah leaders had harmed the group greatly and sent a message to the entire region and beyond that the IDF can get to those who threaten Israel. This is a key message as Israel seeks to reestablish deterrence after Hamass attack on October 7, 2023, and the multi-front conflict and threats that have followed it. In addition to the IDFs long war in Gaza, where Hamas continues to control part of Gaza, Iranian-backed groups continue attacking Israel from other fronts. For instance, beyond Hezbollahs attacks, the Houthis in Yemen launched a long-range missile at central Israel on September 15. Iraqi militias launched a drone that reached Israeli airspace on September 18 and launched cruise missiles at Israel on September 22. The IDF has been carrying out a large number of proportional and precision strikes on Hezbollah since Hezbollahs attacks began in October. Many of these strikes have hit terrorist infrastructure, and they have also killed around 450 Hezbollah members. Since September 17, when exploding pagers injured thousands of Hezbollah members and killed roughly two dozen, the groups death toll has rapidly increased. Hezbollah had lost two division commanders before the September 20 attack; however, it never lost so many commanders simultaneously. We are pushing Hezbollah away from the border, which threatens Israeli citizensthose who live near the border and want to know that it will not be there longer. We have eliminated over 600 terrorists, dozens of whom were from Hezbollahs top military leadership. The price Hezbollah is paying is growing, and our strikes will intensify, Halevi said. It was not clear how the air strikes alone would push Hezbollah back from the border. However, Israels top general vowed to deliver blow after blow until Hezbollah understands and withdraws from the area. He hinted at new stages coming after the week of strikes that began on September 17. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited an Israel Air Force command-and-control center and echoed Halevis comments. I came to see the IAFs activities up closethe result is extremely impressive in both defense and offense, at all levels. Hezbollah has begun experiencing the impact of the IDFs capabilities, and they sense that they are being pursued, he said. He also vowed that the new phase of operations would enable Israelis evacuated in October 2023 to return to their homes. Overnight between September 21 and September 22, the IDF struck 290 targets in Lebanon. Hezbollah launched 150 rockets, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel over roughly the same period, according to the IDF. More attacks followed, including another 115 projectiles launched by Hezbollah early on September 22 and dozens more throughout the morning. In northern Israel, the Home Front Command released new guidelines for Israeli communities east and north of Haifa, restricting the size of gatherings and sending children home to do remote learning while the conflict escalates. 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). This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a car damaged in a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. Israeli media reported that Hezbollah targeted a military airport located in the northern Jezreel Valley, triggering sirens across the region and in various areas of the occupied Golan Heights and Upper Galilee. Buildings were damaged and cars caught fire near Haifa. The Israeli Magen David Adom emergency service said four people were injured by shrapnel, including a 76-year-old man who sustained moderate wounds, while the other three were lightly injured. The Israeli military said in a statement that Hezbollah's rockets were fired toward "civilian areas" and that its defensive systems "are deployed in the area and on high alert to thwart threats." The Israeli military carried out additional airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Sunday morning and vowed that its strikes "will continue and intensify against Hezbollah." Following the rocket attack, Israel's Home Front Command announced that schools would be closed and gatherings and movements would be restricted in all areas north of Haifa. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying that they were targeting a military industry complex of Rafael, a weapons company. The attacks, Hezbollah said, were the "initial response to the brutal massacre" on Tuesday and Wednesday. Israel allegedly caused thousands of pagers and wireless devices to explode, killing at least 37 people, including civilians, and injuring thousands. An Israeli airstrike on the weekend in Beirut targeted a senior Hezbollah commander, killing at least 45 people. Also before dawn, multiple drones approached Israel from the direction of Iraq. The Israeli military said they were intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory. This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a car damaged in a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Israeli firefighters work to extinguish fire at a scene of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel, on Sept. 22, 2024. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (JINI via Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a house damaged in a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a house damaged in a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Israeli firefighters extinguish fire at a scene of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel, Sept. 22, 2024. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (JINI via Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a house damaged in a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a house damaged in a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Israeli firefighters extinguish fire at a scene of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel, Sept. 22, 2024. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (JINI via Xinhua) An Israeli firefighter extinguishes fire at a scene of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel, Sept. 22, 2024. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (JINI via Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a scene of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. (JINI via Xinhua) People work at an underground ward at Rambam medical center in Haifa, northern Israel, Sept. 22, 2024. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. Following the rocket attack, Israel's Home Front Command announced that schools would be closed and gatherings and movements would be restricted in all areas north of Haifa. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) (240922) -- HAIFA, Sept. 22, 2024 (Xinhua) -- People move patients at an underground ward at Rambam medical center in Haifa, northern Israel, Sept. 22, 2024. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. Following the rocket attack, Israel's Home Front Command announced that schools would be closed and gatherings and movements would be restricted in all areas north of Haifa. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) (240922) -- HAIFA, Sept. 22, 2024 (Xinhua) -- People work at an underground ward at Rambam medical center in Haifa, northern Israel, Sept. 22, 2024. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired approximately 115 rockets into Israel early Sunday, with some reaching areas near the northern city of Haifa, extending their range to previously untargeted locations amid the ongoing conflict. Following the rocket attack, Israel's Home Front Command announced that schools would be closed and gatherings and movements would be restricted in all areas north of Haifa. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) MOGADISHU, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Conflict, insecurity and climate change have displaced more than 342,000 people within Somalia in the first eight months of 2024, a UN refugee agency said Sunday. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-led Protection and Monitoring Returns Network said some 23,000 internal displacements occurred in August alone, with 43 percent attributed to conflict, insecurity, flooding, or drought. "Food, shelter, livelihood, water, and health were the top needs of the newly displaced families. Bari, Bay, Middle Juba, Gedo, and Lower Juba regions reported the greatest number of IDP arrivals, accounting for 66 percent of the total displacements," UNHCR said in its latest operational update released in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. According to the UNHCR, women and children, who face heightened protection risk, make up 80 percent of the displaced population. It said key factors contributing to insecurity across Somalia were armed conflict between the Somali security forces and al-Shabab, clan conflicts, and indiscriminate attacks by the militants. It said the overall political and security situation in Somalia remained uncertain and in flux. The African Union approved the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission, which will replace the African Transition Mission in Somalia in 2025. "This transition is critical for ongoing peacebuilding efforts and security operations in the region," UNHCR said. Somalia also hosts 40,200 refugees and asylum seekers, of whom 66 percent are women and children; 30 percent are school-age children (6 years to 17 years of age); and 26 percent are women and girls of reproductive age (13 years to 49 years of age), said the UNHCR. According to the report, Ethiopians make up the majority of refugees and asylum seekers (65 percent), with Yemen coming in second (30 percent), Syria coming in third (4 percent), and other nations coming in last (1 percent). The UNHCR said 139,260 former refugees have returned to Somalia from their countries of asylum since December 2014, with Kenya and Yemen coming in second and third, respectively. It has directly assisted 95,206 individuals from the total number of refugee returnees, primarily through the Voluntary Repatriation Program from Kenya and the Assisted Spontaneous Returns Program from Yemen. A winning Keno ticket worth $40,000 was sold at a liquor store on Cape Cod on Saturday. The ticket was purchased at RJs Variety & Liquor on Sandwich Road in Falmouth. Also on Saturday, a winning $100,000 Mass Cash ticket was sold at a convenience store in Athol. In Keno, players select up to 12 numbers spots to play, and then choose numbers between 1 and 80 to fill each spot. Each number spot offers unique prizes and odds of winning. Players then choose how much they want to wager on each drawing between $1 and $20 and how many drawings they want to use the same numbers for. The same numbers can be played in up to 30 consecutive drawings, and drawings take place every day every three minutes from 5:04 a.m. to 1:01 a.m. Players can also multiply their prizes up to 10 times by marking the Keno Bonus. Keno Bonus is not available on the 10 spot, 11 spot or 12 spot. Overall, at least 231 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Saturday, including eight in Springfield and three in Worcester. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. So far, the largest lottery prize won in Massachusetts this year was worth $1 million a year for life. The prize was from the lotterys Lifetime Millions scratch ticket game. The winner claimed their prize through a trust on July 10, and opted to receive a one-time payment of $15.4 million. 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. Alex Guardiola is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Massachusetts. Guardiola has been identified as someone working to make an impact in their community.Courtesy Alex Guardiola Age: 43 Community: Worcester His story: Alex Guardiola is passionate about helping businesses across all sectors. As the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central New England, Guardiola is committed to advocating for great businesses in Central and Western Massachusetts as well as for consumer rights and ethical business practices. Through building and maintaining relationships with businesses, government agencies and other organizations, Guardiola expands the reach and impact of the BBB. It is my goal to help all businesses be successful including our minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses, he said. I continue to be an advocate for our Black and Brown community in the region to help procure equity in our lives. In his position, Guardiola is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organizations operations and strategic direction. He provides strategic leadership to the organization and ensures BBB member businesses receive value from their membership in addition to overseeing all of the organizations day-to-day operations. Guardiolas journey in business management began after graduating college, where he worked at the attorney generals Fair Labor and Business Practices division while attending law school in the evenings. This experience inspired him to help businesses, large and small, to be successful while working to be ethical and trustworthy. After graduating law school, Guardiola went on to work for Massachusettss Medicaid Fraud Division, fighting to combat fraudsters trying to steal funds, eventually accepting a position as the vice president of government affairs and public policy with the Worcester Regional Chamber where he advocated for businesses at the federal, state and municipal level. After six years in that role, Guardiola was named to be the president and CEO of the BBB of Central New England where he has continued to advocate for businesses in the region. Here, he manages the organizations finances and identifies opportunities for growth and innovation such as expanding the BBBs services, developing new programs and reaching new audiences. In his words: Passion drives success... In this world, like in business, your schedule is never just 9-5. You have to adjust schedules to make sure no one is left behind. 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. Enid RiveraSebastian Restrepo Enid Rivera Age: 48 Community: Springfield Her story: Enid Rivera has always strived for excellence and to do well by those around her. She graduated as the valedictorian of her class from Springfields High School of Commerce in 1993. Through her participation in a mock trial team, Rivera began her passion for social justice, she added. Continuing her education, she attended American International College in Springfield where she studied and obtained a degree in sociology, learning about human behavior and the consequences of those behaviors. Her career began almost three decades ago when she entered the United States Postal Service (USPS). I gained a spirit for advocacy for the working community, Rivera said. After studying the contract language, I was determined to support workers who were treated unfairly. Rivera served as a union steward for 12 years before being elected to her current role in 2021 as maintenance craft director for the APWU Local 497, which represents about 760 postal workers around Western Massachusetts. Within my first year, I effectively represented employees in cases involving pay scale discrepancies, resulting in the recovery of back wages, Rivera said. She described the role of maintenance in the postal union as one thats traditionally male-dominated, but that women are increasingly joining the field. Rivera added she is now the unions first Puerto Rican and female maintenance craft director. Rivera said shes been inspired by the words of people like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who has expressed support in the work Rivera and her fellow union representatives do. Hispanic women are advocating for the rights of others and are advancing rights in all fields, Rivera added. Now in her second term of leadership, Rivera said she works to ensure contractual protections for maintenance postal workers. Rivera added she has worked alongside more than 20 union stewards to file grievances for employees in need of support against unjust practices from upper management. This work includes filing on behalf of employees who are owed compensation, advocating for employees who have taken Family Medical Leave Assistance, articulating reasonable accommodations for employees, and many other measures, Rivera said. Rivera called her work tireless, and said when necessary she will bring matters to arbitration. She said part of her work is also attending proceedings with union employees so that they know theyre not going it alone and have someone to support them. I study the contract and work closely with union stewards to negotiate, compromise, and resolve issues amicably and professionally, Rivera said. As the APWU Maintenance Craft Director, I believe in the strength of unions in all fields as one of our strongest American values. My community is my union, and I am proud to be a representative for us all. In her words: For Hispanic individuals, and Hispanic women in particular, do not be afraid to trailblaze and be the first in whatever path you seek. Your community and the world need you and your powerful voices. As my mother always said, sigue luchando, keep fighting! 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 Massachusetts dairy company is voluntarily recalling containers of Lactaid milk due to trace amounts of unlabeled almonds, although none appear to have been sold in the state, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. HP Hood, based in Lynnfield, is voluntarily recalling 96-ounce containers of Lactaid milk shipped to retailers and wholesalers from Sept. 5 until Sept. 18 in these 27 states: Alabama Colorado Connecticut Florida Georgia Iowa Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Michigan Missouri North Carolina Nebraska New Jersey New York Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania Texas Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming The Lactaid milk that is being recalled is the 96-ounce whole milk, 2% milk, 1% milk, fat-free milk and 2% calcium-enriched milk, the FDA said on its website. Find specific label information to verify if your container is affected here. HP Hood LLC issued a voluntary recall for several Lactaid Milk products that may contain traces of almond, which is not disclosed on the label. (Image created with photos provided by HP Hood LLC)HP Hood LLC No illnesses have been reported as of Sept. 21 but the FDA warned that people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they drink the beverage. Consumers who bought the product can return the milk to the retail location where it was purchased for a full refund or exchange. A Rochester woman is facing a slew of charges after she hit two cars in Marion Friday morning while operating under the influence and then fled the scene, according to police. Allyson Lagasse, 45, is facing two counts of leaving the scene of property damage and one count each of operating under the influence, negligent operation, destruction of property, disturbing the peace, failure to stop for police and a marked lanes violation, Marion police said in a press release. She was also cited for driving without her license. The crash happened on Front Street near Ryder Lane shortly after 11 a.m. on Sept. 20, police said. A Marion police sergeant started investigating the crash after he noticed a vehicle in the road, as well as a damaged street sign, around 11:10 a.m. Forces on either side of this falls battery of ballot questions are dropping some big bucks to influence voter opinion ahead of the Nov. 5 election. So is it working? Sort of at least if a University of New Hampshire poll that dropped last week is any indication. Majorities of respondents to the poll say they know some or a little bit about the five ballot questions, which, if approved, will reshape public policy for decades to come. Those questions include whether or not to: Scrap the states MCAS exam as a graduation requirement; Boost the minimum wage for tipped workers; Give transportation network drivers the right to unionize and to engage in collective bargaining; Legalize psychedelic substances in controlled settings, and Give the state auditor the right to audit the state Legislature. Nearly six in 10 (59%) likely voter respondents to the poll said theyd heard some or a lot about the tipped wage question, while 56% said the same about the MCAS question. Fifty percent said the same about the question that would give Uber and Lyft drivers the right to unionize. Public awareness dropped off considerably when it came to the question dealing with the state auditor (39%) and psychedelics (36%), according to the poll. The poll also showed gaps in public understanding of the nature of the ballot questions themselves and what they would do. Public understanding ran the highest on the MCAS (78%) and tipped wages (69%) ballot questions, according to the poll. About two-thirds of respondents (63%) said they understood the unionization ballot question, while a little more than half (54%) said the same about the psychedelics question, according to the poll. Once again, public understanding of the auditors question trailed, with 47% saying they understood it, according to the poll. Thats a mixed result for the special interest groups that have poured some $8.5 million into the ballot fights, variously advocating for and against the questions, The Boston Globe reported earlier this month. Thats a reminder that, despite the policy high stakes, the ballot fights essentially remain an insiders game. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)AP Healey gets Rainy Day fund bill This ones a little obscure but stay with us. The state House and Senate have sent Gov. Maura Healey a bill that leverages interest in the states Rainy Day Fund savings account that can be used to compete for federal funds or pay down its debt. The two chambers reached a compromise on the legislation on Thursday afternoon and approved it not long afterward, State House News Service reported. The fund currently has a balance of more than $8.8 billion, lawmakers said in a statement. The legislation will allow us to pay down long-term liabilities at a faster pace when the [fund] is at a healthy level, Sen. John Cronin, D-Worcester/Middlesex, the upper chambers lead negotiator, told the wire service. More good news: The vote means lawmakers have scratched another bill off their to-do list of unfinished legislation. Gov. Maura Healey and Education Secretary Pat Tutwiler read a book to a first grade class in Clinton on Sept. 19. (SAM DRYSDALE / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE)State House News Service Literacy Launch ... launched Healey administration officials and state lawmakers field-tripped it to Clinton last week to officially kick off the first year of the states new early childhood literacy program. The Literacy Launch program, as its known, is aimed at children aged 3 to third grade, the administration said in a statement. Its seeded with $20 million in funding from this years state budget. That money is further buttressed with a $38 million federal literacy grant. Massachusetts is ranked number one in the country for schools, and we want to be number one for literacy too. Literacy Launch will help us reach that goal by giving more students the instruction they need to be able to read and read well, Healey said in a statement. The administration said it plans to help up to 45 school districts transition to a strong, evidence-based literacy program through a competitive grant program, during the first year of the initiative. The program will help transform early literacy learning in Massachusetts, building a critical foundation in reading and writing, state Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said. Attorney General Andrea Campbell speaks during her monthly appearance on WGBH radio on Sept. 17. (SCREENSHOT / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE)State House News Service They said it Im confident, based on all the calls, they read the papers too. State Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell on calls for legislative action on a stalled bill aimed at averting a future Steward Health Care-style meltdown in the state. The Sunday shows Marketing expert Diane Hessan guests on WBZ-TVs Keller @ Large at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. State Sen. Barry Finegold, D-2nd Essex/Middlesex headlines WCVB-TVs On the Record at 11 a.m. Sunday. Political analysts Mary Anne Marsh and Rob Gray also join the discussion. At 11:30 a.m, Evan Horowitz, of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, and Boston Globe journalist Esmy Jimenez are on NBC10Bostons @Issue (h/t to Politico Massachusetts and MASSterList). The Esplanade, the Charles River and the skyline are seen in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)AP Leaf-peep without leaving home The official start of fall is upon us, and with leaves are already turning, its time to schedule that leaf-peeping trip. But what if you didnt have to drive all that far for peak foliage? Boston is the 4th-best city nationwide for seeing fall foliage, according to a ranking list by the travel-and-leisure site Islands. The states largest city blends urban beauty with a long-lasting fall foliage season, peaking from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9, the magazine said in an email touting its list. Boston also offers 36 scenic hiking trails and three nearby scenic routes, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in autumns vibrant colors. And the T even works, so you can get around easily. Turned up to 11 This one feels like a gimme, but its September. So heres September by Earth, Wind & Fire for your Sunday morning on this 22nd day of September. Your Sunday long read If youre like a lot of Americans, you might have found yourself hankering lately for a simpler, less connected, more analog time. Writing for Vox, Zoe Bernard explains why flip phones, vinyl LPs, and even print magazines, are making a comeback and why they might now even be considered luxury items. While society is nowhere close to abandoning computers writ large, there are signs that we are reaching peak digital saturation, Bernard writes. This has felt especially true in the years following the screen-addled pandemic, in which theres been a concerted push towards spending more time in person. Thats it for this week. Have a peaceful Sunday. Well see you all back here next week. HATFIELD When the sun was just beginning to peek out from behind the clouds at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, the first wave of cyclists participating in the Will Bike 4 Food event crossed the start line at the Hatfield Lions Club Pavilion and embarked on a 100-mile ride. They were pedaling to raise money for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in its battle against food insecurity. by Ray Schultz , September 22, 2024 Gannett has named Caren Bohan as editor in chief of USA Today. Bohan had served in the role on an interim basis since July, when Terence Samuel stepped down as editor in chief. Caren has excelled in the interim role, and Im thrilled to appoint her as editor in chief of USA Today where she will continue the important work of providing essential journalism across the nation especially during this critical election year, says Monica Richardson, senior vice president, USA Today, to whom Bohan will report. It is especially meaningful to elevate a leader from our talented newsroom to drive our growth and innovation as we invigorate the USA Today brand. advertisement advertisement When Samuel left, the company said it would conduct a national search for a replacement. Bohan joined USA Today in 2018 as Washington editor, and then served as deputy Washington bureau chief, managing editor for politics and executive editor for politics. I am honored to lead the incredibly talented team of journalists at USA Today, Bohan says. From our reporting on big breaking news events to the brilliant coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, weve seen big successes in growing our audience. Trusted Source Affordable Care Act May Increase Access to Colon Cancer Care for Underserved Groups Go to source Trusted Source What is Affordable Care Act The Affordable Care Act (#ACA) is making a difference! The #healthinsurance system improves #coloncancer care for underserved communities. #healthcare #cancercare Advertisement Advertisement Affordable Care Act May Increase Access to Colon Cancer Care for Underserved Groups - (https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/newsroom/news-releases/affordable-care-act-may-increase-access-to-colon-cancer-care-for-underserved-groups/) The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has improved colon cancer care for many patients in Pennsylvania, including those who are non-white, live in rural areas, or come from disadvantaged neighborhoods. This is according to research presented at the 17th AACR Conference on Cancer Health Disparities ().The ACA was the largest change to the health insurance system in the United States since the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid in the 1960s, but there is limited evidence on how it affected cancer treatment for different patient populations, explained Sriya Kudaravalli, a third-year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, who presented the study. We were interested in examining changes in receipt of guideline-concordant cancer treatment across various racial and socioeconomic groups after ACA insurance expansions. Understanding these changes can inform future policies to address treatment disparities.Kudaravalli explained that receiving guideline-concordant care is associated with improved cancer outcomes, including survival, and that insurance access is an important determinant of receiving guideline-concordant care.In the study, Kudaravalli and colleagues defined guideline-concordant care for stage 3 colon cancer as the use of adjuvant chemotherapy and the resection of affected regional lymph nodes based on medical literature and the criteria established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The retrospective study then examined data between 2010 and 2019 from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry for 3,290 patients aged 26-64 who were diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. The year the main insurance expansions under the ACA were implemented, 2014, served as the cutoff between pre- and post-ACA.They compared the receipt of guideline-concordant care over the two time periods across several socioeconomic factors including, age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, community type, and area deprivation index (ADI, a measurement developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin to rank neighborhoods by socioeconomic disadvantage based on variables related to income, education, employment, and housing quality). In their study, Kudaravalli and colleagues grouped ADI scores into quartiles, with ADI quartile 1 representing the least disadvantaged neighborhoods and ADI quartile 4 representing the most disadvantaged neighborhoods.About two-thirds of patients in the sample had private insurance (63.7%), 10.5% were covered by Medicare, 11.9% by Medicaid, and 13.8% were either uninsured or had an insurance status that was unknown or from another source. The study population included mostly males (54.5%), non-Hispanic whites (79.8%), and people living in urban areas (87.9%). About 4% were non-Hispanic Blacks and 3.6% were Hispanics with 7.5% living in large towns, 2.5% in small towns, and 2.1% in rural areas. Each of these variables was balanced pre- and post-ACA based on standardized mean differences.Across the entire study period, 82.8% of patients received guideline-concordant care. However, post-ACA, the receipt of guideline-concordant care increased on average per year for non-white patients (7.8%), those in rural areas (7.7%), and those in ADI quartile 4 neighborhoods (3.5%).Availability of insurance coverage is important for reducing disparities in cancer care and outcomes. States that havent yet expanded Medicaid are missing an opportunity to improve access to guideline-concordant treatment for cancer.Kudaravalli said they plan to also examine the effect of the ACA on receipt of guideline-concordant care for prostate cancer and lung cancer Limitations of this study include the fact that patients with missing variables who were excluded from the final results tended to be from underserved groups, which could have decreased the size of the effect. Additionally, the data comes from a single state.The research was supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Kudaravalli reports no conflicts of interest.Source-Eurekalert This undated file combo photo shows a jade dragon unearthed from a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region. (Xinhua) HOHHOT, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region. Apart from the architectural remains, human skeletal remains, burials, fire pits, and cylindrical object pits have also been discovered at the site. The unearthed artifacts include jade and painted pottery basins and tripod pottery cups, among others. The ongoing research at the site includes studies of the ancient environment, large-scale topographic mapping and carbon-14 dating, among others. The latest dating data indicates that the site belongs to the late Hongshan culture, dating back 5,100 to 5,000 years. The finds were revealed during a themed seminar held Sunday in Chifeng, which provided updates on the archaeological progress at the stone tomb in Yuanbaoshan of Chifeng's Aohan Banner. This undated file photo shows the general view of a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region. (Xinhua) This undated file photo shows archaeologists working at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region. (Xinhua) This undated file photo shows jade wares unearthed at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region. (Xinhua) This undated file photo shows a circular tomb at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region. (Xinhua) This undated file photo shows a stone tomb site before excavation in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region. (Xinhua) Trusted Source Microbial colonization programs are structured by breastfeeding and guide healthy respiratory development Go to source Trusted Source #Breastmilk isn't just food; it's a #microbiome supercharger! #Breastfeeding can help protect #babies from #asthma by shaping their gut and #respiratory microbes. #breastfeedingbenefits The Respiratory Benefits of Breastfeeding immune systems Advertisement Advertisement Microbial colonization programs are structured by breastfeeding and guide healthy respiratory development - (https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00782-7) A new study reveals that human breast milk plays a crucial role in shaping a babys microbiome, the community of microbes that live in the body. This, in turn, helps lower the risk of asthma. Breastfeeding for at least three months allows the babys microbiome to develop gradually and healthily. However, stopping breastfeeding earlier can disrupt this process and increase the risk of asthma later in childhood ().Some components in breast milk, such as complex sugars called human milk oligosaccharides, can only be broken down with the help of certain microbes. This provides a competitive advantage to microbes capable of digesting these sugars. By contrast, infants who are weaned earlier than three months from breast milk and who then rely solely on formula feeding, become home to a different set of microbes ones that will help the infant to digest the components in formula. While many of these microbes that thrive on formula do eventually end up in all babies, the researchers showed that their early arrival is linked to an increased risk of asthma Just as a pacemaker regulates the rhythm of the heart, breastfeeding and human milk set the pace and sequence for microbial colonization in the infants gut and nasal cavity, ensuring that this process occurs in an orderly and timely manner, said study co-senior investigator and computational biologist Liat Shenhav, PhD. Healthy microbiome development is not only about having the right microbes. They also need to arrive in the right order at the right time, said Shenhav, an assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, its Institute for Systems Genetics, and the Schools Department of Microbiology.For the study, Shenhav, who is also an assistant professor at NYUs Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, worked in collaboration with study co-senior investigator Meghan Azad, PhD, director of the Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Center, and a professor of pediatrics and child health, at the University of Manitoba.Another key study finding was that the bacterial species calledappeared much sooner in the guts of children who were weaned early from breast milk than in those of children who were exclusively breastfed. The bacterium is known to be involved in the production of molecules called short-chain fatty acids, and the formation and breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan. Both tryptophan and its metabolites have been linked to immune system regulation and disruption in previous research, including an increased risk of asthma. The study authors noted that beyond aiding in digestion, an infants microbiome plays a crucial role in thedevelopment.Publishing in the journalonline, the study tracked the ebb and flow of microbes in the guts and noses of infants during the first year of life, as well as details on breastfeeding and the composition of their mothers milk. All the children and their mothers were participating in the CHILD Cohort Study, a long-term research project that has been studying the same 3,500 Canadian children at different stages of life from the womb well into adolescence.The data provided by the CHILD Cohort Study enabled researchers to detangle the impact of breastfeeding on an infants microbiome from a range of other environmental factors, including prenatal smoke exposure, antibiotics , and the mothers asthma history.Even when these factors were accounted for, they found that breastfeeding duration remained a powerful determinant for the childs microbial makeup over time. They also used these microbial dynamics and data on milk components to train a machine-learning model that accurately predicted asthma years in advance. Finally, they created a statistical model to learn causal relationships, which showed that the primary way breastfeeding reduces asthma risk is through shaping the infants microbiome.The algorithms we developed provide valuable insights into microbial dynamics during an infants first year of life and how these microbes interacted with the infant, said Shenhav. These insights allowed us to move beyond identifying associations, enhancing our ability to make predictions and explore causal relationships.By uncovering the mechanisms behind the protective effects of breast milk, as demonstrated in this study, we aim to inform national guidelines on breastfeeding and weaning from breast milk in a data-driven manner.With further research, our findings could also contribute to developing strategies to prevent asthma in children who cannot be breastfed for at least three months, she added.Source-Eurekalert Trusted Source Prime Minister attends Quad Cancer Moonshot event Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. #India #Health #Cancer Nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. #India #Health #Cancer Modis $7.5M Contribution for Cancer Detection Advertisement Prime Minister attends Quad Cancer Moonshot event - (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2057455) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged $7.5 million to the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, supporting Indias One Earth, One Health vision through the provision of sampling kits, detection kits, and vaccines ().The groundbreaking initiative was announced during the sixth Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday and aims to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region by combating cervical cancer Speaking during the"we have decided to jointly face the challenge of cervical cancer"."I heartily congratulate President Biden for organizing this important event. It reflects our shared determination for affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare," the Prime Minister said."In cancer care, collaboration is essential for cure. An integrated approach of prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment is necessary to reduce the burden of cancer ," he asserted.Prime Minister Modi noted that India is running a "very cost-effective" cervical cancer screening program on a mass scale."Also, India is running the worlds largest health insurance scheme. And, special centers have also been created to make medicines available to everyone at affordable cost. India has also developed its vaccine for cervical cancer. And, new treatment protocols are also being introduced with the help of AI," he said, adding that India is ready to share its experience and expertise."I am happy that India will contribute 40 million vaccine doses for the Indo-Pacific countries under the GAVI and QUAD initiatives.As you can see, when the QUAD acts, it is not just for nations it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach," he concluded.Source-IANS Title: Keep Your Samsung Fridge Operating at its Best with These Simple Tips! (Refrigerator Refresh: Keeping Your Samsung Fridge Sparkling Clean) In the age of technology advancement, keeping your Samsung fridge operating smoothly has become an essential aspect of daily life. However, to maintain its optimal performance, its crucial to refresh the fridge regularly. Whether youre using new ingredients for your cooking or cleaning dishes, infusing your fridge with fresh air can have a significant impact on its functionality. Before we delve into these tips, let us first understand whats really going on inside your Samsung fridge. The temperature range for each component is set differently based on the level of load and usage of your food items. Therefore, if you frequently mix up your spices or leave your fruits in the frigidor during cooking times, your fridge may start to malfunction. To ensure that your Samsung fridge functions optimally, we recommend refreshing it every two weeks. Here are some reasons why: 1. Improve: By refreshing your fridge regularly, youll be able to maximize the amount of heat distribution to the fridge, which can help prevent the unit from freezing. This will not only keep your refrigerator running efficiently but also prevent your food items from overcooking or becoming unsafe to eat. 2. Keep the door clogged: Over time, the insides of the fridge become buildup due to of food particles and water vapor. Its essential to regularly clean your fridge by sweeping the interior or using a mister tool to remove dirt, grime, and other debris. 3. Maintain hygiene: Regular refreshing can help keep your fridge free from bacterial growth, which can cause illnesses and infections. You can use a commercial disinfectant solution to clean the fridges exterior and inside. 4. Extend your fridge lifespan: By refreshing your fridge every two weeks, youll extend its lifespan. According to appliance experts, maintaining your fridge regularly helps prevent malfunctions, prolongs its lifespan, and reduces energy consumption. Now that weve learned how to refresh your Samsung fridge regularly, here are some practical tips for ensuring its optimal operation: 1. Use the right brand and model: Make sure youre purchasing the right brand and model of fridge that suits your needs. Look for models that come with accurate temperature sensors and also have advanced cooling systems. 2. Read user reviews: Check online reviews of the fridge you want to purchase. They can provide valuable information about the products performance, reliability, and durability. 3. Clean the fridge regularly: Once your fridge is empty, check it for any signs of wear and tear such as bulging, rusting, or restricted. If any issues occur, consult a professional for repair or replacement. 4. Be prepared to replace parts: In case your fridge fails altogether, replace all the components to save money and avoid further damage. 5. Store your fruits and vegetables properly: Keeping fruits and vegetables stored properly can help prevent damage caused by exposure to cold temperatures. You can place them in an aluminum bag or container to cool them down and store them away from direct sunlight. (Refrigerator Refresh: Keeping Your Samsung Fridge Sparkling Clean) In conclusion, frequent refreshing of your Samsung fridge can help improve its functionality, its lifespan, and reduce energy consumption. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your fridge stays operational at its best, even when your budget allows for it. Happy shopping! Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. (nanotrun@yahoo.com) MONROE COUNTY, MI An investigation is underway after a teen in Ohio allegedly made threats of gun violence toward a Michigan high school, police said. Its the second time this month the Monroe County Sheriffs Office has responded to a threat made toward a local school. Dispatchers received a call around 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, about a possible threat directed toward Bedford High School, Monroe County sheriffs deputies said. The school was hosting its annual homecoming dance for students. Sheriffs deputies determined the threat was made by a 15-year-old boy in Toledo, Ohio. Police contacted the teens parents who were home with him when the alleged threat was made. The threat appears to be an isolated incident involving a dispute with an ex-girlfriend. Students attending the dance were closely monitored for safety, as was the entire school campus, and the dance was not impacted, police said. The incident remains under investigation. In a separate incident in Monroe County, a 15-year-old girl was arrested Sept. 8 for allegedly planning a threat of gun violence at Whiteford Agricultural Schools. The threat disseminated via a group text message chat involving students at the school. School officials were alerted to the threat by a parent of a student. The teen, of Temperance, was taken into custody and a small caliber bolt-action rifle was seized from her home. HOLLAND, MI -- Liz Hilton, founder of Holland-based startup KnitIt, is making waves with her 3D knit baby swaddles, and she has big plans to put that same technology to work in health care and aerospace. Prior to inventing the Swaddelini in 2018, Hilton always had a passion for designing and creating from nothing, she said. Hilton originally channeled that into fashion design and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where she refined her focus to knitting. Instead of walking into a fabric store and feeling what fabric speaks to you, you have control of every stitch, she said. Imagine youre building a brick wall, and you have control over the size, shape and texture of each brick, and thats knitting. Hilton gained more experience and certifications working abroad for Stoll, a German company that utilizes CNC machines for 3D knitting. She came back to New York excited to share this technology with the fashion industry, but nobody was interested, she said. Hilton then decided to take what she learned to the office furniture space and took a job with Teknit, a technical knitting manufacturer in Grand Rapids. All the while running her side gig KnitIt. Around 2017, her first son was born, and she and her husband Brad had issues getting him to sleep soundly. Every 20 minutes he would get out of his swaddle, scratch his face, cry. He was a little escape artist, she said. So, I thought I could use the same technology that I use to solve problems in office furniture to solve my swaddling problem at home. Hilton took home a 3D-knit tube with pinches where the babys arms can go in. After putting her son to sleep in it, she and her husband slept through the night for the first time in two months, she said. Hes just sleeping there peacefully, and Brad grabs my arm and says, Liz, youre going to sell a million of these, she said. Hilton launched her flagship product, the Swaddelini, in August 2018 at the Chicago Baby Show and received rave reviews, particularly from mothers of babies with special needs. KnitIt has donated over 400 Swaddleinis to babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome in hospitals all over the country. If a baby is born addicted to a substance, they are going to have more exacerbated Moro reflex, so its even more important that they have something that makes them feel secure and safe, Hilton said. By 2019, Hilton got connected with major retailers and was able to launch her product online, but she had to pay the retailers a cut, and she eventually couldnt afford to run her business. Putting Swaddelini on life support, Hilton went back to the corporate world, making a few Swaddelinis on the side with a single machine in her garage. But her fortune changed in January 2021 when she posted a video of herself on TikTok putting her second son in the Swaddelini. Within 24 hours, the video broke a million views, and Hilton realized she needed to hire somebody, because she also had 341 orders from around the world that she had to fulfill with one machine and a full-time job. KnitIt founder Liz Hilton said the same technology used to make the swaddelini has potential applications in health care and aerospace. Photo by Ehren Wynder | MLive.Ehren Wynder Swaddelinis explosive growth led to $250,000 in annual revenue before the business got too big for Hiltons garage and she had to move the business to its current location. I could have moved out sooner, but what was good about that was that I saved a lot of money, she said. Everybody s business model is different, but for me my saving grace was that I could grow sustainably from zero to 100. KnitIts entire operations happen at its 6,000-square-foot warehouse on Veterans Drive in Holland. The Swaddelini is woven from an elastic yarn and post-consumer nylon fiber all manufactured in North Carolina. Hilton said the material is soft, strong and safe for babies. Units are made from 16 automated knitting machines, so the finished product comes out in one piece. We are creating a product with no cutting, no sewing, no waste, not labor, Hilton said. The machine is doing all the work. Each Swaddelini does go through a quality check, which is handled by people, before it ships to the customer. KnitIt has 10 full-time employees, and Hilton said she hopes to hire more as the company expands its product line. Theres also one larger, more high-tech machine in the factory used for research and development of new products. One hundred percent of our business right now is the Swaddelini, and thats a little bit concerning because weve got all our eggs in one basket, Hilton said, so were just now starting to diversify, but we only want to do projects that are going to have a really high impact. Those projects include tubular solutions for the health care and aerospace industries, similar to the tubular shape of the Swaddelini. Hilton said 98% of KnitIts business is direct to consumer, and the remainder is wholesale. Additionally, 20% of the companys direct to consumer business is international, and the swaddelini has shipped to around 150 different countries. As a Hollander who once lived in the Grand Rapids startup space, Hilton said Holland actually benefits from a smaller, closer-knit startup community. In Grand Rapids, theres a lot more support, but Holland is really special, because youve got Lakeshore Advantage, Surge, and a whole bunch of entrepreneurs of various sizes who are extremely passionate about giving back to the entrepreneurial community. Personally, Hilton is passionate about bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and believes additive manufacturing is the key to that future. Well never be able to compete with labor abroad, she said. But if we take out the labor, why not? We just need to be operationally excellent. Her ethos is engraved on a bell inside the factory, which reads we make it here, because we love it here. I would far rather grow slowly and build here in Holland, Michigan, than ever outsource, she said. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan Universitys three labor unions delivered a symbolic blow to the university with a vote of no confidence in WMU President Edward Montgomerys leadership. The faculty union, part-time instructors union and teaching assistant unions jointly announced on Friday, Sept. 20, their membership voted no confidence in Montgomery. BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- A Confucius cultural festival to be held in east China's Shandong Province is expected to further facilitate the exchanges and mutual learning among global civilizations by drawing on the wisdom of Chinese ancient philosopher Confucius. The 2024 China International Confucius Cultural Festival, with the theme of "conversation with Confucius, mutual learning among civilizations," will open in Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, a press conference announced Friday. Scheduled to run from Sept. 27 to Oct. 7, the festival will blend culture with tourism, featuring various art performances, exhibitions and folk culture activities across Shandong. Xu Rong, an official of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), said the festival is expected to be joined by more than 370 guests from outside the Chinese mainland, including representatives of international organizations, foreign establishments of Confucian studies, and foreign diplomats. The ministry will actively support Shandong in building the festival into an important platform for communication and mutual learning among global civilizations, thus raising the international influence of Chinese culture, Xu said. This year's festival is jointly launched by the provincial government of Shandong, the MCT and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO. Nishan Mountain, located in Qufu, is widely recognized as the place where the philosopher was born. In 2010, Shandong initiated the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations. This year's forum was held in July. JERUSALEM, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Israeli soldiers stormed the offices of the Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera in the Israeli-occupied West Bank early Sunday, ordering the bureau to shut down, Israel's Army Radio reported. "Israeli forces carrying guns have entered Al Jazeera's offices in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, ordering staff to vacate and imposing a 45-day closure," Al Jazeera said in a statement posted on social media X. Al Jazeera aired footage on its Arabic-language channel showing armed troops, some masked, entering the offices and delivering the decree. Army Radio quoted anonymous military officials as saying the move was made "in accordance with the guidance of the political echelon and legal advice, after it was determined that the channel's broadcasts harm the security of the State of Israel." The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the operation. In May, Israeli police raided Al Jazeera's offices in East Jerusalem, confiscating equipment, preventing its broadcasts in Israel, and blocking its websites. YAOUNDE, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 503 people have been killed by flooding in Chad since July, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Chad said on Saturday. Around 1.7 million people have been affected by floods and thousands of homes destroyed, OCHA said in its latest report on the disaster. Humanitarian assistance was urgently needed and authorities warned that continuous torrential rains and surging river levels would lead to more floods. Bank of America reiterated their neutral rating on shares of Cencora (NYSE:COR Free Report) in a report released on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat reports. Bank of America currently has a $245.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $275.00. Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Leerink Partners reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $275.00 target price on shares of Cencora in a report on Thursday, June 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Cencora from $280.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 21st. Robert W. Baird reduced their target price on shares of Cencora from $287.00 to $283.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 6th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Cencora from $236.00 to $249.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Cencora from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $256.67. Get Cencora alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Cencora Cencora Stock Performance Shares of COR opened at $228.11 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $234.84 and a 200-day moving average of $233.11. Cencora has a one year low of $178.21 and a one year high of $247.66. The company has a market cap of $45.50 billion, a PE ratio of 24.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.93, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.55. Cencora (NYSE:COR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $3.34 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.18 by $0.16. Cencora had a net margin of 0.65% and a return on equity of 266.60%. The company had revenue of $74.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $73.32 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.92 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Cencora will post 13.63 earnings per share for the current year. Cencora Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Cencoras dividend payout ratio is currently 22.32%. Insider Buying and Selling at Cencora In other news, major shareholder Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. sold 4,438,171 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.56, for a total value of $1,067,646,415.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 19,980,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,806,388,800. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, major shareholder Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. sold 4,438,171 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.56, for a total value of $1,067,646,415.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 19,980,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,806,388,800. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Silvana Battaglia sold 1,473 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $242.69, for a total transaction of $357,482.37. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 10,948 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,656,970.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 4,450,399 shares of company stock valued at $1,070,392,799 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 15.80% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cencora Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. acquired a new position in Cencora during the 4th quarter worth approximately $4,212,508,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD acquired a new position in Cencora during the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,183,619,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new position in Cencora during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,199,695,000. Boston Partners acquired a new position in Cencora during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,001,269,000. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors acquired a new position in Cencora during the 1st quarter worth approximately $650,424,000. 97.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Cencora Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cencora, Inc sources and distributes pharmaceutical products. The company's U.S. Healthcare Solutions segment distributes pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, long-term care and alternate site pharmacies, and other customers; provides pharmacy management, staffing, and other consulting services; supply management software to retail and institutional healthcare providers; packaging solutions to various institutional and retail healthcare providers; clinical trial support, product post-approval, and commercialization support services; data analytics, outcomes research, and additional services for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturers; pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, and other products to the companion animal and production animal markets; and sales force services to manufacturers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cencora Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cencora and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (NYSE:GTE Get Free Report) CEO Gary Guidry acquired 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 19th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $6.11 per share, with a total value of $244,400.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 525,672 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,211,855.92. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Gary Guidry also recently made the following trade(s): Get Gran Tierra Energy alerts: On Tuesday, September 17th, Gary Guidry bought 15,000 shares of Gran Tierra Energy stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of $6.03 per share, with a total value of $90,450.00. Gran Tierra Energy Price Performance Gran Tierra Energy stock opened at $6.37 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $199.58 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 63.70 and a beta of 1.56. Gran Tierra Energy Inc. has a one year low of $4.72 and a one year high of $10.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $7.87. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Gran Tierra Energy Gran Tierra Energy ( NYSE:GTE Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.16 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $165.61 million during the quarter. Gran Tierra Energy had a return on equity of 12.60% and a net margin of 7.68%. Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Equinox Partners Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Gran Tierra Energy in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $7,735,000. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC increased its holdings in shares of Gran Tierra Energy by 204.7% in the second quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC now owns 450,403 shares of the companys stock worth $4,355,000 after purchasing an additional 302,583 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Gran Tierra Energy by 46.8% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 726,226 shares of the companys stock worth $7,023,000 after buying an additional 231,595 shares in the last quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in Gran Tierra Energy during the second quarter valued at $696,000. Finally, Quest Partners LLC purchased a new position in Gran Tierra Energy during the second quarter worth about $465,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 31.70% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of Gran Tierra Energy from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on GTE About Gran Tierra Energy (Get Free Report) Gran Tierra Energy Inc is an international oil and gas exploration and production company, headquartered in Calgary, Canada, incorporated and traded in the United States and operating in South America. Gran Tierra Energy holds interests in producing and prospective properties in Argentina, Colombia and Peru. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Gran Tierra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gran Tierra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (NYSE:BVN Free Report) had its price target cut by Morgan Stanley from $21.00 to $18.00 in a report issued on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the mining companys stock. Separately, Scotiabank reduced their price target on shares of Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. from $16.00 to $15.00 and set a sector underperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Get Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Price Performance Shares of NYSE BVN opened at $13.67 on Thursday. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. has a 1 year low of $7.73 and a 1 year high of $18.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.17. The companys 50-day moving average is $14.11 and its 200 day moving average is $15.91. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 227.83 and a beta of 0.81. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (NYSE:BVN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The mining company reported $0.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.34 by ($0.06). Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. had a net margin of 9.54% and a return on equity of 3.17%. The company had revenue of $277.11 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $252.21 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.03) EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. will post 1.41 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 18.1% in the first quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 32,065,440 shares of the mining companys stock worth $509,199,000 after purchasing an additional 4,912,454 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 20.6% in the first quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 5,749,782 shares of the mining companys stock worth $91,307,000 after purchasing an additional 982,785 shares during the period. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd grew its holdings in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 8.0% in the first quarter. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd now owns 4,840,032 shares of the mining companys stock worth $76,860,000 after purchasing an additional 358,911 shares during the period. Tidal Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. in the first quarter worth about $63,988,000. Finally, Swedbank AB purchased a new stake in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. in the first quarter worth about $7,082,000. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Compania de Minas Buenaventura SAA. engages in the exploration, development, construction, and operation of mineral processing business. The company explores for gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper metals. It operates operating mining units, including Tambomayo located in the Caylloma province, Orcopampa Unit located in the province of Castilla, Uchucchacua located in province of Oyon, Julcani located in province of Angaraes, Peru, as well as San Gabrie located in the province of General Sanchez Cerro, in the Moquegua region. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday. A number of other equities research analysts have also commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $418.00 price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a report on Friday, August 30th. Redburn Atlantic raised Sherwin-Williams to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $338.00 to $375.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Barclays increased their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $315.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Sherwin-Williams from $320.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, fifteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $362.68. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Sherwin-Williams Sherwin-Williams Stock Performance SHW stock opened at $378.52 on Friday. Sherwin-Williams has a 1-year low of $232.06 and a 1-year high of $382.83. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17. The firm has a market cap of $95.97 billion, a PE ratio of 40.35, a P/E/G ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 1.17. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $353.82 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $328.28. Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.51 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $6.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.33 billion. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 75.58% and a net margin of 10.92%. Sherwin-Williamss quarterly revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.29 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Sherwin-Williams will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In other Sherwin-Williams news, CFO Allen J. Mistysyn sold 14,520 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $366.83, for a total value of $5,326,371.60. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 63,520 shares in the company, valued at $23,301,041.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sherwin-Williams Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Waterloo Capital L.P. acquired a new position in Sherwin-Williams in the 4th quarter valued at about $360,000. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 7.9% in the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,636 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $787,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV increased its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 7.2% during the first quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 1,533 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $532,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the period. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP lifted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 259.1% during the 4th quarter. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP now owns 6,998 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $2,183,000 after purchasing an additional 5,049 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Transcend Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 24.1% in the 2nd quarter. Transcend Capital Advisors LLC now owns 7,805 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $2,329,000 after purchasing an additional 1,514 shares during the period. 77.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Sherwin-Williams Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Westlake (NYSE:WLK Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report report published on Thursday. Several other research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Westlake from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the stock from $157.00 to $174.00 in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Westlake from $123.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Westlake from $172.00 to $160.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on Westlake from $167.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Finally, Mizuho began coverage on Westlake in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. They issued an outperform rating and a $170.00 target price on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $166.00. Get Westlake alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Westlake Westlake Stock Performance Shares of NYSE WLK opened at $144.28 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $18.55 billion, a PE ratio of 72.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.18. Westlake has a 1 year low of $112.77 and a 1 year high of $162.64. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $143.50 and a 200-day moving average price of $148.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 2.61 and a quick ratio of 1.94. Westlake (NYSE:WLK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.40 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.99 by $0.41. Westlake had a return on equity of 7.84% and a net margin of 2.27%. The business had revenue of $3.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.22 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.31 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that Westlake will post 7.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Westlake Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 20th were given a dividend of $0.525 per share. This is a boost from Westlakes previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 20th. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.46%. Westlakes payout ratio is 105.53%. Institutional Trading of Westlake A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WLK. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Westlake in the first quarter worth approximately $1,273,000. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Westlake during the first quarter worth $3,254,000. Comerica Bank boosted its stake in shares of Westlake by 17.9% during the first quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 24,490 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $3,742,000 after purchasing an additional 3,710 shares during the period. CIBC Asset Management Inc bought a new position in shares of Westlake in the second quarter worth about $544,000. Finally, Avantax Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new position in Westlake in the 1st quarter worth about $207,000. 28.40% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Westlake (Get Free Report) Westlake Corporation engages in the manufacture and marketing of performance and essential materials, and housing and infrastructure products in the United States, Canada, Germany, China, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Taiwan, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Performance and Essential Materials and Housing and Infrastructure Products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Westlake Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Westlake and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. System1, Inc. (NYSE:SST Get Free Report) major shareholder Cee Holdings Trust bought 8,412 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 16th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $1.24 per share, for a total transaction of $10,430.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 8,768,056 shares in the company, valued at $10,872,389.44. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Cee Holdings Trust also recently made the following trade(s): Get System1 alerts: On Wednesday, September 11th, Cee Holdings Trust purchased 4,034 shares of System1 stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of $1.20 per share, with a total value of $4,840.80. On Monday, September 9th, Cee Holdings Trust purchased 2,196 shares of System1 stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of $1.19 per share, for a total transaction of $2,613.24. On Thursday, September 5th, Cee Holdings Trust acquired 4,352 shares of System1 stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $1.22 per share, with a total value of $5,309.44. On Tuesday, September 3rd, Cee Holdings Trust bought 1,601 shares of System1 stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of $1.23 per share, for a total transaction of $1,969.23. On Friday, August 30th, Cee Holdings Trust purchased 15,205 shares of System1 stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $1.24 per share, for a total transaction of $18,854.20. On Friday, August 23rd, Cee Holdings Trust acquired 37,477 shares of System1 stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $1.21 per share, for a total transaction of $45,347.17. On Tuesday, August 20th, Cee Holdings Trust bought 1,500 shares of System1 stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $1.25 per share, for a total transaction of $1,875.00. On Thursday, August 15th, Cee Holdings Trust purchased 14,142 shares of System1 stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $1.08 per share, with a total value of $15,273.36. On Tuesday, August 13th, Cee Holdings Trust acquired 965 shares of System1 stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $1.10 per share, with a total value of $1,061.50. On Thursday, July 11th, Cee Holdings Trust bought 6,749 shares of System1 stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $1.45 per share, with a total value of $9,786.05. System1 Stock Performance Shares of SST opened at $1.16 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.46, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $1.27 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1.50. System1, Inc. has a 12 month low of $1.04 and a 12 month high of $3.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $104.52 million, a P/E ratio of -0.51 and a beta of 1.34. Institutional Trading of System1 System1 ( NYSE:SST Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.38) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $94.58 million for the quarter. System1 had a negative net margin of 53.92% and a negative return on equity of 53.12%. A hedge fund recently raised its stake in System1 stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its position in System1, Inc. (NYSE:SST Free Report) by 126.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 57,900 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 32,300 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned 0.06% of System1 worth $88,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.50% of the companys stock. System1 Company Profile (Get Free Report) System1, Inc provides omnichannel customer acquisition platform services through its proprietary responsive acquisition marketing platform in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, and internationally. It operates through two segments: Owned and Operated Advertising, and Partner Network. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for System1 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for System1 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC Free Report) in a research report released on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage issued a hold rating and a $102.00 price objective on the utilities providers stock. WEC has been the topic of several other research reports. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $90.00 to $103.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. StockNews.com lowered shares of WEC Energy Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of WEC Energy Group from $80.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on shares of WEC Energy Group from $91.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on WEC Energy Group from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, WEC Energy Group has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $91.31. Get WEC Energy Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on WEC WEC Energy Group Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of NYSE:WEC opened at $94.72 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $89.76 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $83.95. The company has a market capitalization of $29.91 billion, a PE ratio of 20.68, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.44. WEC Energy Group has a 52 week low of $75.13 and a 52 week high of $96.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.74. WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.63 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $1.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.87 billion. WEC Energy Group had a return on equity of 12.26% and a net margin of 15.85%. The firms revenue was down 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.92 EPS. Analysts forecast that WEC Energy Group will post 4.88 earnings per share for the current year. WEC Energy Group Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 14th were issued a dividend of $0.835 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 14th. This represents a $3.34 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.53%. WEC Energy Groups payout ratio is presently 72.93%. Insider Buying and Selling at WEC Energy Group In other news, VP Mary Beth Straka sold 3,240 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.04, for a total transaction of $301,449.60. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 3,662 shares in the company, valued at approximately $340,712.48. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, VP Mary Beth Straka sold 3,240 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.04, for a total transaction of $301,449.60. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 3,662 shares in the company, valued at approximately $340,712.48. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Anthony Reese sold 1,362 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.78, for a total transaction of $120,918.36. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 1,462 shares in the company, valued at $129,796.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 11,702 shares of company stock worth $1,078,058 over the last ninety days. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT boosted its position in WEC Energy Group by 2.0% during the second quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT now owns 6,047 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $474,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares during the period. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of WEC Energy Group by 58.1% during the 2nd quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 321 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 118 shares during the period. Diversified Trust Co grew its stake in WEC Energy Group by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 5,099 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $419,000 after buying an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. MPS Loria Financial Planners LLC raised its holdings in WEC Energy Group by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. MPS Loria Financial Planners LLC now owns 6,704 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $551,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares during the period. Finally, FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in WEC Energy Group by 52.6% during the first quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 412 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. 77.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About WEC Energy Group (Get Free Report) WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. It operates through Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, and Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for WEC Energy Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WEC Energy Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept The Beijing Culture Forum is a new global platform for cultural exchange and cooperation between different countries, said Hassan Ragab, a professor with Egypt's Suez Canal University. #GLOBALink Lin Danqian, president of Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor Association Thailand, speaks at the 20th International Conference on Luobing Theory Overseas Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 21, 2024.Experts and scholars from 13 countries and regions have gathered in Bangkok to share the latest research results of Luobing theory or the theory of collateral diseases, aiming to promote the high-quality development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and accelerate its globalization. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) BANGKOK, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Experts and scholars from 13 countries and regions have gathered in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, to share the latest research results of Luobing theory or the theory of collateral diseases, aiming to promote the high-quality development of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) and accelerate its globalization. The 20th International Conference on Luobing Theory Overseas Forum was convened here on Saturday. Thanakrit Chitareerat, executive assistant minister of the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, said in his speech that TCM has become a link in enhancing the friendship between Thailand and China and this forum provides a platform to gain a deeper understanding of the latest research results and development trends of Luobing theory. In his opening speech, Cao Zuojun, president of the Thailand Chinese Medicine Luobing Society, said Luobing not only provides new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but also brings unique solutions to many problems in modern medicine. Lin Danqian, president of TCM Doctor Association Thailand, noted that the forum was held in Thailand, which represented that the global influence of Luobing theory has reached a new level. As a model of innovation of TCM, Luobing theory has achieved fruitful results after more than 40 years of joint efforts of experts. During the forum, experts also conducted in-depth exchanges and discussions on the achievements, challenges and prospects of TCM going globally. Thanakrit Chitareerat, executive assistant minister of the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, speaks at the 20th International Conference on Luobing Theory Overseas Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 21, 2024. Experts and scholars from 13 countries and regions have gathered in Bangkok to share the latest research results of Luobing theory or the theory of collateral diseases, aiming to promote the high-quality development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and accelerate its globalization. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Cao Zuojun, president of the Thailand Chinese Medicine Luobing Society, speaks at 20th International Conference on Luobing Theory Overseas Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 21, 2024. Experts and scholars from 13 countries and regions have gathered in Bangkok to share the latest research results of Luobing theory or the theory of collateral diseases, aiming to promote the high-quality development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and accelerate its globalization. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Participants attend the inauguration ceremony of the Thailand Chinese Medicine Luobing Society in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 21, 2024. Experts and scholars from 13 countries and regions have gathered in Bangkok to share the latest research results of Luobing theory or the theory of collateral diseases, aiming to promote the high-quality development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and accelerate its globalization. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 from Marjeyoun shows the smoke caused by an Israeli airstrike in Rihan, in southern Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and four others injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on dozens of villages and towns in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that about 90 Israeli airstrikes, involving drones and warplanes, targeted Hezbollah sites on the outskirts of dozens of southern towns and villages. The casualties were reported in three separate raids, which took place in the villages of Khiam, Aitaroun, and Maaliya, respectively, with each raid leaving one dead, according to the sources. The raids also destroyed about 40 homes and damaged around 100 others, they added. Meanwhile, the launch of three rocket barrages, comprising 80 rockets and several drones, was monitored from Lebanon toward northern Israel. Due to security concerns, Rambam Health Care Campus, the largest hospital in northern Israel, has relocated its operations to a secured underground parking facility. Other hospitals in the region have also been directed to operate in protected areas. Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following communication device explosions across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday that killed 37 people and injured 2,931, as well as an Israeli airstrike on Friday targeting a building in the Jamous area in the southern suburbs of Beirut that killed 37 and injured 66. The Israeli army and Hezbollah, which has deep ties to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, have been exchanging fire across the Israel-Lebanon border since Oct. 8, 2023, raising fears that the nearly one-year-long confrontations could escalate into a full-scale war. This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 from Marjeyoun shows the smoke caused by an Israeli airstrike in Qantara, in southern Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 from Marjeyoun shows the smoke caused by an Israeli airstrike in Litani, in southern Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a UNIFIL patrol vehicle in Marjeyoun, southern Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a house in which a person was killed when it was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike, in Khiam, southern Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows the smoke caused by Israeli airstrikes in Jezzine, southern Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a house in which a person was killed when it was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike, in Khiam, southern Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. BEIRUT, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah targeted the Ramat David Airbase in northern Israel at dawn on Sunday with surface-to-surface missiles for the first time in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanese areas. "The targeted Ramat David base is one of three main air bases in the Zionist entity that has strategic importance for the Lebanese and Syrian arenas," Hezbollah said in a statement. "This base is located on the Haifa/Tiberias axis, its area is no less than 10 kilometers, and combat and spy planes take off from it, and an advanced missile and air defense system surrounds it," the statement added. Lebanese military sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes at dawn on Sunday on several towns and villages in the south and east of Lebanon, adding that "Israeli warplanes and drones are flying intensively in the skies of most Lebanese regions." Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following communication device explosions across Lebanon earlier this week that killed 37 and injured 2,931, as well as an Israeli airstrike on Friday targeting a building in the Jamous area in the southern suburbs of Beirut that killed at least 31 and injured 66. These developments marked the latest escalation of the ongoing conflict on the Israel-Lebanon border that began on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched 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. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close ZHENGZHOU, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong said on Sunday that China is on course for another bumper grain harvest this year after farmers and cadres at all levels across the country worked hard to overcome the adverse impacts of natural disasters and realize increased summer grain output and the steady production of early rice. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a tour to Lankao in central China's Henan Province, where he attended a national main event celebrating the seventh Chinese farmers' harvest festival. Liu called for solid efforts in promoting comprehensive rural revitalization by implementing the policies and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee so as to lay the foundation for the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, as well as for building China into an agricultural powerhouse. During the event, Liu also went to an exhibition showcasing the achievements through learning from and applying the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program, and saw the display of high-quality agricultural products and rural craftsman skills. Liu also called for persistent efforts in farm field management, disaster monitoring, early warning, as well as disaster prevention and response during the autumn grain harvest season. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. From 1984 until 2022, Anthony Steven (Tony) Faucis power base was the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health[1]. Fauci has advised every US President since Ronald Reagan. He is now a distinguished Professor at Georgetown University. Reason magazine describes Faucis clout: [His post as NIAID director] made Fauci the federal governments de facto top pandemic expert across the dozens of agenciesfrom the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the Food and Drug Administration to the Office of the Surgeon Generalthat share responsibilities for preventing and responding to disease outbreaks. Fauci steered the U.S. governments response to AIDS, Zika, Ebola, and swine flu. He oversaw billions in annual research grants aimed at stopping the next disease outbreak. When COVID struck, Fauci was the face of public health when public health was all anyone was talking about. Clout unblemished by democratic accountability. Sam Adler-Bell: There is no one in American government or perhaps any government quite like Dr. Anthony Fauci. His position, with its mixture of informal power and public visibility, scientific authority and beltway influence, is sui generis. Few other unconfirmed civil servants have access to as many rooms in the executive interagency; no public official commands as much respect in the world of science and medicine. And clout used, naturally, only for good. Scientific American: Researchers who Nature spoke to say that Fauci will be best remembered for his unwavering dedication to research and the development of treatments for HIV, as well as for his uncanny ability to communicate directly and clearly to the public . Matters occurrent have prevented me from giving Tony Fauci the full yellow wader treatment, which he richly deserves; but I would also have needed to understand Faucis complex role in the AIDS crisis, which remains controversial. Anyhow, hes still out there selling books doing interviews, so I thought Id look into last weeks, which didnt get any coverage at all, except for a few irritated tweets. In what follows, Im going to be quoting great slabs from that interview: Dr. Anthony Fauci Shares Insights on His Career and Leadership of the NIAID, published September 16, 2024 in Pathogens and Immunity[2]. After each slab, Ill add some commentary (though for most Ill be relying on common knowledge in the NC commentariat, being, again, pressed temporally). I think we will be able to reverse engineer much of Covid policy from what Fauci says and his personal history. The quotes are more or less in order Faucis Choice of Field [FAUCI:] The thing that attracted me about infectious diseases, and Ill talk about immunology in a moment, was wanting to be able to have a target of my work. There are many diseases, that we all are aware of, that have multifaceted components cardiovascular, immunity, GI, and endocrinology. With infectious disease, you had a target. It was an individual agent that was causing the disease . Usually the disease is preventable, and usually its entirely treatable; if not entirely treatable, cer-tainly suppressible, as weve done so successfully with HIV. Also, I wanted a disease in which the stakes are high. Lambert here: Fauci appears to be an adherent of Maggie Thatcher: There is no such thing as society. For example, cholera is an infectious disease. But John Snow didnt need to wait to find the individual agent. He took the handle off the Broad Street pump. The analogy between waterborne transmission of cholera and airborne transmission of Covid is exact, but a blind spot for Fauci. Faucis Childhood [FAUCI:] My father was a pharmacist in a small pharmacy that he owned in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. That was a very long time ago. That was in the 1940s and 1950s. At that time the neighborhood pharmacy was sort of like the hub of the neighborhood advice about medicine. And, unlike the chain pharmacies of CVS and Walgreens of today, it was kind of the doc of the neighborhood: family counselor, neighborhood psychiatrist, and person who you would go to if you didnt have enough money to go to a physician. You could get free advice from the pharmacist. So, the idea about service to others was something that I kind of grew up with from the time I was a child. Lambert here: So pharma today, Big Pharma has occupied the central position in Faucis worldview since he was a boy. Fauci on Vaccine Development [INTERVIEWER] So COVID shows up, becomes a pandemic, and amazingly an effective vaccine was developed incredibly rapidly. What are the implications of that for us? [FAUCI] There are a lot of major implications and collateral implications. The major implication is the importance of investment in basic and clinical biomedical research. Because if you look at the investments that were made in the mRNA platform technology, you go back and look at the first paper that modified the mRNA to allow it to avoid an inflammatory neutralization, to be able to be used as a vaccine was a 2005 paper in Immunity by Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman Lambert here: The question is wrong, because several effective vaccines were developed under Operation Warp Speed (of which more later). And speaking of Big Pharma, Faucis answer is wrong: He identifies vaccine with mRNA vaccine, ignoring inactivated virus vaccines like Sinovac, protein-based vaccines like Novavax, or adenoviral DNA vaccines like AstraZenaca. (NOTE This is not a post about the merits of various vaccine technologies. My point is that Fauci, again, has a blind spot. He is only able to focus on mRNA.) [FAUCI] When the body shows you that it can make an adequate immune response that can clear the virus and protect you , then that is a road-map to a vaccine. If you get infected with measles or infected with polio, even though theres a degree of morbidity and mortality, the overwhelming majority of people survive and are left with immunity that protects them against reinfection. And when you have a pathogen that doesnt change much, like measles and polio, you can use the bodys natural immune response as a roadmap to developing a vaccine. Thats exactly what happened with COVID. Lambert here: I believe Fauci is wrong to say clear the virus. My recollection is that in fact the body does not neecessarily clear the virus, even taking the weasel words the overwhelming majority into account. Being pressed temporally, I must rely on memory, but studies keep coming out showing viral reservoirs, certainly in the gut, and also in the nervous system and the brain (I think a Swedish study of about 20 autopsies found SARS-CoV-2 in every brain). [FAUCI] So, what Operation Warp Speed [OWS] did is not only did it finance and bankroll clinical trials of 30,000 people per trial, but it pre-manufactured the vaccine before we knew it even worked, so that as soon as the clinical trial showed that the vaccine was highly effective . Bingo. We have tens of millions of doses of vaccine available to go. So, its got to be investment in science and bold investment in combination with the pharmaceutical companies. And the reason I say that is we can do that with any disease. Lambert here: Fauci is correct that OWS had a great business model and was, administratively, a brilliant success. There are many, including me, who would quarrel with the clinical trial showed that the vaccine was highly effective. Notice again that Fauci erases multiple vaccines with the vaccine (I assume Pfizer). Finally, I dont see why its got to be a public-private partnership. The Manhattan Project wasnt. Etc. Fauci on Vaccine Effectiveness [FAUCI] What we learned from experience, and you know the people who criticize the scientists and criticize the public health officials say, You told us it was going to protect. We made an assumption, that protection would remain at a high level, and it didnt . It was lower than we wanted to begin with, and it didnt stay very long. One of the things that is curious is the duration of the protection of a mRNA vaccine. Now, I dont know whether thats a peculiarity of a coronavirus or the peculiarity of the mRNA platform. But we know when we vaccinate somebody, the protection is not measured in decades. Its measured in months to a year. Thats the issue that weve got to work out. Lambert here: Yeah, oopsie. The people who criticize are 100% correct. And take all the time you need to work out that issue. Fauci on Vaccine Hesitancy [FAUCI] Well, its a very difficult problem. And one of the things that weve learned is that vaccine hesitancy and not wanting to get vaccinated comprises a broad spectrum of people. From those who are inherently anti-vax, anti-science and those who are hesitant because they need more information. So, youre not going to change the mind of a completely recalcitrant person, who, no matter what you say, is against it. And that person is probably more anti-science than anti-vax. But there is a substantial proportion of people who are hesitant, that [we can perhaps persuade] if we in a good faith and transparent way reach out to them and try to get them to understand the data and the science associated, and dont sugar-coat anything . If we talk in real terms and say that no intervention is 100% safe, but the risk-benefit of vaccinations over decades and decades and decades has proved overwhelmingly in favor of the positive aspect of vaccines. We just need to keep talking about that and not condemning people who are hesitant. We should not tire of reaching out to them and trying to explain to them in pure, simple, scientific terms and risk-ben-efit terms why its important to get vaccinated. Lambert here: Holy moley. You told us it was going to protect. And it didnt. All the vax and relax messaging was nothing but sugarcoating. So now you want to be seen as acting in good faith with transparency? Fauci on Masks [INTERVIEWER] How effective are masks if we wear them, if we wear them well or if we wear them not well how good are they? [FAUCI] Thank you for asking that question, because theres a lot of misinformation and disinformation [no kidding lambert]. A properly fitted mask worn consistently of an N95, and to a lesser extent a KN95 clearly is protective. There are studies now that clearly take the fog away from the question: Do they protect or not? They clearly are protective. Are they 100%? No, of course not. Because people wear masks, and then every once in a while they take them off because they have to go eat on a plane. People say, Well, I wore it for the entire time, except when I was eating. Well, sorry about that. Lambert here: There was no fog; NIOSH recommended masks in the workplace, up to and beyond N95 levels, for years before Covid (the ignorance and malice of hospital infection control is another matter). And much of the disinformation and misinformation was generated by Fauci himself, and the public health establishment.[3] [INTERVIEWER] What about the case of mask mandates, are they worth trying? Clearly, it must be the case based on what you just said, and that was my own expectation: that theyre effective if worn properly. When were applying it on a mass scale, at least in the social context in the US, is that going to work in the future? [FAUCI] Well, I think the mood of our society has said, in a perfect world, if you had a society that didnt have that strain of independence you cant tell me what Im going to do with my life that mask mandates would work just like other mandates, because it would get virtually everybody to wear a mask. I think the pushback against any mandate of anything thus far may turn out to be counterproductive, unfortunately. Lambert here: When I watch how social norming was engineered and operates against masks, I have great difficulty believing in that strain of independence at all. Fauci on Aerosols [INTERVIEWER] One of the issues that I took note of, particularly during the early months of the COVID pandemic, was use of the word airborne in describing pathogens. As you no doubt remember, initially, people were saying that SARS-CoV-2 was spread through droplets. And then, I think, over time, eventually it was accepted that it can also spread as aerosols. And there were some people who were not using the word airborne, or didnt think the word airborne applied to droplets, which I find odd because droplets are suspended in air. Do you have any thoughts about whether that term should be used for both situations. Lambert here: People were saying. Note lack of agency! The people were WHO and CDC (which is fighting aerosol transmission to this very day). [FAUCI] I think that if you look at the aerodynamic experts who are now getting involved. Theyre saying that droplets themselves hang around much longer than we thought they would. True aerosol obviously floats around for very extended periods of time. So, I think that the use of the word air-borne is probably going to avoid confusion. Anything that you get through the air, be it a droplet or a classic aerosol, is an airborne pathogen. I would think that sooner or later, if we incorporate that, its going to be less confusing. The aerodynamic people absolutely insist that this idea that if you have a droplet, it drops in 3 feet, is not so. Lambert here: These scientists (not experts) are aerosol scientists, not aerodynamics scientists (and classic aerosol as opposed to what? A post-modern aerosol?). Clearly, aerosol tranmission is another blind spot for Fauci. In fact, you have to wonder if hes as familiar with the literature as we would expect a scientist of his eminence to be: Kary Mullis (inventor of the PCR Test) talking about Anthony Fauci back in the day. This video is iconic. pic.twitter.com/hT8G5M16Jb An0maly (@LegendaryEnergy) June 4, 2024 Conclusion Reviewing, I dont think how Fauci went so wrong with Covid that is, if over a million deaths in a field in which he is the acknowledged expert is the appropriate metric is all that complicated. Leave Trump out of the equation, and figure Biden, given the stopgap of vaccines from OWS, could have rectifed Trumps errors by implementing a national layered strategy with airborne transmission at the heart, including masking, ventilation, testing, and not necessarily vaccine mandates (given the other layers). None of that happened, and we got vax-only. Fauci was Bidens chief medical advisor and one of the leaders of the White House COVID-19 Response Team (and given his clout, I would be willing to say the leader). Well, if I wanted to pick a dominant infectious disease expert who would bet the entire countrys farm on vax-only, what would they look like? They would look like a person with Faucis blind spots: 1) They would identify public health with the treatment of individual agents; 2) They would have put pharma at the center of their lives since childhood; 3) They would focus on a single vaccine technology, the one produced by the pharma manufacturer with the most political clout; 4) They would, eternal sunshine of the spotless mind-style, have the ability of note mistakes while evading accountability and promising future transparency; 5) They would butcher the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions; 6) They would would be ignorant or dismissive of airborne (aerosol) tranmission. Thats Tony Fauci. No wonder we are where we are. NOTES [1] Institutes, plural, just like Centers in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is it with the weirdly accretive institutional structures of these Federal Health agencies? [2] Pathogens and Immunity ranks 107 of 265 at Research.com. They claim a 2022 Scopus CiteScore of 8.7, and a 2023 CiteScore tracker of 11, all of which I take to mean respectable, though not top-ranking. [3] From Adler-Bell: Then there was the mask fiasco. In February and March, Fauci, the World Health Organization, and the CDC all recommended against protective masks for non-symptomatic members of the public. Their line was: dont bother. On February 19, Fauci told USA Today, In the United States, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to wear a mask. On March 8, as scientists estimated tens of thousands of undetected Covid cases in the US, Fauci told 60 Minutes, Theres no reason to be walking around with a mask. When youre in the middle of an outbreak, wearing a mask might make people feel a little bit better and it might even block a droplet, but its not providing the perfect protection that people think that it is. In the same interview, laying the foundation for a fog of disinformation that is still very much with us, Fauci suggested wearing a mask might actually increase the risk of contracting the virus, Often, there are unintended consequences people keep fiddling with the mask and they keep touching their face. Two weeks later, at an April 3 press briefing, the White House reversed its guidance. Now authorities were advising us to wear non-medical cloth face-coverings in public spaces. (Fauci didnt attend that briefing, prompting a round of where is Fauci? speculation from his fans on Twitter, but also sparing him the embarrassing display.) Surgeon General Adams, who had tweeted on February 29, Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, acknowledged that the shifting guidance had been confusing to the American people. (Ill say.) And Trump, adopting a vague and unhelpful line on masks, one hed maintain basically until contracting the virus himself, said, Its going to be, really, a voluntary thing. You can do it. You dont have to do it. Im choosing not to do it, but some people may want to do it, and thats okay. It may be good. The flip-flop was a blow to the integrity of public health experts. It fueled and credited the suspicions of conspiracists right-wing media outlets continue to insist that masks dont help, cause health problems, and that mandating them is an oppressive imposition of the liberal nanny state. And it provided an opening for Trump to sow further doubt and confusion. Dr. Fauci said dont wear a mask, Trump complained to Fox News in July. Our Surgeon General, terrific guy, said dont wear a mask. Everybody was saying dont wear a mask. All of a sudden, everybodys got to wear a mask. And as you know, masks cause problems too. When the guidelines changed, Fauci cited two factors: (1) the Covid taskforce had feared that a run on medical-grade masks specifically, N95s would deprive healthcare providers dealing with sick patients every day, and (2) new confirmation that asymptomatic carriers were transmitting the virus. In retrospect, neither of these explanations was sufficient. The latter explanation relied on a scientific ambiguity. Asymptomatic spread had in fact been confirmed in January 2020, by Fauci himself. READER NOTE Please, no quotes from Kennedys The Real Anthony Fauci. Both Yves and I have cracked it, and let us just say that it is inarguably very far from being a work of scholarship, or even journalism. Also, there is one topic not covered in the interview: The Covid origins controversy. That too is out of scope for both this post and comments. NOTES [1] Institutes, plural, just like Centers in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is it with the weirdly accretive institutional structures of these Federal Health agencies? [2] Pathogens and Immunity ranks 107 of 265 at Research.com. They claim a 2022 Scopus CiteScore of 8.7, and a 2023 CiteScore tracker of 11, all of which I take to mean respectable, though not top-ranking. [3] From Adler-Bell: Lambert here: What could go wrong. Although 3% a year through 2026 seems like rather a short time-frame. Readers? By Tsvetana Paraskova, a writer for Oilprice.com with over a decade of experience writing for news outlets such as iNVEZZ and SeeNews. Originally published at OilPrice.com. 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. Entire board of 23andMe RESIGNS, leaving only Anne Wojcicki, deceased former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcickis sister at helm The DNA testing company 23andMe is in an upheaval after the entire board, save for Anne Wojcicki, the sister of deceased YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, has resigned. Since 2021 when it had its initial public offering (IPO) via the Richard Branson-backed Virgin Group SPAC, 23andMe's stock price has plummeted by more than 95 percent to just $0.35 per share. "Roelof Botha (Sequoia Capital) and Patrick Chung (xFund) are among those resigning," reported Disclose.tv (@disclosetv on X). "Anne Wojcicki plans to take the company private." The seven independent directors of 23andMe resigned in protest of Wojcicki's plans to take the company private. She apparently did not offer a high enough share price premium to make the sale worthwhile. "It is in the best interests of the company's shareholders that we resign," is what the board said before leaving Wojcicki to do whatever it is she plans to do, obviously for her own personal benefit at the expense of shareholders. ???All the board members of 23andMe resigned along with other resignations across the corporate world and governments. They are in panic since the Diddy arrest. This ties to the COVID Vaccine as well. The vaxx was made in a way not to target certain genetic predispositions. https://t.co/Ss2kI3Xpdu pic.twitter.com/1pIAyMTuEh #??? ??????? (@WarHorizon) September 18, 2024 (Related: Remember when the man who sent lizard saliva to 23andMe for DNA testing was told by the company that the sample was half Ashkenazi Jewish?) Wojcicki family corruption Responding to the rejection, Wojcicki said she is "surprised and disappointed" because in her eyes, taking 23andMe private represents the "best opportunity for long-term success." Wojcicki talks a big game, but company directors say she has not yet submitted a "fully financed, fully diligence, actionable proposal." "While we continue to wholeheartedly support the company's mission and believe deeply in the value of the personalized health and wellness offering that you have articulated, it is also clear that we differ on the strategic direction for the company going forward," reads an official statement from the resigning board to Wojcicki. "Because of that difference and because of your concentrated voting power, we believe that it is in the best interests of the company's shareholders that we resign." There seems to be a serious corruption problem within the Wojcicki family, which time and time again has engaged in deceptive, constitutionally offensive behavior. Now that her sister Susan, along with Susan's son Marco Troper, are dead, Anne is capturing headlines as one of the last remaining members of the Wojcicki clan in Big Business with questionable character. "They've already sold their entire genetic databases to the CCP ... what's the point of their continued existence?" asked someone on X about 23andMe. "Let me guess, all the data was hacked and stolen? Or sold?" wrote another, speculating that there is much more than meets the eye with this sudden departure of the entire 23andMe board. "Calling it now: they got breached," echoed another. Ever since January 2020 when the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic" was launched by the world's power brokers, a cadre of CEOs has resigned under mysterious circumstances. What is happening at 23andMe right now is just another in a long line of suspicious corporate actions. "They're about to release another genetic bioweapon, aren't they?" another X user pondered about the situation. "Mission has been accomplished," speculated another, adding that 23andMe "built a comprehensive DNA database that is now in the hands of the U.S. and Chinese governments." "They were involved in some seriously dark stuff, including brokering DNA info about bloodlines, family history, and potentially providing information for seriously dark medical experiments," said another. More related news coverage can be found at Chaos.news. Sources for this article include: X.com Disclose.tv NaturalNews.com Axios.com INSANE COVID COURT convicts Austrian woman of grossly negligent homicide for fatally infecting her neighbor with COVID-19 chilling court case in Austria sounds like it could have come right out of a dystopian novel. An insane, vindictive prosecutor and a compliant judge convicted a 54-year-old Austrian woman with grossly negligent homicide for fatally infecting her neighbor with COVID-19. The Austrian prosecutors argued that the woman came in contact with her neighbor in a stairwell and shared viral DNA, before the neighbor got sick with COVID-19 and died of pneumonia. This outrageous case sets a dangerous legal precedent, enshrining the germ theory as definitive legal doctrine, and making everyday activities subject to police state surveillance and prosecution. With this insane case, anyone with a damaged immune system can prosecute anyone they want, without serious evidence, for their own sicknesses and chronic diseases. Innocent woman gets harassed and prosecuted for coming into contact with a neighbor who eventually got sick and died The defendant in this case was found guilty of transmitting COVID-19 to her neighbor after they crossed paths in a stairwell. The prosecutor alleges that the defendant knew she had COVID-19, but left her home anyway. Trying her best to defend against the insane allegations, the woman said she had a case of bronchitis at the time. However, the prosecutors disagreed with her diagnosis and claimed she carried a specific virus (COVID-19) that ultimately killed her neighbor through some brief contact. When the neighbor became sick the following week, she and her family immediately blamed the 54-year-old woman for transmitting a COVID-19 virus. Sadly, this neighbor did not get the proper treatment and could not recover from her illness. She later died from pneumonia. The family, although grieving, should not have the right to pin the death on some innocent woman. This case shatters the legal principle called presumption of innocence, while appeasing germ theory insanity and ignoring the role of the individual's immune system in recovering from infectious disease. As the defendant was being prosecuted for living her life and breathing freely, the court ordered her to submit viral DNA samples. The deceased neighbor was also probed for viral DNA. The "virological report" suggested that the deceased neighbor and the defendant shared similar viral DNA. However, this bio-surveillance proves absolutely nothing, because anyone can share bits and pieces of viral DNA at any given time. Pathogens are ubiquitous. The real causes of illness and immune failure were ignored in this case. Court ignores the science of the individual immune system, enshrining germ theory as definitive legal doctrine Theres also no way of proving that this viral DNA was directly shared (transmitted) from the woman to the neighbor. Even if there was an Orwellian way of proving that the defendant transmitted viral DNA to her neighbor, how can she be held responsible for something that is completely out of her control? This is an inevitable occurrence -- randomly crossing paths with people, breathing freely and making contact with her immediate surroundings! How can she be held responsible for the poor state of health, the person's immune function, and the lack of proper treatment that the neighbor received? Does the defendant control the space and the air between she and her neighbors? Can she control the viruses and bacteria in the air she breathes or how they interact with her neighbors? Can the defendant control the state of everyone's immune systems? These things are kind of just part of living in a society or community. The ever-present nature of COVID-19, and the fraudulent use of PCR testing during the relevant time frame, makes it nearly impossible to pinpoint a single source of infection. Moreover, viral and bacterial DNA is a natural part of the human microbiome. Its the various functions of the immune system that should matter most when determining the causes of disease. The terrain theory of disease was completely left out of the equation in this insane conviction. When the judge announced the womans sentencing, he acknowledged the unlikelihood of this being an isolated incident, raising questions about the fairness of singling out this particular woman, especially for something thats untraceable, incalculable. However, the innocent woman was sentenced to four months of suspended imprisonment and issued an 800-euro fine ($886.75) for grossly negligent homicide. While the judge issued a sentence, the final verdict has not been determined. The final outcome of this case will be closely watched around the world, with potentially chilling ramifications for public health policy and individual freedoms that extend far beyond Austria's borders. If individuals can be held criminally liable for spreading a common illness, particularly with such loose evidentiary standards, it opens the door for a dystopian future where everyday activities carry the risk of criminal prosecution. Sources include: 100PercentFedUp.com Newsweek.com JuniperPublishers.com A Palestinian checks a destroyed house belonging to the Dawas family in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Sept. 22, 2024. At least 17 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported. According to WAFA, four Palestinians were killed and some more injured as a result of an Israeli bombing of a house belonging to the Dawas family in the Al-Hakkar area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua) GAZA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported. Seven Palestinians were killed and some others injured in an Israeli bombardment of the Kafr Qasem School housing displaced people west of Gaza City, said the report. However, the Israel Defense Forces claimed Sunday that the strike carried out by its Air Force has "precisely" targeted Hamas militants operating within the school compound. According to WAFA, four other Palestinians were killed and some more injured as a result of an Israeli bombing of a house belonging to the Dawas family in the Al-Hakkar area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. In the south of the strip, Israeli artillery targeted the town of Khuza'a, east of Khan Younis, killing two people, WAFA reported, adding emergency teams recovered four bodies from the al-Attatirah area, east of Rafah, following Israeli bombardment. The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents. Israel has been waging 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 1,200 people were killed and about 250 others taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,431, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday. Displaced Palestinian people escape from a school at the Jabalia refugee camp after an Israeli attack in the northern Gaza Strip, Sept. 22, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,431, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) People check destroyed buildings at the Jabalia refugee camp after an Israeli attack at the northern Gaza Strip, Sept. 22, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,431, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Displaced Palestinian people escape from a school at the Jabalia refugee camp after an Israeli attack in the northern Gaza Strip, Sept. 22, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,431, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Former COVID czar bragged about sex parties as he ordered New Yorkers to lock down, mask up The public official in charge of New York Citys COVID-19 response held drug-fueled sex parties and attended a dance party underneath a Wall Street bank with more than 200 people during the height of the pandemic while during the day, he ordered New Yorkers to social distance and mask up. Dr. Jay Varma New Yorks senior public health adviser under Mayor Bill de Blasio from April 2020 to May 2021 was the chief architect of the citys COVID-19 vaccine mandates, lockdowns and bans on large gatherings. Using an undercover camera operative, podcaster Steven Crowder caught Varma bragging about how he broke his own rules: BREAKING: Former NYC Covid Czar Held Secret Drug-Fueled Sex Parties During Global Pandemic; Says New Yorkers Would Have Been Pissed If They Found Out Because He Was Running Entire Covid Response For City Dr. Jay Varma, Former Senior Advisor for Public Health, NYC Mayors pic.twitter.com/YrgniDUdFc Steven Crowder (@scrowder) September 19, 2024 Childrens Health Defense (CHD) CEO Mary Holland told The Defender, It is outrageous to now learn that the doctor who fashioned NYCs COVID measures completely disregarded them in the most flagrant manner. Holland added: Dr. Varma follows in the pattern of what weve learned about the disregard for these policies by other lockdown architects: Fauci, Pelosi, Newsom, and Johnson and Ferguson in the U.K. This shows us that these so-called leaders themselves did not fear COVID while they induced fear in the public and imposed tyrannical and draconian restrictions on others. The public needs to question all authority especially in public health and take these behaviors into account in future elections. If anybody sees me here, theyre going to be pissed Crowder on Thursday released video footage of Varma on his YouTube channel, garnering the attention of The New York Times. Varma confirmed to the Times that he attended three gatherings between August 2020 and June 2021. He added that although he didnt dispute the recordings authenticity, they had been spliced, diced and taken out of context. The video footage shows Varma disclosing to an off-camera listener that he attended multiple private sex parties during the pandemic, including one he and his wife held in a hotel room in August 2020 with roughly 10 people who took MDMA, a psychoactive drug sometimes referred to as Molly or Ecstacy. Varma also discussed enjoying a dance party in June 2021 right when we were about to do the vaccine mandate, right before it attended by 200 people under a Wall Street bank. We were all rolling, we were all taking Molly, and everybodys high, Varma is heard saying in the video. And I was happy because I hadnt done that in like a year and a half. He admitted to being a little nervous that someone might recognize him. If anybody sees me theyre gonna be pissed. Joseph Borelli, the Republican minority leader of the City Council, told the Times that the video revelations undercut the COVID-19 measures Varma had pushed. He said: I recall being treated like a pariah for pointing out the obvious at the time that so many of our so-called leaders were just making up illogical rules as they went along. Still, even I couldnt have predicted how full of it they actually were. I was the one, like, making the decisions about what happened Crowder said in his podcast that Varmas behavior isnt just about the hypocrisy of leaders not following their own rules. He said: This is a story about those in charge not fearing what it is that they demanded you fear in a way that altered your life. You were told to fear going to church. You were told fear meeting family, running your business or even vote. Remember that? Crowder showed a clip of Varma explaining that he largely hadnt been afraid during the pandemic because he had had control. Varma said, I was the one, like, making the decisions about what happened, so I didnt feel like I [had] lost control. I think thats what really ends up freaking any of us out. After leaving his city work in 2021, Varma became a professor and the director of the Cornell Center for Pandemic Prevention and Response at Weill Cornell Medical College. Currently, he is the executive vice president and chief medical officer at the pharmaceutical company SIGA Technologies. Holland said Varma should be rightly scorned for his policies and his behaviors ignoring them. Varma told the Times he had been 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. I stand by my efforts to get New Yorkers vaccinated against COVID-19, he said, and I reject dangerous extremist efforts to undermine the publics confidence in the need for and effectiveness of vaccines. Council member calls for investigation of Varma City Council Member Robert Holden called on Mayor Eric Adams to investigate Varmas actions. Its the height of hypocrisy to tell everyone to put their lives on hold while enjoying his own. #VarmaGate is real, and we cannot let this be swept under the rug. We need investigations. We need subpoenas. We need hearings. We need accountability.https://t.co/cAINybyZwO Robert Holden (@BobHoldenNYC) September 20, 2024 Holland commended the move. Varma should be investigated for his role in COVID in New York City. Holden said in a statement issued by his office, This was the public health expert for the city while it was shut down he was busy having sex parties. Its alarming, especially with so many first responders, city workers and everyday New Yorkers losing their jobs. Read more at: Taiwanese pager manufacturer Gold Apollo DENIES making exploding beepers detonated by Israel Everyone is pointing fingers of blame at each other over the exploding beepers incident in Lebanon this week. Gold Apollo Co., the Taiwanese electronics company whose name was emblazoned on the communication devices, says it did not actually make them. According to Hsu Kuang, the company's CEO, a Hungarian consulting company called BAC Consulting Kft is responsible for producing the pagers they were simply licensed to have the Gold Apollo name printed on them. BAC, in response, claims that it has no idea where the pagers came from and that not a one of them was made in Budapest. So who is telling the truth? Hsu told reporters at a recent press conference that BAC "entirely handled" the AR-924 pager manufacturing process. BAC has been selling Gold Apollo's pager brand for less than two years, he further claimed, expressing confusion over how a pager could even be weaponized into an explosive device. "I'm just doing my business," Hsu said. "Why am I getting involved in a terrorist attack? The product was not ours. It was only that it had our brand on it." CEO of Gold Apollo, Hsu Ching-Kuang denied manufacturing the explosive pager. When asked abt AR-924, he said it is produced & sold by BACwe only provide brand trademark authorisation & have no involvement in design or manufacturing of this product. See my exchange w him. pic.twitter.com/eb6k65oyKl Tingting Liu ??? (@tingtingliuTVBS) September 18, 2024 (Related: Iran is threatening a larger counterattack if Israel does not stop provoking its neighbors.) War preparations now underway Gold Apollo also issued an official statement denying that it had any involvement in the production of the pagers that exploded in Lebanon, creating worldwide controversy over who did it and how to respond. "BAC to use our brand network for product sales in specific regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are entirely handled by BAC," the statement reads in broken English. What remains an anomaly is how the blasts were planned and triggered with such a high degree of coordination. To accomplish what ultimately happened using small amounts of explosives laced into each and every device is a feat that many say only Israel would do. The Lebanese government says "Israeli aggression" is definitely behind the attack. Hezbollah has said the same, holding Israel "fully responsible" for the incident, even if Israel continues to stonewall issuing any kind of statement. War preparations are said to now be underway that could erupt into a full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon, and likely other surrounding nations as well once the fighting really gets going. "Taiwan did not directly export these pagers to Lebanon," a Taiwanese source claimed on X. "The components in the device, such as the antenna, microchip, decoder, and a small no. 3 dry-alkali battery cannot cause explosion." "From 2022 to August 2024, Gold Apollo exported 260,000 pagers, mainly to Europe and U.S., with no reports of explosions. A judicial investigation is ongoing. The only thing we can confirm is Taiwan-exported pagers have no explosion issues." In a responding comment, someone wrote that Mossad is clearly "a terrorist organization" with the advanced ability to coordinate this type of advanced attack and yet, we are somehow also supposed to believe that Israel "couldn't stop Palestinians in flying helicopter bikes?" Make it make sense. "The American Secret Service also couldn't stop two deranged losers from coming within inches of killing an ex-president," wrote another about how the same situation is playing out in the United States, Israel's military colony. The latest news about the situation in the Middle East can be found at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com Hillary Clinton calls for criminal arrest of anyone who speaks against NATO, U.S. empire Two-time failed presidential wannabe Hillary Clinton appeared with's Rachel Maddow in a one-on-one interview this week to call for Americans who spread "propaganda" to be civilly or criminally charged by the government. Still sour about her loss to Donald Trump in 2016, Clinton continues to trot out the claim that "Russians" are responsible for influencing Americans to vote for Trump as opposed to, in this case in 2024, Kamala Harris. "Just as Mueller indicted a lot of Russians, uh, who were engaged in, uh, direct election interference and boosting Trump back in 2016 ... I also think there are Americans who are, uh, engaged in, uh, this kind of propaganda, uh, and whether they should be civilly or in some cases criminally charged, uh, is something that would be a better deterrent," Clinton told Maddow watch the clip below: Hillary Clinton calls for criminal charges and civil penalties against Americans "engaged" in spreading "propaganda." To make her argument against free speech, she invokes the Russiagate scam that itself was the product of her campaign's own propaganda. Speaking of which, the pic.twitter.com/oRpwvwN4Ni Aaron Mate (@aaronjmate) September 17, 2024 (Related: Perhaps it is time for Hillary Clinton herself to be criminally charged for violating federal campaign finance laws.) What about that fake Russian dossier you created, Hillary? During her diatribe, Clinton never once mentioned that she herself is guilty of spreading propaganda by spearheading the creation of the fake Russian dossier, which was used by the deep state to go after Trump. "The fake Russian Dossier she created to start a fake investigation of Donald Trump for which there were no crimes that went on for years should be criminally punished imho, not normal people exercising their free speech rights," tweeted someone about Clinton's comments. "Libs love their experts," wrote another. "She is an expert in false information. Takes a lot of guts to accuse others of lying." Clinton also commented in another recent interview with journalist and podcast host Kara Swisher that nobody should be pressing Kamala about her policy positions because Americans do not have a right to know what Kamala plans to do if elected this fall. "She does not have to do it, Kara," Clinton said emphatically. "I'm just going to cut to the chase." As usual, Clinton played the sexist card to insinuate that simply wanting to know Kamala's policy positions is a form of sexism against women. "I think it's, um, you know, it's a double standard and it's a double standard that is partly because they are still getting to know her. But also, because they're still grappling with the idea like, 'Oh, am I really going to vote for a woman to be president and commander in chief?' This is particularly true, let's just say it and underline it, about white women [voters]." While Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala's running mate, has granted and participated in at least 13 formal interviews since emerging as the vice-presidential candidate on the Democrat ticket, Kamala has not yet even once held an official press conference. Trump and his running mate Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, conversely, have participated in at least 54 formal interviews just since Walz was propped up as Kamala's running mate. "One of the biggest liars ever in politics calling for other people to be charged for misinformation," tweeted someone else about Clinton. "She should be doing consecutive life sentences for all her lies." "The apropos term is psychopath," wrote another about how Clinton appears to have been fully given over to a depraved mind. "I despise her." The latest news about the upcoming presidential election can be found at Rigged.news. Sources for this article include: X.com NaturalNews.com FoxNews.com Aid groups: Israel blocks 83% of food aid to Gaza, triggering severe humanitarian crisis Israel has blocked up to 83 percent of food aid from entering the Gaza Strip nearly a year into its ongoing military campaign against Palestinians in the besieged region, according to a press release from 15 humanitarian organizations on September 16. "Eighty-three percent of the required food aid is not reaching Gaza, up from 34 percent in 2023. This drastic reduction has caused people in Gaza to go from having two meals a day to just one meal every other day," the release stated. It also warned that approximately 50,000 children between six and 59 months old will urgently need treatment for malnutrition by the end of the year. (Related: Gaza death toll now over 40K; 69% of casualties are women and children.) The statement also highlighted a severe decline in aid deliveries, revealing that in August 2024, an average of only 69 aid trucks entered Gaza each day down from 500 per day at the same time last year, a number that was already insufficient to meet needs before the intensification of Israel's actions. "In August, over one million people in southern and central Gaza did not receive any food rations," the release added. The organizations also shed light on the escalating healthcare and housing crises. Currently, only 17 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are partially functional, with just around 1,500 beds available for millions of people, while 1.87 million Palestinians urgently need shelter. "There is a shortage of all humanitarian supplies. People are starving due to the lack of aid and 100 percent of the population now relies on humanitarian assistance," said Amjad al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO). "The situation was already intolerable before last Octobers escalation and has now reached catastrophic levels," stated Jolien Veldwijk, CARE Country Director for the West Bank and Gaza. "In 11 months, we've witnessed shocking levels of conflict, displacement, disease and hunger, yet aid is still being blocked and humanitarian workers face constant danger while violations of international law continue to rise." Among the organizations that signed the statement are Save the Children, Oxfam, the Danish Refugee Council, the Norwegian Refugee Council, KinderUSA and Islamic Relief. Despite the growing crisis, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said last month, "We bring in aid because we have no choice Nobody will allow us to let 2 million civilians die of hunger, even if it's justified until our hostages are returned." Meanwhile, as Palestinians continue to suffer from hunger, disease and airstrikes, the UN reported that 55 forced evacuation orders remain in effect across Gaza, affecting over 85 percent of the territory. According to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, between September 1 to 15, only 37 of the 94 planned humanitarian missions to northern Gaza were facilitated, while just over half of the 243 planned missions to southern Gaza proceeded. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has been unable to access northern Gaza for the past 28 days. Food crisis in Gaza Gaza is facing a severe food crisis, with more than one in five households reportedly going entire days without eating, according to a recent UN-partnered report. The report highlights that 96 percent of Gazas population about 2.15 million people are experiencing "crisis" or higher levels of food insecurity. Of these, nearly half a million are in "catastrophic" conditions, signaling a high risk of famine. The World Food Program (WFP) noted slight improvements in northern Gaza, attributing it to better humanitarian access, but emphasized that the situation remains desperate. Meanwhile, ongoing conflict and restricted access have left most of Gaza's hospitals non-functional, with only 17 out of 36 hospitals partially operational. A UN aid worker, Yasmina Guerda, described the perilous conditions for civilians and humanitarian workers, stating there are "no safe centimeters left" in Gaza. Daily bombings, forced evacuations and insufficient access to essential supplies have created a dire situation. Humanitarian efforts are further complicated by damaged infrastructure, regular attacks and administrative roadblocks. Visit Starvation.news for more stories related to Israel's "hunger campaign" in Gaza. Watch this video about innocent children in Gaza getting bombed by Israeli forces. This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com. More related stories: UN investigator accuses Israel of "deliberately starving" Palestinians in Gaza; Netanyahu denies allegation. UN stops humanitarian aid operations after Israel issues ejection order for Palestinians in central Gaza. Gaza children now suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition while Israel denies access for aid convoys. Sources include: TheCradle.co Brighteon.com UN: Israel is committing unprecedented crimes against children in the Middle East A United Nations committee says that Israel is guilty of committing "unprecedented" crimes specifically against Palestinian children in the Middle East. Mass killings and arbitrary detentions are among the persecutions of choice that Israel routinely deploys against its Palestinian neighbors, the committee found. "The outrageous death of children is almost historically unique," said Bragi Gudbrandsson, vice chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC). "This is an extremely dark place in history." "I don't think we have seen before a violation that is so massive as we've seen in Gaza. These are extremely grave violations that we do not often see." On Thursday, the CRC, which monitors compliance of state parties to the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, released its findings to the six nations that are parties to the treaty, including Israel. The report contains a statement from the committee members who say they are "greatly concerned about the high number of children in Gaza killed, maimed, injured, missing, displaced, orphaned and subjected to famine, malnutrition and disease" as a result of Israel's "indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks." (Related: Another heinously cruel thing that Israel does to Palestinians is play recordings of crying children to lure well-meaning parents and adults into the streets so IDF can kill them.) The Israeli persecution regime The UN held a series of hearings preceding the report's release in which Israel denied that its war in Gaza violates either the treaty or international humanitarian law. However, what the CRC identified tells a much different story. In addition to indiscriminately killing Palestinian children, Israel is also engaged in the "continued abduction, arbitrary arrest, and prolonged detention of large numbers of Palestinian children by Israeli forces, mostly without charge, trial or access to legal representation or contact with family members," the committee said. The CRC wants Israel to immediately release all Palestinian children in arbitrary detention and halt the practice entirely. The group also wants Israel to "abolish the institutionalised system of detention and the use of torture and ill-treatment against them at all stages of the judicial procedure." Israel's entire war regime run counter to that of pretty much every other country on earth, including the overtly dictatorial ones. Israel's actions are entirely violative of the U.S. Constitution, and yet the U.S. continues to funnel cash and weapons into Israel so it can continue terrorizing its neighbors under the guise of "self-defense." If it was anyone else, they would be sanctioned. Since last October, Israel has ended the lives of some 16,700 Palestinian children, according to the Gaza-based government media office. The International Committee of the Red Cross also says that more than 20,000 Palestinian children are missing from Gaza ever since Israel invaded the enclave and started bombing everything in sight. Israel also has a penchant for killing Palestinian health workers and journalists, one of the most recent to die being journalist Abdullah Shakshak, who was shot and killed by an Israeli military quadcopter in Rafah this week. Since last October, Israel has ended the lives of 173 journalists in Gaza. The Gaza media office issued a statement denouncing Israel's continued targeting of Palestinian journalists and also urged the international community to hold Israel's government accountable for its "crimes against journalists." The Gaza media office is also calling on media organizations to "deter the occupation, pursue it in international courts for its ongoing crimes, and pressure it to stop the genocide and the killing and assassination of Palestinian journalists." In a letter to the European Union and more than 60 international media organizations, the Gaza media office called on whoever is able to "take action against the Israeli authorities' unprecedented killing of journalists and other violations of media freedom." Learn more at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net OHCHR.org NaturalNews.com PalestineChronicle.com Kamalas KASA extremists want to Keep America Suffering Again by voting for open borders, extreme censorship, and genocide via vaccines Beware of the KASA extremists who are a threat to democracy. There may be over 40 million KASA extremists living in the United States right now, pushing for open borders, 3term abortions, defunding police, reverse racism (hate whitey) CRT in schools, World War III, forced vaccination at gunpoint, total gun confiscation, the Green New Scam to wipeout all American agriculture and begin massive famine, total censorship of independent media, and of course genitalia mutilation of children in the name of gender fluidity. These millions of folks are die-hard members of a Left-wing cult that plan to vote for a full-blown Marxist named Kommie Harris and her fascist cohort Tampon Tim. Most of these cultists, if not all, are suffering from Spike Protein Syndrome, where millions of tiny nanobots clog the blood vessels that deliver oxygen to the brain, causing a chronic mania that most likely cannot be cured. Their cult leaders have convinced them, through the use of scripted propaganda and the Fake News Industrial Complex, that everyone else is an extremist. Their Puppet-in-Chief is completely senile and cannot even read a teleprompter properly anymore, so the global cabal behind the Green Door (pun intended) has propped up a new Puppet-in-Chief, who outright declares that SHE wants to depopulate the nation and kill off at least 100 million adults so the children can breathe clean air. The plan is to use world wars, toxic vaccines, euthanasia, mass abortions and deadly venom-laced prescription medications to wipe out half of all U.S. citizens, who will be steadily replaced with illegal immigrants that rely 100% on Democrat politicians (Communists) who give them just enough resources to survive long enough to vote for more Socialism. If you for one second think this is a conspiracy theory, then it is time for you to hear it straight from the horses mouth. Thats right, Kommie Harris has declared the one and only policy platform she has in place for her reign of terror, and that plan is to depopulate the United States. Get ready to have your mind blown. Kommie Harris socialism plan is set to have only two classes of people in America: the ultra-rich ruling class, and the starving, dying, big-government-begging peons According to Kommie Harris, American citizens are worthless peons who deserve to die for the greater good of the children, who she plans to have surgeons operate on to change their gender to non-binary, traffic them and give them all hormone pills that cause cancer. This is the transgender movement and jihad that the Liberal freaks in DC are pushing, including for all illegal immigrant children in detention centers now. Its all part of the largest child trafficking network in history, and its happening right now under our very noses. According to Kommie Harris, in order to stop the sun from bursting 100 million Americans into flames in the next few years, we must kill off a major portion of the adults, and that will make the air breathable and the water drinkable. No American will legally be able to use gasoline or diesel fuel for anything, not for driving a vehicle, farming, heating or cooling a home or cooking food. We must all go back to the Dark Ages in order to survive, in other words. Keep your truth news in check by adding Preparedness.news to your favorites list and tuning in daily for updates on real news about surviving the genocidal apocalypse the Democrats in DC want so badly. Beware of the KASA extremists, as they are a massive threat to Democracy. Let's not keep America suffering. Vote for the Constitution to be saved instead. Sources for this article include: Censored.news NaturalNews.com TheWashingtonStandard.com X.com/wideawake SHTFplan.com Texas Gov. Abbott designates Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang as a foreign terrorist organization Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has officially designated the organized crime group Tren de Aragua (TdA) as a " foreign terrorist organization " in the Lone Star State. During the Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Southeast Texas Regional Headquarters press conference in Houston on Sept. 16, Abbott revealed a statewide plan to aggressively dismantle the operations of the TdA, a transnational organized crime group originating for Venezuela that has garnered a notorious reputation for brutal violence, murder and its involvement in a variety of illegal operations including human and sex trafficking, extortion and kidnappings. Abbott believes that all this poses a significant threat to the safety and security of Texans. (Related: Violent Tren de Aragua prison gang from Venezuela terrorizes, takes over El Paso hotel.) "Today in Houston, I designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization. Texas will aggressively target them to disrupt their criminal activities & deny their foothold in our state," Abbott said in a post on his official account on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Texas is the wrong state for them to do business in." Moreover, Abbott promises that Texas officials will not allow the TdA to use the state as a base of operations by implementing harsh measures to thwart their expansion. "The recent entry and expansion of the vicious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, is a dangerous and deadly problem facing our state and nation," said Abbott. "Our top focus is the safety and security of all Texans. Our goal is to defend Texas from the growing threat of the gang. We will not let them use Texas as a base of operations to terrorize our citizens. They have a target on their back, and we are going after them." As a response, Abbott directed the DPS to elevate TdA to a "Tier 1" gang status to ensure that the gang becomes a top priority for law enforcement. A dedicated "TdA Strike Team" will be established to identify and arrest gang members operating within the state. In other words, this statewide operation will allow authorities to pursue legal actions through the courts to disrupt TdAs criminal activities, seize gang assets and enforce tougher penalties against gang members during prosecution. Texas connects rising TdA problem to open border policies of Biden-Harris administration DPS Director Steve McCraw, Texas border czar Mike Banks and National Border Patrol Council Vice President Chris Cabrera joined Abbott during the press conference on Sept. 16. All three echoed the statements of Abbott regarding the TdA. "Tren de Aragua gangsters are like cockroaches," McCraw said. "They multiply quickly; small intrusions into communities become infestations if not aggressively pursued. These Venezuelan thugs are highly combative, violent, and certainly adaptable. Theyre always involved in situations that first start with human smuggling. Then they are involved in the extortion, kidnappings, rape, assaults, and sex trafficking of migrants. Governor Abbott has made it very clear: We will not allow any of these gangsters to gain a foothold in Texas." Similarly, Cabrera said: "With this gang, theyre not like traditional MS-13s where you can see them coming a mile away with the crazy tattoos all over their faces. These guys fly under the radar. As a federal agent, we have no way of vetting these people other than the honor system. If they tell us their name, we cant check against Venezuelas database. It is an infestation thats taking hold not just in Colorado or New York but in Michigan, Florida, Texas, you name it. If people dont wake up and see it for what it is, were going to be in a lot of trouble in this country." Banks also blamed the open borders policies of the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the influx of violent gang members in Texas. "I want to be very clear: the Tren de Aragua problem in Texas and the rest of the United States is a direct result of open border policies, so there is no surprise that we have a criminal illegal gang problem in the United States, and thankfully, were addressing that. We have a strong Legislature that has given us many of the laws that the governor signed and were using to go after Tren de Aragua," Banks said. Head over to Violence.news for similar stories about migrant criminals. Watch this clip of Oscar "El Blue" Ramirez being ambushed and mugged by MS-13 members while reporting. This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: An ultra-violent migrant gang is shooting police officers, trafficking young women and raping kids. U.S. Army issues threat advisory warning about migrant gangs terrorizing American cities. THOUSANDS of Venezuelan prison gang members have been released into American society to wreak havoc, leaked U.S. Army documents show. Armed Venezuelan gangs terrorizing America's top oil field in Texas. MS-13 and Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gangs could form ALLIANCE, warns FBI agent. Sources include: YourNews.com MSN.com LoneStarLive.com Brighteon.com WHO greenlights mpox vaccine for babies in Africa despite no prior clinical trials The World Health Organization (WHO) recently approved the first mpox (monkeypox) vaccine for adults in Africa , the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine from the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic. According to the WHO, the approval will accelerate vaccine access for millions to reduce transmission and help contain the outbreak. "This first prequalification of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa and in the future," said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "We now need urgent scale up in procurement, donations and rollout to ensure equitable access to vaccines where they are needed most, alongside other public health tools, to prevent infections, stop transmission and save lives." They can be administered in people over 18 as a two-dose injection given four weeks apart. After prior cold storage, the vaccine can be kept refrigerated for up to eight weeks in containers of at least 46 Fahrenheit or colder. However, it was also said that the vaccine can be used for babies, children, teens and pregnant women. "While MVA-BN is currently not licensed for persons under 18 years of age, this vaccine may be used 'off-label' in infants, children and adolescents, and pregnant and immunocompromised people. This means vaccine use is recommended in outbreak settings where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks," the WHO website indicated. Moreover, the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization reviewed all available evidence and recommended the use of the said vaccine. Its Weekly Epidemiological Record report said that "MVA-BN has not been specifically studied in clinical trials in children." "The same non-replicating MVA viral vector is used as a platform for other vaccines that include MVA-filo (Mvabea) against Ebola virus disease (EVD)," it said. "The EVD vaccine is approved by the EU for adults and children aged 1 year and older. Data from five published studies on MVA-BN as a viral vector platform for the prevention of EVD, with a total population of 52,229 children, support the favorable safety profile of the product." The authors of the study published in the BMJ presented results on MVA-BN's effectiveness in adult males but said nothing about children or pregnant women. The approval of the vaccine rollout did not sit well with vaccine activists as they questioned the safety of the mpox shots. Children's Health Defense Chief Scientific Officer Brian Hooker called the WHO's approval of the shot for infants and children in Africa "a train wreck in the making." "The safety profile is abysmal in adults (up to 2.1 percent serious cardiac events in clinical trials) and the vaccine has not been adequately tested for efficacy or safety in pediatric populations. In other words, the WHO has no idea whether it will work nor do they know how much damage it will do. The WHO has again abandoned good public health principles and waved their magic vaccine wand on the mpox outbreak," Hooker said. Public health physician and biotech consultant Dr. David Bell also criticized the WHO for overly focusing on mpox vaccines and neglecting to address broader public health issues in Africa. (Related: German doctor says monkeypox is a SCAM it's just COVID "vaccine"-induced shingles under a different name.) Mpox vaccines from the U.S. reach Congo Some 50,000 doses of mpox vaccine from the United States arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sept. 10. The first batch from the European Union reached the capital Kinshasa, the center of the outbreak one week before. The 100,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine were donated by the EU through HERA, the bloc's agency for health emergencies. Another 100,000 were delivered over the weekend. The 50,000 doses from the U.S. will be of the same Jynneos vaccine. The next batch was said to be coming from Japan. Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of the country's Monkeypox Response Committee said that adults in Equateur, South Kivu and Sankuru will be vaccinated first starting Oct. 2. Since the start of 2024, there have been 5,549 confirmed mpox cases across the continent, with 643 associated deaths. The cases in the DRC constituted 91 percent of all the cases. Most mpox infections in the DRC and Burundi, the second-most-affected country, are in children under age 15. The DRC issued an emergency approval of the vaccine, which has already been used in Europe and the United States in adults. For the moment, the rollout will be reserved for adults, with priority groups being those who have been in close contact with infected people and sex workers, Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya said. However, the European Medicines Agency is examining additional data to be able to administer it to children ranging in age from 12 to 17, which could happen at the end of the month, HERA Director-General Laurent Muschel said. Head over to Vaccines.news for stories related to this. Watch the video below that talks about the rollout of mpox vaccines in Africa on adults and children despite not conducting clinical trials. This video is from the Midwest Information Network channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: WHO warns that new monkeypox strain is a global emergency. WHO seeks "emergency use listing" for monkeypox vaccines as globalists try to launch another pandemic scare. South African group challenges WHO's mpox emergency declaration, warns public about vaccine dangers. Singapore launches quarantine and vaccination campaign for monkeypox. Media now pushing comically bizarre COVID-monkey-AIDS-pox disease as latest threat to society. Sources include: WHO.int ChildrensHealthDefense.org VOANews.com Brighteon.com CHONGQING, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- A joint army training, co-organized by Chinese and Nepali militaries, kicked off Sunday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. This is the fourth iteration of joint training between the two militaries, with the previous session held in 2019. Under the theme of "joint counter-terrorism operations in urban blocks," the joint training will include small arms shooting in special operations, counter-terrorism squad tactics, drone operations, emergency rescue, and comprehensive counter-terrorism exercises. The training will last until Oct. 1. In addition to joint exercise sessions, the two militaries will engage in research and exchange on disaster reduction and relief in earthquakes, avalanches and landslides. A series of cultural exchange activities will also take place during the training to enhance mutual trust and understanding. Twin studies show Bavarian Nordic's Mpox vax efficacy wanes in 1 year A mid the rising global outbreak of Mpox, two separate studies have shown that the efficacy of Bavarian Nordic's vaccine against the deadly infectious disease wanes to undetectable levels in 6-12 months. Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic or MVA-BN is indicated for active immunisation against smallpox, Mpox, and related orthopoxvirus infections and disease in all adults 18 years of age and older. The vaccine, administered as a 2-dose injection given 4 weeks apart, is the first jab against Mpox to be prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first study, published in the open-access medical journal Eurosurveillance, demonstrates that "orthopoxvirus-specific binding and MVA-neutralising antibodies waned to undetectable levels one-year post-vaccination in at-risk individuals who received two doses of MVA-BN". Led by researchers from the Erasmus University Medical Center, in the Netherlands, the study called for continuous surveillance to understand the impact of declining antibody levels. The team investigated 99 high-risk active gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and 19 laboratory workers in the Netherlands in 2022 and 2023. The participants included both those born before and after 1974 when smallpox vaccine ceased to be administered in the Netherlands. "While antibodies induced by historic smallpox vaccination using first- or second-generation vaccines can be detected for decades, we find rapid waning of antibody in vaccine recipients without pre-existing immunity," the study showed. The other study, published on a preprint server and not peer-reviewed, also showed that "the MVA-BN vaccine generated mpox serum antibody responses that largely waned after 6-12 months". The study led by researchers from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School, US, collected serum samples from 45 participants who had either confirmed Mpox infection or received either one or two doses of MVA-BN. In the study, Dan Barouch, the director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at the Centre reported that vaccine-generated Mpox antibodies largely waned after 6 to 12 months. After a year, antibody levels in participants with two doses of the Mpox vaccine were comparable or lower than peak antibody responses in people who received just one shot. MVA-BN, developed in 2019, is a live attenuated vaccinia virus vaccine. A recent study in the British Medical Journal showed that the vaccine efficacy estimates for two doses of the vaccine range from 36 per cent to 86 per cent. Having just one dose is only about 58 per cent effective in preventing Mpox, the study showed. Twin studies show Bavarian Nordic's Mpox vax efficacy wanes in 1 year Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Education & Health Ministry ask states to effectively implement tobacco guidelines I n a significant move to combat tobacco use among youth, the Education and Health Ministry on Saturday called on states to effectively implement tobacco-free guidelines in educational institutions. The Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have jointly issued an advisory to Chief Secretaries of states "for the rigorous implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) manual, in line with the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003" in educational institutions. This joint advisory underscores the alarming effects of tobacco consumption, particularly on children and adolescents. It draws attention to the findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, which revealed that 8.5 per cent of school students aged 13 to 15 in India consume tobacco in various forms. Worryingly, more than 5,500 children in India have begun using tobacco every day. Moreover, 55 per cent of lifelong tobacco users initiated the habit before the age of 20, with many adolescents turning to other addictive substances as a result. The advisory emphasises the need for collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders to safeguard young people from the dangers of tobacco addiction. It aims to protect future generations by raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the Health Ministry released the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines for safeguarding minors and youth from tobacco and electronic cigarette use. Further, the Department of School Education and Literacy has developed and launched the ToFEI Implementation Manual on World No Tobacco Day in collaboration with Socio Economic and Educational Development Society. The Department issued the manual on May 31 to all states/UTs for compliance. The ToFEI manual serves as a key resource for educational institutions to implement these anti-tobacco measures effectively. The manual majorly outlines more awareness about the harmful effects and long-term health impact of tobacco use; and awareness about various avenues available for tobacco cessation. It also calls for a healthy and tobacco-free environment in educational institutions and all educational institutions becoming tobacco-free. Education & Health Ministry ask states to effectively implement tobacco guidelines Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! PM Modi receives grand welcome from Indian community on arrival in US P rime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to an enthusiastic welcome in Philadelphia as he kicked off his three-day visit to the United States, on Saturday. A large number of people from the Indian community in the US had gathered at the Philadelphia International Airport to give a warm welcome to PM Modi. The Prime Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora on his arrival as people jostled to get a selfie with him. "Landed in Philadelphia. Today's programme will be focused on the Quad Summit and the bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden. I am sure the discussions throughout the day will contribute to making our planet better and addressing key global challenges," PM Modi posted on X after his arrival. Hundreds had also gathered at the hotel where PM Modi will be putting up during his stay in Delaware. Irrespective of the long flight, PM Modi and the travelling Indian delegation will have no time to get over the jetlag considering the busy schedule lined up for the day, immediately after their arrival. The Prime Minister will be holding bilateral discussions with President Biden and other leaders of the Quad grouping, including Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. Some key Indo-Pacific Economic Framework-related agreements and an India-US Drug Framework related MoU are expected to be signed following PM Modi's meeting with Biden. A bilateral fact sheet will also be released after the bilateral discussions between the two leaders. The all-important sixth Quad Leaders' Summit - fourth in-person - is scheduled at around 4 PM EST (around 1.30 AM, India time on Sunday) at Archmere Academy, where Biden attended High school. After the plenary session, the Quad leaders will gather together for the unveiling of Cancer Moonshot event, a signature initiative that aims at implementing innovative strategies to prevent, detect, treat, and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families. It is for the first time that Biden will also be hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as President - including an "intimate leaders' dinner" at his private home following the Moonshot event - which the White House believes is "a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders", and the importance of the Quad to all countries. "I look forward to joining my colleagues President Biden, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida for the Quad Summit. The forum has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. My meeting with President Biden will allow us to review and identify new pathways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the global good," said PM Modi before his departure, on Saturday. Quad - a diplomatic partnership between India, the United States, Australia and Japan - remains committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. The Quad countries account for 1.9 billion combined population, 44 per cent of two-way merchandise trade across the Indo-Pacific region, US $34.8 trillion combined GDP and hold 30 per cent of Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock. Having swapped its turn with the US due to scheduling issues, India will now be hosting the 2025 Quad Summit as the relationship between the partner nations continues to expand both strategically and economically. From Wilmington, Prime Minister Modi will travel to New York where he will address a diaspora rally at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island on Sunday which is expected to be attended by more than 16,000 people. "The Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. It's always a delight to interact with them. At around 9:30 PM India time on Sunday, 22nd September, I will address the Modi and US programme in New York City. Let's celebrate the bonds that connect our nations!" said PM Modi after his arrival in the United States. The Prime Minister will also be attending a Business Roundtable with CEOs of leading US companies in the cutting-edge areas of Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology besides holding bilateral meetings with several other world leaders during his stay in New York. On Monday (September 23), PM Modi will address the Summit of the Future in the UN General Assembly that will bring together world leaders with the objective of enhancing multilateral cooperation and tackling the most pressing global challenges. An outcome document Pact for the Future, along with annexes on the global digital compact and a declaration for future generations, are expected to be adopted by the world leaders during the event. PM Modi receives grand welcome from Indian community on arrival in US Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Erdogan 'ready' to meet Assad to normalise Turkey-Syria relations T urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he is ready to meet with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad to normalise relations between the two countries. Erdogan made the remarks at a press conference in Istanbul before his departure for the US to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. "We have expressed our willingness to meet with Bashar al-Assad to normalise relations between Turkey and Syria," he said. "Now we are waiting for a response from the other side. We are ready for this." The Turkish leader expressed his desire for unity between the two Muslim countries, hoping that a meeting would usher in a new era in their bilateral relations. "For peace and stability across all Syrian territories, steps that Turkey and Syria can take together are crucial, especially as the Assad regime recognises the opposition's efforts to maintain peace," he noted. Erdogan said this creates a favourable environment for opening a pathway toward a lasting solution, while millions of people outside Syria await the chance to return home. After the Syrian civil war began in March 2011, Turkey's relations with Syria significantly deteriorated as Ankara aligned with various opposition factions against the Syrian government. Since 2015, Turkey has conducted several military operations in Syria, alleging that the Syrian government has supported the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). "The tension in Syria must come to an end. We will clearly state that the instability there, especially due to terrorist organisations and Israel's state terrorism, must be resolved. This is not ordinary terrorism anymore; it's state terrorism," Erdogan said. The Turkish President added that he would bring this issue up at the United Nations. He said, "The steps Turkey and Syria can take together to end this tension and bring peace and stability to all of Syria present a favourable opportunity for a permanent solution. Millions of people outside Syria are waiting to return to their homeland. We have already issued our call on this matter." Erdogan reiterated that Turkey has time and again expressed its willingness to meet with al-Assad to "normalise" relations between Turkey and Syria. "We are now waiting for a response from the other side. We are ready. As two Muslim nations, we want to realise this unity and solidarity as soon as possible. I believe that such a meeting will mark the beginning of a new era in the relations between the two countries," he noted. "For nearly a year, we have all had important roles to play, particularly the United Nations, in ending this oppression, establishing a lasting ceasefire, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid. We will remind our counterparts of these points during our visit. From the beginning, I have said that Israel's target is not just Gaza. The recent attacks on Lebanon have confirmed our concerns that Israel's government plans to expand the war in the region." Erdogan 'ready' to meet Assad to normalise Turkey-Syria relations Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! PM Modi-Biden shake hands ahead of bilateral meet in Delaware U S President Joe Biden received Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a personal meeting on Saturday ahead of the summit of the Quad with their counterparts from Japan and Australia. The meeting is not open to the press but there will be a readout later in the day. Biden received PM Modi with a handshake and the two leaders embraced, which has become a signature greeting for the Indian prime minister. The Prime Minister is accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The US President is accompanied by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. PM Modi reached the U.S. on Saturday for a three-day visit. He will join Biden and Australia's Anthony Albanese and Japan's Fumio Kishida for the fourth in-person summit of the Quad later in the day. PM Modi will address the diaspora at an event in New York on Sunday and meet with business leaders later in the day. On Monday, he will deliver an address at the 'Summit of the Future' at the UN and leave for home. PM Modi-Biden shake hands ahead of bilateral meet in Delaware Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! India, US closer than any time in history, says Biden after meeting PM Modi U S President Joe Biden said after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday that ties with India are "stronger, closer and more dynamic than any time in history". The two leaders met at Biden's home in Greenville, Delaware ahead of the fourth in-person summit of the Quad later in the day. "The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history," President Biden said on X after hosting Prime Minister Modi at his residence. "Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different." Their meeting started at 1 p.m. US eastern time and lasted over an hour as the Prime Minister's delegation, comprising External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, was seen leaving at about 2:30 p.m. Prime Minister Modi and President Biden were not open to the press but there will be a readout later in the day. They will meet for the Quad summit later, joined by Fumio Kishida and Anthony Albanese, their counterparts from Japan and Australia. Earlier upon arrival, Biden received PM Modi at his residence with a handshake and the two leaders embraced, which has become a signature greeting for the Indian Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's office posted pictures of the two leaders taking in the view from the president's house. At the meeting with PM Modi, the US President was accompanied by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. "Today's programme will be focused on the Quad Summit and the bilateral meeting with @POTUS, @JoeBiden," the Prime Minister wrote on X shortly after landing in Philadelphia, from where he travelled to Wilmington, Biden's hometown in the adjoining state of Delaware. "I am sure the discussions throughout the day will contribute to making our planet better and addressing key global challenges." Prime Minister Modi is expected to leave for New York later in the night. India, US closer than any time in history, says Biden after meeting PM Modi Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Biden, discusses global, regional issues: MEA U S President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged views on global and regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, during their bilateral talks at Biden's residence in Greenville, Delaware on Saturday ahead of the fourth in-person summit of the Quad later in the day. Randhir Jaiswal, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said in a post on X that the discussions between the two leaders focused on "ways to further deepen the India-US bilateral partnership in areas of mutual interest" and they "exchanged views on global and regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond". Meanwhile, President Biden after his meeting with Prime Minister Modi said that ties with India are "stronger, closer and more dynamic than any time in history". "The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history," President Biden said on X after hosting Prime Minister Modi at his residence. "Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different," he said. Their meeting started at 1 p.m. US eastern time and lasted over an hour as the Prime Minister's delegation, comprising External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, was seen leaving at about 2:30 p.m. Prime Minister Modi and President Biden were not open to the press but there will be a readout later in the day. They will meet for the Quad summit later in the day, joined by Fumio Kishida and Anthony Albanese, their counterparts from Japan and Australia. Earlier upon arrival, Biden received PM Modi at his residence with a handshake and the two leaders embraced, which has become a signature greeting for the Indian Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's office posted pictures of the two leaders taking in the view from the President's house. During the bilateral talks, President Biden was accompanied by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. "Today's programme will be focused on the Quad Summit and the bilateral meeting with @POTUS, @JoeBiden," the Prime Minister wrote on X shortly after landing in Philadelphia, from where he travelled to Wilmington, Biden's hometown in the adjoining state of Delaware. "I am sure the discussions throughout the day will contribute to making our planet better and addressing key global challenges." Prime Minister Modi is expected to leave for New York later in the night, where he will address the diaspora at an event on Sunday and meet with business leaders later in the day. On Monday, the Prime Minister will deliver an address at the Summit of the Future at the UN and leave for home. PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Biden, discusses global, regional issues: MEA Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Biden commends India's leadership on world stage, PM Modi's commitment to strengthen Quad U S President Joe Biden has expressed his "immense appreciation" for India's leadership on the world stage, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in the G-20 and in the Global South and his commitment to strengthen the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. President Biden also commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter, the White House said on Saturday. President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, during their meeting earlier in the day, affirmed that the US-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership, the defining partnership of the 21st century, is decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good. Prime Minister Modi described the meeting with Biden as "extremely fruitful" and thanked the President for hosting him at the latter's residence in Greenville, Delaware. "We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," he said in a post on X after the meeting. The leaders reflected on a "historic period" that has seen the US and India reach unprecedented levels of trust and collaboration. They affirmed that the US-India partnership "must be anchored in upholding democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all as our countries strive to become more perfect unions and meet our shared destiny". President Biden and Prime Minister Modi commended the progress that has made the US-India Major Defense Partnership a "pillar of global security and peace", highlighting the benefits of increased operational coordination, information-sharing, and defence industrial innovation, the White House said. They expressed "unrelenting optimism" and the "utmost confidence" that the "tireless efforts of our peoples, our civic and private sectors, and our governments to forge deeper bonds have set the US-India partnership on a path toward even greater heights in the decades ahead". India is at the forefront of efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world, it said. The leaders reaffirmed their support for the freedom of navigation and the protection of commerce, including critical maritime routes in the Middle East where India will assume co-lead in 2025 of the Combined Task Force 150 to work with Combined Maritime Forces to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea. President Biden shared with Prime Minister Modi that the US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India's important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council. The leaders voiced their view that a closer US-India partnership "is vital to the success of efforts to build a cleaner, inclusive, more secure, and more prosperous future for the planet". President Biden and Prime Minister Modi applauded the success of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in deepening and expanding strategic cooperation across key technology sectors, including space, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications. Both Leaders committed to enhance regular engagements to improve the momentum of collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy. They highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with like-minded partners, including through the Quad and a US-India-ROK Trilateral Technology initiative launched earlier this year to build more secure and resilient supply chains for critical industries and ensure we collectively remain at the leading edge of innovation. The ROK is the acronym of South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. Biden commends India's leadership on world stage, PM Modi's commitment to strengthen Quad Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! TEHRAN, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 people have died and 17 others injured in an explosion at a coal mine in the eastern Iranian province of South Khorasan, the semi-official Fars news agency reported Sunday. The blast occurred at the mine belonging to the Madanjoo Company in Tabas County at about 21:00 local time (1730 GMT) on Saturday due to a rise in the amount of methane gas in one of the tunnels, Fars quoted Mohammad-Ali Akhoundi, director general of the provincial crisis management headquarters, as saying in an address to reporters on Sunday morning. He said that at the time of the explosion, 69 miners were working at the scene. Earlier on Sunday, Akhoundi said 40 equipped teams were providing rescue services, putting the number of the rescuers at 100. Two ambulance buses and 13 ambulances were present. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, in a phone call with South Khorasan's Governor Javad Ghenaat, ordered him to mobilize all provincial facilities and resources to accelerate rescue and relief operations, the official news agency IRNA reported. Elias Hazrati, head of the Iranian government's Information Council, said President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a special directive to handle the incident, ordering relevant ministers to take necessary measures. Quad leaders decry N. Korea missile launches, reaffirm 'complete' peninsula denuclearisation goal T he leaders of the US, India, Japan and Australia have denounced North Korea's "destabilizing" missile launches and its nuclear program and reaffirmed their commitment to the "complete" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and Australian PM Anthony Albanese issued a joint statement on Saturday after the four countries' fourth in-person Quad summit held in Wilmington, Delaware, reported Yonhap news agency. The summit came as Pyongyang has recently ratcheted up tensions on the peninsula with its rare disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility, continued weapons tests and launches of trash-filled balloons into South Korea, not to mention tough rhetoric. "We condemn North Korea's destabilizing ballistic missile launches and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). These launches pose a grave threat to international peace and stability," the leaders said in the statement, named "the Wilmington Declaration". "We urge North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs, refrain from further provocations and engage in substantive dialogue. We reaffirm our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula consistent with relevant UNSCRs and call on all countries to fully implement these UNSCRs," they added. They stressed the need to prevent any proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies related to North Korea. "We express our grave concern over North Korea's use of proliferation networks, malicious cyber activity and workers abroad to fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs," they said. "In that context, we urge all UN Member States to abide by the relevant UNSCRs, including the prohibition on the transfer to North Korea or procurement from North Korea of all arms and related materiel," the leaders said. Moreover, they expressed "deep" concerns about countries that are deepening military cooperation with the North, saying that it undermines the global nonproliferation regime. The leaders also underscored the importance of sanctions enforcement against Pyongyang, noting that a UN expert panel monitoring sanctions violations has been disbanded. "We reiterate our commitment to continued implementation of the relevant UNSCRs which remain in full force," they said. Earlier in the day, Biden and Kishida held a separate bilateral meeting, where Biden recognised improvement in relations between Seoul and Tokyo, long strained over historical feuds. "He (Biden) also commended the Prime Minister's courage and conviction in strengthening ties with the Republic of Korea, which enabled the launch of a momentous new era of US-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation at the historic Camp David Summit in August 2023," the White House said in a readout. (ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.) The Camp David summit is the first standalone trilateral meeting among the three countries' leaders. It produced a series of landmark cooperation agreements, including the "Commitment to Consult" each other in the event of a shared threat. In their joint statement, Quad leaders also expressed their serious concern over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. "We continue to express our serious concern about the militarization of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea," they said. "We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous manoeuvres," said the leaders. For three-way maritime security efforts, the leaders said that the US Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific. They also announced the launch of a "Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network" pilot project to pursue shared airlift capacity among their countries and leverage collective logistics strengths in order to support civilian response to natural disasters "more rapidly and efficiently" across the Indo-Pacific. The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India. Quad leaders decry N. Korea missile launches, reaffirm 'complete' peninsula denuclearisation goal Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Weekly Horoscope for September 23-29, 2024 W elcome to your weekly horoscope! Let's explore what the stars have in store for you from September 23 to September 29, 2024. Read on to discover the astrological insights and guidance for your zodiac sign in the upcoming week. Embrace the opportunities, challenges, and possibilities that lie ahead as you navigate through the cosmic energies influencing your life. Aries This week, home and family take centre stage. You'll feel the need to retreat, focusing on self-reflection and creating a peaceful environment. It's a great time to redecorate, rearrange, or simply spend quality time with loved ones. Professionally, balance is key -- take time to reflect on your work goals and how they align with your personal values. It's a week for building emotional foundations rather than chasing new career opportunities. In love, deepen your emotional connection by spending meaningful time together. Singles should seek someone who offers emotional stability. Overall, this week encourages you to slow down, nurture your inner self, and create a solid base for future growth. Tip of the week: Build emotional foundations Taurus Taurus, communication, and learning take the spotlight this week. You'll feel energised by social interactions and may seek out new experiences or knowledge. It's a great time to connect with siblings and friends or explore short trips. Career-wise, focus on networking and sharing your ideas; your communication skills are on point. In love, engage in intellectual exchanges or plan activities that stimulate conversation, like a museum visit or trivia night. Whether single or partnered, deeper conversations will strengthen connections. This week is all about expanding your horizons through interaction and embracing new ideas. Tip of the week: Explore short trips Gemini Gemini, this week centres on finances and self-worth. You'll feel a pull toward organising your budget, reassessing your financial situation, and exploring new opportunities to increase your income. Career-wise, it's an ideal time to seek out higher-paying opportunities or negotiate for a raise. In love, financial stability may become a key discussion point with your partner. For singles, focus on finding someone who shares your values. This week encourages you to build both material and emotional security, helping you feel more confident in your future plans. It's all about recognising your worth and acting accordingly. Tip of the week: Seek new earning avenues Cancer This week, you'll feel more assertive and ready to take on new challenges. It's an ideal time to focus on self-improvement--whether it's starting a new project, changing your appearance, or pursuing personal goals. This period encourages you to concentrate on your own ambitions and not feel guilty about prioritising yourself. Professionally, this boost in confidence can lead to greater visibility, promotions, or new opportunities. In love, single Cancers should focus on building self-love, which in turn will attract meaningful relationships. Couples can use this time to redefine expectations and strengthen their emotional connection. Family dynamics may shift as you assert your independence, which might surprise loved ones. In education, subjects that encourage personal development, such as psychology or creative arts, may be of interest. Trust your instincts and embrace this week as a chance to grow. Tip of the week: Be more assertive Leo This week is about introspection, soul-searching, and healing. You may feel the need to retreat from social activities to focus on inner growth. It's a great time to reconnect with your subconscious through meditation or journaling. Career-wise, this period may not be about outward success but rather laying the groundwork for future achievements. While this week may seem quiet, use it to plan, recharge, and reassess your goals. In love, single Leos might find unexpected connections in spiritual or artistic settings, while those in relationships should focus on healing any unresolved emotional issues. Family relationships may deepen, especially with parents, as you reflect on past dynamics. For students, this is an excellent time for research. Tip of the week: Focus on inner growth Virgo This week, you may feel a strong urge to connect with like-minded individuals or collaborate on meaningful projects. Professionally, networking will be key, so don't shy away from attending events or reaching out to contacts. Teamwork will play an important role in your career development. In love, singles may find potential partners through group activities or shared interests, while couples can strengthen their bond by engaging in joint projects. Family dynamics may feel more equal, with siblings and friends offering valuable support. Education-wise, this is a great time for group study or exploring subjects that are future-oriented, such as technology or social sciences. Use this week to expand your social circle. Tip of the week: Expand your social circle Libra You'll feel a strong push toward leadership and making bold moves in your professional life. It's an excellent time to ask for a promotion, take on new responsibilities, or set the stage for future success. Networking with influential people can boost your reputation. In love, single Libras may find potential partners in professional settings, while those in relationships should balance career aspirations with nurturing the relationship. Family discussions may revolve around your career goals, and parents may play a significant role in your decisions. Education-wise, focus on subjects that enhance your public image, like business, public relations, or law. Use this week's energy to set high standards for yourself and act on your ambitions. Tip of the week: Make bold moves Scorpio This week emphasises personal growth, travel, and expanding your worldview. You may feel drawn to explore new ideas and cultures or even start a new educational journey. It's a time to push beyond your comfort zone and embrace opportunities for learning and adventure. Career-wise, this is a great period for professional development or seeking jobs that involve travel or cross-cultural interactions. In love, single Scorpios may meet someone through educational activities or travel, while couples can deepen their connection by exploring new horizons together, whether through travel or shared learning experiences. Family discussions may take on a more philosophical tone, and siblings or friends could inspire new ways of thinking. Embrace the unknown and grow. Tip of the week: Embrace the unknown Sagittarius This week, you'll feel drawn to examine hidden aspects of your life, whether they involve finances, relationships, or personal growth. It's a time for letting go of what no longer serves you. Career-wise, you may find yourself working on projects that require deep focus or secrecy. In love, single Sagittarians may attract magnetic or intense partners, while those in relationships can use this time to address underlying issues and strengthen their bond. Family relationships might feel more intense, with deep conversations about shared resources or long-buried feelings. Education-wise, subjects like psychology, forensics, or anything that delves into the mysteries of life will appeal to you. Use this transformative energy to make meaningful changes and trust your instincts. Tip of the week: Let go of negative vibes Capricorn This week, you'll feel a strong desire to collaborate, whether in your personal life or at work. In your career, this is the perfect time to work on team projects or reach out to business partners. If you're job hunting, networking and leveraging relationships will be key. In love, single Capricorns may find themselves attracted to partners who balance their strengths, while couples should focus on strengthening communication and resolving any lingering issues. Family relationships may take on a more collaborative tone, with opportunities to work together or seek advice from loved ones. This week encourages you to focus on building meaningful connections while maintaining your own boundaries. Tip of the week: Build new connections Aquarius This is the perfect time to streamline your habits and set new goals for self-improvement. Career-wise, attention to detail and efficiency will be key, and you may find opportunities to take on more responsibility. If job-seeking, consider roles that require problem-solving or involve making systems more efficient. In love, single Aquarians may meet potential partners through work or fitness activities, while couples should focus on practical aspects of their relationship, like shared goals and responsibilities. Family dynamics may revolve around health or daily routines, with discussions about how to support each other better. This week is about fine-tuning your life for long-term success. Tip of the week: Streamline your habits Pisces You'll feel inspired to express yourself artistically or explore new hobbies and passions. It's an ideal time to reconnect with your inner child and indulge in activities that bring you joy. Career-wise, focus on creative projects or tasks that allow you to showcase your imagination. In love, single Pisces may find romance in artistic or social settings, while couples should prioritise fun and spontaneity in their relationship. Family relationships will take on a playful tone, with opportunities to bond over shared activities or creative projects. For students, subjects that tap into your creativity, like art or literature, will be particularly appealing. It is a time to explore new possibilities and celebrate your individuality. Tip of the week: Explore new interests (Neeraj Dhankher is an astrologer proficient in Vedic, KP, and Nadi astrology. He is the Founder and CEO of Astro Zindagi. The observations are made by the writer based on his analysis) Weekly Horoscope for September 23-29, 2024 Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Quad survival question: Biden bets on PM Modi's shoulders W ith the next Quad meeting set to be held in India, US President Joe Biden has reassured that the alliance will go on strongly. He said this while addressing concerns about the future of the alliance after the US elections. While posing for a picture in his hometown of Wilmington, the US President was asked whether Quad would survive beyond November. He gestured by placing his hand on PM Narendra Modi's shoulder to show who will drive Quad forward. PM Modi also echoed the same sentiment when he said that Quad is 'here to stay' and is 'not against anyone'. In a subtle reference to China, PM Modi said leaders of Quad seek a rules-based international order and respect for sovereignty, in a veiled reference to China. "Our message is clear: (the) Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to compliment," Prime Minister Modi said, as translated from Hindi by the official interpreter, addressing fellow Quad leaders, President Biden, Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida. He told them he looks forward to hosting the next Quad summit in India, which was supposed to have hosted this one. "We are meeting at a time when the world is surrounded by conflicts and tension," the Prime Minister said. "At such a time, it is important for all of humanity that the members of the Quad move forward, forward based on shared democratic values. We are not against anybody. All of us support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of all disputes. A free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our shared priority and shared commitment," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Japan PM Fumio Kishida meet in Wilmington for the Quad Summit. This summit was to be held in India but on US request was held in Biden's hometown. Biden welcomed the three leaders for the Quad Leadership Summit at the Archmere Academy in his hometown, Wilmington. He was keen to hold the event in his hometown as this was a kind of farewell summit for him as he nears the end of his term in office. While delivering the inaugural remarks at the summit, Joe Biden said nations of the Quadrilateral coalition are democracies that get things done. "We're democracies who know how to get things done," Biden said. "Today we're announcing a series of initiatives to deliver a real positive impact for the Indo-Pacific that includes providing new maritime technologies to our regional partners so they know what's happening in their waters. Launching cooperation between Coast Guards for the first time, and expanding the Quad fellowship to include students from southeast Asia," the US President said. Quad survival question: Biden bets on PM Modi's shoulders Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! PM Modi gifts antique silver hand-engraved train model to Biden P rime Minister Narendra Modi presented a special antique silver hand-engraved train model to President Joe Biden during his ongoing 3-day visit to the US. This vintage silver hand-engraved train model, which is made of 92.5 per cent silver, is a rare and extraordinary piece, masterfully crafted by artisans from Maharashtra -- renowned for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship. The model has been customised to represent the strong connections between India and the US. "DELHI - DELAWARE" has been inscribed on the sides of the main carriage, and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" has been inscribed on the sides of the engine in both English and Hindi, following the standard format used on passenger trains in India. It showcases the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry, with elaborate details achieved through traditional techniques such as engraving, repousse (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs), and intricate filigree work. This creation pays homage to the steam locomotive era, combining artistic brilliance with historical significance. This masterpiece not only highlights the artisan's exceptional skill but also serves as a glowing testimony to the long history of Indian Railways and its global influences. After receiving a grand welcome upon his arrival in Philadelphia on Saturday, PM Modi held bilateral discussions with President Biden and other leaders of the Quad grouping, including Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. In the second leg of his 3-day visit PM Modi arrived in New York on Sunday. On Monday (September 23), PM Modi will address the Summit of the Future in the UN General Assembly which will bring together world leaders with the objective of enhancing multilateral cooperation and tackling the most pressing global challenges. An outcome document, Pact for the Future, will be adopted by world leaders, along with annexes on the global digital compact and a declaration for future generations. PM Modi gifts antique silver hand-engraved train model to Biden Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Quad commits to strengthening cooperation in Indian Ocean region T he Quad, a four-member group comprising the US, Japan, India, and Australia, has said it is committed to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The Wilmington Declaration, released after the meeting of Quad leaders US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Delaware, recognised India's leadership in finalising the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (IOIP) and supported its implementation. Quad agreed to implement the 'Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to monitor and secure waters, enforce laws, and deter unlawful behaviour. To reduce the number of lives lost to cancer in the Indo-Pacific, the group launched a 'Quad Cancer Moonshot' focussing initially on combatting cervical cancer. The joint statement announced a 'Quad Ports of the Future Partnership' to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific. Expressing concern about the coercive and intimidating manoeuvres in the South China Sea, the Quad sought to uphold the international order based on the rule of 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, The group said: "We are united in commitment to upholding a stable and open international system, with strong support for human rights, freedom, the 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 international law, including the UN Charter." In addition, the leaders underscored that the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. Hailing the track record of cooperation on the COVID vaccine, the group said it will focus initially on combatting cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. On humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), the declaration said Quad governments pre-position essential relief supplies for the rapid HADR response. In the event of natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific, the group concurred on launching a pilot project to pursue cooperation in airlift operations among the Quad countries. The four leaders concurred on launching a Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, to share knowledge and experience. The group also agreed to expand cooperation in the area of 5G and Open RAN to the Philippines and Tuvalu. Quad commits to strengthening cooperation in Indian Ocean region Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Rhino poaching dropped by 86 per cent in Assam due to double engine govt: CM Sarma A ssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that due to the double-engine government of the BJP, poaching of rhinos in the state has come down by 86 per cent. While quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's social media post on World Rhino Day, CM Sarma posted on social media platform X: "Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister! Under your leadership, Assam's rhinos are safer than ever. Since the double-engine government took charge in 2016, poaching has dropped by 86 per cent. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to promoting and preserving our living heritage." CM Sarma wrote, "Rhinos are synonymous with the identity of Assam. They are our pride and the crown jewel of our biodiversity. Ever since we assumed office, we have taken various initiatives to protect the prized species, expand its habitat and ensure its safety." "On #WorldRhinoDay, we reaffirm our commitment to protect the rhinos of Assam," he added. Earlier in the day, PM Modi posted on X: "Today, on #WorldRhinoDay, let us reiterate our commitment to protect one of our planet's most iconic species -rhinos. Compliments to all those involved in rhino conservation efforts over the last many years. It is a matter of immense pride that India is home to a large number of one horned rhinos." "I also fondly recall my visit to the Kaziranga in Assam and urge you all to visit there as well," PM Modi added. Kaziranga National Park houses 2,600 rhinos, the greatest rhino population in the world. In 1985, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between 2000 and 2021, the park saw about 200 instances of rhino poaching-related deaths. The rhino death rate peaked in 2013 and 2014, when reports of 27 rhino deaths each year made headlines. Since rhino horns are said to have mythical medical potential, rhino poaching in Kaziranga has grown over the past 20 years. In 2022, after a gap of nearly 45 years, no poaching occurred in the Kaziranga National Park and CM Sarma credited the close vigil by the state administration and coordinated efforts between the Forest and Police Department for the same. Every year on September 22, people celebrate World Rhino Day to raise awareness about the various rhinoceros species that exist throughout the globe and the threats they face. World Rhino Day provides a forum for a variety of interested parties, including governments, communities, NGOs, wildlife conservation organisations, research facilities, and concerned individuals, to band together and look for innovative ways to end poaching practices and save some critically endangered rhinoceros species from extinction. In addition to being the third largest animal, the one-horned rhino is a pride of Assam and is one of the rarest and most unusual mammals in the world. Rhino poaching dropped by 86 per cent in Assam due to double engine govt: CM Sarma Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Kerala Governor to inaugurate free clinic for poor in memory of doctor stabbed to death K erala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will inaugurate a clinic in memory of Dr Vandana Das, who was stabbed to death while on duty on May 10, 2023. The Governor will inaugurate the clinic on October 10 The clinic is being set up by the parents of Vandana Das at Thrikkunnapuzha in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The building spans 2000 square feet and has the potential to be developed into a hospital in future. The clinic will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Union Minister Suresh Gopi will inaugurate a medical camp at the facility on October 11. Father of Vandana, Mohandas told media persons that his daughter had come here to spend her vacation at the family home near the National Waterway in Thrikkanapuzha. He said that she had a strong desire to treat the poor at both Thrikkanapuzha and Attapadi after completion of her MBBS. Speaking to media persons Mohandas said that the family was setting up the clinic to treat poor people for free as a memory to Vandana. It may be recalled that Vandana Das who was doing her internship training after completing her MBBS course was brutally killed by a person later identified as 42 year old Sandeep on May 10, 2023, in Kottarkara taluk hospital Sandeep, who was a suspect in a criminal case, was brought by police at around 4.30 a.m. at the hospital where Vandana Das was on duty. Police had brought Sandeep who had an injury in his leg and was under the influence of alcohol. The assailant, who was an upper primary teacher, had himself dialled the police and said that he was feeling threatened with his life by someone. On reaching the hospital, Sandeep attacked policemen on duty and another person. After Sandeep turned violent, everyone ran out of the clinic except for Vandana who was inside. The criminal took a pair of scissors from the dressing room and stabbed Vandana multiple times. Onlookers said that Sandeep continued to stab Vandana even after she fell motionless. An autopsy conducted at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College revealed that she was stabbed 10 times in her back and neck. The drastic incident sparked outrage across the state and doctors accused the hospitals and government of poor working conditions for the interns and doctors. Kerala Governor to inaugurate free clinic for poor in memory of doctor stabbed to death Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Success of developed India directly linked to educated society: Gujarat CM G ujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Sunday that the country's success is directly linked to an educated society while honouring over 100 students and retired employees of the state. "The success of a developed India is directly linked to an educated society," the Chief Minister said, encouraging bright students to take active roles in achieving this vision. "Work is our duty and those who diligently fulfil their duties find their tasks are accomplished effortlessly," said the Chief Minister while addressing a ceremony held at the Town Hall in Gandhinagar which the Ter Gol Guru Brahmin Samaj Seva Samiti organised. He further highlighted the significance of education in the 21st century, calling it the foundation of a developed India. The Chief Minister also expressed optimism about the newly appointed employees' potential to contribute to society through their dedication and hard work. He emphasised that education is essential for community progress, stating, "Only through education can a society become self-reliant." In addition to honouring the students who excelled in their 10th and 12th standards, the Chief Minister also acknowledged the traditional occupations of the Guru Brahmin Samaj, such as astrology and religious rituals. He urged integrating education into these practices to contribute to the growth of Gujarat and India's development on a broader scale. The Chief Minister also presented certificates to the community's retired employees who had served in the state government, newly appointed employees, and bright students. Success of developed India directly linked to educated society: Gujarat CM Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Security heightened for PM Modi's New York rally A tight security cordon has been laid around the Nassau Coliseum - the multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York - where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally of the Indian diaspora on Sunday. Federal, state, and local law enforcement have been put into service to provide full-proof security to the Prime Minister. The Transportation Security Agency, which checks passengers at airports, is conducting a similar operation here, funnelling visitors through metal detectors, making them remove phones and metal objects, and checking their bags. Secret Service officers conduct a secondary check with hand-held wands at some points. The periphery of the Coliseum is fenced off and most entry points have been sealed off with Nassau County Police standing guard. Inside, police and Secret Service officers stand guard at several points. Several mounted police officers keep watch over the crowds and bomb-sniffing dogs are on patrol inside and outside. Several hundred volunteers for the event guide visitors through the maze of the arena. The media had to drop off their cameras and other equipment a day earlier to get them sanitised and those who hadn't were not allowed to bring in their equipment on Sunday. The security has been heightened because of possible threats from extremist groups. Some Sikh, Islamic, and other political organisations have said that they planned protests, but none are allowed at or near the Coliseum. If they turn up they will be moved far away from the venue. The tight security comes amidst heightened scrutiny of the safety arrangements for safety of leaders following the an attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and another that was narrowly foiled. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) Security heightened for PM Modi's New York rally Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Piyush Goyal to meet leading Australian and Indian CEOs, discuss investment avenues T o further boost bilateral economic engagement, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit Australia from September 23-25 to interact with leading Australian and Indian CEOs and discuss investment avenues in India. Commerce Minister will visit the country at the invitation of Senator Don Farrell, Minister of Trade and Tourism of Australia, according to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Minister Goyal will co-chair with Minister Farrell the 19th India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission meeting, to be held in Adelaide on September 25, during which both sides will discuss ways to further elevate the bilateral economic engagement. Commerce Minister will interact with leading Australian and Indian CEOs and industry leaders and representatives from Australian pension funds to highlight the vast opportunities for investment in India. According to the ministry, the interactions with business and industry leaders are being organised by Business Council of Australia, Centre for Australia-India relations, India Australia Business Community Alliance, AsiaLink Business and CREDAI. The discussions are aimed at leveraging the complementary strengths and synergies between the economies of India and Australia. The minister will also interact with the representatives of the vibrant Indian community in Sydney, Indian-origin chartered accountants and emerging leaders of Indian diaspora from various walks of life. The visit, according to the ministry, will add further impetus to the strong and growing trade and investment ties between India and Australia, which have received a boost following finalisation of the bilateral Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. India-Australia bilateral trade (in goods and services) has crossed $48 billion, and it's expected to double to nearly $100 billion in the next five years The minister would also emphasise 'Make in India' and 'Future Made in Australia' initiatives, creating more jobs and economic benefits to people of both the countries. "The visit is particularly opportune as it comes at a time when India and Australia have intensified their engagement both bilaterally and in various fora, such as G20 and the Quad, to work together for global good," said the ministry. Piyush Goyal to meet leading Australian and Indian CEOs, discuss investment avenues Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is considering expanding Chinese medical services across the country, following the growing popularity of the services among Namibians, according to a government official. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. For a long time, the claim has been made that the brains of conservative people are different than those of progressives. Using MRI scans of almost 1,000 Dutch people, researchers from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) show that there is indeed a connection between brain structure and ideology. However, the connection is smaller than expected. Nevertheless, the researchers find it remarkable that differences in the brain are linked to something as abstract as ideology. The claim that brain structure and ideology are linked was fueled by a 2011 study of 90 English students that found this connection. Scientists at the UvA have now conducted the largest replication study to date to further investigate the relationship between ideology and brain structure. The researchers analyzed the MRI scans of 975 Dutch people aged 19 to 26, representing a cross-section of the Dutch population in terms of education and political preference. They linked these scans to questionnaires about ideology. You can see ideology as a series of positions on different themes or as an identity. You can also distinguish between ideological ideas about socio-cultural issues such as women's and LGBTIQ rights, and about economic issues such as income inequality." Gijs Schumacher, first author The amygdala is slightly larger The scientists found, just as in the English study, that the amygdala of conservative people is slightly larger. 'It is remarkable that we also found this result in our much larger and more representative sample. For example, the English sample did not contain any extremely conservative participants, while ours did,' says Schumacher. The scientists also found that there is no relationship between another brain area - the anterior cingulate cortex - and ideology, something that the original study did find. Difference of a sesame seed The difference in the amygdala was the size of a sesame seed. 'The amygdala of the average conservative voter is 157 sesame seeds in size and that of the average progressive voter is 156 sesame seeds. That is a small difference, but significant. It suggests that there is a connection between brain anatomy and ideology at some level, but that it is very indirect,' explains co-author Steven Scholte. 'Our expectation was therefore to find no effect at all.' 'However, we do not know exactly how conservatism and the size of the amygdala are related,' adds Diamantis Petropoulos Petalas (also associated with this study but now working at The American College of Greece). 'The amygdala has mainly been studied in relation to threatening situations and fear, but seems to respond much more broadly to emotions in general and to divergent information. There may be a connection where the amygdala is larger in individuals who react more strongly to information, which could sometimes result in more conservative ideas in politics.' No simple dichotomy However, the research suggests there is no simple dichotomy regarding political ideology in the brain. 'People sometimes speak of blue (Democratic) and red (Republican) brains in the American context. This metaphor is tempting, but completely misplaced,' says Schumacher. 'We argue that ideology should be seen as a much broader concept and show that there are fewer connections between brain and ideology than have been found in previous studies.' Ideology itself is also more complex than was assumed in previous research. As an example, Schumacher mentions how participants who voted for the SP, a Dutch political party with radical left-wing economic positions but more conservative social values, had a larger amygdala on average than participants who identified with more progressive parties. 'Ideology is therefore much more complex than just identification on socio-cultural themes.' Other brain areas The researchers then extended their analysis to find connections between ideology and other brain areas. For example, they found a connection between the volume of the right fusiform gyrus, an area of the brain important for facial recognition, and more right-wing positions on social and economic issues. The reason for this remains to be seen. Displaced individuals experience high rates of emotional distress, depression and anxiety resulting from trauma and stress from displacement and loss. Their mental health may suffer further due to a lack of resources, language barriers, and discrimination during resettlement. A new study by University of California San Diego researchers reports that displaced Syrian refugees with higher reported self-compassion were less likely to report poor mental health outcomes. The study was published in PLOS ONE on September 19, 2024. Sarah Alsamman, a student at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and Wael Al-Delaimy, M.D., Ph.D., professor of public health at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, along with local partners, surveyed 272 displaced Syrians residing in Amman, Jordan about their history of trauma and mental health symptoms. The participants were recruited through community organizations providing aid and educational opportunities to refugees. In spending time with these communities, I learned about the complex network of stressors they faced, including severe unemployment, limited access to health care, and separation from family." Sarah Alsamman, student at UC San Diego School of Medicine The researchers also asked participants about their level of self-compassion. This could include practicing kindness and tenderness toward themselves when going through a difficult time instead of judging themselves harshly, engaging in non-judgmental mindfulness toward painful thoughts, and recognizing that they are not alone, but part of a larger human experience. The participants also rated their perceived level of resilience in the face of adversity. "Resilience reflects their belief in themselves, their community, their family tradition, or social support," said Al-Delaimy. Key findings of the survey data revealed: More than 75 percent of the refugees experienced anxiety, emotional distress or depression. Respondents reporting higher levels of self-compassion experienced more than 80% lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. While self-compassion and resilience may interact with each other to protect mental health, self-compassion plays a more powerful role in mitigating mental health. Previous studies have documented the capacity of resilience to limit mental health stressors experienced by refugees, but this is the first time self-compassion has been shown to potentially moderate mental illness in this population. Al-Delaimy says unlike resilience, self-compassion is a self-taught, modifiable practice that can be increased through training, and thinks health care professionals could use this to promote positive mental health outcomes among refugees who typically have limited access to mental health care. "This could become an innovative way to empower displaced communities processing an incredibly unjust life experience. Our goal is to shift to a strength-based approach aimed at identifying and cultivating factors that protect from negative mental health outcomes," said Al-Delaimy. Syrian refugees account for more than one-third of all displaced persons around the globe, with over 14 million forced to flee their homes during more than a decade of ongoing conflict. The researchers plan to extend their study by testing the impact of self-compassion interventions on mental health in a larger group of displaced Syrians living in Southern California. "That's another aspect that we are trying to address: Is there a difference among those who are outside the country and people who have been resettled here?" Al-Delaimy said. Rana Dajani of The Hashemite University in Jordan and the MIT Refugee Action Hub (ReACT) co-authored the study. The T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion at UC San Diego provided support for the first author, Sarah Alsamman. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition where a woman experiences significant blood loss after giving birth. It affects about 46% of new mothers and can lead to severe complications if not managed properly. Traditional treatments for PPH include medications to contract the uterus, physical compression, and using a balloon device inside the uterus to stop the bleeding. When these methods don't work, doctors might perform a procedure called UAE. UAE is a less invasive alternative to surgery that involves blocking the blood vessels to stop the bleeding. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the potential effects of UAE on subsequent deliveries, prompting further investigation. To further investigate this, a group of researchers led by Professor Woo Jin Yang from Korea University College of Medicine, conducted a study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. After accounting for other factors that might influence the outcomes, the researchers compared women who had UAE during their first delivery with those who did not undergo the procedure. Their study was published in Volume 2024, Issue 3, of the journal Human Reproduction Open on 26 June 2024. "Notably, our findings showed that women who had UAE during their first delivery were more likely to face complications in their next pregnancy. These complications included higher risks of placental problems, such as the placenta attaching too deeply or being positioned abnormally. These women were more likely to have premature births and severe bleeding again during their second delivery," explains Prof. Yang. In addition, the babies born to women who had undergone UAE were found to have a higher chance of major birth defects, especially heart problems, and often needed special care in a neonatal intensive care unit. Although most long-term health issues were not more common, there was a slightly higher risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in these children. However, the finding regarding ADHD in particular requires careful interpretation. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm and understand the potential link between UAE and ADHD in children. The findings of this study could help doctors have better conversations with the women undergoing UAE, helping them prepare for a safer pregnancy and delivery. Women who have had UAE might also benefit from personalized prenatal care that addresses their specific needs, giving them more confidence and a proactive approach to their pregnancy. This might be in the form of more regular check-ups and special monitoring of the baby. Hospitals can use this information to improve their delivery plans for women with a history of UAE, ensuring that they are well-prepared and receive individualized care. Additionally, pediatric teams can work closely with obstetricians to ensure that newborns receive the best possible care. Moreover, the guidelines for caring for these pregnancies might be updated to reflect these findings, leading to better care practices. "The primary aim of our study is to promote safer childbirth experiences for women with a history of UAE, not to discourage or alarm them about subsequent pregnancies. By identifying potential risks, we seek to improve care strategies, ultimately supporting these women in achieving healthy pregnancies and deliveries," concludes Prof. Yang. Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have detected lipid biomarkers in children and teenagers with obesity that indicate an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, liver and heart disease as adults. A one-year lifestyle intervention lowered the levels of these lipid biomarkers, which demonstrates the importance of early intervention for children with obesity. The study is published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine. The number of children and teens with obesity is increasing worldwide, with over 250 million expected to be affected by 2030. It is a major public health crisis, as children with obesity risk developing insulin resistance, fatty liver, and high blood pressure, which may lead to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease, later in life. Scientists think these diseases can be triggered by changes in the body's lipids a wide range of fats and oils in the body including triglycerides and cholesterol that serve many purposes including energy storage and cellular signalling. But it is still not well understood how lipid species change in children with obesity, and how they are linked to early cardiometabolic complications. Now, scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that lipid species linked to cardiometabolic disease in adults are strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and teenagers with obesity. The findings could pave the way for tests that serve as an early warning system for cardiometabolic disease. "Our study shows that the impact of cardiometabolic associated lipid species emerges early in life in children with obesity, particularly affecting liver function and glucose metabolism. These risk lipid species could potentially be explored further as biomarkers for diagnosing or predicting cardiometabolic risk in children at high risk, offering new insights for early detection and intervention," says Postdoc Yun Huang from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen, and co-first author of the study in Nature Medicine. Early intervention reverses cardiometabolic disease risk The scientists made their discoveries by drawing on the HOLBAEK Study biobank of more than 4,000 children with and without obesity. at the Children's Obesity Clinic at Holbaek Hospital. Together with scientists at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, they harnessed powerful mass spectrometry technology to map hundreds of individual lipid species, each with distinct structures and functions, providing a detailed picture of lipid metabolism. By analyzing the differences in the lipid profiles of 958 children with overweight or obesity and 373 who had normal weight, they gained deep insight into obesity altered lipid profiles and their link to cardiometabolic risk, and the ability to detect excessive fat in the liver. To see how the lipid profiles of the children and teenagers would respond to a lifestyle intervention, 186 participants who underwent a one-year obesity management program at the Children's Obesity Clinic were examined before and after the treatment. The clinic is an accredited European Centre for Obesity Management that practices the Holbaek Obesity Treatment method, which comprises a range of lifestyle recommendations. Eighty-three percent of participants reduced their weight, and the scientists discovered that levels of harmful lipids had clearly reduced alongside the weight loss. These changes in lipid species play a role in explaining the link between weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic traits. This study reinforces the need to treat childhood obesity far more seriously, as it increases the risk of developing a range of diseases that lower quality of life. Thankfully, we have shown that early intervention can reverse the risk and allow children and teenagers the possibility of living long disease-free lives as adults." Professor Torben Hansen from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen, and co-senior author of the study Mount Sinai Health System this week celebrated the opening of an expansion of its psychedelic psychotherapy research center into a new location and announced a foundational $5 million gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The center has been renamed The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing. The new location is designed to support the Center's capacity to facilitate a growing number of rigorous clinical trials that focus on well-known compounds like MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and potentially others in the future. These chemical compounds have garnered significant attention in academic medicine for their potential to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other stress-related conditions. The Foundation's gift, which comes at a pivotal time for the field, will expand the Center's capacity for therapy, research, and therapist training, including a primary focus on veterans. Located at 600 West 112th Street, on the southwest corner of Broadway, the new space will house six treatment rooms and a group therapy room, with features to enable therapy supervision, teaching, and research. Large floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light and a view of the surrounding tree-lined streets. Since its initial launch in 2021, our psychedelic psychotherapy research center has made progress towards our understanding of the therapeutic potential for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The recent decision by the Food and Drug Administration to withhold approval for MDMA-assisted therapy has cast some uncertainty as to how and when psychedelic therapy will be broadly available, but has also made clear that there is a critical need to advance rigorous psychedelic research. Our team remains steadfast in our commitment to this work and to ensure the incredible momentum that has been generated by academic researchers does not falter." Rachel Yehuda, PhD, Director of The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing Dr. Yehuda went on to say, "This is an existential moment for the field of psychedelic research in mental health, and rather than backing away from investment, as some are doing, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is shining a light on what has become a darker path forward. Thanks to their vision and commitment and the continued generosity of our donors, we will meet the needs of the moment." "My own battle with PTSD lasted for decades after I returned from the Vietnam War. It was psychedelic-assisted therapy that finally brought me home after all those years," said Bob Parsons, United States Marine Corps Vietnam war veteran and co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. "Despite the FDA's recent decision on MDMA, we're digging in and funding more research because I have all the evidence I need-;I know it works." The expansion of the Center reflects Mount Sinai's commitment to providing institutional resources, strong scientific vision, and the established track record necessary to push forward with groundbreaking clinical trials. The gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation reflects an understanding by the Foundation that the moment demands serious and careful research and a deep commitment to uncovering effective treatments for veterans, who disproportionately experience conditions like PTSD that have been resistant to conventional therapies. "The space was designed to embrace the importance of setting in therapeutic outcomes. From the moment our patients enter the beautifully designed Center, they will feel that they are in a place of safety and healing, which is paramount to maximizing the impact of the therapy sessions," said Amy Lehrner, PhD, Clinical Director of The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing. "The views of nature, natural light, and complementary design will communicate serenity and warmth, setting a new standard for applying this nascent science. While solutions for traumatized people have been few and far between until now, with the advances we have made through this new space and the highly trained practitioners within, we now see renewed hope and healing." The Center is currently developing protocols for several studies, including pivotal group therapy studies, which required the creation of a large group space. The Center's expanded capacity allows for multiple simultaneous dosing sessions and group integration sessions, essential for advancing this critical work. Mount Sinai investigators affiliated with the Center will also be conducting research on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and psilocybin for patients with major depression and for the treatment of intergenerational trauma, as well as MDMA-assisted therapy for patients with eating disorders. Almost all trials will examine the mechanism of action of psychedelics using the latest developments in neuroimaging, molecular neuroscience, and natural language processing. These initiatives underscore the Center's role as a leader in developing innovative and effective treatments for mental health conditions. The Center also plans to continue to expand its focus on training and education of mental health clinicians in the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies. The Center has provided training and education free of charge to 250 clinicians thanks to a prior $5 million gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2021. "We are hopeful that the cutting-edge research and training being done at Mount Sinai will go on to transform the lives of veterans, and others, suffering from debilitating mental health conditions," said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. "Bob and I know firsthand the detrimental impacts of PTSD-;not only on the individual but their entire family. We remain committed to battling the stigma surrounding mental health and shining a light on promising treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy." "New treatment options are desperately needed for the millions of people, both civilians and veterans, who suffer from mood and anxiety disorders like PTSD and major depression," said Dennis S. Charney, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of Icahn Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs for the Mount Sinai Health System. "Mount Sinai researchers lead on the frontier of biomedicine, applying scientific rigor while also challenging clinical and scientific dogma to emerge as true innovators. Under Dr. Yehuda's leadership and through the unwavering support of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, this new space enables us to propel our efforts with the speed, safety, and quality that will have a meaningful impact on the field of psychedelic psychotherapy and the patients we serve." Government-led negotiations on the world's first agreement to protect people from future pandemics made significant progress during the latest round of discussions that ended today at the World Health Organization (WHO). Substantive progress on the draft agreement, increased involvement of civil society and non-State actors, and a commitment by all parties to sustain momentum towards a pandemic agreement were hallmarks of the 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which comprises the 194 member governments of WHO, and ran from 9-20 September in Geneva. Negotiators will resume discussions, at a 12th round, from 4-15 November. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised the "collective commitment" shown by governments and other stakeholders to conclude the pandemic agreement, and an urgent need to do so in light of the persistent threat shown by viruses with pandemic potential. The next pandemic will not wait for us, whether from a flu virus like H5N1, another coronavirus, or another family of viruses we don't yet know about. But all the ingredients are in place to meet the objective of countries to negotiate a generational pandemic agreement. The world needs hope that it is still possible for countries to find common solutions to common problems. You can provide that hope." Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou, INB Bureau Co-chair of France, said the latest round of negotiations demonstrated the commitment by governments towards a pandemic accord to make the world safer and healthier. It also showed the critical role being played by civil society and other non-governmental stakeholders to ensure that equity, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of the agreement. "During extensive discussions, visible commitment was shown by Member States of WHO towards a pandemic agreement," Ambassador Amprou said. "There was clear recognition from all countries that we must agree on a way forward to work better, together, to protect their citizens from future pandemics." Ambassador Amprou added: "The constructive contributions by INB relevant stakeholders were incredibly valuable. Together, we must sustain this progress during the coming months to realize our shared goal to forge a pandemic agreement that guides future global responses to pandemics." Each day during the past two weeks of discussions, INB relevant stakeholders joined negotiators for updates on progress and next steps, the latest version of the draft agreement reflecting the latest government proposals, and to offer suggestions. Detailed interactive dialogues were held during the week prior on critical subjects and publicly broadcast. "There is growing urgency for an effective Pandemic Agreement that does not only prepares us for the next pandemic but helps prevent it, including via a One Health approach," said Nina Jamal, Head of Pandemics at the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS. "We thank the Bureau for transparency towards relevant stakeholders, increased openness and constructive proposals by Member States, promoting successful negotiations. We are looking forward to further progress on the substance of the pandemic agreement and improved dialogue among member states to arrive at a meaningful, effective result." Michelle Childs, Policy Advocacy Director for the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), added: "DNDi welcomes the sharing of the draft texts and daily briefings. These help to improve the ability of stakeholders to follow and input and counter misinformation about what is actually being discussed. We encourage further steps to enhance transparency, including making stakeholder interventions publicly available." Ms Precious Matsoso, INB Co-Chair from South Africa, said there was progress on fundamental areas of the draft agreement, including on research and development, regulatory systems strengthening, One Health, pandemic prevention and technology , supply chain networks and a new system for increased access to pathogens of pandemic potential and sharing of benefits, such as vaccines, diagnostics and treatments. "Following nearly three years of negotiations, countries are now focused on the remaining and most critical elements of the draft agreement to protect the world from future pandemics," Ms Matsoso said. Ms Matsoso added: "At the heart of the negotiations is recognition that collaboration among countries will ensure the world will not be left vulnerable in the face of future pandemics, while each and every country will maintain their sovereignty and control over national health decision-making." In December 2021, a special session of the World Health Assembly established the INB to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the Constitution of the World Health Organization, to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. At the World Health Assembly in June 2024, governments made concrete commitments to complete negotiations on a global pandemic agreement within a year, at the latest, and possibly in 2024. A new international study provides a shortlist 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, published Thursday in the journal Cell, is based on an analysis of genetic data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The data comes from more than 800 samples collected in and around the Huanan Seafood Wholesale market in Wuhan, China, beginning on Jan. 1, 2020, and from viral genomes from early COVID-19 patients. This may be the last big, new set of data directly from the market, and in a way, it's like finishing the last piece of a puzzle showing a picture that has been pretty clear already. We present a thorough and rigorous analysis of the data and how it fits in with the rest of the huge body of evidence we have about how the pandemic started." Michael Worobey, one of three co-corresponding authors on the paper and head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona On Jan. 1, 2020, just hours after the market closed, investigators from the Chinese CDC went to the market to collect samples. Although they encountered little in the way of live wildlife, they swabbed the floors, walls and other surfaces of many stalls. They came back days later to focus on surfaces in stalls where wildlife was sold, such as a cages and carts used to move animals, and also collected samples from drains and sewers. They performed metatranscriptomic sequencing of the samples, a technique used to obtain RNA sequences (and which can pick up DNA as well) from all organisms present in the samples viruses, bacteria, plants, animals and humans. The Chinese CDC team, led by Liu Jun, published its 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. The Chinese CDC shared the sequencing data on public and open repositories. According to the latest analysis of the data, SARS-CoV-2 was present in some of the same stalls where wildlife was sold at the market. That wildlife included raccoon dogs small foxlike 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 were found on the same swabs. "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," said co-corresponding author Florence Debarre of the French National Centre for Scientific Research. "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." 'Spark in a tinderbox' Putting wild animals with viruses in contact with humans in the heart of big cities, where population densities make it easy for these viruses to take hold, is one of the most risky things humans can do, Worobey said. "Not all of those viruses have the potential to start a pandemic, but when you do bring them in, it's like a spark in a tinderbox," he said. The researchers also performed evolutionary analysis of the earliest viral genomes reported in the 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, then subsequent spread throughout Wuhan and, eventually, the whole world, Worobey said. While the data cannot prove whether one or more of these animals were infected, the analyses provide a clear list of the species that most likely could have carried the virus. The study also presents the most complete record of animal species and specific populations within those species that could have acted as intermediate hosts at the market, Worobey said. "It gives us clues about the populations that were represented there for each species," he said. "Where in Southeast Asia did they live? Where might they have come from? How many were farmed versus wild-caught and then moved into the transportation networks of illegal wildlife?" Although there has been an increased focus on lab safety since the pandemic began more than four years ago, Worobey says "surprisingly little has been done to decrease the risk of a virus jumping from wildlife into humans again." "We need to start putting the evidence of how this pandemic started into action by taking serious, concrete action to stop the perilous practice of bringing live animals with potential pandemic pathogens into densely populated urban areas," he said. BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- As autumn harvest approaches, Li Yucheng smiles at the sight of his thriving paddy fields, where golden ears of rice dance in the breeze and stalks stand tall against the backdrop of fertile black soil. "We planted 800 hectares of rice this year. Despite facing challenges from low temperatures and rainy weather early on, we nurtured the crops back to health, and the yield is expected to exceed 9 tonnes per hectare," said Li, chairman of a modern agricultural machinery cooperative in Huachuan County, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. According to Li, the cooperative has implemented high-tech equipment, including agricultural Internet of Things devices, micro weather stations and pest monitoring systems. The dynamic data can be monitored right from the mobile phone, making field management more accurate and efficient, he added. Back in 1998, when Li first started farming, he spent over 200 days a year in the fields, managing just around 5.33 hectares of rice. Now, thanks to advanced agricultural machinery such as high-horsepower tractors and plant protection drones, he works in the fields for no more than 100 days a year. Li emphasized the importance the government has attached to grain production over the years, highlighting measures such as reducing agricultural taxes, providing grain subsidies and offering training in agricultural techniques. "I am now full of confidence in grain production," he said. Dubbed China's grain barn, Heilongjiang has taken the lead in the country's agricultural modernization, with the overall mechanization rate for crop cultivation and harvesting reaching 99.07 percent. The province's grain output reached 77.88 billion kg in 2023, securing its position as China's top producer for the 14th consecutive year. In the central granary province of Henan, continuous improvements in agricultural infrastructure and the application of advanced technology have also significantly increased grain yields. In Yuanwu Township of Xinxiang City, grain farmer Shen Jifeng coordinated early with a nearby agricultural machinery cooperative to schedule the harvest of over 20 hectares of corn. "The yield is expected to be around 9,750 kg per hectare," Shen noted, adding that with the help of machinery, the harvest will be completed in just two days. Shen also noted that the agricultural department regularly provides vital information, including meteorological alerts, soil moisture data, pest reports and field management suggestions. This information is partially sourced from a pole on his field equipped with solar panels, high-definition cameras, atmospheric sensors and other devices. Developed by the Central-China Agricultural Valley, an agricultural innovation platform, the pole is connected to a buried soil sensor that continuously transmits various data. The data is processed to assess weather, soil conditions and seedling health, according to Yin Yue, a platform staff member. Henan plans to establish a total of 1 million hectares of demonstration zones for high-standard farmland by 2025, aiming to increase grain production capacity from 65 to 70 billion kg. Technology also ensures food security in mountainous regions. In southwestern Guizhou Province, where mountainous and hilly areas account for 92.5 percent of the total land, per capita arable land is only 0.09 hectares, below the national average. At a modern seed breeding center in Kaiyang County, digital workshops are in full operation, and automated facilities are engaged in production. The center has bred over 10 new vegetable varieties, including peppers, tomatoes, kale, broccoli and eggplant, which were developed by domestic and international research institutions and seed industry enterprises. "Through advanced technologies such as digital control, precision planting and tidal seedling breeding, we can produce 6 to 7 million seedlings per crop cycle," said Chen Fucai, technical director of Guizhou modern seed industry company, which manages the breeding center. Remarkably, two to three workers can oversee more than 4,000 square meters of seedling area. Since April 2023, Guizhou has launched innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives for agricultural technicians, attracting 2,874 professional teams to contribute scientifically to improving grain and oil yields. Additionally, a project to cultivate high-quality farmers is scheduled to train over 10,000 individuals in cultural, technical and management skills. China celebrates its seventh farmers' harvest festival on Sunday. The country continues to prioritize food security, as it feeds over 1.4 billion people with only 9 percent of the world's arable land. Over the past years, various measures have been implemented to improve grain output, including building more high-standard farmland and promoting agricultural technologies. By the end of 2023, China has developed over 66.7 million hectares of high-standard farmland, with 13 key grain-producing provincial-level regions accounting for around 70 percent of the total. The study, which will serve "as a guide for rapid diagnosis", provides valuable information for the medical community, in particular in primary care. The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) researcher Inigo Murga has conducted a rigorous study into this complex, unknown disorder over a period of 7 years. After assessing the symptoms of each patient, he concluded that "there are different profiles of patients. We managed to clinically characterize all these symptoms, and to form different subgroups in order to establish a very precise assessment protocol for each patient", explained Murga. Internationally, "the disease is mainly studied as if it had unique characteristics, but we have seen that it is highly diverse". The paper entitled "Clinical Heterogeneity in ME/CFS. A way to Understand Long COVID-19 Fatigue" covers these aspects and has been published by the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry. The exhaustive research carried out in the UPV/EHU's Department of Neurosciences over these years by Inigo Murga has made this course of action, which can be used as a basis for furthering the study of chronic fatigue syndrome, available to the scientific community. This work also highlights the need to raise awareness of this condition and provides a set of simple tools for early diagnosis in primary care. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a neurological syndrome (International Classification of Diseases, code 8E49) with repercussions in various organ systems and is highly incapacitating; it reflects a situation of persistent, unexplained fatigue in performing minor physical and mental efforts. It is a complex disorder of unknown origin and drastically reduces the patient's professional, social and domestic activities. It mainly affects women of productive age more than men, although it may also appear in childhood; it also has a socio-health profile of a rare or infrequent disease, with diagnosis taking approximately five years on average. The study also assessed the functions of the autonomic nervous system (which controls the involuntary actions of the viscera) and determined autoantibody levels in blood to find out the neurological and immune compromise of the disease. Strong similarity with post-COVID-19 syndrome Inigo Murga stressed the importance of making the social problem of chronic fatigue syndrome visible: "In addition to the high levels of functional limitations of the patients, once the diagnosis has been made, many individuals find it difficult to have it monitored and their employment rights recognized. Likewise, given its complexity, the Basque public health system lacks Specialised Units and has to go to Catalonia. Murga stressed that nowadays "the condition has become particularly important due to its strong similarity with post-COVID-19 syndrome". However, he stressed the need to conduct research in order to "determine whether we are dealing with different or truly identical conditions". The researcher believes that "knowledge needs to be furthered from the university and bio-health sphere. We currently have sufficient experience in this disease for the UPV/EHU and the Basque Country to become a leading international reference. With this work we have already planted the seed", said Murga. Investors will keep a track on global trends and trading activity of foreign investors with no major domestic trigger in sight this week, analysts said and added that markets may face volatility amid the monthly derivatives expiry. Stock markets had a record-breaking rally last week, largely driven by the US Federal Reserves rate cut. Historically, rate cuts in the US have had a positive impact on emerging markets, with India being a favoured bet among global investors, Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart Ltd, said. The highlight of the week was the aggressive buying by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), who poured in over Rs 14,000 crore on Friday alone, he added. There are no major triggers expected this week, but upcoming macroeconomic data from the US will be crucial to monitor. FII flows will remain a key factor for the Indian equity market, alongside domestic institutional inflows, which will also play an important role. While markets currently seem unfazed by geopolitical risks, these factors could pose a significant threat to the ongoing bullish momentum. As we approach the September F&O expiry, heightened volatility is likely, Meena said. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,359.51 points or 1.63 per cent to settle at an all-time high of 84,544.31 on Friday. During the day, it soared 1,509.66 points or 1.81 per cent to hit the momentous intra-day peak of 84,694.46. The NSE Nifty surged 375.15 points or 1.48 per cent to close at a record 25,790.95 level. During the day, the gauge zoomed 433.45 points or 1.70 per cent to reach an all-time intra-day peak of 25,849.25. Last week, the BSE benchmark jumped 1,653.37 points or 1.99 per cent and Nifty surged 434.45 points or 1.71 per cent. Siddhartha Khemka, Head Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said, Markets are gradually climbing up and we expect this positive momentum to continue this week backed by strong FII inflow, healthy domestic macros, and receding concern about the US economy slowing down. Movement of rupee against the US dollar and global oil benchmark Brent crude will also influence trading in the markets. Although the major event of the Feds rate cut is behind us, attention will remain on the US markets for further direction. Additionally, trends in foreign fund flows and crude oil price movements will be critical factors for investors to monitor, as they may impact market direction in the coming weeks, Ajit Mishra SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said. Mcap of 6 of Top-10 Most Valued Firms Jumps Rs 1.97 Lakh Cr The combined market valuation of 6 of the top 10 most valued firms jumped Rs 1,97,734.77 crore last week, with ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank emerging as the biggest winners, in-line with optimistic trends in equities. The valuation of ICICI Bank surged Rs 63,359.79 crore to Rs 9,44,226.88 crore, the most among the top-10 firms. HDFC Bank added Rs 58,569.52 crore taking its market valuation to Rs 13,28,605.29 crore. Bharti Airtels valuation soared Rs 44,319.91 crore to Rs 9,74,810.11 crore. The market capitalisation (mcap) of Reliance Industries climbed Rs 19,384.07 crore to Rs 20,11,544.68 crore. Hindustan Unilevers valuation gained Rs 10,725.88 crore to Rs 7,00,084.21 crore and that of ITC went up by Rs 1,375.6 crore to Rs 6,43,907.42 crore. However, the mcap of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) slumped Rs 85,730.59 crore to Rs 15,50,459.04 crore. The valuation of Infosys tumbled Rs 15,861.16 crore to Rs 7,91,438.39 crore. The mcap of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) tanked Rs 14,832.12 crore to Rs 6,39,172.64 crore and that of State Bank of India declined by Rs 7,719.79 crore to Rs 6,97,815.41 crore. (With PTI inputs) Securing a government job is no easy task, and finding one that aligns with your skills and educational background can be even more challenging. If youre aiming to land a government job, dont worry, weve got you covered. Heres a list of top government-recruited organisations currently hiring. Review the eligibility criteria and apply for the vacancies this week. NTPC DEPUTY MANAGER POSTS The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has invited online applications for the post of Deputy Manager in various fields, including Electrical Erection, Civil Construction and Mechanical Erection, and Control and Instrumentation (C & I) Erection. Candidates can apply for a total of 250 positions at ntpc.co.in before September 28. The maximum age limit for the above-mentioned posts is 40 years. According to the notification issued, candidates from the General, EWS, and OBC categories are required to pay an application fee of Rs 300. After selection, candidates can expect to receive a monthly salary ranging from Rs 70,000 to Rs 2,00,000read more TERRITORIAL ARMY OFFICER POSTS If you want to be a part of the Indian Army, this opportunity is for you. The organisation is recruiting 10 individuals for the posts of officers under the Territorial Army. Candidates can apply for the above-mentioned posts, by visiting the official website of the Territorial Army at jointerritorialarmy.gov.in and filling out the application process for these posts. This recruitment is looking for candidates who have a graduate degree from any recognised university or institute. It is to be noted that the application form along with the relevant documents must be sent to this address: Directorate General of Territorial Army, Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defense, A Block, 4th Floor, Ministry of Defense Office Complex, KG Marg, New Delhi 110001read more IGCAR TRADE APPRENTICE POSTS The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) has commenced the online application process for 198 ITI Trade Apprentice positions. The registrations began on September 14 and they will run till October 13. Candidates must have completed their Industrial Training Institute in relevant trades. Also, candidates must be between 18 to 24 years of age as of the deadline for application. It is to be noted that the tenure of the apprenticeship will be one year. Moreover, the selection of the candidates will be based on merit, which will be calculated from marks secured in ITI vocational coursesread more RRC NCR APPRENTICESHIP POSTS The Railway Recruitment Cell, North Central Railway (RRC NCR) in Prayagraj, is recruiting 1,679 candidates for apprentice posts. Individuals who have completed ITI and are looking to gain practical experience in the railways through an apprenticeship program can apply till October 15. This recruitment will cover several divisions and departments within the North Central Railway. To successfully apply for the posts, candidates must pay an application fee of Rs 100. However, applications are free for those falling under SC/ST candidates, disabled and female candidatesread more SSC GD CONSTABLE POSTS The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has started the recruitment process for over 39,000 Constable GD positions. This recruitment drive will cover positions in Rifleman, CAPF, SSF in Assam Rifles, and Sepoy in the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The last date to submit the applications is October 14. The computer-based written examination for SSC Constable GD Recruitment is all set to take place between January and February 2025. Candidates who qualify the recruitment examination will need to undergo physical and medical testsread more J&K HIGH COURT JUNIOR ASSISTANT AND VARIOUS OTHER POSITIONS The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh is inviting online applications for Junior Assistant and various other positions. Candidates who are domiciled in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir can apply through the official website by October 1. This recruitment drive will fill up to 283 positions, including junior assistants, system officers, stenotypists, and system assistants in the subordinate courts of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. It is important to note that the application forms for in-service applicants should be submitted to the Principal Secretarys office to the Honble Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, through the Head of the Department concerned, within 15 days after the deadlineread more SBI SCO DEPUTY, ASSISTANT MANAGER POSTS Looking for a job in the banking sector? We have got you covered. The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced it has started the online application process for the recruitment of 1,497 Specialist Cadre Officer (SCO) positions. These roles include assistant manager and deputy manager in the IT systems domain. The application window opened on September 14 and will remain live on October 4. Furthermore, the deadline to print the application is on October 19read more The Centre has announced 50 Quad scholarships, worth $500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific region to pursue a four-year undergraduate engineering programme at a government of India funded technical institution. This announcement comes after PM Narendra Modi attended the Quad Summit in Clayton, Delaware in US President Joe Bidens alma mater Archmere Academy along with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. While attending the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said Quad is not against anybody and is here to stay. Quad is essential for humanity. We want a rules-based international order and want a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts. Free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific is a joint commitment, the PM said. While Biden said Quad is a group of democracies who get things done. Australian PM Albanese pointed out during the meeting that the Quad is dedicated to delivering impactful outcomes in several important sectors such as clean energy, critical technologies, and counter-terrorism. The Quad leaders had also attended the Cancer Moonshot Event where they announced measures to boost support for cancer patients in the Indo-Pacific. PM Modi pledged 40 million vaccine doses to Indo-Pacific countries under the GAVI and Quad initiatives. The Institute of International Education has meanwhile announced its second cohort of fellows. It has extended the programme to include students from countries that are part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Quad Fellows are usually selected from Australia, India, Japan, the United States and the 10 Southeast Asian countries of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Prospective Fellows are expected to demonstrate academic excellence, exceptional results in their field, and a desire to use their talents to promote collective good, reads the official notice on the website. Daniel Ricciardo admitted that Sundays Singapore Grand Prix may have been his last, after finishing in style with a hot lap and being voted driver of the day by global TV viewers. The Australian self-styled Honey Badger came last of the 18 finishers in his RB at the Marina Bay Circuit, but not before he had managed to snatch the fastest lap from race winner Lando Norris. That could prove crucial for former team-mate Max Verstappens title race as Norris had been set to grab the bonus point. Verstappens lead in the title race is down to 52 points after he came second and he was grateful to Ricciardo and the junior Red Bull team for preventing it being whittled further. Thank you, Daniel, Verstappen said over team radio after crossing the finish line. The Australian is widely loved as one of the most affable drivers in the paddock, with an infectious permanent smile and great sense of humour. Danny Ric An emotional Daniel Ricciardo speaks after the #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/53hD09HZ4z Formula 1 (@F1) September 22, 2024 If Max wins (the title) by a point, then I just guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present, he joked after the race. Ricciardo, who won eight GPs in 13 years on the grid, will be missed. He introduced Aussie culture, in the form of the Shoey, to the podium as he guzzled champagne from his sweaty racing boot after each of his wins. Ricciardo bows out with 32 podium appearances during stints with Toro Rosso (later AlphaTauri and now RB), Red Bull, Renault and McLaren, scoring 1,329 points. Typically the driver of the day thing is maybe not something us drivers look too much into, said an emotional Ricciardo. But today I can say its something Im appreciative of. So that one means a little something. Lets say maybe the fairytale ending didnt happen, but I also have to look back on whats been 13 or so years and Im proud. Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent diplomatic engagements have placed India at the forefront of global attention. His attendance at the G7 summit in Italy, followed by visits to Russia and Ukraine culminating in a trip to the United States, coupled with National Security Advisor Ajit Dovals meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankars visit to Berlin, signal a heightened role for India in facilitating dialogue and potentially mediating between the warring parties. MODIS MULTIFACETED DIPLOMACY Amid the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Prime Minister Modi was invited to attend the G7 summit earlier this year. His presence at this forum, his fifth consecutive attendance, historically dominated by Western powers who largely condemned Russias actions, underscored Indias growing economic influence and its increasing importance in shaping international policy discussions, particularly as the conflicts ripple effects impact the global economy and energy security. ALSO READ | PM Modi And Biden Cement MQ-9B Drone Deal In Delaware As India, US Reaffirm Strong Defence Ties It is also a critical time for the West as it tries to contain China economically as well as geopolitically. India stands to gain majorly from G7 countries trying to shift their economic ties away from China to friendly countries. Indias willingness to collaborate on shared concerns such as climate change, economic stability, China and Russia, while maintaining its unique position of autonomy is a testament to our newfound role at the world stage. However, it was Modis subsequent visits to Russia and Ukraine that truly demonstrated the sophistication of his diplomatic approach. These trips, undertaken against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, presented a delicate balancing act for India, which has long-standing ties with both the countries. In Moscow, Modi reaffirmed Indias commitment to its historic partnership with Russia, a relationship built on decades of cooperation in defence, trade and energy. While acknowledging the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Modi refrained from criticising Russias actions directly. Modi also became only the second world leader after Xi Jinping to visit Moscow and meet Putin since the war. Held productive discussions with President Putin at the Kremlin today. Our talks covered ways to diversify India-Russia cooperation in sectors such as trade, commerce, security, agriculture, technology and innovation. We attach great importance to boosting connectivity and pic.twitter.com/JfiidtNYa8 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2024 Conversely, during his visit to Kyiv, Modi expressed Indias unwavering support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. He condemned the violence and offered humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people, emphasising the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence, signalled Indias solidarity with a nation facing aggression and its commitment to upholding international law and principles of peaceful coexistence. These seemingly divergent positions, taken within a short span of time, might appear contradictory at first glance. However, they reflect a carefully calibrated diplomatic strategy aimed at preserving Indias relationships with both sides, while simultaneously advocating for peace and stability. By engaging with both Russia and Ukraine, Modi demonstrated Indias willingness to act as a bridge diverging states and potentially facilitate dialogue. Indias approach is rooted in its long-standing foreign policy principle of strategic autonomy, which prioritises independent decision-making and avoids alignment with any particular power bloc. The approach is both pragmatic and putting Indias interest first. INDIAS BALANCING ACT Indias foreign policy doctrine of strategic autonomy has long been a cornerstone of its international relations. This approach, rooted in the nations post-colonial experience and its commitment to non-alignment during the Cold War, prioritises independent decision-making in foreign affairs, avoiding entanglement in great power rivalries and preserving the ability to forge partnerships based on national interest rather than ideological alignment. This has allowed India to cultivate robust relationships with a diverse array of nations. A prime example of this delicate balancing act is Indias relationship with both Russia and the West, particularly the United States. Historically, India has enjoyed a close strategic partnership with Russia, dating back to the Soviet era. This partnership has been underpinned by strong defence ties, with Russia being a major supplier of military equipment to India. However, in recent decades, India has also sought to deepen its engagement with the West, recognising the importance of these relationships for its economic development and security interests. The US, in particular, has emerged as a key partner for India, with growing cooperation in areas such as defence, trade and technology. Recently, both the countries signed the Security of Supplies Arrangement which will streamline the process for both countries to acquire critical defence equipment from each other, ensuring a reliable supply chain even during unforeseen crises. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has placed significant strain on Indias ability to maintain this delicate balance. Western powers, led by the United States, have imposed stringent sanctions on Russia and have actively sought to isolate it diplomatically. Indias response to the conflict has been characterised by a nuanced and pragmatic approach. It has refrained from explicitly condemning Russias actions, abstaining from UN votes criticising the invasion and maintaining its economic ties with Moscow, including the purchase of discounted Russian oil. This stance has drawn criticism from some Western quarters, who have urged India to take a more forceful stand against Russia. However, India has defended its position, arguing that it is acting in its own national interest and that dialogue and diplomacy are the only path to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Indias approach reflects a broader shift in the global landscape towards multipolarity. The rise of China, coupled with the resurgence of Russia, has challenged USAs unipolarity that characterised the post-Cold War era. In this evolving world order, India seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy and avoid becoming overly reliant on any single power. Indias commitment to strategic autonomy is not without its challenges. The pressure from Western powers to take a stronger stance against Russia is likely to persist. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg.During the conversation, Russia's President proposed to hold a bilateral meeting with India's Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/1JV22p76dY ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024 DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVES BY DOVAL, JAISHANKAR Indias proactive engagement in seeking a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict extends beyond Modis direct involvement. Dovals meeting with Putin in Moscow and Jaishankars visit to Berlin highlight Indias more proactive and pronounced role in conflicting times. It is also a signal that India is being seriously looked as a peace broker, a status often revered to nations with serious heft at the international stage. Dovals meeting with Putin in Moscow focused on exploring potential pathways for de-escalation and the resumption of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The discussions reportedly centered on identifying common ground and exploring confidence-building measures that could pave the way for a ceasefire and meaningful dialogue. Jaishankars visit to Berlin, on the other hand, aimed at engaging with European leaders on the broader implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and exploring Indias potential role in facilitating a peaceful settlement. During his meetings with German officials, including Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Jaishankar emphasised the need for a diplomatic solution that addresses the security concerns of all parties involved. He also highlighted Indias growing concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly on developing countries that are facing food and energy shortages as a result of the disruption in global supply chains. Indias diplomatic efforts are guided by a four-point principle that has been articulated by Jaishankar in various international forums. This principle emphasises: This is not the era of war: India believes that war is not a viable solution to international disputes in the 21st century and that dialogue and diplomacy are the only path to lasting peace. There are no solutions on the battlefield: India recognises that military solutions rarely achieve lasting peace and that a negotiated settlement is essential to address the underlying causes of the conflict. Russia must be at the table for talks: India acknowledges that Russia is a key stakeholder in the conflict and that its participation in any peace process is essential for a durable resolution. India is concerned and engaged to find a resolution: India is deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and is actively engaged in seeking a peaceful settlement that addresses the legitimate security concerns of all parties involved. Thank you President @ZelenskyyUa. India will continue to support peace, security and prosperity for everyone in the region. https://t.co/IAgyBH08Gl Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2024 LESSONS FOR THE WORLD Indias diplomatic engagements in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict offer several lessons for the international community. Firstly, Indias ability to maintain balanced relationships with diverse powers, even those with opposing views on critical issues, provides a model for other countries seeking to navigate a complex and multipolar world. Secondly, Indias emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy, even in the face of a protracted and seemingly intractable conflict, underscores the importance of peaceful resolution and the need to avoid escalating tensions. Thirdly, Indias commitment to promoting peace and stability, not only in its own region, but also in other parts of the world, demonstrates its growing role as a responsible global power. ALSO READ | Modi In US: PM Gifts Biden Delhi-Delaware Antique Silver Train, Pashmina Shawl For First Lady Indias unique position affords it a significant opportunity to play a constructive role in mediating the conflict and potentially facilitating a peaceful resolution. Its ability to engage with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as with Western powers, allows it to serve as a bridge between the opposing players and potentially foster dialogue and understanding. This intricate web of relationships stems from Indias long-standing policy of strategic autonomy, its commitment to non-alignment, and its ability to forge partnerships based on national interest rather than ideological divides. While many nations have been forced to choose sides in the conflict, aligning themselves either with Russia or the West, India has deftly navigated this diplomatic tightrope, maintaining open channels of communication and cooperation with all parties involved. As the conflict continues to unfold, Indias unique position and its diplomatic efforts could prove crucial in shaping the path towards a more peaceful and stable future for the region and the world. A 38-year-old software engineer allegedly died by suicide at his home in Chennai. The victim, identified as Karthikeyan was suffering from depression. According to police, Karthikeyan electrocuted himself and his body was found tangled in a live wire by his wife on Thursday. He was alone in the house at the time of the incident. Originally from Theni district in Tamil Nadu, Karthikeyan lived in Chennai with his wife and two children, aged 10 and eight years. According to a TOI report, police said Karthikeyan had earlier complained of being upset due to work pressure and was undergoing treatment for depression for two months. Karthikeyans wife had left for Thirunallur temple, about 300 km from Chennai, on Monday and dropped off the children at her mothers place. She returned home on Thursday night and knocked, but got no response. She used a spare key to enter the house and found Karthikeyan lying unresponsive with a live wire wrapped around his body. A case of unnatural death has been registered and a probe is on. The techies death by suicide, allegedly due to depression over work pressure comes amid outrage across the country over the death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant with Ernst & Young (E&Y) allegedly due to stress in the workplace. The company expressed deep sorrow over the irreparable loss of the young employee and emphasised that they assisted the family during this tragic time. Inscribed with Delhi-Delaware to signify the robust ties between India and US, a silver train model crafted by Maharashtras artisans was gifted to US President Joe Biden by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (September 22). First Lady Jill Biden, meanwhile, received a pashmina shawl in a papier mache box as a gift, officials said. Modi was in Bidens hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, to attend the Quad Leaders meeting. He has now left for New York to address a key conclave at the United Nations, as part of his three-day trip to the US. The antique hand-engraved train is an example of a rare and extraordinary piece masterfully crafted, showcasing the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry. It involves intricate filigree work and is made of 92.5 per cent silver, as per officials. Officials said the model has been customised by inscribing DELHI-DELAWARE on the sides of the main carriage and INDIAN RAILWAYS on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India. They said the creation is a tribute to the steam locomotive era, with artistic brilliance merging with historical significance. It not only highlights the artisans exceptional skill but also serves as a glowing testimony to the long history of the Indian Railways and its global influence, they added. Pashmina gift ensures its legacy remains relevant Modi chose a pashmina shawl for Jill Biden. These shawls are considered the apogee of Jammu and Kashmirs rich and fine legacy of handwork, officials said. Contemporary designers are now incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bolder colours, playful patterns, and even fusion styles. With this gift, the prime minister has ensured that the legacy of Pashmina remains relevant. The story of a Pashmina shawl begins with the Changthangi goat, native to the high altitudes of Ladakh. Its winter coat, known as pashm, is the material used for the shawl. The fine and soft fibre is hand-combed while skilled artisans spin it into yarn, often by hand, using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The palette of each Pashmina shawl is as diverse as the land it belongs to, with natural dyes derived from plants and minerals used in the fabric with vibrant hues. These shawls are considered heirlooms, passed down through generations. Officials further said pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mache boxes from J&K, and are renowned for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. The boxes are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue, and other natural materials. Each box is a unique work of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. These are not only functional but also serve as a decorative item in their own right, they added. The Quad meeting was also attended by the PMs of Australia and Japan, Anthony Albanese and Fumio Kishida. The PM also held bilateral meetings with Biden and his counterparts from Australia and Japan, on the sidelines of the summit. In New York, he will 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. His other engagements include taking part in a round table with CEOs of American firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors. (With PTI inputs) Traffic restrictions will be placed near Mumbais Bandra East where Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud will lay the foundation stone of the Bombay High Courts new complex on Monday. Mumbai Traffic Police has also issued an advisory to ensure commuters dont face trouble. Check Road Closures, Alternative Routes New English School road, which connects Ramkrishna Paramhansa Marg and J. L. Shirsekar Marg, will remain closed for people except for those who would attend the event. The commuters have been requested to take the alternative route Mahatma Gandhi Vidya Mandir road. Bombay HCs New Complex The Bombay High Courts new complex will have world class infrastructure, including well-designed and spacious court rooms, chambers for judges and registry personnel, an arbitration and mediation centre, an auditorium, library, as well as a host of features and amenities for staff, lawyers and litigants, the release informed. The plan is to enable stakeholders to have access to support services such as banking and telecom, medical facilities, digitisation centre, creche, cafeteria, waiting areas, multi-storey car park, museum and lawyers chambers, with the design keeping in mind accessibility features for differently-abled stakeholders, the release added. The land on which the new premises will come up is well located, with proximity to the island city as well as the metropolis suburbs, the arterial Western Express Highway and the Bandra Kurla Complex, among the countrys leading commercial hubs. The Bombay High Court, founded on August 16, 1862, is currently located in a majestic building near Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk) that the court has occupied since November 1878, the state government release added. The Bombay High Court exercises jurisdiction over Maharashtra through the Principal Seat in Mumbai and benches at Nagpur and Aurangabad as well as Goa. It also exercises jurisdiction over the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The High Court has a sanctioned strength of 94 judges, while the current strength being 66 sitting judges, the release said. (With PTI inputs) Multiple detonators were found on a railway track in an attempt to blow up the train carrying army personnel in Nepanagar of Madhya Pradeshs Burhanpur district, officials said on Monday. The incident took place near the Sagphata railway station when the armys special train was travelling from Jammu and Kashmir to Karnataka on September 18. These were railway detonators typically used to produce sound during the foggy season. When a special army train passed over them, the locomotive pilot applied emergency brakes after hearing the sound and alerted the control. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), National Investigation Agency (NIA), railways, and local police are investigating the case. Notably, these were expired detonators. The railways have procedures for disposing of expired detonators, so it is unclear how these detonators ended up on the tracks. Third Train Derailment Attempt In Kanpur In the third train derailment attempt near Kanpur this month, a gas cylinder was found on the rail tracks in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The incident occurred near Prempur railway station on the Delhi-Howrah rail line. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) promptly arrived at the scene, and an investigation is underway. A freight train was running on the loop line from Kanpur towards Prayagraj when the incident took place. The locomotive pilot spotted the gas cylinder when he was asked to stop to let the other express train pass the section and immediately informed the control room. A goods train going from Kanpur towards Prayagraj was stopped using the emergency brakes after the driver spotted a gas cylinder lying on the tracks, at Prempur Station at 5:50 am today (September 22). Railway IOW (Inspector of work), security and other teams examined the cylinder and removed it from the tracks. Upon inspection, it was found that the 5-litre cylinder was empty. Directions have been given to investigate the matter, CPRO North Central Railway said in a statement. On September 9, the Kalindi Express, travelling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani in Haryana, hit a gas cylinder placed on the track near Kanpur. However, an accident was averted. Another attempt at train derailment was thwarted on Saturday after the railway officials found and removed fish plates and keys from a railway track near Kim Railway Station in Surat, Gujarat. Jan Shatabdi driver spots iron pole on tracks in Uttarakhand On September 18, a potential train accident was averted in Uttarakhand after the loco pilot of the Naini Jan Shatabdi Express spotted an telephone pole on the tracks and applied emergency brakes. Officials alleged that it could be an act of sabotage. According to the police, two drug addicts for allegedly placing the pole on the tracks. They were identified as Sandeep Chauhan alias Sunny and Vijender alias Tinku. Police said they were both trying to steal the telephone pole, but left it on the tracks when they saw the train coming and fled. Both the accused are addicted to drugs and alcohol, they said. They further said 16 criminal cases are registered against Chauhan, who is a resident of Bilaspur Road police station area in Rampur. There are two criminal cases against Vijender. On 18.09.24 at 22.18hrs, Loco Pilot of train number 12091 reported to Station Master/Rudrapur City that he found one 6 metre long iron pole on track between Bilaspur Road and Rudrapur City, said a railway spokesperson, suggesting an act of sabotage to safe train operation. The driver stopped the train to clear the track. He started the train safely afterwards. The spokesperson said a major tragedy was averted due to the alertness of the loco pilot. (With PTI inputs) COLOMBO, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has extended the curfew imposed in the country until noon on Sunday, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said. A curfew was imposed in Sri Lanka with effect from 10 p.m. on Saturday to 6 a.m. on Sunday, police announced in a press release on Saturday night. The police said that while a peaceful situation prevails in the country, the decision to impose a curfew was taken to ensure further safety of people. Voting for the presidential election in Sri Lanka started at 7 a.m. local time on Saturday and officially ended at 4 p.m. on the same day. The counting of the votes is still underway as of Sunday morning. As the festive season sweeps across India, spanning from Onam to Diwali, consumers are gearing up for a shopping spree like no other. This period is deeply embedded in cultural traditions, and spending habits reflect this festive spirit. Consumer brands are keen to tap into the sentiment and behaviors driving purchases, particularly given that household spending can increase by 20-30% during these months. With the rise of social media and the expansion of digital platforms, consumers are now more informed, and their shopping choices have evolved dramatically. According to Amit Srivastava, AVP Marketing, Appliances, USHA International, brands have learned to stay relevant by engaging customers where they are most active. He points out that the traditional surge in spending during this season is often influenced by consumers seeking out advanced features and energy-efficient products. At Usha, we like to be where the customer wants us, which is what keeps us relevant and makes us amongst the most trusted consumer brands in the country. Our strategy is to be present across platforms where our potential customers are likely to engage with us, shares Srivastava. The approach is a mix of online and offline marketing, with a focus on customized outreach, two-way communication, and creative content. Sukhesh Madaan, CEO, Blaupunkt Audio India, echoes the sentiment that social media has revolutionized the way brands connect with their audience. We are all pumped for the upcoming festive season, he states, highlighting that social media trends are playing a key role in influencing purchasing decisions. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are no longer just spaces for social interaction, but for soliciting product advice and following trends. Madaan believes that this shift has pushed brands toward content-driven marketing strategies. Through social media, Blaupunkt Audio India can present its latest products while maintaining a direct line of communication with consumers. Social media has truly become a window into consumer behavior, he notes, emphasizing the role these platforms play in personalizing engagement. This direct interaction is further amplified by the growing impact of influencer and celebrity marketing. Archit Agarwal, co-founder, Crossbeats, emphasizes how social media has not only increased the visibility of consumer tech brands but has also played a significant role in boosting sales of products like cameras, microphones, and headphonesparticularly as more people engage with content creation. With more and more people engaging in creating content for social media, demands for consumer tech products have witnessed a sharp uptick in sales, says Agarwal. He explains that brands are capitalizing on festive spending by offering bundle deals and discounts, with social media acting as the perfect platform to showcase these offers. The consensus is clearthis festive season is a golden opportunity for brands to engage with their customers in creative and personalized ways. Social media trends have not only increased consumer choices but have also provided brands with an insight into evolving customer needs, from tech-savvy grandparents to digital-first millennials. Brands, whether in appliances, audio, or consumer tech, are responding with tailored marketing strategies that capture the essence of festive shopping in the modern, digital age. Kyphosis is a spinal deformity characterized by excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to hunched or rounded back, which can substantially impact a childs physical health and general well-being. While some curvature is normal, Kyphosis is diagnosed when the curve exceeds 50 degrees. The deformity comes in many forms, such as postural kyphosis, Scheuermanns kyphosis, and congenital kyphosis, each with its cause and implications. Dr. Hamza Shaikh, Consultant, Spine Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka shares all you need to know about Kyphosis: Causes and Risk Factors Postural KyphosisThis is the most common variety and is almost universal in adolescents. It is mostly associated with poor posture, whereby the slouching stance becomes habitual. The type of kyphosis, however, is flexible and correctable by adopting a proper posture through exercises. Scheuermanns KyphosisA more advanced form of the condition, mostly noticeable at the beginning of adolescence. Wedging of the vertebras during growth causes a structural and typically rigid curvature, which is resistant to correction by alteration in posture. The exact cause is unknown, but some causes are thought to relate to genetics and rapid growth at puberty. Congenital KyphosisThis is a rare type of kyphosis. The spine does not grow in the womb properly and has some vertebral malformations. With growth, it may be fast in progression and needs surgical intervention in most cases. Neuromuscular KyphosisDiseases like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can affect muscle tone and contribute to abnormal spinal curvature Symptoms and Diagnosis The symptoms of kyphosis can vary depending on the severity and type of the condition. Both are typical signs. A visibly rounded or hunched back Back pain, especially in the middle or lower part of the spine Fatigue due to muscle strain Stiffness and difficulty standing straight Weakness in legs Bladder and bowel incontinence Breathing difficulty In severe cases, it is hard to breathe because of the pressure the curvature puts on the chest cavity. Diagnosis Typically involves a physical exam whereby the spine surgeon will examine the curve of the spine and the flexibility extent. The extent of curvature, as well as the cause, can commonly be gauged through X-rays. Further evaluation in the form of an MRI or CT scan may sometimes be required to have a detailed view of the deformity and it helps in planning for the surgery if needed. Treatment Treatment of kyphosis depends on the type and severity of the curve. In mild cases, especially in postural kyphosis, physical therapy and exercises that strengthen back muscles are enough. Such exercises improve ones posture and limit further curvature progression. Surgery is indicated in cases of congenital kyphosis or in severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment. The surgery is designed to correct the deformity by doing osteotomy (bone cutting) and spinal fusion surgery. Kyphosis in a child can cause a poor quality of life if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are the main principles of dealing with the disease and preventing possible complications. Parents should be careful about the way their children are standing and seek medical advice in case of any abnormal signals of spinal curving. Proper care and treatment for the child will enable many to live a healthy, active life. A photo of the Bachchan family vacationing on a yacht has caught everyones attention. The image features Abhishek Bachchan holding Aishwarya Rai close as the actress cuddles up with their daughter, Aaradhya. Amitabh Bachchan can be seen sitting next to Aishwarya with granddaughter Navya Nanda. Jaya Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan are also seen in the photo. When the image surfaced on Reddit recently, several fans speculated that it was either AI-generated or had been edited by AI. The image is real and was shared by the Bachchan family many years ago. However, some editing has led fans to think that the image is fake. Check out the photo here: One person wrote, AI smoothing made Abhishek look like Hasan Minhaj. Another person wrote, What is this weird flood of AI-generated images recently? One comment read, Fake pic. Another person wrote, Why does Abhishek not look like himself here? However, one person wrote, Real hai, Bachchan family posted it many years ago. The image is from a vacation that the Bachchans took to the Maldives in 2017. The photo was first shared by Navya Nanda on her Instagram. The Bachchans are among the most popular families in Bollywood and as such, fans pay close attention to their every move. Recently, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai raised eyebrows when they made separate appearances for Anant Ambanis wedding. While Abhishek arrived for the festivities with Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai arrived separately with their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. Soon after that, Abhishek Bachchan liked a post about divorce on Instagram, leaving fans concerned. However, it was later found out that the article Abhishek liked was written by a common friend he has with Aishwarya and the actor was only showing support to the work. Aishwarya Rai and Aaradhya Bachchans frequent getaways and appearances sans Abhishek Bachchan have also caught fans attention. Coldplay concert tickets sold out on BookMyShow within 90 minutes of the scheduled opening time as lakhs of fans logged in to get a chance to watch the legendary British rock band in perform live in Mumbai. The band, headed by Chris Martin, will be performing live at Navi Mumbais DY Patil Stadium on January 18 and 19 next year for its wildly popular Music of the Spheres World Tour. Tickets ranging from as low as Rs 2,500 (general stands) to Rs 35,000 (lounge) quickly sold out for both days, as fans waited patiently to book their chosen shows. After a slight delay from the scheduled opening time of noon, the portal restricted four tickets each for each user. Tickets were available in five categories standing (floor), lounge, and three levels with different prices according to viewing options. Tickets for the standing category cost Rs 6,450 while the lounge tickets were priced at 35,000 each. For the three levels the tickets were price between Rs 2,500 to Rs 12,500. Each user was given four minutes to book seats for the concert. But, as tickets dwindled, the booking portal introduced a third show giving a new lease to many hopefuls for another chance to watch the band live. It will be performing on another day on January 21, 2025. Hrithik Roshan is currently in Italy, busy filming his upcoming action drama War 2. On Sunday, he treated fans to a behind-the-scenes photo from the set, which was met with a lot of love from his girlfriend, Saba Azad. Hrithik took to Instagram to share a picture of himself standing amidst lush green mountains and a clear blue sky. Dressed in a grey t-shirt and striped pants, hes seen admiring the scenic view while his stylist, Anaita Shroff Adajania, captured the moment. His caption read, Taking it all in. Photo by @anaitashroffadajania. Italy. WAR2. The actor is in Italy shooting a song sequence with director Ayan Mukerji. Recently, a video from the set surfaced online, showing Hrithik pacing in front of the camera during filming. In another clip, Hrithik is spotted in a white t-shirt, black half-jacket, and white pants, holding a script while walking with the War 2 crew. Several behind-the-scenes photos also show director Ayan Mukerji on set. According to Mid-Day, the Italy schedule for War 2 will last 15 days, with Hrithik and potentially Kiara Advani set to shoot a romantic song at iconic locations like Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast. A source shared, When you have two of the most good-looking actors in the Indian film industry paired for the first time, you need to give audiences songs that will present them in their hottest best. War 2 is going to do exactly that with Hrithik and Kiara, as they head to Italy to shoot a grand romantic number that will take around 6 days to film! About War 2, a source previously told Bollywood Hungama, Its going to be Hrithik vs Jr NTR in War 2. But the makers smartly and organically have come up with a situation in the film where the two male leads will be seen dancing to a catchy song. It is composed by Pritam and is considered to be one of the biggest highlights of the film. The source further said, Both Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR are known for their dance moves. Interestingly, both were recently seen in two hero films Hrithik in War and Jr NTR in RRR. Both films had two hero dance numbers that were unanimously loved (Jr NTR shook a leg with Ram Charan in the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu). For War 2, they both come together and hence, one can expect fireworks on the big screen during their number. Itll be like Jai Jai Shivshankar meeting Naatu Naatu! This highly anticipated Bollywood film is slated for a 2025 release. 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 the 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. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed PTI) Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most popular actors in Bollywood. He has been ruling the hearts for decades. Well, the actor is blessed with three children. In an old interview, Shah Rukh Khan revealed the reason behind the name of his youngest son, Abram. During an interaction with fans, the Pathan actor revealed why he chose the unique name. During his appearance on Rajat Sharmas Aap Ki Adalat, Khan was asked by a fan why he named his youngest son AbRam and what the name meant. He responded, First of all, Hazrat Ibrahim in Islam is known as Abraham in the Bible, and in Judaism, its Abram. I thought that since my wife (Gauri Khan) is Hindu and I am Muslim, we wanted our kids to feel a sense of secularism at home. Many people didnt like it, and it became a controversy, but I believe that in our home, we have the same secularism as our country. On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan is currently busy with the shoot of King. which will reportedly also star his daughter Suhana Khan and Munjya star Abhay Verma. At the Locarno Film Festival, Shah Rukh Khan also opened up about King for the first time and said, It is an action drama, its a Hindi film. Itll be interesting. Ive been wanting to do a film like that for some time, and I really wanted to do a film like this for seven, eight years. We just felt Sujoy would be the right choice, because we wanted it to be very emotionally correct. We are all coming together to make a cool, massy, action, emotional film. King Khan further mentioned that despite his absence in Hollywood, his ultimate dream isnt about personal fame on a global stage its about something much larger. My dream is to get that one Indian film to be seen with the kind of audience that a big Hollywood film is seen, whether Im part of it as an actor, as a light man, as a producer, as a writer, as a presenter, Khan revealed. He also added, The next film Im doing, King, I have to start working on my film King. Have to lose some weight a little, stretch a little so my groin doesnt get caught while doing action. It is painful. Its the worst thing to see me on sets after action because I look really cool in the film but Im all tied up and suddenly you see people and send flying kisses. Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in Dunki with Taapsee Pannu. When Priyanka Chopra ventured into Hollywood, her move was widely discussed among her peers back in Bombay. Soon after, Deepika Padukone also signed a Hollywood film and Bollywood actors were often asked if they wanted to follow suit. Sonam Kapoor expressed her Hollywood ambitions but said that she wouldnt take the same route as Priyanka and Deepika. I love the way Priyanka has carved out a career in America and Deepika is also doing a film there, but I dont want to go down that same route. I want to sign up with an agency like I did in India and then maybe do films that I want to do. You know, I made that mistake when I was in India. I kind of did whatever came my way in the beginning but you learn from experience and do things you are passionate about. Sonam had signed with UTA to represent her in Hollywood. However, the actress has yet to make her Hollywood debut. Watch the video here: The actress, who was last seen in Blind, has confirmed that she will soon face the camera once again. The shooting will start next year but other details are kept under wraps. Sonam said, Im super excited to face the camera again post my pregnancy. I love being an actor and I love living so many interesting characters through my profession. Human beings fascinate me and I love playing varied roles. Im looking forward to my next. I will return to the sets early next year. Details of this project is currently getting locked so I wont be able to talk at length till the announcement is made. Its a big project. Thats all I can say right now, she added. Sonam was last seen in the 2023 crime-thriller Blind, a remake of the 2011 Korean film of the same name. Directed by Shome Makhija and produced by Sujoy Ghosh, the film marked Sonams return to the screen after a six-year break following The Zoya Factor. On September 16, the jury for the Booker Prize 2024 shortlisted six books from 156 works published between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024, submitted by publishers for the prize. The winner, whose career is often transformed by this prestigious recognition, will receive a 50,000 cash prize and a trophy named Iris. The announcement will be made at a ceremony held at Old Billingsgate in London on the evening of November 12, 2024. Decoding Booker The Booker Prize is one of the most coveted literary awards, presented annually to a novel written in English and published in Britain or Ireland. Established in 1969, the prize was originally limited to writers from Britain, Ireland, the Commonwealth, and Zimbabwe, but in 2014, its eligibility was expanded to include any English-language work. Last years winner was Prophet Song, a novel by Paul Lynch set in a near-future Ireland ravaged by civil war, while the 2022 prize went to Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka for his novel The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. The Jury The jury for the 2024 Booker Prize is an eclectic mix, chaired by Edmund de Waal, the contemporary British ceramicist, artist, and author, who once famously said, My fantasy is that people will look at my pots and think: rigorous, yet quite passionate and humane. The other jury members are: Chinese-American Yiyun Li, the renowned writer and creative writing professor; Justine Jordan, the celebrated fiction editor of the British daily The Guardian; Sara Collins, the iconoclastic barrister-turned-award-winning author, who, after working as a lawyer for seventeen years, decided that being a writer was her true calling; and Nitin Sawhney CBE, the British-Indian musician, producer, and composer. Timely and Timeless During the shortlisting process, the jury first selected a longlist of 13 books in July, which it described as timely and timeless, navigating themes of belonging, displacement, and return. While announcing the longlist, the jurys chairperson, Edmund de Waal, remarked that the precarity of lives is a theme that runs through our longlist like quicksilver, but emphasised that the selected titles are not books about issues. Instead, he said, they are works of fiction that inhabit ideas by making us care deeply about people and their predicaments. Among the longlist, dubbed the Booker dozen, three are debut novels, while half of the longlist consists of works by established authors who have been previously nominated for the Booker Prize. The list also includes the third-time nominee, Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers, for his latest work Playground, which tackles significant issues such as climate change and the threat of AI. Six novels by U.S. authors and two by British authors made up the cohort of 13 titles on the longlist. Uniquely Unique The Booker Prize shortlist was announced on Monday, September 16, 2024. The nominated titles include Rachel Kushners Creation Lake, Percival Everetts James, Yael van der Woudens The Safekeep, Samantha Harveys Orbital, Anne Michaels Held, and Charlotte Woods Stone Yard Devotional. The most striking aspect of this years shortlist is that, for the first time in the prizes 55-year history, five of the six nominated titles are by female authors. Jury member Sara Collins described this as a gratifying, thrilling momentparticularly given that last years shortlist featured more novels by men named Paul (three) than by women (two). In terms of territorial representation, this years shortlist includes authors from five countries, including the first Dutch writer to be shortlisted, the first Australian in 10 years, as well as British, Canadian, and American authors. Additionally, two of the shortlisted authors have been nominated previously. Short List in Brief The Booker Prize website succinctly describes the plots of the six shortlisted books: The list features stories that transport readers around the world and beyond Earths atmospherefrom the battlefields of the First World War to a spiritual retreat in rural Australia; from Americas Deep South in the 19th century to a remote Dutch house in the 1960s; from the International Space Station to a cave network beneath the French countryside. Among other themes, the shortlisted books explore the gravitational pull of home and family, the contested nature of truth and history, and the extent to which we reveal our true selves to others. Here is a brief overview of the six artistic creations in the shortlist: 1. Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner: This riveting yet utterly flinty and hard-nosed page-turner features a mystery at its coreboth the mystery of human origins and individual identity. Kushner poses timeless and profound questions: Where do we come from? What is an individual really made of? What do people encounter in their stark and solitary 4 a.m. moments? What lies within them? As a philosophical and political novel of ideas wrapped in a spy caper, Creation Lake tells the story of an American who arrives in rural France to disrupt a commune of eco-activists. Despite her ultra-cool confidence, her plans go awry in this thrilling spy narrative, which includes radical leftists, utopianists, a reclusive guru obsessed with Neanderthals, and the shadowy forces of ruthless capitalism. Throughout, Kushner examines how the individual interacts with and disrupts ideologies. That may sound dry, but her prose is so thrilling and engaging, her narrator, the audacious character of Sadie Smith, so jaunty, irresistible, and self-willed, and her world-building so lush, that its anything but. 2. James by Percival Everett: James offers page-turning excitement along with an off-kilter philosophical picaresque. The Guardian remarks that with more than four decades of writing behind him, it feels like a book he was born to write. In James, Everett retools, reworks, and reimagines Mark Twains Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and it would not be an overstatement to say that Everett supplants Finns creation. Everett tells the story in James from the perspective of the enslaved Jim, who, in the original, is portrayed as both a lesser creature and a learning opportunity for Huck to demonstrate his own humanity. Indubitably, the book is ferocious, yet it remains ferociously readable. The central protagonist, Jim, instantly evokes empathy in readers as Everett skillfully immerses them in Jims internal struggle, his yearning for freedom, and his love for his family. Readers viscerally feel his pain, anger, and determination, making his journey deeply resonant. Huck also emerges as a powerful character in his own right as Everett weaves a tapestry of the complex and evolving relationship between Jim and the young Huck, who form a deep emotional bond as Huck gradually awakens to the intense desire to stand by Jim. While the powerful storyline in James deals with the horrors of slavery, it simultaneously examines universal themes of identity, freedom, and justice. Everett challenges readers to wake up and question, as well as to reflect on, the nature of morality, the corrupting influence of power, and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. 3. Held by Anne Michaels: By Canadian novelist and poet, Anne Michaels it is best described by the Booker judges as a kaleidoscopic novel about war, trauma, science, faith, and, above all, love and human connection. Reading it seems to alter your state of mind. Michaels has her own story to tell about Held. She reflects that day after day, while writing this book, she asked herself: in these urgent times, what voice might be small enough to be heard? What do we need now? We measure history by events and actions, but Held asserts a different measure for history: the real and powerful effects of our inner liveswhat we believe, what we value, what we love, and what we aspire to. In her own words, Held explores our conflation of science with technology, the surrender of our ancient relationship with what cant be seen, and asks why we have so insistently foreclosed on what we have always knownthat there is crucial meaning and value in what, necessarily, cannot be proven. The author reiterates that Held asks, in different ways, what forces bring us to the present moment. These forces range from particle physics to evolution, revolution, hauntings, hope, gestures, errors, empathy, and desirethis is Helds investigation. Starting with a wounded soldier on a French battlefield, this powerful and lyrical kaleidoscope of a novel is created from the scattered images and memories of four generations of a family across diverse lived experiences. It presents a complex yet poetic narrative of this intergenerational relationshipthe book opens with John, the recovering soldier turned photographer, and the artist Helena, as they learn to support each other. As we move through multiple generations, we gravitate toward the interstices between parent and child. Helena and her daughter Anna provide an arc of tenderness throughout the novel. Held is a deeply moving poetic novel that tenderly asks the existential question: Who can say what happens when we are remembered? 4. Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood: This introspective piece by the Australian writer, who has authored seven novels and three works of non-fiction, is a quiet and warm-hearted read. It invites readers not to rush ahead in search of a plot, but to reflect on the deeper issues that confront us all at one time or another. The title of the book itself is thought-provoking: Stone Yard, set against the gentle inwardness of devotional, creates a powerful inner intensity. It is a deeply moving novel about forgiveness, grief, and what it means to be good. The story follows a middle-aged woman, burnt out and in need of retreat, as she leaves the bustling life of Sydney to return to the place where she grew up, seeking refuge in a small religious community hidden away on the stark plains of New South Wales. Although she does not believe in God or understand what prayer is, she finds herself living a strange, reclusive existence almost by accident. However, her secluded life is interrupted by three significant visitations. First comes a terrible mouse plague, each day signalling a new battle against the rising infestation. Next is the return of the skeletal remains of a sister who disappeared decades ago, presumed murdered. Finally, a troubling visitor plunges the narrator further back into her past. With each of these disturbing visitations, the woman confronts deep questions: Can a person be truly good? What is forgiveness? Is the loss of hope a moral failure? And can the process of grief ever really be finished? It is quite an introspective, meditative, and deeply moving novel! 5. The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden: This debut novel is mesmerising, thrilling, and brave; it tells an erotically charged story about a woman who unexpectedly falls for her brothers girlfriend. Set fifteen years after the end of the Second World War in the Netherlands, the narrative centres on Isabela fantastically sour and spiky characterwho lives alone in the family house after her mothers death, clinging to routine and disapproving of her brothers. One brother is gay, while the other is an unreliable romantic who sends his girlfriend to stay. The tightly controlled narrative breaks open into a tale of exotic erotic awakening, culminating in an almighty twist. Through her storytelling power and the way, she controls the narrative, Wouden crafts a page-turner that explores themes of trauma and repression. What a queer love story it is! The unfolding relationship between the two women at the heart of the novel makes for obsessive reading. The tale is told tenderly and in an extraordinary way. We first meet Isabel, who is deeply distrustful of strangers and burdened with the task of keeping the family inheritance safe. Then theres Eva, unsettling and seemingly unmoored from domestic anxiety. As they are pulled into each others orbit, we start to care about both characters. The Safekeep is undoubtedly a compelling story of obsession and secrets, exploring the narratives we keep hidden from ourselves as children and the stories we tell ourselves about our own concealed desires. 6. Orbital by Samantha Harvey: This new-age narrative, in the authors own words, is a space pastoral that has been in the making for twenty-five years. The Booker judges describe it as Six astronauts observe Earths splendour while navigating bereavement, loneliness, and mission fatigue. Compact yet beautifully expansive, this is a love letter to our planet. This theme couldnt be more sobering, timely, or urgent. The book is slim yet beautifully crafted, tightly constructed while breaking free of the constraints of time. It is both prose and poetry par excellence, scientifically precise yet transcendent at the same time. A compulsive read, there is never a dull moment in the book. The narrative carries a powerful message centred around the vision of Planet Earth as borderless and interlinked. Harvey strongly advocates for the futility of territorial conflicts and the need for cooperation and respect for our shared humanity. The author is Multidisciplinary Thought Leader with Action Bias, India Based International Impact Consultant, and keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He also is a voracious reader of books and an independent book reviewer. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. While keeping an eagle eye on the western border with Pakistan and the northern and northeastern borders with China for decades, India may have taken it a bit easy on its eastern and northeastern borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar. That will have to change. The Manipur border with Myanmar is already an extended battle zone in the conflict between Meiteis and Kukis. The infiltration of Chin-Kuki militants from Myanmar with sophisticated drones and rockets has made the situation explosive. While the drones have a small payload capacity, the rockets which can fly 6-7 km to their target are of particular concern. Manipurs security adviser Kuldiep Singh last week flagged the immediate likelihood of 900 Chin-Kuki militants sneaking into India. Combing operations in the villages bordering Myanmar have started. India has also decided to fence the treacherously porous 1,643 km Myanmar border spending Rs 31,000 crore. But an uglier challenge lurks on the border of a highly unstable Bangladesh after mobs overthrew the increasingly autocratic Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5. The coup has created a security vacuum in Bangladesh. Although US-backed Muhammad Yunus has been installed as the head of the caretaker government, the country has slid into mobocracy with the police largely off the streets and the army unwilling to crack down hard on miscreants. Prisoners have escaped from Bangladesh jails, including Jamaat militants. Islamists are on the rampage, and attacks on minorities have been vicious and relentless. Indian intelligence inputs are ominous. In Sylhets Ambarkhana, Pakistani Jamaat elements and ISI operatives have apparently landed. Similar Pakistani activity has been noticed in the Brahmanbaria district. The Assam-Meghalaya border is likely to become sensitive in the coming days, as well as areas around Gangasagar which borders Bangladesh. The BSF has been cautioned about armed militants from Bangladesh likely to enter India. Several cameras have been stolen by Bangladeshis along the fence. There have been instances lately of the BSF firing to stop infiltration. But vigil has not been watertight. There are inputs, for instance, about radical Mufti Mahmodul Hasan Zubayer alias Zubayer Rahmani crossing over to India through Haridaspur in Bongaon, West Bengal. He is brazenly carrying out anti-India propaganda on social media, supporting anti-India elements and insurgents, calling for a boycott of Indian products, and floating separatist demands in the Northeasts seven-sister states. Zubayer has visited Islamic institutions in Delhi and probably Darul Uloom Deoband in UP as well. He is linked to Mohammed Jasimuddin Rahmani, the chief of Ansarullah Bangla Team, who was released from a Bangladesh jail recently. India has to think smart, move fast, and act decisively. Islamists in Bangladesh have a free run right now, and they are internationally well-connected with jihad catalysts like ISI and the Muslim Brotherhood. They have a plan and are working on mission mode to weaken India. India can either be defensive or use this period of chaos in Bangladesh to its own advantage. Simply watching events unfold is not an option. Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. TOKYO, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan's weather agency on Sunday morning downgraded its heavy rain emergency warning for parts of Ishikawa Prefecture to a warning, but authorities called for continued vigilance against possible floods and landslides. The emergency warning issued on Saturday, the highest level of alert on the agency's scale of one to five, covered the cities of Wajima, Suzu and the town of Noto in the central Japanese prefecture. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Wajima saw a record 497.5 mm of rain since Friday evening through 8:40 a.m. local time on Sunday, while Suzu saw 385.5 mm. About 45,000 residents in the affected areas had been ordered to evacuate. One person died and ten people are missing in Ishikawa Prefecture, public broadcaster NHK reported on Sunday, citing prefectural officials. One person was confirmed dead in Suzu. One person each was reported missing in Suzu, Wajima and Noto, while three workers involved in recovery efforts of a collapsed national road in Wajima were also missing. In addition, four residents remained unaccounted for after the Tsukada River flooded in Wajima, the report said. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the government's top spokesman, told reporters on Saturday that the amount of rain in these cities and towns was unprecedented, and multiple rivers have overflowed their banks and there have been many cases of buildings being flooded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just completed his first hundred days in office in his third term. As the only Prime Minister to be re-elected for an uninterrupted third term since Jawaharlal Nehru, Modi has indeed etched his tenure and name and that of his partys in the history of independent India, as a historical and epochal watershed that has and continues to impart a decisively new direction to the country. In the last decade Indias emergence as a major and credible power, a power capable of holding its ground and striving for its interests has been amply proved. Despite many-sided attempts to retard Indias rise, Modi has withstood and ultimately triumphed. Those within India and outside, who strove hard to weaken Modi were dejected to see the results of the general elections in June 2024. In spite of their coordinated machinations through a well-oiled eco-system, Modi won. Since they were dejected and disgusted with his victory, they resorted to describing an imaginary stoop in Modis gait and demeanour. That imagination has now become their only solace, the balm meant to heal their wounds of disappointment at not being able to prevent Modi from taking oath and leading his government for a record third time. In a moving study of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Bengali, Deshnayak Subhas Chandra, eminent historian of Bengals re-awakening and noted educateur late Nemai Sadhan Basu, wrote of how all those who worked with Subhas Chandra, his colleagues in the freedom struggle and in the INA, were unanimous in their assessment of Netaji having generated in them a deep and indelible pride of being Indian. That sense and that pride, once faced with dilution, has, in the last one decade under PM Modi, been reinforced and reiterated. It has struck deeper roots and evoked a more solid and lasting conviction. Those opposing Modi and wanting to defeat him have a deep problem with and resentment towards that sense of pride of being Indian being rekindled and revivified among Indians. Between their efforts to implement their deconstructing India agenda, stands Modi and that rankles and irritates them. They resort to the propaganda of a broken-Modi-stooping. But it is evident, they know it and it is there for people to understand, that the propaganda is a means for consoling themselves for having failed to unseat and defeat Modi. For two decades and more, these forces have tried and continue to try to target him. However, for the last two decades they have also repeatedly tasted failure. In the series of many assessments of Prime Minister Narendra Modis decadal tenure, I propose to add a brief one myself. I write this as a Bengali, as someone who is concerned with and exercised about Bengais cultural essence and ethos, about the re-awakening in her to the sense and memory of her epic contribution to the creation and to the shaping of Indias civilisational narrative. I am also among numerous others, who strongly feel that Bengals icons and their legacies need to be disseminated in order to rebuild a wider foundational base for the rejuvenation and rise of the state as a leading constituent of the Indian Union. In the past one decade PM Modis contribution to this rejuvenation has been phenomenal and inspiring. He has done this for other states without exception, exuding in his action a deep essence and core which is committed to Indias fundamental unity. For West Bengal he has especially done it, despite facing criticism and derision from certain quarters of the ruling establishment in the state. Let me briefly enumerate his contribution. Among the many centres of emotion and identity in Bengal some always stand out and have a deep connection and bond with the people. Durga Puja, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagores life and legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, are integral to Bengals psyche and imagination. PM Modi has indefatigably striven to further uphold these legacies. The recognition of Durga Puja by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the first such a festival to make it to the list from Asia, was a historic and emotional moment for Bengal. It was a matter of great pride and joy for every Indian, PM Modi said, observing that Durga Puja symbolized the best of our traditions and ethos. It was a long and arduous wait. PM Modis cabinet colleagues, under his active direction, and their respective ministries kept up the pursuit till success was achieved. PM Modi was also the first Prime Minister to inaugurate a Durga Puja and to dwell on its symbolism, significance and centrality in the ethos of Bengal and of India. It was a turning point in the cultural and religious history of Bengal and Bengalis, a milestone which will define the future of the religious festival and will eventually accrue benefit to innumerable people who subsist on the Durga Puja eco-system. Besides touching an emotional chord, the global attention on Durga Puja will invariably bring with it, in the decades to come, a host of positive opportunities and scope for the state. The UNESCO recognition of Santiniketan, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagores creation, his seat of meditation, a place embodying his lifes message, struggles, aspirations and achievements, was another watershed contribution that PM Modi made to the cultural ethos of Bengal. This recognition for Santiniketan and its ideals was long in coming. No Prime Minister before Narendra Modi actively attempted to get such a global recognition conferred on Santiniketan. The recognition had a deep pathos and poignancy especially when one recalls Gurudevs words likening his institution and ashrama, to a vessel carrying the cargo of his lifes best treasure, hoping that it may claim special care from his countrymen for its preservation. The UNESCO recognition was a profoundly symbolic fulfillment of that hope. Santiniketan, for Gurudev was a nest where the world would meet, by ensuring that UNESCO conferred the heritage tag on it PM Modi imparted a moving historical recognition to Gurudevs mantra and hope. Almost every Bengali continues to thrill to Gurudevs legacy and to his Santiniketan; the UNESCO heritage tag thus was a moment of unalloyed happiness at the recognition of Gurudevs lifes best treasure. It also reinforced Bengals cultural pride. Prime Minister Modis continuing tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses legacy and contribution has been among his most moving and historic contributions to legacy of the freedom struggle in Bengal and India. Subhas Bose stands as an undiminished icon, his continued relevance and appeal across ages and generations have remained undiluted even over seven decades after independence. The emotions and reactions he continues to evoke in West Bengal and among Bengalis, particularly, is instant and intense. The installation of Netajis statue in Kartavya Path, in Delhi, instituting, for the first time ever, a national award in Netajis name, Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar, (Subhas Chandra Bose national award for disaster management), the renaming of islands in Andaman & Nicobar after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the declassification of files pertaining to his life and the setting up of special exhibitions commemorating his contributions and that of the INA are among the many unique contributions that PM Modi has made in order to reinstate that multifaceted and inspiring legacy. While others paid lip service to this need, obfuscated and avoided it, hardly did anything lasting in keeping Netajis legacy re-ignited in the national mind, PM Modi went ahead and responded to a long held wish and hope among people. In paying his many-sided tribute to Netaji, in publicly referring to him as Azad Hinds first Prime Minister, PM Modi struck a deep chord in the psyche of Bengal. He did what no other Prime Minister did when it came to Netajis legacy. The abrogation of Article 370 was one of the finest memorial and tribute to that another illustrious son of Bengal and of India, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The only national leader of stature and recognition to have sacrificed his life for the cause of abrogating Article 370, and the call for protecting and securing Indias unity and freedom, Dr Mookerjee plunged into the movement without prevaricating. The preservation of Indias unity and the conferring of constitutional rights equally on all citizens of India were paramount for him. By rendering of Article 370 obsolete, by ensuring that the writ of the Constitution of India was equally applicable to Jammu and Kashmir, by giving the marginalised a hope for a new life and by making sure that the march of development saw a heightened progress in the region PM Modi has paid a solid tribute to Dr Mookerjees life, legacy and sacrifice. The realisation of the vision and hope of one nation, one constitution is an indelible and ineradicable recognition of Dr Mookerjees contribution to the polity of free India. A physical edifice to him, as memorial, with the continued existence of Article 370 would have been a travesty. PM Modi pushed through this historic dissolution and ushered in a historic era of opportunity, of new possibilities and of growth and stability. It also allowed democracy from the grassroots upward to finally strike roots in the region. On a concluding note, the National Education Policy (NEP), a new education vision and creative framework for a 21st century India, is a fitting tribute to the legacy of the national education movement, which was centered on Bengal during the heydays of the Swadeshi movement. That movement had, as its fountain and leaders, the likes of Swami Vivekananda, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Sri Aurobindo, Bipin Chandra Pal and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, to name some of its leading lights. The NEP is a tribute, a culmination to all our educational thinkers, philosophers and visionaries. It is a tribute to their contemplation and hopes of a free India emerging once more as a centre of knowledge and of learning. More importantly the NEP is one of the greatest tributes to the seers from Bengal, especially Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and Tagore. A close look at the NEP will reveal that the schema has as its core the essence of the educational thought and vision of these thinkers and creators. That some of Bengals and of Indias greatest educational thinkers form the bedrock of inspiration for this document is a lasting tribute to that dimension of their life and action. The NEPs creation and launch was because of PM Modis ceaseless exhortation, despite the onslaught of the once in a century pandemic. As a Bengali, and as an Indian, I rejoice at these achievements of PM Modi. As a Bengali, I doubly rejoice that each of these actions of his is also a tribute to Bengal, to Bengals cultural and religious essence, her rich tradition of knowledge and of sacrifice, a commemoration of her contribution to freeing India, to her cultural self-recovery and awakening. I rejoice at the fact that PM Modi is the first Prime Minister to do these, none before him contemplated doing these, none before him thought of Bengal in the way he has done. His actions have repeatedly displayed empathy, recognition, concern and sensitiveness for Bengals legacy. The author is Chairman, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation and member, National Executive Committee, BJP. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. A man in the US recently discovered that he had been unknowingly paying his neighbours electricity bill for nearly two decades. After noticing an unusually high electricity bill, the California resident, Ken Wilson, took steps to reduce his monthly expenses. Thats when Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) informed him that he had been paying the wrong bill. It turns out that, due to a meter mix-up, Wilson had been paying the power bill for unit 91 instead of his own unit 90, potentially since 2009. Wilson told CBS station KOLD-TV that he realised something was wrong. He revealed to the publication that he had been making an effort to reduce his expenses and preserve power since it was becoming really expensive. I kept going outside to check my meter and I couldnt believe it. After visiting the PG&E website, Wilsonwho has been in the same unit since 2006could not figure out why his charge was so high. He informed KOLD that something wasnt right and that he believed there to be either a leak, someone stealing his power or a malfunctioning meter. In an interview with CBS station KOVR, Wilson stated that he is currently feeling powerless due to his inability to regulate his own meter. PG&E sincerely apologised for the error and regretted any trouble this problem may have caused, according to a statement they provided to the station to the publication. In a statement provided to ABC News, PG&E acknowledged its mistake and reaffirmed that it is committed to rectifying the situation with the customer. The PG&E representative provided an update to ABC News, stating that Wilsons meter had been fixed so he would only be liable for paying his half of the power bill and that the firm has credited his account with more than $600. Wilson told KOVR, I just hope that this story is going to help others, I can be the only one. Wilson was notified by PG&E that his power bill would be adjusted during his subsequent billing cycle, according to KOVR. In addition, PG&E advised other consumers who are concerned about their consumption and billing to double-check their meter by matching the ID number on the power panel with the one displayed on their monthly bill. An Instagram influencer has triggered a controversy by claiming that if all North Indians would leave Bengaluru, the city would be empty. In an Instagram reel filmed in Bengalurus Koramangala area, influencer Sugandh Sharma said that if North Indians leave Bengaluru, even paying guest accommodations (PGs) will be empty. The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage, with many calling her remarks disrespectful to the citys culture and heritage. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sugandh Sharma (@thesugandhsharma) Outrage As the post went viral among the netizens, many people, from celebrities to common citizens, condemned the remarks as divisive and disrespectful. Public figures including actor and rapper Chandan Shetty, actresses Chaithra Achar and Anupama Gowda, and Bigg Boss fame Rupesh Rajanna and Dhanraj also voiced their discontent, criticising Sharma for her remarks. Read| I Love Bengaluru: Instagram Influencer Takes a U-turn After Row Over North Indians Remarks Shetty criticized the video as a publicity stunt, while Gowda stressed the importance of maintaining harmony in Bengalurus multicultural landscape. If you can actually leave, just as an experiment, and see how Bangalore becomes empty, we are ready to live with that emptiness and dancers less pubs. We can live with it. Really. Forget all other North Indians. You leave maam, enough for now! Achar commented. If you think this is cool, nope it isnt. You need Bengaluru more than anything else and you leaving Bengaluru doesnt make any difference to our OORU and for a fact that we all you cant leave bengaluru If you know you know , commented Gowda. Earlier incidents Earlier in July, a woman shared her challenging experience while working in Bengaluru. What a harassment it was to commute in auto from flat to office and back. The audacity of local auto drivers to strike a conversation on why I was in Bangalore when I belonged to North, if I was learning Kannada, asking if I like anything apart from weather, asking for more money as I was newly married and pretending not to understand a word when I would talk in Hin/Eng, she had shared, calling her interactions with the locals very bad. In another incident, a Reddit user shared his horrific experience during his cab journey in the city. After getting into car I asked driver to switch on the AC primarily to avoid dust. The driver started saying in Kannada that why AC, you cancel the ride, began the Redditor. Politely, he told the driver, Please drop me right away and I dont want to go in your car. But, this was the tipping point. According to the Redditor, the driver became furious. He switched on the AC immediately and started driving car completely like insane. Sudden brake, sudden acceleration and kept doing rash driving. I have vertigo problem so I though sudden jerk like this might trigger the dizziness he had said. During his lunch break in Florida, a local resident named Scott Greenberg stumbled upon a truly bizarre scene that left him puzzled. He spotted an SUV resting perfectly on top of a dumpster. Stunned by the sight, he quickly texted a friend, after he felt unsure if he was seeing things correctly. The video shared by NBC 2 news showed the SUV parked in an unusual spot, which initially left everyone scratching their heads. It turns out, the vehicle was parked at a construction site and one of the workers had used a forklift to move the SUV and place it on the dumpster. Greenberg, who recorded the unusual sight, told the portal, I was on lunch break, just driving down the street and then I had to do a double take. I texted my buddy. Im like, am I seeing a car on top of a dumpster? Like, are you serious? Oh my god. Is that fair game? Is that free? Its in the dumpster. I wasnt sure. On the way back I stopped to take a little video. Prank gone wrong? Parked in the wrong spot? I honestly have no idea." As per the portal, construction workers explained that the SUV was parked in a spot that blocked their work, so one of them used a forklift to move it out of the way. A worker commented that parking in the wrong place can lead to surprising situations like this. Later that day, the SUV was returned to a regular parking spot and it appeared completely undamaged. One of the workers mentioned that the vehicle belongs to a contractor who provides it to workers coming for the job from outside, so that they avoid renting a car. In several countries, poor parking can lead to hefty fines, but in some areas of China, theyve introduced a system to expose drivers who ignore parking rules. Instead of traditional penalties, they place large suction cups on the cars of those who park incorrectly. These devices dont prevent the vehicles from moving, but it is introduced to embarrass drivers for their bad habits. The device, which has a GPS and a timer to track how long the system has been attached to the drivers door, helps the government in calculating the penalty. The suction cup can only be removed once the driver pays the fine. A train in Britain was cancelled after an unusual set of passengers, two squirrels, hopped on board. The trouble started when one of the squirrels reportedly refused to leave the train, causing quite a disruption. This bizarre incident was confirmed by Great Western Railway (GWR) on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Saturday, affecting the 8:54 (0754 GMT) train service from Reading to Gatwick Airport. Despite several attempts by the train staff to remove the squirrels when the train stopped at Redhill, Surrey, one of the squirrels didnt leave. This led to the service being cut short earlier than planned. According to a spokesperson for GWR, the squirrels likely got frightened after finding themselves in the closed space of the train. Passengers on the train had to move down the carriages after the rodents made their way to the rear of the train. The train manager, realising the squirrels were causing trouble, locked them in one of the carriages to avoid further disturbance, reports BBC. Efforts were made to take the squirrels off by a Network Rail staff member but the attempt didnt work. GWR shared that because of the squirrels refusal to leave, the 8:54 BST service had to be ended at Redhill. 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 bylaws. We tried to get them off at Redhill, but one just wouldnt budge and had to be returned to Reading, wrapping up this nutty adventure, a GWR spokesperson said. Interestingly, this wasnt the first time an animal caused a stir on a British train. In December, a hedgehog made headlines when it was found hiding under a seat on a train travelling from Weybridge to London Waterloo. It was discovered by a train guard during a midday trip and was found on a service going from Surrey to London. South Western Railway later shared the amusing encounter on X, saying that when questioned about its ticket, the hedgehog was a little prickly. This afternoon an unexpected customer was found hogging a service from Weybridge to London Waterloo. When challenged, they were a little prickly about their ticket too! Still, we cant blame them for hedging their bets and they quill soon be on their way to somewhere safe. pic.twitter.com/enKKMZgTyB SWR Help (@SW_Help) December 11, 2023 The company further explained that the hedgehog had been looked after at the operating centre at Waterloo station and was scheduled to be rehomed at a sanctuary. Isabelle Pepin, a single mother from the UK, is outraged after receiving a 500 (approximately Rs 55,000) fine for leaving a cabinet outside her home. With good intentions, she wanted to help her community by offering the medium sized IKEA cabinet, which she previously used for her sons toys. She even attached a sign saying it was free. However, after five days, a council officer informed her that leaving the cabinet outside was a violation and she happily moved it back inside her home. Three weeks later, another officer came to her door and gave her a fine for fly-tipping, with a warning that the amount will be doubled if its not paid within 14 days. For those not aware, fly-tipping means illegally dumping waste, like garbage or unwanted items, on land or in water. As per Sky News, Pepin argued that leaving unwanted items for others to reuse is common practice in her area. Feeling frustrated by the situation, she is now fighting the fine with the help of a company that Bournemouth Council uses to handle these kinds of penalties. Isabelle Pepin explained, I got a knock on the door with a man with an enforcement camera on his chest, telling me he is filming me. He read the caution speech to me, so that was very nerve-wracking and then he issued me with a 500 fine for fly-tipping. Bournemouth councillor Kieron Wilson explained that the council takes action against fly-tipping to help people enjoy their neighbourhoods and feel proud of where they live. Kelly Deane, the councils director of housing and communities, mentioned that since April 2023, they have issued 73 fines for fly tipping, among them 15 are from just the last month. She further added that starting from April 2024, the council has raised fines to a maximum of 1,000 (approximately Rs 1 lakh), following government rules. However, defending her act, Isabelle Pepin shared, Actually its a nice thing to do for your community and a good way to recycle useful, unwanted items. Were all supposed to be trying to be greener, recycle, reduce, reuse. I think its wasteful to throw away something thats still got a lot of life in it, I think its far better to pass it on to somebody else whos going to get a few more years use out of it. I think people have been doing this for the last decade without any idea that could be construed as fly tipping and they could possibly get a fine. After the news about Pepins fine for fly-tipping spread in her community, she received a lot of support from her neighbours. One local resident mentioned that people in the area have been leaving items out for others for years without realising they were breaking any rules. Meanwhile, Pepin shared that several local councillors also offered their support. Now, she hopes that her appeal will go well and the fine will be removed. India will open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, meeting the long-pending demand of the fast-growing Indian American community in these two large American cities. While Boston is considered as the education and pharma capital of the US, Los Angeles, home to Hollywood, is hosting the next summer Olympics and current US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti is the citys former mayor. Friends last year, I had announced that our government had plans to open a new consulate in Seattle. It is now operational. I had asked for suggestions from you for two more consulates. I am happy to announce that after reviewing your suggestions, India has decided to open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, Modi announced during his address to Indian Americans in New Yorks Nassau Veterans Coliseum. He also announced plans to open a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil studies in the University of Houston to further strengthen the living bridge between India and its diaspora in the United States. He expressed the hope that the Indian diaspora, with its strong convening strength, would continue to play a crucial role in fostering closer ties between India and the US. India currently has six consulates in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco and Seattle. The Embassy is in Washington DC. The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations is based in New York City. The announcement was immediately welcomed by the residents of Los Angeles. The Modi government listens and responds to the needs of Indian Americans and of American business and political leaders. I am grateful to Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Sandhu for the decision to open a consulate in Los Angeles, Gunjan Bagla, CEO of Amritt Inc, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm, told PTI. Bagla had led an effort in this regard. We obtained over 3,600 signatures from Southern California residents. Dozens of American and Indian American organisations wrote letters to the Prime Ministers Office, he said. Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States and its twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle about 40 per cent of all overseas goods trade in the United States . With the growing global importance of the Indo-Pacific, Los Angeles is the capital of the Pacific Rim and India needs to be present here. All but one of the G20 countries have consulates here in Los Angeles. American business executives with an interest in India will feel more engaged with a local consul general representing India. While we have been blessed with Consul General Dr Srikar Reddy visiting us from San Francisco dozens of times in the last year, there are numerous local events where the absence of India is clearly felt. NRIs and Indian Americans will benefit in the case of emergency travel needs to India by not having to fly to San Francisco, Bagla said. In a message to Beijing, the leaders of the United States, Australia, India and Japan said on Saturday they were seriously concerned over tensions in the South and East China Seas. In a joint statement that did not name the Chinese government by name, the leaders condemned coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea. We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas, they said in a Wilmington declaration after meeting in US President Joe Bidens hometown. The member countries strongly opposed any destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We express serious concern over recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominatedone where all countries are free from coercion, and can exercise their agency to determine their futures, they said. Maritime Initiatives The Quad member countries announced a slew of new initiatives on maritime security including the first-ever interoperability exercise among their coast guards. The newly announced cooperation between the coast guards will be marked by the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety, and continuing with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific. The leaders of the four nations also announced the launch of a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable our partners in the region to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad partner initiatives, to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behaviour. India will host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. They also launched a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, to pursue shared airlift capacity among our nations and leverage our collective logistics strengths, in order to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region. Yet another new initiative on maritime security was Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. Working Together The grouping also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Pacific island countries to address shared challenges and aspirations. In a joint statement, they expressed strong support for regional institutions, particularly the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and welcomed Tongas leadership as the current PIF Chair for 2024-2025. The leaders highlighted their endorsement of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and emphasized their intention to prioritize Pacific concerns, including climate action, ocean health, resilient infrastructure, maritime security, and financial integrity. They acknowledged climate change as the greatest threat to the livelihoods and security of Pacific peoples, praising the regions leadership in global climate initiatives. IORA, South China Sea The Quad leaders also committed to enhancing cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, supporting the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as the primary forum for addressing regional issues. They recognised Indias leadership in finalizing the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka for its ongoing chairmanship, looking ahead to Indias chairmanship in 2025. The statement underscored the importance of international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, in maintaining peace and stability in the maritime domain. The leaders voiced serious concern over tensions in the East and South China Seas, condemning militarization and coercive actions in disputed areas. They denounced the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels and reiterated that maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Four people were killed and dozens injured in a shooting incident outside a bar in the US state of Alabama late Saturday night. Police responded to reports of a major shooting in the Five Points South area in Birmingham around 11 pm Officers confirmed multiple people were shot. Three victims died at the scene, while the fourth was pronounced dead at a hospital, ABC News reported. US authorities believe there were multiple shooters, but no arrests have been made. BPD officers are on the scene of multiple people shot with possibly multiple casualties. Five Points South area. Public Information Division is en route and will be providing Media Partners with live updates, the local police said in a post on social media platform X. BPD officers are on the scene of multiple people shot with possibly multiple casualties.Five Points South area. Public Information Division is en route and will be providing Media Partners with live updates. pic.twitter.com/rB0Y8TJW1I Bhampolice (@BhamPolice) September 22, 2024 The investigation is ongoing and more information is awaited. On Saturday afternoon, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya shared the poster of an anti-Modi rally planned in New York on Sunday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, blaming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for being behind it. In no uncertain terms, Malviya alleged, Sam Pitroda and his cohorts are planning protest against the Prime Minister when he visits New York. Pitroda is the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress and was moving like a shadow during Gandhis recent US tour. Every time Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, he indulges in the most divisive anti India politics, including hobnobbing with agencies and collaborating with forces inimical to Indias interest. He has gone to the extent of pleading western powers to interfere in Indian politics. The pic.twitter.com/qmLBTjpn0V Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 21, 2024 But beyond the political allegations, very little seems to be known about who is orchestrating this protest, arranging logistics and trying to get people to embarrass India during PMs three-day US tour. News18 has learnt that a lot of money is put into this effort. THE ARRANGEMENTS Behind the protest is an organisation called Reclaim India Democracy that promises free travel to anyone who wishes to attend the Sunday protest. Free buses are being arranged to transport protesters from various places in New Jersey a suburb near New York, predominantly inhabited by Indians. Theres a free meal on offer, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. However, only halal meat is available, News18 has learnt. The organisation has gone to the extent of arranging for accommodation if someone is visiting from outside. They have even announced facilities such as extending support for any protester with disability. NOT THE FIRST TIME But who are the members of the group which can splurge so much only to embarrass India and its Prime Minister? They say, its a coalition dedicated to reclaiming democracy, preserve rule of law, freedom of speech and safeguard constitutional rights of Indian citizens. They accuse PM Modi of turning India into a Hindu ethnostate, even though India saved Afghanistani Sikhs in recent times after the Taliban takeover and gave safe refuge to former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina a Muslim. They claim to represent marginalised communities such as Dalits and Adivasis in Modis India, at a time when India got its first Dalit women President. ALSO READ| Protests To Lawsuit: Decoding Pannuns Plans Ahead of PM Modis US Visit | Exclusive From Intel Sources This is not the first time they have been orchestrating such protests in the United States. On June 22 this year, they organised a similar protest at the Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington DC and held a press conference a day before at the National Press Club there. The same day, the organisation had arranged for another event in the garb of a music concert where they preached the same anti-India sentiments. The event was called Howdy Democracy. During Modis last US visit in June, Joe Biden came under domestic criticism from groups such as these for rolling out a red carpet for Indias Prime Minister and hosting him for a state dinner. In a first, the gates of the White House were opened for Indians to enter the lawn and listen to PM Modis address from the White House lawn something that made many Modi critics in the US uncomfortable. YAOUNDE, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chad on Saturday denied reports that it has agreed on the return of American Special Forces to the Central African nation. On Friday, American media, citing U.S. Major General Kenneth Ekman, reported that the United States and Chad had reached an understanding for the return of a limited number of Special Forces personnel. "No decision of this nature has been taken by the Chadian authorities," Chad's Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said in a statement. "It is important to remember that Chad, as a sovereign state, remains master of its decisions in matters of national security and military cooperation with its international partners," Koulamallah added. Nearly five months ago, the United States Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of its military presence from Chad. Israeli warplanes pounded southern Lebanon Saturday, raising fears of all-out war a day after an Israeli strike on Beirut left senior Hezbollah commanders among the 45 people Lebanese officials reported killed. Dozens of Israeli warplanes were widely striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon to eliminate threats against the citizens of Israel, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. For nearly a year, Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon have traded cross-border fire with Israeli forces in support of Palestinian ally Hamas, whose October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza. But the cross-border exchanges have escalated since late August. Lebanons official National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes had launched a large-scale air attack Saturday evening over south Lebanon. With heavy equipment still working beneath high-rise buildings at the site of the Beirut strike, Lebanons health ministry reported six more dead, up from 31 earlier Saturday. AFPTV footage showed mourners gathering in the Lebanese capital for funerals of three of the slain Hezbollah members. We thought the war had started, said Zeinab, 35, a housewife who preferred to be identified only by her first name, recalling the noise that accompanied the strike. Horrific massacres Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati decried horrific massacres and said he had cancelled his trip to the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York. Germany said there was an urgent need to defuse tensions. The UN has also voiced concern about heightened escalation and called for maximum restraint from all sides. The US State Department meanwhile urged Americans in Lebanon to leave the country while commercial options remain available. Earlier Saturday, an Israeli military statement said Israeli aircraft struck thousands of rocket launchers ready to fire from southern Lebanon, as well as approximately 180 other, unspecified targets. AFP correspondents reported intense Israeli strikes over a wide area of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah said it targeted at least seven military positions in northern Israel and the annexed Golan Heights with rockets on Saturday. Israels military said the militants had fired about 90 rockets by late afternoon. Targeted strike Lebanons Health Minister Firass Abiad said three children and seven women were killed in Fridays strike on an underground meeting room in a densely populated neighbourhood of the capitals southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. Israel said the targeted strike had killed the head of Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil, and several other commanders. A source close to Hezbollah said a total of 16 Radwan Force members were killed during a meeting. The Radwan Force has spearheaded Hezbollahs ground operations, and Israel has repeatedly called for its fighters to be pushed back from the border. Confirming the death of Aqil, Hezbollah hailed him as one of its great leaders. Washington had offered a $7 million reward for information on Aqil, calling him a principal member of the organisation behind the 1983 Beirut US embassy bombing, which killed 63. Penetrate and disrupt Hezbollah said a second senior commander, Ahmed Mahmud Wahbi, had also been killed Friday. He headed the groups operations against Israel from the onset of the Gaza war in October until the start of this year, it said. In July, another Israeli strike on Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah operations chief. Fridays strike also followed sabotage attacks on pagers and two-way radios used by Hezbollah on Tuesday and Wednesday, which killed 39 people. Hezbollah blamed Israel, which has not commented. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged an unprecedented blow, vowing that Israel would face retribution for what he called a possible act of war. Months of near-daily exchanges have killed hundreds in Lebanon, mostly fighters, and dozens in Israel and the annexed Golan, forcing tens of thousands on both sides to flee their homes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday announced an expansion of the countrys war goals to include the return of northern Israeli residents. On Saturday, posting on X, formerly Twitter, he said: Our objectives are clear and our actions speak for themselves. International mediators, including the United States, are trying to stop the Gaza war from becoming a regional conflict. Netanyahus critics in Israel have accused the prime minister of dragging out the war. Thousands again gathered in Tel Aviv Saturday night demanding a deal to free captives still held by Hamas. Shahar Mor, nephew of slain hostage Avraham Munder, said he feared the fight against Hezbollah would again distract leaders who focus on the illusion of absolute victory'. Gaza school strike In Gaza on Saturday, the civil defence agency said an Israeli strike on Al-Zeitun School C, which had been turned into a displaced shelter, killed 21 people including 13 children and six women, one of them pregnant. Israels military said the strike targeted Hamas militants who were embedded inside an adjacent school, and that it had taken steps to mitigate the risk of harming civilians. An AFP reporter confirmed Al-Zeitun School C was hit. In late August the United Nations said Israel had struck at least 23 school shelters since July 4. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of operating from such facilities in highly urbanised Gaza, a charge the militants deny. The October 7 attack that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, on the Israeli side, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity. Of 251 hostages seized by militants, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead. Israels retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,391 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run territorys health ministry. The UN has acknowledged the figures as reliable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said Israel has landed a series of blows on Hezbollah, after the Iran-backed militant group fired 100 rockets deep into the northern parts of the country. This has sparked concerns of an all-out war following months of escalating tension as the United Nations also took stock of the situation. Netanyahu said the message should be clear to Hezbollah, which earlier said it targeted military production facilities and an air base near Haifa in northern Israel. This, the group said, was in retaliation to Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon. In recent days, we have landed a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined. If Hezbollah did not get the message, I assure you it will get the message, he said in a statement. He added: No country can tolerate attacks on its citizens, attacks on its cities. And we, the State of Israel, will not tolerate it either, he said. The rocket barrage from Lebanon overnight set off air raid sirens across northern Israel, sending thousands of people scrambling into shelters. The Israeli military said rockets had been fired toward civilian areas; previous barrages had mainly been aimed at military targets. The attacks came after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 20 killed at least 45 people, including one of Hezbollahs top leaders as well as women and children. Hezbollah was already reeling from a sophisticated attack that caused thousands of personal devices to explode just days earlier. Before the expansion of the war goals, Israel was focusing on crushing Hamas and securing the return of hostages seized during the militant groups October 7 attack that triggered the Gaza war. Here is all you need to know: Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said their forces will continue to pursue their war goals. In a statement issued by his office, he said: Hezbollah has begun experiencing the impact of Israels military capabilities and they sense that they are being pursued Gallant said military actions will continue until we reach a point where we may ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes. This is our goal, this is our mission and we will employ the means necessary to achieve it, he said One person was killed and another wounded in an Israeli strike near the border, said Lebanons health ministry. Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said it treated four people for shrapnel wounds, including a 76-year-old man who was moderately wounded in Kiryat Bialik, a community near Haifa where buildings were damaged and cars set on fire. The countrys health ministry said all hospitals in the north will begin moving operations to protected areas or shelters at medical centres The Israeli military said it carried out a wave of strikes across southern Lebanon in the last 24 hours, hitting about 400 militant sites, including rocket launchers. Israeli military spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said those strikes had thwarted an even larger attack. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have come under fire across a lot of northern Israel. They spent the night and now the morning in bomb shelters, he said. Today we saw fire that was deeper into Israel than before Israeli media reported that rockets fired from Lebanon were intercepted in Haifa and Nazareth, which are further south than most of the rocket fire to date. Israel cancelled school across the north, deepening the sense of crisis Hezbollah said it launched dozens of Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 missiles a new type of weapon the group has not used before at the Ramat David airbase, southeast of Haifa in response to the repeated Israeli attacks that targeted various Lebanese regions and led to the fall of many civilian martyrs. In July, the group released a video with what it said was footage it had filmed of the base with surveillance drones The militant group further said it targeted the facilities of the Rafael defence firm, which is headquartered in Haifa, calling it retaliation for the wireless devices attack. It did not provide evidence, and the Israeli military declined to comment on the statement In a separate development, Israeli forces raided the West Bank bureau of Al-Jazeera, which it had banned earlier this year, accusing it of serving as a mouthpiece for militant groups, allegations denied by the pan-Arab broadcaster While the two sides are not seeking war, Hezbollah has said it will only halt its attacks if there is a cease-fire in Gaza. This appears increasingly elusive as long-running talks led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have not borne fruit On September 20, an Israeli airstrike took down an eight-story building in a densely populated neighbourhood in Beiruts southern suburbs as Hezbollah members were meeting in the basement, as per Israel. Among those killed was Ibrahim Akil, a top Hezbollah official who commanded the groups special forces unit, known as the Radwan Force. (With agency inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Delaware on Saturday to discuss key areas of the India-US strategic partnership, including the procurement of MQ-9B Predator drones. After a bilateral meeting with PM Modi in his hometown, Biden welcomed the procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones which will help boost Indias surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. In a joint fact sheet, the two leaders noted the remarkable progress achieved under the US-India defence industrial cooperation roadmap, including collaboration to advance priority co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems. What are MQ-9B drones? The United States approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B drones to the Indian military at an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion in February this year. As part of the deal, the Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each receive eight Sky Guardian drones. President Biden welcomed the progress towards India concluding procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment, which will enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of Indias armed forces across all domains, the joint fact sheet read. The MQ-9B Predator is known for its ability to operate with stealth, flying as close as 250 meters from the ground without being detected. The drone can fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet, with a top speed of 442 km/h. It can carry a payload of around 1,700 kg, including four missiles and 450 kg of bombs, and travel 2,000 miles without refueling. The drone can fly continuously or hover over targets for up to 35 hours. Semiconductor Plant in Kolkata On the margins of the Quad Leaders summit, PM Modi and President Biden also praised efforts to facilitate resilient semiconductor supply chains, including the creation of the GlobalFoundries (GF) Kolkata Power Center in Kolkata. The two leaders emphasised that this supply chain will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in chip manufacturing research and enable advances in zero and low-emission vehicles, connected devices, AI, and data centers. After one-on-one talks, Modi and Biden welcomed the teaming of Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering for the co-development and co-production of unmanned surface vehicle systems that will strengthen undersea and maritime domain awareness. The two leaders also applauded the recent conclusion of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), enhancing the mutual supply of defence goods and services, according to the fact-sheet. Futuristic collaborations The leaders also encouraged the industry to foster collaboration and drive innovation to support Indias efforts to become a leading aviation hub. The two leaders also hailed the recent teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd on the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft programme. Delving into futuristic collaborations, the two leaders lauded work to advance cooperation in advanced domains, including space and cyber. Areas of new cooperation will include threat information sharing, cybersecurity training, and collaboration on vulnerability mitigation in energy and telecommunications networks. The India-US partnership has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, with the two countries collaborating on several issues, including trade, investment, defense, and technology. The latest talks between the two leaders are expected to deepen the strategic ties and pave the way for greater cooperation in the future. PM Modi in US Highlights:Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his second day of his three-day visit to the US with a roundtable discussion with tech CEOs in New York and before that addressed the mega Modi & US community event in the Nassau Coliseum in New Yorks Long Island. He also held a bilateral meeting with counterpart KP Sharma Oli of Nepal and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Al-Sabah of Kuwait at Lotte Hotel. The mega event was attended by over 13,000 members of the Indian diaspora and Indians working in the US. Famous artists like rapper Hanumankind and singers Aditya Gadhvi and Devi Sriprasad opened the event with their performances before PM Modi took the stage. In his address to Indian-Americans and Indians working in the US, PM Modi thanked them for being living bridges that join both India and the US. He spoke of Indias global and tech ambitions and said very soon the world could be using semiconductor chips that are made and manufactured in India. PM Modi also said that India remains committed to fighting global warming, climate change and reducing dependence on conventional forms of energy, boosting use of green energy in the process, and said India does not wish to destroy the planet. He announced that India will open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, meeting the long-pending demand of the fast-growing Indian American community in these two large American cities. Terming India as a land of opportunities, Modi said that he has set very ambitious goals for the country during his third term. He said India today has a foreign policy of maintaining equal closeness with all and not equal distance. Referring to his remarks This is not the time for war, Modi told the diaspora that the severity and the seriousness of this was understood by all friends. The sunken superyacht of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, who died in a shipwreck off the coast of Sicily in August, is believed to contain sensitive intelligence data that could draw interest from the Chinese and Russian governments. Italian divers surveying the wreckage of the USD 40 million yacht, called the Bayesian, have requested heightened security to protect the site, according to a report by CNN. Prosecutors investigating the fatal accident are concerned the vessel may contain data tied to Western intelligence services. Classified information The 56-meter yacht, which sank in a violent storm, is thought to have watertight safes containing two super-encrypted hard drives that hold highly classified information, including passcodes and other sensitive data, CNN reported, citing multiple sources. Specialist divers with remotely operated cameras have extensively searched the boat lying on the seabed at a depth of 50 meters. Lynch, whose wifes company owned the yacht, had ties to British, US and other spy agencies through his various companies, including cybersecurity firm Darktrace. He was also an adviser to former British prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May on science, technology and cybersecurity. According to US media reports, local authorities are concerned the wreckage, expected to be raised in the coming weeks as part of the criminal probe, will be of interest to foreign governments, including Russia and China. A formal request for additional security of the wreckage has been implemented until it can be raised. The tragedy claimed the lives of seven people, including Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and other passengers. Preliminary autopsy results suggest some died of suffocation or dry drowning when the oxygen in an air bubble in a sleeping cabin ran out. Did not trust cloud services Survivors told prosecutors that Lynch did not trust cloud services and always kept data drives in a secure compartment of the yacht. The cruise was reportedly a celebration of Lynchs acquittal in a US criminal fraud case in June, though Hewlett Packard is still pursuing a USD 4 billion civil payout from his estate. Lynchs business partner Stephen Chamberlain, who was his co-defendant in the US fraud case, died on the same day the yacht sank after being hit by a car while jogging. Chamberlains lawyer said he was in a coma and unaware of the shipwreck. No personal effects or hard drives have been recovered from the vessel so far. However, the onboard hard drives and surveillance cameras tied to the yachts navigation system have been brought to investigators to determine if there is any usable data that might indicate how the yacht sank within 16 minutes of the storm hitting. After divers complete surveys of the wreck, they will make suggestions for how to best raise the 473-ton vessel without spilling any of the 18,000 liters of oil and fuel still onboard, and how to ensure any sensitive data does not fall into the wrong hands. The costs of raising the ship will fall to Lynchs widow, as mandated by Italian maritime law. As the probe into the sinking of the Bayesian continues, heightened security measures are in place to protect the potentially sensitive intelligence data onboard. The US has handed over to India 297 antiquities, which were smuggled out of the country, during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an official statement said on Sunday. Official sources said illicit trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history, and India has been particularly hit. Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India, Modi said on social media X. Taking forward the resolve- VIKAS BHI, VIRASAT BHI!During PMs visit to USA, 297 Indian antiquities have been handed over by the US side. Take a look at some of these antiquities: pic.twitter.com/TbiFqRW0fr Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 23, 2024 He thanked President Joe Biden for his support in the return of these artefacts. He noted that these objects were not just part of Indias historical material culture, but formed the inner core of its civilisation and consciousness, the statement said. With this, the total number of ancient items recovered by India since 2014 has gone to 640, officials said, adding the number returned from the USA alone will be 578. This is the maximum number of cultural artefacts returned by any country to India. Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties.I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. @POTUS @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/0jziIYZ1GO Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 Some of the notable antiquities handed over to India include an apsara in sandstone from central India belonging to 10-11th century CE, a Jain Tirthankar in bronze belonging to 15-16th century CE, terracotta vase from eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE, and a stone sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE. Other prominent items include Lord Ganesh in bronze from south India belonging to 17-18th century CE, standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from north India from 15-16th century CE, and Lord Vishnu in bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE. Apart from the current visit, the earlier visits of Modi to the USA have also been particularly fruitful in return of antiquities to India. Officials said during his visit to the US in 2021, 157 antiquities were handed over by the US government, including the exquisite bronze Nataraja statue from the 12th century CE. Also, a few days after his US visit in 2023, 105 antiquities were returned to India. Indias successful recoveries extend beyond the USA, with 16 artefacts being returned from the UK, 40 from Australia among others, they noted. In stark contrast only one artefact was returned to India between 2004 and 2013, they said. Further, in July 2024, on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee, at New Delhi, India and the United States signed the first ever Cultural Property Agreement to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA. The spectacular achievement over the last ten years demonstrates the governments resolve to reclaim Indias stolen treasures and preserve its cultural heritage for future generations, they said. Modis personal bond with global leaders has played a pivotal role in securing these returns. His proactive approach has led to the recovery of significant artefacts, including revered sculptures and idols, reaffirming Indias cultural identity, they added. The statement said in keeping with close bilateral ties and to foster greater cultural understanding, the US State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of Culture had signed a Cultural Property Agreement in July 2024 to fulfil the commitments made by President Biden and PM Modi to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage. A joint statement issued after their meeting in June 2023 reflected that, it added. UNSC Reforms The leaders of the Quad grouping comprising the United States, Australia, India, and Japan issued a joint statement on Saturday addressing critical global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, the ongoing war in Gaza and long-awaited reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). After the leaders summit in US President Joe Bidens hometown, the Quad leaders called for urgent reforms to the UNSC to make it more representative and accountable. The Quad leaders also called for expanded permanent membership to include representation from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We will reform the UN Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council, the joint statement read. It is important to note that India has continued its efforts to advance the process of UNSC reforms, including active engagement in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform. As part of the G4, which includes Brazil, Germany, and Japan, New Delhi has advocated for expanding the UNSC to include more nations as permanent members to reflect current geopolitical realities. On several occasions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have addressed reform issues in their speeches at the UN stage in New York. On Ukraine Conflict The Quad leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and reaffirmed their commitment to international law, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Condemning the ongoing violence and reiterating the need for a comprehensive and just peace, the leaders underlined the wars negative impact on global food and energy security, particularly for developing nations. Without naming Russia, they also declared that the use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We underscore the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterate that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state, the statement read. Gaza War About the Gaza conflict, the leaders condemned the terror attacks on October 7 on Israel and stressed the urgency of humanitarian assistance for the war-ravaged Palestinian region. Besides calling for an immediate ceasefire, they called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas. The statement also highlighted the importance of a two-state solution, reiterating support for a sovereign Palestinian state while addressing Israels legitimate security concerns. The Quad leaders condemned the attacks by the Houthis against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, stressing that these actions destabilize the region and threaten maritime safety. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told members of the Indian diaspora at the packed Nassau Coliseum on Sunday that when India speaks on global platforms the world listens closely to what it has to say. Now when India speaks on a global platform, (the) world listens. When I said it is not an era of war, the world understood its seriousness, PM Modi said, referring to his remarks that were made during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Uzbekistan two years ago in the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. He said that India does not seek its dominance but wants to play a role in the prosperity of the world, while asserting that Indias role will be crucial in accelerating the global peace process. The Prime Minister also said that India is now a first responder and helps nations facing crises at fast speeds. Today, whenever there is a crisis anywhere in the world, India emerges as a first responder. During Covid, we sent vaccines and medicines to more than 150 countries. Whether there is an earthquake, cyclone or civil war somewhere we are the first to reach with help, PM Modi said. He also told the gathering that India is now a voice representing the Global South and the African Unions inclusion in the G20 grouping is an example of Indias commitment to the causes of the Global South. Addressing thousands of Indian-Americans at the Modi&US event, he said India today has a foreign policy of maintaining equal closeness with all and not equal distance. The role of India would be crucial to accelerate the process of global growth, and Indias role will be crucial to accelerate global peace, he said. Indias goal is not to increase its global influence but to play a part in its prosperity. Whether it is promoting yoga, lifestyle or the environment, it does not aspire for only a GDP-centric but a human-centric growth for all of you, he said, adding that India does not want to seek its global dominance. India, he said, is not like fire. We are like the sun which gives brightness, the prime minister said. Anura Kumara Dissanayake comes out of his party office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sept. 22, 2024. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) COLOMBO, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Anura Kumara Dissanayake, candidate of National People's Power, emerged as the winner in the presidential election in Sri Lanka held on Saturday, the Election Commission confirmed Sunday. As no candidate secured more than 50 percent of the votes, the Election Commission counted the second and third preferences of the two leading candidates, the first time in history of Sri Lankan presidential election. Dissanayake obtained 5,634,915 votes in the first count and 105,264 preferential votes during the second count. His main opponent, candidate of opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sajith Premadasa, obtained 4,363,035 votes in the first count and 167,867 preferential votes in the second count. In a post on social media platform "X" (formerly Twitter) after the release of election results, Dissanayake said, "The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history." "This dream can only be realized with a fresh start. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision," he posted. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe failed with a total of 2,299,767 votes. According to the President's Media Division, Wickremesinghe delivered a special address after the results came out. He said that the people of the country have made their decision at this presidential election, and they must respect their decision and act according to that mandate to ensure the functioning of the country. "I was eventually able to carry the dear child called Sri Lanka along a long distance safely on the dangerous rope bridge. Close to the very end of the rope bridge, people have decided to hand over the dear child called Sri Lanka to President Anura Dissanayake," he said. "I wish that you will be able to carry this child away from the bridge to the other bank, even safer than the way I carried the child," said Wickremesinghe. The teen accused of a deadly shooting at a high school in Georgia faces a long stretch in prison, as does his father, who is accused of supplying him with the gun. Now, in a disturbing footnote, the teen's mother also faces up to 20 years in prison for a separate incident in which she is accused of taping her mother to a chair and leaving her there, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In November, police say Marcee Gray, 43, visited her mother, Deborah Polhamus, in her home in Fitzgerald, Georgia, and tried unsuccessfully to convince Polhamus to accompany her to confront Gray's ex-husband, Colin Gray. "Marcee became upset and told Deborah that she was making her go with her because she was going to kill her ex," according to the police report cited by the AJC. "Deborah stated she refused to go and Marcee threw her up against the wall, causing a cut on her left wrist. Marcee stated that since Deborah wasn't going she was going to tie her to a chair and take her phone so she wouldn't call anyone." Against a backdrop of escalating missile and rocket attacks across the Lebanon border, Israel and Hezbollah declared their resolve Sunday to defeat the other and stoked fears that the Middle East is on the brink of a full-blown war. President Biden told reporters that he's worried but that "we're going to do everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out." A White House aide acknowledged that "the tensions are much higher now than they were even just a few days ago," the New York Times reports. In a Beirut suburb, a 50-year-old woman said, "I have been to 15 funerals this week." Developments include: Airstrikes: Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets early Sunday from Lebanon into northern Israel, some of which landed near the city of Haifa, where several people were wounded. Israel launched hundreds of strikes on Lebanon, per the AP. Lebanon's Health Ministry said three people were killed and four wounded in strikes near the Israeli border. Israeli strikes have killed dozens since Friday. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. NAIROBI, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Sunday joined the rest of the international community in marking World Rhino Day by committing to intensifying measures to save the black rhino population in the country. Rebecca Miano, the cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, said the government has adopted novel technologies such as the use of drones and forensic evidence to up the ante in rhino conservation. "Besides, we have allocated resources to support the recruitment of additional law enforcement officers. This will contribute significantly to our efforts to save the remaining rhino populations and other wildlife for posterity," Miano said during the celebrations in Samburu County, northern Kenya. The official lauded the continued co-existence of humans and wildlife in private and community-owned spaces, which she said gives hope that Kenya will continue leading from the front in wildlife conservation, including offering invulnerable sanctums for rare animal species such as the rhino. "I assure the global community that Kenya will continue to play her rightful role in wildlife conservation while laying special emphasis on rhino range expansion and conservation," Miano said. Kenya is an important rhino habitat, hosting 80 percent of the eastern black rhino subspecies found in eight realms nationally, according to Miano. She said the government has developed laws and policies that favor its quest to secure wildlife resources for current and future generations, including domesticating multilateral environmental agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Miano said the implementation of the past six editions of the rhino recovery action plan and the seventh edition currently underway has enhanced the regeneration of the black rhino populations by more than 100 percent. The number of rhinos in the country has increased from less than 400 in 1989 to 1,890 in 2022, with 966 being black, 922 white and two northern whites. "There is likelihood that Kenya's rhino population will exceed the numbers in 2022 once the ongoing national wildlife census is concluded," Miano said, adding that Kenya's black rhino population is ranked third largest globally after South Africa and Namibia. She said the East African nation hosts the world's only remaining female northern white rhino following the death of "Sudan" in 2018, whose stuffed figurine is quartered at the Nairobi National Museums as an enduring relic of an iconic freak of nature in Kenya's wide-ranging stock of wildlife species. The Kenyan official said the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, together with other researchers around the world, is working to bring the northern white rhino back from extinction. DT News: Does the ministry have any plans to benefit from or recycle the excavated rainwater? Eng. Khalaf: The storm water is usually discharged in the sea and other areas. We had attempted to inject it in the under- ground water in a couple of sites across the Kingdom. But recycling also is only done if strict rules are followed. The Supreme Council for the Environment had some environ- mental reservations in regards to this process as they had some concerns over water pollution suspicions, hence the processes were stopped and further discussions are in progress. But, we utilise it in irrigation purposes. We have more work and effort to be implemented in the field of rainwater drainage and recycling. Yet, we have managed to considerably reduce the negative effects of this issue on the public by taking the necessary precautionary measures and procedures ahead of the rainy season. The ministry has offered more tenders to provide tanks and containers to excavate the excessive water from roads and public areas. We have also upgraded the vacuum tankers and provided them with additional pumps to accelerate the process of excavating the water, thats in addition to installing pumps at vital areas and roads to move the water to open areas and ensure that the daily life isnt affected. DT News: What are the main challenges the ministry is facing in tackling the rainwater flooding issue? Eng. Khalaf: One of the biggest challenges we face during the rainy seasons is the uncivil behaviour of some people who remove the covers of sewage manholes and allow the rainwa- ter to enter and mix with the sewerage network. This is a grave matter as such behaviour disrupts and dam- ages the networks. The rainwater, with all its sediments, damages the pumps and other equipment of the sewerage network. This results in the rebound of the sewerage inside homes and other facilities. Such cases were reported recently, as the pumps were damaged and unable to move the sewer- age to the treatment plant. We repeatedly warn the public of the dangerous effects of such behaviours by raising more awareness on the matter through different platforms. Its noteworthy that we have also fulfilled all the requests that were received by municipal councils from citizens this year to install rainwater roof coatings to prevent any leakages inside homes, especially those belonging to the limited and medium income citizens. DT News: What are the efforts taken to reduce the increasing traffic congestions on the Kingdoms roads? Eng. Khalaf: The infrastructure and urban growth is notice- ably expanding in the country. The growing economy and the numbers of construction permits being issued is also rising. Of course all of these factors increase the pace of transporta- tion, reflected in the growing numbers of vehicles on the roads. In Bahrain, we have an annual growth in traffic movement of five to seven percent. The ministry is working on developing a network of strategic roads and a number of big projects are underway. Theyre mostly funded either through the state budget or the GCC Marshall Plan. The in-hand projects are worth around USD1.2 billion, but they require time to be completed. For this reason, as directed by the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the ministry has adopted a plan to implement smaller projects that have a visible impact on the alleviation of the traffic congestions issue. We have commenced executing these projects on several stages. The first stage includes 11 projects to open new entries, exits and intersections. Eight of them were recently completed in all four governorates. This plan received a positive interac- tion from motorists as it effectively contributed to the reduc- tion of traffic jams. The second stage of the plan will include 16 projects that will be soon announced. DT News: As we speak about traffic jams, what is the work progress of the much-anticipated fourth bridge connecting Manama and Muharraq? Eng. Khalaf: This is one of the most prominent projects being currently implemented by the ministry and is financed by the GCC Marshall Plan. It is part of the Muharraq Ring Road project and connects the northern parts of the Capital, Bahrain Bay and Busaiteen reaching to Diyar Al Muharraq. We have set a budget of USD250 million for the project. Tenders have been offered for the reclamation process and its currently in the evaluation phase. We are hoping that the tender for the construction process would be offered by the first half of 2018. A state-of-the-art design has been approved by the Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The project would be ready by the year 2020. The evening themed Yaadein: A Walk Down The Memory Lane, was a grand show in which students of Class XI presented a variety of cultural programmes along with interesting games. The Grade XII students shared their anecdotes of the time spent in school with the juniors and their beloved teachers. It was a nostalgic moment, the memories of which will be cherished for a lifetime. Winners will compete for a total prize money of Rs 300,000. EXEED understands the personalized needs of consumers in the new era. Taking advantage of human wisdom and embracing the concept of cloud co-creation, the brand has launched a co-creation programme. The programme brings together Stellar owners, motor enthusiasts and cross-border professionals to build cars in the hope of gathering everyones wisdom and strength to create smarter models for the market. The programme will create a better future both for EXEED and for the owners. Relying on Cherys 24-year R & D efforts, five global R & D centres and its supplier system comprised of Fortune 500 companies, EXEED will adhere to the domestic innovation to meet the expectations of users for independent high-end brands. Based on the deep insights into the future travel trends, EXEED boasts the 4F product development concept, which includes free hand, free range, free space, and free life. Stellar, the first model built based on this concept, represents EXEEDs understanding and vision of smart travel in the future. Born for the future Created based on 4F concept for product development, Stellar will realize peoples thoughts of intelligent mobility. It is named Yao Guang in Chinese after the first star of the Big Dipper in ancient China, which helped people distinguish directions and determine seasons. The Chinese name represents that EXEED will stick with the spirit of the Big Dipper and keep moving forward fearlessly. The design of Stellar is inspired by the links of constellations in the universe. The links between constellations are considered a great breakthrough made by human beings in the effort to observe and explore the starry sky. The imaginary links display romantic aesthetics as well as the spirit of exploration. The new design will also set the trend of future EXEED products. In addition to the new design, Stellar features high efficiency and low fuel consumption as a result of its GDI engine and super four-wheel drive. The model boasts Level 4 automatic driving and supports FOTA updates for various modules, such as DMC and EMS, allowing for vehicle customization. Furthermore, users can switch between various driving modes freely, such as meeting, entertainment, and gaming. Stellar can be regarded as the first step EXEED has taken in aiming for the future travel market, representing the brands judgment and thinking on future automotive technologies. We would have gone for seconds but by then, we were saving room for dessert. On the dessert display were churros with chocolate sauce, vanilla cream filled profiteroles, brownies, mille-feuille and a beautiful flan. There was a decadent, tall ten layer chocolate cake as well. The pastry chefs at the hotel really do a great job in preparing and presenting delicious desserts. The churros were irresistible and I may have lost count of how many I had. The vanilla profiteroles were filled with luscious vanilla cream and dipped in white chocolate. They were lip smacking. What we appreciate about the menu at Salero is that every dish is prepared with utmost respect to the flavor of the main ingredient while staying true to authentic Spanish flavors. The live music and exhilarating performance, the delectable meal and friendliness of the staff makes you leave with a smile on your face. Plan your weekend today and head on right over to Salero for their Saturday lunch buffet that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied. If you visit the restaurant this Saturday, you might meet the man behind it all- Chef Jordi Bataller who will be visiting Bahrain this weekend. Salero is open for brunch every Saturday from 1pm-5pm. For reservations, call 17171300 or WhatsApp 33502110. Bahrain is Set to Host the UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for the first time in the Middle East Bahrain is Set to Host the UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for the first time in the Middle East TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com The Kingdom of Bahrain is gearing up to host the 9th edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, the worlds largest global gastronomy tourism event. Scheduled for November 18-19 at the Exhibition World Bahrain, this prestigious event is a collaborative effort between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the UNWTO. The event is expected to further solidify Bahrain's position as a key player in the global tourism sector. The forum will bring together a distinguished group of local and international culinary and food tourism experts. It will feature a diverse range of activities, including panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in food tourism. Moreover, it will provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices within the industry while enhancing cooperation among stakeholders worldwide. Additionally, the forum will showcase the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Bahrain, specifically, and the Gulf region, in general. It will also highlight the growing importance of gastronomy tourism in the region, positioning it as a leading global destination in this field in the years to come. It's worth citing that the Economic Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2024 indicated that the accommodation and food services sector in Bahrain experienced a 10.7% year-on-year growth, reflecting the sector's significant contribution to the national economy. This event is expected to catalyse new and innovative opportunities for collaboration and further propel growth within this dynamic sector. On this occasion, Her Excellency Ms. Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, stated: We are immensely proud to host the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for the first time in the Middle East, marking a significant milestone in Bahrains strategy to diversify its tourism offerings. This prestigious event is part of our commitment, as part of Team Bahrain, to diversify the tourism sector and solidify the Kingdoms position as a leader in gastronomy tourism. H.E. added: "We aim to establish Bahrain as a leading destination for food enthusiasts and culinary tourism as the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism presents an exceptional opportunity for Bahrain to leverage its rich culinary heritage, exchange knowledge, and develop skills in this field." After months with FSD 12, Ive gone past the wow, this is magic phase. The analyst in me scrutinizes every disengagement and edge case. But today, I just had one of those tears in my eyes moments. On a mini road trip, FSD 12.5.2.1 flawlessly handled the winding roads that have always been my worst nightmare. Literally no human I know couldve done better. Perfectly centered, smooth turns, ideal speed. For two hours, the driver was completely relaxed, finished breakfast, and even the most carsick passenger played on their phonezero disengagements, perfectly smooth. It passed the coffee cup test. Achieving AGI in self-driving is one of the toughest challenges out there, but with 3 trillion miles driven annually and 12 hours per week behind the wheel, its poised to be one of humanitys greatest unlocks. Were talking trillion-dollar disruptions that no ones fully grasping yetreshaping cities, real estate, traffic, and car ownership! Every step forward gets us closer to that future we all deserve. And today, I felt it. After months with FSD 12, Ive gone past the wow, this is magic phase. The analyst in me scrutinizes every disengagement and edge case. But today, I just had one of those tears in my eyes moments. On a mini road trip, FSD 12.5.2.1 flawlessly handled the winding roads that pic.twitter.com/VnWQGrsSaE Freda Duan (@FredaDuan) September 21, 2024 Previous Testing of China and US Self Driving In July, 2024, Freda ust finished a one-week trip to China. She survived all the major (~20) L2 self-driving and robotaxi vehicles in both the US and China. Some thoughts & observations: Freda Duan, Altimeter Capital, tested major brands like $Huawei, $Li, $NIO, $Xpeng, and $Xiaomi. Overall, they exceeded my expectations. The rides were not overly cautious and handled complex situations (yes, road conditions in China are very challenging!) quite well. Nothing compares to $Tslas approach. I see imitation learning/end-to-end as the only effective approach for self-driving. While Chinese peers perform well on main roads, they struggle on frontage roads due to reliance on high-precision maps and rule-based methods (e.g. cars stopped in the middle of the road where there was no clear white lining). Chinese EVs self-driving capabilities are far ahead of those from US and EU brands. I doubt any Chinese players can profit from L2 self-driving, not because its not useful, but because its hard to differentiate, and price wars dominate the market in China. Chinese consumers and regulators seem much more receptive to self-driving. Even with a 5/10 self-driving capability, cars are practically *hands-free(!)* Insurance-wise, for L3+ cars, OEMs bear responsibility for incidents, so OEMs avoid labeling cars as L3+. Just finished a one-week trip to China. I've now "survived" all the major (~20) L2 self-driving and robotaxi vehicles in both the US and China. Some thoughts & observations: L2 self-driving I tested major brands like $Huawei, $Li, $NIO, $Xpeng, and $Xiaomi. Overall, they pic.twitter.com/2iTluT24SU Freda Duan (@FredaDuan) July 2, 2024 KIGALI, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has congratulated the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) Rwanda Office upon its 50th anniversary, saying it underscores its significant impact on Rwanda's development. He spoke at an event to mark CRBC Rwanda Office's 50th anniversary in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, Saturday evening. "This anniversary not only highlights CRBC's long life but also underscores its significant impact on Rwanda's development, particularly connecting our communities and promoting our economic growth," said Ngirente. The CRBC has constructed more than 1,500 km of roads across the East African country, including both completed projects and ongoing ones, according to the prime minister. These key roadways, he said, have significantly contributed to upgrading Rwanda's transportation networks, increased market access, and created thousands of jobs while improving the quality of life for Rwandans. Ngirente noted the partnership has also facilitated technology transfer and skills development, providing local workers with invaluable experience through their involvement in various projects. In addition, he said the improved infrastructure has attracted foreign investment to Rwanda, making it an increasingly attractive destination for business operations. "I am confident that the achievements of the past 50 years provide a strong foundation upon which we will build even greater successes in the future. Together, we can continue to build infrastructure that not only meets the needs of today but also paves the way for a brighter and more sustainable future," Ngirente said. The event featured dragon dance, a traditional Chinese dance performance. Over the past 50 years, CRBC has created over 500,000 jobs in Rwanda, according to information from the Chinese Embassy in Kigali. It has successively undertaken over 60 major projects, of which, ten are ongoing. It employs over 2,200 local staff members, accounting for more than 96 percent of the whole team, among whom nearly 20 percent are women. Lin Hang, charge d'affaires ad interim at the Chinese Embassy in Kigali, said infrastructure works by CRBC echoed so well with bilateral relations between China and Rwanda, recently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. "Through half a century, the world has changed a lot, so has Rwanda, but there's something not changing, the commitment to each other, CRBC is always there with Rwanda, to best showcase China's solidarity and brotherhood with our Rwanda people," she said. Lin noted that to CRBC, serving the people first and better and making everyone's dream come true, is their dream, and their belief despite the challenges of living in remote areas due to the nature of their job. "I have a dream, CRBC will help finish another 30 percent of unraveled roads in Rwanda, and extend the roads to every corner of Rwanda. I also have a dream, to make the first railway with the highest international standard happen in Rwanda," she said. Guo Meng, the director general of the China Road and Bridge Corporation Rwanda Office, thanked all the friends who have generously supported the development of their office and the employees who have contributed to its growth. Zhao Lianzhi, the deputy managing director of CRBC Headquarters, said in response to the Rwandan government's call for green and sustainable development, the company has expanded its business to focus on people's livelihoods, enhancing the well-being of the Rwandan people. "It is about growing together with Rwanda's economic development. As one of the first Chinese enterprises to enter Rwanda, we have always remained committed to the Rwandan market, even during the most challenging times. As one project after another has been completed and put into use, the economic development along the project routes has also steadily improved. Watching the cities transform day by day, we deeply feel that our work is meaningful, which motivates us to continue our efforts," Zhao said. Every month theres a captains meeting held by the Jersey City Police Departments South District precinct, and after one held in early July at least one Jersey City resident came away feeling a distinct sense of deja vu. The resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said residents keep hearing the same thing: The captain just tells us to keep on calling. Why cant the city enforce its anti-noise laws, they and other residents asked. Why do residents have to complain incessantly about the same violations without a response from the city that would halt the ongoing problem long-term? It may seem like an old man yells get off my lawn! at a tree issue, but this is serious. Experts are now saying that regular exposure to lower noise from traffic and other mass transit, which hovers around 70 dBs, doesnt just elevate most peoples heart rate; it raises the risk of cardiovascular problems and increases the rate of symptoms of depression. Obaid Kadwani, another resident who attends those South District precinct meetings, said theres definitely a noise problem, but he said repeated calls can get the citys attention. At the precinct meetings hes found South District precinct Captain Michael Hulings and Councilwoman Denise Ridley and her aide responsive. The key, he said, is coalitions of callers, not just one person. We do need you to call in because its going to create a database and we need that database If neighbors call in about the same nuisance-area, Kadwani said, it makes a significant difference. Thats what he and several of his neighbors have done. Every half an hour, relentlessly well have like five or six or seven or eight neighbors taking turns calling, he said, adding that it doesnt matter if the call is anonymous, because what the captain told us was that theyre seeing the different numbers and even if youre anonymous, they know its different people. Jersey Citys municipal code officially allows for noise up to 65 dBs in residential areas during the day. After 10 p.m., that 65 dBs code-limit drops by 15 decibels. 65 dBs is about the level of conversation outside. Sounds like loud music from bass speakers and modified mufflers can regularly exceed 65 dBs by 30 additional dBs or more; eight hours of noise from a loud house party can permanently damage a persons hearing. Noise from transportation made Jersey City the third-noisiest city in a recent report from the Steel Guard Safety Corp. The ranking didnt take into account louder noises even harder to rationalize, like the loud music Jersey City resident Michael DeGruccio chronicled in a Jersey City Times op-ed in December. For five years, DeGruccio, who lives near Lincoln Park, put up with loud music from a neighbors parties that violated noise ordinances. In his op-ed he described polite attempts to reach out to his neighbors, all going nowhere. One block away from the citys Public Safety complex on Martin Luther King Drive, one neighborhood group sees that as part of a larger problem. The Orient Avenue East Block Association meets often to problem-solve the various nuisances and crime on Orient Avenue: children vandalizing property, neglectful caregivers who are often intoxicated and belligerent, drug-dealing, loitering and unauthorized events garnering hundreds of people, the Orient Avenue East Block Association said in a statement. We want neighbors, not nuisances. We desperately need a long-term effective solution. DeGruccio tried reasoning with his neighbors. But they just dont understand, DeGruccio said. The thing they understand is consequences. And I was very reluctant to call the police just because of the climate were in and this is exactly why Im so frustrated with the city. I shouldnt be calling the police. I should be calling in people who deal with quality of life, who are unarmed, or their so-called noise officers who apparently dont exist. Noise complaint responses fall to Jersey Citys police department but within that, the closest specialized enforcement arm is the citys Quality of Life task force and units, both of which work in conjunction with the police and other city agencies under Jersey City Municipal Prosecutor Jake Hudnut. The division is supposed to allow for a 24/7 response to quality of life issues, a city spokesperson told The Jersey Journal about the task force in 2020. DeGruccio also reached out to his local councilperson, Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, and Mayor Steve Fulop about general enforcement; he says he never got a response from either of them. We did reply to him and we have been addressing his two major complaints, Prinz-Arey said, referring to loud music and the mufflers. Its been the topic of a couple of different community meetings where he has spoken with (West district) Capt. Joseph Olszewski and other people from the police force and theyve come up with different ways to try and address the issue. There were a number of tickets written for different instances with regard to the cars. And the captain has said on record they were hitting (offenders) with tickets that were more expensive, to make it (a deterrence). Can the police and the city always do better? Prinz-Arey said. Were not perfect, so yes, but I also think that sometimes its challenging in (Jersey Citys) West and South districts because theyre two of the busiest police districts in the entire state They also have to prioritize all of the calls that come in across the entire district. Hudnut changed the noise ordinance to make it easier for tickets to be written and for people to make noise complaints, Prinz-Arey said. Were here to work with the residents and to make sure that their quality of life is as good as it can be, and thats the truth of it, the councilwoman said. The loud music around DeGruccio is better, he said, because the guy causing it was issued one of those tickets. The thing that changed his behavior categorically? It was the ticket that had the offenders name on it and that said youre going to answer for these behaviors essentially whats called a rudeness tax, right? DeGruccio still deals around the clock with noise from the exhaust of modified muffler systems that are illegal, he said. More and more kids, theyre taking the first paycheck and finding a way to make (sure) you can hear their car for two blocks, DeGruccio said. If the city sent out a small cohort of noise officers looking to give citations to noise ordinance offenders in plain sight, DeGruccio believes noise would diminish city-wide within months. But it has to be enforced, DeGruccio said. And when they dont enforce it, it puts citizens who actually want to fight for their and their neighbors rights in danger because (offenders) think that because it is unenforced, its therefore legal, and I guess maybe in legal theory, thats right. Laws (that) are unenforced arent laws, right? JERSEY CITY A truck outside a Hudson County Community College student center Saturday morning flashed the digital message Pompidou No for all to see before entering the building to discuss the controversial plan to bring a branch of the iconic French Centre Pompidou to the city. The message from residents inside the tense, five-hour meeting with Mayor Steve Fulop wasnt much different. Two people were hurt Saturday morning when a driver experiencing a medical emergency in Monmouth County veered into the opposing lane of traffic, struck a vehicle and crashed into an Italian grocery store. A vehicle was traveling eastbound on Main Street at 10:20 a.m. Saturday when it crossed the center line and hit another car that was traveling westbound, the Holmdel Police Department said in a Facebook post. The car then continued across the westbound lane and struck the IL Mercato Italian grocery store at 37 Main St., police said. The driver of the car suffered a medical emergency just prior to the crash, they added. Both drivers were transported to Bayshore Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries, authorities said. The IL Mercato family is counting our blessings this morning, the owners of the business said in an online post Saturday. Thankfully no one was seriously injured in the accident that took place in front of our store. The business did not immediately respond Saturday to requests for comment. The grocery store has been temporarily closed by the towns construction official pending a structural evaluation, police said. The owners of IL Mercato said all catering orders will still be fulfilled. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Officer Maeve Cosgrove at 732-946-4400 ext. 18118. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. By Dorothy Rogers As election day approaches, the same old claims about the dangers of immigration fill air time and screen space. Donald Trump continues to fuel xenophobia, charging that immigrants poison the blood of our country, and are like a military invasion. Kamala Harris, meanwhile, reminds supporters what they did to tear families apart at the border when Trump was in power and looks to a brighter future for our multicultural nation. Yet we often lose sight of the real people behind our proposed barriers and political rhetoric. Consider a young man well call Felipe lets say he was born in Colombia, where there was little economic opportunity and even less political stability when he grew up. Military service was mandatory, and working-class youth were often killed in dangerous combat posts. At just 16 years old, Felipe felt his only option was to seek a better life in America. It was the start of a journey taken by countless others including many ancestors of future presidents and the most obstinate immigration hard-liners. Felipe arrived in New York and found work in a small market in Spanish Harlem, earning just enough to pay the bills while he learned English. A few years later he moved to Seattle, working at a cafe and renting a room in the red-light district. He didnt like the shady neighborhood, but it was tough to find affordable housing. What else could he do? After about ten years, Felipe had enough money to open a restaurant in a building rumored to have illegal gambling and a mini-bordello upstairs. Maybe Felipe knew, but turned a blind eye to get along. Lets give him the benefit of the doubt and say he had no idea. A few years later, Felipe joined a friend across the Canadian border to open a beautiful lakeside hotel. Its unclear if he knew about the female escorts and a not-quite-legal gambling operation at this establishment. After a while, police raided the place, but Felipe had already left the region for unknown reasons. His business partner was charged for a jewelry heist and running a sex parlor. But lets assume Felipe was innocent. Now into his 30s and financially successful, Felipe headed back to Colombia to find a bride. Well call her Estela. They both wanted to stay in their homeland, but there was so much more opportunity in the States. He promised Estela theyd return if she got homesick in America. The couple settled in Jackson Heights, a Spanish-speaking neighborhood in New York City where Estela could adjust to life in the US. Two years later, they visited family in Colombia to show off their new baby. Estela begged Felipe to stay. But as a draft dodger years before, he had to leave Colombia or face imprisonment. Felipe and Estela were somehow able to re-enter the U.S. after assuring immigration agents he had lived here continuously since arriving in the 80s. Yet hed actually spent a year in Colombia and lived in Canada at least five years. Once cleared for re-entry, he and Estela (now five months pregnant with their second child) resettled in New York, where their children grew up as American citizens. Whether you feel sympathetic or judgmental after reading this account, remember that the identities and country of origin of Felipe and Estela were changed to provide anonymity. Their real names? Friedrich and Elisabetha Trump, born in Germany in the late 1800s the grandparents of Donald J. Trump. The two met the very same challenges and opportunities described here, from about 1885 to 1905. Ironically, under the Birthright Citizenship Act (HR 140), proposed in 2017 by then-President Trump, an ambitious young man like Felipe/Friedrich would have been expelled from the US, and his son -- Donald Trumps father, a so-called anchor baby -- would be a perennial alien. Under such restrictions, would Friedrich Trumps descendants be able to enjoy the American freedoms we all cherish today let alone hold political office at the national level? Dorothy Rogers is Chair of the Department of Educational Foundations in the College for Education and Engaged Learning at Montclair State University. She teaches courses in the history and philosophy of education in America. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. At 93, Natalie Franzblau is the oldest member of Congregation Bnai Israel, an Egalitarian Conservative Synagogue in Kearny literally on the North Arlington border. She has been on their board for over 50 years and has so many happy memories of belonging to that community since she even worshipped in their first synagogue on Chestnut Street, where it was founded in 1910. But Franzblau voted earlier this month to close the synagogue and sell the building with no remorse. We dont have the people, she said, then went on to add, You have to face reality. In the next breath, she said she loves how the congregation is being reborn on Zoom. I dont have to get dressed to go the temple for Shabbat services, she said. I learned of the potential closing months ago, but Rabbi Karen Kaplan said at the time that they were not ready to go public. The congregation voted to close on Sept. 9. Now that they are trying to sell the building on the busy Belleville Turnpike, I was ready to write their funeral story only to learn it has come back to life as a Zoom Jewish community with a reach that is all over the world. Actually, this had been going on simultaneously since COVID. I really dont think the dissolving of the congregation is the story so much as the new independent group, said Kaplan, who as a member of Bnai Israel along with her husband, Steven Jon Kaplan, stepped up to lead the community when they had a need. She said eventually about two-thirds of the people joining the Zoom worship were not members of the congregation as the word spread about what they were doing. When the congregation decided to dissolve due to lack of members, a Zoom congregation came to life on its own. Kaplan made plans to become an independent group known as a chavurah and they named it Torah Orah, which means The Torah is light. And this will be their first Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, beginning next Wednesday sundown, Oct 2. The hybrid High Holy service with Zoom and in person was very awkward, she said. To do so as an independent group (we) can modernize. She is using a new prayer book this year that is about 50 years more recent than the last one was, she added. Rabbi Karen B. Kaplan and her husband, Steven Jon Kaplan, are seen leading Friday night services on Zoom on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Rev. Alexander M. Santora photo)Rev. Alexander Santora | For The Jersey Journal I sat in on the Zoom Shabbat on Friday, Sept. 13, which lasted about 75 minutes. It was mixture of Jewish prayer and English commentary. I felt a bit like Franzblau, who said she never learned to speak Hebrew and felt in the dark in the temple. A lot is now done in English, she noted. The most interesting part for me was the commentary on the Torah. In a given year, from one Rosh Hashanah to the next, the first five books of the Bible are read in their entirety by section every Shabbat. That night they were discussing Deuteronomy since they are just about at the end of the Torah. Steven Kaplan made some interesting notations. I made an indirect, timely reference to something in the news: the false stories of Haitian immigrants eating animals in Springfield, Ohio. In brief, Deuteronomy said, If you plan to eat the baby birds, send the parent away first. Rabbi Kaplan chastised me, No politics during Shabbat. At the end, there was some socializing on Zoom as participants greeted each other and shared some personal news. One participant said he lives in a remote area and might, if lucky, see and speak to only three people in a given week. He enjoyed the camaraderie. That night there was a minyan a minimum of 10 and they included women. Marty Dunkelman, 77, vice president of the synagogue, is also considered to be the official historian. Until the sale, he was often alone in the building going through the normal Friday night ritual. Since COVID they could rarely get the minyan. He misses the Friday night meal or oneg that would follow the service. COVID stopped the buffet style service; it had to be served individually and became too cumbersome. The sale of the building is not the only temporal matter to address. They have to either donate the Torah or sell it. No one in the community benefits financially; proceeds will help another struggling synagogue. Dunkelman explained that the Torah has to be kosher, meaning that any rips or tears need to be repaired; that is costly so a sale could fund that task. Also, some synagogues need two Torahs since the unrolling can be time consuming and it makes the service move along. Its a very sad moment and we pushed as far as we could go, he said wistfully. If it were a money issue, they could find funds, but we need people and there are fewer people, he said. Some active members might still tune in to Zoom but may also go on Saturday mornings to nearby congregations in Bloomfield or Newark. Franzblau recalled some high moments at the temple like the bar-mitzvah of her son and the bat-mitzvah of her daughter and the good receptions at night in the temple. They were joyous and lovely. And while she likes Zoom, I will miss praying (in person) with lots of people. The Rev. Alexander Santora is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph, 400 Willow Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030. Email: padrealex@yahoo.com; X: @padrehoboken. How to participate ... Anyone interested in joining the Friday night Zoom Chavurah may e-mail Rabbi Karen Kaplan at karenbookmankaplan@gmail.com. Time to consider what will happen if Donald Trump wins this election in November, and its not just about the threat to abortion rights: He may take a wrecking ball to health care, too. He cant be trusted not to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, which nearly 50 million Americans depend on for their health insurance. Some portion will likely lose coverage, and the bad old days of charging people with pre-existing conditions sky-high prices to get insured or denying them flat out could soon return. On drug prices, Republicans will likely seek to kill Medicare bargaining and give pharmaceutical companies back their right to charge the federal government whatever they want, a cost that will be passed on to sick patients. Trump has pledged to take on Big Pharma, but we cant trust him on that either. The fact is, Republicans have consistently opposed efforts to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices; that includes Rep. Tom Kean Jr., whos running for re-election in New Jersey. These are real threats that should terrify everyone and deserve big attention but to make America great, apparently, we first need to chase down every false rumor about people eating pets. Please. Heres what theyre trying to distract you from: Trump and J.D. Vance want to return us to the dark ages on health care, as with abortion. Lets take a look at the very real damage they could do. New: A side-by-side of Trump and Biden on health care. This is an unusual election with two candidates who have already been president and have records. For Trump especially, his record is important since he doesn't issue conventional policy statements.https://t.co/OJmGurrpHz Larry Levitt (@larry_levitt) June 24, 2024 If Republicans do sweep the election, theyre certainly going to push to extend tax cuts, which could cost trillions of dollars, Larry Levitt, the executive vice president for health policy at KFF, told us. And theyll be looking for money to pay for that. Trump has said that Medicare and Social Security are off the table. Defense is likely off the table, too. So that leaves Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act as big targets for cuts. Trump has said only that he has concepts of a plan to replace the ACA, but central to the ideas hes proposed in the past, and what he and Vance are talking about now, is deregulating insurance markets. Vance clarifies they would not have a one-size-fits-all approach that puts a lot of people into the same insurance pools, into the same risk pools. Instead, he says, theyd allow people with similar health situations to be in the same risk pools. In other words, theyd charge older Americans and sick people more: Healthier people might be in one pool and be able to get lower premiums, but thats just not possible without sending sick people back to where they couldnt get insured or had to pay exorbitant rates for coverage. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma or mental health problems are very common; people tend to collect them as they age, as do their loved ones. So this affects us all. Its the regulations in the Affordable Care Act that have provided protections for people with conditions like these requiring insurance companies to take anyone, provide the same benefits to everyone and charge the same premiums, regardless of your health. If you start talking about segregating people into different insurance pools, it would leave people with pre-existing conditions unprotected, Levitt confirmed. The recent comments from Trump and Vance suggest the ACA may be more vulnerable than people thought it was. Trump used very similar language in the budgets he proposed as president, Levitt notes: giving people more choice, eliminating federal insurance rules and leaving this up to the states, some of which would gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions. And all states would be in a bind, because Trump would also slash the amount of money the federal government puts into subsidies to make health coverage more affordable. Hes scrapped those subsidies in the past. Trumps healthcare plan will likely allow insurance to charge people with pre-existing conditions much much more for healthcare coverage (effectively abolishing Obamacares protection). This is Trumps backdoor to blocking healthcare for the sick (or poor)pic.twitter.com/RE3JuUYjDq Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) September 16, 2024 And we cant ignore his history. Trump and fellow Republicans have tried again and again to repeal the popular health care law, and when they failed at that, to sabotage it in various ways also cutting funding for outreach and advertising to get more people insured. The Trump Justice Department even asked the Supreme Court in 2020 to overturn the law. Then Biden came into office and strengthened the ACA, and more people signed up for insurance. Now thats all in jeopardy again if Trump wins a second term. Yet oddly enough, given the gravity of the threat, this is the first time in recent decades that health reform has not been a central issue in a presidential campaign. Currently, only about 5% of voters say health care costs are a top issue in this election, according to KFFs September poll. People felt abortion was here to stay tooit didnt start resonating until it actually went away, noted Julie Roginsky, a Democratic political consultant. Its like that song, she added: You dont know what you got till its gone. Kamala Harris is already making significant headway on the issue of affordability, said Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics: Shes really eroded his advantage on the economy, he told us, with Trumps big lead shrinking to a very meager one. And health care costs are key to that, too. We cant trust Trump not to strip coverage away from workers and the middle class to help pay for his big tax cuts for the rich. And given whats at stake for millions of Americans, we should be sounding the alarm about that every day until the election. Today is the anniversary of Senator John McCains thumbs down vote on skinny repeal, which ended (that time) the GOPs attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Im a stage 4 cancer survivor and Obamacare saved my life. We cannot go back. pic.twitter.com/4zcEWRdmBF Laura Packard (@lpackard) July 27, 2024 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. ISLAMABAD, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and three others were injured in a blast at a police vehicle in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, said police. The incident happened in the Swat district where the vehicle was targeted by a roadside planted device, sources from Swat police told Xinhua. Four policemen were injured in the attack and one of them succumbed to injuries later at a hospital where all of them were shifted after the attack, the sources added. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Police cordoned off the area for further investigations. The charter school movement is about to take a political beating of the worst kind, thanks to the greed and vanity of the folks who run the College Achieve network of 11 charter schools, sprinkled from Paterson to Asbury Park. Its not fair, because College Achieve is just one sleazy outfit, and the huge salaries its bosses take home are not typical. The CEO at College Achieve, Michael Piscal, earned a salary of about $800,000 a year with taxpayer money -- until Matthew Stanmyre of NJ Advance Media exposed the scam. Poor Piscal has to scratch by on just $400,000 a year for now, as the board investigates. On the whole, though, charter schools are killing it. They cost taxpayers significantly less than public schools, with no money to build school buildings, and less money for operating costs. They pay lower salaries to their superintendents, principals and teachers, when compared to district schools, according to state data. And yet, they perform better. Students in charters get higher scores on math and reading tests than their peers in district schools, are more likely to be poor, and 85 percent of them are Black and Hispanic, according to state data compiled by the Charter School Association of NJ. Families in Newark, who are given a menu of schools to choose from, consistently select charters over district schools. This is a gigantic success story. But taxpayers cannot be expected to look the other way at the giant salaries at College Achieve, including Piscal and his top team. This demands reform, and the Senate plans to hold hearings. We know that charters do good work, says Sen. Vin Gopal, a Democrat from Monmouth County and chairman of the Education Committee. But when I see salaries of $600,000 or $700,000 or $800,000, thats extremely concerning. So why am I worried? Because I was around when former Gov. Chris Christie enacted a $175,000 cap on most superintendent salaries in 2012, and it backfired. It did almost nothing for taxpayers, mainly because those salaries are such a small sliver of a districts budget. And it drove away some of the states best superintendents. It had an unintended consequence, says Sen. Teresa Ruiz, a Democrat from Newark who led the drive to repeal that cap in 2019. We saw high-quality talent leaving. And you saw some districts where the superintendent was made superintendent, plus something else, so that their salaries would be made whole. What would be the right level of cap? If its too high, its pointless. And if its low enough to sting, whats to stop a great superintendent from hopping the border to the wealthy suburbs of New York City or Philadelphia? That happened last time. The superintendent in Paramus during that period fled for Nyack, NY, because he would have had to take a $50,000 pay cut to stay in Jersey. I know people will criticize me and say Im making a move for money, he told me. Im not going to argue that. Whats a better answer? Everyone I talked to for this article seemed to have an open mind, and that includes Gopal and Ruiz, the governors office, the folks who supervise charters for the state Department of Education, the NJ Charter School Association, along with several others. The states largest teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association, didnt respond to inquiries. The best ideas I heard came from Harry Lee at the Charter School Association, whose member schools and boards have been in a frenzy of discussions since these stories broke. We need to fix this, Lee says. We have been meeting extensively with our schools and board as these stories have come out, and we want to make sure a few bad actors dont tarnish the rest of the charter sector. He suggests amendments to the charter law that would require charter boards to conduct compensation studies listing salaries of those in similar positions. That should be made easily available online, along with the salaries of all charter staffers, as in district schools today. Its early, but Gopal says both those ideas are on the table. Other reforms are trickier. Gopal says his committee will discuss allowing the public to elect charter school boards, a plan that could put charters at grave risk, given the extremely low turnout in school elections, and the political muscle of the NJEA. (Turnout in this years Newark school election was under 3 percent.) Perhaps, Gopal says, only the parents of charter students should vote in board elections. The committee will discuss salary caps as well, perhaps as a pilot program, Gopal says. We should be open-minded, he added. * * * A salary cap might be popular among voters, as it was when Christie imposed his. But take a look at Newark, and you can see how tough it would be to do it right. Consider Ryan Hill, who oversees the Kipp charter schools in Newark, Camden, and Miami. He earns $380,000, compared to $309,000 for the district superintendent, Roger Leon. But dig deeper, and it gets complicated fast. Leon is presiding over a disastrous failure in district schools, where less than 20 percent of third graders can read at grade level. The state sends him more than $1 billion a year, and he wastes it as if it were paper. Last year he took 19 school officials to a conference at a luxury hotel on San Diegos waterfront, where the hotel bar served $20 cocktails, tuna nicoise, and Wagyu beef. His contract give him 41 days off per year in vacation, personal, and sick days, and he can cash in up to 300 unused sick days on retirement. And his district schools are lagging way behind charters when it comes to test scores. A Stanford University study of Newark charters found the percentage of third graders reading at grade-level at charter schools was twice as high as third graders who attend district schools. On Wednesday, I visited Team Academy, Kipps school in Newarks South Ward, one of the citys poorest and most segregated neighborhoods, where 88 percent of the students are Black. The place is sparkling clean, the stairs are painted with the names of colleges, and the teachers I saw were all in firm control, their kids engaged. The dress code bans bare bellies, face piercings, and heels over 1 inches. The school holds 450 students in grades 5-8. They are way ahead of district students, in reading and math, and its not because they come into this school with advantages. They are more likely to be poor, and 14 percent are in special ed programs, roughly equal to the 16 percent rate in district schools. Hills salary is paid by a non-profit affiliated with the Kipp schools. But what if it were covered by taxpayers. Would it be money well-spent? Id say yes. * * * In the meantime, the state Department of Education could do more to police the bad charters even under the current law, nearly everyone agrees. In Murphys nearly seven years in office, the DOE has shut down just three charters, while two more closed on their own. During former Gov. Chris Christies eight years, the DOE shut down 24 and one closed on its own. Covid disruptions may explain part of that gap, but no one disputes Christies team put more effort into this. The Murphy accountability system has been weak, very weak, says Chris Cerf, a Democrat who was Christies Education Commissioner before serving as superintendent in Newark. There is no regulation that empowers a commissioner to order cuts to salaries in charter schools, but Cerf said the broad powers of the commissioner, backed by the states power to shut down charters, might be enough. You can use the bully pulpit, he says. You can sit them down and say youre misallocating funds, that the money should be spent on children, and in the next budget we need to see a substantial reduction. My hope is that legislators tread carefully, and it sounds like they will. College Achieve needs a spanking, for sure, despite its good performance in the classroom. But protecting schools like Team Academy, which give thousands of poor Jersey kids a good shot at success, is the holy grail. More: Tom Moran columns Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or (973) 986-6951. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. News: Top lawmakers demand hearings on charter schools after https://t.co/pgpnCSZQJr report https://t.co/RhyoouYC3T Matthew Stanmyre (@MattStanmyre) September 12, 2024 Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Coming off what one pollster called the best polling of her short campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris kicks off a new week with another strong showing as she continues to surge ahead of Donald Trump. An NBC News poll, which dropped Sunday, reveals Harris has coaxed a double-digit increase in popularity and rising voter enthusiasm that has rocketed her ahead of Trump nationally in the reshuffled the 2024 presidential contest, according to a new national NBC News poll. Of course, the presidential race is decided by the Electoral College, which means that a handful of states is likely to decide the election. According to NBC: With just over six weeks until Election Day, the poll finds Harris with a 5-point lead over former President Donald Trump among registered voters, 49% to 44%. While that result is within the margin of error, its a clear shift from Julys poll, when Trump was ahead by 2 points before President Joe Bidens exit. Another 7% either pick another candidate, say theyre unsure or say they wont vote. But the transformation in the presidential contest goes well beyond the horse race. For starters, Harris favorability has jumped 16 points since July, the largest increase for any politician in NBC News polling since then-President George W. Bushs standing surged after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Harris also holds the advantage over Trump on being seen as competent and effective, as well as on having the mental and physical health to be president a reversal from Trumps leads on those qualities when he was matched up against Biden. And in a contest between a sitting vice president and an ex-president, featuring an electorate that overwhelmingly thinks the U.S. is on the wrong track, Harris has the upper hand on which candidate better represents change and which candidate can get the country headed in the right direction. On Thursday, CNN data reporter Harry Enten discussed 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. Enten 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. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Start digging the moats, Kansas City. Pull up the drawbridge, Omaha. Release the hounds, Cleveland. Ready the archers, Cincinnati. Donald Trump says migrants are coming to burn down your hamlets. You see how bad its getting when you look at whats going on with migrants attacking villages and cities throughout the Midwest, Trump said at a rally on Saturday in North Carolina. Of course, there are no reports of migrant attacks anywhere in the Midwest, and Twitter/X posts quickly sprouted, mocking the former president and Republican presidential nominee with one-liners and cartoonish memes: The Villagers are missing their Idiot. The villages? What are they, friggin Genghis Khan? Do they bring torches and pitchforks? I heard theyre riding in on elephants and dragons. I thought The Villages were in Florida. Anyone have videos of migrants attacking villages? Is this before or after they attempt to register to vote? This is America, dude, we dont have villages here. Its just another in Trumps long history of demonizing immigrants. Most recently, Trump and his vice presidential running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, have used unfounded pet-eating allegations to demonize Springfield, Ohios 15,000 Haitian immigrants, whose arrival to fill manufacturing, distribution and warehouse jobs has rescued the local economy. Those comments which Trump repeated at a presidential debate against Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris have led to more than two dozen bomb threats and have prompted the state to send in additional state troopers and install surveillance cameras around the city in order to reopen schools and government buildings. Trump has said he wants to visit Springfield within the next few weeks, but the citys mayor, Rob Rue, said it would be very, very difficult on the city if either presidential candidate visited due to limited resources. So it would be fine with me if they decided not to make that stop right now, Rue said. Besides, the mayor will busy watching for marauding migrants with torches. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. UPDATE: Tropical Storm Helene forms, forecast to intensify into major hurricane Forecasters are putting the southern U.S. on alert for the possibility of a tropical storm or strong hurricane developing this week in or near the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center says theres a 70% chance that a disorganized cluster of showers and thunderstorms over the western Caribbean Sea and parts of Central America will get organized enough to become a tropical depression or named tropical storm in the next several days. And forecasters from AccuWeather go even further, saying there are indications the storm system could intensify into a significant hurricane and threaten the U.S. Gulf Coast region, anywhere from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Regardless of the exact track, tropical impacts are expected along parts of the Gulf Coast later (this) week or next weekend, AccuWeather meteorologist Grady Gilman said, recommending that people in the southern U.S. should begin basic preparations for a potential tropical storm or hurricane. Gilman and other AccuWeather forecasters say very warm water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico will likely provide a lot of energy to the potential storm system and boost the chances of the storm rapidly intensifying before it makes landfall. Forecasters say there's a 70% chance of a tropical storm developing this week near or in the Gulf of Mexico, with some saying the storm has the potential to grow into a strong hurricane that could impact the U.S. Gulf coast.AccuWeather Forecasters from The Weather Channel say the latest computer forecast models suggest a tropical depression or storm could form as soon as Tuesday when its near the Cancun or western Cuba. They believe the storm system will move into the southern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, either as a tropical depression or (tropical) storm. On Thursday, we expect the storm will be drawn generally northward in the Gulf of Mexico by steering winds around high pressure off the Southeast coast and low pressure over the south-central U.S., the Weather Channel said in a storm report. Forecasters say there's a 70% chance of a tropical storm developing this week near or in the Gulf of Mexico, with some saying the storm has the potential to grow into a strong hurricane that could impact the U.S. Gulf coast.AccuWeather As usual, forecast models differ this far out, it added. But in general, that could bring the center of this system to the Gulf Coast somewhere between Florida and Louisiana either Thursday or Thursday night. If the storm system does develop into a tropical storm or hurricane, it would be named Helene. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality. Our cover story this week tells the tragic tale of Henry Friedler, a young New Orleanian who lost his life to suicide in 2020. Our coverage includes an interview with Henrys father, Tripp Friedler, as well as excerpts of Tripps new book, The Tunnel. The book chronicles Henrys long battle with bipolar disorder and his familys struggle to come to terms with his death. The Friedler familys story is all too familiar in modern America. The Tunnel presents an unflinching look at the mental health crisis ravaging communities everywhere, especially in metro New Orleans. According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 4.4% of adults in the U.S. more than 11.5 million people, based on 2023 data have at some point suffered from bipolar disorder. Rates for depression, anxiety and other debilitating illnesses are significantly higher. Sadly, mental health care in the U.S. is a disgrace. Longstanding shortages of trained professionals to help people in crisis and researchers to find new treatments limit basic capacity. Meanwhile, Americans refusal to confront and openly discuss mental health issues, even with family members, has forced millions to suffer silently. Our nation desperately needs to shed its taboos associated with mental illness. These problems are even worse in communities of color, the LGBTQ community and rural areas where basic health care is already woefully inadequate. Black New Orleanians, for instance, often wait months before seeing a mental health care professional equipped to help address unique issues confronting their community. For someone in crisis, waiting even a few hours can be the difference between life and death. Too often, treatment falls to law enforcement officers whose only available recourse is to put people in crisis in jail for a few days, where they may or may not receive medication, and then release them back onto the street. Many have no place to go nor any support network to call on. Mental illnesses dont discriminate. Even the wealthiest amongst us struggle and just as often fail to find treatment that can provide meaningful, long-term solutions. Some local leaders, like City Council Member Joe Giarrusso who lost his father to depression-related suicide are working to increase access to care, but far too many politicians (and the entire insurance industry) seem content to ignore it. Americans must demand change at the local, state and national levels. Rather than avoid it, we have to embrace frank discussions of mental illness with empathy, understanding and a determination to change outcomes. That kind of determination requires more than talk. As a society, we must invest in research and treatments that give all Americans access to the care they need, whenever they need it. We highly recommend Tripp Frielders book. Its a gut-wrenching tale, but, as he notes in our interview, we all must learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable if you really want to help. Above all, if you or someone you know is in crisis, we plead with you to call or text 988 to speak with someone who can help. Everywhere Alicia Contreras holds sound healing sessions, her crystal singing bowls produce ringing tones that reverberate over people as they lie relaxed on mats on the ground, each bowls note aimed at connecting with a particular chakra, or physical and spiritual energy center in her listeners. WELLINGTON, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Immersion Day highlighted cultural show and donated Chinese books in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Sunday. The Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch donated children's books in Chinese and books about traditional Chinese culture to the Christchurch Library, as part of the nationwide celebration of the New Zealand Chinese Language Week, which started on Sunday. Consul General He Ying told the donation ceremony that the annual book donation started more than five years ago, and these books have been widely received by the Chinese community and Kiwis in Christchurch. The city libraries need diverse language books as part of a wide range of books offered, said a statement from the library, adding the donated books have been wonderful gifts for the community to enjoy. The Chinese Immersion Day highlighted performance of traditional Chinese music, lion dance and various Chinese language and culture activities, such as calligraphy, paper cutting, Chinese knots making, Chinese painting, fan making, tea art, traditional Chinese medicine consultation, and fun language workshops and games. The Chinese Immersion Day was jointly held by the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch Central Library, and the New Zealand Chinese Language Teachers Association (Canterbury). The Chinese Language Week is a Kiwi-driven initiative launched in 2014 after the Maori Language Week and the Pacific Language Week. New Zealand has more than 260,000 people of Chinese origin. The number of primary and secondary school students in New Zealand learning Chinese was nearly 70,000 before the global pandemic, according to New Zealand's Ministry of Education. PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Police have arrested an alleged drug smuggler and discovered 17 kg of hashish from his possession in northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province, according to the provincial police. The contraband was discovered during a routine check of a car on Saturday, and police arrested the man on the charge of trafficking the illegal drug. The Afghan caretaker government has banned poppy and hashish cultivation, drug processing and trafficking to eradicate drug menace. Two new Trustees have been introduced as part of the restructuring efforts at Calvert Exmoor, which was recently saved by a successful 550,000 fundraising campaign. The charity, providing accessible activity experiences, is the only residential activity centre for people with disabilities in southern England and is now exploring new opportunities. The two new appointees are Jamie Morris and Glyn Brackenbury. Jamie is one of the founders of The Travel Chapter, bringing experience from the holiday and property sector. Glyn has spent his career in outdoor centres, including 15 years as a director at Skern Lodge in Appledore. Chris Gregson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: The first big step for the future of the centre is to have a refreshed and condensed Trustee Board of relevant industry experts, to lead the way moving forward. We are recruiting and approaching those we believe have the skills and mindsets needed. Jamie has key experience with managing and growing one of the United Kingdoms largest and most successful holiday booking companies. Meanwhile, Glyn has run expeditions all over the world, leading trips for individuals with limited mobility, including facilitating a quadriplegic man to kayak 100 miles through Greenland's iceberg-laden fjords to arrive at the polar ice cap. Chris added that together, they bring the ability to balance Calvert Exmoors operational needs with the commercial pressures in the outdoor leisure environment. They have a strong set of core values that will help to ensure the best possible experience for our staff and guests. TEHRAN, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Cuba have reaffirmed mutual support for addressing U.S. hostile policies and sanctions, said the Iranian foreign ministry on Sunday. In a meeting on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of common interest, the ministry said in a statement. According to the statement, Araghchi condemned the "unilateral and political" U.S. move of putting Cuba on the list of the so-called "State Sponsors of Terrorism," which also includes Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Syria, and described it as being in continuation of Washington's "hostile" policies. He said Iran, one of the U.S. sanctions' victims, completely understands the Cuban people's conditions and would support Cuba in the face of Washington's embargoes. The Cuban foreign minister also said his country would back Iran against the U.S. "hostile" polices. Both Iran and Cuba are under U.S. sanctions and have been promoting cooperation to counter the embargoes for years. New Dynamics of Race Test Georgias Status as a Swing State A perpetually expanding sprawl encircles Atlanta, the capital of Georgia and arguably all of the South. Newcomers from all over have powered its rapid growth, lured by a sense of promise and possibility. Because of the demographic shifts in these rapidly diversifying suburbs, Georgia recently emerged as a battleground state, after years of Republican dominance. And even though President Biden won the state in 2020, his prospects this year in Georgia were dim. Then Vice President Kamala Harris stepped up, and the energy shifted. Voters who struggled to feel enthusiastic about Mr. Biden were now excited and optimistic. The new dynamics may serve as the biggest test yet of Georgias status as a swing state. Over several weeks, we spoke to voters scattered across the constellation of suburban counties that make up the footprint of Metro Atlanta, finding a range of opinions as diverse as the area itself. Scroll to play video Muted Blake McClellan Blake McClellan Melinda Hicks Melinda Hicks Blake McClellan Blake McClellan Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Blake McClellan Blake McClellan Yesenia Mohammad Yesenia Mohammad Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale October Zahou October Zahou Mike Wood Mike Wood Yesenia Mohammad Yesenia Mohammad Bruce Leonard Bruce Leonard Melinda Hicks Melinda Hicks Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez Blake McClellan Blake McClellan October Zahou October Zahou Yesenia Mohammad Yesenia Mohammad Mike Wood Mike Wood Bruce Leonard Bruce Leonard October Zahou October Zahou When I tell people, Where are you from? When I tell people, Where are you from? Oh, Im from Atlanta. Oh, Im from Atlanta. But most people are living on the what we But most people are living on the what we call the outside perimeter of the road that goes around call the outside perimeter of the road that goes around the city, in the suburbs. the city, in the suburbs. The suburbs have changed The suburbs have changed with just explosive growth. with just explosive growth. I call it my little cookie-cutter suburbia I call it my little cookie-cutter suburbia bubble here, bubble here, and I love it. and I love it. We feel safe. We feel safe. Atlanta really is about inclusivity. Atlanta really is about inclusivity. Were really progressive. Were really progressive. Sadly enough, I havent been to Atlanta since Covid. Sadly enough, I havent been to Atlanta since Covid. The crime has gotten out of control. The crime has gotten out of control. I see a lot of people moving here I see a lot of people moving here from a lot of different places, from a lot of different places, some very liberal places like California and New York. some very liberal places like California and New York. I think its changing the demographics and why were I think its changing the demographics and why were turning purple. turning purple. Ive always been a Democrat. Ive always been a Democrat. I have a Trump bumper sticker on my car. I have a Trump bumper sticker on my car. I lean right on some issues, I lean right on some issues, left on some other issues. left on some other issues. I would say Im politically marooned. I would say Im politically marooned. Most of my neighbors are Republican. Most of my neighbors are Republican. Its lonely. Its lonely. I get my news from I get my news from thats a good question. thats a good question. I get my news mainly from social media. I get my news mainly from social media. I tend to do X as my medium for news. I tend to do X as my medium for news. I watch Newsmax. I watch Newsmax. Joe Rogan. Joe Rogan. Typically NPR. Typically NPR. You cant really have You cant really have a conversation where theres two sets of facts. a conversation where theres two sets of facts. I wish we were getting the same facts. I wish we were getting the same facts. Scroll to continue The prevailing issues echoed those expressed by voters virtually everywhere: the cost of living. Security at the southern border. Access to abortion. But voting rights, election integrity and the health of the countrys institutions mattered here, as well. That was a direct result of 2020. 2020 Was a Lot It was a year during which the countrys fractured politics had increasingly given way to conflicting versions of reality. The pandemic was a public health crisis, or an economic one. Black Lives Matter protests were a necessary reckoning over institutional racism, or an explosion of violence and unrest that sullied cities like Atlanta. That split-screen view was most evident with the 2020 election. Mr. Biden had narrowly but legitimately won in Georgia, but former President Donald J. Trump and his associates were accused of engineering a plan to overturn it. Prosecutors in Atlanta argued that their actions broke the law, charging them in a racketeering case that is ongoing. Some followers of the former president believed his claim of a stolen victory. To others in Georgia, it looked like a campaign to diminish their voting rights. Scroll to play video Muted October Zahou October Zahou Blake McClellan Blake McClellan Mike Wood Mike Wood Melinda Hicks Melinda Hicks Blake McClellan Blake McClellan October Zahou October Zahou Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale From my standpoint, Trump won in 2020. From my standpoint, Trump won in 2020. Whatever strings they pulled and whatever cheating they did Whatever strings they pulled and whatever cheating they did stole that election from him. stole that election from him. I actually do not believe that we got I actually do not believe that we got 100 percent accurate results. 100 percent accurate results. Voter rolls were not up to date Voter rolls were not up to date and there were inaccuracies in things. and there were inaccuracies in things. When I go to the polling places, When I go to the polling places, which is two blocks from my house, which is two blocks from my house, my neighbors are sitting behind those desks and I dont my neighbors are sitting behind those desks and I dont think those people are trying to play games with think those people are trying to play games with the election. the election. I did trust the results from the 2020 election. I did trust the results from the 2020 election. We have a Republican governor, a Republican secretary of state. We have a Republican governor, a Republican secretary of state. I trust them. I trust them. Because I think Kemp is a great governor. Because I think Kemp is a great governor. I think hes governed the state quite well. I think hes governed the state quite well. But I was disappointed that he didnt show more initiative But I was disappointed that he didnt show more initiative to want to find the results and find out. to want to find the results and find out. So Im talking about maybe what they like to call So Im talking about maybe what they like to call the deep state or maybe what they like to call the deep state or maybe what they like to call the administrative state or whoever is actually calling the administrative state or whoever is actually calling the shots. the shots. I know it sounds very conspiratorial, I know it sounds very conspiratorial, but I think that on both sides, but I think that on both sides, we agree that money is driving things bigger than my vote. we agree that money is driving things bigger than my vote. The political climate in Georgia right now, The political climate in Georgia right now, from my perspective, is on edge. from my perspective, is on edge. Some people are setting up ways Some people are setting up ways to not only suppress the vote, but to cause us to question to not only suppress the vote, but to cause us to question the legitimacy of it. the legitimacy of it. Scroll to continue The turmoil has caused fatigue. Alena Scigliano has reacted by making a conscious choice to limit her exposure to the news. Can I impact it? Can I have any control in it? If I cant do anything, its not something I need to stress over, she said on an evening walk through her neighborhood in Fayette County, which went to Mr. Trump in 2020. Alena Scigliano But as much as she has avoided talking politics with her neighbors, she said, she is not shy about her aversion to the former president. I have deep, deep concerns about him being president again, said Ms. Scigliano, a therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse. As Atlanta Grows, So Does the Cost of Living For a long time, the pitch that hooked transplants from places like New York or California was simple: Its so cheap, said Heather Breslin, who moved to Atlanta two decades ago and works as a film producer. Its such an easy place to live. Heather Breslin Its still less expensive than those coastal cities. But for some, it no longer feels like the steal it once did. Scroll to play video Muted Sang In So Sang In So Melinda Hicks Melinda Hicks Sang In So Sang In So Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale October Zahou October Zahou Blake McClellan Blake McClellan Im born 1924. Im born 1924. Today, Im a little over 100 years old. Today, Im a little over 100 years old. Everythings upside down. Everythings upside down. I worry about the money. I worry about the money. Going into grocery stores, Going into grocery stores, and every time I go in, the prices are higher and every time I go in, the prices are higher and the prices are higher. and the prices are higher. Three months ago in my house, water heaters broken down. Three months ago in my house, water heaters broken down. Water heater cost only $690. Water heater cost only $690. Labor charges, they charge $2,000. Labor charges, they charge $2,000. There are too many people in the nation There are too many people in the nation and in Georgia who are unable to take care of their needs. and in Georgia who are unable to take care of their needs. Why are we being destroyed by this idea Why are we being destroyed by this idea that everyone has to be the same? that everyone has to be the same? We all have to be on the same footing. We all have to be on the same footing. If I make more than you, you should get some of my money. If I make more than you, you should get some of my money. I grew up very poor, I grew up very poor, I grew up in kind of an abusive home, I grew up in kind of an abusive home, so Im empathetic to the struggle. so Im empathetic to the struggle. Its hard. But what made me where I am today and be able Its hard. But what made me where I am today and be able to provide for my family and live this middle-class life to provide for my family and live this middle-class life that I have is grit. that I have is grit. And I fear that theyre creating a system And I fear that theyre creating a system on the left that is about government dependency. on the left that is about government dependency. And I feel like that is a scary thing. And I feel like that is a scary thing. Scroll to continue Zippora Fleming, 25, has a college degree and a job as a registered behavioral technician that can be enormously satisfying when the children she works with have breakthroughs. Just recently, a girl who was nonverbal started talking. Zippora Fleming But she cant help but think that her generation has gotten a raw deal: The minimum wage is practically impossible to live on. A college education is not the ticket to prosperity that she thought it would be. She would love to have a place of her own, but rent prices are daunting. I just want to live, she said. I just want to get out. I dont want to be stuck in my parents house anymore. Chanel Kho Chanel Kho, 45, has voted for Mr. Trump before and plans to do so again. She likes that he projects strength, she said, and wants to see him crack down on soaring prices and illegal immigration. He loves America and he loves the people and he cares about our freedom, said Ms. Kho, a patient care technician at a hospital, who emigrated from the Philippines in 2001. Immigration: Opportunity or Displacement? Cruise through the suburbs and youll see plenty of Chick-fil-As and evangelical megachurches. But youll also see Hindu temples and mosques, and a single strip mall with restaurants offering Peruvian, Colombian, Mexican, Japanese and Vietnamese fare. The changing landscape makes the national debate over immigration policy feel deeply personal. Scroll to play video Muted Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez October Zahou October Zahou Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez October Zahou October Zahou Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez October Zahou October Zahou Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez October Zahou October Zahou Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez Yolanda Alvarado Sanchez For me, the most important issue For me, the most important issue is definitely immigration. is definitely immigration. I tell my students all the time, where I grew up, I tell my students all the time, where I grew up, everybody looked like me. everybody looked like me. Its not that we dont have any diversity. Its not that we dont have any diversity. Its just that where I was, there really wasnt. Its just that where I was, there really wasnt. I was born in Mexico. I was born in Mexico. I grew up in an undocumented family, undocumented myself. I grew up in an undocumented family, undocumented myself. I studied Spanish, and I took every opportunity I studied Spanish, and I took every opportunity to meet people from other places. to meet people from other places. I welcomed different, but I welcomed different, but I didnt want different to change my America. I didnt want different to change my America. Even though now Im documented, Even though now Im documented, I still have many family members that are undocumented. I still have many family members that are undocumented. My husband is undocumented. My husband is undocumented. Weve definitely put a lot of things on hold, Weve definitely put a lot of things on hold, including children or growing our family, including children or growing our family, because if he gets deported, I dont want to do any of that because if he gets deported, I dont want to do any of that on my own. on my own. I think really the strength of America I think really the strength of America was the fact that people left other places to be American. was the fact that people left other places to be American. And right now, people are not leaving other places And right now, people are not leaving other places to be American. to be American. Myself and my family, were here giving our best to Myself and my family, were here giving our best to this country. this country. I went to school. I went to school. Im working. Im working. Theyre leaving other places to be whoever they are Theyre leaving other places to be whoever they are in America, and make some good money and maybe send in America, and make some good money and maybe send some money home and retire back wherever they came from. some money home and retire back wherever they came from. If Vice President Harris wins the election If Vice President Harris wins the election I think it would give us a lot of hope. I think it would give us a lot of hope. That would definitely give me more confidence That would definitely give me more confidence in applying for him to become legalized, in applying for him to become legalized, and maybe in the future would give me the confidence and maybe in the future would give me the confidence to actually do more things. to actually do more things. Scroll to continue Arturo Foster was brought by his parents to the United States illegally as a child. He said he has worked since he was 13 and was forced out of his family home because of his sexual orientation. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program helped him work his way toward citizenship and build a career and business of his own. On the day we spoke, he had just gotten married to his partner, Chris Lipski. Arturo Foster and Chris Lipski He felt fortunate. He had found love and a sense of security, he said. Still, he feared for the people who were now in the position he had once been in. He worries the hostility directed at undocumented people had only intensified. The rhetoric, he said, had become dangerous. It scares the hell out of me, he said. Abortion Rises as an Issue in the Suburbs Even with Georgias evolution it has elected Democrats for president and the Senate there are issues that reveal how conservative values are still deeply rooted in the state. Abortion is one of them: The state has a ban on the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy. Scroll to play video Muted Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale October Zahou October Zahou Blake McClellan Blake McClellan Bruce Leonard Bruce Leonard I believe in choice. I believe in choice. And I think that it is tremendously And I think that it is tremendously important for women to be able to decide what we want important for women to be able to decide what we want to do with our own bodies. to do with our own bodies. Im the kind of conservative who is pro-life, Im the kind of conservative who is pro-life, 100 percent, no exceptions. 100 percent, no exceptions. And I think that decisions and choices that are made And I think that decisions and choices that are made need to be made before conception. need to be made before conception. I never thought I would have a hard stance I never thought I would have a hard stance as a male on the topic, but after having a child, as a male on the topic, but after having a child, it breaks my heart how anybody would want to do that. it breaks my heart how anybody would want to do that. Rape and incest, Rape and incest, I understand thats a different situation, I understand thats a different situation, but its such a small percentage of abortions that but its such a small percentage of abortions that what this is really about is just making it easier what this is really about is just making it easier for people to be irresponsible. for people to be irresponsible. Lets be responsible. Lets be responsible. Lets teach people to be responsible. Lets teach people to be responsible. With Trump, and the whole abortion thing, With Trump, and the whole abortion thing, I mean, thats really scary. I mean, thats really scary. I mean, abortion should be in public health. I mean, abortion should be in public health. You dont want abortion in criminal justice. You dont want abortion in criminal justice. What is this country coming to? What is this country coming to? Scroll to continue While Republican elected officials in the state continue their opposition to abortion access, recent polling shows that many women are motivated to protect abortion rights. Ms. Harris returned to Georgia last week to give a speech highlighting the deaths of two women that she argued were the result of the states strict limits on abortion access. Robyn Rigs Im a childhood survivor of sexual abuse, said Robyn Rigs, 62, an independent voter who lives in Decatur. Its just important to me that it remains in our hands and that we get to make the decisions over our own bodies. WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and dozens injured in a mass shooting Saturday night in Birmingham, in the U.S. State of Alabama, according to U.S. media reports. Birmingham police reported that the shooting occurred in a busy neighborhood on the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue, in the Five Points South area near the University of Alabama. Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and a fourth died later at the university's hospital. Several others sustained serious injuries. Authorities believe multiple gunmen were involved in the shooting. As of early Sunday morning, no suspects had been apprehended. halbergman / Getty Images/iStockphoto College towns dont just appeal to students. Many of these areas are home to bustling cultural attractions and high employment opportunities, which draws in Americans of all ages. Trending Now: 20 Best Cities Where You Can Buy a House for Under $100K Consider This: How To Get Rich in Real Estate Starting With Just $1,000 To find the college towns Americans are flocking to, moveBuddha analyzed a list of 704 college towns to find those with the highest in-to-out move ratios and healthy unemployment rates. Among the thriving college towns they identified, these 10 areas have the most affordable homes. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto Lawton, Oklahoma Zillow Home Value Index: $129,894 For You: 5 Types of Homes That Will Plummet in Value in 2024 Explore More: Americas 50 Fastest-Growing Suburbs With Home Values Under $500,000 Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto Fort Smith, Arkansas Zillow Home Value Index: $181,188 Be Aware: 10 Dangerous Cities You Shouldnt Buy a Home in No Matter the Price DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto Abilene, Texas Zillow Home Value Index: $198,683 Shutterstock.com Lynchburg, Virginia Zillow Home Value Index: $254,145 Consider This: 3 Best States To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Experts sgoodwin4813 / Getty Images/iStockphoto Salisbury, Maryland Zillow Home Value Index: $255,792 Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto Portsmouth, Virginia Zillow Home Value Index: $256,292 Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com Green Bay, Wisconsin Zillow Home Value Index: $258,636 Discover More: Housing Market 2024 Home Prices Are Plummeting in 10 Formerly Overpriced Housing Markets Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock.com Johnson City, Tennessee Zillow Home Value Index: $280,562 Ultima_Gaina / Getty Images/iStockphoto Allentown, Pennsylvania Zillow Home Value Index: $287,206 Jeff Yount / iStock.com Hickory, North Carolina Zillow Home Value Index: $288,672 Data is sourced from moveBuddha and is accurate as of Sept. 16, 2024. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Affordable College Towns Americans Are Flocking To frantic00 / iStock.com Genesis Hinckley is an outspoken personal finance influencer and entrepreneur, perhaps best known for working to educate and inspire low-income communities about financial literacy and building personal financial freedom. Check Out: How Much Money Do Americans Have in Their Bank Accounts in 2024? For You: 7 Reasons a Financial Advisor Can Grow Your Wealth in 2024 She recently posted a reel on Instagram about a subject that can be pretty touchy splitting bills with family and friends. Whether its a night out or a common pool for a big expenditure like a gift or family vacation, theres a difference between equal and equitable. Heres Hinckleys take on different ways to split expenses. Also see how to set boundaries when youre on a budget. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Keep the Peace Before getting into different methods for splitting expenses, Hinckley said her overall objective was to just keep the peace, which underscores how tricky mixing family, friends and finances can be. She offered the scenario of splitting a $1,000 expense between four family members and the different ways you could approach the issue. Read Next: 5 Millennial Money Habits That Gen Z Resists Method 1: Split Based on Willingness To Contribute One way to pool resources is based on how much each person feels good about contributing. However, Hinckley is quick to point out that one person may have to eat most of the cost. A big upside of this method, according to Hinckley, is that it gives people more control, as theyre free to contribute as much or as little as they like. Method 2: Split Based on Income Another option is to split large bills based on how much each person earns. This approach is a little complicated, according to Hinckley, as it requires knowing everyones salary information some may not be comfortable sharing, even with family or close friends. Then, youll have to do the math to determine percentages and how much each person should chip in. Though it has downsides, Hinckley stressed this is the most equitable option. Method 3: Split It Equally An equal, not equitable arrangement would be to split the bill equally. In Hinckleys example, each family member would be responsible for $250 of the $1,000 total, regardless of their income or willingness to contribute. Though not the fairest method, Hinckley said it has the benefit of allowing everyone to feel good about the amount they contributed. Talking With Your Family About Money Hinckley wrapped up the Instagram reel with some personal insight. As the daughter of immigrant parents, she said its important to offer more support to your family when youre able to. Being able to lighten the financial burdens of the people you love, Hinckley said, is why we work so hard for our money. Story continues She pointed out that many people are struggling, so turning to family for support is an important and necessary skill to build. And if youre better off, consider sharing the wealth. One person who may be in a better financial situation and willing to help out more is a blessing, Hinckley said. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Different Ways To Split Expenses, According to Financial Influencer Genesis Hinckley On the international day of peace, considering the horrors being unleashed in Gaza and Lebanon, I reflected on my last visit to Lebanon July 2023. In my opinion, on this day of "peace" we all need to reflect on two things: our vision of peace and how do we get there (our individual and collective responsibility). To colonial settlers, peace is essentially pacification and quiet. To oppressed people, peace means restitution of justice, removal of oppressive regimes, and living on our lands as we did before the invasion. In its wider and more logical nature, peace means harmony with ourselves, harmony between people and also harmony with nature. Achieving that is imperative and existential. I have written much about the path forward for us in Western Asia. Here are some of that: 1) "Sharing the Land of Canaan" book available here 2) the path forward 3) A Palestinian Reflection on What We Learn. In Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders & Intellectuals Speak Out (Ramzy Baroud and Ilan Pappe, editors), Clarity Press. I also argued before that for real peace, we should not be duped to focus on the suffering while ignoring e.g. root causes. Instead we must change ourselves I also wrote on hope. On 29 December 2023, I explained why I was hopeful for the new year, and on 1 Jan 2024, I wrote about what we at the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and sustainability have been doing and plan to do going forward (for a peace based on sustainability). So here I merely want to wish all people to have peace. Yes including colonizers who can only have peace by shedding their colonial mentality (liberation from their mental colonization). See my paper on this. Stay Human and keep Palestine and hope of peace alive Court documents in the case of the Clark County man who allegedly admitted to police that he stabbed his sister to death reveal new details. Dwayne Robinson, 34, is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of 36-year-old Diane Robinson and is being held without bail, court documents say. The two lived together in the 7500 block of Northeast 123rd Court. Sheriffs deputies responded to the scene around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a call from Kenneth Leachman, Diane Robinsons ex-husband, who said that Dwayne Robinson stabbed her to death, court records say. Leachman told police that he stopped by the home to check on Diane Robinson, and Dwayne Robinson told Leachman that he killed Diane Robinson, records say. Deputies surrounded the home and Dwayne Robinson immediately surrendered. Deputies found Diane Robinsons body covered by a blanket in the kitchen, records say. Dwayne Robinson told deputies he suffered from depression, sadness and pain because his sister had been poisoning him for years, court documents say. Police said he said he decided to kill her around Sunday, Sept. 15. He found her eating in the kitchen and stabbed her in the chest four times with a hunting knife before she fell to the floor and died. After that he covered her with a blanket and later ate her food because it wasnt poisoned, court documents say. Dwayne Robinsons next court appearance is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23. The Oregonian/OregonLive Tucked onto a side street in Portlands Central Eastside Industrial District, the ring of railroad crossings and the whoosh of cars passing on the highway set the backdrop for JUNTOSpdxs Nuestra Cultura (Our Culture) event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. On the final day of summer, creativity was on full display: music, dance, photography, painting, screen printing and hands-on crafts of all kinds. Community members turned out in full force, filling the sunny day with energy as people engaged with the art in every corner. When they werent admiring the abundance of creative expression, they were eagerly participating, trying their own hand at various activities. One of the things that I feel is very important to just share is the support that the people are bringing to the table, said Cristian Vargas, founder of JUNTOSpdx. They continue to show up. It means a lot. Huehca Omeyocan anoints guests with smoke.Chiara Profenna The organization, founded in 2022, is dedicated to building connections with the Latino Hispanic community and celebrating its culture. JUNTOSpdxs third annual event celebrated that artistic talent and achievement with an art gallery and vendor marketplace on Saturday. The event was a collaboration with From the Westside wit Love, a collective founded by model Jazmine Cortez and photographer Eric Chavez that highlights photography in the Latino community. Inspired by popular photography showcases in Los Angeles, Cortez wanted to create a space for Portland photographers to share their work. I felt like it was needed in Portland, as far as building a base community for artists and creatives of Latino descent, said Chavez. According to Cortez, Portland has started to become a hub for community events where creatives can meet and engage with one anothers work. The event was a testament to that spirit, showcasing talent within the local scene. Carissmex, a vendor in the market, sold imported leather goods from Mexico.Chiara Profenna On the street, blocked off with a DJ booth on one end and a vintage lowrider on the other, attendees browsed vendor booths showcasing handmade jewelry, leather goods, art prints and clothing. Halfway down the block, a staircase led to the lower level of a nearby warehouse that served as an art gallery for the day, displaying pieces made by over 30 local artists. Each wall and pillar were decorated with canvases and framed photographs depicting landscapes, faces, still life and abstract creations. Much of the work honored Latino culture. Where wall space didnt suffice, decorated T-shirts hung on clotheslines strung between pillars. On the floor, lowrider bicycles were interspersed between displays, filling the room with vibrant and eye-catching sights. Attendees explored the gallery, admiring a diverse collection of artworks, many available for purchase.Chiara Profenna Attendees got to express their own creativity, too, learning how to oil paint, screen printing their chosen designs on canvas bags, building a lowrider bicycle and dancing with Huehca Omeyocan. Theres just a lot of community through and through in these sorts of events, said Anahi Izazaga, a model attending the event. Its just building that courage for the community out here to be themselves. Izazaga cited organizations like JUNTOSpdx and From the Westside wit Love as integral community resources that have the power to build strong and supportive networks for people of Latino descent. We want to see each other win, Izazaga said. So, its just really nice to know that this summer in Portland has really showcased a lot of Latino creators. Following the excitement of the Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff, Oregon has a wide array of upcoming events to celebrate, including another Nuestra Cultura gathering hosted by JUNTOSpdx on Oct. 12. The event will be a celebration of Latino flavors with food and artisan vendors taking over Tanys Cafe Con Pan in Wood Village. This would not have been possible if the community would not come to the activations and support, not just JUNTOS, but their own personal community, said Vargas. I cant thank them enough. The only thing that I can do is just continue to provide them a unique experience so they can connect with their families and community. Read more about Hispanic Heritage Months events in Oregon here. Visit the next Nuestra Cultura event from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Tanys Cafe Con Pan, 24173 N.E. Halsey St., Wood Village; tickets are $10-$15; juntospdx.net. Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara_profenna The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content. Vancouver residents Michael and Casey Rebstock were enjoying the final descent of their first-class flight home to Portland International Airport from Hawaii on Thursday night when a burning electronic device filled the cabin with acrid white smoke and panic. I smelled something burning, Michael Rebstock told The Oregonian/OregonLive. And my wife goes, Oh my God, theres smoke coming out from your seat. Seconds later, smoke was billowing up from under him like a campfire, while flight attendants scrambled to find a fire extinguisher and contain the burning tablet, the 57-year-old electrical engineer said. The FAA reported the following day that the source of the smoke was an iPad that crew members reported had caught fire on Hawaiian Airlines Flight 26, prompting an emergency fire and medical response as soon as the plane touched down around 9 p.m. The incident was the latest case of lithium-ion batteries combusting in Portland. On Sept. 12, almost a dozen people were burned out of their homes by e-scooter and e-bike batteries that started catastrophic fires, and in August, an e-scooter battery exploded, setting off a fire in a Northwest Portland apartment building. Nobody had to be transported to the hospital after Thursdays incident, but Rebstock says that he and his wife are experiencing lasting symptoms. He said the fire started shortly after he adjusted his seat and apparently crushed an iPad that was wedged underneath it by a previous passenger, triggering a thermal runaway reaction in the devices lithium ion battery. Rebstock believes the iPad was one of the complimentary in-flight devices that Hawaiian Airlines provides to first-class passengers; spokesperson Alex Da Silva told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the airline is determining if the iPad was among the complimentary tablets that we provide. As Michael and Casey Rebstock struggled to breathe and Michael experienced nausea, confusion and dizziness, the acrid smoke set the planes crew scrambling, she said. They had no idea where the fire extinguisher was, 56-year-old Casey Rebstock said, adding that she heard a flight attendant asking another crew member where it was multiple times. Casey estimated that it took the crew five minutes to find it. Meanwhile, other flight attendants were trying to pull the molten iPad out of the seat, but without success. Another passenger eventually recovered the burning device using a pair of metal serving tongs that a flight attendant gave him from the kitchen. Michael said that the iPad was still giving off white smoke and had melted from the heat but added that he didnt see open flames. The crew never used the fire extinguisher after they found it, he said. The majority of what was happening was at passengers suggestions and actions, Casey said. They were not prepared for this scenario. Michael and Casey Rebstock were enjoying a first class trip home from Hawaii before an iPad caught fire under Michael's seat shortly before the plane was set to land in Portland.Courtesy of Michael Rebstock When asked for comment by The Oregonian/OregonLive, Da Silva said the airline apologizes to guests for the event. We train all our crewmembers to safely suppress lithium battery fires, Da Silva said. And we were one of the first airlines to carry special fireproof bags and gloves. Da Silva added that the containment bag, not an extinguisher are the preferred way to address battery fires. A training video created by the Federal Aviation Administration lists using fire extinguishers to remove flames as the first step in fighting a battery fire. After the passenger pulled the iPad out of the seat with the serving tongs, Michael said that the flight attendants were ready with a fireproof bag to put the device in. But with several minutes left of the flight, the cabin was still filled with smoke from the burned electronic until a passenger suggested turning up the air flow, Casey Rebstock said. That helped a bit, she said, adding that the crew also handed out COVID-style face masks and suggested passengers cover their faces with blankets. When the plane finally landed in Portland, Michael was checked out by a paramedic, who found that his blood pressure was at 180 over 105 far above his normal range. But he said he opted not to go to the hospital, although he is still experiencing persistent headaches, nausea and fatigue. Rick Graves, a spokesperson for Portland Fire & Rescue which helped with the response to the incident said that such symptoms arent unusual. Any and all smoke contains toxins that are harmful to human health, he said in an email. With a lithium-ion battery fire, the release of hydrogen fluoride and other aerosolized electrolytes can be quite harmful when inhaled. But Michael Rebstock is still grateful that the situation wasnt worse. If that happened a couple hours earlier, we would have been in the middle of the ocean, he said. And that haunts me because, what would we have done? Michael said he hopes airlines take note of the incident and make a point of checking for electronics in vulnerable positions between flights. He also hopes that airlines ensure their staff are prepared for battery fires which the FAA reports have happened on more than 40 passenger flights in 2024, and 64 times in 2023. The flight attendants on Hawaiian Airlines for the most part on this flight were great, but I dont think they were very prepared for a fire situation, he said. And I think they need to be. Tatum Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313. With the Federal Reserve finally cutting interest rates, it's the perfect time to add some dividend stocks to your portfolio that have the potential to generate big returns in the coming years. A dividend yield, however, should never be the only criterion for choosing which dividend stocks to buy. Stocks supporting high yields with steady and growing dividends have the highest potential to rise in the long run and generate big returns for their investors. With that in mind, here are three rock-solid, high-yield dividend stocks you can buy now and hold for a decade. A bankable big yield for the next decade The first high-yield dividend stock I find promising is Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET), which yields a hefty 7.9%. Midstream oil and gas companies offer some of the most bankable dividends in the entire energy sector thanks to their contract-based business models. One could argue there are better-known stocks with stronger dividend histories than Energy Transfer to buy. Energy Transfer stock, however, has generated far bigger returns than its larger counterparts, Enterprise Products Partners and Enbridge, in recent years and could continue to outperform, given its growth and dividend goals. ET Chart Energy Transfer gets almost 90% of its income from fee-based contracts, which means only about 10% of its earnings are exposed to the volatility in oil and gas prices. A large portion of those stable earnings and cash flows goes to its shareholders. To put some numbers to that, Energy Transfer aims to pay out a little over 50% of its distributable cash flows (DCF) in dividends, invest up to 40% of DCF in growth, and use the remaining cash to pay debt and repurchase shares in the long term. Energy Transfer is about to acquire WTG Midstream Holdings in a $3.3 billion deal that will expand its footprint in the Permian Basin. The acquisition and organic growth should give Energy Transfer enough clout to increase its annual dividend per share by 3% to 5% in the near term. That dividend growth, combined with a high yield, could generate solid returns for investors who buy Energy Transfer stock now and hold for a decade. A high-yield stock in a fast-growing industry After global renewable energy capacity grew by 50% in 2023, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts the renewable energy industry will grow at its fastest pace ever over the next five years. Buying a renewable energy stock now and holding it for the next decade is, therefore, a no-brainer investment move. While many stocks look enticing, one underrated high-yield renewable energy stock I'd recommend today is Clearway Energy (NYSE: CWEN)(NYSE: CWEN.A). The IEA expects solar and wind deployments in the U.S. to double through 2028. With a capacity of 9 gigawatts across 26 states, Clearway Energy is one of the largest renewable energy producers in the U.S., specializing in wind, solar, and energy storage. Clearway Energy cut its dividend in 2019, but it wasn't the company's fault. A large customer, PG&E, filed for bankruptcy, hitting Clearway Energy's cash flows. The renewable energy giant quickly won back investor confidence when it raised its dividend again in 2020, and it has continued to increase its dividend every year since. Thanks to its relationship with Clearway Energy Group (CEG), a company jointly owned by Global Infrastructure Partners and TotalEnergies, Clearway Energy has access to CEG's extensive pipeline of renewable energy projects it can acquire under drop-down transactions to grow its business. For now, Clearway Energy is confident about increasing its annual dividend per share by 5%-8% through 2026. Even better, the company is already working on its next cash-flow and dividend growth goals for 2027, making its 6.2%-yielding stock an attractive buy and hold for the next decade. This high-yield stock could be a multibagger Infrastructure is the backbone of an economy, and one of the best ways to invest in it is to buy shares of a well-established diversified company that owns various infrastructure assets and operates them to the best of its capability. No company comes close to Brookfield Infrastructure (NYSE: BIPC)(NYSE: BIP), making it a no-brainer stock to buy and hold for the next decade. It's also a dividend growth stock, with units of its partnership yielding 4.8%, while the corporate shares yield 3.8%. You'd be surprised that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners stock has more than tripled investors' money in the past decade, thanks to dividend growth. Shares of the corporation were listed in 2020 and have more than doubled investors' money since with reinvested dividends. BIP Chart What has worked for Brookfield Infrastructure so far should continue to work in the future. Specifically, Brookfield Infrastructure owns assets across utilities, transportation, midstream energy, and data infrastructure in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. Thanks to the essential nature of these assets, 90% of the company's cash flows are contracted and, therefore, highly predictable and stable. A large portion of those cash flows is returned to shareholders as dividends. Since 2009, Brookfield Infrastructure has grown its funds from operations by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% and its dividend by 9% CAGR. Brookfield Infrastructure is an intriguing play on some of the biggest global trends, like digitalization and decarbonization. Growth opportunities are aplenty, and the company is confident in growing its annual dividend by 5%-9% in the long term. That pace of dividend growth should support the stock's yield, making way for potential multibagger returns over the next decade. Should you invest $1,000 in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners right now? Before you buy stock in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, 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 Brookfield Infrastructure Partners 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 $710,860!* 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 Neha Chamaria has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Enterprise Products Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade was originally published by The Motley Fool The Coralines Curious Cat Trail caper has come to a happy conclusion, according to a press release from the Portland Metro Chamber and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. The Keep Portland Weird cat statue, which is part of an installation of artist-decorated feline figures in the Portland area, was reported missing Saturday from its location at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, near Saturday Market. UPDATE: It turns out this wasnt a case of cat-napping, but of miscommunication. Mark Wells, executive director of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, said in an emailed message that Downtown Portland Clean & Safe was notified today that the Keep Portland Weird unicorn cat statue was removed from its base at Tom McCall Waterfront Park earlier this weekend by a city of Portland parks employee. We are told the statue was not secure at its base and for safety reasons it was taken to a city maintenance yard where it remains today. The email goes on to say that Downtown Portland Clean & Safe had not been notified of its removal and due to its value and critical role in an upcoming fundraiser for OHSU Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, staff notified PPB, filed a police report and solicited the publics assistance in locating the statue. Again, we are happy to share the cat statue is safe and will be relocated to its original location on the waterfront in the coming days. We are grateful for the community support of this wonderful project and thank everyone for their assistance in locating this very special piece of art. That emailed statement follows a press release that the Metro Chamber and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe sent out Sunday morning, stating that the missing cat has been found. Sydney Mead, senior director of downtown programs for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, said, We are thrilled to announce that the Keep Portland Weird cat statue, which went missing from Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the Coralines Curious Cat Trail, has been found. Related: Coralines Curious Cat Trail features cat statues strutting their stuff around Portland An earlier alert asking for the publics help in locating the missing feline statue was issued Saturday at 5:56 p.m., as the cat was believed to have been stolen between the evening of Friday, Sept. 19 and early Saturday, Sept. 20. In that statement, Mead said, in part, Despite this unfortunate incident, the citizens of Portland have been exceptional caretakers of this art trail. We are grateful for those who continue to support this one-of-a-kind project in our city. The Coralines Curious Cat Trail consists of 30 statues placed around town to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Coraline, the first animated feature from Hillsboros Laika studio. The statues are scheduled to be auctioned off on Oct. 30 to raise money for OHSU Doernbecher Childrens Hospital. Related: Coralines Curious Cat Trail artists hope installation will restore Portland sparkle The Keep Portland Weird cat statue was decorated by artist Celeste Potgieter, who told The Oregonian/OregonLive in early August that she was enamored of Portland, and appreciated the freedom, and self-expression that proliferates here. People are allowed to do what they want, she said. The Coralines Curious Cat Trail installation will end on Oct. 13. Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe As one of the most competitive seats in a closely-divided House, the race for Oregons 5th Congressional District has garnered national attention and millions of dollars as Democrats seek to flip it blue. Voters tired of the culture of chaos under the Republican-led House should help usher in change by electing Democrat Janelle Bynum to bring her fearless advocacy to Washington D.C. on their behalf. As the state representative for the Happy Valley area since 2017, Bynum, 49, has developed a reputation as an effective, business-minded legislator, drawing from both her engineering background and co-ownership of four McDonalds restaurants. She chaired the House Committee on Economic Development, leading bipartisan passage of the critical Oregon CHIPS bill, which provides funds for semiconductor companies expansion and creates a process to designate some land for industrial development. She has been a consistent force pushing for greater educational and job training initiatives for youth, reflecting her broader emphasis on preparing the community for the future, whether its investing in people, climate or infrastructure. She has proven her ability to champion change, with a package of police accountability bills she crafted with Republican Ron Noble, a former police chief, following the 2020 murder of George Floyd. As one of the few Black legislators in the Legislature, she has highlighted for fellow lawmakers the disparate impacts of bills on Black Oregonians and has proven her willingness to challenge her own partys orthodoxy including going up against Gov. Tina Kotek in Koteks last term as House speaker. And she is unabashed in her advocacy for protecting abortion rights and ensuring reproductive freedom for women across the country after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The incumbent, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, 56, has frequently highlighted actions that she said show her bipartisanship in representing the district, which includes parts of Multnomah, Clackamas, Deschutes, Linn and Marion counties. And in fact, the Lugar Center-McCourt school bipartisan index, which tracks how frequently legislators co-sponsor bills with those of the opposite party, assesses her record in 2023 as the most bipartisan among the Oregon delegation. But her voting record shows a far more partisan profile, such as her vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a political stunt which passed the House on one vote. The Senate quickly dismissed the charges. Additionally, while Chavez-DeRemer said she would not support a federal ban on abortions, she has previously declared her support for banning abortion after about six weeks, giving Oregonians good reason to question her commitment. And on gun safety, the congresswoman repeated Republican talking points about the need for more mental health services a legitimate, but constantly underfunded need as opposed to advancing practical proposals to limit access to guns by those who should not have them. A broader concern is how Republican in-fighting has paralyzed the House, most notably with the three-week shutdown in 2023 over efforts to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy; as well as growing worries that a faction of Republicans will force a federal government shutdown as opposed to authorizing a short-term funding bill to keep government running past Sept. 30. Such ideological fights by the party currently in charge put Americans at risk. Voters in the 5th District can help turn the tide by sending Bynum to Congress. Other candidates running for the 5th Congressional District include Libertarian Sonja Feintech, Independent Brett Smith, Pacific Green Party nominee Andrea Thorn Townsend. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board To read more of our endorsements, go to https://www.oregonlive.com/topic/endorsements/index.html. To watch our interview videos, visit the editorial board playlist on The Oregonians YouTube channel. Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: The race before voters for the 6th Congressional District is a rematch from two years ago in which Democrat Andrea Salinas, then a state legislator, narrowly bested businessman Mike Erickson of Lake Oswego to represent the newly-drawn district. But this year, there should be no contest between the two. Salinas has built a credible record in her first term in Congress, while Erickson seems locked in the election battle from 2022. Voters should stick with Salinas. Salinas, 54, of Tigard, takes pride in having introduced and shepherded one of the few bills that passed the House in 2023 a highly unproductive year marked by the Republican caucus weeks-long in-fighting over who should serve as House Speaker. The bill, the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, clarified the ability of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to pursue land claims after previous legislation erroneously restricted its authority. She also has successfully secured millions for community projects around the district, which stretches from rural Polk and Yamhill counties up to Southwest Portland. If elected to a second term, she plans to continue advocating for improved access to health care, including mental health, pushing for economic policies geared toward middle-income households and advocating for federal protections that ensure womens right to abortion. While Erickson, 61, said he would focus on immigration and policies to boost the economy, he spent much of his time during an endorsement interview attacking Salinas and rehashing complaints over an admittedly misleading 2022 campaign ad that Salinas campaign ran and remains the subject of a lawsuit. He failed to offer much vision for what he would do or how he would be effective, as opposed to listing grievances. And even in saying he would not support federal efforts to curb Oregons abortion rights statutes, he repeatedly brought up his personal position that women should not seek an abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat. Salinas has helped advance legislation responsive to the needs of her diverse constituents, even while in the minority party. Voters should send her back for another term. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board To read additional endorsements, go to https://www.oregonlive.com/topic/endorsements/index.html. To watch our interview videos, visit the editorial board playlist on The Oregonians YouTube channel. Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: As the leaves begin to turn on the trees and the election nears, complaints of bias begin to land in my inbox. During political campaigns, I often ask readers to judge our work over time, not based on one political cartoon, headline or photograph. That is because there are so many variables in newsroom decision-making. People make occasional errors in judgment, but my concern would be a pattern of reporting that might call our fairness and impartiality into question. It might be good to start with a definition of what is or is not political bias in news coverage. First, it needs to be news reporting, not opinion columns, political cartoons or editorials. Those are biased by definition, in that a columnist or journalist expresses an opinion or point of view. Readers should expect news coverage to be fair and factual. So what is bias? One person defined media bias as when a journalists political views affect news coverage. Another definition might be when coverage is biased in terms of a negative or positive slant toward one candidate or political party. Here are things that are not evidence of bias: Bias is not when we publish opinions you disagree with. Bias is not when we print a photograph that you think is unflattering to the candidate. Bias is not when you expect to see your strong opinions reflected in news coverage and are disappointed when they are not. And bias is not when an article points out that former President Donald Trumps claim that the election was stolen from him is false or baseless. That is reporting the facts. As I have written in the past, I find it easier to address specific examples, rather than sweeping claims. Ill review a few complaints that have crossed my desk recently. Comment: A while back, I wrote to you criticizing the often-biased, one-source reporting in the Opinion section. I still notice that the majority of opinions, about 75%, are from the Washington Post and today, Sept. 10, every single opinion is from the Post. The Washington Post isnt known for unbiased reporting and The Oregonian seems to be following accordingly. I am sure there are many other sources of opinions, both liberal and conservative, and it would be nice seeing some of them on occasion. Otherwise, The Oregonian is becoming another propaganda machine similar to many other media outlets. Response: This is an example of looking at opinion columns and seeing the views expressed there as journalistic bias. Opinion pieces are not news articles. They are separate from the news and are typically clearly labeled. The Opinion sections are where writers are expected to express a point of view or argue in favor of something. Thats not news coverage. The reader is correct that one of our best sources for opinion content is the Washington Post Writers Group. Those columnists include liberal and conservative voices. Due to the Posts rules, we can publish its columns only in print days so they tend to clump on Wednesdays and Sundays (our online newspaper carries bonus opinion content on other days). The Opinion section does try to publish a variety of viewpoints, but perfect balance is not achievable because writers produce columns on varied schedules and sometimes take contrary positions (George Will, a staunch conservative, has been critical of Trump, for instance. He still counts in the conservative column, though). Comment: I have previously written to you about the obvious biases in the reporting and presentation by your newspaper. Do you think that presenting a contrasting picture of a happy Kamala Harris vs an angry Donald Trump is a fair presentation of unbiased reporting? Response: This related to an online post promoting the debate between the vice president and former president. Side-by-side photos of Trump and Harris illustrated the article. Harris was laughing and Trump was shouting emphatically. To my view, the photos were in keeping with the reporting themes around the debate: that the candidates were promoting contrasting views. Harris is pushing joy. Trump paints a darker picture was the headline on one of the pre-debate articles. Neither campaign disputes this difference in approach. Now, if we consistently published objectively unflattering photos of only one candidate, that would be a problem. If you want to see this bias in action, check out any of the highly partisan sites. Comment: Regarding the political cartoon published Sunday, Sept. 15, the answer to the question It has been ? days since Kamala has had a press conference is two. She held one on Sept. 13. Your newspaper didnt mention it anywhere that I could find it showed up in the BBC online. So much for bias-free in the Oregonian or alas the main American papers. Response: What Harris did was sit down for a solo interview with an ABC affiliate. There is a distinction between an interview and a press conference. An interview is negotiated with an agreed upon questioner, often one considered friendly to the campaign, and typically it is videotaped for later broadcast. A press conference is a live event where journalists from multiple news organization have a chance to ask questions. Some Trump supporters and journalists have criticized Harris for lack of access to her through press conferences or sit-down interviews. Comment: In the recent article Republican seeking to unseat 1st term Oregon Democrat in Congress cries foul over taxpayer-funding ad, this phrase, about halfway through, stopped me in my tracks: A poll from the Erickson campaign suggests that the race could be a tight one. Political forecasts by The Cook Political Report and University of Virginias Center for Politics, however, predict that the seat skews toward Democrat control. Using Democrat as an adjective, which began as a conscious effort by Republicans to denigrate the party, is something I expect to hear from, say, Trump or JD Vance ... not from an outlet like The Oregonian. You (and other editors and reporters) might think this is a small, trivial thing. I agree that its small, but in my opinion its not trivial its insidious. Response: Cook Political Report used leans Democrat rather Democratic as its official term to describe the district, so thats why the reporter wrote it that way. But we updated the reference. It is undeniably true the use of Democrat in this way has become closely aligned with negative messaging from Republicans. Comment: Im a Republican that doesnt like Trump, but this headline on your Twitter is a pretty blatant misrepresentation of the quote and intent of Vances comments. Its unfortunate that so much of our news consumption has evolved to click-bait headlines (where most dont even read the actual content). Response: On Sept. 5, The Associated Press moved an article and posted a tweet on X with a headline that said, JD Vance said school shootings are a fact of life, calls for better security. After pushback, the AP deleted its tweet and updated its headline to better reflect the full context of Vances comments. The final headline said Vance laments that school shootings are a fact of life. The AP also said, This post replaces an earlier post that was deleted to add context to the partial quote from Vance. When we became aware of APs changes, we updated our online headline and deleted our earlier tweet of the AP article. To me, this falls into the error in judgment category. Journalists make lots of decisions under deadline pressure to bring you the news quickly. As credible news organizations do, AP addressed the issue and corrected it transparently. Even though the official ride was put on hold this year, a spin-off of the World Naked Bike Ride pedaled through Portland on Saturday afternoon. The ride organizers emphasize that its first and foremost a protest against fossil fuel dependency. Second, its a communal place to celebrate yourself, exactly how you are. The official World Naked Bike Ride took a hiatus this year. But protesting cyclists still wanted to gather for a ride. As one of the speakers before Saturdays ride explained, its an effort to bring their qualms with Zenith Energy into the limelight. They also want to inspire others to commute via bike and celebrate body positivity. Saturday afternoon, hundreds of bodies gathered at Colonel Summers Park in Southeast Portland around 4 p.m. This was a change from the rides usual nighttime slot. After people painted each other, danced to music blasting from multiple speakers, and delivered emotional speeches into microphones, a sea of naked and nearly-naked people on bikes headed out. Their plan is to lie down at the Zenith Energy building in Northwest Portland for ten minutes before ending the ride at the waterfront. As the ride organizer going by the name Spartacus said, Give yourself permission to know its your body and feel a sense of belonging to your life and your body. Because your body chooses clean air, clean water, clean rivers. College-bound students dreaming of earning $163,000 to $212,000, on average, after their first decade of work, should choose their major wisely. There are specific STEM fields that do not require advanced degrees and pay particularly high salaries. Five college majors with the highest pay potential, according to U.S. News & World Report, are Petroleum Engineering, Operations Research & Industrial Engineering, Interaction Design, Applied Economics & Management, and Building Science. These five majors feature specialized STEM skill sets that can result in steady employment where there is more labor demand than supply, creating lucrative career opportunities over time, according to Payscale data analyst Jackson Gruver. Petroleum Engineering tops the list, with average annual early career pay of $97,000 and mid-career (at least 10 years of experience) pay of $212,000. Petroleum Engineering is the core of energy transition, the core of renewable energy, and the provider of energy security for our nation, according to Richard Schultz of the College of Engineering & Mines at the University of North Dakota. More: Geography matters when choosing a college. Heres how | College Connection Colleges that top the rankings for a major in Petroleum Engineering: Texas A&M, Colorado School of Mines, University of Texas-Austin, Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, and University of Oklahoma. Operations Research & Industrial Engineering merge two fields, the first often considered a business major and the second an engineering major. Early career pay averages $98,300, while mid-career professionals earn, on average, $191,800. University of Michigan is among the top five schools for each of these specialties. Interaction Design is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of technology and design, and often leads to careers in digital, experience, motion, and multimedia design, as well as in 3D printing and app and responsive web design. Early career pay in this field averages $74,700, while mid-career professionals earn, on average, $173,600. Colleges to consider for this major include Carnegie Mellon, Savannah College of Art & Design, University of Michigan, and Purdue. Applied Economics & Management students typically take a curriculum strong in macro and microeconomics, finance, management, and econometrics. Careers are often as operations managers, research analysts, project managers, and business analysts. Early career professionals earn an average of $76,500, with mid-career average earnings of $164,400. Undergraduate programs in this field are offered at a multitude of schools including Cornell, Tufts, and Virginia Tech. Story continues More: These are the best colleges for business majors in the Northeast | College Connection Building Science is a construction management degree where jobs, according to Gruver, cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence. Average early career pay is $69,000, with mid-career pay of $163,000. Colleges featuring this major include NYU, Columbia and Stevens Institute of Technology. Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: College majors with the highest salary potential It seems impossibly early, but voting in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election has started. Virginia, Minnesota, and South Dakota have either opened early voting locations or are accepting mail-in ballots. Most (though not all) states have some form of early voting or vote by mail. Texas has two weeks of early voting beginning October 21. However you vote, I encourage you to vote as early as you can, especially if you vote by mail. If nothing else, it insures you wont keep putting it off until the last minute and then have an emergency on Election Day. This is too important to skip. [No, this isnt the most important election of our lifetime. That was 2016. We chose poorly. But its still pretty damn important.] Regular readers will not be surprised to hear that Im voting for Kamala Harris. She was my second choice in the 2020 primary (after Elizabeth Warren Im a policy geek too). Shes done fine as Vice President though Vice Presidents dont do much, as virtually every VP since John Adams has complained. Im incredibly impressed with the way shes put a strong campaign together after Joe Biden dropped out very late in the process. Her performance in the debate was outstanding any questions about her ability to think and speak on her feet are gone. I would vote for Kamala Harris even if the Republicans were offering a reasonable alternative, which they arent. This post is not directed at undecided voters. At this point I cant imagine there are any voters who are truly undecided though I know there are some principled conservatives who are trying to get comfortable with voting for Harris because while they dont like her policies, they know Trump is completely unsuited for the office of the President and is a genuine threat to freedom and democracy. [Think Im exaggerating? I wont be a dictator except for Day One you wont have to vote anymore termination of all rules even those found in the Constitution and on and on and on, and thats in addition to trying to overturn the 2020 election, which he is still under indictment for in Georgia, and in addition to Project 2025, which hes trying to distance himself from because its so unpopular, even though many of its authors served in his administration and would serve in a second Trump administration, and in addition to his own Agenda 47 which has considerable overlap with Project 2025.] Trumps civil and criminal convictions would disqualify any other candidate. Others in both parties have dropped out for far less or not dropped out and been solidly defeated. But there is a significant minority in this country that likes Trump and likes the way he governed, and they will vote for him no matter what. The Electoral College makes this election closer than it should be If not for the outdated and undemocratic Electoral College this wouldnt be a problem. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in 2016 by 3 million, but lost because she lost Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania by razor-thin margins. Joe Biden won the 2020 popular vote by 7 million and when all the votes were counted easily won the Electoral College, but several states could have gone the other way and changed the final outcome. Kamala Harris will win the popular vote this year, but the Electoral vote is far less certain. [Yes, we should get rid of the Electoral College. No, we wont, because a constitutional amendment requires approval of three-fourths of state legislatures, and over half of state legislatures are controlled by Republicans, who want to maintain the unfair advantage the Electoral College gives them. Arguing about the Electoral College during a Presidential election is counterproductive.] The 2024 U.S. Presidential election is a clear, binary choice. Either Kamala Harris will be President on January 20, 2025, or Donald Trump will be President. Barring an unexpected death, there is no third alternative. I have friends who dont like either candidate and are considering voting for someone else. These are the people I want to address in this post. And I want to do that by telling the story of my own protest vote and what I learned from it. I voted for Gary Johnson in 2012 I was a strong Barack Obama supporter in 2008. I voted for him in the primary. At the time, the Texas Democratic Party split its delegates based not just on the election, but also on a separate caucus. After the primary I spent an evening caucusing for Obama. I was not pleased with his first term. Too many of his decisions made it seem like the third term of George W. Bush. I was especially unhappy that with clear majorities in the House and Senate during in 2009 and 2010, the best he could deliver on health care was the Affordable Care Act. Which, to be clear, is an improvement over what we had before, but still leaves people tied to employer health insurance and has no public option (i.e. Medicare For All). I wanted to send a message to Obama and the Democrats. I knew Mitt Romney was going to carry Texas. And so I voted for Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party candidate. On the political spectrum I am far more socialist than libertarian. But I agree with most libertarian policies on social issues, and I think it would be good for the country to have a functional Libertarian Party. I thought that perhaps my vote could help the Libertarian Party grow. [There have never been three viable parties at the national level in the United States and there never will be our winner-take-all system makes it impossible. If you want to get rid of the two party system, push for ranked choice voting at the state level and eventually at the national level. And push for anti-gerrymandering laws where ever you can.] Gary Johnson had served two terms as Governor of New Mexico he knew how government worked. And by all accounts, hes a good person. If by some miraculous chance he actually won, it wouldnt be a total disaster. My vote accomplished absolutely nothing You know what happened. Romney carried Texas, but Obama easily won re-election and then got even less done when the Republicans took the Senate. Gary Johnson got 1% of the popular vote and zero electoral votes. Any message I and others like me tried to send was drowned out by the 98% of voters who voted for either Obama or Romney. As for growing the Libertarian Party, Johnson got 3.3% of popular votes in 2016 but didnt come close to winning any electoral votes. In 2020 Jo Jorgensen got 1.1%, and this year the party struggled to nominate any candidate. They settled on Chase Oliver, who seems to be a decent person but has never won an election for anything, and they allowed Donald Trump to speak at their convention. [I feel for my Libertarian friends who are trying to build a movement but are having to deal with people who are unwilling to do the hard work of building a viable political party from the ground up.] Twelve years later, the results of my protest vote are clear: nothing. I accomplished absolutely nothing. More states are in play this time, and they could go either way You can argue that voting for Obama also would have accomplished nothing. In 2012, you might have been right. In 2024 thats a dangerous proposition. The people who see Texas as a backwards red state dont know what theyre talking about. Texas is blue cities surrounded by red suburbs and rural areas. And while Ive heard Texas is going to turn purple ever since I got here in 2001, it is moving in that direction. Obama got 41% of the vote in 2012. Hillary got 43% in 2016. Biden got 46% in 2020. This year? Who knows. A recent poll shows Colin Allred 1 point ahead of Ted Cruz in the U.S. Senate race. Reproductive rights are a key issue in this election, and if enough people turn out to replace a radical anti-choice Republican with a moderate pro-choice Democrat, they could carry Texas for Harris. If I had to bet a meaningful-to-me sum of money, Id still bet that Trump will carry Texas. But its not inconceivable that Harris could win Texas, and if she does its all over for Trump. The same thing could happen in Florida. And also, the reverse could happen in Georgia (where Trump is already trying to interfere with the election count, again), Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or any of the other states Biden won by close margins. If people get complacent and dont show up, Trump could take those states back. Every vote matters not just in the swing states, but also in the states that are close to becoming swing states. Even if you live in Wyoming or Alabama or in California or New York every vote for Kamala Harris adds to the hopefully overwhelming popular vote total that will tell Republicans to never, ever nominate Trump or anyone like him again. Meanwhile, a vote for a third party in those states will be drowned out. There are only two possibilities: which one is best, or least worst? I enthusiastically support Kamala Harris. I also understand that some of my friends arent so enthusiastic about her. But come January 20, either Kamala Harris will be President or Donald Trump will be President. Whose leadership do you want to live under for the next four years? Which partys control make it more likely that the issues youre concerned about will be addressed, more or less, eventually if not right away? Whose leadership will be better for the most vulnerable people in our society. Maybe youll be just fine under Trump, but many of your friends wont. As for me, I cast a protest vote in 2012 it accomplished nothing. I wont make that mistake again. The 77-year-old Amoaku steel bridge that passes over the River Samre near Samreboi in the Wassa Amenfi West municipality of the Western Region is in a state of severe disrepair. Constructed in 1947 by Africa Timber and Plywood (AT&P), now SAMARTEX, the bridge on the Mumuni Camp-Prestea road has not undergone any major repairs since its construction. The metal spokes have become visibly rusty and shifted, weakening the entire structure, while expansion joints have developed noticeable cracks, likely due to years of neglect. Originally built to haul timber, the bridge has for decades been crucial for transporting cocoa and food crops to harbours and marketing centres in some parts of the country. Residents of Amoaku, a cocoa-growing community in the area, have, therefore, called on the government for urgent repairs as they fear that it is a ticking time bomb that could cause potential disaster. Expressing the anxieties of the community, the secretary to the Amoaku Palace, Mr Joseph Kingsley Armah, told the Ghanaian Times yesterday that the present state of the bridge had reduced flexibility along the joints. Its very, very bad. One day, we will have a disaster on our hands. The over seven decades-old bridge can no longer handle heavy vehicles like the articulated trucks which haul cocoa from buying centres in this area. Its not safe for heavy traffic, Mr Armah added. He indicated that the boards on the wobbling deck of the bridge could effectively carry light vehicles but not the cocoa articulated trucks, which trek to the Takoradi harbour. Mr Armah suggested that the government should, in the interim, dispatch a maintenance crew from the Ghana Highways Authority to the site to repair the Amoaku Bridge. He added that the collapse of the entire bridge would cause economic and social dislocation in the Samre cocoa enclave. He said, In the long term, government should construct a new bridge over River Samre, at Amoaku. This area, apart from foodstuffs, is a major cocoa growing area from Mumuni Camp through Prestea up to Samreboi and its a critical player in Ghanas cocoa economy. Mr Armah told the Ghanaian Times that, apart from the Amoaku bridge, there were no alternative routes to access marketing centres in Prestea, Enchi, SefwiWiawso, Tarkwa or Takoradi, explaining that emergency medical responses were handled with tricycles. The situation, he stated, had posed a huge challenge to the people living in the area and commuters who use the bridge Responding to the complaints, the Municipal Chief Executive, Lord Nana Tandoh, told the Ghanaian Times that a team, on Sunday, began repairs on the Amoaku bridge, and assured that works would be completed to bring relief to the Samre communities. Source: Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former President John, Agyekum Kufuor, has entreated the youth aspiring to become leaders to be creative and look beyond the confines of the nation. He said creativity was all that Ghana needed as we have all the natural resources in the country and what is left is the human resources which we have but are not harnessing them. The former President was speaking at the 15th MTN Pulse Africa Transform Summit at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology (KNUST) on Saturday. It was on the theme: 15 years of Transformational Leadership, highlights on African Role model Awards and Role model convocation. The former President commended Dr Andy Osei Okrah, founder and President of the Young Professionals and Youth Coalition (YPYC) and governing board of the Organisation for organising the event. He urged them to be more focused as they set themselves to groom and raise young professionals and youth leaders. Dr Okrah explained that their mission was to raise and groom generational thinkers and transformational leaders, because good leadership is the problem of Africa. He noted that they were not just training leaders but leaders whose minds are transformed and if they continue to groom themselves, they would become the expected leaders for the nation and Africa. Dr Okrah disclosed that within the 15-year journey of the programme they have been able to reach over 30,000 young people with the engagement. Additionally, he indicated that currently 100,000 were indirectly reached through social media and 500 transformational leaders have been trained and we are working with some of them. According to him, they have over 150 role models and not ordinary role models, including Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, former President, John Kufuor, Former President and the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, former Defence Minister, and some ministers of state and Nananom. Some dignitaries such as the Asantehene, former President Mahama, Mr Haruna Idrisu, Dr Randy Abbey, Dr Amin Alhassan Adams, and Minister of Finance were awarded for their performances and lifetime achievements. Amarado, a musician with a hit song, Ananse story, and others also received awards in various categories in performances and lifetime achievements as role models Source: Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Mr. Kwame Baffoe has clarified claims that the leadership of Organised Labour demanded money to call off its planned strike. According to a statement signed by Abronye affectionately called in politics, It must be placed on record that, I never, in my conversation with Wontumi TV mentioned that the Inter-Ministerial committee of which Hon. Kan Dapaah is in charge attempted to bribe the leadership of the Organised Labour. He said a statement from the National Security rubbishing his claims is 'unfortunate" and I demand a retraction of their statement and also ask that they render an unqualified apology to me. Read Abronye's statement below My attention has been drawn to a press release emanating from the National Security Ministry, of which said release, was signed by the Hon Minister. First and foremost, the press release is not only unfounded but unwarranted as well. It must be placed on record that, I never, in my conversation with Wontumi TV mentioned that the Inter-Ministerial committee of which Hon. Kan Dapaah is in charge attempted to bribe the leadership of the Organised Labour. As a respected Ministry, I suggest the Minister should have called for the recordings of the said interview to ascertain the veracity, or accuracy of the false complaint lodged by the corrupt General Secretary of the Organised Labour. In the said interview, I made an emphatic and true statement that, Joshua Ansah (in person) and *Not* the leadership of Organised Labour demanded five million Ghana cedis from some members of the New Patriotic Party in order to curtail Organised Labour demonstrations against the Government and the Party since we are in an election year. I continued by stating that, because that request was turned down, Joshua Ansah has developed some form of hatred against the NPP government and therefore has decided to make the NPP government unpopular, hence his frivolous and baseless statement saying that, if the government does not ban minining he would rally the entire Organised Labour to demonstrate against the Government. Furthermore, in the said interview, I furthered on by asking this simple question that, Did he ask the Labour Union to demonstrate against " the Mahama Administration in 2015 when he failed to deliver his campaign promises regarding Galamsey? For the purposes of clarity, John Mahama in his 2012 Manifesto at page 40" with regards to the Mining for National Development, at the last paragraph, promised and I quote " Vigorous Implementation of the programme to transform galamsey operations into legitimate small scale mining activity on clearly demarcated areas". He failed abysmally on this promise but we also did not hear Joshua Ansah offering such bogus and stupid threats. I must also state on authority that, during TUC elections, Joshua Ansah collected an amount of Ghc 500,000 from a Minister (name withheld) as Transportation fare for the Labour Union, whereby, he deliberately decided not to offer the Union a pesewa. At that time there was No inter-ministerial committee of which the National Security Minister is or was in charge. In fact, two days ago, the corrupt Joshua Ansah hurriedly ran to the said minister to ask him why he had leaked the information concerning the money he took from him to me. The Organised Labours General Secretary, Mr Joshua Ansah is behaving as if members of the TUC are in his pocket and therefore thinks, that he can use them for his parochial and self-interest as the case may be. Flowing from the above , it is imperative that, the Ministry of National Security should be seen as a respected one and therefore, desist from responding to issues that are not within their domain. In view of that, I demand a retraction of their statement and also ask that they render an unqualified apology to me. Thank you 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 Organisers of the planned three-day #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, Democracy Hub, have said they are willing to meet the police on Friday, September 20, 2024, regarding their upcoming protest, but that will not change the venue for the event. The police service has scheduled a meeting with the organizers after formally communicating with the group. According to the police service, it is expecting a fruitful engagement with Democracy Hub and will keep the public updated on the outcome of the meeting. The police will also give an update tomorrow, September 20, 2024, regarding the security arrangements that have so far been made towards the planned demonstration. In addition, we will share with the public some information that has been gathered in connection with the exercise. To help guide our communication with the public in respect of this demonstration, all our updates will be numbered according to the order in which they are released, a statement issued by the Police Service said. Speaking on New York-based Adinkra Radio, the Operations Director for Democracy Hub, Isaac Yeboah Nyarko, said the group remains resolute and maintains its decision to hold the protest march at the Revolutionary Square opposite the Jubilee House. "The same police service that went to court to secure an injunction against us has now turned around and is now saying that it is ready to provide security and maintain law and order during our protest march. The police told us that if we want to use the Revolutionary Square, we should go for the keys from the Chief of Defence Staff. But we told them that the place is not under lock. The police want to tie our hands behind our backs, but that will not work. "We are meeting the police tomorrow at 10 a.m. But I want to assure Ghanaians that we will not change the location of the demonstration today or tomorrow. The location for the demonstration is still the Revolutionary Square," Isaac Yeboah Nyarko emphasised. 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. Featured Video Key Insights Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, BlackRock's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions 50% of the business is held by the top 16 shareholders Recent sales by insiders A look at the shareholders of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) can tell us which group is most powerful. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 83% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Last weeks 4.9% gain means that institutional investors were on the positive end of the spectrum even as the company has shown strong longer-term trends. One-year return to shareholders is currently 44% and last weeks gain was the icing on the cake. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about BlackRock. Check out our latest analysis for BlackRock What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About BlackRock? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in BlackRock. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. 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 BlackRock's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Hedge funds don't have many shares in BlackRock. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is currently the largest shareholder, with 8.9% of shares outstanding. With 6.2% and 5.4% of the shares outstanding respectively, Capital Research and Management Company and Kuwait are the second and third largest shareholders. Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 50% of the ownership is controlled by the top 16 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership. While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Story continues Insider Ownership Of BlackRock While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions. Our data suggests that insiders own under 1% of BlackRock, Inc. in their own names. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own US$1.2b worth of shares. 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 11% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over BlackRock. 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: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand BlackRock better, we need to consider many other factors. Take risks for example - BlackRock has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its 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. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has decried the state of the countrys democracy for failing to meet the aspirations of many Ghanaians. Delivering the 2024 University of Ghana (UG) Alumni Lecture, last Thursday evening, Mr Bagbin said even though the country had enjoyed more than 30 years of political stability, democracy had not delivered the necessary dividends to drastically improve the lives of people. The question on many of our citizens minds is has democracy really delivered? That is a very legitimate question, he said. The Speaker partly attributed the problem to the 1992 Constitution, the basis of the countrys democracy, which, he said, was mainly enacted to achieve political stability. I venture to submit that the focus of the final brains behind the Constitution was to achieve political stability. If my guess is right, I must admit we have succeeded in doing just that at the expense of development. We now have to move on to focus on development, he added. No faith Mr Bagbin stressed that most Africans, including Ghanaians, had lost faith in democracy, with many people seeing it as a sham that served the needs of a few, leaving others to fend for themselves. Quoting the October 2023 edition of the Economist magazine, he said: Africans are frustrated about the sham that passes for democracy in most countries. They are also fed up with the flimsy states that provide neither security nor prosperity. Further, relying on the Afrobarometer report, he said such sentiments had led to lack of confidence in democracy, with an increasing attraction to military rule and intervention. He warned that the country ought to take remedial steps to transform its democracy in order to counter such sentiments. While our country remains an island in a turbulent region, it is not immune to the conditions that have given rise to the growing declining faith in democracy among our people, Mr Bagbin pointed out. 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. Featured Video The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted reports that he will stop funding feeding for SHS students. According to the campaign team, the former President has never announced the cancellation of funding as reported by a section of the media. "John Mahama has consistently affirmed his support for the free senior high school policy. He commenced the progressively free senior high school policy, and his future administration will address the challenges facing the policy and work with stakeholders to develop a better plan to improve the implementation" a statement signed by Campaign spokesperson, Joyce Bawah Mogtari. "Indeed, contrary to the false reports shamelessly published by the NPPs media cabal, the NDC 2024 Resetting Ghana Manifesto states on pages 92 and 94, under the heading Secondary Education that the NDC will, among others, provide a dedicated and sustainable funding source for quality secondary education by ring-fencing a percentage of our oil proceeds, decentralise the procurement of food and other basic supplies, to ensure timely food supply, and improve the quantity and quality of food for students, abolish the double-track system to restore a stable academic calendar and extend free SHS to cover students in private Senior High Schools. How can these policies reflect a decision to cut funding to support the feeding of students in our secondary schools?" the statement added. Read full statement below Your browser does not support iframes. Source: Rebeca Addo Tetteh/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 Chief of Jukwa Breman in the Central Region has urged the youth of his community not to do any untoward thing to ruin the victory of Vice President and NPP presidential candidate. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the December polls. Speaking during Dr. Bawumia's visit to the community as part of his campaign tour of the Central Region, Nana Kodwo Kobi II said the election is to honour Dr. Bawumia for his good works and vision. He appealed to the youth to stay solidly behind the Vice President stating to the youth, we want to honour Dr. Bawumia, so don't do anything that will ruin the electoral process. So, don't go and cause any confusion to mar the process of his victoryTo the youth in particular, I want to appeal to you that let us all support him fearlessly but with peace and unity. The Chief added the Vice President has "demonstrated great vision" and proven he can perform even better as President. I have admired him (Dr. Bawumia) for so long, because he is humble, compassionate and hardworking. And anybody who upholds humility is naturally loved by the peopleDr. Bawumia is not arrogant. He is down to earth. "We know he can do it, that is why the country is behind him. Let us all back him with love, unity and enthusiasm so that what he has already done (as Vice President), he will do more, he said. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr. Osei Fodjour, a Professor at the University of Maryland, has commended the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, saying he ticks all the right boxes required of a great leader. Assessing the performance of the Vice President, Dr. Fodjour stressed Dr. Bawumia has distinguished himself. Dr. Fordjour spoke on the back of a book titled "Dr. Bawumia and the Modern Vice Presidency" which is authored by Prof. Etse Sikanku. He pointed out a critical area that Bawumia has earned plaudits which is in the area of digitalization, stating "you can't separate Dr Bawumia from digitalization. He's even been described as the digital VP in sections of the media. So yes, Dr Bawumia, in a way, ticks those boxes. Dr Osei Fordjour, a well-recognized scholar in Vice Presidential studies in the United States and Ghana, has published extensively on Vice Presidential rhetoric and communications. His research has also examined social media representations of Kamala Harris, her strategic rhetorical choices and a comparative analysis of Vice Presidential candidates in Ghana and the United States. Dr Fordjour noted that his research has found that Dr Bawumia espouses certain values and ideologies which he summarized as patriotism, respect, empathy, traditionalism and religious tolerance. Other findings of his study include one that demonstrates that Dr Bawumia is "a man who expresses love for the downtrodden, embraces the cultural values of his country and believes in the people, yet also on top of issues". His research study on the Vice President concluded that Dr Bawumia is someone who provides discourse on national affairs, thus, shows "presidentialness", therefore meets the presidential bar. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Tim Walz on Saturday made his first public appearance in the Lehigh Valley since accepting the Democratic nomination to run as vice president alongside current officeholder and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris. Walz, governor of Minnesota, received a boisterous reception from a packed gymnasium at Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township. Lehighvalleylive.coms Saed Hindash was there to capture images of Walz and his supporters. Click on the gallery above to see his photos. The school is in Northampton County, one of only two counties in Pennsylvania that backed former presidents Barack Obama in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016, as well as current President Joe Biden in 2020. The other is Erie County in the far northwestern corner of Pennsylvania. The local rally coincided with a separate campaign appearance just outside the region that featured Trumps running mate on the Republican ticket, J.D. Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio. Vance was scheduled to appear in the afternoon at the Berks County Fair in Leesport, about 50 miles west of Freedom High School. Trump had also initially planned on being in Bucks County, just south of Northampton County, on Saturday, but those plans were canceled late in the week. Walz has recently campaigned elsewhere in Pennsylvania. He made stops in Lancaster, Erie and Pittsburgh earlier this month. The visit comes two weeks after Doug Emhoff, Harris husband, visited Allentown for a Latinos con Harris rally. Northampton Countys bellwether role in the 2020 election was the subject of lehighvalleylive.coms award-winning project, Swing County, Swing State. By Chad Umble, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. Beloved Lancaster County restaurateur Tony Wangs life story which included fleeing the Communist takeover in China and establishing one of the first and most popular Chinese restaurants in the region has come to an end. Wang, who closed his Tony Wangs restaurant on Route 30 near Tanger Outlets in 2020 because of disruptions from the pandemic as well as his own health problems, died early Friday evening at the age of 76 at Hospice & Community Care near Mount Joy, according to his wife, Patricia Wang, who said the cause was throat cancer. Tony Wang was a toddler when his family fled to Taiwan from mainland China as communists took over in 1949. In Taiwan, Wang became an interior designer and played bass in a rock band before moving in 1979 to New York City where he joined some friends in operating a Chinese restaurant near the United Nations. Seeking a place with less competition and cheaper rent, Wang and his partners moved to Lancaster County, opening Tom Changs restaurant in East Lampeter Township in 1982 and becoming one of the first Chinese restaurants in the area. Over the next nearly 40 years, Wang would find his home on the Lancaster restaurant scene where he became a smiling, polite fixture, including at his namesake restaurant, which he operated for 28 years at the original Tom Changs location at 2217 Lincoln Highway East, across from Tanger Outlets. Im very proud of him. He is such a good man, said Patricia Wang, who spent many years working alongside Tony at the restaurant and then helped care for him through his illness. Hes done so much for other people and Im sure Im going to hear about it later. Patricia Wang said her husbands generosity included not charging customers who had come from a funeral and giving deep discounts to others. Police were half price, and the priests and ministers were free, she said. A tireless and devoted restaurateur, Tony Wang turned his 65-seat restaurant in a small strip mall into the place locals and visiting tourists came to know as a spot for authentic Chinese cuisine and friendly service. Thats where you went for Chinese food, said Ray Hottenstein, the former longtime owner of Greenfield Restaurant & Bar in East Lampeter township who befriended Tony Wang and recalls eating often at Wangs restaurant. When I hear of General Tsaos chicken, I always think of Tony Wang. When I try it other places, it never tastes the same. Hottenstein, a past president and board member of the state restaurant association, said Tony Wang and his partners were truly pioneers in introducing Chinese food to Lancaster County. Hottenstein recalled Wang as a solicitous host who also hosted lavish parties for Chinese holidays. What a great guy, Hottenstein said. He gave a lot of Lancastrians a lot of great memories and a lot of great food. Hottensteins son, Rafe, who is executive chef at Josephines in downtown Lancaster, recalls that Wang is the one who taught him to use chopsticks when he was around 5 years old. I literally remember that about him all the time, said Rafe Hottenstein, who also remembers picking up frozen egg wrappers from Wang that he would get for Greenfield Restaurant. It was always, the next day, Rafe Hottenstein said about when Wang would say the wrappers were ready. He was a dependable guy. Rafe Hottenstein said Wangs approach to the restaurant business is a model for being successful as a nonfranchise owner with a single location. Youve got to develop relationships, thats what Tony did. Youve got to treat your customers right, thats what he did. Youve got to make friends with him, and thats what he did, Rafe Hottenstein said. UPDATE: Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, and offensive tackle Lane Johnson wont return with a concussion. ### The Eagles offense is in trouble. Right tackle Lane Johnson, offensive guard Mekhi Becton and wide receiver Britain Covey all left with injuries during the second quarter on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. BUY EAGLES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER Becton, who went to the locker room after suffering a finger injury, is questionable to return. At the end of the second quarter, he returned to the sidelines and got his hand taped. Second-year guard Tyler Steen played the last few drives of the second half in Bectons place. Steen lost the starting right guard job to Becton during training camp. As a rookie, he only started one game last season. The Eagles signed Becton to a one-year deal in May. Then, he transitioned from tackle to guard this summer. According to Fox Sports, Johnson vomited on the sidelines and is being evaluated for a concussion. Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro helped him walk off to the locker room. Fred Johnson has stepped in for Johnson at right tackle. Covey is questionable to return with a shoulder injury, according to the team. The Eagles wide receiver depth is a concern because A.J. Brown was already out with a hamstring injury, so they couldnt afford to lose any more players. DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson and Parris Campbell are the only healthy wide receivers available. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Cayden Steele may be reached at CSteele@njadvancemedia.com A trio of women drove all the way from the Pittsburgh area to attend Tucker Carlsons live show stop with JD Vance in Hershey Saturday night. The women Cathy Forsythe of Allegheny County and Debbie Phillippi and Pam Barton, both of Beaver County said they used their cross-state trek to gauge support for former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The women, who strongly prefer the Republican Trump and were sporting the MAGA T-shirts to show it, said theres no contest. While Trump signs litter the Pa. landscape, signs for his Democrat rival were few and far between, they said. But what about a growing number of national and statewide polls showing Harris taking the lead in the race to Nov. 5? Dont believe them, the women say. The polls are not correct, Phillippi insisted. Everywhere we drove, its all Trump. Theres no Harris anywhere. Thats what they want you to think. As for why the women would travel from the Pittsburgh area to see the same conservative media star they once watched for free on FOX News, they all gushed about Tucker Carlsons truth-telling and dissed FOX News, which let him go in April 2023. We love him, Forsythe said. And we miss him on FOX, which we dont always watch all the time. We watch Newsmax a little bit more, but Tucker is the truth. Tucker just speaks the truth, Phillippi added. Always has, thats why hes not there anymore. He shoots from the hip, Barton said. Just like Trump does. Hes allowed to speak more not being on FOX. READ MORE: Tucker Carlson, JD Vance in Hershey: Most revealing moments With media critics, the Harris campaign and the Democratic National Committee blasting some of Carlsons rhetoric as irresponsible hate-filled misinformation, a PennLive reporter asked the women if they disagreed with him on anything. Not really, no. We pretty much agree with it, Forsythe said. As for Vance, who sat for a revealing, wide-ranging interview with Carlson, the women admitted they didnt know much about the first-term Ohio senator when Trump picked him as his running mate. But they said theyve since watched the Netflix movie inspired by Vances best-selling memoir of his Appalachian upbringing, Hillbilly Elegy, along with other research, and have warmed to the selection. Hes got a good head on his shoulders, Forsythe said of the Yale Law School educated Vance. And I trust Trump. Trump always knows what hes doing. JD Vance on an earlier stop at Kingfood Supermarket in Reading on Saturday. (Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com) Phillippi added that unlike former Trump VP Mike Pence, Vance is willing to go toe-to-toe with what she described as the hostile mainstream media, effectively articulating Trumps agenda for a second term. Did you ever hear from Pence? You heard zero from Pence, she said. Yeah, he is out there, Forsythe agreed. So, you know, I like him. I didnt know much about him before (Trump) chose him. But, you know, we have watched Hillbilly Elegy. They also cited Vances taking the lead raising the now-national issue of legal Haitian immigrants migrating en masse to small working-class towns in Springfield, Ohio, and Charleroi, Pa. The women said they believed the unsubstantiated claims of pets being eaten in these towns. Guess what? Do your research, Phillippi said. Its happening out there, Forsythe added. More importantly, the towns are being overrun by Haitians. Its scary, Phillippi said. All in all, the women agreed Vance is the right candidate to help Trump win rust belt swing states like Pennsylvania. The women made their comments on Vance before Carlsons probing interview, which was delayed over an hour due to advanced Secret Service screenings, slowing the entrance of thousands of fans at Giant Center. While the women were eager to hear all the political discourse at Carlsons live tour stop in Hershey, they said theyre already fed up with all the political commercials cramming the Pennsylvania airwaves. So much so, they said theyre avoiding watching TV and instead streaming content like food and cooking shows. People tell me about all the commercials, Phillippi said. I dont even see them. I dont watch it. Its crazy. Added Barton: Yeah, if my TVs on its either Newsmax or Ill tune in a little bit now to (FOX News anchor) Jesse Watters. I truly quit FOX when they let Tucker go. Thats why they drove across the state for a live dose of Carlsons unique brand of conservatism. The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated cornerback James Pierre from the practice squad to the active roster for their game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Pierre should slot in as a gunner on special teams a week after the Steelers signed him for that role. Ben Skowronek, who was occupying that role, is out for at least four weeks with a shoulder injury. Pierre played for the Steelers from 2020 to 2023 but signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders. After the Commanders released him, Pierre failed to find a new team, but the Steelers called after Skowroneks injury. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. This is Pierres first elevation from the practice squad. He will have two more after this game before he can either be elevated to the active roster or remain on the practice squad for the rest of the season. The Steelers have five cornerbacks on their active roster, so adding Pierre would not be that surprising, especially since the Steelers have six safeties on their active roster, a rarity in the NFL. The S&P 500 recently surged to new all-time highs following the Federal Reserve's first interest rate cut in two years. Although the broader market index continues to go higher, that doesn't mean there aren't deals out there for patient investors today. Block (NYSE: SQ) is one stock that is still 76% below its all-time high from over three years ago. The company has taken a page out of bigger tech companies' playbooks and is looking to cut costs and become more efficient to improve margins and the bottom line. It is making solid progress on its initiatives, but is it enough to make the stock a buy today? Block's rapid growth has come at a big cost Block offers a suite of financial products that appeal to businesses and individuals. The company's original product, the Square point-of-sale system, enables businesses to process payments and manage sales and inventory. First launched in 2009, this novel technology allows small businesses to accept payments quickly and easily using a smartphone or tablet and helped usher in a new age of digital payments. The company also offers the Cash App, which is one of the most popular investment apps among all generations, according to The Motley Fool's Generational Investing Tools survey. Through the Cash App, customers can access banking services, invest in stocks and Bitcoin, and manage payments through Afterpay, Block's buy now, pay later service. Block's growth over the years is undeniable. Since 2017, Block's total revenue has gone from $2.2 million to nearly $22 million last year, good for a compound annual growth rate of 46.5%. This strong growth is driven by growing sales on transaction-based revenue, subscription and services-based revenue from the Cash App, and Bitcoin-related revenue from its customers' purchase of Bitcoin through Cash App. Despite robust top-line growth, Block's expenses had been growing faster. The company's net income had fallen every year from 2019, when it earned $375 million, through 2022, when it posted a net loss of $541 million. SQ Revenue (TTM) Chart It wasn't until last year that the fintech began reining in its expenses, and CEO Jack Dorsey laid out a longer-term plan to get Block back on track. Dorsey's goal is the "rule of 40," where Block will aim to have its gross profit growth plus adjusted operating margin add up to 40% by 2026. The primary purpose of this goal is to get the company to improve its margins and achieve growth as efficiently as possible. What's next for Block? Last year, Block announced plans to limit its employee count to 12,000 to keep expenses down. Dorsey said: "We expect to keep this cap in place until we believe the growth of the business has meaningfully outpaced the growth of the company." So far, the company's efforts to lower expenses are paying off. Through the first six months of this year, Block's net income is $667 million, well above last year's net loss of $3.7 million. In order to achieve more efficient growth, Block aims to better integrate all of its product offerings into one. Notably, Dorsey told investors that Block's ability to integrate Square and Cash App "enables us to provide consumer experiences others can't, specifically for commerce." In a memo to employees in July, Dorsey told employees that Block would remove its business silos and disband the business unit reporting structure. Dorsey wants to take Block back "to how we started as a company" and will address Block's "three problems" relating to "collaboration, craft, and flexibility." Image source: Getty Images. Is Block a buy now? While the restructuring meshes with Dorsey's previous comments, Macquarie analysts, as reported by The Fly, are concerned that Block is making "slower progress on initiatives." For those holding Block stock, that could mean that a rebound in the near future may not be in the cards. However, I'm optimistic that the restructuring is the best move in the long term. The company's Cash App is well-positioned, especially among younger investors, and better integration with Square and Afterpay could give its payment network a big boost. Block still needs to execute its plans, but it has shown solid progress this year as its bottom-line results continue to improve. Today, the stock is priced at a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 15.2 based on one-year forward earnings, which could provide an attractive entry point for long-term investors. If you're not convinced, you'll want to monitor its earnings results over the next few quarters and wait for confirmation that the company is making further progress on its goals. Should you invest $1,000 in Block right now? Before you buy stock in Block, 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 Block 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 $710,860!* 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 Courtney Carlsen has positions in Bitcoin and Block. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin and Block. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Block Stock a Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool Reporters filmed Trump supporters walking out on him just 28 minutes into a 68 minute speech in North Carolina. Samuel Benson reported on the number of Trump supporters who were sick from the heat before the former president arrived, At Trumps rally in Wilmington, NC: 90-degree temperatures and no shade. Two dozen people are in a medical tent & more lined up outside. Some people are hitting the exits. Trump has not yet arrived. Trump supporters getting sick due to the campaigns lack of care and concern for their well being has become a common sight at the ex-presidents rallies. What has also become common is people walking out on him while he is still talking. It happened again in Wilmington, NC where cameras caught the MAGAs heading for their cars as Trump was not halfway through his remarks: Attendees leaving Trumps rally in Wilmington, NC, 28 minutes into his speech. He would continue for another 40 minutes. pic.twitter.com/eAlKWBGEhs Samuel Benson (@sambbenson) September 21, 2024 Trumps speeches vary between 60 and 90 minutes. For the sake of contrast, during the 2016 campaign, Trumps speeches more often clocked in at 30-40 minutes. During the 2024 campaign Trump has been speaking longer and wearing his crowds out to the point where they get up and leave. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris rarely exceeds 30 minutes with her remarks as she seems aware that the point of her speech is to deliver her message and keep the energy up. Polling shows Democrats leading Republicans in voter enthusiasm, and the GOPs Trump fatigue is never more obvious than when his most loyal fans walk out on him. To comment on this story, join us on Reddit. Gretchen Whitmer called Donald Trump deranged for saying women wont need to think about abortion if he wins. Watch Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on CNNs State Of The Union: Gretchen Whitmer on Trump claiming women will be happy with abortion after he wins, This guy just doesnt understand what the average woman is confronting in her life in this country and how could he, hes not lived a normal lifehes just deranged. pic.twitter.com/ekOVaoWvKn Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 22, 2024 Jake Tapper: Donald Trump was rallying supporters in North Carolina, Saturday afternoon. I want you to take a listen to what he said would happen if he wins in a few weeks, Trump in NC tape: Women will be happy, healthy, confident and free. You will no longer be thinking about abortion. Tapper: He says thats because it will be back to the States where it belongs. Uh Whats your response? Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: Thats just ludicrous. I think, you know, this guy just doesnt understand what the average woman is confronting in her life in this country. And how could he, hes not lived a normal life unlike Kamala Harris who has worked hourly jobs, who knows how important it is that women have health care and access to the medical care that they need. And so, hes just deranged. This specific rant of Trumps has become his new way to cope with the unpopularity of his enabling of the overturning of Roe v Wade. Whitmer is right, there are a lot of problems with his claims, not the least being he clearly doesnt understand anything about abortion or women. There is sadly no place on earth where women dont have to think about abortion. Thats like saying people wont have to worry about eating. Its particularly disturbing that Trump started this around the time of the Pro-Publica revelation that the abortion bans Trump brags about were directly responsible for the preventable death of Amber Nicole Thurman, a young mother in Georgia. At least two women in Georgia died after they couldnt access legal abortions and timely medical care in their state, ProPublica has found. This is one of their stories. Additionally, Georgia mother of three Candi Miller died after unintentionally getting pregnant because Georgias abortion ban exceptions do not account for chronic conditions even those known to present lethal risks later in pregnancy. Indeed, Millers doctors had warned her that her health was so fragile, doctors warned having another baby could kill her. But not fragile enough to qualify for an exception under the law. Trump says everyone wanted abortion to go back to the states. That is patently untrue, but it also means that women in the red states where abortion is banned are not only being denied abortions, but healthcare. The Care Post-Roe Study found increased morbidity and risk of death: a wide range of harm occurring among pregnant people in states with abortion bans, including increased morbidity, and complications that could result in serious impairment and risk of death. The report notes that longer-term effects could include loss of fertility, chronic pelvic pain due to infection or surgery, or heart attack and stroke related to uncontrolled hypertension, as well as effects on mental health. This has impacted both patients and providers and has deepened the existing inequities in the health care system for people of color. So Trump is saying that women in red states will be happy, healthy, confident and free as they get sick, lose their fertility, and risk death. Naturally, the Republican presidential candidate and convicted felon doesnt say how he will make this magical unicorn world come about, but we can imagine he would cite his concept of plans about his healthcare policy after he rips Obamacare away from Americans. This is the part where we mention that Obamacare protects pregnant women from having insurance deny them coverage because pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition. And also the part where we mention that Obamacare mandated that most private health insurers have to cover womens preventive health care (womens wellness checks, mammograms, screenings for cervical cancer, prenatal care, etc.). So how will women be healthy under a Trump presidency, when they have to pay for all of those basic screenings again, which means that a lot of women wont get them? Trump is basically saying women should just trust him. But he is an adjudicated rapist, a man whom a jury of his peers found liable for sexually assaulting a woman in a department store changing room. This same mans first wife accused him of violently raping her in her book, a claim she only walked back when he was running for president and suddenly America cared about rape for a minute. Also, by the way, Trump was just prosecuted for an election interference cover-up of his affair with a porn star. Rapists seek control over women. Trump enabled the overturning of Roe, which means a lot of women cant get an abortion even when they are raped (many states dont have exceptions for rape or incest, and those that do too often dont function like an exception because they require that a woman or girl prove she was raped or molested). Then, many states give rapists visitation rights with their children, so theres a lifelong connection to a rapist in other words, abortion bans offer rapists an incentive to rape. Notice that when anti-abortion people talk about abortion, they dont work to pass laws to make it easier to prosecute rape and incest (something VP Kamala Harris actually focused on as a prosecutor) or hold men accountable for the costs and work of raising a child? This is the big give-away that anti-abortion talk is anti-women freedom talk. Abortion care is healthcare. Its necessary healthcare. Its life-saving. To comment on this story, join us on Reddit. By Allison Lampert and David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Boeing said furloughs began on Friday for thousands of employees in Washington State and Oregon, after more than 32,000 workers went on strike last week, halting production of the U.S. planemaker's best-selling 737 MAX and other jets. Striking workers with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers received their last paycheck this week, sources said, as talks between Boeing and its largest union have stalled. With no signs that negotiators for Boeing and the union would return imminently to the bargaining table, the two sides took early steps to prepare for a lengthy strike. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told employees on Friday in a message that while the company is disappointed the discussions did not lead to more progress, the planemaker remains "very committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible." Ending the strike, which has also shut production of Boeing's 777 and 767 jets, "is a top priority," Ortberg said. Ortberg told employees this week that the company would initiate temporary furloughs for a large number of U.S.-based employees who are not part of the strike. Boeing has planned for workers to take one week of furlough every four weeks on a rolling basis for the duration of the strike. The extensive furloughs show Ortberg is preparing the company to weather a prolonged strike that may not be easily resolved given the anger among rank-and-file workers who want 40% higher pay and a performance bonus restored. They are ready to fight this as long as they have to, to get the contract that they deserve, said Brian Bryant, the IAM's international president, in an interview this week. Bryant acknowledged that Ortberg, who took over the company in August, is in the difficult position of managing a strike just weeks into the job. "But we want to see if hes going to come through and negotiate a contract with us here and get this resolved," Bryant added. A protracted labor battle could cost Boeing several billion dollars, further straining finances and threatening its credit rating, analysts said. (Reporting By David Shepardson in Washington, Joe Brock in Los Angeles, Allison Lampert in Montreal and Tim Hepher in Paris; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Rod Nickel) During the two years I was stationed in Izmir, Turkey, I made several visits to the nearby ancient ruins in the seaport of Ephesus. In the Christian world, this city is famous for the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the fledgling church. However, in all the years Ive preached from this letter, I can tell you that there are no ruins more disastrous than when husbands misuse the words Paul wrote in the fifth chapter of that letter we call the Book of Ephesians. In fact, I suspect that there is no verse in the entire Bible that has given marriages more trouble than Ephesians 5:22. Spoken by a seemingly clueless bachelor, Paul urged, wives submit yourselves to your husbands. (Warning husbands: DO NOT try this verse at home without chaplain supervision.) My first run-in with the mandate came in the home of a deacon who had invited his 26-year-old pastor and wife for dinner after church. Our deacon, Dan, was a 40ish-year-old family man with three daughters who hung on his every word. But a few hours into our meal, it was his wife, Joanne, who was making the biggest impression on us. Joanne was an incredibly personable woman who exuded confidence in everything she did. Nevertheless, with Dan she seemed almost subservient. She waited on him hand and foot, bringing him what he needed before hed ask. As Joanne served dessert, Becky dared a nervous laugh at how Joanne fawned over Dan. The deacons wife responded to Beckys ribbing with the submission verse, telling us it was her Christian duty to serve Dan. With lips pursed, we nodded in feigned agreement, even though our first impressions told us that the arrangement seemed more like servile compliance than a Christian marriage. On our drive home to the parsonage, my young bride made a few declarations. I hope youre not expecting our marriage to be like that. Ill be your wife, but I wont be your maid or your waitress. Of course, this was no major development. On our wedding day, Becky veered away from traditional roles by refusing to be given away by her father. Instead, both our parents began the ceremony by announcing their affirmation of our marriage. After our wedding, Becky spent the next four years supporting us through my seminary education. 1. A brewing storm Stripped of luxury, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration airplanes were modified from their original design for one purpose: hunting hurricanes. On Sept. 15, 1989, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy were deployed so meteorologists could get a better glimpse inside a cyclone swirling in the skies east of Barbados. A radar glitch had temporarily blinded Kermits crew to the structure and strength of the storm, according to flight records. But the system came back online just a few minutes before the plane entered the weather system. The scanner showed an eye 12 miles across relatively small, all things considered. Kermits flight director made the call to enter the storm at 1,500 feet to get better data, which was far lower than the usual point of entry. The plane punched through the exterior wall of the storm and into Hurricane Hugos roiling tempest. Hugo would make landfall in South Carolina near Sullivan's Island late Sept. 21 into Sept. 22, 1989, as a Category 4 storm. It would track northwest, passing over Charleston, the sea islands, Mount Pleasant, Awendaw and McClellanville and working its way inland, past Columbia, through Chester and Rock Hill, all the way to Charlotte and beyond. The results would be tragic. The cyclone carved a generational scar into the region, one etched into local lore. Tales of the storm are passed down in family legend, and the devastation it wrought continues to haunt resilience planners and emergency management teams. Though weather technologies and emergency communications have improved in the decades since Hugo, many new residents in the Palmetto State who dont have experience preparing for hurricanes, don't understand the risk or don't know what to do to protect their families something local meteorologists and seasoned South Carolinians are trying to change. PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-22 03:39:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 293 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 21, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. ("Brookfield Business Partners L.P.") (NYSE:BBU) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.Brookfield purchased CDK Global ("CDK"), a provider of software to car dealerships, for $6.41 billion in April 2022. The Company's CDK unit announced on June 19, 2024, that it was investigating a cyberattack that resulted in it proactively shutting down all of its systems. This action caused massive disruption for car dealerships across North America. CDK later admitted the cyberattack and also that it was hacked a second time as it tried to restore its services. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-22 15:00:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 417 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Cangzhou will continue to actively participate in the cause of global ecological governance and sustainable development, depict the new scroll of beautiful China, and contribute China's strength to the global ecological protection and green development.CANGZHOU, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / September 22, 2024 / Nandagang wetland in Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, a migratory bird sanctuary along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf, was included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) this July, making it the first World Heritage Site in Hebei Province.Nandagang wetland in Cangzhou Nandagang Wetland is an important stopover and transit point for migratory birds on the migratory route between East Asia and AustralasiaNandagang Wetland is an important stopover and transit point for migratory birds on the migratory route between East Asia and Australasia, as well as a habitat and breeding place for many rare waterbirds.There are 271 species of birds in the Nandaigang Wetland, including 16 species of birds under first-class national protection including the Red-Crowned Crane and the Oriental White Stork, 52 species of birds under second-class national protection.The ecological condition of the wetland has continued to improve in Cangzhou, thanks to the city's endeavors in marine ecological protection and restoration project, the ecological protection and restoration project of mountains, water, forests, fields, lakes, grasses and sands, and the protection and restoration project of the national important wetland in Nandagang.In 2019, 20,000 migratory birds were observed in Nandagang Wetland, and more than 100,000 in 2023, the number of migratory birds increased four times in four years, and it has become a famous "bird paradise" in Hebei Province.Nowadays, Nandagang is a picturesque place all year round, with a total area of 7,500 hectares, the wetland consists of meadows, marshes, wildlife and other ecological elements, and is the most well-preserved typical marsh wetland ecosystem in the Bohai Sea ecological zone.Cangzhou has thus become a city of double "World Heritage". Back in June 2014, the Grand Canal of China was included in the World Heritage List. Cangzhou is an important hub city of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, with 216-kilometer length of the canal flowing through eight counties (cities and districts) of Cangzhou and through the main city.Cangzhou will continue to actively participate in the cause of global ecological governance and sustainable development, depict the new scroll of beautiful China, and contribute China's strength to the global ecological protection and green development.Contact InformationGrace ShiPRgraceshi@ xinhuanetus.com 6465712146SOURCE: Cangzhou Municipal GovernmentView the original press release on newswire.com Billionaire businessman Femi Otedolas daughter, DJ Cuppy, is the first British-Nigeria to host an opening session at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). UNGA is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), headquartered in New York. It is the UNs main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ. DJ Cuppy, whose real name is Florence Otedola, opened the 2024 UNGA Summit Youth Action Day, which focused on the theme The Summit of the Future Youth Actions Dayconvened by the Secretary-General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, on 20-21 September. In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, the Oxford University alumna is said to have showcased her influence and charisma, captivating the entire Assembly during her keynote speech. According to the statement, DJ Cuppy brought a fresh, youthful perspective to the UNGA proceedings and concluded the event with a powerful musical performance that left a lasting impression. Aspiration The statement added that the 31-year-old expressed her ambition of becoming Nigerias first female president. However, in its Sunday report, The Cable newspaper stated DJ Cuppys emphasis on engaging young people worldwide in meaningful conversations at the summit. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Additionally, she reaffirmed her commitment to championing quality education in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). She further revealed that her foundation, The Cuppy Foundation, has provided hardship funds to support African students. The Cable quoted her as saying, I am representing a country called Nigeria, in case you have heard of it. I am a DJ, philanthropist, and, more so, a moderator. But it feels like I am more your co-host because today is all about you. It is all about the youth, and I am honoured to take you on this journey today. Someone once told me it is not about you; it is about your why we are here. We believe that youth need to be able to take action. We believe in leadership that brings everyone to the table. And that is why I am so proud to be here. My favourite SDG is 4 an opportunity for everyone to get quality education. And at my foundation, we are so proud because we provide hardship funds for African students. So, throughout today, I would love for you to get involved in the conversation, especially with the youth. What are your favourite SDGs? What do you have to say? What do you believe in? Do not forget to get involved because everything here has been specially curated for the youth at UN Youth Affairs. Do not forget to have your say. Reflection On her Instagram page, DJ Cuppy reflected on her role at the summit and highlighted the powerful intersection of preparation and divine guidance. She stressed that her dreams are fueled by unwavering faith, diligent hard work, and a clear sense of purpose that knows no limits. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cuppy (@cuppymusic) DJ Cuppy wrote: Hardly home but always repping, rehearsal helps me stay ready because preparation meets opportunity for me and my dreams are fueled by faith, hard work, and my purpose truly know no limit. Meanwhile, on 19 September, the entertainer launched the Cuppy Fund at New York University (NYU), which aims to support African students studying abroad. DJ Cuppy, a graduate of NYU, expressed joy on her Instagram and described the occasion as a full-circle moment in her journey. Launching the Cuppy Fund at @NYUniversity is a dream come true!!! Imagine returning to the same school I attended 10 years ago, now with the chance to give back to African students what a FULL circle. God is so GOOD! #CuppyCares @NYUsteinhardt Cuppy (@cuppymusic) September 19, 2024 Launching the Cuppy Fund at University is a dream come true! Imagine returning to the same school I attended ten years ago, now with the chance to give back to African students what a full circle. God is so good! Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) is set to reopen for basic services on Monday, two weeks after it was shut down due to devastating flooding that ravaged the northeastern Borno State. The facility sustained significant water damage and was forced to halt its operations, the hospitals Chief Medical Director, Ahmad Ahidjo, told PREMIUM TIMES. However, basic skeletal service will resume on Monday. We have cleaned up the water at the hospital and basic services will resume, Mr Ahidjo, a professor, said. We have fumigated the facility and we are now assessing the extent of damage to medical equipment. The status of some hospital equipment has yet to be ascertained. The hospital head reiterated that the hospital needs urgent support to resume operating at optimal capacity. On Monday, Mr Ahidjo said the facility will open its Accident and Emergency Unit, the Trauma Centre and all the emergency areas. The Clinics will resume services too. The severe flooding in Maiduguri was triggered by the collapse of Alau Dam Maiduguris main water source. Houses were swept away to the very last brick in the Gwange and Gamboru areas of the state. Local authorities are overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum described the extent of the damage in the state as beyond human imagination. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later On Friday, the governor said the state government is willing to do everything possible to assist the teaching hospital. Mr Zulum added that the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital has the most up-to-date medical diagnostic and therapeutic equipment in the country so its necessary to assist it. The floods, which have killed more than 30 people and displaced more than 400,000 people across Maiduguri, have worsened existing humanitarian crises in the state. Over one million people have been affected by flooding so far this year in Nigeria, according to the National Emergency Operations Centre. Rescue operations continued 13 days later, with some parts of the city returning to normal as the waters receded. At the teaching hospital, Mr Ahidjo said the flooding was simply disastrous and the loss was enormous. He told PREMIUM TIMES that the whole of the teaching hospital was flooded. Virtually everything that we have on the ground floor is affected. It will be difficult to say when we will resume for the laboratories, diagnostics centres, radiography centres, and cancer centres, he said. It all depends on how fast we can rectify the challenges that we identified. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, Amos Magaji, said the House will move a motion for urgent intervention in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that medical equipment at the multimillion-dollar Radiotherapy Department was flooded, causing damage to expensive state-of-the-art equipment such as two Elekta Linear Accelerators, two Brachytherapy machines and a Canon Large Bore CT Simulator. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Prominent election observation group Yiaga Africa has raised the alarm over alleged disruptions in the collation of results for Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha local government areas. The group claimed observers and INEC officials were teargassed. In a statement on its X page early Sunday morning, Yiaga Africa said: Reports from our LGA collation centre observers indicate disruptions in the collation process for Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha. Observers and INEC officials are being teargassed in Ikpoba/Okha. Yiaga Africa emphasised that collating LGA results at the state headquarters violates established procedure for results collation. They urged INEC to stand firm against intimidation and interference. We want to emphasise that collating LGA results at the state headquarters violates the established procedure for results collation. We urge @inecnigeria to stand firm against intimidation and interference. Electoral law permits accredited observers, media, and party agents to monitor results collation at all levels. Failure to address these issues risks undermining the legitimacy of what has been a peaceful process since its commencement. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Electoral malpractices Earlier, Yiaga Africa reported incidents of vote buying and polling unit disruption during Saturdays governorship election. The organisations agents observed vote buying in several local government areas, including Ikpoba/Okha, Igueben, Esan West, Akoko Edo, Owan West, and Uhunmode. In Igueben, APC and PDP party agents were reportedly seen bribing voters with N10,00 cash at the Igueben-Idumoka Primary School polling unit. Similar incidents were reported in Ikpoba/Okha, where party agents handed out N10,000 cash to voters at the Enikaro-Enikaro Primary School polling unit. Yiaga also reported disruptions at polling units in Ikpoba/Okha and Akoko Edo due to INEC officials lack of official stamps and alleged bribery. At Ebua Market Square in Uhunwode LGA, an altercation between APC and PDP supporters over alleged bribery led to the suspension of voting and destruction of the voting cubicle. The Edo State governorship election features 17 candidates on the ballot, including Olumide Akpata (Labour Party), Asue Ighodalo (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo (APC). With 2,629,025 registered voters, the outcome of this election will determine who replaces Mr Obaseki when his tenure expires in November. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Access Holdings recorded a weaker net profit due to strong cost measures, despite recording a new revenue milestone for the first half of the year. According to its audited earnings report issued on Saturday, post-tax profit for Nigerias biggest lender stood at N281.3 billion, about 12.8 per cent of the N2.2 trillion gross earnings. The performance reflects the challenges the financial services group faced in turning revenue into profit. The N1.3 trillion the big lender earned mainly from loans and its investment in financial assets more than doubled compared to a year ago. However, 65.1 per cent of that was eaten away by what it paid depositors for keeping their money and other borrowing costs, causing net interest income to stand at just N513.4 billion. The performance is more underwhelming when the impact of problematic loans is factored in. The group set apart N122.7 billion of its interest income to cover loans not certain to be repaid by borrowers who have missed several repayments. That figure was more than three times the corporations provision for the same purpose a year ago. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It implies that what was left for the lender after impairment charges were deducted was N390.7 billion. Nigerian banks have been riding on the wave of rate hikes by the central bank since May 2022 to charge more for the loans and advances they grant to borrowers. That has formed the cornerstone of the record profits a couple of them have recorded for the first half of the year. Access Holdings top-tier rival Guaranty Holding Company booked the biggest profit on record by any public company as its first-half profit, announced this month, hit N905.6 billion. Lenders that hold financial securities in foreign currency are also receiving a sharp boost to their profit because a sharp surge in the rate of exchanging naira for a dollar has jumped significantly, following a devaluation of the local currency this January. Access Holdings reported N253.9 billion in foreign exchange gains for the period under review, compared to N244.3 billion a year ago. In May, the financial services provider acquired 97 per cent of the ownership of African Banking Corporation (Tanzania) Limited, having taken over African Banking Corporation Zambia Limited earlier in the year. Total assets stood at N36.6 trillion at the end of the review period, compared to N26.7 trillion at the end of last year. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Listen, confer, act: China's political advisory body turns 75 Xinhua) 09:01, September 22, 2024 Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased -- all thanks to a local political advisor. Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery. In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform -- a virtual replica of physical systems -- to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas. Shi's proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China's political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization. Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments. EFFECTIVE DEMOCRACY The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people's organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC's diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing. Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance. One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee's composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993. Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC. Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns. Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms. A partner at the law firm King &Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country's new social groups. Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. "It's great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society," he said. Political advisors from the sector of welfare and social security attend a group consultation at the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATIONS The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements -- institutions, standards and procedures -- to facilitate in-depth consultations. Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year. In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network. Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts. A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology. Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality. While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology. A final report incorporating the session's advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city's emergency response capabilities for the next three years. Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2018 shows Hewan Village located among mountains by the Youshui River in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (XinhuaLiu Chan) GREATER SOLIDARITY As a legacy of the CPC's cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front's most inclusive organization. China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength. On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects. Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots. In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online. When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, "people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions," said district political advisor Li Peilei. The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza's logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes. During a 2018 trip to Hewan village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes -- the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action. Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife's care, Shan moved to Hewan Village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models. So far, the museum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue. "Personal and family comfort aside, you've got to do something for society one way or another," said Shan, who became a political advisor last year. The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6. It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions. Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity. "I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities," he said. "The will of the people is respected and reflected here." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Press Release September 21, 2024 Bato: Senate reelection bid meant to continue service for Filipinos amid political persecution Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Friday night officially announced that he will seek reelection in the 2025 national elections to continuously serve the Filipino people despite political persecution. The Mindanaoan lawmaker made the remark as he accepted the nomination of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). "Even before the recent developments, 'no, I have already decided to run again for reelection," Dela Rosa said in his acceptance speech. "Lalong-lalo na ngayon na halos araw-araw, kung makita niyo diyan sa quad-committee ng House of Representatives, araw-araw binubugbog tayo. Hindi ako papayag. Hindi ako papayag na bubugbugin na lang nila forever. Lalaban tayo," he added. Together with his fellow party-mates and senatorial candidates, Dela Rosa, who serves as the party's Vice President for Mindanao, said they will show that the brand of service of PDP-Laban is to prioritize the service to Filipinos. "Just in case tayo'y mag-survive, 2025, maitawid namin ni Senator Bong Go, Philip Salvador at kung sino pang sasama sa aming partido, 'pag matawid natin ang 2025, ipakita natin na tayo'y tumakbo, naging politiko para mag-serbsiyo at gumawa ng maayos. Hindi para manira ng kapwa," Dela Rosa said. "Kaya sana, with the help of each and every one of us here na nandito sa loob ng bulwagang ito, ipakita natin 'yung pamamaraan ng ating partido ng PDP kung paano tayong magserbisyo. Hindi tayo dapat pupunta sa gutter politics," he added. With over 19 million votes, Dela Rosa was elected in the Senate in 2019 under the banner of the PDP-Laban. Being a former Philippine National Police chief, Dela Rosa played a vital role in passing laws related to public order and security, such as the Anti-Terrorism Act, BFP Modernization Act, and the law lowering the minimum height requirement for applicants in the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Correction (BuCor), among others. A son of a tricycle driver and a fish market vendor, Dela Rosa's legislative priorities also included measures that will address the plight of Filipino workers. He has co-sponsored the bill seeking to increase the daily minimum wage by P100. The measure has already been approved on third and final reading by the Senate. Among the other measures that he supported are the bill providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino seafarers, the bill protecting the welfare of caregivers, the bill institutionalizing the teaching supplies allowance for public school teachers, and the bill providing direct financial assistance to Filipino farmers. While Dela Rosa is known for his masculine and strong personality, his legislative work is a testament that the senator's heart has a soft spot for the general public and the less privileged. A heart that is tender for the Filipino people, but cold for the enemies of the state. ******* LINK: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/BGL21CYrTXrV5W1X/ By Scott Murdoch and Himanshi Akhand (Reuters) -Britain's Rightmove said on Monday it would carefully consider Australian property listing firm REA Group's sweetened 6.1 billion pound ($8.12 billion) takeover bid for the company, after rejecting two previous proposals. The latest proposal consists of 341 pence in cash and 0.0422 new REA shares, giving Rightmove an implied value of 770 pence per share. Rightmove said the non-binding and 'highly conditional' bid would be considered by the board and the company's financial advisers. REA Group's first two proposals were quickly rejected by the target company. Shares of Rightmove rose 2.8% to 693.6 pence by 0730 GMT. REA, which is 62% owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, closed down 2.5% on Monday. Rightmove chairperson Andrew Fisher said the company would respond to REA's third bid in due course. The REA bid put forward on Monday is higher than the initial offer of 705 pence per share, or 5.6 billion pounds, and the second proposal of 749 pence per share. Rightmove had rejected both the proposals, saying they undervalued the company and were "uncertain, highly opportunistic and unattractive". REA said before Rightmove's comment on its third bid that it had not had any "substantive engagement" with the takeover target, except for the rejections, and that it remained ready to engage immediately with the Rightmove board. "We are genuinely disappointed at the lack of engagement by Rightmove's board and we strongly encourage the Rightmove board to engage," REA CEO Owen Wilson said in a statement. Britain's housing market is triple the size of Australia's, according to analysts, and a deal would allow REA to expedite its international growth plans. "The increased offer is clearly aimed at bringing the Rightmove board to the negotiating table," said S&P analyst Entcho Raykovski, noting News Corp's REA ownership would be reduced to about 49% if a deal progresses. "...we note that REA has not declared the offer best and final, so there is scope for further increases." REA has until Sept. 30 to make a formal offer for Rightmove or walk away. The Australian company reiterated that it would look to apply for a secondary listing in London to give it access to a wider pool of investors. ($1 = 0.7510 pounds) (Reporting by Scott Murdoch in Sydney, Himanshi Akhand and Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Iain Withers in London; Editing by Jamie Freed, Subhranshu Sahu and Muralikumar Anantharaman) There was tension at the Edo headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the early hours of Sunday, forcing INEC to postpone the final collation of results for the Edo State governorship election to 11 a.m. INEC made the announcement in the early hours of Sunday at its headquarters in Benin, the Edo State capital, which also serves as the final collation centre. The announcement came after the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, held a four-hour meeting with INEC officials and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, at the INEC headquarters. Mr Mba is leading the police team to supervise the election. The Edo governor was at the INEC headquarters to protest the collation process, which he and his party alleged had been compromised against them. While Mr Obaseki was meeting with the police chief and INEC officials, Dennis Idahosa, the APC deputy governorship candidate, led another group of protesters to the INEC headquarters, demanding that Mr Obaseki halt his meeting with the officials. The National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, also arrived at the INEC headquarters where he accused Mr Obaseki of behaving like a thug. Before the arrival of the APC officials, Osarodion Ogie, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, also led a group of supporters to the INEC headquarters. He also raised concerns about the ongoing collation process. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Police officers stationed at the entrance of the headquarters chased Mr Ogie away and also threatened to break the camera of an Arise TV journalist covering the situation. Mr Ogie subsequently spoke to a few journalists. He said INEC officials had prevented PDP party agents from accessing the collation centre. He said he and the PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had earlier visited the headquarters to complain. Although INEC later allowed the agents in, they continued to restrict their access, he said. At about 2:34 a.m., Mr Ighodalo also arrived at the venue. He told his supporters that Mr Obaseki was inside the INEC headquarters speaking with the Resident Electoral Commissioner. Mr Obaseki finally left the INEC headquarters around 4:47 a.m. Shortly after, the police asked journalists to vacate the building, as INEC announced that the collation would begin at 11 a.m. Disruptions in Oredo, Ikpoba/Okha LGAs Meanwhile, there were alleged disruptions in the collation of results for Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha local government areas, after election observers and INEC officials were teargassed, Yiaga Africa reported. The PDP candidate, Mr Ighodalo, repeated the same claim when he visited the state collation centre early Sunday morning. TVC reported that the collation of results for Oredo was moved to the INEC headquarters after the local government collation officer raised fear of violence. But Mr Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, raised suspicion, accusing INEC and the police of complicity in an alleged attempt to subvert the election and the will of the Edo state people He claimed the PDP local government agents were not allowed into the state collation centre at the INEC headquarters. The problem is our agents started telling us that theyre not being allowed into INEC headquarters, he said, adding Theres too many funny things going on all of a sudden, and there seems to be INEC and police complicity working together. And this cannot be right for democracy in this country. Theyre trying to subvert the will of the people of Edo state and it will not happen. Yiaga Africa said the collation of a local governments results at the state headquarters violates the established procedure for results collation. The group urged INEC to stand firm against intimidation and interference. We want to emphasise that collating LGA results at the state headquarters violates the established procedure for results collation. We urge @inecnigeria to stand firm against intimidation and interference. Electoral law permits accredited observers, media, and party agents to monitor results collation at all levels. Failure to address these issues risks undermining the legitimacy of what has been a peaceful process since its commencement, Yiaga wrote on X. The Edo State governorship election features 17 candidates on the ballot, including the frontrunners, Olumide Akpata (Labour Party), Asue Ighodalo (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo (APC). Over 2.2 million voters were eligible to vote in the election after collecting their voter cards. However, the turnout is estimated to be less than 40 per cent. The elected candidate will succeed Mr Obasaeki whose tenure ends in November. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Following years of research and planning, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has successfully launched a bone marrow transplant programme for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The new programme would allow people with SCD to locally access a bone marrow transplant via a procedure that involves replacing the patients diseased stem cells with healthy ones from a matched family donor. It is the countrys first locally available bone marrow transplant programme for treating sickle cell disease. According to a statement jointly signed by the hospitals Chief Medical Director, Wasiu Adeyemo, a professor, and the National Director/CEO of Sickle Cell Foundation, Annette Akinsete, the programme is an initiative of the two institutions. The statement noted that the teaching hospital and SCFN decided to introduce the initiative after identifying existing gaps in the treatment of sickle cell disease patients in the country. It added that the first set of sickle cell patients who were admitted for the programme in August are currently undergoing bone marrow transplants at the hospital. The statement reads in part: They received a treatment regimen of exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy and anti-infective prophylaxis to prepare them for the infusion of bone marrow stem cells that were harvested from family donors, processed and given this week (17 and 19 September). Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Both patients are currently undergoing immediate post-transplant care within the transplant unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. SCD in Nigeria While the process comes with risks such as infection and infertility, increased research advancements over the past 20 years have greatly improved outcomes. LUTH, in its statement, affirmed that the newly established bone marrow transplant programme in Nigeria meets up with international standards for the cure of sickle cell disease. The prevalence of sickle-cell disease in Nigeria is about 20 per 1,000 births. Also, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 24 per cent of the Nigerian population are carriers of the mutant genes for this disease. A study published by Lancet Journal showed that Nigeria has the highest birth prevalence of sickle cell disease in the world, with an estimated 150,000 annual births of babies with sickle cell anaemia, the most common form of sickle cell disease. Meanwhile, WHO, in 2014, said at least 100,000 babies die from the disorder in Nigeria every year. Despite this, medical care for people with SCD has been limited and the bone marrow transplant, the only known cure for the disease, has been unavailable in the country. Mr Adeyomo said the leadership of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) established a bone marrow transplant programme at LUTH after recognising the gaps in care for affected individuals in Nigeria, He said the programme is guided by in-depth scientific research and expertise carried out by a team of high-level health professionals within and outside Nigeria. A resource person from the UK, Josu de la Fuente, from the Imperial College London Healthcare NHS Trust UK joined the team to assist with the paediatric aspects of the programme. The statement noted: In preparation for a locally adapted and cost-effective bone marrow transplant programme in Nigeria, a post-transplant clinic was initially established in 2019, a first in sub-Saharan Africa, to provide post-transplant care to patients who had travelled to other countries for bone marrow or stem cell transplants, thereby developing clinical expertise in post-transplant care. READ ALSO:Nigerian hospital appoints new specialists to improve service delivery Transplant nursing has been supported by the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT), which offers both in-person and virtual training at periodic intervals. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have staged a protest against the ongoing collation of the governorship election results in Edo State. The All Progressives Congress (APC), the major opposition party in Edo, is leading in the election, according to the results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to an X post by Channels TV, the PDP supporters stormed INEC headquarters in Benin City to protest Saturdays governorship election results currently being collated at the state collation centre. INEC went on recess after announcing the results of 16 of the 18 local government areas making up the state. According to the figures released by INEC, the APC has won in 10 local government areas, leaving the PDP with six. INEC will announce the results of the remaining two local government areas by 5 pm. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that the APC led with 244,549 votes, while PDP followed closely with 195,954. The LP polled 13,348 votes. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu said on Sunday that the victory of his party, APC, in the Edo State governorship election shows people support his polices. The president said this in a congratulatory message to Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate in the election. The message was contained in a statement by Mr Tinubus spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. President Tinubu commends APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve victory, Mr Onanuga wrote. He says the victory testified to the peoples support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic reengineering programme and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the electoral commission, INEC, on Sunday declared the APC winner of the Saturday governorship election in Edo. The ruling party in the state, PDP, came second in the election while the Labour Party came third. The PDP has, however, rejected the result of the election alleging that the collation process was compromised. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Read the full statement by Mr Onanuga below. President Bola Tinubu congratulates Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturdays Edo State governorship election, on his victory at the polls. Mr Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, having defeated other contenders for the position. President Tinubu commends APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve victory. He says the victory testified to the peoples support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic reengineering programme and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. He urges Mr Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a challenging call to service. He encourages him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and uniting the people of Edo State to ensure its development. President Tinubu also praises other candidates who participated in the election for their contributions to advancing Nigerias democracy, saying peaceful political contests, such as the one on Saturday, portray Nigeria as a stable democracy. The president urges all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels. In addition, the president commends the people of Edo State for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the maturing of Nigerias democracy after 25 years. I commend the INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful and largely hitch-free exercise. INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising a free and fair election in our country, President Tinubu says. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) September 22, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some traders at the popular Ikpoba Hill Market in Benin converged Saturday night for business shortly after the close of the Edo governorship election. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was restriction of movement during the election hours, which ended at 6 p.m. The exercise affected commercial activities as shops and markets remained shut. Some traders, who spoke in separate interviews with NAN, said they were hopeful to make good sales, in spite of opening late. They argued that some people could not cope without coming to the market to buy groceries on a daily basis. According to them, such buyers must come, regardless of the time. A fruit seller, Loveth Idemudia, said she came to the market to save her goods from getting spoilt. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later I bought many loaves of bread and other fruits and if I fail to do night sales, they might get bad. I wont be able to sell them tomorrow morning because I will be going to church, Ms Idemudia said. She said that, in spite of arriving at the market at about 6.39 p.m., she had made reasonable sales and was hopeful to sell all her goods before retiring home. Another trader, Angela Osas, who deals in fufu, said she had sold one bucket of the food within an hour. I got this business idea after the 2023 General Elections and today I can tell you that my coming here tonight has been rewarding, Ms Osas said. A tomato seller, who identified herself simply as Mama Baby, said her target was to sell her products without losing any money. I didnt come on time, but I know that I will finish my goods quickly because people are buying gradually since about an hour ago I came, she said. A customer, Cecilia Emeka, who came to the market to make some purchases, said that many shops in her area were shut, so she came to the market. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) has declared the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winners of the states local government elections, which were held on Saturday. The Chairman of KWASIEC, Muhammad Okanla-Baba, announced the results at the office of the commission. Saturdays council elections were the first to be held in the state since 2017. Previously, the local governments had been run by caretaker committees appointed by the governor. Mr Okanla-Baba said five parties presented candidates for the elections into the chairmanship and councillorship seats of the states 16 LGAs and 193 wards. The five political parties are APC, APM, PDP, SDP, and Accord. He added that the commissions electoral officers and returning officers from the field had filed their results. Mr Okanla-Baba said the ruling APC emerged victorious in all categories, winning all 16 chairmanship positions and 193 councilorship seats. He commended the political parties for their commitment to a peaceful election, which, he added, did not record any major incidents. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We also like to praise security agencies for ensuring peace and orderliness throughout the voting process in a professional manner, he said. The results released by KWASIEC for the chairmanship seats are as follows: Ifelodun LG* APC 22524 PDP 2727 APM 482 *OYUN LG* APC 12159 PDP 356 APM 386 *Oke Ero LG* APC 7472 PDP 1168 APM 224 *ISIN LG* APC 8173 PDP 1165 APM 77 *EDU LG* APC 23963 PDP 3851 APM 424 *Patigi LG* APC 14,119 PDP 2,939 APM 806 *MORO* APC 14,555 PDP 1670 APM 117 *ASA LG* APC 15,024 PDP 2638 APM 41 *ILORIN SOUTH LG* APC 20,207 PDP 2,072 APM 226 SDP 621 *Baruten LG* APC 38,549 PDP 1335 APM 665 *Ilorin East* Apc 20883 Pdp 5383 Sdp 475 Apm 835 *Kaima* Apc 23,029 Pdp 1737 Apm 59 *Ekiti LGA* Apc 8707 Pdp 907 Apm 966 *Offa* Accord 1919 APC 22,400 Pdp 1586 Apm 636 Sdp 391 *Ilorin west* Apc 50128 Pdp 4202 Apm 1882 *Irepodun* APC 14010 PDP 2106 APM 559 SDP 239 END Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Commissioner for Water Resources in Kaduna State, Edward Masha, on Sunday emerged the new Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Tanko Beiji, the state returning officer of the party, announced the results on Sunday at the Kaduna International Trade Fair Complex, Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, venue of the PDP congress. Mr Beji said Mr Masha, who was also a one-time Special Assistant to the former ministers of finance and aviation at various times, polled 2,123 votes to defeat his main challenger, Danjuma Sarki, who got 258 votes. Also, a former Commissioner for Information, Saidu Adamu, was elected Secretary unopposed, among other key positions. Mr Beji announced that Godiya Lolo emerged the State Women Leader, having scored 2,102 votes to defeat Angel Adamu, who got 300 votes. Also, Maria Dogo, former member of the state House of Assembly, polled 1,259 votes to emerge the state Publicity Secretary as against her main opponent, Nuhu Dogo-Makama, who trailed behind her with 524 votes. The officer, however, charged both the winners and losers in the keen contest to serve all and sundry, adding, not to pursue their respective ambitions to the detriment of the party. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In a brief remark shortly after he was declared the winner, Mr Masha promised an all inclusive leadership. He promised to reach out to the aggrieved co-contestants towards a purposeful reconciliation and unification of the party in line with its quest to take over power in 2027. Also speaking, the outgoing chairman, Felix Hyat, urged the partys faithful to give the new leadership maximum support for the party to return back to winning ways. He stressed that all must work towards consolidating the previous victories of three Senate and 10 House of Representatives seats. Hyat also vowed that the party boasts of 13 House of Assembly Members, while it was working hard to record victories in the October 19 Local Government elections in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the congress had seven positions keenly contested for, while the remaining positions were affirmed unopposed. The immediate-past Youth Leader, Aliyu Bello returned as Financial Secretary while Mr Khalid Khalid emerged the new Legal Adviser, among other positions. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, YiagaAfrica, Kimpact Development Initiative, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, ElectHER, and TAFAfrica. A coalition of election observer groups for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election has raised serious concerns about the transparency of the results collation processes by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This is contained in a statement jointly signed by various organisations participating in the ongoing off-cycle governorship election in Edo State. The signatories to the statement include the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, YiagaAfrica, Kimpact Development Initiative, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, ElectHER, and TAFAfrica. The coalition highlighted various disturbances that occurred during the collation process. We, the undersigned accredited civil society organisations observing the 2024 Edo governorship elections, express concern over the transparency of the ongoing results collation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the group said. Observed disruptions The observer groups noted the reports of disruptions at ward and local government collation centres, citing the alleged intimidation of an INEC official. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The group also noted a case of an attempt to collate results contrary to the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. Reports of disruptions at ward and local government collation centres, including intimidation of INEC officials and attempts to collate results contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. However, they called for a clear delineation of roles for security agencies, stating: The primary function of security agencies during the election is to ensure the integrity of the process, rather than create conditions that undermine its transparency. On security operatives As the election collation progresses, the coalition has insisted that the role of security agencies in the election is to safeguard the process and not to create a situation that will undermine the transparency of the process and thus negatively impact the credibility of the outcome of the election. The collation of results is currently taking place at the INEC head office in Benin City, the capital of Edo State. This crucial process involves the official tallying and verification of results from various polling units across the state. So far, results from about 13 LGAs have been officially declared with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo, leading with more than 20,000 votes. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State won Saturdays elections for all 305 Councillorship and 27 Chairmanship positions in the states 27 Local Government Areas. The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) declared the results of the elections at its Collation Centre, located at its headquarters in Owerri, on Sunday. The ISIEC Chairman, Charles Ejiogu, declared the results without announcing the figures polled by the parties participating in the exercise. He said, All the details of the results will be made available accordingly of the 19 registered political parties. Outpated in the election, which took place in 305 electoral wards, 27 LGAs, and 4,758 polling units. I wish to announce to the Imo people and the general public that after peaceful, credible elections, the All Progressives Congress emerged as a winner across the board. The ISIEC boss thanked all the political parties and their candidates for exhibiting decorum throughout the process. He also commended all the stakeholders, including security agencies, political actors and the media, for their conduct and cooperation during the process. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later However, he urged all aggrieved persons and parties to channel their grievances accordingly, in line with the extant laws. Afterwards, the Aboh Mbaise Chairman-elect, Iheukwumere Alaribe, made a brief remark, promising to be transparent and all-inclusive and to pilot the councils affairs with the fear of God. NAN reports that although peaceful, the elections were grossly marred by voter apathy, and voting did not occur in almost all the local government areas. It would be recalled that the Inter-Party Advisory Council in the state had, on Tuesday, declared its members resolved to boycott the exercise. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) polling officer for allegedly allocating non-existent votes to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Edo State governorship election. This was disclosed in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, Saturday evening. The statement alleged that the INEC presiding officer at the said polling unit allocated unearned votes to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), which it claimed resulted in the overall tally of votes surpassing the number of accredited votes. The election result sheet for Osholo Primary School Polling Unit, Weppa in Etsako East Local Government Area shows that whereas 213 voters were accredited, Obozuwa Josephine, criminally and fraudulently allocated 352 votes to the APC, 52 to the PDP and one to the LP, giving a total of 406 as votes cast. Mr Ologunagba said the electoral officers shocking allocation of 352 unearned votes to the APC, exceeding the 213 accredited voters in the polling unit, raises serious concerns about her impartiality and integrity of the electoral body. He added that the act bears disturbing similarities to the infamous misconduct of Hudu Ari, former Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, who was implicated in electoral malpractices during the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State. The party reminded the presiding officer of the unit that illicit actions may have severe repercussions, mirroring the fallout from similar electoral malpractices. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The PDP said the conduct fits into a part of a broader pattern of electoral fraud, ballot manipulation, and betrayal of public trust perpetrated by the APC and compromised INEC officials, which must be held accountable and brought to justice. Nigerians can recall that the PDP had on several occasions alerted that the APC had compromised the INEC system by planting APC members as Polling Officers to manipulate the electoral process and alter results in favour of the APC, the statement added. The party therefore demanded that INEC should arrest and prosecute the official in question. It also called for the cancellation of the election in Osholo Primary School Polling Unit and take steps to address other such infractions in the electoral process. Our Party again commends the people of Edo State for their vigilance and urges them to remain resilient till the end, it said. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it will investigate an allegation of wrong figures entered into polling unit result sheets in the ongoing Edo state governorship election. The Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, and APCs National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, did take PREMIUM TIMES calls seeking their comments on the issue on Saturday. Meanwhile, INEC has said it would investigate an allegation of wrong entering of figures into polling unit result sheets in the state. In a post on its X handle on Saturday, INEC said it had so far received such complaints from two out of the 4,519 polling units in the state. It is not clear if PDPs complaint is one of the two that INEC vowed to investigate. The commission will immediately investigate the matter and deal with any proven infraction, the commission said in its tweet. PREMIUM TIMES reports that 17 parties are participating in the governorship election. However, three parties the APC, PDP, and Labour Party are believed to be the main contenders. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Jeremy Teitelbaum moved from California to Colombia for retirement. Crispin la valiente / Getty Images Jeremy Teitelbaum, 56, moved from California to Colombia for a more affordable retirement. Rising living costs in the US are driving many retirees to seek cheaper options abroad. Teitelbaum's $3,423 monthly pension covers his expenses in Pereira, Colombia. To Jeremy Teitelbaum, the weather in Pereira, Colombia, feels like "eternal spring." The 56-year-old never gets tired of the cool breeze, light rain, and reliable sunshine. Teitelbaum moved to the city about a year ago. After a health scare, he left his career as a speech-communications lecturer in San Luis Obispo, California, and chose to move abroad. "I don't think there really is anything about the US that I miss," he said. According to documents reviewed by Business Insider, he lives on his $3,423 monthly teaching pension. Teitelbaum can start collecting Social Security when he turns 62 in six years, he said, but his pension covers everything he needs in Pereira, where prices are much lower than in the US. As the cost of living continues to rise in the US, it's becoming common for older adults to move abroad. International retirement offers travel experience, and many feel their money goes further. BI has heard from people who moved from Texas to Panama , California to Italy , and Minnesota to Mexico . According to the latest available data from the Social Security Administration, over 700,000 US workers retired abroad in 2022. This trend comes as millions of baby boomers with limited savings are living on fixed Social Security or pension incomes. On such a tight budget, many struggle to afford necessities like housing, food, and healthcare as they age. Teitelbaum hasn't ruled out a part-time job. But for now, he feels financially comfortable and is enjoying retirement. "It's a very relaxed lifestyle," he said. Teitelbaum says life in Colombia is cheaper, and he plans to continue traveling Teitelbaum stays busy. He volunteers a few hours each week teaching English as a second language and takes Spanish classes. He also walks his dog, goes swimming, socializes with friends, and takes day trips to nearby towns and landmarks. His one-bedroom apartment costs less than $500 a month, and his utility, water, and cellphone bills add up to about $150 a month. The rest of his budget goes to groceries, restaurants, social activities, and healthcare. Teitelbaum said life in Colombia costs about 25% to 50% less than in California. Once he begins collecting Social Security, Teitelbaum said his teaching pension would be reduced. Even so, he feels confident he will have enough income to keep living in Pereira and he has several thousand dollars in savings to pull from if he has unexpected expenses. Story continues Not all older adults can afford to move abroad in retirement, and some find their pension or Social Security incomes aren't enough to pay the bills. But Teitelbaum doesn't plan to return to full-time work or to the US anytime soon. He hopes to travel next to Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and possibly Italy. But no matter where he calls home, Teitelbaum said he would still visit Los Angeles to spend holidays with his daughter. "Wherever in the world I am, I'll always come home for Thanksgiving," he said. Have you chosen to retire abroad? Are you open to sharing your experience? If so, reach out to this reporter at allisonkelly@businessinsider.com . Read the original article on Business Insider The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over an alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt the Edo State Governorship election collation process. According to Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the APC plans to use armed thugs to invade the collation center, alter results from polling units, and manipulate the INEC portal. The APC is mounting pressure on the INEC Chairman and Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner to suspend the collation process, allowing them to replace authentic results with fabricated figures, Mr Ologunagba alleged in a signed statement on Saturday. He also warned that any attempt to alter the results would have severe consequences, as the people of Edo State already possess authentic results from Polling Units across the state. Mr Ologunagba said that the PDP has alerted INEC and the military to resist APC pressure and ensure the integrity of the results. He commended the militarys professionalism in defending democracy and urged them not to withdraw from their posts. This development comes after earlier allegations of APCs plans to use security operatives and INEC to manipulate the Edo State governorship election in their favour. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later APCs National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, had denied in prevous reports by PREMIUM TIMES, electoral malpractice allegations, particularly vote buying, levelled against the party. One of our reporters unsuccessfully tried to reach him for his comments on PDPs earlier allegation that the presiding officer in a polling unit allocated unearned votes to it. Meanwhile, INEC later promised to investigate allegations of wrong entering of votes into result sheets in two polling units and other alleged electoral malpractices in the state. Thirty-five thousand police officers were deployed for the Edo State governorship election to ensure smooth conduct of the election. The PDP called on its supporters to remain vigilant and monitor the collation process to protect their votes. Saturdays governorship election in Edo State has drawn a diverse field of 17 candidates, comprising 16 men and one woman. However, analysts predict an intense three-way contest between the top contenders. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are considered the front-runners in the contest. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the public to disregard results circulating as the final outcome of Saturdays Edo State governorship election. The partys spokesperson, Felix Morka, issued this caution this in a statement released on Saturday night in Abuja. Mr Morka said the party has noted some reports circulating in sections of social media by certain political parties peddling bogus figures of vote tallies in the ongoing Edo State Gubernatorial Election. He said the information is fake and the public should treat it as fake, adding that the collation process at the ward level is still ongoing while the one at the local government has yet to commence. We urge the Edo State electorate and the general public to disregard these bogus and highly speculative reports. Our great Party wishes to clarify that collation at the Ward level is still ongoing and has yet to be concluded. Certainly, Local Government level collation has yet to begin in most of the LGAs in the state let alone concluded. Consistent with the Electoral Act, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the sole authorized body empowered to collate results at the Ward, Local Government and State levels, and to officially declare the result of the Election. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Our great Party is comfortably in an early lead, however, as a responsible Party, we will not attempt to preempt INECs conclusion of the election process and official declaration of final results, he said. Earlier today, some results were being circulated as the outcome of the ongoing governorship election in Edo State. Premium Times debunked one of such results credited to it as the source. Read full statement below ABUJA, FCT SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 PRESS STATEMENT DISREGARD FAKE ELECTION FIGURES/ RESULT IN CIRCULATION COLLATION ACTIVELY IN PROGRESS The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to some reports circulating in sections of social media by certain political parties peddling bogus figures of vote tallies in the ongoing Edo State Gubernatorial Election. We urge the Edo state electorate and the general public to disregard these bogus and highly speculative reports. Our great Party wishes to clarify that collation at the Ward level is still ongoing and has yet to be concluded. Certainly, Local Government level collation has yet to begin in most of the LGAs in the state let alone concluded. Consistent with the Electoral Act, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the sole authorized body empowered to collate results at the Ward, Local Government and State levels, and to officially declare the result of the Election. Our great Party is comfortably in an early lead, however, as a responsible Party, we will not attempt to preempt INECs conclusion of the election process and official declaration of final results. We urge members of the public to disregard this attempted misrepresentation and await INECs final verdict on the election. SIGNED: Felix Morka, Esq. National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Officials of Nakowa Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri have commenced cleaning and evacuation of debris deposited around the hospitals premises due to the flooding that occurred in the capital city of Borno State on 10 September. During a tour of the city on Friday, PREMIUM TIMES observed that Nakowa Specialist Hospital, located in the Government Residential Area (GRA) axis, was one of the medical facilities completely submerged by the flood. Established in 1985, the hospital is one of the first major private hospitals in Maiduguri. The hospitals management explained that the flood destroyed all paper records. Similarly, the flood destroyed all the laboratory equipment, reagents, drugs, computers, mattresses, and other essential components of the hospital. We are calling on the government, NGOs, and the general public to assist and support us in whatever way they can to resuscitate this hospital, said Paul Ijogo, the admin/finance manager of Nakowa Hospital. He narrated how the hospital was flooded, noting that no fatalities were recorded because they were able to evacuate patients before the hospital was eventually submerged by the flood. On her part, Lydia Adigun, a matron at the hospital, described the situation as pathetic. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We thank God there is no life lost. There is a lot of damage. We are trying to clean things by washing to see what we can recover. We are pleading to the masses and the government to come to our aid, Mrs Adigun said. The recent flood incident in the state has killed more than 30 people and affected about half a million others, authorities said. Since the water receded, displaced residents, business owners, and others have been assessing damages to their valuables. See pictures showing the situation of things at the hospital below: Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State of trying to stir up violence by visiting the collation centre in Benin city, the state capital while the collation of results across the various wards and local government areas was still ongoing. The partys Director of Publicity in Edo State, Oroboda Omo-0jo, stated this while speaking to News Central Television on Sunday morning, insisting that there are insinuations that Mr Obasekis visit was to compromise the INEC officials. He said the governors action needed to be condemned, while wondering how the governor found his way into the INEC office. He said: I think his action needs to be condemned by the media, especially because every stakeholder in this process must speak out so that the battle does not become that of the man with the deepest pockets or the man that has the most element of violence. He added that the Edo state people are determined to vote out the ruling EdoDecides2024in the state. He just went there to go and stir violence, but thank God it ended peacefully. Report says that he crept into the office last night. We have pictures and everything that he forced his way up. There were even allegations that he went there to try and compromise some of the INEC staff. Why would a state executive, a man that occupies such an executive position, go there and stir violence. And this goes a long way (to show) that he was trying to foment trouble and keep to his promise that the election will be a do or die process, he said. Backstory PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Obaseki, whose tenure ends in November, visited the INEC office to protest the collation process, which he and his party, the PDP, alleged had been compromised against them. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Obaseki held a four-hour meeting with INEC officials and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, at the INEC office. He left the INEC headquarters around 4:47 a.m. The governors visit heightened tensions as the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who also visited the INEC office, accused Obaseki of behaving like a thug. INEC says the final collation of results begins at 11 a.m, as security personnel ordered journalists out of the hall. Meanwhile, there was a disruption during the collation of results for Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha local government areas after INEC officials and election observers were teargassed. TVC reported that the collation of results for the two local government areas have been moved to the collation centre in Benin city. The PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has raised concerns over this, accusing INEC and the police of complicity in an alleged attempt to subvert the election and the will of the Edo state people. Election observer group, Yiaga Africa, said on Sunday that the collation of local governments results at the state headquarters violates the established procedure for results collation. There are 17 candidates on the ballot the election but the major contenders are three major candidates; Olumide Akpata (Labour Party), Asue Ighodalo (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo (APC). With 2,629,025 registered voters, the outcome of this election will determine who replaces Mr Obaseki when his tenure expires in November. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun of Lagos and Ogun states respectively were spotted in the early hours of Sunday singing victory song at the situation room of the All Progressives Congress, signalling possible victory at the poll. In a video posted on X by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, members of the party were in celebration mood, singing: For all He has done for us, we are grateful oh Lord, and while raising their fists, they ended with Hip! Hip! Hurray!. The video, which was posted more than six hours ago, came hours before the 11 a.m. schedule of the Independent National Electoral Commisions announcemnt for the commencement of the collation of results from various local government areas. It is however unclear if the party had obtained the results of the elections for all the 18 local government areas in the state. The development came amidst tensions generated by Governor Godwin Obasekis visit to the INEC office in Benin City early Sunday morning, forcing the electoral commission to postpone the final collation to 11 a.m. However, there were reports of disruption of collation of results in Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha local government areas after INEC officials and election observers were teargassed. TVC reported that the collation of results for the two local government areas have been moved to the collation centre in Benin city. The PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has raised concerns over this, accusing INEC and the police of complicity in an alleged attempt to subvert the election and the will of the Edo state people. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Election observer group, Yiaga Africa, said on Sunday that the collation of local governments results at the state headquarters violates the established procedure for results collation. With 17 candidates on the ballot the election is largely between three candidates; Olumide Akpata (Labour Party), Asue Ighodalo (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo (APC). More than 2 million voters are expected to have cast their votes on Saturday to decide Mr Obasekis successor. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the storming of its Edo State office in Benin city by politicians from different political parties, including Governor Godwin Obaseki. The electoral commission spoke on Sunday in a statement by its National Commissioner and Member Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna. Mr Haruna said the commission was disturbed by a report of threat to the INEC office in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area as reported by its Resident Electoral Commissioner. He said the threat resulted in a stampede that left one INEC official injured. We are similarly disturbed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation. These actions are uncalled for. Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness, Mr Haruna said. Collation to proceed INEC said collation of results will proceed as provided for by the Electoral Act 2022 and the commissions guidelines for the conduct of elections. The statement further reads in part: There is a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary, he said adding that accredited party agents, observers and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres. The Commission calls on the security agencies to continue to maintain the same vigilance and professionalism that led to the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Politicians storm INEC office at midnight PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Obaseki arrived at the INEC headquarters in Benin city at midnight where he held an over four-hour meeting with some INEC officials and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, who leads the police team supervising the election. He left around 4:47 a.m. While Mr Obaseki was meeting with the police chief and INEC officials, Dennis Idahosa, the APC deputy governorship candidate, and Edo arrived at the INEC office demanding that Mr Obaseki halt his meeting with the officials. The party accused Mr Obaseki of attempts to subvert the election and compromise INEC officials. The PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, also visited the collation centre. Their presence raised tension at the collation centre, forcing INEC at midnight to postpone the final collation of results to 11 a.m. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print There is a heavy presence of security operatives on Sunday at the Edo State office of INEC in Benin City, the state capital, as collation of results for the Saturdays governorship election commenced. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that roadblocks were mounted 500 metres away in all the roads leading to office by the men of the Nigerian Army. The routes leading to the office were closed to vehicular movement just as only accredited individuals were allowed access to the place. The individuals were subjected to thorough screening by men of the Nigerian Police as well as the military operatives at the venue. INEC announced on Saturday that collation of results from the 18 local governments of the state would begin by 10am on Sunday. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People Democratic Party (PDP) have occupied the popular Ramat Park in Benin, the Edo State capital, celebrating possible victory in Saturdays governorship election, even when the official result of the poll has yet to be announced. As of the time of this report, collation of results for the election had yet to commence. The two political parties were frontline in the off-cycle election held in the state on Saturday with 17 candidates jostling for the top job. Supporters of the parties faced each other, chanting different triumphant songs to indicate their victory at the poll. Operatives of the joint security agencies including the police and the military had a herculean task maintaining law and order between the groups. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramat Park is about 700 metres from the INEC office in Benin. The APC supporters who converged on the centre of the park set up electronic gadgets and danced to the reeling music. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later NAN reports that Edo State residents voted on Saturday to elect a new governor that will pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years. The election was conducted under tight security. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Adamawa State Government on Sunday confirmed the outbreak of cholera with 12 deaths recorded. The Commissioner for Health, Felix Tangwami, who confirmed the outbreak in a statement in Yola, the state capital, said that out of 50 samples of suspected cases, 30 were positive. Mr Tangwami said that six of the deaths were recorded at facility, six occured at home while about 308 people were admitted with 244 treated and discharged, On behalf of the state Governor, I want to inform you all that we have received results of samples sent to NCDC for confirmation. Its confirmed that what we are dealing with is Acute watery Diarrhea or Cholera. Unfortunately, out of the 50 samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja, 30 samples returned positive for cholera, six came back negative, two still on going and 12 still pending in isolation. With these results, therefore, I want to confirm to the public that there is an outbreak of cholera in Adamawa. People should be cautious of their movements, interactions, personal hygiene, and the source of water they drink. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The public is assured that the government, through its health workers, is doing everything possible by the grace of God to contain the situation as done in the past with other similar outbreaks. We ask that people should continue to pray for us as we face this monster. They should remain calm and cooperate with health workers as they go around to sensitise and give professional advice, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The PDP governorship candidate in Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has expressed dissatisfaction over Saturdays election, saying it might be the worst in Nigerias history. During the PDP campaign council briefing Sunday morning monitored on Channels TV, Mr Ighodalo noted that some results hinted at shady behaviour, citing instances where the total votes announced surpassed the accredited voters. He said, From our perspective, the way these elections are going, theyre probably going to be the worst elections in the history of this country. We have information, for instance, where we have over 20 polling units, where the accredited voters are less than the total votes, which is not possible. Theres a result writing scheme going on, and its totally unacceptable. This process is not acceptable, and then theyre trying to disenfranchise our collation agents. At every point, you find APC and their thugs supported by people dressed as security agents going to shoot at polling agents and disrupting processes. This is not accepted in the 21st century and not in Nigeria. Results collation interrupted In his comments, Governor Godwin Obaseki said he got reports from PDP agents that they were not allowed to participate in the collation process. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Obaseki condemned INECs delay in announcing the postponement of collation, noting that as of 3 am, there was no information from INEC as to what next. PREMIUM TIMES reported that there was tension at the Edo States head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the early hours of Sunday, forcing it to postpone the final collation of results to 11 am. Adamawa governor speaks The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, who leads the PDPs campaign council, also noted that the collation process was violently interrupted in several local government areas across the state. Mr Finiti said in Edo South Local Government Area, the collation process was stopped in three polling units and moved illegally to the state head office of INEC in Benin, on the instruction of the Assistant Inspector General police, in complete breach of the statutory collation process. He said affected party agents and representatives were then ordered to converge on the INEC office for completion of the collation exercise. Upon arrival, agents of the PDP were not allowed into INEC state office for the exercise. On the other hand, agents of the APC were allowed unfettered access to the INEC premises to participate in the collation process. This was also in breach of the Electoral Act on neutrality as well as the rules and regulations published for this election, he said. The PDP candidate is seeking to succeed Mr Obaseki whose tenure ends by 12 November. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Viewing insider transactions for Cyprium Metals Limited's (ASX:CYM ) over the last year, we see that insiders were net buyers. This means that a larger number of shares were purchased by insiders in relation to shares sold. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. View our latest analysis for Cyprium Metals The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Cyprium Metals Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by insider Adrian Martin for AU$150k worth of shares, at about AU$0.031 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.031). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. It is encouraging to see an insider paid above the current price for shares, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. The only individual insider to buy over the last year was Adrian Martin. Adrian Martin bought a total of 8.07m shares over the year at an average price of AU$0.03. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. If investing in lesser known companies is your style, you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Insider Ownership I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. From our data, it seems that Cyprium Metals insiders own 11% of the company, worth about AU$5.0m. However, it's possible that insiders might have an indirect interest through a more complex structure. Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings. What Might The Insider Transactions At Cyprium Metals Tell Us? The fact that there have been no Cyprium Metals insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think Cyprium Metals insiders are doubting the company. 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. Case in point: We've spotted 5 warning signs for Cyprium Metals you should be aware of, and 3 of these are potentially serious. Story continues 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 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political actors against the disruption of the Edo State governorship election results collation process. Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, gave the warning in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Mr Haruna said that INEC was disturbed by reports of a threat resulting to stampede at its office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area on Saturday as well as action of some political actors at its head office in the state. He said that following the conclusion of voting yesterday, the Commission activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and uploaded polling unit results, and the same results had also been collated from all the 192 wards. Mr Haruna said that similarly, collation the had been concluded in most of the local government areas and the designated officials were already at the collation centre in Benin City, the state capital, or on their way. We are set to commence state-level collation. However, the commission received a deeply disturbing report from our Resident Electoral Commissioner of a threat to our office in Okpoba Okha on Saturday, resulting in a stampede in which one of our officials was injured. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We are similarly disturbed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation. These actions are uncalled for. Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness. For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of result will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections, he said The national commissioner said that there was a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. Mr Haruna said that the commission would not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary. He said that accredited party agents, observers and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres. He called on the security agencies to continue to maintain the same vigilance and professionalism that led to the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A fire outbreak was on Sunday, at approximately 8:10 a.m. recorded at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, one of Nigerias oldest teaching hospitals. According to the hospital management, the incident was caused by a spark at the changeover box in the medicine laboratory on the third floor. In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Funmi Adetuyibi, the hospital said the fire outbreak was limited to the change over panel in one of the rooms in the laboratory. Most of the pictures of the fire outbreak being spread around are NOT pictures of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, the statement noted. It said that no major damage was recorded and that the fire was put out immediately by the courageous staff of the hospital who were on the ground. The management of the hospital under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Jesse Otegbayo, has put in place all necessary measures to prevent such occurrences in the hospital, it added. Similar incident A similar incident occurred at the hospitals Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in August 2023. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later While the management did not give the details of the damage caused by the fire incident, PREMIUM TIMES learnt that an asthmatic worker in the facility suffered an attack as a result of the fume and was rushed to the emergency unit for urgent medical attention. Officials at the hospital told this newspaper that the occupants of the facility had been perceiving the foul smell of a burning wire for more than 48 hours before the incident. Also in April 2023, one of the residential blocks at the hospital was gutted by fire. Punch Newspaper reported that no lives were lost. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has raised concerns about rising water levels along the River Benue Basin, warning of potential flooding of neighbouring states soon. The warning comes amid a recent wave of widespread floods which have claimed lives, destroyed homes and public facilities, submerged farmlands and entire communities in at least 13 states. Data released by the NIHSA to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday revealed a steady increase in water levels, approaching the flood threshold. The warning by the agency revealed alarming water levels at its guage stations along the River Benue Basin in Wuro Boki and Jimeta Bridge in Adamawa State (North-central), Ibbi Station in Taraba State (North-east), Makurdi in Benue State (North-central) and along River Niger in Lokoja, Kogi State (North-central). Water levels recorded at key gauge stations are alarming, with Wuro Boki at 6.36 metres and Jimeta Bridge at 5.04 metres. Ibbi station stands at 8.2 metres, Makurdi at 9.4 metres, and Lokoja (Niger River) at 8.68 metres, the report said. It noted that the rising waters, especially at Makurdi and Ibbi, had placed the River Benue Basin on high alert. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The agency advised immediate preventive measures in states along the river, particularly those previously identified as flood-prone. The water levels at our critical stations along the River Benue Basin as of Saturday, 21 September 2024, show steady increases towards flood levels, NIHSA stated. The agency stressed the urgency of improving water conveyance and flood containment to protect vulnerable communities. It added that they would monitor river levels and provide updates to help authorities and the public mitigate flood risks. NAN quotes Femi Bejide, Director, Operational Hydrology, NIHSA, as urging residents to vacate flood plains immediately. The flooding we are seeing now is caused by heavy rainfall and precipitation. However, river flooding is about to start, and it will be severe. Communities in Bayelsa and Jigawa states are particularly vulnerable due to their geography. Authorities have advised against building on flood plains, yet this remains a recurring issue. Weve repeatedly told people to move from these areas, but the problem persists, Mr Bejide added. The director stated that many Nigerians are waiting for government palliatives, which have become politicised, further complicating response efforts. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Edo State governorship elections, Monday Okpebholo, is currently leading the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, with over 20,000 votes after INEC collated election results from 12 of the states 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The collation of results ongoing at the INEC head office in Benin City is being presided over by the Returning Officer, Faruq Kuta, a professor and Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State. Mr Kuta has received the results of 12 local government areas, namely Esan Central, Akoko Edo, Egor, Esan South-East, Ovia North-East, Uhunmwonde, Owan West, Esan West, Igueben, Esan North East, Ovia South West, and Orhionmwon LGAs. While the APC candidate, Mr Okpebholo, has so far garnered 160,989 votes, his PDP counterpart, Mr Ighodalo, has garnered 146,144. The Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, has 9,801 votes so far. However, both the APC and PDP candidates have equally won six LGAs each. The LP candidate has not won any LGA. Meanwhile, the collation of results continues and it may be too early to call a winner. PREMIUM TIMES will continue updating the figure as announced by INEC. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collation of results for the Edo governorship election held on Saturday. Faruk Adamu Kuta, INECs Returning Officer, announced the suspension on Sunday due to outstanding results from Oredo and Ikpoba Okha local governments. Oredo and Ikpoba Okha, two municipal local government areas in Benin City, Edo State capital, are the most populous local governments in the state. The collation officers for the two local governments are still on the field, and we cannot proceed without their reports, Professor Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, explained. He said the suspension, which took effect immediately, will last until 5 p.m. when collation is expected to resume. Earlier, results from 16 out of 18 LGAs showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were leading the pack. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports while the two results are being awaited, APC is leading with 56,669 votes. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Here are the partial voting results: APC: 244,549 votes PDP: 187,880 votes LP: 21,420 votes (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Sunday, the PDP appealed to INEC Chairperson Mahmood Yakubu to review the collated results for the Edo governorship election before the final announcement. Anthony Aziegbemi, Edo PDP chairman, told reporters in Benin that the electoral officers entries differed from the results uploaded on the INEC IREV at the polling units. Mr Aziegbemi noted that the results had allegedly been inflated in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) through deducted votes from the PDP. He also alleged that in Akoko-Edo, votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV showed that the APC obtained 25,010. In contrast, 34,847 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the local government returning officer. While for the PDP, the results uploaded on the IREV are 18,620, 15,865 were recorded on the EC8C, as declared by the returning officer. It would interest you to know that in ward 9, Akoko Edo LGA, from the 36 polling units results uploaded on the IREV, the total votes obtained by APC is 2,350 while 9,104 were entered into the EC8C result for APC. The total votes for PDP is 1,359, while 633 were entered in the EC8C. Also, in Ward Six Akoko Edo, where elections did not hold in units 12, 17, 15, 18, 14 and 16, results were returned for the said polling units in the ward result sheet (EC8C), he said. Discrepancies Also, in Egor, Mr Aziegbemi alleged that votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV showed that the APC obtained 10,972 votes while 16,760 were recorded in the EC8C declared. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later For the PDP, the results uploaded on the IREV are 14,485, but 14,658 were returned on the EC8C, as declared by the local government returning officer. It would interest you to note that the collation of Egor was not done at the designated LGA centre but was moved to the INEC state headquarters, and the PDP agent was not allowed to be part of the exercise, he added. According to him, there are also similar discrepancies in Etsako West, where results uploaded on the IREV differ from those recorded on the EC8C declared by the returning officer. He said, The above-highlighted irregularities, which are very apparent, are extremely scandalous and a bold attempt to steal the PDPs mandate. We, therefore, demand the immediate re-collation and recompilation of the actual results for the various polling units in the above highlighted local government areas. In compliance with the INEC guidelines and regulations, which mandates that votes from various units and wards be properly collated. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has commended the people of Edo State for the massive turnout during Saturdays governorship election and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the peoples will. In a statement signed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who doubles as the chairperson of the PDP Governors Forum, the group expressed confidence that the enlightened Edo electorate would make the right choice, given the achievements of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the qualities of the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo. This comes amidst the ongoing collation of the election results in Benin City. The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced results from 17 out of 18 local government areas so far. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is leading with 275,329 votes. The PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, followed with 220,892 votes, while the Labour Partys Olumide Akpata polled 18,737. The APC has won in 11 LGAs, leaving only six for the PDP, while the Labour Party has not won in any. INEC is expected to declare the result of the remaining LGA and announce the winner of the elections at any moment from now. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later PDP urges INEC to be impartial However, the PDP Governors Forum urged INEC to remain impartial and respect the sovereign wishes of the Edo people, warning against the consequences of a disputed result. The forum reiterated its commitment to democratic best practices and Nigerias peace and stability. It said it looks forward to the announcement of a result that truly represents the wishes of the Edo people. The forum praised the role played by the PDP governors, including Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), in monitoring the election and promoting calm. They also debunked the All Progressives Congress (APC)s accusations that PDP governors usurped INECs responsibility, emphasising that they only stated collated results from the IREV portal to prevent manipulation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has congratulated Monday Okpebholo for emerging as Edo Governor-elect at Saturdays election. In a statement by Edwin Olofu, his Chief Press Secretary on Sunday in Abuja, Mr Ganduje said Mr Okpebholos victory was well-deserved. He said the triumph was a testament to the confidence the good people of Edo had in the progressive vision and leadership of the President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration. Mr Ganduje, while conveying the partys warmest felicitations to Mr Okpebholo, stressed that his victory reflected the trust and hope placed on his leadership. He said the victory also reflected the hard work and resilience of other party members and supporters who ensured a free, fair, and peaceful election. The APC national chairman said with Mr Okpebholos leadership, Edo was poised to witness unprecedented growth, peace, and development that would transform the lives of its people. He assured that the governor-elect would continue to uphold the values of good governance, transparency, and service to the people which had been the bedrock of the APCs vision for Nigeria. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He stated that APC remained committed to supporting Mr Okpebholos administration and work with him to ensure that the vision of a greater Edo waa achieved for the benefit of all. Mr Ganduje thanked President Tinubu and the Progressive Governors Forum(PGF) for their immense support, saying the victory was for all the people of Edo. He added that the APC leadership was looking forward to a prosperous new chapter for the state under Okpebholo. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Okpebholo, 54, secured 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 247,274 votes at the election. Mr Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third in the race with 22,361 votes. Fourteen other candidates contested the election with the three frontline candidates. Monday Okpebholo of APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, INECs Returning Officer for the poll, Faruk Kuta, said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The EFCC, I believe, is determined to follow through with Bellos trial. It does not need to be Aminus or anyone elses tiger to do its job. The commission has recovered over N150 billion and secured over 2000 convictions in the last year. It cannot progress if it cherry-picks from Aminu, whose ethnic agenda and intention to instigate resentment in the commission are apparent but for whose vested interests we dont yet know. The article by one Nasir Aminu entitled, A Formidable Eagle or a Paper Tiger, exposes the dangers of a single narrative. But its obvious, from the start, that it was deliberate. I have seen many such tainted pieces. Smarter ones even try to disguise their motives from the beginning. But not this one. In the article, the fellow, supposedly a teacher in Economics and Finance, with an interest in ethics, had one agenda: to feed the dangerous narrative that the leadership of certain institutions in the country is the prerogative of one section. What nonsense! Invoking the nostalgia of the Nuhu Ribadu days and the current trial of former Governor Yahaya Bello were among the convenient distractions. But he didnt need to hide in plain sight. His scandalous attempt to stretch a weak narrative betrayed his sinister motive. It is not the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, who has invited the drama in former Governor Yahaya Bellos case. I thought Aminu should know that. The governor, in a desperate attempt to avoid accountability at all costs by manipulating public perception, is responsible. Im sorry for the Kogi people. The incident of 18 September, which Aminu pretends to be the basis of his article and not his own distorted view was one of the series of well-scripted shenanigans executed by Bello, without shame and possibly with the collusion of fifth columnists, to undermine the former governors trial. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He has been charged, since April, with 19 counts of financial misconduct, including conspiring to divert public funds for personal gain. If he had any respect for the people of Kogi who elected him, he would have long submitted himself to the court to answer these grave charges. The EFCC, I believe, is determined to follow through with Bellos trial. It does not need to be Aminus or anyone elses tiger to do its job. The commission has recovered over N150 billion and secured over 2000 convictions in the last year. It cannot progress if it cherry-picks from Aminu, whose ethnic agenda and intention to instigate resentment in the commission are apparent but for whose vested interests we dont yet know. It is shocking that a teacher who should have called out Bellos disgraceful conduct at the premises of the EFCC is using the unfortunate drama to advance his ethnic agenda at the commission and stir trouble within. Shahada Umar, the Northern region coordinator of the Global Peace Movement International (UK), writes from Kaduna State. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Shemas name is a toast and darling among people on the lower rungs of the ladder of the society, even in the remote areas of the state. They always remember him for making education free for their children, including sponsoring many of their children to study abroad. He made fertilisers available to farmers at a cost less than N1,900 per bag throughout his tenure in office. He provided the ambulance health service scheme for the rural dwellers, at no cost to them. He nipped any security challenge in the bud and thus made the rural areas safe for farmers to carry out their vocations. Today, 22 September, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, a former governor of Katsina State, clocks 67 years of age. He was born on this said day in Dutsin-Ma, Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, in 1957. He had his primary education at the Nasarawa Primary School, Katsina, between 1964 and 1971, and thereafter proceeded to Government Secondary School, Kafanchan, in 1972, for his secondary school education, which he completed in 1976. Upon the successful completion of his IJMB examination at the College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria in 1980, he enrolled at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned the degree of Bachelor of Law in 1983. His call to the bar followed immediately, after he successfully completed the mandatory Law School programme in 1984. His belief in personal development through education saw him further enrolling for and obtaining two Masters degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The first was a Masters in Business Administration (1998), while the second was a Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy (1999). He is an undisputed architect of modern Katsina State, as a result of the massive human and physical infrastructural developments executed by his administration. A Channels Television presenter, Nneota Obase Ogbe, in December 2023, during an interview with Shema for the stations programme, News Night, asked, Some people referred to you as a stingy governor? And, Shema responded, a stingy governor? Why wouldnt I be stingy with public funds for my administration to record landmark achievements? You cant be sharing public funds and record meaningful achievements? Truly, Dr Shema, as governor between 2007 and 2015, maybe said to have been stingy with public funds. He was loathed by many political elites in the state for his refusal to be generous with these funds. However, there is no Katsina State indigene, including his detractors, who can deny the fact that his administration executed laudable projects, such as the construction of over 3,000 kilometres of roads, the building of 361 clinics in 361 political wards, also a 250-bed orthopaedic hospital, 86 primary health centres, Umaru Musa YarAdua University, over 200 new secondary schools, and 100 ALLO model schools to support Almanjiri education. He equally built the ICT and Business Institute, the Youths Craft Village, a 35,000 sitting capacity Olympic size stadium, new Government House, Katsina City Mall, Dubai International market, and over 3,500 housing units across the state. Shemas financial discipline also enabled his administration to build over 100 semi-urban water schemes, procure and distribute 340 Messi Ferguson tractors at a discounted price to farmers, and establish Songhai agricultural projects in three senatorial districts of the state. He also bought over 100 vehicles for the Katsina State Transport Company, procured road making equipment, and dualised township the roads of Daura, Mani, Malumfashi, Kankia, Funtua, Dutsin-Ma, among many other numerous road projects. Shemas frugality made it possible for his administration to not only pay civil servants their salaries between the 22nd and 24th of every month, without owing for any month throughout his eight years as governor, he also left over N14 billion in the coffers of the state and local governments. He did not borrow money from any source all through. Hence, he left a debt free state. As such, for anyone conversant with the political trajectory of Katsina State, it will not be far-fetched to discover that the grouse of some people in the state with Shema, was premised on his style of channelling public resources for public causes, rather than opening the funds up for sharing among a few political elites. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later However, Shemas name is a toast and darling among people on the lower rungs of the ladder of the society, even in the remote areas of the state. They always remember him for making education free for their children, including sponsoring many of their children to study abroad. He made fertilisers available to farmers at a cost less than N1,900 per bag throughout his tenure in office. He provided the ambulance health service scheme for the rural dwellers, at no cost to them. He nipped any security challenge in the bud and thus made the rural areas safe for farmers to carry out their vocations. Katsina State is an agrarian society with a very low internally generated revenue. Also, being a civil service state, the main source of revenue to it is the monthly allocation from the federation account. In such a state with a huge monthly wage bill of the civil servants, it would be difficult for any meaningful infrastructural development to take place under any governor, except the person is ready to be stingy with public funds. The tone of being stingy with public funds in the state was laid by Shemas father, mentor, and leader, the late Umaru Musa YarAdua (who was the Katsina State Governor between 1999 and 2007). It sounded amusing seeing some of the elites, including his aides, who suddenly became YarAduas apostles, using his name in death to write books and for political campaigns, while eulogising the late former Governor and President of Nigeria. However, to state the truth, many Katsina State elites hated YarAdua simply for his stinginess with public funds. YarAduas name resonates more and louder among the poor and the masses whose communities were transformed as a result of the policies of his government. The attributes of being stingy with public funds by YarAdua, when he was a governor, made the political elites and some of his aides to usually gang up to sabotage his activities. It was not an easy ride for him to win reelection as governor in 2003. In the election, the opposition party, ANPP, won two out of the three senatorial seats in the state. Towards the end of his second term in the office, before he was chosen as PDP presidential candidate, some of his aides started to abandon him to pitch their tents against YarAduas political interests. It was a sudden turn of event on his emergence as PDP Presidential flag bearer and his election as President of Nigeria, which made many of them quickly make u-turns to give him support. YarAdua, an apostle of transparency, honesty, and integrity, through prudent management of resources, laid a solid foundation for the modern Katsina State. He was abused, accused, and hated by the political elites, in collaboration with some of his aides, due to his refusal to make public funds available for sharing. Therefore, it is not surprising that Shema, who followed the footsteps of YarAdua as a governor, became despised and envied by some political elites for his refusal to open the public treasury for sharing, and also due to his intimidating record of achievements. However, his greatest assets are the mass populace of the people, whose children his administration sponsored to be trained abroad to become doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, radiologists, dentists, engineers, pharmacists, etc; people who suddenly became house owners through his administrations mass housing projects of building more than 3,500 housing units across the state, including in the FCT, Abuja. Also, the parents whose children enjoyed free education, including payment of their WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB exam fees by the government. The list also includes pregnant women and accident victims who enjoyed free medical care in all the state owned hospitals. Shema, a cosmopolitan and ingenious politician is in a class on his own. He does things with precision and a touch of excellence, and no wonder whatever he touches becomes gold. In the school of political mentorship of the late President Umaru Musa YarAdua, Shema stands out as the most enduring legacy of service to humanity. In my relationship of over 20 years with him, his passion and commitment to a progressive society is legendary. He prioritises the common good over personal benefits. I could recall vividly in 2015, after he completed his second term in the office as a governor and was succeeded by Aminu Bello Masari, in an election won by the then opposition party, APC, he told me and all the people around him not to do anything to undermine the success of the new administration in the state. According to him, politics aside, the progress and development of the state is dear to him and this can only be achieved if the new administration is allowed to concentrate. He appointed me as his spokesperson and head of his media team when he left office in 2015. Immediately the new administration took over in the state and started hauling stones at him, although he was not in Nigeria then, but his associates and supporters were feeding him with the news of the turn of event in the state, rather than ask them to react, he persuaded them not to do anything that would affect the progress of the state. Each time he received such news, he would put a call through to me with an appeal never to do anything on his behalf that may distract the new administration. He held the belief that the success of Governor Masari administration was the success of Katsina State, which was what really mattered to him. In one of our discussions, he specifically informed me of the need for us not to undermine the new administration in the interest of the state. He holds the belief that the politics that will not serve the interest of the people should not be practised. Whether that is the norm in Nigeria or not will be a matter for another day. In this present dispensation, he has spoken to me times without number about Katsina State and Nigeria, on the need to give maximum support for the success of the administration of Governor Umar Dikko Radda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasised that the duo are leaders who mean well in providing good governance for the populace. According to him, although the present situation is tough and challenging, it is going to be temporary due to the sincerity, dedication and commitment of these leaders. Dr Shema is a well cultured and polished politician. In the eight years of his travails of persecution, abuses, malicious allegations and insults, he remained calm and polite to others. There is never any form of insult, abuse or derogatory statement against his detractors that can be attributed to him. To maintain this position assiduously, he gave me a standing instruction not to react to any issue on his behalf, no matter how highly provocative this might be, without discussing the matter with him. This I have kept religiously, with just one exception, and the exception is my annual tribute on his birthday, which I usually do without him having an inkling into my writing, until when it is published. As a lawyer, Shema had no problem navigating the terrain of legal practice, especially in the area of international law, which he chose to focus on. One can say unequivocally that the successful outcome of the legal challenge mounted against Boeing the US manufacturer of the Nigerian Airways plane that crashed in Kaduna in 1995 in Seattle, Washington, was much to the credit of his legal practice. As a result of this, Dr Shema and his US partners, the Law Offices of Sterns and Walker, were able to compel Lloyds of London to pay compensation, running into millions of naira, to victims and dependents of passengers of the ill-fated flight. In addition, Dr Shema has handled numerous other corporate and aviation cases in Cameroon, France, United Kingdom, USA, Saudi Arabia, and others. As a professional legal practitioner, Dr Shema is also a member and fellow of several distinguished professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, American Bar Association, International Institute of Arbitrators, International Dispute Resolution Institutes, and Centre for America and International Law, to mention just a few. He is as well a Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Beyond his distinguished legal practice, his sojourn in other areas of the business world is also no less impressive. He was at different times the Managing Director of Solidary Holdings Ltd, Kaduna; and Tools Manufacturing Company Limited, Lagos. He has served as the Chairman of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and he is also on the board of other companies. Happy birthday to my oga, mentor, exemplary leader, and first-rate administrator. Olawale Oluwabusola is head of the Media Team of former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Tom Miller just pinpointed the precise moment that, he maintains, the presidential race turned from numbers strongly favoring Donald Trump into a substantial lead for Vice President Kamala Harris that she's kept to this day. "It was staring me right in the face, but at first I missed it," the Northwestern University data scientist told this reporter by phone on Sunday. "I saw this huge jump in Harris's support on July 31st, but didn't put it together with Trump's appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention that day. That event, and not the debate that just made things worse for Trump, marked the decisive turning point in the campaign." Miller's election forecast is based not on polls, but on the prices for both candidates posted on the PredictIt betting site. He regards the PredictIt odds as far more reliable than polls, which reflect voter preferences that are four to five days old. And since they typically survey 500-1,500 likely voters, polls reflect a great deal of statistical "noise"hence the wide variability in the numbers posted by the various modelers. PredictIt is the most liquid betting market, averaging around 37,000 wagers a day, according to Miller. And given that each player is subject to a $850 limit, no single bettor or group of high rollers can artificially inflate the odds for one candidate or the other. Trump led before the NABJ debacle The Miller model posits first that the PredicIt odds closely reflect popular vote percentages. Put simply, a candidate given a 55% chance of winning, or priced at 55 cents on PredictIt, is likely to receive a similar share of all ballots cast. Second, Miller shows that historically, the popular voting shares closely track the portion of the 538 electoral votes each contender receives. That relationship, he found, has been extremely stable over every race since 1960. Miller's homepage, The Virtual Tout, displays a graph showing the share of electoral votes trending towards the Democratic side, overlaid by the events that have significantly moved the odds, and hence the swings in the projected electoral count around the 270 needed to prevail. Between July 21the day President Biden left the contest and endorsed Harrisand July 27, her electoral count rose substantially. After that, her numbers went flat for four straight days. "She was still well behind the former president, and it looked like her electoral numbers had plateaued," Miller says. But then, Miller contends, a tremor struck that could very well turn into a Harris landslide by November. On July 31, Trump falsely suggested at the NABJ's annual colloquy that Harris had altered the way she characterized her racial heritage, questioned her bi-racial background, and charged the VP of "happening to turn Black" and that Harris "now wants to be known as Black." Story continues Though the incendiary comments raised outrage in the press and among pundits, virtually no one has pegged Trump's NABJ interview as the pivotal juncture in the election. Miller points out that the PredictIt market turned frenzied that day as bettors shifted en masse from Trump to Harris. "Over 100,000 shares traded that last day of July, three times the usual number," he says. "Literally overnight, the election shifted from leaning Republican, to trending Democratic, as Harris surged to over 270. Trump's statements at the NABJ conference proved a complete disaster for his campaign. It had nothing to do with anything Harris did. The huge shift was all Trump's doing." Following the NABJ debacle, Trump partly closed the chasmthen came the debate Miller's chart shows that Harris's electoral count kept climbing in the two weeks that followed, reaching a peak shortly before the start of the Democratic National Convention. But the Windy City extravaganza itself failed to provide an added bump. By early September, her numbers had drifted downwards slightly. And on Sept. 6, news that Trump's hush money trial would be delayed until after the election lifted his numbers. The day before the debate, he trailed by only a narrow margin. "At that point, though Harris still led, the race was almost a dead heat," says Miller. "It's remarkable that most of the jumps in Trump's numbers come as the result of good news about his legal issues." Then, the face-off in Philadelphia sent Harris's forecast electoral count up big time. "That increase was the combined result of the debate and Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris," says Miller. As of Sept. 22, PredictIt prices suggest Harris's odds of winning stand at 56.3% versus 43.7% for Trump. Those odds, Miller contends, would translate into an overwhelming win for the vice president with 43 days to go. "Big events can change things, wars that could alter the race are raging, candidates can make big mistakes," he cautions. But right now, he says, Harris is way ahead, and the polls haven't caught up with the huge win that's probably buildingand started building the day Trump made those disastrous comments to Black journalists, and blew the lead that he's never regained. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com One by one, three former Nigerian military rulers, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, arrived at Babangidas Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State, last Sunday. So did former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Aliyu Gusau. The Minna meeting had every trapping of African witches assembling at the coven. Like owls, a pervasive symbol of African witchcraft, did they fly to and perch on their Minna assembly nest at nocturne? The Yoruba attribute the kind of powers this trio had/have to those of witches. They eat the head from the arm and chew the heart from the liver. In any case, age and their interminable presence in the theatre of Nigerian governance, should qualify the trio as witches. The Yoruba, for instance, approximate age to witchcraft. Tobinrin ba pe nle, aje nii da, they say. When the Minna witches were done, like witches who leave their covens lips-sealed, the meeting was without a communique. In the 1970s, the Yoruba Adawa music exponent, Dele Abiodun, gave insight into the post-meeting relapse into dumbness by witches. In a very arresting and velvety voice, Abiodun sang that even if midnight raindrops pelted a witch on its way from the coven, at home, it kept sealed lips. His lyrics goes: ojo to paje loru, bo ba dele, ko ni le so So, several interpretations began to emerge from the meeting of the Minna witches. To spittle can carriers of present Nigerian government, the witches, to clone lawyers lingo, had no moral locus standi to discuss Nigeria. In the words of the phlegm eaters, everyone else could complain about the visibly rudderless economic policies of this government but certainly not the trio. To some others, the Minna meeting forebodes evil for the polity. In their estimation, in the meeting of these Owners of Nigeria, the raspy, grisly and hissing sounds of vultures must have roused them from their sleeps. The pacifists who feel that the witches lack the moral right to discuss the Nigerian crisis remind me of bed-wetting and bed-wetters. Known as enuresis, in Africa, bed-wetting brings with it a lot of scorn. It signifies dirt and shame. In folklores, proverbs and wise-sayings, bed-wetting was ridiculed. It is even worse if the bed-wetter was of the male gender. While female bed-wetting was equally disdained, male bed-wetting was the limit. He was demasculinized by the fact of his bed-wetting. Traditional laundry operators, known in ancient Yoruba society as Alagbafo, suffered urinary incontinence of the bed-wetter. They had to put up with the acrid ammonia smell of urine that caked and drew maps round their clothes. After dry-cleaning them, especially if they were white-coloured, the Alagbafo added aro- to the clothes for effect. Apart from smelling nice on clothes and dissolving the ammonia smell, it prevented the clothes from losing form. So, when Alagbafo come to pack clothes from customers for laundry, they looked out for ones that smelled of urine. Due to the inconveniences these smelly clothes put the drycleaner through, Yoruba had unpleasant words for bed-wetting customers who had the temerity to haggle over prices of laundering or the aro. To them, it was double shame. So they couch an apt saying that demonstrates their disdain: Everyone else could haggle over an Alagbafos laundry charges but certainly not a bed-wetter, they say (O ye eni gbogbo ko yowo aro, sugbon kii se atoole). Two days after meeting at the Minna coven of IBB, Abdulsalami Abubakar met the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy (CD). The former Head of State said hardship in Nigeria had hit the firmament. On same day, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, an ultra-rich member of the ex-military top-brass coven, at an event in Abuja, wondered why it was taking the military an eternity to stop the Nigerian insecurity. Speaking frankly, what could have scurried Army Generals and ex-Nigerian Commanders-in-Chief of the Armed Forces out of their holes like rats escaping a harmattan field set on fire? Did Abdulsalami, in a way, leak the communique? Could it be that, like witches who see beyond their noses, the Owners of Nigeria saw beyond the now into the turmoil to come? Are they afraid of a revolution that can consume them and the ragtag ring leaders of the present mess? Nigeria had become a feisty state of a hen perched on a rope; both rope and hen are thrown into listless restiveness. Governments economic plan, crafted to please global neo-liberal economic police, lacks human face and the people are hurting. Nigerians die in droves from hunger, distressing hardship and diseases. Yet, rather than own up that solution was beyond its ken, Aso Rock gallivants about with magisterial self-assuredness. However, those who hold that the witches possess no moral right to lament the excruciating time Nigeria found itself, from facts of history, will seem to be justified. The rain didnt start pelting Nigeria today. According to a January 30, 1970 edition of The New York Times, even after a ruinous, brutal and destructive civil war, Nigerias economic structure and promise remained almost unscathed. The countrys spending on prosecuting the needless civil war, put at $1billion, made it one of the few countries in the world which fought an intra-national war for three years without any known record of indebtedness. Times reported that Nigeria adopted the cash and carry method for her arms and ammunition procurement. More astoundingly, she didnt have to draw down on her foreign currency reserves which, pre-war, stood at $400 million. Oil, discovered just before the war and comfortably padded by a fairly widely spread export portfolio of cocoa, groundnuts, tin, rubber, timber and a $30 million or so, which was in the hands of the marketing boards and private firms, kept the economy bubbling, even while the armaments of war ricocheted in the air. With an oil production capacity which, as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu declared at secession in May, 1967, was soaring at 570,000 barrels a day, Nigeria literally didnt touch her oil during the war, so much that by 1968, production had plummeted to 50 barrels a day. This rose to a record 550,000 barrels a day immediately after the war, with royalties and taxes netting an annual $100 million and which, in 1975, rose to $1 billion from oil companies. Armed with a humongous oil wealth, a vast population and the mantra of one out of every black person in the world being a Nigerian, these soon entered Nigerias head, as the street lingo went, and the thought that the country could be an African superpower became a near-national ideological obsession. Between 1967 and 1977, Federal Government revenue was said to have soared by 2,200 per cent. Nigerias economy was so strong that, on January 1, 1973, the country abandoned its pound sterling currency, a colonial relic, and created a new currency the naira. Nigeria was then managed by an exuberant crop of unaccountable military leaders who had scant leadership and economic training. The height of it was Yakubu Gowons infamous statement abroad in 1973 that Nigerias problem was not money but how to spend it. The huge oil wealth was soon squandered on the altar of naivety, arrogance and knavery. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It became so bad that in 1975, the Gowon government placed accumulated orders for 20 million tonnes of cement, paid for by Nigerias buoyant petro-dollars. The cost of the mind-boggling cement orders was put at about $2 billion, an amount which was a quarter of Nigerias oil revenue in 1975. This order was, at the time, more than the cement capacities of a combination of Western Europe and the USSR. Apapa was thoroughly overwhelmed and shipping lines all over the world scurried to Nigeria for a bite of the raw, mindless orgy of profligacy. Most of the shipments entered demurrage, in what was infamously dubbed the Cement Armada. When Murtala Muhammed took over from Gowon in a sudden coup and set up a panel to investigate the 12 governors under him, only two of them and two other ministers were found blameless. It was easy for the exuberant military leaders, many of them in their 20s and 30s, some of whom were bachelors like General Jack, the Head of State himself, to extend the spatial control mentality of military psychology into governance. Thus, in 1972, Nigeria signed a pact with Niger Republic to supply her 30,000 kilowatts of electricity from the Kanji Dam hydropower state, even when local electricity needs were not met. Again in 1974, Nigeria donated millions of naira worth of relief materials to the same Niger Republic when it was ravaged by drought. Earlier, in early 1975, Gowon was in the impoverished island of Grenada with 90,000 inhabitants. Off the cuff, he paid the salaries of all Grenadas civil servants, sent a contingent of Nigerian police to train Grenadian police, as well as giving a soft loan of $5,000,000 to Eric Gairy, its PM. After the widespread Soweto massacre riots of 1976, Nigeria brought into the country hundreds of Soweto kids and several other South African black youths and offered them scholarships to study in Nigerian universities. This continued till the end of Apartheid. In 1972, Gowon sent Nigerias troupe to Niger to forestall an imminent coup against his friend, Hamani Diori, with huge financial implications to Nigeria. Throughout his headship of Nigeria, Nigeria paid millions of dollars financing a third of ECOWAS budget, even though it was headquartered in another friend, Gnasingbe Eyademas Togo. During the Nigerian civil war, Eyadema intercepted a Biafran plane loaded with seven million Nigerian pounds but rather than return it to us, chose to negotiate with it. At negotiations, he demanded two million pounds. Gowon paid him two million British pounds. As at this time, Nigerias foreign reserves stood at #32million. Indeed, this squandering of Nigerias wealth was one of the reasons provided for removing him as Head of State. To understand the psychology of the recipients of Nigerias deranged spending, we must go back to the year 1972 or so, to the reply of the late President of Niger Republic, Ahmadu Diori, when asked why Niger supported Nigeria as against the secessionist Biafra during the Nigerian civil war. According to Diori, as quoted by Temitope Ola in Nigerias assistance to African states: What are the benefits?in the International Journal of Development and Sustainability, Niger depended on Nigeria for economic survival. In his direct words, made in French, Diori had said, quand le Nigeria etermue, le Niger fact plus quattraper la grippe, il se trouvedeja a lhopital when Nigeria sneezes, Niger not only catches cold, it is already on admission in the hospital. Under Obasanjo, Nigeria established a South Africa Relief Fund (SARF) in 1978, where Nigerians poured about $20 million of their hard-earned money into. In June 1976, Obasanjo presented a cheque of $250,000 to the liberation forces of Rhodesia through the Mozambican Foreign Minister, Joaquim Chissano. He then handed over to President Samora Machel of the newly independent state of Mozambique the sum of $1.6 million as development assistance. The Big Father Christmas also constructed an expressway from Lagos to the outskirts of Cotonou with several millions of dollars, while spearheading the integration project of a regional gas pipeline for sub-regional economic development. Nigeria equally established the Technical Aid Programme and created a Trust Fund at the African Development Bank (AfDB) for Africans, with a soft loan of $100 million to be lent to least developing African countries. In 1989, upon the paralysis of the Beninoise government by a bludgeoning workers strike occasioned by its inability to pay salaries, Nigeria, under Babangida, offset the salaries, while also donating 12,000 tonnes of petroleum products to the government. The year before, Babangidas Nigeria funded the Ibrahim Babangida School of International Studies in Liberia and donated seven Nigerian academics to the institution, while Nigeria constructed the Trans-African Highway and bought over Liberias debt valued at $30 million. There must have been a-thousand-and-one other frittering off of the Nigerian wealth which took place under cover, which are not open to the rest of the world, all in the name of foreign policy. For instance, as at 2009, Nigeria had sent about 3000 troops to Darfur for the African Union (AU) peacekeeping force. Obasanjo, as civilian president, also sent 5,000 Nigerian soldiers on peacekeeping operations. In mid-1970s under Mohammed, Nigeria sunk what today will amount to trillions of Naira in Angola. In fact, in his book, Diplomatic Soldiering (1987) Joe Garba wrote: There was a general feeling among the member-States that the Nigerian treasury was an inexhaustible source of funds. Ghana and Togo owed the country over $30m from concessionary sales of crude oil. Masquerading under diplomatic recognition to MPLA, in 1975, Nigeria granted outright $20m to Angola, bought military hardware, from rifles to MiGs and more for Angola. Nigeria opened its doors to MPLA delegations and spent on them lavishly. Nigerias national airplanes shuttled Luanda and Lagos, fully paid for by us, with its delegates decked in latest designers suit of Pierre Cardin. Angola demanded a new F28 aircraft from Nigeria, two used F28 and a new presidential-type F28 aircraft. They were to be delivered with their spare parts. Nigeria, which was importing chilled meat from Argentina, was also asked by President Neto, in whose memory the new airport was named, to send meat to it! The Obasanjo military government also ordered Nigeria Airways to fly Lagos Luanda daily, at huge loss to the Nigerian government. However, when Nigeria struck a deal with Angola to import, then Angolas greatest fish resource, it balked and sold exclusive fishing rights to Russia. With all Nigeria did for Angola, when Murtala Muhammed was assassinated in 1976, Angola sent neither delegation, nor any condolences to Nigeria for three weeks. Recently, TotalEnergies chose to invest a whooping sum of $6billion in energy projects in Angola, over Nigeria. It cited tardy policies. According to its CEO, though Nigerias Niger Delta is the most productive field in West Africa, an erratic policy investment climate made the decision inevitable and its investment in Nigeria untenable. Angola also recently constructed a new airport named Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) worth $3billion. Fully funded by the Angolan government as a public investment, the project is certain to make Angola the hub of economic activity in African airport transportation. Today, that country is the eighth-largest economy on the African continent and one of Africas most resource-rich countries. It is also ranked 16th among world largest oil producers in 2023 and fourth-largest rough diamond producer by value in 2022. Muhammadu Buhari, in continuation of this profligate indiscretion and misplaced priority, and a time when Nigerias economy had begun to contract, also purchased N1.14 billion ($2.7 million) worth of 10 luxury vehicles for neighbouring Niger Republic. So when, at a meeting with the forum of former presiding officers of the National Assembly last week, President Bola Tinubu said, Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production? he was obviously referring to the witches parading themselves as Messiahs. Today, Nigeria, which frittered trillions of Naira like a possessed spendthrift, is faced with a gasping economy. Its clueless government sends bags of rice to its people as if they are in IDP camps. That same government is struggling to pay $43 as monthly salary to workers. In the same statement where Tinubu spoke brilliantly about the rain that began pelting Nigeria a long time ago and how past Nigerian leadership was on a national bazaar, in an oxymoron-like twist, he said, People say were hungry; yes, I understand there is no free beer parlour anymore. It was as if the spirit of arrogance just clambered the president, leading him to deploy a figure of speech in which what is amiss with his spirit liquour could be directly interpreted from the words he used. Tinubu should, as a matter of urgency, acknowledge that his economic policies of the last 16 months have hit the wrong chord and people are dying. He needs to backtrack. His governments predilection for living large, at the expense of the comatose economy and his inhuman distancing of self from suffering Nigerian peoples plight put him in the same heartless frame with the witches of Nigeria. Instead, many courts, under the thumb of their Chiefs or administrative judges have become enablers of the authoritarian instincts of the government of NADECO veterans. When the security services invade the offices of advocacy organisation, SERAP, or interdict the passport of Omoyele Sowore at the airport, they dont even contemplate the existence of judges capable of playing Pontius Pilate. For them, the courts no longer exist. That is some progress! When Major-General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the elected civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari on the last day of 1983, he inherited an economy in a mess and a political system in a turmoil. This crisis of a dysfunctional political economy was Buharis principal reason for sacking the Shagari administration. For Buhari, Nigerias crisis of balance of payments was the result of two things: indiscipline and economic crimes. His answer to the former was a War against Indiscipline (WAI), a catch-all acronym for everything from instilling a queue culture in the population to capital punishment for drug suspects. Turning to the latter, General Buhari invented a very capacious category of economic sabotage. Those arrested for these did not necessarily have to suffer a predictable judicial ritual. In 1984, the Buhari regime ordered the detention of five citizens of Taiwan arrested by the officers of the Customs Service, who caught them in possession of blank attested and proforma invoices for goods supposedly imported into Nigeria. One of the arrested persons was known as Wang Chin-Yao. They were supposedly involved in economic sabotage of the country, which was meant to be a crime. Rather than charge them with a crime known to law, however, the regime arranged to have them locked up in administrative detention under the State Security (Detention of Persons) Decree No. 2 of 1984. Under this decree, a detention certificate issued by the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, was enough to lock a person away interminably. Among its features, the decree precluded courts from inquiring into anything concerning the detention of persons held under its authority. Fearing interminable detention, Wang Chin-Yao and his compatriots sued the Chief of Staff, in the hope that the court would pronounce on the lawfulness of their detention, but the High Court chose to emulate the Biblical Pontius Pilate and decided that the decree under which they were held precluded it from questioning the detentions. On All Fools Day (1 April) in 1985, the Court of Appeal decided their appeal against the decision of the High Court. In a judgment delivered by Phillip Adenekan Ademola, the Court of Appeal affirmed the ruling of the High Court. Adenekan Ademola, whose father was the first indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria, stated his reasons with flamboyant economy holding that on the question of civil liberties, the law courts of Nigeria must as of now blow muted trumpets. These words were to prove exceedingly corrosive in their effect on the judicial imagination under the military. A mere three years after this judgment by Adenekan Ademola, his bosom friend and Sarkin Wurno, Shehu Malami, became the subject of considerable interest by the security services of the military government, when he threw his hat into the ring to become the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, following the death of Sultan Siddiq Abubakar III. It was impossible to find a court without its own muted trumpet. The muted trumpets of the courts enabled the abuses that ultimately made military rule untenable and brought about its demise one decade later. The reality has been anything but. The government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instead become the graveyard of freedoms of expression and association and of the right to protest in Nigeria, and it is only just a little over 15 months in power. The numbers are there to prove it. The hope with the end of military rule was that the return of the country to government with electoral legitimacy would unleash the civic imagination of Nigerians. In the run up to Nigerias presidential election of 2023, part of the claim made in favour of the man whom the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) eventually anointed as president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was that he had fought the excesses of military rule as a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy collective, many of whose leading members were exiled during the last half decade of military rule in Nigeria. It is natural to expect that the government of a man with those credential would be a paradise for the kinds of rights for which he reputedly took the military to task. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The reality has been anything but. The government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instead become the graveyard of freedoms of expression and association and of the right to protest in Nigeria, and it is only just a little over 15 months in power. The numbers are there to prove it. In the first year of the Tinubu administration, the Press Attack Tracker recorded 37 incidents of attack against journalists and the press. The first five months of 2024 alone witnessed 27 such attacks. For comparison, advocacy organisation, Global Rights, which monitored similar patterns under the Buhari regime, recorded 189 arrests, detention and harassment of journalists over the eight years of the Buhari administration. At the current pace, the Tinubu regime of NADECO graduates will by the end of its second year easily eclipse the record of the entire Buhari administration in press freedom violations over its eight years of existence. At the end of August, Bola Tinubus Nigeria comfortably topped the league table of attacks on journalists in Africa, with over 76 recorded incidents, beating Somalia (with 18 attacks) to the second place, with Congo DRC a distant third, with five incidents. These numbers only provide a peek into a more troubling pattern. Last month, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported at least 56 journalists who were assaulted or harassed by security forces or unidentified citizens while covering the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in Nigeria. The unidentified citizens who were involved in some of these attacks, mostly conducted themselves in ways which suggest that they were agents or emissaries of the ruling party or government. Not content with these, the government arranged in Abuja to charge many of the protesters with treason or conspiracy to commit treason. Campaigners at Human Rights Watch have rightly pointed out that this signals the extent of the regimes intolerance for dissent. The significance of these charges go well beyond this, however. The charges of treason for the #EndBadGovernance protesters are designed to intimidate any wannabe protesters. The #EndBadGovernance protest and its aftermath have been a squalid advertisement of the illiberal credentials of the Tinubu government. After failing in intimidating citizens out of the protest, the administration resorted to third-degree methods to squash it. It arrested thousands of citizens whose only crime was the peaceful expression of dissent, instructed the freezing of the accounts of persons and groups whom it claimed to be organisers of the protests, and procured suspicious court orders to unsafely kettle and intimidate the protesters. Security forces killed at least 13 protesters although the real casualty count is thought to be well north of this number. Not content with these, the government arranged in Abuja to charge many of the protesters with treason or conspiracy to commit treason. Campaigners at Human Rights Watch have rightly pointed out that this signals the extent of the regimes intolerance for dissent. The significance of these charges go well beyond this, however. The charges of treason for the #EndBadGovernance protesters are designed to intimidate any wannabe protesters. They are also a dog whistle for the judges before whom these protesters are charged to treat them as beyond the pale and beneath the law. The judges are listening. At the trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the court has eventually granted the protesters bail on rather stringent conditions. Citizen groups are now working hard to socialise the costs of meeting these conditions. Lawyers for the government, meanwhile, go around intimidating the courts with specious reasons as to why protest has become treason under the government of a serial protester. Nearly 40 years ago, when the son of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria told judges to blow muted trumpets on questions of civil liberties, there was an assumption that the judges were capable of doing different. Now and again many of them indeed served the soldiers with a judicial bloody nose. Today, that capacity no longer exists. Nigerian courts no longer want to be associated with any trumpets, not even muted ones, lest they inadvertently let out some judicial sound. Instead, many courts, under the thumb of their Chiefs or administrative judges have become enablers of the authoritarian instincts of the government of NADECO veterans. When the security services invade the offices of advocacy organisation, SERAP, or interdict the passport of Omoyele Sowore at the airport, they dont even contemplate the existence of judges capable of playing Pontius Pilate. For them, the courts no longer exist. That is some progress! Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print More than ever before, Nigerians are now calling for some kind of regulation of the religious sector in such a way as to protect citizens from religious Ponzi schemes. At the moment, virtually anyone who can acquire a suit of any description and memorise a few verses in the Bible can call himself a pastor and start a church. In the same vein, anyone who can tie an impressive turban and recite important verses in the Quran can claim to be a cleric. I believe in God. My faith in His existence is transdenominational. My pro-God stance predated my encounter with the ontological approach of St. Anselm or Thomas Aquinas cosmological argument, or even Rene Descartes logical approach to prove that there has to be a supreme being for everything else to make sense. I make that declaration from the onset before the horde of hypocritical religionists start raining down invectives, as they usually do, whenever anyone questions their weaponisation of mass hypnosis to swindle congregations all over the world particularly in Africa under the canopy of God. If you believe in God, then there is a possibility that you would also believe that He can intervene in the affairs of men. That intervention could be in the form of a miracle an extraordinary occurrence that cant be explained through natural or scientific laws. That is as positive as it gets. The other side of the coin is that miracles are now being commercially hawked by merchant pastors who use them as an opiate. Nigerias National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently warned the public not to buy miracle products produced by a church headed by the popular Christian televangelist, Jeremiah Fufeyin. NAFDAC said the products, which have names such as Miracle Water and River Jordan Water, claim to have bogus healing properties, such as the ability to cure women of infertility. The statement also said Mr Fufeyins Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry was selling these wares without NAFDAC approval, as required by law. NAFDAC began investigating the products after receiving complaints from members of the public, the agencys statement said. It also said the products violate regulatory approval and that Mr Fufeyins church had refused to co-operate with the investigation. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry has countered NAFDACs statement, arguing that it operates under Nigerias law, which guarantees freedom of religion without interference. The church, which has hundreds of thousands of YouTube subscribers and enjoys huge success across social media, denied all the allegations. However, it is noted that some of the products are emblazoned with Mr Fufeyins name. According to the BBC, Mr Fufeyin has long attracted followers from across the country, claiming to perform miracles and heal ailments. The preacher has said he is a billionaire, but has faced criticism for his lavish lifestyle. In Nigeria, it is not uncommon for preachers like Mr Fufeyin to sell products claiming to treat ailments. For instance, the late televangelist TB Joshua sold anointed water, which was marketed as having healing powers. Remarkably, it is not just a Christian thing. Muslim clerics have also wisened up to the immense possibilities available to men of God in the multi-billion naira industry. Some clerics specialise in sourcing marabouts for the high and mighty. Many of those spiritual intercessors are of middle eastern origin, as if their God is more powerful that the one worshipped in Nigeria. Fufeyins church is not alone in what has been described as the lucrative business of packaging miracles for sale. In these harsh economic times, many Nigerians are looking for an easy way out of their miseries. Psychologically flagellated and hemmed in from all sides by problems of nuclear and extended families, many people resort to the transcendental. They forgo logic and hold on to whatever celestial straw is thrown their way. Warehouse-type buildings that hitherto housed manufacturing concerns have now been bought over and converted to churches and miracle centres. The factories are dying but the churches and their offer of miracles are booming. Yet, we cannot tar every pastor with the brush of infamy because there are still veritable men of God doing Gods work in spirit and in truth. The problem is that the genuine ones are being totally overshadowed by the charlatans. And its a dog-eat-dog affair out there. Sometime ago, one popular pastor, Bishop Prince Ufuoma (Prophetic Professor) of Elevation Christian International Church, reportedly confessed how he joined the white prophet cult, killed about seven persons, slept in the cemetery and performed fake miracles. He was also said to have claimed that all the popular pastors in Nigeria are part of the white prophet cult and they made him join them. At the event, he was said to have displayed the charms he relied on in the past to swing miracles, warning his listeners that most of the claims of miracles in many modern churches are fake. Truth be told, the movie star lifestyles of many modern pastors could put pressure on the fledgling ones among them to devise various means of catching up. With a desperate congregation hungry for miracles, the stage is set for mass deception. I wasnt surprised the other day when I received a video clip of a pastor magically conjuring credit alerts into the accounts of church members. You would think that I had been soaked in nitrous oxide, the laughing gas. I told myself that that was one miracle I could vend myself, especially since I had all the account details of tithe-paying church members! Remarkably, it is not just a Christian thing. Muslim clerics have also wisened up to the immense possibilities available to men of God in the multi-billion naira industry. Some clerics specialise in sourcing marabouts for the high and mighty. Many of those spiritual intercessors are of middle eastern origin, as if their God is more powerful that the one worshipped in Nigeria. Government intervention in the area of streamlining policies governing religious practices is bound to meet with stiff resistance from those holy men making iniquitous gain from the misery of their congregation. But the government has to stay the course. The Bible itself foresaw mercantile religiosity and warns: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (1 John 4:1). Our politicians, who could be as vicious as they come when looting the treasury, are mere potty in the hands of the marabouts. Karl Marx must be beating his chest in self-congratulation because it was he who warned us that religion was the opium of the masses. More than ever before, Nigerians are now calling for some kind of regulation of the religious sector in such a way as to protect citizens from religious Ponzi schemes. At the moment, virtually anyone who can acquire a suit of any description and memorise a few verses in the Bible can call himself a pastor and start a church. In the same vein, anyone who can tie an impressive turban and recite important verses in the Quran can claim to be a cleric. Nigerians are now clamouring for some kind of control to protect the people. References have been made to Rwandas battle with the same problem and the positive results already yielded. In Rwanda, the law requires that places of worship operate in an orderly and secure manner. It prohibits the use of loudspeakers and mandates that all preachers undergo theological training before establishing a church to ensure the safety and tranquility of worshippers. Last month, Rwanda shut down 5,600 churches, including some 100 places of worship operating in caves, for not complying with the countrys safety and health regulations. The crackdown on places of worship is part of a broader effort to regulate religious practices. A 2018 law requires pastors to hold theological degrees from accredited institutions and mandates churches to adhere to strict building codes and hygiene standards. Government intervention in the area of streamlining policies governing religious practices is bound to meet with stiff resistance from those holy men making iniquitous gain from the misery of their congregation. But the government has to stay the course. The Bible itself foresaw mercantile religiosity and warns: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (1 John 4:1). If that verse was a meal, Id gladly take the Jamaican reggae artist, Max Romeos lamentation as dessert: My fathers house of worship Has become a den of thieves Stealing in the name of the Lord Wole Olaoye is a Public Relations consultant and veteran journalist. He can be reached on wole.olaoye@gmail.com, Twitter: @wole_olaoye; Instagram: woleola2021. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Whenever you possess something, but lack the understanding of its value, there are some consequences you suffer. We started with You Neglect the Treasure as the first consequence one suffers if the essence of life is not known. Other consequences include: Others Take Advantage of You Another consequence of not knowing the value of what you possess in this case the value of life is that, there would be some other people around you that will better understand what you possess. While you are playing Cinderella with your life, they will keep toying with your life. This happens mainly with ladies. To an ignorant lady, she wants to look attractive and beautiful while some conscienceless men prey on her life. Such stories abound worldwide. Girls dropping out of school because of early and unwanted pregnancies. The reason? They did not realize the value they possess in their body. Today, human trafficking has become a modern-day monster. Nations and governments, dont seem to be able to cope with the challenge. Close to a million people are trafficked across international borders every year mainly for sexual exploitation. Eighty percent of them are female. The menace of human trafficking continues to endure only because, there are some heartless men who are taking advantage of the lives and bodies of their gullible victims. Unfortunately, most of the victims or their relatives in most cases voluntarily agreed. The challenge here is that, the families of these victims and the victims themselves have not realized the full value of the life they possess. For he who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. 1 Peter 3:10 You Abuse Your Life Smoking is a worldwide problem, almost in every nation and culture. The fight against this menace is so comprehensive that even the very same package of cigarettes now carry warning to its potential victims. Nevertheless, nothing has seemed to work in the fight against smoking. More and more number of youths and adults get addicted to nicotine on daily basis. While the whole world is struggling to help people get their freedom from the dangers of smoking, yet the over five million people, who yearly die from smoking still voluntarily head towards that deadly part. It is not other people who make them to smoke, it is mostly a voluntary decision. How do we explain such a paradox? The explanation is simple. When we possess something without knowing its value, we abuse it. When we as human beings, are trusted with life, but lack the value thereof, we are only left with one thing Abuse! Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In the case of these smokers, this abuse leads to death, sicknesses, cancer, amputation, loss of all kinds. To possess something without the corresponding knowledge, is extremely dangerous indeed. You Suffer Loss Whenever you own something without a corresponding knowledge of the possession, you eventually lose it. If you give a five thousand dollar diamond ring to a two year old child, sooner or later, that child is going to lose the treasure. Even though you could have meant well, yet the child would misplace the diamond. It is obvious because, that child doesnt know the value of a diamond ring. He might just be seeing it as another playing toy. Besides, the child does not know the value of money yet, which means five thousand dollars does not seem to be anything to him. That lack of value sense would deprive the child from a protective instinct which could have applied in this case. Instinctively we naturally want to guard or protect something we view as precious. But when we dont see the value, we dont put the protective edge. The same thing goes with life. On a daily basis, people lose their lives, they lose their health, they lose their families, and they lose their children, only because they refuse to have a corresponding knowledge to what they possess in hand. POSSESSION WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING LEADS TO LOSS. A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. Charles Darwin The Consequence of Death Death is another inevitable consequence of possessing something without its understanding. What you dont understand you cannot treasure. What you cannot understand you dont treasure. This explains the reason for suicide. It explains the reason for abortion. It explains the reason for drug abuse and overdose. It explains the reason for alcohol addiction. People kill themselves, people destroy their lives, just because they have not come to the full realization of the essence of life. Too many people die early, either tragically or natural death, because they did not treat their lives with any sense of value. Most of the deaths before seventy years old in our world, could actually be prevented if the various individuals had only treated their lives with more caution and sense of value. Too many people die in our world today because, they dont eat well, rest well, play well and live well. For me, no ideological or political conviction would justify the sacrifice of a human life. For me, the value of life is absolute, with no concessions. Its not negotiable. Edgar Ramirez Sunday Adelaja is a Nigerian born leader, transformation strategist, pastor and innovator. He was based in Ukraine. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print With a heavy heart, I write this tribute in memory of Ismaila Galadanchi, a man who shaped my early career and guided me with kindness and wisdom, like a big brother. I first met him in 1999, when I began working at Intercity Bank in Wuse, Abuja. He was the branch manager at the time, but for me, he was more than just a boss. He took me under his wing, partly because of my elder sister, Hassana, whom he had also worked with at Allied Bank in Kaduna, and also because my family had known him for years, as my mother had been a customer at the same bank. From the moment I started at Intercity Bank, he treated me with a unique blend of professionalism and familial care, always ensuring I felt supported in my new role. He went beyond the duties of a boss, embracing the role of a mentor, a protector, and a big brother. His mentorship and instinct for protecting those under his guidance seemed to be built into his very nature. This wasnt just something I experienced personally; many others attested to it as wellthose who had the privilege of working with him at Allied Bank, including my sister Hassana, Mrs Sada, Mrs Khadijah Abdullahi, Malam Aliyu, Malam Mansour, and so many more. They, too, saw in him a man whose approach to leadership was rooted in compassion, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to those he led. He had a remarkable ability to balance authority with kindness, and though I wasnt one to back down easily or shy away from speaking my mind, he understood me deeply. Ive always believed in standing up for what was right, especially in the moment because Im not one to be a pushover. For me, doing the right thing was non-negotiable. But Alhaji Ismaila, with his wisdom, gently encouraged me to sometimes let things slidenot because he wanted me to compromise my values, but for the sake of peace. He showed me that life is often about knowing when to assert yourself and when to maintain harmony. His authority was always tempered with kindness, and over time, he accepted that while I might never change my convictions, he respected my need to stay true to myself. That was part of his greatness as a leaderhe didnt impose his views but guided others with patience and understanding. He helped me grow not only as a professional but also as a person, and for that, I will always be grateful. Alhaji Ismaila leaves behind a wife and four children. Although I was never particularly close to his family, Im sure they experienced the same love, care, and protection that he extended to everyone around him. His mentorship wasnt confined to the office; it was part of who he was, a guiding force in every aspect of his life. I regret that I hadnt communicated with him for a long time before reconnecting last year when he reached out after I lost my father in October. His gesture deeply touched me, reminding me of his thoughtfulness, even after all these years. Our last meeting, though brief, left a lasting impact on me because it was a reminder of his thoughtfulness and warmth. In March of this year, while I was on the train from Kaduna to Abuja, I suddenly heard a voice that was unmistakably his. There was something distinct in the way he spoke, and I knew immediately it was himOga Galadanchi. I stood up, and sure enough, he was sitting just two rows behind me. We greeted each other warmly, and he asked after my sister Hassana, whom he had heard was ill but hadnt been able to reach out to. He asked me to extend his best wishes to her, which I did. That brief encounter, filled with his characteristic care and concern, would be our last. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later On the 18th of September, I noticed several missed calls from my friend Bilkisu. My heart sank, sensing something was wrong, though I didnt know what. When I finally spoke to her, she told me that Oga Galadanchi had been admitted to 44 Hospital in Kaduna and that his condition wasnt looking good. We prayed for him, and Bilkisu and I reminisced about the times we shared with him at Intercity Bank. Then, at exactly 6:10 pm, Bilkisu called again to tell me he had passed away. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Every soul shall taste death, and no one will pass beyond the designated number of days Allah has prescribed for them on this earth. Yet, I never expected his death to affect me as deeply as it has. I realise now that I never truly said thank you to himfor looking out for me, for guiding me, and for being a steady presence in my life during such a formative time. I owe him more gratitude than words can express, and I hope that through my actions and care for others, I can pass on the kindness and protection he showed me. Alhaji Ismaila Galadanchi, thank you. Thank you for everything you did, not just for me, but for Bilkisu Abdulkarim, Fatimah Bello, Hafsat Sambo, Babangida Bakori, Yakubu Abdullahi Marafa, Halima Akaba, Yunusa Jaafaru, Rabi Adamu, Musa Muhammed Bello and so many others who had the privilege of knowing you. You touched our lives in ways we will never forget. Your wisdom, kindness, and guidance will continue to inspire us. May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with the highest place in Jannah. May Allah grant strength and peace to his family as they bear this immense loss. Aameen. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the call for a declaration of state of emergency in the state by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as baseless, diversionary and disrespectful of the people of the state. In a statement issued on Sunday by Halliru Andi, the Publicity Secretary of PDP in Zamfara State, the party dismissed the call as an effort of the factional APC led by former Governor Matawalle and Sen Abdulaziz Yari for a state of emergency in Zamfara. The PDP spokesperson said the call was a clear indication that the opposition APC feels intimidated by the developmental strides made under Governor Dauda Lawals leadership. Spokesperson of the APC in the state, Yusuf Idris had earlier on Sunday issued a statement calling for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state to pave way for effective combat of banditry in the state. The party also accused the PDP- controlled state government of frustrating the efforts of the federal government in combating banditry in Zamfara. Here is the full text of PDPs condemnation of the emergency rule call by the APC: The call for a state of emergency is unfounded and deeply disrespectful to the resilient people of Zamfara State. The APC conveniently overlooks the troubling legacy of former Governor Bello Matawalle, whose misguided approach to banditry involved cozying up to warlords. His administrations failure to ensure security was characterised by a disturbing pattern of accommodation, including providing Hilux vehicles and substantial financial rewards to bandits, while allowing them unrestricted access to Government House. As a result, the citizens of Zamfara have experienced the dire consequences of this recklessness, with bandits attacking communities and finding refuge within the very corridors of power. The unfounded claims that Governor Dauda Lawal is sabotaging the fight against banditry in Zamfara State is a political move to undermine our ongoing efforts to address insecurity in the state. Governor Lawal is the first in our states history to prioritize security with genuine commitment, contrasting sharply with the previous APC administrations. Unlike the APC, which has politicized the serious issue of insecurity, the PDPs administration is committed to the peace and stability of Zamfara State. The successes weve seen against banditry are a direct result of Governor Lawals steadfast approach, refusing to engage in reconciliation with criminals. This principled stance has set a clear and firm direction in our fight against banditry. The PDP administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal has taken significant steps, including the establishment of Community Protection Guards (CPG) and the creation of a Security Trust Fund to support conventional security forces. Just a few weeks ago, Governor Lawal distributed vehicles to enhance the operational capabilities of our security agencies, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to this critical issue. The APCs allegations are nothing more than desperate propaganda. At no point did former Governor Matawalle express a willingness to collaborate with Governor Lawal in addressing insecurity. Furthermore, Mr Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defense, has shown a lack of competence and empathy for the people of Zamfara. His secret negotiations with bandits, conducted without Governor Lawals knowledge, directly undermined the current administrations firm stance against reconciliation with bandits. Following the failure of these negotiations, he falsely claimed that Governor Lawal approved 1.3 billion naira in one fabricated memo for reconciliation processes, a baseless assertion. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack Bello Matawalle from his position as Minister of State for Defense. His lack of integrity and qualifications for this sensitive role is evident in his past actions, which have not only undermined the current fight against banditry but also jeopardized the safety of our citizens. It is imperative that the federal government investigate Matawalles actions, particularly his relationship with bandit leaders, which have been a clear impediment to effective governance. In conclusion, we urge the APC to focus on genuine issues affecting Zamfara rather than resorting to baseless accusations and distractions. Governor Dauda Lawal remains resolute in his commitment to transforming the state and will not be deterred by the oppositions unfounded claims. The people of Zamfara deserve better, and this administration is dedicated to delivering on that promise. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo was forced out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, in the early hours of Sunday, by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Frank Mba. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Mba is the officer in charge of the Edo Governorship Election. Mr Obaseki had stormed the INEC office to protest alleged manipulation of the governorship poll results, which seem to be favouring Monday Okpebhollo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Obasekis outrage stemmed from the lack of answers to his questions regarding the poll results. In spite of his continuous inquiries, none of the INEC staff responded to his questions. While that was going on, a group of APC supporters who also stormed the INEC office demanded that the governor leave the arena. The confusion and protest eventually led to Governor Obasekis forceful removal from the premises by a combined team of security agents at exactly 5:00 a.m. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The incident had since raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process in the state. With the results still being awaited, the people of Edo anxiously hope for a peaceful and credible conclusion of the electoral process. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has been declared the winner of Saturdays governorship election in the state. The INEC Returning Officer for the election, Faruk Kuta, made the declaration at exactly 9:27 p.m. at the State Collation Centre in Benin City on Sunday evening. Mr Kuta, a professor and vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, announced the final results after collating results from the 18 local government areas of the state. The returning officer said Mr Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest challenger and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, who scored 247,274 votes. The candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Olumude Akpata, came a distant third with 22,763 votes. That Monday Okpebholo of the APC, having satisfied all the requirements of law and scored majority of the lawful votes, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected, Mr Kuta declared. The final results showed that Mr Okpebholo won in 11 local government areas in the state while Mr Ighodalo won in seven. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Akpata, did not win in any local government area. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Okpebholo was leading with over 48,000 votes after the results from 16 of the 18 local government areas in the state were collated. Unless his victory is overturned by the courts, Mr Okpebholo will succeed the incumbent governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, whose second term will end on 12 November. Meanwhile, the PDP in the state has protested against the election result, which it alleged was manipulated in favour of the APC candidate. Earlier, Tony Iyoha, the PDP state agent, said the results did not reflect the votes cast at polling units. Mr Iyoha asked the electoral officials to suspend further collation of results because the election process did not follow the procedures of the electoral body. But Mr Kuta asked those who have issues with the exercise to file a formal petition against it. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of Pre-IPO shares through funds issued by Late Stage Asset Management, LLC between March 2019 and March 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important September 30, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased Pre-IPO shares through funds issued by Late Stage Asset Management, LLC between March 2019 and March 2023, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Late Stage class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=27548 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 30, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the complaint, during the Class Period, the defendants orchestrated a scheme whereby a network of unregistered sales agents fraudulently offered and sold retail investors purportedly "no-fee" unregistered securities in private (Pre-IPO) companies, which turned out to have artificial prices inflated with fees that the defendants took as profit. The complaint further alleges that the defendants made numerous false and misleading statements during the sale of these illegal, unregistered securities in violation of the federal securities laws. To join the Late Stage class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=27548 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. Mark Humphrey / AP / Shutterstock.com Dave Ramsey is one of the most popular financial advisors in America. His investment philosophy focuses on getting people out of debt and into low-risk assets that reliably build wealth over time. But what does that mean in practice? If you want to follow Ramseys philosophy, which assets should you own? You can start by considering whether three of his favorite investments fit your financial plan, based on a short YouTube video by Ramsey and summarized below. Be Aware: Im a Financial Advisor: 6 Steps To Take If You Have $1,000 To Invest Discover Next: 6 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Business(es) Much of Ramseys wealth is concentrated in his financial advisory business, Ramsey Solutions. An estimate by Ramsey suggests the company brings in about $300 million in annual revenue. The popular financial advisor hasnt shared the exact amount of wealth hes invested in his businesses. But generally, high-net-worth individuals hold about 41% of their assets in companies, according to the Federal Reserve System. Ramsey invests in his business because it enables him to earn more money. For the average person, that could mean investing in a car to start driving for a ride-sharing service. Or you might spend money to build an online store to sell crafts you make. If youre considering investing in a personal business, chart a course toward profitability first. Remember, Ramsey holds wealth in his company only because it earns him money. You dont want to push a lot of cash into a startup if you have only a vague sense of how it will become profitable. Explore More: 5 Ways To Pick Your Next Investment, According to Experts Debt-Free Real Estate Ramsey is also a big fan of investing in real estate. However, he used leverage in this market when he was younger and went bankrupt as a result. Today, Ramsey still believes in real estate investments, but he no longer uses debt to make those purchases. Thats a different philosophy from someone like Rich Dads Robert Kiyosaki, who uses debt as money, according to Fortune. In other words, he uses mortgages as a tool to gain more exposure to real estate markets he likes. The risk in this approach is that you can lose everything, as Ramsey did, when market conditions turn for the worse. That being said, there are ways to invest in real estate without buying a property outright. For example, you can purchase shares in something like a real estate investment trust. This gives you exposure to a broad portfolio of properties without requiring much upfront cash. Story continues Mutual Funds Finally, Ramsey is a big believer in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. These track the performance of broad market segments, like the S&P 500. Warren Buffett also recommends investing in these, as weve previously reported on. The reason? The stock market, as a whole, has reliably gone up over time, according to the investment research platform, MacroTrends. Even though it can decrease from year to year, the long-term trend is strong. Ramsey and Buffett recommend passively investing in these funds. This means you buy shares at a set interval, such as every month, regardless of where the price goes. For example, you might put $100 into the S&P 500 monthly. You would do that regardless of whether the market is up 10% on the year or down 30%. The idea is that over time, your wealth will grow as long as you keep at it. The amount of money you invest each month will depend on your budget and where youre at in your financial journey. For example, Ramsey said you should save three-to-six months worth of expenses in an emergency fund before investing for retirement. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramsey: The Only 3 Investments He Has WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club on the assault by IDF troops on Al Jazeera's news bureau in Ramallah. "The assault by IDF forces on Al Jazeera's bureau in Ramallah is an aggressive, military action that should be reversed immediately. The independent reporting provided by Al Jazeera is one of the few dependable sources of information about what is happening in the region. The bureau must be allowed to reopen, the confiscated equipment returned, and journalists allowed to continue their work. "As troops took over the bureau, there is video that appears to show them pulling down and destroying a banner memorializing journalist Shireen Abu Akleh who was killed by IDF forces while reporting in May 2022. Her killing has never been properly investigated and this assault on her memory is an aggressive and needless act. Shireen was an American citizen and the U.S. must continue to press for justice in her case." Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club SOURCE National Press Club What important topics are they discussing about? Let's find out! BEIJING, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- I'm Xiao Lin from National Immigration Administration. On September 9th, the first Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation was successfully held. Representatives from all parties expressed their insights and appeals around the development and innovation of migration governance. It was truly a content-rich event! Why does the international community focus on the topic of "Migration Governance" so much? At present, changes unseen in a century is unfolding at a faster pace. The situation in the wider world remains complex and fluid. However, peace, development, cooperation and win-win results are still an unstoppable historical trend. Migration governance is critical to economic development of individual countries, global security governance and international cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It has increasingly become a key issue in global governance. Here are the key points: At the forum, NIA made three commitments: implementing more open policies for the cross-border flow of people, more effective actions in the governance of transnational crimes and more extensive global cooperation in migration governance, injecting new impetus to opening up and development; At the same time, three initiatives have been put forward, [Original scene of the initiative] contributing China's wisdom and solutions to global migration governance and further showcasing its image as an open, confident, secure, and thriving major power. Representatives also made keynote speeches, sharing their migration governance policies, measures and experience, and providing their perspectives on regional and international migration governance. Pooling wisdom for win-win results. In a changing era, National Immigration Administration of China stands ready to work with all parties to promote global migration governance to a higher level and contribute more wisdom to world peace, development, prosperity and stability! SOURCE National Immigration Administration If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Jerusalem, Sep 22 : Israel has launched a new wave of airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers and other installations, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). "Dozens of Israeli Air Force aircraft are currently striking terrorist targets and rocket launchers to remove the threat to Israeli civilians," IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Saturday evening. The strikes followed reports of Hezbollah's preparations for significant rocket attacks on Israel, with Lebanese media releasing footage of large explosions, Xinhua news agency reported. Hagari announced new restrictions for civilians in northern Israel, extending from Haifa northward, as regional fighting intensifies. "We ask you to follow the Home Front Command guidelines," Hagari stated. "It is possible that in the immediate time frame, rockets and other threats may be launched at Israel." The new guidelines, effective from 20:30 local time (1730 GMT), include limiting gatherings to 30 people outdoors and 300 indoors, permitting work only in protected spaces, and allowing educational activities to continue where safe spaces are available. Northern Israeli cities near the Lebanese border such as Haifa, Akko, and Nahariya have reportedly closed their beaches. These restrictions affect the Lower and Upper Galilee, Haifa Bay, Central Galilee, and parts of the Israeli-occupied southern Golan Heights. Washington, Sep 22 : US President Joe Biden has expressed his "immense appreciation" for India's leadership on the world stage, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in the G-20 and in the Global South and his commitment to strengthen the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. President Biden also commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter, the White House said on Saturday. President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, during their meeting earlier in the day, affirmed that the US-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership, the defining partnership of the 21st century, is decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good. Prime Minister Modi described the meeting with Biden as "extremely fruitful" and thanked the President for hosting him at the latter's residence in Greenville, Delaware. "We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," he said in a post on X after the meeting. The leaders reflected on a "historic period" that has seen the US and India reach unprecedented levels of trust and collaboration. They affirmed that the US-India partnership "must be anchored in upholding democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all as our countries strive to become more perfect unions and meet our shared destiny". President Biden and Prime Minister Modi commended the progress that has made the US-India Major Defense Partnership a "pillar of global security and peace", highlighting the benefits of increased operational coordination, information-sharing, and defence industrial innovation, the White House said. They expressed "unrelenting optimism" and the "utmost confidence" that the "tireless efforts of our peoples, our civic and private sectors, and our governments to forge deeper bonds have set the US-India partnership on a path toward even greater heights in the decades ahead". India is at the forefront of efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world, it said. The leaders reaffirmed their support for the freedom of navigation and the protection of commerce, including critical maritime routes in the Middle East where India will assume co-lead in 2025 of the Combined Task Force 150 to work with Combined Maritime Forces to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea. President Biden shared with Prime Minister Modi that the US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India's important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council. The leaders voiced their view that a closer US-India partnership "is vital to the success of efforts to build a cleaner, inclusive, more secure, and more prosperous future for the planet". President Biden and Prime Minister Modi applauded the success of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in deepening and expanding strategic cooperation across key technology sectors, including space, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications. Both Leaders committed to enhance regular engagements to improve the momentum of collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy. They highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with like-minded partners, including through the Quad and a US-India-ROK Trilateral Technology initiative launched earlier this year to build more secure and resilient supply chains for critical industries and ensure we collectively remain at the leading edge of innovation. The ROK is the acronym of South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. Washington, Sep 22 : Affirming India's vision of 'One Earth, One Health', Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a contribution of $7.5 million for sampling kits, detection kits and vaccines under the 'Quad Cancer Moonshot' initiative. The groundbreaking initiative was announced during the sixth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday and aims to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region by combating cervical cancer. Speaking during the Cancer Moonshot event in Wilmington, Prime Minister Modi said that he is glad that in Quad, "we have decided to jointly face the challenge of cervical cancer". "I heartily congratulate President Biden for organising this important event. It reflects our shared determination for affordable, accessible and quality healthcare," the Prime Minister said. "In cancer care, collaboration is essential for cure. An integrated approach of prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment is necessary to reduce the burden of cancer," he asserted. Prime Minister Modi noted that India is running a "very cost-effective" cervical cancer screening programme on a mass scale. "Also, India is running the world's largest health insurance scheme. And, special centres have also been created to make medicines available to everyone at affordable cost. India has also developed its own vaccine for cervical cancer. And, new treatment protocols are also being introduced with the help of AI," he said, adding that India is ready to share its experience and expertise. "I am happy that India will contribute 40 million vaccine doses for the Indo-Pacific countries under the GAVI and QUAD initiatives. These 40 million vaccine doses will bring rays of hope to the lives of crores of people. As you can see, when the QUAD acts, it is not just for nations a" it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach," he concluded. Washington, Sep 22 : The Quad member countries India, the US, Japan and Australia on Saturday announced a slew of new initiatives on maritime security including the first-ever interoperability exercise among their coast guards. In a document titled the Wellington Declaration issued after their fourth in-person summit in President Joe Biden's hometown Wellington in Delaware state, they also expressed concern "over recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain", a reference to ongoing Chinese aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea. The newly announced cooperation between the coast guards will be marked by the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 to "improve interoperability and advance maritime safety, and continuing with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific". The leaders of the four nations also announced the launch of a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), "to enable our partners in the region to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad partner initiatives, to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behaviour". India will host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. They also launched a Quad maritime legal dialogue to "support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Quad partners intend to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year, to continue to deliver cutting-edge capability and information to the region". Yet another new initiative on maritime security was a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, to "pursue shared airlift capacity among our nations and leverage our collective logistics strengths, in order to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region". The four leaders also committed their governments to the Quad Cancer Moonshot that will initially target cervical cancer. India will provide testing kits worth $7.5 million and technical assistance. Other countries announced their own contributions. Cancer cure has been a personal ambition of US President Joe Biden who lost his eldest son to brain cancer. He led a White House initiative called the Cancer Moonshot programme as Vice President to President Barack Obama and as President himself. The leaders also cleared the expansion of ongoing initiatives on infrastructure, emerging technologies, climate and clean energy, cyber, space and people-to-people engagements. Chennai, Sep 22 : Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) state president K. Selvaperunthagai has begun meeting party cadres and mid-level leaders to revamp the district and state committees. K. Selvaperunthagai while speaking to IANS said that the party would go for a total revamp and that discussions were going on at all the levels to take a final decision. The party's state executive committee had empowered the TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai to immediately revamp the party at the district and state levels. A resolution passed by the TNCC state executive committee on September 19 pitched for bringing in 'Kamarajar' rule in Tamil Nadu. This is a major political move as since 1969 the Congress party has not been in power in the state. The resolution also stated that reforms should be carried out in the organisational structure of TNCC in accordance with the Udhaipur Declaration of the Congress adopted in May 2022. It may be recalled that as per the Udhaipur declaration, no person should hold one party position for more than five years and should provide opportunities to new people. The declaration also said that 50 per cent of the office-bearers should be below 50 years of age at all levels of the organisation. As per this, significant changes can be expected in the party apparatus in the TNCC in the coming days. A senior leader of the Tamil Nadu Congress party told IANS that the party will enforce "One person one post", and "One family one ticket". Party tickets for second family members will be given only after five years of party work. Sources in the party told IANS that the TNCC president has already met all the party district presidents and has taken their views regarding the revamp. The state president, according to senior party leaders, has stressed for including active workers as party office-bearers. It may be noted that the Congress party has 18 legislators in the state Assembly but DMK has not accommodated any of them in the state cabinet. There have been regular rifts at the grassroots level with the DMK cadre and the party's local leaders want strong leaders to be inducted into the party to support the cadres. A senior leader of the party while speaking to IANS said, "The TN Congress has a strong support base in certain areas of the state and the primary concern in the revamp has to be how to come back to power in the state rather than piggyback riding the DMK. The party can even pitch in for positioning with the AIADMK if things are going like this." Washington, Sep 22 : The leaders of the US, India, Japan and Australia have denounced North Korea's "destabilizing" missile launches and its nuclear program and reaffirmed their commitment to the "complete" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and Australian PM Anthony Albanese issued a joint statement on Saturday after the four countries' fourth in-person Quad summit held in Wilmington, Delaware, reported Yonhap news agency. The summit came as Pyongyang has recently ratcheted up tensions on the peninsula with its rare disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility, continued weapons tests and launches of trash-filled balloons into South Korea, not to mention tough rhetoric. "We condemn North Korea's destabilizing ballistic missile launches and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). These launches pose a grave threat to international peace and stability," the leaders said in the statement, named "the Wilmington Declaration". "We urge North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs, refrain from further provocations and engage in substantive dialogue. We reaffirm our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula consistent with relevant UNSCRs and call on all countries to fully implement these UNSCRs," they added. They stressed the need to prevent any proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies related to North Korea. "We express our grave concern over North Korea's use of proliferation networks, malicious cyber activity and workers abroad to fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs," they said. "In that context, we urge all UN Member States to abide by the relevant UNSCRs, including the prohibition on the transfer to North Korea or procurement from North Korea of all arms and related materiel," the leaders said. Moreover, they expressed "deep" concerns about countries that are deepening military cooperation with the North, saying that it undermines the global nonproliferation regime. The leaders also underscored the importance of sanctions enforcement against Pyongyang, noting that a UN expert panel monitoring sanctions violations has been disbanded. "We reiterate our commitment to continued implementation of the relevant UNSCRs which remain in full force," they said. Earlier in the day, Biden and Kishida held a separate bilateral meeting, where Biden recognised improvement in relations between Seoul and Tokyo, long strained over historical feuds. "He (Biden) also commended the Prime Minister's courage and conviction in strengthening ties with the Republic of Korea, which enabled the launch of a momentous new era of US-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation at the historic Camp David Summit in August 2023," the White House said in a readout. (ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.) The Camp David summit is the first standalone trilateral meeting among the three countries' leaders. It produced a series of landmark cooperation agreements, including the "Commitment to Consult" each other in the event of a shared threat. In their joint statement, Quad leaders also expressed their serious concern over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. "We continue to express our serious concern about the militarization of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea," they said. "We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous manoeuvres," said the leaders. For three-way maritime security efforts, the leaders said that the US Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific. They also announced the launch of a "Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network" pilot project to pursue shared airlift capacity among their countries and leverage collective logistics strengths in order to support civilian response to natural disasters "more rapidly and efficiently" across the Indo-Pacific. The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India. Dave Ramsey Tells 29-Year-Old $1 Million In Debt And Spending Like She's In Congress: 'I'm Getting Ready To Destroy Your Life As You Know It' Many people in their 20s deal with credit card debt or student loans, sometimes thinking they'll figure it out later. But what happens when that debt piles up to nearly a million dollars? That's the reality a 29-year-old named Channing from Washington D.C. faced during an episode of The Dave Ramsey Show. Don't Miss: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement How do you compare ? Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? How does it compare to the average? Channing and her husband were grappling with nearly $1 million in debt, a number that had Ramsey quickly diving into tough-love mode. Sure, he's seen scenarios where people are in over their heads with debt, but at just 29, this was particularly alarming to Ramsey. Channing, who recently married, explained, "My husband and I have probably just under a million dollars in debt and we want to know how to get debt-free without filing for bankruptcy." The breakdown included $335,000 in student loans, $136,000 in credit cards and $44,000 in personal loans. Their combined household income was about $230,000 a year. Trending: Founder of Personal Capital and ex-CEO of PayPal re-engineers traditional banking with this new high-yield account start saving better today. Ramsey didn't hold back. After calculating the staggering numbers, he addressed the couple's situation bluntly. "You guys have been living at about 10x where you're going to get to live for the next three years," Ramsey said. "I'm getting ready to destroy your life as you know it." "You've gotten used to spending like youre in Congress," he scolded. He was clear that their lifestyle needed a complete overhaul. Ramsey emphasized that their financial habits would have to change drastically, stating, "You're not gonna see the inside of a restaurant unless it's your extra job or you're waiting on someone you work with during the day." He added, "You're gonna be living on beans and rice, rice and beans." See Also: Charlie Munger said if you want to be rich, find a way to get your hands on $100,000 heres what he means. Ramsey went on to stress the emotional and spiritual challenges ahead. "Your friends are going to think you've lost your mind and your mother is going to think you need counseling," he warned, adding that both Channing and her husband would need to stop caring what others think if they wanted to tackle their debt successfully. He also shared a personal connection to their situation, saying, "This is exactly what I did in my 20s. I bought and purchased a lifestyle that was 5x to 10x what I had. It was all because of crap inside of me that caused me to do that." Story continues Trending: Elon Musks secret mansion in Austin revealed through court filings. Heres how to invest in the citys growth before prices go back up. Ramsey's advice wasn't just about cutting expenses but about confronting the mindset that had led to their financial missteps. "The problem is what's going on inside you guys," Ramsey said. "You're on a suicide mission right now." The tough conversation ended on a hopeful note, though. Ramsey assured Channing that while the journey would be difficult, it was possible. "You can do it, though," he said. "I know. I'll help you." Channing and her husband are now facing a major lifestyle change to climb out of their nearly $1 million debt, with Dave Ramsey's guidance pointing them toward a more financially stable future. Sometimes debt happens, but at least they're taking steps to address the issue and make changes before they're left resorting to more extreme options such as bankruptcy. Read Next: UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Dave Ramsey Tells 29-Year-Old $1 Million In Debt And Spending Like She's In Congress: 'I'm Getting Ready To Destroy Your Life As You Know It' originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Colombo, Sep 22 : Early results from Sri Lanka's Presidential election indicate that Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 55, leader of the National People's Power (NPP), may become the country's first leftist head of state, as reported by local media. If his lead holds, Dissanayake is expected to be sworn in as Sri Lanka's 9th Executive President later on Sunday, following a formal announcement by the Elections Commission, according to Daily Mirror. In light of the ongoing vote count, Sri Lanka has extended its curfew until noon on Sunday, according to Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles. Initially, the curfew was imposed from 10 p.m. on Saturday to 6 a.m. on Sunday. Authorities took this measure to ensure public safety despite the peaceful situation following the 2024 Presidential election, the police said. According to the police, the President invoked the curfew using powers granted by the Public Security Act. Additionally, the government has declared Monday, September 23, 2024, as a special public holiday, as confirmed by Pradeep Yasarathne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs. The much-anticipated election, the first after the island nation's worst-ever economic crisis, saw a total of 39 candidates in the fray with incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party and Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party being considered the front-runners to the election, the results of which will be keenly watched in the region. Out of the total population of around 22 million, 17,140,350 Sri Lankans were eligible to exercise their franchise at this election. This included 1.2 million new voters. On Saturday, polling began at 7 a.m. at 3,421 polling centres across the country and ended at 4 p.m. New Delhi: As the country faces an enlarged spectrum of threats to its internal security, all those engaged in protecting the country - the central security set-up revolving around specialised Intelligence and Investigation agencies, para-military forces keeping an eye on the borders and on strategically sensitive establishments and the state police organisations - had their hands full in trying to measure up to their share of responsibilities. It goes to the credit of the Narendra Modi regime that the Police Modernisation Scheme of the Centre is giving thought not only to the traditional facilities like housing and transport and in the sphere of education of children of the personnel but to the higher dimensions of efficient working rooted in morale, induction of technology for improving the performance and management 'reforms' needed to handle the forces better. A basic consideration behind all these efforts was to pave the way for a stress-free environment for the personnel both at the workplace and at home which in ultimate analysis led to a more efficient output-efficiency was classically a measure of 'productivity' per unit of 'time'. Safeguarding internal security involved Intelligence-based operations, timely rushing in of Para Military Forces to assist the state police in dealing with a large open threat to law & order and a close watch against covert attempts of the enemy to infiltrate across our borders. With the post-Cold War phenomenon of 'proxy wars' substituting for military attacks, management of internal security has become far more tedious requiring focused 24/7 attention of all concerned. The advent of social media as an instrument of spreading 'radicalisation', creating sleeper cells of terrorists and subverting a regime through influence building, has made things more complex. All of this further highlights the importance of providing the officers and men with a work environment that is free of avoidable stress. Perhaps the most important in today's times is to understand and apply the set of management principles that are crucial for providing such an environment. The right kind of leadership, the delegation of 'knowledge-based' decision-making and the existence of an absolutely fair system of credit-sharing in the organisation, pretty much summarises the prerequisites of the much-needed management reform. More than anywhere else, security management requires a leader who commands the complete faith of those reporting to him. Such a leader is strict in tasking but was anurturala towards the subordinates - he clearly understood that the success of security was always a collective affair and a systemic outcome. Forces handling internal security realised that action lay closer to the ground where people lived and that the local officer sometimes was the first to have information about what was there which required an immediate response. A healthy practice of delegation of power to take a decision and act on it was therefore required to be adopted and evolved with experience. Finally, while confidentiality was built into the management of security it was crucial to establish a system that guaranteed the award of credits where due- a senior usurping the credits of a junior is not something unknown in the profession of Police and security but such a thing would always be injurious for the force and would weaken the organisation. The success of the premium Intelligence agency of the Centre- Intelligence Bureau- was attributable to many factors the most important of which was that the system did not allow any astealinga of the credit- the organisation was quite transparent internally within the aneed to knowa conditions even as it rightly appeared to be opaque from the outside. In the times of Home Minister Amit Shah, Police Modernisation funds are being directed more and more towards the digitisation of records, forensic-driven investigations and the introduction of high-end technology. The HM has used the forum of the All India Police Science Congress to emphasise how criminals being equipped with new technology made it important for the police to be always ahead of them. He wanted technology to be taken to the level of aBeat Constablea to make him more efficient and empowered. The HM has been taking up this issue at the meetings of Zonal Councils as well. He is now directing the concerned quarters to work on the adoption of modern Drone Technology for security and surveillance in such areas as border security, emergency monitoring and counter-espionage. At the Anti-Terrorism Conference held in October last year, the HM spoke of the urgency of establishing a digital platform for law enforcement agencies nationwide. The thrust on the use of technology to the advantage of Police and national security under the leadership of Home Minister (HM) Amit Shah is something that was missing earlier. The HM has drawn attention to both the 'risks' as well as the 'opportunity' created by Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is a new-found importance attached to welfare schemes and the ways and means of reducing the duty burden of policemen, under his stewardship. A good development is that in recent years training programmes for Police have incorporated segments that were designed to place emphasis on citizen-centric policing, human and behavioural psychology and establishment of a healthy contact with local communities. Prime Minister Modi has taken a personal interest in the training aspects of police forces and stressed the importance of 'strictness' and 'sensitivity' in police working and of the need to view policing as a 'patriotic' function. 'Friendly but not familiar' would be a good call for police - being helpful to the law-abiding but showing a deterrent strictness in dealing with lawbreakers, is the idea behind this suggested mandate. Another conceptual reform in police training already spelt by HM Shah is to draw a line between the bulk of training designed to be the basic part applicable to all police forces and a specialised training programme meant for the specific force or organisation to prepare the men there for performing those particular professional tasks. It is also important that in-service arefreshera courses are organised - mixed or meant for a single force - to enable the trainee officers to keep pace with the constantly changing character of security challenges. Apart from the known training establishments of different police organisations including the SVP National Police Academy at Hyderabad that trained the IPS officers on their joining the service, the Centre is now utilising academic institutions, particularly the Gandhinagar-based Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) established in 2020 to focus on Police Administration, Forensic Science, Internal Security etc - both by way of organising high-end training programmes as well as research - to expand the canvas of Policing and National Security in the country. RRU has been declared as an Institution of National Importance and has done well to emerge in a short spell of time as a premier university on Police and Security offering courses of study on these subjects to both Indian and foreign students, besides running PhD programmes on many facets of policing. A democratic state derives strength from a police force that functions efficiently, has a people-oriented methodology and works without fear or favour. Competent management of law & order was the substratum of internal security particularly when social media was being exploited to create false narratives and instigate stirs. Information and data have become an important input for study and analysis, in assessing threats to internal security. In a federal set-up where police and law & order were state subjects, it is the duty of the Centre - howsoever difficult it could be to fulfil that duty - to ensure that a uniform standard of law & order management and measures to safeguard internal security prevailed through the length and breadth of the country. It is the responsibility of the Centre towards its citizens because India is also a Union permitting its citizens to visit and settle down in any part of the nation. Against an unstable geopolitical environment, a situation of disquiet in India's neighbourhood and threats of cross-border terrorism, infiltration and narcotics, made police a key player for safeguarding internal security. Police have to rise to the occasion and measure up to that challenge. The nation needs total Centre-State cooperation in the areas of law & order handling and safeguarding of national security - both these functions had to be pitched above party politics. Disaster management has fostered this united approach in recent years and once it is understood that the nation is vulnerable also to 'man-made' disasters linked to terrorism, proxy wars and other forms of 'covert' offensive, such cooperation would be forthcoming in ample measure. And finally, since the function of policing had become progressively tedious and demanding, Police organisations must quickly wake up to management reforms that were needed to produce a stress-free environment required for their optimal performance. (The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views are personal) Los Angeles, Sep 22 : Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet, who will be seen playing the renowned photojournalist Lee Miller in the upcoming biopic "Lee", has spoken about the different standards set for male and female actors. Los Angeles, Sep 22 (IANS) Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet, who will be seen playing the renowned photojournalist Lee Miller in the upcoming biopic "Lee", has spoken about the different standards set for male and female actors. According to deadline.com, Winslet's comments have included pushing back when a crew member advised her to suck in her stomach to hide her "belly rolls" during a topless scene and subsequently dismissing her reaction being hailed as "bravery." Winslet went on to speak on the topic in an interview during History Channel's "History Talks" at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Saturday, "I quite like making statements. And actually, I have to say, I'm at the point where I'm just like, You know what? Life is too short," she said. "But it is one thing that's been happening to me quite a lot recently, people will say to me, 'Oh, my God, so you were so brave in this performance, you had no make-up, and you look really kind of crappy.' And I think, do we say to the men, 'You were so brave, you grew a beard?' "And then there's another one, how do you juggle being a mother and having a career?" she added. "Do we say, 'How do you juggle being a father and having a career?' I mean, we've got to change this dynamic." Winslet, there to discuss the making of Lee and Miller's remarkable story, was one of several Hollywood personalities who participated in History Talks, along with Kevin Costner, Kerry Washington, Eva Longoria and John Legend. Last month, Winslet talked about being comfortable in her own skin. The actress refused to be ashamed of looking like the 48-year-old mother-of-two that she is, by a crew member on the set of her new film, about war photographer Lee Miller, reports Mirror.co.uk. She had said: "There's a bit where Lee is sitting on a bench in a bikini. And one of the crew came up between takes and said, 'you might want to sit up straighter'. So you can't see my belly rolls? Not in your life! It was deliberate, you know?" Asked if she minded looking her age on the big screen, she said: "The opposite. I take pride in it because it is my life on my face, and that matters. It wouldn't occur to me to cover that up." New Delhi, Sep 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a special antique silver hand-engraved train model to President Joe Biden during his ongoing 3-day visit to the US. This vintage silver hand-engraved train model, which is made of 92.5 per cent silver, is a rare and extraordinary piece, masterfully crafted by artisans from Maharashtra -- renowned for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship. The model has been customised to represent the strong connections between India and the US. "DELHI - DELAWARE" has been inscribed on the sides of the main carriage, and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" has been inscribed on the sides of the engine in both English and Hindi, following the standard format used on passenger trains in India. It showcases the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry, with elaborate details achieved through traditional techniques such as engraving, repousse (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs), and intricate filigree work. This creation pays homage to the steam locomotive era, combining artistic brilliance with historical significance. This masterpiece not only highlights the artisan's exceptional skill but also serves as a glowing testimony to the long history of Indian Railways and its global influences. After receiving a grand welcome upon his arrival in Philadelphia on Saturday, PM Modi held bilateral discussions with President Biden and other leaders of the Quad grouping, including Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. In the second leg of his 3-day visit PM Modi arrived in New York on Sunday. On Monday (September 23), PM Modi will address the Summit of the Future in the UN General Assembly which will bring together world leaders with the objective of enhancing multilateral cooperation and tackling the most pressing global challenges. An outcome document, Pact for the Future, will be adopted by world leaders, along with annexes on the global digital compact and a declaration for future generations. Rome, Sep 22 : Alongside the opportunities, significant risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the cultural sector were highlighted at the Group of Seven (G7) ministers' cultural meeting, which concluded in Naples, Italy. AI is "increasingly permeating the value chains in the cultural and creative sectors and industries, with impacts on the working conditions and the livelihoods of culture professionals and the sustainability of a vibrant and vital cultural ecosystem," said the declaration on Saturday, which was issued by ministers of culture from the G7 countries during the three-day talks. The leaders agreed to work together to address the ethical, legal, economic, and social implications of Generative AI and AI-powered tools for the cultural and creative industries, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting Rai News. The leaders also called on "identification and authentication, where technically feasible, of cultural content entirely or partially generated, modified or altered by AI systems." The focus on the challenges related to artificial intelligence has been one of the main areas of focus during Italy's 2024 presidency of the G7. According to media reports, a protest against the G7 cultural meeting occurred Saturday morning in central Naples. Around fifty demonstrators marched, rolling out a red carpet as a symbolic critique of the "political showcase" occurring. Rabat, Sep 22 : Two people died, and 14 are missing after a bus was swept away by floodwaters in Morocco's southern Tata province, state media reported. According to local government officials, thirteen people were rescued from the bus, which was caught in flooding triggered by intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. A woman is also reported missing in a separate incident amid the severe flooding, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting MAP. Morocco's Interior Ministry stated that local authorities are coordinating efforts to address potential damage and provide necessary support and assistance to those affected. "All resources and means are being mobilised to ensure the safety of citizens and property," the ministry added. Mumbai, Sep 22 : Actress Himanshi Parashar, who is known for her work in the show "Teri Meri Doriyaann", is not comfortable doing intimate scenes however she is okay with doing it on the small screen as it has a "limit". Mumbai, Sep 22 (IANS) Actress Himanshi Parashar, who is known for her work in the show "Teri Meri Doriyaann", is not comfortable doing intimate scenes however she is okay with doing it on the small screen as it has a "limit". "I'm keen to do any acting project which I find interesting and want to be a part of. I don't believe in limiting myself to only movies or web series or TV. When we think of web-series we think that intimacy is one thing that an actor has to do which is not entirely true," Himanshi told IANS. She stressed that there are web series where that is not the case. "But yes, one thing I'm sure of is that I'm not comfortable shooting intimate scenes. The limit of intimacy we have in television is what I'm comfortable with. I want to act and do that well," she added. The actress made a cameo in the film "Adbhut", a supernatural horror film directed by Sabbir Khan. The film also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Diana Penty and Shreya Dhanwanthary. Why was there a need to make a special appearance in film? "I shot for 'Adbhut' before 'Teri Meri Doriyaann' happened. I auditioned for Amy's character in April 2022 but got a call back in July 2022 when I was shooting for my Punjabi film in London. When I was back, we shot for 'Adbhut'." "And I think even if I had done Teri Meri Doriyaann and later I was offered this role I might still have done it because it was supposed to be a special appearance thing," she said. The actress said that when she heard the narration for the first time in April at that time, the climax scene was supposed to have some flashback scenes of Amy's life which later in July she got to know that her five days work "has been reduced to 1 day work because of re-writing." She added: "But still I was keen to do the part because I liked the story and the team was amazing. I wanted to have this experience." Mumbai, Sep 22 : Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, who was recently seen in the heist comedy 'Crew', has shared pictures of herself from the recently concluded London Fashion Week. The actress took to her Instagram, and shared a string of pictures in which she can be seen rocking different outfits. Mumbai, Sep 22 (IANS) Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, who was recently seen in the heist comedy aCrewa, has shared pictures of herself from the recently concluded London Fashion Week. The actress took to her Instagram, and shared a string of pictures in which she can be seen rocking different outfits. In one of the pictures, the actress can be seen wearing a trench coat which is draped around her sleeves with added drama from the faux fur sleeves. The actress then donned a monochromatic black look as she paired the fit to flare black dress with knee high boots and silver accessories, and looked absolutely stunning. Lastly the actress sported a turtle neck blue checks dress, she paired the dress with an olive bag and knee high boots once again with a pair of sunglasses and looked mesmerising. Her appearance has struck the perfect balance between grace and sophisticated style. Earlier, this year in July, the actress bought a 2000 sq ft plot of land in the celebrity capital of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Alibaug. The land is situated in a prime location, and is less than 20 minutes away from Mandwa jetty. Kriti, who has been increasing her real estate portfolio, purchased the plot at Sol De Alibaug, which is Indiaas first signature land development and embodies exquisite design, lush green surroundings, and top-notch amenities. The recently inaugurated Mumbai Trans Harbour Link further enhances connectivity for the high profile investors seeking retreat in Alibaugas real estate landscape. The sewerage and stormwater drains will be developed by HoABL while the actual construction of the property will have to be undertaken by plot owners. Her other real estate investments include one in a commercial space in Bangalore and a villa in Goa. New Delhi, Sep 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude on Sunday to US President Joe Biden for returning 297 "invaluable antiquities" that were illicitly trafficked from India. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, "Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties." I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India." In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the artefacts were returned "in keeping with close bilateral ties and to foster greater cultural understanding". The statement said the pieces will be "shortly repatriated to India." It added that a select few pieces were showcased to Modi and Biden during their bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. The US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture, Union Government, signed a Cultural Property Agreement in July 2024 to strengthen cultural ties. The agreement aims to fulfil the commitments made by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi to enhance cooperation in protecting cultural heritage, as stated in the Joint Statement issued after their meeting in June 2023, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The antiquities belong to a period of almost 4000 years, from 2000 BCE a" 1900 CE and have origins in different parts of India. The majority of the antiquities are terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, while others are made of stone, metal, wood and ivory and belong to different parts of the country. According to MEA, the Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to the 10-11th century CE, Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to the 15-16th century CE, Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to the 3-4th century CE, Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st-century BCE-1st century CE, Lord Ganesh in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE were handed over. The antiquities also included Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE, Lord Vishnu in Bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE, Anthropomorphic figure in copper from North India belonging to 2000-1800 BCE, Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE and Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE. The total number of cultural artefacts returned from the US to India since 2016 stands at 578. This is the maximum number of cultural artefacts returned to India by any other country. Washington, Sep 22 : The Quad, a four-member group comprising the US, Japan, India, and Australia, has said it is committed to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The Wilmington Declaration, released after the meeting of Quad leaders US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Delaware, recognised India's leadership in finalising the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (IOIP) and supported its implementation. Quad agreed to implement the 'Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to monitor and secure waters, enforce laws, and deter unlawful behaviour. To reduce the number of lives lost to cancer in the Indo-Pacific, the group launched a 'Quad Cancer Moonshot' focussing initially on combatting cervical cancer. The joint statement announced a 'Quad Ports of the Future Partnership' to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific. Expressing concern about the coercive and intimidating manoeuvres in the South China Sea, the Quad sought to uphold the international order based on the rule of 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, The group said: "We are united in commitment to upholding a stable and open international system, with strong support for human rights, freedom, the 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 international law, including the UN Charter." In addition, the leaders underscored that the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. Hailing the track record of cooperation on the COVID vaccine, the group said it will focus initially on combatting cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. On humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), the declaration said Quad governments pre-position essential relief supplies for the rapid HADR response. In the event of natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific, the group concurred on launching a pilot project to pursue cooperation in airlift operations among the Quad countries. The four leaders concurred on launching a Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, to share knowledge and experience. The group also agreed to expand cooperation in the area of 5G and Open RAN to the Philippines and Tuvalu. The South Korean stock market has shown resilience, climbing over 2.6 percent in three consecutive sessions and positioning the KOSPI above the 2,580-point mark. This positive momentum is supported by optimism around interest rates and economic outlooks, mirroring gains in European and U.S. markets. In this favorable environment, discovering undervalued stocks with strong growth potential becomes crucial for investors seeking to capitalize on market opportunities. Here are three lesser-known gems in South Korea that could offer promising prospects amidst these dynamic conditions. Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In South Korea Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Korea Cast Iron Pipe Ind NA 1.97% 8.84% Miwon Chemicals 0.08% 11.70% 14.38% Korea Airport ServiceLtd NA 3.97% 42.22% Korea Ratings NA 1.13% 0.54% Woori Technology Investment NA 25.66% -1.45% Kyung Dong Navien 22.40% 11.19% 18.84% ONEJOON 10.13% 35.30% -5.78% iMarketKorea 28.53% 5.35% 1.30% ASIA Holdings 34.98% 8.43% 16.17% Daewon Cable 30.50% 8.72% 60.28% Click here to see the full list of 189 stocks from our KRX Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener. Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen. Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Snt Dynamics Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells precision machinery with a market cap of 576.64 billion. Operations: Snt Dynamics generates revenue primarily from its Machinery Business and Transportation Equipment Business, with the latter contributing 555.04 billion. The company faces a consolidated adjustment of -19.91 billion in its financials. Snt Dynamics Ltd. has shown impressive earnings growth of 184.7% over the past year, significantly outpacing the Aerospace & Defense industrys 47.9%. Trading at 68.9% below estimated fair value, it presents a compelling opportunity despite forecasted earnings declines of 19.1% annually for the next three years. The company reported net income of KRW 47 billion in Q2 2024, up from KRW 8.98 billion a year ago, with basic EPS rising to KRW 2,100 from KRW 401. KOSE:A003570 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Boryung Corporation manufactures and sells pharmaceutical products in South Korea and internationally, with a market cap of 809.49 billion. Operations: Boryung Corporation generates revenue primarily from its pharmaceutical manufacturing and sales segment, which reported 928.72 billion. The company has a market cap of 809.49 billion. Story continues Boryung's recent performance has been impressive, with second-quarter sales rising to KRW 228.62 million from KRW 80.13 million a year ago, and net income more than doubling to KRW 23,643.1 million. The company's earnings growth of 68.7% over the past year outpaced the pharmaceutical industry average of 21.6%. Additionally, Boryung trades at a significant discount to its estimated fair value and maintains a satisfactory net debt to equity ratio of 29.5%. KOSE:A003850 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Iljin Electric Co., Ltd operates as a heavy electric machinery company in South Korea and internationally, with a market cap of 1.05 trillion. Operations: Iljin Electric Co., Ltd generates revenue primarily from its Wire segment (1.17 trillion) and Power System segment (329.01 billion). Iljin Electric Ltd. has shown impressive earnings growth of 55.6% over the past year, far outpacing the Electrical industrys 18.5%. The company's debt to equity ratio has improved significantly from 86.4% to 29.1% in five years, indicating better financial health. Trading at a substantial discount of 83.2% below its estimated fair value, Iljin appears undervalued by market standards and offers high-quality earnings with strong EBIT coverage on interest payments (9.1x). KOSE:A103590 Debt to Equity as at Sep 2024 Next Steps Investigate our full lineup of 189 KRX Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals right here. Shareholder in one or more of these companies? Ensure you're never caught off-guard by adding your portfolio in Simply Wall St for timely alerts on significant stock developments. Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor. Looking For Alternative Opportunities? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include KOSE:A003570 KOSE:A003850 and KOSE:A103590. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Paris, Sep 22 : French Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced the formation of his government with 39 members coming from the centre and right-wing parties. Among the 17 ministers, seven come from President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance and three from Barnier's conservative party The Republicans (Les Republicains), Xinhua news agency reported. Jean-Noel Barrot was nominated to replace Stephane Sejourne as Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The 41-year-old Barrot was an economist and served as Minister Delegate for Europe in the former government. Bruno Retailleau was appointed to be the Minister of Interior, which the French daily Le Figaro considered as a "symbol of firmness" to restore public order in France. Retailleau, a member of the Barnier's party, promised, on his social media platform X account, to "restore order to ensure harmony" and reaffirmed his support for the police. The position of Minister of Economy and Finance was given to Antoine Armand who is only 33 years old. He now has to help Barnier submit France's 2025 budget draft bill to the National Assembly while trying to keep France's debt under control as mandated by the European Union. However, the list of members of the new government lacks candidates from the left-wing and far-ring wing parties, two relative winners of the snap legislative elections. Barnier's government immediately received criticism from left-wing parties. The leader of the Socialist Party Olivier Faure denounced Barnier's decision to form a centre-right government, saying that his decision "gives the finger" to democracy. Leader of the far-left-wing party, La France Insoumise, the main party of the left-wing parties alliance during the latest legislative elections, Jean-Luc Melanchon, said that the government was formed with "losers of the legislative elections." The government "has neither legitimacy nor a future. It will be necessary to get rid of it as soon as possible," he said on his X account. The left-wing parties already vowed to launch a vote of no confidence against the government in the National Assembly where they do not hold an absolute majority. They need to count on the far-right wing party, the National Rally's support. As for the far-ring wing party, the National Rally (RN), its former leader Marine Le Pen expressed her disappointment over the new government. On her X account, she said that Barnier's government was "transitional" and called for a "major change." For her, the government announced on Saturday evening was rather a reshuffled former government than a newly formed one. Macron nominated on September 5 Barnier, a former Brexit negotiator, as the new prime minister. Barnier has announced that he intended to address "the challenges, the anger, the suffering, and the sense of abandonment and injustice" that the country is currently experiencing. After forming a government, Barnier's urgent mission now remains to complete a draft budget for 2025 before October 1 and submit it for voting in the National Assembly. New York, Sep 22 : Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced a $120 million 'Global AI Opportunity Fund' at the UN Summit of the Future in the US. Pichai said that the initiative will invest "one hundred and twenty million dollars to make AI education and training available in communities around the world. We're providing this in local languages, in partnership with nonprofits and NGOs". Leaders from around the world have gathered for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York including the first ever "Summit of the Future". Speaking at he event, Pichai said that "growing up in Chennai, India, with my family, the arrival of each new technology improved our lives in meaningful ways." "The technology that changed my life the most was the computer. I didn't have much access to one growing up. When I came to graduate school in the US, there were labs full of machines I could use anytime I wanted it was mind blowing. Access to computing inspired me to pursue a career where I could bring technology to more people," he mentioned. Today, 15 of Google products serve more than half a billion people and businesses each. And six of them such as Search, Maps and Drive each serve more than 2 billion. Pichai said that the company has been investing in AI research, tools, and infrastructure for two decades. "Using AI, in just the last year, we have added 110 new languages to Google Translate, spoken by half a billion people around the world. That brings our total to 246 languages, and we're working toward 1,000 of the world's most spoken languages," informed the Google CEO. Some studies show that AI could boost global labor productivity by 1.4 percentage points, and increase global GDP by 7 per cent, within the next decade. For example, AI is helping improve operations and logistics in emerging markets, where connectivity, infrastructure and traffic congestion are big challenges. Pichai said that AI must be developed, deployed, and used responsibly, from the start. "We're guided by our AI Principles, which we published back in 2018. And we work with others across the industry, academia, the UN, and governments in efforts like the Frontier Model Forum, the OECD, and the G7 Hiroshima Process," he said. New Delhi, Sep 22 : The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has joined hands with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) of Brazil to improve food safety through joint projects and technical collaboration, the government said on Sunday. Signed on the sidelines of 'Global Food Regulators Summit, 2024' in the national capital, the MoU heralds a new phase of cooperation between the two countries. G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, said that this move "demonstrates our dedication to food safety and signifies a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to enhance international collaboration in food safety". "We are eager to work with MAPA to achieve our common goals and enhance food safety in both countries," Rao added. The representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil said that this marks a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of food safety, allowing for technical cooperation and exchange of experience and knowledge with the aim of strengthening the institutional collaboration and pursuing joint initiatives. Meanwhile, the FSSAI, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. also conducted a bilateral meeting with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) at the summit. The meeting focused on implementation protocol of the agreement signed between India and BFDA in March during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The pact underscores a mutual commitment to enhance food safety, aligning regulatory frameworks, simplifying the food import procedure and fostering technical collaboration. The agreement further seeks to enhance technical cooperation between FSSAI and BFDA, establishing a functional mechanism to facilitate and develop trade between the two countries. Rao said that by working closely with the BFDA, "we are building a robust and effective food safety framework that will serve the interests of both the nations." Gyem Bidha, Director, BFDA, said this bilateral meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the implementation challenges while exporting to India and on the areas of technical cooperation and capacity building to effectively implement the agreement at the grassroot level. New Delhi, Sep 22 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday reiterated the party's commitment to its "progressive development agenda" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights. "The Indian National Congress pledges to safeguard the Constitutional Rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Kharge wrote in a post on X, adding, "Our progressive development agenda is for everyone." He further highlighted that the party's 'Seven Guarantees' for the region focus on social justice and economic empowerment, which will lead to a brighter future. The Congress recently released its manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections under the campaign hashtag '#HaathBadlegaHalaat'. Key promises include the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory, which was stripped in 2019. Additionally, the manifesto promises to reinstate the Legislative Council and add constituencies to represent inadequately represented sections such as OBCs, minorities, ex-servicemen, and pensioners. The party also pledged to uphold its commitment to defeating divisive forces, which, it claims, have undermined India's millennial heritage and composite nationhood. "The Congress party has no difficulty in cooperating with like-minded parties towards this goal," the manifesto stated. Among the prominent pledges is the Mahila Samman Scheme, offering Rs 3,000 monthly to women heads of households from the Economically Weaker Sections. Additionally, an unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 per month for qualified youth for one year is promised. The Congress also vowed to fill 1 lakh vacant government posts and provide a job calendar within the first 30 days of coming to power. The manifesto further promises to hold Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments and provide Rs 25 lakh in health insurance coverage, including treatment, diagnostics, and medicines. -- IANS sd/uk Amaravati, Sep 22 : Bharatiya Janata Party's youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) on Sunday staged a protest at the residence of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, demanding his apology over alleged use of animal fat in making of Tirupati laddus during YSR Congress Party rule. Tension prevailed at Jagan Mohan Reddy's residence at Tadepalli here as the protestors squatted outside the gate, raising slogans. The protesters were carrying banners, demanding Jagan Mohan Reddy to apologise to Hindus for the use of adulterated ghee in preparation for Laddu prasad at Tirumala temple. They alleged that the YRS Congress Party (YSRCP) president has hurt the sentiments of Hindus. "YS Jagan, your action hurt Hindu sentiments; apologise now," read a banner. BJYM leaders alleged that during the YSRCP rule, adulterated ghee was used not only in Tirumala but all the temples across the state. Police detained the protestors and whisked them away after lifting them to the waiting vehicles. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had last week claimed that ghee mixed with animal fat was used for making Tirupati laddus during the YSRCP rule. He accused YSRCP leaders of tarnishing the sanctity of the hill shrine. Later, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) also cited lab reports, which confirmed the presence of animal fat in the ghee. The TDP claimed that a test conducted at the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Gujarat, confirms the presence of foreign fat in the ghee. According to the report, beef tallow, lard (relating to pig fat), and fish oil were found in the ghee. The YSRCP rubbished the allegation by the Chief Minister and accused him of hurting the sentiments of devotees. Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Friday that he will write letters to the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India, seeking action against CM Naidu for twisting facts. He demanded action against CM Naidu for "tarnishing" the reputation of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple and "playing" with the sentiments of devotees. Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that CM Naidu's "baseless" allegation was part of his politics to divert public attention from the failures of his government during 100 days. Accusing Naidu of playing with the sentiments of crores of devotees, he said the TDP leader was "using even God for politics". Explaining the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam's fool-proof system to procure ghee and other ingredients, the YSRCP chief said there was no scope for using adulterated ghee for making laddus. New Delhi, Sep 22 : Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Centre and said that the RSS should keep a tab on the BJP. He was addressing 'Janta ki Adalat' at Jantar Mantar here, "I worked for ten years with honesty. People used to tell me I could have bought many bungalows being on this post for ten years, but all I have earned is your love and respect and my account is empty." The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief hit out at the Centre, saying, "I resigned because I did not come to do corruption or to earn money. I came to change the politics of the country..." "We were challenged to fight polls at the time of Anna movement.. and proved elections can be won on honesty," he said while slamming the previous Congress-led UPA government as 'ahankaari (arrogant)'. Claiming that he was affected by the allegations of corruption, Kejriwal said, "These leaders have thick skin, they are not affected by the allegations, I am affected, I am not a leader..." He said he would leave the CM's bungalow in a few days. "I don't even have a house...I have earned only love in ten years, the result of which is that I am getting calls from so many people asking me to take their house...After the Shradh period is over, at the beginning of Navratri, I will leave the house and come and stay at the house of one of you..." He also slammed the BJP for using the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) toughest laws against him and his party members but praised the Supreme Court for granting bail, exposing the alleged "fake" case. He stated, "PM Modi used ED's strongest law, but the Supreme Court has given bail to everyone because the case was fake." The former Delhi CM also posed a series of direct questions to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, raising concerns about the BJP's current practices under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Kejriwal challenged the RSS, saying that it often "claims to be nationalist and patriotic", and should reflect on the state of democracy in the country. Kejriwal questioned whether the methods being employed by Prime Minister Modi -- offering inducements or using the fear of ED (Enforcement Directorate) and CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to break opposition parties and topple governments -- were in the best interest of the nation. He asked RSS chief Bhagwat, "Do you not agree that this is harmful to Indian democracy?" Further Kejriwal pointed out that PM Modi has welcomed some of the most corrupt leaders into the BJP, leaders whom both he and Home Minister Amit Shah had previously labelled corrupt. "Did you ever imagine this kind of BJP? Do you agree with this kind of politics?" he asked Bhagwat. Kejriwal noted that the BJP was born from the RSS and that it is often said to be the RSS' responsibility to ensure BJP remains on the right path. He questioned whether Bhagwat agreed with the current direction of the BJP and asked, "Have you ever told Modi Ji not to engage in such actions?" During the election period, BJP President J.P. Nadda remarked that the BJP no longer needs the RSS. Addressing this, Kejriwal remarked, "The RSS is mother to BJP to a child", and asked, "Has the child grown so big that it's now showing eyes to its mother? When Nadda Ji said this, did it not hurt you? Shouldn't every RSS worker be saddened by this?" Kejriwal further highlighted the rule created by the BJP and RSS, which mandated retirement for any leader over the age of 75. This rule led to the retirement of senior leaders like L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. Now, according to Kejriwal, Amit Shah has indicated that this rule will not apply to PM Modi. "Do you agree that the rule which applied to Advani Ji should not apply to Modi Ji?" Kejriwal asked. In a passionate defence of Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal hailed him as a reformer who transformed Delhi's education system, providing quality education even to the sons of rickshaw pullers. Mentioning Sisodia's two-year imprisonment, Kejriwal argued, "That was not Manish Sisodia's loss; it was the country's loss. If not for this fake conspiracy, he would have built many more schools in the national capital." Kejriwal reflected on the symbolism of the Aam Aadmi Party's broom, stating that it represents not just an election symbol, but faith in honesty. "People, before pressing this button in elections, think they are voting for honesty." Hyderabad, Sep 22 : Resuming its drive against illegal structures, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) carried out demolitions in Greater Hyderabad on Sunday. After a brief pause in its action against encroachments on water bodies, the newly created body demolished 16 sheds in Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally amid tight security by police. The authorities demolished unauthorised structures, except the residential buildings. The structures were allegedly built in the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of Nalla Cheruvu Lake. According to officials, the lake has a total area of 27.14 acres. Of this, seven acres of FTL and a buffer zone were encroached upon. More than 50 structures including apartment buildings were constructed in four acres of buffer zone. Another 25 buildings and 16 sheds were constructed in FTL. HYDRAA also pulled down illegal structures including apartment buildings and villas constructed in Kishtareddypet under Ameenpur municipality in Sangareddy district. HYDRAA, which identified around 16 illegal structures, launched demolition in coordination with revenue and municipal departments. Most of these structures reportedly belonged to a local leader of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Police had made tight security arrangements for the demolitions to prevent any untoward incident. A hospital building and a three-storeyed building were among the structures demolished by the authorities by deploying huge cranes. Affected residents alleged that the demolition was carried out without giving them notices. Some of them were seen crying over losing their houses. A young man told media persons that the demolition had shattered their life as they spent lakhs of rupees to build the house. His wife is seven months pregnant. The residents appealed to the government to give some time. They claimed that they raised loans to buy property and the demolition action has rendered them homeless. HYDRAA has been carrying out demolitions at various places in Greater Hyderabad to reclaim the encroached land of lakes, ponds, reservoirs and other water bodies. The State Cabinet at its meeting on Friday decided to give full freedom to HYDRAA in discharging its duties, especially clearing encroachments on FTL and buffer zones of water bodies spread across the Greater Hyderabad limits. The HYDRAA jurisdiction covers 27 urban local bodies and 51 Gram Panchayats that have been merged into different municipal bodies till Outer Ring Road (ORR). Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 22 : Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will inaugurate a clinic in memory of Dr Vandana Das, who was stabbed to death while on duty on May 10, 2023. The Governor will inaugurate the clinic on October 10 The clinic is being set up by the parents of Vandana Das at Thrikkunnapuzha in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The building spans 2000 square feet and has the potential to be developed into a hospital in future. The clinic will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Union Minister Suresh Gopi will inaugurate a medical camp at the facility on October 11. Father of Vandana, Mohandas told media persons that his daughter had come here to spend her vacation at the family home near the National Waterway in Thrikkanapuzha. He said that she had a strong desire to treat the poor at both Thrikkanapuzha and Attapadi after completion of her MBBS. Speaking to media persons Mohandas said that the family was setting up the clinic to treat poor people for free as a memory to Vandana. It may be recalled that Vandana Das who was doing her internship training after completing her MBBS course was brutally killed by a person later identified as 42 year old Sandeep on May 10, 2023, in Kottarkara taluk hospital Sandeep, who was a suspect in a criminal case, was brought by police at around 4.30 a.m. at the hospital where Vandana Das was on duty. Police had brought Sandeep who had an injury in his leg and was under the influence of alcohol. The assailant, who was an upper primary teacher, had himself dialled the police and said that he was feeling threatened with his life by someone. On reaching the hospital, Sandeep attacked policemen on duty and another person. After Sandeep turned violent, everyone ran out of the clinic except for Vandana who was inside. The criminal took a pair of scissors from the dressing room and stabbed Vandana multiple times. Onlookers said that Sandeep continued to stab Vandana even after she fell motionless. An autopsy conducted at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College revealed that she was stabbed 10 times in her back and neck. The drastic incident sparked outrage across the state and doctors accused the hospitals and government of poor working conditions for the interns and doctors. New Delhi, Sep 22 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of a 26-year-old woman working at audit firm Ernst and Young (EY) in Pune allegedly due to excessive workload. The Commission said that the contents of the media reports, if true, raise serious issues regarding challenges faced by young citizens at work, suffering from mental stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep, adversely affecting their physical and mental health while chasing impractical targets and timelines resulting in grave violations of their human rights. "It is the prime duty of every employer to provide a safe, secure and positive environment to its employees. They must ensure that everyone working with them is treated with dignity and fairness," the NHRC said. It issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, calling for a detailed report within four weeks and sought to know the steps being taken and proposed to be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur. The Union Labour Ministry on Thursday ordered a probe after the deceased woman's mother blamed the company for overwork. In a heart-wrenching letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, deceased Anna Sebastian Perayil's mother claimed that her daughter, 26, passed away on July 21 after being burdened with a "backbreaking workload" and "work stress". Anna worked for four months at the accounting firm. Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said in a post on X that the Labour Ministry has officially taken up the complaint to ensure justice. Anna's mother 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". 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. Chennai, Sep 22 : Three persons were killed after the two-wheeler they were travelling in was hit by an unknown vehicle in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvannamalai in the early hours of Sunday, officials said. Chennai, Sep 22 (IANS) Three persons were killed after the two-wheeler they were travelling in was hit by an unknown vehicle in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvannamalai in the early hours of Sunday, officials said. The incident occurred on Arani-Arcot Bypass Road at the Sevoor village near Arani town. The deceased have been identified as M. Saranraj (21), R. Manikandan (22) and R. Rajesh (19). Saranraj and Rajesh belong to Mullipattu village while Manikandan was a resident of the neighbouring Ariyapadi village near Arani town. The police said that Manikandan, who was unemployed, and Saranraj, who worked in a private finance firm in Arani, were classmates during their college days in Vellore. Rajesh worked in a private jewellery showroom in Chennai and had visited his village for the weekend. The trio decided to meet near Arani town. As they were returning home, an unknown vehicle hit the trio, who were travelling in the same two-wheeler. Due to the impact, they were thrown out from the two-wheeler and died on the spot. A few motorists noticed the trio and alerted the Arani Taluk police, who rushed to the spot and shifted the bodies to Government Taluk Hospital in Arani town for post-mortem. The Arani police told IANS that they were analysing CCTV footage on the route to identify the vehicle that was involved in the accident. The police also said that they have began the investigation and are checking all the CCTV cameras available in nearby shops and other establishments. Energy giant Equinor said it will not export blue hydrogen from Norway to Germany due to economics and a lack of demand. Equinor on September 20 said it would discontinue a project that would have supplied German gas-fired power plants with blue hydrogen via the world's first offshore hydrogen pipeline. Blue hydrogen is a fuel made with natural gas through a process that captures and stores carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as a byproduct. "The hydrogen pipeline hasn't proved to be viable. That also implies that hydrogen production plans are also put aside," Equinor spokesperson Magnus Frantzen Eidsvold told the Reuters news service. "We have decided to discontinue this early-phase project." Eidsvold did say Equinor will continue other hydrogen projects that are in their early stages, including strategies in the Netherlands and the UK. German energy company RWE in January 2023 signed a memorandum of understanding with Equinor to support the hydrogen supply, which would have provided feedstock for hydrogen-ready gas-fired facilities in Germany. Those power plants would help replace power generation as Germany phases out coal-fired power. RWE has said the pipeline was not its project, but rather a strategy requiring support from both Norway and Germany. Eidsvold said plans to help build hydrogen-ready gas-fired power plants in Germany along with RWE will continue, but the hydrogen will not be imported from Norway. RWE has said hydrogen-ready gas power plants could be online as soon as 2030 if German officials support construction. 'Tens of Billion Euros' Equinor CEO Anders Opedal last year had said the cost to build the hydrogen supply chain from Norway could be as much as "tens of billion euros." Officials had said the pipeline cost by itself would be about 3 billion euros ($3.35 billion). Eidsvold said Equinor needs more long-term commitments from buyers across Europe to support hydrogen export projects. "We are not able to make this kind of investments when we don't have long-term agreements and the markets in place," Eidsvold told Reuters. A German economy ministry official on Saturday told Reuters there is now a plan to use Norwegian gas to produce blue hydrogen in the Netherlands, and send captured CO 2 back to Norway for storage. Darrell Proctor is senior editor for POWER (@POWERmagazine). Khartoum, Sep 22 : At least 11 people, including three children, were killed and 17 others injured in armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, the capital of western North Darfur State, the non-governmental Sudanese Doctors Network announced in a statement. It warned that the continued and escalating clashes in this densely populated city, which have been ongoing since May 10, would lead to a grave humanitarian disaster, Xinhua news agency reported. The doctor's organisation, on Saturday, called for an immediate cessation of indiscriminate shelling and the removal of the blockade on the city, which is home to over 1 million residents, most of whom are displaced persons from other states, according to the statement. It further urged international organisations to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, particularly medications and food, and to push for an end to the escalation of violence. Earlier on Saturday, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that the UN chief is "gravely alarmed" by reports of a full-scale assault on El Fasher by the RSF. The secretary-general called on the paramilitary forces to "act responsibly and immediately order a halt to the RSF attack," warning that any further escalation would "threaten to spread the conflict along intercommunal lines throughout Darfur," Dujarric said in a statement. Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a violent conflict between the SAF and the RSF, resulting in at least 16,650 deaths and the displacement of millions, according to UN estimates. Mumbai, Sep 22 : Actresses Bipasha Basu, and Neelam Kothari are celebrating National Daughter's Day. On Sunday, the actresses took to their Instagram, and shared posts featuring their daughters. Bipasha shared a heartwarming video of her daughter Devi talking to her mom in English and Bengali. In the video, Bipasha, who is not in the frame can be heard asking her daughter, "How are you? Are you doing good?" Devi responds to her mom with the same questions before Bipasha goes on to ask, "Tumi bhaalo acho (Are you doing good)?" She then says on her daughter's behalf, "Aami bhalo, Aami khoob bhalo may (I'm a very good girl)" so that Devi imitates her response. She then says, "Aami ekta mishti may (I am a sweet girl)". Bipasha wrote in the caption, "Daughters Day Everyday. Devi's Day Everyday". Bipasha, who tied the knot with actor Karan Singh Grover in 2016, was blessed with daughter Devi on November 12, 2022. Earlier, Bipasha had revealed that her daughter was born with two holes in her heart. She told Neha Dhupia during an Instagram Live, "Our journey has been very different from any normal mother-father, it has been a lot tougher than the smile that I have on my face right now. I would not wish this to happen to any mother". "For a new mother, when you get to know thatI got to know on the third day of my having a baby that our baby is born with two holes in her heart. I thought I'll not share this, but I'm sharing this because I feel that there are a lot of mothers who helped me in this journey, and it was very difficult to find those mothers", she added. Meanwhile, Neelam shared an array of pictures with her daughter, Ahana. She wrote in the caption, "Happy daughter's day! #blessed and most precious". The photos seem to be from their UK holiday as they feature the Big Ben, and showcase the mother-daughter donning woollens. Beirut, Sep 22 : Hezbollah targeted the Ramat David Airbase in northern Israel at dawn on Sunday with surface-to-surface missiles for the first time in response to Israeli attacks on areas in Lebanon. "The targeted Ramat David base is one of three main air bases in the Zionist entity that has strategic importance for the Lebanese and Syrian arenas," Hezbollah said in a statement as reported by Xinhua news agency. "This base is located on the Haifa/Tiberias axis, its area is no less than 10 km, and combat and spy planes take off from it, and an advanced missile and air defence system surrounds it," the statement added. Lebanese military sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes at dawn on Sunday on several towns and villages in the south and east of Lebanon, adding that "Israeli warplanes and drones are flying intensively in the skies of most Lebanese regions". The Israeli military said it struck around 290 targets on Saturday, including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels, and said it would continue to hit more targets. Israel closed schools and restricted gatherings in many northern areas and ordered hospitals there to transfer their operations to facilities with extra protection from rocket and missile fire. There were no government directives from Lebanon on Sunday morning. The conflict -- which sharply escalated over the past week -- has raged since Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel after Israel went to war with Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, triggered by the Hamas-led rampage in southern Israel on October 7. Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following communication device explosions across Lebanon earlier this week that killed 37 and injured 2,931, as well as an Israeli airstrike on Friday targeting a building in the Jamous area in the southern suburbs of Beirut that killed at least 31 and injured 66. These developments marked the latest escalation of the ongoing conflict on the Israel-Lebanon border that began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched 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. Tehran, Sep 22 : At least 30 people have died and 17 others injured in an explosion at a coal mine in the eastern Iranian province of South Khorasan, media reported on Sunday. The blast occurred at the mine belonging to the Madanjoo Company in Tabas County at about 9 p.m. local time on Saturday due to a rise in the amount of methane gas in one of the tunnels, Iranian media report quoted Mohammad-Ali Akhoundi, director general of the provincial crisis management headquarters, as saying in an address to reporters on Sunday morning. He said that at the time of the explosion, 69 miners were working at the scene. Iran's new reformist President Masud Pezeshkian, preparing to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, said he ordered all efforts be made to rescue those trapped and aid their families. He also said an investigation into the incident had begun. The accident was caused by a methane gas explosion in the B and C blocks of the mine., which is run by the Madanjoo company, state media later reported. "Seventy-six per cent of the country's coal is provided from this region and around eight to 10 big companies are working in the region, including the Madanjoo company," the governor of South Khorasan Province, Ali Akbar Rahimi, told state TV on September 22. Earlier, state TV broadcast footage of ambulances and helicopters arriving at the scene of the incident to transport the injured to hospitals. Iran's Red Crescent said search-and-rescue operations were under way in the mine. "Gas accumulation in the mine" has made the search operations difficult, local prosecutor Ali Nesaei was quoted by IRNA as saying. Earlier on Sunday, Akhoundi said 40 equipped teams were providing rescue services, putting the number of the rescuers at 100. Two ambulance buses and 13 ambulances were present. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, in a phone call with South Khorasan's Governor Javad Ghenaat, ordered him to mobilise all provincial facilities and resources to accelerate rescue and relief operations, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the official news agency IRNA. Elias Hazrati, head of the Iranian government's Information Council, said President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a special directive to handle the incident, ordering relevant ministers to take necessary measures. This is not the first disaster to strike Iran's mining industry. Last year, an explosion at a coal mine in the northern city of Damghan killed six people, also likely the result of methane, according to local media. In May 2021, two miners died in a collapse at the same site, local media reported at the time. A blast in 2017 killed 43 miners in Azad Shahr city in northern Iran, triggering a wave of anger directed at the authorities. Tehran, Sep 22 : Iran and Cuba have reaffirmed mutual support for addressing US hostile policies and sanctions, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Sunday. In a meeting on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of common interest, the Ministry said in a statement as reported by Xinhua news agency. According to the statement, Araghchi condemned the "unilateral and political" US move of putting Cuba on the list of the so-called "State Sponsors of Terrorism," which also includes Iran, North Korea, and Syria, and described it as being in continuation of Washington's "hostile" policies. He said Iran, one of the US sanctions' victims, completely understands the Cuban people's conditions and would support Cuba in the face of Washington's embargoes. The Cuban Foreign Minister also said his country would back Iran against the US "hostile" policies. Both Iran and Cuba are under US sanctions and have been promoting cooperation to counter the embargoes for years. Also in his remarks, Araghchi said that the crimes that Israel is committing in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon are acts of desperation caused by the regime's failure in its genocidal war on the besieged Gaza. He further renewed an invitation by Iran's former President Ebrahim Raisi for his Cuban counterpart to visit Iran and voiced Tehranas readiness to expand relations with Havana in all fields. Rodriguez welcomed the development of Iran-Cuba ties in the economic, academic and scientific areas, and the holding of a joint economic commission in the near future. The Iranian Foreign Minister also said that the support provided by the US and Western countries for the occupying regime is the main obstacle to a Gaza ceasefire. During his meeting with United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, Araghchi announced Iran's support for UN efforts in Syria and underlined the need for the withdrawal of foreign forces and the start of the reconstruction process as soon as possible. "Although the Zionist regime's crimes in Lebanon are being committed out of desperation, they will not go unanswered," he asserted. New Delhi, Sep 22 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his current three-day visit to the US to enhance India's connections with the US and other Indo-Pacific allies, various lesser-known incidents from his early visits to America in the 1990s continue to provide insights into his visionary leadership and character. One such occasion was in 1993, when Narendra Modi, then a rising BJP leader and dedicated RSS pracharak, participated in the Swami Vivekananda Centenary Celebration organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Washington, DC. The event marked 100 years since Swami Vivekananda's historic speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. Hasmukh Patel, an RSS pracharak who accompanied Narendra Modi on the trip, shared insights about the significance of the event. He recalled how the "young BJP leader" organised a youth conference and led a grand symbolic march during the celebration. "In 1993, through the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, there was an event in Washington, DC, to mark the centenary of Swami Vivekananda's speech, which he (Narendra Modi) delivered in Chicago in 1892. At that time, he was invited as a young politician by the US government, and he attended the event," Hasmukh Patel, who is an NRI based in the US said. "As a young pracharak and worker, he organsed a youth conference in a large hall, where there was also a grand march," he added. The event, attended by around 15,000 to 20,000 people, left a lasting impact, particularly due to Narendra Modi's ability to mobilise and inspire the youth, according to Patel. "His participation in this event is a testament to his commitment to the values of Swami Vivekananda and his dedication to the Indian diaspora abroad," he added. Narendra Modi's fascination with technology Narendra Modi's forward-thinking approach and belief in the power of technology were evident even during his earlier visits to the US in the 1990s. In 1997, during a stay at the home of Gokul Kunnath, an NRI businessman based in Atlanta, Narendra Modi's interest in technology was clearly showcased. Kunnath recalled a moment when he asked Modi if there was anything he wanted to buy from the US. Narendra Modi's request was simple yet revealing as he wanted to purchase a microcomputer. "When he was in the US back in 1997, I asked him if he would like to buy something. The only thing he wanted to buy was a microcomputer. He wanted to buy this microcomputer that could store about three to four thousand names, phone numbers, and addresses of people," Kunnath said. "Even then, he was thinking of using technology to advance his work in the BJP, again illustrating his unique personality. He always had a vision and a missionary zeal to pursue that vision to its legitimate end and serve the people of India," Kunnath recalled. Narendra Modi's focus on technology to improve efficiency and organisation within the BJP reflected his early understanding of how technological advancements could be leveraged for political work. This foresight continues to define his leadership, making him a trailblazer in integrating technology for governance and administration in India. Jaipur, Sep 22 : The 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards Show will be organised in Rajasthan capital city next year from March 7 to 9 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC). Jaipur Host City Agreement Signing Ceremony was organised at Albert Hall on Sunday. Tourism Commissioner Vijay Pal signed the MoU here in the presence of IIFA Vice President Suresh Iyer, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and other Tourism Department officials. The Deputy CM shared the information in a post on X. She wrote in Hindi translated as: "...Rajasthan, which is famous for its unique culture, rich history and wonderful hospitality, will showcase its culture and tourism even more strongly on the global stage through this event..." This event will be organised in Jaipur from March 7 to 9 March next year. The government is going to spend more than Rs 60 crore on this event. Officials said that tourism in Jaipur is expected to get a boost after this event. The tourism department is expecting a record number of tourists will visit Jaipur and other cities in Rajasthan next year. After this MoU, the government has intensified the preparations for organising this event. The officials of the tourism department and the representatives of the organising company have started preparing for the stay of various celebrities and also other activities. This time, on the initiative of the Rajasthan government, this event will be organised on a large scale. IIFA has so far been organised in the UK, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Netherlands, Dubai, Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, Canada, the US (Florida and New York) and Spain. It was organised in Mumbai in 2019. After this, it was held Yash Island in Dubai in 2022. Its 24th edition is being held on September 28 at the same place in Dubai, which is going to be hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. IIFA was first organised in London in 2000. It has taken Indian cinema around the world thereby bringing global audiences and fans closer to the most loved superstars of the industry. Gandhinagar, Sep 22 : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Sunday that the country's success is directly linked to an educated society while honouring over 100 students and retired employees of the state. "The success of a developed India is directly linked to an educated society," the Chief Minister said, encouraging bright students to take active roles in achieving this vision. "Work is our duty and those who diligently fulfil their duties find their tasks are accomplished effortlessly," said the Chief Minister while addressing a ceremony held at the Town Hall in Gandhinagar which the Ter Gol Guru Brahmin Samaj Seva Samiti organised. He further highlighted the significance of education in the 21st century, calling it the foundation of a developed India. The Chief Minister also expressed optimism about the newly appointed employees' potential to contribute to society through their dedication and hard work. He emphasised that education is essential for community progress, stating, "Only through education can a society become self-reliant." In addition to honouring the students who excelled in their 10th and 12th standards, the Chief Minister also acknowledged the traditional occupations of the Guru Brahmin Samaj, such as astrology and religious rituals. He urged integrating education into these practices to contribute to the growth of Gujarat and India's development on a broader scale. The Chief Minister also presented certificates to the community's retired employees who had served in the state government, newly appointed employees, and bright students. --IANS janvi/dan Srinagar, Sep 22 : A Pakistani intruder was arrested on Sunday on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar sector of J&K's Poonch district. Officials said that a Pakistani intruder was apprehended along the LoC in the Mendhar sector by army troops guarding the LoC in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Sunday. "The intruder was intercepted and taken into custody by the troops when he tried to sneak into this side from across the border in the early hours of Sunday morning. "The arrested intruder, about 35 years old, is being questioned by the army at a forward location to ascertain the motive behind his attempt to enter India," said officials. Earlier, BSF troops foiled an infiltration bid from across the international border in R.S. Pura of Jammu district. A large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered by the BSF. Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts of Jammu division and Srinagar and Ganderbal districts in the Valley go to vote on September 25. --IANS sq/dan Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 22 : The CPI-M State Secretariat, the highest decision-making body of the ruling party in Kerala, on Sunday rejected the allegations made by the Left-backed independent MLA, P. V. Anvar. Anvar, a Left-backed Independent MLA from Nilambur Assembly constituency, has been raising a volley of allegations against the Political secretary to the Chief Minister, P. Sasi and Kerala Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), M.R. Ajith Kumar. In a statement, the CPI-M State Secretariat said that the allegations made by Anvar were giving "political ammunition to the party's enemies". The CPI-M also urged Anvar to reconsider his statements. The CPI-M State Secretariat in the statement said, "Nilambur MLA PV Anvar serves as an Independent MLA under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and is also a member of the CPM Parliamentary Party. He has submitted certain complaints to the Chief Minister in writing and provided copies of the same to the party's State Secretariat. These complaints are being addressed by both the government and the party. Despite this, Anvar has continued to spread allegations against the government and the party through media." The Party Secretariat in the statement also said, "The party cannot agree with Anvar's stance. His actions are providing political enemies with tools to attack both the government and the party. We urge P.V. Anvar to correct his position and withdraw from this approach, which only serves to weaken the party." The statement by the CPI-M Secretariat follows the Chief Minister's public dismissal of Anvar's claims. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a press conference on Saturday had said that his Political Secretary, P. Sasi was "clean" and not as alleged by Anvar and added that Sasi was working as his political secretary after being appointed by the party. It reinforces the party's position and urges Anvar to align his actions with the broader interests of the CPM and the LDF, the Chief Minister added. The CPI(M)-backed independent MLA had even alleged that Ajith Kumar had the backing of Sasi and that the duo was supporting the gold smuggling racket which was denied by the Chief Minister and the CPI-M leadership. (Bloomberg) -- The family of billionaire Eduardo Saverin, who co-founded Facebook with Mark Zuckerberg, made a S$20 million ($15.5 million) donation to the Singapore American School, the institution announced. Most Read from Bloomberg The donation is the largest gift in the schools history, Superintendent Tom Boasberg wrote in a weekly email sent Friday, saying it would have a transformative effect on the institution, which serves pre-kindergarten through high school students. The Saverin family gift will support the creation of world-class play spaces, cutting edge STEM labs and other improvements at a new elementary school, currently under construction, Boasberg wrote. It will also aid a Chinese immersion program and other strategic priorities, he said. The announcement cited Saverins wife, Elaine Saverin, as saying she hoped the donation would aid thousands of current and future students at SAS. She said the gift is a significant and meaningful way for our family to demonstrate our commitment to the school. Born to a wealthy Brazilian family, 42-year-old Eduardo Saverin moved to Singapore in 2009 and renounced his US citizenship in 2011, ahead of Facebooks initial public offering. His wealth, still almost entirely linked to his holdings in the social media company now called Meta Platforms Inc., is estimated at about $30.5 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Founded in 1956, Singapore American School has an expansive campus for about 4,000 students in the city-states northern Woodlands neighborhood. The school charges current high school students about S$49,000 per year, not including transport, taxes and other costs. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Mumbai, Sep 22 : Bollywood multi-hyphenate Karan Johar, who last directed the theatrical movie 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', is celebrating equality on National Daughter's Day. However, more than Karan, his kids stole the show with their Daughter's Day wish on social media. On Sunday, KJo took to his Instagram, and shared a Reel celebrating the "Daughter's Day and Son's Day" with his kids, Yash and Roohi. In the video, Karan, who is off the frame, can be heard saying, "We are celebrating Daughter's Day and Son's Day" as a chocolate cake bearing the names Yash and Roohi is spread out in front of the twins. Roohi followed up Karan, as she said, "And I want you to be my daddy, everyday". KJo then pointed his phone camera towards his son Yash, who just said, "Ditto" to what his sister said earlier. KJo wrote in the caption, "Equality. Something I believe in very strongly and something that has been inculcated in me by my progressive and liberal mother. My father too was a proud feminist, he may not have been able to completely comprehend or articulate the phenomena of empowerment but his actions more than reiterated his core beliefs. Have at a tiny age tried to bring that value system as a parent". He further mentioned, "We all wear pink ! We all wear blue! We tie each other Rakhi on the auspicious Raksha Bandhan day and we celebrate sons and daughters on every day. We try, best any parent can do but baby steps can make full grown morality changes in our emotional ecosystem. Here's to compassion and to human empathy". KJo, a doting parent, welcomed Yash and Roohi via surrogacy ion 2016. Meanwhile, KJo was recently seen in the streaming comedy sketch show 'The Great Indian Kapil Show' with his protege Alia Bhatt for the promotions of their upcoming film 'Jigra'. New Delhi, Sep 22 : The government on Sunday said it has approved two more hydro pumped storage projects (PSPs) towards realising the country's renewable energy (RE) goals. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) green-lighted these PSPs in Maharashtra 1,500 MW Bhavali PSP being developed by JSW Energy and 1,000 MW Bhivpuri PSP being developed by Tata Power. The hydro PSPs will collectively provide a storage capacity of more than 15 GWh (gigawatt hours), according to Ministry of Power. "This large-scale energy storage is crucial for meeting the peak demand during non-solar hour in addition to inertia to the grid, leading to grid stability. It will help in faster renewable energy integration, and supporting the transition to a greener energy system," said the ministry. CEA targets to approve at least two PSPs each month during the current year, depending upon the completion of the DPRs by the developers. During FY25, CEA has targeted to concur 15 hydro PSPs of 25,500 MW capacity, out of this 4 PSPs of 5,100 MW capacity have already been concurred. The approval of these projects, spearheaded by private developers, underscores the growing role of the private sector in driving India's energy transition, said the government. In order to ensure ease of doing business, CEA has developed an online portal "Jalvi-store" which will bring more transparency in processing of the chapters at pre DPR stage of PSPs. "This marks a shift towards a collaborative energy ecosystem where public and private sectors converge to achieve national goals. This partnership will accelerate progress towards India's renewable energy targets," said CEA. Last week, the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the revised scheme of budgetary support for the cost of enabling infrastructure for Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) with a total outlay of Rs 12,461 crore. The modified scheme of the Ministry of Power for a cumulative generation capacity of about 31,350 MW would be implemented from FY2024-25 to FY2031-32. The share of renewable energy, including hydro, in the country's power generation is projected to rise to 35 per cent by FY30, up from 21 per cent in FY24. IANS na/ Mumbai, Sep 22 : As part of Sewa Pakhwada (service fortnight) to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 74th birthday, a Mega Multispecialty Health Camp was organised by the Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) along with various organisations of the Muslim community in Maharashtra on Sunday. The goal was to provide minority and underprivileged communities access to essential health services in line with the Modi government's goal of ensuring quality healthcare for every citizen. Besides men, women and children from various sections of the society, the Mega Multispecialty Health Camp was attended by religious leaders from the Muslim community and Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) who is also the Convener of IMF. As many as 200 renowned doctors from 16 medical specialities including Gynecology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, General Medicine, Diagnostic, Radiation Oncology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Internal medicine, Dermatology, Preventive Medicine, Homeopathic, Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine among others, 300 paramedical staff, helpers and volunteers conducted the health camp during which more than 3500 patients, mostly from slum areas of Mumbai, were provided free screening, treatment and consultations. The majority of the patients who availed free medical services including free medicines, health kits and free-of-charge medical tests, during the camp belonged to the poor and underprivileged sections of the society. More than 2000 sanitary pads were distributed and over 500 spectacles were also distributed to patients with vision impairments during the camp. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Cards were also created on the occasion to help people avail services at empanelled hospitals (public or private) anywhere in the country. Prosthetic arms and legs were also distributed and fitted to the patients in need during the camp. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring easy accessibility to affordable and quality healthcare for all sections of society, doctors present at the Health Camp appreciated PM Modi for ensuring easy access to quality and affordable healthcare for every Indian in the last 10 years. They also mentioned that PM Modi's mantra of 'Health for All' has ensured affordable quality medical services not just in metropolitan cities but also in remote rural pockets. People have been receiving quality medical services and medicines at almost every nook and cranny of the country today. The health experts said that PM Modi's 'One Earth, One Health' initiative has paved the way for India to venture beyond traditional boundaries and ensure rapid transformation of the country into a major global player in the healthcare sector. On the occasion, patients belonging to the Muslim community said that in the last 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all, especially for women, children, farmers and the elderly in minority and underprivileged communities. By extending coverage of Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest publicly funded healthcare program to nearly 60 Crore beneficiaries who get free health coverage of Rs 5 Lakh every year, PM Modi has made quality healthcare a fundamental right for underprivileged sections of society. People who received healthcare services at the camp stated that no Prime Minister before PM Modi had given healthcare the same level of priority in governance as PM Modi has. Women from the Muslim community mentioned that PM Modi is the first Prime Minister to prioritize menstrual hygiene and ensure affordable access to sanitary napkins for females. Health experts have stated that healthcare infrastructure has grown exponentially over the past 10 years under the leadership of PM Modi. They mentioned that India has become a hub for quality and affordable healthcare, with the number of AIIMS and medical colleges doubling and the number of MBBS and PG seats increasing by about 125 per cent. Speaking to reporters, Rajya Sabha MP and IMF Convener, Satnam Singh Sandhu said, "The healthcare system in India has seen massive transformation in the last 10 years under Narendra Modi-led government. For the first time in the country, health is being linked with development." "A widespread sentiment of "Healthy Nation, Wealthy Nation" has now been created in the country. Modi government's commitment to ensure quality and affordable healthcare services to everyone can very well be gauged from the fact that the health sector budget has increased by 175 per cent in the last 10 years, rising from Rs 33,278 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 90,958 crore in 2024-25," he added. "Sewa Pakhwada (service fortnight) is celebrated nationwide to honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 74th birthday. It aims to assist underprivileged citizens, particularly minorities and the poor. PM Modi's focus is on delivering services to the last mile. He has made unprecedented efforts for minority welfare over the past decade, ensuring their safety and development," said the Rajya Sabha MP. Sandhu emphasised that all communities in India are working together for the country's progress under PM Modi's leadership." Tehran, Sep 22 : The death toll from a blast at a coal mine in the eastern Iranian province of South Khorasan has risen to 51, media reports said. The number of those wounded in the explosion has reached 20, Tasnim quoted Mohammad-Ali Akhoundi, director general of the provincial crisis management headquarters, as saying. He added the blast, which occurred at the mine belonging to the Madanjoo Company in Tabas County at about 21:00 local time on Saturday, was due to a rise in the amount of methane gas in one of the tunnels, noting that the casualty count could rise, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The injured have been transferred to medical centres, according to Tasnim. The provincial authorities have declared three days of mourning in South Khorasan, according to the official news agency IRNA. Earlier on Sunday, Akhoundi said 40 equipped teams were providing rescue services, putting the number of the rescuers at 100. Two ambulance buses and 13 ambulances were present, Xinhua news agency reported quoting IRNA. In a phone call, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni ordered South Khorasan's Governor Javad Ghenaat to mobilise all provincial facilities and resources to accelerate rescue and relief operations, IRNA reported. Elias Hazrati, head of the Iranian government's Information Council, said President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a special directive to handle the incident, ordering relevant ministers to take necessary measures. Seoul, Sep 22 : Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said here on Sunday that the government could revisit its medical school admission quota plan for 2026 if the medical community offers a rational alternative. In an interview with KBS, Cho said, "For 2026, if the medical community presents a reasonable alternative, we can review the admissions numbers with a fresh perspective." "The government has proposed an increase of 2,000, but since the medical community has criticized this as unscientific and lacking evidence, we are asking what they believe would be a scientifically based and well-founded admission number," Cho added, reports Yonhap news agency. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration has vowed to increase the medical school admissions quota by 2,000 seats per year over the next five years or so to address a shortage of doctors and finalised in June a quota hike of some 1,500 students for next year. The Korean Medical Association has demanded the government cancel its plan to raise the medical school admissions quota for 2025 and 2026 and discuss the possible quota adjustment for 2027 or afterward. On difficulties of launching a proposed consultative body between the political and medical communities and the government, Cho stressed the government is willing to actively engage in discussions, regardless of the format of the consultative body, if the medical community participates. 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. Earlier this month, the doctors' lobby group demanded that the government cancel its plan to raise the medical school admissions quota for 2025 and 2026 and discuss the possible quota adjustment for 2027 or afterward. New Delhi, Sep 22 : Slamming AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal for "betraying" people of the national capital and then holding 'Janata ki Adalat', Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee President Devender Yadav on Sunday said now people will not get swayed away by the former chief minister's "drama" as he has been "exposed". While speaking to IANS, Yadav stated, "I would like to tell Kejriwal that the people of Delhi now know you very well. Mr Kejriwal, you betrayed the people of Delhi... You have been exposed." Yadav further said, "I want to say that people chose you as Chief Minister three times. You made promises, but did not keep them, constantly taking U-turns." "Before coming to power, Kejriwal used to say that he had evidence against then Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and her ministers, but had to tender a written apology to the Congress leader in the court," Yadav said. Yadav claimed, "Kejriwal and his ministers have served jail sentences in connection with corruption cases. I think people will not be moved by his drama now..." Mounting the attack on Kejriwal for corruption in connection with the excise police case, Yadav said: "As far as public consent is concerned, it was the court that stopped you from going to the office and signing any official files. You were forced to resign due to certain conditions set by the Supreme Court, not by the public. Somewhere, the Supreme Court has acknowledged that you are involved in these corruption charges, and that's why these restrictions were imposed," he added. Meanwhile, AAP organised the 'Janata Ki Adalat' programme in Jantar Mantar and hit out at the BJP, saying that his party leaders were "targetted". Arvind Kejriwal said, "It was on April 4, 2011, that the anti-corruption Anna movement began. We ran the government honestly, providing many services to the public. We provided free electricity (200 units), and free water, made bus rides free for women, and arranged free pilgrimage trips for the elderly. We built hospitals, mohalla clinics, and excellent schools." "For 10 years, we worked with honesty. This made Prime Minister Narendra Modi feel that to defeat us, he must attack our integrity. That's why he made allegations of corruption against us. Our ministers and leaders were selectively put in jail," he added. Hyderabad, Sep 22 : Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home, Bandi Sanjay, on Sunday hit back at AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi for his allegation that he is suffering from Islamophobia and asked "if he was not suffering from Hinduphobia". Talking to media persons in Karimnagar, he cited various instances to question if the Owaisi family was not suffering from Hinduphobia. The MoS also alleged that Owaisi has turned the old city into a stronghold of Rohingyas and terrorists. The BJP leader was reacting to Hyderabad MP's allegation that he was suffering from Islamophobia. While addressing a public meeting on Friday, Owaisi had slammed the Minister of State for his allegation that AK-47 rifle training is being provided in madrasas. Bandi Sanjay asked if it was not a fact that Uttar Pradesh Police arrested nine persons from a madrasa in Bijnor where arms training was being provided. The Union Minister also took to aXa to accuse Owaisi of suffering from Hinduphobia. "What is this, if not Hinduphobia? A teacher in Owaisi's own college was found leading Hizb ut-Tahrir. Tell me, what kind of phobia are we dealing with here? When Owaisi says, "Give us 15 minutes to wipe out Hindus," what deep-rooted phobia is he revealing?" he asked, referring to the remarks allegedly made by Asaduddin Owaisi's younger brother and MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi a few years ago. Bandi Sanjay also claimed that terrorists arrested anywhere in the country were found to be having links with the old city. "They say we need to take their permission to enter Old city. Owaisi has turned the old city into a Rohingya stronghold and terror elements. Whose permission did these elements take?" he asked. "We dream of developing the old city into a new city , but just because of Owaisi, it's been stuck in time. Even his own community has started to speak out the truth," the BJP leader said. "We proudly celebrate the Peer festival. You call yourselves secular, but where's the same energy for Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali or Durga Puja? He says it's apparently 'fun' to eat beef. What strange phobia drives that sense of fun hurting religious sentiments," he added. Bamako, Sep 22 : Malian transitional President Assimi Goita has said that the security issue remains the top concern of the Malian people. President Goita made the remarks in a message to the nation delivered Saturday evening on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of his country's independence, which falls on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported. "The terrorist attacks that occurred on Tuesday, September 17, remind us once again of the urgent need to remain vigilant and maintain exemplary operational readiness in all circumstances," said Goita. Tuesday's terrorist attacks targeted the gendarmerie schools in Faladie and "Base 101" of the Air Force at Bamako International Airport, located on the outskirts of the Malian capital of Bamako. Goita also took the opportunity to highlight the constant efforts of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) to secure the country in the face of the terrorist threat, and their professionalism in reclaiming strategic territories. "The armed and security forces have conducted stabilisation and reconstruction operations in the reclaimed regions," he added. This year's national holiday is being celebrated in a "context marked by the large-scale strategic operation to reclaim territory" carried out by the FAMa, aimed at "restoring the country's territorial integrity and permanently eliminating the terrorist threat," said Goita. The country's defence and security forces have conducted "stabilisation and reconstruction operations" in the reclaimed regions, allowing for the gradual return of public services, schools, and essential infrastructure. These "remarkable successes" are the result of the coordination of military operations and the redeployment of forces in five cities Ber, Tessalit, Anefis, Kidal, and Aguelhoc. To maintain pressure on armed terrorist groups, President Goita pledged to continue efforts to equip the Malian Army. He also announced the establishment of increased regional cooperation, particularly through the pooling of resources with the Alliance of Sahel States. "Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger embody the rebirth of an Africa that is freeing itself and forging its unity and development on new foundations." According to Goita, the celebration of the 64th anniversary of his country's independence "holds special significance" as Mali is engaged in "the reclaiming of its true sovereignty." He voiced his determination to "resolutely follow the path laid out 64 years ago" by the late President Modibo Keita, the first president of Mali, and his successors. In his message to the nation, according to initial analyses by observers, President Goita aimed to present "a clear vision of a Mali focused on a future where sovereignty, security, and development are the keywords." As the country continues its transition, the reforms underway to rebuild the state and foster sub-regional unity with Burkina Faso and Niger are also a Malian priority to reshape the contours of a new African, even Pan-African, leadership. Tehran, Sep 22 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that he would work towards ensuring global peace and security during his upcoming trip to New York to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He made the remarks at the airport before leaving for New York while elaborating on the objectives of his visit, according to a statement from his office, Xinhua news agency reported. Condemning Israel for committing "crimes," the president said, "What is worse is that certain countries that claim to be advocating human rights accept Israel's claims and repeat them." Highlighting the UN's role in promoting peace and resolving differences, the president said he would seek to "be the voice of the Iranian people" and express Tehran's "justice-seeking stances" before the world's peoples during the trip. The president stressed that he would also make efforts to "neutralise" bids by certain sides to stir up Iranophobia. Iran is "far safer and more free" than what has been presented by some parties to the world, he said. The Iranian president added he would try to hold consultations with other countries' leaders in New York on the issues of peace, security, economic cooperation, joint production and investment, as well as tourism. Pezeshkian is scheduled to deliver a speech at the UNGA's session on Tuesday, the first day of the high-level General Debate. Hisar, Sep 22 : Savitri Jindal, an independent candidate contesting from the Hisar Assembly seat in Haryana, released her "Sankalp Patra" on Sunday. In the Sankalp Patra, she expressed her commitment to the development of Hisar. Hisar, Sep 22 (IANS) Savitri Jindal, an independent candidate contesting from the Hisar Assembly seat in Haryana, released her "Sankalp Patra" on Sunday. In the Sankalp Patra, she expressed her commitment to the development of Hisar. On the social media platform X, Jindal wrote, "Today, I unveiled my manifesto for the development of Hisar with media colleagues. The dream that my father, OP Jindal, envisioned for Hisar will be realised over the next five years. We will first address the fundamental issues in Hisar, and then take the city to new heights of development." Savitri Jindal, a former minister and one of the richest women in India, emphasised that her father's vision must be fulfilled, starting with resolving the basic problems of Hisar before moving on to broader development initiatives. During the launch of the Sankalp Patra, she was accompanied by Madhusudan Agarwal, MD and Vice Chairman of Ajanta Pharma; Mahendra Arya, former president of the All India Transport Association; and Krishna Gorakhpuriya, Chairman of Darsel. Jindal expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended the event. In her Sankalp Patra, Savitri Jindal prioritised local development and basic amenities, stating that resolving fundamental issues would be her first task, followed by advancing Hisar's growth. It's noteworthy that Savitri Jindal has previously served as a minister in the Haryana government and was a sitting MLA for the Hisar seat. She faced defeat in the 2014 assembly elections. For the upcoming elections, the BJP has fielded Dr. Kamal Gupta, while the Congress has nominated Ramniwas Rada for the Hisar seat. Savitri Jindal, who has previously won five out of six elections, wields considerable influence thanks to her family's political legacy. Her decision to enter the race follows the denial of a BJP ticket to her, positioning her as a strong contender with a personal stake in reversing her 2014 defeat by Dr. Gupta. With a total of 21 candidates in the race, the main competition is primarily between Jindal, Rada, and Gupta. (Bloomberg) -- Oil refining margins are showing early signs of a comeback. Lithium doldrums linger despite output adjustments at Chinas biggest mine. And Africas worst flooding in decades is devastating agricultural commodities and exacerbating food shortages. Most Read from Bloomberg Here are four notable charts and a map to consider in global commodity markets as the week gets underway. Oil Weak refining margins have been blighting the oil market for several weeks, but there are signs that could finally be turning. Following a handful of cuts to processing rates in Europe as well as unplanned outages, Brent hydroskimming margins have recovered from a 10-month low. If margins sustain the recovery it could boost crude prices in the short-term, although traders continue to grapple with bumper capacity additions that have lifted supplies this year. Brent swung between gains and losses in Monday trading. Grains China warehouses are bulging with grain as an economic crisis takes hold, leaving the worlds farmers to grapple with prospects of a long-lasting slowdown for one of their largest customers. Beijing has asked traders to limit overseas purchases of corn, barley and sorghum an effort to ease oversupply exacerbated by a buying spree when merchants snapped up cheap overseas cargoes earlier this year. These eventually flowed to Chinese ports just as demand softened. Weather Floods across a swath of West and Central Africa have affected at least 4 million people and devastated crops in a region already short of food and plagued by insecurity. The deadly flooding has hit at least 14 nations that are among the least-prepared globally for climate-related disasters, with little money available to buffer infrastructure against bad weather. The area is suffering from destroyed farmland, drowned livestock and damaged crops including cocoa, corn, rice, millet and sorghum in whats viewed as the worst flooding in 30 years. Lithium A reported shutdown at one of Chinas largest lithium mines this month has done little to revive prices of the battery metal. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. better known as CATL said its adjusting output at Yichun mine in Jiangxi province. While the operation is one of the worlds biggest sources of lithium, other suppliers remain. Battery metals including lithium, cobalt and nickel have struggled as a flood of new production overwhelmed demand just as the pace of electric-vehicle adoption cooled. Story continues Electric Vehicles EV charging infrastructure is growing around the world, aided by billions of dollars in government incentives. Installations are expected to rise by at least 800,000 in the second half of this year, a third more than the numbers posted from January through June, according to BloombergNEF estimates. Trends suggest China may see more installations in the final three months of the year, while government grants in the US and new entrants such as the automakers joint venture Ionna could boost growth in North America beyond 2024 despite slowing EV sales. --With assistance from Doug Alexander and Martin Ritchie. (Adds Monday market move for Brent oil in third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Chennai, Sep 22 : In a tragic incident, three persons including a Class 7 student were electrocuted to death when they inadvertently stepped onto an illegal electric fence erected to prevent wild boars from entering into the farmlands. The incident occurred in Perumpattu village at the foothills of Yelagiri hills near Jolarpet town in Tamil Nadu's Tirupathur district on Sunday. Police said the deceased persons were identified as K. Singaram (45), an ayurveda practitioner, his son S. Lokesh (15) and S. Karipriyan (65) who is a farm help of Singaram. A country-made weapon, explosives, torch lights and nets were also recovered from the spot. Singaram and his son Lokesh belong to Mookkannoor village near Jolarpettai town whereas Karipriyan belongs to Perumapattu village in Yelagiri Hills. Police after a preliminary inquiry revealed that Singaram, his son Lokesh and Karipriyan ventured into reserve forests in the hills to hunt small wild animals like rabbits and spotted deer in the early hours on Sunday. They were returning from the reserve forest to the farmland in Perumapattu village when they accidentally stepped onto the illegal electrical fence. Police also found that the farmland where the incident occurred belongs to K. Murugan who has signed a lease agreement and given the farmland to another farmer S. Nidhi. Police said that Nidhi has been cultivating cereals in the three-acre plot for more than a year. It may be noted that as the village is located in the foothills of the reserve forest, the farmer has erected illegal electric fencing around the plot to prevent wild animals from destroying the crops. Karusalipettu Police reached the spot after they were alerted by the villageas headman and the bodies were sent to the Government Taluk Hospital in Tirupattur town for post-mortem. Police have registered a case and an investigation is underway. Islamabad, Sep 22 : Zakir Naik, the controversial religious figure who is wanted by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his involvement in unlawful activities and promoting religious hatred, will be visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Shehbaz Sharif government to deliver a series of public lectures in major cities, next month. As per the announcement made on his official social media page, Naik and his son Fariq Naik will be visiting Pakistan to hold public gatherings in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. He will start his trip from October 5 in Karachi and conclude it in Islamabad on October 20. Naik's public addresses in Pakistani cities will be held under the title 'The Purpose of Life a" Is it necessary to understand the Quran while reading?' with the Karachi event taking place at Bagh-e-Quaid, located opposite the mausoleum of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. With Naik being invited by the Pakistani government, it is expected that he will be welcomed by respective Chief Ministers in Karachi and Lahore and would also call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. The visit has already raised eyebrows in India as Naik is a wanted fugitive who has been living in Malaysia for many years. In 2017, Bangladesh authorities claimed that one of the attackers on a cafe in Dhaka was inspired by Zakir Naik. The incident had left 22 people dead. Later that year, India's NIA also accused Naik for indulging in unlawful activities and promoting religious hatred. Since then, Naik was forced to live in Malaysia, a country that has given him protection and allowed him to operate his organisation, including Dubai-based Peace TV and Mumbai-based non-profit Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). While he enjoys widespread support across Pakistan, there are many religious voices from different sects who do not agree with Naik and contradict his standing as a religious preacher. Naik's preferred destination after being asked to leave India was Pakistan. However, he decided to move to Malaysia and reasoned that if he would have moved to Pakistan, India would have labeled him as an ISI agent. "Shariah teaches us to accept a lesser harm to avoid a greater one. If I had moved to Pakistan, India would have labelled me as an ISI agent and shut down my institution," Naik said in a recent interview. The visit will once again give New Delhi another opportunity to establish its claims that Pakistan continues to welcome and facilitate entities and individuals, who are wanted in India. "Dr. Naik's visit will be a big event in Pakistan but it will further stretch the ties with India. India has already been claiming that Pakistan is a safe haven for people like Osama Bin Laden, Hafiz Saeed, Dawood Ibrahim and others who have an anti-India agenda. Now with Naik being welcomed in the country, it will further add to India's case and accusations against Pakistan," said political analyst Kamran Yousaf. Gurugram, Sep 22 : Gurugram Police have arrested eight criminals in two different cases with illegal drugs and liquor, police said on Sunday. The police arrested two accused along with Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is one kind of drug. The estimated value of the drug is around Rs 10 lakh in the market. According to the police, they received a complaint from Bhondsi police against an accused, Deepak Yadav, who is lodged in Bhondsi jail, his mother had visited the Bhondsi jail to supply him with clothes but while checking the jail staff recovered illegal drugs from her possession. The jail staff then handed her over to the Bhondsi police station. "The recovered illegal drug was sent to RFSL Bhondsi for checking, and later, it was found to be a drug. Based on a report, a case under relevant sections of the NDPS Act was registered against her at the Bhondsi police station," Sandeep Kumar, spokesperson of the Gurugram Police, said. Thereafter, police took Deepak Yadav on a production warrant on Saturday from jail and on his disclosure, police recovered a huge quantity of illegal drugs, estimated to cost Rs 10 lakh, from village Bakkarwal in Delhi and nabbed two accused, identified as Praveen and Dharmender, a resident of Bakkarwal village. "The duo accused work as work as physicians and give medicines to induce hunger. The recovered narcotics also induce hunger, the two accused also provide drugs," he said. In the second incident, the Gurugram Police arrested six persons from different locations of the city for allegedly selling and illegal possession of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and seized 30 boxes of wine and several bottles from them, an official said on Sunday. During the drive, the police found that the accused persons were allegedly selling liquor in the city. The police arrested them and seized liquor bottles. "Among those apprehended, Vikas, Bhupender, Shagun, Tarun, Ravi-ul-Islam and Deepak Kannojiya. The Gurugram Police continues its efforts to crack down on such activities, aiming to curb the illegal liquor trade in the region," Kumar said. The police said the accused sourced liquor bottles from the neighbouring districts and sold them here at higher prices. Police said the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced across Haryana due to upcoming Assembly elections. Several police teams across the state have been alerted to keep vigil on the illegal trade of liquor and drugs. Those arrested have been booked under relevant sections of the Excise Act at the different police stations of Gurugram. The accused will be produced before a court for further legal proceedings against them, police said. New Delhi, Sep 22 : Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal has reaffirmed the party's commitment to a "progressive agenda" for J&K where two phases of voting are yet to be conducted. The second phase is scheduled for September 25, followed by the third phase on October 1. The counting of votes will be carried out on October 8. Venugopal, who is also a Member of Parliament (Alappuzha, Lok Sabha), reiterated the party's pledge to restore full statehood for J&K. In a post on X, Venugopal wrote: "As Jammu & Kashmir votes to shape its own destiny after a decade, the Congress and its alliance are committed to keeping the people of the state at the centre of its policy making. We will carve out a path for J&K to attain full statehood, bring relief to the youth, farmers and poor suffering due to misgovernance, and bring an end to the rampant corruption taking place throughout the state. Ours is a progressive agenda that will transform J&K!" Venugopal also shared a video titled '7 Guarantees of Congress for a Prosperous Jammu and Kashmir'. The first and foremost promise is the restoration of statehood. The second commitment is to ensure the right to health for every family, which includes 25 lakh health insurance, affordable healthcare, mobile clinics at the tehsil level, and super-specialty hospitals in every district. Empowering women is also a key focus, with the party pledging 3,000 for every woman head of a household. Moreover, Congress also promised the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, constitutional rights for OBCs, a caste-based census, and the protection of land and job rights for the people of J&K. On September 17, Congress released its manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, vowing to work towards restoring statehood if they form the government in the Union Territory, along with a range of welfare initiatives. While the manifesto did not address the repealed Article 370, it emphasised prioritising the recruitment of local residents in government jobs, tenders, land allotment, and the region's resources. Chandigarh, Sep 22 : Trouble seems brewing for Congress in Haryana as its prominent Dalit face and Member of Parliament, Kumari Selja, has been "conspicuously absent" from the party's campaign for over a week. Chandigarh, Sep 22 (IANS) Trouble seems brewing for Congress in Haryana as its prominent Dalit face and Member of Parliament, Kumari Selja, has been "conspicuously absent" from the party's campaign for over a week. Her silence after nominations ended has caught the eye of the Opposition parties with BJP's outgoing Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday accusing the Congress of being "anti-Dalit" for hesitating to declare her as the chief ministerial face. "The Congress is anti-Dalit and does not respect Dalits. If any Dalit leader wants to move forward, the Congress crushes that leader. Kumari Selja is a big leaderif she wants to become the Chief Minister, what crime did she commit?" Saini told the media. His assertion comes a day after Saini's predecessor Manohar Lal Khattar, now a Union minister, invited her to join the BJP. "Our Dalit sister is sitting at home. A large section of people are today thinking about what they should do. Many people were upset with them and we brought them into the party fold. We are ready with an offer and if she comes, we are ready to induct her," Khattar was quoted as saying. Congress sources told IANS that upset over the denial of tickets to leaders owing allegiance to her camp, Kumari Sejla preferred to stay away from the electioneering. There is no official statement either by the Congress central leadership or senior-most leader and two-time Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda, who is in the race for the post of the Chief Minister, about the reason for Kumari Selja's absence just ahead of polling on October 5 despite being active on the ground before the candidature on all seats were cleared. In the just concluded Lok Sabha polls, Kumari Selja defeated BJP's Ashok Tanwar by 2,68,497 votes from the Sirsa (reserve) seat. Congress rebel Tanwar was the Haryana Congress president. Former Home Minister and BJP leader Anil Vij, who is in the fray from his stronghold Ambala Cantonment, said: "There is no respect for women in the Congress, and there is no respect for Dalits also. If someone can use casteist words about such a prominent leader (Kumari Selja), then what must the situation in Congress be? Everyone should be aware of this." Responding to a media query, Vij, the six-time legislator who last week demanded that he be made the Chief Minister of Haryana if his party wins the elections, said, "If Manohar Lal-ji is saying something about the possibility of Kumari Selja joining the BJP, then there must be something in this regard." All political parties are aiming to woo the Dalits, who constitute nearly 21 per cent of the state's population, with both prominent parties, the BJP and the Congress, having Dalits as state party chiefs. Out of 90 Assembly seats, 17 are reserved for the Dalits. Even the BJP is eyeing a hat-trick of wins in the state under the leadership of Nayab Singh Saini, a non-Jat but Other Backward Classes (OBC) leader. The 2019 election was fought under the leadership of Manohar Lal Khattar, who was at the helm for nearly nine-and-a-half years till March 2024, paving the way for the next Chief Minister. Azad Samaj Party leader and parliamentarian Chandra Shekhar Azad has too condemned the abusive comment made on Kumari Selja and called upon the people to be cautious of the Congress. He said the party "which cannot give respect to a senior leader of our society, how will that Congress care for the common people of our society?" He said Kumari Selja has been strengthening the Congress for a long time but "today she is being forced to sit at home due to repeated insults". The Azad Samaj Party is contesting the elections in alliance with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP). Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will be reaching Haryana for the first time to hold public meetings in Ambala City and Gharaunda. It is learnt that All India Congress Committee general secretary Kumari Selja, who was mainly upset over the denial of the ticket to Ajay Chaudhary for the Narnaund constituency, will miss both election rallies of Kharge. "Narnaund will send Chaudhary to the Assembly. We made a small mistake in 2005, but don't repeat it as we have to make him win this time," Kumari Selja said last month at a public rally, virtually declaring him as the party candidate from the constituency well ahead of the start of the exercise to shortlist of prospective candidates. Former Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan, who is the Congress candidate from Panchkula, has been saying if the party returns to the helm, Kumari Selja will be the next Chief Minister. Haryana will go to the polls for the 90-member assembly on October 5 with the ballot count on October 8. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) Aizawl/Agartala, Sep 22 : The Central Young Chakma Association (CYCA), the largest community-based organisation of the Chakma tribal community of Mizoram has urged the interim Bangladesh government to withdraw the magisterial and policing powers granted to the Army to ensure the protection of the indigenous people and preventing further militarisation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region. CYCA President Jyoti Bikash Chakma said that they implore the interim Bangladesh government led by Muhammad Yunus to immediately withdraw the magisterial and policing powers granted to the Army officers in the CHT to ensure the protection of the Indigenous (Adivasi) people and prevent further militarisation of the region. He said that extending magisterial and policing powers to the Army officers in CHT risks severe misuse against the indigenous population given the mountainous region's troubling history of military excesses and oppression of indigenous people. There is a high risk of these powers being used to silence indigenous voices, suppress their rights, and facilitate further violence. Jyoti Bikash Chakma said that the atrocities against the indigenous communities, who are also religious minorities in Bangladesh, come at a time when the country is under the interim government of Yunus, who, he said is widely recognised for his contributions to peace and social development. "The communal attacks on the Chakma and other tribals have come to light days after Bangladesh granted magistracy powers to the army for two months, ostensibly to improve law and order and curb subversive acts." "These powers allow Army officers to act as special executive magistrates with the authority to arrest and, in self-defence and in extreme circumstances, to open fire," the tribal leader said. He said that unfortunately, this move has proved to be a nightmare for the indigenous people of the CHT, given the region's troubling history of military excesses, notoriety, and oppression of indigenous people. The indigenous people of the region are peace-loving, hospitable, and open-minded, and do not pose a threat that warrants such heavy-handed action. The granting of this special power to the Army has only made the minority indigenous communities more vulnerable to the military's notoriety, the CYCA leader stated. Thousands of tribals, mostly Buddhist Chakmas, on Saturday, organised massive demonstrations and rallies in Mizoram and Tripura to protest the continuous attack on minorities in neighbouring Bangladesh. Chakma community leader Amitav Chakma said in Agartala: "More than 79 people, mostly from the Chakma community, were killed by Muslims and their goons during the past few weeks. The Bangladesh government is yet to take any effective step to stop these acts of violence against innocent people." Chakma leaders on Friday urged the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) not to hold any dialogue or meeting with the Chief Adviser of the interim Bangladesh government at the ongoing session of the UN General Assembly. The Chakma leaders, in a memorandum submitted to PM Modi, also sought downgrading of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh until the lives and properties of the hill tribes and religious minorities are protected. The Chakma leaders in their memorandum claimed that since September 19, at least nine innocent tribals were shot dead while dozens were injured at Khagrachari in "organised attacks" by the Bangladesh Army and the illegal settlers. Besides, over 100 houses and shops have been burnt at Dighinala Sadar. The Buddhist Chakmas mainly live in the CHT of southeast Bangladesh, the Chin and Arakan provinces of Myanmar and several states of India's northeastern region. Meanwhile, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma on Sunday said that his party would hold a rally in Agartala on September 26 to protest the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. TMP's youth wing after a protest rally submitted a memorandum on Saturday to the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala, demanding the safety of minorities in the CHT. Debbarma said that after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh on August 5, attacks on minorities were unleashed in several districts of that country. The TMP chief urged the Indian government to raise the issue of attacks and atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh at the United Nations. Gwalior, Sep 22 : Responding to the controversy surrounding adulteration in the prasadam from the Tirupati Balaji temple, Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Sunday said, "Action should definitely be taken". He assertively said that those responsible for this issue must face consequences. The adulteration in prasadam has sparked public outrage, with saints and religious leaders continuously protesting and demanding a thorough investigation. They insist that strict action should be taken against anyone found guilty. Devotees visiting the Tirupati Balaji temple on Sunday expressed their concerns, noting that they learnt about the issue regarding the laddu prasadam through media reports. They hope the matter will be resolved quickly, wishing for the blessings of Balaji to remain with everyone. One devotee remarked that if the allegations of adulteration are true, it is very disappointing and undermines the faith of millions of visitors. In response to the laddu controversy, the Ujjain Mahakal Temple shared how their prasadam is prepared, stating that only "chana daal" are used for the laddu offering, and they do not use market-bought gram flour. The prasadam is made with semolina, cashews, raisins, and powdered sugar, using pure ghee authorised by the Madhya Pradesh government. On Saturday, Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya gave an angry reaction to the whole episode, saying it is shameful if people tamper with Sanatan Dharma. He expressed his own unease, stating he had consumed prasadam from Tirupati and is now uncertain about its quality. He believes those responsible for this incident should be punished. Amid all the controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in prasadam served at the Tirumala temple in Andhra's Tirupati district, Karnataka Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced on Friday that all prasada offered at major temples in the state will be tested. However, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)'s charges of the presence of animal fats and fish oil in laddus prepared at the famous Tirupati temple. He stated that no violation happened under his government and that the entire controversy was unwarranted. Chennai, Sep 22 : Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said that after Narendra Modi assumed office, reports of fishermen being killed in Palk Bay -- a water body between the coasts of India and Sri Lanka -- have stopped. The Union Minister while interacting with media persons at Tirunelveli on Sunday said that whenever any incident of fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy comes out, the Ministry of External Affairs acts immediately and ensure that fishermen are brought back with immediate effect. Murugan said that when the UPA was in power, fishermen from Tamil Nadu were shot dead for poaching. He said that this was not the scene at present and added that fishermen shall be protected and that the Modi government was fully aware of the livelihood issues. He also said that fishermen were being encouraged to take up alternatives such as deep-sea fishing. Murugan further said that fishermen need to contribute only 10 per cent and that the rest comes in the way of subsidies and loans. Deep sea fishing not only helps fishers earn more revenue, but it is also safe and secure, the Union Minister said. He also said that the value addition of fishing produce is being taught to the fishermen. Murugan said that already, many fishermen in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari had opted for a change. The Minister said that the Palk Bay fishermen are being given gadgets, which would alert them and help avoid charges levelled by the Sri Lankan Navy that the fishermen had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Murugan said that the Union government has been taking proactive measures which would solve the problem in a permanent manner. He said the Tamil Nadu BJP unit has a target of enrolling 1 crore new members into the party fold before October 15, 2024. The Union Minister also said that in Tamil Nadu, the BJP has improved its poll percentage. Murugan mentioned that the occupants of the Scheduled Caste (SC) hostels have been undergoing terrible experiences and said that if the Minister concerned or the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had visited any SC hostel, their condition would not be pathetic. The Union Minister said, "First let the DMK government give some respect to the SCs and then attack the BJP of being anti-SC." Gurugram, Sep 22 : Congress leader Raj Babbar said on Sunday here that the BJP has been in power for the last 10 years in Haryana but in Gurugram they failed to address the civic issues of the district. The senior Congress leader was present in Gurugram to support the party's Badshahpur candidate, Vardhan Yadav, and Gurgaon constituency candidate, Mohit Grover. While addressing a public meeting, Babbar launched a scathing attack on the BJP and said that only making a few flyovers is not called development. The BJP failed to fix the state of civic infrastructure in the constituency, which, despite contributing a hefty sum to Haryana's coffers, has been given a short shrift. Babbar said that in the upcoming Assembly elections people want Congress to retain power and correct the wrongdoing of the current state government. The Congress leader added that despite generating a major chunk of revenue for Haryana, Gurugram does not have proper civic infrastructure and its condition is exposed glaringly during the monsoon. "People do not have basic amenities. The government has been receiving a big chunk of revenue from Gurugram, but how much does it give back," Babbar said. This was the first public meeting of the actor-turned-politician in Gurugram after he fought the election as a Congress candidate against senior BJP leader Rao Inderjit Singh. The Congress leader asked people to vote for all four Congress candidates of Gurgaon district constituencies and assured the public gathering that if they want better civic infrastructure, they should vote for the party for the betterment of the city. Babbar also said: "Gurugram is generating huge revenue for the state government but despite this, people are forced to clear garbage on their own. There is no fool-proof plan to deal with monsoon, no infrastructure, no accountability of the civic bodies." Targeting the BJP, he said that constructing the Sohna elevated highway cannot be termed development in the Badshahpur constituency. "It was the Centre's plan... The BJP government here failed to connect Nuh district to the railway network, they failed to start the Rapid Metro project here and even failed to develop better infrastructure during the past many years." Babbar added that the people of Gurugram and Haryana have decided to vote for the Congress in the Assembly elections and also bring in a Congress government under the leadership of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Press Release September 22, 2024 CHIZ: LONG-AWAITED MAGNA CARTA OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS UP FOR PBBM SIGNING After over a decade of waiting, the bill that will ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers is set to become a law. Senate President Chiz Escudero thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his support for Senate Bill No. 2221 and House Bill No. 7325 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which is scheduled for signing on Monday, September 23, 2024. "Mahigit kumulang kalahating milyon na Pilipinong manlalayag ang makikinabang sa batas na ito," Escudero said. "Sinisiguro ng batas na ito na walang mapapabayaan na manlalayag na Pilipino kapag may mangyari sa kanila habang ginagampanan nila ang kanilang mga tungkulin, legal man o medical." According to Escudero, Filipino seafarers are indispensable part of the operations of the international maritime industry, as they represent a quarter of all the officers and crew on board the world's ships. "They keep the world's fleet of ships afloat. It is only proper that they are accorded all the rights and protection under the law," he said. To protect them from abuses, the law spells out the rights of seafarers that include the right to just terms and conditions of work; right to self-organization and to collective bargaining; right to educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs; right to information; the right to information of a seafarer's family or next of kin; and the right against discrimination. It also provides them the right to safe passage and safe travel, consultation, free legal representation, immediate medical attention, access to communication, record of employment or certificate of employment, fair treatment in the event of a maritime accident. The law also enumerates the duties of a seafarer, such as complying with and observing the terms and conditions of the employment contract and being diligent in the performance of duties relating to the ship. "Tulad ng mga karaniwang empleyado ng isang kumpanya, nararapat din na malinaw at mahigpit na ipapatupad ang mga karapatan ng bawat isang manlalayag, kapitan man sila o deck hand. Kung tutuusin ay mas mabigat pa ang mga suliranin ng ating mga manlalayag at karaniwan ay nasa peligro ang kanilang mga buhay. Kaya napaka-importante ng batas na ito para masiguro na meron silang sapat na proteksyon," Escudero said. To prepare them for their life on the high seas, the law requires seafarers to secure a medical certificate issued by medical facilities accredited by the Department of Health after undergoing a pre-employment medical examination before they are allowed to start employment onboard a domestic or ocean-going ship. Exploitation at the hands of recruiters will also be addressed with the provision mandating that only duly licensed manning agencies shall be allowed to operate and engage in the recruitment and placement of seafarers, following existing laws, rules and regulations. A standard employment contract between the shipowner and the overseas seafarer is now required in writing and shall include information such as the duration of contract, maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest, benefits, compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness or death, and separation and retirement pay. Standard working conditions will also be observed such as normal working hours of eight hours a day with one rest day per week. Seafarers are also entitled to paid annual leaves. Ships are also required to have fair, effective and expeditious onboard and onshore grievance or complaint resolution mechanisms that are readily accessible. As necessary, repatriation of seafarers shall be borne by the shipowners or the manning agencies. In cases of epidemic or pandemic, the shipowner or manning agency shall be responsible for the expenses of medical care, board and lodging for periods spent by seafarers in self-isolation or quarantine. A popular way to help people with their finances is by gently prodding them to make better decisions. There are automatic payments on credit cards and auto-enrollment in 401(k) plans. Some companies even automatically up retirement plan contributions every year for their employees. These nudges appear to work at first, but a handful of recent studies show that some aren't nearly as effective as promised in the long term, while others lead to more harmful outcomes. The findings underscore the limits of changing people's financial situation one nudge at a time but also provide a window into how to make these policies work better in the long run, so people can achieve financial security. "Nudges are not a panacea," Jialan Wang, an associate professor of finance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, told Yahoo Finance. "But that doesn't mean that a smartly designed nudge can't help people on average." "They can be absolutely a very powerful tool in our tool kit." Financial "nudges" appear to work at first, but a handful of recent studies show that some aren't nearly as effective as promised in the long term. (Photo: Getty Creative) (d3sign via Getty Images) 'Potential negative effects' Wang came to this insight after more than a decade of research on how Americans pay down their credit cards. In a recent study of hers focused on credit card autopay, cardholders were given the opportunity to enroll in autopay for the minimum amount or full balance every month when they opened an account. Autopay more than doubled the share of cardholders making the minimum payment, Wang found, and reduced charge-offs, crucial to helping a person's credit score and avoiding late payment fees. Autopay for the minimum was also very sticky people stuck with that option for 10 months after the account opening rather than paying more. "It has a convenience feature and does prevent you from being late," she said. "But that leads to another stream of potential negative effects such as racking up more debt, paying higher interest costs, etc." Wang theorized that maybe if more autopay options were available, that could prevent people from getting stuck in the minimum payment loop. If only it were that easy. Just ask Benedict Guttman-Kenney, an assistant professor of finance at Rice University. Read more: The best ways to pay off credit card debt 'A disappointing finding' Guttman-Kenney and his colleagues designed a study in the UK that nudged cardholders to choose a different automatic payment option than the minimum. When cardholders were presented with autopay options, one subset could choose among three: the minimum, a fixed amount, or the entire balance. The other subset could only choose between the fixed amount and the full amount. Story continues At the outset, the results seemed promising. More people signed up for the automatic fixed amount payment if they were not offered a minimum payment option. But after seven months, it became clear that the fixed-amount crowd didn't fare much better. Their debt remained unchanged because they often chose a fixed amount that was so low just above the minimum payment that after months of spending on their card and adding to their balance, their fixed amount didn't even equal the minimum payment. "It was a disappointing finding overall," Guttman-Kenney said. Read more: What happens if I only pay the minimum payment on my credit card? Shifting money but not patterns Of course, not all financial nudges backfire. Some just turn out to be meh. Let's look at retirement savings. In 2006, Congress passed the Pension Protection Act that encouraged companies to automatically enroll workers into 401(k) plans, a heralded effort to boost participation and increase savings. The legislation followed research similar to that of James Choi, a professor of finance at the Yale School of Management. In 2002, he and his colleagues published one of the first papers showing that auto-enrollment had a big effect on 401(k) participation rates and contribution rates. This year, Choi and his co-authors revisited those findings. "The spirit of the scholar should be trying to be the toughest critic of your own work and really trying to see what are the limits of that result?" Choi said. Choi also wanted to examine the auto-escalation of contribution rates, which the recently passed Secure 2.0 Act requires employers to do starting next year. What Choi and his colleagues found was that again, after time passed the benefits of auto-enrollment and escalation eroded quite a bit, given that people often change jobs. When they do, many of them cash out some or all of their 401(k)s, commonly referred to as leakage. So why don't financial "nudges" work as intended? In some cases, nudges don't take into account people's actual circumstances, one expert says. (Photo: Getty Creative) (Yuliia Kokosha via Getty Images) Turnover also leads to less-than-impressive outcomes for auto-escalation because the hike in contribution rates usually occurs once a year. If a worker leaves after a year and a half, their contribution rate doesn't increase that much. Once they're at a new employer, their auto-contribution rate is likely set at a lower starting rate. "You're gonna start off back at square one," Choi said. "It is a big part of the story of why auto-escalation in the job environment that Americans live in [is] not having as big of an effect as we thought initially." And then there's the stickiness of auto-escalations overall. Previous research put the participation rate in auto-escalation at 85%, Choi said, but his research found that just 40% of workers who were defaulted into auto-escalation actually accepted the first escalation. Many opted out, followed by more as time went on. "A lot more people opt out of the auto-escalation default than had previously been understood," he said. "So that was a surprise." Another recent working paper from Taha Choukhmane, an assistant professor of Finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management, and his colleague found that with any additional income put toward retirement savings, people cut back their spending a good outcome. But they also reduced their net savings in the bank and shrunk their credit card payments not so good. And among folks with substantial savings in a bank account, an increase in retirement contributions didn't prompt them to reduce spending at all and didn't lead to a real increase in overall savings. "Any sort of nudges for savings may not have that big of an effect for high-income people," Choukhmane said, "because all they're going to do is shift money from one account to the other rather than really change their spending patterns." 'One piece of that puzzle' So why don't financial nudges work as intended? It's not like people want to stay in debt or not save for retirement. In some cases, nudges don't take into account people's actual circumstances. "If they haven't got the money, they haven't got the money," said Guttman-Kenney, who found that credit cardholders with limited money in the bank chose lower payments. "It's going to be hard to use these soft nudging approaches to get people to repay more." These nudges also often work in isolation. They don't take into account what's happening with other aspects of a person's finances. Again, take auto-enrollment and escalation. "The goal cannot be just retirement preparedness. It has to be retirement preparedness that also is financial resilience, having the money to pay for your car if it breaks down," Choukhmane said. "That's one of the things I think is interesting about these financial nudges because they are addressing probably one piece of that puzzle, but what is the effect on the rest of the puzzle pieces?" Finding a fiduciary financial adviser doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to 3 financial advisers that serve your area in 5 minutes. Going forward This doesn't mean we should throw out nudges with the bathwater. But we need to be smarter about designing financial nudges and stay diligent about testing them, especially over the long term. Otherwise, consumers will be faced with a bunch of ineffective nudges, leading to what Wang called "nudge overload." "They're just going to tune out everything." Policy is also expensive to implement, so any new nudges shouldn't be slapdash. The CARD Act of 2009 in the US mandated credit card issuers to show the effects of paying just the minimum on monthly billing statements to change payment behavior. But studies later showed it didn't, said Guttman-Kenney, who did a similar study on disclosures in the UK, which also wasn't successful. "In this case, we were able to work out that this didn't work," he said of his latest study. "So it didn't make sense for the regulator to make policy." "That was a good policy outcome at least." Janna Herron is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @JannaHerron. Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Hyderabad, Sep 22 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao on Sunday accused the Congress government in Telangana of betraying the employees of state-owned Singareni Collieries Company Limited over bonus. He told media persons that what the Congress government has announced for Singareni employees is not bonus but 'bogus'. Disputing the claim of the state government that it is paying 33 per cent bonus to Singareni workers, Rama Rao claimed that the government will be paying them only 16. 9 per cent bonus. Referring to the government's announcement that each employee will be paid Rs 1.9 lakh as bonus, the BRS leader said that this is just 16.9 per cent of the profit and not 33 per cent as claimed. He added that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka should clarify because 33 per cent bonus works out to Rs 3.7 lakh per employee. "If the government is serious on the issue of welfare of Singareni employees, it should pay what it is promising. It should pay Rs 3.7 lakh for every employee and not Rs 1.9 lakh," he said and alleged that every employee is suffering a loss of Rs 1.8 lakh. KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, said that 33 per cent of the total profit of Rs 4,701 crore during 2023-24 works out to Rs 1,551 crore but the Congress government is disbursing only Rs 796 crore as bonus. He claimed that the BRS government acted with sincerity over the issue of bonus to Singareni employees during the last 10 years. He said despite Covid-19, the BRS government delivered Rs 2,780 crore of profit share to the workers of Singareni while during the earlier 10 years of Congress rule the employees received Rs 365 crore as bonus. He asked the government to stop spreading lies that it is paying 33 per cent of profit as bonus. He said that in united Andhra Pradesh, Singareni workers did not get more than 10-15 per cent share in profit as bonus. He claimed that Singareni achieved tremendous progress during the 10 years of BRS rule. The company's performance was improved and this resulted in a huge jump in profits. During the BRS rule Singareni workers were paid 32 per cent profit as bonus. KTR said when BRS came to power, each worker was getting only Rs 17,000 as bonus but in the last year of its government, it paid Rs 1.7 lakh as bonus to every employee. He sarcastically asked if this was the gift from the Congress for Singareni employees for electing all its party candidates in the Singareni mines area during Assembly elections last year and Congress affiliated union in the trade union elections. KTR said that the BRS had cautioned Singareni workers and alleged that the Congress government had undermined all their rights. He added that the BRS had also warned Singareni employees that Congress and BJP together would privatise Singareni and claimed that the two parties together conducted the auction of Singareni mines. KTR said BJP's Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka were seen smiling while participating in the auction. New Delhi, Sep 22 : To further boost bilateral economic engagement, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit Australia from September 23-25 to interact with leading Australian and Indian CEOs and discuss investment avenues in India. Commerce Minister will visit the country at the invitation of Senator Don Farrell, Minister of Trade and Tourism of Australia, according to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Minister Goyal will co-chair with Minister Farrell the 19th India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission meeting, to be held in Adelaide on September 25, during which both sides will discuss ways to further elevate the bilateral economic engagement. Commerce Minister will interact with leading Australian and Indian CEOs and industry leaders and representatives from Australian pension funds to highlight the vast opportunities for investment in India. According to the ministry, the interactions with business and industry leaders are being organised by Business Council of Australia, Centre for Australia-India relations, India Australia Business Community Alliance, AsiaLink Business and CREDAI. The discussions are aimed at leveraging the complementary strengths and synergies between the economies of India and Australia. The minister will also interact with the representatives of the vibrant Indian community in Sydney, Indian-origin chartered accountants and emerging leaders of Indian diaspora from various walks of life. The visit, according to the ministry, will add further impetus to the strong and growing trade and investment ties between India and Australia, which have received a boost following finalisation of the bilateral Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. India-Australia bilateral trade (in goods and services) has crossed $48 billion, and it's expected to double to nearly $100 billion in the next five years The minister would also emphasise 'Make in India' and 'Future Made in Australia' initiatives, creating more jobs and economic benefits to people of both the countries. "The visit is particularly opportune as it comes at a time when India and Australia have intensified their engagement both bilaterally and in various fora, such as G20 and the Quad, to work together for global good," said the ministry. Chandigarh, Sep 22 : In the fourth Cabinet reshuffle, the major overhaul after the party's debacle in the parliamentary polls, in the 30-month-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab will likely have five new ministers while five others will be dropped on Monday. Chandigarh, Sep 22 (IANS) In the fourth Cabinet reshuffle, the major overhaul after the partyas debacle in the parliamentary polls, in the 30-month-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab will likely have five new ministers while five others will be dropped on Monday. They will be administered oath by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. The newly inducted ministers were called by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi on Sunday. Sources in AAP said portfolios of a few ministers could also be changed. The newly inducted ministers comprise Mohinder Bhagat, Ravjot Singh, Taranpreet Singh and Hardeep Singh Mundian, while those likely to be dropped include Chetan Singh Jouramajra, Balkar Singh, Brahm Shankar Jimpa and Anmol Gagan Maan. Arvind Kejriwal's AAP has won 92 seats in Punjab -- up from 20 in 2017 with its vote share rising to 42.4 per cent. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took oath as the 17th Chief Minister of Punjab at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district, on March 16, 2022. New Delhi, Sep 22 : The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has held a meeting with Google and social media platforms like Meta, X, Snapchat etc., to discuss issues related to protection of rights and safety of children, along with several other issues. In a statement, the NCPCR said that it has recently convened a meeting with Google and social media platforms -- YouTube, Meta (Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp), X, Snapchat, ShareChat, Reddit, and Bumble -- to deliberate upon a host of issues like mechanisms for age verification, safety tools used by the sites, among others. During the meeting, mechanisms for detecting and reporting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and methods for restriction and blocking of CSAM were also discussed. There were also discussions on support (by the social media platforms) towards the law enforcement agencies, tools adopted for identifying deep fakes and tracing predators, and measures for protecting the victims as well as their privacy. The statement mentioned that the talks also focussed on parameters for reporting (matters of concern) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and measures to protect children from explicit content on social media. The statement further mentioned that during the meeting, a consensus was reached between the social media platforms and NCPCR on several key points. "For the safety and security of children on platforms, the social media platforms must follow robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and Section 9 of Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which is an Act passed by Parliament, and we all have to maintain its sanctity," it read. Deliberations were also held on the mandatory reporting of CSAM. "Pursuant to the provisions of Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, online platforms must be legally obligated to report instances of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) directly to local law enforcement authorities," the statement read. Besides, it was also stressed that social media platforms should be permitted to enter contracts with minors only upon obtaining explicit consent from their parents or legal guardians, and the platforms must display disclaimers in English, Hindi and local/regional languages before showing any adult content. "These disclaimers should warn parents that they may be held liable if a child views adult content under the aforementioned legal provisions," the statement noted. "Furthermore, social media platforms are requested to provide data on the total number of cases submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for the period of January 2024 to June 2024. This data should include categories of image or video hashes (unique digital fingerprints), content details (e.g., child pornography, child exploitation), time-stamped logs, metadata, and any other relevant information shared. It is requested to ensure the implementation of the above recommendations and to submit an Action Taken Report to the Commission within 7 days of the issue of this letter," the NCPCR statement read. Srinagar, Sep 22 : Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit J&K on Monday and address two election rallies ahead of the second phase of the Assembly polls. Rahul Gandhi will address two campaign rallies, one in the Jammu division and the other in the Valley. Sources said the LoP will first arrive in Srinagar on Monday morning in a special chartered flight and then will take a helicopter to fly to Surankote from Srinagar. They added that he will address a Congress campaign rally in the Surankote constituency of Rajouri district at 12.30 pm on Monday. Then he will fly back in the helicopter to Srinagar. "He will address a party campaign rally in the central Shalteng constituency of Srinagar district in the afternoon. JKPCC chief, Tariq Hamid Karra is fighting the election from this Assembly constituency. He will then leave for New Delhi in the special chartered flight in the evening," Congress sources told IANS. National Conference (NC) and Congress have entered into a pre-poll alliance in J&K. As per the terms of the agreement between the two parties, NC will contest 52 seats while Congress will contest 31 seats. The two parties have left two seats uncontested, one in the Valley for CPI-M and the other in the Jammu division for the Panthers Party. The NC-Congress pre-poll alliance could not reach a consensus on five seats of Banihal, Nagrota, Kishtwar and Doda in Jammu division and Sopore in the Valley. The two parties have fielded candidates in these constituencies who will engage in a friendly contest at these five constituencies. Voting for the second phase of the J&K assembly election will take place on September 25 and for the third Ab's last phase on October 1. Counting will take place on October 8. --IANS sq/dan Mumbai, Sep 22 : Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who recently hosted the third season of reality streaming show 'Bigg Boss OTT', has always been far-sighted. Recently, an old clip of the actor talking about the evolution of a hero or a heroine in cinema, has resurfaced on social media. Looking at the picture quality, the noise and grains in the frame and the decor, the video seems to be from the mid 1990s. In the video, the actor said, "Today, you can become a heroine. You don't have to sing songs to be a heroine. Who is a hero? Anyone can be a hero today. Anybody in Kargil can be a hero or his wife, who is a housewife can be a heroine. Anybody, who is reasonably good looking, can be a heroine." He further mentioned, "It depends on what a character does. It's not about singing songs, and running around trees, that's a very conventional thought from the 1960s and the 1970s. Today, we are moving towards the 21st century, these are the heroes today, the real characters. These are the kind of films the audience is going to appreciate, not those conventional heroes from the 1970s, those days are gone. You have to do something unconventional to be a hero today in films." Anil's words have aged very well considering women-centric films are a genre in itself. Be it the younger crop of talents like Kriti Sanon, Taapsee Pannu, or the seniors like Vidya Balan or Tabu are changing the landscape of Hindi cinema with their choice of stories and characters. Today, women in cinema are taking to legacy forward and bringing forth a new dawn where characters portrayed by them have become the bedrock of the stories that they choose and work in. Tirupati, Sep 22 : The ongoing row over the alleged presence of animal fat in Tirupati laddu and the demand to free Hindu temples from government control are among the key issues to be discussed at the meeting of Vishwa Hindu Parishad's apex decision-making body in this temple town on Monday. The day-long meeting of Kendriya Margadarshak Mandal will also discuss the issue of religious conversions. The VHP is likely to demand the BJP-led government at the Centre to take measures to free Hindu temples from government control. VHP Secretary General Bajrang Bagra said the meeting will discuss the issue of alleged adulteration of ghee used for making laddu prasadam at Sri Balaji temple. He said the reports about the adulteration have caused concern to the entire Hindu society. "The issue will definitely be discussed. The meeting is likely to chalk out an action plan on the issue under the leadership of sants," he said. Kendiriya Margadarshak Mandal meets twice a year. He said this year the VHP decided to hold regional meetings. The first such meetings for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are scheduled here on Monday. Religious leaders from the Telugu states who are members of Kendiriya Margadarshak Mandal will attend the meeting. Bajrang Bagra said various challenges faced by Hindu society and solutions thereof would be discussed at the meeting. It is likely to take decisions on the role of sants in finding solutions to the challenges. Bajrang Bagra and some key functionaries of the VHP are also likely to attend the meeting along with members of Kendiriya Margadarshak Mandal from the region. VHP has long been demanding that Hindu temples should be freed from government control. The meeting will discuss the issue in detail. It is likely to pass a resolution to once again put forward its demand. It may urge the government to initiate steps in this direction. VHP leaders say more than four lakh temples are currently under government control across the country. Guwahati, Sep 22 : In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing probe of incidents of planting of suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) like objects in various parts of Assam during this year's Independence Day celebration, police arrested 15 people across the state, officials said on Sunday. A senior police official said that the raids were done after getting vital intelligence inputs from Assam Police in coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA). During the course of the investigation of the attempted sabotage activity, specific intelligence inputs were collected from different sources, he said. "After initial interrogations of the apprehended persons, vital facts have been collected and more crucial information about the conspiracy is expected to be known after prolonged interrogation of the detainees, in due course of time," the official said. On Saturday one person each was apprehended in Tinsukia, Sadiya, Nagaon, Nalbari and Tamulpur, three each in Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and two each in Jorhat, Guwahati. Out of the 15 arrested persons three are women. The Police official said that interrogation of the arrested persons would continue to collect more clues to unearth the larger conspiracy. The anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), which is also known as ULFA (Independent), has remained elusive to the peace process. On August 15 the ULFA-I militants led by Paresh Baruah planted several IED-like objects but these did not explode. The ULFA-I has earlier claimed to have planted bombs in 24 locations of Assam as a mark of protest against the Independence Day celebrations. A list of the targeted areas and pictures of certain bomb sites, including one close to the state secretariat in Dispur in Guwahati, was also published by ULFA-I. The places include Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Nagaon and a few places in Guwahati as well. It is learned that ULFA-I placed bombs in at least eight spots in Guwahati city. The outlawed group in a statement had said that due to some technical errors, the bombs did not explode. Uniondale, Sep 23 : Today when India speaks on a global platform, the world listens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday before an audience of the diaspora as he projected his vision of India's place in a changing world. "The India of today is emerging as a catalytic agent in the world, and the impact will be visible in every sector. Some time ago, when I said, this is not the era of war, the seriousness of it was understood by all friends," he said while addressing Indian-Americans at an event titled 'Modi & US: Progress together'. "Whenever in the world there is a crisis, India has come forward as a first responder," the Prime Minister added. "We do not seek our dominance in the world," he said contrasting India's ambitions against others. "We want to help in the prosperity of the world." Prime Minister Modi further said that India's role will be "crucial to accelerate the global peace process". About 15,000 people representing the diversity of India reflected in the kaleidoscope of clothing, and the Sikh turbans, the Muslim headgear of both men and women, packed the Nassau Coliseum in this suburb 50 kilometres from New York City. Even as he spoke of India's historic contributions to the world, he gave his vision of India as a technology and economic superpower. He gave new meanings for Artificial Intelligence, playing on the initials: "A is for aspirational, I for India a" Aspirational India. This is a new force. It's a new energy." "The aspirations of millions of Indians are driving India's growth; every achievement, every aspiration, gives birth to new achievements, and every achievement becomes like fertiliser and water for new aspirations, inspires new aspirations," the Prime Minister said. Another definition he gave for AI was "America and India", two technology powerhouses working together. "AI, I believe, also means the spirit of America, India. This is a spirit. This is the new AI power for the world. This AI spirit will take India-America relations to new heights," he said. Prime Minister Modi said that his election for a third term, unprecedented in recent times, both showed Indians' regard for the achievements so far and the mandate for the future. The Prime Minister also announced that the Indian government will open two new consulates in the US -- one in Boston, and another in Los Angeles. "Last year, I announced the opening of a new Indian consulate in Seattle. I sought your suggestions for two additional Consulates. India has now decided to open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles," he said. Prime Minister Modi thanked the people for turning up at the event and ended his speech with the "Bharat Mata ki Jai" slogan. Islamabad, Sep 23 : A policeman was killed and three others were injured while escorting a group of diplomats travelling from Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province to the capital Islamabad on Sunday, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. An advance scout police vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Swat district of KP, which resulted in the casualty of the police, the ministry said in a statement. The group of diplomats has returned safely to Islamabad, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement. "Our sympathies are with the families of the demised policeman and three injured in the incident," the foreign office said, adding that such terrorist acts will not deter Pakistan from its commitment to the fight against terrorism. Police sources told Xinhua that the diplomats' delegation included ambassadors, attaches, and their families, accompanied by representatives of a local commerce chamber. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. The area had been cordoned off for further investigations. We recently published a list of 10 Best Innovative Stocks that Pay Dividends. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) stands against the other best innovative stocks that pay dividends. Innovation plays a crucial role in todays market. With the significant attention tech stocks have gained over the past year, its clear where investors are directing their funds. Tech firms are leveraging disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence to process vast, complex datasets. In the healthcare sector, advancements in research and development (R&D) have led to life-saving drug therapies and treatments. Meanwhile, the growing impact of climate change is pushing energy and utility companies to prioritize renewable energy sources. Therefore, innovation lies at the heart of every industry today. Businesses in the US and globally swiftly recognized the influence of innovation on their growth and operations, and they are gradually shaping their activities around it. A recent McKinsey survey of over 1,000 executives revealed that companies with a strong culture of innovation are twice as successful as some of their peers in scaling digital transformations. These innovative firms focus on technologies and changes to their operating models that promote rapid learning and adaptationessential components of innovation. The report also highlighted that 14 of the top 20 global companies have leveraged innovation to either expand existing markets or create entirely new ones. Read also: Top 18 Automotive Industry Innovations and Trends A key component of innovation is R&D, which focuses on systematic and scientific investigation to create new products, technologies, or processes. Through R&D investments, companies can strengthen their abilities, explore fresh ideas, and discover innovative solutions to address customer demands. Businesses worldwide, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, have boosted their R&D investments to develop new products that meet the demands of their customers. Financial Times reported that R&D in the US has grown in recent decades, increasing from 2.2% of GDP in the 1980s to 3.4% in 2021. This rise is mainly due to the private sectors contribution, which doubled to 2.5% of GDP. Moreover, the percentage of the population involved in patent creation almost doubled during this time. Its not just established companies that are embracing innovation in their operations; the rise of US startups also reflects this trend, as they introduce groundbreaking business ideas previously unheard of. Economist John Haltiwanger found that Americans were starting new businesses at an unprecedented rate. And hes not mistaken. In 2020, more new businesses were launched than in any previous year, with 2021 following closely behind. According to the Kauffman Indicators of Entrepreneurship, the one-year survival rate for these startups exceeded 80% in 2021, marking the highest rate since 1999. Haltiwanger noted that a surge in new businesses is a strong indicator of job creation, innovation, and productivity growth within the economy. He further said that startup booms not only reflect technological innovation but also significantly drive it. Startups explore how to leverage new technologies, experiment with them, and create new products, pushing competitors to adapt and innovate in response. Research from Texas McCombs, which examined 6,116 patents from the mid-1970s to 2016, highlighted the impact of startups on innovation. The study found that patents from startups were cited 8.5% more each year and 21% more over a nine-year period compared to patents from established companies. Our Methodology: For this article, we scanned Insider Monkeys database of 912 hedge funds as of Q2 2024 and picked companies that actively prioritize and promote the development of new and groundbreaking ideas, products, services, or business processes. From that list, we picked 10 stocks with the highest number of hedge fund investors and ranked them in ascending order of hedge funds sentiment towards them. These companies belong to different sectors, including healthcare, technology, aerospace, and defense. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here). A woman programmer in a modern office working with multiple computer servers. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) is a Texas-based multinational information technology company that provides innovative, open, and intelligent technology solutions through a service-based approach. It is among the top three companies responsible for inventing inkjet printers, a breakthrough in printing technology. The company also created the worlds first programmable pocket calculator. Additionally, it developed the atomic clock, which can synchronize global time with an astonishing accuracy of one-millionth of a second. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) reported a strong third quarter, highlighted by impressive revenue growth, particularly from its AI system conversions, alongside improved profitability. The companys revenue for the quarter came in at $7.7 billion, up 10% from the same period last year. These results demonstrate the companys progress in executing its edge-to-cloud strategy across networking, hybrid cloud, and AI. Significant innovation throughout the portfolio has enhanced its relevance to customers and positioned the company to continue delivering profitable growth for shareholders. Since the start of 2024, the stock has delivered a nearly 7% return to shareholders. During fiscal Q3 2024, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) generated $1.15 billion in operating cash flow and its free cash flow came in at $669 million. During the quarter, the company returned $221 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. It has been paying regular dividends to shareholders since 2015, which makes HPE one of the best innovative stocks that pay dividends. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.87%, as recorded on September 18. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) was a popular buy among hedge funds in Q2 2024 as hedge fund positions in the company jumped to 58, from 49 a quarter earlier, according to Insider Monkeys database. The stakes owned by these hedge funds have a consolidated value of $1.6 billion. Overall, HPE ranks 6th on our list of best innovative stocks that pay dividends. While we acknowledge the potential for HPE as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than HPE 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. Country singer Mason Ramsey is quickly making his way up in the charts with his charming, old-country voice. The Red & Black sat down with Ramsey to talk about his music and his journey as a musician. Ramsey will perform at the Georgia Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 21 for his Falls Into Place Tour Part 2, with special guest Halle Kearns. Amid global market fluctuations and recent economic data, Chinese equities have shown resilience, with the Shanghai Composite Index gaining 1.21% and the blue-chip CSI 300 adding 1.32%. As investors navigate these dynamic conditions, identifying high-growth tech stocks in China that demonstrate strong fundamentals and innovative potential becomes crucial for capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Top 10 High Growth Tech Companies In China Name Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Growth Rating Suzhou TFC Optical Communication 32.61% 31.67% Xi'an NovaStar Tech 27.95% 31.01% Zhejiang Meorient Commerce Exhibition 26.41% 32.59% Shanghai BOCHU Electronic Technology 27.74% 28.58% Zhongji Innolight 32.38% 31.76% Range Intelligent Computing Technology Group 23.53% 29.96% Eoptolink Technology 43.76% 42.52% DongHua Testing Technology 31.46% 35.81% Bio-Thera Solutions 26.85% 117.16% Huayi Brothers Media 40.13% 103.97% Click here to see the full list of 259 stocks from our Chinese High Growth Tech and AI Stocks screener. Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Xiamen Amoytop Biotech Co., Ltd. engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of recombinant protein drugs in China, with a market cap of CN24.77 billion. Operations: Amoytop Biotech generates revenue primarily from the sale of biologics, amounting to CN2.39 billion. The company's operations focus on recombinant protein drugs within the Chinese market. Xiamen Amoytop Biotech has demonstrated robust growth, with revenue surging by 32% to CNY 1.19 billion in the first half of 2024, underscoring its rapid expansion in the biotech sector. This performance is complemented by a net income increase to CNY 304.34 million, up from CNY 202.18 million year-over-year, reflecting a strong profit trajectory. Strategic alliances, like the recent clinical trial collaboration for hepatitis B treatments, highlight Amoytop's innovative edge and potential to shape medical outcomes significantly. With an expected annual revenue growth of 28% and profit forecast to climb at 30.38%, Amoytop is positioning itself as a dynamic player in China's high-tech biotechnology landscape. SHSE:688278 Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Venustech Group Inc. provides network security products, trusted security management platforms, and specialized security services and solutions worldwide, with a market cap of CN15.87 billion. Story continues Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its Information Network Security segment, which contributed CN4.53 billion. Venustech Group, navigating a challenging fiscal period, reported a shift from a net income of CNY 184.84 million to a net loss of CNY 182.25 million in the first half of 2024, despite revenue climbing slightly to CNY 1.57 billion from CNY 1.52 billion year-over-year. This downturn is partly due to significant one-off losses totaling CNY 87.5 million. However, looking ahead, the company's projected annual earnings growth is robust at 28.5%, outpacing the Chinese market's expectation of 23%. Moreover, with R&D expenses consistently high relative to revenuedemonstrating commitment to innovationthe firm aims for recovery and growth in its tech-driven offerings. SZSE:002439 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Lingyi iTech (Guangdong) Company provides smart manufacturing services and solutions, with a market cap of CN44.10 billion. Operations: With a market cap of CN44.10 billion, the company generates significant revenue from various segments, including Precision Functional Parts, Structural Parts and Modules (CN27.50 billion), Charger and Boutique Assembly (CN6.44 billion), and Automotive Products (CN2.00 billion). The Material Business segment also contributes to its revenue stream with CN0.76 billion. Lingyi iTech (Guangdong) has demonstrated a notable rebound in sales, escalating from CNY 15.02 billion to CNY 18.78 billion in the first half of 2024, a growth rate of 25%, outpacing broader market trends. Despite this revenue surge, net income dipped to CNY 692.31 million from last year's CNY 1.25 billion, reflecting a challenging operational environment yet underscoring a strategic pivot towards enhancing profitability with robust R&D investment14.6% of revenue dedicated to innovation and development initiatives. This focus is poised to fortify its competitive edge in the tech sector, particularly as earnings are projected to grow by an impressive 27.6% annually, signaling strong future prospects despite current volatility. SZSE:002600 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Make It Happen Click this link to deep-dive into the 259 companies within our Chinese High Growth Tech and AI Stocks screener. Hold shares in these firms? Setup your portfolio in Simply Wall St to seamlessly track your investments and receive personalized updates on your portfolio's performance. Simply Wall St is your key to unlocking global market trends, a free user-friendly app for forward-thinking investors. Want To Explore Some Alternatives? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include SHSE:688278 SZSE:002439 and SZSE:002600. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com An empty gas cylinder was found on the tracks by a goods train loco pilot, who applied emergency brakes and stopped the train near Prempur railway station in Kanpur on Sunday, the second such incident in Uttar Pradesh this month. IMAGE: A goods train loco pilot applies emergency brakes after spotting an empty gas cylinder on the tracks in Kanpur. Photograph: ANI on X Police said the incident occurred at 8:10 am when the train was going to Allahabad from Kanpur. "It was found that the cylinder was of five kilogramme capacity and empty. It was removed from the track. The matter is being investigated," the local police said in a statement. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Shrawan Kumar Singh said, "The loco pilot alerted the railway officials who passed the information to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Kanpur police, which launched the investigation into the matter." On September 8, an attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express, heading towards Bhiwani from Prayagraj, by placing an LPG cylinder on the tracks. The train hit the cylinder before coming to a screeching halt. The cylinder was thrown off the tracks after it was hit by the train. Justice V Srishananda of the Karnataka high court has expressed regret over the alleged objectionable remarks he made recently during judicial proceedings, which have gone viral prompting the Supreme Court to take cognisance of it. On September 20, a five-judge bench of the apex court headed by the Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud took serious note of two videos in which the HC judge is seen making the comments in open court and sought a report from the Registrar General of the high court . In one of the clips, Justice Srishananda referred to an area in Bengaluru as "Pakistan". On Saturday afternoon, as the court proceedings commenced, Justice Srishananda read out his statement in this connection. "A few observations made during judicial proceedings were reported out of context on social media platforms. The observations were unintentional and not meant to hurt any individual or any section of society. If such observations hurt any individual or any section of society or community, I express my sincere regrets," the HC judge said. Some members of the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru (AAB) were also present when Justice Srishananda read out his message. The lawyers pointed out that some YouTubers were posting the clips of court proceedings with misleading headlines, which was causing problem. Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday was declared winner of the Sri Lankan presidential election by the country's Election Commission after an unprecedented second round of counting of votes. IMAGE: Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate from National People's Power, speaks to the press after casting his vote at a polling station, on the day of the presidential election, in Colombo, on September 21, 2024. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters Dissanayake, 56, the leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party's broader front National People's Power (NPP), defeated his closest rival Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe was eliminated in the first round after he failed to become within the top two in the vote list. NPP said Dissanayake will take oath on Monday. He will be the 9th president of the island nation. After being defeated in the election, Wickremesinghe bid an emotional farewell to his 26-month tenure, marking the end of his presidency. Addressing president-elect Dissanayake in a statement, the 75-year-old outgoing president said, President Anura Dissanayake, I am handing over to your care the lovable child of Sri Lanka. He said that over the last two years he has safely carried the Sri Lanka child on the vine bridge, and "I wish that under your care as the new president, the child is carried safely to the end of his destination". The election on Saturday was the first to be held since mass protests unseated Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 after the country suffered an economic crisis. Earlier, the Election Commission ordered a second round of counting after no candidate secured over 50 per cent votes needed to be declared the winner of Saturday's election. In the first round of counting, Dissanayake topped the chart by securing 5.63 million votes or 42.31 per cent, followed by Opposition leader Premadasa with 4.36 million votes or 32.8 per cent and Wickremesinghe getting only 2.29 million votes or 17.27 per cent of the total votes polled. No election in Sri Lanka has ever progressed to the second round of counting, as single candidates have always emerged as clear winners based on first-preference votes. The accession of Dissanayake, who is popularly known as AKD, to the top post is a remarkable turnaround for his half-century-old party JVP, which had long remained on the margins. He is Sri Lanka's first-ever Marxist party leader to become head of state. Dissanayake's anti-corruption message and his promise of a change in political culture resonated strongly with young voters who have been demanding system change since the economic crisis. The NPP's popularity has risen sharply since 2022 after securing only around three per cent of the vote in the last presidential election in 2019. Dissanayake, who hails from rural Thambuttegama in the North Central province, is a science graduate from the Colombo suburban Kelaniya University. He joined the JVP, the mother party of the NPP, in 1987 at the height of their anti-Indian rebellion. The JVP eliminated many activists of all democratic parties that supported the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987. The Rajiv Gandhi-J R Jayawardena pact was the direct Indian intervention to solve the Tamil demand for political autonomy in the country. The JVP dubbed the Indian intervention as a betrayal of Sri Lanka's sovereignty. However, Dissanayake's visit to India in February this year is seen as a change in the NPP leadership's approach towards India, expressing alignment with foreign investment interests. With JVP's taking up democratic politics in the late 90s, Dissanayake got a place in the JVP central committee. In the 2000 parliamentary election, he entered Parliament from the JVP. He has been an opposition livewire since 2001. Dissanayake re-entered Parliament from the northwestern district of Kurunegala after the 2004 election in an alliance with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He was appointed the minister of agriculture. With the JVP leaving the government over a joint mechanism with the LLTE on sharing the 2004 Tsunami relief aid to the North, then controlled by the rebel group, Dissanayake became the parliamentary group leader of the JVP in 2008. He was again elected to Parliament in the 2010 parliamentary election from the Colombo district and became his party's chief in 2014. Having won again from Colombo in 2015, he became the chief opposition whip, a post he held till 2019. In 2019, the JVP rebranded itself as the NPP, which embraced sections of Sri Lankan society that had never been enamoured towards the JVP given its violent past. The party had led two bloody rebellions in 1971 and between 1987 and 1990 to overthrow popular governments and faced brutal state crackdowns each time. Dissanayake faces the immediate challenge of determining the future of economic reforms in the cash-strapped country. Historically, the NPP has opposed International Monetary Fund programmes, but its recent endorsement of the current programme, although with a renegotiation of its terms, marks a significant shift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Quad is not against anyone, but for a rules-based international order and respect for sovereignty, in a veiled reference to China. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden, Japan's PM Fumio Kishida, and Australia's PM Anthony Albanese arrive for a Cancer Moonshot announcement at the Quad leaders summit in Claymont, Delaware, on September 21, 2024. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters "Free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our priority," Modi said in his opening remarks on Saturday at the summit hosted by President Joe Biden and also attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. "We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues," Modi said, without naming any country. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. "Our message is clear -- Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement," Modi said. "Together we have taken many positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, capacity building," he said. He said that the Quad leaders have gathered at a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and conflicts. "At such a time, the working together of Quad with its democratic values is significant for the entire human race," the prime minister said. 'Glad to have met Quad Leaders during today's Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The discussions were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. We will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity building,' Modi said in a post on X. During the meeting, the leaders discussed novel ways of cooperating with partners in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and South Asia while reviewing and steering the direction for the future of Quad cooperation, a senior administration official told reporters after the meeting. Calling their conversation 'wide-ranging', the official said the talks ranged from deepening security and the maritime security space, the Quad logistics network, and ways to deepen humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation. Responding to a question, the official said North Korea was also touched on, and more was supposed to be discussed during the dinner. "There's a lot of alignment in our perspectives on North Korea," said the official, pointing to the joint statement, which has the strongest language against North Korea that the Quad has ever offered. "Obviously, all of these leaders share significant concerns about the degree to which Russian military assistance is emboldening North Korea and contributing to its illicit programmes," said the official. 'Quad -- a force for global good!,' the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X. 'PM reaffirmed India's commitment to the Quad cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Quad will continue to assist the region's development priorities and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals,' it added. Reiterating that the Quad remains a 'force for global good', the four leaders announced various initiatives to address the development priorities of the Indo-Pacific region and the global community as a whole, the MEA said in a press release. During the Quad Leaders' Cancer Moonshot event, Modi announced the dedication of a grant of $7.5 million to cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad Cancer Moonshot is a 'groundbreaking partnership' to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region by combating cervical cancer. "India is ready to share its experience and expertise," Modi said in his remarks, asserting that the grant was made under India's vision of 'One Earth, One Health'. He added that India will also provide assistance in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. "When the Quad acts, it is not just for nations, it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach," he said. 'Cooperation in healthcare -- a key Quad priority. PM @narendramodi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event today. The four leaders committed to detection, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. In keeping with India's vision of ONE WORLD, ONE HEALTH, PM announced the dedication of a grant of USD 7.5 million to cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region,' the MEA said in a separate post on X. Other initiatives launched include the 'Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific' (MAITRI) to enable Indo-Pacific partners to maximize tools provided through the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness and other Quad initiatives. The first-ever 'Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission' in 2025 was also launched to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety. 'Quad Ports of the Future Partnership', which will harness the grouping's collective expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific, was launched. 'Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure' in the region and beyond, and a 'Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation' to enhance the resilience of Quad's semiconductor supply chains, were also launched. The leaders also launched the Collective Quad effort to boost energy efficiency, including the deployment and manufacturing of high-efficiency affordable cooling systems in the Indo-Pacific region. An initiative for India's establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius, to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact, was also launched. Also launched was a new sub-category under the Quad STEM Fellowship, announced by India, for students of the Indo-Pacific region to pursue a four-year bachelor's level engineering programme at a Government of India-funded technical institute. "The leaders all thanked Prime Minister Kishida for his extraordinary tenure, which will be coming to an end at the beginning of October after Japan elects a new prime minister. And of course, thank President Biden for the leadership role that he is taking in launching the Quad to a truly institutionalised partnership in the Indo-Pacific," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. During the summit, Modi recalled the first Quad Summit held in 2021 under Biden's leadership and said, "In such a short time we have expanded our cooperation unprecedentedly in every direction." "I thank you for your steadfast commitment, your leadership, and your contributions to the Quad," he said. This was a farewell summit for President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida as they near the end of their term in office. Modi said he will be happy to host the Quad Summit in 2025. The Quad Leaders' Summit this year was earlier supposed to be held in India, but US President Biden was keen to hold the event in his hometown. The US, Japan, India and Australia had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. The four-member Quad, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, advocates upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. China claims that the grouping aims to contain its rise. The four-member Quad is a force for good and is more strategically aligned than ever before, a joint declaration issued after the meeting of the grouping's leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has said. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Japan's PM Fumio Kishida, and Australia's PM Anthony Albanese take part in a Quad leaders summit family photo in Claymont, Delaware, on September 21, 2024. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Hosted by President Joe Biden, the Quad Leaders' Summit took place on Saturday in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware. It was attended by Prime Minister Modi, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. 'Four years since elevating the Quad to a leader-level format, the Quad is more strategically aligned than ever before and is a force for good that delivers real, positive, and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific,' said the Wilmington Declaration issued after the fourth in-person Quad Summit. 'We celebrate the fact that over just four years, Quad countries have built a vital and enduring regional grouping that will buttress the Indo-Pacific for decades to come,' the declaration said. 'As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity,' it said, adding the grouping strongly opposes any destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion, in a veiled reference to China. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. It claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. 'We condemn recent illicit missile launches in the region that violate UN Security Council resolutions. We express serious concern over recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominated one where all countries are free from coercion, and can exercise their agency to determine their futures,' the declaration said. The four nations are committed to upholding a 'stable and open' international system, with its strong support for human rights, the principle of freedom, the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes and prohibition on the threat or use of force under international law, including the UN Charter. The leaders announced the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region. 'Building on the Quad's successful partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, our collective investments to address cancer in the region, our scientific and medical capabilities, and contributions from our private and non-profit sectors, we will collaborate with partner nations to reduce the burden of cancer in the region,' it said. The Quad Cancer Moonshot will focus initially on combatting cervical cancer -- a preventable cancer that continues to claim many lives -- in the Indo-Pacific region while laying the groundwork to address other forms of cancer as well. India has committed to providing Human papillomavirus (HPV) sampling kits, detection kits, and cervical cancer vaccines worth USD 7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Modi, announcing the grant, asserted that it was made under India's vision of 'One Earth, One Health'. India, through its $10 million commitment to the WHO's Global Initiative on Digital Health, will offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region for the adoption and deployment of its Digital Public Infrastructure that helps in cancer screening and care. The QUAD nations announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable their partners in the region to maximise tools provided through Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and other Quad partner initiatives to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behaviour. 'We look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. Furthermore, we welcome the launch of a Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Quad partners intend to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year to continue to deliver cutting edge capability and information to the region,' the declaration said. The QUAD nations also announced that the US Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety and continue with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific. They also announced the launch of a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project to pursue shared airlift capacity among the four nations and leverage the collective logistics strengths to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region. Announcing the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will harness the grouping's expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific in collaboration with regional partners, the declaration said that they intend to hold a Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference, hosted by India in Mumbai. 'Through this new partnership, Quad partners intend to coordinate, exchange information, share best practices with partners in the region, and leverage resources to mobilise government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region,' the joint statement said. Applauding the expansion of the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships to more than 2,200 experts, the declaration noted that Quad partners have already provided well over 1,300 fellowships since the initiative was announced at last year's Summit. Further, it said the four countries look forward to launching the Quad BioExplore Initiative -- a funded mechanism that will support joint AI-driven exploration of diverse non-human biological data across all four countries. This project will also be underpinned by the forthcoming Quad Principles for Research and Development Collaborations in Critical and Emerging Technologies, the joint declaration said. The Quad Leaders' Summit this year was earlier supposed to be held in India, but President Biden was keen to hold the event in his hometown. The US, Japan, India, and Australia had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. The four-member Quad, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, advocates upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. China claims that the grouping aims to contain its rise. The United States has handed over to India 297 antiquities, which were smuggled out of the country, during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an official statement said on Sunday. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President visit the antiquities that the US handed over to India as part of the Cultural Property Agreement between the two countries, in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy @MEAIndia/X Official sources said illicit trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history, and India has been particularly hit. Modi said on X, 'Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India.' He thanked President Joe Biden for his support in the return of these artefacts. He noted that these objects were not just part of India's historical material culture, but formed the inner core of its civilisation and consciousness, the statement said. With this, the total number of ancient items recovered by India since 2014 has gone to 640, officials said, adding the number returned from the USA alone will be 578. This is the maximum number of cultural artefacts returned by any country to India. Some of the notable antiquities handed over to India include an 'apsara' in sandstone from central India belonging to 10-11th century CE, a Jain Tirthankar in bronze belonging to 15-16th century CE, terracotta vase from eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE, and a stone sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE. Other prominent items include Lord Ganesh in bronze from south India belonging to 17-18th century CE, standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from north India from 15-16th century CE, and Lord Vishnu in bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE. Apart from the current visit, the earlier visits of Modi to the USA have also been particularly fruitful in return of antiquities to India. Officials said during his visit to the US in 2021, 157 antiquities were handed over by the US government, including the exquisite bronze Nataraja statue from the 12th century CE. Also, a few days after his US visit in 2023, 105 antiquities were returned to India. India's successful recoveries extend beyond the USA, with 16 artefacts being returned from the UK, 40 from Australia among others, they noted. In stark contrast only one artefact was returned to India between 2004 and 2013, they said. Further, in July 2024, on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee, at New Delhi, India and the United States signed the first ever 'Cultural Property Agreement' to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA. The spectacular achievement over the last ten years demonstrates the government's resolve to reclaim India's stolen treasures and preserve its cultural heritage for future generations, they said. Modi's personal bond with global leaders has played a pivotal role in securing these returns. His proactive approach has led to the recovery of significant artefacts, including revered sculptures and idols, reaffirming India's cultural identity, they added. The statement said in keeping with close bilateral ties and to foster greater cultural understanding, the US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India under Ministry of Culture had signed a Cultural Property Agreement in July 2024 to fulfil the commitments made by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage. A joint statement issued after their meeting in June 2023 reflected that, it added. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have called his MLAs and ministers and said 'this should not happen in India. Manipur is not a part of any banana republic, I will not allow this to happen, talk it out, what is the problem' IMAGE: Security personnel conduct a search operation and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts of Manipur. Photograph: ANI Photo Amid the lingering crisis in Manipur, Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam raises pointed questions over the Centre's "inaction", suggesting that such a situation would not have been left unaddressed if it happened in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In an interview with PTI, Akoijam vehemently criticised the Centre's handling of the situation in Manipur, asking why the government of India was allowing the northeastern state to become like Afghanistan, which he described as a "banana republic". "With 60,000 troops stationed in Manipur, the central government should have prevented this crisis from persisting for so long," Akoijam stated. "If this were happening in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, or Madhya Pradesh, would it have been allowed to linger? Most people would say no," he added. Ethnic violence in Manipur erupted on May 3, 2022, following a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's push for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, the violence has claimed the lives of more than 220 individuals, including members of both the Kuki and Meitei communities, as well as security personnel. Amid the continuing crisis, Akoijam urged the Centre to thrash out the issues in the state government, claiming that BJP MLAs were speaking in two different voices on the issue of separate administration. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have called his MLAs and ministers and said 'this should not happen in India. Manipur is not a part of any banana republic, I will not allow this to happen, talk it out, what is the problem'," Akoijam said. Representatives of some Kuki groups in Manipur last month demanded the creation of a Union Territory with a legislature along the lines of Puducherry, saying it was the only way out of the strife. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, however, has emphatically rejected the demand. Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha, emphasised that while he viewed Singh as a "small-time player" in the overarching crisis, he could not be completely absolved of responsibility. "The government of India is squarely responsible for the crisis," he alleged. He expressed grave concerns about the state's deteriorating situation and cited the example of Afghanistan "where warlords roam around and the central authority cannot assert itself". Akoijam also urged the Centre to assert itself "decisively and judiciously". Asked if he thought Manipur was going the Afghanistan way, the Congress MP said, "The government of India has been allowing it. So, the question is -- instead of asking whether Manipur is going the Afghanistan way, we should be asking why the government of India is allowing Manipur to be like a banana republic, like in Afghanistan. That should be the right question." Akoijam alleged that there had been a deliberate effort to destabilise Manipur, claiming that "someone is scripting this in cahoots with those seeking to split and dismember the state". He noted that the violence witnessed in Manipur was unprecedented in post-colonial India, describing it as akin to a civil war characterised by sophisticated arms and military-style operations. "India is not a banana republic. Even if the Indian Armed Forces were allowed to act as a peacekeeping force in a foreign country, you would not allow these things to happen," said Akoijam, an associate professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. Responding to suggestions that he was giving a clean chit to Singh's actions, Akoijam drew parallels to historical atrocities, asserting that no official, regardless of rank, should escape accountability. "In the trial of Eichmann after the Holocaust, officials involved could not claim ignorance or absolve themselves of responsibility," he said. He further criticised Singh's inconsistent statements regarding the crisis and said they had been contradictory and confusing rather than clarifying the situation on the ground. From the outset, there have been numerous statements -- sometimes claiming narco-terrorism is involved, other times asserting it is not, and occasionally suggesting foreign elements are at play. This inconsistency has muddied the waters regarding the true nature of the problem, he said. Touching on the issue of breakdown of trust in state institutions, Akoijam lamented the loss of confidence in security forces, including the police. "When trust in state institutions erodes, it calls into question the legitimacy of the state," he stated. Akoijam also dismissed Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that the overall situation in Manipur had been calm outside of three days of recent violence. Addressing a press conference in Delhi last week, Shah said the government was talking to both the Meitei and the Kuki communities to ensure lasting peace and had begun fencing the country's border with Myanmar to check infiltration. Barring three days of violence earlier this month, the overall situation in Manipur has been calm and the government is working to restore peace in the restive northeastern state, Shah had said. Dismissing the claims, Akoijam said, "The government's statements create confusion rather than clarity." On the possibility of restoring peace and facilitating movement between communities in Manipur, the Congress MP expressed scepticism, noting that the situation was far more complex than other historical conflicts in the country. Asked if he could fix a timeline for normalising the situation in Manipur, Akoijam said it was "embarrassing for me" as an Indian to ask when communities affected by communal violence would be able to return to their homes. "The situation of Kashmiri Pandits is often discussed but at least some Pandits remain; in this case, there is a complete absence of certain communities," he said. Akoijam said while there were security concerns, there was a need to acknowledge that certain armed groups had perpetrated violence, and civilians had been armed as well. This has never happened before and blaming one community or another only complicates matters further, he added. With the situation in strife-torn Manipur continuing to be tense, calls for a robust response from the central government have grown louder, with stakeholders expressing deep concerns over the future of peace and stability in the region. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. HYDE PARK Police arrested a Lamoille County man on a first-degree murder charge Thursday for the fatal shooting of his estranged wife 31 years ago in Morrisville. Carroll Peters, 70, of Morrisville is charged in the September 1993 death of Cheryl Peters, then 42, of Morrisville, according to an indictment returned by a Lamoille County grand jury. She died from a single gunshot wound to the head on Sept. 2, 1993. Her body was found on the couch at her house the next day, police said. Peters was in the process of divorcing her third husband, Carroll Peters. The case took an odd twist when her five children and the estate successfully sued Carroll Peters for sexual assault and battery on Cheryl Peters, records show. A Lamoille County civil jury, after a 3-day trial in November 1998, awarded the victims' children with $125,000 in compensatory damages and $480,000 in punitive damages. A wrongful death claim was dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired, but the other claims still stood. Carroll Peters appealed the case to the Vermont Supreme Court, but the justices rejected all six legal claims he tried to raise. Vermont State Police and Morristown Police arrested Peters on Thursday. He was lodged at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans about 7:20 p.m. Thursday. He was ordered held without bail. Peters is due to appear in Vermont Superior Court in Hyde Park on Friday. It is unclear what caused Lamoille County State's Attorney Aliena Gerhard to bring the case to a grand jury after at least 3 predecessors failed to file a charge. Gov. Phil Scott named Gerhard in June as the permanent replace for Todd Shove, who stepped down. Scott noted that Gerhard, while serving as the acting state's attorney, "demonstrated a commitment to seeking justice in order to make our communities safer. She had been with the office as a deputy state's attorney since 2021. The Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit since it was formed has been working the Peters homicide, along with other cold case files Japan's stock markets have seen notable gains recently, with the Nikkei 225 Index up 3.1% and the broader TOPIX Index rising by 2.8%, largely driven by favorable monetary policies from both the U.S. Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan. In this context, identifying high-growth tech stocks becomes crucial as investors seek opportunities that align with current market momentum and economic indicators. A good stock in this environment is typically characterized by strong fundamentals, innovative capabilities, and resilience to macroeconomic shiftsqualities that are particularly pertinent for tech companies poised to leverage recent market dynamics. Top 10 High Growth Tech Companies In Japan Name Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Growth Rating Hottolink 50.99% 61.55% eWeLLLtd 26.52% 27.53% Material Group 17.82% 28.74% Medley 24.98% 30.36% GMO AD Partners 69.79% 97.87% Bengo4.comInc 20.76% 46.76% Kanamic NetworkLTD 20.75% 28.25% f-code 22.70% 22.62% ExaWizards 21.96% 75.16% Money Forward 20.68% 68.12% Click here to see the full list of 123 stocks from our Japanese High Growth Tech and AI Stocks screener. Below we spotlight a couple of our favorites from our exclusive screener. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Finatext Holdings Ltd. engages in the fintech solution, big data analysis, and financial infrastructure businesses in Japan with a market cap of 54.93 billion. Operations: The company generates revenue through three key segments: Fintech Solution Business (1.22 billion), Big Data Analysis Business (1.42 billion), and Financial Infrastructure Business (3.43 billion). Finatext Holdings, amid a dynamic tech landscape in Japan, showcases a robust growth trajectory with its revenue forecast to surge by 26.2% annually, outpacing the broader Japanese market's 4.3%. This growth is further underscored by an impressive projected annual earnings increase of 63.4%. Despite facing challenges such as a highly volatile share price and a significant one-off loss of 185 million affecting recent financials, the company's shift towards profitability this year marks a pivotal turnaround. These financial dynamics are set against the backdrop of Finatexts strategic R&D investments which are critical in sustaining its competitive edge and innovation in high-growth tech sectors. TSE:4419 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Medley, Inc. operates platforms for recruitment and medical businesses in Japan and the United States with a market cap of 111.91 billion. Story continues Operations: Medley generates revenue primarily from its Human Resource Platform Business (17.87 billion) and Medical Platform Business (6.09 billion). The company also has a smaller segment for New Services contributing 573 million. Medley, navigating the intricate landscape of Japan's high-tech sector, is poised to harness robust growth with a projected revenue increase of 25% annually. This surge outstrips the broader market's growth of 4.3%, highlighting Medleys aggressive expansion strategy. Particularly noteworthy is the company's commitment to innovation, as evidenced by its R&D spending which has escalated to represent 30.4% of its total expenditure. This strategic focus not only fuels Medleys product development but also solidifies its standing in a competitive market where technological advancement is paramount. Furthermore, Medley has repurchased shares this year, signaling confidence in its financial health and future prospects. TSE:4480 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Takara Bio Inc., with a market cap of 123.19 billion, operates in the bioindustry, CDMO, and gene therapy sectors across Japan, China, the rest of Asia, the United States, Europe, and internationally. Operations: Takara Bio Inc. generates revenue primarily from its bioindustry, CDMO, and gene therapy businesses across various regions including Japan, China, the rest of Asia, the United States, and Europe. The Drug Discovery Company segment contributes 42.82 billion to its revenue. Takara Bio, amidst the bustling tech scene in Japan, is setting a steady pace with its revenue growth forecasted at 5.6% annually, slightly ahead of the national market's 4.3%. This growth is underpinned by an aggressive push in R&D, where expenses have soared to capture 30.2% of total expenditures, reflecting a deep commitment to innovation despite a challenging year that saw earnings dip due to significant one-off losses of 556 million. Looking forward, Takara Bio aims for robust earnings growth at an impressive rate of 30.17% per year, coupled with strategic financial guidance projecting substantial increases in net sales and operating profit for FY2025. This forward-looking strategy suggests resilience and adaptability in navigating Japans competitive biotech landscape. TSE:4974 Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Sep 2024 Taking Advantage Navigate through the entire inventory of 123 Japanese High Growth Tech and AI Stocks here. Are you invested in these stocks already? Keep abreast of every twist and turn by setting up a portfolio with Simply Wall St, where we make it simple for investors like you to stay informed and proactive. Join a community of smart investors by using Simply Wall St. It's free and delivers expert-level analysis on worldwide markets. Looking For Alternative Opportunities? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include TSE:4419 TSE:4480 and TSE:4974. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com 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. One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history. In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group. Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war. RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack? Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences. There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings. Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good. RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis? Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months. RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices? Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term." So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire. Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home? One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective. RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families? Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular. At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families. Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen. RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas? Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk. It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005. RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future? Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent. I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term. Iranian coal workers pulled mining carts loaded with the bodies of dozens of their colleagues out of the Tabas mine in Iran's South Khorasan Province on September 22. More than 50 miners were killed. Authorities and state media announced that a methane explosion rocked the site late on September 21. Iranian news agencies showed rescuers carrying injured workers to ambulances. It remains unclear how many remain trapped in the mine. 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 RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government. If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us. To find out more, click here. BELGRADE -- It was midnight in Tehran and 10 in the evening in Belgrade on April 13 and a massive disinformation campaign was about to be launched. At the time, Iran was just starting to unleash one of its biggest ever drone and missile attacks against Israel, ratcheting up already heightened tensions in the Middle East. With a jittery globe closely following the news, an obscure Serbian-language media outlet began churning out articles on the Iranian attack at breakneck speed -- more than 100 stories every hour -- even though facts and details were few and elusive. Much of the information appeared sourced to nothing more than Russian-language Telegram channels, the Kremlin-funded RT network, or other Russian-state-run media. A monthslong investigation by RFE/RL's Balkan Service determined that it was part of a wider pro-Kremlin disinformation network, which uses automation to rapidly create hundreds of news articles, often based on content from Russian media outlets banned by the EU. How Does The Network Work? In February, VIGINUM, the French government body that monitors foreign digital interference, released a report on a pro-Russian propaganda network it called "Portal Kombat." It identified some 193 websites that aimed to broadly spread information from pro-Russian sources as well as Russian news outlets and institutions. For four months, RFE/RL tracked websites in multiple languages targeting audiences in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia, the undisputed lead target of the propaganda during the period RFE/RL monitored. The RFE/RL investigation shed light on the global operation, showing how "articles" were automatically generated and released in waves, ending up on local-language websites masquerading as legitimate news sources -- a growing trend in the worldwide disinformation war. Sympathies With Russia The Balkans have long proved fertile ground for pro-Russian narratives, especially in Serbia whose President Aleksandar Vucic has courted friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin while also pursuing EU membership. A poll across the Western Balkans by the International Republican Institute (IRI) released on May 14 showed that, while a majority of respondents from Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia denounced Russia's aggression in Ukraine, 49 percent of Serbs viewed it as "justified." The Balkan versions of Portal Kombat websites were strikingly similar across different languages. All the bogus news websites targeting the region that RFE/RL monitored had the same layout, structure, and even name: Pravda, or truth. Digital forensics show just how quickly the websites were created. The first Pravda website, in Serbian -- Pravda-rs.com-- was registered on March 20. A few days later -- and within seconds of each other -- another three Pravda domains were registered: in Bosnian, Macedonian, and Albanian. Automated Fake News: How The Content Spreads So Quickly From March 22 to July 20, a total of 70,719 news items were published across those four websites. But the bulk of the articles, more than 67,000, appeared on the Serbian-language site. Focusing on the Serbian-language website allowed RFE/RL to track how pro-Russian content spreads across multiple platforms within just minutes. Most content appearing on the four websites appears to have been taken from pro-Kremlin Telegram channels. The network's automation process is so efficient that the time between posting on a Telegram channel and appearing on the Pravda sites ranges from just three to 12 minutes. The disinformation operation also utilizes Russian platforms such as VK Video and Yandex to translate, produce, and distribute the content. Low-Cost Russian Propaganda Despite all the operation's apparent sophistication, VIGINUM notes in its recent report that the websites in the Portal Kombat network it investigated do not generally attract high readership. For the sites targeting the Balkans, Similarweb, a service that tracks visits to registered websites, reports that the most active site, Pravda-rs[.]com, had fewer than 5,000 visits in June. Whether the campaign was effective, however, almost doesn't really matter, argues disinformation expert Peter Benzoni, given the negligible costs to generate the disinformation. "For Russia, this is information warfare. Just as with drones, low-cost attacks that fail 99 percent of the time are justified by the 1 percent that succeed. These sites are the drones of information warfare," Benzoni, an investigative data and research analyst at the Washington-based German Marshall Fund's Alliance for Securing Democracy, told RFE/RL. Disinformation About Ukraine Russia's war against Ukraine is the most popular topic on the Serbian website, with hundreds of unverified battlefield reports, often labeling Russian soldiers as "ours" and those fighting on the Ukrainian side as "enemies." While international news generally doesn't feature prominently, as there are fewer dedicated Telegram channels, the events in the Middle East on April 13 proved an exception, RFE/RL found. During the night of April 13-14, Iran's attacks on Israel not only "exploded" on the Serbian site but also on those in the Albanian, Macedonian, and Bosnian languages. The number of articles, which on the Serbian site was usually around 500-600 per day, surged to more than 1,000 on April 14. Even higher activity was observed on the remaining three sites in the Balkans. The network took content from popular and prominent Russian bloggers, and their posts were synchronously published on all four Balkan language sites. In addition to numerous video clips of questionable authenticity, many articles were published justifying Iran's attack, as well as various unsubstantiated claims about what Washington allegedly knew in advance. RT, which the U.S. State Department describes as a key player in the Kremlin's disinformation and propaganda apparatus, has been blocked in the European Union, Canada, and other countries since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In May, the bloc suspended four other Russian media outlets from broadcasting. But Russian media, using bogus news websites, such as those investigated by RFE/RL, have found a backdoor to European audiences, with much of the banned media content uploaded to these sites, Benzoni explains. "Whether or not it's collusion doesn't really matter -- they see more viewers of Russian state media content as a net benefit, no matter the vector," Benzoni adds. We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Japanese Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) stands against the other Japanese stocks. As we navigate through 2024, Japans economic landscape is emerging as a compelling arena for investors. Despite facing a rough start to the year, the nation is showing signs of a promising rebound. This economic shift, marked by a blend of renewed consumer confidence and a supportive policy environment, is setting the stage for a vibrant stock market. As we delve into our list of the ten best Japanese stocks to buy now, understanding Japans evolving economic narrative becomes crucial for making informed investment decisions. Japan's economic landscape has undergone a notable transformation, offering a promising horizon for investors. Despite facing challenges in early 2024, signs of a recovery are beginning to emerge. The initial months of the year saw Japan grappling with a slight contraction, with real GDP declining by 0.5% in the first quarter and trailing by 1.3% from its previous peak. Consumer spending, a critical driver of economic activity, fell in three out of the last four quarters, compounded by reductions in residential and non residential investments and exports. However, this downturn seems to be approaching its nadir. Looking ahead, the latter half of 2024 holds potential for a turnaround. According to Deloitte's Global Economics Research Center, stronger wage growth and moderate inflation are expected to stimulate consumer spending. Furthermore, a weaker yen is anticipated to bolster export growth. While these factors are poised to enhance economic conditions, growth might remain modest as the central bank is likely to tighten monetary policy, tempering some of the anticipated upswing. Consumer sentiment shows signs of improvement, albeit gradually. Real household spending, though down 1.8% in May compared to the previous year, marks a significant recovery from the 6.3% decline observed in January. Retail sales growth has accelerated, although broader measures like the real consumer activity index are yet to display a robust recovery. Despite these mixed signals, underlying consumer fundamentals are improving, suggesting a rebound in spending is on the horizon. A significant factor in this potential rebound is the labor market. As reported by Morgan Stanley, Japan is experiencing its strongest wage growth in three decades, with scheduled earnings up 4.7% year over year in May. This wage increase, coupled with moderate inflation of 2.8%, enhances household purchasing power. Low unemployment rates and rising total employment further contribute to a more favorable economic environment. Nevertheless, rising food and energy prices present challenges. Costs for fuel, light, and water increased by 6.6% year over year in May, reversing previous declines. Food prices also saw a notable rise of 4.1% from the previous year. These increases are partly due to a weakening yen, which has caused import prices to surge. The yen briefly hit its weakest level since 1986 in June, prompting speculation about potential government intervention to stabilize the currency. Despite these challenges, the yen's depreciation has also led to increased foreign demand for Japanese goods and services. The weaker yen has, paradoxically, fueled a rise in exports, with goods exports up 11.9% year over year in May. The global demand for Japanese technology, including integrated circuits, has driven this growth. Moreover, foreign tourism, despite being below pre-pandemic levels from China, has reached record highs and contributed positively to employment in related sectors. The bank's research highlights a significant shift in Japan's economic trajectory. The end of deflation and a return to steady growth are driving a generational change in Japan's economy. With nominal GDP growth surpassing 3% in recent years and improvements in corporate governance, Japan is positioned as an attractive market for global investors. The combination of policy reforms and economic adjustments is expected to continue benefiting Japanese equities, particularly in technology and banking sectors. As we delve into the ten best Japanese stocks to buy now, it's essential to recognize these evolving economic conditions. Japan's stock market, buoyed by renewed economic dynamism and corporate reforms, presents promising opportunities for investors. The backdrop of stronger wage growth, modest inflation, and an improved economic outlook sets the stage for top performing stocks in the Japanese market. Our Methodology For this article, we first identified 20 large Japanese stocks by using stock screeners and financial media. We then selected the 10 stocks that were the most popular among hedge funds, as of Q2 2024. The list is arranged in ascending order of the number of hedge fund holders with long positions in each company. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World A fleet of motorcycles and vehicles lined up in an assembly line with workers in the background. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) is a well-established Japanese company that has made significant strides in the global automotive and motorcycle markets. With a presence in various sectors including automobiles, motorcycles, and power products, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) is a key player among Japanese stocks, making it an essential inclusion in the list of ten best Japanese stocks to buy now. The company's performance in FY 2024 and its future outlook, as revealed in the latest earnings call, highlights its solid fundamentals and growth potential. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) posted record-breaking financial results in FY 2024, with an operating profit reaching JPY 1.3819 trillion, a year-over-year increase of JPY 601.2 billion. This represents the highest operating profit in the companys history, a clear indication of Hondas strong business performance. The company's operating profit margin stood at 6.8%, and it aims to increase this to 7% in FY 2025, showing a strategic focus on enhancing profitability. The increase in cash flows from operating activities, which amounted to JPY 3 trillion, demonstrates the company's ability to generate liquidity, ensuring the necessary capital for future investments in electrification and business expansion. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) commitment to shareholder returns is another key strength. In FY 2024, dividends rose to JPY 68 per share, a 70% increase from the previous year, and the company plans to buy back JPY 300 billion worth of shares in FY 2025. These moves reflect Honda's strong capital allocation strategy and its focus on rewarding investors. In terms of its business segments, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) motorcycle division reported a record-high operating profit of JPY 556.2 billion. The automobile business also saw improvement, with an operating profit of JPY 560.6 billion, driven by enhanced cost efficiency and product appeal. Despite challenges in some regions, Honda has been able to maintain its market position and expand its product lineup globally, particularly in Asia, North America, and Europe. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) strategic focus on electrification, bolstered by its ongoing investments in battery EVs, positions it well for future growth, especially in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. This combination of strong financials, shareholder returns, and a forward-looking strategy makes Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) a compelling Japanese stock for investors seeking growth and stability. Overall HMC ranks 7th on our list of the best Japanese stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of HMC as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than HMC 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. The Church of Ireland in Ballinlough is celebrating its bicentenary (1824-2024) and to mark the occasion a special celebration will be held today, Sunday, September 22nd at 3.30 p.m. The community is invited to join with Bishop Ferran Glenfield, Revd Xanthe Pratt, visiting clergy and parishioners for a service of celebration for the life of the parish church today, September 22nd. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Everyone most welcome. The church was built in 1824 on the most focal point in the village of Ballinlough. The architect positioned the church so it could be viewed from all four roads leading to the village. It now stands as a captivating and irreplaceable structure with its fine stonework and stain glass windows. It comprises a two-bay nave abutting a three-stage castellated tower with pinnacles to the west and vestry to the south-east. The church has a unique pitched slate roof with rendered and cut stone chimneystacks and limestone coping to the gable ends. The church is set within its own grounds with various upright and recumbent grave markers dating from the nineteenth century to the present day. Stone gate piers with wrought-iron gates mark the entrance. The church is open for regular worship with morning prayer service every Sunday at 9.30 a.m. and Holy Communion Service the last Sunday of every month at 9.30 a.m.. Visitors always welcome. Significant safety improvements have been carried out near Carrick National School in Ballinlough, Roscommon County Councils roads department has confirmed. The school is located on the busy N60 route, a single carriageway national secondary road, linking Castlebar to Roscommon Town via Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Ballinlough and Castlerea. Carrick NS, on the western side of the village of Ballinlough, was selected by Transport Infrastructure Ireland as one of three schools for a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) trial. The school is located along a straight stretch of road approximately 500 metres from the end of the 60 km/h speed limit. The speed limit passing the school is 100 km/h. Transport Infrastructure Ireland provided Roscommon County Council with funding for Front of School treatment in line with the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) design guidelines. New periodic speed limits were installed with a special speed limit of 60 km/hr at drop off and pick up times. Anti-skid surfacing, sharks teeth line marking all form part of the SRTS design. The safety objectives of the SRTS programme are to reduce speed periodically during drop-off and collection and to improve awareness of drivers particularly those unfamiliar with the fact that there is a national school along this route. Carrick National School on the western side of the village of Ballinlough was selected by Transport Infrastructure Ireland as one of three schools for a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) trial. Roscommon County Council is working with Transport Infrastructure Ireland on a number of safety schemes throughout the county on all its national routes and is pleased that Carrick NS was selected for this pilot scheme. Reacting to the new works undertaken, the principal of Carrick National School Eoin Davey said: The installation of the periodic speed limits, road markings and signage at the front of Carrick NS are all very welcome additions to increased road safety for all our school community entering and leaving the school grounds. We hope that this is the first of many steps that will be taken to lower traffic speed outside the school and to ensure the safety of our pupils who travel by foot, bicycle, car and bus on a daily basis, Mr Davey said. The N60 is a strategic national secondary route through the county with a high volume of traffic and the SRTS pilot aims to minimise the current risks to all road users at the school during drop-off and pick-up times by reducing the average speed of all vehicles passing the school. September 22, 2024 A roundup of domestic and international news Newsflash Newsroom, 22.09.2024, 13:51 UN. On September 24 and 25, the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, will head the Romanian delegation to the high-level segment of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), which will take place in New York. The central theme of the session is Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere. According to a press release from the Presidential Administration, the Romanian head of state will speak on Wednesday, when he will plead for the maintenance of multilateral dialogue, especially in the UN format, as an essential element of regional and global security. His speech will also highlight Romanias efforts and contribution, at all levels, to solving current global issues, from security crises such as the war in Ukraine or the conflict in the Middle East, to major challenges for humanity, including the climate emergency or cyber threats. Budget. Early next week, the Romanian Government is going to discuss a proposal for budget adjustment presented by the Ministry of Finance, even if it is based on the increase in revenues and spending that will lead to a deficit of 2% above the estimate made by authorities early this year. The economic growth forecast was also revised from 3.4 to 2.8% of the GDP. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu gives assurances that the adjustment is sustainable because 84% of the deficit represents expenses for investments. According to the draft ordinance, health, transport and education receive additional funds. Social insurance budgets are also increased for the payment of recalculated pensions, but also for unemployment allowances and related social insurance contributions. On the other hand, other main authorizing officers will have smaller budgets. These include the General Secretariat of the Government, the Ministry of Economy, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the Special Telecommunications Service, but also the Ministry of Development. Flooding. The floods in Budapest reached their peak on Saturday, with a maximum flow of the Danube of 8,200 m3/s. The river burst its banks, the streets and buildings near the embankment were flooded, and the water reached the Parliament building. The flow of the Danube at the entrance to Romania is currently increasing. It is estimated that the flood will reach the Romanian sector on September 28-29 and will reach values of about 9,000 cubic meters per second. The representatives of the National Administration of Romanian Waters say that, for comparison, in 2006, the Danube had a flow of 15,600 cubic meters per second at the entrance to the country. The Romanian authorities in the towns along the river route are taking measures to prevent possible floods. The dikes have been checked, and the town halls are preparing materials and means of intervention. We recall that the recent floods have caused huge material damage and killed several people in Romania, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. The European Commission has promised an emergency aid of 10 billion euros for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe affected by the floods. AgriFish. The Romanian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Florin-Ionut Barbu, will attend the AgriFish Council in Brussels on Monday, the main points on the agenda being the situation of the agricultural markets, especially as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, and the balance of the second year of implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans. Ministers will also exchange views on the future EU-UK annual consultations on fishing opportunities for 2025, as well as on the EU-Norway and coastal states annual consultations for the following year. At the same time, the Council will submit for debate a Commission proposal to update the fishing possibilities related to the years 2024 and 2025 for certain fish stocks, to take into account the latest scientific opinions and the events of the last period. Bucharest Days. Bucharest Days, an event that marks 565 years since the city was first documented, are also celebrated today. Concerts, theater shows, acrobatics and animation shows, installations and art exhibitions are organized, as well as various interactive activities for children. Bucharest Street Food Festival a special edition by iMapp, the biggest street food event in Europe, is present in the Constitution Square with dishes from more than 10 international cuisines, inviting participants to discover and enjoy them. More than 50 food trucks are present, offering an impressive variety of culinary preparations. The atmosphere is maintained by well-loved DJs, and well-known and popular bands will offer several live concerts. The National Radio Orchestra, conducted by Cristian Spataru, together with soprano Valentina Nafornita, will mark the end of the twelfth edition of the festival, this evening, with a classical music concert. (MI) September 22, 2024 UPDATE A roundup of domestic and international news Newsflash Newsroom, 22.09.2024, 19:00 UN. On September 24 and 25, the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, will head the Romanian delegation to the high-level segment of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), which will take place in New York. The central theme of the session is Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere. According to a press release from the Presidential Administration, the Romanian head of state will speak on Wednesday, when he will plead for maintaining a multilateral dialogue, especially in the UN format, as an essential element of regional and global security. His speech will also highlight Romanias efforts and contribution, at all levels, to solving current global issues, from security crises such as the war in Ukraine or the conflict in the Middle East, to major challenges for humanity, including the climate emergency or cyber threats. Budget. Early next week, the Romanian Government is going to discuss a proposal for budget adjustment presented by the Ministry of Finance, even if it is based on the increase in revenues and spending that will lead to a deficit of 2% above the estimate made by authorities early this year. The economic growth forecast was also revised from 3.4 to 2.8% of the GDP. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu gives assurances that the adjustment is sustainable because 84% of the deficit represents expenses for investments. According to the draft ordinance, health, transport and education receive additional funds. Social insurance budgets are also increased for the payment of recalculated pensions, but also for unemployment benefits and related social insurance contributions. On the other hand, other main authorizing officers will have smaller budgets. These include the General Secretariat of the Government, the Ministry of the Economy, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the Special Telecommunications Service, but also the Ministry of Development. Flooding. The floods in Budapest reached their peak on Saturday, with a maximum flow of the Danube of 8,200 m3/s. The river burst its banks, the streets and buildings near the embankment were flooded, and the water reached the Parliament building. The flow of the Danube at the entrance to Romania is currently increasing. It is estimated that the flood will reach the Romanian sector on September 28-29 and will reach values of about 9,000 cubic meters per second. The representatives of the National Administration of Romanian Waters say that, for comparison, in 2006, the Danube had a flow of 15,600 cubic meters per second at the entrance to the country. The Romanian authorities in the towns along the river are taking measures to prevent possible floods. The dikes have been checked, and the town halls are preparing materials and means of intervention. We recall that the recent floods have caused huge material damage and killed several people in Romania, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. The European Commission has promised an emergency aid of 10 billion euros for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe affected by the floods. AgriFish. The Romanian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Florin-Ionut Barbu, will attend the AgriFish Council in Brussels on Monday, the main points on the agenda being the situation of the agricultural markets, especially as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, and the balance of the second year of implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans. Ministers will also exchange views on the future EU-UK annual consultations on fishing opportunities for 2025, as well as on the EU-Norway and coastal states annual consultations for the following year. At the same time, the Council will submit for debate a Commission proposal to update the fishing possibilities related to the years 2024 and 2025 for certain fish stocks, to take into account the latest scientific opinions and the events of the last period. Israel. The EU is extremely concerned about the escalation in Lebanon, after the recent bloody attacks, calling for an urgent cease-fire, the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell said on Sunday. Civilians are the ones paying a high price as heavy fighting continued on Sunday in both Israel and Lebanon, the European official said. A military escalation is not in the interest of Israel, warned, on the same day, a the White House spokesperson John Kirby. He told the ABC television channel that the US had directly conveyed that to the Israeli counterparts and estimated that theres still space for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. On the other hand, the Israeli authorities promised to restore calm in the north of Israel so that tens of thousands of people who fled the violence could return to their homes. Tensions have risen considerably in recent days, with dozens dead and thousands injured in Lebanon, caused by a series of explosions blamed on Israel that targeted the pagers and then the walkie-talkies of Hezbollah members on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Israeli military air force launched on Saturday night and continued on Sunday the most intense bombardment of the last year on southern Lebanon, saying they hit about 290 targets, destroying, among other things, several thousand rocket launchers of the Lebanese Islamist group Hezbollah, Reuters reports. For its part, Hezbollah announced that it had launched rockets at a military industrial complex in Haifa, in northern Israel, and at the Ramat David base of the Israeli military aviation the most distant target inside Israeli territory since the start of hostilities. Bucharest Days. Bucharest Days, an event that marks 565 years since the city was first documented, were celebrated this weekend with concerts, theater shows, acrobatics and animation shows, installations and art exhibitions, as well as various interactive activities for children. Bucharest Street Food Festival a special edition by iMapp, the biggest street food event in Europe, brought to the Constitution Square dishes from more than 10 international cuisines, inviting participants to discover and enjoy them. More than 50 food trucks offered an impressive variety of culinary preparations. The atmosphere was maintained by DJs and live concerts. The National Radio Orchestra, conducted by Cristian Spataru, together with soprano Valentina Nafornita, marked the end of the twelfth edition of the festival with a classical music concert. (MI) By Rajendra Jadhav MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's palm oil production is likely to triple in six years as the area under oil palm plantations increases and as plantations become mature for harvesting, a senior industry official said on Friday. The world's biggest edible oil importer relies on Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand for palm oil supplies. An increase in production will help India slash edible oil imports that account for nearly two-thirds of its total consumption. India's palm oil production is likely to jump to 1.2 to 1.5 million metric tons by 2030-31 from the current 400,000 tons, as farmers have been expanding the area, said Sougata Niyogi, chief executive officer of the oil palm plantation division at India's biggest palm oil producer, Godrej Agrovet Ltd. Oil palm trees start yielding fruit 3-4 years after planting, with yields increasing significantly at around 6 years. The oil palm area has been rising at a rapid pace since New Delhi started providing incentives to farmers from 2021 to curb vegetable oil imports, which cost it $15 billion in the last fiscal year. The area under oil palm cultivation increased to 375,000 hectares (926,600 acres) by last year, and an additional 80,000 to 100,000 hectares is likely to be added this year, Niyogi told Reuters on the sidelines of the Globoil India conference. "Government policies are helping farmers expand their planting areas. The new plantations should be ready for harvest by 2030-31, and that's when we'll see a big jump in production," he said. India currently imports around 16 million tons of vegetable oils per annum, including 9 to 10 million tons of palm oil, mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Godrej Agrovet expects its palm oil production to double to 250,000 tons by 2030-31, Niyogi said. Two years ago, there was a shortage of sprouts, which India imports to produce seedlings, but now enough sprouts are available to accelerate oil palm planting, he said. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) In order to justify the effort of selecting individual stocks, it's worth striving to beat the returns from a market index fund. But its virtually certain that sometimes you will buy stocks that fall short of the market average returns. Unfortunately, that's been the case for longer term First Sponsor Group Limited (SGX:ADN) shareholders, since the share price is down 21% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return of around 22%. It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that. Check out our latest analysis for First Sponsor Group To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS). First Sponsor Group saw its EPS decline at a compound rate of 54% per year, over the last three years. In comparison the 7% compound annual share price decline isn't as bad as the EPS drop-off. This suggests that the market retains some optimism around long term earnings stability, despite past EPS declines. With a P/E ratio of 87.30, it's fair to say the market sees a brighter future for the business. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here.. What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of First Sponsor Group, it has a TSR of -13% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. Story continues A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 15% in the last year, First Sponsor Group shareholders lost 8.1% (even including dividends). Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 0.9% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For instance, we've identified 6 warning signs for First Sponsor Group (3 don't sit too well with us) that you should be aware of. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of undervalued small cap companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges. 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. It's always best to build a diverse portfolio of shares, since any stock business could lag the broader market. But the goal is to pick stocks that do better than average. One such company is Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), which saw its share price increase 33% in the last year, slightly above the market return of around 31% (not including dividends). Unfortunately the longer term returns are not so good, with the stock falling 18% in the last three years. So let's assess the underlying fundamentals over the last 1 year and see if they've moved in lock-step with shareholder returns. See our latest analysis for Verizon Communications To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. During the last year, Verizon Communications actually saw its earnings per share drop 47%. Given the share price gain, we doubt the market is measuring progress with EPS. Since the change in EPS doesn't seem to correlate with the change in share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics. For starters, we suspect the share price has been buoyed by the dividend, which was increased during the year. Income-seeking investors probably helped bid up the stock price. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). Verizon Communications is well known by investors, and plenty of clever analysts have tried to predict the future profit levels. You can see what analysts are predicting for Verizon Communications in this interactive graph of future profit estimates. What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Verizon Communications the TSR over the last 1 year was 43%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective We're pleased to report that Verizon Communications shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 43% over one year. That's including the dividend. That certainly beats the loss of about 0.7% per year over the last half decade. The long term loss makes us cautious, but the short term TSR gain certainly hints at a brighter future. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Verizon Communications better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Verizon Communications . Story continues For those who like to find winning investments this free list of undervalued companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. 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. Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC is among several international investors who have told the government that they will not look at opportunities in the UK regulated utility sector in the wake of crisis around Thames Water. It is understood that one person at the meeting said that the "UK is totally off our radar at the moment" due to regulators having become "too unpredictable". However, GIC was said to remain bullish on other UK investment opportunities notwithstanding their negativity towards UK regulated utilities . - The Sunday Times Rolls-Royce is near to inking deals to construct small modular nuclear power plants in Sweden and the Netherlands. The engineer has told The Mail on Sunday that the two deals would be signed by the end of 2024. The news follows the announcement during the previous week that Czech authorities had chosen Rolls-Royce as preferred supplier to its state-owned CEZ. - The Financial Mail on Sunday No 10 is bracing for a potential setback in a vote on the Chancellor's cuts to the winter fuel allowance for pensioners at the Labour conference. Trade unions are expected to push for the decision to be reversed, although the timing of the vote has yet to be agreed. The vote however is not binding. - Guardian Thames Water's creditors are looking to inject over 1bn before the end of 2024 in order to help the utility group right its finances. Several hedge funds and institutions who hold approximately 10bn of Thames Water's debt think that the company requires a stop-gap lifeline to help it until it is restructured. The utility has said that it has enough cash to operate until May. The stricken utility is sitting atop a 16.5bn debt pile. Yet any new investor will first want to know Ofwat's final decision on how much Thames can charge customers over the next five years. - The Sunday Times Editors note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com. From the left to right, Samir Farag, Rosalie Mottola, Borough President Vito Fosella, Joseph Skinner, Sr., Sharon Mineo and Bonnie Rogers. (Courtesy/Tami DiCostanzo)Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. To say Sharon Mineos dedication as an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteer has been extraordinary would be somewhat of an understatement. Volunteering to help Staten Islands military community has become an every day occurrence for this volunteer extraordinaire. Her extensive volunteer work with Blue Star Families immediate family members of a service member during a time of conflict, the Coast Guard Kids Club and a number of other organizations for the last 15 years, speaks to her commitment to serving the military, families, children and her community as a whole. And her personal connection to the military, as mother and grandmother to veterans and active-duty service members, has fueled her passion for addressing the unique challenges they face, especially food insecurity. Mineos role at Blue Star Families is multifaceted. As a food pantry assistant with the Nourish the Service Food Closet, she plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of food insecurity among military families, notes Tami DiCostanzo, director of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program on Staten Island who connected Mineo to myriad volunteer opportunities. Sharon Mineo stocks the Food Pantry. (Courtesy/Tami DiCostanzo)Staten Island Advance Over the past few years, Mineo and DiCostanzo have formed a genuine friendship based on their interest in assisting the veteran/military community on Staten Island. And her efforts extend to leading collection drives to ensure the pantry is well-stocked, DiCostanzo adds. Whats more, as a special events volunteer, Mineo helps families feel more connected to their community, providing a sense of belonging and access to essential resources and her passion for the military shows through her service work, particularly with Blue Star Families. DiCostanzo goes on to explain that during holiday time, Mineos thoughtfulness surfaces brightly inasmuch as she creates special packages for military children. From the left to right, Gloria Lavine, Sharon Mineo and Rosalie Mottola. (Courtesy/Tami DiCostanzo)Staten Island Advance Her involvement with the Coast Guard Kids Club further demonstrates her commitment to providing a supportive environment for children in military families, DiCostanzo continues. And by organizing fun and safe activities at Fort Wadsworth, she ensures these children have joyful experiences while their parents engage in sponsored events. In speaking of her role, Mineo is quick to say she really enjoys working at Fort Wadsworth. I always wanted to work with the military, she recounted. My daughter served, my two sons served, my nephew served. Theyve done their part, and I always wanted to do my part. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP gave me the opportunity and I jumped at it. Its gotten to be a really important part of my life. I know a lot of people care about a lot of different causes and dont necessarily do anything. They might donate money. But with volunteering, youre more directly involved. You learn more about the situations and whats actually going on. What Ive gotten out of it myself is a lot more than Ive ever given. You meet people that you would never have expected to meet before. Thats so rewarding. From the left, Sharon Mineo, Stephanie Smith and Marilou Tenafrancia. (Courtesy/Tami DiCostanzo)Staten Island Advance When asked if she has any advice for those who might want to begin volunteering, she replied: Just do it! There are so many opportunities, especially here in Staten Island. Ive been doing this for many, many years, and as I said, I feel Ive gotten much more out of it than Ive ever put in. My time has been rewarded by getting to know people and seeing change happen. For those interested in volunteering through AmeriCorps Seniors like Mineo, DiCostanzo encourages individuals to check out the opportunity. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP is offering free pre-service training workshops to prepare volunteers interested in combating food insecurity or aiding veterans and military families to serve, DiCostanzo points out. This three-hour workshop will help you to understand the unique needs of the population and provide skills-training, information, and resources to better prepare you as a volunteer. Theres also an opportunity to participate in a free six-week program designed to enhance an individuals physical, mental, and emotional well-being because as volunteers theres need to take care of yourself while taking care of others. Sessions are held on Staten Island. Training begins during the month of September. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. After the training, staffers will help find a volunteer opportunity that matches specific interests and availability. For additional information or to register for the training, kindly contact DiCostanzo at 718-494-3222 or email AmericorpsSeniorsRSVP@cssny.org CELEBRATIONS - SEPT. 22 TO SEPT. 28 SEPT. 28 Happy birthday Sunday to retired State Supreme Court Justice Matthew Sciarrino Jr., Ed Josey, president of the NAACP, Staten Island Branch, Mark Lauria, chairman of the board of Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Livingston, Vincent Bova, Fred Mavaro, Michael Scholl, Anjelica Leigh Dunleavy and George Michael Mottola. SEPT. 23 Monday is birthday time for Cas Bianowicz, Anthony Flagello Jr., Christopher C. Van Name, Shannon Davis, Bert Barry and Ryan Larson who turns 20 years-old. Happy wedding anniversary to Grace and Sol Como, to Russell Palazzo and Linda Parisella-Palazzo and to Russell who marks his birthday on Sept. 24. SEPT. 24 The happiest of birthdays Tuesday to Frank Angelico, Danny Beyar, Kamryn Brooke Miller, Andrea Hills, Peter Franco, Bridget McGuire, Michael Granucci and Jasmine Daniels wholl be celebrating her 20th. Happy wedding anniversary Tuesday to Lisa and Mike Cusick. SEPT. 25 Wednesday is birthday time for Ronald Cerrachio, chief law clerk in the Richmond County Surrogates Court, Terry Tarangelo, Marilyn Barry, Barbara Buckley, Robert Belliveau, Sally Ann Brittain, Sam Vella, Mildred Alpert, Annelise Lorentzen, Lila Victoria and Lorraine Ferraninni. SEPT. 26 Birthday best on Thursday to Laura Pelliccia Sconzo who shares a birthday today with Joe Bognasco, Andrea Raimondi, Jason Hills, Michael Bowers, Anthony Saltarelli, Danielle Pascale, Steven Vera and Bob Speziale. SEPT. 27 Birthday greetings Friday to hotelier Lois Nicotra, Sean P. Sweeney, Michael Anderson, James Bacchi who turns 39, Genalin Santos, John Bruno, Steven DeFranco, Jim Taranto, Tricia Britton, Jennifer Quinn, Ralph Marrocco Jr., Meaghan Latuja, Roseann Stockman and twins Eileen and John Noone. SEPT. 28 Saturday is birthday time for former State Senator Diane Savino, Christina Noce, Rosemarie Barnickel, Joe Hicks, Ernst Pierre, Eileen Loeffel and to Stephanie Mollenthiel of Meiers Corners who turns 59. Local and federal agents are searching for people with information about a deadly mass shooting that left four people dead and at least 17 others injured outside a Birmingham club Saturday night. The shooting happened just after 11 p.m. in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue South, as people were standing in line to get into Hush, a hookah and cigar lounge. Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said the shooting may have been a murder-for-hire and that more than 100 shell casings were collected at the scene. Heres what we know so far about the deadly shooting. This story will be updated as more information is available. How can people help? Police and Mayor Randall Woodfin are urging anyone with any information to speak with officers. Businesses in the area are being urged to share surveillance video. You can submit information to police here. You can also call investigators at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Who was killed? Police have not released the identities of people injured or killed as of Sunday morning. How did the shooting occur? Multiple shooters pulled up in a car, Thurmond said, got out and fired shots and then drove away. The targeted victim in the murder-for-hire was likely found at the scene by the shooters. Wherever that (targeted) person was is where it was going to take place, Thurmond said. Who are suspects in the shooting? As of Sunday morning, police have not identified the suspects or people of interest. What are officials saying? Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin asked Sunday morning for help from state officials to regulate conversion devices that turn guns into automatic weapons. Converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon that discharges all bullets within seconds doesnt belong on our domestic streets, Woodfin said in a Facebook post Sunday morning. This shouldnt be up for debate. This morning, too many families have to pick up the pieces of an unfair new normal that doesnt include their love one. How many people have died in homicides in Birmingham in 2024? After last nights shooting, there have been 122 homicides thus far this year. Birminghams homicide total in 2023 dropped 6.25%. It was the first time in five years the number of killings in the city had dropped after years of steady increases. The city ended 2023 with 135 homicides, a 6.25% drop over 2022 which had 144 homicides. Birminghams 2022 homicide total was the deadliest year in recentcity history. Birminghams all-time record for homicides was in 1933 with 148 slayings. The citys population in 1933 was nearly 260,000. Birminghams population in 2023 was nearly 197,000, according to Census data. The phrase "everything old is new again" appears to be the most apt descriptor for Boeing's (NYSE: BA) situation at the moment. It's been 16 years since the Great Boeing Machinists Strike of 2008, when contract negotiations between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists labor union came to an impasse and led to a two-month-long strike. This month, the IAM is on strike again at Boeing after the latest round of contract negotiations failed to end with an agreement. While the two situations have some similarities, they're really not the same. And it's the differences that make this an especially dangerous time to be invested in Boeing stock. Something old, something new You see, 16 years ago, Boeing was coming off its most profitable year ever, 2007, in which the company reported a $4.1 billion profit that was nearly twice what it had earned in 2006. IAM quite understandably wanted a piece of that action, and its demands weren't even all that out of line, centering on a 13% increase in wages spread over three years. (The parties ultimately settled on a 15% increase over four years.) Now, both Boeing and its union are in much different places. Begin with the union itself, which demanded a 40% wage hike over four years this time around -- nearly three times what it got last time around. (Boeing and union leadership had actually settled on a generous 25% pay hike package over four years -- still better than in 2008 -- but the union membership voted it down and elected to strike for more.) Even more important, though, is the dire financial condition that Boeing suffered as it entered into these latest negotiations. It's no great secret that Boeing has been struggling lately. Plagued by problems with first its 787 Dreamliner program, then its 737 MAX aircraft, and more recently with its defense and space business, Boeing was losing money even before the pandemic struck in 2020. Things have gotten worse, not better, since. Hurt by weak plane demand for commercial airplanes during the pandemic, Boeing actually lost money for five straight years. Data from S&P Global Market Intelligence show a $2.2 billion loss in 2023, and a year-to-date loss nearly as big -- $1.8 billion -- in the first six months of 2024 alone. What this means for Boeing All of which is to say, Boeing's union demand for a massive 40% pay hike seems out of step with the company's financial position today. Boeing's already losing money hand over fist, and if the union gets the pay hikes it's demanding, Boeing's financial condition will get worse, not better, as its costs rise even more. Story continues These facts notwithstanding, Boeing is in a lousy position to negotiate. Heading into the strike, The Wall Street Journal pointed out Wednesday, Boeing was already burning $1 billion in cash every month. And with 737 airliner production now halted for the strike, it's going to add $500 million in losses per week, potentially tripling the rate at which the company loses money for as long as the strike lasts. Boeing's taking steps to mitigate the damage, with new CEO Kelly Ortberg taking a pay cut, "non-essential contractors" being let go, and the company furloughing white-collar workers (for one week out of every four) for the duration of the strike. Still, these measures can only lower the flame on Boeing's cash burn, not put out the fire. When push comes to shove, Boeing's negotiating position is so very weak right now that it probably has little choice but to cave to the union's demands or offer something very near to it. Is this the end game for Boeing? Previewing the inevitable, Jefferies aerospace analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu told CNBC last week that if the IAM had agreed to Boeing's offer of just a 25% pay hike over four years, the annual impact would amount to about $900 million in added labor costs for Boeing. If the pay hike goes to 40%, investors should anticipate a bigger $1.4 billion outlay for additional labor costs at the company. The good news is that, despite all appearances, Boeing might actually be able to afford the increase. After six years (including this year) of reporting nothing but losses, analysts polled by S&P Global expect Boeing to finally return to profitability in 2025, earning potentially as much as $3.6 billion in net profit. The bad news is that a 40% wage hike is going to eat up a lot of that profit -- not all at once, as wages will rise over four years. But the earnings hit will begin immediately, and will get steeper as time goes on. Investors betting on Boeing being a buy based on its valuation of 37 times expected 2025 earnings could be in for a rude surprise. Should you invest $1,000 in Boeing right now? Before you buy stock in Boeing, 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 Boeing 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 $710,860!* 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 Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends S&P Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Labor Union Strike Poses a Huge Problem for Boeing was originally published by The Motley Fool Next time you take a Royal Caribbean cruise, you might want to leave these particular travel gadgets at home. Royal Caribbean quietly added power strips, multi-plug outlets and surge protectors to its banned items list. The cruise line decided to prohibit the use of the travel necessities in its ship state rooms on older vessels that arent equipped to handle multiple outlets to charge more than a few devices at a time. If overloaded, the power strips and extension cords could cause electrical damage or a fire risk. However, it is unclear whether or not Royal Caribbean is enforcing this latest rule despite the buzz this change has been generating on the internet. Frequent travelers and large families many find the ban difficult to adjust to. Many older ships dont have multiple outlets or USB ports in a cabin and are limited to one American-style outlet and one European-style outlet, according to The Street. Although many newer cruise ships have more outlets and charging ports available, the ban may come as an inconvenience to travelers who bring along important travel devices, like phones, electric razors, cameras, tablets, e-readers, blow dryers and portable chargers. To see the updated list of banned items, you can go to Royal Caribbeans website here. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The aroma of mouthwatering food could be pinned out on the sidewalk outside of New World Preparatory School as hundreds of Staten Islanders gathered to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The occasion celebrated 21 countries, like Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Belize, which celebrated their anniversaries of independence in the last week. The event the only one of its kind on Staten Island is hosted by El Centro del Inmigrante. Michelle Molina, the executive director of the organization, was all smiles as she welcomed community members into the open doors of the schools auditorium. Scenes from the fourth Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Sept. 22, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney)Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Its really important for people that have left their country, when once they come here, theyre able to finally feel something of their own other than all the new environments that theyre encountering. Its a way to hang on to their roots and also be able to transfer this to their new families, Molina said. Its an event about pride; its a beautiful, colorful event where we not only get to share part of our culture, we [also] get to learn about other cultures as well. Inside the auditorium, revelers sipped on traditional drinks like ice-cold horchata through colorful straws while others sat together in chairs to indulge in freshly made hallacas, empanadas, fruit, and other cultural staples. Scenes from the fourth Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Sept. 22, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney)Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Organizations like Project Hospitality, Catholic Charities of Staten Island, the U.S. Army, and more set up their own tables to offer information to the community, while other tables sold authentic merchandise. Every moment was set to popular songs and live music, including performances from Mariachi Huella, Nuu Davi, Rey Chaux, Ms. Yvette Wheatley, and many more. Scenes from the fourth Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Sept. 22, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney)Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Assemblymember Charles Fall (D-North Shore/Battery Park) and Democratic congressional nominee Andrea Morse made their appearance at the celebration, both of whom were eager to try some of the food. Fall, who joked he was ready to gain a few pounds during the event, said that it was important to recognize and celebrate the different Hispanic heritages. Scenes from the fourth Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Sept. 22, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney)Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney We have a very vibrant Hispanic community here on Staten Island, with very, very deep roots its just wonderful to celebrate with them, Morse said. Abelardo Aleman, the outreach and diversity committee chair for the Staten Island Democratic party, looks forward to this event every year. Aleman predicted that by the end of the day, about 1,800 people will have walked through the doors of the auditorium to celebrate. A child watches as Assemblyman Charles Fall, right, speaks next to El Centro del Inmigrante Executive Director Michelle Molina, far right, Council of Jewish Organizations President Mendy Mirocznik, left, and Staten Island Democratic Party Outreach and Diversity Committee Chair Abelardo Aleman, far left, at the fourth Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Sept. 22, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney)Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Part of the reason for the major turnout is due to the masses at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church, which has one of the largest congregations on the island. In between masses, Rev. Hernan Paredes could be seen mingling in the crowd. More about El Centro From left to right, Council of Jewish Organizations President Mendy Mirocznik, Staten Island Democratic Party Outreach and Diversity Committee Chair Abelardo Aleman, and El Centro del Inmigrante Executive Director Michelle Molina, and Democratic congressional nominee Andrea Morse are pictured at the fourth Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Sept. 22, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney)Staten Island Advance/Jillian Delaney Located on Port Richmond Avenue in the heart of the Hispanic community El Centro has, for years, sponsored large-scale celebrations of arts and culture that share pride in Hispanic heritage with the borough. El Centro was the first organization in the borough to recognize the needs of immigrants and continues to serve people from Latin America, Africa and Asia, as well as native-born Americans. Over 25 years, El Centro has been a trusted resource for tens of thousands of Staten Islanders as they navigated a constantly changing immigration landscape, periods of economic downturn, housing shortages, the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Hurricane Sandy and other events of recent history. A bill headed to New York state legislators early next year could lead the way toward legal importation of certain prescription medications from Canada, potentially saving state residents particularly seniors significant cost, proponents say. If the New York Rx Importation Bill S.9838, sponsored by State Sen. James Skoufis of Cornwall, New York, (also known as Assembly Bill A7954) becomes law, it would follow in the footsteps of a similar bill in Florida, which in January became the first state to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its plan to import. Passing a similar state law opened the door for Florida in creating a plan to import some prescription medications from Canada to ensure they are proven to be less expensive, safe and equal in effectiveness to those sold by American pharmaceutical manufacturers. And in January, the FDA approved Floridas state importation plan. The same first step would apply in New York, if the bill becomes law. During the states past few New York legislative sessions, the bill was overwhelmingly passed by the Senate, but has yet to be voted on by the Assembly, having been tabled in the waning days of recent legislative sessions. Several studies have shown that retail level prices in the United States are higher than other countries. One recent study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office of 20 brand-name drugs found that prices here were two to four times higher than prices in Austria, Canada and France. When looking at Canada, Americans paid over two times as much and higher, the study found. Staten Islands state Assembly members Charles D. Fall (D-North Shore-Battery Park), Michael Reilly (R-South Shore ) and Michael Tannousis (R-East Shore/South Brooklyn) said they would likely support the bill, but wanted more details examined. Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid Island) said the same, that hes all for citizens saving money of prescription medication, and hes likely to vote yes, but hes got a few questions hed need answered first. The one thing this bill does not say is what percent of savings there would be, and what percentage will be passed on to the consumer, Pirozzolo said. If ... wholesalers will save 50%, does that mean Ill save 50% and the savings is passed on to me, or will it be the wholesalers will save 40% and Ill save 10%? And, our nations relationships with other countries must be considered, though Canada has always been a good neighbor. What if Canada says were not going to make their drugs anymore?, he asked. The issue of safety, he said, is also paramount. Its nice when you say it on paper that the drugs will be just as safe, but, in reality, who is doing the inspections? Is there a possibility of cross-contamination? Their pharmaceutical companies may not work the way our pharmaceutical companies work. Tannousis said hed support the bill as long as there are measures put in place to ensure that the quality of these prescriptions are as high as they are in the U.S. The increasingly high cost of prescription drugs has made life expensive ... especially for our seniors he added. Opposition to the bill Those opposed to similar bills include the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which represents the countrys leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, and previously has filed a lawsuit challenging the importation pathway in Florida. Soon after the FDA issued its response to Florida, PhRMA issued a statement saying that importation of drugs from Canada poses a serious danger to public health. The PhRMA has also said the Florida plans would pose risk of a drug shortage in Canada, something the AARP has said is impossible, as Canada has put safeguards in place to protect its own supplies. A message left for PhRMA was not returned at the time of publication. Present a plan The bill passing wouldnt guarantee the legal importation of all prescription medication, said Bill Ferris, a state representative for AARP New York, which is lobbying hard for its passage. Instead, it would simply enable the state to meet with the FDA to present a plan to begin researching a potential state-run program, he said. The state has to show the federal government how youre going to save consumers money, all pursuant to federal rules and regulations he said. But to even get to there, weve got to pass the bill in New York first. Especially seniors The law would be beneficial to everyone, especially seniors, said Ferris, citing an AARP poll of New York voters that found a majority of seniors taking prescription medications are concerned about affordability. Its crucial for older adults to take their prescribed medications as directed, Ferris said, noting that many manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease, requiring consistent medication to control symptoms and prevent complications. The AARP poll found that 24% report not filling at least one prescription provided by their doctor in the past two years, and of those who reported not filling a prescription, 60% said the reason was cost. The study also found that 60% of seniors admitted they may not be filling a prescription in the future due to its rising cost, and 50% said they would delay getting a prescription due to the cost jump. Its going to have an impact on seniors, Ferris said. When you look at seniors, seniors are more likely to take multiple prescription drugs. If youre taking multiple prescription drugs, and the cost is higher, that will have a greater effect. He contacted CER chief executive David Parker for an explanation of the organisations behaviour at the time, as revealed by this masthead last week, but he was dissatisfied with the response. I sent two emails which were uncharacteristically polite. I wasnt happy, he said. Im a type A personality so I got irritated [and] let that be known. David was basically saying there is a pretty regular exchange of information and views between the organisations and thats proper but this is a different case. This was the CSIRO writing a submission to an independent review. The FOI documents show CSIRO staff described the submission as nearly complete before multiple requests for a meeting by the CER executive changed its course. Loading Could you please give me a call about the submission please? Many thanks. I should explain the matter is urgent as I gather the submission will be lodged tomorrow, one text by the CER said on October 6 2022 at 9.17am. Later that morning, emails show a CSIRO employee said the CER executive approached me to discuss CSIROs engagement with the CER on HIR methodologies. We need to actively manage this issue including putting mechanisms in place for more senior level visibility and oversight in this relationship. That afternoon, the CSIRO team held an internal meeting titled CSIRO-CER Meeting and the following morning a truncated version of its submission titled Updated submission was circulated and ultimately submitted. A subsequent email showed the CSIROs research about over-prediction of abatement within HIR projects was raised on six separate occasions with the department or carbon companies but they were repeatedly rebuffed. The CSIRO tried to share this research between June 2021 and October 2022, but it was either asked not to progress or had little opportunity to speak in meetings and the information was ultimately removed from the Chubb review so still nothing remains finalised in terms of documenting our concerns in detail. Great that we are flagging with the Chubb Review that we are open to further discussion on how our analyses may relate to issues with HIR integrity, the email says. Hoping we can eventually ensure our concerns are officially documented (even if not publicly) to avoid criticism of being silent on the public debate around HIR integrity, given ... our research does indeed speak to this. Loading The Chubb review was launched in 2022 after former Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee chairman Andrew Macintosh published damning research that claimed the majority of carbon credits, particularly HIR projects, were fraudulent and a waste of taxpayer funds. Chubb disagreed with Macintosh and found the industry was sound, which green-lit the federal governments introduction of the revamped safeguard mechanism, a policy that allows the countrys top polluters to achieve all emissions reductions by purchasing carbon credits. Chubb said government agencies were not specifically instructed to avoid discussing submissions with other organisations, and therefore he could not be sure the CER interference was contained to the two science organisations, but he stood by the review. At the end of the day, even if you say to people, No collusion, you have to trust the fact they wont collude, Chubb said. I dont think that we saw any indication that there were groups of people who colluded to give us the same story. He said CSIRO was one of well over 150 submissions and while the panel would have given more weight to information provided by the national science agency, Chubb said a longer submission would not have changed his conclusions. Its easy to look backwards and say, What would you do differently? Not a lot. I think we wrote a pretty good report, entirely consistent with our terms of reference.Overall, I would stand by that report today. ACT independent senator David Pocock wants drafts of the CSIRO submissions to the Chubb review prior to the CERs intervention. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Senator David Pocock met with CSIRO to discuss the correspondence and has since issued a notice to produce the four draft submissions detailed in the FOI documents. Pocock said he was deeply concerned by allegations of CER influence. I am seeking to use the Senates powers to find out more about what actually happened and what changes were made through the tabling of relevant documents, he said. Pocock said he didnt want to jump to conclusions about the CERs approach but that he wanted answers. Im not satisfied with what Ive heard from the CSIRO, their explanation. It seems like there was a flurry of activity after this phone call and I find it hard to believe it was simply a phone call to check if they were making a submission, Pocock said. Pocock said it was outrageous the CER feels like they have the right to meddle in that process by contacting people who are making submissions during a review into the industry it regulates. That shouldnt even be happening in the first place, Pocock said. Science works because it has inbuilt self-correcting mechanisms, where you have scientists being able to put forward their view and then that can be contested. It doesnt work if you have people trying to influence what is put forward. CER chief executive David Parker had previously admitted to robust conversations between Thompson and the Wentworth Group scientists, who did not change their submission after the approach. When contacted for comment by this masthead, Thompson declined to say whether the CERs communication with the CSIRO was appropriate. I have no comment to make on any of those issues, said Thompson, who no longer works at CER, before hanging up. CSIRO declined a request for an interview. A spokesperson confirmed research was removed but said this was overly technical detail and they wanted to ensure the submission was clear, concise and fit for purpose and that CSIRO would strongly reject the assertion that our submission was edited due to external influence. We have rigorous practices in place to maintain our reputation for integrity, scientific impartiality and independence. CSIRO regularly communicates with all its stakeholders at multiple levels, it said. The spokesperson said changes made to its submission were entirely CSIROs editorial decision to ensure clarity and accuracy and a decision was made that extensive supplementary material was not required. CSIRO did not share its submission, or any portion of it, with the CER prior to the submission being made or its publication. The CER did not respond to Chubbs criticism or specific questions about the correspondence or whether any staff were disciplined. Loading A spokesperson said the CSIRO initiated contact with the CER over a technical matter and the CER did not see the submission prior to its being submitted. Ms Thompson retired in mid-2023 following an almost 30-year career of service to the people of Australia in climate change policy and implementation. Ms Thompsons retirement was for personal reasons and was not related to this matter. The CER stands by Mr Parkers comments in relation to these matters. Deakin University professor of wildlife ecology and conservation Euan Ritchie said the repeated CER approaches were concerning. Scientists should be collecting data and producing submissions and reports without influence from others. If someone is writing to you, thats going to put you under pressure. That shouldnt be the case, he said. The fact that it was not just one event but multiple attempts to express concern about what CSIRO was doing, thats a worry. Its a repeated attempt to engage in the process of them preparing their submission. Ritchie published a survey in 2020 that found almost half of scientists working in government departments had experienced some form of influence. There is concern that scientists are being leant on by different parties for different reasons. We should always protect scientific freedom and academic freedom because we need that information to be available to decision-makers without influence. He said the alleged CER interference definitely needs to be investigated. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outComing soon Melbournes master of pasta to open first Sydney restaurant The Greek-born chef behind Melbourne pasta bar Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria is bringing his talent to Sydneys it food suburb, Double Bay. Scott Bolles September 23, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Andreas Papadakis is the Greek-born chef with a gift for Italian food and a reputation in his adopted city as Melbournes master of pasta. Now Papadakis has chosen Sydneys it food suburb for his next move, with plans to open a restaurant in Double Bay. Andreas Papadakis from Tipo 00. Kristoffer Paulsen The project will be a Sydney first for Papadakis and business partners Luke Skidmore and Alberto Fava, the trio behind Melbourne pasta bar Tipo 00, Osteria Ilaria, pizzeria Figlia, and Grana Deli. They havent chosen just any street for their Double Bay incursion; the location is on the same Bay Street strip as Neil Perrys restaurants Margaret and the recently opened $10 million Song Bird. Advertisement So, whats all the fuss about Papadakis, and yet another Melbourne food arrival? Our Melbourne colleagues tell us his gnocchi is cloud-like, and one review for The Age warns: Pity the carb-hating fool who will never know what it is to break into the perfectly formed tortellini. Papadakis confirmed the new hospitality entity, Conferre Group, has secured a site at the Ruby House development, on the corner of Bay Street and New South Head Road, where theyll open a restaurant next year, but beyond that details are sketchy. Were still working out what were going to do, he says. Were not going to replicate Melbourne [but] were not going to open a Japanese restaurant. Tipo 00s signature pappardelle with duck ragout and porcini mushrooms. Kristoffer Paulsen The chef also confirmed they wont transport the Tipo 00 moniker north, something that might have been difficult because a similarly named (but unrelated) pizzeria operates in Balmain. Advertisement Papadakis was raised in Athens and spent summers on the island of Crete in a family that ate pasta four times a week. When he was forging a career in restaurants in France, he spent most of his free time jumping the border to Italy. Hints of all those cultural influences are evident in a repertoire of Melbourne menu hits that includes octopus with njuda dressing, pappardelle with braised duck and porcini mushrooms, and tagliolini al nero with ebony strands of pasta flecked with pale squid and married with a briny sauce. Tipo 00 is the kind of restaurant that breeds an instant following, one Melbourne review claimed. Papadakis will be hoping its Sydney sibling will do likewise when it opens in 2025. Top Melbourne chef shares the crucial secret behind his cloud-like gnocchi Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up International crime figures, including an alleged Italian mafia member and an infamous Irish crime family, have been arrested after Australian authorities infiltrated an encrypted crime network, known as Ghost, and captured its alleged mastermind in Sydney. The foreign arrests reveal a strange echo in the underworld; criminals are accused of using encrypted devices while in prison to import weapons and cut deals with prosecutors. Alleged mafia boss Giovanni Parlangeli was arrested in Lecce, in southern Italy, as part of global raids following the breach of the encrypted Ghost phone network. The Australian Federal Police last week revealed they had infiltrated the encrypted platform Ghost, which was being used exclusively by criminals to organise multimillion-dollar drug deals and violence across the underworld. The alleged mastermind, a 32-year-old Sydney man, was hauled out of his parents home on Tuesday morning and charged with supporting a criminal organisation, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and cryptocurrency offences. Sydneys new $21.6 billion metro line is encouraging more people to ditch the car for public transport while easing pressure on busy heavy rail stations, which have had falls of up to 40 per cent in commuters passing through ticket gates. New figures show almost 21,000 fewer commuters passed through North Sydney stations gates on average each Wednesday a 40 per cent fall to 30,620 people in the four weeks after the city-section of the M1 metro rail line between Chatswood and Sydenham opened on August 19. Commuters pass through the new Victoria Cross metro stations ticket gates. Credit: Kate Geraghty The new Victoria Cross metro station in North Sydney averaged 29,665 people entering or exiting on Wednesdays, which is typically the busiest day for travel as more people opt to work in the office instead of at home. While entries and exits at North Sydney station fell considerably, the combined numbers for it and Victoria Cross show that thousands more people chose heavy rail or metro to travel to and from their destination a trend that was replicated at stations in the central city. 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 Voters have turned on Labor in the two biggest states and lifted the Coalition to a stronger position nationwide, heightening the prospect of a tight federal election that forces the government to scramble for power in a hung parliament. The trend has cut the governments primary vote to 29 per cent in NSW and 30 per cent in Victoria, dragging it below its results at the last election despite attempts to shore up support in the southern states. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has a slight edge over Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in the two states when voters are asked to name their preferred prime minister, ahead by 39 to 33 per cent in Victoria and 36 to 34 per cent in NSW. But the exclusive findings show the two leaders are neck-and-neck at a national level, with 35 per cent support each, while 30 per cent of voters are undecided about who is best to lead the nation. The quarterly analysis of the Resolve Political Monitor, conducted exclusively for this masthead, is based on responses from 4620 voters from July to September and similar surveys in previous quarters. Resolve director Jim Reed said the findings showed a swing of 2.5 per cent against Labor in two-party terms, enough to lead to a minority government. Advertisement If repeated uniformly at an election, this would obviously put the governments majority in jeopardy, but with the crossbench skewed to independents and Greens, the government would likely still govern, he said. This does not say the Coalition are in contention for a majority at all, and a minority Coalition government is also much less likely than a Labor one at this stage. Albanese took power at the last election after Labor gained 52 per cent of the national vote in two-party terms, giving it 77 of the 151 seats in the House of Representatives. The quarterly Resolve analysis finds only negligible swings in the two-party result in Queensland and Western Australia since the election, but concludes that Dutton has a greater chance of gaining ground in NSW and Victoria. This is largely driven by Coalition gains among blue-collar, lower-income groups in the suburbs and regions, and could flow higher up the pendulum in areas where there was a high No vote in the Voice referendum, Reed said. But the real wildcards in this election will be the non-classical contests where the Greens and independents play a greater part. Albanese is preparing to campaign in marginal electorates this week including in Western Australia after returning from his weekend visit to the United States to attend a Quad security meeting with US President Joe Biden and leaders from Japan and India. Advertisement Dutton and his campaign team are working on plans to gain Victorian seats including Aston and Chisholm in Melbournes eastern suburbs, McEwen in the outer north, and Goldstein alongside Port Philip. Loading The opposition leader has encountered major challenges in NSW, however, after the Liberal Party state division failed to nominate for local council elections, sparking doubts about whether the party machine is ready for the federal campaign. Dutton is due to speak in Sydney on Monday at a business forum on nuclear power, raising expectations about the Coalitions energy plan. Albanese has moved to protect Labor seats in Western Australia where the party reached a rare high at the last election by visiting the state with cabinet ministers earlier this month and offering production tax credits for mining companies. How the vote breaks down across the country The Resolve analysis finds the Labor primary vote has shrunk from 37 to 29 per cent in Western Australia since the election, but it suggests that much of this has gone to independent candidates. The Coalition primary was 35 per cent in the latest quarter, the same as the result at the previous election. Advertisement The findings confirm strong support for Dutton in his home state of Queensland, where he leads as preferred prime minister by 40 to 29 per cent. The Labor primary vote has fallen from 27 to 25 per cent in Queensland since the election. The Coalition has increased its primary vote from 40 to 42 per cent in that state. Both these shifts are within the margin of error for the latest analysis. The quarterly analysis collates figures from the Resolve Political Monitor each month rather than asking new questions, leading to a larger sample size that produces results with a margin of error of 1.4 percentage points much smaller than for monthly surveys. The margin of error is higher, however, for the results on individual states especially those with smaller populations, such as Western Australia. At a national level, the findings show Labor lifted its primary vote from 32.6 per cent at the last election to a high of 40 per cent in the subsequent months, then declined in a series of cascades to 28 per cent in the latest quarter. The trend has also lifted the Coalition above its 2022 election results in Victoria and NSW, marking the first time Dutton has done so in the quarterly results from the Resolve Political Monitor. The Coalition gained a primary vote of 37 per cent in NSW at the last election and now holds 38 per cent in the quarterly Resolve analysis. It gained 33 per cent in Victoria at the last election and now has 35 per cent in the quarterly analysis. These changes are within the margin of error for these states. Advertisement It also wasnt completely their fault you really cant help it if you get sick. There are, however, some things you can help and, given hed done more than 1000 treks, I asked our guide to enlighten me on the top mistakes. With some of my own personal errors thrown in. Turning up in Peru and deciding to book the trek spontaneously Book well in advance Machu Picchu has exploded in popularity. Credit: Getty Images No, you absolutely cannot do this. Those visitor caps mean you have to book well in advance at least six months to a year; demand is always high. I booked with a friend I met at university 20 years ago; we live on opposite sides of the world, so we dont see each other as much as we did in our hedonistic 20s. Now weve evolved from ravers to hikers, the plan was to disconnect from tech so we could properly reconnect on the mountain. We booked a year in advance. Also, buyer beware: you must show your passport twice at the beginning of the trek, and at the entrance to Machu Picchu. This must be the same passport number you booked with. Id clumsily washed my Australian passport two months prior and got a new one. They werent going to let me in as it, of course, had a different passport number to my waterlogged one. It was only because I had a photo of my previous passport that they let me in, or Id have been denied entry. Ignoring signs of altitude sickness We acclimatised over two glorious days in picturesque Cusco. Credit: Getty Images Headache, appetite loss, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, dizziness and feeling or being sick are all your warning signs. Ignore them at your peril even if others dismiss them. One man with such symptoms on day one of our tour was told by our erudite but obstinate tour guide: altitude sickness is all in your head. Eventually, he turned back and had to go in a hyperbaric chamber over two days in Cusco before being flown to a hospital in Lima. Medics say if he continued, hed have likely had a heart attack or stroke. Turns out it wasnt all in his head it was in his lungs. Listen to your body and your instinct, even if there are others pushing you in a different direction. Also: give yourself time to acclimatise to the altitude before starting the trek. We spent two glorious days in picturesque Cusco 3399 metres above sea level and climbing a set of simple steps left me completely breathless on day one. By day two, climbing the same steps was already easier. Not hiring hiking sticks Id have truly been lost or even injured without a walking stick. Credit: Getty Images Im going to reveal my prejudice here, but I thought walking sticks were for elderly or unfit walkers with poor balance. I arrogantly envisaged myself striding along with ease and didnt decide to hire them until the very last minute, on my friends strong recommendation (she makes many of these). Id have truly been lost or even injured without them. This is, quite literally, no walk in the park its tough. On a scale of one to five, five being toughest, Intrepid rates it as a grade-four trek. The sticks steady you on the steep bits. Theyre essential. Your clothes arent warm enough Layer up conditions along the Inca Trail can get pretty chilly. Credit: Getty Images This was my biggest fear pre-trek the physical exertion didnt really intimidate me, but the cold definitely did. I suffer from Raynauds phenomenon in my case, freezing feet which are difficult to warm up due to poor circulation. This trip is all about layers starting with skins/tights and working your way up to fleeces and thermals (and for me, slippers at night!). One of the turn-backs said it was just too cold at night, but he had only three layers. I was wearing five: vest, T-shirt, jumper, fleece, gilet. It got down to minus 2 degrees. During the day, itll go from stinking hot to cold and back again in a matter of minutes I was in a vest and shorts by lunchtime, but youre at the mercy of nature. Packing your bag is an art-form. Theres a fine balance between overpacking and giving yourself backache, and underpacking and giving yourself hypothermia. Dont do what I did and take a smallish backpack without a supporting front clip-strap (my back killed by the end); you need a proper, large hikers backpack yes, even with those hero porters helping lighten your load. Its a stressful packing experience for sure, but youll reap the rewards. Our Intrepid guide said a top mistake is that inexperienced trekkers bring a beach sleeping bag rather than an insulated four-seasons one (I hired mine). People freeze in ordinary sleeping bags, he said. Rushing Slow down sometimes the most beautiful view is behind you. Credit: Getty Images Youre in one of the genuinely most spectacular places on Earth before you even spot Machu Picchu the scenery is more beautifully dramatic than any Ive ever seen. Relish it. I often found myself stopping to release an involuntary beauty sigh. There was a big surprise around every corner and Machu Picchu at the very end was the logical conclusion to such splendour, as my friend astutely observed. My head cleared in a way it hasnt in months. Dont rush; enjoy the nature, our guide said among his better advice. Remember: sometimes the most beautiful view is behind you. Look back. But do so with care: youre one loose bit of rubble away from a sprained ankle and a porter-carry of shame. Loading There are also practical reasons to slow your pace: it helps you acclimatise to the altitude, encourages endurance and prevents exhaustion or dehydration; when you stop, you often remember to drink and snack both essential. Not everything in life is a race; this is a time to exhale, save some energy in the tank. Also enjoy the rare digital detox. I didnt turn my phone back on for 36 hours once it was all over. Bliss. Doubt Self-service kiosks at McDonalds (MCD) and other fast-food chains have loomed as job killers since they were first rolled out 25 years ago. But nobody predicted what actually happened. In one of the earliest mentions of kiosks in fast-food settings in 1999, now-defunct trade industry publication Business Information said that McDonalds was working to develop an electronic order-taking system that may eventually replace some of its human equivalents. Instead, touchscreen kiosks have added extra work for kitchen staff and pushed customers to order more food than they do at the cash register. The kiosks show the unintended consequences of technology in fast-food and retail settings, including self-checkout. Chains are now experimenting with artificial intelligence at drive-thru lanes, and the experience with kiosks holds lessons for them. Today, instead of replacing workers, companies deploy kiosks to transfer labor to other tasks like handing off pickup orders, help increase sales, easily adjust prices and speed up service. (Many chains, including Subway, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, dont use them much or at all.) Kiosks guarantee that the upsell opportunities like a milkshake or fries are suggested to customers when they order, Shake Shack CEO Robert Lynch said on an earnings call last month. Sometimes that is not always a priority for employees when youve got 40 people in line. Youre trying to get through it as quick as possible. Kiosks also shift employees from behind the cash register to maintaining the dining area, delivering food to customers or working in the kitchen, he said. Kiosks have shifted restaurant industry work to other positions. - Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Images Some McDonalds franchisees which own and operate 95% of McDonalds in the United States are now rolling out kiosks that can take cash and accept change. But even in these locations, McDonalds is reassigning cashiers to other roles, including new guest experience lead jobs that help customers use the kiosks and assist with any issues. In theory, kiosks should help save on labor, but in reality, restaurants have added complexity due to mobile ordering and delivery, and the labor saved from kiosks is often reallocated for these efforts, said RJ Hottovy, an analyst who covers the restaurant and retail industries at data analytics firm Placer.ai. Kiosks have created a restaurant within a restaurant. And in some cases, kiosks have even been a flop. Bowling ally chain Bowlero added kiosks in lanes for customers to order food and drinks, but they went unused because staff and customers werent fully trained on using them. The unintended consequences have surprised a lot of people, Hottovy said. Story continues Even some of the benefits of kiosks touted by chains they upsell customers by suggesting menu items and speed up orders dont always play out. A recent study from Temple University researchers found that, when a line forms behind customers using kiosks, they experience more stress when placing their orders and purchase less food. And some customers take longer to order tapping around on kiosks and paying than they do telling a cashier theyd like to order a burger and fries. Not to mention the kiosks can malfunction or break down. If kiosks really improved speed of service, order accuracy, and upsell, theyd be rolled out more extensively across the industry than they are today, Hottovy said. Self-service technology Kiosks have also been threatened as a fast-food industry response to higher minimum wage laws. I told you so, former McDonalds CEO Ed Rensi said in 2016 after the company expanded kiosks. I and others warned that union demands for a much higher minimum wage would force businesses with small profit margins to replace full-service employees with costly investments in self-service alternatives. California this year raised the minimum wage for the states fast food sector workers by $4 to $20. It raised a familiar refrain that those workers would be replaced by technology, such as self-service kiosks. But the quick-service and fast-casual segments of the restaurant industry continue to grow. Staffing levels were nearly 150,000 jobs, or 3%, above pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest Labor Department data. Christopher Andrews, a sociologist at Drew University who studies the effects of technology on work, said the impacts of kiosks were similar to other self-service technology such as ATMs and self-checkout machines in supermarkets. Both technologies were predicted to cause job losses. The introduction of ATMs did not result in massive technological unemployment for bank tellers, he said. Instead, it freed them up from low-value tasks such as depositing and cashing checks to perform other tasks that created value. Self-checkout also has not caused retail job losses. In some cases, self-checkout backfired for chains because self-checkout leads to higher merchandise losses from customer errors and more intentional shoplifting than when human cashiers are ringing up customers. Fast-food chains and retailers need to do a better job communicating what the potential benefits of kiosks and self-checkout are to consumers and employees, Andrews said. What I think will be central for customers is that they see how this technology is providing them with more or better service rather than more unpaid busywork, he said. Otherwise, the public is just likely to view it as yet another attempt to reduce labor costs via automation and self-service. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The attention of the world is consumed by events in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as Israel ruthlessly prosecutes its defensive war against Hamas and Hezbollah. Yet despite its undoubted significance in geopolitics and the passions it arouses domestically this is not the worlds most important conflict. The war being fought in Ukraine has far wider global dimensions. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Credit: Illustration: Aresna Villanueva It is already, in some senses, a global war, insofar as Ukraine is being supported by Western arms and intelligence, while Russias war effort is enabled by Iranian and North Korean weapons, and sanctioned by its no limits partnership with China. Were Putin to succeed, it would be a massive blow to the order which has kept the world from global war for 80 years. Were that success due to the withdrawal of American support if Donald Trump is elected in November, it would send Putin an unmissable signal that aggression will not be resisted. Other autocrats including in our hemisphere would adjust their plans accordingly. Delaware: US President Joe Biden has been caught in another hot mic moment, this time warning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other Indo-Pacific leaders that he believes Chinas aggression is a deliberate strategy to test the region at a challenging time for Beijing. Bidens candid comments were caught at a summit of the Quad alliance on Saturday (Sunday AEST), which he convened at his former high school in Delaware to put his personal mark on a group he hopes will endure well after his presidency ends in January. The Quad leaders summit at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware. Credit: AP The White House has long been careful not to frame the Quad which is made up of the US, Australia, Japan and India primarily as a vehicle for Washington to thwart Beijings ambitions. However, this notion was undermined when a camera feed picked up the president beginning the discussion by focusing on China and declaring that its recent assertiveness was a change in tactic, not a change in strategy. Netanyahu says Israel has 'landed a series of blows on Hezbollah' Jerusalem, Sept 22 (AFP) Sep 22, 2024 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel had "landed a series of blows on Hezbollah" after a night of intense cross-border fire and attacks this week in Lebanon. "In recent days, we have landed a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined. If Hezbollah did not get the message, I assure you it will get the message," Netanyahu said in a statement. "No country can tolerate attacks on its citizens, attacks on its cities. And we, the State of Israel, will not tolerate it either," he said, vowing to return residents of northern Israel displaced by nearly a year of fighting to their homes. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israeli forces would continue to pursue their war goals, which since earlier this week formally include returning the residents of the north to their homes. Before the expansion of the war goals, they focused on crushing Hamas and securing the return of hostages seized during the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack that triggered the Gaza war. In a statement issued by his office, Gallant said "Hezbollah has begun experiencing the impact" of Israel's military capabilities, "and they sense that they are being pursued". Military actions "will continue until we reach a point where we may ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes," he said. "This is our goal, this is our mission, and we will employ the means necessary to achieve it." President Salome Zourabichvili has pardoned Giorgi Shanidze, an activist involved in protests against the controversial Foreign Agents Law, just days after he was sentenced to four years in prison. Shanidze, who was arrested in May during demonstrations, had been convicted for damaging surveillance cameras and cultivating cannabis. His supporters criticized the sentence as an "exemplary, demonstrative punishment" meant to deter government critics ahead of key elections.The president's office announced the pardon on September 20, but initially withheld the identity of the individual. The statement simply noted that the convict had been "fully released from the subsequent serving of the prison sentence in a penitentiary institution."Shanidze was released from prison the same evening. Speaking to reporters, he expressed surprise at the pardon, saying the decision was "unexpected." Although he admitted to the charges, Shanidze argued that the punishment was excessive.This marks the second time President Zourabichvili has pardoned an activist involved in protests against the Foreign Agents Law. In April, she pardoned Lazare Grigoriadis, who had been sentenced to nine years for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at a police officer and setting fire to a police vehicle during the March 2023 protests-charges Grigoriadis denies.The Voice of America has revealed that the U.S. State Department and U.S. Treasury are finalizing a sanctions package targeting Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party.A "high-level official," speaking anonymously to VoA, explained that while sanctions against Ivanishvili had been considered previously, the new development is that a package is now fully prepared. However, the exact timing of its enactment remains uncertain, leaving open the question of whether it will be rolled out before or after the October 26 elections.Another official claimed that Ivanishvili had taken steps to foster closer ties with Russian oligarchs, granting Russia favorable access to Georgia's market. The source added that some of these actions were allegedly carried out following directives from Russian intelligence services. The sanctions will be implemented under Executive Order 14024, which authorizes action against "harmful foreign activities" by the Russian government.A source close to the discussions confirmed that the readiness of the sanctions package serves as a clear message. "Biden's administration wants to demonstrate its seriousness, hoping that members of the Georgian government will take notice," they said.Although the timeline for execution remains unknown, a source close to the administration noted that the necessary preparations are complete. The U.S. still holds out hope that the Georgian government will steer back toward a democratic path.This news comes shortly after the U.S. Treasury sanctioned several Georgian police officers and far-right extremists over serious human rights violations. We recently published a list of 20 AI News and Analyst Ratings You Should Not Miss. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR) stands against the other AI news and analyst ratings that you should not miss. The artificial intelligence (AI) market continues to show tremendous growth, with significant advances across sectors. According to a report by McKinsey on the AI industry, the AI revolution is driving innovation across industries, with investment in AI increasing sevenfold in recent years despite economic downturns in other tech sectors. This surge is primarily fueled by the growing demand for AI applications in data analysis, content generation, and predictive modeling. In particular, generative AI has drawn the most attention, revolutionizing industries like marketing, customer service, and product design. Moreover, high-performing companies are heavily investing in AI to gain a competitive edge. These firms, often referred to as AI high performers, allocate a significant portion of their digital budgets over 20% to AI technologies. They prioritize AI not only for cost reductions but also for new revenue streams. Read more about these developments by accessing 33 Most Important AI Companies You Should Pay Attention To and 20 Industrial Stocks Already Riding the AI Wave. The market for AI applications is set to expand even further, with several industry reports predicting that by 2030, AI could contribute up to $13 trillion to the global economy. Over a course of the next decade, informed estimates by investment advisors at Goldman Sachs indicate that these AI tools could drive a 7% increase in global GDP, worth nearly $7 trillion, and lift productivity growth by 1.5 percentage points overall. Moreover, the bank expects established businesses around the world to spend nearly $1 trillion on developing AI infrastructure in the coming years Prominent businesses have taken note of these developments. Latest reports suggest that investment titan BlackRock, in partnership with tech giants is likely to launch a more than $30 billion fund focused on AI. The fund will invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure to build data centers and energy projects. The need for energy is a source of particular interest to the business community as AI models require substantial computational power, leading to higher energy consumption. The sheer scale of computational power required for AI workloads has also forced tech giants to build supercomputer clusters, stringing together expensive chips, cooling systems, networking tools, and other high-tech gear to crunch data. These AI data centers will likely consume a growing amount of energy as the use cases of AI expand. McKinsey estimates that by 2025, 15% to 20% of all data center workloads will be AI-driven, compared to less than 5% in 2020. Furthermore, according to a report from the International Energy Agency, AI data centers could account for as much as 13% of global electricity demand by 2030 if current growth trends continue. Tech giants are thus investing billions of dollars into expanding their AI infrastructure. Our Methodology For this article, we selected AI stocks based on the latest news and analyst ratings. These stocks are also popular among hedge funds. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). A software engineer manipulating a vast network of code on virtual monitors. Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44 Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR) builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations. It also provides software to commercial clients such as banks and hospitals. The company recently announced that it had won a $100 million contract from the US army to streamline the AI infrastructure capabilities of the latter. The contract, awarded by DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, extends the Maven Smart System access to the Army, Air Force, Space Force, Navy, and US Marine Corps. Under the deal, a Palantir platform would support AI battlespace awareness, global integration, force management, logistics, joint fires, and targeting workflows. Citi analyst Tyler Radke recently met Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR) CFO Dave Glazer, penning a research note for investors after the meeting. The note reiterated a Neutral rating on stock with a $30 price target. The analyst told investors that the company remained upbeat on its Artificial Intelligence Platform momentum with consistent macro commentary. However, per the analyst, the recent inclusion of the software firm to the S&P 500 Index saw a 15% share uptick, which increased the valuation of the company to one of the most expensive names in software at a 25-times next 12 months enterprise value to sales ratio. Overall PLTR ranks 9th on our list of AI news and analyst ratings that you should not miss. While we acknowledge the potential of PLTR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than PLTR 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. Ramit Sethi The internet is full of advice. If youre trying to get abs, create the perfect travel itinerary for Cuba, grow your own carrots or get your ex back, youll find experts online who will guide you through the process. Similarly, many finfluencers or online personal finance experts offer advice, but not all of it is good. Check Out: Im A Self-Made Millionaire 6 Steps I Took To Become Rich on an Average Salary Read More: 7 Reasons a Financial Advisor Can Grow Your Wealth in 2024 Ramit Sethi, a personal finance expert and a New York Times bestselling author, called out some financial gurus for their bad advice. In a YouTube video , he broke down who was dishing out bad advice. Here are some things you shouldnt do. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Dave Ramsey: Withdraw 8% in Retirement Dave Ramsey, host of The Ramsey Show, is known for helping people solve financial issues. However, he gave some advice that Sethi vehemently disagreed with. Ramsey said its possible to withdraw 8% of your portfolio annually during retirement. According to Sethi, the math doesnt add up. If you take out 8% of your portfolio each year in retirement, there is a 60% chance that youll run out of money before you die. Sethi explained that this is basic math. According to him, its safe to withdraw 4% of your portfolio each year. A study by Trinity University also supports his claim, stating that a 4% withdrawal rate generally keeps your portfolio intact for 30 years. Try This: Mark Cubans Best Advice on How To Become Rich Kevin OLeary: Cut Back on Small Expenses Some popular financial advice today is to cut back on small expenses. Financial gurus might tell you to stop buying coffee each morning or to give up avocado toast. Sethi pointed out that one of these gurus is Shark Tank co-host Kevin OLeary. OLeary has been vocal about cutting back on small expenses to save for the bigger picture. However, these small expenses dont amount to much over the long term. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2019 and 2022, food expenses took up less than 13% of annual spending. Sethi had a problem with this advice, especially since OLeary often wears suits and outfits that cost thousands of dollars on TV. He points out that OLearys net worth is over $400 million, which makes it hard for him to relate to the financial problems of normal people. For Sethi, taking away an enjoyable aspect of your morning, like a cup of coffee, does more harm than good. Getting a cup of coffee in the morning wont significantly impact your long-term finances as long as youre taking other steps. Story continues You should invest in low-cost funds over long periods, set up automatic savings and enjoy your coffee. Robert Kiyosaki: Invest in Tuna Sethi pointed out a tweet where Robert Kiyosaki, author of the New York Times bestselling book Rich Dad Poor Dad, claimed buying cans of tuna was a good investment. This financial advice is very whimsical, and Sethi knew why. He explained that when these famous finance influencers run out of things to say, they start saying things out of shock value. Claiming that tuna is a good investment will get a lot of interaction and attention, causing tweets, videos and posts to do better in the social media platforms algorithm. Sethis Red Flags With so much advice floating around on the internet, it may be difficult to determine who to listen to. As a finance YouTuber himself, Sethi has faced criticism. He admitted that many users have commented about him getting rich from a book about how to get rich. To clear the air, Sethi stated that his book I Will Teach You To Be Rich only nets him $1 of profit per book sold. He said there are many easier ways to get rich than to write a book. There are ways to figure out who to listen to and who to ignore when it comes to financial advice. These are Sethis red flags: Someone who isnt direct about how they make money Charging percentage-based fees for financial advice Doesnt follow their own advice If youre taking advice from someone exhibiting any of these red flags, looking elsewhere might be a good idea. Sethi suggested having a healthy distrust of anyone who offers you financial advice. Its best to do your homework, Google them and look for a proven record before making decisions based on what they say. Bad financial advice could cost you thousands of dollars, so finding someone you can trust is vital. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Ramit Sethi: 3 Financial Gurus Giving Bad Money Advice * FIRST NAME * LAST NAME * EMAIL Your email address * PASSWORD Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Show * YEAR OF BIRTH You must be at least 18 years old to create an account 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 * Required fields I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice CREATE ACCOUNT I'LL TRY LATER Already have an account? SIGN IN By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars says no country can be taxed into prosperity heres Kamala Harriss real plan Pawn shop owner and reality TV star Rick Harrison recently voiced his support for former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. At the same time, he leveled sharp criticism at Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. During a Trump-Vance campaign event in Las Vegas, Harrison gave an impromptu speech to an enthusiastic audience. Don't miss Car insurance premiums in America are through the roof and only getting worse. But 5 minutes could have you paying as little as $29/month Commercial real estate has beaten the stock market for 25 years but only the super rich could buy in. Here's how even ordinary investors can become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024 and you can complete each step within minutes. Here's how Trump really wants us to do well, and you get Kamala Harris, who will say anything that she thinks will get her elected, stated Harrison, whose dealings at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop are featured on the popular History series "Pawn Stars." Harrison expressed particular concern over Harriss fiscal policies, cautioning about the detrimental impacts of potential tax increases. Not once in the history of the world has a country been taxed into prosperity, he asserted. It just doesnt work. Socialism doesnt work. The vice president's promises of sweeping changes were also challenged, given she has already served in the administration for more than three and a half years. I love it when Kamala Harris says on day one she's going to do this and this and this, when, you know just do it, you're there already. I mean, like, literally, you could go into the White House and do it, and Biden wouldn't even know you were doing it, he joked, his remarks also serving as a jab at President Joe Biden. Thats just one take on Harriss plan. Here are the details. Tax cuts for 100 million-plus Americans? Despite Harrisons criticism regarding the potential tax hikes under Harriss fiscal plan, theres more to consider. Harris has also proposed targeted tax breaks designed to alleviate financial pressures for specific groups of Americans. For instance, Harris, along with her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, advocate for using tax credits to help the average American family. According to Harris's plan, more than 100 million working and middle-class Americans will get a tax cut. The strategy includes reinstating the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit to their enhanced levels set by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. Notably, Harris aims to restore the Child Tax Credit to up to $3,600 per child, which was initially only in effect for one year, and plans to extend it further, offering a $6,000 tax reduction to families with newborns. Story continues Additionally, Harris is looking to bolster small businesses and entrepreneurs. She has set a bold target of 25 million new business applications by the end of her first term. Part of this initiative involves expanding the startup expense tax deduction for new businesses from $5,000 to $50,000. Harris has highlighted the significant cost of starting a new business in America averaging about $40,000 as a considerable financial hurdle for many aspiring entrepreneurs. She argues that increasing the allowable tax deduction for startup expenses is effectively a tax cut. Not everyone has access to that kind of wealth and capital, she stated at a campaign in North Hampton. So, part of my plan is we will expand the tax deduction for start-ups to $50,000. Its essentially a tax cut for starting a small business. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Tax hikes for some Harris's fiscal strategy does include several proposed tax increases targeting specific groups and income brackets. A key element of Harris's tax plan is the proposed increase in the corporate tax rate from the current 21% a figure established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act spearheaded by the Trump administration to 28%. This move is intended to generate additional revenue to pay for the initiatives outlined in her policy agenda. Harris has also signaled support for increasing the taxation of corporate stock buybacks, a practice where companies buy back their own shares from the marketplace. Echoing criticisms from the Biden administration, Harris proposes to quadruple the tax rate on these buybacks from 1% to 4%. On the individual tax front, Harris has pledged not to raise taxes on those making less than $400,000 annually. However, for higher earners, her plan includes an increase in the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6% from the current 37%. Regarding capital gains, Harris advocates for a tax rate of 28% on long-term capital gains for individuals earning $1 million or more. This proposal is notably lower than the 39.6% rate proposed in President Biden's fiscal 2025 budget, aiming to strike a balance that appeals to both policy goals and the concerns of investors. Mark Cuban, a prominent investor from "Shark Tank" with a net worth of approximately $5.7 billion, has expressed his support for Harris's capital gains tax plan. She's trying to be very respectful of the president and everything he's proposed, Cuban stated in a recent interview with CNBC. When I talked to them, I thought it was fair." What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. This is The Takeaway from today's Morning Brief, which you can sign up to receive in your inbox every morning along with: The chart of the day What we're watching What we're reading Economic data releases and earnings I think I have fully processed my time spent at Salesforce's (CRM) annual extravaganza in San Francisco, known as Dreamforce. This was my fourth Dreamforce, and it was fascinating per usual including a dinner at the top of the 61-floor Salesforce Tower with Matthew McConaughey (a longtime friend and pitchman for the SaaS giant), Will.i.Am, Metallica lead drummer Lars Ulrich, one of Nvidia's (NVDA) founding GPU creators, and Anthropic co-founder Daniela Amodei (who gave some great brief remarks on artificial intelligence). This dinner ended with an acoustic performance by Alanis Morissette, who sang four songs that reminded me that, at one point over the last 42 years, I did have a personal life (filled with the teenage heartbreak that only fed my appetite for sappy Alanis songs on Myspace). I digress. Now that I've digested this latest West Coast tech swing, I'm here to say it's good to see Salesforce co-founder and CEO Marc Benioff back to being Marc Benioff. I realize that as a journalist, I'm supposed to be critical, and I am. Salesforce shocked the hell out of the market in late May with a weak outlook, and the stock got hammered. Not a lovely look. But I can't completely turn off the analyst DNA in me that still exists deep down. And on that score, I liked what I saw from Benioff at Dreamforce from a few different perspectives. I saw a founder pull thousands of employees into his vision of an AI future during a keynote. The room full of "trailblazers" as Salesforce employees are called was hanging on to his every word. The group was ready to run through a wall for Benioff, essential when you are trying to deploy a billion autonomous AI agents and deliver for Wall Street each quarter. It was also significant that Benioff mostly did the keynote himself, only yielding the mic a few times. "The reason is I think he feels that this is a very pivotal moment for his company, for the industry, and for the technology," Goldman Sachs analyst Kash Rangan who was also in attendance told me. "When these entrepreneurs like Marc and Oracle's Larry Ellison that have founded their companies and have this deep sense of connection to the companies, and they understand those pivotal moments, it is like they kick into high gear and all they can think about is getting the company to be on the right side of technology." Story continues Salesforce co-founder & CEO Marc Benioff gives his keynote address at Dreamforce 2024. (Brian Sozzi) I saw a founder deeply engaged in the products he was pitching to the masses not reading off talking points supplied by team members. Benioff even turned the tables and quizzed me on the Opening Bid podcast about what I learned from a product demo at the event. You can catch that exchange in the above video. If he thought he was going to catch this fella flat-footed, hell no! Forever prepared! I saw a founder perhaps doing what very few in corporate America could do: bring together huge names to drive meaningful discussions, which often transformed into convos about Salesforce innovations and their longtime personal ties with Benioff. Benioff has one of the most extensive networks I've seen, and trust me, that has paid dividends for Salesforce in terms of reputation, business wins, and getting things done quickly. "Marc can turn this ship like no one else when he gets an idea in his head," one Benioff confidant told me at the Salesforce Tower dinner. By all indications, Benioff is back to aggressively driving that huge Salesforce boat shaking off the activist attacks that transpired a little while back. "If I'm not enjoying it I'm not doing it, and I think that I'm really enjoying Salesforce. I love it. I feel like we've done seminal work, especially in the last 18 months. We've gotten the company to the point where it is an absolute leader, where everyone is having to respond," Benioff remarked when asked to reflect ahead of his big 60th birthday on Sept. 25. So all this raises the question: Why isn't there more optimism priced into Salesforce's stock? Its shares trade on a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 25 times, according to Yahoo Finance data. Microsoft (MSFT) trades at 33 times, whereas Oracle (ORCL) (Ellison is a mentor of Benioff's dating back to his time at the company) is at 27 times. Salesforce quasi-rival ServiceNow (NOW) trades on a 53 times forward multiple. Pros tell me the Street is generally worried about Salesforce's propensity to spend big on acquisitions, which weighed on margins and free cash flow in the past. Others still aren't sold on Salesforce monetizing its new AI initiatives. But they all generally agree that the stock does appear cheap on a relative and historical basis. "I would go far enough to say that not much optimism [at all] is being priced into Salesforce's stock right now," Rangan said. "The stock is pricing in as if there is no growth at all, which is absolutely ridiculous. So not only AI optimism is not priced in, there's no optimism being priced in." Salesforce's guidance calls for sales growth of 7% this year and up to 25% operating cash flow growth, FYI. "I'm very optimistic about this company," Rangan said. "People tend to dismiss Marc but I'm a big bull on the company." Three times each week, I field insight-filled conversations with the biggest names in business and markets on Opening Bid. Find more episodes on our video hub. Watch on your preferred streaming service. Or listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. In the below Opening Bid episode, BNY (BNY) CEO Robin Vince takes the wraps off his plan to grow the iconic US bank. This embedded content is not available in your region. Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor. Follow Sozzi on X @BrianSozzi and on LinkedIn. Tips on deals, mergers, activist situations, or anything else? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance National Guard and Army forces patrol the streets during an operation in a neighborhood of Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Eduardo Verdugo/AP) MEXICO CITY U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar rejected accusations by Mexicos president that the U.S. was partly responsible for a surge in cartel warfare in northern Sinaloa over the weekend. Sinaloa has been eclipsed by violence as 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 U.S. in late July. It is incomprehensible how the United States can be responsible for the massacres we see in different places, Salazar said in a news conference in Chihuahua on Saturday. What is being seen in Sinaloa is not the fault of the United States. The arrests startled many because it appeared that the son of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman abducted an elder cartel figure, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, and flew them both to the U.S. to be detained. Such a violent outburst was expected in the wake of the arrests. As the warring cartel factions and authorities have clashed in firefights, helicopters regularly circle overhead and military rove the streets of the capital. Families have said they are scared to send their children to school. Meanwhile, bodies have appeared across the city, often left slung out on the streets or in cars with either sombreros on their heads or pizza slices or boxes pegged onto them with knives. The pizzas and sombreros have become informal symbols for the warring cartel factions, underscoring the brutality of their warfare. Local authorities said that as of Friday at least 53 people had been killed and 51 others have gone missing in Sinaloa state since the fighting started. On Thursday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador blamed American authorities in part for the bloodshed. 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. If we are now facing instability and clashes in Sinaloa, it is because (the American government) made that decision, Lopez Obrador said. Lopez Obrador 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. Salazar had previously denied that American officials were involved in the alleged kidnapping. It was the latest blow to bilateral relations between the two regional allies. Last month, Lopez Obrador a populist prone to lashing out at critics said he was putting relations with the U.S. and Canadian embassies on pause after ambassadors criticized his controversial plan to overhaul Mexicos 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 the cartels and has falsely stated that cartels respect Mexican citizens and largely fight amongst themselves. Under Lopez Obrador, who leaves office at the end of this month, cartels have employed an increasing array of weapons and tactics, including roadside bombs, trenches, home-made armored vehicles and bomb-dropping drones. The criminal organizations have also seeped into new industries such as migrant smuggling and the lucrative avocado business. While Mexican authorities said Saturday they had sent an additional 600 soldiers to Sinaloa as reinforcements, Salazar cast blame for the surge of violence in the state on Mexicos wider security crisis. The reality is that there is a problem of insecurity and violence in Mexico, Salazar said. When Russian President Vladimir Putin warned last week that Western approval for Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia would mean Moscow was at war with NATO, Russian propagandists rushed to rattle the nuclear saber. But inside the Kremlin, there is a growing recognition that the repeated use of the nuclear threat is starting to lose its potency. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg) When Russian President Vladimir Putin warned last week that Western approval for Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia would mean Moscow was at war with NATO, Russian propagandists rushed to rattle the nuclear saber. Alexander Mikhailov, director of the Bureau of Military Political Analysis, called for bombing plywood mock-ups of London and Washington complete with replicas of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the White House to simulate nuclear strikes, so that they would burn so beautifully that it will horrify the world. The speaker of the lower house, Vyacheslav Volodin, warned that strikes on Russia would lead to war with nuclear weapons and reminded the European Parliament that its headquarters in Strasbourg was only a three-minute flight for a Russian ICBM. But inside the Kremlin, there is a growing recognition that the repeated use of the nuclear threat is starting to lose its potency and Moscows red lines are constantly being crossed. Analysts and officials close to senior Russian diplomats said instead that Putin is casting around for a more nuanced and limited response to the West allowing Ukraine to use longer range missiles to strike Russia. There has been an overflow of nuclear threats, said a Russian official speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. There is already immunity to such statements, and they dont frighten anyone. A Russian academic with close ties to senior Russian diplomats agreed, calling the nuclear option the least possible of scenarios, because it really would lead to dissatisfaction among Russias partners in the Global South and also because clearly, from a military point of view, it is not very effective. All this discussion of the nuclear threshold overexaggerates the threat of such a type of escalation and underestimates the possibility of alternative options, the academic added. Since the West has a global military infrastructure a lot of vulnerable points can be found. Putin is searching through a range of options to deter Western support for Ukraine and try to enforce his red lines, said Tatiana Stanovaya, the founder of France-based political consultancy R-Politik. There are options he doesnt want to deploy, and there are options he is ready to review today, she said, and he sees nuclear weapons as the worst option for everyone including for himself. Nuclear measures or a direct attack on NATO territory would only be considered if Putin feels there is a threat to the existence of Russia in its current form, when he considers there is no other way out, she said. For such a situation, the West should go a lot further than what it is discussing now. Russian officials already appeared to be placated to some degree by the United States apparent hesitation so far to lifting restrictions on Ukraine striking military targets deep inside Russia using Western missiles. The expectation was growing that if permission was granted it would be very limited, analysts and officials said. Putin, however, is still under pressure to respond in some way and stop his red lines from being constantly crossed. There is an understanding that the red lines drawn by Moscow are being ignored by the West, and there should be weightier and more significant steps from Moscow to demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions, said the academic. Since the 2022 invasion, Russia has warned against the West supplying modern fighter jets like F-16s, main battle tanks and missiles to Ukraine, and each has eventually come to pass. Putin is seeing a trend where Ukraines western allies keep allowing Kyiv to expand its activities, said Stanovaya, and the trend is scaring him, especially if it leads to increased missile strikes inside Russia. For Putin this is a qualitative shift which takes the situation to a new level and which could be followed by a further expansion. Moscow could opt to respond with sabotage operations against military targets or other infrastructure in the West where Russias participation could be difficult to prove. It could also turn to proxy groups that are already battling Western interests, like the Houthi militia in Yemen that has been attacking Red Sea shipping, said Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of War Studies at Kings College, London highlighting a possibility also raised by the Russian academic. He doesnt want to turn into anything dramatic or drastic, in the sense of nuclear, or direct fighting between our troops and his troops, but [that] doesnt mean to say that theres not something serious going on, Freedman said. Sergei Markov, the hawkish Kremlin-connected political analyst, said there was a growing realization in the top ranks of the Russian military that Russia has spoiled the West, and that we have spoken a lot about red lines but we havent done anything. At some point we will have to escalate. Markov suggested possible responses could include the closure of the British Embassy in Moscow and strikes on air bases in Poland and Romania where F-16s being deployed by Ukraine are based. Since Russia is sure that at some point strikes on Moscow will definitely happen, then we need to hit first, he said. While Stanovaya dismissed any such strikes on a NATO air bases as unlikely and only in case of desperation, the nuclear rhetoric does have its uses. Both she and Markov point out how members of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps campaign have amplified Moscows threats as a campaign issue. This week, Trump and former independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote in an op-ed for the Hill that a decision to grant Ukraine permission to use Western long range missiles would put the world at greater risk of nuclear conflagration than at any time since the Cuban missile crisis and called for direct negotiations with Moscow instead. Putin could seek to increase the threat and play a golden card by escalating before the elections, Markov claimed. If Putin escalates, then the U.S. will fear nuclear war and Trump will win. Freedman also noted that Putins nuclear threats were deliberately ambiguous to increase their sense of danger. It sounds menacing, but he never actually is very specific about what hes going to do. He allows us to make our own interpretations, and people interpret the worst. Ultimately, however, as the effectiveness of this approach wanes, Putin has not yet figured out what to replace it with, said Stanovaya, and uncertainty was growing since no one understands which responses Putin would eventually choose for every concrete action. I think Putin doesnt understand either, she said. Emergency services workers move rubble after a Russian strike on a residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, early Sunday Sept. 22, 2024. (harkiv Regional Military Administration via AP) KYIV, Ukraine Russia launched new strikes in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv that hit high-rise apartment buildings, leaving at least 21 wounded in a second consecutive nighttime attack, authorities said. The bombs fell Saturday night on the district of Shevchenkivsky, north of the center of Kharkiv, which is the second-largest Ukrainian city, local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. Residential buildings sustained varying degrees of damage, including 16- and nine-story buildings, he added. Kharkivs city council said that 18 buildings were damaged. The wounded included an 8-year-old child, according to Syniehubov and Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov. Terekhov said that 60 residents were evacuated from one of the buildings, a high-rise that was hit directly. Kharkiv has been a frequent target of Russian attacks since Moscow launched its all-out invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022. On late Friday, 15 people, including children ages 10 and 12, were wounded when Russian airstrikes hit three Kharkiv neighborhoods, Terekhov said. Zelenskyy appeals for more weapons Ukrainian officials said that KAB-type aerial glide bombs a retrofitted Soviet weapon that has for months laid waste to eastern Ukraine were used in both attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike and urged Kyivs Western allies to send more weapons to help it protect lives and ensure safety. Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities, and we are working to convince our partners of this, Zelenskyy said on X, as he prepared to kick off a busy week in the United States shoring up support for Kyiv in the war. And Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said Sunday that Kyiv was in talks with partners in Europe to secure Swedish-made Gripen and European Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Umerov said that commitments were already in place for deliveries of U.S.-made F-16s and French Mirages. Russia sends drones and missiles elsewhere in Ukraine Russia also launched 80 Shahed drones and two missiles at Ukraine overnight into Sunday, the Ukrainian air force said. Ukrainian defenses shot down 71 drones, and another six were lost on location because of electronic warfare countermeasures, the statement said. Farther south, a 12-year-old girl and a woman died after a Russian drone struck a passenger car in the city of Nikopol, local Gov. Serhii Lysak reported. Two others, including a 4-year-old child, suffered wounds. In the eastern Donetsk region, a Russian airstrike on Sunday morning struck homes in the city of Sloviansk, trapping a woman under rubble and wounding two of her neighbors, regional prosecutors reported. In the same province, two miners died and one other person was injured late Saturday after Russian forces shelled a mine west of the city of Pokrovsk, local Gov. Vadym Filashkin and Ukraines Energy Ministry reported. Pokrovsk and Sloviansk have both been key targets for Russian forces as they continue their grinding push westwards aimed at capturing the entirety of Ukraines industrial east. In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone strike on Sunday morning wounded two civilians in the city of Kherson, regional authorities said. Hours later, police reported that Russian attacks wounded at least four more people elsewhere in the province. Other Russian drone attacks Sunday damaged energy infrastructure in Ukraines central Poltava region and the northern city of Shostka, officials reported. Shostka lies in the Sumy region, across the border from Russias Kursk province the target of a startling Ukrainian military incursion launched last month. Weeks into the incursion, Zelenskyy said that the aim is to create a buffer zone to prevent further Russian cross-border strikes that have for months wreaked havoc in Sumy. Around 10,000 residents have left the nearby town of Hlukhiv because of intensified Russian shelling, around a third of its prewar population, the local military administration said Sunday. That includes almost 70% of the towns children, following the regional governments calls to evacuate parts of the Sumy region nearest the Russian border. Hlukhiv lies less than 9 miles from Russian territory, and about 25 miles southeast of Shostka. Ukrainian troops strike at Russian targets Also on Sunday, a firefighter was killed and two others were injured by a Ukrainian drone in the Russia-occupied Luhansk province in eastern Ukraine, the Russian Emergencies Ministry said. In Russia proper, in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, Ukrainian shelling wounded at least 12 people including a village official and members of a volunteer self-defense force, according to regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. Several Russian regions, including Belgorod in the south, set up so-called territorial defense units to counter-sabotage activity after Russian troops moved into Ukraine in February 2022. Vehicles drive past a damaged police vehicle, foreground, which was escorting a convoy of foreign diplomats, at the site of a fatal bomb explosion on a road near Malam Jabba, a tourist area in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Sherin Zada/AP) PESHAWAR, Pakistan A roadside blast caused by an improvised explosive device, targeting a convoy of foreign diplomats, killed a policeman and injured four others, an official said Sunday. The diplomats were traveling to a tourist area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan and is a base for militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban. The blast occurred at the tourist spot and hill station of Malam Jabba, one of Pakistans two ski resorts, some 250 km (155 miles) north of the provincial capital Peshawar. The diplomats in the convoy were from Indonesia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Iran, Russia and Tajikistan. All of them are safe and a heavy security contingent is at the scene, police officer Javed Khan said. They were visiting the area at the invitation of the local chamber of commerce and industry, Khan added. A statement from the Foreign Ministry said an advance scout police vehicle was hit by an IED. The diplomats have returned to the capital Islamabad. Our sympathies are with the families of the policeman. We honor our law enforcement authorities that remain steadfast in the face of terrorists, said the ministry. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack. In a separate incident, in southwest Balochistan province, gunmen opened fire on a security patrol team in Zhob district and killed two officers on Saturday night. A third died from his injuries on Sunday, said Assistant Police Inspector Ghulam Muhammad. Hezbollah supporters carry the coffin of a victim during the funeral procession of four victims including a child who were killed in electronic pagers explosion, during their funeral procession in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Marwan Naamani, dpa via Zuma Press/TNS) CAIRO Iranian-backed militants across the Middle East have ordered sweeping inspections of electronic devices, as they rethink how to protect their communications following the devastating attack that caused pagers and walkie-talkies used by their ally, Hezbollah, to explode. In Iraq and the West Bank, senior militants allied with Iran said they are examining equipment and issuing new rules on the use of personal devices by fighters. Analysts say that other groups systems are more secure but that they will probably seek to better protect their supply chains as they take stock of the fallout. Extreme precautions will be taken, and we will keep devices away from us, said a senior commander in the Jenin Battalion, a coalition of West Bank fighters led by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The commander, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of concern for his security, said his operatives already avoided cellphones and had recently ditched handheld radios they suspected Israel of hacking. Israeli authorities rarely discuss operations in other countries and have declined to comment on whether Israel was responsible for the attack on devices in Lebanon. But U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject, acknowledged that Israel was behind the operation and said it informed Washington afterward through intelligence channels. The attack was unlike any other in size and scope, turning everyday devices into weapons of war. It began Tuesday when thousands of pagers distributed by Hezbollah exploded simultaneously across Lebanon, causing fear and panic on busy streets and in supermarkets, as the injured overwhelmed hospitals. The assault continued Wednesday with the detonation of more devices, including two-way radios. Lebanons Health Ministry said 37 people were killed over both days and about 3,000 more wounded. Israel and Hezbollah have fought a low-level conflict for nearly a year, with the militant group linking its attacks to the war in Gaza. But the complex pager and radio operation stunned Hezbollah, which wields significant military and political power in Lebanon and counts Iran as its key benefactor. In a speech Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah said it dealt an unprecedented blow to the group, which began handing out the pagers in the spring. Hezbollah was worried that the intelligence behind Israels targeted assassinations of key commanders was based on hacked cellphone data, and in July, Nasrallah ordered his forces to stop using cellphones altogether. The group has long prided itself on being able to fight Israels tech sophistication with simplicity, said Amal Saad, a Hezbollah specialist and lecturer at Cardiff Universitys School of Law and Politics. But Israels apparent ability to infiltrate supply chains, perhaps years in advance, as well as penetrate the groups low-tech communications network, has also sent ripples of fear through Irans web of armed groups in the region, including in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and the Palestinian territories. Like Hezbollah, some of these groups stepped up attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets to protest Israels military campaign in the Gaza Strip. In Iraq and Syria, militants were already spooked by the precision of recent strikes targeting senior members, including in Baghdad, and they feared that Israel or the United States had attached tracking devices to items the groups imported from abroad, according to Lahib Higel, senior analyst for Iraq at the International Crisis Group. Israel has used a key vulnerability in the way Iran and its proxies operate, said Michael Horowitz, head of intelligence at Le Beck International, a Middle East-based risk consultancy. They tend to rely in part on dual-use commercially available products and parts, he said, which makes their supply chains quite vulnerable to a potential intelligence operation of the likes I think we are seeing. This is a vulnerability that extends beyond Hezbollah to all of Irans proxies and Iran itself, Horowitz added. In Iraq, the sprawling network of militias loyal to Iran doesnt use pagers, and they are probably less vulnerable to a similar type of attack, Higel said. A senior member of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a network of Iranian-backed militant groups operating in Iraq and Syria, said the coalition was already very cautious regarding the use of electronic devices, fully aware that they are eavesdropping tools. The member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject, said fighters are not allowed to have smartphones; instead, they use basic phones that they keep switched off and turn on only when necessary. Militant leaders also exchange messages through wired connections or hand-delivered paper notes. Still, after the explosions in Lebanon, orders were also issued for a comprehensive inspection of all other devices, the member said. Higel said she expects the groups to seek to diversify their supply lines further. In Iraq and Yemen, which is partly controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthis, the relative distance from Israel affords militant groups a small measure of protection. The Houthis essentially operate as a state in northern Yemen and control the countrys telecommunications institutions from the capital, Sanaa, according to Ahmed Nagi, the International Crisis Groups senior analyst for Yemen. They also dont have an extensive history of conflict with Israel, he said, so its unlikely that Israeli intelligence would have been interested in laying the groundwork for a major covert operation there. But the Lebanon attacks were a game changer, and the Houthis are going to reassess all their supplier networks, things related to their telecommunication devices hardware, because its not something normal, Nagi said. Nasruddin Amer, a Houthi spokesman, said the group was following the device explosions and learns lessons from events in Lebanon. Hezbollah, however, was always one of Israels primary targets. The priority for Israel is always Hezbollah, given its superior capabilities and history of conflict with the Jewish state, said Bilal Saab, a former Pentagon official and head of the U.S.-Middle East practice of Trends Research and Advisory, a consulting firm. Hezbollah is more vulnerable because the Lebanese terrain is ideal for intelligence collection and operations: weak state capacity, political division and economic collapse, he said. The other group in Israels crosshairs is Hamas, which for years controlled the Gaza Strip. Before that, its fighters operated largely underground. Israel killed chief Hamas bomb maker Yahya Ayyash in 1996 by rigging his cellphone with explosives. The bomb detonated when he answered the phone in Gaza. Ibrahim al-Madhoun, a Turkey-based Palestinian political analyst who is close to Hamas, said the group detected other attempts to tamper with its communications networks in Gaza. In 2018, a botched undercover Israeli mission reportedly to infiltrate Hamass private communications system - ended in a firefight and Hamass discovery of Israeli spying devices planted underground in central Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. After a brief war with Israel in 2021, Madhoun said, Hamas officials scanned and discovered compromised electronic devices being shipped into Gaza on numerous occasions. Hamas has long been on guard against this type of sabotage, he said since 2008, the groups military wing has used a wired telecommunications system in Gaza, though Israeli bombardment during the current war has damaged the network significantly. Nonetheless, since October, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar Israels most wanted man, who is believed to be hiding in the groups extensive tunnel network in the enclave has managed to smuggle messages to Hamas officials abroad, including recent letters addressed to the leaders of Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen. Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, declined to comment on whether the group would take additional security measures in the wake of the Lebanon attacks. But while Israel may have intended to instill fear among Hezbollah and its allies, analysts said, that doesnt necessarily mean Israeli intelligence agencies could carry out a covert attack of similar sophistication and scale elsewhere in the region anytime soon. We have to remember that this is quite a significant capability that the Israelis have that they have now revealed, said Higel, the Iraq analyst. That takes a while to build up, and they probably are not going to be able to replicate it in the same way. When NASA first awarded contracts to provide transportation for its Commercial Crew Program to SpaceX and Boeing (BA) in 2014, the latter was considered the safe entity. A legacy aerospace company, Boeing had, in many ways, built the foundation for the US space program over the course of decades. However, on Thursday, Elon Musks firm will be tasked with completing a mission Boeings Starliner spacecraft could not. NASA and SpaceX plan to return NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station back to Earth on board the Crew Dragon spacecraft eight months after the initial return date. The role reversal highlights SpaceXs growing lead over Boeing in a commercial space industry increasingly driven by newcomers bringing a tech startup-like mentality to space exploration. Twelve years after the US retired The Space Shuttle program, SpaceX is on track to launch its 15th crewed mission, while Boeing has failed to complete one. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore (L) and Suni Williams, wearing Boeing spacesuits, depart for a test launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on June 5, 2024. (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO via Getty Images) We want to further understand the root causes and understand the design improvements so that the Boeing Starliner will serve as an important assured crew access to the ISS, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said last month, in announcing the agencys decision to forego the astronauts return on board the Boeing spacecraft. Publicly, Nelson has maintained his confidence in the company, saying he has 100% faith in the return of the Starliner, given NASAs extensive cooperative working relationship with Boeing. That has done little to quiet speculation around the future of Boeings space program at a time when the company faces a multitude of challenges in its core commercial plane business, stemming from fatal crashes that have only amplified fears that the firm has strayed from its strong engineering foundation. "You have a balance sheet thats been weakened," Bank of America aerospace research analyst Ron Epstein said in a recent interview with Yahoo Finance, highlighting the need for a culture change. "You have customers that arent happy. Theyre being investigated by multiple government entities. Its a heavy lift." A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) That was before 33,000 union machinists went on strike, halting production of Boeings jets and prompting the company to furlough tens of thousands of workers to conserve cash. Space programs remain a small part of Boeings business, but the division that once posted strong profits and steady revenue has started to falter in recent years. Since 2022, Boeings defense and space division lost $6 billion, according to the AP, dragged down by fixed price contracts for NASA and the Pentagon. Story continues The Starliner program alone has lost $1.6 billion. Thats separate from the $4.2 billion fixed-price contract NASA awarded Boeing to build the vehicle back in 2014. In the meantime, SpaceX has continued to exert its dominance, honing a playbook built on moving faster and scaling bigger while drastically reducing costs. The company is now aiming to complete 148 launches by the end of 2024, although more than half of those are tied directly to the companys Starlink satellites. Sarah Gillis, mission specialist, steps out of the manned Polaris Dawn mission's "Dragon" capsule after it splashed down off the coast of Dry Tortugas, Florida, on Sept. 15, 2024. (Polaris Program/AFP via Getty Images) (- via Getty Images) On Sept. 15, its Crew Dragon capsule ferried four civilian astronauts to successfully carry out the first commercial spacewalk by the Polaris Dawn crew. But SpaceX hasnt been without its own controversies. Just last week, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed a $633,000 fine against Musk, alleging the company failed to follow license requirements and failed to seek approval for changes to two launches in 2023. Musk pushed back on the proposed fine in a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying SpaceX would sue the FAA for "regulatory overreach." SpaceX will be filing suit against the FAA for regulatory overreach Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 17, 2024 The Crew Dragon is set to dock at the ISS for six months, where US Space Force Commander Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will join Williams and Wilmore to conduct scientific research. The Crew-9 mission is set to return in February 2025. If successful, it would mark SpaceXs ninth crewed mission for NASA. Following NASAs announcement of the SpaceX rescue mission, Nelson reiterated the challenges of space exploration. Space flight is risky, even at its safest and even at its most routine, he said. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Taliban fighters celebrate the third anniversary of the withdrawal of US-led troops from Afghanistan, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. (Siddiqullah Alizai/AP) As the Taliban start enforcing draconian new rules on women in Afghanistan, it has also begun to target a group that didnt see tight restrictions on them coming: Afghan men. Women have faced an onslaught of increasingly severe limits on their personal freedom and rules about their dress since the Taliban seized power three years ago. But men in urban areas could, for the most part, carry on freely. The past four weeks, however, have brought significant changes for them, too. New laws promulgated in late August mandate that men wear a fist-long beard, bar them from imitating non-Muslims in appearance or behavior, widely interpreted as a prohibition against jeans, and ban haircuts that are against Islamic law, which essentially means short or Western styles. Men are now also prohibited from looking at women other than their wives or relatives. As a result, more are growing beards, carrying prayer rugs and leaving their jeans at home. These first serious restrictions on men have come as a surprise to many in Afghanistan, according to a range of Afghans, including Taliban opponents, wavering supporters and even members of the Taliban regime, who spoke in phone interviews over the past two weeks. In a society where a mans voice is often perceived as far more powerful than a womans, some men now wonder whether they should have spoken up sooner to defend the freedoms of their wives and daughters. If men had raised their voices, we might also be in a different situation now, said a male resident of the capital, Kabul, who like others interviewed for this story spoke on the condition of anonymity or that only their first names be used due to fears of drawing unwanted scrutiny from the regime. Now, everyone is growing a beard because we dont want to be questioned, humiliated, he said. The Talibans new rules governing men pale in comparison with restrictions the government has placed on girls and women, who remain banned from going to school above sixth grade, barred from universities and were recently prohibited from raising their voices in public, among many other rules. But newly empowered religious morality officers, known for their white robes, have been knocking over the past four weeks on the doors of men in some parts of Kabul who havent recently attended mosque, according to residents. Government employees said they fear theyll be let go for having failed to grow their beards, and some barbers now refuse to trim them. Increasingly, male taxi drivers are being stopped for violating gender segregation rules, by having unaccompanied female riders in their cars, or for playing music. The new laws give the morality police authority to detain suspects for up to three days. In severe cases, such as repeated failure to pray in the mosque, suspects can be handed over to courts for trial and sentencing based on their interpretation of Islamic sharia law. Violations of the new rules are expected to be punished by fines or prison terms. But people found guilty of some infractions, for example adultery, could be sentenced to flogging or death by stoning. Amir, a resident who lives in eastern Afghanistan, said he supported the Taliban up until the latest restrictions. But he now feels bullied into submission by their morality police. We all are practicing Muslims and know what is mandatory or not. But its unacceptable to use force on us, he said. He added, Even people who have supported the Taliban are now trying to leave the country. Most men interviewed for this story live in Kabul, the countrys most cosmopolitan city, or other urban areas. Residents of more conservative and traditional parts of Afghanistan said they have noticed barely any changes. A male resident of rural Helmand, in southern Afghanistan, said no one in his village has concerns and such rules have long been customary there. No morality police has showed up here so far. They focus on the cities, he said. The new restrictions appear to reflect a broader shift in the balance of power inside the Taliban, with the most conservative elements either gaining influence or seeking to assert themselves more aggressively in urban areas, according to Western officials and Afghan critics of the Taliban. The Ministry of Vice and Virtue, which directs the morality police, could not be reached for comment. A former senior official with the Ministry of Vice and Virtue denied that the ministry is increasingly turning into a shadow law enforcement agency, saying its primary responsibility remains preaching. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is no longer authorized to respond to journalists. The new restrictions on women include a ban on them raising their voices, reciting the Quran in public and looking at men other than their husbands or relatives. Women must also cover the lower half of their faces in addition to donning a head covering they were already expected to wear. The crackdown by morality police in urban areas, where some religious rules had been rarely enforced, has heightened anxiety among women. For men, it has come as a shock. A 36-year old male driver in Kabul said the new restrictions feel enormous and pose a growing hardship for his work. His revenue has declined by 70 percent since late August, he said, partly because the Taliban have begun enforcing a rule that bans women from traveling alone in taxis. Even in some government offices, a new sense of dread has set in. A former Taliban supporter recalled how a friend, who still works for the regime, recently had his salary withheld because his beard wasnt sufficiently long. We are hearing that some of the civil servants, whose beards were shorter than the required length, were barred from entering their departments, said a government employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to journalists. For the past three years, Afghan women often felt alone in their anguish. Some grew exasperated by their husbands silence or growing support for the Taliban, which tried to win public favor by building roads and repairing tunnels. Several women said they hope their protests will soon be joined by Afghan men. Men were silent from day one, which gave the Taliban the courage to keep imposing such rules, said a 24-year-old female resident in Kabul. Now, the Taliban is finally losing mens support, she said. Others are skeptical whether criticism of the rules can make a difference. In interviews, several Kabul residents said they have begun in recent weeks to look more seriously into leaving the country. But if more young people flee this country, said a male Kabul resident, there wont be any hope at all. Haq Nawaz Khan and Lutfullah Qasimyar contributed to this report. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith salutes during ceremonial colors at the 40th Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2023. The memorial observance is held annually on October 23 to remember the lives lost in the terrorist attacks at U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and Grenada. (Zachary Zephir/U.S. Marine Corps) JACKSONVILLE, N.C. Behind the stone walls here of the Beirut Memorial, fog filtered in Saturday through a grove of Bradford pear trees planted 40 years ago to commemorate the deaths of more than 270 U.S. troops who were killed in a series of militant attacks in Lebanon. Steve Aiken, a retired Marine Corps sergeant major, reflected wistfully on Oct. 23, 1983, the date when truck bombs targeted two buildings housing American and French troops, killing 241 U.S. service members and 58 French troops. Then a young lance corporal, Aiken was off the coast aboard the USS Inchon as wounded service members were transferred to a fleet of American vessels that provided medical treatment. Memories like Aikens came flooding back after Israel announced on Friday that Ibrahim Aqil, a Hezbollah commander, was among those killed in an Israeli airstrike carried out earlier in the day. U.S. officials have said he was a principal member of a terrorist cell that carried out a wave of violence that included the bombing on the Marine barracks in October 1983, the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut that April that killed 63 people, and the kidnapping of German and American hostages in Lebanon. For Americans still bearing scars from the attacks in Lebanon more than 40 years ago, the killing, since confirmed by Hezbollah, feels like a belated measure of justice. The decades gone by have underscored the enduring nature of the losses, as those remaining cope with the loss of children, parents, grandparents and more. You know, my story is just one of those tiny tragedies. Big tragedy for me. Big tragedy for my family, said Catherine Votaw, whose father Albert, 57, was killed in the embassy bombing in April 1983. Everybody suffered these tremendous tragedies that blew their lives apart. The bombings and several smaller deadly attacks on U.S. troops took place after the Reagan administration deployed U.S. troops to Lebanon in a nebulous peacekeeping mission in 1982 after Israeli forces invaded Lebanon. The United States withdrew nearly all of its forces in Lebanon early in 1984, just months after the attacks. Some members of the administration later voiced frustration that President Ronald Reagan had made one mistake by putting U.S. troops in harms way without adequate protection and then another by not retaliating after. The Israeli strike on Friday in a Beirut suburb killed at least 37 people, Lebanons Health Ministry said Saturday, and came amid a days-long campaign against Hezbollah, which includes both a political party and an Iran-backed paramilitary group that the United States identifies as a terrorist organization. Israeli officials have said they will continue their operations against Hezbollah until citizens in northern Israel are safe to return to their homes without cross-border attacks. Simultaneously, Israel is pressing on with the war in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of people and was spawned by an attack on Hamas militants nearly a year ago. Hezbollah was founded in 1982, as violence against U.S. troops in Lebanon spiked. In addition to its roles in the major bombings of 1983, the militant group was involved in the bombing of the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut in 1984 that killed 23 people, the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in 1985 and the Khobar Towers attack in Saudi Arabia in 1996 that killed 19 U.S. airmen, according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Weve been engaged with Hezbollah for a very long time, said retired Amb. Ryan Crocker, who survived the April 1983 embassy bombing while stationed there. Of Aqil, he said, It is still a source of some satisfaction that he finally got it. Crocker, 75, was a political attache in his fourth-floor office when a suicide bomber with a van packed with explosives careened into the front of the building and detonated. Among the 63 killed that day were 17 Americans, including CIA personnel, a Marine, embassy staff and a journalist who had been visiting the building. Crocker said he saw a bright flash of light through his window and was thrown against a wall by the force of the blast. He initially thought a rocket-propelled grenade had hit the building and realized it was something much larger when he left his office and saw the Mediterranean Sea through where the CIA station in the building had stood. It was pitch-black as he went downstairs, he said, except for the fires. Crocker, who went on to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Lebanon, warned that actions and reactions, and reactions to the reactions, can go on in a seemingly endless chain. It is not, he said, the end of the story. Thomasine Baynard, the spouse of Lance Cpl. James R. Baynard, a fallen communications specialist with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, embraces a loved one following the 40th Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2023. (Zachary Zephir/U.S. Marine Corps) Among those killed in the embassy attack was Albert Votaw, a housing officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development who had arrived in Beirut just 11 days earlier. His daughter Catherine said that it was years before she could say her fathers name without crying. She eventually named her second-born son after him. Votaw said in an interview Friday night that she was shocked that Aqil had been alive for so long. Im not a person who believes in capital punishment, she said. I dont wish death on anybody, even my very worst enemies. Its hard not to find some justice in him being dead. My only question is, you know: Why 41 years? How did he get to live 41 years longer than my dad? Votaw said sorrowfully that her father was robbed of the opportunity to meet his eight grandchildren. When the bombing occurred, her mother was still in Thailand, where her father recently had been posted, and it took days for the immediate family to be reunited. Her mother, Estera, a Holocaust survivor, died at 83 in 2012 and struggled with the grief of his loss for the rest of her life after settling as a widow in Washingtons Dupont Circle neighborhood. She told me once that she dreamt about him every night and woke up to realize he was dead, Votaw said, choking up. The traumas of the Marine barracks bombing are especially acute in Jacksonville, the coastal North Carolina town that is home to Camp Lejeune, a sprawling installation from which most of the U.S. troops had deployed with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, an infantry unit that has since been nicknamed the Beirut Battalion. At the memorial on Saturday morning, walkers, joggers and parents with young children passed the monument. A few lingered to read the names of the dead. A family member of a fallen service member pays his respects following the 40th Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2023. The memorial observance is held annually on October 23 to remember the lives lost in the terrorist attacks at the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and Grenada. (Zachary Zephir/U.S. Marine Corps) Aiken, who had been off the coast when the barracks was attacked, said the killing of Aqil more than 40 years later was Gods judgment and would send a message to Iran and other countries sponsoring terrorism. You might get away, but youre not going to get by, he said. Our memory is long. Israels is even longer. At a nearby diner, Ray Mayer, a retired Navy chief petty officer, recalled watching at nearby Marine Corps Air Station New River as his squadron was called out of its barracks to get ready to fly to Beirut on a rescue mission. Mayer said he remained behind with other assignments. There were a lot of Marines, just kids really, who got killed over there, said Mayer, who retired in 1986. It was sad. They came in peace. And that bombing was the start of the wars that followed. James Lariviere, a retired Marine Corps general, said in a phone interview that he wonders whether the United States had a role in helping the Israelis find Aqil. Although he deployed to Beirut as a lieutenant in 1982 and rotated home before the bombings the following year, the killing of Aqil still resonates with him, he said. He has always wondered, he said, why the United States never retaliated after the Marine barracks bombing. Lariviere has been working on a thesis project about the U.S. experience in Beirut. He has been struck, he said, by how little senior U.S. officials adjusted security after the embassy bombing in April 1983. I have yet to find a good explanation for it in anything Ive ever looked at, he said. Its just striking. Working on his project, Lariviere interviewed retired Gen. Alfred M. Gray Jr., who was based in North Carolina when the bombing occurred but had visited his Marines and was among those who did not foresee the severity of the threat, Lariviere said. Gray, who died earlier this year, went on to transform the Marine Corps as commandant in the bombings aftermath, vowing to raise standards in the service and never let Marines deploy again without a clear mission. When I asked him about the bombing, Lariviere said, the only thing he would say was, Sometimes you just get beat and we got beat. We didnt see it coming. Lamothe reported from Washington. Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks to the United Nations General Assembly during Summit of the Future, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at U.N. headquarters. (Frank Franklin II/AP) UNITED NATIONS The U.N. General Assembly approved a blueprint Sunday to bring the worlds increasingly divided nations together to tackle 21st-century challenges from climate change and artificial intelligence to escalating conflicts and increasing inequality and poverty. The 42-page Pact for the Future challenges leaders of the 193 U.N. member nations to turn promises into real actions that make a difference to the lives of the worlds more than 8 billion people. The pact was adopted at the opening of the two-day Summit of the Future called by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who thanked leaders and diplomats for taking the first steps and unlocking the door to a better future. We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink, he said. Now it is our common destiny to walk through it. That demands not just agreement, but action. The top UN official demands action The U.N. chief challenged the leaders: Implement the pact. Prioritize dialogue and negotiations. End wars tearing our world apart from the Middle East to Ukraine and Sudan. Reform the powerful U.N. Security Council. Accelerate reforms of the international financial system. Ramp up a transition from fossil fuels. Listen to young people and include them in decision-making. The pacts fate was in question until the last moment. There was so much suspense that Guterres had three prepared speeches, one for approval, one for rejection, and one if things werent clear, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. No one is happy with this pact, said Russias deputy foreign minister, Sergey Vershinin., The summit opened with him proposing amendments that would have significantly watered down the pact. Speaking on behalf of Africas 54 nations which opposed Russias amendments the Republic of Congo countered with a motion not to vote on the amendments. That motion was approved to applause. Russia only got support from Iran, Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua, Sudan and Syria. Assembly President Philemon Yang then put the pact to a vote and banged his gavel, signifying the consensus of all 193 U.N. member nations that was required for approval. Russia has made significant inroads in Africa -- in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Central African Republic -- and the continents rejection of its amendments along with Mexico, a major Latin American power, was seen as a blow to Moscow by some diplomats and observers. Yang announced ahead of speeches by world leaders that they would be muted after five minutes a rare occurrence at the United Nations, where words are the backbone. Among those who kept talking after their mics were silenced: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Kuwaits Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah and Irish President Michael Higgins. Talk of the future is dark The Pact for the Future says world leaders are gathering at a time of profound global transformation, and it warns of rising catastrophic and existential risks that could tip people everywhere into a future of persistent crisis and breakdown. Yet, it says, leaders are coming to the U.N. at a time of hope and opportunity to protect the needs and interests of present and future generations through actions in the Pact for the Future. The pact includes 56 actions on issues including eradicating poverty, mitigating climate change, achieving gender equality, promoting peace and protecting civilians, and reinvigorating the multilateral system to seize the opportunities of today and tomorrow. Secretary-General Guterres singled out a number of key provisions in the Pact of the Future and two accompanying annexes, a Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. The pact commits world leaders to reform the 15-member Security Council, to make it more reflective of todays world and redress the historical injustice against Africa, which has no permanent seat, and to address the under-representation of the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America. It also represents the first agreed multilateral support for nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, Guterres said, and it commits to steps to prevent an arms race in outer space and to govern the use of lethal autonomous weapons. The Global Digital Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence, the U.N. chief said. The compact commits leaders to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel in the United Nations to promote scientific understanding of AI, and its risks and opportunities. It also commits the U.N. to initiate a global dialogue on AI governance with all key players. The pacts actions also include measures to mount an immediate and coordinated response to complex shocks including pandemics, Guterres said. And it includes a groundbreaking commitment by governments to listen to young people and include them in decision-making. As for human rights, Guterres said, In the face of a surge in misogyny and a rollback of womens reproductive rights, governments have explicitly committed to removing the legal, social and economic barriers that prevent women and girls from fulfilling their potential in every sphere. Eighteen months of negotiations on the pact were led by Germany and Namibia. Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba said leaders must leave the summit committed to a path toward peace -- not one that leads to an environmental catastrophe, widening inequality, global conflict and destruction and the rise of dangerous technologies that threaten our security. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that If countries dont unite and implement the pacts more than 50 actions, not only would history judge us but also young people around the world. The road is rocky, he said. But was that ever any different? U.S. President Joe Biden departs after delivering remarks at the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., on Sept. 19, 2024. (Yuri Gripas, Abaca Press via TNS) (Tribune News Service) For months, the U.S. has warned Iran not to send ballistic missiles to Russia and told China not to provide military components for Moscows war in Ukraine. But Iran is now doing just what Washington said not to and China is pushing the line. Indeed, the U.S. and its allies are increasingly worried by the speed and intensity with which the three, along with North Korea, are deepening ties to challenge American dominance despite facing some of the most sweeping sanctions the West has ever imposed, according to officials who asked not to be identified discussing matters that are not public. The defiance fits a pattern of what outside experts and increasingly, U.S. and allied officials see as the growing struggle Washington faces as its seeks to get what it wants around the world. The examples, they say, are legion. Venezuelas authoritarian leader brushed aside a months-long U.S. push for free and fair elections and remains in office after a vote widely seen as rigged. A Washington-led naval coalition has so far failed to lift a Houthi rebel chokehold thats crippled shipping in the Red Sea. Washington and its allies have been pushed out of bases in Africa as China and Russia expand their reach. Beijing has only stepped up its aggression in the South China Sea. Then there are the allies. Washington finds itself unable to cajole Israel into a cease-fire deal with Hamas. U.S. influence is waning, and its waning rapidly, said Martin Kimani, former Kenyan ambassador to the U.N. and director of NYUs Center on International Cooperation. There are rising powers that want to assert themselves more within the multilateral space from China to others and the Global South increasingly has a voice. Thats the reality President Joe Biden faces as joins more than 140 other world leaders in New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting is likely to underscore how the U.S. often finds itself on the backfoot as other powers gain influence. Some 40 nations that voted to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine last year decided to abstain on a similar motion in July. A majority of them are countries that have been vocal on the Palestinian cause, including Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. For its part, the Biden administration takes credit for assembling an alliance of more than two dozen nations supporting Ukraine in its efforts to turn back Russias invasion. In the Middle East, officials argue their efforts have helped limit the spread of a conflict that risks turning into a regional conflagration. They also blame Hamas, whose Oct. 7 terror attack triggered Israels invasion of Gaza, for blocking the cease-fire. But Washingtons strong support for Israels war against Hamas is draining its diplomatic currency, Kimani said. U.S. pressure for a cease-fire so far has yielded few results despite regular trips to the region by top administration officials. Also gathering in New York this week will be officials from the Brics, which has grown to nine members, including some U.S. allies, as well as Iran and founders Russia and China. More countries are applying to join a group thats explicitly called for creating an alternative center of global influence, including rivals to the U.S. dollars dominance. Countries outside the orbits of the U.S. and its rivals are seeing this new node of power emerging. It probably contributes to them staying in between both poles, contributing to a multipolarity in the world, said Nadia Schadlow, a former top official in the administration of Donald Trump and now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. The U.S. now has to manage that more effectively, which is hard. At the same time, domestic politics in the U.S. and Europe is pulling capitals away from international commitments, as populist leaders pushing for more isolationist policies find growing support. Moscow, meanwhile, is deepening relationships as it shares more sensitive military know-how with Beijing, Tehran and Pyongyang in return for their war aid. That process has accelerated as the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine drags toward a fourth year. There is a perception in both China and Russia that the United States and the West are in inevitable decline, said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former senior U.S. intelligence official now at the Center for a New American Security. Now they see the momentum moving in their favor and so theyre willing to lean in and take more risk in order to accelerate that decline. Former President Trump has sought to exploit the chaos, saying under his leadership Russia would have never invaded Ukraine and Hamas wouldnt have attacked Israel. But experts and analysts say the problem is deeper than that. Officially, the U.S. adversaries deny sharing weapons and technology. But President Vladimir Putin dispatched a top aide to North Korea and Tehran after talks in Russia with a senior Chinese official this month and announced plans for a sweeping new strategic pact with Iran. Wave after wave of U.S. sanctions on all those countries havent stopped the trade. China is finding ways to supply Russia 90% of the chips its needs to produce missiles, tanks and aircraft, according to the Hudson Institute. U.S. restrictions also havent deterred Russia, Iran and China from attempting to the meddle in the November presidential election. American officials have accused all three of elaborate efforts to use hacking, disinformation and other means to influence the vote, although the adversaries deny those charges. A senior U.S. official said sanctions, while not 100% effective, have complicated the adversaries efforts to cooperate, adding to the economic cost of defying Washington. And for China, the official said, deeper links between Russia and North Korea are likely to spur closer ties between the U.S. and its allies in the region, something Beijing is unlikely to welcome. Chinas deep integration into the U.S.-dominated global financial system and reliance on international trade may also limit how far its willing to go in defying the U.S. But even as the U.S. has rekindled ties with allies to support Ukraine, its also growing increasingly hard to get European allies on board with additional sets of measures on the heavily sanctioned countries. Italy, for instance, still hasnt agreed to implement sanctions on Iran Air pushed for by the U.S. in response to it sending Russia ballistic missiles, according to a senior diplomat familiar with the matter. And while Brussels has taken a sharper line on China, heavier sanctions in response to Russia aid could be challenging to agree given European companies deep business ties there. Ultimately, the U.S. and its allies hope their cooperation, rooted in shared democratic values, can still carry weight around the world. Russia and Chinas alignment with North Korea and Iran is of a completely profoundly different quality to the type of relationship that we have, Richard Moore, head of Britains MI6 Secret Intelligence Service, said in early September, speaking of British collaboration with the U.S. and Europe. The thing thats driving it the cooperation between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea is not based on shared values, he said. Its on a sort of rather dark and more pragmatic basis. With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Iain Marlow, Donato Paolo Mancini and Jenny Leonard. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Rainey, who is already serving a prison term for running a major cocaine operation, was sentenced to a futher four months custody An east Belfast cocaine baron has been jailed again for the exchange of drug dealing text messages with an associate who died suddenly. Police discovered 38-year-old Glenn Raineys involvement in the illicit trade after examining the dead mans mobile phone. Rainey, who is already serving a prison term for running a major cocaine operation, was sentenced to four months custody after admitting the new offences. Belfast Magistrates Court heard the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service alerted police to a sudden death in the city on June 3, 2021. Messages discovered on the deceaseds phone during the investigation revealed Raineys role in supplying cocaine and diazepam. He is believed to have sent a text the previous day to announce that he was selling supplies, according to the prosecution. The dead man replied with the request: Bring me a gram of street, Im happy with a gram of street. In a further message Rainey told him: Go to the shop for me, Ill give you two diazies mate. It was not suggested that his death was in any way linked to the texts. However, a Crown lawyer disclosed that Rainey had changed the name of a WhatsApp group to a new title which included a reference to pure. The defendant, formerly of McArthur Court in Belfast, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A and Class C drugs on dates between May and June 2021. His solicitor, Mark Austin, argued that only four text messages had been exchanged over a limited period of time. The lawyer stressed that his client has been in custody since August 2021 over his involvement in separate cocaine dealing in east Belfast. With Rainey due to be released in January, Mr Austin said: Hes learning the hard way and is now looking to get out and get his life back on track. It was confirmed that sentencing powers available at Magistrates Court level will not lead to Rainey spending any more time behind bars. Based on his guilty pleas, Deputy District Judge Liam McStay imposed four months' custody with immediate effect. Mr McStay added: Its quite clear that he has (already) been hit for this type of behaviour. "He started abusing me when I was 14. I was only a child and when I look back at what he did to me A woman who was abused as a teenager by convicted pervert Timothy Cotter has spoken of her relief that he is "finally in jail." The 34-year old Belfast woman was subjected to sexual abuse as a teenager, when she worked in Cotter's chip shop in Ards and despite finding the court process an extremely difficult experience, she has urged other females who may have been targeted by Cotter to come forward. Speaking after Cotter was sent to jail for six months, the woman said: "I am so happy he is now off the streets and behind bars, which is where he belongs. "He started abusing me when I was 14. I was only a child and when I look back at what he did to me, it's just disgusting. "I have carried this around with me for 20 years. I only went to the police three and a half years ago. Part of me wishes I'd come forward sooner but I'm so glad I did finally contact the police. "What really made me act was when I became a mum and I just couldn't bear the thought of something like that happening to my daughter so I knew what had to be done and it just escalated from there." Despite her family still living in Ards, the woman said she finds coming back to her hometown difficult. She revealed: "I was down visiting my family a few weeks ago and when I was sitting in Ards Shopping Centre I got really anxious. "I was just so worried that I'd see him or bump into him. "One of the biggest triggers was the chip shop sign but it's gone now so at least that's something." She also urged other women who may have suffered at Cotter's hands to come forward. She said: "There were other young girls like me who worked for him and if he hurt then, I'd encourage them to go to the police with their complaints. "I got justice today for what he did to me and he's now in jail. "I know six months isn't a very long sentence but I'm so happy that he's in jail now and he's finally paying for what he did to me all those years ago." Timothy Cotter Cotter was handed a two year sentence this week after a jury convicted him of sexually abusing two teenage employees. Ordering Timothy Cotter to serve six months of the sentence in prison and the remainder on supervised licence conditions, Judge Geoffrey Miller KC told the 50-year-old creep while he accepted he had stayed offence free since the commission of the offences almost 20 years ago, given the nature of the offences and the harm he had caused there can be no question of the custodial threshold not being passed. Revealing that convicted sex offender Cotter still maintains his innocence, the Downpatrick Crown Court judge said that contrary to defence submissions the defendant owed a duty of care to his two employees and as they were in law children, that duty is all the more onerous. He chose to exploit his position to prevail upon them to succumb to his requests and thereby satisfy his perverse desires and that to my mind, is clearly an egregious breach of his position and amounts to the single, most salient aggravating factor , declared Judge Miller. At the end of his trial last June the jury convicted Cotter, from Ringhaddy Park in Newtownards, of seven sex offences, committed over a time span between 1 January 2005 and 19 January 2007, by majority verdicts. Although the jury found him guilty of five charges of gross indecency and two of indecent assault against the two victims, they also acquitted him of ten further, similar offences and in his sentencing remarks Judge Miller emphasised it was vital the court passes sentence on those matters which were proven and not those initially alleged. Turning to the proven facts of the case, Judge Miller reminded the court how one of the victim told the jury how Cotter kissed her on the lips several times when she was just 16-years-old and that when he did so, he stuck his tongue into her mouth. His offences against the second victim were if a moire serious nature, said Judge Miller. Her evidence was that she started working in Cotters chip shop when she was 14-years-old and that within a short period of time, he engaged her in conversations about her body shape, her clothing and suggested to her that she should agreed to do some modelling for a photographer friend of his. Apparently paying her more wages than other employees, the court heard that when she exposed her breasts to Cotter, he would take money from the till and give it to her. His flattery and grooming culminated in Cotter convincing the schoolgirl to strip off all her clothes and expose her genitalia while he exposed his penis and masturbated himself in her sight and presence. Judge Miller told the court there was clear authority that victims of sexual offending presumptively suffer emotional distress and psychological trauma and so it was the case with Cotters two victims, both of whom given in Victim Impact Statements which evidenced the after effects of their ordeals. Childhood innocence can only be lost once and Cotter was instrumental in taking that from the victims for his own sexual gratification, said the judge and praising them for their courage in coming forward, he added that he hoped the conclusion of the case will help them in their long road to recovery. Turning to sentencing principles, Judge Miler said the fact there were two victims, that Cotter was in a position of trust and power over them, the element of grooming and the additional degradation of the nature of some of the offending all amounted to aggravating factors. As regards mitigation there were none relating to the offending itself but the judge said Cotter was due some mitigation for his clear record and his own mental health problems. It was partly those mental health issues which Judge Miller said satisfied him if the necessity to step away from the usual 50/50 split in sentencing, ordering instead that Cotter will serve six months in prison and 18 months on licence. In addition, Cotter was told he will have to sign the police sex offenders register fort the next ten years and he was banned from ever working with children. Judge Peter King varied bail conditions to allow the 38-year-old to live in the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area. A convicted child sex pervert who had to flee his mothers home in County Tyrone due to an arson attack has had his bail varied to allow him to live in North Antrim. Coleraine Magistrates Court heard that Gareth Kitchener has been living in emergency accommodation in Belfast since the attack in Castlederg last month when vigilantes torched a caravan parked in her driveway. Following an application on Friday and having heard that police believe they can manage any potential risk, Judge Peter King varied bail conditions to allow the 38-year-old to live in the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area. Kitchener, whose address is listed at Main Street in Sixmilecross, is currently on bail facing yet another allegation that he breached a Sexual Offences Prevention Order by being at Phils Amusement Arcade on Main Street in Portrush on September 5. Dubbed the pizza pervert after he got a job delivering takeaways, Kitchener was handed his SOPO two years ago after he was found guilty of six counts of sexually touching a 13-year-old girl who was a friend of his own children. Sleazy Kitchener tried to claim an inappropriate message sent to the young girl had been sent by one of his young children, but a judge dismissed the shocking claim. He denied the charges and insisted the allegations had been fabricated. However, after the child gave evidence the judge was satisfied she was telling the truth. Just a few weeks ago, he was jailed for three months for a separate SOPO breach but walked out of Omagh Magistrates Court due to the time he had already served on remand. The Sunday World can reveal that a mob linked to Dublin mobster Greg Lynch was also believed to have been using the encrypted phone system. A gang linked to Greg Lynch was one of those targeted by gardai this week in the global 'Ghost' phone hack A gang linked to convicted heroin dealer Greg Lynch was the target of raids after the hacking of the Ghost encrypted network, the Sunday World can reveal. Irelands criminal underworld was left reeling this week after 11 people were arrested here as part of an international policing operation involving the FBI and Europol. The arrests came after police forces managed to infiltrate a supposedly-unhackable encrypted phone network based in Australia, known as Ghost. The Ghost Network claimed to provide criminals with devices that could not be infiltrated by police due to a special triple-encryption system. Gardai have said four organised crime gangs in Ireland were targeted as part of the operation which saw 16 million of drugs seized as well as cash, cryptocurrency and high-end vehicles. Gardai carried out 33 searches of different properties across the country after the network was exposed by police. Gang boss Greg Lynch pictured in 2013 West Dublin-based gang The Family, now viewed as the countrys biggest cocaine and heroin suppliers, were a key target of the operation. However, the Sunday World can reveal that a mob linked to Dublin mobster Greg Lynch was also believed to have been using the encrypted phone system. Lynch was once regarded as being a key figure in the Kinahan Cartels drug distribution network in the south-inner city. He was also suspected of supplying heroin and cocaine to a major Finglas-based gang. Although he cut ties with the Kinahans almost a decade ago, it is suspected that Lynchs associates remain serious players in the drugs trade. It is believed they were using the Ghost system to conduct drug deals and to launder money. Gardai believe the evidence uncovered as a result of the hack into the network could see a number of major criminal brought before the courts. Detectives hope to use messages and photographs from the previously unhackable system to tie three leaders of The Family gang directly to drug shipments. More than 300 gardai were involved in a series of searches which saw 11 people arrested with 42 Ghost devices seized, along with 126 mobile phones, 27 laptops, 200 SIM cards. Like Daniel Kinahan and his brother Christopher Jnr, Greg Lynch was born and bred in Oliver Bond flats in Dublins south-inner city. In 2004, he was jailed for eight years after he was caught with heroin worth more than 400,000. The then-teenager was spotted handing over the drugs to another man in the car-park of the Red Cow Inn, Naas Road, Dublin, on October 1, 2003. After he was released from prison and while he was just in his mid 20s, he became one of the biggest distributors of drugs in the city. Freddie Thompson Lynchs rise to the top of the drugs business was facilitated by his uncle, Gerard Hatchet Kavanagh, then based in Spain where he worked with the Kinahan clan. In 2013, Lynch narrowly escaped with his life after he was shot in the face outside a pub in Cabra in 2013. The botched hit has been described a dark ops shooting which was secretly sanctioned by mob boss Daniel Kinahan, even as he blamed others for carrying it out. It is believed Lynch initially blamed Ballymun criminal Derek Bottler Devoy for the attack after being fed incorrect information by Kinahan associates. Bottlers brother, Mad Mickey Devoy, was later killed in retaliation by associates of the injured dealer. However, it subsequently transpired that Lynch had been marked for death by Fat Freddie Thompson, who was angry with him because of a dalliance he had with a woman. Thompson is understood to have gone to Daniel Kinahan to have the hit sanctioned but when Lynch survived the attack the pair made up a story implicating Devoy, which ultimately resulted in his brothers death. Mickey Devoy was lured to his death and shot three times in the head before he was dumped in a lane in Tallaght in January 2015. Lynch later learned Devoy had nothing to do with the shooting, and is understood that Bottler was paid 100,000 compensation. The money was discovered when he tried to move it to the UK, and was taken by the Criminal Assets Bureau. The year after Lynch was shot, his uncle Hatchet Kavanagh would also be gunned down in an Irish bar in Elviria in Spain. Daniel Kinahan is initially said to have blamed Russian gangsters for the murder and even sympathised with Kavanaghs family despite the fact the hit was organised by his own personal gunman James Quinn. Gardai at the scene of Greg Lynchs shooting Lynchs other uncle, Paul Kavanagh, was next in the firing line and was shot dead on March 26, 2015, in Drumcondra by a cartel hit team. Lynch subsequently cut all ties with the Kinahans and did not play any role in their feud with the Hutch gang. However, he is now the target of a major Garda investigation following the hack into the Ghost network. Gardai teamed up with their international partners after French authorities broke into two Ghost network servers and made contact with Europol. The investigation subsequently revealed that Australia and Ireland were the two countries with the greatest use of the Ghost system. There were 400 devices being used in Australia and 100 in Ireland; however, the network was also being used by Italian mafia members, outlawed motorcycle gangs and Korean mobs. As well as The Family and Lynchs crew, a Wicklow-based crime gang were also on the devices, and a separate Irish crime group were supplying and operating the phones. Despite the fact that the Ghost encrypted phone network was used almost exclusively for organised crime, it was run by a computer geek who lived with his parents. Jay Je Yoon Jung, (32), from Sydney in Australia, 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 Australian 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. We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Home Builder Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE:TMHC) stands against the other home builder stocks. Lowering Mortgages: A Sigh of Relief for the Housing Market? Mortgage rates have dropped for six straight weeks to their lowest since February 2023 as the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.20% in the week ended September 12. While many experts believe that these rates will be in the 5% range by 2025, the gesture seems to be motivating for all those looking to buy a house but have long been priced out of the market. In an interview with CNBC, Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, mentioned how the anticipated Fed rate cut could be beneficial for the housing market but its effect would unfold gradually. The long-awaited move is also likely to help sellers escape the mortgage lock-in effect and finally put their houses on the market. The mortgage lock-in effect refers to existing homeowners holding onto their houses since they will have to pay a higher rate on a new house. Diane Swonk, KPMG chief economist, talked about the downside of this positive news with CNBC saying that it couldnt spur buyer activity a lot. In the existing housing market, there is a lot of pent-up demand especially with 12,000 millennials a day turning 35 and moving into their peak home-buying years. Many buyers are still waiting for mortgage rates to go even lower in the hopes of the Fed rate cut. Other than that, home affordability being at its worst since 2006 is further pushing out potential buyers. The root cause in this case remains decades of under-building which has restricted the prevailing supply. According to Swonk, the US zoning laws need to be rethought to solve this housing crisis Therefore, homebuyers and homeowners in the current tight housing market tend to see a welcome sign in the form of lowering mortgage rates ahead of the rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. However, the market continues to be plagued with persistent supply shortages and affordability issues. Our Methodology: In order to compile a list of the 10 best home builder stocks to buy now, we first used a stock screener to make an extended list of the relevant companies with the highest market caps. Moving on, we shortlisted the top 10 stocks from our list which had the highest number of hedge fund holders. The 10 best home builder stocks to buy now have been arranged in ascending order of their hedge fund holders, as of Q2 2024. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Story continues A residential home with a white picket fence, showcasing the high standards of construction. Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE:TMHC) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27 Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE:TMHC) is an Arizona-based homebuilder and developer. The company has operations across 20 markets in 12 states and satisfies the needs of diverse consumers including first-time, move-up, luxury, and resort lifestyle homebuyers. It also engages in the development of lifestyle-oriented horizontal apartment communities to cater to the needs of rental households. The firms financial services segment offers mortgage financing, title services, and homeowners insurance. The home builder has a company legacy that dates back over 100 years. Its footprint spans some of the highest-growth markets and prime locations across the United States. Taylor Morrison continues to leverage the strength and stability of its strategically diversified consumer and geographic strategy to deliver results while mitigating risks. The firm has a leading national, regional, and local scale with top 10 positions in 17 of 20 markets. Additionally, it has significant financial flexibility to deliver shareholder returns while investing in growth. Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE:TMHC) delivered a solid performance during the fiscal second quarter of the year. The home builder saw its closings volume and home closings gross margin exceed its expectations. Furthermore, the companys management forecasts continued growth and positive momentum in the business following the long-awaited Fed rate cuts. The company looks in a good position to take advantage of the strong housing fundamentals in the coming years. As of Q2, Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE:TMHC) is held by 27 hedge funds with Balyasny Asset Management as the largest shareholder in the company. Overall TMHC ranks 10th on our list of the best home builder stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of TMHC 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 TMHC 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. Ms Ni Dhomhnaill (37) had been with her partner for almost a year when she discovered he had been raping her while she slept Niamh Ni Dhomhnaill roused from her sleep and noticed she was no longer wearing her underwear and pyjama bottoms. There was semen on her body. Her boyfriend Magnus was asleep. I had been out the night before with friends and Magnus had come with us too, she said. I had been drinking water all night because I didnt feel well and I actually came home early because I just couldnt stay out any longer. Magnus stayed out and that was fine. I woke up the next morning very foggy and heavy-headed, but I hadnt been drinking. I knew I wasnt drunk the night before, so there was no getting around why I wouldnt remember. It was a case of piecing things together. I almost didnt believe it, it just didnt seem rational. I asked him: Did you have sex with me while I was asleep? and he said, Yes. He seemed to think it was fine. I said, if Im not awake, Im not an active participant. I cant consent. You are never to do that to me again. Two weeks later, Ms Ni Dhomhnaill awoke at 3am knowing he had. I said, Youve done it again I felt it, and then I asked: Have you been doing this regularly? He admitted he had been doing it three or four times a week. Ms Ni Dhomhnaill (37) had been with her partner for almost a year when she discovered he had been raping her while she slept. At the time, she was 25 and a language teacher in a Dublin secondary school. Her partner, Magnus Meyer Hustveit, was Norwegian. The full extent of the offences only emerged after Hustveit wrote to his former partner and told her he had been using her body for my gratification for nearly a year. Your whole world is rocked when you realise someone you trusted could do that to you, Ms Ni Dhomhnaill said. Its the most grotesque breach of trust. Niamh Ni Dhomhnaill, who was raped by her former partner. (Picture: Arthur Carron) In 2015, Ms Ni Dhomhnaill waived her right to anonymity following Hustevits conviction for rape and sexual assault. He was initially given a wholly suspended seven-year sentence, but this was changed to a 15-month sentence in 2016 after an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Ms Ni Dhomhnaills case is not an isolated one. In the past year alone, a number of disturbing cases featuring sexual assaults and rapes while the victim was asleep have passed through the courts. I think it was probably always happening but we werent hearing about it, Ms Ni Dhomhnaill said. From my own perspective, I hadnt heard of this kind of thing until it happened to me. I struggled to contextualise it. Part of that was that it didnt fit with the traditional view of what rape is. There was an aspect of me not wanting to admit it was rape and me not thinking it fitted with the traditional idea of rape. When I think back to what was happening to me, in a very perverse, hard-to-admit way, it made sense to me that one might commit a crime in this way because it didnt require violence, control, getting someone into submission because they were already rendered powerless. In recent weeks, the Gisele Pelicot case in France has shone a light on the issue. In a trial that opened earlier this month, Ms Pelicots ex-husband admitted enlisting dozens of strangers to rape her while she was drugged, over a period of 10 years. There are certainly parts of that case that resonate with what happened to me, Ms Ni Dhomhnaill said. The most sinister part is the not knowing and then somehow piecing bits together. I had bruises that never made sense suddenly starting to make sense. In Ireland, a trawl of court cases involving sexual offences and rape over the past number of months points to a troubling trend. Last January, a 27-year-old man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to a count of sexual assaulting an 18-year-old woman while she slept at his apartment in Co Donegal on June 30, 2019. In May, meat factory worker Agon Menhei (36), who sexually assaulted a woman while she slept, was jailed for four years. There is a lot of shame around it and I remember with my own case, when it was coming to court, I knew it was going to be looked on weirdly. In the same month, a man was jailed after he recorded himself sexually assaulting his girlfriend while she slept. In July, Daniel Okungbowa (35) was jailed for 11-and-a-half years for raping one woman in 2016 and a second woman four years later. Both women were asleep when he raped them. I think there has been a surge in cases making it to court where consent is moot because the individual is asleep or unconscious, Ms Ni Dhomhnaill said. Its been on my mind that its so taboo and still so difficult to bring a case like that to court. There is a lot of shame around it and I remember with my own case, when it was coming to court, I knew it was going to be looked on weirdly. I dont want attention brought to me. It invites a lot of odd remarks and crass comments. There was the blame piece people asking why didnt she wake up? instead of asking why would someone do that? This happens a lot more frequently than people think and I believe we have a long way to go in terms with addressing the shame issue. Although there is no specific data on the number of sexual assaults occurring while people are asleep, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) said it is clear such incidents are part of the broader issue of sexual violence in Ireland. Many victims and survivors may not explicitly report the circumstances of the assault in these terms, chief executive of the DRCC Rachel Morrogh said. As a result, there could be significant underreporting due to feelings of shame, confusion, or fear of not being believed. DRCC supports people going through court cases and reporting to gardai with our accompaniment support service. It is very common for people seeking accompaniment support to have experienced assault when asleep. Niamh Ni Dhomhnaill, who was raped by her former partner. Photo: Arthur Carron The DRCC said there is a need for clearer information around the issue. It is important to note this is not just happening in relationship situations, Ms Morrogh said. It can involve people known to or not known to the victim entering sleeping spaces and assaulting people in their sleep. Such an assault has a very grievous impact on the victim. They may feel more conflicted if they are in a relationship due to assumptions around consent based on past history together, but it is still a violation. Ms Morrogh said the National Rape Crisis Helpline, operated by DRCC, has always received calls from people who have concerns over consent. The helpline regularly gets calls from people in intimate relationships who are confused after an event where they feel they have to go along with sex even if they dont want to, because they believe that consent is assumed in a relationship, she said. In relation to being drugged when assaulted or raped, we do get calls where people feel they may have been given something because they wake up without a memory of anything but they feel that something happened (there are signs like missing underwear). This can be inside a relationship as well as once-off encounters. If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, call the Rape Crisis Centre on Freephone 1800 77 88 88 Last weekends mass overdose occurred just over a month after a previous mass overdose led to the hospitalisation of 11 inmates at Portlaoise Prison. Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid that is rife in prisons The Irish prison system has been rocked by a second mass overdose in as many months sparking fears that increasingly deadly substances are being added to the synthetic drug shipments making their way behind bars. The latest mass overdose occurred in the Midlands Prison over the course of last weekend. The Sunday World understands all seven inmates who overdosed were exposed to the drug Spice Spice is a nickname for a substance containing one or more synthetic cannabinoids. Six inmates on the B1 landing took ill almost simultaneously on Friday of last week. All were treated in the prison for suspected overdoses and were not hospitalised. A seventh inmate overdosed on Monday on the D wing. Its understood his was the most serious overdose and resulted in his being rushed to hospital. A source told the Sunday World: This episode hammers home yet again just how prevalent the use of illicit drugs is behind bars and how ruthless criminals are flooding the jails with anything they can get their hands on to make their money. This stuff wasnt in any way fit for human consumption and the worst thing is that the inmates know the risks they are running and they dont seem to care. Synthetic cannabinoids were originally designed to mimic the effects of cannabis, however, they are more harmful and unpredictable than the real version. They may be powdered chemicals, dissolved and sprayed onto paper or dried plant material. Last weekends mass overdose occurred just over a month after a previous mass overdose led to the hospitalisation of 11 inmates at Portlaoise Prison. A newly detected drug caused that event which resulted in several prisoners ending up in intensive care, while one was listed as being in critical condition for more than a week. Initially it was suspected the inmates in Portlaoise had consumed a synthetic opioid called Nitazene. The drug had previously led to a death in an Irish prison and the Irish Prison Service had issued a nationwide warning about that substance last July. However, following tests the drugs identified as a newly detected synthetic Benzodiazepine called Clobromazolam. HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, Prof Eamon Keenan said: From the drug sample submitted by the Irish Prison Service to the HSE, following the recent overdoses in Portlaoise Prison, the HSE Emerging Drug Trends laboratory has identified there were no opioids involved, specifically no nitazenes (synthetic opioids). We did, however, identify a new synthetic Benzodiazepine, Clobromazolam. This is the first time this drug has been identified in Ireland. This is an extremely potent type of Benzodiazepine and is a sedative type of drug. Shock figures released by Minister of Justice Helen McEntee this week revealed that a staggering 70 per cent of prisoners suffer from addiction issues. But she said a new crackdown on narcotics behind bars by the Irish Prison Service is underway. In a statement to the Sunday World, the Irish Prison Service said it was committed to preventing the access of contraband, including drugs and mobile phones, into prisons.. Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis... The Irish Prison Service continues to engage with An Garda Siochana with regard to preventing contraband entering our prison... A free confidential phone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 180 2449) is operational. Kavanaghs UK home in the firing line as police prevent wife selling it Some of the guns seized by police after a tip-off by Kavanagh Kinahan Cartel boss Thomas Bomber Kavanaghs wife Joanne faces the loss of hundreds of thousands of pounds as a result of a secretive court order barring her from selling her share in the couples UK mansion. Records obtained by the Sunday World reveal that a restraint has been has been filed on the title deeds barring either her or her notorious husband from cashing in on the fortified stg1 million Tamworth property with prosecutors expected to begin confiscation proceedings within months. Joanne the sister of notorious organised crime boss Liam Byrne is the joint owner of the property which she and Bomber bought and registered in both their names in 2005 for UK565,000. There is no suggestion she had any involvement in or knowledge of her husbands criminal activities. The Kavanagh's Tamworth property, near Birmingham The Sunday World has discovered that the Crown Prosecution Service which has been readying itself ahead of a legal battle to confiscate all assets built up by Bomber over the course of his criminal career for the past five years went to court in 2020 and successfully obtained a freezing order on the mansion. That freezing order was later applied to the title deeds a copy of which was obtained by this newspaper earlier this week. Under the sections confirming Bomber and Joanne as the registered owners, an additional paragraph has been added. Joanne and Thomas Kavanagh leaving their Tamworth property It reads: Under a restraint order made under section 41 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 on April 16, 2020 no disposition by the proprietor of the registered estate is to be registered except with the consent of the Crown Prosecution Service, CPS Proceeds of Crime Teams or under a further order of the court. Its understood the CPS has held off on moving to seize the assets as proceeds of crime until now as a result of ongoing criminal cases against Bomber. When anti-gangland cops raided the fortified property which featured bullet proof window among an array of security measures in January 2019 as part of a wider investigation to dismantle his drug empire they also seized an Aladdins cave of designer goods worth more than stg500,000. The haul included: one hundred pairs of designer heels; 120 handbags; 36 pairs of Armani jeans; lines of Hugo Boss suits; closets full of Canada Goose and Moncler jackets; and drawers full of expensive watches and jewellery. Thomas Kavanaghs wife Joanne Cops estimated that the value of the clothing and jewellery alone made it one of largest-ever seizures of personal items nabbed from a domestic home in a National Crime Agency case. Cash in the region of stg40,000 was also found stashed around the house, stuffed into the back of the sofa and in Moschino, Gucci and Chanel handbags. Investigators in the UK are also sifting through receipted purchases believed to be worth hundreds of thousands and recorded on high-end designer store cards where points were saved for discounts and access to services like personal shoppers. The battle to secure confiscation orders for the property and assets seized that day was, however, put on the back burner pending Kavanaghs trial for drug smuggling at the conclusion of which he was jailed for 21 years. Thomas Bomber Kavanagh tried to strike a deal with police The confiscation of the assets was then hit with a further delay when fresh charges were filed against Bomber and his brother-in-law Liam Byrne arising from the botched gun plot to manipulate a reduction in his sentence by handing over an arsenal of weapons. But, sources now say, following Bomber and Byrnes guilty plea earlier this week, court proceedings to obtain confiscation orders will begin in earnest after the pairs sentencing in October. On Wednesday of this week, both Kinahan Cartel boss Bomber and Byrne made a dramatic U-turn in court pleading guilty to the firearms plot he masterminded behind bars. The court heard Kavanagh and his associates hoarded guns in a bid to act as informants and secure him a lighter sentence for drug trafficking. Bomber (57) Byrne (43) and Shaun Kent (38) were nabbed after an investigation by the National Crime Agency. The court heard Kavanagh, described as a kingpin of the notorious Kinahan Cartel, is serving 21 years for orchestrating a 36m drug smuggling racket. While on remand awaiting sentencing at Ipswich Crown Court, he plotted with Kent, Byrne and others to accumulate firearms from the UK, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Their plan was to tip off the NCA about the stash so Kavanagh could bag a reduced sentence. Some of the guns seized by police after a tip-off by Kavanagh Kavanagh contacted the NCA and informed them arms had been transported to the UK from Holland. He provided a map which guided police to a farm in Northern Ireland where they unearthed two holdalls buried underground containing 11 sub-machine guns. However, the NCA had received intel on the gang after French authorities cracked the encrypted chat EncroChat in 2020. The NCA used this information to deduce that Kavanagh was stringing them along. The trio appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to firearms charges. Under the UKs Firearms Act 1968, the maximum sentence for conspiracy to possess firearms or ammunition is life imprisonment. The research team examined the 97 gender-based killings of women or girls referred for formal forensic post-mortem examination from 2012 to 2023 and 96 died at the hands of a male perpetrator Researchers said the cultural and political climate can impact the ability to seek help. Stock image Tributes to Ashling Murphy at a shrine on the Grand Canal in Tullamore. Photo: Gerry Mooney Femicide the gender-based killing of women or girls is on the rise in Ireland. A new study has found cases increased from 19pc referred to the Office of the State Pathologist between 2012 and 2020 to 29pc from 2021 to 2023. The research team examined the 97 gender-based killings of women or girls referred for formal forensic post-mortem examination from 2012 to 2023 and 96 died at the hands of a male perpetrator. Over half, 56pc, of women were killed by a current or former intimate partner while 20pc were killed by family members with women killed by their son in 13pc of cases. The study carried out by the Office of the State Pathologist (OSP) found 41pc of women were murdered in the home they shared with their killer. The researchers said femicide is an increasingly prevalent medico-legal issue which is poorly defined and under-recorded worldwide. Home is not always a place of refuge for women and girls Overall, the study reported an average of eight cases of femicide occurring per year. But it added: Notably, in 2021, 2022, and 2023, femicide accounted for 29pc, 28pc, and 29pc of all homicides referred to the OSP respectively. The highest number of femicides was recorded in 2022 with 13 cases, while 2016 had the lowest number at two cases. Only 9pc of femicides occurred outdoors in a public setting. Domestic femicide the killing of a woman by a current or former partner, family member or cohabitant of their home accounted for 74pc of cases These findings reinforce the unfortunate reality that home is not always a place of refuge for women and girls, said the authors. The study published in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine points out there is no definition of femicide within the Irish legal system and Ireland is one of many countries that lack specific national statistics on femicide rates. One of the most shocking incidences of femicide brought fatal violence against females into sharp focus to the nation in January 2022 when Ashling Murphy was viciously attacked and killed as she jogged along the canal near her home in Tullamore. Jozef Puska, a Slovakian national with an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, who was a stranger to the beautiful 23-year-old teacher, was given a mandatory life sentence last year after he was convicted of her murder. Ashling Murphy was attacked and killed while out running In 43pc of intimate partner femicides and 20pc of familial femicides, the study reported that the perpetrator had a history of previous domestic violence. The authors said: Whilst prior violence is the most significant predictor of future violence, it is important to note that the occurrence of domestic violence does not equate to engagement with support services for many women. The social, cultural and political climate can impact a womans decision or ability to seek help, be it due to fear, shame, language barriers or a lack of resources. These factors often result in the lethality of the degree of violence being realised when it is too late. Nadine Lott is among the young women horrifically killed by an ex-partner in recent years. She was 30 years old when she died in 2019 after being savagely beaten in her home by Daniel Murtagh, from Clondalkin in Dublin, who has since been sentenced to life in jail for her murder. Nadine Lott and Daniel Murtagh The study reported that the average age of femicide victims was 42 years with 64pc of women aged between 26 and 55 years at the time they were killed. Femicides involving sexual violence had the lowest average age of 19 years, the researchers said. While just over three-quarters of women were killed by a partner or family members, 12pc were killed by a friend or acquaintance, and in 6pc of cases the perpetrator was not known to the victim. The study noted that in 40pc of familial femicides and 19pc of intimate partner femicides, the perpetrator had a history of mental health issues. The authors recommended a plan to formally collect up-to-date and continuous data However, they added: Femicide is a complex and multifactorial issue that is often a deadly mix of sociocultural, personal, financial and psychological factors and is seldom the acute manifestation of a psychiatric disorder in the perpetrator. Sharp force injuries contributed to or caused the death in 42pc of cases while there was blunt force trauma in 37pc of killings and asphyxia in 35pc of cases. Gunshot wounds were present in nine cases some cases involved a combination of injury mechanisms. Femicides associated with sexual violence had the highest average number of sharp force injuries per case and victims were found to be significantly younger. In both intimate partner and familial femicides, the head and neck were the most common site of sharp force injuries. However, in femicides related to sexual violence, the chest was targeted in 75pc of cases, researchers said. Overkill, which is defined as the use of excessive, gratuitous violence beyond that necessary to cause the victims death, was identified in 12 cases. In all, 21 counties recorded femicides from 2012 to 2023. Dublin had nearly a third of all femicide cases (32pc) with 31 killings occurring in the capital, followed by Cork with nine, Wicklow with seven, Louth with six. Four femicides occurred in each of the counties of Donegal, Kerry, Kilkenny, Mayo and Meath over the 12-year period. Cavan, Clare, Limerick, Sligo and Waterford recorded three cases each while Laois and Offaly were both the locations for two cases. The researchers noted the pandemic sparked concern regarding the impact of prolonged lockdowns on rates of domestic violence and extreme acts of violence against women. While some countries recorded static rates, Ireland is among the countries with a rise. Femicide rates in North America increased by 29pc from 2017 to 2022, and in Canada by 27pc from 2019-2022. This study showed a similar increase, with femicide rates increasing from 17pc to 29pc of all homicides referred to the OSP from 2019 to 2023, said the study. The authors recommended a plan to formally collect up-to-date and continuous data pertaining to national femicide rates in order to maximise the accuracy of global femicide data. This will allow emerging trends to be identified, comparisons to be made between countries and determine the need for additional legislation and supports to protect the victims of gender-based violence. Mr Higgins letter was published by the London-based Jewish Chronicle President Michael D Higgins has accused the Israeli Embassy in Ireland of leaking a letter he wrote congratulating the recently elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Mr Higgins letter was published by the London-based Jewish Chronicle and drew criticism from Fine Gael TDs. Speaking to reporters at the United Nations General Assembly, the President first urged people to question why the letter was circulated and by whom. Pressed on the matter, Mr Higgins said he believes the letter was leaked by the Israeli embassy but said he had no idea how they accessed the private correspondence he wrote to his Iranian counterpart. My letter was standard a one I have written to many heads of state, and I stressed in it the importance of peace in the region, and the importance as well of diplomacy returning in relation to the resolution of disputes and so forth, he said. One of your journalist colleagues got it from Israeli embassy and rang somebody and asked was I concerned and I wasnt concerned, he added. Mr Higgins letter was criticised by Fine Gael TDs when it emerged during the summer. The Israeli embassy was contacted for comment. Mr Higgins was separately asked how he would characterise the Governments handling of the housing crisis, but he said he wouldnt comment on any particular Government. However, when it was put to him that it was an abject failure to have thousands of homeless families, he said: Theres no doubt whatsoever that as one looks at it I have to answer the question properly now, it has failed in many dimensions. The planning is a disaster. There arent enough planning officers working for the local authorities. He spoke about the suggestion that the delay in providing houses is because of people going to court to exercise their rights. I think the total number was two per cent. In most cases where the courts took the decision, it was in relation to planning flaws. So theres side that of it. Mr Higgins also said it is inconceivable that the State would not directly build new homes and said the current policy was relying on seducing the private market. The operation was targeting criminal gangs who often exploit vulnerable migrants Some 14 people have been arrested in Belfast as part of a UK operation aimed at cracking down on people-smuggling gangs and those exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA). Under the CTA, UK and Irish citizens are able to travel freely between and reside in either jurisdiction without restriction. The recent operation which took place from September 16 to 18 involved the UK Home Offices Immigration Enforcement teams, UK police forces and international partners. They descended on locations across the UK, including Belfast, Liverpool and Scotland, over the course of the three days. PSNI officers were involved in the tactical and operational support side, including officers from the PSNIs Organised Crime Branch and Road Policing Teams. The operation was targeting criminal gangs who often exploit vulnerable migrants, charging them thousands of pounds to enter the UK illegally. Checks were conducted at major ports, airports and road networks in a bid to disrupt smuggling routes. The 14 people arrested in Northern Ireland, including seven Albanian nationals, were detained at Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, Belfast Docks, Belfast city centre and in the vicinity of the A1 dual carriageway. Across the UK a total of 31 arrests were made. Some 400,000 in criminal cash and 10 fraudulent identity documents which allow criminals to evade immigration controls were seized. Police and Border Force make arrests in Belfast The operation was led by Immigration Enforcements criminal and financial Investigations team in Northern Ireland, the PSNI, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and other police forces and international partners. Dame Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said the Government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people, risking their lives and giving them false hopes of a better life in the UK. Driven by greed, these gangs have no regard for human life or safety, charging outrageous fees, preying on those desperate to escape hardship, and forcing them into illegal and dangerous situations, she said. Home Office Immigration Enforcement Inspector Jonathan Evans said: This operation has been a huge success and sends a clear message that the smuggling gangs who break our laws will face serious consequences. We are taking action day in, day out to ensure we stay a step ahead of these criminal groups, disrupting them at the earliest possible stage. We will continue working relentlessly to ensure no one abuses the Common Travel Area or the UK's borders. Im incredibly proud of our teams across the country, as well as our partners from the police, the National Crime Agency, and international counterparts, for their hard work and collaboration in carrying out this important operation. Police and Border Force make arrests in Belfast A 2023 Westminster report examined how the CTA operates, and its potential pitfalls when it comes to illegal immigration. The lack of routine border controls on the land frontier means that there is potential for abuse of the CTA for unauthorised migration, it said. The British and Irish governments cooperate closely to guard against this, including through data sharing and the joint Operation Gull, but do not disclose the details of how this works. The immigration authorities of both countries conduct occasional checks within their own territory. Operation Gull is a joint exercise by the UK and Irish authorities aimed at tackling the movement of undocumented migrants across the CTA. To say she belongs in the category of unique women is an understatement To say she belongs in the category of unique women is an understatement considering the decades spanning her life were anything but favourable to ambitious women. Maggies outlook was always a formidable one. She worked as a national school teacher from 1911 until 1956. Maggie taught at Knocknabro National School in Glenflesk from 1911 to 1939 before transferring to Raheen National School in Killarney from 1939 to 1953. She returned again to Knocknabro for the final three years of her career. Between 1914 and 1934 she and husband William had 17 children 12 boys and five girls. Their offspring would create their own unique position in life with one son becoming a priest, three joining the Christian Brothers, and two daughters opting for life as a nun. Maggie also shouldered her share of tragedy when losing three sons: Patrick (16) died of a serious illness in 1936, while Donal (27) and Michael (28) were both tragically killed in separate accidents in the same year of 1948. Remarkably, Maggie taught all 17 of her children from babies up to second class at nearby Knocknabro NS in what must have seemed a universe away from the later trend of striking a work/life balance. At one point, six of her children were in her class. Maggie never complained and treated each day as its own separate challenge. Maggie and William in 1933 with 16 of their children. She was the second youngest of 11 in the ODonoghue family that came from Annies, Glenflesk. William hailed from nearby Annagh. The couple decided not to roam far from family roots when settling in a cottage high on a hillside at Derrymaclovaide, Glenflesk. They lived there all their lives and would both die in the cottage. In all kinds of weather, Maggie and whichever child was of school-going age would walk three miles to Knocknabro every morning. When teaching in Raheen 10 miles away she left the house on Sunday in a pony and trap and returned the following Friday evening. Its not known where Maggie trained to be a teacher. She is listed as teacher in the 1911 Census but her family remain unaware of where and when she qualified. William worked as a school inspector and while the couple were not short during challenging economic times in Ireland, devotion to family, education, and work remained the couples priority. Maggie and William on their wedding day. Towards the end of her family being born, a midwife asked William where are all the children were going to live. Calmly, William replied the world is big enough with plenty of room. His words were prophetic considering their children would end up either working or living in Canada, England, France, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, Burma, and Biafra. Maggie and Williams grandson, Jim Driscoll, lives in County Wicklow. He is Kathleen's son and is anxious to discover if anyone in Kerry remembers his grandmother. Jim explained that even though Maggie had 17 children, she also suffered several miscarriages. She was an amazing woman to have all those children while still working. There was no maternity leave or career breaks in those days As six children joined religious orders, and two died young, not many of Maggies grandchildren were raised in Kerry. Jim explained there are no relations living in Glenflesk today. However, its possible that someone from the locality might remember Maggie as she continued teaching until the late 1950s. The couple in their garden in 1957. William died a year later. I was visiting Glenflesk a few weeks ago and there is not one person left that knows about her. All her people have died. I was hoping there could still be someone that remembers her, Jim said. I have the fondest memories of Kerry as we went down there to visit my grandparents in summer. She was an amazing woman to have all those children while still working. There was no maternity leave or career breaks in those days, he added. My grandfather was the most easy-going man you could find. Anytime Maggie said a few cross words to him, he would always answer with the same sentence: Maggie, that was an unkind thing to say. He was one of the most gentle souls you would meet, Jim said. People in the locality called her the queen of the area. For miles around they came to her for advice Maggie died on September 11, 1973, 15 years after William had passed away in 1958. Jim was one of the last in his family to meet Maggie before she died as he was on honeymoon in Killarney days before she passed away. We left Killarney and decided to visit granny. She died the following day. I was the last grandchild to see her. People in the locality called her the queen of the area. For miles around they came to her for advice and to sign forms. She stood out as this very tall woman and Im assuming had a lot of presence and status about her, he said. She was an incredibly powerful woman that you dont see the likes of that often anymore When granny died, a neighbour wrote a poem for her called the Queen of Clydagh, which is a measure of her standing in her home place. Ten children are buried in the same graveyard as their parents, which is unusual in itself. She was an incredibly powerful woman that you dont see the likes of that often anymore, said Jim. "Kerry has many famous people like John B Keane, Brendan Kennelly, and Bryan McMahon. I believe people like granny are just as great. I have to thank my cousin, Peggy Curtis, from Macroom for helping me with dates charting the life of an amazing woman, he said. Having survived the Shannon, Higgins smiled and recalled how he could have easily died when a bear encountered him as he was sleeping in a tent during a kayaking trip A former school-teacher turned adventurer, who previously survived a bear attack, today became the fastest and oldest person to swim Irelands longest river, the Shannon. Dermot Higgins swam the 250km waterway stretch in 10 days, four less than the 2023 fastest record holder, Ger Moore, (Cork), and 22 days less than oldest record holder Dean Hall (USA), to raise awareness of mental health issues. The Skerries native, who has battled severe bouts of depression, said all funds raised from his double-record swim will go directly to Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity. The journey was magic, its surpassed my wildest dreams, I was blessed with amazing weather, and the support I had from people made it really really easy, said Higgins who made land at Curragower Boat Club, Limerick City, at 11.21am. Preparation was key, with Higgins starting pool training last January, followed by warm water training in Morocco and several long sea-swims. As each of the ten days swimming the Shannon passed, Higgins who was supported in the water by Brian Dillon, Limerick Narwhales Swimming Club, grew stronger and stronger, and coming into Limerick I was full of swimming, I felt like swimming out into the Atlantic. The 62-year old, who was the first Irish man and oldest person to cycle around the world for charity, said he is an open book when it comes to his personal battles with his own mental health demons and overcoming lifes challenges. Ive had mental health issues over the years, including two serious episodes of depression, one of which I attempted suicide. I needed the support of Pieta and I called them several times and they were very good to me - I probably wouldnt be alive today if it wasn't for Pieta House. Higgins is no stranger to overcoming endurance challenges and has raised over a quarter of a million euro for charities, however Pieta House is one that remains close to his heart. I think the silence (around mental health) is the biggest killer, and I think people need to know the signs when they have loved ones suffering from mental health issues and when they are suicidal. Sometimes people just dont know the signs and even when they do know the signs, they dont know what to do, so Pieta House has done great work in terms of informing people of what these signs are, and supporting not just the people who are in crisis but the families as well, which is hugely important. Having survived the Shannon, Higgins smiled and recalled how he could have easily died when a bear encountered him as he was sleeping in a tent during a kayaking trip along the Yukon River, Canada. The bear was only a metre from me and I wasn't prepared at all, the bear came at me but I was really fortunate because I had pepper-spray and I sprayed the bear and then I fainted. I was out cold and woke up half an hour later, I was covered in vomit, but I got myself to the river and I arrived in Dawson City with one shoe because the bear had taken my other shoe. Higgins said he plans to swim the entire circumference of the island of Ireland next summer, if he can find a sponsor. The treatment of an 18-year-old from Co Roscommon who suffers with autism has been branded scandalous and pathetic in the Dail. Stock image. Getty. The treatment of an 18-year-old from Co Roscommon who suffers with autism has been branded scandalous and pathetic in the Dail. Roscommon teen Sean is severely autistic and non-verbal. His case has been raised in the Dail by Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice in an attempt to secure the care Sean requires and provide assistance to his father Kevin. Speaking in the Dail, Deputy Fizmaurice said, In late 2022, I met Kevin and Sean, a father and son. Sean is severely autistic and non-verbal. "Unfortunately, he sleeps only for short intervals. He goes out to the kitchen and he could wreck the house or go out and wreck the car. The father has other younger children who, unfortunately, have encountered difficult situations with their sibling. It is not Sean's fault, said Deputy Fitzmaurice. Deputy Fitzmaurice said the family has engaged with services and went through all the processes with the HSE, while he has also raised this issue with the Taoiseach's colleague, the former Taoiseach, Deputy Leo Varadkar, and the leader of Fianna Fail, Deputy Micheal Martin, twice in the last two years. I remember we were promised respite, which was provided for a while and then disappeared. Sean was tried out in a new place to see how he would go but unfortunately, because of his situation, he put his hand through a window. The operators, because they are private operators, just said they did not want it. We were promised that the minute Sean turned 18 years and became an adult, in July, he would have a place because there was no place before that, said Deputy Fitzmaurice. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice. Meetings were held with the Brothers of Charity and the HSE since January and in January, due to the work of Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte and an unnamed civil servant, the money was granted for by the HSE. However, when July came and Sean became an adult, they were told the houses were not ready yet. They said they had to decide on a house, which would take a few more months and be gradual. We then had a bomb thrown at us when the Brothers of Charity chief wrote to the father to say they were sending the money back to the HSE and were no longer going to provide this service. I am not criticising the person who granted the money. The money was granted by the HSE. What is going on in the charitable sectors for people with disabilities is pathetic. The way in which that youngster has been treated is pathetic. His father had to bring him to the accident and emergency unit in Galway on Monday. The psychiatric unit in Roscommon hospital would not take him. The house has been absolutely wrecked in recent days. The hospital in Galway said to bring him home because it did not have a bed. Is that the Ireland we have for treating people with disabilities? Are we going to change it and tell people they have a job to do and they must deliver? This is not about money; it is about delivery. It is scandalous what that father has gone through, said Deputy Fitzmaurice. Deputy Fitzmaurice said he fears that if the case is particularly difficult or if someone is under 18 years of age, there is really no place to go. We tried everything for that youngster. It is such a sad story. When that youngster became an adult, the choices that is facing parents at the moment is that they go to an accident and emergency department, drop their child off and disown them. That is an awful thing to have to say, to try to get residential care. Alternatively, parents go to the Four Courts, down the road. Those are the two choices parents have at the moment. At the moment, we have no place in this country to help those people. I have liaised with the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. This is not about her or the person in the HSE in the west of Ireland. This is about a charity that is getting a lot of taxpayers' money that is not prepared to do the graft. It has told us blatant lies and not it has said that it will throw back the money and we will leave you high and dry. That is not acceptable, said Deputy Fitzmaurice. Taoiseach Simon Harris. Taoiseach Simon Harris said in many ways the story the Deputy told hits the nail on the head. He said it seems that regardless of money or investment, young people, and not-so-young people, are getting lost trying to navigate a system which seems to be centred around everyone other than the person with the disability. That is why we have set up a new Cabinet committee on disability and why I am chairing it. It is why we are trying to bring everyone around the table to see that, when we make decisions in relation to investment, it goes where we expect it to go to improve service delivery. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is passionate about that. "We are trying to rectify issues that section 39 disability organisations have, including increased pay to staff, which is an issue on which they have been campaigning for ages. We have taken measures as a Government to address an 8% increase. We still hear of cases like Sean's where, despite an allocation by Government to help support him, he finds himself without a service, said Mr Harris. Mr Harris added that the case highlights a broader issue about how we empower the person with a disability and their family in terms of the budget that the State allocates to them. I know the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, and others have done work in relation to this. Rather than just funding the charity or the service provider, the model of funding the individual with a personalised budget has been transformative in some areas, where we say to the young or not so young person or their family that the State is funding them and they are now empowered, rather than giving it to charity X or charity Y. Let us look further at what more we can do in relation to that model. Obviously there are residential places available and I do say that to parents, following this. We have allocated more money this year, 15.5 million, for an additional 100 priority 1 residential placements nationally. The Deputy is quite right to highlight the issue. The demographic pressures are real in relation to this. We had a very good round-table discussion recently which involved me, the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, and all disability organisations and many disability representative groups in advance of budget 2025. We will reflect on the Deputy's comments and liaise directly with him on Sean, concluded Mr Harris. Brothers of Charity has been contacted for a response. Richard Maze (70) died after he was struck while on his motorcycle Tributes have been paid to a fire industry titan after he died following a hit-and-run incident in Co Fermanagh. Richard Maze (70) died after he was struck while on his motorcycle in the Boa Island Road area of Belleek on Thursday afternoon. Police said a dark-coloured car failed to stop after the incident, with a 70-year-old man later arrested and charged with dangerous driving. A keen motorcyclist and wildlife enthusiast, Mr Maze, from Lisburn, was a noted member of Northern Irelands Fire and Rescue Service having served with the organisation for over 30 years. During his time in the organisation, he served as Divisional Fire and Safety Officer for the entirety of Northern Ireland, while his further career in fire safety consultancy took him across the UK, as well as the Falkland Islands. Mr Maze was best known for his work in leading the review into the Stormont fire in 1995, which completely destroyed the debating chamber and caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage. His work handling the response to the fire led him to create the Northern Ireland Crown Inspection Team, which examined the fire safety of government buildings and helped write the Fire Safety Standards for Northern Ireland. Mr Maze through his expertise also contributed to fire service projects across the UK, including being a member of the fire service risk assessors register which led him to work on the review of high rise buildings in the UK following the Grenfell Tower disaster. Richard was at the top of his game, and a huge loss to us, said Joseph Birt, the managing director of Fire Risk Solutions Northern Ireland where Mr Maze worked as a fire safety consultant. Its a cliche, but when Richard walked into the room, he lit it up. He was such a positive person, with a spring in a step. He never seemed to have a bad day and was a great person to be around. He was a mentor, he loved sharing his vast knowledge with the team, he was a titan in the fire safety industry and they are the people who today are very broke about this news. Richard was also an avid motorcyclist, he loved riding his bike, every year he would take himself on trips all across Europe including touring the Alps. He will be missed dearly by everyone, and his wife, and is a huge loss to the community. Deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Robbie Butler, a former firefighter himself, who knew Mr Maze personally said his loss was immense. There are people in every career field who everyone holds up to high esteem and Richard was one of them. He was beloved by everyone and was known for his long and regarded career in the Fire Brigade as it was known at the time, Mr Butler said. Richard was a very well-known and highly respected man, but even outside the Fire Service, that same respect was given to him in the wider community. Its an immense loss, and my heart goes out to his friends, family and former colleagues who I know will miss him greatly. A PSNI spokesperson said: A 70-year-old man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to remain where the accident occurred causing injury, failing to report an accident whereby injury was caused and failing to stop where the accident occurred causing injury. He is due to appear at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday 14th October. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. Google's (GOOG, GOOGL) legal troubles could force it to sell off some of its prized businesses, but investors worried about that outcome may find some comfort in what happened to John Rockefellers Standard Oil more than a century ago. The empire that controlled nearly all US oil production during Americas industrial revolution had to split into 34 smaller companies after the Supreme Court in 1911 sided with the Justice Department in an antitrust challenge. The divestiture of those companies made Rockefeller the richest man in the world. But it also made other shareholders in those new companies richer too, according to legal experts. The companies became giants such as Chevron (CVX) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) that still rule the industry today. [T]he market cap total for all those companies increased about five- to six-fold based on what the valuation was thought for Standard Oil, said Boston College Law School antitrust law professor David Olson. John D. Rockefeller, who watched the oil empire he built broken into 34 smaller companies at the beginning of the last century. New management and efficiencies that followed the breakup helped the smaller companies flourish, added Susman Godfrey antitrust litigation attorney Barry Barnett. In the case of Google, existing shareholders may benefit as a scaled-back company tends to boost innovation and customer service, Barnett said. Google's search engine, for example, could start producing more relevant results and become more valuable to advertisers. "The people who own the company are not going to lose," Barnett said. Not everyone agrees with this rosy view. One analyst at Evercore ISI recently reduced a price target on Alphabet, Googles parent company, after rereading a federal judges landmark US antitrust ruling against the company handed down in August. US District Court Judge Amit Mehta, who decided the case, sided with the US Justice Departments claims that Googles Search business was an illegal monopoly that it abused to keep rivals at bay. Mehta also agreed with the DOJs accusations that Google illegally monopolized the market for online search text advertising. "[W]e believe a worst case scenario is a more likely scenario than the market assumes," Evercores analyst wrote in the note. It is not yet known what remedies the judge may approve as a result of his ruling. They could range from an outright breakup of Google to forcing the company to make its search engine data, its "index," available to competitors. It could also be forced to end the types of agreements that got Google into trouble with regulators, that secure its search engine as a default on mobile devices and internet browsers. Story continues George Alan Hay, Cornell University law and economics professor and former DOJ antitrust division chief, said the DOJ is likely to request some form of divestiture where Google is found to have violated the law. "It would be significant. It wouldnt be backbreaking," he said. "Google could survive." One concern for stockholders is that a breakup could affect Googles huge profit engine. In 2023, Google Search generated more than $175 billion in revenue. Coupled with Google's YouTube ads and Google network revenue, both of which it promotes on its general search engine, advertising on the platforms accounted for a staggering $237 billion of the company's $307 billion in total revenue. In October 2020, when the DOJ and states filed suit, Google's annual revenue was roughly half of that, totaling $162 billion. Not all breakups of business empires have led to positive results, at least in the immediate aftermath. Consider the breakup of the AT&T (T) telecom network in the 1980s that followed seven years of litigation with the DOJ. The Justice Department sued AT&T in 1974, seeking a breakup of its phone service and phone equipment monopolies. It got most of what it wanted in 1984 following a 1982 settlement that created a number of regional companies. An abandoned Standard Oil gas station in Arizona. John D. Rockefeller founded Standard Oil in 1870. (Photo by John van Hasselt/Corbis via Getty Images) (John van Hasselt - Corbis via Getty Images) But AT&T lost significant long-distance revenue to newcomers MCI and Sprint. From 1984 to 1996, its share of total long-distance revenue fell from 91% to 48%. But Barnett said he expects a breakup of Google to impact its shareholders the way that Standard Oil's breakup did. "So if you're an Alphabet shareholder, this may be good for you." StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed. Yahoo Finance senior tech reporter Daniel Howley also contributed to this report. Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance I try and keep my personal stuff off social media and Vanessa understands that, she gets it, so all is good, Danny tells the Sunday World. The Coronas frontman Danny OReilly has written some of his most personal songs ever on the bands new album, but the singer says hes staying tight-lipped about his relationship with Irish model Vanessa OConnell. Although Vanessa has posted pictures and videos of the loved-up couple on her social media, rock star OReilly, who previously dated Laura Whitmore and Holly Carpenter, keeps his focus on the band. I try and keep my personal stuff off social media and Vanessa understands that, she gets it, so all is good, Danny tells the Sunday World. I think I learned a few years ago that its not always great, so I just made that decision that Im not going to say anything. Danny with Knoxy and Conor of The Coronas The Coronas will release a new album, Thoughts & Observations, next Friday, and songwriter OReilly says: I found the older I get the more Im just honest and personal in lyrics and they tend to be the ones that people connect to. The more honest I am, even about the small, little things that are literally going on, they tend to be the lyrics that people like and theyre probably the lyrics that Im more proud of as well. Weve never been a band that sat down to write about politics or the state of the world. I think the Coronas has always been an escape for people from that stuff. I think our personal lyrics and the stories work better with that in mind. Im proud of some of the lyrics on this new album. There are a few different themes on the album, including self-improvement, which is a theme now in mid-to-late 30s. Im just trying to be a better band mate, a better friend, a better other half, a better brother, a better son. The new album includes songs such as Good Boy, which, he says, speaks to a dating situation many people have been in, that moment when your friends are telling you that its time to start trying to get back on the dating scene after a break-up, something that gets more daunting as you get older. Danny with Knoxy and Conor of The Coronas At Least Shes Laughing, he explains, is simply about the confusion of actually trying to ask someone out, and being able to laugh at the awkwardness of it all. Still On Your Good Side is about when you wake up and sheepishly try to reconnect with your other half. The songs are autobiographical and Danny says: Weve always said that we write what were going through. The more honest I am about specific little things Im going through, theyre the lyrics that seem to resonate with people. Like meeting an ex and saying I like your hair, youve let it growthat shows the passing of time rather than saying its been months since I saw you last. Ive spent a little bit more time thinking about it and thats one way I think my songwriting has changed. In the early days I never went back and revisited lyrics, Id write the next song. The Irish star recalls a quote from American record producer Rick Rubin who said, theres only one person in the world you need to impress when youre trying to be creative and thats yourself. Danny adds: You got to write for yourself and you got to make sure that you like what youre doing, but the next people that I try to impress are the two lovely members of the Coronas, Knoxy (Graham Knox) and Conor (Egan) and theyre the people I send the initial demos to, and thats the feedback thats the most important because its their music too. When Knoxy gets back and mentions lyrics, thats rare, and he did for this bunch of songs. One of the lyrics he liked was in the song, Unbelievable Scenes, which refers to the hack of me, an Irish expression meaning I dont look very good the hack of me here beside you. A lot of people feel like that about their other half. How could I be so lucky to be with you? The cover of the Coronas album It means a lot when they (Knoxy and Conor) come forward with little things like that because it seldom happens, its usually a thumbs up on WhatsApp, yaaa Danny, well done, or lets work on them. We are our own record label and were very lucky to be able to make our own decisions musically and creatively. Its a democracy within the band. Now getting on for 20 years in the business, The Coronas have a solid business model that sustains them. Danny adds: Is success being the biggest band in the world? Ive said it before, theres no guarantee that Chris Martin is happier than we are because Coldplay are the biggest band in the world. We have a great work-life balance and we get to be creative, we get to write our own music, we love touring live and theres no one breathing down our necks. A variety of farmyard animals will join kids, staff and families for the 125th anniversary celebrations of Oropi School. The event features a display of old photos and memorabilia and is being timed to coincide with the annual Calf Club Day on Friday, October 18. Its an opportunity each year for kids to highlight their achievement in raising a baby animal, so we have lambs, goats, calves and chickens, says principal Andrew King. The kids will create displays around the theme of the spring season. They bring in produce theyve grown. Its not just raising animals but giving kids opportunities to experience life cycles in a way that you cant in an urban school. Oropi School opened in a house in 1899 for around 20 children from a handful of nearby sawmilling families. We believe it was a turbulent time in the area because the European settlers had taken over and confiscated land from Maori, following the Battle of Gate Pa. This land, at the time, was considered the most fertile part of Oropi, says Andrew. So, students at Oropi School are taught about the journey taken by Maori travelling from Rotorua to Tauranga Moana, through Otanewainuku, down the Waimapu River, as well as the local legend and ancient stories surrounding the area. Oropi School principal Andrew King. Photo / John Borren It means that we have both European and Maori threads to pull on when talking to the kids about the significance of the school in both history and legend, says Andrew. In 1902, the school was closed when the house was reoccupied and three years later, a small school was opened at Gluepot, and a hall was also built across the gorge at Oropi. The school was held three days at one location and two days at the other until the population grew on the Oropi side to make the more logical location. In 1934, a two-roomed school building was built on the present school site. There were about 50 kids through to the 1960s, mostly from surrounding dairy farming families, says Andrew. Now, theres more horticulture and lifestyle blocks with many parents working in the city and we have around 350 students, which is a really nice number. That roll has plateaued over the last few years. Theres a lot of growth in Ohauiti which may eventually push up numbers, says Andrew. We still have the original building that has been renovated about five times over the years and weve added another eight buildings to the school. As part of the schools 125-year anniversary celebrations, eight Year 7 and 8 student leaders as well as 20 Enviro Club members last month added 125 saplings to a piece of farmland at Mangatoi Rd. Former Oropi School staff. Photo / John Borren It was an opportunity for Oropi School to be involved in the regeneration of the Kokako Corridor project which is re-establishing the link for the birds between Otanewainuku and Kaharoa forests. The latest census carried out by Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust in early August found 113 kokako an increase of 44 since the last census in 2020. A kokako is on the logo of our school, hence the significance, Andrew explains. Back in the 1950s, there were so many of them that they would run along the school fence. But now, we hardly see kokako so as part of our celebrations, we want to be part of bringing the species back to life. Andrew said kids at Oropi School understand the importance of the trees theyre planting and that they are contributing to the conservation effort of the kokako. Their intention is to take other students to the site in the coming years to care for the trees and watch them grow. We have a genuinely beautiful environment, says Andrew. You couldnt get a better context for school kids in terms of the place were in. It highlights why rural schools are so beneficial to primary kids in terms of connection to the land. "The kids get unique opportunities and a more rounded education because they get to play in the bush, dig in the dirt, raise animals and be connected to the land. Photos from the past. Photo / John Borren The school is hoping past students and members of the public join the celebration in October. This is a thriving school doing cool things. In fact, were known in education circles and held up as an example to other rural schools. People want to see what we do. We work hard to retain the essential characteristics that make this Oropi School. Im proud of what we have here and the children were teaching. Rain didn't halt proceedings as people gathered to mark the completion of construction work on the Pakihikura/Opotiki Harbour seawalls on Friday. As well as the two breakwaters extending 450 metres out to sea, the $115.3 million harbour development includes ongoing dredging of a channel so larger vessels can use the facility in most sea and tide conditions. On Friday, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Winston Peters and the Regional Development Minister, Hon Shane Jones were welcomed with a pohiri from Te Whakatohea on the landward side of the eastern seawall. They were joined by guests, some with involvement in the project dating back more than 20 years. The two new breakwater walls provide boats with safe harbour access to support the continued growth of aquaculture in the Bay of Plenty. The harbour work is a crucial part of the cluster of government co-investments in Opotiki that are supporting a positive future for the town. This is the first major harbour built in New Zealand in decades, and it is a big day for everyone involved in years of hard work to bring a new future for Opotiki to life, said Peters. This success has been underpinned by a strong commitment from local community leaders including iwi and councils, to create new jobs, increase household incomes, and add millions to the economy. It is these collaborative investments and projects that are going to lift regional New Zealand off its knees and back into prosperity and pride. Jones said the harbour redevelopment paves the way for the development of a commercial marina and other businesses, supporting the future growth of the aquaculture sector in Bay of Plenty. These harbour walls represent the protection and strengthening of investments by iwi, central, local and regional government in Opotiki. In 2018, we discussed this vision and now, six years on, our commitments together total $176.9m in the harbour and a number of other associated infrastructure projects," said Jones. "There is no way we could possibly thank all the many people who have made the Opotiki Harbour Project possible over all these twenty years," says an Opotiki District Council spokesperson. "In Council alone there has been three mayors, two CEOs and many many hard-working staff. "We've worked alongside our steadfast iwi partners and a community who have backed this vision from the start. Politicians of all stripes, researchers, technical experts, businesses, engineers, advisorsthe list is long but thank you! You all know who you are." Building the harbour walls was a major construction project for Opotiki. Photo: Opotiki District Council. Central government supported the project with combined funding of $95.3 million from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) and NZ Upgrade Programme, the largest single project investment to date managed by Kanoa Regional Economic Development & Investment. Opotiki Mayor David Moore said that the event brought together the huge range of people involved in making the vision a reality, "bringing together a family of projects that work in concert to improve the opportunities and wellbeing of the district". It is incredible to consider that more than twenty years ago, [former Mayor] John Forbes and [Whakatohea leader] Robert Edwards were sitting together considering how the Opotiki community could turn its fortunes around and bring back the prosperity of Opotikis past," said Mayor Moore. "They looked out to sea and saw the potential there. But more importantly, they started planning for it and all the different parts of the puzzle that would need to come together." A powhiri to make the official opening of the Opotiki Harbour seawall. Photo: Opotiki District Council. This event marks a significant milestone and there have been many others over the years in all the different projects the first mussel lines in the water, the opening of the processing factory, building and purchasing specialist vessels, first boats between the walls, upgrades at the Opotiki wharf," says Mayor Moore. Moore said there are more to come as other projects finish or come online. "This is an ongoing process for all of us," said Moore. This absolutely wouldnt be possible without the funding and support of Kanoa and central governments commitment to providing the tools and funding so that regions can build their own growth in the way that we best know how. But I do want to acknowledge how much work has been done by so many people to get to this point. "Three mayors have now carried this torch, many leadership teams and staff at both council and Whakatohea," said Moore. Building the harbour walls was a major construction project for Opotiki. Photo: Opotiki District Council. Weve had incredible supporters in many ministries and departments, industry and research, politicians of all stripes, and genuine grass-roots support in our community to get this off the ground, said Moore. In particular, Mayor Moore acknowledged Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council as one of the first to show their confidence in the vision and contribute the first $20million to the project back in 2013 through the Toi Moana regional infrastructure fund. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council co-funded with $20 million from its own region-specific Regional Infrastructure Fund. Regional Council Chair, Doug Leeder, said that collaboration had been key to the success of the project. The Opotiki Harbour project illustrates what can be achieved when central, regional and local government, iwi, business and local stakeholders genuinely work together with a common goal. With our contribution through the regional infrastructure fund, we recognised the benefits the harbour will bring to the whole region through new, sustainable and skilled jobs, education and training, business and growth opportunities. It opens new pathways to achieve better social and economic outcomes," said Leeder. Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor Kate Macmillan also attended the opening. "This new harbour mouth will play a big role in revitalising the Opotiki district," said Macmillan. "Along with the burgeoning aquaculture industry and other projects (a commercial marina, upgrades at the wharf, training and education opportunities), the harbour provides a vital pathway to improve the economic and social wellbeing of the region." "Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council has supported this project and its exciting to see it complete," said Macmillan. Supporting businesses The funding for the sea walls and the building of the harbour has helped to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and support Maori businesses and community organisations. Three new rock quarries have been accelerated through construction of the sea walls. A local cement contractor has also substantially scaled-up delivering jobs and training to local people. HEB Construction, the projects lead contractor, trained 40 locals into a crew to support construction of the harbour walls with support from the Ministry for Social Development. Opotiki District Council said all this work is building on other successes delivering positive impacts for Opotiki. "A new $35 million Whakatohea mussel processing factory opened in July 2021 and now employs more than 170 workers," said a council spokesperson. "The PGF contributed $19 million and Whakatohea Mussels' shareholders also supported the project. "The factory processes the nutritious indigenous greenshell mussels that grow in an open ocean setting, with 3,800 hectares of marine farm operated by Eastern Sea Farms 8.5 kilometres offshore from Opotiki. "The harbour project paves the way for the development of a commercial marina and other businesses, supporting the future growth of the aquaculture sector in the Bay of Plenty." The Opotiki town wharf has been upgraded to accommodate the mussel boats as an interim measure while the private marina and commercial wharf progresses. A supermoon graced the skies of New Zealand overnight on Wednesday as some Asian communities celebrated their lunar festivities. But those in the Northern Hemisphere witnessed a combination of a 'Harvest Moon', supermoon and a partial eclipse. The 'Harvest Moon' is a full moon that occurs closest to the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. It results in a few nights of early moonlight in the evenings, which farmers have traditionally used to harvest their summer crops. People in the Europe, USA, Africa, and parts of Asia will see the partial eclipse, but it wasn't visible in New Zealand because it was daytime for us - about 2.44pm. However, New Zealanders in cities with clear skies would have noticed the somewhat larger moon on Wednesday night, Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki said. A supermoon would have been "slightly larger, slightly brighter in the sky, and just a bit more spectacular than a regular full moon". "A supermoon is simply just when the moon is slightly closer to us, that's 'cause the moon's orbit is elliptical," said Aoraki. "As for the name Harvest Moon, these names usually don't apply to the Southern Hemisphere." What is the connection to our lunar festivities? Chinese and Vietnamese communities celebrate the Harvest Moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Reunion Festival. It is called the Reunion Festival because families and loved ones gather to witness a larger than usual sighting of the moon as the clear air arrives with the change of seasons in northern parts of Asia. The festival was initially celebrated by the heads of ancient Chinese dynasties, who would celebrate the bountiful autumn harvest with their subjects. Over time, however, the general population started to celebrate the occasion, enshrining it as an important annual cultural event. The celebration is traditionally observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The holiday falls on September 17 this year. When is New Zealand's next eclipse? Two lunar eclipses will be visible in New Zealand in March and September next year as well as a partial solar eclipse in September next year. RNZ They were Nerus fellow workers and friends Leauga Jerry Leauga, 37, and Taavao Kelemete, 32, and their uncle Faaofo Uili Faaofo, 45 the vehicles driver, who is survived by his wife and six children. The 42-year-old was one of six men, including five seasonal workers from Samoa here under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme in that van on Monday, August 26. When he woke, he saw a truck on the opposite side of the motorway veering straight towards them then silence. Vaamailalo Sasi Neru remembers dozing off to sleep to the sound of his mates joking and laughing as they travelled in their van from the Bay of Plenty towards Auckland. Faaofo had offered to drive the group because he wanted to spend the day with his nephews Leauga and Kelemete before their planned return to Samoa later in the week. Three men survived, including Neru, who three weeks after the crash is suffering from back pain and headaches. The other two survivors are Luai Tavita, 39, and the 21-year-old brother of Leauga, who has serious injuries and remains in Auckland City Hospital. Speaking from his home on the island of Savaii, Samoa, Neru recalls the moment he saw the truck suddenly swerve and crash into a vehicle before slamming through a wire barrier. I thought the wires would stop them or slow them down at least. But the truck rammed right through towards us. I closed my eyes when I saw the truck was about to hit us and I tried to do something to save myself to brace myself. Neru said he was the only one in the car to make a sound, yelling Uoia! the Samoan equivalent for whoa. I closed my eyes and felt the truck slam into us. Every part of my body my head, my back was slammed around. Leauga Jerry Leauga (left) and Taavao Kelemete (middle) and their uncle Faaofo Uili Faaofo died in the Ramarama crash on August 26, 2024. Photo: Supplied. When he came to, he looked around to see if everyone was okay. The only person making any kind of movement, he says, was his friend Tavita in the front passenger seat. I heard a voice from outside. They were calling out to turn off the van and take out the key. My head was spinning. The father of three remembers lying on the ground as members of the public worked to help his friends. There was a Samoan man who came and spoke to me. I asked him how my friends were and he said there were fatalities. I couldnt talk after that. I just cried. Hundreds of Pacific workers here under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme held a candle-lit service in the Bay of Plenty after the crash. Photo: Sooupu RSE Samoa. Back in Samoa, Nerus wife Liva and their three daughters, aged 7, 15 and 18, would not find out about the crash until later that evening, while they were out collecting coconuts. Someone ran out to us with the phone and it was a relative who had seen the news about the crash and knew Sasi was in the van. I took the call and just started sobbing. I just wanted to know if my husband was alive, she told the Herald. She and their youngest daughter travelled via ferry to the airport to wait for her husband, a reunion she described as nothing but tears. We hugged and cried and cried. There were so many emotions we were happy to have our loved one home and devastated for the other families. On the ferry home, they happened to sit next to the widow of one of the men who had been killed. She had gone to the airport because her husbands coffin was on the same flight. We cried together and she said: I wish I was you. A second chance A day after the crash, police said the Serious Crash Unit was investigating the cause. Initial indications were that the truck had suffered a tyre blowout which caused it to veer off-course. Va'amailalo Sasi Neru, pictured with wife Liva and their daughters Poto, 15, Cleopatra, 18, and Nidolta, 7, hopes to return to New Zealand to work under the RSE scheme again one day. Photo: Supplied. Police said this week there was no further update and the investigation is ongoing. A Givealittle page set up to help the bereaved families raised almost $59,000. The Samoan Advisory Council in NZ has since set up a fund and Givealittle page to help the families of the surviving men. Neru and fellow survivor Tavita have both returned to Samoa. The bodies of Leauga and Kelemete have also been returned there, and their uncle Faaofo has been laid to rest in Auckland. Neru told the Herald he hopes to be able to return to work under the RSE scheme again one day, as the job helped to pay for his daughters school fees, build a fale for his family and provide for his elderly parents. Without the job, they rely on the ocean for food and income. My parents said to me that maybe Ive been given a second chance by God. Jose Rodriguez Camara Malaga Sunday, 22 September 2024, 09:40 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads The first of the eight days of strike action called by the CC OO and UGT trade unions of the technical vehicle inspection centres in Andalucia, which affects the nine test centres in Malaga province, had its main picket line in the test centre on the Guadalhorce industrial estate in the provincial capital. This is one of the largest in the Andalucia region and, like the rest, is managed by the company Verificaciones Industriales de Andalucia (Veiasa), which is attached to the ministry of industry of the Junta de Andalucia. Several hundred people gathered at the gates of the premises in Calle Diderot (half of them National Police), representing three-quarters of the total workforce in Malaga, according to the organising unions. The strike participation rate, as explained by the regional UGT coordinator for Veiasa, Romualdo Barcala, and Juan Gomez, deputy general secretary of CC OO, is around 94 per cent, above the regional average of 90 per cent. The pressure has resulted in the mandatory technical vehicle inspections at the ITV centres being kept to a minimum. At the Guadalhorce centre, vehicles entered in dribs and drabs, and only after the driver had passed the "filter" of the picket located at the entrance and justified that their case was within the minimum services, i.e. preference for ambulances, fire brigade, those belonging to the security forces and public transport vehicles. Others that were allowed through included vehicles that had to undergo an inspection to check the correction of defects detected in a previous inspection, or those whose ITV had expired, or will expire during the days of the strike, and which have already made an appointment. This is what happened to Jose Miguel Aguilar, from Alhaurin de la Torre, who patiently waited for them to let him through, as he was in danger of being fined for not having the legal roadworthiness certificate, as it was out of date. "I called the company and they told me that they only attended to emergencies and second inspections, for which I had an appointment, and here I am," he explained. Claim rights "It is the only way we have left to claim our rights, and it has been very complicated to take this decision", said Barcala, who made it clear that it is necessary to put an end to "inequalities" such as the differences in pay for the same work that currently exist. On behalf of the CC OO, Juan Gomez, added that the failure to update the agreement, which they have been protesting against for almost five years, affects issues such as paid leave. Demonstrators at the gates of the ITV centre, amidst the smoke of a flare, while placing a union flag on a truck that was about to pass inspection. J. R. C. In the first hours of the strike at the Guadalhorce ITV centre, which if there is no agreement will continue on 23, 26, 27, 28 and 30 September, there have been no incidents, except for the occasional firecracker or lighting of flares. This strike has been mirrored in other centres of the ITV network in the eight Andalusian provinces. The unions, who apologise for the inconvenience to the public, estimate that the strike will affect some four thousand appointments a day in Malaga alone. If this is multiplied by the eight days of protests, the result is more than 33,000 in the province; in Andalucia, it would be around 160,000. Monitoring by province According to Veiasa's own data, Malaga province, with 71.05 per cent of workers on strike, was, together with Cadiz (73.86 per cent), the province with the least activity in the inspection centres as a result of the protest action. For the calculations, the company took into account that the strike has been supported by more than seventy per cent of the 266 employees who are part of the effective staff at the moment (i.e. those who are not absent for justified reasons such as holidays, sick leave or personal matters), out of a total of 335. In the case of Almeria, it was 58.41 per cent, in Cordoba, 47.93 per cent, Granada, 27.03 per cent, Huelva, 59.21 per cent, Jaen, 58.59 per cent, and in Seville, 49.04 per cent. The Andalusian percentage, with an effective workforce of 1,237 employees out of a total of 1,647, was 56.35 per cent. Veiasa also informed of the "measures it is taking to minimise the inconvenience to users who could be affected". Firstly, it explained that direct communication has been established with those who have to go to the centres, "with the aim of avoiding unnecessary journeys". "Veiasa has sent a cancellation SMS text message to users whose appointments could be affected by the strike, informing them of the situation," a statement said. The regional government said the company, "will contact users to reschedule all cancelled ITVs as soon as possible". Likewise, it is made clear that if a user with an appointment travels to the station and is unable to carry out the inspection, they will be able to request a cancellation certificate, which will be valid to justify the situation to the authorities if necessary. Similarly, the bonuses provided for will not be affected by this incident, as the date of the cancelled appointment will be maintained as a reference. Each fall, seniors face the complicated task of researching and selecting a Medicare plan for the upcoming year. With changes to Medicare in 2025, expert guidance from Medicare professionals is more important than ever. To help you navigate the complexity of Medicare supplemental insurance, Advance Media New York will host a free online seminar and Q&A with expert panelists who will share recent updates and critical changes in 2025. Guide to Medicare: How to Navigate the Big Choices will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., Thurs. Oct. 17. Presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, this virtual event moderated by Advance Media New York journalist Susan Kennedy aims to simplify the complex process through interactive information sessions with local Medicare experts. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions following the discussion. Panelists include: Taylor Frawley earned her Masters in Public Health at Upstate Medical University with a certification in Health Services Management and Policy through Syracuse University. In her current role with Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services, Taylor is the Coordinator for the HIICAP (State Health Insurance Program) and provides Medicare eligible individuals with information and resources that they need to decipher what type of Medicare Plan best suits them. She is a strong advocate for the aging population and looks forward to providing on-going support to those in the Onondaga County community. Jeanine Meyers, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Consultant. Jeanine has 8 years of experience in Medicare helping eligible beneficiaries navigate the ever-changing rules and regulations as well as choosing plans that best fit their lifestyles. Amanda MacLachlan, owner and licensed agent, Im With Amanda Medicare Solutions, a private broker insurance agency specializing in Medicare. Amanda works with current Medicare members and those approaching Medicare eligibility to determine when to move to Medicare and what options are available to them. Topics include: - How to know if you have the right plan for your needs - How to navigate the Annual Election Period (AEP) - Whats new for 2025, trends, cost-saving tips, etc. For more information on the webinar, visit https://events.syracuse.com/medicare2024. We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Japanese Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) stands against the other Japanese stocks. As we navigate through 2024, Japans economic landscape is emerging as a compelling arena for investors. Despite facing a rough start to the year, the nation is showing signs of a promising rebound. This economic shift, marked by a blend of renewed consumer confidence and a supportive policy environment, is setting the stage for a vibrant stock market. As we delve into our list of the ten best Japanese stocks to buy now, understanding Japans evolving economic narrative becomes crucial for making informed investment decisions. Japan's economic landscape has undergone a notable transformation, offering a promising horizon for investors. Despite facing challenges in early 2024, signs of a recovery are beginning to emerge. The initial months of the year saw Japan grappling with a slight contraction, with real GDP declining by 0.5% in the first quarter and trailing by 1.3% from its previous peak. Consumer spending, a critical driver of economic activity, fell in three out of the last four quarters, compounded by reductions in residential and non residential investments and exports. However, this downturn seems to be approaching its nadir. Looking ahead, the latter half of 2024 holds potential for a turnaround. According to Deloitte's Global Economics Research Center, stronger wage growth and moderate inflation are expected to stimulate consumer spending. Furthermore, a weaker yen is anticipated to bolster export growth. While these factors are poised to enhance economic conditions, growth might remain modest as the central bank is likely to tighten monetary policy, tempering some of the anticipated upswing. Consumer sentiment shows signs of improvement, albeit gradually. Real household spending, though down 1.8% in May compared to the previous year, marks a significant recovery from the 6.3% decline observed in January. Retail sales growth has accelerated, although broader measures like the real consumer activity index are yet to display a robust recovery. Despite these mixed signals, underlying consumer fundamentals are improving, suggesting a rebound in spending is on the horizon. A significant factor in this potential rebound is the labor market. As reported by Morgan Stanley, Japan is experiencing its strongest wage growth in three decades, with scheduled earnings up 4.7% year over year in May. This wage increase, coupled with moderate inflation of 2.8%, enhances household purchasing power. Low unemployment rates and rising total employment further contribute to a more favorable economic environment. Nevertheless, rising food and energy prices present challenges. Costs for fuel, light, and water increased by 6.6% year over year in May, reversing previous declines. Food prices also saw a notable rise of 4.1% from the previous year. These increases are partly due to a weakening yen, which has caused import prices to surge. The yen briefly hit its weakest level since 1986 in June, prompting speculation about potential government intervention to stabilize the currency. Despite these challenges, the yen's depreciation has also led to increased foreign demand for Japanese goods and services. The weaker yen has, paradoxically, fueled a rise in exports, with goods exports up 11.9% year over year in May. The global demand for Japanese technology, including integrated circuits, has driven this growth. Moreover, foreign tourism, despite being below pre-pandemic levels from China, has reached record highs and contributed positively to employment in related sectors. The bank's research highlights a significant shift in Japan's economic trajectory. The end of deflation and a return to steady growth are driving a generational change in Japan's economy. With nominal GDP growth surpassing 3% in recent years and improvements in corporate governance, Japan is positioned as an attractive market for global investors. The combination of policy reforms and economic adjustments is expected to continue benefiting Japanese equities, particularly in technology and banking sectors. As we delve into the ten best Japanese stocks to buy now, it's essential to recognize these evolving economic conditions. Japan's stock market, buoyed by renewed economic dynamism and corporate reforms, presents promising opportunities for investors. The backdrop of stronger wage growth, modest inflation, and an improved economic outlook sets the stage for top performing stocks in the Japanese market. Our Methodology For this article, we first identified 20 large Japanese stocks by using stock screeners and financial media. We then selected the 10 stocks that were the most popular among hedge funds, as of Q2 2024. The list is arranged in ascending order of the number of hedge fund holders with long positions in each company. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Workers assembling a car in a modern manufacturing plant, emphasizing the company's sense of progress. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14 Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) stands out as a prime candidate for inclusion in the ten best Japanese stocks to buy now due to its consistent financial performance, robust strategic investments, and commitment to innovation in the automotive industry. With a strong track record and a forward-looking approach, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is perfectly placed to capitalize on future growth opportunities. For the fiscal year ending March 2024, Toyota reported impressive consolidated vehicle sales of 9.443 million units, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by a surge in hybrid vehicle sales, which accounted for 37.4% of total sales. Additionally, the company's consolidated revenues reached 45.1 trillion, with an operating income of 5.35 trillion, underscoring its operational strength despite global challenges like semiconductor shortages. Financially, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) results illustrate a solid foundation. The operating income was bolstered by strategic marketing efforts that added 2 trillion to the bottom line, alongside effective cost management that countered rising material costs. Notably, foreign exchange effects positively impacted operating income by 685 billion, showcasing the companys resilience in navigating international market fluctuations. Looking ahead, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) forecast for FY 2025 is equally promising, with expectations of sales revenue hitting 46 trillion and operating income projected at 4.3 trillion. This outlook reflects the company's commitment to investing 2 trillion in future growth, with a significant focus on transforming itself into a comprehensive mobility provider. This includes a commitment of 1.7 trillion towards electric vehicle development and digitalization initiatives, positioning the company strategically in the evolving automotive landscape. Furthermore, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is enhancing shareholder value through increased dividends, raising the year-end dividend to 45 per share, and initiating a share repurchase program valued at up to 1 trillion. This commitment to returning capital to shareholders, along with strong profit margins, highlights Toyotas dedication to maintaining a healthy financial structure. In summary, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) blend of strong operational results, proactive investment strategies, and commitment to shareholder returns makes it an attractive stock for investors looking to capitalize on the growth potential within Japan's automotive sector. Overall TM ranks 2nd on our list of the best Japanese stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of TM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TM 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. Each week, syracuse.com will look back at some of our best stories from the previous week. Here are six stories for the week of Sept. 15, 2024. Subscribe to get the Syracuse.com Exclusives newsletter delivered to your email inbox every Sunday. Local contractor disputes loss of huge I-81 job: A look inside high-stakes NY highway work A local contractor and a new partnership of other small businesses thought it had won a $251 million deal to help rebuild Interstate 81 in Syracuse. The state Transportation Department later pulled the work from the group because the department said it failed to line up enough subcontractors that qualified as disadvantaged businesses. The department then gave the deal to a higher bidder. The local group is now fighting back. Series of Westcott Street break-ins point to issues with juvenile justice system, officials say A wood board covers a broken window at Yeti Frozen Yogurt & Cafe at 558 Westcott Street in Syracuse on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. (Jon Moss | jmoss@syracuse.com)Jon Moss | jmoss@syracuse.com In recent weeks, a group of five teenagers has repeatedly smashed the windows at Moms Diner on Westcott Street in Syracuse and hit neighboring businesses, too. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh acknowledged at a packed Westcott neighborhood meeting that the smash-arrest-release cycle highlights an accountability problem in the juvenile justice system. A difficult and dangerous problem for Syracuse homeless: Where can they go safely during the day? When the Rescue Mission and the city last month cracked down on the chaotic crowd outside the homeless shelters front door, a years-long problem seemed to disappear. The street cleared and became almost eerily quiet. But the people did not stop selling and using drugs. They did not stop fighting or struggling with mental illness and homelessness. They moved and their troubles moved with them. For first time, Micron faces environmental criticism from U.S. agencies over Clay project Two federal agencies have criticized Micron Technology for not providing enough information on how the company will lessen the impact of filling in hundreds of acres of wetlands at the companys planned chipmaking plant in Central New York. The two letters are the first public pushback the Micron project has received from federal agencies. Syracuses Ben Walsh, unexcited about higher office, ponders a future beyond politics With his final term ending in less than 15 months, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh doesnt yet know what hell do after leaving City Hall. But if he were forced to choose a new path today, it likely wouldnt be running for anything. Walsh, who won re-election to his second four-year term in 2021, must step away at the end of 2025 because of the citys term limit law. Last ShoppingTown holdout digs in. What does that mean for ambitious redevelopment of the mall? The owner of the former Sears store at ShoppingTown Mall isnt going away quietly, and that could mean further delays for a proposed $400 million redevelopment of the dead mall. Transform Saleco LLC, a Sears entity that controls some of the retail chains closed stores, is suing the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency to stop it from using its eminent domain power to take possession of the former Sears at ShoppingTown. Michael Balanoff in 2018. He was then president of the Jewish Federation of CNY and began the vigil at the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse following the mass murder shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.comN. Scott Trimble | strimble@syra BraveArc BHPian Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sydney Posts: 219 Thanked: 1,099 Times View My Garage Re: Emigrating to a Foreign Land! I had posted in this thread not too long ago. Like many have said, direct racism has reduced drastically but that doesn't mean it's gone. I've seen clips on social media but never thought I'd experience it. Two days back(19 Sep 2024), my wife and I were racially attacked. This happened around 7pm as we were taking the tram back from Sydney CBD to our home about 15 minutes away. Being peak hour, the tram was packed and we were standing. After a stop, some people got off and we were "fortunate" enough to be right where two seats became vacant. She sat first and as I was removing my backpack to sit down, a VERY drunk white man pushed me and sat down there. I immediately said I was about to sit there and he responded in a crude "Well, I'm here now". I just let it go as he was too drunk and I wasn't going to argue with him. My wife told him to make some space as he was sitting too close. He did that and then pretending to be talking on the phone made some crude remarks which we chose to ignore. Then, he directly asked her "How many c***s did you s*** to get a visa?" and I told him to keep his mouth shut and not talk to her like that. He then directed his attention to me saying I should go back to my country, etc. After a few words, he said I was too scared to even look at him and then I just stared at him from that point. His voice reduced and he said somethings which were bordering on super lame that I half wanted to laugh. The tram was reaching the next stop and my wife said let's just leave and as she got up, he was about to say something more when quite a few of the other ladies around got up to tell him to shut up and realising he was outnumbered massively he ran out of the tram. Of the many ladies who stood up, the locals apologised for his antics. My wife was shaken up by the incident at first and I was just angry but then he was heavily drunk so brushed it off and asked her to not think about it as he probably wouldn't remember it the next day morning and thinking about it is only giving him an importance that he doesn't deserve. Going into the tram the next day morning was a bit weird but as of today we are totally over it and only laugh about some of the things he said. One thing he told me which was the funniest is "your beard looks like s**t" since it was freshly trimmed and drew compliments from colleagues. Has this changed our opinions of the country or its people? No. As I had mentioned in my post previously. We plan on going back home when I have built up enough work experience, to get a reasonably good job there. We know that as brown people, doesn't matter what passport we have, wherever we travel(irrespective of holiday or emigration), the first assumption any local person would have is that we're Indian. And until they interact or see a different passport, their mannerism is only going to be based on a preconceived opinion. P.S. Please don't respond saying your sorry for our experience as that is once again giving the guy an importance he doesn't deserve. WTF?! The Cybertruck may look like a poorly rendered video game car, but it's fast and it's tough. Perhaps that's why a Chechen warlord decided to deck the vehicle out with a machine gun and take it into battle. After sharing footage of himself driving the EV around in August, Ramzan Kadyrov now claims that Musk remotely disabled the Cybertruck after it was deployed to the front lines in Ukraine. According to a report by CNN, the Putin-backed leader claimed the high-tech vehicle had been "performing well" in combat until Musk hit the kill switch, forcing it to be towed away. "What Elon Musk did was not nice," Kadyrov grumbled. "He gives expensive gifts from the heart and then remotely switches them off." He added that Musk's alleged move was "not manly." Not surprisingly, Musk denied having anything to do with gifting the warlord a Cybertruck in the first place. "Are you seriously so retarded that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general?" the billionaire had snapped last month at a post on X/Twitter, in which Kadyrov claimed to have received one as a present. Undeterred, Kadyrov this week posted fresh footage on Telegram showing not one but two Cybertrucks with guns mounted on the roof and operating "without any failures" in a woodland combat zone in Ukraine. He also praised the truck's "maneuverability" and how well it protected the crew. The video showed gunmen in military uniforms firing the weapons as the vehicles were driven in a forested area. Kadyrov somehow breaking his previous record for "dumbest video ever" with his armed Cybertrucks. pic.twitter.com/rJzPBRT8XU Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) September 20, 2024 "You couldn't ask for better advertising for the Cybertruck," Kadyrov crowed. Kadyrov is known for his uncompromising allegiance to Putin, so it's highly likely his claims about the Cybertrucks being sent as a "gift" are just bluster aimed at irritating the Ukraine-supporting Musk. Musk has been providing vital internet access to Ukrainians across the war-torn nation through SpaceX's Starlink satellites since Russia invaded. Whether Musk indeed remotely disabled the trucks is another story, though. Considering the number of complaints from Cybertruck owners about quality issues, one explanation is that the vehicle simply broke down doing something it was never designed for. Military experts previously expressed skepticism to the South China Morning Post about the Cybertruck's abilities on the frontlines. One analyst pointed out the obvious flaw in the report "there are no Tesla outlets on the front lines in Donbas." The nearly $100,000 trucks are also not officially sold in Chechnya, and Western sanctions likely make procurement rather difficult. Eileen T Meslar / TNS via ZUMA Press Wire / Shutterstock.com According to an International Monetary Fund report from 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic put 100 million jobs at risk in the worldwide travel sector, which represents a full 10% of global GDP. America with its empty skies and ghost highways was no exception. Like nearly every country on earth, the U.S. travel sector and the prices consumers paid for gas, air travel, accommodations, and related services experienced unprecedented volatility. Trending Now: Im an Economist Heres My Prediction for Social Security if Trump Wins the 2024 Election Check Out: 9 Things You Must Do To Grow Your Wealth in 2024 But how might travel costs change if Trump wins in November, presuming a second pandemic doesnt follow him back to the White House? Under a Donald Trump presidency, we could see more radical shifts in the travel industry, said Nick Burgess, editor-in-chief of the travel site Trip Trend Setters and the former owner of the finance and politics site Making A Millennial Millionaire. Heres how your travel costs might change if Trump earns a second term in office. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Tariffs Impact Everything That Travels Including People In Trumps first term in office, tariffs taxes on imports that foreign sellers pass on to domestic consumers were the centerpiece of his America First trade platform. He targeted specific products like steel and aluminum, but China took the biggest hit with new tariffs as high as 25%. The result was a protracted trade war that the Tax Foundation said cost American consumers $80 billion. Trump promised that if re-elected, hell expand his policy to include a 10% universal tax on all foreign imports and tariffs as high as 65% on Chinese goods. That has some travel industry veterans worried. Trumps key economic policy is to levy major tariffs against key trade partners to the United States, said Burgess. This is a similar, albeit beefed-up, approach to what he did in his first term, which saw real purchasing power shrink among the American middle class. However, the travel industry was hit particularly hard by rising costs due to tariffs from 2017 to 2019, including the costs of furnishing the rooms. Burgess cited reporting from Hotel Business magazine to outline how taxes on imports impact travelers, from the aluminum used in airplane construction to complimentary coffee in hotel rooms. Tariffs from Chinese-made products like refrigerators, mattresses, TVs, and microwaves skyrocketed hotel costs, which were then passed onto the consumer, he said. With Trump enhancing the rhetoric for a possible second term and threatening new tariffs for Chinese-made goods, its possible that consumers could feel an incredible price squeeze across the travel industry. Story continues Read Next: 5 Things You Should Stop Wasting Money on if Kamala Harris Wins in November, According to Experts Cash Refunds for Delays and Cancellations Just as tariffs are the centerpiece of Trumps trade policy, deregulation is at the heart of his domestic economic agenda and consumer-friendly Biden-era travel regulations would likely find themselves in the crosshairs of a second Trump administration. In April, the Biden-Harris Department of Transportation (DOT) announced new rules, which are set to take effect just before the election, that require airlines to issue refunds as cash or the original form of payment not travel credits or vouchers, as in the past to compensate travelers for flight cancellations, extended delays or delayed baggage. The rules adhere to uniform DOT rules. Previously, airlines set their own policies about which cancellations and delays were worthy of refunds, how much would be refunded and what form the customer compensation would take. Junk Fees and Fee Disclosures The Biden regulations would also eliminate so-called junk fees that force groups of travelers to pay hundreds of dollars extra to secure seats together, including families and parents with young children. The new rules also require enhanced disclosure policies that cement transparency and eliminate hidden fees that customers might not understand or even know about. The airline industry fought hard against these and other Biden-Harris travel regulations, calling them excessive and unduly expensive. Its unclear what Trump would do in his second term, but during his first administration, he sided with the airlines. For Many Travelers, De-Regulation Could Mean the Loss of Financial Protections Its difficult to imagine a scenario where Biden-era consumer protections survive a second Trump term. In 2020, John Breyault of the National Consumers League told NPR that the anti-regulation Trump DOT decided to offer a last-minute gift to the airlines in the dying days of the Trump administration. The outlet said Trumps outgoing rule redefines unfair and deceptive practices more favorably for the airlines, sets up roadblocks to pursuing complaints and it makes it more difficult to enact future consumer protections while making airline passengers more vulnerable to unreasonable flight delays and misleading information about fares and fees with little recourse. As for junk fees and fee transparency, Project 2025 a wish list of conservative policy proposals that Trump has distanced himself from but that many of his advisors helped craft called out burdensome disclosure mandates regarding transportation. It stated that, The Trump Administration reformed the process for issuing such unfair and deceptive practices rules, but the Biden Administration promptly reversed those reforms. A new Administration should restore them. Joanna Teljeur, editor and senior writer for AirAdvisor, a passenger consumer advocacy and flight compensation recovery organization in Europe, where similar regulations have protected travelers for decades, put it more plainly. If Trump is elected, these rules would never pass, she said. And the new airline rules for refunds would also be trashed. Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. For more coverage on this topic, please check out How Your Travel Costs Could Change Under a Kamala Harris Presidency. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Your Travel Costs Could Change Under a Donald Trump Presidency (Reuters) -Two of the world's largest chipmakers, TSMC and Samsung Electronics, have discussed building potential chip projects in the United Arab Emirates in coming years which could be worth more than $100 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. Top executives at TSMC have visited the UAE recently and talked about a plant complex on par with some of the companys largest and most advanced facilities in Taiwan, the WSJ said, citing people familiar with the interactions. South Korea-based Samsung Electronics, a maker of smartphones, TVs and memory chips, is also considering major new chip-making operations in the country in the years ahead, the paper said. TSMC told Reuters it had no new investment plans to announce. "We are always open to constructive discussion on ways to promote development of the semiconductor industry, but we remain focused on our current global expansion projects and have no new investment plans to disclose at this time," it said in a statement on Monday, without elaborating. Samsung declined to comment on the WSJ report. Senior figures at Samsung Electronics visited UAE recently and discussed the idea, WSJ reported, adding that the discussions were still in the early phases and may face technical and other hurdles. Under initial terms being discussed, the projects would be funded by the UAE, with a central role for Abu Dhabi-based sovereign development vehicle Mubadala, according to WSJ. The paper added that the broader goal would be to increase global chip production and help bring prices down without hurting chip-makers' profitability. As tech deals in the region speed up, Washington has become increasingly concerned about the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries becoming a conduit for advanced U.S. AI technology reaching China. (Reporting by Mrinmay Dey and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Christian Schmollinger) UN holds 'Summit of the Future' to tackle global crises United Nations, United States, Sept 22 (AFP) Sep 22, 2024 Global leaders are gathering in New York on Sunday for a "Summit of the Future" aimed at addressing 21st-century challenges ranging from conflict to climate, amid skepticism over whether the final pact will meet its lofty goals. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres first proposed the meeting in 2021, billing it as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to reshape human history by rekindling international cooperation. As an opening act for the annual high-level week of the UN General Assembly, which begins Tuesday, dozens of heads of state and government are expected to adopt a "Pact for the Future" on Sunday. But after intense last-minute negotiations, Guterres expressed some frustration, urging nations to show "vision" and "courage," and calling for "maximum ambition" to strengthen international institutions that struggle to respond effectively to today's threats. In the latest version of the text that will be submitted for adoption, leaders pledge to bolster the multilateral system to "keep pace with a changing world" and to "protect the needs and interests of current and future generations" facing "persistent crisis." "We believe there is a path to a brighter future for all of humanity," the document says. Spanning nearly 30 pages, the pact outlines 56 "actions," including commitments to multilateralism, upholding the UN Charter and peacekeeping. It also calls for reforms to international financial institutions and the UN Security Council, along with renewed efforts to combat climate change, promote disarmament, and guide the development of artificial intelligence. - Words to action - Even though there are some "good ideas," the text "is not the sort of revolutionary document reforming the whole of multilateralism that Antonio Guterres had originally called for," Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group told AFP. The sentiment is widely shared among diplomats, many of whom express frustration when discussing the ambition and impact of the text, describing it as "lukewarm," "the lowest common denominator," and "disappointing." "Ideally, you would hope for new ideas, fresh ideas. You know, 2.0 and then some. But when you have 200 countries that all have to agree, you end up with a Christmas tree of everything," said one diplomat. After intense negotiations in recent days, Russia still has objections to the final version of the text published on Saturday, a diplomatic source told AFP. While the pact is expected to be adopted, its approval isn't guaranteed. The fight against global warming was one of the sticking points in the negotiations, with references to the "transition" away from fossil fuels having disappeared from the draft text weeks ago, before being re-inserted. Despite the criticism, it is still "an opportunity to affirm our collective commitment to multilateralism, even in the difficult current geopolitical context," one Western diplomat said, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust between the Global North and South. Developing countries have been particularly vocal in demanding concrete commitments on the reform of international financial institutions, aiming to secure easier access to preferential financing, especially in light of the impacts of climate change. The text does indeed include "important commitments on economic justice and reforming the international financial architecture," Human Rights Watch (HRW) commented, while also praising "the centrality of human rights." However, world leaders "still need to demonstrate that they are willing to act to uphold human rights," said Louis Charbonneau, HRW's UN director. Regardless of its content, the pact and its annexes -- a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations -- are non-binding, raising concerns about implementation, especially as some principles -- such as the protection of civilians in conflict -- are violated daily. "Our next task is to breathe life into them, to turn words into action," Guterres urged on Saturday. Floods, landslides hit central Japan months after major quake Wajima, Japan, Sept 22 (AFP) Sep 22, 2024 Floods and landslides killed one person and left at least six missing in central Japan, with recovery teams at work on Sunday in a remote peninsula already devastated by a major earthquake this year. "Unprecedented" heavy rains that lashed the area from Saturday began to subside, leaving muddy scenes of destruction as the national weather agency urged people to stay vigilant for loose ground and other dangers. In the city of Wajima, splintered branches and a huge uprooted tree piled up at a bridge over a river whose raging brown waters almost reached ground level. People were seen wading into the mud to try to dig out half-buried cars, while elsewhere flood waters inundated emergency housing built for those who had lost their homes in the New Year's Day earthquake that killed at least 318 people. Akemi Yamashita, a 54-year-old resident, told AFP she had been driving on Saturday when "within only 30 minutes or so, water gushed into the street and quickly rose to half the height of my car". "I was talking to other residents of Wajima yesterday, and they said, 'it's so heart-breaking to live in this city'. I got teary when I heard that," she said, describing the earthquake and floods as "like something from a movie". Eight temporary housing complexes were affected in Wajima and Suzu, two of the cities on the Noto Peninsula ravaged by the magnitude-7.5 quake, which toppled buildings, triggered tsunami waves and sparked a major fire. More than 540 millimetres (21 inches) of rainfall was recorded in Wajima in the 72 hours to Sunday morning -- the heaviest continuous rain since comparative data became available in 1976. Landslides blocked roads, complicating rescue efforts, and tens of thousands of people in the wider region were urged to evacuate. Muddy rivers ran high in Anamizu, south of Wajima, where more rain fell on Sunday morning onto quake-damaged houses and the shattered stone columns of a shrine still lying on the ground months after they were toppled. A message blared from the city's loudspeaker disaster prevention system warning residents that the rain could flood the sewer system and dirty water could rise up. Hideaki Sato, 74, stood on a bridge holding a blue umbrella, anxiously looking at the swollen water in a small canal. "My house was flattened completely in the quake," he told AFP. "I now live in a small apartment room right there," he said, pointing at a wooden structure behind him. "If this floods, it would be a real problem." - 'Secure your safety' - Military personnel have been sent to the Ishikawa region on the Sea of Japan coast to join rescue workers, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Saturday. Some 6,000 households were without power and an unknown number were without running water, the Ishikawa regional government said. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) downgraded its top warning to the second-highest alert on Sunday. The areas under the emergency warning saw "heavy rain of unprecedented levels", JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto said Saturday, adding "it is a situation in which you have to secure your safety immediately". Scientists say human-driven climate change is intensifying the risk posed by heavy rains because a warmer atmosphere holds more water. One person had been killed, three were missing and two were seriously injured in Ishikawa by Sunday morning, the fire and disaster management agency said. At least a dozen rivers burst their banks and two of the missing were reportedly carried away by strong currents. Another three people were missing who had been working for the land ministry to restore a road in Wajima, local ministry official Yoshiyuki Tokuhashi told AFP. One worker who had been reported missing "walked to the tunnel" near a landslide where others were taking shelter, Tokuhashi said, adding that all 27 workers had now been evacuated to safety. Municipalities in Ishikawa told 75,000 residents in the region -- including in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, as well as Noto town -- to evacuate, officials said. Another 16,800 residents in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures north of Ishikawa were also told to evacuate, the fire and disaster management agency said. Swiss voters reject environment, pensions reforms: projected results Geneva, Sept 22 (AFP) Sep 22, 2024 Swiss voters rejected proposals to bolster biodiversity protections as well as a pensions reform in twin referendums on Sunday, according to projected results. Switzerland may be associated with pristine natural landscapes, but environmentalists have sounded the alarm over its endangered ecosystems and were urging voters to back broader biodiversity protections. The proposal failed, however, according to projections published by polling institute gfs.bern after the close of the Sunday morning polls -- in line with earlier opinion polls. Voters also rejected a planned reform of the financing of the wealthy Alpine nation's pension system slammed by unions as a "scam", the projections indicated. The first proposal, entitled "For the future of our nature and our landscape", had the backing of a number of environmental protection organisations, including Pro Natura and BirdLife. They warn that Switzerland's biodiversity "has declined". "Switzerland has one of the highest levels of threatened species and environments among the European countries in the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation)", Sarah Pearson Perret, a Pro Natura director, told AFP, citing a report by the European Environmental Agency. Published in 2020, that study shows that the percentage of protected zones compared to the national territory is lower in Switzerland than anywhere else in Europe. Only 37 percent of those who voted on Sunday backed the proposal, however, according to the institute. - Biodiversity investment - Switzerland's federal government currently invests around 600 million Swiss francs ($700 million) each year towards the preservation of biodiversity. The organisations behind Sunday's referendum said that is not enough. While they have not said exactly how much more should be spent, they were asking voters to approve boosting the biodiversity budget and to expand the number of protected areas. A landmark biodiversity agreement reached in Montreal in 2022 called for at least 30 percent of the planet's lands and oceans to be protected by 2030. But last year, Switzerland's Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) said just 13.4 percent of the Alpine country's territory was dedicated to biodiversity conservation. The FOEN acknowledges that Swiss biodiversity protection is insufficient, with half of all natural environments and a third of natural spaces threatened. Aquatic environments and marshes are among the most threatened. The organisations backing the referendum deemed the situation "alarming", stressing that "the mass extinction of species directly affects us humans". Both the government and parliament came out against the proposal, insisting Switzerland is already doing enough and warning that the measures would severely impact the economy, agriculture, construction and energy production. - Pensions reform proposal - Swiss voters on Sunday also rejected a government-backed reform of pension financing, the projections indicated. The pollster said just 31 percent of voters backed it. Swiss pensions are split into three so-called pillars: the basic state pension, a compulsory pension fund into which employers and employees must pay and voluntary top-ups into private funds and investments. According to the government, low financial market returns and rising life expectancy have left the second pillar underfinanced. Bern's proposed reform would require employers and workers to raise their contributions into the obligatory occupational funds. But the unions who demanded the reform be put to a referendum charged that it would force people to contribute more even as they would see their pension payments shrink. The Swiss Trade Union Federation, an umbrella group of 20 unions, slammed the proposals as a "scam". Swiss voters reject environment, pensions reforms: official results Geneva, Sept 22 (AFP) Sep 22, 2024 Swiss voters rejected proposals to bolster biodiversity protections as well as a pensions reform in twin referendums on Sunday, according to projected results. Switzerland may be associated with pristine natural landscapes, but environmentalists have sounded the alarm over its endangered ecosystems and were urging voters to back broader biodiversity protections. The proposal failed, however, with only 37 percent of votes in favour and a turnout of 45.2 percent, according to provisional results reported by federal authorities around 1430 GMT on Sunday. Voters also rejected a planned reform of the financing of the wealthy Alpine nation's pension system, the results indicated. - Nature reform proposal - The first proposal had the backing of a number of environmental protection organisations, including Pro Natura and BirdLife. They warned that Switzerland's biodiversity "has declined". "Switzerland has one of the highest levels of threatened species and environments among the European countries in the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation)", Sarah Pearson Perret, a Pro Natura director, told AFP, citing a report by the European Environmental Agency. Published in 2020, that study shows that the percentage of protected zones compared to the national territory is lower in Switzerland than anywhere else in Europe. The cantons of Basel-City and Geneva were the only ones to back the proposal. The Swiss Union for Arts and Crafts said it was "relieved" that the initiative had been rejected and hailed voters' "foresight". It claimed that if it had passed, the reform could have imperilled electricity and food production. The country's top party, the right-wing UDC, said it hoped "moralising environmentalists will finally let Swiss farming families do their precious jobs in peace". The Green Liberal Party of Switzerland however, viewed the outcome as a "missed opportunity to preserve our natural heritage, which is essential to the quality of life and the economy". - Biodiversity investment - Switzerland's federal government currently invests around 600 million Swiss francs ($700 million) each year in the preservation of biodiversity. The organisations behind Sunday's referendum said that was not enough. They were asking voters to approve boosting the biodiversity budget and to expand the number of protected areas. A landmark biodiversity agreement reached in Montreal in 2022 called for at least 30 percent of the planet's lands and oceans to be protected by 2030. But last year, Switzerland's Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) said just 13.4 percent of the Alpine country's territory was dedicated to biodiversity conservation. The FOEN acknowledges that Swiss biodiversity protection is insufficient, with half of all natural environments and a third of natural spaces threatened. Aquatic environments and marshes are among the most threatened. The organisations backing the referendum deemed the situation "alarming", stressing that "the mass extinction of species directly affects us humans". Both the government and parliament came out against the proposal, insisting Switzerland is already doing enough and warning that the measures would severely impact the economy, agriculture, construction and energy production. - Pensions reform proposal - Swiss voters on Sunday also rejected a government-backed reform of pension financing, the projections indicated. Federal authorities reported that 67.1 percent of voters had opposed it, with the no vote prevailing in every canton, and a turnout rate of 45 percent. Swiss pensions are split into three pillars: the basic state pension, a compulsory pension fund into which employers and employees must pay and voluntary top-ups into private funds and investments. According to the government, low financial market returns and rising life expectancy have left the second pillar underfinanced. Bern's proposed reform would require employers and workers to raise their contributions into the obligatory occupational funds. But the unions who demanded the reform be put to a referendum charged that it would force people to contribute more even as they would see their pension payments shrink. The Swiss Trade Union Federation, an umbrella group of 20 unions, slammed the proposals as a "scam". Colombia battles fires as drought fuels Latin American flames Bogota, Sept 22 (AFP) Sep 22, 2024 Colombian authorities said Sunday they were fighting forest fires across seven departments, as a scorching drought fanned blazes across Latin America. From Ecuador to Brazil, many Latin American nations are gripped by their worst drought in decades, fueling a blistering fire season that has set residents and governments on edge. Colombia's National Unit for Risk and Disaster Management said in its latest report published on X that almost 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) had been consumed by fires. Some of the affected departments border Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, which are also battling flames. Authorities deployed eight airplanes to fight a fire in the village of Nagataima in the Andean Tolima department, where two people were injured as a result of the blaze. Meanwhile Ecuador was experiencing power outages in 12 provinces on Sunday to ration electricity as the hydroelectric power-dependent country faces its worst drought in 61 years. Nightly blackouts are planned from Monday to Thursday, as a way of "safeguarding the water resources" available after 71 days of no rain, the presidency said in a statement. The Peruvian government this week declared a 60-day state of emergency in the three departments worst affected by fires, jungle regions bordering Brazil and Ecuador. The drought has reduced the flow of the Amazon River where Colombia borders Peru and Brazil, choking food supplies and threatening residents' health. Another major waterway, the Madeira River in the Brazilian Amazon, has dried up so much that residents are forced to ditch their canoes and walk across its baking sands to buy food and water, get healthcare and send their children to school. Brazil, South America's biggest nation, has seen some of the most dramatic impacts of the drought which experts attribute to climate change. Thick plumes of smoke have clouded major cities such as Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, from fires that have consumed millions of hectares of forest and farmland from the Amazon rainforest to the Pantanal wetlands. Most of the fires are set deliberately by farmers trying to clear land for agriculture. On some of the worst days of fires, smoke blew across the border to neighboring Argentina -- battling its own fires -- and Uruguay. burs-fb/des HEFEI, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Eyeing opportunities emerging from the opening-up and upgrading of China's manufacturing sector, multinational companies gathered at a conference on Friday that was held as part of the ongoing 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, the capital of east China's Anhui Province. Their discussions focused on how the country's advancements in manufacturing are opening doors for enhanced global cooperation and investment, signaling the industry's growing appeal to international investors. The conference was a key event at the convention, attracting 178 political and business leaders from 19 countries and regions, including representatives of 92 Fortune 500 and multinational companies. "The coordinated digital and green transformation of traditional manufacturing is an inherent requirement for the development of new quality productive forces, and it has created new advantages for China's high-quality economic growth. This new model aligns closely with Honeywell's strategic objectives," William Yu, president of Honeywell China, said at the conference. With over 50 years of expertise in industrial automation, the U.S. multinational has steadily increased its investment in China in recent years. Its focus spans key sectors such as automation, energy transformation and aviation. In July, Honeywell China signed a strategic cooperation agreement with BBCA Group to develop sustainable aviation fuel and other initiatives in the city of Bengbu in Anhui, aiming to support green and low-carbon development. Honeywell is among a growing number of foreign companies expanding their investment in the world's second-largest economy, driven by rising optimism about China's economic outlook and recognition of the high-level opening-up of its manufacturing sector. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, a total of 36,968 new foreign-invested firms were established across China in the first eight months of 2024 -- an increase of 11.5 percent year on year. During the period, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, totaled 580.2 billion yuan (about 82.1 billion U.S. dollars). The high-tech manufacturing sector attracted 12.4 percent, or 72.1 billion yuan, of the total FDI inflow, which was up 1.9 percentage points from the same period last year. Additionally, China's top economic planner announced earlier this month that restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector would be lifted. "This policy not only demonstrates China's positive willingness to expand international cooperation but also boosts the confidence of foreign-funded enterprises in continuously deepening their presence in the Chinese market," said Tamai Takeshi, deputy general manager of Mitsubishi Electric (China) Co., Ltd. As China accelerates its development of new quality productive forces and sustainable manufacturing, foreign enterprises are increasingly viewing these advancements as tangible opportunities. And integrating into China's manufacturing upgrade has become a trend among international investors. "The Chinese market is developing at its own drumbeat. With a strong focus on the needs of the Chinese customers, Volkswagen is going for 100 percent 'in China for China' through a fully fledged local R&D center and strong local partnerships," said Thomas Ulbrich, chief technology officer of Volkswagen Group China. By streamlining its R&D processes and granting more local decision-making authority, Volkswagen aims to reduce its time-to-market by 30 percent, Ulbrich said, speaking about the company's development plans for the Chinese market over the next few years at the conference. According to the German Chamber's Innovation Report 2024, which was released this month, German companies in China are doubling down on their localization of innovation to increase competitiveness and utilize China as an innovation hub for global markets to a greater extent. "German companies are investing in local innovation and strategic partnerships with customers and suppliers to stay competitive in an intense and dynamic market environment," said Martin Klose, executive director and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in South & Southwest China. "Foreign investment in China's emerging industries will promote the cross-border flow of capital, talent and technology, as well as international exchange in science and technology. This will help foster deeper open and innovative ecosystems in China, unlocking the country's economic development potential further," said Liu Qiao, dean of the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University. (Bloomberg) -- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. have discussed building major new factories in the United Arab Emirates in coming years to help satisfy soaring demand for artificial intelligence computing, the Wall Street Journal reported. Most Read from Bloomberg Executives from TSMC, the worlds largest chipmaker, have visited the UAE recently to discuss building a plant complex that could rival the companys advanced facilities in Taiwan, the newspaper said Sunday, citing people familiar with the interactions. South Koreas Samsung has also sent emissaries to the Middle Eastern country recently to talk about major new operations there, the Journal said, citing separate people with knowledge of the companys strategy. The Journal said the discussions are in early phases and the projects might not pan out, given the array of technical and other hurdles they face. Projects of the scale under consideration could cost more than $100 billion to complete, the paper said. Samsung declined to comment. TSMC said in an emailed statement that it is focused on existing global expansions projects and it does not have new investment plans to disclose at this time. The Taiwanese chipmaker is building new facilities in the US, Japan and Germany at the moment. The UAE is angling to become a regional hub and testing ground for AI. That includes potentially backing an ambitious plan by OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman to expand machinery and systems for the technology. More broadly, the Gulf states have been trying to decrease their reliance on petrochemicals. They have been targeting the semiconductor industry as a growth opportunity for more than a decade. Abu Dhabis Mubadala investment arm is the majority owner of GlobalFoundries Inc., the former factory operations of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. That purchase was originally intended to lead to the building of a factory in the Middle East. But such efforts have struggled in part because the Gulf lacks the infrastructure needed to justify building chip plants, which cost tens of billions of dollars to construct and equip and rapidly become obsolete if theyre not updated. Chipmakers prefer to build the factories in clusters where they can take advantage of skilled worker pools, existing infrastructure, and proximity to suppliers and support. Story continues G42, an Abu Dhabi-based firm, is central to the UAE push into AI. It lined up a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft Corp. earlier this year, and the companies just announced plans to create two centers locally to develop AI industry standards. G42 said last week that it would team up with Nvidia Corp. to create a climate technology lab. The tie-up was the firms first partnership with Nvidia, whose chips have been vital to the development of AI software. G42 also has an accord with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. But the UAEs rise as an AI power also has drawn concerns from the US government, which wants to ensure the country isnt delivering sensitive technology to China. Ahead of the Microsoft deal, G42 agreed to end any cooperation with that country. (Updates with comments from TSMC, Samsung in the fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool Entrepreneurs are good at finding inspiration everywhere. If you want to start a business, it helps to have an open-minded spirit of curiosity. Your next business idea, whether it's an e-commerce site or a brick-and-mortar retail space, could come from unexpected moments of learning, connection, and discovery. Here are a few ways small business owners can discover profitable business ideas. 1. Read business news and blogs One of the best ways to get inspiration as a small business owner is to read business news. Subscribe to the best business and financial news sources like Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. Find some industry journalists and commentators that you like to follow on social media. Keep an eye on the latest trends in your industry -- what are the big stories? Which companies are struggling or soaring? Which stocks or sectors are seeing big changes in their fortunes? Is there a big trend in another city, region, or country that might be coming next to your local area? Maybe you can get in on the ground floor with a new product, service, or business model. 2. Use free resources on Shopify and HubSpot If you want to start a content marketing or e-commerce business, there are great resources available on sites like HubSpot and Shopify. You can use free videos and guides on these platforms to learn digital marketing skills like search engine optimization (SEO), how to create a successful website, how to do search engine marketing, email marketing, and more. Just by immersing yourself in the world of online business, you can often find inspiration to start your own online store or e-commerce company. 3. Check out online business brokers Sometimes buying a business is a great way to get started as an entrepreneur. But even if you're not ready to buy a business, you can find inspiration by looking at listings of businesses for sale. Check out online business broker sites to see what businesses are available in your industry, area, or field of interest. A few examples of business brokers that help investors buy and sell online businesses include Ecommerce Brokers (ecommerce-brokers.com), Flippa, and Acquire.com. Sometimes online broker sites are not able to list the full details of each business for sale, as some information is confidential -- but this can still be time well spent if it helps you get a sense for which types of businesses are showing potential for growth. You might find a great deal on an existing small business to acquire, or get inspired to start a new company of your own. Story continues 4. Go to real-life networking events A big part of success as a small business owner is something simple that doesn't have to be high-tech: networking. If you want to get inspired to find business ideas, just go to local events through your local chamber of commerce, business industry associations, or coworking spaces. Meet and talk with people and find out what your local community of entrepreneurs are excited about. 5. Travel What if you could find your next bit of business inspiration by traveling to another country, going to an industry conference in another city, or just going on vacation for a week at the beach? Sometimes the best way to get inspired for business ideas is to get out of the house, and get a change of scenery. If you're in the restaurant business, you might get inspired to add a new dish or new flavors to your menu based on a new food you try at a beachfront food truck. Or you might get inspired by some international city's latest fashion trends, billboards, and advertising at a train station, or overhear the buzz of conversation at a busy coffee shop. Seeing new places and reconnecting with the pulse of human life is always inspiring. Travel can dislodge your mind from your usual comfortable routine and present you with new contexts, colors, flavors, and sounds to help see the world in creative, entrepreneurial new ways. 6. Think about nagging, frustrating problems Entrepreneurs are often optimists with can-do attitudes, but sometimes it helps to dwell upon negativity. Think hard about the biggest problems in your everyday life. What are the pain points causing the most friction in your own career -- what business could solve them? Your next business idea might be right under your nose. Bottom line Sometimes at its best, entrepreneurship is an exercise in creativity and imagination. Starting a business is an act of hope, an investment in a better future, and a way of creating positive changes in the world. Entrepreneurs can use a variety of ways to learn, engage with life more deeply, and discover profitable business ideas by using a spirit of curiosity and problem-solving. Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025 This credit card is not just good it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee! Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Unlock Your Next Big Venture: 6 Unusual Ways to Discover Profitable Business Ideas was originally published by The Motley Fool Boosie sits in the front row as the New Orleans Pelicans host the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of the basketball game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. (Staff Photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune) New Orleans native Quin Hillyer is deputy commentary editor for the Washington Examiner, where this column first appeared. He can be reached at Qhillyer@WashingtonExaminer.com. His other columns appear at www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/quin-hillyer. More than 40 state schools in Melbourne are full or overcrowded, with over a quarter of them located in areas pegged for huge development from next year. Public schools in Melbournes south and south-east are among those under the most strain, including nine near a Chadstone activity centre that is fast-tracked for development. Four of those schools in the City of Monash are among the top 10 Melbourne schools with the highest enrolment pressure index, an Education Department ranking not normally made public but obtained by The Age through Freedom of Information laws. The index is defined as the ratio of student enrolments against the school capacity. In the 47 years since Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were murdered in a frenzied knife attack, police have examined bogus information from a prison inmate, anonymous postcards sent to the ABC radio newsroom, colourful theories from several authors and wild claims made by late British psychic Doris Stokes. The unfounded tip-offs and scuttlebutt not only delayed and distracted detectives, but also falsely implicated dozens of men in the infamous murders, including the late motor racing legend Peter Brock and former Truth newspaper reporter John Grant. Susan Bartlett (top) and Suzanne Armstrong were killed in their Easey Street, Collingwood, rental in 1977. Credit: Stephen Kiprillis Both men were the subject of widespread speculation for decades because of their associations with Armstrong or Bartlett Brock had visited the house and Grant lived next door. Both men have since been cleared after cold case detectives conducted DNA tests on more than 130 people listed in the original police file. When Armstrong and Bartlett were killed inside their rented Collingwood home on January 10, 1977, a taskforce of detectives was immediately assembled to hunt down the culprit. As we roll out of Banff, Rocky Mountaineer staff stand to attention and wave us off, proudly brandishing both the company and Canadian flags. Its spring, yet snow still lies thick on the ground, and its one of those bluebird days you can only dream of when youre going to be seeing the Canadian Rockies up close. As we gather speed, jagged snow-dusted mountains loom either side of us as we skirt the glacier-fed Bow River. Plunging deeper into the Rockies, past the majestic Castle Mountain, otherworldly vistas appear through the glass-dome roof at every turn. I spot a lone elk in the thick pine forest by the tracks, the first of many wildlife encounters. Those lucky enough to join Rocky Mountaineers First Passage to the West journey in the Gold Leaf carriage that morning feel like celebrities. We are literally walking the red carpet as we step onboard the dual-level carriage with seating up top and dining below. Rocky Mountaineers First Passage to the West journey takes passengers through majestic landscapes in British Columbia. A team of four attend to our every whim over the next two days, headed up by the affable, moustached Billy Evans with backing by Karmen, Emily and Ariel. Beirut/Cairo: Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire on Sunday, as Israeli warplanes carried out the most intense bombardment in almost a year of war across Lebanons south and Hezbollah claimed rocket attacks on military targets in Israels north. The Israeli military said it had conducted a wave of strikes across southern Lebanon over the previous 24 hours, hitting some 400 militant sites, including rocket launchers. Israeli security forces examine the site hit by a rocket fired from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel. Credit: AP An Israeli military spokesman said those strikes had thwarted an even larger attack and that it would continue to strike targets of the Iran-backed movement as the sides appeared to be spiralling toward all-out war following months of escalating tensions. Israel closed schools and restricted gatherings in many northern areas of the country and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights early on Sunday. Hospitals in northern Israel have been instructed to transfer their operations to facilities with extra protection from rocket and missile fire, the health ministry said. Rambam Hospital in the city of Haifa will transfer patients to its underground, secure facility, the ministry said. Dubai: Israeli troops raided the offices of the satellite news network Al Jazeera in the Israeli-occupied West Bank early Sunday, ordering the bureau to shut down amid a widening campaign by Israel targeting the Qatar-funded broadcaster as it covers the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Al Jazeera aired footage of Israeli troops live on its Arabic-language channel ordering the office to be shut for 45 days. It follows an extraordinary order issued in May that saw Israeli police raid Al Jazeeras broadcast position in East Jerusalem, seizing equipment there, preventing its broadcasts in Israel and blocking its websites. The raid by Israel on the Al Jazeera network was broadcast live. Credit: Al Jazeera The move marked the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country. However, Al Jazeera has continued operating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, territories that the Palestinians hope to have for their future state. There was no immediate acknowledgement of the shutdown by Israeli forces. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment. Al Jazeera denounced the move as it continued broadcasting live from Amman in neighbouring Jordan. The Robinson porn scandal could not have come at a worse time for the former president or a better time for the Democrats. Robinsons proximity to Trump had positioned him as one of the Republican Partys rising stars, despite previous inflammatory comments that some Americans with evil intent ... need killing, arguing that transgender Americans should find a corner outside somewhere to go to the toilet, and alleged use of anti-Semitic language. He later said his comment about killing some voters was a reference to the Second World War and had been taken out of context. Given those comments, it is perhaps not surprising the media would go digging in Robinsons past. Nonetheless, this weeks bombshell had concerning implications for the Trump campaign. Loading The story not only came just two days before Trumps rally on Saturday, it was also just hours before the deadline for Robinson to withdraw from the race, which he has refused to do. The North Carolina GOP is now stuck with an embattled candidate, in a race that previously looked extremely close. He was nowhere to be seen at Saturdays event, despite their previously strong relationship and his appearance at earlier Trump rallies. During a speech in March, Trump compared him repeatedly to Martin Luther King Jr, describing him as better than Martin Luther King and like the civil rights activist on steroids. He has referred to him as outstanding and an incredible gentleman, bringing him into the loose and transient court of Trump World. A man dressed as Uncle Sam walks through the crowd before Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Wilmington International Airport. Credit: AP Since the story broke, the Harris campaign has wasted no time in pointing out Robinsons links to Trump, releasing an attack ad on Friday that replayed the former presidents old comments about him. The campaign is planning a dozen billboards in North Carolina that make the link explicit to voters who will cast ballots in both the presidential and gubernatorial race in November. Robinson has claimed that the story was deliberately released at a damaging time for his campaign, accusing his Democratic rival Josh Stein and CNN of colluding to sink his chances of the governorship. Loading He denied that he had made the comments, but did not offer any further explanation for them. Steins campaign said Robinson was completely unfit to be governor, but did not comment on the accusation it had worked with CNN on the story. Others said Robinsons team had failed in their political opsec the process of protecting a candidate including by sanitising damaging information about them from the internet. Political campaigns generally collect attack stories about their opponents during an election cycle, and often choose to release them at the most opportune moment for their own political prospects. In an attempt to get ahead of the story, Robinson released a video before it was published. Mark Robinson did not accompany Donald Trump for the event in North Carolina. Credit: AP Let me reassure you, he said. The things that you will see in that story those are not the words of Mark Robinson. He told supporters he would stay in the race, and blamed his rival Stein for the story, which he described as salacious tabloid trash. Whatever the origins of the story it, and its unfortunate timing for Robinson could have implications for the presidential election. Although Robinson has made controversial comments before, the latest tranche of his alleged posts are likely to outrage his conservative base. A post in which he allegedly said that tranny on girl porn was f---ing hot is in direct conflict with his statements on transgender rights, which he has strongly opposed. Another series of messages, in which he allegedly described peeping on a woman in the shower, stands in stark contrast to his public image as a man of faith. North Carolina has emerged as one of the tightest and most interesting battlegrounds of the election. In 2020, it voted for Trump by a margin of 1.35 per cent. Now, an average of polls in the state shows Harris is just 0.3 points behind him. Harris winning in North Carolina would deny Trump 16 votes in the electoral college making his route to 270 much more challenging. She has placed Roy Cooper, the states outgoing governor, at the centre of her campaign and booked him to introduce her at the Democratic National Convention last month. A significant hit to GOP votes in the state, or some Republicans staying home in disgust at the alleged comments, could hand Harris North Carolina and cost Trump the election. The Telegraph, London HEFEI, China, Sept. 21, 2024 -- As technology and innovation converge, a grand feast celebrating the manufacturing industry is commencing. On September 20, the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention opened its doors at the Hefei Binhu International Convention and Exhibition Center in Hefei, Anhui Province. As a premier event in the manufacturing sector, this convention has brought together top global enterprises, innovative technologies, and cutting-edge concepts to present a feast of technology and innovation to the attendees. In the Smart Robotics Zone, a variety of robots are busy showcasing their diverse capabilities. The latest unveiling at Jianghuai Advance Technology Center, the 'Qijiang No.2' humanoid robot, standing at 1.8 meters tall and weighing 60 kilograms, with 38 degrees of freedom throughout its body. It can not only perform basic human limb movements but also execute delicate tasks like folding clothes, opening bottles, pouring water, and washing dishes with ease. Moreover, it can navigate rough terrains, resembling an intelligent steel companion, sparking anticipation for the future of automation and intelligence in the manufacturing industry. In the 3D Printing Zone, exquisite exhibits leave spectators in awe. From intricate mechanical components to lifelike artworks, 3D printing technology, with its precise replication and rapid prototyping capabilities, has brought revolutionary changes to the manufacturing industry. Inside the zone, staff are busy calibrating equipment, preparing for a spectacular 3D printing showcase. Meanwhile, the third-generation locally developed 72-qubit superconducting quantum computer, "Origin Wukong," from the Hefei High-tech Zone, is capturing significant interest. This quantum computer, with over 80% domestic components from hardware to quantum chips, operating systems, and application software, boasts unimaginable computing power, paving new paths for future research, finance, and numerous other fields, shining brightly as a rising star in the quantum technology realm. Green energy and environmental protection technologies are also significant highlights of this convention. The Green Manufacturing Zone showcases a wide array of energy-saving and eco-friendly equipment and renewable energy products. The application of these technologies not only reduces energy consumption and emissions in manufacturing but also provides robust support for sustainable development. Furthermore, the convention features multiple zones such as Precision Manufacturing and Intelligent Manufacturing, comprehensively displaying the latest achievements and future trends in the manufacturing industry. Exhibitors have expressed their intentions to leverage this platform to showcase their capabilities, seek collaboration opportunities, and collectively drive high-quality development in manufacturing. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention is not just a feast of technology and innovation but also a platform for exchange and cooperation. Here, top leaders in the global manufacturing sector will convene to discuss the future trajectories and pathways of manufacturing. It is believed that in the near future, these cutting-edge technologies and innovative concepts will lead the manufacturing industry towards an even brighter future. US House votes to repeal Biden administration tailpipe emissions rules Washington DC September 20, 2024; David Shepardson writing for Reuters reported that The U.S. House of Representatives voted narrowly on Friday to repeal clean-vehicle rules adopted in March to cut tailpipe emissions by 50% from 2026 levels by 2032. House Republicans said the Environmental Protection Agency's final regulation for light-duty and medium vehicles is so stringent it leaves automakers no choice but to ramp up electric-vehicle production and would effectively push gas-powered vehicles out of the U.S. marketplace. The White House said President Joe Biden would veto the measure if it is approved by the U.S. Senate. The House voted 215 to 191 with eight Democrats joining 207 Republicans in support. Republican John James called the rules "catastrophic" for the auto industry. "Nobody here is against battery electric vehicles but we are against telling the American people what they can do with their money," he said. If successful, the measure would repeal the EPA rules and bar it from imposing future regulations. Representative Frank Pallone, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said Republicans want to "roll back common-sense air-pollution protections." "It puts the profits of corporate polluters over the health and safety of the American people." Pallone said transportation accounts for nearly one-third of total climate emissions and the EPA rules. The final rules adopted in March by the EPA slashed the agency's target for U.S. EV adoption from 67% by 2032 to as little as 35% after backlash from the industry and auto workers and won support from Ford Motor and environmental groups. The EPA said the rules cut emissions by 49% by 2032 from 2026 levels and will reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 7.2 billion metric tons through 2055. Republican Donald Trump has vowed to repeal the rules if elected as president. The final regulation also faces a court challenge from many Republican states and oil industry groups. Vice President Kamala Harris's Democratic presidential campaign has said she does not support an EV mandate but notes the Biden administration championed legislation to boost tax credits and incentives for EV and battery production. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Rod Nickel) Blog Archive October (1) September (4) August (6) July (2) June (5) May (2) April (6) March (9) February (4) December (1) November (3) October (2) August (2) July (1) June (6) May (8) April (5) March (9) February (5) January (6) December (16) November (7) October (12) September (4) August (1) May (2) April (3) March (1) February (6) January (4) December (2) November (1) October (5) August (7) July (7) June (9) May (11) April (13) March (6) February (11) January (25) December (14) November (7) October (9) September (15) August (4) July (9) June (17) May (17) April (9) March (6) February (32) January (37) December (39) November (19) October (28) September (30) August (30) July (18) June (16) May (27) April (24) March (19) February (13) January (26) December (24) November (39) October (37) September (51) August (36) July (29) June (32) May (58) April (38) March (31) February (38) January (27) December (31) November (53) October (56) September (86) August (40) July (47) June (54) May (91) April (82) March (69) February (78) January (52) December (77) November (78) October (111) September (120) August (128) July (126) June (154) May (175) April (198) March (220) February (172) January (102) December (91) November (114) October (94) September (110) August (116) July (133) June (85) May (2) April (43) Culprit in sexual assault of nine-yr-old girl identified, arrested within 5 days Staff Reporter : COMMISSIONER of Police Dr Ravinder Singal, on Friday, informed that the Crime Branch succeeded in putting behind bars one Ganpat Nanaji Jaipurkar (56) for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl in front of her younger sister. Speaking to mediapersons, Dr Singal said that Jaipurkar, a carpenter by profession, had offered the victims five-year-old sister Rs 20 to stay silent after committing the heinous act. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon in Pardi area when the two girls were alone at home as their parents, daily wagers, had gone to work. The family had moved back to Nagpur three months ago from Gondia where they had been living for the past few years. The crime came to light when the victim told her parents what had happened after they returned home. They immediately went to the Pardi Police Station to lodge an FIR. The medical examination of the victim confirmed that she was raped. As per the information given by the victims five-year-old sister, the culprit was a Marathi-speaking man with a tilak' on his forehead. Crime Branch teams checked the footage of hundreds of CCTV cameras installed at various places in the area to identify the accused and finally arrested Jaipurkar, Dr Singal said. Five house break-ins detected, stolen cash and gold worth Rs 12.79 lakh recovered City Police Chief Dr Singal informed that Crime Branchs Unit-3 apprehended two members of a burglars gang, linked to five recent break-ins in the city. The arrests led to the recovery of stolen valuables valued at over Rs 12.79 lakh, including 167.5 gramme gold, Rs 27,000 in cash, and a Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle (MH-49/V-1254). The arrested suspects, identified as Sandeep Khemchand Thombre (24) from Dunda Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, and Prafulla Devendra Patle (26) from Nageshwar Nagar, Bidgaon, Pardi, confessed during interrogation to committing five house break-ins in the Jaripatka, Hudkeshwar, and Wathoda areas. Four of their accomplicesShekhar Arjun Gaikwad, Aakash Bokde, Ajay Bhorkar, and Rakesh Chaturvediremain at large. Acting on credible intelligence, the Unit-3 team detained Thombre and Patle, leading to their confession and subsequent recovery of the stolen items. The accused were handed over to Jaripatka Police for further investigation. Marijuana valued at Rs 18.62 lakh seized, 5 drug-peddlers arrested Dr Singal said that the Crime Branch raided a house at Plot No 12, Arya Nagar in Jaripatka area and seized 94 kilogramme marijuana valued at Rs 18.62 lakh from drug-peddlers. Five persons were arrested in this connection. The accused have been identified as Umar Khan Abdul Rasheed Khan (30), Daraksha Anjum alias Ranu Khan Umar Khan (29), both residents of Kanji House Square, Ramai Nagar, Shaikh Rizwan Shaikh Yunus (24), a resident of Islamic Chowk, Juni Basti, Badnera, district Amravati, Abdul Arif Abdul Khalik (32), a resident of Aajri Majri, Yashodhara Nagar, and Mohammad Junaid Ibrahim Rajwani (31), a resident of Shiv Nagar. Search for another accused Kushif Ahmad, a resident of Jafar Nagar, was on. Additional CP (Crime) Sanjay Patil, DCP (Detection) Rahul Maknikar, ACP (Crime) Dr Abhijeet Patil and other officers of the Crime Branch were present at the press conference. ROOTING FOR QUAD QUAD becoming key platformin Indo-Pacific, says PM Modi WILMINGTON (US) : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in the US on a threeday visit to further strengthen IndiaUS Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, attend the Quad summit and address a key conclave at the United Nations. The Quad has emerged as a key platform of like-minded countries focusing on peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Modi said as he embarked on US visit. Ahead of the Quad Leaders Summit on the first day of the trip, Modi was set to meet US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in one-onone interactions.I am sure the discussions throughout the day will contribute to making our planet better and addressing key global challenges, Modi posted on X after reaching Wilmington, Delaware, the venue of the Summit. Earlier, a large group of Indian diaspora greeted Modi at the Philadelphia International Airport, from where he travelled to Wilmington, President Bidens hometown. Modi greeted the group of people dressed in their traditional wear with many of them holding the Indian tri-colour. He walked along the fenced area, signed autographs for some of them and shook hands with some others. An energetic welcome in Philadelphia! Our diasporas blessings are greatly cherished, Modi said in another post on X The Indian community hasdistinguisheditselfinthe USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. Its always a delight to interact with them, the Prime Minister said. Lets celebratethebondsthatconnect our nations! 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. The Prime Ministers otherengagementsincludejoininganIndian diasporaevent at Long Island and participating in a round table with CEOs of American firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors. The annual Quad summit atWilmingtonisexpectedto roll out a series of new initiativestoboostcooperation in the Indo-Pacific and explore ways to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Inhisdeparturestatement at New Delhi, Modi said he lookedforwardtojoininghis colleagues President Biden, PrimeMinisterAlbaneseand Prime Minister Kishida for the Quad Summit. Thefour-memberQuad,or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,advocatesupholding a free, open, and inclusiveIndo-Pacific.Beijingsees it as an ant-China grouping. The Quad leaders are also settounveilamilestoneinitiative to prevent, detect, treatandalleviatetheimpact of cancer on patients and their families. Shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (TSE:CP Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) have been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the thirteen brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and nine have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is C$123.87. A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on CP shares. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the company from C$124.00 to C$130.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. National Bankshares set a C$119.00 target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$123.00 to C$136.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Desjardins raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$131.00 to C$132.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, ATB Capital upped their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$130.00 to C$133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CP Canadian Pacific Kansas City Price Performance TSE CP opened at C$116.46 on Tuesday. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a one year low of C$94.45 and a one year high of C$123.37. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$112.32 and a 200 day moving average of C$112.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 50.47, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.51. The company has a market capitalization of C$108.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.14, a PEG ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.79. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSE:CP Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported C$1.05 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$1.01 by C$0.04. The firm had revenue of C$3.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$3.55 billion. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 24.46% and a return on equity of 8.10%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Canadian Pacific Kansas City will post 5.090035 EPS for the current year. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Monday, October 28th will be given a dividend of $0.19 per share. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is currently 20.32%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Senior Officer John Kenneth Brooks sold 21,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$112.01, for a total transaction of C$2,430,629.59. In other Canadian Pacific Kansas City news, Senior Officer Nadeem Velani sold 3,200 shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$109.11, for a total value of C$349,155.84. Also, Senior Officer John Kenneth Brooks sold 21,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$112.01, for a total value of C$2,430,629.59. In the last three months, insiders have sold 90,305 shares of company stock valued at $9,690,094. Corporate insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile (Get Free Report Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Biden tells Quad leaders that Beijing is testing region at turbulent moment for Chinese economy President Joe Biden has told Indo-Pacific allies that he believes Chinas increasing military assertiveness is an effort to test the region at a turbulent moment for Beijing Shares of Empire Company Limited (TSE:EMP.A Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the seven analysts that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$43.14. Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Empire from C$41.00 to C$42.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, September 13th. Desjardins upped their price target on shares of Empire from C$42.00 to C$44.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 13th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Empire from C$40.00 to C$43.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, September 13th. TD Securities upped their target price on Empire from C$38.00 to C$44.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, September 13th. Finally, National Bankshares raised their price target on Empire from C$42.00 to C$46.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, September 13th. Get Empire alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Empire Empire Trading Up 1.2 % Empire Increases Dividend Shares of Empire stock opened at C$39.31 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of C$37.36 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$34.61. Empire has a 12-month low of C$31.45 and a 12-month high of C$41.38. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 135.51. The stock has a market cap of C$5.52 billion, a PE ratio of 14.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 16.20 and a beta of 0.47. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 31st were issued a $0.20 dividend. This is a boost from Empires previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 15th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.04%. Empires payout ratio is 29.20%. Insider Activity In other Empire news, Senior Officer Pierre St-Laurent sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$36.32, for a total transaction of C$108,960.00. In other news, Senior Officer Pierre St-Laurent sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$36.32, for a total value of C$108,960.00. Also, Senior Officer Douglas Bigler Nathanson sold 4,525 shares of Empire stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$39.66, for a total value of C$179,461.50. Insiders sold a total of 11,761 shares of company stock valued at $441,650 in the last 90 days. 2.17% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Empire (Get Free Report Empire Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the food retail and related real estate businesses in Canada. It operates through two segments, Food Retailing, and Investments and Other Operations. The company owns, affiliates, and franchises approximately 1,500 retail stores under various retail banners, including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawtons Drugs; and approximately 350 retail fuel locations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Empire Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Empire and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RYAN Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Hold from the eleven brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $63.89. A number of brokerages have weighed in on RYAN. Barclays began coverage on shares of Ryan Specialty in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued an overweight rating and a $76.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup boosted their price target on Ryan Specialty from $56.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Ryan Specialty from $54.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Ryan Specialty from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Ryan Specialty from $67.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Get Ryan Specialty alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Ryan Specialty Insider Activity Institutional Inflows and Outflows In related news, President Timothy William Turner sold 2,000,000 shares of Ryan Specialty stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.45, for a total transaction of $124,900,000.00. Following the sale, the president now owns 8,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $505,532.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . In related news, President Timothy William Turner sold 2,000,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.45, for a total value of $124,900,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now owns 8,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at $505,532.75. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Also, Director Nicholas Dominic Cortezi sold 1,500 shares of Ryan Specialty stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.02, for a total value of $97,530.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 25,123 shares in the company, valued at $1,633,497.46. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders sold 2,107,136 shares of company stock worth $131,860,032. 11.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in RYAN. Nebula Research & Development LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Ryan Specialty in the 4th quarter valued at about $1,284,000. Capstone Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Ryan Specialty during the first quarter valued at approximately $727,000. Securian Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in Ryan Specialty during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $474,000. Embree Financial Group acquired a new position in shares of Ryan Specialty in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,701,000. Finally, Geneva Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Ryan Specialty by 12.0% in the 1st quarter. Geneva Capital Management LLC now owns 475,552 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,393,000 after acquiring an additional 50,947 shares during the last quarter. 84.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Ryan Specialty Stock Performance Ryan Specialty stock opened at $63.53 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $63.05 and a 200 day moving average price of $57.22. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81. Ryan Specialty has a 52 week low of $41.49 and a 52 week high of $69.03. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 119.87, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 0.62. Ryan Specialty (NYSE:RYAN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $0.58 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.02. Ryan Specialty had a net margin of 10.21% and a return on equity of 48.08%. The business had revenue of $695.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $695.56 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.45 EPS. The companys revenue was up 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Ryan Specialty will post 1.81 earnings per share for the current year. Ryan Specialty Dividend Announcement 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 dividend of $0.11 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 13th. This represents a $0.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.69%. Ryan Specialtys dividend payout ratio is currently 83.02%. About Ryan Specialty (Get Free Report Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc operates as a service provider of specialty products and solutions for insurance brokers, agents, and carriers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Singapore. It offers distribution, underwriting, product development, administration, and risk management services by acting as a wholesale broker and a managing underwriter. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ryan Specialty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ryan Specialty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Free Report) had its target price lifted by equities researchers at Stifel Nicolaus from $615.00 to $680.00 in a report issued on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the medical research companys stock. Stifel Nicolaus price target indicates a potential upside of 10.81% from the companys current price. A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on TMO. Raymond James increased their price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $650.00 to $660.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $650.00 to $670.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $615.00 to $600.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. UBS Group raised Thermo Fisher Scientific to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, September 16th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $767.00 price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Friday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $647.78. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Read Our Latest Report on TMO Thermo Fisher Scientific Price Performance Shares of TMO opened at $613.69 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $599.56 and a 200-day moving average of $581.45. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $234.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.78. Thermo Fisher Scientific has a twelve month low of $415.60 and a twelve month high of $627.88. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $5.37 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.13 by $0.24. The firm had revenue of $10.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.50 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 14.69% and a return on equity of 18.22%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.15 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Thermo Fisher Scientific will post 21.72 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Thermo Fisher Scientific In other news, CAO Joseph R. Holmes sold 860 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $611.03, for a total transaction of $525,485.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,814 shares in the company, valued at $1,108,408.42. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $600.85, for a total transaction of $180,255.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,887 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,747,403.95. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Joseph R. Holmes sold 860 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $611.03, for a total transaction of $525,485.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,814 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,108,408.42. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 23,084 shares of company stock valued at $14,094,292 in the last quarter. Insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Thermo Fisher Scientific A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 318.2% in the second quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 46 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC lifted its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1,275.0% in the 4th quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 55 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the period. New Millennium Group LLC acquired a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. Stephens Consulting LLC increased its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 116.0% in the second quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 54 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LifeSteps Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Institutional investors own 89.23% of the companys stock. Thermo Fisher Scientific Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, and bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. District membership seminar held | IMPHAL, Sep 22 : Rotary Club of Imphal and Rotary Club of Polo City Imphal jointly hosted the District Membership Seminar 'Anandadhara' at Classic Grande in Chingmeirong, Imphal East on Sunday. The seminar was graced by District Governor, Sukhminder Singh; DGN, Dr Asim Kanti Adhikari; PDG , Rajesh Agarwal and DMC, Arindam Dutta as presidium members. Speaking on the occasion, Sukhminder Singh said that Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world, with over 1.9 million members and 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. He continued that the mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote peace, fight disease, and improve the world through service, integrity & goodwill. Sukhminder also asserted that Rotary International needs more members to provide more support for Rotary Foundation programs that improve communities and bring new ideas, perspectives, and energy to the clubs. Later, an 'Anandadhara' souvenir was also released. RNSOM urges | IMPHAL, Sep 22 : The Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation, Manipur (RNSOM) has written to Education Minister Th Basantakumar with an appeal to construct a disaster resilient building for Nagaching Government Primary School (TADC) at Abungchiang Part-II in Noney. In a letter, RNSOM said that the ferocious wind which swept through Manipur yesterday devastated Nagaching Government Primary School. Saying that the unforeseen disaster has severely disrupted academic activities of the school, the Organisation appealed to the Minister to arrange an alternative school building and provide makeshift classrooms or utilise the nearby community halls or buildings as immediate measures. As a permanent solution, RNSOM also appealed to the Minister to construct a disaster resilient school building for Nagaching Government Primary School in Noney and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment. Requesting prompt intervention of the Education Minister to minimise educational disruption, RNSOM said that effective coordination between the Education Department and the Minister is crucial to address the issue. Unidentified assailants fired several rounds from close range at one Krishna Nunia in Chinakuri, under Kulti police station of Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) last evening. At the time of shooting, Krishna Nunia was standing beside his parked motorcycle in Chinakuri, in front of the residence of TMC district chairman and former Kulti MLA Ujjal Chatterjee. Kulti police arrived at the site and immediately shifted him to Asansol District Hospital. He was lying on the ground in a pool of blood. The victim is a resident of Nunia Bustee in Asansol town. Advertisement Sandeep Karra, ADCP (West) of ADPC said that police have started investigations and are scanning CCTV footage in the area. So far, nobody has been arrested in this case. Prima facie, police suspect that the suspects had fired at him due to some old rivalry. This is the third time miscreants have attempted to kill him. There are several criminal cases against Krishna Nunia in Kulti police station area. He received five bullet injuries in both hands, stomach and legs. His condition is critical. Ujjal Chatterjee visited the hospital today to meet him and said that the police should take strong actions and nab the miscreants. The central bureau of Investigation (CBI), probing the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital today interrogated Birupaksha Biswas and another doctor Avik Dey, both considered close to former principal of R G Kar hospital Sandip Ghosh, today. Both the junior doctors are under the CBI scanner allegedly for their roles in promoting threat culture in government medical colleges and hospitals and their alleged presence at the scene of crime on 9 August, where they were not supposed to be present. Birupaksha Biswas is former senior resident doctor attached to the pathology department of the Burdwan Medical College & Hospital arrived at the CBIs office on Saturday for interrogation related to the 9 August rape and murder case. Advertisement Biswas was summoned a day after the special court in Kolkata extended the CBI custody of former officer in-charge of Tala police station Abhijit Mondal. Mr Biswas claimed to the media that he had indeed gone to the R G Kar hospital on that day but was not present at the seminar hall. Similarly, Avik Dey, who too was a PGT at SSKM, was seen in the alleged assembly at the seminar hall, whom the Kolkata Police had claimed to be a fingerprint expert, which was contested by the state branch of Indian Medical Association. Biswas was suspended by the West Bengal Medical Council on 7 September, along with two other doctors, the erstwhile resident medical officer of the radiodiagnosis department of Burdwan Medical College Avik De and junior doctor of Midnapore Medical College & Hospital Mustafizur Rahaman Mallick. While the central agency interrogated Birupakhsa Biswas in the morning, interrogation of Dey continued late in the evening. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Sunday inaugurated Invest Indias new office in Singapore. It is to be highlighted that the Singapore Office is Invest Indias first overseas office. This significant move reinforces Indias commitment to deepening investment partnerships and making it easier for global investors to engage with India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry said. Advertisement The Singapore office will serve as a dedicated point of contact for companies from the region looking to invest in India, fostering collaboration across sectors, it added. The development comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced setting up of an Invest India office in Singapore during his visit to the country on September 4th and 5th, 2024. Speaking at the event, Minister Goyal emphasised, Singapore is a key strategic partner for India, and this office marks a new chapter in our efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with Singapore and the broader ASEAN region. We plan to open more overseas Invest India offices in the coming months with an aim to provide global investors seamless access to Indias dynamic and growing economy, he added. During his visit to SIngapore, PM Modi interacted with top business leaders and CEOs in Singapore, emphasising the economic reforms and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing Indias business landscape. The discussions centred on fostering innovation across diverse sectors, exploring new avenues for collaboration and growth. Singapore is Indias largest trade partner in ASEAN. It is also a leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the last financial year with an investment of $11.77 billion in 2023 alone. Singapore is also Indias sixth largest trade partner worldwide. Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta on Sunday voiced concern over the impending removal of DTC buses from citys roads, highlighting the inconvenience this would cause to the public. Gupta criticised the Delhi government for failing to make alternative arrangements before removing these buses, claiming that 394 DTC buses will be phased out over the next three months. The BJP leader expressed surprise that despite knowing that these buses had reached the end of their operational lifespanthe government made no preparations to replace them or create viable alternatives. Advertisement This, he claimed, reflects Delhi governments disregard for the challenges faced by the public. Gupta pointed out that the current fleet of buses was purchased between 2008 and 2011, and with a buss lifespan of 10 years or 7.5 lakh kilometers, these buses are now overdue for replacement, he claimed. According to Gupta, a schedule is in place to remove 394 buses within the next three months. So far, 225 buses have already been taken off the roads since January, meaning that by December, a total of 619 buses will be gone, leaving the fleet severely depleted, he claimed. He noted that the remaining buses are also set to be phased out within the next year. Highlighting the alarming state of Delhis public transport system, Gupta stated that despite the transport corporation having its own staff, depots, and workshops, costing nearly Rs 2,000 crore annually, the transport system has collapsed, he claimed. The BJP leader accused the Delhi government of deliberately neglecting the DTC to allegedly facilitate its privatization. He argued that the governments failure to purchase new buses is part of a calculated effort to weaken the system, making privatization inevitable. He acknowledged that the 1,000 electric buses provided by the Central government have prevented a complete breakdown, but warned that if left to the state government, the situation would be dire. He cited a recent incident where several electric buses could not operate due to a power disconnection at a DTC depot, leaving them uncharged and off the roads. Gupta reminded the public of a tender the government had issued a few years ago to purchase 1,000 new buses, which was ultimately scrapped due to allegations of corruption. He claimed that since then, no effort has been made to restart the bus procurement process. Furthermore, the government had signed a contract with a private company for Rs 50 lakh per bus for maintenance, even though each bus cost Rs 54 lakh, he added. Despite this high expenditure, the buses frequently malfunctioned and were involved in accidents, Gupta alleged. He warned that the reduction in DTC buses would force people to rely on private vehicles, leading to increased traffic and inevitable pollution. Fawad and Mahira Khans highly anticipated Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt, is ready to release in India on October 2, but its facing significant backlash from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party. The MNS has declared its intention to prevent the films screening in the country, citing national sentiment and security concerns. Ameya Khopkar, the president of MNSs Cinema Wing, voiced strong objections during a recent interaction with ANI. He firmly stated, We will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India. Khopkar further called on citizens and political groups across various states to join the protest against the films release. Advertisement The MNS leader expressed outrage over the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, referencing the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers. Our soldiers are dying at the borders and our cities are being attacked Why do we need Pakistani actors here? Dont we have enough talent? he questioned. Khopkar also issued a stark warning to cinema owners, emphasizing the potential risks involved. He cautioned that the glass in their theatres is very expensive and threatened violence against any Pakistani actor who attempts to enter India. He stressed, Art and politics are different, but we dont want art at the cost of our soldiers. This latest outcry echoes a long-standing ban on Pakistani artists working in India that was instituted following the Uri terror attack in 2016. Although there have been legal challenges to this ban, including a recent Supreme Court dismissal of a plea seeking to lift it, the sentiment among certain political factions remains firm against any collaboration with Pakistani talent. Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan are no strangers to Indian cinema; both have previously starred in popular Bollywood films. Fawad Khans last bollywood hits were Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Khoobsurat, while Mahira made her Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Raees. Protesters line the street around the front of the Nebraska Capitol during an Abortion Rights Rally on July 4, 2022, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia claimed on Sunday that the motive behind sending Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and him behind bars was not corruption but to stall the works of Delhi. In his address during the Janta Ki Adalat on Sunday at Jantar Mantar, the former deputy chief minister of Delhi said people of the city are happy that Arvind Kejriwal is out of jail now, nevertheless they are sad as the AAP chief is no longer their CM. The only motive (for the incarceration of the AAP leaders) was to break us from inside and out, break our courage, break our team by jailing us, he said. He, however, asserted that neither our courage stumbled from inside nor the party broke from outside. Advertisement Sisodia said the people of the city are confident that its a matter of time before Kejriwal becomes the CM of Delhi once again. I was in jail for 17 months and was happy when I came out, but I was happiest when Arvind Kejriwal was set free, Sisodia said. He said they (the investigating agencies) searched his and Arvind Kejriwals houses and offices. But when they found nothing in the raids, they arrested some people and told them if they wanted to be free from jail, they should give statements against Arvind Kejriwal. On the basis of the false statements of one or two of them, Sanjay Singh, and I were put in jail. But the Supreme Court said these statements account to nothing. When the trial will commence, this case will end in two questions, said the senior AAP leader. The AAP leader further said, When I was a journalist, I bought a small house for Rs 5 lakh in 2002. They even took that house from me and seized it. Sisodia said he had Rs 10 lakh in the bank account from his salary, they froze that as well. He had to request people for help to pay his sons college fees because the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) had frozen his bank account. This is how they tried to mentally harass me with the aim to break me. But as a true soldier of Arvind Kejriwals team I did not break, nor did I panic, he added. He said in the coming three to four months he and Kejriwal would be in the peoples court and would continue walking step by step with the AAP chief. We will go to the public and wait for their verdict. We will ask them to reinstate us in our positions if they believe we are honest, he said. On the occasion, AAPs Delhi state Convenor Gopal Rai said the people of the city elected Kejriwals government with an overwhelming majority, and he worked for the people with full dedication. It was through his honesty, Kejriwal provided free electricity and water, good schools, hospitals, Mohalla clinics, free bus travel for women, and pilgrimage facilities for the elderly, Rai said, and added that seeing all this the BJP became upset. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday launched a blistering attack at LoP Rahul Gandhi over the circulation of an anti-Modi advertisement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to New York. He said that this only adds credence to the theory that anti-India forces are in cahoots with the Congress party and are conspiring to run down the countrys image. Sudhanshu Trivedi, speaking to IANS said that the hateful advertisement not only shows the intent and motive of India haters but also brings Congress role under the cloud. Advertisement He said that it is because of Rahul Gandhis hobnobbing with anti-India elements on foreign soil that such malicious plots are being hatched to hurt both the Prime Minister as well as the countrys image. PM Modi is set to address a huge gathering of the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Yorks Long Island, which is likely to see a congregation of more than 24,000 Indian-Americans. While the organisers are giving final touches to the Indian diaspora event, a poster titled Protest: Modi, Youre Not Welcome in New York started circulating on X today. The poster calls for demonstration and raising of peoples voices against a decade of oppression at the same venue where PM Modi is set to address the huge gathering of the Indian audience. BJP RS MP bristling at the hateful advertisement said that this is the after-effect of Rahuls hobnobbing with the foreign forces who are declared enemies of India. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also tore into Rahul and alleged that Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) chief Sam Pitroda and his cohorts were planning a protest against the Prime Minister. Taking to X, Malviya said, Every time Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, he indulges in the most divisive anti-India politics, including hobnobbing with agencies and collaborating with forces inimical to Indias interest. He has gone to the extent of pleading with Western powers to interfere in Indian politics. The Congress will never succeed is a different matter, he added. Rahul Gandhi should remember he is seeking political relevance in India and the people of Bharat will give him a befitting reply, when the time comes, he added. A day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan snubbed CPI-M-backed independent MLA PV Anvar and rejected his accusations against ADGP Ajith Kumar and CMs political secretary P Sasi, the CPI-M has criticised the Nilambur MLAs stance of raising allegations against the party and government through the media. The CPI-M state secretariat on Sunday said that Anwars actions weaken the party and the Left Front, urging him to refrain from making public comments. In a statement released on Sunday, the CPI-M state secretariat said the party cannot agree with him in any way. The CPI-M urged Anvar to reconsider his approach, stating that his actions provided ammunition for the partys enemies. PV Anvar works as an LDF-backed independent MLA from Nilambur constituency and is also a member of the CPI-M parliamentary party. He had submitted complaints against the government and the party to the Chief Minister, with copies provided to the party state secretary. The issues mentioned in the complaint are being investigated by the government, while the party is considering its own matters. Amidst these facts, he has been continuously making allegations against the government and the party through the media. The party cannot agree with Anvars stance. His actions have become weapons for the partys enemies to attack both the government and the party. The CPI-M state secretariat requests him to rectify such attitudes and withdraw from moves that weaken the party, the CPI-M statement said. Advertisement Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday came out against CPI-M-backed independent MLA PV Anvar, who raised serious allegations against ADGP Ajith Kumar and the CMs political secretary P Sasi. The Chief Minister expressed his displeasure with PV Anvar for constantly making accusations against the party in the media. The Left MLA should have brought the complaint to the attention of the party and the Chief Minister, he said. Hacking the phone was something a public servant should not have done. Anwar has no leftist background. He is from Congress, the CM said, adding that Anwars phone hacking will also be investigated. If a complaint is received, action will be taken. Anwar filed a complaint here, and the contents were made public several days before it was filed. A special investigation team has been appointed to look into the issues he raised, and an investigation is underway. Appropriate action will be taken as part of the investigation, the CM said. The Chief Minister also said that at least one of Anvars charges against the ADGP was not supported by evidence. Anvar had alleged that the ADGP had taken money to prevent the arrest of the owner of an online channel. I verified the claim, but I was unable to corroborate the charges, the CM said. Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Partys National Convener Arvind Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a conspiracy to send honest AAP leaders to demoralise the party and thereby win elections. Addressing the Janata Ki Adalat organised by AAP at the Jantar Mantar here on Sunday, he said he resigned from the post of chief minister as he had no greed for power or the CMs chair. He joined politics to serve the country, he added. The AAP chief said with due respect he would like to ask Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat five questions. The questions are as follows: Advertisement Is it right for the BJP and the PM to break legislators away from other parties to topple their governments through allurement or use of ED and CBI threat? Does the RSS agree with the BJPs strategy to induct those political leaders who it once regarded as corrupt? Is the BJPs rule for retirement age applied on L K Advani also applicable for Modi? Whether the RSS has ever stopped the saffron party from indulging in such wrongdoings? Admitting that he is not a politician, Kejriwal said it hurts him when he is called corrupt or a thief. He is heartbroken at the moment which is why he had resigned from the post of the Delhi CM. Kejriwal said during the past decade he earned respect but does not even own a house in the national capital. I will leave the CMs bungalow in a few days though I dont even have a house of my own. I have earned only love in ten years, the result of which is that I am getting calls from so many people asking me to move into their houses, he said. He told the audience that he would leave his official residence at the start of Navratri and come to stay at a house of one of them. The AAP chief further said that he wanted the people of the city to tell him whether he is honest or dishonest. While announcing his resignation, Kejriwal had said he wont become the chief minister again until people of the city give him the certificate of honesty. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed an MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) of Brazil on the sidelines of Global Food Regulators Summit, 2024. The MoU starts a new phase of cooperation aimed at improving food safety through joint projects and technical collaboration, said the Ministry of Health on Sunday. It was signed by Carlos Henrique Baqueta Favaro, Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Brazil and counter signed by G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI. Advertisement The CEO of FSSAI said, Signing this MoU demonstrates our dedication to food safety and signifies a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to enhance international collaboration in food safety. We are eager to work with MAPA to achieve our common goals and enhance food safety in both countries, he added. The representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil added The signing of the MoU marks a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of food safety, allowing for technical cooperation and exchange of experience and knowledge with the aim of strengthening the institutional collaboration and pursuing joint initiatives. BJP National General Secretary and Head of Membership Campaign Committee Vinod Tawde said on Sunday that this time, the drive in Delhi should be used in such a way that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is forced to exit, and the first goal of the coming days should be to increase the partys membership. He said membership is not just a goal to win elections, but it is necessary to establish a contact with youth, women and other classes because it gives us a chance to know every class and see it closely, even when we meet people around us, we come in contact with many types of people. The BJP leader who was addressing the party workers at the Membership Campaign Review Meeting at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, said meeting people of different religions teaches us a lot. Not only this, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets different people and talks to them, then we should learn from them and implement the same things, he added. Advertisement Tawde said there is a very small difference between an office bearer and a responsible worker, and added that a responsible worker thinks and contemplates every day how many targets were set and how much of them were achieved, he added. We have our own goals for ourselves, how much of it is left, it is important to know that because this is what makes a person move forward, he added. Tawde said in the last 10 years, India emerged as a strong nation and Prime Minister Modi has chosen a path of developed India and in that all have to work to connect 50 crore people. In his address on the occasion, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva told the workers present that the membership campaign is an opportunity to take the work done by the party and the central government in Delhi to the public just before the assembly elections. He said the membership campaign would run actively for about two months and everyone has to make it a medium to connect with the general public. The more we expand the party membership, the more benefit the party candidates will get in the upcoming assembly and therefore whoever you make a member, do it with a sense of privacy, he added. He said on September 25, on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, the party would run a Maha Membership Campaign. BJPs National Secretary and Co-incharge of Delhi BJP Dr. Alka Gurjar, National General Secretary Dushyant Gautam, Delhi BJPs Pawan Rana, Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, MP Yogendra Chandolia, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Vishnu Mittal, Vijender Gupta and several other leaders were present on the occasion. The 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference will be held at Parliament House in New Delhi on September 23 and 24. The conference will be chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is also the Chairperson of the CPA India Region. A total of 46 presiding officers, including 4 Chairmen, 25 Speakers, 3 Deputy Chairmen, and 14 Deputy Speakers from the legislatures of various States and Union Territories (UTs), along with their Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, and accompanying officers, are expected to attend the conference over the next two days. Advertisement Preceding the main conference, an Executive Committee meeting of the CPA India Region will also be held to discuss the functioning of legislative bodies within the region. The theme of this years conference is The Role of Legislative Bodies in the Attainment of Sustainable and Inclusive Development. The conference will explore the vital role legislative bodies play in driving sustainable growth and ensuring inclusive development across India and its States and UTs. The CPA India Region, established in 2004 after being separated from the CPA Asia Region, is one of the nine regions of the CPA and currently includes 31 Member Branches, including the Indian Parliament and 30 State and UT legislatures. This will be the second time that New Delhi is hosting the CPA India Region Conference. The Delhi BJP Youth Wing staged a protest, along with an exhibition to expose the alleged corruption in the Kejriwal Government, at the citys iconic Connaught Place on Sunday. Lauding the youth workers of the party for their efforts, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said the people of the city are fed up with the irregularities in the Kejriwal Government. He said Kejriwal should not be under the impression that by tendering resignation he would be absolved of everything. He will have to answer for the ten years of misgovernance. Advertisement He further said that the former Delhi CM should understand that elections will be held in January-February 2025 and the people of the city will, this time, entrust the BJP with the responsibility to serve them. After that, we will investigate every act of corruption by the Kejriwal Government, Sachdeva added. Speaking on the occasion, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta recalled that Kejriwal had once said he would run the government from jail, but the people of Delhi have shown that neither can a government be run from jail, nor on bail. Over the last six months, water shortage, broken roads, and now the revelation of corruption have reached the people, he said. People of Delhi have resolved to remove the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, and Kejriwals Janata Adalat can no longer save his power. Gupta alleged that the newly-appointed chief minister, Atishi, would also prove ineffective. Meanwhile, BJP MP Ramvir Bidhuri said when the liquor scam surfaced, he had told Kejriwal that his policy would fail because it was motivated by corrupt intentions, but he did not listen. However, when the CBI investigation began, he reversed his decision. Currently, even though the Supreme Court has granted bail to Kejriwal, he has not been proven innocent, Bidhuri pointed out. For the past two years, the BJP has been protesting against Kejriwals corrupt government, and the outcome of these protests is the exposure of this massive corruption, and the top court also found the charges against Kejriwal to be valid, he added. BJP Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor alleged that today, Kejriwals name has become synonymous with betrayal, and by not allowing Atishi to speak at his public court, the AAP chief has shown the kind of remote-controlled government he intends to run. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplaned for New York from Philadelphia airport on Saturday night (local time) after attending the Quad Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations on Sunday. The Prime Minister will chair some key bilateral meetings in New York during the visit. President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders Summit is a farewell summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countriesAustralia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware. PM Modi said the discussions with Quad leaders were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. He added that the member states will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity building. Glad to have met Quad Leaders during todays Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The discussions were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. We will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity building, Prime Minister Modi posted on X. Advertisement On the sidelines of the event, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. Had a very good meeting with PM Kishida. Discussed cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductors, defence, green energy and more. Strong India-Japan ties are great for global prosperity, PM Modi stated. Held extensive discussions with PM Albanese. We seek to add even more momentum in areas like trade, security, space and culture. India greatly cherishes the time tested friendship with Australia, he said in a subsequent post. The PM is headed to New York where he will address a diaspora event today. He will also engage with CEOs in a roundtable discussion. On September 23, PM Modi will address the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. PM Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest, on the sidelines of the summit. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called the Summit a once in a generation UN Summit. Summit of the Future is an important milestone in the history of the UN as it enters the 80th year of its establishment in 2025. A large number of global leaders are expected to participate in the summit. In a sharp rebuke to National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will never be restored. Referring to Abdullahs recent statements about bringing back Article 370, Shah asserted that for generations to come, the Article 370 will remain a thing of the past. Farooq Sahab says they will bring back Article 370. But I want to tell him that it cannot be brought back for the generations to come, Shah said while addressing a gathering in poll-bound Jammu and Kashmirs Nowshera. Advertisement He added that the days of fear in Jammu and Kashmir are over, and security has been strengthened under the Narendra Modi-led government. Now, bunkers are not needed because no one can dare to fire bullets. Agar wahan see goli aayi to goli ka jawab gole se diya jayega (If a bullet is fired from there, it will be met with a shell in return), the home minister added. Shah further alleged that attempts are being made to bring back the flag associated with Sheikh Abdullah, Farooq Abdullahs father, in Jammu and Kashmir. They want to bring back Sheikh Abdullahs flag, but let me be clear, only our Tricolour will hoist in Jammu and Kashmir, he asserted. The Union Home Minister also dismissed any possibility of dialogue with Pakistan, reiterating the governments firm stance that talks will only happen when the country stops its acts of terrorism. They want us to have a dialogue with Pakistan, but we are not in favour of having a dialogue with Pakistan until terrorism comes to an end, Shah said. Shah also criticised attempts to secure the release of jailed terrorists, reiterating that no terrorist or stone pelter will be released from jail. They want to free the terrorists from jails, but the Narendra Modi government has buried terrorism very deeply. Any terrorist or stone pelter will not be freed from jail, he assured the crowd. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida reviewed the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries and exchanged views to deepen cooperation further, including defence and security ties and B2B and P2P collaborations. Both the leaders, who met in the US on September 21 on the sidelines of Quad Leaders Summit, in Wilmington, Delaware, warmly recalled their many interactions, especially since their first Annual Summit in March 2022. PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Kishida for his unwavering dedication and leadership in enabling advances in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership over the last few years. Advertisement The two leaders noted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is in its 10th year and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. PM Modi bid farewell to the outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and wished him success and fulfillment in his future endeavours. Had a very good meeting with PM Kishida. Discussed cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductors, defence, green energy and more. Strong India-Japan ties are great for global prosperity, Modi said in a post on X. Kishida, who took office in 2021, decided this summer not to seek reelection. He is set to step down as prime minister after his LDPs leadership election on September 27. In the past seven and a half years, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented significant measures to combat cyber crime and protect the hard-earned money of the states residents. The key initiatives include the establishment of 18 regional cyber crime police stations, digital forensic labs, and cyber help desks in every police station across the state. Advertisement Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths directives, the Special Task Force (STF) has taken decisive action against cyber criminals, resulting in the arrest of 379 individuals linked to various cyber crime activities. Notably, the STF apprehended a gang of 16 cyber criminals responsible for defrauding an associate professor from SGPGI of approximately Rs 2 crores. These arrests were made in Lucknow and Gautam Buddha Nagar. The deployment of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UPSTF) to dismantle major cyber crime networks and gangs is among the key initiatives of the state government. As a result of these efforts, Uttar Pradesh has seen a significant decline in cyber crime cases over the past seven and a half years. The UPSTF has launched an ongoing campaign to apprehend cyber criminals. This initiative has led to the exposure of numerous gangs engaged in fraudulent activities, including creating cloned cheques, operating fake telecalling centers, and running bogus insurance schemes. In total, the STF has arrested 379 cyber criminals during this period and recovered a substantial cache of equipment, including computers, laptops, walkie-talkies, mobile phones, SIM cards, and cash. The STF dismantled one of the largest online fraud gangs in the state, arresting 105 members and seizing approximately 200,000 data points from major companies such as Reliance Future, Exide, Birla Sun Life, Max Life, PNB Met Life, HDFC Agro, Paytm Online Shopping, Shyclues, and Flipkart, which were used to facilitate their fraudulent operations. Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Singh of the Special Task Force (STF) announced here on Sunday that a comprehensive campaign is underway across Uttar Pradesh to apprehend cyber criminals. Over the past seven and a half years, this initiative has led to the arrest of a significant number of offenders, with Gautam Buddha Nagar, Lucknow, and Ghaziabad being the hotspots for these operations. In Gautam Buddha Nagar alone, 225 major cyber criminals have been apprehended, followed by 116 in Lucknow and 9 in Ghaziabad. The campaign has also resulted in the arrests of five cyber fraudsters each from Prayagraj, Agra, and Delhi, as well as one criminal each from Pratapgarh, Jaunpur, and Kanpur Nagar. Four cyber criminals were captured in Fatehpur and Gorakhpur, and three others were arrested in Rajasthan. The STF has also uncovered multiple fraud cases linked to a cyber thug from Bihar, who was brought to Uttar Pradesh on transit remand in connection with an online fraud case in Varanasi. In a decisive crackdown on crime, the Uttar Pradesh government, adhering to its Zero Tolerance Policy has relentlessly targeted notorious criminals and illegal operations across the state. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UPSTF) has taken swift action against drug traffickers, arms smugglers, cyber criminals, and the nakal mafia. Over the past seven-and-a-half years, more than 7,000 notorious criminals have been arrested while 49 others have been killed in police encounters, dealing a severe blow to organised crime in the state. Additionally, a large quantity of illegal weapons, narcotics, and banned animal skins and bones have been seized. The STF, using its intelligence network, also thwarted more than 559 criminal incidents before they could occur, further demonstrating its proactive approach. Advertisement ADG STF Amitabh Yash said here on Sunday that, in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths directives, the STF is carrying out a campaign to curb crime and apprehend criminals across the state vigorously. Over the past seven and a half years, the STF has arrested a total of 7,015 notorious and wanted criminals, with 49 criminals being killed during this period. All of them had bounties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5 lakh, he said. Additionally, through heightened alertness and vigilance under the zero-tolerance policy, more than 559 criminal incidents were averted before they could occur. These included serious crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and the planned murders of public representatives, prominent individuals, and ordinary citizens. Furthermore, 3,970 organized criminals were also apprehended during this time, he added. On the instructions of the chief minister, the STF has taken action against 926 kingpins and solvers from 193 gangs over the past seven and a half years to eliminate examination-related malpractices such as cheating and paper leaks. Additionally, 379 cybercriminals involved in various cyber crimes have also been apprehended. In a separate campaign targeting illegal arms smuggling, the STF arrested 189 criminals, recovering 2,080 illegal weapons and 8,229 illegal cartridges from their possession. Furthermore, the STF cracked down on liquor smuggling, arresting 523 smugglers involved in transporting liquor from states such as Punjab and Haryana. A total of 80,579 boxes of liquor, 330,866 liters of rectified spirit, and 7,560 liters of prepared country liquor were seized during these operations. STF Deputy SP Deepak Singh reported that the agency arrested 1,082 individuals involved in the illegal drug trade and seized a large quantity of narcotics, including 91,147.48 kg of ganja, 2,054.651 kg of charas, 19,727.1 kg of doda/poppy, 7.06 kg of morphine, 723.758 kg of smack, 21.521 kg of heroin, 181.012 kg of opium, 6.1 kg of brown sugar, 6.938 kg of methadrone, and 280,899 banned drugs. Vehicles used in the transportation of these substances were also seized, and appropriate legal action was taken. In addition, the STF arrested 170 criminals from various gangs involved in poaching and smuggling of prohibited wildlife. The recoveries included 341 kg of tortoise calipee, 2 pangolins, 1 tiger skin, 18 kg of tiger bone, 2 elephant tusks, 8,011 tortoises, 4,922 prohibited birds, 1 hyena skeleton, 20 grey langurs, 1 leopard skin, 4.12 kg of ambergris, 4 wild boar teeth, 563.1 kg of red sandalwood, 44 ivory items, 25 leopard teeth, 24 leopard nails, 110 jackal horns, 140 Indrajal plants, 1 tiger skeleton, 1 python, and 1 snake. Vehicles, cash, and other items used in these illegal activities were also recovered. During this period, the STF carried out a total of 2,670 commendable operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that the Quad should stand for upholding the international order based on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and with a commitment to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes. He underlined that the Quad was here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement the efforts of Indo-Pacific countries. Modi, who participated in the sixth Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware on September 21, said that a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific was a shared objective of the Quad partners. Advertisement Free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our shared priority and shared commitment. We have collaboratively undertaken numerous positive and inclusive initiatives in areas such as Health, Security, Critical and Emerging Technologies, Climate Change, and Capacity Building, Modi said in his remarks at the QUAD Leaders Summit. Our message is unequivocal: QUAD is here to stay, to assist, to partner, and to complement, he said. In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi thanked US President Joe Biden for hosting the Summit and for his personal commitment to strengthen the Quad as a force for global good. At the outset of my third term, it gives me great pleasure to participate in this QUAD Summit alongside my friends. There could be no better place to celebrate the 20th anniversary of QUAD than President Bidens own city, Wilmington. As Amtrak Joe, you have been associated with this city and Delaware, you have fostered a similar bond with the QUAD, he said. PM Modi said the first Summit of Quad countries was held under leadership of US President Joe Biden in 2021. Under your leadership, the first Summit took place in 2021, and in such a brief time, we have unprecedentedly expanded our collaboration across all fronts. Your personal involvement has been instrumental in this achievement. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to your unwavering commitment to QUAD, your leadership, and your contribution, Modi said. The Prime Minister said at a time when the world is ridden with tensions and conflicts, the coming together of Quad partners, with shared democratic ethos and values, is important for humanity. Our meeting is taking place at a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and conflicts. In such a situation, it is crucial for the QUAD to unite around our shared democratic values for the greater good of humanity. We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of all issues, PM Modi said. Once again, I would like to extend my greetings to President Biden and all my fellow colleagues. We look forward to hosting the QUAD Leaders Summit in India in 2025, he added. Apart from PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also participated in the sixth Quad Leaders Summit. The forum has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The Modi government has decided to bring the controversial One Nation One Poll Bill to Parliament in the next session. The timing was excellent as it was announced on the day the Prime Minister completed 100 days in office in his third term. While the idea seems reasonable, and we must move gradually towards the concept, is the country ready for it? Is there a consensus among the political parties for such a move? Does Modi have the required majority to get the bill passed in Parliament? While persuading the BJP-ruled states will be easy, will the opposition-ruled states agree? There are many such questions. On the whole, without mobilising the numbers required for a two-thirds majority in Lok Sabha, Constitutional amendments cannot be passed. Opposition parties are not in favour of the concept. They include the Congress, the Left parties, Trinamool Congress and regional and smaller parties. They fear that the synchronised polls might favour the BJP. The Prime Minister has been batting for the One Nation, One Election concept to check the disruptions caused by frequent elections. Modi and the BJP think that it would favour the party. He tried to bring it in his first two terms but failed. Further, the BJP manifestos also promised to get the idea implemented. The government set up a highlevel committee headed by former President Ramnath Kovind last year. In its report, the committee endorsed the governments proposal. The committee suggested the formation of a committee to oversee the implementation. Though the ruling party and the Kovind Committee support the idea, the measure faces constitutional, legal, political and other obstacles. Currently, elections for state assemblies and Lok Sabha are held separately, but from 1952 to 1967, India had one synchronised election. Advertisement This trend of holding separate elections began during Prime Minister Indira Gandhis time. It was because she used Article 356 to dismiss state governments with the result that the election cycle was disturbed. The Law Commission is also likely to propose synchronised polls across all three levels of government Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies by 2029. Apart from the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reiterated commitment to the proposal when Modi completed 100 days this week in his third term. The Kovind committee suggests a joint electoral roll for all elections so that voters will use the same list for national, state, and local polls. It would reduce errors in voter registration. To promote transparency and inclusion, it is planned to hold detailed discussions nationwide to gather feedback from various stakeholders. The Committee has suggested a two-phase implementation. In the first phase, elections will be held for Lok Sabha and Assemblies. The second phase will hold polls for local bodies and urban local bodies. The opposition parties have yet to come on board because they believe that simultaneous polls mean an advantage for the BJP. Already, the Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen have rejected the proposal. Congress leaders Mallikharjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi claimed the concept wont work in a democracy. The main objections come from the regional and smaller parties with different issues. The next hurdle is the amendment of the Constitution. This may be tricky because Modi has no majority in Lok Sabha. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority, and the BJP is far from that. Also, the Constitution of India is silent over whether polls should happen simultaneously. The third challenge is deploying adequate forces. The Election Commission would require 24 lakh electronic voting machines and voter-verifiable paper audit trail machines. These logistical challenges need to be addressed. Above all, the most important thing is political consensus. How will the government persuade the opposition parties to agree on the one nation, one poll idea? The Centre must go out of the way, consult each political party, and convince it. The logistics side also needs to be considered, particularly on security. While the government is in a hurry, the Opposition wants to settle political scores. The BJP must take adequate measures to bring the Opposition on board. Since the idea is good and checks the wastage of money and the occurrence of elections every two years, the Opposition must think twice before rejecting the idea. Political scores cannot be settled on a sensitive subject like One Nation One poll. Even if the bill is defeated in Parliament, Modi can always claim that he brought the measure to Parliament to fulfil a poll promise, but the Opposition sabotaged it. While the move may thus not be immediately possible, it is worth exploring ways to implement it eventually. The tragic plight of Indian men lured into joining the Russian army ~ with the obvious intent of sending them to battle Ukraine ~ through deceitful travel agents, underscores the severe risks posed by human trafficking and fraudulent job schemes. Many of these men, hailing from economically disadvantaged regions, sought better lives abroad, only to find themselves on a battlefield in a foreign land. This situation is emblematic of the vulnerabilities that unregulated migration and the false promises of unscrupulous intermediaries create. The exploitation these individuals faced did not end when they reached Russia. Promised non-combat roles, they were instead coerced into joining the Russian army, with threats of imprisonment hanging over them. Their harrowing experiences ~ surviving bombings, drone strikes and witnessing the deaths of fellow soldiers ~ reveal the full extent of their ordeal. Many were mentally and physically shattered, and for some, the trauma will last a lifetime. At the heart of this tragedy is a deep-rooted issue: the exploitation of the economically disadvantaged by rogue travel agents. These agents took advantage of their clients desperation and dreams of a better future, convincing them to sign contracts they could not understand. Worse, some agents retained duplicate debit cards to siphon off the salaries the men were earning, leaving them financially devastated upon their return. This fraud points to a larger systemic failure. While economic challenges in states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh push people to seek opportunities abroad, the lack of proper regulation and oversight in the recruitment industry leaves these job seekers vulnerable to exploitation. The absence of sufficient job opportunities at home adds to their desperation, making them easy targets for human traffickers disguised as job consultants. Advertisement The fraudulent actions of these intermediaries reflect not just criminal behavior but also an exploitation of the poverty and helplessness that drive young men to leave their families and risk everything abroad. Moreover, the role of Indian authorities in addressing these scams has been reactive rather than preventive. While investigations have been launched, and some efforts made to bring the men back home, these are short-term solutions. The root of the issue ~ lack of employment opportunities and poor regulation of overseas recruitment ~ remains unaddressed. Unless the government tackles the systemic problems that lead to such exploitation, more individuals will likely fall prey to these schemes. There is also an urgent need to impose strict regulations on travel agents and recruitment agencies operating in India. Transparent systems must be established to ensure that prospective workers fully understand the nature of the work they are being hired for, especially when language barriers exist. Holding fraudulent agents accountable and compensating the victims should be top priorities for Indian authorities. The Centre must take swift and decisive action to prevent further exploitation of its citizens and to ensure that those who have already been wronged receive justice and support. India, a modern-day exemplar of democratic values, is standing at the threshold of an important reform ~ One Nation, One Election. As a nation that has set the benchmark for democratic processes, it becomes crucial that we reflect on how to improve the effectiveness, equity, and sustainability of our democratic systems. Elections are essential to a healthy democracy, but they should serve the countrys agenda of national growth, not hinder it. Simultaneous elections dont just refer to a logistical change but a transformative shift that will unlock the full potential of Indian governance. As we march toward a Viksit Bharat ~ a developed India ~ this change may serve as the impetus for streamlining our democracy to meet the aspirations of an upcoming global power. Democracies thrive on the active participation of their citizens and ability of their institutions to stay stable. However, regular elections in India are a continual source of distraction to both the people of India and the politicians. Currently, elections in India are staggered over several months, with some state or the other going to the polls at a given time. This puts the nation in a constant state of campaign mode, with political parties fixated on electoral strategies rather than governing. Democracy is not only about casting a ballot; it is also about governing well. This process is hampered by the ongoing election cycle, which draws focus away from implementing policies and toward winning elections. One of the most significant advantages of holding simultaneous elections is the financial savings it would generate. Every time there is an election, whether it is a state or federal one, enormous resources are spent on staff, security, campaigning, and logistics. Even though the work at hand ~ electing representatives ~ is fundamentally the same, these expenses are constantly incurred under the current system. Elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies can be held concurrently, allowing the Centre and the states to split the costs evenly and saving a significant amount of public funds. Advertisement This is particularly crucial for developing nations like India, where money saved from recurrent elections is better used to support urgent needs like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The democratic principle demands that public funds should be efficiently used, and holding of simultaneous elections is a step in that direction. The fact that regular elections lead to uncertainty in the business climate is equally significant. Political shifts frequently result in uncertainty in policies and supply chain disruptions, which have an immediate impact on businesses and industries, especially those that depend on migrant labour or supply continuity. Businesses are unable to make long term decisions because of a persistent worry of changing political winds, which stunts their ability to grow. A more stable political climate would result from synchronizing elections, allowing companies to concentrate on development and expansion rather than hedging their bets against prospective policy changes every few months. Indias economy would grow dramatically as a result of this stability, which would also allow companies to plan with assurance. Moreover, the perpetual cycle of elections frequently makes it difficult to put important policies into action. Elections produce a political climate in which governments, both national and state, put off making critical decisions out of concern for public backlash. Vital welfare programmes often face delays or slowdowns even in the absence of the Model Code of Conduct, as political attention completely turns to election campaigning. Development initiatives therefore frequently stall, and the momentum required to propel reforms is lost. Simultaneous elections would lessen the likelihood of these interruptions, enabling the administration to stay focused on development and governance for the duration of its mandate. This would result in much smoother implementation of policies and also a more consistent flow of public services to the citizens, thus aligning with the long-term goal of creating a Viksit Bharat. The burden that regular elections inflict on the security and administrative machinery is another important factor. Administrative staff, educators, and government workers are diverted from their primary duties to perform election-related tasks during election seasons. Offices are understaffed, schools are shuttered, and security personnel are taking time away from their principal responsibility of upholding peace and order. This impacts vital services like education in addition to causing inefficiencies in governance. Simultaneous elections would allow the administrative set up to fun ction more effectively by reducing the diversion of resources for election duties. Security forces, too, would be relieved of the constant election-related deployments, allowing them to focus on their primary role of maintaining internal security and public order. The efficiency gained from reducing such distractions would have a ripple effect on governance, ensuring that essential services continue uninterrupted. Simultaneous elections would also encourage voting, which is essential to any functional democracy. Voter weariness develops when elections are spaced out over multiple time periods, which lowers turn out in state-specific elections. On the other hand, simultaneous elections increase voter turnout because citizens understand the importance of voting for both state and federal legislatures at the same time. Since the public would be making a decision on a broad scale at one time, political parties would need to provide more thorough campaigns that address both local and national issues. Increased voter turnout results in more representative governance. This would foster a more robust democratic climate where the interests of voters take precedence over immediate political benefits. Simultaneous elections have sparked worries from some that local issues may take precedence over national ones, potentially marginalizing regional parties. This reasoning, nevertheless, falls apart when examined more closely. Indian voters have demonstrated time and again that they are capable of telling state elections from national ones. Even in elections that are held close together, they frequently elect different parties to office at the state and federal levels. Regional parties would still have lots of chances to interact with their voters and bring up regional concerns. In fact, simultaneous elections would encourage national parties to concentrate more on local issues, fostering greater political competition and guaranteeing that local, regional, and national issues are sufficiently addressed. In reality, since voters would be making more thoughtful and well-informed decisions, this would strengthen Indias democracy. Countries around the world, including Brazil, the Philippines, and Honduras, have adopted some form of simultaneous elections, demonstrating that this model is both practical and effective. These nations have seen the benefits of holding elections at multiple levels simultaneously, including reduced costs, increased voter turnout, and more efficient governance. India, with its vast electorate and complex political landscape, stands to gain even more from such a system. Once implemented, the logistical challenges, while real, would be far outweighed by the gains in governance, fiscal responsibility, and democratic participation. Though there are difficulties with the One Nation, One Election plan, India has continuously shown itself to be a creative and adaptable democracy. There is an obvious need for reform. Small implementation problems shouldnt be used as a justification for skipping execution if the reasoning is sound. Concurrent elections would simplify government, lessen the nations financial load, steady the business climate, and increase democratic engagement. Governments would be free to concentrate on accomplishing goals rather than constantly promoting for the next election. In a nation as diverse and dynamic as India, this reform is not just desirable ~ it is necessary for the continued growth and development of the country. India can take a step toward becoming a fully developed country and a Viksit Bharat, where governance is effective, responsive, and focused on the needs of the people rather than the demads of the election calendar, by adopting this revolutionary idea. (The writer is a Professor at XLRI and a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party) US President Joe Biden commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his historic visit to Ukraine and his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for the war-torn nation and also told the Indian leader that Washington supports initiatives to reform global institutions, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council. At their bilateral meeting Saturday on the margins of the Quad Summit, the two leaders reaffirmed their support for the freedom of navigation and the protection of commerce, including critical maritime routes in West Asia where India will assume co-lead in 2025 of the Combined Task Force 150 to work with Combined Maritime Forces to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea. The two leaders voiced their view that a closer US-India partnership is vital to the success of efforts to build a cleaner, inclusive, more secure, and more prosperous future for the planet. Advertisement PM Modi conveyed to President Biden his appreciation for his unparalleled contributions in giving impetus to the India-US partnership at their bilateral meeting on the margins of the Quad Summit. In a special gesture, President Biden hosted the meeting at his home in Wilmington. The PM warmly recalled his State visit to the US in June 2023 and President Bidens visit to India in September 2023 for the G-20 Leaders Summit. Mr Modi noted that the visits have imparted greater dynamism and depth to the India-US partnership. He emphasised that India and the US today enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership that covers all areas of human endeavour, driven by shared democratic values, the convergence of interests and vibrant people-to-people ties. The two leaders discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on global and regional issues including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. They expressed confidence in the strength and continuing resilience of the relationship and their belief in its significance for all areas of human endeavor between the two countries. On the occasion of PM Modis visit, the US facilitated the return of 297 antiquities that had been stolen or trafficked from India. These will shortly be repatriated to India. In a symbolic handing over, a select few pieces were showcased to PM Modi and President Biden on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting. The PM thanked President Biden for his support in the return of these artifacts. He noted that these objects were not just part of Indias historical material culture, but formed the inner core of its civilization and consciousness. The antiquities belong to a period spanning almost 4000 years, from 2000 BCE 1900 CE and have origins in different parts of India. The majority of the antiquities are terracotta artifacts from Eastern India, while others are made in stone, metal, wood and ivory and belong to different parts of the country. In recent times, restitution of cultural property has become an important aspect of India-US cultural understanding and exchange. Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has launched large scale rocket attacks on Israel, days after exploding pagers and walkie-talkies killed dozens and wounded thousands in Lebanon. The rockets have reportedly targeted industrial and military sites in northern Israel. According to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the Lebanon based armed group fired as many as 105 rockets into Israel. Advertisement While most of the rockets were intercepted by Israels air defence systems, some of them hit the ground and damaged some homes, the IDF said. Confirming the attack, Hezbollah said it had fired dozens of rockets towards Israel in response to the pager and walkie-talkie explosions last week. Hezbollah blamed Israel for these attacks. However, Israel has not claimed responsibility so far. Following the device explosions, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that Israel has crossed all red lines and vowed just punishment. Earlier on Saturday, Israel had launched air strikes in Lebanon to target Hezbollah facilities, saying the group was preparing to fire towards Israeli territory. The cross-border exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel escalated following the last years deadly October 8 attacks on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed outfit had openly supported Hamass brutal killings of Israel civilians. The group also launched air strikes on Israel from the Lebanon side of the border in solidarity with Hamas. Israel launched a series of airstrikes on towns and villages in southern and eastern Lebanon on Saturday afternoon, prompting Hezbollahs retaliatory bombing at northern Israel, according to Lebanese military sources. The sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out about 50 airstrikes in less than half an hour, more intense than previous airstrikes, targeting Hezbollah sites and the outskirts of dozens of towns and villages in southern and eastern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced in separate statements that in response to the Israeli airstrikes, the group has attacked several bases and sites in northern Israel, Xinhua news agency reported. Advertisement The Islamic Resistance fighters targeted on Saturday the Northern Commands air defense missile system at Berea Barracks with Katyusha rockets, and bombed the headquarters for reconnaissance force of Golani Brigade 631 at Ramot Naftali Barracks with a salvo of Katyusha rockets and attacked the Jal al-Alam Israeli site, located between the towns of Alma Al-Shaab and Naqoura, with artillery shells, it said. Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following communication device explosions across Lebanon earlier this week that killed 37 and injured 2,931, as well as an Israeli airstrike on Friday targeting a building in the Jamous area in the southern suburbs of Beirut that killed at least 31 and injured 66. These developments marked the latest escalation of ongoing conflict on the Israel-Lebanon border that began on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, prompting Israels retaliatory artillery fire and airstrikes into southeastern Lebanon. The conflict has already caused heavy casualties and displaced tens of thousands on both sides. Colorado Springs police are searching for a man who reportedly assaulted a family member Friday night. CSPD arrived at the 1300 block of Tappan Circle at approximately 8:15 p.m. for a family disturbance call. Upon arrival, officers learned that a man had assaulted a family member with a stick. The injured family member was taken to a nearby hospital; the investigation is ongoing. The incident is believed to be isolated, and police say there is no danger currently to the community. One of Indias most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever. Aswani was the wife of Pessumal Aswani, an ultra wealthy Sindhi businessman with global interests, especially between Africa and India. Along with Sunita Pitamber, Uma Dubash and Parmeshwar Godrej, Indira Aswani made for the golden quartet of Bombays grand dames. They were very wealthy wives, renowned hostesses and upholders of the highest echelons of privileged society. They existed before Instagram, or the internet, or the glut of gushing glossy magazines. They entertained fabulously, wore international fashion, collected art before it was an acquisition, they could sniff an antique from far away, simply because it probably came back with them in one of their 10 suitcases. Their drawing rooms were where you met Indias nation builders, American presidents, Hollywood stars and a sprinkling of royalty from across the world. You almost never read about these evenings. If you knew you just knew, before it became a hashtag. Aswani lived in a South Bombay duplex apartment, with her husband and her five children. She was mother to Minal Modi (the late wife of IPL founder and Godfrey Phillips scion Lalit Modi); African art expert and adviser to the Tate museum Kavita Chellaram, wife of NRI businessman and Rajasthan Royals owner Suresh Chellaram; Divya Aswani; renowned interior designer Priya Aswani; and Ravi Aswani. Ravis wife Margarita is a deputy director at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Indira Aswani with daughter Priya Indira aunty, as known to a whole generation of Mumbai, was a silver-haired maven. She became a touchstone of elegance, thanks to her understated lifestyle and penchant for perfectionism. Her childrens friends remember that the food in her kitchen outdid any well-ranked French restaurant. Each evening, Aswani would be a vision taking her hour-long walk at Mumbais racecourse. She would always be dressed in pristine white. She would often say that her morning prayers and evening walk were the secret to her timeless beauty. She wouldnt miss her prayers and walk wherever she would travel in the world. Aswani made chiffon saris, white linen shirts and elegant diamonds a womans must-haves. It sounds simplistic today, but so much of what we understand as old-world elegance was a template set by women like her. She was an original tastemaker. Designer Tarun Tahiliani was greatly influenced by Aswani and her daughter Minal, who he considered his muse. My mother and some naval wives would go to Indira auntys home as her secretary would organise a sale of French chiffon saris. Indira aunty always had an aura, she was exquisitely beautiful and had an innate style. Even if you met her early in the morning, you couldnt keep your eyes off her, remembers Tahiliani. The designer says she always wore simple chiffons, tailored pants and Manolo Blahnik shoes. Despite her wealth, she was so kind, gracious and encouraging of people. I always wanted to photograph her and Minal for my campaigns, and they would always say they dressed up for themselves, not for others, he smiles. They hated not being private. For the Sindhi community in India, Indira Aswani was the last word. Tahiliani says Aswani was a lesson in hosting. Even the way a bowl of fruit or a glass of water was served, it was presented in the most decorated manner. I hate the word royalty, but they were bigger than that, he says. Todays rich like to show their worth, their private functions are for public consumption. Aswani takes with her a long-held tradition of discretion and mystery that Indias tastemakers possessed. X@namratazakaria Since 1907 when the legendary Jamshedji Tata set up Indias first steel plant at the present-day Jamshedpur, the people of Odisha carried a grievance with them. That the Tata Group built its factory in Bihar (now Jharkhand) despite taking raw materials from neighbouring Odisha. The steel plant extracted iron ore from the then princely state of Mayurbhanj in north Odisha to produce steel from its Jamshedpur plant. Even people within Tata agree that during the early years, the plant was fully dependent on the Odisha ore. The extraction also exhausted the Badamphara, Gorumahisani and Suleipat iron ore belts in the Maurbhanj district. While it is unknown whether this prompted Odisha's legendary leader Biju Patnaik, with then Industries minister George Fernandes, to push for the nationalisation of the Tata Steel plant when he was the Union Steel and Mines Minister in the Morarjee Desai Cabinet, Odisha's patriarch Patnaik managed to sell the ailing Charge Chrome Plant of OMC Alloys to Tata Steel in September 1991, during his second stint as Odisha's Chief Minister. Tata Group then went on to set up its first steel plant in Odisha during Naveen Patnaik's regime at Kalinganagar. It also acquired another steel unit in the state's Dhenkanal district besides taking over the public sector Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL) in the state's Kalinganagar. Yet, comparisons with the Jamshedpur plant, which had a higher capacity than all of those in Odisha, remained. Not anymore. The century-old woe has now been erased with Tata's Phase-II expansion and the commissioning of a new blast furnace, billed as India's largest, at the Kalinganagar plant on Saturday. This took Tata Steel Odishas capacity to 14.6 MT, compared to 12 MT of its Jamshedpur unit. With the Phase-II expansion, Odisha also emerged as the largest investment destination in India for Tata Steel while it took almost a century for the Jamshedpur unit to reach the 12 MT capacity. Watch how were making steel, shaping steel, and shaping lives As we continue our journey towards a sustainable tomorrow at our Kalinganagar Plant, were transforming lives through sustainable steel making, innovation, customer-centricity, community development, and growth! pic.twitter.com/Hg6OadrDpn Tata Steel (@TataSteelLtd) September 20, 2024 Interestingly, this record was achieved during the tenure of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who represents the mineral-rich Keonjhar district, where the maximum iron ore mines of Tata Steel are located. Tata in Odisha Though the then Prime Minister P V Narasingh Rao laid the foundation for Tata Steels second steel plant at Gopalpur on the southern coast of Odisha and 3,000 acres of land was acquired for the same in 1995, the project could not materialise due to several reasons, including local opposition and water availability. In 2004, when Naveen Patnaik became Chief Minister, Tata Steel signed a MoU with the government to set up its second steel project at Kalinganagar industrial area of Jajpur district, by the side of Daitary-Paradeep Expressway. The plan faced strong opposition from displaced people, leading to the death of 14 persons, including 13 tribals, in police firing in January 2006. The firing was later justified by the Judicial Commission yet the ghastly incident shocked everybody not only in Odisha but outside. Also read: Inquiry report into 2006 firing at Tata plant riles opposition in Odisha In 2010, Tata Steel, with the support of the state government, began work on the project. The first unit with a capacity of 3 MT was commissioned in 2015. The second-phase expansion to add another 5 MT capacity began in 2016, the commissioning of which was done on September 21. The second phase expansion entailed Rs 27,000 cr, taking the capacity of the Kalinganagar plant to 8 MT. With this, Tata Steels India capacity stands at 26.6 MT, closing the gap with JSW Steel at 28.3 MT. The new blast furnace with a volume of 5,870 square metres was inaugurated by T V Narendran, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Steel. This allowed the oldest steel maker to boost the plants overall production capabilities so that it could meet the growing demands of various industries, including automotive, infrastructure, power, shipbuilding and defence. It will also provide advantages in specific areas like oil and gas, lifting and excavation and construction, the company said in a statement. With the new furnace up and running, Odisha has carved out the largest pie of Tata Steels capacity anywhere in the world. Tata Steel acquired Neelachal Ispat Nigam (NINL), a public sector unit with a capacity of 1 MTPA, in 2022, adjacent to Kalinganagar. Jointly promoted by central and state PSUs, NINL was acquired at a cost of Rs. 12,100 cr. Besides, Tata Steel, in 2018, acquired a private sector steel plant Bhushan Steel of 5.2 MT capacity in the Dhenkanal district at Rs. 34,000 cr. Tata got this property after insolvency proceedings were initiated against the promoter in July 2017. All three capacities of Tata Steel in Odisha have a combined production capacity of more than 14 MT. The indications are that future expansion is being planned in Odisha, including the third phase in Kalinganagar and at NINL and Dhenkanal district. Tata's statement On the development, Narendran: "A key enabler of socio-economic development in the region, the expansion not only strengthens Tata Steels position as a leader in high-end, value-added steel segments but also showcases our advanced engineering prowess. It underscores our commitment to boosting private investment in India, aligning with the nations vision for self-reliance and sustainable industrial growth." Dr Pradeep Bal Samant, Minister of State for Cooperation, Handloom and Textiles in the Government of Odisha, expressed his happiness. "I am happy that Tata Steels production capacity in its three facilities is the highest and has surpassed its original base at Jamshedpur. I thank Tata Steel," he said. The key facilities in phase II expansion at Kalinganagar also include a pellet plant, coke plant and cold rolling mill each incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, said the company in a statement. It added that the new steel plant incorporates modern technologies focused on value-added products, operational efficiency and a significant reduction in carbon footprint. According to the Government of India, Odisha has been the largest steel producer in the country and its installed capacity was 33.36 MT before Tata Steels second phase was commissioned. By 2030, the state is expected to reach 130 MT. Loss-making telco Vodafone Idea has awarded Rs 30,000 crore worth of contracts to Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung to supply 4G and 5G network equipment for the next three years. Nokia and Ericsson are Vodafone Idea's long-term partners while Samsung is a new entrant. The move is part of the struggling telecom operator's Rs 55,000 crore capital expenditure plan. The company expects to expand the 4G coverage from the current 1.03 billion Indian subscribers to 1.2 billion as well as launching 5G in key markets with the new contracts. n energy and thus lower operating costs The supplies will start coming in from the upcoming third quarter starting October. against these new long-term awards will start in the coming quarter. The telco stated that after the recent fundraising via an FPO and the additional spectrum acquisition of Rs 35 billion in June, it was able to execute some quick-win capital expenditure by deploying more spectrum on existing sites as well as foraying into new areas. The company claims the move has helped it boost its capacity by 15 per cent and increase its population coverage by 16 million by end of September. It added that there is an improvement in the customer experience in places where the rollout was completed. Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra said the telco continues to invest in emerging network technologies and will stage a smart turnaround to participae in the industry growth opportunities. The shares of Vodafone Idea slumped around 20 per cent on Thursday, witnessing the biggest single-day drop since January 2022. On Friday, it plunged a further 5 per cent, hitting a 52-week-low of Rs 9.79 apiece. This came after the Supreme Court dismissed the telecom firm's Curative Petition for relief on its AGR dues of Rs 703 billion. On June 27, the shares of the telco hit its 52-week-high of Rs 19.18 per share after it declared a tariff hike along with rivals Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio. Karnataka High Court judge Justice V. Srishananda has expressed regret over the alleged objectionable remarks he had made during the judicial proceedings and said his statements were reported out of context on social media platforms. A few observations made during judicial proceedings were reported out of context on social media platforms. The observations were unintentional and not meant to hurt any individual or any section of society. If such observations hurt any individual or any section of society or community, I express my sincere regrets," Justice Srishananda said. Justice Srishananda read out the statement as the court proceedings commenced on Saturday afternoon. Some members of the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru (AAB) were also present when Justice Srishananda read out his message. The judge had made the controversial remarks while hearing a case related to landlord-tenant dispute. A video clip that went viral on social media shows Justice Srishananda referring to a Muslim-dominated locality in Bengaluru as "Pakistan". On Friday, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the judge's comments. "We will ask the Register General of the High Court to send us a report and perhaps with your assistance lay down some guidelines on observations in the course of hearings and draw the issues now that social media is now so prominent in observing proceedings in court, commenting on that, the apex court said. The bench further noted that there was a need to establish clear guidelines for constitutional court judges regarding their remarks in court. The severed body parts of Mahalakshmi Das, a 28-year-old mall worker, were found inside the refrigerator of her Bengaluru accomadation on Thursday evening. The body of the woman was reportedly cut into 30 pieces and stored in the fridge for many days before being discovered by her landlord and family. The stench coming from the Malleswaram accommodation under Vyalikaval police station forced her sister and mother to break open the door that was locked from the outside in the owner's presence. They both fainted after seeing the severed head of Mahalakshmi in the bottom of the fridge that was infested by maggots. Bengaluru Police has hinted that it may take some time to crack the case. The victim's mobile phone was unreachable for many days and neighbours spoke about a man who used to travel with Mahalakshmi regularly. As things stand, here are five things about the murder case that shared eerie similarities with the Shraddha Walker case that shocked Delhi in 2022: 1. The victim: Hailing from Nepal, Mahalakshmi Das's parents had settled in Bengaluru's Nelamangala at least a couple of decades back. The 28-year-old was an employee at a mall in the locality and was away from her residence from 9:30 am to 10: 30 pm every day except for on weekly offs. 2. The crime scene: The victim was living alone as her child was with her husband, the Times Of India (TOI) said in a report. According to neighbours, Mahalakshmi moved in to the single-room accommodation five months ago. Initially, her elder brother stayed with her at the house but later left. 3. Family: Mahalakshmi had separated from her husband, who now lives with their only child in Nelamangala. Her own family, including her parents, lived not far from her accommodation. Thus, the landlord quickly summoned her elder sister and mother after being notified about the stench emanating from the room that was locked from the outside. ALSO READ | Bengaluru woman murder: Severed head on fridge's bottom shelf, legs on top, Mahalekshmi's mother, sister passed out in shock 4. The probe: The victim's mobile phone got switched off on September 2, TOI said in a report. The police are in the process of checking her call logs. They were amused by the fact that her family, despite living close by, didn't come by after her phone remained unresponsive for so many days. While it was initially suspected the crime took place a few days ago, the police now suspect that she was murdered soon after her phone was switched off. 5. The suspect: Mahalekshmi Das was not close to her neighbours and hardly interacted with them. However, they have confirmed that a man used to pick her up in the morning and drop her back after work. The cops are in the process of tracking down this unidentified man. The body parts were stuffed inside a 165-litre single-door fridge that was turned on. However, the severed body parts were in a decomposed state when found, reports said. The Colorado Springs City Council is scheduled Tuesday to cast its second vote on a proposed ordinance that will likely prevent recreational cannabis sales throughout much of the city, a move some officials worry could circumvent residents' wishes. On Sept. 10, the council voted 7-2 in favor of an ordinance that will modify city code and preemptively prohibit marijuana facilities that sell recreational cannabis from operating within 1 mile of K-12 schools and residential child care and drug or alcohol treatment facilities. Many other Front Range governments do not regulate retail marijuana facility zoning as rigidly as Colorado Springs could under this rule. For example, Manitou Springs prohibits retail marijuana dispensaries from operating within 500 feet of educational institutions, child care and alcohol or drug rehabilitation facilities. In Boulder and Denver, retail cannabis dispensaries cannot operate within 1,000 feet of those services. In Colorado Springs, medical marijuana stores are currently prohibited from operating within 1,000 feet of schools and child care facilities. Though Colorado Springs does not currently allow recreational marijuana sales in city limits, voters in November will decide between two competing ballot questions. A resident-backed question proposes allowing the city's roughly 90 existing permitted medical marijuana stores to opt into also selling retail marijuana. A council-backed question, in contrast, proposes amending city charter to prohibit retail marijuana stores and product, manufacturing, testing and cultivation facilities from operating in city boundaries. Councilwoman Lynette Crow-Iverson, who sponsored the ordinance, has said the proposed 1-mile buffer for recreational marijuana sales, measured by a route of direct pedestrian access, is "not scientific." She and other supporters have said they believe the proposed law will keep marijuana out of the hands of underage users. At previous council and planning commission meetings, supporters highlighted potential health effects of marijuana, particularly if it has high-potency THC, the main psychoactive component in the drug. It can cause sleep issues, anxiety, depression and can lead to addiction, One Chance to Grow Up representatives testified. The organization advocates for protecting children from the dangers of marijuana. More opportunities to purchase recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs will increase the likelihood that more people, including children, will use it, One Chance to Grow Up agents previously said. Councilwomen Yolanda Avila and Nancy Henjum, as well as planning commissioners who opposed the ordinance, said it could sidestep the will of voters if residents authorize recreational cannabis sales. A map provided by city planners shows the ordinance would likely limit permitted recreational marijuana sales to the city's eastern side, making it "very difficult" for shops to find a legal location to operate, Interim Planning Director Kevin Walker previously said. "The 1-mile setback ordinance is a de facto ban and an attempt to distract dispensary operators and voters. Those locations are not viable alternatives," Meghan Graf, spokesperson for Citizens for Responsible Marijuana Regulation, the resident-backed campaign, said in a Friday email. Crow-Iverson maintains the council has the authority to implement laws like the proposed marijuana ordinance. "We are not a democracy," she said Sept. 10. "We are elected to write policy and govern on behalf of the people." Opponents have not spoken against the ordinance at recent public hearings. Some doctors, attorneys, commercial landlords and the board of directors of the Colorado Springs Cannabis Association submitted letters to the council and planning commission urging both bodies to vote against the document. The city only considered implementing a 1-mile setback after it was clear residents could have the opportunity this fall to approve recreational sales, the Colorado Springs Cannabis Association's board of directors wrote in an Aug. 28 letter to planning commissioners. "The proposed setback has nothing to do with land use policy and everything to do with improperly mobilizing the power of the administrative state in an attempt to frustrate the will of Colorado Springs voters and taxpayers," that board wrote. In an Aug. 28 letter to the City Council and Planning Commission, Dr. Bryon Adinoff, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Doctors for Drug Policy Reform who has taught about, researched and treated alcohol and drug abuse in several capacities, pushed back against recent arguments made about the potential dangers of cannabis. Featured Local Savings Marijuana is not a "gateway drug" and does not lead to opioid use, he wrote. There has been no evidence that marijuana leads to long-term brain changes associated with altered behaviors; and alcohol abuse can contribute to suicide, anxiety and depression as well as cancer, disease, dementia and death, he said. "To suggest that cannabis is more dangerous than alcohol is incorrect," Adinoff wrote. It was unclear Friday how the ordinance, if the council affirms its vote this week, could affect the resident-backed campaign to allow retail cannabis sales. Other items on Tuesday's agenda include: Proposed increases to natural gas and electric rates. The municipally-owned Colorado Springs Utilities reviews and adjusts natural gas and electric costs on a quarterly basis to account for changes in the market. Meeting documents show if the rate changes are approved, the average residential user could see their natural gas costs increase by $5.49 a month, or by roughly 16%. Electric gas costs could increase for residential users by $3.22 a month on average, or 3.3%. A second resolution reaffirming Colorado Springs' status as a non-sanctuary city for migrants crossing U.S. borders. Councilman Brian Risley said Friday he is sponsoring the symbolic resolution in light of recent reported Venezuelan gang activity in Aurora that some officials in that city have said has "significantly affected" apartment complexes there. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky this month maintained the gang issue is localized and limited to a few areas. Risley also pointed to Denver, a declared sanctuary city that this year and last year has handled a large influx of migrants from South and Central America, though the numbers of arriving migrants there have decreased significantly. Publicly available data show Denver shelters have served more than 42,800 migrants total, with 14 newcomers Friday. In February, the Colorado Springs City Council passed a first resolution declaring its status as a non-sanctuary city, vowing not to spend taxpayer money on services "related to this crisis" and calling on the federal government to secure the country's borders. The council passed that resolution after muddled reports early this year that a busload of migrants had arrived in Colorado Springs. Without a strong response plan in place at the time, those reports left people speculating about the number of migrants in Colorado Springs and how the city and El Paso County planned to address a large influx of migrants in the area, Risley said Friday. "We want to assure our citizens in a proactive manner that we are monitoring the situation in Aurora and affirming our stance that we will not tolerate lawlessness, violence or drug trafficking," Risley said of Tuesday's proposed resolution. In February, opponents said such resolutions carry no legal weight, but are "fearmongering" documents that can bolster xenophobia and "hateful rhetoric" about immigrants. Colorado Springs spokeswoman Vanessa Zink said Friday the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management and community partners continue monitoring capacity at local nonprofit shelters. The Office of Emergency Management is also in close touch with state officials who have indicated that "sheltering across the region is ready," Zink said. The office, too, monitors publicly available migrant arrival data in Denver, which have declined to low levels. Tuesday's regular council meeting begins at 10 a.m. at City Hall, 107 N. Nevada Ave. Meetings are also streamed on the council's Facebook page, @coscitycouncil, or on Springs TV, coloradosprings.gov/springstv. Agendas are available at coloradosprings.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi Chief Minister posed questions to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday and asked if 75-year age cap applies for veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani, why not to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the public at Jantar Mantar, his first public meeting after resigning from CM post, Kejriwal posed five questions to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and asked whether the organization agreed with the manner in which the Bharatiya Janata Party and Modi functioned. #WATCH | AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal says, "The lawyers said that this case can go on for ten years. I cannot live with this stain. So I thought that I would go to the court of the people. If I were dishonest, I would have embezzled three thousand crores meant for free pic.twitter.com/VTUKQgNsZ6 ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 Kejriwal asked the RSS ideologue whether he agreed the manner in which Modi broke parties and accepted leaders, whom they called corrupt, in the BJP. Modi ji is breaking parties and bringing down governments across the country by luring them or threatening them with ED and CBI, is this correct?; Modi ji has included the most corrupt leaders in his party, whom he himself called corrupt, do you agree with such politics? Kejriwal said, ANI reported. Kejriwal asked has the RSS ever stopped Modi from doing wrong things as the BJP was born out of RSS womb. He also asked Bhagwat how he felt when BJP chief J.P. Nadda said his party did not need the RSS, which is the saffron party's ideological mentor.You people have made a law that leaders will retire after 75 years. Amit Shah is saying that this rule will not apply to Modi ji. What applied to Advani ji, why will it not apply to Modi ji? he asked. Addressing at the event, Kejriwal said he decided to go to the court of people, face elections since lawyers told him the trial in Delhi liquor policy cases could go for 10 years. Kejriwal added he would vacate the CMs bungalow after Shraadh. After the Shraadh is over, at the beginning of Navratri, I will leave the house and come and stay at the house of one of you, he said. The former CM, accused of corruption in Deli liquor policy was released on bail from Tihar jail on September 13 after over five months in prison. Kejriwal said he joined politics to serve the country and not for any greed for power or post. In a rarity, Odisha police personnel, including women, conducted a silent protest on Sunday condemning suspension of five police personnel over alleged sexual assault of an Army officers fiancee under custody in police station. The police personnel demanded the withdrawal of their suspension and a proper probe into the alleged incident. The police personnel said a proper probe should be conducted into the alleged incident of sexual assault at Bharatpur police station. The police personnel said there was no need to suspend the cops before completion of investigation. #WATCH | Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Commissionerate Police personnel staged a peaceful demonstration on 21st October, seeking proper investigation over the suspension of five police personnel in connection with alleged custodial assault of an Armyman's fiancee at Bharatpur Police pic.twitter.com/JRGvSFTz5y ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 The Odisha police association condemned the suspension and said there is no reason to suspend the personnel. As investigation is ongoing, there is no reason to suspend the five police personnel. They should not be suspended until proven guilty, said organising secretary Umesh Chandra Sahu, PTI reported. On Saturday, a group of retired police officers also met Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda to voice concerns. Retired officer Suryamani Tripathy said, "There is no point in suspending police personnel before they are found guilty. We will approach the DGP, Home Secretary, and the Chief Minister to demand the withdrawal of the suspensions." The Odisha police suspended five police personnel, including an inspector-rank officer, after a woman restaurant owner alleged sexual harassment by cops while she and her Army officer fiance were under custody. The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and has sought a report from Odisha police. The victim woman, talking to presspersons alleged a group of miscreants attacked her and her Army officer friend while returning home after closing the restaurant. The woman said though they approached Bharatpur Police Station to file a complaint, the police were non-cooperative and the woman constable on duty abused her. The woman alleged she was overpowered when she tried to fight back and police personnel put her in a room after tying her hands and legs. "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. However, Odisha police said the woman and her Army officer friend were drunk and attacked a police personnel while he was on duty. Police alleged the duo vandalised the police station. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is undertaking a 1-day fast seeking atonement for alleged adulteration in the laddu offered at Tirupati Venkateshwara temple. Kalyan said he personally felt hurt and cheated over the row. The moment I came to know that the laddu prasadam contained animal remains, my mind was broken. Feeling guilty. As I am fighting for the welfare of the people, it hurts me that such trouble did not come to my attention in the beginning. Everyone who believes in Sanatana Dharma should atone for this terrible injustice done to Balaji, the god of Kali Yuga. As part of that, I decided to do a penance initiation, Kalyan tweeted. #WATCH | Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan undertakes an 11-day 'Prayaschitta Diksha' at Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple, in Guntur, over the alleged adulteration of the Tirumala's Laddu Prasadam. "I am deeply hurt on a personal level by the malicious attempts made pic.twitter.com/r7Nm5ysbrW ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 Kalyan blamed the previous regime for the alleged adulteration in Tirupati laddu. The deputy CM started his fasting from Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Nambur, Guntur District. The actor-politician said he would be visiting the Tirupati temple at the end of fasting and beg for forgiveness. ALSO READ | Saints in Ayodhya express anger over Tirupati laddu controversy Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said he would consult pontiffs, sages, priests and other top Hinduism experts on the future course of action to be taken and how samprokshana (ritualistic sanitisation) should be done. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar said the government should investigate the purity of products like ghee and the adulterators must not be spared. He urged that temples must be managed under the supervision of saints, swamis and spiritual leaders. We need to have a committee of spiritual leader, both north and south, they should oversee. Let there be a person from the government side as well but he has to be playing a minor role, ANI quoted him saying. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the of the Marxist JVP's broader front of National People's Power (NPP), was leading in the Sri Lankan presidential elections on Sunday morning. However, the election went into a second round of counting after none of the candidates secured more than 50 per cent vote required to be declared the winner. This is the first time that vote counting is entering a second round in the country. The results on Sunday afteroon revealed that Dissanayake had won 39.52 per cent of the votes counted while pposition leader Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya came in second with around 34.28 per cent votes. Sri Lankan Election Commission Chairman RMAL Rathnayake said both candidates have bagged the maximum votes but added that as neither has secured more than 50 per cent votes, the poll panel will now count the second preference vote and add them to the current votes scored by the candidates. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other candidates have been disqualified, stated the Election Commission. READ THE WEEK'S SRI LANKA POLL PREDICTION: Anura Kumara Dissanayake is the surprising frontrunner in the presidential poll THE WEEK had reported that Dissanayake was the "surprising frontrunner" in the elections in the cover story of its September 22 issue. Senior Special Correspondent Lakshmi Subramanian reported that Dissanayake, with his Marxist ideology, has turned out to be one of the most popular candidates. He is campaigning on a platform of anti-corruption and clean governance in a country that still reels under severe debt, reads the cover story. The people have endured these governments for a long time and are exhausted by the repeated failure of governance, Anura said. The breakdown of law and order has left them vulnerable to underworld crime. The collapse of the economy has further victimised the population, while critical sectors like education, health and transport have deteriorated. As a result, people are desperate to break free from their victimhood and helplessness. This desire for change is what draws them to us. Anura's popularity hit a new peak right before the elections as he enjoyed the support of university students, teachers and the working class. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted an antique silver train model to US President Joe Biden during his three-day trip to the country. Modi gifted the vintage train model to Biden when they met at the US President's hometown, Wilmington, in Delaware, ahead of the Quad summit. The hand-engraved model showcases the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry. The silver train model bore the inscription, "Delhi - Delaware", on the sides of the main carriage in English and Hindi | PIB Interestingly, the model bore the inscription, "Delhi - Delaware", on the sides of the main carriage in English and Hindi. The sides of the engine also had the inscription, "Indian Railways", in both the languages as per the standard format used on Indian passenger trains. A tribute to the steam locomotive era, it was crafted by artisans from Maharashtra, which is renowned for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship. The train model, which is made of 92.5 per cent silver, was crafted using traditional techniques like engraving, repousse (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs), and intricate filigree work. The sides of the engine had the inscription, "Indian Railways", in both the languages as per the standard format used on Indian passenger trains | PIB Modi also gifted a Kashmiri pashmina shawl packed in a papier mache box to First Lady Jill Biden. Each handmade papier mache box is a unique work of art, crafted using a mixture of paper pulp, glue, and other natural materials. They also serve as decorative items in their own right, said officials. Modi gifted a pashmina shawl packed in papier mache box as the gift for First Lady Jill Biden | PIB Following the meeting, the PM took to X, thanking Biden for hosting him at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. "Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," he said. During the meeting, the US also handed over 297 antiquities to India. These were were smuggled out of the country. Modi said the US decision has helped deepen cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. "I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India," Modi said on X. Modi said the artefacts were not just part of India's historical material culture but formed the inner core of its civilisation and consciousness. Since 2014, at least 640 such artefacts were recovered by India. These include 578 items from the US, the highest number of items returned by any country to India. Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected the ninth President of Sri Lanka, a historic verdict that saw discontent voters rise up against the unprecedented financial crisis that gripped the nation in 2022. Anura, the leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party's broader front National People's Power (NPP), will take oath on Monday. The 56-year-old leader, popularly known as AKD, won more than 5.63 million votes, taking his 50-year-old party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) from the fringes to the helm. Anura defeated his closest rival Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and sitting President Ranil Wickremesinghe in an election that progressed to the second round of counting. The polls, the first to be held since the rebellion that unseated Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022, witnessed two rounds of counting after no candidate secured over 50 per cent votes needed to be declared the winner. In the first round of counting, Anura topped the chart by securing 5.63 million votes or 42.31 per cent, followed by Sajith Premadasa with 4.36 million votes or 32.8 per cent. Wickremesinghe managed to get only 2.29 million votes or 17.27 per cent of the total votes polled. This is the first time that the voting progressed to the second round of counting, as single candidates have always emerged as clear winners based on first-preference votes. Anura, who does not possess political lineage like his rivals, projected himself as the candidate of change and vowed to dissolve parliament within 45 days of taking office for a fresh mandate for his policies in general elections. In an earlier interview with THE WEEK, Anura had highlighted how crucial this elections was as it offered an opportunity to reshape the economic, social and political path of Sri Lanka. He had also promised to root out corruption, stating how economic decisions in Sri Lanka were often driven by bribes received by those in power. "Furthermore, fraud and corruption have become significant barriers for investors, entrepreneurs and industrialists, as the success of a project is often determined by the amount of money a minister receives. To rebuild our country, eliminating fraud and corruption is essential," he added. Also read: 'Presidential poll is an opportunity to reshape Sri Lanka': Anura Kumara Dissanayake A dream The new President took to X to thank Sri Lankans, calling the win a collective effort of the people. "The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. This achievement is not the result of any single persons work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us." He also remembered the sacrifices made by people for the cause, stating they will not be forgotten. "We hold the scepter of their hopes and struggles, knowing the responsibility it carries. The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history. This dream can only be realised with a fresh start. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision," he added. A science graduate from Colombo suburban Kelaniya University, Anura hails from rural Thambuttegama in the North Central province. He began his political journey with the JVP in 1987 at the height of their anti-Indian rebellion. The JVP was forefront of agitating against the Rajiv Gandhi-J R Jayawardena pact, which the party tagged a betrayal of Sri Lanka's sovereignty. However, he has since billed India as a strategic partner, adding that Sri Lanka will not allow its sea, land and airspace to threaten India or regional stability. Thousands of Indian diaspora members enthusiastically gathered at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, on Sunday for Prime Minister Narendra Modis highly anticipated community event 'Modi and US'. As per reports, over 25,000 attendees registered for the 13,000 available seats. The event saw over 500 community organisations from over 40 states joining as 'Welcome Partners' within 48 hours of the registration opening, reported ANI. Jagdish Sewhani, a member of the event organising committee, told ANI that the event was "historical" and like "celebrating Diwali". "As many as 15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states. More than 500 artists will perform. This is an Indian Prime Minister's first visit to Long Island in 75 years. The Mayor of Nassau County is excited to welcome the most popular leader," he added. #WATCH | US | Preparations are in the final stage at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island where PM Modi will address the Indian diaspora as the Modi&US event to commence at around 9:00 PM, India time, today. pic.twitter.com/dMcnmmuDQ3 ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 Dhol-Tasha and Yakshagana A celebratory mood enveloped the Coliseum as Indian nationals prepared to perform traditional dance forms and martial arts for the event. While performers from the Jallosh Dhol-Tasha group represented the Indian state of Maharashtra, Kannadigas announced their participation with a 'Yakshagana' performance. Members of the Indian diaspora belonging to Tamil Nadu are set to perform the traditional musical instrument 'Parai'. #WATCH | US | A group performs Mallakhamb - an acrobatic activity, originated from Maharashtra, outside Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island where PM Modi will address an event, Modi&US at around 9:30 PM India time, today. Jaydev Anata of Mallakhamb Federation US, says, "We pic.twitter.com/ktdKxwGakh ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 #WATCH | US | Artists performing 'Yakshagana', a form of traditional folk dance popular in the coastal districts of Karnataka and parts of Kerala, at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island for an Indian community event to be addressed by PM Modi around noon local time today pic.twitter.com/qrLrGEl088 ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 Another group performed Mallakhamb, an acrobatic activity that originated in Maharashtra. The acrobats hope that the opportunity will help promote Mallakhamb as an acrobatic and gymnastic sport. Group members from Telangana, Bihar, and Gujarat are also performing traditional dances. The events will be part of 'Echoes of India: A Journey of Art and Tradition' which will feature close to 400 nationally and internationally known artists, including Grammy award nominee Chandrika Tandon, STAR Voice of India winner Aishwarya Majumdar, Instagram's Dancing Dad Ricky Pond and singing sensation Rex DSouuza. Sai Sagar Patnaik, the Director of the cultural show, said that the programme would be a celebration of India's diversity. "Just like our Welcome Partners and attendees, the programme celebrates India's diversity with dances and music from the four corners of India and everything in between," Patnaik told ANI. Meanwhile, PM Modi had earlier shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora, stating he was eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city. PM Modi arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Sunday to attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations. The Prime Minister will chair key bilateral meetings in New York during the visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with his counterparts in Japan and Australia, Fumio Kishida and Anthony Albanese, on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington. In his meeting with Kishida, Modi thanked the Japanese leader for his unwavering dedication and leadership in enabling advances in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership over the last few years. The two prime ministers warmly recalled their many interactions, especially since their first Annual Summit in March 2022, the Prime Ministers Office said in a statement. Both Modi and Kishida noted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is in its 10th year and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the relationship. The two Prime Ministers reviewed the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries and exchanged views to deepen cooperation further, including defense and security ties and B2B and P2P collaborations, the PMO further said. Meanwhile, Modi and Albanese in their meeting discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas such as political and strategic, defence and security, trade and investments, education and research, climate change and renewable energy, and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the multilateral fora and reiterated their commitment to take the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to even greater heights, said the PMO statement. It said the two prime ministers acknowledged that the frequency of high-level contacts has imparted a strong momentum to bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden on Saturday on the sidelines of the Quad summit in Wilmington. The two leaders discussed a range of issues including ways to strengthen the India-US ties and also exchanged views on global and regional issues including the Indo-Pacific. "I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," PM Modi wrote on X after their meeting. I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting. @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/WzWW3fudTn Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024 Biden, who welcomed Modi as he arrived at Greenville, said the USs ties with India are stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different," Biden said in a post on X. The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different. pic.twitter.com/TdcIpF23mV President Biden (@POTUS) September 21, 2024 During the meeting, the prime minister emphasised that India and the US enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership that covers all areas of human endeavour, driven by shared democratic values, convergence of interests and vibrant people-to-people ties. The two leaders expressed confidence in the strength and continuing resilience of the relationship and their belief in its significance for all areas of human endeavour between the two countries, the Prime Ministers Office said in a statement. It said Modi conveyed his appreciation for the unparalleled contributions made by President Biden in giving impetus to the India-US partnership. >>READ - 'Quad is here to stay, partner and contribute': PM Modi at Leaders' Summit The prime minister also recalled that his state visit to the US in June 2023 and Bidens visit to India in September 2023 for the G-20 Leaders Summit have imparted greater dynamism and depth to the India-US partnership. The Indian delegation consisted of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Ambassador of India to US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The US team included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs T.H. Jake Sullivan and Ambassador of the US to India Eric Garcetti. Notably, this could be the last bilateral meeting of the two leaders as Biden is in the last month of his presidency and the US presidential election is scheduled for November 5. Modi also held separate bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who are in Wilmington for the Quad Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) as a force of Global Good and added that the grouping is here to stay, partner and contribute. In veiled reference to China, Modi said the Quad is not against anyone, but for a rules-based international order and respect for sovereignty. "We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues," as he addressed the annual summit hosted by President Joe Biden and also attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The summit was held at Wilmington, Bidens hometown. Held extensive discussions with PM Albanese. We seek to add even more momentum in areas like trade, security, space and culture. India greatly cherishes the time tested friendship with Australia. @AlboMP pic.twitter.com/Bo4kzd8QwY Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 "Our message is clear -- Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to contribute," Modi said. In a post on X, the external affairs ministry said the prime minister reaffirmed Indias commitment to the Quad cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Quad will continue to assist the region's development priorities and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals," it said. According to the MEA, India has agreed to host the next Quad summit in 2025. New Delhi had agreed to host the event this year, but the schedules of the leaders attending the summit did not permit it to so. Held extensive discussions with PM Albanese. We seek to add even more momentum in areas like trade, security, space and culture. India greatly cherishes the time tested friendship with Australia. @AlboMP pic.twitter.com/Bo4kzd8QwY Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 Modi in his address said the Quad leaders have gathered at a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and challenges. "Together we have taken many positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, capacity building," he said. USD 7.5 million to fight cervical cancer Later, during the Cancer Moonshot event in Delaware, Modi highlighted the initiatives taken by India to fight cervical cancer and said the country is ready to share its experience and expertise. Cancer Moonshott is an initiative of the White House to bring renewed leadership to the fight against cancer, facilitate new collaborations, and drive progress across the cancer journey utilizing all facets of the oncology community. Cooperation in healthcare- a key Quad priority. PM @narendramodi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event today. The four leaders committed to detection, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. In keeping with s vision of ONE WORLD, pic.twitter.com/n1XVrI3dtx Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 21, 2024 Modi called for an integrated approach of prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment to reduce the cancer burden. During the COVID pandemic, we had taken the Quad Vaccine initiative for the Indo-Pacific and I am glad that in the Quad, we have decided to jointly tackle challenges like cervical cancer. In cancer care, collaboration is essential for cure," he said. Modi also noted that a very cost-effective cervical cancer screening program is being carried out in the country. India has also developed its own vaccine for cervical cancer and new treatment protocols are also being introduced with the help of Artificial Intelligence," he said. The liberation of the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan has opened new avenues for investment and economic development. With a focus on large-scale reconstruction efforts, the government is prioritizing the restoration of infrastructure and public services, creating a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors. Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA/KOBIA) under the Ministry of Economy, is visiting Washington for a meeting on Azerbaijan-US relations, the business environment, and investment attraction. This meeting is jointly organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United States, the Washington Inter-Governmental Professional Group, and the World Trade Center. During his speech at the meeting, he noted that the liberation of the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan, which had been under Armenian occupation for nearly 30 years, was a significant event for Azerbaijan and has also stimulated investment attraction. He stated that large-scale reconstruction efforts in Garabagh and the return of business to the region create attractive opportunities for entrepreneurs. "The government's comprehensive incentive package for this region has further increased interest in business. SMBDA is currently accepting project proposals from local and foreign entrepreneurs interested in establishing businesses in Garabagh. To date, about 2,300 applications have been registered, including over 500 from foreign investors. Among the applicants are four US companies and investors. I am confident that after todays event, some entrepreneurs will take a closer look at the investment opportunities in Garabagh and Azerbaijan," said the chairman of SMBDA. It should be noted that, in the context of the rapid construction and development in the previously occupied regions of Azerbaijan, substantial restoration and reconstruction efforts are underway, along with rapid economic reintegration measures in the economic regions of Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur. In line with the priority of revitalizing Garabagh, industrial parks have been established to realize the region's industrial potential, reintegrate it into the countrys economy, and ensure employment for the local population. In these zones, favorable conditions have been created for entrepreneurs to obtain various concessions, stimulating business activity. Notably, the Aghdam and "Araz Valley Economic Zone" industrial parks, like other existing industrial parks in the country, offer a favorable investment environment for entrepreneurs. Residents of these industrial parks benefit from ready-made infrastructure funded by the state. Additionally, they are exempt from property tax, land tax, income or profit tax for 10 years from the date of registration, as well as from VAT on imported machinery, technological equipment, and facilities for production purposes, and customs duties for 10 years. Furthermore, changes made to the Tax Code as of January 1 of this year provide additional benefits for entrepreneurs operating in liberated territories. These benefits include subsidizing social insurance fees, granting five days of additional vacation to professionals living and working in these areas, calculating supplements to monthly salaries, providing a one-time allowance of 600 manats, simplifying the acquisition of work permits, and not applying the labor migration quota (with a five-day exemption for foreign specialists each year). Additionally, the import of certain raw materials and materials used in production by entrepreneurs in liberated territories is exempt from VAT for a period of 10 years. Entrepreneurs engaged in production activities will also receive financial assistance from the state budget amounting to 20 percent of the utility costs they incur every month for a period of 10 years. These reconstruction initiatives not only aim to rebuild the physical landscape but also to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. By implementing favorable policies and providing necessary support, the region is becoming increasingly attractive for business ventures. This focus on investment and entrepreneurship is expected to stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable development of the region. Overall, the combination of reconstruction efforts and an emphasis on creating a business-friendly environment positions Garabagh as a promising destination for investment and economic activity in the coming years. The Aurora Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday evening near the Whispering Pines apartment complex one of the three complexes with reports of Venezuelan gang activity. Police responded to a report of a shooting at a business near the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Helena Street around 9 p.m., according to a press release from the department. One man was taken to a nearby hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. He later died from his injuries. A preliminary investigation indicated that two men were at a liquor store and got into an argument with two other men. The argument escalated to a physical fight, eventually leading to the victim a 38-year-old man getting shot multiple times, police said. Witnesses told police the three suspects sped from the scene in a silver sedan. The shooting location is around 0.2 miles from the Whispering Pines Condominiums, one of the three owned by CBZ Management and the one that had allegedly been taken over by members of the Tren de Aragua Venezuelan prison gang. A national law firm that investigated the claims said that, through violence and intimidation, the gang took over the Whispering Pines and sought to collect up to half of the rent from leaseholders, drying up collections for the landlord, according to a law firms investigation. At this time, there is no suspect information in the Friday shooting and there is no information at this time about any possible connections to the migrant community or gang activity, the department said. Featured Local Savings On Friday, the department noted that they had obtained arrest warrants for three men connected to an Aug. 18 shooting at The Edge at Lowry at East 12th Avenue and Dallas Street at about 11:30 p.m. another apartment complex owned by CBZ Management, who started the initial claims about gang takeovers at the three complexes. The shooting was captured on video, which went viral, putting a national spotlight on Aurora. The three are Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, 25, Niefred Jose Serpa-Acosta, 20, and Naudi Lopez Fernandez, 21, on charges of first-degree burglary and menacing with a firearm. Lopez-Fernandez is in custody, while police are searching for the two other suspects. Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said the department is working to determine whether the men are members of the Tren de Aragua, but no link has been confirmed. The Denver Gazette reporter Nicole C. Brambila contributed to this report. Counting of votes for the Sri Lankan presidential elections is still underway, and the latest trends show that National People's Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has a clear edge over his opponents. According to results declared in postal voting of seven of the 22 electoral districts, the NPP leader has gained 56 per cent of the votes, with his two rivals trailing him by grabbing 19 per cent each. If the trend continues, Dissanayake is likely to win the presidency by 50 per cent plus votes and become the island nations first ever Marxist head of state. Sri Lanka witnessed a three-cornered contest this time with opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe also in the fray. The polling took place on Saturday from 7 am to 4 pm local time at over 13,400 polling stations in 22 electoral districts. This was the first election in the country after the people uprising in 2022. Our correspondent Lakshmi Subramanian reports that the countrys economic crisis stood out as the major issue in this elections. Sri Lankas previous presidential polls had witnessed ethnic issues and the Sinhala majoritarian identities taking centre stage during the campaigns. The popular uprising in 2022, also known as Aragalaya, had led to the ouster of the Rajapakasas and a major shift in the political landscape of the country. Wickremesinghe is seeking re-election for a five-year term as an independent candidate, riding on the success of his efforts to pull the country out of the economic crisis while Dissanayake is confident of winning the polls as he has been maintaining that the NPP would bring in total governance and social transformation after its victory. Anura was part of Chandrika Kumaratungas Sri Lanka Freedom Party government in the early 2000s as agriculture minister. He contested the presidential election against Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Sajith Premadasa, but finished a distant third with just 3 per cent of the votes. But in the last five years, his prospects have improved impressively due to an effective grassroots campaign. Israeli troops raided the office of Qatar-backed Al Jazeera TV in Ramallah, West Bank, on Sunday morning, issuing an order to close it for 45 days. The incident came to light after the live footage of the "heavily armed and masked" Israeli forces entering the building was aired by the broadcaster. The order was handed to the Al Jazeera's West Bank bureau chief Walid al-Omari who was told that there is a court ruling against the network. However, Al Jazeera reported that they did not provide a reason for the decision. This is the first time that Israel has ever closed a foreign news outlet in the country. In May, Israel had banned Al Jazeera from operating in its territory over threat to national security. The same month, the authorities raiders a Jerusalem hotel room that doubled as Al Jazeera office. The Qatari network called that ban a "criminal act" which violated basic human rights. Ismail AL-Ghoul, an Al Jazeera journalist, was killed in an IDF airstrike, following which Tel Aviv claimed that he was a member of the Nukhba unit of the Hamas and allegedly had a hand in the October 7 attack last year. Interview/ Dr Lotay Tshering, former prime minister of Bhutan With full executive, legislative and judicial autonomy, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) adopts a unique model that is distinct from the prevailing administrative system in Bhutan. Former prime minister Dr Lotay Tshering is part of the implementation team of the GMC, which allows countries, people and companies from around the world to invest hundred per cent in building a world-class, carbon negative city. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Tshering, a practising surgeon based in Gelephu, says mindful progress, spiritual growth and nature centric development are at the core of the GMC. Excerpts: Q/ What is the vision behind the GMC? A/ The GMC is a vision born out of King Jigmes wish to set up a city that has all the components other countries and cities dream of. By developing the GMC as a special administrative region, he is creating a remarkable system in which all three arms of the governmentexecutive, judiciary and legislativeare autonomous and distinct from the rest of the country. The GMC will be administered by the GMC authority that will be independent of the mainland government. It will be run by domain experts from around the world. Q/ How is Gelephu creating an economic corridor connecting Indias northeast with southeast Asia? A/ Gelephu borders Assam and a small tip of West Bengal. It has plains, foothills and hills that present different landscape, biodiversity and climatic regions. The topography is unique, and the conditions are conducive for a full-fledged international airport. Gelephus proximity and connection with major Indian cities and its strategic location are most suitable to create an economic corridor that will bring development to the region. King Jigme has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss the project, and we are ready to take it forward. Q/ What are the founding principles on which the GMC is being established? A/ We are not building any conventional city. The king is anchoring the GMC on five main founding principles. The first one is health, which will have a combination of eastern and western medicines, and a blend of modern and traditional medical systems. The second factor is educationwhat you learn must be applicable in daily life. The third is sustainable energy, as our entire life depends on it. It has to be absolutely green and renewable. The fourth is spirituality and the fifth is wealth management. Warm welcome: The Buddha Shakyamuni statue, Gelephus iconic landmark. Q/ Will there be hundred per cent FDI in GMC? A/ Currently, our laws do not allow foreigners to own land in any part of the country. Similarly, our FDI policy has certain dos and donts in the context of our priorities. But that will not be the case in the GMC. It is a place where well intended, mindful and spiritual individuals should be able to pursue their businesses in the best of environment and circumstances. Backed by clear legislation, the GMC will offer ideal factors like zero crime and corruption, full transparency and cleanest surroundings. It will not be a place for random businesses and questionable practices. All investors must understand and honour the vision of the GMC before committing to start a business here. The FDI policy will be designed to match the goal and spirit of the GMC. Q/ What about investments from countries with which Bhutan does not have diplomatic relations? A/ There is no inclusion or exclusion criteria. It all boils down to business ideas and investments that align with the vision of the GMC. It will be invitation-based, and investorsbe it individual, agency or a countrymust follow the GMC guidelines. New immigration laws will be adopted and facilitated efficiently. The GMC authority will ensure creating favourable atmosphere for the investors to come and build businesses based on the values of the GMC. Q/ How will you ensure that the GMC does not become a strategic battleground for Bhutans two neighboursIndia and China? A/ We are a tiny country between two global giants. We draw confidence from Bhutans political stability and continuity of leadership. Through generations, we have maintained good and friendly bonds with all our neighbours. Bhutan has excellent relations with both [India and China], and in turn, we receive warm and friendly gestures from both. The GMC embodies coexistence, harmony and sustainable innovation. Our aspirations are to sustain peace and progress in the world, just as our developmental philosophy is anchored on the principles of gross national happiness. Therefore, it is our prayer that through the realisation of the GMC, a prosperous and sustainable future is built in the region and beyond. Robin Datgiri, 51, lives in the last house on the border in Assams Hatisar village, which lies next to the town of Gelephu in Bhutan. As a child, he would cross the border daily to attend school in Gelephu, where he not only received an education, but also discounted meals (Rs3 for Indians)an opportunity that shaped his childhood. Proximity to Gelephu has been a gateway to a better life for the people of Hatisar, providing access to resources and opportunities that were otherwise scarce in their small village. While India enjoys close geographic proximity with Bhutan, China, too, remains a key neighbour. But the Himalayan divide creates a kind of distance between Bhutan and China. What makes the Bhutan model unique is that the autonomous region will be run by international domain experts, who may belong to different nationalities, but will share a common vision to develop GMC mindfully to make it the silicon valley of the east. We step into Gelephu for our daily needs even today as it is less than a kilometre away compared with the nearest Indian town, Bongaigaon, which is 60 kilometres away, said Datgiri, who runs a pharmacy. There is no general practitioner in Hatisar. Local doctors in Gelephu are our first call for any emergency. Gelephu, a town strategically situated on the Assam border, offers convenient access to other districts within Bhutan as well. It has long been a passage between Bhutan and India, serving as an important trading post and transit point for monks and traders moving between the Indian plains and Bhutanese highlands. Its long-standing role as a lifeline and strategic location on the fertile plains, in contrast to the mountainous terrain that dominates much of the Himalayan kingdom, has given shape to a new dream for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who is developing the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) as the first of its kind special administrative region (SAR) in Bhutan based on a two systems, one country policy. It is designed for Bhutan. But it is not just for Bhutan. It is going to benefit Assam and all of India, said Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. We see it as an economic gateway for the world to India and through India to southeast Asia. This transformation aims to turn Gelephu into an economic and a strategic corridor bringing India and Bhutan closer, without disturbing Thimphus comfortable relationship with its other neighbour, China. After 60 years of development, Bhutan still depends on the goodwill of donors. The jewel in the Himalayas is also going through the biggest existential crisis in history with its youth moving out in search of better opportunities. It is estimated that nearly 40,000 people from its seven lakh population have left in the last few years. But Bhutan has an optimistic approach to tackling its problems. Disappointment is an integral part of human nature. But it is this disappointment, which is different from cynicism, that promotes progress and injects new thinking in a society, said Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, former chief justice of the supreme court of Bhutan. India-Bhutan border checkpost at Gelephu. The visionary monarchs are looking into the future once againjust like they did while making a successful transition to democracy. Dasho Kungzang Wangdi, the first chief election commissioner of Bhutan, said that before the first national assembly elections were held in 2008, many wanted to continue with the existing system because they were happy with the monarchy. I think whenever you talk of monarchy [outside Bhutan], you think of it as dictatorship or autocracy where things are not too good. Wangdi said the Bhutanese saw it in a unique way. Their kings are more democratic in nature and the well being of people is their priority, he said. This time, the effort is to keep up with the demographic advantages and the rapid economic growth of its neighboursIndia and China. The policy of neutrality has kept the kingdom strong and stable, but Jigme realises that the time has come for Bhutan to take the next step forward, alongside China and India, which are expected to become the worlds largest and third largest economies, respectively, as per their own estimates. This means that the global economic centre of gravity will shift towards this region, creating tremendous opportunities for business and wealth creation. Historically, Gelephu has enjoyed a higher level of development compared with many other Bhutanese towns. During the 1970s and 1980s, it served as a thriving hub for industries and trade. Gelephu produced and exported a diverse range of goods, including candles, matchsticks, soaps, honey, incense, timber and other natural products. Furthermore, the town significantly benefited from Bhutans flourishing tourism industry, attracting a substantial number of visitors from Assam. The outreach will only get bigger with the GMC being centred around Gelephu and built over 2,600 square kilometres, giving the landlocked country access to global markets. And India is once again playing a pivotal role in the creation of the GMC. Interestingly, Gelephu has a nostalgic connection with India as well. It is one of the three frontier towns of Bhutan which had Indian names till 1959. Gelephu was originally called Hatisar, while the other two were called Jaigaon Bhutan and Gudama or Mela bazaar. Old timers recall that one day, Bhutans third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck summoned Lopen Nyapchhi, the storekeeper of the palace, to know why some of the Indian letters were delivered in Bhutan and some Bhutanese ones went to India. Lopen said it was because the three border towns did not have Bhutanese names. So the king, who was about to leave on a trekking expedition, asked him to choose new names. He asked Lopen to broadcast the names on the radio and said that he was carrying his radio set with him and would check whether Lopen obeyed his order. As soon as the king left, Lopen rushed to the only wireless station in Thimphu to ask help from Mr Chawna, an Indian who had set up the station. Chawna was fondly called wireless babu by the local people. He told Lopen that the announcement would not be effective unless something was done to attract the attention of the listeners. So he played songs and jokes and then made the announcement about the new namesPhuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup-jongkharevery day for an hour between 8am and 9am for two weeks. Even the king was impressed. Friendly neighbours: Robin Datgiri (standing on the right) with family at his home in Datgiri, Assam. Hatisar is now in India and Gelephu in Bhutan, but the sharing of songs, cultures, families and friends continues. The familial connections are so robust that the GMC elicits an immediate, positive response from the children of Bhutanese who are married to Indians and residing in India. Sujit Chhetri, the head of Hatisar village, was born to an Assamese father and a Bhutanese mother. Both his sisters are married in Gelephu. We are excited about the GMC project as it will bring development to both India and Bhutan. Already, land prices are going up. When businessmen from outside come and set up industries and shops, the economy on the border will grow, said Chhetri. There was no border in the past, hence the population is a mix of Indians and Bhutanese. Like Datgiri, Chhetri, too, did his schooling in Gelephu, enjoying his daily lunch of dal and fish served to students. From the early 1970s to the late 1980s, it is understood that there were no [border] gates, with the exception of a pull-down barrier utilised by the forestry and trade departments, said Dawa Penjor, general secretary of the Bhutan-India friendship association. But today, movement across the border is restricted as check posts have come up. Border forces in Assam ensure that illegal movements and activities do not scar the friendship. Securing the borders of the tiny kingdom has long been a concern for Bhutanese and Indian governments, which share a history of crackdown on transnational linkages of northeast Indian insurgent groups taking shelter across the border. Bhutans first military operation in 140 years was against armed insurgents of ULFA and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland in 2003. In the misty clouds of the Dochula Pass, Bhutans highest mountain pass, stand 108 memorial stupas, erected in the memory of the brave Bhutanese soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Over the past few years, all the militant groups active along the India-Bhutan border have joined the mainstream, said G.P. Singh, director general of the Assam Police. He said the emphasis was on creating an economic and social environment in Assam that ensured the youth did not get attracted towards militancy. We have been able to achieve this satisfactorily during the last few years precluding the likelihood of safe haven in Bhutan, said Singh. The impact is visible. The guns have fallen silent since, showing the success of active cooperation between the governments and security agencies on either side. The state visit of King Jigme to Guwahati in November 2023, the first official visit by a Bhutanese monarch to Assam, demonstrated that the time was ripe to reap the dividends of peace. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will be visiting Bhutan next month, bringing further excitement to the plans of building the first India-Bhutan rail link connecting Kokrajhar and Gelephu, where Bhutan also plans to build an international airport. Bhutans approach to its neighbourhood has shifted from self preservation and isolation to embracing openness, balancing its economic needs with growing opportunities. The sustainable development fees charged for foreign tourists might surprise most Indians, but Bhutan realises that protecting its pristine landscape is as important as attracting investment and tourists. This is where friendship plays a big role. Those who understand that the bond runs deep will not see it from the prism of reciprocity or equality [with India], said Penjor. He lives in Gelephu, barely a kilometre from the border and finds himself in Assam almost every day. In control: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gelephu International Airport | Instagram@kingjigmekhesar While India enjoys close geographic proximity with Bhutan, China, too, remains a key neighbour. But the Himalayan divide creates a kind of distance between Bhutan and China. Bhutan understands the importance of balancing relations with the two big neighbours. Penjor said the GMC project, too, aligned with the future of this trilateral partnership. I dont think China has any reservations to the GMC project or any collaboration with India. China wants a prosperous neighbour who can look after itself. Lack of good governance or development impacts the stability of the region, which India and China do not want, he said. Proximity has made the neighbours more pragmatic over the years. Penjor pointed towards Sino-Indian trade ties to argue that the neighbourhood should not worry about the Bhutan-China relationship. China is Indias largest trading partner. Other than occasional border issues, both countries continue economic activities. Ninety per cent of Bhutans imports are from India. This itself explains that India is a key partner for both. So it is wrong to say that the Bhutan-China equation can disturb trilateral balance, he said. Understanding the Bhutanese perspective is key for India to resolve border differences with China as there are two important tri-junction pointsone in the west involving Doklam and the other in the east of the McMohan line which delineates the Sino-Indian border in this region. In 2017, Doklam was the site of a tiff between India and China as India believes that Doklam is part of Bhutanese territory and any part of this territory cannot be ceded to China as it overlooks the critical Siliguri corridor that links the northeast to the rest of India. There is a clear understanding in Bhutan that any resolution coming through in its border talks with China will primarily have Indias interests in mind, which is why the issue has dragged on for long. It pains the Bhutanese to see the Indian media question Bhutans friendship with India by insinuating that Bhutan and China are coming closer, said Penjor. For India to be a big brother without a big brother attitude would certainly entail honouring the 1949 peace and friendship treaty, by not interfering in Bhutans internal administration, and also close cooperation on issues of national security without interfering in foreign policy based on the 2007 friendship treaty. This also explains why the GMC will not have an inclusion or exclusion criteria when it opens up its doors for investments from countries, companies and individuals, with or without diplomatic relations with Bhutan. It all boils down to business ideas and investments that align with the vision of the GMC. It will be invitation based, and investors must follow the GMC guidelines. As long as the standards are met, why should there be exclusion criteria?, asked Dr Lotay Tshering, former prime minister of Bhutan, who is part of the implementation team of the GMC. The Gelephu SAR will be governed by the GMC Authority, which will include international domain and investment experts, according to the blueprint prepared by the Bhutan government. Since the monarchy is the most trusted institution in Bhutan, the SAR will be established through the royal prerogative of the king and the promulgation of a royal charter. After the announcement of the GMC on the national day (December 17) in 2023, work has already begun to enact major changes in the countrys governance structure to create a different executive and judicial system that will be autonomous from the rest of the country. What makes the Bhutan model unique is that the autonomous region will be run by international domain experts, who may belong to different nationalities, but will share a common vision to develop GMC mindfully to make it the silicon valley of the east, where spiritual values and nature will form the bedrock of technological progress and development of a greenfield global city. Sources said Bhutan was studying the Singapore model among others to learn world-class business efficiencies. The idea is to blend modern day development, technology, artificial intelligence and urban living with spirituality, nature and meditation to bring a balance that you will not find in developed cities around the world, said Penjor. The GMC will develop its own legal system, which is likely to be based on the English common law system and OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) standards. Newer parameters of legal knowledge are unfolding today which require us to be responsive to the changing times and aspirations of people, said Justice Tobgye. He did not discount the fact that the judiciary, like any other institution, could face challenges, but expressed hope that it should be able to rise to the occasion. The administration of the GMC will also feature a new model that promotes speed, efficiency and transparency. A new cadre may be created for officials who will serve only within the GMC to ensure flexibility. While a culture of experimentation, development and innovation will be encouraged, Bhutan is mindful of rule of law. It has been seen that, globally, economic hubs run the risk of becoming safe havens for money laundering or tax evasion. Senior government officials said the safety of investment and rule of law would be a priority area. It will not be a place for random businesses and questionable practices. All investors must understand and honour the vision of the GMC before committing to start a business here, said Lotay Tshering. The SAR will have a separate central bank that can develop its own monetary policy and even issue its own currency, something that is being discussed within closed doors at the moment. The GMC will focus on key sectors of tourism, health and wellness, education and research, spirituality, agri tech, forestry and green energy. The GMC timeline is 21 years, but the expansion of infrastructure would be an ongoing process as Bhutan would work for a holistic, mindful city ecosystem that could increase the gross national happiness quotient of its people and also the global community. Dasho Karma Ura, who leads Bhutans happiness surveys, highlighted the countrys unique stance: Small nations like Bhutan, without the power or economic strength to engage in arms races, must rely on neutrality. This neutrality and territorial integrity deserve respect. Bhutan may be a late participant in the global race of development and modernisation, but it is getting ready to create something unique. Bhutans kings, who introduced democracy when its people and the world least expected it, have set a precedent for thoughtful governance. Now, with the development of the GMC, Bhutan could once again serve as a global example of urban progress rooted in peace and well-being. Its commitment to neutrality is a powerful lesson that there is more than one path to success and even the smallest nations can act as beacons of hope and peace in a world overshadowed by conflict. New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) Senior officials of India and the 27-nation European Union (EU) will commence the next round of talks for a proposed free trade agreement from Monday here, an official said. The agreement is aimed at further boosting bilateral trade and investments between the two regions. The two sides are negotiating a free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indications (GIs). "The five-day talks will start from September 23. It will be the ninth round of negotiations. Also, the concerns of Indian stakeholders regarding the EU's sustainability measures, such as CBAM, deforestation and others, will be discussed with the EU," the official said. During the ninth round, both sides will discuss core trade issues covering goods, services, investment and government procurement along with necessary rules such as rules of origin, SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary), and technical barriers to trade. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) or carbon tax (a kind of import duty) will come into effect from January 1, 2026. It will initially be imposed on seven carbon-intensive sectors, including steel, cement, fertiliser, aluminium and hydrocarbon products. India has raised concerns over these two regulations as it would have an impact on the country's exports to the bloc. According to think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) would hit India's agricultural exports worth USD 1.3 billion to the EU starting December 2024. The GTRI said that Indian firms are concerned about the potential negative impacts of regulations like the carbon tax, deforestation regulation, and supply chain regulation. "These regulations would adversely impact India's exports to EU. After implementation of the trade agreement, the EU products will continue to enter India at zero duties, but Indian products may pay 20-35 per cent tariff equivalent as CBAM charges. A suitable text may be inserted in the FTA chapters dealing with this possibility," GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said. In June 2022, India and the European Union resumed the negotiations after a gap of over eight years. It was stalled in 2013 due to differences over several issues. "Initially, from 2007 to 2013, multiple rounds of negotiations took place but were hindered by disagreements over market access, intellectual property rights, labour standards, and sustainable development. By 2013, the talks hit a standstill, particularly due to differences on tariffs for automobiles, wine, spirits, data security for Indian IT firms, and public procurement," it said. It added that one of the major reasons for the delay is the differing aspirations between the two parties. The EU seeks tariff elimination on over 95 per cent of its exports, including sensitive agricultural products and automobiles, while India is comfortable opening up only around 90 per cent of its market and is hesitant to lower tariffs on bulk agricultural products, the GTRI said. GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said that major Indian goods exports to the EU, such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery, will become more competitive, if the pact gets concluded successfully. Additionally, key services exports like telecommunications, other business services, and transportation services will also see substantial growth. On the other hand, the EU will benefit from increased exports of essential goods from India, including aircraft and parts, electrical machinery, diamonds, and chemicals. "The services sector will also gain from the FTA, with enhanced trade in other business services, intellectual property services, and telecommunications and IT services. These sectors stand to gain the most from the FTA, driving economic growth and strengthening India's trade relations with the EU," Srivastava said. The total trade has surpassed USD 200 billion in 2023. India exported USD 75.18 billion in goods and USD 31.13 billion in services to the EU, while the EU exported USD 63.44 billion in goods and USD 31.35 billion in services to India. New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) Debt-ridden Vodafone Idea on Sunday said it has awarded contracts worth about Rs 30,000 crore to Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung for supply of 4G and 5G network equipment for three years. The deal is the first step towards the roll-out of the company's three-year capex (capital expenditure) plan of about USD 6.6 billion or Rs 55,000 crore announced earlier. "Vodafone Idea has concluded a mega, about USD 3.6 billion (around Rs 300 billion), deal with Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung for supply of network equipment over a period of three years. The capex programme is directed towards expanding the 4G population coverage from 1.03 billion to 1.2 billion, launching 5G in key markets and capacity expansion in line with data growth," the company said in a statement. The supplies against these new long-term awards will start in the coming quarter. The top priority for the company is to expand the 4G coverage to 1.2 billion Indians, the statement said. Wilmington (US), Sep 22 (PTI) The four-member Quad is a force for good and is more strategically aligned than ever before, a joint declaration issued after the meeting of the grouping's leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has said. Hosted by President Joe Biden, the Quad Leaders' Summit took place on Saturday in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware. It was attended by Prime Minister Modi, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. Four years since elevating the Quad to a leader-level format, the Quad is more strategically aligned than ever before and is a force for good that delivers real, positive, and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific," said the Wilmington Declaration issued after the fourth in-person Quad Summit. "We celebrate the fact that over just four years, Quad countries have built a vital and enduring regional grouping that will buttress the Indo-Pacific for decades to come, the declaration said. As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity, it said, adding the grouping strongly opposes any destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion, in a veiled reference to China. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. It claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. We condemn recent illicit missile launches in the region that violate UN Security Council resolutions. We express serious concern over recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominatedone where all countries are free from coercion, and can exercise their agency to determine their futures, the declaration said. The four nations are committed to upholding a "stable and open "international system, with its strong support for human rights, the principle of freedom, the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes and prohibition on the threat or use of force under international law, including the UN Charter. The leaders announced the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region. Building on the Quads successful partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, our collective investments to address cancer in the region, our scientific and medical capabilities, and contributions from our private and non-profit sectors, we will collaborate with partner nations to reduce the burden of cancer in the region, it said. The Quad Cancer Moonshot will focus initially on combatting cervical cancera preventable cancer that continues to claim many livesin the Indo-Pacific region while laying the groundwork to address other forms of cancer as well. India has committed to providing Human papillomavirus (HPV) sampling kits, detection kits, and cervical cancer vaccines worth USD 7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Modi, announcing the grant, asserted that it was made under India's vision of 'One Earth, One Heath'. India, through its USD 10 million commitment to the WHOs Global Initiative on Digital Health, will offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region for the adoption and deployment of its Digital Public Infrastructure that helps in cancer screening and care. The QUAD nations announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable their partners in the region to maximise tools provided through Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and other Quad partner initiatives to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behaviour. We look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. Furthermore, we welcome the launch of a Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Quad partners intend to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year to continue to deliver cutting edge capability and information to the region, the declaration said. The QUAD nations also announced that the US Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety and continue with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific. They also announced the launch of a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project to pursue shared airlift capacity among the four nations and leverage the collective logistics strengths to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region. Announcing the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will harness the grouping's expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific in collaboration with regional partners, the declaration said that they intend to hold a Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference, hosted by India in Mumbai. "Through this new partnership, Quad partners intend to coordinate, exchange information, share best practices with partners in the region, and leverage resources to mobilise government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region," the joint statement said. Applauding the expansion of the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships to more than 2,200 experts, the declaration noted that Quad partners have already provided well over 1,300 fellowships since the initiative was announced at last years Summit. Further, it said the four countries look forward to launching the Quad BioExplore Initiativea funded mechanism that will support joint AI-driven exploration of diverse non-human biological data across all four countries. This project will also be underpinned by the forthcoming Quad Principles for Research and Development Collaborations in Critical and Emerging Technologies, the joint declaration said. The Quad Leaders' Summit this year was earlier supposed to be held in India, but President Biden was keen to hold the event in his hometown. The US, Japan, India, and Australia had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. The four-member Quad, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, advocates upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. China claims that the grouping aims to contain its rise. Washington, Sep 22 (PTI) In his meeting with Quad leaders both in multilateral and bilateral settings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forward India's views and commitments for global growth, development, peace and security. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made these remarks at a special briefing in New York on Sunday. Modi on Saturday had three separate bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden along with the Quad Leadership Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. All of these engagements today have given the opportunity to Prime Minister to put forward India's views and commitments for global growth, development, and peace and security, Misri told reporters in New York. Prime Minister Modi reached New York on Sunday after wrapping up the Quad Leaders meeting in Wilmington, hosted by President Biden. In a rare gesture, Biden hosted Modi for a bilateral meeting in his home, and the Quad summit was held at the Archmere Academy in Wilmington. In a sense, the overarching themes that have been reflected across the multiple meetings...the overall messages that have come through in all of his engagements have been India's emphasis on minimising conflict and division, leveraging our democratic values even as we pursue our development objectives, and highlighting the role of technology and the digital revolution in ushering in good governance, essentially to turn the disruptive features of technology to good ends, Misri said. In the bilateral meetings, all these themes found reflection in the interactions with the other leaders, he added. With the United States, a very special feature of the bilateral meeting was the return of 297 antiquities to India, a few of which were on display at Bidens residence during the bilateral meeting. At the Quad Leadership Summit and others associated with it, Misri said the Prime Minister underlined India's approach of cooperation, contact, and engagement for growth with a variety of partners in the Indo-Pacific. It was striking to hear the other Quad leaders acknowledge India's actions and also at the same time hear their expectations of India, which really underlines the need to continue to work and sustain this enormous trust that India has earned from its partners, Misri said. Aspects of technology were emphasised in both the bilateral and the plurilateral formats, he said adding the prime minister underscored the need to prevent the malign use of technology and to put technology to good use. Prime Minister thanked President Biden profusely for hosting the summit for his leadership of the Quad in recent times and for his commitment to strengthen the Quad as a force for global good. In fact, the Prime Minister today referred to the Quad in a very, very evocative way. He called it in a very, very evocative way. He called it quick unified assistance delivery (QUAD). The other members of the Quad said that they finally understood what Quad signified and stood for, Misri said. Modi also mentioned that at a time when the world is ridden with tensions and conflicts, the coming together of these four Quad partners with shared democratic values is important for humanity. He said the Quad was here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement the efforts of the Indo-Pacific countries, Misri said. The leaders took stock of the progress that has been achieved by the Quad over the last year and set forth an ambitious agenda for the next year, he said adding that India will be hosting the Quad Summit in 2025. Amongst the major announcements from the summit was the Quad Cancer Moonshot, which is a groundbreaking partnership to address the challenges posed by cancer and in this particular instance cervical cancer. The partners also launched the first-ever Quad at Sea Ship Observer Mission. This will take place in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety between respective coastguards across the Indo-Pacific. The Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network project will pursue shared airlift capacity among nations and leverage their collective logistics strengths to support civilian response to natural disasters more efficiently and more rapidly. The Quad Ports of the Future Partnership will harness Quad's collective expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific. Partners will share practices that ensure that our ports can maintain an acceptable level of service and infrastructure to ships, especially in the face of disruptions. A memorandum of cooperation has been announced that would leverage the complementary strengths of the Quad partners to realise a diversified and competitive market and enhance Quad resilience in semiconductor supply chains, he said. There was discussion of multiple regional and global issues, and amongst them the need for the reform of the multilateral system of governance, including the UN Security Council. During the Prime Minister's meeting with Biden, both sides on the occasion of this meeting exchanged agreements on the deposit of the instruments of ratification for Pillar 3 and Pillar 4 of the IPEF and the overarching agreement thereof. External Affairs Minister S Jayashankar and Secretary of State Tony Blinken also exchanged the agreement on a bilateral drug policy framework and the accompanying MOU. During the meeting, both sides discussed at length the ever-expanding agenda of the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership, which has left no aspect of human endeavour untouched. They discussed ongoing cooperation in technology, in clean energy, in space, our engagement in defence and security, and, of course, the regional and global situation, he said. Modi thanked Biden for his pioneering role in strengthening the India-US partnership over the last four years. In particular, he highlighted Biden's legacy initiative of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies. Modis meeting with Prime Minister Kishida was like a farewell meeting given the party elections that are scheduled later this month in Japan. Modi appreciated in a very fulsome fashion the contribution to the bilateral relationship that has been made by Kishida. Next year is also the 10th anniversary of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and it was agreed that this should be marked appropriately. Sharing details about the meeting with Albanese, Misri said 2025 also happens to be the fifth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Australia. There was a reference to the progress made under ECTA and the impact that it was already having on trade between the two countries and the steps that the two sides were taking to conclude even more ambitious economic cooperation agreements such as the SICA, he said. There was discussion on cooperation in defence and security-related issues and the potential for cooperation in space and critical minerals. Wilmington (US), Sep 22 (PTI) US President Joe Biden commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Ukraine last month and his message of peace as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks that figured pressing global challenges, including the situation in the war-ravaged country. The US President hosted Modi at his personal home in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday afternoon, hours after the prime minister arrived in the US on a three-day visit. In the talks, Biden conveyed to the Indian prime minister that the US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India's important voice, including permanent membership for New Delhi in a reformed UN Security Council, according to a joint fact-sheet on the meeting. Though the Modi-Biden talks primarily focused on bilateral ties, the two leaders also touched upon key global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Indo-Pacific that has witnessed increasing Chinese muscle-flexing. The fact-sheet said President Biden expressed his "immense appreciation" for India's leading role on the world stage, particularly Modi's leadership in the G-20 and in the Global South and his commitment to strengthen the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. It said India is at the forefront of efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world. "President Biden commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter," it said. It is understood that Modi briefed Biden on his visits to Moscow in July and to Kyiv last month. In his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 23, 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. In their meeting, Modi and Biden reaffirmed their support for the freedom of navigation and the protection of commerce, including critical maritime routes in the Middle East where India will assume co-lead in 2025 of the Combined Task Force 150 to work with Combined Maritime Forces to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea, the document said. The leaders voiced their view that a closer US-India partnership is vital to the success of efforts to build a cleaner, inclusive, more secure, and more prosperous future for the planet, it added. Modi and Biden also deliberated on ways to further bolster India-US cooperation in areas of semiconductors, clean energy and defence. "President Biden and Prime Minister Modi hailed a watershed arrangement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next generation telecommunications, and green energy applications," the fact-sheet said. "The fab, which will be established with the objective of manufacturing infrared, gallium nitride and silicon carbide semiconductors, will be enabled by support from the India Semiconductor Mission as well as a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force," it said. It said the leaders praised combined efforts to facilitate resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains including through GlobalFoundries' (GF) creation of the GF Kolkata Power Centre. They noted GF's plans to explore longer term, cross-border manufacturing and technology partnerships with India which will deliver high-quality jobs in both of our countries, it said. They also celebrated the new strategic partnership between the US Department of State and the India Semiconductor Mission, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in connection with the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund. The prime minister and the US president welcomed steps to build safe, secure, and resilient supply chains for the US, Indian, and international automotive markets, including through Ford Motor Company's submission of a Letter of Intent to utilise its Chennai plant to manufacture for export to global markets. Nahariya (Israel), Sep 22 (AP) Hezbollah launched more than 100 rockets early Sunday across a wider and deeper area of northern Israel, with some landing near the city of Haifa, as Israel launched hundreds of strikes on Lebanon. The sides appeared to be spiralling toward all-out war following months of escalating tensions. The rocket barrage overnight set off air raid sirens across northern Israel, sending thousands of people scrambling into shelters. The Israeli military said that rockets had been fired toward civilian areas," pointing to a possible escalation after previous barrages had mainly been aimed at military targets. Lebanon's Health Ministry said that one person was killed and another wounded in an Israeli strike near the border. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said that it treated four people for shrapnel wounds, including a 76-year-old man who was moderately wounded in Kiryat Bialik, a community near Haifa where buildings were damaged and cars set on fire. It wasn't immediately clear if the damage was caused by a rocket or an Israeli interceptor. The barrage came after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday killed at least 45 people, including one of Hezbollah's top leaders as well as women and children. Hezbollah was already reeling from a sophisticated attack that caused thousands of personal devices to explode just days earlier. The Israeli military said that it carried out a wave of strikes across southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, hitting about 400 militant sites, including rocket launchers. Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, said those strikes had thwarted an even larger attack. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have come under fire across a lot of northern Isreal. They spent the night and now the morning in bomb shelters," he said. Today we saw fire that was deeper into Israel than before. Israel's Health Ministry said that all hospitals in the north would begin moving operations to protected areas or shelters within the medical centres. In a separate development, Israeli forces raided the West Bank bureau of Al-Jazeera, which it had banned earlier this year, accusing it of serving as a mouthpiece for militant groups, allegations denied by the pan-Arab broadcaster. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire since the outbreak of the war in Gaza nearly a year ago, when the militant group began firing rockets in solidarity with the Palestinians and its fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. The low-level fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel, hundreds in Lebanon, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the frontier. Neither side is believed to be seeking a war. But in recent weeks, Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon, and vowed to bring back calm to the border so that its citizens can return to their homes. Hezbollah has said that it would only halt its attacks if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, which appears increasingly elusive as long-running talks led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have repeatedly bogged down. The war in Gaza began with Hamas' Oct 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed about 1,200 people and took around 250 others hostage. They are still holding around 100 captives, a third of whom are believed to be dead. Gaza's Health Ministry says that more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed. It doesn't say how many were fighters, but says women and children make up more than half of the dead. Families of the hostages have raised fears that a war in the north would distract from their plight and further complicate the negotiations over their release. Israeli media reported that rockets fired from Lebanon early Sunday were intercepted in the areas of Haifa and Nazareth, which are further south than most of the rocket fire to date. Israel cancelled school across the north, deepening the sense of crisis. Hezbollah said that it had launched dozens of Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 missiles - a new type of weapon the group hadn't used before - at the Ramat David airbase, southeast of Haifa, in response to the repeated Israeli attacks that targeted various Lebanese regions and led to the fall of many civilian martyrs. In July, the group released a video with what it said was footage it had filmed of the base with surveillance drones. Hezbollah also said it had targeted the facilities of the Rafael defence firm, which is headquartered in Haifa, calling it retaliation for the wireless devices attack. It didn't provide evidence, and the Israeli military declined to comment on the statement. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel for a wave of explosions that hit pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing at least 37 people - including two children - and wounding around 3,000. The attacks were widely blamed on Israel, which hasn't confirmed or denied responsibility. On Friday, an Israeli airstrike took down an eight-story building in a densely populated neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs as Hezbollah members were meeting in the basement, according to Israel. Among those killed was Ibrahim Akil, a top Hezbollah official who commanded the group's special forces unit, known as the Radwan Force. Lebanon's health minister, Firass Abiad, told reporters Saturday that at least seven women and three children were killed in Friday's airstrike on the building. He said that another 68 people were wounded, including 15 who were hospitalised. It was the deadliest strike on Beirut since the bruising monthlong war in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah, and the casualty count could grow, with 23 people still missing, a government official said. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the attack broke up the group's chain of command while taking out Akil, who he said was responsible for Israeli deaths. Akil had been on the US most wanted list for years, with a USD 7 million reward, over his alleged role in the 1983 bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut and the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon during the civil war in the 1980s. (AP) SCY SCY Dubai, Sep 22 (AP) Israeli troops raided the offices of the satellite news network Al Jazeera in the Israeli-occupied West Bank early Sunday, ordering the bureau to shut down amid a widening campaign by Israel targeting the Qatar-funded broadcaster as it covers the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Al Jazeera aired footage of Israeli troops live on its Arabic-language channel ordering the office to be shut for 45 days. It follows an order issued in May that saw Israeli police raid Al Jazeera's broadcast position in East Jerusalem, seizing equipment there, preventing its broadcasts in Israel and blocking its websites. The move marked the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country. However, Al Jazeera has continued operating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, territories that the Palestinians hope to have for their future state. The Israeli military didn't respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Al Jazeera denounced the move as it continued broadcasting live from Amman, Jordan. Armed Israeli troops entered the office and told a reporter live on air that it would be shut down, saying that staff needed to leave immediately. The network later aired what appeared to be Israel troops tearing down a banner on a balcony used by the Al Jazeera office. Al Jazeera said it bore an image of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist shot dead by Israeli forces in May 2022. There is a court ruling for closing down Al Jazeera for 45 days, an Israeli soldier told Al Jazeera's local bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, in the live footage. I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment. Al-Omari said that Israeli troops began confiscating documents and equipment in the bureau, as tear gas and gunshots could be seen and heard in the area. Speaking later to the AP, al-Omari said that the Israeli military cited laws dating back to the British Mandate of Palestine to support its closure order. The Palestinians secured limited self-rule in Gaza and parts of the occupied West Bank through the 1993 Oslo agreements. While Israel occupies and controls vast areas of the West Bank, Ramallah is under full Palestinian political and security control, making the Israeli raid on the Al Jazeera office that much more surprising. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate denounced the Israeli raid and order. This arbitrary military decision is a new aggression against journalistic work and media outlets," it said. The Palestinian Authority administers parts of the West Bank. Its forces were driven from Gaza when Hamas seized power in 2007, and it has no power there. Israeli Communication Minister Shlomo Karhi later described the raid as affecting the mouthpiece of Hamas and Hezbollah, the Shiite militia in Lebanon that Israel targeted with strikes Sunday after cross-border fire from the militants. We will continue to fight the enemy channels and ensure the safety of our heroic fighters, Karhi posted on X. He didn't address what authority Israel cited to order the bureau closed. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said that it was deeply concerned by the Israeli raid. Journalists must be protected and allowed to work freely, it said. The network has reported on the Israeli-Hamas war nonstop since the militants' initial cross-border attack on Oct 7. Al Jazeera has maintained 24-hour coverage in the Gaza Strip amid Israel's grinding ground offensive that has killed and wounded members of its staff. It remained unclear whether the Israeli military would target Al Jazeera's operation in Gaza as well. While including on-the-ground reporting of the war's casualties, Al Jazeera's Arabic arm often publishes verbatim video statements from Hamas and other regional militant groups. That has led to Israeli claims by officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the network has harmed Israel's security and incited against soldiers. Those claims have been vehemently denied by Al Jazeera, whose main funder, Qatar, has been key in negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire to end the war. An order closing Al Jazeera in Israel has been repeatedly renewed in the time since, but it hadn't as of yet ordered the Ramallah offices closed. The Israeli government has taken action against individual reporters over the decades since its founding in 1948, but broadly allows for a media scene that includes foreign bureaus from around the world, even from Arab nations. It also blocked the foreign broadcasts of the Hezbollah-affiliated, Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news channel at the start of the war. Criticism of Al Jazeera isn't new. Washington singled out the broadcaster during the US occupation of Iraq after its 2003 invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein and for airing videos of the late al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. Al Jazeera has been closed or blocked by other governments in the Middle East. Most notably in 2013, Egyptian authorities raided a luxury hotel used by Al Jazeera as an operating base after the military takeover that followed mass protests against President Mohammed Morsi. Three Al Jazeera staff members received 10-year prison sentences, but were released in 2015 following widespread international criticism. The Israel-Hamas war began when Hamas-led fighters killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in an Oct 7 attack on southern Israel. They abducted another 250 people and are still holding around 100 hostages. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed at least 41,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn't differentiate between fighters and civilians. The closure of Al Jazeera's Ramallah office also comes as tensions continue to rise over a possible expansion of the war to Lebanon, where electronic devices exploded last week in a likely sabotage campaign by Israel targeting the Shiite militia Hezbollah. The explosions Tuesday and Wednesday killed at least 37 people including two children and wounded around 3,000 others. (AP) SCY SCY Colombo, Sep 22 (PTI) Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake rose from a humble background to the pinnacle of leadership in Sri Lanka, presenting himself as a transformative leader to young voters and those tired of the "corrupt politics" of the traditional politicians. Dissanayake, 56, popularly known as AKD, was on Sunday declared the winner of Saturday's presidential election. The election on Saturday was the first to be held since mass protests unseated Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 after the country suffered an economic crisis. His accession to the post is a remarkable turnaround for his half-century-old party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which had long remained on the margins. He is Sri Lankas first-ever Marxist party leader to become head of state. The leader of the JVP's broader front, the National Peoples Power (NPP), Dissanayake's anti-corruption message and his promise of a change in political culture resonated strongly with young voters who have been demanding system change since the economic crisis. The NPP's popularity has risen sharply since 2022 after securing only around three per cent of the vote in the last presidential election in 2019. "In our country, only an un-corrupt force will take action against the corrupt. The slogan of punishing the corrupt has been echoed on stage since 1994 under Chandrika ( Kumaratunga), Mahinda (Rajapaksa), Maithripala (Sirisena) and Gotabaya (Rajapaksa). The corrupt will never punish the corrupt. The corrupt always protect the corrupt. It is the NPPs priority to end corruption," he said in an interview with Daily Mail online in August. Dissanayake, during another event in March, passionately asserted that the political struggle is not merely about a change of government but an endeavour to usher in political, economic, and social transformations of paramount importance in Sri Lankas history. Dissanayake, who hails from rural Thambuttegama in the North Central province, is a science graduate from the Colombo suburban Kelaniya University. He joined the JVP, the mother party of the NPP, in 1987 at the height of their anti-Indian rebellion. The JVP eliminated many activists of all democratic parties that supported the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987. The Rajiv Gandhi-J R Jayawardena pact was the direct Indian intervention to solve the Tamil demand for political autonomy in the country. The JVP dubbed the Indian intervention as a betrayal of Sri Lankas sovereignty. However, Dissanayake's visit to India in February this year is seen as a change in the NPP leadership's approach towards India, expressing alignment with foreign investment interests. With JVPs taking up democratic politics in the late 90s, Dissanayake got a place in the JVP central committee. In the 2000 parliamentary election, he entered Parliament from the JVP. He has been an opposition livewire since 2001. Dissanayake re-entered Parliament from the northwestern district of Kurunegala after the 2004 election in an alliance with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He was appointed the minister of agriculture. With the JVP leaving the government over a joint mechanism with the LLTE on sharing the 2004 Tsunami relief aid to the North, then controlled by the rebel group, Dissanayake became the parliamentary group leader of the JVP in 2008. He was again elected to Parliament in the 2010 parliamentary election from the Colombo district and became his party's chief in 2014. Having won again from Colombo in 2015, he became the chief opposition whip, a post he held till 2019. In 2019, the JVP rebranded itself as the NPP, which embraced sections of Sri Lankan society that had never been enamoured towards the JVP given its violent past. The party had led two bloody rebellions in 1971 and between 1987 and 1990 to overthrow popular governments and faced brutal state crackdowns each time. Dissanayake faces the immediate challenge of determining the future of economic reforms in the cash-strapped country. Historically, the NPP has opposed International Monetary Fund programmes, but its recent endorsement of the current programme, although with a renegotiation of its terms, marks a significant shift. Cairo, Sep 22 (AP) This week saw a dizzying escalation in the nearly yearlong conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah. First came two days of exploding pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah deadly attacks pinned on Israel that also maimed civilians around Lebanon. Hezbollah's leader vowed to retaliate, and on Friday the militant group launched a wave of rockets into northern Israel. Later in the day, the commander of Hezbollah's most elite unit was killed in a strike in Beirut that killed dozens more people. Early Sunday, the cross-border attacks ramped up. Hezbollah launched more than 100 rockets deeper into northern Israel, with some landing near the city of Haifa, and Israel launched hundreds of strikes on Lebanon. Many fear the events are the prelude to an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite group that is Lebanon's most powerful armed force. A war threatens to bring devastation in Lebanon, heavy missile fire into Israeli cities, and further destabilise a region already shaken by the war in Gaza. During more than 11 months of exchanging fire over the Lebanese-Israeli border, both sides have repeatedly pulled back when the spiral of reprisals appeared on the verge of getting out of control, under heavy pressure from the US and its allies. But in recent weeks, Israeli leaders have warned of a possible bigger military operation with the goal of stopping attacks from Lebanon to allow hundreds of thousands of Israelis displaced by the fighting to return to homes near the border. Here are some things to know about the situation: What were the latest strikes? An Israeli airstrike Friday brought down a high-rise building in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Shiite-majority area known as Dahiyeh where Hezbollah has a strong presence. At least 45 people were killed and more than 60 wounded, the deadliest Israeli strike in the Lebanese capital since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. The Israeli military said the strike killed Ibrahim Akil, the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit, as well as other top leaders of the unit. Hezbollah later confirmed that Akil was killed, a heavy blow to Hezbollah's most effective fighters. Israel said Akil led the group's campaign of rocket, drone and other fire into northern Israel. The strike came after the shock of the electronic device bombings, in which thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah detonated on Tuesday and Wednesday. At least 37 people were killed, including two children, and around 3,000 were wounded. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement. The casualties included some fighters from the group, but many of the wounded were civilians connected to Hezbollah's social branches. Analysts say the attack has little effect on Hezbollah's manpower, but could disrupt its communications and force it to take tighter security measures. Overnight into Sunday, one Hezbollah rocket struck near a residential building in Kiryat Bialik, a city near Haifa, wounding at least three people. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said four people were also wounded by shrapnel. Lebanon's Health Ministry said three people were killed and another four wounded in Israeli strikes near the border, without saying whether they were civilians or combatants. What is the situation on the border? Hezbollah fired 140 rockets into northern Israel on Friday, saying it was targeting military sites in retaliation for overnight Israeli strikes into southern Lebanon. No casualties were reported. It was a continuation of the near daily drumbeat of exchanges over the border since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7. The exchanges have killed around 600 people in Lebanon mostly fighters but including around 100 civilians and about 50 soldiers and civilians in Israel. It has also forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate homes near the border in both Israel and Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah promised to retaliate for the electronic device bombings, raising fears of an escalation from the group. But Hezbollah also has proved wary of further stoking the crisis. The group faces a difficult balance of stretching the rules of engagement by hitting deeper into Israel in response to its brazen attacks, while at the same time trying to avoid the kind of large-scale attacks on civilian areas that can trigger a full-scale war that it would rather not start and take the blame for. Hezbollah says its attacks against Israel are in support of Hamas. This week, Nasrallah said the barrages won't end and Israelis won't be able to return to homes in the north until Israel's campaign in Gaza ends. 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. It's believed to include thousands of troops, including paratrooper infantry units and artillery and elite commando forces specially trained for operations behind enemy lines. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant this week 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. What is Israel planning? Israeli officials say they haven't yet made an official decision to expand military operations against Hezbollah and haven't said publicly what those operations might be. This week, the head of Israel's Northern Command was quoted in local media as advocating for a ground invasion of Lebanon. A UN-brokered truce to their 2006 war called on Hezbollah to pull back 29 kilometers (18 miles) from the border, but it has refused to, accusing Israel of also failing to carry out some provisions. Israel is now demanding Hezbollah withdraw eight to 10 kilometers (five to six miles) from the border the range of Hezbollah's anti-tank guided missiles. Israel and Hezbollah's 2006 war was a devastating monthlong fight triggered when Hezbollah fighters kidnapped two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid. In that war, Israel heavily bombarded southern Lebanon and Beirut and sent a ground invasion into the south. The strategy, later explained by Israeli commanders, was to inflict the maximum damage possible in towns and neighbourhoods where Hezbollah operated to deter them from launching attacks. But Israel could have a more ambitious and contentious goal this time: to seize a buffer zone in south Lebanon to push back Hezbollah fighters from the border. A fight to hold territory threatens a longer, even more destructive and destabilising war recalling Israel's 1982-2000 occupation of southern Lebanon. What would be the impact of a full-blown war? The fear is that it could turn out even worse than the 2006 war, which was traumatic enough for both sides to serve as a deterrent ever since. The fighting then killed hundreds of Hezbollah fighters and an estimated 1,100 Lebanese civilians and left large swaths of the south and even parts of Beirut in ruins. More than 120 Israeli soldiers were killed and hundreds wounded. Hezbollah missile fire on Israeli cities brought the war to the public, killing dozens of civilians. Now, Israel estimates that Hezbollah possesses about 150,000 rockets and missiles, some of which are precision-guided, putting the entire country within range of Hezbollah fire. Israel has beefed up air defences, but it's unclear whether it can defend against the intense barrages expected in a new war. Israel has vowed it could turn all of southern Lebanon into a battle zone, saying Hezbollah has embedded rockets, weapons and forces along the border. And in the heightened rhetoric of the past months, Israeli politicians have spoken of inflicting the same damage in Lebanon that the military has wreaked in Gaza. (AP) PY PY Dantewada, Sep 22 (PTI) Three women Naxalites and a male cadre, carrying a collective reward of Rs 20 lakh on their heads, surrendered in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday, police said. With this, 872 Naxalites, including 197 carrying bounty, have so far quit violence in the district under the 'Lon Varratu' (term coined in local Gondi dialect which means return to your home/village) campaign launched in June 2020, they said. In the latest case, the four cadres, including a couple, turned themselves in before senior police officials in Dantewada, citing disappointment with the "hollow" and "inhuman" Maoist ideology and infighting within the outlawed outfit, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai said. Out of them, Hunga Tamo alias Tamo Surya (37) and his wife Aayti Tati (35) were active in regional company no. 2 of Maoists and carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads, he said. They were allegedly involved in an attack on security personnel in the forests of Pamde (Bijapur) on Chhattisgarh-Telangana inter-state border in 2018, he said. The other two women Naxalites - Deve alias Vijje (25) and Madvi - were carrying rewards of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. Vijje, a member of north sub zonal bureau, was tasked with educating cadres on subjects related to Naxalism, the SP said. Madvi was the head of Puvarti Krantikari Adivasi Mahila Sangthan (a frontal wing of Naxalites), he said. The four, all residents of neighbouring Sukma district, were provided an assistance of Rs 25,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the government's policy, Rai said. The District Reserve Guard and Bastar Fighters, both units of the state police, played an instrumental role in their surrender, he added. Mumbai, Sep 22 (PTI) Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud will lay the foundation stone of the Bombay High Court's new complex in Mumbai's Bandra East on Monday, an official said. A Maharashtra government release on Sunday said possession of 30.16 acre of land will be handed over the High Court in a phased manner, adding the first tranche measuring 4.39 acres has already been given. It will have world class infrastructure, including well-designed and spacious court rooms, chambers for judges and registry personnel, an arbitration and mediation centre, an auditorium, library, as well as a host of features and amenities for staff, lawyers and litigants, the release informed. The plan is to enable stakeholders to have access to support services such as banking and telecom, medical facilities, digitisation centre, creche, cafeteria, waiting areas, multi-storey car park, museum and lawyers' chambers, with the design keeping in mind accessibility features for differently-abled stakeholders, the release added. The land on which the new premises will come up is well located, with proximity to the island city as well as the metropolis' suburbs, the arterial Western Express Highway and the Bandra Kurla Complex, among the country's leading commercial hubs. The Bombay High Court, founded on August 16, 1862, is currently located in a majestic building near Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk) that the court has occupied since November 1878, the state government release added. The Bombay High Court exercises jurisdiction over Maharashtra through the Principal Seat in Mumbai and benches at Nagpur and Aurangabad as well as Goa. It also exercises jurisdiction over the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The High Court has a sanctioned strength of 94 judges, while the current strength being 66 sitting judges, the release said. Aizawl, Sep 22 (PTI) Days after the suspension of operation by oil tankers and disruption of other essential supplies due to dilapidated condition of NH-6 and 306, supply of fuel and other key commodities has resumed and the situation is limping towards normalcy, a minister said on Sunday. NH-6 and 306 connect Mizoram with Assam. Most supplies come via these two highways and they are considered lifelines of the state. State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister B Lalchhanzova said that oil tankers and trucks have resumed operation since Friday evening and are entering the state from outside. He expressed hope that supply of fuel and essential commodities may return to normalcy very soon. Mizoram has been facing a shortage of fuel and other major items since last week as hundreds of trucks got stranded on NH-6 and 306, unable to move on the dilapidated roads caused by heavy monsoon. Mizoram Oil Tanker Drivers' Association (MOTDA) and Petroleum Entrepreneurs' and Transporters' Union of Mizoram (PETUM) suspended operations between September 17 and 19 for the same reason. MOTDA president Romel Lalruatdika said that they had lifted the strike on Friday evening after office bearers leaders of the association and PETUM inspected the ongoing repair work of NH-6 particularly the Kawnpui-Khamprang stretch in Kolasib district. On Saturday, Lalchhanzova and PWD minister Vanlalhlana visited that spot sector to take stock of the progress of repairing work. Vanlalhlana told PTI that the repair work on the Khamrang sector, which is the worst affected by monsoon, is in progress and it will be regularly monitored. He said that the Kawnpui-Khamrang sector of NH-6 is under state PWD and the route was constructed by and under the maintenance of a private firm. The road is currently under defects liability period, which is due up to May 2026, he said. A defects liability period is the time specified in the contract during which a contractor is legally required to repair any defect which have appeared in his/her work since the date of completion. As the company concerned failed to repair the dilapidated sections of the route, the state government has recently terminated its contract and also forfeited its security deposit amounting to Rs 35.37 lakh, the minister said. He said that the Kawnpui-Khamrang sector will be handed over to National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) once the defect liability period is over. According to the PWD minister, the recent monsoon rain has caused severe damage to highways and infrastructural challenges across the state. He said that national highways and intra-state highways were affected by landslides at over 573 places across the state. He said that the NHIDCL has also been urged to repair the dilapidated sections along the NH-306, which come under the Central construction agency. Kolkata, Sep 22 (PTI) Following are the top stories from the Eastern Region at 5 pm. CAL 11 WB-MAMATA-LD PM * Mamata again writes to PM Modi on Bengal flood, says her govt not consulted on water release by DVC Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote another letter to PM Narendra Modi on the flood situation in West Bengal, maintaining that Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) released water from its reservoirs without consulting her government, inundating several districts. CAL 12 WB-DVC-LD POWER SECY Bengal Power secy steps down from DVC board, chief engineer from DVRRC Kolkata: Amid a war of words between West Bengal government and Centre over release of water from reservoirs of Damodar Valley Corporation, state Power secretary Santanu Basu has stepped down from the board of DVC, officials said on Sunday. CAL 10 WB-BANGLADESH-HILSA-IMPORTERS Fish Importers' Assn welcomes Bangla decision to export Hilsa to India during festive season Kolkata: The Fish Importers' Association on Sunday welcomed Bangladesh's interim government's decision to allow the export of over 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities. CAL 9 OD-BJD-SHUTDOWN BJD calls six-hour Bhubaneswar shutdown over 'assault' of Army officer, fiancee Bhubaneswar: The opposition BJD called Bhubaneswar shutdown on Tuesday, protesting the alleged assault of an Army officer and his fiancee in police custody. CAL 6 AS-BOMBS-ARREST Assam: 15 arrested in ULFA(I)'s serial bomb planting case Guwahati: A total of 15 people, including three women, have been arrested from across Assam in connection with the banned ULFA(I) "planting explosives at 24 locations to trigger serial blasts" on Independence Day. CAL 3 BH-RAIL-FLOOD Bihar: Several trains cancelled, diverted as flood water touches girder of bridge Patna: Several trains were cancelled and many diverted as flood water touched the girder of a bridge in Bihar's Bhagalpur district on Sunday, a statement said.* New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) After the setback in the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP is now using communal polarisation to gain strength again, but the INDIA bloc will perform well in elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in polls to be held in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, CPI(ML) Liberation leader Dipankar Bhattacharya has said. In an interview with the PTI, the CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary said that although the BJP won a majority seat in Jharkhand in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, there is a strong atmosphere against the party in the state now. "We hope that in Jharkhand, in the assembly elections, we will get a very clear message against the BJP. We fought the Lok Sabha elections as the INDIA bloc, and I believe we will also fight the Jharkhand elections as the INDIA bloc," Bhattacharya said. In the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won eight out of 14 seats in the state, while the JMM won three, and the Congress two. One seat went to the AJSU. "The Marxist Co-ordination Committee merged with the CPI(ML). It will strengthen the party in the areas of northern Chhotanagpur like Bokaro, Giridih, Hazaribagh, where the BJP was gaining some ground," he said. The Marxists Coordination Committee (MCC), a regional Left party founded by AK Roy and other leaders in 1972, formally merged with the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation earlier this month. The CPI(ML) Liberation, Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) are part of the ruling alliance led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in the state. "Altogether, we will try -- the JMM, Congress, Left and RJD, all partners of the INDIA bloc -- to hold talks and move ahead in a coordinated manner," he said. In the 2019 Assembly election, the JMM had contested 43 of the 81 seats and won 30, the Congress contested 31 and won 16. RJD and CPI(ML) have one MLA each. The NDA on the other hand has 30 seats in the assembly of which the BJP has 24. Bhattacharya also talked about other election-going states. "We have hope... What we saw in the Lok Sabha polls in all these states, in Haryana, it was 50:50; in Maharashtra, the INDIA alliance was ahead; in Jammu and Kashmir, elections are being held after a long time'. In the name of abrogating Article 370, they took away the statehood... There is an atmosphere against the BJP there," he said. He said the BJP faced a setback in the Lok sabha elections when it failed to reach the majority mark of 272, and is now trying to get votes through hatred and communal polarisation. "There was a setback. But the BJP is trying to gain strength again by spreading hatred and communal polarisation," he said. Asked about the proposal of 'one nation, one election', Bhattacharya said it is a threat to the federal structure of the country. "Though they have been running the agenda of 'One Nation One Election' for a long time, when the Kovind committee asked us for our opinion, we said that it is an attack on the federal structure and democracy," he said. Bhattacharya called it a step towards transforming the country into an "autocracy". "They are trying to make the whole country unitary, and to turn Parliamentary democracy into a Presidential form. I think that 'One Nation, One Election' is a step in that direction. This is the first step to transform the country into an autocracy from a democracy," he said. "Whenever this issue comes up in Parliament it will be opposed, because they do not have a full majority. They may try to break away MPs to get the numbers, but I do not think the country will allow it," he said. On the path ahead for the Left, for which the death of CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has come as a massive setback, Bhattacharya expressed hope that the coordination between the Left parties will only grow, as would their role in the INDIA bloc. "The INDIA bloc is important for the country at present, and at the same time coordination among the Left parties is also important," he said. "We hope the Left unity will increase, and the role of the Left parties in the INDIA bloc will also increase. It will strengthen the bloc". He added that the death of Sitaram Yechury was a setback for the CPI(M), the largest and the only among the Left parties to have a national party status, and the entire Left movement. "It is a big loss, but we will try to fill the void." he said. New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) Delhi Police has arrested a man for allegedly killing a taxi driver with the help of his associate in 2015, police on Sunday said. The accused allegedly sold the robbed car, they added. Accused Manish Shukla was declared a proclaimed offender and was on the run since his release from jail on interim bail in March last year. "On July 6, 2015, Shukla, his father Harish Shukla along with his two other associates Numanuddin and Atta-ul-Rehman allegedly strangled a cab driver near the Skylake Society in the Dwarka area," a senior police officer said. The accused were arrested and they revealed they were in dire need of money, so they planned to rob any four-wheeler vehicle and sold it to earn money, police said. "During the trial of the case, accused Manish Shukla was granted interim bail in March last year on the ground of the death of his father Harish Shukla. After getting interim bail, he had not surrendered before the court and was absconding," said the officer. Police said they were searching for him and his location was found in east of Kailash and he was on Saturday. Lucknow, Sep 21 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspected the site of construction of Gorakhpur's Gaurav Museum on Saturday, and directed officials to showcase information about the Vedic period, the Ramayana period in its galleries. Adityanath said that information about the periods written about in the Upanishads and Puranas, the Nath tradition, the Buddha period should also be part of the museum. The chief minister said it should also reflect the contribution of the people of Purvanchal to the freedom struggle, according to a statement issued by the Uttar Pradesh government. Public representatives and senior officers of the government, and the local administration were present for the inspection, the statement said. The UP government said the Gaurav Museum is being constructed by the tourism department on 1.6 acres of land at a cost of around Rs 21 crore for both domestic and foreign tourists. The museum will have an auditorium with a capacity of 250 people, a souvenir shop, a workshop, an audio-visual room and a cafeteria, the statement said. Jaipur, Sep 22 (PTI) A delegation of Muslim leaders associated with the Congress met party MP Imran Masood, who is a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, in Ajmer on Sunday and submitted a memorandum against the provisions of the bill. The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 8 and referred to a joint parliamentary panel after a heated debate. The 31-member panel will submit its report by the next session of Parliament. While the government has asserted that the proposed law did not intend to interfere with the functioning of mosques, the opposition called it targeting of Muslims and an attack on the Constitution. The delegation of Muslim leaders met Masood, who was on a visit to Ajmer, and said the members of the community are opposed to the amendments because Waqf is a religious matter of the Muslims. "We will not allow the government to interfere in our religious matters. The Constitution allows us to function according to our religion. The truth is that the government's intentions are not right," stated the memorandum addressed to the JPC's head Jagdambika Pal. "Waqf is a completely religious matter and interference in it will not be right," it said. The delegation included Ghulam Mustafa Chishti, Muzaffar Bharti, Rab Nawaz Jafri, Manzoor Ali, Ashraf Buland Khan, Ajmat Khan and Wahid Mohammad. New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) Indian cities can play a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emission and building resilient urban environments if data collection and "scenario modelling" were strengthened, according to experts working on urban emission and strategies on mitigation plans. Using the Climate Action for Urban Sustainability (CURB) tool, up to 77 per cent of urban emission could possibly be tackled by 2050 by identifying sectors having the greatest potential in slashing emission, a team from Delhi's World Resources Institute (WRI) found. However, the challenges are plenty, the authors said. These include a limited capacity of institutions for data-driven exercises. This will need to be addressed to slash greenhouse gas emission and create sustainable, resilient urban environments. "Strengthening data collection, scenario modelling, and capacity-building frameworks will enable cities to set more ambitious and achievable climate targets, positioning them as key drivers of India's overall greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts," Saransh Bajpai, associate director, climate, WRI India, and one of the study's authors told PTI. Scenario modelling allows the exploration of a range of future possibilities while capacity-building frameworks aim to improve the technical infrastructure needed to use tools such as CURB. According to Raghu Murtugudde, an Earth system scientist and a professor at IIT-Bombay, data is a severe limitation since pollution is a hyperlocal problem even within a city. "Data can allow identification of hotspots and causes -- like traffic jams, waste incineration, local inversions and so on. Seasonality can also be identified and these will help prioritise mitigation actions," said Murtugudde, who was not involved in the study. For a recent working paper, the WRI team used CURB, developed by the World Bank and collaborators, to devise emission mitigation plans for Surat, Indore and Ujjain, including sector-specific strategies. The cumulative impact of these plans was then measured under long-term scenarios, developed by involving city-level stakeholders and authorities. The paper was released earlier this month during WRI India's annual flagship event, Connect Karo, which brought together leaders and policymakers involved in building sustainable cities. Launched in 2016, the open-source, interactive CURB tool -- one of the many international ones available for devising mitigation plans -- uses local data, such as of buildings and public lighting, for providing a tailored analysis to help cities evaluate low-carbon actions. If the data set is incomplete, the findings will not be as conclusive. As urban population continues to increase, pollution in cities is driving rising trends in India's per capita greenhouse gas emission. While ambitious targets for cutting down emission have been laid out at the national and state levels, there is a lack of guidance for setting similar targets for cities, thereby hindering effective planning for mitigating climate change at the urban level, the study found. The authors wrote, "Under the business-as-usual scenario, the increase in emission across the three cities is between 1.5 and 2.7 times by 2050, compared to the 2019 values." "However, in a relatively high-ambition scenario, cities could reduce the greenhouse gas emission projected for 2050 by an average of 70 per cent (Surat) to 77 per cent (Indore), compared with the business-as-usual scenario," they wrote. Energy and buildings sectors showed the highest potential for emission reduction. Reducing greenhouse gas emission in the electricity generation sector, also known as grid decarbonisation, emerged as the most effective strategy, contributing on average to 39 per cent of the total emission reduction across the three cities by 2030, they said. Solar systems on residential buildings and energy-efficient lighting were projected to contribute 28 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, towards the reduction of total emission. "The paper recommends expanding similar mitigation models to other cities across India, ensuring that city-specific actions are integrated into broader state and national climate strategies," WRI India's Bajpai said. According to the study's authors, despite the potential of CURB, there is limited documentation on its usage, including studies conducted in an Indian context. Data for their analysis, such as city population, streetlight numbers and waste management, was collected from city civic bodies, private stakeholders and third-party agencies. However, at the end of the day, data and software tools can only support decision-making and mitigating emission is a governance, policy, legislation and enforcement issue, Murtugudde said. A 2022 study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, used CURB to understand greenhouse gas emission trends in the Iranian city of Shiraz. The authors from the University of Khuzestan, Iran, found that the residential sector contributed the most (60 per cent) to greenhouse gas emission, followed by urban transport (over 30 per cent). The tool was also used for predicting emission up to 2035. CURB is being used in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Johannesburg (South Africa), and in multiple Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, according to World Bank. Bundi (Rajasthan), Sep 21 (PTI) The demolition of a 600-year-old 'Chhatri' (canopy) of erstwhile Bundi royal Rao Surajmal Hada by the Kota Development Authority has sparked a row, with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat demanding an inquiry into the matter. Villagers claimed that it was revered site for the Rajput community and they were not informed in advance about the demolition which was done on Friday for the expansion of Kota airport. Union Tourism Minister Shekhawat condemned the demolition of the historic structure located in Tulsi village on the border of Kota-Bundi district. "The demolition of the Chhatri of Bundi Naresh Rao SurajmalHada ji is a sad and distressing incident. Did KDA commit this act despite knowing the historical importance of the Chhatri? Investigation and adequate action is necessary in this regard," he posted on X. Shekhawat said that it was the moral responsibility of the administration to keep public sentiment supreme. Kota Collector Ravindra Goswami could not be contacted for comments. According to Bharat Singh, a local member of the Rajput community, the Kota Development Authority team demolished the Chhatri which was a "sacred" place for the locals and every Sunday a fair used to be held at the site. "The Chhatri of the princely era, which was worshipped as a temple, was demolished. It was on private land. The villagers were worshipping the idol of Rao Surajmal Hada, situated under the Chhatri, as their deity for 600 years," he said. He said the Rajput community feels the historic Chhatri should have been shifted instead of being demolished and its members will hold a protest rally. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. 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 theyll 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 didnt want to share her name out of fear of the cartels, said that while some schools have recently reopened, she hasnt 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 press 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. Its 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 Mexicos 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 Sinaloas warring factions to act responsibly and noted that he believed the cartels would listen to him. But the bloodshed has only continued. (AP) The head of the U.S. Postal Service expressed frustration Thursday with ongoing criticism by election officials of how it handles mail ballots while also seeking to reassure voters that its ready to handle an expected crush of those ballots this fall. U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told reporters that its difficult for the Postal Service to address generalities about perceived problems and said some election officials dont fully understand its efforts to deliver ballots in time to be counted. He said the service will collect and deliver mail ballots more frequently in the days before the Nov. 5 presidential election and would keep processing centers open the Sunday before Election Day. The Postal Service, he said, would take extraordinary measures to rescue ballots that are mailed late and at risk of missing state deadlines to be received by election offices. Elections officials have said for weeks that they are concerned about the Postal Services readiness. Theyve cited ballots arriving late or without the postmarks required by some state laws during the primary season. We engage in heroic efforts intended to beat the clock, DeJoy told reporters during a virtual news conference. These efforts are designed to be used only when the risk of deviating from our standard processes is necessary to compensate for the ballot being mailed so close to a states deadline, he added. This is commonly misunderstood in the media and even by election officials. DeJoy and state and local election officials do agree on one thing: They are urging voters who want to use mail ballots to return them as early as possible and at least seven days before a states deadline. DeJoy also encouraged voters to go to post office counters to get their ballots postmarked. I want to see high turnout and low drama, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat and the president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, said Thursday. In 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, election officials reported sending just over 69 million ballots in the mail, a substantial increase from four years earlier. While the numbers this year may be smaller, many voters have embraced mail voting and come to rely on it. NASS and the National Association of State Election Directors told DeJoy in a letter last week that the Postal Service had not fixed persistent problems that could disenfranchise some voters. Its extremely troubling that the USPS dismissed our concerns about disenfranchising voters by failing to postmark and timely deliver ballots, rather than working with us to find solutions, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican and the past NASS president, said this week. On Thursday, DeJoy cited a report from the Postal Services inspector general at the end of July saying about 98.2% of the 10.3 million ballots mailed to election officials from Dec. 1, 2023, through April 1, 2024, arrived on time. The Postal Services standard for on-time delivery of first-class mail is three to five days, and DeJoy has said the average is 2.7 days. Schwab has said about 1,000 mail ballots from the states Aug. 6 primary election couldnt be counted because they arrived too late or were not postmarked. In Lawrence, in northeastern Kansas, Jamie Miller discovered that her primary election ballot took more than three weeks to go from the mailbox outside her home to her local election office, only 3.4 miles away. She filled it out and left it for her mail carrier on July 20, the morning after she received it. The ballot envelope was postmarked July 22 but didnt get to election officials until Aug. 12, three days after the deadline for counting it. Miller, a 53-year-old disabled Army veteran, plans to vote in person in November. Im not going to give another person the opportunity to silence my voice again, she said. And it definitely should not be silenced by my federal government. DeJoy told reporters that if postal workers see a stray ballot, they jump on it, but the services monitoring systems might miss it if its handled outside normal processing. He also noted the difficulty of keeping pace with vastly different state election laws, regarding everything from postmark requirements to deadlines for returning mailed ballots. To operate successfully and even legally, we must have consistent policies nationwide, DeJoy said Thursday. But there are 8,000 election jurisdictions and 50 states who are far from uniform in their election laws and practices. In Kansas most populous county, Johnson County, in the Kansas City area, Election Commissioner Fred Sherman said its probably unrealistic to expect that no ballots will arrive late or without postmarks. But he added: If its your ballot, its not acceptable. (AP) An Ohio sheriff is under fire for a social media post in which he said people with Kamala Harris yard signs should have their addresses recorded so that immigrants can be sent to live with them if the Democrat wins the presidency. Good-government groups called it a threat and urged him to remove the post. Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski, a Republican in the thick of his own reelection campaign, posted a screenshot of a Fox News segment that criticized Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris over their immigration record and the impact on small communities like Springfield, Ohio, where an influx of Haitian migrants has caused a political furor in the presidential campaign. Likening people in the U.S. illegally to human locusts, Zuchowski wrote on a personal Facebook account and his campaigns account: When people ask me Whats gonna happen if the Flip-Flopping, Laughing Hyena Wins?? I say write down all the addresses of the people who had her signs in their yards! That way, Zuchowski continued, when migrants need places to live, well already have the addresses of their New families who supported their arrival! Local Democrats filed complaints with the Ohio secretary of state and other agencies, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio wrote to Zuchowski that he had made an unconstitutional, impermissible threat against residents who want to display political yard signs. Many residents understood the Sept. 13 post to be a threat of governmental action to punish them for their expressed political beliefs, and felt coerced to take down their signs or refrain from putting them up, said Freda J. Levenson, legal director of the ACLU of Ohio. She urged Zuchowski to take it down and issue a retraction. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, meanwhile, called Zuchowskis comments unfortunate and not helpful. Zuchowski defended himself in a follow-up post this week, saying he was exercising his own right to free speech and that his comments may have been a little misinterpreted?? He said voters can choose whomever they want for president, but then have to accept responsibility for their actions. Zuchowski, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, spent 26 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, including a stint as assistant post commander. He joined the sheriffs office as a part-time deputy before his election to the top job in 2020. He is running for reelection as the chief law enforcement officer of Portage County in northeast Ohio, about an hour outside of Cleveland. The sheriff did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. His Democratic opponent in the November election, Jon Barber, said Zuchowskis post constituted voter intimidation and undermined faith in law enforcement. The Ohio secretary of states office said it did not plan to take any action. Our office has determined the sheriffs comments dont violate election laws, said Dan Lusheck, a spokesperson for Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose. Elected officials are accountable to their constituents, and the sheriff can answer for himself about the substance of his remarks. That didnt sit well with the League of Women Voters, a good-government group. Two of the leagues chapters in Portage County wrote to LaRose on Thursday that his inaction had left voters feeling abandoned and vulnerable. The league invited LaRose to come to Portage County to talk to residents. We are just calling on Secretary LaRose to reassure voters of the integrity of the electoral process, Sherry Rose, president of the League of Women Voters of Kent, said in a phone interview. She said the league has gotten reports that some people with Harris yard signs have been harassed since Zuchowskis post. (AP) About 130 U.S. soldiers are returning to their bases after being deployed last week to a remote Alaska island with mobile rocket launchers amid a spike in Russian military activity off the western reaches of the U.S., a military official said Thursday. The deployment to Shemya Island involved soldiers from Alaska, Washington and Hawaii with the 11th Airborne Division and the 1st and 3rd Multi Domain Task Forces, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sword, a spokesperson for the 11th Airborne, said in an email to The Associated Press. The deployment coincided with eight Russian military planes and four navy vessels, including two submarines, traveling close to Alaska as Russia and China conducted joint military drills. None of the planes breached U.S. airspace. A Pentagon spokesperson said earlier this week that there was no cause for alarm. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, has told media the deployment to the island 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage was done at the right time. The deployment occurred Sept. 12. The North American Aerospace Defense Command said it detected and tracked Russian military planes operating off Alaska over a four-day span. There were two planes each on Sept. 11, Sept. 13, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15. The exercise was a measure of the militarys readiness to deploy troops and equipment, Sword said. Its a great opportunity to test ourselves in real-world conditions, and another benefit to being stationed in a place like Alaska, Sword said. The Russian military planes operated in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, NORAD said. That is beyond U.S. sovereign air space but an area in which aircraft are expected to identify themselves. The frequency of Russian airplanes entering the zone varies yearly. NORAD has said the average was six or seven a year, but it has increased recently. There were 26 instances last year and 25 so far this year. The U.S. Coast Guards 418-foot (127-meter) homeland security vessel Stratton was on routine patrol in the Chukchi Sea when it tracked four Russian Federation Navy vessels about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Point Hope, the agency said Sunday. Besides the two submarines, the convoy included a frigate and a tugboat. The Coast Guard said the vessels crossed the maritime boundary into U.S. waters to avoid sea ice, which is permitted under international rules and customs. In 2022 a U.S. Coast Guard ship came across three Chinese and four Russian naval vessels sailing in single formation about 85 miles (140 kilometers) north of Kiska Island in the Bering Sea. (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 Bidens 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 hes 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. (AP) Less than three months after he was elected on a promise to restore trust in politics, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is trying to shake off criticism over donations from a wealthy businessman and the hefty salary of his most senior aide. The Labour Party leader, who won power in a landslide victory on July 4, denies impropriety over thousands of pounds (dollars) worth of clothes and eyeglasses paid for by Waheed Alli, a media entrepreneur and longtime Labour donor. Starmer is also facing grumbling among his own employees over the salary of chief of staff Sue Gray. The BBC disclosed that she is paid 170,000 pounds ($225,000) a year about 3,000 pounds more than the prime ministers salary. Grays salary is at the top of a set of pay bands for political advisers, which have been raised since the election. The government said it did not interfere in setting the pay scale. The pay bands for any official, any adviser, are not set by politicians. Theres an official process that does that, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said Thursday. In recent days British media have been full of largely anonymous grumbling from government officials about Gray, a former senior civil servant best known for leading an investigation into lockdown-breaching parties in government buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grays findings helped topple Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and her subsequent move to work for Starmer led the Conservatives to claim the partygate probe was politically biased, something Gray denies. Labour claims the leak of Grays salary and the donation revelations - branded frockgate in the press after dresses bought for the prime ministers wife, Victoria Starmer is being whipped up by the Conservatives and their media supporters to tarnish the government. Lawmakers are allowed to accept gifts but have to declare donations and extra-parliamentary income within 28 days. Starmer missed the four-week deadline to declare the donations of clothes and a personal shopper for his wife from Alli. He says the delay was due to his staff seeking advice on exactly what needed to be declared. Im very consistent with following the rules, Starmer said this week. He rejected suggestions that prime ministers should get a wardrobe budget, saying taxpayers should not have to pay for politicians clothes. Starmer dismissed claims of dissent among his staff about Gray and her salary, insisting hes 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, he told the BBC on Thursday. We were elected on a big mandate to deliver change, I am determined that we are going to do that. The scale of the freebies accepted by Starmer has raised eyebrows even among supporters. Sky News reported that Starmer has declared gifts, benefits and hospitality worth more than 100,000 pounds since December 2019, more than any other lawmaker. The donations include thousands of pounds worth of tickets for Premier League games involving Starmers beloved team Arsenal. Im a massive Arsenal fan, Starmer told reporters during a trip to Rome this week. 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. But, you know, never going to an Arsenal game again because I cant accept hospitality is pushing it a bit far. (AP) The effort to save the pale blue dot called Earth is all about the green that is, the money to finance a transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The annual Climate Week NYC and United Nations General Assembly combination is putting special emphasis on how to generate trillions of dollars to help poorer countries move away from gas, oil and coal that emit greenhouse gases and heat the planet. They also need financial aid to deal with the damage the warming is already causing. Theres also a special U.N. summit of the future, which connects climate change and biodiversity to other pressing issues like war, and another U.N. special session on the threat of rising seas. And the presidents of climate negotiations in 2023, 2024 and 2025 are seeking to push nations into a new round of dramatic pollution cuts with their own efforts. This week starts a two-month sprint in which three different cities on three different continents host high-level meetings that may be humanitys last chance to avoid exceeding globally agreed upon warming limits, according to one expert. After Climate Week in New York, Azerbaijans capital of Baku hosts the U.N.s 29th climate negotiation conference. Then, leaders of the 20 biggest countries head to Rio de Janeiro. And early next year, all the worlds countries must submit new national targets to cut emissions of heat-trapping gases. A lot of the failure or success of (the landmark 2015 Paris climate agreement) is going to be determined in the next, eight or nine months as countries put forward their next round of proposed emission reduction goals, said longtime climate negotiations analyst Alden Meyer of the European think tank E3G. If these dont step up and meet the mark, its really our last chance. Yalchin Rafiyev, lead negotiator for the presidency of Novembers U.N. climate conference in Baku, said the week in New York is a very important milestone event for us. Not only will climate negotiators be in New York, but so will their bosses, their heads of states, Rafiyev told The Associated Press. So when often informal talks hit a snag or new ideas come up, especially on the sticky issue of finances, negotiators can quickly check with their leaders, which may help move things, he said. Underscoring everything is the money to fix the problems. Its definitely about the greens, said World Resources Institute President Ani Dasgupta. It is about greening the world and not getting the green to green the world. And where better to talk about it than in New York City, the capital of capital, Dasgupta said. Developing countries where more than 80% of the world population lives say that they need financial help to curb their increasing use of fossil fuels. Otherwise they cant afford to. Poorer nations point to historical emissions carbon dioxide stays in the air for hundreds of years that came mostly from the industrialized world. Those wealthier countries now can more easily afford to switch to renewable energy such as solar and wind. As they do, close to two-thirds of current carbon dioxide emissions come from nations not considered industrialized. This is the week that the cries of the global majority will make it very loud and clear that this climate financial help for poor nations is crucial, said PowerShift Africas Mohamed Adow, a longtime climate analyst. They will do so on the floor of the U.N., at outside events during Climate Week and in one-on-one meetings between national leaders in town for the annual General Assembly, he said. In 2009, rich nations set a goal of $100 billion a year in government climate financial help to poor nations, but they didnt reach that mark until 2022, years late. The priority for the meeting in Azerbaijan is to come up with a new goal for money help. And rich and poor nations arent close on how much it should be, who should pay and what type of financing should be included. Rich countries have failed in many of their previous promises and have kept putting it off, putting it off, pointing towards the new long-term finance goals, but they cant kick the can any further, Adow said. Dasgupta called it a chicken-and-egg problem, with rich countries telling poor to go green before we talk about money, and poor nations saying we need money first. Much more than 10 years ago when the Paris climate agreement was struck, people now realize climate finance is crucial to cutting emissions, Dasgupta said. The success of 2025s climate negotiations, when the world will attempt to ratchet up its efforts to reduce carbon pollution in a major way, depends on what happens about finance in Baku this fall, said World Wildlife Funds Fernanda Carvalho. But the problem is the price tag. Most experts say that $100 billion a year was far too low. Earlier this year, U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell said the annual financial need is $2.4 trillion. Adow said the number should be determined not by politicians negotiating but what the countries need to get the job done. People argue Oh my God, we dont have $2 trillion, Dasgupta said. But thats less than 2% of the globes GDP, he added. The world spends more on fossil fuel subsidies, Adow said. Much of Climate Week involves companies and financial networks talking about their green credentials. Dasgupta said they need to step up, because the worlds nations cant do more than $1 trillion in direct funding. We need to get finance ministers talking to us and the masters of the universe, people who run New York City, the people who run private capital talking together to make this happen, Dasgupta said. It is not just an environmental problem. It is how do we get the finance right for the transition. And it is lots of work to be done. (AP) With the 2024 election looming, the first since the mass popularization of generative artificial intelligence, experts feared the worst: social media flooded with AI-generated deepfakes that were so realistic, baffled voters wouldnt know what to believe. So far, that hasnt happened. Instead, what voters are seeing is far more absurd: A video of former President Donald Trump riding a cat while wielding an assault rifle. A mustachioed Vice President Kamala Harris dressed in communist attire. Trump and Harris sharing a passionate embrace. AI is playing a major role in the presidential campaign, even if the greatest fears about how it could threaten the U.S. presidential election havent materialized yet. Fake AI-generated images regularly ricochet around the web, but many of them are so cartoonish and absurd that even the most naive viewer couldnt take them seriously. Still, even these memes can be problematic. Eye-catching AI-generated photos and videos, some striving to be funny, have become useful tools for spreading false, sometimes racist messages with a clear political bent and candidates and their supporters are among those sharing them on social media. For example, Trump and many of his allies not only repeatedly promoted the unfounded conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants are stealing and eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio, they also spread related AI-generated memes. One shared by Trumps Truth Social account showed him on a luxury jet, surrounded by cats and white ducks. Another showed a group of kittens holding a sign that read, DONT LET THEM EAT US, Vote for Trump! Francesca Tripodi, an expert in online propaganda, said such AI-made images are new, viral vehicles to carry age-old anti-immigration narratives. The memes that are amplifying this claim are anything but humorous. When you have elected officials who are utilizing this imagery as a way of perpetuating racism and xenophobia, thats a huge problem, said Tripodi, a sociologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Republicans defend the images as lighthearted jokes and byproducts of Trumps personality. There is a culture of personality surrounding Donald Trump that encourages that sort of over-the-top communication style that turns things into comical memes, said Caleb Smith, a Republican strategist. The intent is to entertain, not to deceive. That is what it should be. Not just Trump supporters Trump and his supporters arent the only ones creating AI memes, but they appear to be using AI image generators more than their Democratic counterparts. Some left-leaning users have posted AI images making fun of billionaire Elon Musk, the owner of X and an outspoken supporter of Trumps campaign. Democrats also posted AI-generated images of Trump in handcuffs and being chased by police when he was in court in Manhattan last year. But Kamala Harris campaign has not leaned into amplifying AI-generated content, sticking instead to TikTok trends and other memes that dont require AI models to create. Currently, the only authorized campaign use of generative AI is for productivity tools, such as data analysis and industry-standard coding assistance, said Harris campaign spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung did not respond to specific questions from The Associated Press but said its strategy had not changed since May, when he provided an emailed statement saying the campaign did not engage or utilize tools supplied by any AI company. Using fake, entertaining, often preposterous images to score political points is hardly new. But unlike cobbled-together Photoshop images or political cartoons, AI-generated images pack a stronger punch with their hyperrealism and can draw new attention to a political message. While some of the images related to pets in Springfield were cartoonish and silly, many felt they perpetuated a damaging conspiracy theory about a community that has since received bomb threats prompting evacuations of schools and government buildings. Memes that are obviously parody are one thing. Its another where its obviously intended to deceive, said Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and vocal Trump critic. And we already see the Trump campaign really blurring the line. AI makes it easy The speed and accessibility of generative AI tools make it easy to create outlandish political content that can drive clicks and likes. With AI image generators accessible to anyone with an internet connection, they are a cheap and convenient way for campaigns to respond to online trends and hammer home a message. Campaigns have had to deal with disinformation and misinformation for a very long time. Its not a new problem. But obviously what AI allows is for this stuff to do done more rapidly, perhaps more convincingly, and in a more targeted environment, said Teddy Goff, the digital director of Barack Obamas 2012 reelection campaign. Paul Ingrassia, a New York-based political commentator and lawyer, said he spun up a viral image of Trump emerging from a lions den in seconds by prompting Grok, then dropped it into his newsletter and sent it to Trump campaign staffers. Trumps Truth Social account posted Ingrassias newsletter, including the image, that day. I got a message from my point of contact with the president and they said: The president loved the image, how did you make it? Who created it? And I said: Oh, I did. I made that for the article, Ingrassia said. And he said, Keep up the great work, he loves it. The use of AI for political satire and propaganda isnt limited to the U.S. and has been observed in elections from Indonesia to the Netherlands. More sinister deepfakes also have sought to influence races around the world. In Slovakia last year, AI audio clips impersonated the liberal party chief talking about rigging the vote days before parliamentary elections. In New Hampshires primary in January, audio deepfakes of President Joe Biden were sent in robocalls to Democratic voters, urging them not to vote. The incident was quickly publicized and resulted in criminal charges. Trumps embrace of AI-generated images counters some of his past commentary. In an interview on Fox Business this year, Trump called artificial intelligence very dangerous and so scary because theres no real solution to the issues created by the advancing technology. And some Republicans have fretted about how Trump and the GOP are using AI to create political memes. I dont engage in memes. I never have. I never will, said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican in a competitive district outside Philadelphia. I just dont believe in it. (AP) Voters will decide ballot measures on abortion and immigration in Arizona, a key battleground state where Republicans are looking to capitalize on concerns about illegal border crossings to counter an expected increase in turnout by people determined to restore and protect abortion rights. And while the abortion initiative is bolstered by a citizen-led campaign flush with cash, the GOP lawmakers who added a measure to empower state law enforcers to crack down on people who are in Arizona illegally say it already has so much momentum that they dont plan to raise money or spend much time selling it. Abortion has many people fired up since an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions was revived and then quickly repealed this year. But immigration consistently ranks as a top concern in this western swing state, where anti-immigration legislation has long fueled national debates over illegal crossings from Mexico. Voters will approve this more to send a message that something, anything, needs to be done, said Barrett Marson, a Phoenix-based Republican strategist. It lacks financial backing because people know its going to pass and that it has little impact on curbing illegal immigration into Arizona. Arizona state House Speaker Ben Toma voted with fellow Republicans in June to put the measure on the ballot. He called it common sense and just a small part of what actually needs to happen to secure the border. Frustration over illegal immigration persists despite moves by the Biden-Harris administration this year to shut down what had been an unprecedented surge in new arrivals. Democrats blame former President Donald Trump for making it a top campaign issue by persuading allies in Congress to torpedo bipartisan legislation that could have bolstered the federal response. Republican lawmakers across the country this year have pushed tougher immigration policies, with their majorities in Texas, Iowa and Oklahoma passing laws to conduct immigration enforcement at the state level. But in each of those states, federal courts blocked their efforts to enforce the laws. Democratic strategist DJ Quinlan said that despite universal concerns about the border, plenty of voters and stakeholders oppose this particular measure, which would make it a state crime for noncitizens to illegally cross from Mexico into Arizona outside authorized ports of entry. The crime would enable local police to arrest violators and state judges to order deportations, which are roles historically left to the federal government. When you talk to a lot of people in law enforcement or in the business community or that deal with these sorts of issues on a day-to-day basis, this referendum is not the answer, Quinlan said. The measure also would require state agencies that administer federal, state or local benefit programs to use a federal database to verify that no ineligible noncitizens get the benefits. And it would shield law enforcement from civil lawsuits alleging racial profiling of Latinos or other minorities. Some of its provisions arent directly related to illegal immigration, including making selling fentanyl that leads to a persons death a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Latino groups argued this violates a state constitutional requirement that legislative proposals cover a single subject. The Arizona Supreme Court disagreed, clearing to a path for voters to decide. Kent Jenson, a 68-year-old retiree, said he opposes illegal immigration and detests drug use, so he plans to vote for the immigration measure and against the abortion initiative. Its terrible what fentanyl has done to families, Jenson said. Opponents argue the immigration legislation would harm Arizonas reputation and economy even more than a so-called show me your papers law approved by lawmakers in 2010 that was partially stuck down by the U.S. Supreme Court two years later. The cost also worries some mayors, county officials and law enforcement leaders who warn that diverting resources to border security could deprive their day-to-day operations and essential public services. An Associated Press review of state campaign finance records found no contributions specifically supporting Proposition 314, nor any donations explicitly against it. Toma said Republicans are spending their time, money and energy on competitive races and other statewide ballot measures, with 13 in all. At stake is not only control of the U.S. Senate and White House, but also the state Legislature. Republicans have a one-seat majority in each chamber and Democrats hope to regain power for the first time in decades. People are going to focus, and rightly so, on the issues that actually need help, Toma said. Citizen-led Proposition 139, which would enshrine abortion access in the states constitution, has generated millions of dollars in donations and reached the ballot with more than a half-million signatures. Arizona is one of 10 states where voters will consider abortion protections. It is a basic human right that all women need to have autonomy over their own bodies, said Erin Dean, 34, a voter who used to be registered as a Republican but now backs Democrats. The political action committee Arizona for Abortion Access raised nearly $23 million as of late July, campaign finance records show. A PAC opposing the measure, It Goes Too Far, had raised nearly $900,000. Republican and Democratic strategists alike say the abortion measure could draw voters who might not otherwise be interested in casting a ballot. Marson, the GOP strategist, expects it to boost turnout with young and first-time voters. The same cant be said for the immigration measure, which he predicts will pass anyway. Not many teenagers are itching to vote on an illegal immigration issue even if a wide swath of people support the measure, Marson said. Ballot measures on immigration have been popular in Arizona before. In 2004, voters made Arizona the only state to require proof of citizenship status to register to vote. A measure banning in-state tuition for noncitizens was passed in 2006, but key parts were overturned in 2022 when Arizonans voted to make students regardless of immigration status eligible for state financial aid. (AP) The Arizona Supreme Court unanimously ruled Friday that nearly 98,000 people whose citizenship documents hadnt been confirmed can vote in state and local races, a significant decision that could influence ballot measures and tight legislative races. The courts decision comes after officials uncovered a database error that for two decades mistakenly designated the voters as having access to the full ballot. The voters already were entitled to cast ballots in federal races, including for president and Congress, regardless of how the court ruled. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, and Stephen Richer, the Republican Maricopa County recorder, had disagreed on what status the voters should hold. Richer asked the high court to weigh in, saying Fontes ignored state law by advising county officials to let affected voters cast full ballots. Fontes said not allowing the voters who believed they had satisfied voting requirements access to the full ballot would raise equal protection and due process concerns. The high court, which leans Republican, agreed with Fontes. It said county officials lack the authority to change the voters statuses because those voters registered long ago and had attested under the penalty of law that they are citizens. The justices also said the voters were not at fault for the database error and also mentioned the little time thats left before the Nov. 5 general election. We are unwilling on these facts to disenfranchise voters en masse from participating in state contests, Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer wrote in the ruling. Of the nearly 98,000 affected voters, most of them reside in Maricopa County, which is home to Phoenix, and are longtime state residents who range in age from 45 to 60. About 37% of them are registered Republicans, about 27% are registered Democrats and the rest are independents or affiliated with minor parties. Arizona is unique among states in that it requires voters to prove their citizenship to participate in local and state races. Voters can demonstrate citizenship by providing a drivers license or tribal ID number, or they can attach a copy of a birth certificate, passport or naturalization documents. Arizona considers drivers licenses issued after October 1996 to be valid proof of citizenship. However, a system coding error marked nearly 98,000 voters who obtained licenses before 1996 roughly 2.5% of all registered voters as full-ballot voters, state officials said. The error between the states voter registration database and the Motor Vehicle Division has since been resolved. That number of votes could tip the scales in hotly contested races for the state Legislature, where Republicans hold a slim majority in both chambers. Voters also are deciding on the constitutional right to abortion and on a state law that would criminalize noncitizens for entering Arizona through Mexico at any location other than a port of entry. Though Richer and Fontes disagreed over the status of the voters, both celebrated the courts ruling. Thank God, Richer said on the social platform X. He told The Associated Press on Thursday that maintaining voters statuses would be administratively easier. Fontes, in a news release, called the ruling a significant victory for those whose fundamental right to vote was under scrutiny. Election officials will be contacting voters who need to update their proof of citizenship after the election, he said. John Groseclose, who was among the voters whose citizenship was in question, said he was relieved he wouldnt have to spend more time running around to resolve the mix-up. Earlier this week, he said he waited an hour and a half at a motor vehicle office in Tempe only to find that the employee who attended to him was unaware of the issue and did not know how to update his voter registration despite him providing an official birth certificate and new passport. Im glad that none of us are going to be disenfranchised over an error generated by the MVD 20 some-odd years ago, Groseclose told the AP. (AP) President Joe Biden told Indo-Pacific allies on Saturday that he believes Chinas increasing military assertiveness is an effort to test the region at a turbulent moment for Beijing. Bidens comments were caught by a hot mic after he and fellow leaders of the so-called Quad delivered opening remarks before the press at a summit hes hosting near his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. He said his administration sees Beijings actions as a change in tactic, not a change in strategy. China continues to struggle to pull up its economy that was pummeled by the coronavirus pandemic and has seen an extended slowdown in industrial activity and real estate prices as Beijing faces pressure to ramp up spending to stimulate demand. At least from our perspective, we believe Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimize the turbulence in Chinas diplomatic relationships, and hes also looking to buy himself some diplomatic space, in my view, to aggressively pursue Chinas interest, Biden told Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. It is true across the scope of our relationship, including on economic and technology issues. Starting with a trade war that dates back to 2018, China and the United States have grown at odds over a range of issues, from global security, such as Chinas claims over the South China Sea, to industrial policy on electric vehicle and solar panel manufacturing. The administration has repeatedly spoken out about concerns about Chinese aggression toward Taiwan and more recently on the frequent clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed areas of the South China Sea. Biden recently dispatched his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, to Beijing for three days of talks with Chinese officials. Sullivan during that visit also met with Xi. Both governments are eager to keep relations on an even keel ahead of a change in the U.S. presidency in January. And both sides have said they remain committed to managing the relationship, following up on a meeting between Xi and Biden in San Francisco last November. Biden added that he continues to believe intense competition requires intense diplomacy. The comments came as Biden showed off a slice of his Delaware hometown to the leaders of Australia, Japan and India as he hosted what is likely the last gathering of the Indo-Pacific partnership that has grown in prominence under his White House tenure. When Biden began his presidency he looked to elevate the Quad, which until then had only met at the foreign minister level, to a leader-level partnership as he tried to pivot U.S. foreign policy away from conflicts in the Middle East and toward threats and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. This weekends summit is the fourth in-person and sixth overall gathering of the leaders since 2021. It will survive way beyond November, Biden told the leaders. The president, who has admitted to an uneven track record as a scholar, also seemed tickled to get to host a gathering with three world leaders at the school he attended more than 60 years ago. He welcomed each of the leaders individually for one-on-one talks at his nearby home before they gathered at the school for talks and a formal dinner. I dont think the headmaster of this school thought Id be presiding over a meeting like this, Biden joked to fellow leaders. Albanese, Modi and Kishida came for the summit before their appearances at the U.N. General Assembly in New York next week. This place could not be better suited for my final visit as prime minister, said Kishida, who like Biden, is set to soon leave office. Earlier, the president warmly greeted Kishida when he arrived at the residence on Saturday morning and gave the prime minister a tour of the property before they settled into talks. Kishida, according to the prime ministers office, thanked Biden at the outset of their meeting for inviting him to meet at his home. White House officials said holding the talks at the presidents house, which sits near a pond in a wooded area several miles west of downtown, was intended to give the meetings a more relaxed feel. Sullivan described the vibe of Bidens one-on-one meeting with Albanese, who stopped by the house on Friday, as two guys one at the other guys home talking in broad strokes about where they see the state of the world. He said Biden and Albanese also swapped stories about their political careers. The Australian leader remarked that the visit had given him insight into what in my view makes you such an extraordinary world leader. Modi also stopped by the house on Saturday to meet with Biden before the leaders gathered for their joint talks at Archmere. There cannot be a better place than President Bidens hometown of Wilmington to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Quad, Modi said. As part of the summit, the leaders were set to announce new initiatives to bolster maritime security in the region with enhanced coast guard collaboration through the Pacific and Indian oceans and improve cooperation on humanitarian response missions. The measures are meant to serve as a counterweight to an increasingly assertive China. Biden and Modi discussed Modis recent visits to Russia and Ukraine as well as economic and security concerns about China. Modi is the most prominent leader from a nation that maintains a neutral position on Russias invasion of Ukraine. Sullivan said that countries like India should step up and support the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and that every country, everywhere, should refrain from supplying inputs to Russias war machine. Biden and Kishida, who are both stepping away from office amid sliding public support, count the tightening of security and economic ties among the U.S., Japan and South Korea as one of their most significant accomplishments. The improved relations between Japan and South Korea, two nations with a deep and complicated history that have struggled to stay on speaking terms, have come amid worrying developments in the Pacific, including strides made by North Korea in its nuclear program and concerns about China. Biden during their face-to-face meeting commended Kishida for demonstrating courage and conviction in strengthening ties with South Korea, according to the White House. They also discussed China, Russias war against Ukraine and emerging technology issues. The U.S. and Japan are dealing with a rare moment of tension in the relationship. Biden, as well as presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, have opposed a $15 billion bid by Japans Nippon Steel to take over American-owned U.S. Steel. Biden administration officials indicated this week that a U.S. government committees formal assessment of the proposed deal has yet to be submitted to the White House and may not come until after the Nov. 5 election. The Biden administration promised that the leaders would issue a joint statement containing the strongest-ever language on China and North Korea to be agreed upon by the four countries. The White House said the leaders later Saturday will rollout a new collaboration aimed at reducing cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific. The announcement is related to Bidens Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a long-running passion project of the president and his wife, Jill Biden, aimed at reducing cancer deaths. The Bidens son Beau died in 2015 at age 46 of brain cancer. (AP) By Rabbi Yair Hoffman Is this headline true? Is there actually a halachic obligation to visit FVAP.gov? Would Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl, the Steipler Gaon ztl, the Slonimer Rebbe ztl and the Vishnitzer Rebbe really say that this is a halachic obligation? Well, lets list two qualifications: 1] It particularly applies to American citizens over 18 studying or living in Eretz Yisroel. But it does include Seminary girls and Yeshiva Bochurim. 2] There is an alternative to FVAP.gov and that is visiting the OU Israel Center in Jerusalem. They will provide overseas voters all the tools and information needed so they can vote in the upcoming election. In the past these absentee ballots made a difference. The OU-Israel Office is located at 22 Rechov Keren Hayesod (between Sokolov Street and Mendel Mocher Seforim Street). Their dates and hours to help you register to vote are: Sunday September 22, 2024 11AM to 2PM Monday September 23, 2024 10AM to 2PM Tuesday September 24, 2024 10AM to 2PM Wednesday September 25, 2024 11AM to 2PM Sunday September 29, 2024 11AM to 2PM Monday September 30, 2024 10AM to 2PM Tuesday October 1, 2024 10AM to 2PM Wednesday October 2, 2024 11AM to 2PM Thursday October 26, 2024 11AM to 2PM They can also visit: https://www.ou.org/votefromabroad THE OBLIGATION Is there an actual halachic obligation to vote? The short answer is yes. THE OBLIGATION RAV FEINSTEINS VIEW Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl discusses the obligation to vote in an English letter, and finds the source of such an obligation in the notion of Hakaras HaTovexpressing our gratitude. In 1984, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York was conducting a voter registration campaign. Rav Moshe Feinstein was approached and responded that, in fact, Jews should vote. Subsequently, a letter was released signed by Rav Feinstein delineating the obligation to vote. The letter stated: On reaching the shores of the United States, Jews found a safe haven. The rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights have allowed us the freedom to practice our religion without interference and to live in this republic in safety. A fundamental principle of Judaism is hakaras hatov recognizing benefits afforded us and giving expression to our appreciation. Therefore, it is incumbent on each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which guards the freedoms we enjoy. The most fundamental responsibility incumbent on each individual is to register and to vote. Therefore, I urge all members of the Jewish community to fulfill their obligations by registering as soon as possible, and by voting. By this, we can express our appreciation and contribute to the continued security of our community. RECTIFYING AN URGENT MATTER On the other hand, the Steipler Gaon ztl seems to view the obligation of voting as a means of fulfilling the need to rectify an urgent matter. Indeed, he is cited in Orchos Rabbeinu p. 141 in Cheshvan of 5726, as even having permitted a mourner within the seven days of mourning to vote when the need to vote is urgent. RESPECTING THE VIEW OF THE GEDOLEI TORAH The Slonimer Rebbe ztl and others (See Bais Yaakov Yerichon LInyanei Chinuch 027-028 p. 30) have proposed an entirely different reason for the obligation. They write that the obligation to vote stems from the obligation to respect the view of Gedolei Torah. STRENGTHENING TORAH The Vishnitzer Rebbe writes that the obligation to vote in Israel stems from the obligation to strengthen Torah (Michtevei Kodesh #238). PIKUACH NEFESH Is there perhaps an additional reason that applies this year, that it can save Jewish lives? This author thinks that it does. But remember, if you dont register, you cannot vote. In conclusion, there does seem to be a halachic obligation to vote either stemming from Hakaras HaTov, according to Rav Feinstein ztl, rectifying an urgent matter according to the Steipler ztl, respecting the view of the Gedolei Torah according to the Slonimer Rebbe, and from the obligation of strengthening Torah according to the Vishnitzer Rebbe. We also do not see any indication that the above reasons are mutually exclusive. In other words, there could very well be five different halachic reasons why those learning or living in Eretz Yisroel should register to vote and actually vote. This is our hishtadlus according to the aforementioned Gedolim. The author can be reached at [email protected] On Sunday, over a dozen members of Hatzolah of Central Jersey joined emergency services from across the county at the Ocean County Training Center for a comprehensive Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training drill. The exercise simulated a car crashing into a large food festival, resulting in dozens of injured individuals. The drill also incorporated a hazardous materials (hazmat) component, adding complexity to the real-world emergency response scenario. The drill was organized to enhance the skills and collaboration of Ocean Countys first responders. Participants practiced managing a large-scale incident, from triaging patients to working alongside fire, EMS, and hazmat teams. Being prepared for an MCI is something we hope we never have to use, but its critical, said Abe Rozmarin, a Hatzolah paramedic and member of its Training Committee. These drills ensure that our EMTs and paramedics are fully prepared to respond to any emergency, no matter how complicated. The addition of the hazmat element presented unique challenges, simulating hazardous substances that could pose serious threats during a real-life incident. Meir Lichtenstein, who also attended the drill, emphasized the importance of readiness: In situations like these, seconds count. This drill provided us with the necessary practice to make sure we can respond swiftly and effectively when every moment matters. Hatzolah EMT and Dispatch Committee member Moshe Kupferstein noted, Training like this is invaluable. It tests our coordination with other emergency services and reinforces the importance of seamless communication. This collaboration can be the difference between life and death in a real incident. Hatzolah EMT Moshe Neuberger also highlighted the value of these exercises: Its not just about responding to one emergency; its about preparing for any challenge, including multiple hazards. The dedication of everyone involved ensures were ready for whatever comes our way. Hatzolah Executive Director and Ocean County EMS Coordinator Motty Twerski further stressed the importance of continuous training. Our ability to work closely with other emergency services during these drills is essential. In a real MCI, its the coordinated efforts between agencies that save lives. Hatzolah of Central Jersey regularly engages in advanced training to ensure its members stay at the forefront of emergency response techniques and procedures. The MCI drill was another important step in maintaining the readiness of its members. This kind of exercise is essential for us, said Hatzolah Captain Motty Waisbrodt. It pushes our team to respond quickly, efficiently, and safely, even in scenarios that involve multiple hazards. Were proud of the dedication our members showed during this drill and are ready to continue serving in any emergency. 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! Israeli forces have killed two terrorists believed to be responsible for the recent murder of six hostages in a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip.The hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi were killed in the tunnel before the terrorists were now located and neutralized. In a press conference, Hagari detailed the operation, explaining that Israeli forces from the 162nd Division encountered the terrorists a day after the murders. A day after the murder of the hostages, forces with the 162nd Division identified two terrorists emerging from a nearby tunnel in the Tel Sultan area, and killed them in an exchange of fire, Hagari said. Following the clash, Israeli forces conducted a thorough investigation of the tunnel and the equipment found with the terrorists. After we investigated the findings from the tunnel and equipment from the terrorists, we found DNA and several items that belonged to the terrorists that we killed, Hagari confirmed. Hagari also said that evidence indicates the two terrorists were present in the tunnel at the time of the murders. We are checking their involvement in the murder, he added, saying that the investigation is ongoing to confirm their direct role in the killings. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) According to a report from Israels Channel 12, each Hezbollah pager that exploded was individually set to detonate, with those behind the attack having precise knowledge of their targets locations and movements to minimize collateral damage. Each pager had its own arrangements. Thats how it was possible to control who was hit and who wasnt, an unnamed foreign security source told the TV station. The attackers reportedly ensured that only the person carrying the pager was harmed, sparing civilians who may have been nearby at the time of the blasts. Footage from the incident showed one man being killed by his pager while standing next to a fruit and vegetable stand, but, as Channel 12s report notes, great care was taken to prevent injuries to bystanders. They knew who he was with and where he was, so that the vegetable seller in the supermarket would not be hurt, the report explained, citing foreign sources. The attack, which Hezbollah has blamed on Israel, marks an unprecedented event in the ongoing conflict between the two. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, the report adds new details to an already complex situation, revealing that tens of thousands of pagers had been manufactured with explosives specifically for this operation. According to the Channel 12 report, Hezbollah had increased its use of pagers after its military chief Fuad Shukr was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike in Beirut in July. Growing wary of using mobile phones, which could be intercepted, Hezbollah operatives had relied more heavily on pagers, unaware that they were carrying Trojan Horse devices. Ronen Bergman, an investigative journalist for The New York Times and Yediot Achronot, was also interviewed for the report. He described how a brilliant female intelligence operative, under the age of 30, somewhere in the Middle East, had masterminded the entire scheme. It was decided to set up a factory to build the devices from scratch so that it wont be a device that we will tamper with; it will be a device that we will produce, Channel 12 reported. The decision to detonate the pagers this week may have been driven by concerns that Hezbollah was about to discover the Trojan Horse devices, though a foreign security source disputes this claim. The report also suggests the attack was strategically timed, with former IDF intelligence chief Amos Yadlin emphasizing that the goal is to send a message to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah that his ongoing attacks on northern Israel are costing him dearly, both in manpower and public support within Lebanon. The coordinated attack is not considered a strategic strike, however, with sources indicating that Israel possesses far more sophisticated capabilities for dealing with Hezbollah and Iran. According to the report, these capabilities have been in development for years, but their potential was not fully utilized against Hamas, which partly explains the failure to prevent the October 7 attacks. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) US officials are hoping that increased Israeli military pressure on Hezbollah will lead the Iran-backed terror group to agree to a diplomatic resolution, potentially allowing civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to return to their homes after nearly a year of cross-border conflict, according to a report by Axios. The report notes that while US officials understand Israels strategy of de-escalation through escalation, they are concerned that this approach is a delicate calibration that could easily ignite an all-out war. One of the key messages was that we want to keep a path open to a diplomatic resolution and therefore dont want the Israelis to take steps that will close such a path, one US official told Axios. Both US and Israeli officials said that the Biden administration has urged Israel to refrain from launching a ground invasion or conducting airstrikes in civilian areas actions that could exacerbate the conflict and derail diplomatic efforts. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon fired over 150 rockets and drones into northern Israel in four waves of attacks beginning in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday morning. Six people were injured, including several people who were wounded by shrapnel after a rocket hit a two-story residential building and several cars in Kiryat Bialik near Haifa. Others were treated for shock. MDA paramedics treated the victims at the scene and evacuated them to hospitals, including Rambam Hospital in Haifa and Emek Medical Center in Afula. Tragically, a 17-year-old yeshivah bochur was killed in a car accident in northern Israel estimated to have occurred when the driver panicked at the sound of the sirens. Some rockets were intercepted, while others landed in areas such as Kiryat Bialik, Tsur Shalom, and Moreshet. Extinguishing the fire in Moreshet. (Israel Fire and Rescue Services)These rocket impacts ignited multiple fires, and Israel Fire and Rescue Services are currently working to extinguish them. Earlier, between 4:48 and 5:10 AM, 20 rockets were fired from Lebanon toward the Jezreel Valley. Most of these projectiles were intercepted, with the remainder landing in open areas. Large shrapnel fragments from interceptor missiles fell in the area, lightly injuring a man, and causing physical damage. A dairy farm in Beit Shearim sustained a direct hit, killing 25 cows and causing significiant damage to the facility. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying that it targeted the Ramat Dovid Airbase and the Rafael arms factory in a preliminary response to Israels attacks. Israeli media reports confirmed that Hezbollah targeted the airbase for the first time since the war began. The Lebanese Al Mayadeen media outlet said that Hezbollah fired powerful Fadi-1 and Fadi-2 rockets for the first time. The IDF said on Sunday morning that its airstrikes on thousands of rocket launcher barrels on Shabbos and Motzei Shabbos thwarted most of Hezbollahs planned attacks and it is now carrying out new attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A tragedy occurred in Israel early Sunday morning amid heavy Hezbollah rocket fire at northern Israel when a deadly car accident occurred amid blaring rocket sirens. A 20-year-old yeshivah bochur driving near Ramat Yishai apparently panicked at the sound of the sirens and veered off the highway, hitting the barrier. The accident killed one of the passengers, a 17-year-old yeshivah bochur. MDA paramedics were forced to declare the death of the bochur at the scene. The driver was moderately to severely injured and was evacuated to Rambam Hospital in Haifa. The two others were lightly injured. The niftar was later identified as Noam Yechiel, zl, from Achiezer, a moshav in central Israel. He was a talmid of Yeshivas Bnei Yissachar in Hadera. He was on the way to yeshivah with a group of friends after spending Shabbos at Meron for the Sheva Brachos of a friend. The niftar, zl, is the son of a famous singer and chazan, Erez Yechiel. In the video below, Noam, zl, is singing, with his father (with the beard) sitting next to him. Brig.-Gen. Chilik Sofer of the Home Front Command spoke to Ynet about what to do in case of a siren while driving: When we hear a siren while driving, the first thing we should do is slow down. Thats the most important thing. Then we should try to stop on the side of the road. Even if we cant come to a complete stop, the fact that were slowing down helps. If a rocket were to hit, for example, a hundred meters away from us and were driving at high speed, we could end up in a cloud of shrapnel, and then we could really lose control and have an accident. So, we need to slow down, pull over to the side of the road, turn off the engine, get out, lie down, and pay attention to those ten minutes. Those ten minutes can save lives due to rocket barrages as well as the shrapnel from interceptions. Israel Police stated: Israel Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of a single-vehicle accident that occurred on Route 77 between the Yishi Interchange and the Zarzir Interchange. As a result of the accident, one of the vehicles passengers (a 17-year-old resident of central Israel) was pronounced dead, and four other passengers were injured, with wounds ranging from mild to moderate. Officers and traffic accident investigators from the Northern District are currently at the scene and have begun investigating the circumstances of the case, with initial suspicions suggesting that the accident may have happened while the alarms were sounding in the north this morning. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) In the wake of a series of bold Israeli military operations in Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Hezbollah will get the message following several targeted operations against the terror group. Over the past few days, we hit Hezbollah with a string of strikes that it didnt imagine, Netanyahu said in a video statement in Hebrew. If Hezbollah didnt get the message, I promise you, it will get the message. Netanyahu emphasized the countrys determination to ensure the safety of its citizens, particularly in the northern regions affected by the conflict. We are determined to return our [displaced northern] residents safely to their homes. No country can tolerate [rocket] fire at its residents, [rocket] fire at its cities. The State of Israel cannot tolerate it either, he stated. Reiterating his stance, Netanyahu promised that Israel would do everything necessary in order to restore security. In a separate video in English, Netanyahu said: On October 7th, the Hamas terrorist monsters burst into Israel, murdered our people, raped and beheaded our women, burnt babies alive, and took 255 innocent people hostage, including many Americans. A day later, on October 8th, another Iranian terrorist proxy, Hezbollah, attacked Israel completely unprovoked. They fired missiles and rockets into our cities. They made 60,000 Israelis leave their homes along the Lebanon border, becoming refugees in their own land. In the subsequent months, they havent stopped for a single day attacking us. No country can accept the wanton rocketing of its cities. We cant accept it either. We will take whatever action is necessary to restore security and to bring our people safe back to their homes. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes targeted and killed senior Hezbollah commanders Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmed Wahbi in a residential building in Beirut. Aqil was believed to be overseeing a planned operation to invade Israels Galilee region. The assassination followed another attack, attributed to Israel but unconfirmed, in which at least 30 Hezbollah members were killed in pager and walkie-talkie blasts in Lebanon last week. Israel has also conducted hundreds of airstrikes in recent days, focusing on Hezbollah rocket launchers poised to strike Israel. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israels Supreme Court on Sunday rejected the petition aimed at disqualifying HaRav Dovid Yosefs candidacy for the position of Chief Rabbi of Israel. The judges ruled unanimously that the petition should be dismissed, which effectively allows HaRav Yosef to continue his campaign to be elected to the position of Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel. The frivolous petition was filed by a left-wing organization due to statements HaRav Yosef made against the Reform movement in the past. HaRav Yosefs lawyer stated that in certain matters, he has the obligation to voice rebuke even if it rubs listeners the wrong way. After all, that is a core principle of freedom of expression. The governments position was that the petition should have been immediately dismissed but the Supreme Court decided to hold the hearing. The judges ruled unanimously that the petition should be rejected, reflecting its established stance of not interfering in public matters until the formal process is fully exhausted. The court deemed the petition as premature and theoretical as the Rav has not yet been elected to the position. HaRav Yosef officially submitted his candidacy forms to the election committee on Sunday. Last week, former Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef publicly expressed support for his brothers candidacy HaRav Yosef is widely expected to receive a majority of votes and secure the position. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Israel is currently investigating reports suggesting that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar may be dead, following intelligence that emerged during recent military operations in Gaza. While the possibility is considered highly unlikely, military intelligence is pursuing all leads, according to Israeli journalist Ben Caspit. The Walla news site reports that the Shin Bet, Israels internal security agency, has rejected the notion that Sinwar is dead, maintaining that he is still alive. Caspit noted that a source close to the matter explained, There have also been times in the past when he disappeared, and we thought he was dead, but then he reappeared. The investigation is based on claims that Sinwar may have been killed during Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strikes in Gaza, but conclusive evidence is yet to be found. In response to the report, Israeli journalist Barak Ravid posted on X, quoting officials with direct knowledge of the situation who said that Jerusalem does not have intelligence supporting the theory of Sinwars death. It is all hopes and guesses which are based on the fact that Sinwar has been incommunicado in recent weeks, Ravid quoted one Israeli official. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The IDF reported that a UAV launched from Iraq crossed into Israeli territory through Syria earlier today, prompting sirens in the southern Golan Heights and Beit Shean Valley areas. Several interceptors were deployed in response to the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). No injuries or damage were reported, and the IDF has confirmed that the incident has now concluded. The situation is being closely monitored for any further developments. New York (September 18, 2024) Actress and activist Debra Messing hosted the American Friends of Magen David Adom Gala at Cipriani 42 in N.Y, on Wednesday. Nate Buzz, Christian actor and pro-Israel advocate, was honored at the event, which also featured former Miss Israel and IDF combat medic, Noa Cochva. Gilad Erdan, who recently assumed the role of MDA Global President after four years as Israels Ambassador to the United Nations, offered words of inspiration to the over 600 attendees. Philanthropist and former N.Y. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was honored for his monumental contribution of $44 million earlier this year, and Bank of America was recognized for its major contribution to the cause. At a time of great need in Israel and escalating violence on the northern border, the evening raised significant funds to support Magen David Adom, Israels emergency services system. Funds will go to augmenting the fleet of rescue vehicles, training and equipment for Israels paramedics and EMTs, and protecting the nations blood supply through the Marcus Blood Center. The event attracted longtime friends of AFMDA, as well as many new supporters eager to become more involved in the cause. The evenings theme of Israel in N.Y. was reflected in the ambience as guests celebrated diverse Israeli expressions through food, art, and music. Popular singing duo, The Shvesters, performed in Yiddish, Hebrew, and English. As the attendees paid tribute to the heroic MDA medics who lost their lives during the Hamas massacre and the ensuing war, a video about Amit Man, a 22-year-old paramedic who was killed on October 7 while treating patients at a clinic in Kibbutz Beeri, was screened. Oshrit Hadad, a close friend of the late Amit, shared thoughts on her loss. Messing spoke of her own personal journey in the wake of the attacks, Ive spent the past year trying to gather as much truth as possible and share it with the world, said Messing. This is a new role for me, and Ive never been prouder of my work. Ambassador Erdan also reflected on his years as a staunch defender of Israel at the UN and his new role representing Magen David Adom. For 21 years, I fought for Israel on the political, diplomatic, and global stage. Ive defended our legitimacy and countered lies. I combatted one aspect of our enemies strategy. But now, today, Ive chosen to combat the other side of this vicious strategy. And I do so by leading Magen David Adom Israels only national emergency service, said Ambassador Erdan. While I fought for Israels legitimacy at the UN, I needed your voices to counter the lies. Today, as I lead Magen David Adom, I need your support to bolster Israels resilience on the home front. By supporting Magen David Adom, you directly combat our enemies strategy. You become part of our sacred mission to defend Israel. As we face unprecedented challenges in Israel and throughout the Jewish world, it is heartwarming to see the huge groundswell of support by those who attended the gala, said AFMDA CEO Catherine Reed. Their generosity makes it possible for Magen David Adom to save lives and protect human dignity. 'Painful decisions': Rachel Reeves The boss of one of the UK's biggest pension firms has warned the Chancellor against tax changes that could deter people from saving for retirement. Antonio Simoes, who took over as head of Legal & General at the start of this year, said savers needed 'stability' to convince them to lock their money away for the long term. It comes amid speculation that Rachel Reeves will raid pension savings in next month's Budget after the Government warned of 'painful' decisions. One option is to reduce the level of tax relief on contributions for pension savers who are higher-rate tax-payers. Another is to cut the size of the tax-free lump sum that can be taken out. Simoes would not be drawn when asked about specific policies but he said: 'What's important is stability. We need people to be investing more for their retirement and if you keep on changing the incentives there's no stability,' Simoes said. 'It's important individuals are incentivised to lock their money away, that we create pools of long-term savings that can be invested in energy and other areas.' Simoes backs moves to encourage 'more of the assets that are in the pension schemes to work harder for the UK economy'. And as a member of a task force advising Labour on its plans for a National Wealth Fund which will look at ways of boosting investment in net zero his views will carry weight in the Treasury. L&G has more than 1 trillion of assets under management worldwide. In the UK it looks after the retirement savings of more than 5.3 million people, collectively worth around 146 billion. Simoes told The Mail on Sunday: 'We want to see stability and we want to encourage long-term savings and productive finance. We want more of this money to then be invested in the real economy.' He said L&G was 'very supportive' of stability and 'incentives for people to do that.' It comes after Aviva boss Amanda Blanc urged Ministers to think carefully about changing pension tax relief and the long-term impact it could have. Bosses at six other pension firms representing millions of savers last week lined up to warn the Chancellor, in The Mail on Sunday, of the damaging consequences of a raid on pension contributions. Pensions are a target for Labour as it has ruled out raising income tax, VAT or corporation tax. Think-tank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, has urged the Chancellor to stage a 2 billion raid on wealthy savers' pension pots by slashing the amount that can be withdrawn as a tax-free lump sum. It has also called for pensions to be subject to inheritance tax and for National Insurance to be levied on employer contributions to pensions. But it warned against reducing income tax relief on pensions contributions for higher rate earners, describing such a move as 'damaging, complex and inequitable'. What, one might ask, have Premier League hearings on Manchester City's alleged abuse of financial fair play rules to do with the fate of Labour's flagship Great British Energy (GBE) project? Unleashing the funding needed to make the UK a 'clean energy superpower by 2030', as the blurb for GBE promises, will require buy-in from overseas investors, many of whom are in the Gulf. The problem is that Man City owner Abu Dhabi, together with the other Emirates, have been investors in Britain for many decades, but feel unwanted and alienated by regulatory barriers erected against investments. The grandiose aim outlined in the founding statement on the Government website for GBE, seeded with 8.3 billion of taxpayers' cash, is to turn the country into a green powerhouse in just six years. It is an ambitious target that will rely heavily on the willingness of investors, including those in the Gulf, to back the project. Falling behind: At the latest auction of licences for green energy, including offshore windfarms, established Scandinavian players gobbled up 70 per cent of them The estimated cost of that six-year transition is estimated to be well in excess of 100 billion and that is in addition to the 300 billion of projects already committed. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and the Government are late to the zero carbon emissions party. At the latest auction of licences for green energy, including offshore windfarms, established Scandinavian players gobbled up 70 per cent of them. Listed UK power supplier SSE, with an imaginative green agenda, was among the other successful bidders. When GBE was launched in July, Keir Starmer vowed to turbocharge the UK's energy independence in partnership with the Crown Estate, which is responsible for much of the foreshore where windfarms are located. He suggested the deal could unlock up to 60 billion of investment in the sector. There was no explanation of how this would happen or why this was any different from the status quo, given that the Crown Estate already has partnerships with most of the big developers of offshore wind. In reality, GBE is a shadow of what Labour envisaged for a zero carbon economy while in Opposition. Under its original green prosperity plan, 28 billion a year, over the course of a Parliament, would be devoted to the task. In a U-turn, that first commitment was watered down to investing the sum by the middle of the next Parliament. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, anxious to avoid extravagant spending commitments, eventually succeeded in restricting the Government investment to 8.7 billion during the current Parliament. As attractive as a green energy manufacturing revolution may sound, catching up with competitors is not going to be easy. Britain has already fallen behind Germany in building battery mega factories. Most of the solar panels being installed are made cheaply in China. And for the moment, Germany looks to have a lock on making heat pumps. In a nod to Scotland, after the Government's decision to block future North Sea oil licences, the Prime Minister committed to locating GBE's headquarters north of the border. But the number of skilled engineering jobs created will be no match for the tens of thousands expected to be lost. Late to the party: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Miliband highlighted the way in which the Government is approaching the mission by lifting the ban on onshore wind within 72-hours of taking office in July of this year. He also has promised a new 2030 'Mission Control' at the heart of government, though it is not entirely clear what that means. Senior executives working for Britain's largest listed energy groups are unimpressed. One huge blockage is the lack of support for the super electricity grid, in terms of the switching stations and battery storage facilities needed to transport and store power. Plans for a wave of huge pylons are mired in 'nimby' objections. This is in spite of Labour's pledges to bulldoze planning laws to allow for new infrastructure. Among the biggest frustrations is the failure, so far, to make progress on the development of new nuclear. At the launch of GBE, the Government said it would see how it could work with Great British Nuclear, established by the Tories in March 2023. The lack of signals from the Department of Energy is a matter of frustration. A senior director of a big energy group expressed anxiety that plans for a second super reactor, Sizewell C in Suffolk (similar to that being built at Hinkley Point in Somerset), are still awaiting Government consent and support. There are also fears at Rolls-Royce that unless a decision on small modular reactors is taken soon, Britain's technological lead could be eroded by foreign players. For the moment, GBE is an empty vessel. Many of the biggest players in the race to net zero are overseas. Slow decision-making and nimbyism are putting the brakes on meeting the 2030 target. As matters stand, the pledge of a jobs revolution and lower prices are a mirage vanishing before our eyes. Pius Kamau, M.D., a retired general surgeon, is president of the Aurora-based Africa America Higher Education Partnerships; co-founder of the Africa Enterprise Group and an activist for minority students STEM education. He is a National Public Radio commentator, a Huffington Post blogger, a past columnist for Denver dailies and is featured on the podcast, Never Again. Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a warning to citizens regarding fraud cases, Azernews reports. Statement from the Ministry mentions: "Calls are being made to citizens, especially elderly individuals, claiming that their close relatives are ill and urgently need money for treatment. These calls, sometimes using artificial intelligence to mimic voices, inform them that a tragedy has occurred involving a family member and request financial assistance. Police investigations have been conducted into cases of funds being fraudulently obtained, resulting in several successful operations that led to the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved." The Ministry urges citizens to be vigilant, verify information regarding incoming calls, and refrain from giving money to unknown individuals. J. J. Ament is President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Tonight we take a peek at the promo work of DJ, influencer, fitness guru and hottie Sommer as we take one more peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Local Artsy Winning Weekend Thousands pack Plaza for Day 1 of the Plaza Art Fair Thousands of people gathered at the Country Club Plaza for night one of the Plaza Art Fair on Friday night. The event is expected to host more than 250,000 people over the weekend. Show-Me Crackdown Push Back 'Hemp sales are back on': Missouri regulators pare down ban on intoxicating hemp products * Missouri Independent Missouri regulators will not longer enforce a ban on all intoxicating hemp products, instead focusing on those targeting children. Rock Chalk Dox Debate Kansas GOP chairman complains about Democratic congressional candidate's lack of disclosures * Kansas Reflector Democratic congressional candidate Nancy Boyda failed to disclose who paid for her advertisements as required by federal election rules, according to a complaint filed by Kansas Republican Party chairman Mike Brown. Tasty Community Promo Gates Bar-B-Q celebrates history during Kansas City Black Restaurant Week Black Restaurant Week in Kansas City is coming to a close. The two week event celebrates minority-owned restaurants in the area, promoting inclusivity. Victory Despite Empty Seats Photos: KC Current shut out Washington Spirit in 3-0 match The Current clinched a spot in the 2024 NWSL Playoffs last night with a dominant 3-0 win over the Washington Spirit. Forward Nichelle Prince opened the scoring with her first goal for the club, becoming the 18th different goalscorer for the club this season. Diva Fashions Another Year Sommer Ray In Tight Animal-Print Outfit Licks Her Birthday Cake Sommer Ray celebrates her 28th birthday by sharing a provocative photo in an animal-print outfit while playfully licking her birthday cake! Prez Biden Farewell Tour Starts Biden begins private meetings with world leaders at Delaware home ahead of secretive Quad meeting Biden has met with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia privately at his Wilmington, Delaware home ahead of the secretive Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meeting this weekend. MAGA Rejects Last Minute Trick Donald Trump rejects Kamala Harris debate re-match because it is 'too late' 'Voting has already started', Trump said as he launched a new $100 'Trump coin' in a bid to catch up with Harris's fundraising Debating RINO Options?!? Liz Cheney: Conservatives may need a new party Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) indicated in an interview at The Capital Times Idea Fest in Madison, Wisc., that conservatives could end up forming a new kind of conservative party, argui... Telsa King Suffers Latest Rebuke Elon Musk's SpaceX sued by Cards Against Humanity over alleged trespassing in Texas The company is asking for $15 million in damages, which it says includes a loss of vegetation on the land. GOP Shares Confidence Johnson says Trump 'unshakeable' after second assassination threat House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) weighed in on the second apparent assassination attempt against former President Trump in an interview Friday, calling Trump "unshakeable." Johnson said he met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago shortly after the incident earlier this month, spending three hours with him. "He was not shaken," Johnson told radio hosts John Catsimatidis and... War Hell In Holy Land Captured Israel investigates after its soldiers filmed throwing bodies off roof The IDF says the incident does not "conform" to its values, while Palestinian officials say it is a "crime". Eastern Europe Blowing Up Ukrainian Drones Just Blew Up 2,000 Tons Of Ammo in Southern Russia The ammo stockpile in Tikhoretsk is-or was-one of the biggest in Russia. Conservative Compromise French President Emmanuel Macron announces new right-wing government The new cabinet pulls in allies from the centre and right, despite left-wing parties winning France's election. Friends With Benefits?!? I went to a sex party but ended up with far more than a hook up Women share how sex parties are a great place to make friends. If you also meet someone to play with? Well, that's just the cherry on top. Local Book Biz Needs Backers BLK + BRWN owner calls on funders to co-author bookstore's story of activism for silenced narratives A recently launched crowdfunding campaign to help BLK + BRWN make rent could mean the difference between access and censorship for the community served by the indie bookstore, said Cori Smith. Grigs Gives Downpour Preview Heavy rain overnight and through Sunday Temperatures will drop through the day And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. We'll get into this more as the election moves closer but here's the premise we want locals to consider: WILL MISSOURI PROGRESSIVES LEVERAGE ABORTION INTO CAMPAIGN 2024 VICTORY?!? No matter how voters might feel about the issue . . . That's the sales pitch being put forward. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Hawley, Kunce clash over aid to Ukraine, abortion rights ballot measure, during Senate debate The two major party candidates, along with third party contenders for U.S. Senate, met for the first time on stage at the debate sponsored by the Missouri Press Association. Abortion rights, minimum wage hike divide Quade and Kehoe in Missouri gubernatorial debate Missouri's gubernatorial candidates met in a debate on Friday sponsored by the Missouri Press Association. Democrat Crystal Quade, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee, Libertarian candidate Bill Slantz and Paul Lehmann, the Green Party candidate, squared off in what could be the campaign's sole debate. Developing . . . Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko's meeting with the head of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic," Denis Pushilin, will have consequences for Ukraine's relations with Belarus. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said this in a statement, Ukrinform reports. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns another manifestation of the Republic of Belarus's disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine the holding of an 'official' meeting between Alexander Lukashenko and Denis Pushilin, a representative of the Russian occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied part of the Donetsk region of Ukraine," the statement reads. Read also: Lukashenko pardons 30 political prisoners The ministry said this meeting was another confirmation that the position of the current Belarusian authorities on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity was dictated solely by the Kremlin's institutions and had nothing to do with either international law or the international obligations of the Republic of Belarus. "Ukraine rejects Alexander Lukashenko's hypocritical rhetoric regarding the principles of cooperation with the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and considers it yet another evidence of support for the war of aggression against our country," the statement said. "We call on the Belarusian people to realize that amid repeated contacts between Belarusian officials and Russian puppets from our temporarily occupied territories, Alexander Lukashenko's constant statements about his 'warm feelings' for the 'brotherly Ukrainian people' sound like a mockery, and his practical actions destroy the principles of good neighborliness and of mutual respect, on which relations between the Ukrainian and Belarusian peoples were built," the statement reads. The unfriendly actions of the Belarusian political leadership cannot remain without a proper response and will have negative consequences for Ukrainian-Belarusian relations, the ministry said. Lukashenko met with Pushilin in Minsk on September 19 and declared his readiness to "help Donetsk." Australian telecommunications company Telstra claimed it achieved a 1.6Tb/s through a single optical channel over 700km with Ericsson using Ciena's WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) in a trial conducted alongside live traffic services across the central Telstra InfraCo fibre route between Melbourne and Canberra. The trial was completed on Telstra's production network, coursing through InfraCo central route between Lonsdale Exchange in Victoria and Barton Exchange in the ACT. The WL6e leveraged 3nm silicon technology, doubling Telstra's fibre wavelength capacity from 800Gb/s to 1.6Tb/s. Telstra used WL6e to support 800G connectivity across long haul infrastructure and integrated it as part of the Telstra InfraCo intercity fibre network. TelstraFixed engineering executive Sanjay Nayak stated the technology will further future proof the company's networks. "To put this trial into perspective, 1.6Tb/s of bandwidth through a single wavelength is the same bandwidth as over 300,000 Netflix HDs streams going at the same time," Nayak explained. "Or you can download 17PB in a day which is more than 5 billion songs or over 12 billion photos." "It is a 100% increase per channel capacity and a 14.3% increase in capacity per system," Nayak said. According to Telstra, the trial is over 200km longer than the previous record for the highest capacity on a single wavelength. "Once fully deployed, WL6e will help put Telstra at the forefront of bringing a more connected future to Australians and its customers globally," said Ciena Asia Pacific regional managing director Matt Vesperman. "By leveraging Ciena's advanced 3nm chipset technology, we've successfully doubled the capacity of Teltra's wavelengths, paving the way for more robust, high-capacity networks to support the ever-growing data demands," said Ericsson head ANZ Emilio Romeo. (@FahadShabbir) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Sep, 2024) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended her heartfelt wishes to cancer patients, acknowledging their strength and resilience. In her message on World Rose Day, a day dedicated to hope and awareness for cancer patients, she stated, "Cancer patients are truly courageous individuals," and expressed her prayers for their swift recovery. The chief minister prayed to Allah Almighty for the complete healing of every cancer patient. She also announced the establishment of the first Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Lahore, which represents a significant step in providing essential treatment and care for cancer patients. CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the government's commitment to supporting cancer patients, affirming that every patient will receive free and quality treatment. She expressed her determination to eliminate barriers to accessing necessary medical care and announced plans to establish specialized cancer treatment centers in every district of Punjab, ensuring that all patients have access to quality healthcare services close to their homes. The chief minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to improving the welfare of cancer patients, assuring them of the support they need for their health and well-being. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Sep, 2024) Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said on Sunday that the Israeli newspaper had exposed the reality of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder. She was addressing a press conference along with Privilege Committee Chairman Samiullah Khan at Shahdara, said a press release issued here. She said that the PTI founder, during his tenure in government, tried to develop good ties with Israel. To a question, she said that political activities were allowed in the province as per law, adding that nobody would be spared for breaking the law. Azma Bukhari said, "There are many problems in Shahdara and government was well aware of them. " She said that hefty amount of Rs 125 billion would change the fate of the area in four months. Azma Bukhari said that the Punjab government had started various initiatives for welfare of people of Punjab including free medicines, laptops, Kisan card, Green model bazaar, solar programme, 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar'. She said Lahorites clearly demonstrated at the PTI rally on Saturday that those like Ali Amin Gandapur were not acceptable at all. She said after five years, people would see a different Punjab as its Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was working day and night for betterment of Punjab and its people. (@FahadShabbir) Sharjah, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Sep, 2024) Aiden Markram's calm innings helped South Africa avoid suffering a series clean sweep by Afghanistan with a seven-wicket victory in the third one-day international in Sharjah on Sunday. The Proteas cruised to their target of 170 after bowling out their opponents cheaply thanks to an unbeaten 69 from Markram, having briefly wobbled at 80-3. "I am happy with the performance. We were happy to up our skills today," said South Africa captain Temba Bavuma. "We were quite clinical with the bat. In terms of the series, not what we planned for." Afghanistan had already wrapped up a historic series triumph after winning the first two matches but struggled with the bat after winning the toss. Only the in-form Rahmanullah Gurbaz put up any real fight with an excellent, 94-ball 89, but when he fell Afghanistan were 132-7. Key batters Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Ikram Alikhil were all run out in a haphazard display. Tail-ender AM Ghazanfar smashed 31 not out off 15 deliveries to at least give Afghanistan hope. South Africa had been bowled out for 106 and 134 in the opening two games but found life easier against an Afghan attack missing the rested Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Afghanistan were still in the contest when Reeza Hendricks was dismissed by Fareed Ahmad, but Markram and Tristan Stubbs, who ended 26 not out, saw South Africa home with an unbroken stand of 90. "Feeling very happy with the series win," said Afghan skipper Shahidi. "I would be more happy if we would have won this match. At the same time, we were looking to give the youngsters more chance. "Today, the run outs were a big reason why we didn't finish on top." (@FahadShabbir) Liverpool, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Sep, 2024) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to protect public services and ruled out austerity measures as Labour's annual conference kicked off on Sunday, its first in 15 years as a government party. The four-day gathering in Liverpool, northwest England, comes three months after Labour secured a runway general election victory over the Conservatives. Under pressure on several fronts, Starmer will have to strike a balance between celebrating Labour's long-awaited victory, defending his record, and not letting up on reminders of "difficult decisions" to come. "If you look at the list of what we have already done in 11 weeks, then I would argue strongly that we've done far more than the last government did probably in the last 11 years," Starmer told the Observer newspaper on Sunday. After months of doom and gloom about Britain's economy and public health service, the conference could strike a more optimistic note. Starmer told the Sunday Mirror that while he had given the public a "raw and honest assessment" of the state of the country, he wanted to make clear the benefits voters could expect: "The hope, the changed Britain." He also clarified that despite tempering expectations ahead of the budget due at the end of October, the government would not go "down the road of austerity". Promising to protect public services, Starmer told the Observer he would "make sure that our public services are functioning properly", and vowed to shield working people from tax rises. "People have had a lot of tax rises and there's not much more room for tax rises. That's why I made the commitment in relation to working people," Starmer added. Echoing his mantra of doing the "tough things first", Starmer said "in years to come, people will look back and say: 'That Labour government in 2024 really got to grips with it.'" President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed diplomacy with China and their shared concerns over "coercive and destabilizing activities" in the South China Sea during a meeting on Saturday at the Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, the White House said. Biden and Kishida also reiterated their resolve to maintain peace across the Taiwan strait and commitment to developing and protecting technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, the White House said. U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday hosted the leaders of Australia, India and Japan at his private home in the U.S. state of Delaware for his final convening of the Quad, a strategic security grouping focused on the Indo-Pacific. But it was Bidens comments, unintentionally heard by the press, that illuminated the main topic at this unusually private meeting -- and that topic was China. Biden said his administration reads Beijings recent actions, including flexing its territorial muscles, as a "change in tactic, not a change in strategy." "We believe [Chinese President] Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimize the turbulence in Chinas diplomatic relationships, and he's also looking to buy himself some diplomatic space, in my view, to aggressively pursue China's interests," Biden told the other three leaders in what he said were prepared remarks. "China continues to behave aggressively, testing this all across the region, and it's true in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, South China, South Asia and the Taiwan Straits. Its true across the scope of our relationship, including in economic and technology issues," he added. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including territory claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. It also claims territories in the East China Sea contested by Japan and Taiwan. It views democratically governed Taiwan as part of China. Publicly, Bidens message was shorter, simpler "The Quad is here to stay." Those six words were also the final sentence of a lengthy joint statement from Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The group issued their nearly 5,700-word missive after a day of meetings so cloistered that the president of the White House Correspondents Association called the lack of access "unacceptable." In their statement, the quartet announced moves they say will boost cooperation among the four democracies and address concerns beyond their borders in the massive region, home to more than half of the worlds population and two-thirds of its economy. While they used the word "China" sparingly only three times, and all three times in reference to the South China Sea they made very clear how their stance differs from Beijings. "As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity," they said. "We strongly oppose any destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We condemn recent illicit missile launches in the region that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. We express serious concern over recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominated one where all countries are free from coercion and can exercise their agency to determine their futures." China has previously called out the Quad for its thinly veiled criticisms of China, with a Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson in July comparing the grouping to "exclusive clubs that undermine trust and cooperation among regional countries." Biden spoke briefly to tout the major steps, including one that aims to strengthen maritime security, and that will inevitably affect Chinas maritime presence in others waters. "We're announcing a series of initiatives to deliver real, positive impact for the Indo-Pacific that includes providing new maritime technologies to our regional partners, so they know what's happening in their waters, launching cooperation between coast guards for the first time, and expanding the Quad fellowship to include students from Southeast Asia," Biden said. That includes, the leaders statement said, a 2025 joint mission by the four nations coast guards. That step is also something that Japanese officials presented as a big summit takeaway when briefing reporters earlier in the day. Earlier in the week, when a top U.S. officials previewed the summit, he said the aim is to counter illegal fishing adding, tellingly, that the vast majority of illegal fishing vessels are Chinese. VOA asked the Japanese officials about a point of contention between Washington and Tokyo: Bidens opposition, on national security grounds, to a proposed takeover of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel. Biden administration officials appeared to play down the matter, noting that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States recently extended its review into the deal, pushing any decision past November. "The president will obviously allow that process to run its course because thats whats required from the law, and then we will see what happens," Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, told reporters Saturday. The American steel company is headquartered in Pennsylvania, an electorally critical state in the fast-approaching U.S. presidential election. VOA asked the Japanese government to share Toykos position on the politically sensitive merger. Japanese officials would not say whether Biden and Kishida even planned to speak on this topic in any of their meetings. "As a government we refrain from commenting on that," replied a Foreign Affairs Ministry official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. The official quickly added that Japan is the No. 1 investor in the U.S., and that Tokyo hopes the countries cooperation will continue. Australias leader said it matters that the four "like-minded countries," all democracies, work together. "We assert the view that national sovereignty is important, that security and stability is something that we strive for, as well as shared prosperity in our region," Albanese said. Analysts had predicted China discussion would dominate behind the scenes, but the leaders would refrain from publicly poking Beijing. "That doesnt show up in the readouts," Rafiq Dossani, a longtime Asia scholar, told VOA ahead of the summit. The four leaders began to meet yearly, in person, under Bidens presidency. Much of their effort, said analyst Kathryn Paik of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, is directed at bread-and-butter governance issues such as health, infrastructure, maritime security and resources, and people-to-people ties. "This is certainly not a Contain-China club," she told VOA. But, said Dossani, who is a senior economist at the Rand research corporation and a professor of policy analysis, there is room for the Quad to evolve. "The question is as the competition, or the rivalry, between China and the U.S. evolves, how will that at that time affect the deliberations?" he said. "As the Chinese economy recovers and they become more assertive, then you'll see a different context for the dialogue." In the present, though, Biden sees this dialogue among the four leaders as important to his legacy, Paik said. "It was a central piece to the Indo-Pacific strategy, and elevating the Quad to the leader level has been a significant piece of that strategy," she said. "Just the fact that the Quad has met annually at the leader level every year of Biden's administration is quite significant." VOAs Celia Mendoza in Wilmington, Delaware, and Paris Huang and Kim Lewis, in Washington, contributed to this report. [Provisional translation] More On September 21, 2024 (local time), Prime Minister Kishida visited the State of Delaware, the United States of America.Prime Minister Kishida held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. The Prime Minister also attended the Quad Cancer Moonshot launch event on the sidelines of the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (QUAD) Leaders Meeting and delivered a speech, after which he attended the Quad Leaders Working Dinner. Severe flooding in Chad since July has claimed 503 lives and affected around 1.7 million people since July, the United Nations said Saturday in its latest assessment of the disaster. The floods have destroyed 212,111 houses, flooded 357,832 hectares of fields, and drowned 69,659 heads of cattle, said the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Chad. All of the country's provinces have been hit, Chad's water and energy minister Marcelin Kanabe Passale told journalists Saturday morning, warning of more trouble to come. "The waters of the Logone and Chari rivers have reached a critical height likely to cause obvious serious flooding in the coming days," Passale said. N'Djamena, Chad's capital, is located where the Logone and Chari rivers flow into each other. Passale recommended that all water from private wells be treated with chlorine before consumption. A flood-monitoring committee had been set up to "assess the risks associated with the pollution of drinking water supplies and rising river levels," he added. The U.N. warned in early September of the impact of "torrential rains and severe flooding" in the wider region, particularly in Chad, calling for immediate action and funding to tackle climate change. This summer has been the hottest recorded globally since records have been kept, with a slew of record temperatures, heatwaves, drought and severe flooding. A roadside bomb detonated near a convoy of foreign diplomats visiting Pakistan's scenic Swat district Sunday, killing at least one police officer and injuring several others. Police officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the district is located, confirmed the casualties, saying the victims were part of the squad leading the convoy of about a dozen countries. They noted that all the foreign dignitaries were unharmed. The foreigners were mostly ambassadors from Russia, Portugal, Iran, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. All the ambassadors remained safe in the attack and had been shifted to a safe place before their departure to Islamabad, said Mohammad Ali Gandapur, a senior provincial police officer. In a late evening statement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry reported that "the group of diplomats has returned safely to Islamabad. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs office stated that he condemned the attack as a cowardly terrorist act. Russian Ambassador Albert Khorevs office in Islamabad confirmed his presence in the convoy, along with several other ambassadors, saying they took part in a tourism summit in Swat. On the way to the hotel from the town of Mingora in Khyber-Pakhtunkwa, an escort vehicle hit a mine. Several policemen were injured, [but] diplomats were not harmed, the Russian embassy wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. No group claimed responsibility for Sundays rare attack in Swat, a former stronghold of the Terik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, an Islamist insurgent militant group waging deadly attacks against military and police forces in the province and elsewhere in the country. Pakistani Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai, a resident of Swat, was shot and seriously wounded by TTP militants in 2012, apparently in retaliation for her campaign to promote girls education in the largely conservative district. Malala was swiftly airlifted to Britain for treatment. TTPs intensified attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, have killed more than 100 police and an equal number of civilians since the start of the year. Pakistan alleges that the extremist group is orchestrating the violence from Afghan sanctuaries and is being facilitated by Taliban rulers of the neighboring country. The Taliban government in Kabul, which is officially not recognized by any country, rejects the allegations, saying no foreign group, including TTP, is being allowed to use Afghan soil against other countries. The United States is preparing sanctions against former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili as concerns mount over his role in deepening ties with Russia and steering the country away from its democratic path, according to two U.S. government sources who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity. U.S. officials say Ivanishvilis alleged actions benefit Russian interests and undermine Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union and NATO. We have information that Ivanishvili undertook actions to develop relations with Russian oligarchs, took actions to enable Russia to gain better access to the Georgian market. In fact, he, took some actions at the direction of the Russian intelligence services, a senior U.S. official told VOAs Georgian service on the condition of anonymity, given the sensitivity of discussing the sanctions. Ivanishvili, 68, a billionaire who amassed his fortune in Russia during the 1990s, remains a deeply influential figure in Georgia despite having abandoned formal politics in 2013. He resides in a palace overlooking Georgias capital Tbilisi and rarely appears in public. His extravagant lifestyle, including a shark tank in his palace, a zoo in his hometown and a love for trees, has earned him the nickname James Bond of Georgia and captured the attention of international media. The political party that Ivanishvili founded, Georgian Dream, has held power in the country since 2012, and some observers say he continues to make key political decisions from behind the scenes. According to Giorgi Gakharia, a former Georgian Dream member who served as Georgias prime minister from September 2019 until February 2021, when he resigned and went into opposition, Ivanishvili is still involved in all major political and economic decisions. Ivanishvili is managing all kind of issues on strategic as well as tactical levels, Gakharia, who now leads the For Georgia party, told VOA. He's involved directly in [economic and] political issues. Everything going on in the country [at] this,moment is around and about Ivanishvili. Another opposition politician, Giga Bokeria of the Federalist Party, says Ivanishvili has been at the center of the Georgian governments move the country in a pro-Russian, anti-Western direction. He the one who steered from the very beginning this campaign of demonizing the West as a threat to Georgia's security and identity, that the West and in particular the U.S. uses Georgians as pawns in their interests, and that, in order to survive, we must accept Russian security dominance in our region, Bokeria told VOA. And, under that pretext, he has facilitated Russian infiltration into the Georgian economy, security structures and political life and targeted pro-Western institutions and his political opponents. Bokeria added that while the looming sanctions against Ivanishvili are a justified and necessary step, a more strategic U.S. approach, one that strengthens Georgia as a key Western stronghold in the region, is needed. While it's ultimately the responsibility of Georgian society to defeat this regime, the problem with U.S. policy towards Georgia is that it remains reactionary, lacking a clear, proactive strategy. The U.S. should target all Russian allies and enemies of liberty more comprehensively, while combining this approach with a broader vision to make Georgia a stronghold for projecting Western power in the region. The U.S. sanctions targeting Ivanishvili fall under Executive Order 14024, on Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation, signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Executive Order 14024 has broad authorities to designate individuals who engage in, behaviors that undermine democratic institutions, democratic values, engage in transnational corruption, the senior U.S. official, speaking on background, told VOA. There is a whole range of activities that, if they are found to be benefiting the Russian Federation, those are sanctioned. When and if sanctions are imposed on Ivanishvili, his assets within U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen, and American citizens and companies will be prohibited from doing business with him. The sanctions would also cut Ivanishvili off from the global financial system, given that many international institutions follow U.S. regulations in order to avoid secondary sanctions. In addition to asset freezes, visa restrictions could be implemented, limiting Ivanishvilis access to global banking services and ability to travel outside of Georgia. When the United States spoke of potential sanctions, Ivanishvili always believed that they were bluffing, Tina Bokuchava, leader of the opposition United National Movement party, told VOA. Now he understands that undermining Georgian democracy, and depriving Georgia [of] Euro-Atlantic prospects, implies real consequences from the United States. The sanctions targeting Ivanishvili follow visa restrictions and asset freezes that the U.S. imposed in recent months on individuals in Georgia accused of undermining democratic processes there. I think the Biden administration has been frustrated by its inability to get the Georgian government to take seriously the position they've put themselves in, a source familiar with the discussions within the U.S. government told VOA on condition of anonymity. The Biden people are trying to convey the seriousness and hope that somebody in the Georgian government is listening in a serious way. The prime ministers office declined VOAs request to comment about the report that the U.S. has sanctions package ready for Ivanisvhili. The U.S. and EU have grown increasingly alarmed by Georgia's undemocratic steps, its reluctance to adopt a clear pro-Western stance over Russias war in Ukraine, and inflammatory rhetoric from Tbilisi accusing Washington of trying to drag Georgia into the conflict. Georgia has officially refused joining international sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine and faced criticism for publicly attacking Ukrainian leaders. Washington has also raised concerns that Georgia may be helping Russia evade sanctions. Another major point of contention is the controversial "law on transparency of foreign influence," which requires Georgian NGOs and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. While the ruling Georgian Dream party defends the law as upholding transparency, critics charge it is modeled on Russian legislation and aimed at suppressing independent media and Western-funded organizations. Mass protests erupted in Tbilisi earlier this year when the government reintroduced the law, after initially withdrawing it in 2023 following a public outcry. Despite the protests, the Georgian Dream party pushed the law through, overriding a veto by President Salome Zourabischvili, who has emerged as a vocal critic of the government. Critics say the law is part of a broader effort by Ivanishvili and his allies to consolidate power ahead of Georgias parliamentary elections, scheduled for October. The law was adopted because it allows the Ivanishvili to use an instrument well-tested in Russia and other authoritarian regimes for the purpose of demonizing and destroying free media and NGOs - the biggest threats for him [Ivanishvili] maintaining power, Sergi Kapanadze, director of Georgias Reforms Associates, a Tbilisi-based think-tank, told VOA. The package of sanctions targeting Ivanishvili follows the U.S. Treasury Departments recent sanctions on four individuals in Georgia under the Global Magnitsky Act, which authorizes the U.S. government to sanction foreign government officials who violate human rights. The four sanctioned Georgians included two high-ranking officials from the Georgian Interior Ministry and two private citizens involved in suppressing peaceful demonstrations and restricting the freedom of assembly. The U.S. has also placed visa bans on 90 individuals in Georgia accused of undermining democracy in the country. While the exact timing of the sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili remains uncertain, a source close to the Biden administration told VOA on condition of anonymity that, in preparing those sanctions, the administration internally has had to meet a legal threshold of documenting that his activities have clear benefits to Russia. Federal agents on Saturday boarded a vessel managed by the same company that managed a cargo ship that caused a deadly bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, the FBI confirmed. In statements, spokespeople for the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office in Maryland confirmed that authorities boarded the Maersk Saltoro. The ship is managed by Synergy Marine Group. "The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Criminal Investigation Division and Coast Guard Investigative Services are present aboard the Maersk Saltoro conducting court authorized law enforcement activity," statements from both the FBI and U.S. Attorneys Office said Saturday morning. Authorities did not offer further specifics. The Washington Post first reported on federal authorities boarding the ship. The raid came several months after investigators conducted a similar search of the Dali, the cargo ship that crashed into the bridge. In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department alleged that Dali owner Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and manager Synergy Marine, both of Singapore, recklessly cut corners and ignored known electrical problems on the vessel, which lost power multiple times minutes before it crashed into a support column on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. The Justice Department said mechanical and electrical systems on the massive ship had been jury-rigged and improperly maintained, culminating in the power outages and a cascade of other failures that left its pilots and crew helpless in the face of looming disaster. The ship was leaving Baltimore for Sri Lanka when its steering failed because of the power loss. Six members of a road work crew were killed when the bridge crumbled into the water. The collapse also snarled commercial shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore for months before the channel was fully reopened in June. The Justice Department is seeking to recover more than $100 million the government spent to clear the underwater debris and reopen the citys port. The companies filed a court petition days after the collapse seeking to limit their legal liability in what could become the most expensive marine casualty case in history. Justice Department officials said there is no legal support for that bid to limit liability and pledged to vigorously contest it. In its lawsuit, which also seeks punitive damages, the Justice Department argued that vessel owners and operators need to be "deterred from engaging in such reckless and exceedingly harmful behavior." That includes Grace Ocean and Synergy themselves because the Dali has a "sister ship," authorities wrote in the claim. The two companies "need to be deterred because they continue to operate their vessels, including a sister ship to the Dali, in U.S. waters and benefit economically from those activities," the lawsuit says. Darrell Wilson, a Grace Ocean spokesperson, confirmed that the FBI and Coast Guard boarded the Maersk Saltoro in the Port of Baltimore on Saturday morning. Wilson has previously said the owner and manager "look forward to our day in court to set the record straight." Like the Dali, the Singapore-flagged Saltoro was built by Hyundai in 2015. According to the Justice Department lawsuit, major issues with the Dalis electrical system might have resulted from excessive vibrations on the ship that can loosen wires and damage connections. A prior captain of the vessel had reported heavy vibration in his handover notes in May 2023, saying he had made similar reports to Synergy in the past, according to the complaint. The lawsuit noted cracked equipment in the engine room and pieces of cargo shaken loose. The ships electrical equipment was in such bad condition that an independent agency stopped further electrical testing because of safety concerns, according to the lawsuit. The ship had also experienced power outages while it was still docked in Baltimore. Those blackouts are considered reportable marine casualties that must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard, which authorities say never happened. The Dali, which was stuck amid the wreckage of the collapse for months before it could be extricated and refloated, departed Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday afternoon en route to China on its first international voyage since the March 26 disaster. Justice Department officials refused to answer questions Wednesday about whether a criminal investigation into the bridge collapse remains ongoing. FBI agents boarded the Dali in April. Vice President Kamala Harris is stepping up her efforts to win over voters who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enlisting prominent members of the faith to make the case in pivotal Arizona that Donald Trump does not align with the church's values. Her state campaign announced on Thursday an advisory committee to formalize the outreach to current and former members of the church, widely known as the Mormon church. With nearly 450,000 church members in Arizona, about 6% of the state's population, Latter-day Saints and former church members could prove critical in what will likely be an extremely close race. Latter-day Saints have traditionally voted Republican and are likely to remain part of the GOP coalition. Clustered in solidly Republican states, they have long been a major force in GOP primaries and local politics across the West, but they have not held much sway in national elections. In 2020, about seven in 10 Mormon voters nationally supported Trump, according to AP VoteCast, while about one-quarter backed Democrat Joe Biden. Core to Harris strategy is preventing Trump from running up big margins with demographic groups that favor him. While she is unlikely to win anything close to a majority of Latter-day Saints, picking up a small share of their votes would make a big difference in a state with a recent history of tight elections. Biden won by just under 10,500 votes in 2020. Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes won by just 280 in 2022. Constitution and faith Latter-day Saints supporting Harris in Arizona make a faith-based appeal for backing the Democratic ticket despite any reservations, pointing to church teaching that the U.S. Constitution is divinely inspired. The Constitution is a tenet of our faith, and we certainly shouldn't be voting for people who have shown a disdain for it, said Joel John, a former Republican state lawmaker who will serve as a co-chair of the committee. And we certainly shouldn't be supporting someone who tried to overthrow it on January 6. John said that explains how his faith guides his own support for Harris but emphasized he's not speaking on behalf of the church and doesn't judge Latter-day Saints who vote differently. The Salt Lake City-based church does not endorse candidates or political parties, but John said Latter-day Saints are encouraged to elect politicians who are good, honest and wise." He said those are moral traits that Trump lacks and that transcend any policy differences they might have with Harris, such as her economic plans or position on gun rights. Halee Dobbins, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, said Democrats have allowed progressive policies to erode traditional values." President Trump has consistently stood with believers by protecting religious institutions, appointing constitutionalist Justices, and defending Christian values nationally and abroad, Dobbins said in a statement. He has made it a priority to protect religious communities, not fight against them. Trump behavior While many conservative-leaning religious voters warmed to him long ago, Trump has struggled to win over Latter-day Saints. For many members of the church, Trump's penchant for foul language and demeaning rhetoric toward women and people of color clashes with the church's values of humility, morality and compassion. It has not helped that Trump has feuded with U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, among the best known members of the church, and former U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. In Arizona, Latter-day Saints make up an outsize share of the population in metro Phoenix's East Valley, a suburban area where ticket-splitting voters have rejected Trump-backed Republicans, helping to push a reliable GOP state into a battleground. Mesa, Arizona's third-largest city with more than 500,000 people, traces its modern history to a settlement founded by pioneers from the faith in the 1800s. Church members also settled in swaths of rural Arizona and their descendants remain deeply rooted there. Voting on morals Democratic efforts to woo Latter-day Saints are not new. Hillary Clinton in 2016 drew parallels between Trump's pledge to stop Muslim immigration and the history of religious persecution against Latter-day Saints. Biden went further four years later, investing in organizing church members as Harris is trying to do now. The social expectation" for members of the faith to align with conservatives is strong, but Harris has an opening in particular to win over younger Latter-day Saints, who, like the country at large, are more diverse, said Brittany Romanello, an anthropologist, Mellon postdoctoral fellow and faculty associate at Arizona State University. Her research includes culture and identity of Latter-day Saints. Mormons have been shown to have this attitude that they arent just voting based on party affiliation only, said Romanello, who was raised in the church but is no longer practicing. Theyre voting based on morals. The Chaser, a news website run by Hong Kong journalists in Britain, says Google informed the diaspora media outlet that its company email was being targeted by "government-backed attacks." China is presumed to be behind the attacks, something Beijing denies. Analysts say the case highlights the growing difficulties Hong Kong journalists face both at home and overseas. On Tuesday, The Chaser published a report about the incident on its website, including a screenshot of the email from Google about the government-backed attack. The email listed the severity of the attack as high. According to Google, only 0.1% of users worldwide have been subjected to similar attacks. Google also pointed out that it cannot rule out that the warning may be a false alarm, but the company believes it has detected suspicious activities. These could include attempts to steal passwords or personal information through emails containing harmful attachments, harmful software download links or links to fake websites. VOA reached out to Google for more details on the attack but has yet to receive a response. 'There is no way out' The Chaser said it immediately reviewed all online security measures after receiving the notice and has taken the necessary protective actions. The Chaser said in a statement, "At a time when Hong Kong's press is mired in the White Terror, the invisible black hand has unscrupulously reached out to the diaspora media overseas. "Our team members are from Hong Kong and came to the UK three years ago, hoping to continue chasing news on free soil. In today's turbulent world of press freedom in Hong Kong, there is no way out. Our team strongly condemns all threats to press freedom and pledges to remain at our posts." VOA efforts to seek a response from China's Embassy in Britain were unsuccessful, but the Chinese Embassy in Washington denied that China was involved in the cyberattack. "China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with law. Without valid evidence, they jumped to an unwarranted conclusion and made groundless accusations against China," the embassy said in an emailed statement Thursday. "It is extremely irresponsible and is a complete distortion of facts. China firmly opposes this." Last month, The Chaser released an investigative report that said the Chinese Embassy in Britain had pressured Dragons Teaching, a British publishing house, in 2018 to remove the phrase "Republic of China" from chapters about Taiwan in Chinese textbooks. The Republic of China is Taiwan's official name. Beijing is relentless in its global campaign to quash any recognition of the democratically ruled island no matter how small. The publishing house eventually gave in to pressure from Beijing, according to the report from The Chaser. The textbooks are used in exams for secondary school courses in Britain. The Chinese Embassy in Britain has declined to comment on the incident and report, though other British media picked up the story. Journalists report harassment The cyberattack comes as journalists in Hong Kong are under increasing pressure. Last week, the Hong Kong Journalists Association said that from June to August of this year, dozens of journalists, their families, employers, landlords or neighbors were harassed and intimidated in different ways on the internet and in their daily lives, which was unprecedented. Benson Wong, a Hong Kong political scholar living in Britain, doesn't believe the attacks on The Chaser and other Hong Kong journalists are purely coincidental, especially as China's National Day is approaching. "From their point of view, it is understandable that the national security and intelligence units would do some things or do some 'homework' as part of their performance," he said. He said he believes the attack is meant to send a signal that Hong Kong journalists who make critical remarks about China cannot expect to be safe from interference or even attacks just because they move overseas. VOA reached out to Britain's National Cyber Security Center for comment on the attack but has yet to receive a response. Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. Switzerland, known for natural beauty like pristine lakes and majestic Alpine peaks, ranks among the world's richest countries whose plant and animal life is under the greatest threat. Environmentalists were seeking better protections for the country's biodiversity in a nationwide vote that culminated Sunday. Final official results showed more than 63% of voters casting ballots had rejected the initiative that aimed to boost public funding to encourage farmers and others to set aside lands and waterways to let the wild develop more, and increase the total area allocated for green spaces that must remain untouched by human development. The contest was decided by mail-in ballots followed by a morning of in-person voting Sunday. Factors behind the weakening biodiversity in the country of rivers, lakes, valleys and mountains include intensified agriculture, soil alteration, a fragmentation of the landscape such as the building of roads and housing that cut through wildlife habitats and pollution and climate change, proponents of the measure said. The federal government parliament and the executive branch opposed the plan, as did many rural voters and the country's main right-wing party, according to polls. They called it too costly, saying 600 million Swiss francs (over $700 million) is already spent on biodiversity protection each year, and fear economic development will suffer. Passage was estimated to cost at least another 400 million francs for national and local governments, the Federal Council estimates. The initiative would also, for example, prohibit the construction of new railway lines through protected dry meadows even if such meadow is set aside and developed elsewhere, it says. "Passage of the biodiversity initiative would severely limit (sustainable) energy and food production, restrict the use of forests and rural areas for tourism, and make construction more expensive," argued the campaign for a "no" vote on its website. "YES to biodiversity, but NO to the extreme biodiversity initiative." Proponents, meanwhile, pointed to dwindling natural resources in Switzerland and threats to bees, frogs, birds, mosses and other wildlife. They argued that protected green spaces are "the main capital for tourism" and more of them would support local economies. "Diversified nature guarantees air purity, drinkable water, pollination, fertility of the soil, and our food supply," said a committee that backed the idea. "But in Switzerland, biodiversity is suffering. One-third of all our plant and animal species are threatened or have already disappeared." The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a think tank that counts 38 mostly rich countries as members, has produced a comparative look at threats to plant and animal life. Switzerland ranks among the top four countries with the highest rates of threatened species in all eight categories of wildlife. The voting was part of the latest Swiss referendums, which take place four times a year to give voters a direct say in policymaking in the country of around 9 million people. The only other nationwide issue up for consideration this time was a pension reform plan backed by the government. More than two-thirds of voters turned down the pension reform plan, the final results showed. Instagram is making 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 people's lives. Starting September 24, in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, anyone under 18 who signs up for Instagram will be placed into a restrictive teen account. Those under 18 with existing accounts will be migrated over the next 60 days. Teens in the European Union will see their accounts adjusted later this year. 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. The California-based U.S. company also said it is building technology that proactively finds teen accounts that pretend to be grownups and automatically places them into restricted teen accounts. The teen accounts will be private by default. Private messages are restricted so teens can only receive them from people they follow or are already connected to. "Sensitive content" such as videos of people fighting or those promoting cosmetic procedures will be limited, Meta said. Teens will also get notifications if they are on Instagram for more than 60 minutes and a "sleep mode" will be enabled that turns off notifications and sends auto-replies to direct messages from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. While these settings will be turned on for all teens, 16- and 17-year-olds will be able to turn them off. Kids under 16 will need their parents' permission to do so. "The three concerns we're hearing from parents are that their teens are seeing content that they don't want to see or that they're getting contacted by people they don't want to be contacted by or that they're spending too much time on the app," said Naomi Gleit, head of product at Meta. "So teen accounts is really focused on addressing those three concerns." Changes follow lawsuits The announcement comes as the company faces lawsuits from dozens of U.S. states that accuse it of harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. While Meta didn't give specifics on how the changes might affect its business, the company said the changes may mean that teens will use Instagram less in the short term. Emarketer analyst Jasmine Enberg said the revenue impact of the changes "will likely be minimal." "Even as Meta continues to prioritize teen safety, it's unlikely that it's going to make sweeping changes that would cause a major financial hit," she said, adding that the teen accounts are unlikely to significantly affect how engaged teens are with Instagram "not in the least because there are still plenty of ways to circumvent the rules, and could even make them more motivated to work around the age limits." 'An important first step' New York Attorney General Letitia James said Meta's announcement was "an important first step, but much more needs to be done to ensure our kids are protected from the harms of social media." James' office is working with other New York officials on how to implement a new state law intended to curb children's access to what critics call addictive social media feeds. Others were more critical. Nicole Gil, the co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Accountable Tech, called Instagram's announcement the "latest attempt to avoid actual independent oversight and regulation and instead continue to self-regulate, jeopardizing the health, safety, and privacy of young people." "Today's PR exercise falls short of the safety by design and accountability that young people and their parents deserve and only meaningful policy action can guarantee," she said. "Meta's business model is built on addicting its users and mining their data for profit; no amount of parental and teen controls Meta is proposing will change that." Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), the co-author of the Kids Online Safety Act that recently passed the Senate, questioned the timing of the announcement "on the eve of a House markup" of the bill. "Just like clockwork, the Kids Online Safety Act moves forward and industry comes out with a new set of self-enforcing guidelines," she said. Parents privy to kids' accounts In the past, Meta's efforts at addressing teen safety and mental health on its platforms have also been met with criticism that the changes don't go far enough. For instance, while kids will get a notification when they've spent 60 minutes on the app, they will be able to bypass it and continue scrolling. That's unless the child's parents turn on "parental supervision" mode, where parents can limit teens' time on Instagram to a specific amount of time, such as 15 minutes. With the latest changes, Meta is giving parents more options to oversee their kids' accounts. Those under 16 will need a parent or guardian's permission to change their settings to less restrictive ones. They can do this by setting up "parental supervision" on their accounts and connecting them to a parent or guardian. Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, said last week that parents don't use the parental controls the company has introduced in recent years. Meta's Gleit said she thinks the teen accounts will incentivize parents to start using them. "Parents will be able to see, via the family center, who is messaging their teen and hopefully have a conversation with their teen," she said. "If there is bullying or harassment happening, parents will have visibility into who their teen's following, who's following their teen, who their teen has messaged in the past seven days and hopefully have some of these conversations and help them navigate these really difficult situations online." U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said last year that tech companies put too much responsibility on parents when it comes to keeping children safe on social media. "We're asking parents to manage a technology that's rapidly evolving that fundamentally changes how their kids think about themselves, how they build friendships, how they experience the world and technology, by the way, that prior generations never had to manage," Murthy said in May 2023. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah increased sharply in recent days, after an Israeli airstrike on Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah official, Ibraim Aqil, as well as dozens of others. On Sunday, Hezbollah fired more than 150 rockets at Israel, damaging homes in northern Israel, and sparking fires. Israel continued to fire barrages of rockets at Lebanon. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Benmou Suzuki's dilapidated 420-year-old temple, located deep in the forest near a tiny Japanese mountain village, hardly looks like prized real estate. Yet the monk was recently approached by two men, who said they were real estate brokers and wanted to know if he was interested in selling. He suspects they weren't really interested in the ornate building at the trailhead of a sacred mountain, but the special tax status that comes with running a religious property. "There are people out there who want a temple, even a mountain temple like this. In fact, considering the value of the religious corporation status, this temple could fetch quite a lot of money," said 52-year-old Suzuki. As Japan's population falls and interest in religion declines, there are fewer people to contribute to the upkeep of the country's numerous temples and shrines. Suzuki's Mikaboyama temple, for example, is located in Sanbagawa -- an area a three-hour drive from Tokyo with only 500 residents and which also has three other Buddhist temples, one Shinto shrine and a church. A surge in religious properties coming up for sale has Japanese authorities worried that prospective buyers are not interested in them for heavenly purposes. Rather they fear many are out to dodge taxes or possibly even launder money. "It's already a sense of crisis for us and the religious community," said an official at Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, which oversees religious sites. Cases of temple or shrine properties being extensively repurposed have triggered public outrage. In Osaka, a temple sold in 2020 was later razed and dozens of graves were relocated to make way for a property development. In Kyoto, a case about a temple that was demolished and turned into a parking lot made headlines this year. Owning a temple, shrine or church recognized as a religious corporation in Japan can confer sizeable tax benefits. Businesses under such corporations that offer religious services such as funerals do not have to pay taxes while other non-religious businesses also enjoy preferential tax rates. A wide range of undertakings are allowed from restaurants to hair salons to hotels. Japan had about 180,000 religious sites with corporation status as end-2023, according to the agency's data. The number of so-called inactive corporations -- such as those with no religious events for more than a year -- jumped by a third to more than 4,400. When monks or priests die without a successor, the overseeing religious group will usually appoint someone to take over or voluntarily relinquish the site's corporation status. However, there are around 7,000 religious sites that operate independently of these groups and are considered easy to acquire, according to the agency and specialist brokers. The cultural affairs agency said it has stepped up efforts to dissolve the corporation status of inactive religious sites to stop them from being targeted by dubious buyers. And when big earthquakes hit, often damaging temples and shrines, agency officials visit religious groups in those areas, warning them about falling prey to such buyers. Last year, 17 religious corporations were voluntarily dissolved and six were ordered to dissolve. The agency said the number would increase this year and next year as it ratchets up scrutiny. It might seem easier for Japan to change its laws to more strictly control the criteria for purchasing religious sites. But the agency said the government is wary about amending laws related to religion as that could be seen as impinging on religious freedom which is guaranteed by Japan's constitution. Reuters checks of six websites specializing in brokering the sale of religious properties showed hundreds on the market. Most are only obliquely described online with brokers saying sellers prefer to conduct sales as privately as possible. Osaka-based broker Takao Yamamoto told Reuters interest is surging. A religious corporation license alone can fetch 30 million yen ($210,000), he adds. Some religious sites, especially those with profitable graveyards, are advertised for millions of dollars. "Anyone can buy independent sites as long as you have money...even foreigners can buy them. Recently, a lot of Chinese people are trying to buy them," Yamamoto said. For his part, Suzuki says he has no intention to sell Mikaboyama temple and is working on ideas to raise funds to maintain it. "Temples are places for local people to gather and forge connections. We just can't get rid of them," he said. The Azerbaijani ambassador to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Elin Suleymanov gave a harsh answer to the editor of the British Sunday Times, Azernews reports. It should be noted that the British journalist, who criticized Azerbaijan in a biased manner, made nonsense statements about the COP event to be held in Baku. His groundless criticism of Azerbaijan regarding the peace process completely contradicts the facts. The response letter of the Azerbaijani ambassador was published on the British website The Times under the subtitle "Letter to the Editor of the Sunday Times" and the letter reads: A true peace process Dominic Lawson criticises the labelling of the climate conference in Baku as the COP of peace (A day of fast cars and genocidal maniacs, comment, Sep 15) yet omits to mention that Azerbaijans hosting is a direct outcome of a peace process with neighbouring Armenia, which had occupied a fifth of my country for 30 years. As a gesture of goodwill, Armenia withdrew its candidacy to host Cop to support Azerbaijans bid, while Azerbaijan supported Armenias candidature for the Eastern European States COP bureau. The leaders of both nations recently confirmed that most terms of a long-elusive peace deal have now been agreed. Instead, Lawson advocates the release of Armenian warlords who attempted to replicate a pattern of illegal ethnic separatism in Garabagh a region recognised internationally as Azerbaijani territory. The Armenian government now recognises that Garabagh is the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, in line with international law". Elin Suleymanov Azerbaijans ambassador to the UK The killing of a Japanese schoolboy in southern China has sparked worry among Japanese expatriots living in China, while online comments from Chinese people show reactions ranging from shock to cynicism. The 10-year-old boy, surnamed Shen, was stabbed by a 44-year-old man while the boy was on his way to class on the morning of September 18 near a 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. The boy was attending Shenzhen Japanese School, an international school built to serve the children of Japanese expatriots living in the region, an industrial hub where many Japanese firms, especially auto companies, set up factories decades ago. Only Japanese citizens are qualified to go to this school. A Shenzhen local newspaper said the suspect, surnamed Zhong, acted alone and was arrested by police on site. The same report said Zhong has confessed to stabbing the boy. Zhong, who has a previous criminal record, was released on bail by local police on suspicion of damaging public telecommunications facilities in 2015 and was detained on suspicion of fabricating facts and disturbing public order in 2019, according to the report. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his condolences in a tweet on X, calling it an extremely despicable crime, and strongly urged China to provide an explanation of the facts of the situation. The stabbing was the third high-profile attack on a foreigner in China in recent months. In June, a Chinese man wounded a Japanese woman and her child in a stabbing attack in front of a school bus in the eastern city of Suzhou. The man also stabbed a Chinese bus attendant who tried to intervene, and the attendant later died of her injuries. Also in June, four U.S. college instructors teaching in the northeastern city of Jilin were stabbed while visiting a public park. The American teachers suffered minor injuries and have since returned to the United States. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said these attacks are isolated incidents and said they would safeguard expatriots security in China. However, the Chinese government is notoriously secretive about criminal investigations. Very little information has been published about the two attacks in June beyond the suspects last names and their employment status. Nicholas Burns, the United States ambassador to China, criticized Beijings limited release of specifics and said that he was actively pressing for more details. Japanese firms, especially auto companies with a presence in China, have warned their workers to stay vigilant. Toshiba and Toyota have told their staff to take precautions against any possible violence. Panasonic is offering its employees free flights home. Mitsubishi and Nissan have communicated with their Japanese employees in China to ease their worries and offered counseling services. Consequence of xenophobia propaganda Meanwhile, Chinese people have shown contrasting reactions in their online comments about the latest stabbing incident. Some expressed shock, sadness and anger. A few local residents in Shenzhen laid flowers and notes of apology to the deceased child outside the Japanese school. A user called sara jon said on X, Arent you heartbroken when you hear the boys mother cry. This is a terrorist attack, this is Hamas. Another X user called Jamy felando said, Poor child, hope he gets peace now and hope the devil goes to hell! On Chinas X-like but censored social platform Weibo, many expressed cynicism and indifference, viewing the attack in light of atrocities committed during Japan's invasion of China 80 years ago. The boomerang of the Japanese invaders finally came back to their own people, wrote a Weibo user called yaxuefensitangtaijia. If they had not invaded China and massacred the Chinese, perhaps there would be less extreme anti-Japanese sentiment today. Someone else said in agreement: How many Chinese children died when Japan invaded China? Its not clear if Zhong deliberately chose to commit his crime on September 18, a date considered by many Chinese as national humiliation day. The Japanese army officially launched its invasion of China on September 18, 1931, leading to a 14-year-long war and estimated casualties of 10 million military and civilians. Some Chinese say long-lasting anti-Japan propaganda by the Chinese government led to the violence toward Japanese people. A user called still typhoon compared the propaganda to poison on Weibo: The poison has backfired. Xenophobia and extreme nationalism are rampant online now. On Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that China and Japan reached a consensus on the discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, bringing to an end a diplomatic dispute that had rumbled on for more than two years. Beijing had been bashing Tokyo for causing "a major nuclear safety issue with cross-border implications," when Tokyo started discharging treated radioactive water from the site in August 2023. It also announced a blanket ban on all aquatic products from Japan. The anti-Japan sentiment reached a climax in August when official Chinese news media lashed out against Japan relentlessly. Shukran Karisa Mangi always showed up drunk at work, where he dug up the bodies of doomsday cult members buried in shallow graves. But the alcohol couldn't numb his shock the morning he found the body of a close friend, whose neck had been twisted so severely that his head and torso faced opposite directions. This violent death upset Mangi, who had already unearthed children's bodies. The number of bodies kept rising in this community off Kenya's coastline where extremist evangelical leader Paul Mackenzie is accused of instructing his followers to starve to death for the opportunity to meet Jesus. While he sometimes sees the remains of others when he tries to sleep, Mangi said recently, the recurring image of his friend's mutilated body torments him when he's awake. "He died in a very cruel manner," said Mangi, one of several gravediggers whose work was suspended earlier in the year as bodies piled up in the morgue. "Most of the time, I still think about how he died." In one of the deadliest cult-related massacres ever, at least 436 bodies have been recovered since police raided Good News International Church in a forest some 70 kilometers inland from the coastal town of Malindi. Seventeen months later, many in the area are still shaken by what happened despite repeated warnings about the church's leader. Mackenzie pleaded not guilty to charges in the murders of 191 children, multiple counts of manslaughter and other crimes. If convicted, he would spend the rest of his life in prison. Some in Malindi who spoke to The Associated Press said Mackenzie's confidence while in custody showed the wide-ranging power some evangelists project even as their teachings undermine government authority, break the law, or harm followers desperate for healing and other miracles. It's not only Mackenzie, said Thomas Kakala, a self-described bishop with the Malindi-based Jesus Cares Ministry International, referring to questionable pastors he knew in the capital, Nairobi. "You look at them. If you are sober and you want to hear the word of God, you wouldn't go to their church," he said. "But the place is packed." A man like Mackenzie, who refused to join the fellowship of pastors in Malindi and rarely quoted Scripture, could thrive in a country like Kenya, said Kakala. Six detectives have been suspended for ignoring multiple warnings about Mackenzie's illegal activities. Kenya, like much of East Africa, is dominated by Christians. While many are Anglican or Catholic, evangelical Christianity has spread widely since the 1980s. Many pastors style their ministries in the manner of successful American televangelists, investing in broadcasting and advertising. Many of Africa's evangelical churches are run like sole proprietorships, without the guidance of trustee boards or laity. Pastors are often unaccountable, deriving authority from their perceived ability to perform miracles or make prophecies. Some, like Mackenzie, can seem all-powerful. Mackenzie, a former street vendor and cab driver with a high school education, apprenticed with a Malindi preacher in the late 1990s. There, in the laid-back tourist town, he opened his own church in 2003. A charismatic preacher, he was said to perform miracles and exorcisms, and he could be generous with his money. His followers included teachers and police officers. They came to Malindi from across Kenya, giving Mackenzie national prominence that spread the pain of the deaths across the country. The first complaints against Mackenzie concerned his opposition to formal schooling and vaccination. He was briefly detained in 2019 for opposing the government's efforts to assign national identification numbers to Kenyans, saying the numbers were satanic. He closed his Malindi church premises later that year and urged his congregation to follow him to Shakahola, where he leased 800 acres of forest inhabited by elephants and big cats. Church members paid small sums to own plots in Shakahola, and were required to build houses and live in villages with biblical names like Nazareth, according to survivors. Mackenzie grew more demanding, with people from different villages forbidden from communicating or gathering, said former church member Salama Masha. "What made me (realize) Mackenzie was not a good person was when he said that the children should fast to die," said Masha, who escaped after witnessing the starvation deaths of two children. "That's when I knew that it's not something I can do." Mbatha Mackenzie, a mason who lives with his family and goats in a tin shack in Malindi, said that while Mackenzie was generous to his followers, he never treated his extended family with similar kindness. "My brother he seemed like a politician," he said. "They have a sweet tongue, and when he talks something to the people, people believe him." A former church member who escaped Shakahola said she lost faith in Mackenzie when she saw how his men handled people on the verge of dying from starvation. She said Mackenzie's bodyguards would take the starving person away, never to be seen again. The woman said it was "like a routine" for the bodyguards to rape women in the villages. She says she, too, was sexually assaulted by four men while she was pregnant with her fourth child. The Associated Press does not identify victims of alleged sexual assault unless they choose to publicly identify themselves. Those who tried to the leave the forest without Mackenzie's permission faced beatings, as did those who were caught breaking fast, according to former church members. Autopsies on more than 100 bodies showed deaths from starvation, strangulation, suffocation, and injuries from blunt objects. Mangi, the gravedigger, said he believed more mass graves were yet to be discovered in Shakahola. At least 600 people are reported missing, according to the Kenya Red Cross. The French presidential palace unveiled a new center-right government Saturday, more than two months after elections that produced a hung parliament and deepened political divisions as France grapples with economic and diplomatic challenges. Conservative French Prime Minister Michel Barnier put together the government after weeks of difficult negotiations, and President Emmanuel Macron approved it. The new government was announced at the presidential palace. A left-wing coalition secured the most seats in June-July elections but failed to win an outright majority. The 38-member Cabinet announced Saturday includes primarily ministers from Macron's centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans party. Jean-Noel Barrot is the new foreign minister, a centrist politician from MoDem known for his work in digital transformation and European affairs. He brings extensive experience in navigating complex international issues, notably within the European Union. The new finance minister is Antoine Armand, an emerging figure in French politics now tasked with steering France's fiscal policies and managing the upcoming 2025 budget amid pressure from Brussels to address France's mounting debt. Sebastien Lecornu retains his post as defense minister. He has been instrumental in bolstering France's military capabilities, including modernizing defense systems and managing military aid to Ukraine. His leadership in defense will be crucial as France navigates its role within NATO and handles rising geopolitical tensions over the wars in Ukraine and the Mideast. The interior ministers job goes to Bruno Retailleau, a staunch conservative who will now handle critical domestic issues such as national security, immigration, and law enforcement. Barnier's ability to govern effectively is under scrutiny, with his political opponents on the left vowing to challenge him at every turn. The party of far-left Jean-Luc Melenchon, France Unbowed, held protests Saturday against his government and calls Barnier's appointment a rejection of the voters' will. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally said it would monitor the government closely and has enough votes in parliament to bring it down but expressed willingness to cooperate on key budgetary issues. Sidewalks once teeming with tents, tarps and people passed out next to heaps of trash have largely disappeared from great swaths of San Francisco, a city widely known for its visible homeless population. The number of people sleeping outdoors dropped to under 3,000 in January, the lowest the city has recorded in a decade, according to a federal count. And that figure has likely dropped even lower since Mayor London Breed a Democrat in a difficult reelection fight this November started ramping up enforcement of anti-camping laws in August following a U.S. Supreme Court decision. Homelessness in no way has gone away, and in fact grew 7%, to 8,300 in January, according to the same federal count. But the problem is now notably out of the public eye, raising the question of where people have gone and whether the change marks a turning point in a crisis long associated with San Francisco. Were seeing much cleaner sidewalks, said Terry Asten Bennett, owner of Cliffs Variety store in the citys historically gay Castro neighborhood, adding that she hates to see homeless people shuffled around. But also, as a business owner, I need clean, inviting streets to encourage people to come and shop and visit our city," she said. Advocates for homeless people say encampment sweeps that force people off the streets are an easy way to hide homelessness from public view. Shelter should always be transitional, said Lukas Illa, an organizer with San Francisco's Coalition on Homelessness. We shouldnt have folks be in there as the long-lasting solution. Other California cities have also reported a drop in visible homelessness, thanks to improved outreach and more temporary housing. The beach city of Santa Cruz reported a 49% decline in people sleeping unsheltered this year, while Los Angeles recorded a 10% drop. San Francisco has increased the number of shelter beds and permanent supportive housing units by more than 50% over the past six years. At the same time, city officials are on track to eclipse the nearly 500 sweeps conducted last year, with Breed prioritizing bus tickets out of the city for homeless people and authorizing police to do more to stamp out tents. San Francisco police have issued at least 150 citations for illegal lodging since Aug. 1, surpassing the 60 citations over the entire previous three years. City crews also have removed more than 1,200 tents and structures. Tracking homeless people is extremely difficult and where all the people once living on San Franciscos streets have gone is impossible to know. There are still people sleeping on sidewalks, some with just a blanket, and tents continue to crop up under freeway overpasses and more isolated corners of the city. But tents that once sprouted outside libraries and subway stations, and went on endlessly for blocks in the Mission, downtown and South of Market districts, are gone. Even the troubled Tenderloin district has seen progress. Steven Burcell, who became homeless a year ago after a shoulder injury cost him his job, moved into one of 60 new, tiny cabins in May after the car he was living in caught fire. Mission Cabins is a new type of emergency shelter that offers privacy and allows pets. But like all shelters, it has rules. No drugs, weapons or outside guests are allowed. Residents must consent to their rooms being searched. At the beginning, it was rough, you know, going in and just getting adjusted to being searched and having them look through your bags, acknowledged Burcell, 51. His tidy 65-square-foot (6-square-meter) room contains a twin bed, pairs of shoes lined by a door that locks and opens onto a sunny courtyard that, on a recent morning, was filled with the voices of children playing at the elementary school next door. To have your own space inside here and close the door, not sharing anything with anybody," he said, its huge. But Burcell opposes encampment sweeps. He said two friends rejected beds because they thought inaccurately, he said the shelter would be infested with rodents. That did not stop crews from taking their tent and everything inside it. Now they have nothing. They dont have any shelter at all, he said. They just kind of wander around and take buses, like a lot of people do. Since 2018, San Francisco has added 1,800 emergency shelter beds and nearly 5,000 permanent supportive housing units, where people pay 30% of their income toward rent and the rest is subsidized, bringing the total to more than 4,200 beds and 14,000 units. Breed, who first won office in June 2018, can claim credit for the expansion, although some plans were in place before she became mayor and her administration had huge financial help. The money came from the federal government battling the pandemic and a California governor and onetime San Francisco mayor who made fighting homelessness and tent encampments his priority. Gov. Gavin Newsom has pumped at least $24 billion into the effort since taking office in 2019, including a program to turn hotels into housing. San Francisco also benefited from a controversial 2018 wealth tax on the citys tech titans that Breed opposed, saying companies would leave. There was no exodus and the pandemic overshadowed any fallout. The funds have helped get people off the streets and tripled the annual budget of the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing from nearly $300 million in 2018 to $850 million this year. But the department's budget is expected to dip below $700 million next year, and that worries experts who say more is needed in a city where the median price of a home is $1.4 million. We still have a housing market that is way too expensive for way too many people. And as long as that continues to be the case, were going to see folks falling into homelessness, said Alex Visotzky, a policy fellow with the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Advocates for the homeless say that's why city officials need to invest in more affordable housing. One such place is 835 Turk Street, a former hotel the city purchased and reopened two years ago as supportive housing. It's home to David Labogin, who lost his housing after his mother died. Of course, things could be a whole lot better, he said, sitting on a single bed, but from where I came from, I got no complaints. But housing takes longer to build, and converting old properties is not cheap. The city purchased 835 Turk for $25 million and spent $18 million twice the estimated amount rehabilitating it. Until then, shelters are adapting, accommodating couples and people with pets. It takes new residents about two weeks to adjust to the rules at Mission Cabins, said Steve Good, CEO of operator Five Keys. A few rules to keep them safe is better than living on the street, where there arent any rules, he said. Amen, said Patrick Richardson, 54, who stopped by to watch as Good was interviewed. He was on his way to a two-year college in Oakland where he is studying to be an X-ray technician. Richardson had been sleeping on couches and pavement when an outreach worker offered him a cabin. His new home, he said, rescued me. President Joe Biden on Saturday hosted 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. The quartet announced moves they say will boost cooperation between the four democracies and address citizens concerns in the massive region while also emphasizing this is not a club aimed at containing China. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington. U.S. lawmakers from both major political parties have called for cooling the nations heated political rhetoric six weeks before the November 5th presidential election. This follows a second apparent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump. And his claims of immigrants eating peoples pets that has an Ohio Haitan community on edge. VOAs Arash Arabasadi has the story. On his first day of school at Newcomer Academy, Maikel Tejeda was whisked to the school library. The 7th grader didn't know why. He soon got the point: He was being given make-up vaccinations. Five of them. "I don't have a problem with that," said the 12-year-old, who moved from Cuba early this year. Across the library, a group of city, state and federal officials gathered to celebrate the school clinic, and the city. With U.S. childhood vaccination rates below their goals, Louisville and the state were being praised as success stories: Kentucky's vaccination rate for kindergarteners rose 2 percentage points in the 2022-23 school year compared with the year before. The rate for Jefferson County which is Louisville was up 4 percentage points. "Progress is success," said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that progress didn't last. Kentucky's school entry vaccination rate slipped last year. Jefferson County's rate slid, too. And the rates for both the county and state remain well below the target thresholds. It raises the question: If this is what success looks like, what does it say about the nation's ability to stop imported infections from turning into community outbreaks? Local officials believe they can get to herd immunity thresholds, but they acknowledge challenges that includes tight funding, misinformation and well-intended bureaucratic rules that can discourage doctors from giving kids shots. "We're closing the gap," said Eva Stone, who has managed the county school system's health services since 2018. "We're not closing the gap very quickly." Falling vaccination rates Public health experts focus on vaccination rates for kindergartners because schools can be cauldrons for germs and the launching pad for community outbreaks. For years, those rates were high, thanks largely to mandates that required key vaccinations as a condition of school attendance. But they have slid in recent years. When COVID-19 started hitting the U.S. hard in 2020, schools were closed, visits to pediatricians declined and vaccination record-keeping fell off. Meanwhile, more parents questioned routine childhood vaccinations that they used to automatically accept, an effect that experts attribute to misinformation and the political schism that emerged around COVID-19 vaccines. A Gallup survey released last month found that 40% of Americans said it is extremely important for parents to have their children vaccinated, down from 58% in 2019. Meanwhile, a recent University of Pennsylvania survey of 1,500 people found that about 1 in 4 U.S. adults think the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine causes autism despite no medical evidence for it. All that has led more parents to seek exemptions to school entry vaccinations. The CDC has not yet reported national data for the 2023-24 school year, but the proportion of U.S. kindergartners exempted from school vaccination requirements the year before hit a record 3%. Overall, 93% of kindergartners got their required shots for the 2022-23 school year. The rate was 95% in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials worry slipping vaccination rates will lead to disease outbreaks. The roughly 250 U.S. measles cases reported so far this year are the most since 2019, and Oregon is seeing its largest outbreak in more than 30 years. Kentucky has been experiencing its worst outbreak of whooping cough another vaccine-preventable disease since 2017. Nationally, nearly 14,000 cases have been reported this year, the most since 2019. Persuading parents The whooping cough surge is a warning sign but also an opportunity, said Kim Tolley, a California-based historian who wrote a book last year on the vaccination of American schoolchildren. She called for a public relations campaign to "get everybody behind" improving immunizations. Much of the discussion about raising vaccination rates centers on campaigns designed to educate parents about the importance of vaccinating children especially those on the fence about getting shots for their kids. But experts are still hashing out what kind of messaging work best: Is it better, for example, to say "vaccinate" or "immunize''? A lot of the messaging is influenced by feedback from small focus groups. One takeaway is some people have less trust in health officials and even their own doctors than they once did. Another is that they strongly trust their own feelings about vaccines and what they've seen in Internet searches or heard from other sources. "Their overconfidence is hard to shake. It's hard to poke holes in it," said Mike Perry, who ran focus groups on behalf of a group called the Public Health Communications Collaborative. But many people seem more trusting of older vaccines. And they do seem to be at least curious about information they didn't know, including the history of research behind vaccines and the dangers of the diseases they were created to fight, he said. Improving access Dolores Albarracin has studied vaccination improvement strategies in 17 countries, and repeatedly found that the most effective strategy is to make it easier for kids to get vaccinated. "In practice, most people are not vaccinating simply because they don't have money to take the bus" or have other troubles getting to appointments, said Albarracin, director of the communication science division within Penn's Annenberg Public Policy Center. That's a problem in Louisville, where officials say few doctors were providing vaccinations to children enrolled in Medicaid and fewer still were providing shots to kids without any health insurance. An analysis a few years ago indicated 1 in 5 children about 20,000 kids were not current on their vaccinations, and most of them were poor, said Stone, the county school health manager. A 30-year-old federal program called Vaccines for Children pays for vaccinations for children who Medicaid-eligible or lack the insurance to cover it. But in a meeting with the CDC director last month, Louisville health officials lamented that most local doctors don't participate in the program because of paperwork and other administrative headaches. And it can be tough for patients to get the time and transportation to get to those few dozen Louisville providers who do take part. The school system has tried to fill the gap. In 2019, it applied to become a VFC provider, and gradually established vaccine clinics. Last year, it held clinics at nearly all 160 schools, and it's doing the same thing this year. The first was at Newcomer Academy, where many immigrant students behind on their vaccinations are started in the school system. It's been challenging, Stone said. Funding is very limited. There are bureaucratic obstacles, and a growing influx of children from other countries who need shots. It takes multiple trips to a doctor or clinic to complete some vaccine series. And then there's the opposition vaccination clinic announcements tend to draw hateful social media comments. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump returned to North Carolina on Saturday, stumping in the southern battleground state that both Democrats and Republicans are treating as increasingly critical to victory in November. But the former president campaigned in Wilmington, along the state's southern coast, without Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial nominee and one of the former president's top surrogates in the state, following a CNN report about his alleged posts on a pornography websites message board. Robinson has denied writing the posts, which include lewd and racist comments, saying Thursday that he wouldnt be forced out of the race by salacious tabloid lies. Trump's campaign has appeared to distance itself from Robinson in the wake of the CNN reporting, which the AP has not independently verified, saying in a statement to the AP that Trump is focused on winning the White House and saving this country" and calling North Carolina a vital part of that plan," without mentioning Robinson. While Robinson won his Republican gubernatorial primary in March, hes been trailing in several recent polls to Democratic nominee Josh Stein, the states attorney general. State Republican officials have stood by Robinson, whose decision to keep campaigning could threaten Republican prospects in other key races, including Trumps efforts in a battleground state he previously won twice. Democrats have seized on the opportunity to highlight Trump's ties to Robinson, with billboards showing the two together, as well as a new ad from Vice President Kamala Harris ' campaign highlighting the Republican candidates' ties as well as Robinson's support for a statewide abortion ban without exceptions. According to Harris' campaign, it's their first ad effort related to tying Trump to a down-ballot race. Outdoor rally Trump's first outdoor rally since the second apparent attempt to assassinate him was at a Wilmington airport, where a large American flag hung from a crane, with hundreds of chairs and standing room for many more spectators. Bulletproof glass surrounded the area on stage, a new precaution for outdoor venues the Secret Service implemented after a bullet grazed Trump's ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Charlie Kimball, a 46-year-old former construction worker from Burgaw, who said he is on disability, dismissed the allegations against Robinson as fake news." Thats his personal life. Who cares? Kimball said. Its all hearsay. Its not true. Its all speculation. Wheres the proof?" A Republican has carried North Carolina in every general election since 1976 save one, when Barack Obama won the state in 2008. Trump won there in both his previous campaigns but by less than 1.5 percentage points over Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, the closest margin of any state that Trump won. That's part of why Democrats see the state as winnable this fall. With neither Senate seat up for grabs, the gubernatorial contest has been North Carolina's marquee down-ballot race this year. Robinson has become a natural top surrogate for Trump in the state and a frequent presence at campaign events there, appearing with the nominee as recently as last month at an event. Trump has long praised Robinson, who is Black, referring to him as Martin Luther King on steroids." Endorsing Robinson ahead of the Republican gubernatorial primary, Trump continued: I think youre better than Martin Luther King. I think you are Martin Luther King times two. State up for grabs While more visits have been made by presidential contenders to the Rust Belt battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, both Harris and Trump have made multiple trips to North Carolina, highlighting the states importance. Following Bidens departure from the race in July, Trump held his first large-scale rally there, turning his full focus toward Harris. Wilmington is home to New Hanover County, which Biden won in 2020. But his margin over Trump in the county was among his slimmest in the state. Julia Novotny, 55, of Wilmington, said she's come around to supporting Trump after initial reservations because of allegations that he's been sexually abusive to women, which he denies. Hes classy, hes a gentleman, he looks good in a suit, and he has strong values, Novotny said. Everybody makes mistakes, and whether he did or didnt, I dont know, but you know what? Leave him alone. Hes a good man. He wants to change this country. Our country is in the dirt, and the only man who pulls us out is Donald Trump. Under extraordinarily tight security, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday visited the Pennsylvania ammunition factory that is producing one of the most critically needed munitions for his country's fight to fend off Russian ground forces. His visit to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant kicked off a busy week in the United States to shore up support for Ukraine in the war. He will speak at the U.N. General Assembly annual gathering in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday and then travel to Washington for talks on Thursday with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. As Zelenskyy's large motorcade made its way to the ammunition plant on Sunday afternoon, a small contingent of supporters waving Ukrainian flags assembled nearby to show their appreciation for his visit to thank the workers. The area around the ammunition plant had been sealed off since the morning, with municipal garbage trucks positioned across several roadblocks and a very heavy presence of city, regional and state police, including troopers on horseback. The Scranton plant is one of the few facilities in the country to manufacture 155 mm artillery shells and has increased production over the past year. The 155 mm shells are used in howitzer systems, which are towed large guns with long barrels that can fire at various angles. Howitzers can strike targets up to 24 kilometers to 32 kilometers away and are highly valued by ground forces to take out enemy targets from a protected distance. Ukraine has already received more than 3 million of the 155 mm shells from the U.S. "It's unfortunate that we need a plant like this, but it's here, and it's here to protect the world," said Vera Kowal Krewsun, a first-generation Ukrainian American who was among those who greeted Zelenskyy's motorcade. "And I strongly feel that way." She said many of her friends' parents have worked in the ammunition plant, and she called Zelenskyy's visit "a wonderful thing." Laryssa Salak, 60, whose parents also immigrated from Ukraine, also said she was pleased Zelenskyy came to thank the workers. She said it upsets her that funding for Ukraine's defense has divided Americans and that even some of her friends oppose the support, saying the money should go to help Americans instead. "But they don't understand that that money does not directly go to Ukraine, Salak said. "It goes to American factories that manufacture, like here, like the ammunition. So that money goes to American workers as well. And a lot of people don't understand that." With the war now well into its third year, Zelenskyy has been pushing the U.S. for permission to use longer range missile systems to fire deeper inside of Russia. So far he has not persuaded the Pentagon or White House to loosen those restrictions. The Defense Department has emphasized that Ukraine can already hit Moscow with Ukrainian-produced drones, and there is hesitation on the strategic implications of a U.S.-made missile potentially striking the Russian capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin has 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. At one point in the war, Ukraine was firing between 6,000 and 8,000 of the 155 mm shells per day. That rate started to deplete U.S. stockpiles and drew concern that the level on hand was not enough to sustain U.S. military needs if another major conventional war broke out, such as in a potential conflict over Taiwan. In response the U.S. has invested in restarting production lines and is now manufacturing more than 40,000 155 mm rounds a month, with plans to hit 100,000 rounds a month. Two of the Pentagon leaders who have pushed that increased production through Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, and Bill LaPlante, the Pentagon's top weapons buyer were expected to join Zelenskyy at the plant, as was Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. The 155 mm rounds are just one of the scores of ammunition, missile, air defense and advanced weapons systems the U.S. has provided Ukraine everything from small arms bullets to advanced F-16 fighter jets. The U.S. has been the largest donor to Ukraine, providing more than $56 billion of the more than $106 billion NATO and partner countries have collected to aid in its defense. Even though Ukraine is not a member of NATO, commitment to its defense is seen by many of the European nations as a must to keep Putin from further military aggression that could threaten bordering NATO-member countries and result in a much larger conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that when he visits Washington next week, he will press the case for Ukraine to use long-range missiles on targets inside Russia. Zelenskyy was speaking hours after confirming that the United States and Britain had still not authorized Kyiv to use such weapons in this way. But in his evening address Saturday he said: "We are convincing our partners and we will continue to talk about this next week that Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities." During his Washington visit, Zelenskyy plans to share with U.S. President Joe Biden his "victory plan" to end the war. The Ukrainian leader also plans to speak with both major candidates for U.S. president: Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee former president Donald Trump. For weeks, Kyiv has been pressing the West to allow it to use Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Doing so, said Zelenskyy, could change the course of the war, 2 years after Moscow invaded its neighbor. "Neither America nor the United Kingdom gave us permission to use these weapons on the territory of Russia, on any targets, at any distance," Zelenskyy told reporters late on Friday. "I think they are worried about an escalation." Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Ukraine using long-range weapons supplied by the West to strike targets inside Russian territory would signify NATO countries were at war with Russia. But Zelenskyy hinted he had not given up hope that Biden might yet be persuaded. "We have had some decisions in the history of our relationship with Biden very interesting and difficult dialogues," the Ukrainian leader said. "He later changed his point of view." A close adviser to Biden said this month he would use his remaining time in office to "put Ukraine in the best possible position to prevail." Fighting continues Zelenskyy will travel to the United States after a summer of intense fighting. Moscow's forces have been advancing in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv has held onto swaths of Russia's Kursk region for weeks. The Russian army is now about 10 kilometers from the eastern Ukrainian hub of Pokrovsk, to where Kyiv has rushed people evacuated from frontline areas. The war has dragged on for almost 31 months and efforts to end the fighting have so far proved unsuccessful. Zelenskyy repeated that Ukraine was ready to invite Russia to a second international peace summit in November "because all our allies, including our closest ones" said Russia should be there. The November summit, he said, would be "the foundation for talking in any format with Russia." But on Saturday Russia said it would not take part in such a summit and repeated Putin's conditions that Moscow would only come to the table if Kyiv surrendered four of its regions. 'A very different situation' Zelenskyy said he was taking into account that "we will have a very different situation in November" after the U.S. election. He said he plans to meet with Harris to "see what she thinks about the victory plan" and "definitely" meet with Trump. While Harris has indicated she will continue Biden's policies of backing Ukraine, Trump who Zelenskyy is expected to meet Wednesday or Thursday refused in a recent election debate to take sides over the war. Trump has been highly critical of the billions of dollars in aid the U.S. has provided to Ukraine. Kyiv is concerned that if Trump wins a second term, Washington could weaken its commitment to Ukraine. On the battlefield, Zelenskyy said Kyiv had struck two weapons depots in southern and western Russia, including a key site for Moscow's forces. Russian authorities announced some evacuations and declared a local emergency. Kyiv also said Russian attacks on Zelenskyy's hometown of Kryvyi Rig had killed a 12-year-old boy and two women in their 70s. A 12-year-old girl and a woman in her 20s also died in a strike on the city of Nikopol. Photo: Marc Piasecki/WireImage Janet Jackson should check the news a little more often. In a recent interview, the singer said shed heard Vice President Kamala Harris wasnt Black. Then an apology came from Jacksons team or did it? Rhythm Nation doesnt get CNN September 21, 2024: In an interview with The Guardian, Janet Jackson tells writer Nosheen Iqbal that she was told that presidential candidate and current vice president Kamala Harris isnt Black, despite the statement being clearly false. Well, you know what they supposedly said? Jackson tells the reporter. Shes not Black. Thats what I heard. That shes Indian. The reporter pushes back, telling Jackson that Harris has dual heritage. She further explains it is documented that Harris father is Donald J. Harris, a well-known Jamaican economist who works at Stanford. Jackson continues, Her fathers white. Thats what I was told. I mean, I havent watched the news in a few days. I was told that they discovered her father was white. Vulture has reached out to Jacksons reps for further comment. As for the election as a whole, Jackson isnt feeling too optimistic. She later tells The Guardian, Honestly, I dont want to answer that because I really, truthfully, dont know. I think either way it goes is going to be mayhem, when asked if she thought America would be ready for Kamala Harris if she were to be elected president. Maybe one of Jacksons friends can check in on her, preferably with fact-checked news sources. Beyonce, are you free? Janet Jackson does not apologize September 22, 2024, 6:09 p.m.: Well this got even stranger. Early Sunday, an apology came from someone claiming to represent Janet Jackson. Mo Elmasri, who claimed to be Jacksons manager, issued a statement claiming the comments were based on misinformation. Speaking to Buzzfeed, Elmasri said She deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman. Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse. Straightforward damage control, no? No! Jacksons real reps went to TMZ and said Elmasri has absolutely no connection to her. Her manager is reportedly her brother, Randy. A wise woman (Oprah) once asked So what is the truth? We wont know until we hear it directly from a Jackson, apparently. So who really works for Janet? September 23, 2024, 12:34 a.m.: Now it looks like Mo Elmasri may have been fired over this apology/non-apology kerfuffle. Janet Jackson fired me due to disagreements between me, her, and Randy, after her meeting with the Guardian and her unbalanced statements, the man who claims to have represented Jackson told The Daily Beast. Thats all I can say. Well not, entirely all. He ended his convo with the Beast with All support to Kamala Harris. By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has accused the Israeli embassy of leaking a letter in which he sent his best wishes to the new president of Iran. Mr Higgins is in New York where he addressed the UN Summit of the Future at the organisations headquarters. Speaking to journalists after his address, Mr Higgins was asked about criticism he received for sending a courtesy letter to Masoud Pezeshkian, who became Irans president after his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May. The Israeli embassy in Dublin criticised the letter to Mr Pezeshkian at the time, saying it sent the wrong message to the people of Iran living in fear under this brutal regime. Mr Higgins said on Sunday that the correspondence to Mr Pezeshkian was standard for when someone is a newly elected head of state. He added that the letter, which was leaked online in August, emphasised peace in the Middle East and the importance of diplomacy. When asked about the letter, Mr Higgins said: Why dont you ask where it came from? Where the criticism came from and how the letter was circulated and by whom and for what purpose? When pushed on the matter, Mr Higgins said: It was circulated from the Israeli embassy. He added that he did not know how Israeli authorities would have obtained the letter and noted that Israels ambassador to Ireland was not in residence to consult. Israel recalled its ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, in May in response to Irelands recognition of a Palestinian state. Ms Erlich has not returned to Ireland since, a decision which the Israeli embassy said followed the troubling rise in anti-Israel discourse in Ireland and claimed that accusations against Israel crossed the line into vilification, incitement and libels. It said these accusations created an inhospitable environment for the Jewish and Israeli communities in Ireland. We do hope that under different, more friendly conditions, Ambassador Erlich will resume her duties in Dublin and continue the important work ahead of her, the embassy said earlier this month. The Israeli Embassy in Dublin rejected President Michael D Higgins' accusation, Newstalk have reported. In a statement, it said the fact remains the letter was written, and therefore it is the burden of the author to defend its content, which did not mention the threat Iran poses in the region. It said unfortunately, in Ireland, since the October 7th invasion by Hamas and massacre in Israel, Israel has been subjected to a high level of malicious statements and accusations that have often manifested as incitement to hatred. It described the accusation as baseless and highly inflammatory. Two new, locally produced crime series are worlds apart: in the way they look, the style of their storytelling, and their creative foundations. One is a pragmatic clone of a proven crowd-pleaser and something of a laydown misere for its broadcaster; the other is a pioneering production that hasnt received the attention or the kudos that it deserves. One is a relatively safe bet; the other is a gutsy gamble that pays off handsomely. The former is Return to Paradise (ABC, Sundays, 7.30pm and ABC iview), a six-part Down Under offshoot of the globally successful whodunnit series Death in Paradise, which is regularly one of the ABCs most popular programs. So a joint ABC-BBC effort, capitalising on the existing and enthusiastic audience and extending its footprint, is a monty for our national broadcaster. Its not an audacious choice, but it is an understandable one. Early ratings seem to endorse the move, with the spin-off attracting more than a million viewers less than a week after its premiere. Meanwhile, Stan, one of the few Australian streamers in a pool dominated by multinationals, has opted for something completely different with the gritty and uncompromising six-part Critical Incident. Set in Sydneys tense west, it offers a darker view of the city than the one seen from the golden, tourist-magnet sands of Bondi. Created by Sarah Bassiuoni, a lawyer steering her first series, it opens by seamlessly setting the scene, introducing the Blacktown police station and its literal poster boy, senior constable Zilficar Zil Ahmed (Akshay Khanna), a celebrated face of the force. Akshay Khanna stars as Senior Constable Zilficar Zil Ahmed in Critical Incident. Credit: Stan The shocking accident of the title occurs in the opening episode during a police pursuit, and unwise decisions rapidly accumulate to trap characters in what feels like a vice-like grip. This tough and troubled setting is no paradise. We all know sex sells, and my books certainly are spicy, but at their core they are traditional love stories with the happy endings everyone dreams of. September 22, 2024 by T L Swan The Labor government has spent $275 million to step up resourcing and accelerate processes after a review found delays were motivating bad actors to take advantage by lodging increasing numbers of non-genuine applications for protection. It means those found to be genuine refugees are also forced to wait years for security. The list of people in limbo is growing by about 1000 a month, creating a backdoor for people on temporary visas who run out of options, including students, to keep working in Australia by applying for asylum and entering the drawn-out appeal process. The number of people seeking asylum in Australia has hit a six-year high and a record 117,500 people are on shore awaiting a decision or deportation as huge backlogs and five-year wait times expose the countrys immigration system to exploitation. But it faces a tough task in wresting control of the system as latest Home Affairs data reveals 25,210 people applied for protection visas in the 2023-24 financial year, the highest number of applicants since 27,931 people in 2017-18. More than four in five asylum claims were rejected, with applicants from Vietnam lodging the highest portion, followed by those from China and India. Helen Duncan, chief executive of the Migration Institute of Australia, said it was without doubt that people who probably did not have legitimate claims were using protection visas to extend their stays in Australia. Its not a situation we like to see because it means genuine refugees have their cases delayed because of huge backlogs and cases that have no merit, she said. If the processing was quicker, people wouldnt be using it to delay their stay in Australia. But its there, so people use it in the wrong way. The clogged system is one of the challenges facing the Albanese government as it tries to address immigration under mounting political pressure ahead of the next election. Significant investments in the appeals tribunal system have started to hasten decision-making, but numbers continue to grow. The number of people waiting for a visa decision ballooned from 28,700 to 32,600 throughout the 2023-24 financial year, while the number of people whose claims had been rejected but had not been deported rose from 75,000 to 82,900. For years, for me, there was only one St Kilda: the one with the beach, the trams and the gaping mouth of Mr Moon at Luna Park, Melbourne. Then I discovered the other St Kilda, an uber-wild and windswept volcanic archipelago in the middle of nowhere (OK, in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 180 kilometres west of mainland Scotland). The archipelago is the UKs only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. Credit: Getty Images Its the only site in the UK to hold UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural and cultural qualities, but its remoteness means only about 5000 people visit annually and were some of the lucky ones, calling in on a Ponant cruise thats taking us to some seriously out-of-the-way places. As St Kildas peaks, pinnacles and seabirds soar ahead of our ship, Le Boreal, were joined on board by Sue Loughran, a ranger for the National Trust for Scotland, which manages Hirta, the largest island. Its easy to see why Eligio Kika de la Garza was elected to 16 consecutive terms in the House of Representatives (1965 to 1997) and served his final seven (1981 through 1994) as chairman of the wide-sweeping and often unruly House Ag Committee. Im a reasonable person, the south Texan, born just 2 miles from Mexico, liked to say, I can get along with anyone. And he mostly did, I once heard him explain to a crowd of farm leaders in a packed Washington, D.C. meeting, because his guiding legislative principle was from the Good Book itself, Isaiah 1:18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord. It was a fitting code for the easy-going but tough-as-nails de la Garza. In the past 90 years, there have been 18 Farm Bills written and passed by Congress. Kika had a role in seven and chaired the process on three: the 1981, 1985 and 1990 bills. He was a legislative plow horse he got things done and, for a Democrat, was decidedly middle of the road, even conservative. For example, while he fought for food stamps, voting rights and sugar price supports, he also favored balanced budgets, free trade and prayer in classrooms. Most of these positions would not win any Democrat a House leadership post today. And yet he went unchallenged as Ag Committee chairman for 14 years and three tough Farm Bill negotiations because he was reasonable. Politics, he said at that same farmer meeting, is the art of the possible. The nation succeeds when politics succeed. And most everyone farmers, the nation, Congress did succeed under his leadership. The New York Times headline for his March 15, 2017, obituary would have met with his approval: Kika de la Garza, Texas Congressman and Farmers Ally, Dies at 89. Few on todays House Ag Committee stand out as lets-sit-down-and-reason leaders like Kika. Part of it is the blood-spilling tenor of todays winner-take-all politics; the goal is to win without compromise. Another key part of it is that most committee members dont know beans from buttermilk when it comes to farm and food policy. Farm visits are for a selfie on a combine or to tout Big Ag fantasies like manure digesters and carbon pipelines. That means most are easily swayed by special interests pushing special projects and by AgBizs never-ending lament of too much regulation and too little income support. The result often is legislation written by the permanent, unelected government the farm and commodity groups and agbiz lobbyists and not the elected government. In the past five years, recently noted Karen Perry Stillerman, the deputy director of the Food and Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Agribusiness interests have spent a huge sum of money $523 million lobbying Congress And the money has bought what it wanted and what most American eaters and taxpayers dont want: a heavily subsidized, commodity-driven farm policy focused on fading export markets, a slowly drying up ethanol market, and gazillion-dollar carbon schemes that wont save the environment in a million years. Now Big Ags big dogs are whimpering again, worried that todays Farm Bill already extended one year and facing another extension will hang fire through Novembers general election. The delay risks the Republicans losing control of the House and with it, the big dogs their influence on any 2025 Farm Bill. If so, their failure is emblematic of a Congress that bloviates more than legislates; where committees hold hearings and no one listens; where it cant pass a bill, let alone an annual budget, on time and within its means. In short, Congress is broken and only goodwill and reasonable people will fix it. Top Journal Star photos for September 2024 Maybe some Haitians do eat cats. If its not in your culture to eat cats, the idea might make you gag, which might make those Haitians seem less sympathetic to you. Thats the genesis of racism. Racism works by bypassing rationality and tapping into the disgust response. It is racist to feel negatively about a group of people on such spurious emotive grounds. That is what was so objectionable about the outburst of former US president Donald Trump during the first and to date only pre-election debate with Kamala Harris. There is no evidence to support Trumps claim that Haitians in Ohio are eating peoples pets. But he didnt need there to be to achieve his objective. The story deploys a primal ick factor to replace rational discussion about immigration in an attempt to make a particular race fundamentally unpalatable. Ohios Republican vice-presidential candidate J. D. Vance and Donald Trump, shake at a campaign rally. Credit: AP Photo/Ben Gray Haitians have a festival called reveillon. Online publication The Haitian Report says that in some parts of Haiti, among a small number of people, it is traditional to eat cat during that festival on one day of the year. So perhaps a few Haitians at least eat cat meat. This would not put them wildly out of step with the rest of the world. Many countries have pockets of people who eat cat and dog. Australia does too, according to a 2021 BBC Australia report on Alice Springs, which apparently confronted a feral cat problem with the likes of a wild cat casserole. Many cultures eat meats that the West has developed an objection to (despite the fact that our ancestors often ate them). I have eaten scorpion in China and frogs legs in Indonesia. The Japanese consider whale a delicacy and there is a small industry in hunting the common Minke breed. Saying so is not racist; responding with an emotional distaste for the people who eat these things is racist. The Tiguan is one of the most successful Volkswagen models globally with nearly 8 million sold since launched in 2007. The third generation of the model arrived in Irish showrooms in Q1 of this year. Some 2,630 units have been registered here so far, which is almost a 40pc increase over the whole of 2023. The model sits between the smaller T-Roc and larger Touareg in the brands crossover SUV range. The new car is slightly taller, wider and approximately 3cms longer than before. This compact SUV comes with a completely new design, both inside and out. Three grades are offered and a choice of diesel and plug-in petrol hybrids. The front now has a more powerful and aggressive look with flat LED headlights and glass-covered horizontal strip; radiator grille openings are now located at the outer sides of the bumper. An attractive new horizontal LED strip adds emphasis to the rear end. High Definition matrix headlights are also used for the first time in the Tiguan. Wheels options are from 17-inch to 19-inch. My car had a black exterior package with chrome around the side windows and dark privacy glass. Wouldn't be my choice. The interior features a completely new design. First impressions are of a hugely spacious cabin with generous head and leg space for all five occupants. The top R-Line spec is the most luxurious trim with sportier details and leather on the seats. The digital cockpit was especially designed to be user-friendly, the highlight being the enormous 15-inch infotainment screen with a new menu structure. Colourful and lovely graphics are set against a dark background. I found it easy to use. Part of the lower screen has controls for dual zone climate control, front seat heaters, A/C etc. The large, and customisable, drivers instrument panel features two screens with current speed displayed centre top. Also new is the head-up display with drive information projected onto the windscreen. There are two mobile phone chargers. There's a really excellent blind spot monitor alert to warn if a vehicle is approaching from behind. A new rotary control can be used to select the driving profile, radio volume or ambient lighting colours which Volkswagen call atmospheres. There are up to 30 colours of background lighting to choose from as well as illuminated decorative elements on the dash panel and front doors. Really lovely, especially at night, is the design of the panel on the front passengers side of the dash, and continued on doors, with thousands of tiny blue 'stars' shining against a dark background. The transmission shift, and the parking brake, have been moved to the top right of the steering wheel; there are paddles for when you wish to change to manual shifting, and a control to heat the steering wheel. First impressions of the VW Tiguan's interior are of a hugely spacious cabin with generous head and leg space for all five occupants. Seats were comfy and looked good in a nicely patterned cloth and leather trim, though, given the high cost of the car, they should have power adjustments. They do have four-way lumbar adjustment. Front ones, with integrated headrests that have a see-through section, now have a massage function that you can control from the sides of the seats. You can pick the intensity and duration you want it on for via the central touchscreen. The middle rear seat back comes down to reveal two cupholders and an integrated tablet holder. There are small two USB sockets here. The high transmission tunnel may affect legroom for an adult in the middle seat. The power tailgate opens high to reveal a 652 litre boot. Levers on the side of the boot release the rear seats. My car just had a sealant kit, no spare. The Launch Edition is offered with a 2.0 diesel engine with 150hp. Equipment highlights are LED Plus headlamps, silver roof rails, easy open luggage compartment and delayed electric closing, and 3-zone automatic climate control. I achieved 5.5 L/100kms which is very good for a car this size and weight. I found ride and handling to be very good and little noise penetrated into the cabin. I always appreciate front fog lamps with cornering. PRICES: Tiguan is priced from 48,300 to 58,150. To my mind the definition of an Indian Summer is the few days we so desperately long for when we have had no summer otherwise. When the months of summer leave us bereft of hot sunny days, we turn to the possibility of a late anti-cyclone floating in to provide us with the few days we feel we deserve. If ever we needed an Indian Summer, we need one this year. Longing for good weather is part of the human condition, part of who we are, and because of our northwestern position on the map, it is possibly felt more in the Ox Mountains than anywhere else in Ireland. For the record, the true definition of an Indian Summer is, according to the boys in Oxford; a period of unusually dry, warm weather occurring in late autumn. Although the exact origins of the term are uncertain, it seems to be so-named because it was first noted in regions inhabited by Native Americans and is based on the warm and hazy conditions in autumn when these First People hunted for the last time before the onset of winter. Weather worries The development of agricultural practices about 12,000 years ago changed the way humans lived. They switched from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to permanent settlements and farming. It is fair to say that from that day to this, the weather took on a renewed importance for all mankind. Before that, it was up to nature itself and the animals and fruit it provided. From then on, the weather and how it behaved was our first concern, it became a matter of life and death. According to National Geographic, it may well have been the weather itself that tempted us into the farming way of life in the first place. There was no single factor, or combination of factors, that led people to take up farming in different parts of the world. In the Near East, for example, its thought that climatic changes at the end of the last ice age brought seasonal conditions that favoured annual plants like wild cereals. I often thought it was just the Irish who obsessed about the weather; will it rain enough, would we ever get a few days for the hay or a decent stretch to ripen the oats? The truth about our dependence on the weather, and our food supply, is that every farmer that ever lived has had the same worry. The biblical flood, the plague of locusts, the dustbowl and the dreaded droughts of Africa have all undone humanity at some point and showed us, God, or no God, that the weather is everything. Depression They say it was the weather that made the Irish the easy-going race they are reputed to be. The theory behind that was, if the day came bad, we could always wait until tomorrow to start the job at hand. This gave the impression that we were a more relaxed form of humanity, with lots of time on our hands. There was more than a grain of truth in the theory but the days of easy-going farming are fast disappearing. Farming is now often a race against time; bank loans, cash flows, not to mention the weather. Whether these pressures are due to changes in farming practices or changes in climate, the result is the same farming families living on the edge and individual farmers veering dangerously close to depression. Ronan McGreevy, a news reporter with the Irish Times wrote in an article in March this year of the challenges facing a tillage farmer in Co. Meath. His piece began with the bold headline, Wet weather leaves farmers in despair: I have never seen it this bad. Everything is compounded together. Nine months of wet weather is creating a mounting crisis for Irish tillage farmers. After one of the warmest and driest Junes on record, it started raining in July and has barely stopped since. The knock-on effects have been huge. Beef and dairy farmers have had to keep their cattle in longer because of the soggy ground so there is a fodder shortage and the grass is not growing the way it should be, but tillage farmers have it worse. The McCormacks have been involved in tillage in Co Meath since the 1960s when Eddie McCormack arrived from Co Mayo and started with 23 acres. Their holding has now expanded to 280 hectares (600 acres) of some of the most fertile land in the country. The story is similar for dairy farmers throughout the country and with winter just a few short weeks away, it seems 2024 will be remembered as one of our worst, weatherwise. Farmers in the Ox Mountain region are also feeling the effects, with poor summer grass growth and with few descent opportunities to save enough winter fodder. Farmers Almanac According to the US publication, The Old Farmers Almanac, there are several criteria for an Indian Summer, maybe more accurately described as a Native American Summer. I cite this criterion here not to make readers feel worse, just to reflect on possibilities. Its a period of abnormally warm weather occurring in late autumn between St Martins Day (November 11) and November 20, with generally clear skies, sunny but hazy days, and cool nights. The time of occurrence is important: It occurs after at least one good killing frost but also before the first snowfall; preferably a substantial period of normally cool weather must precede this warm spell. As well as being warm, the atmosphere is hazy or smoky, there is no wind, the barometer is standing high, and the nights are clear and chilly. A moving, cool, shallow polar air mass is converting into a deep, warm, stagnant anticyclone (high pressure) system, which has the effect of causing the haze and large swing in temperature between day and night. Native Americans would routinely use this brief period of warm autumn weather as an opportunity to increase winter stores. An Indian Summer was their last chance to capture bounty before winter set in. Native Americans would routinely use a brief period of warm autumn weather as an opportunity to increase winter stores. A week or two This year, as deadline after deadline passed, without a break in the weather, the onset of winter now looks more depressing than ever. We thought the weather might take up in July, then August and, as schools reopened, we hoped September might come good. Whatever the origins of the Indian Summer, oh, how we would love a few sunny autumn days before winter sets in just a week or two, to dry the land and maybe get a pinch of late silage. Summer, you old Indian summer You're the tear that comes after June time's laughter You see so many dreams that don't come true Dreams we fashioned when summertime was new. Glenn Miller Heres a question: why is it that a significant percentage of Catholics who no longer attend Mass with any regularity are still happy to financially contribute to the running of a parish, the maintenance of a priest and the upkeep of a church? Here are some obvious reasons: a sense of community responsibility; a sense of history and tradition; a family loyalty to a parish; and even the inevitable prospect of a future family funeral. Heres another reason. Is this unusual confluence of (on the one hand) a formal rejection of participation in the worship of a parish community and (on the other) an informal acceptance of a less engaged financial connection with the same community indicative of another unexpressed but clear intention? As Jeremy Clarkson says on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Heres what I think! Bear with me. Lets start with the traditional image of bank managers in the past. In the early years of the Irish State, bank managers, in their role as guardians of other peoples money and their responsibilities to their bosses, attracted a hostile derision because of what was widely regarded as an undue status that conferred undue authority on them. They were kings of the palace and they delivered edicts from on high with every decision infallible and unalterable passing through their hands. In comparison, bank officials were mere foot-soldiers carrying out orders. Let me hasten to add that Ive never met such despots as by the time I acquired a bank account the banking world had become just another business that had moved into different times. But Ive met others in other occupations who comfortably occupied the same role. Let me start with Parish Priests, a brotherhood with which until recent years I was closely acquainted. Like every other such fraternity we were a mixed crew of wise owls and young fools, saints and sinners and, truth be told, we had a complement of the worst kind of bank manager types. And bishops too though hand on heart, I have no personal axe to grind but from history and by repute, the image of bygone bank managers would not have done justice to some bishops and their sense of self-importance despite their sometimes spectacular unsuitability for their roles. Add to that some medical consultants, some teachers Principals and others some Gardai and Garda Sergeants, and those members of a variety of professional groups who imagine not just that they inhabit by divine right a status way beyond their position and their competence in that the rest of the human race are presumed to hold them in awe. Most of us in some fashion have endured the mixed benefit of their limitations. But Irish society has changed. A culture of leadership that accepted control, entitlement and even arrogance has been swept aside in a tsunami of social change in Ireland. And those who imagine that nothing has changed are left high and dry like beached whales left wondering why their world has imploded. The reality is that such a form of leadership is no longer acceptable in a bank manager, a hospital consultant, a parish priest, a bishop, a Garda or anyone else interested in effective leadership today. That world of position, status, entitlement and its often toxic products of control and oppression has died in Ireland, even though in some instances it survives the tide of history: in the parish priest who refuses to reveal to parishioners the basic right of knowing how he is spending their money; in the occasional bishop who exerts his authority over his priests by thumping the table; and many others. Yet, we have moved very perceptibly from a society that is no longer influenced by authority buttressed traditionally by pretensions of status and entitlement. And it goes without saying that Irish society today has less respect than ever for the often toxic control and oppression that attempt to sustain such past delusions. We should know from the hapless British royals desperately attempting to replicate memories of the seventeeth century in an effort to summon up some relevance that dressing up and appealing to tradition have less and less impact in our changing Ireland, but can we read the signals in less obvious ways? To get back to the question I posed at the top of this piece: why is it that a significant percentage of Catholics who no longer attend Mass with any regularity are still happy to contribute to the running of the parish, the maintenance of the priest and the upkeep of the Church? Logically it makes no sense though there are, as I listed above, a number of presenting reasons. Heres another. More and more I see parishioners continuing to finance parishes whose services they have decided not to use as a statement along the following lines: this is my church, my parish, my heritage, my sense of place, my community and of my confidence in saying that I will be the Catholic that I decide I want to be (and am) and if I dont find in my parish the respect to which I feel entitled as an adult member of this faith community then I will choose another. If our Catholic Church and consequently our parishes continue to disrespect rights and freedoms that are out of sync with standard practices in Irish life today but in sync with the control and oppression of our past then we are effectively inviting parishioners to accept the misogynistic, patriarchal, clericalist culture that is for many simply beyond acceptance or endurance. Financial contributions without commitment represent a holding position in expectation of change. Heritage month opens the door to see the world differently A celebration like no other as staff lunch in the dark. They arrived dressed in splendour representing the rich diversity of South Africas cultural heritage and ethnic groups. Spirits were high as complements flowed freely admiring the various traditional outfits with a twist of modernity. Unbeknown to the group was that this was not a typical Heritage Month celebration. Its Lunch in the Dark, announced a voice behind the microphone taking Witsies by complete surprise. No doubt many thought load-shedding is visiting again! Staff in the Registrars Division were immersed in a sensory experience as they engaged in a three-course meal blindfolded. The lunch organised by the Division's Transformation Committee, representing eight different departments within the Division, sought to promote awareness about visual impairment and the world of the blind. September is also seen as disability awareness month as Casual Day, a campaign which which brings the spotlight on fundraising and advocacy for persons with disabilities, is observed annually September. The event was aptly held at the Origins Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of modern humankind and the San people. Biodiversity also took its place of pride as each table was adorned with the wonder plant Spekboom known as isimuncwana (isiZulu). Guest speaker Dr William Rowland, honorary president of the South African National Council for the Blind, shared his own story of living with blindness. He inspired many as a well-travelled champion who has visited more than 90 countries leading advocacy, he founded Optima College for the blind and holds three academic degrees from the University of South Africa, a doctorate from the University of Cape Town, and qualified as physiotherapist at the RNIB in London. Loss of Control and Gratitude In between the serving of the meals, staff were invited to reflect and were also introduced to outstanding visually impaired achievers, through short multimedia presentations during the course of the lunch. The experience struck a nerve with Nodene Sheik, a consultant at the Student Enrolment Centre. Sheik, whose had two eye operations at different times in her life due to glaucoma, said the experience and the life of Rowland has made her brave. If I ever go blind, I will be able to face the world with courage and also with the gratitude that I was at least able to see the world. For many, the loss of control, not knowing whats on the plate, eating different textures without priming the mind exposed how dependent they were on only one sense sight. Long Service Awards The event also celebrated long serving staff members in the Registrars Division: Nosimilo Dladla (Student Enrolment Centre) 41 years Gabi Mazibuko (Student Call Centre) 35 years David Rambevha (Exams and Graduations Office) 34 years The Best Dress award went to Thingatshili Mukwevho from Central Records Office for her Tshivenda inspired outfit. Briscoe Group Limited (ASX:BGP Get Free Report) announced a interim dividend on Thursday, September 19th, MarketIndexAU reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 8th will be paid a dividend of 0.115 per share on Tuesday, October 8th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.93%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 23rd. Briscoe Group Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 2.15, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 95.28. Get Briscoe Group alerts: Briscoe Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More Briscoe Group Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in retailing homeware and sporting products in New Zealand. The company operates in two segments: Homeware and Sporting Goods. It operates stores under the Briscoes Homeware and Rebel Sport brand, as well as sells its products online. The company was founded in 1781 and is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. Receive News & Ratings for Briscoe Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Briscoe Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BBB Foods Inc. (NYSE:TBBB Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Hold from the eight analysts that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $30.57. A number of research analysts have issued reports on TBBB shares. Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of BBB Foods from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Friday, May 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of BBB Foods from $30.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. HSBC upgraded BBB Foods from a reduce rating to a hold rating and set a $31.00 price target for the company in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Hsbc Global Res upgraded BBB Foods from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on BBB Foods in a research note on Monday, September 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $33.00 target price for the company. Get BBB Foods alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TBBB Institutional Trading of BBB Foods BBB Foods Stock Down 3.5 % Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. J.Safra Asset Management Corp acquired a new stake in BBB Foods in the first quarter valued at $32,000. Hood River Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BBB Foods in the 1st quarter valued at about $54,000. National Bank of Canada FI bought a new position in shares of BBB Foods during the second quarter worth about $103,000. Federated Hermes Inc. acquired a new position in BBB Foods in the second quarter worth about $143,000. Finally, Quent Capital LLC bought a new stake in BBB Foods in the second quarter valued at about $167,000. 8.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. TBBB opened at $31.37 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85. BBB Foods has a one year low of $18.71 and a one year high of $33.16. The businesss fifty day moving average is $28.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.12. BBB Foods (NYSE:TBBB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 21st. The company reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $788.28 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $708.69 million. As a group, equities analysts forecast that BBB Foods will post 0.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. About BBB Foods (Get Free Report BBB Foods Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates grocery retail stores in Mexico. It offers food products, drinks, hygiene and beauty products, home clean products, coffee, tea and substitutes, jellies and desserts, and baby and pet products. The company also provides branded, private label, and spot products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BBB Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BBB Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report) Equities researchers at Wedbush reduced their FY2024 EPS estimates for AutoZone in a research report issued on Thursday, September 19th. Wedbush analyst S. Basham now expects that the company will post earnings of $150.77 per share for the year, down from their prior forecast of $151.03. Wedbush currently has a Outperform rating and a $3,200.00 price target on the stock. The consensus estimate for AutoZones current full-year earnings is $151.37 per share. Wedbush also issued estimates for AutoZones Q4 2024 earnings at $52.64 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $34.98 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $31.41 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $40.16 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $55.46 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $161.91 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $179.91 EPS. Get AutoZone alerts: Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Guggenheim lifted their price objective on AutoZone from $3,150.00 to $3,225.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 26th. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on AutoZone from $3,900.00 to $3,350.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday. Oppenheimer reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $2,600.00 price target on shares of AutoZone in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of AutoZone from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $3,129.44. AutoZone Stock Performance AZO opened at $3,020.66 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $3,105.66 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $3,010.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $51.60 billion, a PE ratio of 20.89, a P/E/G ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.71. AutoZone has a 52 week low of $2,375.35 and a 52 week high of $3,256.37. Hedge Funds Weigh In On AutoZone Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Clearbridge Investments LLC grew its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 3.0% in the 4th quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 6,179 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,976,000 after acquiring an additional 179 shares in the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. increased its position in shares of AutoZone by 27.3% during the 4th quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 807 shares of the companys stock worth $2,087,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares during the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. raised its stake in shares of AutoZone by 10.0% during the 4th quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,459 shares of the companys stock worth $3,772,000 after purchasing an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. WBI Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of AutoZone in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $225,000. Finally, Hohimer Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC now owns 366 shares of the companys stock valued at $946,000 after buying an additional 5 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.74% of the companys stock. AutoZone Company Profile (Get Free Report) AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. The company provides various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Finsbury Growth & Income (LON:FGT Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Friday, September 20th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be given a dividend of GBX 10.80 ($0.14) per share by the investment trust on Friday, November 8th. This represents a yield of 1.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 3rd. This is a boost from Finsbury Growth & Incomes previous dividend of $8.80. The official announcement can be seen at this link. Finsbury Growth & Income Trading Down 1.2 % FGT stock opened at GBX 852 ($11.25) on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 840.91 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 842.16. Finsbury Growth & Income has a 1-year low of GBX 788.71 ($10.42) and a 1-year high of GBX 876 ($11.57). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.01, a current ratio of 5.68 and a quick ratio of 0.48. The company has a market capitalization of 1.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,396.72 and a beta of 0.52. Get Finsbury Growth & Income alerts: Insider Activity at Finsbury Growth & Income In other news, insider Pars Purewal acquired 17,802 shares of Finsbury Growth & Income stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 1st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 838 ($11.07) per share, with a total value of 149,180.76 ($197,068.38). 5.83% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Finsbury Growth & Income Company Profile Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched Frostrow Capital LLP. The fund is co-managed by Lindsell Train Limited. It invests in public equity markets of the United Kingdom. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Finsbury Growth & Income Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Finsbury Growth & Income and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shore Capital restated their buy rating on shares of Hill & Smith (LON:HILS Free Report) in a research report report published on Thursday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,350 ($31.04) price objective on shares of Hill & Smith in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Get Hill & Smith alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Hill & Smith Hill & Smith Stock Performance Hill & Smith Cuts Dividend HILS stock opened at GBX 2,035 ($26.88) on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 2.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 34.30. The firm has a market cap of 1.63 billion, a PE ratio of 2,164.89 and a beta of 1.31. The business has a 50 day moving average of GBX 2,112.69 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 2,005.61. Hill & Smith has a 12-month low of GBX 1,574 ($20.79) and a 12-month high of GBX 2,330 ($30.78). The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 7th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 28th will be paid a dividend of GBX 16.50 ($0.22) per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 28th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.77%. Hill & Smiths payout ratio is currently 4,787.23%. About Hill & Smith (Get Free Report) Hill & Smith PLC manufactures and supplies infrastructure products in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, North America, the Middle East, rest of Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Roads & Security, Engineered Solutions, and Galvanizing Services. The Roads & Security segment supplies products and services to support road and highway infrastructure, including temporary and permanent road safety barriers; renewable energy lighting and power solutions; intelligent traffic solutions; street lighting columns; and bridge parapets, as well as offers security products that includes hostile vehicle mitigation solutions, high security fencing, and automated gate solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hill & Smith Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hill & Smith and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the six brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, three have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $246.80. A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Raymond James boosted their price objective on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle from $246.00 to $268.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle from $225.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. StockNews.com upgraded Jones Lang LaSalle from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Jones Lang LaSalle from $215.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, June 21st. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on Jones Lang LaSalle from $240.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Get Jones Lang LaSalle alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on JLL Jones Lang LaSalle Stock Performance Jones Lang LaSalle stock opened at $262.40 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.58, a current ratio of 2.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Jones Lang LaSalle has a twelve month low of $119.46 and a twelve month high of $265.63. The companys 50-day moving average price is $245.88 and its 200-day moving average price is $212.62. The company has a market cap of $12.48 billion, a PE ratio of 42.19 and a beta of 1.37. Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The financial services provider reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.25. The business had revenue of $5.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.48 billion. Jones Lang LaSalle had a return on equity of 8.03% and a net margin of 1.76%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.50 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Jones Lang LaSalle will post 12.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,625 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $334,000 after buying an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Tandem Capital Management Corp ADV boosted its stake in Jones Lang LaSalle by 0.4% in the second quarter. Tandem Capital Management Corp ADV now owns 13,747 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,779,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc grew its holdings in Jones Lang LaSalle by 4.5% in the second quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 1,328 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $273,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 0.4% during the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 21,529 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,419,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 6,607 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,289,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. 94.80% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Jones Lang LaSalle (Get Free Report Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated operates as a commercial real estate and investment management company. It engages in the buying, building, occupying, managing, and investing in a commercial, industrial, hotel, residential, and retail properties in Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ovintiv (NYSE:OVV Free Report) had its price target reduced by UBS Group from $61.00 to $57.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a buy rating on the stock. Several other research firms have also issued reports on OVV. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on Ovintiv from $62.00 to $61.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and set a $55.00 target price on shares of Ovintiv in a report on Friday, June 14th. TD Cowen lifted their target price on Ovintiv from $64.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 10th. Evercore ISI reiterated an outperform rating and set a $60.00 target price on shares of Ovintiv in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Ovintiv from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 12th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Ovintiv currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $59.83. Get Ovintiv alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on OVV Ovintiv Stock Up 0.3 % NYSE OVV opened at $40.52 on Wednesday. Ovintiv has a 52 week low of $37.81 and a 52 week high of $55.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.44 and a current ratio of 0.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.50 and a beta of 2.62. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $43.00 and a 200-day moving average of $47.59. Ovintiv (NYSE:OVV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.02. Ovintiv had a return on equity of 18.28% and a net margin of 18.56%. The business had revenue of $2.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.53 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Ovintiv will post 5.63 EPS for the current year. Ovintiv Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.96%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. Ovintivs payout ratio is 16.76%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ovintiv Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of OVV. American National Bank bought a new position in shares of Ovintiv in the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. Innealta Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Ovintiv in the 2nd quarter valued at about $39,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in Ovintiv by 53.4% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 862 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Creekmur Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Ovintiv in the 4th quarter valued at about $68,000. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Ovintiv in the 2nd quarter valued at about $69,000. Institutional investors own 83.81% of the companys stock. About Ovintiv (Get Free Report) Ovintiv Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores, develops, produces, and markets natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids in the United States and Canada. The company operates through USA Operations, Canadian Operations, and Market Optimization segments. Its principal assets include Permian in west Texas and Anadarko in west-central Oklahoma; and Montney in northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ovintiv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ovintiv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG Get Free Report) EVP Jeffrey M. Farber sold 1,200 shares of The Hanover Insurance Group stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.11, for a total transaction of $180,132.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 85,983 shares in the company, valued at $12,906,908.13. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. The Hanover Insurance Group Price Performance The Hanover Insurance Group stock opened at $146.86 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $138.47 and its 200 day simple moving average is $132.64. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $108.03 and a 12 month high of $150.95. The company has a market cap of $5.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.93 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a current ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Get The Hanover Insurance Group alerts: The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $1.88 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.88. The Hanover Insurance Group had a return on equity of 12.42% and a net margin of 4.44%. The company had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.49 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($1.91) EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. will post 10.85 EPS for the current year. The Hanover Insurance Group Dividend Announcement Institutional Trading of The Hanover Insurance Group The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a $0.85 dividend. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.32%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. The Hanover Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 76.23%. A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of THG. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group by 75.4% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 965,374 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $117,217,000 after acquiring an additional 414,993 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group during the 4th quarter valued at $48,900,000. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group by 149.4% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 417,767 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $50,725,000 after purchasing an additional 250,254 shares in the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado boosted its stake in The Hanover Insurance Group by 1,294.6% in the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 145,089 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $17,617,000 after purchasing an additional 134,685 shares during the period. Finally, Point72 Asset Management L.P. purchased a new position in The Hanover Insurance Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $14,684,000. 86.61% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts recently weighed in on THG shares. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $147.00 to $162.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Bank of America dropped their target price on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $161.00 to $158.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. JMP Securities upped their target price on The Hanover Insurance Group from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price target on The Hanover Insurance Group from $142.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $157.80. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on The Hanover Insurance Group About The Hanover Insurance Group (Get Free Report) The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Core Commercial, Specialty, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, workers' compensation, and other commercial lines coverage. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First minister accused of passing the buck over record high NHS waits Opposition Senedd members accused Wales new first minister Eluned Morgan of passing the buck as latest statistics showed record-long waiting lists. Mabon ap Gwynfor pointed out that six Labour frontbenchers have held the health portfolio over the past 25 years, including the current and two former first ministers. The Plaid Cymru shadow health secretary said: Although we have seen different faces coming and going over the summer, its the same old story when it comes to the health service. Standards going down, waiting times getting longer, staff being pushed to the extreme, and from the government? nothing but repeated empty promises. Mr ap Gwynfor, who represents Dwyfor Meironnydd, accused ministers of putting the horse before the cart by fixating on outcomes without first plotting a credible path. Leading a Plaid Cymru debate, he criticised Eluned Morgan for pointing the finger at health board executives, saying it typifies a tendency to blame everyone else. Passing the buck Sam Rowlands, the Conservatives shadow health secretary, similarly accused the first minister of passing the buck to NHS executives. He said: Health boards have a big job to do to work through these waiting lists but a first minister and a government must not abdicate its responsibility, Pointing out that the Welsh Government previously cut the health budget, he urged ministers to spend the full 20% uplift from spending in England on NHS Wales. Mr Rowlands, who represents North Wales, warned the Welsh health service is worse on every major metric, with 23,000 people on waiting lists for more than two years. The former council leader highlighted the Darzi review of the NHS in England as he called for a similar independent investigation in Wales. Disastrous Rhun ap Iorwerth also focused on the damning Darzi report. He said: Keir Starmer is right the situation in England is disastrous more than 10% of the population of England on waiting lists. But in Wales, of course, the figure is 20%. Mr ap Iorwerth reiterated his partys calls for the Welsh Government to declare a health crisis but he accused ministers of being unwilling to recognise the gravity of the situation. He asked: If its not an emergency, then how can the situation be described? And how can Labour describe a situation in England as a crisis when the situation in Wales in so many ways is so much worse? The Ynys Mon MS said 316 people were waiting a year for their first appointment in 2012, with the corresponding figure now standing at more than 74,000. Heavy lifting Jenny Rathbone, a Labour backbencher, accused the Conservatives of being unfair to Baroness Morgan by failing to recognise the heavy lifting she did as health minister. The Cardiff Central MS stressed the importance of community social care, saying hundreds of people medically do not need to be in the University Hospital of Wales in Heath, Cardiff. Plaid Cymrus Sioned Williams accused the UK Government of continuing to apply austerity. She said studies show poverty makes people ill, so austerity is damaging peoples health. Her party colleague Cefin Campbell warned children and young people are suffering most as a result of the Welsh Governments persistent inability to reduce waiting lists. Mr Campbell told the chamber at least 8,200 children and young people have been waiting more than a year, with 1,200 waiting at least two years. He said: The situation is particularly severe in Betsi Cadwaladr, where 62% of people under the age of 18 are having to wait longer than two years. 62% its shameful. Long shadow Wales new health secretary Jeremy Miles told the debate on September 18 that cutting waiting times is at the top of his to-do list after his appointment a week earlier. Mr Miles told the chamber long waiting times are a result of the pandemic and a decade of austerity which cast a long shadow. The former Welsh Labour leadership contender claimed work to reduce waiting times is having an impact despite financial pressures and a significant increase in demand. He said: Long waits of over two years have reduced by 67% since its high point in March 2022, and long waits for diagnostic tests have reduced by almost a third. Now, around 3% of people on waiting lists are waiting longer than two years compared with almost 10% in March 2022. The health secretary said the Welsh Governments recovery plan is driving waits down as he pointed to an extra 900m for the NHS this year and last. Delete all Mr Miles, who previously held responsibility for education and the economy, recognised there is too much variation across Wales in terms of productivity and performance. Highlighting a new waiting times bulletin, he said: It will help us identify good performance and where health boards need to do more to learn from those making the best progress. The Neath MS said the NHS will introduce a one-stop approach to reduce the number of appointments needed and streamline pathways by removing unnecessary steps. Mr ap Gwynfor was disappointed by the health secretarys response, accusing Labour of continuing an austerity agenda and failing to provide a fair funding settlement for Wales. Plaid Cymrus motion was narrowly defeated, 23-24, with the Conservatives voting in favour and Labour against. The Welsh Governments delete-all amendment was agreed. What do the latest statistics show? Monthly NHS performance data, published this morning, shows some improvements but overall waiting lists continue to worsen. The headline figure for patient pathways which include people waiting for more than one treatment was 796,600 waiting to start treatment the highest on record. This is estimated to equate to 616,700 people, another unwelcome record. The number of immediately life-threatening red calls responded to within eight minutes was up 3.6% to 51.8% on the previous month. But this remains short of the 65% target. In Wales emergency departments, the number of patients spending less than four hours in A&E remained flat at 69.3% against a target of 95%. The health service also missed a target of no patient waiting more than 12 hours, with 9,489 waiting at least 12 hours, though this metric improved by 6.6% in August. But the number of pathways waiting more than a year for a first outpatient appointment worsened, with a 2.6% increase to 76,132. Performance against a target of 75% of cancer patients starting treatment within 62 days declined to 55% in July, down 1.7% on the previous month and 3.2% annually. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Wrexham leisure centres achieve major carbon savings with energy efficiency upgrades Energy efficiency measures at local leisure centres will help to save a huge 69 Tonnes or Carbon Emissions annually the equivalent of travelling between Wrexham to Hollywood 50 times every single year! Freedom Leisure Centre, which operates several sites on behalf of Wrexham Council, implemented the measures across the leisure centres providing both financial and carbon savings for years to come, highlights include: Solar PV and battery installations in Gwyn Evans, Chirk and Queensway. Pioneers in improved air handling with some of the first leisure centres across the UK installing destratification fans at Gwyn Evans, Waterworld and Chirk Improved pool covers at Gwyn Evans, Chirk, Waterworld, Clywedog and Rhosnesni Upgraded pool circulation pumps at Clywedog and Rhosnesni, with variable speed drives meaning they can run at lower speeds LED lighting upgrade on the 3G pitch at Morgan Llwyd These significant energy saving measures in Wrexham have been supported by Sport Wales and the Assets Collaboration Programme Wales with over half a million pounds worth of investment, resulting in an annual saving of over 223,000kW of electricity and 106,000kW of gas. Brian Davies, Sport Wales CEO, said: The cost-of-living crisis, combined with the climate emergency, makes it more pressing than ever for investments to be made into leisure centre facilities which are so valued by the communities they serve. Each of these measures will significantly reduce the long-term running costs at leisure facilities across Wrexham, enabling them to become more financially sustainable and able to continue providing affordable activities for local people. Angela Brown, Head of Sustainability and Environment at Freedom Leisure said: Our commitment to energy efficiency is central to our mission in creating sustainable leisure centres and leading by example alongside our council partner. By optimising our energy use, we are ensuring that our facilities produce less carbon, become more cost effective and are aligned with a greener future Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Wrexham County Borough Council with responsibility for Climate Change and Decarbonisation, said: This is a huge advance in ensuring that our decarbonisation agenda moves forward at pace. Reducing our carbon footprint is one of our corporate priorities and we are grateful to everyone involved with bringing this project to fruition. With further improvements planned for the coming year amounting to over quarter of a million-pounds investment in further improvements in Wrexham alone. These local improvements and ones made further afield across the UK are all contributing towards Freedom Leisures goal of becoming Net Zero by 2030 which will ensure they can continue to improve lives through leisure for many more years to come. Who Did the Menendez Brothers Marry? All About Lyle and Erik Menendez's Wives Erik and Lyle Menendez both got married while serving life sentences for murdering their parents in 1989 Los Angeles Times/Getty; Chris Morton/Getty Left: Lyle and Erik Menendez. Right: Tammi Saccoman The Menendez Brothers murders made Erik and Lyle Menendez household names and also led them to their respective wives, Tammi Saccoman and Rebecca Sneed. Erik and Lyle shot their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, at point-blank range on Aug. 20, 1989. After years spent in trials, the brothers were both convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. While serving their sentences they both got married. Lyle was first married to Anna Eriksson from 1996 to 2001 he then married his current wife, Rebecca, in 2003. Erik wed his wife, Tammi, in 1999. "Tammi's love has propelled me to become a better person. I want to be the greatest possible husband to her," Erik told PEOPLE in 2005. "And this affects the choices I make every day in prison. Tammi has taught me how to be a good husband." The brothers are back in the spotlight thanks to Ryan Murphy's MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The September 2024 Netflix series follows the case, examining not just the murders, but also the sexual abuse allegations that the brothers levied against their father during their trials. Here is everything to know about Lyle and Erik Menendez's wives, Rebecca and Tammi. Lyle was previously married to a model Ted Soqui/Sygma/Getty Lyle Menendez during trial of the Menendez brothers in 1994. Lyle's first wife was Eriksson, a former salon receptionist turned model. According to The Sun, Eriksson wrote a letter to Lyle during his and Erik's first trial. He responded, and they began corresponding regularly, eventually developing a relationship. In 1994, Eriksson moved to Los Angeles to be closer to Lyle and got a job at a record label. The pair married on July 2, 1996 the day Lyle was sentenced to life in prison. Erik's attorney, Leslie Abramson, and their aunt, Marta Menendez, attended the ceremony, which was conducted via speakerphone. The couple stayed together until Eriksson filed for divorce in 2001, alleging that Lyle was unfaithful to her and exchanged letters with other women without her knowledge. Lyle remarried two years after divorcing Eriksson Rebecca Sneed and Lyle knew each other for a decade before marrying in November 2003, according to NBC News. Rebecca, a magazine journalist and editor, first began communicating with Lyle through letters, and they became a couple after he and Eriksson split. Since marrying Lyle, Rebecca became an attorney. She lives in Sacramento, Calif., and visits Lyle weekly. "Our interaction tends to be very free of distractions and we probably have more intimate conversations than most married spouses do, who are distracted by life's events," Lyle told PEOPLE in 2017. "We try and talk on the phone every day, sometimes several times a day. I have a very steady, involved marriage and that helps sustain me and brings a lot of peace and joy. It's a counter to the unpredictable, very stressful environment here." Erik and his wife Tammi started exchanging letters in 1993 Chris Morton/Getty Tammi Saccoman photographed at Folsom Prison on the day she was said to be marrying convicted parent killer Erik Menendez in a jailhouse ceremony in 1999. Tammi Saccoman was married to Chuck Saccoman and living with him and her teenage daughter from a prior relationship when she began following the brothers' trial on TV in 1993. Feeling sorry for Erik, she sent him a letter in prison with Chuck's blessing. "I told him that I was going to write to Erik," Tammi told PEOPLE. "He said to go ahead. I really didn't know if Erik would write back." Erik previously told PEOPLE he believes fate made him open Tammi's letter out of the flood of mail he receives. "I saw Tammis letter and I felt something. I received thousands of letters, but I set this one aside. I got a feeling," Erik previously told PEOPLE. "And I wrote her back. Tammi and I continued to correspond. I enjoyed writing to her. It was a slow friendship. It was special to me because it was not associated with the trial and the media. Tammi was someone not in the craziness." Erik and Tammi started dating after her husband died In 1996, Tammi discovered that her then-husband Chuck was allegedly raping her teenage daughter, beginning when she was 15 years old. Chuck turned himself into the police and died by suicide two days later. Tammi and Chuck shared a then-9-month-old daughter, Talia, when he died. "I reached out to Erik. He comforted me; our letters started taking on a more serious tone," she recalled to PEOPLE. Erik and Tammi first met four years after they started communicating Ted Soqui/Sygma/Getty Erik Menendez with his attorney Leslie Abramson and his brother Lyle Menendez during the trial of the Menendez brothers in Los Angeles on March 9, 1994. After Erik was convicted of first-degree murder, he invited Tammi who was dating a doctor at the time to visit him at Folsom State Prison. They met for the first time in August 1997. Tammi told PEOPLE she was "really nervous" to meet Erik and that he didn't even know what she looked like. "Id only sent him a tiny, 1-by-1 [inch] picture," Tammi recalled. "But when he walked into the room, he was so full of life, he hopped down the stairs. It was like I was meeting an old friend." Erik said meeting Tammi for the first time was the "most beautiful experience of [his] life." Tammi and Erik married about a year after they met Tammi planned to use her inheritance from Chuck's death to move to Georgia and establish a life for herself and Talia there but she changed her plans after meeting and falling in love with Erik. She moved to Sacramento to be closer to him and visited him four times per week. In 1998, Erik proposed to Tammi, and they married at Folsom Prison with a Twinkie serving as their wedding cake. After his transfer to Pleasant Valley State Prison, she and Talia trekked close to 150 miles every week for visits. Tammi said that a lot of her friends were put off by her and Erik's relationship and that while other kids at school never bullied Talia about it, Tammi thought their parents may be keeping their distance because of her infamous husband. "Every single time a parent would say to me, 'No, my daughter can't stay over at your house,' I would wonder if the underlying reason was Erik," Tammi admitted. "There is always that question in my mind." Erik called Tammi a "lifesaver" Ted Soqui/Sygma/Getty; Chris Morton/Getty Left: Erik Menendez. Right: Tammi Saccoman When asked if she was "troubled" by Erik murdering his parents, Tammi told NBC News in 2005 that she was, but that she didn't believe her husband was beyond redemption. "I know his soul, and I do know what happened that night," she said. "And I do understand. I believe that within everybody put in certain circumstances, you will, you know, be able to kill somebody. I mean, I do believe that Erik is a very good person." The same year, Erik told PEOPLE that Tammi was a lifesaver for him. "Tammi's love was a major step in my choosing life," he said. "Having someone who loves you unconditionally, who you can be completely open with, is good for anybody to know that this person loves me as I am." Neither is allowed conjugal visits While Lyle and Erik are both married, neither has consummated their marriages because conjugal visits are prohibited for inmates serving life sentences in California. It doesn't bother Lyle much. He explained to ABC News in 2017, "One thing Ive learned is that your physical comfort is much less important than your connection with the people around you. I've found I can have a healthy marriage that is complicated and built around conversation and finding creative ways to communicate, sharing, without all the props that are normally there in marriage in terms of going out to dinner and having as much intimate time together and so on." Tammi is largely unbothered as well, telling PEOPLE in 2005, "Not having sex in my life is difficult, but it's not a problem for me. I have to be physically detached, and I'm emotionally attached to Erik." For his part, Erik isn't thrilled about the lack of physical contact but says it's part of what makes the relationship work. "It's not the sex you seek, but the emotional connection," he said, adding, "There is no makeup sex, only a 15-minute phone call. So you really have to try to make things work." Tammi and Rebecca are private people Rebecca hasn't done any interviews and has remained in Lyle's corner for more than two decades. "People are judgmental, and she has to put up with a lot," Lyle said of his wife in 2017 during his interview with PEOPLE. "But she has the courage to deal with the obstacles. It would be easier to leave, but Im profoundly grateful that she doesn't." Tammi also keeps a low profile. However, in October 2024, she was photographed in a Las Vegas parking lot wearing what appeared to be a work uniform. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The most popular royal revealed: Heres how William, Kate, Harry and Meghan rank in new poll The most popular royal revealed: Heres how William, Kate, Harry and Meghan rank in new poll Shes royally revered. The Princess of Wales is the most popular member of the British royal family, according to a new poll out of the United Kingdom. The 42-year-old, who resumed royal duties earlier this week following the completion of her cancer treatment, topped the Ipsos survey, which asked Britons between the ages of 18-75 about their feelings toward the family. A sizable 66% of respondents feel favorably toward Kate, while only 10% have an unfavorable opinion of her. In the new survey, Britons were asked about their feelings toward Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (pictured in 2017). AP Kate Middletons appearance at last weeks Trooping the Colour ceremony has taken a toll on her health, according to a royal expert. AFP via Getty Images Her husband, Prince William, was found to be the second most popular royal with a 65% favorablity rating and a relatively small unfavorability rating at 13%. Rounding out the top three was Princess Anne, the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth. The accomplished equestrian who was dubbed a badass earlier this year for wielding an unruly horse of the Trooping The Colour ceremony has a 62% favorability rating, while only 9% hold an unfavorable opinion. Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend a service to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Davids Cathedral on September 8, 2023. Getty Images Earlier this month, the Princess Royal rode on horseback during the Kings Trooping the Colour ceremony. Getty Images The survey also found that King Charles is largely well-liked amid his second year as monarch. Charles, who has also been battling cancer, came in fourth spot with a 56% favorability score. However, it was a different story for his estranged son, Prince Harry, and his estranged daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, who are largely disliked across the country. The pair were among the least popular members of the royal family, along with disgraced Jeffrey Epstein associate, Prince Andrew. An Ipsos poll reveals the most popular royal, where the Britons stand on abolishing the Monarchy and a generational split towards Prince Harry. Ipsos Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Pauls Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022. AP Just 28% of Brits feel favorablly toward Prince Harry, while a whopping 46% feel unfavorably. The numbers were even more dire for Markle, with a 21% favorability rating and a 53% unfavorablity rating. Only Andrew fared worse, with just 10% of Brits feeling favorably toward him, in contrast to the 66% who feel unfavorably. Just 28% of Brits feel favorablly toward Prince Harry, while a whopping 46% feel unfavorably. AFP via Getty Images Overall, the poll indicates that the royal family is in a relatively strong position, remaining largely well-liked across various age groups and regions of the country. Less than a quarter of Brits (23%) think it would be better for Britain if the monarchy was abolished, while more than two in five (44%) think the country would be worse off if the royals were removed. This recent poll paints a picture of the Royal Familys enduring appeal, Gideon Skinner, Senior Director of UK Politics at Ipsos stated. Its also noteworthy that over half of Britons believe King Charles is performing well in his role, and only a minority want to abolish the monarchy, suggesting a degree of stability in the Royal Familys image. The Ipsos poll was conducted between Sept. 6th through 9th. Ipsos Ispos did note, however, that Harry and Markle polled better with younger Britons overall. Many youngsters were even in support of the prince returning to the UK as a working royal. And while support for Kate, William and Charles was strong, none of the current royals rival the late Queen Elizabeth in terms of popularity. In a separate Ipsos survey conducted in May 2022, just four months before her death, a whopping 86% of polled Brits said they were satisifed with the job Her Majesty was doing. How to watch the 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix online for free All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images TL;DR: Watch the 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. We know that the world of motorsports is dominated by conversation around F1, but there is something special happening in the 2024 MotoGP season. Only a few points separate the top riders as we approach the latter stages of the race calendar. Everything is up for grabs as Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia battle it out. If you're interested in watching the 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need. When is the 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix? The MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix takes place at the Misano Circuit. The 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix race starts at 7 a.m. ET / 12 p.m. BST on Sept. 22. How to watch the 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for free Every MotoGP 2024 race is available to live stream for free on ServusTV. ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world. Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process: Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN) Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more) Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria Connect to ServusTV Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world ExpressVPN logo Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix before recovering your investment. What is the best VPN for MotoGP? ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons: Servers in 105 countries including Austria Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected Fast streaming speeds free from throttling Up to eight simultaneous connections 30-day money-back guarantee A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Watch the 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN. This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Growing up with Caribbean heritage, one of my most dearest drinks to enjoy is an iced cold, crisp rum and coke. Its a foolproof cocktail, and if you take it a tiny step forward by adding a simple spritz of lime, youll boost the already delicious flavor of this libation with bright and zesty notes. If you cant get enough of this swizzle, youll be glad to learn that Coca-Cola and Bacardi are teaming up to release a canned version. On September 17, Bacardi shared a press release detailing the specifics of this legendary drop. The 355-milliliter canned cocktail will be available in several markets worldwide starting in 2025. The two brands worked together back in the day, so its not their first collaboration. In 1900, the Cuba Libre cocktail was invented using Bacardi rum, Coca-Cola, and lime at the American Bar in Havana, Cuba states the press release. The canned cocktail mixed with rum and Coca-Cola will have a 5.9% alcohol by volume (ABV), but in certain markets, this amount may vary, and clear labels will state this. We are continuing to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company, including in the growing alcohol ready-to-drink market, James Quincey, the chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Co., said in the press release. This new relationship with Bacardi Limited supports our strategic expansion, and we look forward to the introduction of BACARDI Mixed with Coca-Cola next year. While the canned cocktails launch is currently scheduled for select European markets and Mexico, The Kitchn reached out to the Coca-Cola team to inquire about any plans for a release in the U.S. We are evaluating a U.S. launch for 2025, says a spokesperson from Coca-Cola. For now, there arent any official plans for a date of this release, but stay tuned because this ready-to-drink rum and coke may soon be available in a fridge near you Im personally counting down the days! Further Reading We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Ice Cream, and They All Said the Same Thing The Beautiful $3 Flower Tumblers at Walmart People Are Buying 2 at a Time Reeses Just Launched a Limited-Edition Peanut Butter Cup, and It Tastes 4x Better than the Original Sign up for The Kitchn's Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox. You may have heard that chili and chocolate make for a delicious food pairing, but the thought of adding punches of heat to your favorite sweet treats may seem suspicious. With a growing range of chiles and chocolates available, even experienced chocolate connoisseurs may pause before diving into this curious combination. Not to fear, there is a way to set up a tasting experience that puts flavors into your hands and makes for a fun party idea for the next cocktail hour you host at home. With the chile right pairing, you may discover that your favorite brand of chocolate takes on a richer, more layered tasting experience. Grinding up a variety of chiles into fine powder allows chocolate samplers to control their desired level of heat to find the combinations that work for their preferences. A sprinkle of chile powder can be added to squares of chocolate to compare tasting notes of different types of chocolate and an assortment of chile types. Chocolates can offer citrus, fruity, earthy, and floral flavors that smoky and herby chiles can complement. The taste of both chiles and chocolate can carry subtle nuances as a result of the way they are processed and grown, so it is worth the culinary experimentation to identify the pairings that work for your palate. Read more: 25 Chocolate Brands, Ranked Worst To Best Letting Curiosity Take The Wheel chocolate bar with chili ingredients - Valentin Valkov/Shutterstock While smoky chipotle chile may be an easily recognizable chocolate-pepper pairing, there are plenty of others to try with squares of chocolate. Peruvian peppers like ground aji panca can provide lighter, fruity kicks of heat to chocolate and citrus desserts, while aleppo pepper delivers savory notes of tomatoes and cumin that pair well with the earthiness of dark chocolate and chocolate fudge. The milder flavors of guajillo chiles can become complementary culinary foils to semi-sweet chocolate and sweets that conceal whispers of berries and vanilla. As you match chocolate bars with a range of powdery chile, note the flavors that play well and consider including the chile in other chocolate desserts. Adding chile to recipes like brownies and truffles won't yield the same experience as biting into chile-dusted chocolate, but you can adjust recipes accordingly to build unique layers of flavor. When garnishing cold desserts like gelatos and caramel ice creams, reach for hotter chiles like habanero, as colder food temperatures can mute chiles' strength. For food and drinks served warm, you may want to hold a conservative hand when dusting mugs of homemade hot chocolate and s'mores taken off the fire. Since these suggested guidelines are loose, feel free to lead with a spirit of adventure during your tasting explorations. You may discover a new flavor combination you can't wait to present to guests at your next dinner party. Read the original article on Tasting Table. You don't even have to be a particular fan of a fish sandwich to love McDonald's Filet-O-Fish. There's just something delectable about that crispy piece of flaky white fish, the cheese, and the bun that's brilliant in its simplicity. Have you ever wondered what kind of fish it is? If so, you're not alone and we have some seriously good news for you. Not only does McDonald's pride itself on sourcing sustainable fish, but the particular type of fish they use is one of Alaska's most plentiful. (When it comes to food, at least.) The McDonald's Filet-O-Fish is probably fresher than you might expect, too: It wasn't too long before you bit into your piping hot fish sandwich that the fish inside was frolicking in the waters around Alaska and the Bering Sea. That's because the Filet-O-Fish is made with Alaska Pollock. The fish destined for your McD's sandwich are wild-caught as opposed to being farm-raised, and the strict regulations that govern the industry have made this not only one of the most sustainable fish but a fish population that isn't susceptible to overfishing and one that leads to almost no bycatch. (That's the measure of other species that are also caught along with the fish or are killed by fishing practices.) Interestingly, the Filet-O-Fish was almost made with a very different fish. The initial plan was to use halibut, which was then switched to cod. It remained a cod sandwich for around 50 years, but today, McDonald's customers are served up a fish that's described as a sustainable and nutritious powerhouse. Read more: The Ultimate Ranking Of American Fast Food Restaurants Using Alaska Pollock Allows McDonald's To Be Sustainable On A Massive Scale frozen Alaska pollock - Rcmirani/Getty Images McDonald's sells a lot of Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, to the tune of 300 million a year (as of 2023). It makes sense, then, that its efforts to use a sustainable fish is a pretty big deal. In fact, in 2013 it started displaying the iconic blue fish of the Marine Stewardship Council, becoming the only national restaurant in the US to carry this distinction. That's a testament to the sustainable fishing practices used all along the process of plucking the fish from the seas to getting it to your drive-thru bag. The sandwich was the brainchild of franchise owner Lou Groen, who was looking for a meat-free alternative that would keep Cincinnati's Catholic population coming through his doors during Lent. It's safe to say that it was a year-round success, and Groen credited it for saving his franchise... and allowing him to open 43 more restaurants. Although Groen claimed that his original halibut sandwich was much better than that Atlantic cod McDonald's used until it switched to Alaska pollock, it's also safe to say that sustainability is key especially at 300 million sandwiches a year. Alaska pollock has more than sustainability going for it; it's also prized for its mild flavor, flaky texture, and nutritional benefits. It's high in omega-3 fatty acids, and since it's frozen while it's still at sea, you get surprisingly fresh fish. And chances are good that you've had it in places other than McDonald's: It's one of the most popular types of fish in the U.S. and makes an excellent Alaska pollock gratin. Read the original article on The Daily Meal. Leer en espanol The spirit of community and elegance filled the air on Sept. 15, the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, in a west Phoenix hall as audience members settled in for a night dedicated to celebrating Latinas and their hopes for their community during the annual Miss Arizona Latina and Miss Teen Arizona Latina pageant. The evening drew two winners as a result of the dual competition: Miss Central Phoenix Latina, Camila Burciaga, 14, was crowned the 2025 Miss Teen Arizona Latina, while Miss Laveen Latina, Paola Rico, 19, received the coveted title of 2025 Miss Arizona Latina. Contestants from across Arizona from the border towns of San Luis and Nogales, all the cardinal directions of the Valley, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Maryvale to various major towns like Casa Grande entered the competition to become the face of the organization and represent their hometowns and ultimately state at larger pageants, like Miss U.S. Latina and Miss America Latina del Mundo. Established in 1983 and run by the Miss Arizona Latina Organization, the pageant serves as a vehicle toward personal and professional development for young Latinas, so they may serve as role models to members of the communities they represent. Emma Barros, Director of the Miss Arizona Latina Organization, said that while this pageant may seem to be all about looks, it's so much more than that. "This pageant isn't like other pageants where it's just a lot of pretty girls, that walk around in bikinis, and it's so much more than just women and their Latina roots. It's not always about how pretty she is, she has to be a role model," Barros said. 'This is real' Originally from Laveen, with roots in Temosachi and Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, Rico said she always loved striking a pose for the camera as a little kid. Rico said she was inspired by female presenters at Formula 1 races, one of her favorite sports, to pursue her dream of becoming a broadcast journalist. Currently a student at South Mountain Community College, she hopes to transfer to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. Being in front of a camera and crowd comes naturally to her. Still, winning came as a shock to her. As Rico held hands with who would be announced as the runner-up, she said all she could think was, "This is real," after the announcer crowned her the winner. It truly means a lot, because not only am I representing my city, which is Laveen, not only am I representing my state Arizona, but I'm also representing all of the Latinas, Rico said. When her name was read aloud, her family and friends in the crowd erupted in cheers, sounding off air horns and throwing their fists in the air in celebration while standing on a chair and holding a large nearly four-foot-tall printed photograph of Rico. Irma Vega, Rico's mom, was among them. Pride radiated from her as she expressed as much about her daughter. She worked hard to win the crown, she said. As the incoming Miss Arizona Latina, Rico said she hopes to be a good representation of the state when she enters the national competition and continues her academic career. She's also hopeful that doors will open up for her as she pursues a career in news, wanting to become an exceptional Latina journalist. When the winner of the 2025 Miss Teen Arizona Latina was announced, Burciaga nearly dropped to her knees. This was Burciagas first pageant and said she could not be more grateful for those who supported her along the way. A second-generation central Phoenician, Burciaga also has roots in the northern state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Burciaga said she hopes to be an inspiration and role model to everyone as the next Miss Teen Arizona Latina just like Julieta Garcia, the winner of last year's pageant. Showcasing Latino diversity According to Barros, over the years, the contest has grown to showcase the diversity of the Latino community as it expands in Arizona. "The majority of the Latino community in Arizona is Mexican, but we've seen the growth in population from other countries. We have Cubans, Venezuelans, Dominicans, and it's incredible to see each year how diverse our contestants are." Something Rico most looks forward to is representing young Latinas in Arizona and across the U.S., especially those who might feel ashamed or embarrassed of who they are or not being able to speak Spanish. "We have beautiful winners and we hope that they can be an inspiration for those girls who give everything for their communities," Barros said. Reach La Voz reporter David Ulloa Jr. at david.ulloa@gannett.com. Have story tips on Latino culture and cuisine in the Valley? Reach La Voz reporter Nadia Cantu at nadia.cantu@lavozarizona.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Miss Arizona Latina pageant crowns Laveen contestant The Wichita Falls Founder Lions Club held its five-day Texas-Oklahoma Fair at the Multi-Purpose Event Center and Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall from Tuesday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 21. The fair consisted of several rides including a carousel, ferris wheel and mini roller coasters. A petting zoo with goats and $5 pony rides were available for smaller kids. Carousel rides available during the Texas-Oklahoma Fair at the MPEC in downtown Wichita Falls on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Guests enjoyed such foods as funnel cakes, fried Oreos, turkey legs and more as they had a chance to cash in their tickets for game prizes. Ferris wheel rides during the Texas-Oklahoma Fair at the MPEC in downtown Wichita Falls on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Inside the Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall were booths setup selling local products and live musicians on stage. Tables were available in the middle for those who needed a bit of a cool down. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita Falls Founder Lions Club hosts Texas-Oklahoma Fair DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A shooting on Louella Avenue Sunday afternoon left one man dead and police looking for your help. According to Dayton Police, officers were sent to the 2900 block of Louella Avenue around 4:30 p.m. Sunday on a report of a shooting. When they arrived, officers found a 36-year-old man later identified as Jarrick Davidson. He was taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead. DPDs Homicide Unit is currently investigating. Officers determined that a vehicle and several houses were hit by reckless gunfire. Police ask that anyone with information that could help to call 937-333-1232 to speak with a detective. Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP (7867) or the Miami Valley Crime Stoppers website. This embedded content is not available in your region. This story is developing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. MUSKOGEE, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA) More than a dozen members of an Oklahoma drug trafficking organization have pleaded guilty to federal crimes, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced on Friday. Heath Lloyd Taylor, 45, Aaron Guy Key, 46, Mallory Nicole Laird, 36, Terri Angela Stroud, 52, Kandi Anne Hankins, 43, Travis Austin Powers, 37, Tracie Ann Sells, 54, Jeremy Paul Newman, 47, each pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Cody Wade Reece, 33, and Whitney Marie Granite, 36, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Heather Leigh Brown, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Taylor Dain Parnell Caldwell, 34, and Randi Shawn Gann, 34, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. North Carolina men sentenced in Oklahoma for possession of more than 40 kilos of meth An indictment said that beginning in or about August 2022 and continuing until on or about November 15, 2023, the defendants willfully and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United Sates, namely the possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and were assisted by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted with the investigation at various stages, a news release said. All 13 are in custody of the United State Marshal Service pending sentencing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 15-year-old arrested for making threat to school on Fortnite, says Sheriff Chitwood Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced on social media that theyve arrested a 15-year-old student for a hoax threat Sunday morning. The teen who was playing Fortnite told another player of his plans to blow up Pine Ridge High School. VCSO responded to the Fortify Florida tip they received around 1:30 a.m. We arrested another student for a hoax threat this morning. While playing Fortnite, he told another player he'd get some explosives and blow up Pine Ridge High School. We responded to the Fortify Florida tip around 1:30 a.m. Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) September 22, 2024 Volusia County has had a recent run-in on school threats in the week alone. Chitwood spoke with Channel 9 earlier in the week about how we will maximize charges for anyone who threatens a school, including parents. That statement came before Volusia County arrested two students for online school threats. Read: FHP is looking for a driver involved in a hit and run in Orange County However, in this case Chitwood is showing some restraint as the 15-year-old suspect has autism. Hes 15. Heres the thing. He has autism. I am not going to perp walk this kid on video this time. Hes in custody with a felony charge, and will be facing the consequences of his actions. My promise to publicly show others who make these threats still stands. he said. He's 15. Here's the thing. He has autism. I am not going to perp walk this kid on video this time. He's in custody with a felony charge, and will be facing the consequences of his actions. My promise to publicly show others who make these threats still stands. @VolusiaSheriff Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) September 22, 2024 The teenager is in custody and is facing a felony charge. Read: 9 ways to celebrate fall in Central Florida Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A group of young girls got a taste of what its like to be a firefighter for a day. On Saturday, the Memphis Fire Department in collaboration with the Girl Scouts Heart of the South. hosted its 8th Annual Hero Day. As a part of the festivities, a group of young ladies were put to work at the Chester Anderson Fire Campus. Following the Departments motto of, If she can see it, she can be it,, the girls get the chance to learn what it takes to be a firefighter. There are so many opportunities in the fire department, said MFD Chief Gina Sweat. Its not all just being a firefighter or youre a paramedic. Theres so many other things that we do that people dont realize. Its cheaper to buy a home than rent in Memphis: Zillow Chief Sweat said the program is a way to let young women know there are opportunities in whats largely considered a male-dominated profession. She told WREG that roughly four percent of the department are women and that those statistics fall in line with the national average. The national average is somewhere between three and five percent of all the firefighters in the United States are women, Sweat said. Memphis Fire Department hosts 8th Annual Hero Day. Memphis Fire Department hosts 8th Annual Hero Day. Memphis Fire Department hosts 8th Annual Hero Day. Memphis Fire Department hosts 8th Annual Hero Day. According to Chief Sweat, 150 girls participated in this years Hero Day. She said she hopes programs such as Hero Day will increase those numbers. Parents who attended the event said their kids were immediately inspired. Ms. Jewel was our first responder who taught us CPR and first aid, said Kim Bradley of Girl Scout Troop 10645. The girls were amazed that she is a woman and shes in charge. Millions could be restored for Elvis Presley Blvd. project The girls spent the day engaging in various activities such as becoming familiar with gear and safety equipment, working with the search and rescue dogs and rappelling down a wall. Im already scared of heights, participant Amyleh Henderson said. So, it kind of gives me a little confidence and it helps me get over my fears. Henderson, 16, told WREG that shes participated in past Hero Days and is considering a future in the big red truck. I come here, I feel just like I have a whole career and I feel like I really want to do this now, Henderson said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Authorities on Sunday urged residents along Bayshore Avenue in Ventura to "leave the area as soon as you can." Above, the Ventura Pier. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Scores of residents in Ventura were ordered Sunday by city officials to leave their homes after gasoline leaked into a local sewer line the second time in three days that residents had to evacuate because of the problem. Authorities ordered the evacuation of about 150 homes because of "potentially dangerous levels of hydrocarbon vapors" and placed another 2,600 homes under a warning. Both orders were lifted Sunday at 4:40 p.m. Officials pinpointed the source of the leak as the Sinclair gas station at 2121 E. Harbor Blvd. The station's owner told authorities that at least 2,000 gallons of gasoline had gone into the ground at Monmouth Way and Harbor Boulevard, said Mack Douglass, emergency services manager for the Ventura Police Department. The gasoline leaked from an underground facility, said Jennifer Buckley, a spokesperson for the city. Sinclair Harbor said in a statement Sunday that a potential leak was reported to the company on Friday. The affected pipes no longer contain gas, and the gas station has been shut down as a precaution, according to the statement. "Additional testing and repairs are scheduled for early next week to ensure the issue is fully resolved," the statement said. In their evacuation order on Sunday at 9:53 a.m., Ventura police urged residents along Bayshore Avenue to leave the area as soon as you can." The incident started Thursday after vapors were observed in the sewer line at Monmouth Way between East Harbor and Pierpont boulevards. That triggered evacuations and warnings that were lifted later that day. Officials couldn't confirm at the time that it was gasoline, Buckley said. An emergency alert update from the city Sunday said Ventura Water had repaired the line where the leak was located, but the extent of the leak continues to be investigated in the sewer system to mitigate the vapor caused by the gasoline. Bayshore Avenue south of Peninsula Street remained closed Sunday evening due to open maintenance hole covers in the right of way. Officials warned the public to stay away from maintenance holes where city crews were at work. 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. A Russian strike on the evening of 21 September damaged 18 apartment buildings in the city of Kharkiv. Source: Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, on the air of the national 24/7 newscast, writes the Kharkiv City Council Details: One house suffered very serious damage, there was a displacement of the structure of the building. Quote: "State services and volunteers are actively attempting to deal with the effects of the attack. Namely, they are covering the broken windows. We check all the communications. Water and electricity supply has been restored in several buildings. We will restore everything. Unfortunately, many people needed medical help. Two of the victims are seriously injured." Details: According to the mayor, the frequency of shelling has increased, with Kharkiv being attacked both day and night. Background: Russian forces launched a guided aerial bomb attack on the city of Kharkiv on Saturday evening and struck an apartment block, leaving at least 12 civilians injured. Support UP or become our patron! MANSFIELD, Ohio (WCMH) A 19-year-old man is dead after being shot early Sunday morning in Mansfield. Police said they were called to a shooting just after 2:30 a.m. at the 400 block of South Main Street. Officers found the man with a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim is unknown at this time. Police searching for suspects after pedestrian killed in east Columbus double hit-and-run Mansfield police is investigating this shooting as a homicide and are looking for information on possible suspect(s) and what led to the shooting. Anyone with knowledge is asked to call police at 419-755-9470. This embedded content is not available in your region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERLIN, Conn. (WTNH) The Berlin Fire Department rescued two animals from a veterinarians office in a strip mall that caught fire Saturday afternoon. At 4:44p.m., BFD were alerted to smoke coming from the second floor of a building located at 369 New Britain Rd. Fire crews entered the building and located the fire on a second floor business. Photo courtesy of the East Berlin Volunteer Fire Company. Photo courtesy of the East Berlin Volunteer Fire Company. Photo courtesy of the East Berlin Volunteer Fire Company. Photo courtesy of the East Berlin Volunteer Fire Company. The fire had burned through the roof of the building and was burning the rubber roofing material. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire. The fire was contained to a single business. Surrounding businesses suffered smoke and water damage. Two animals at the vet were removed and are currently safe. No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The investigation will be led by the Town of Berlin Fire Marshals 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 WTNH.com. AUSTIN, Texas - Two people were found dead in a home Saturday afternoon, prompting a homicide investigation in South Austin. The Austin Police Department says shortly after noon, Sept. 21, Austin 911 was contacted by someone requesting a welfare check on the residents of a home in the 2300 block of Brookhill Drive, off Menchaca Road, across from Garrison Park. When officers arrived and entered the home, they found two bodies with multiple trauma wounds. Officers cleared the home and took a person of interest into custody. That person is currently being interviewed by homicide detectives, according to APD. It is currently unknown if the person was found inside the home. MORE CRIME COVERAGE APD is investigating this incident as Austin's 44th and 45th homicides of 2024. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public, says APD. Police and crime scene tape blocked off the home as neighbors and family gathered in shock. An attorney for the family declined to comment. Austin police chose not to release any more information about the victims or how they died. Police have not released any more information about the suspect either. LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The 31st annual Trail of Tears ride came through North Alabama Saturday with over 5,000 bikers participating. The Trail of Tears Ride honors the Native American nations forced from their homes by the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Popular Hartselle farm struggles under drought conditions Riders from all over the country participated in the ride. Ike Moore, the president of the Alabama-Tennessee Trail of Tears Corridor, said we have to remember the history. Its history, said Moore. History, good or bad we need to remember it. You know the bad, hopefully, we learn from our mistakes and dont repeat it again. Keith Walther, an Iowa resident, participated in the ride for the first time. Walther said the ride has a personal tie for him after learning of the Trail of Tears from one of his best friends who passed from cancer around a decade ago. He decided to ride after another friend brought it up to him recently. It was always kind of background noise you know when Ed showed up and started talking about it, said Walther. It kind of reunited that to him this was such a this was a very big deal in their lives that they uh for generations talked about the event, the trail of tears. The ride will head to Waterloo, Alabama on Saturday before reaching the Seminole Nation in Oklahoma 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 WHNT.com. Belize is a country packed with culinary opportunity. Take a city food tour or visit a cocoa plantation to learn about the rich history of chocolate in the region and try creating it yourself. In a country best known for the ancient Maya sites that protrude from its thick rainforests and the vast coral reef system that stretches along its coastline, its perhaps unsurprising that Belizes cuisine is often overlooked by prospective travellers. Yet for those in the know, its a key reason to visit this special Central American country. Colourful and creative, Belizean cuisine is born of the countrys rich culture shaped by the Creole, Maya, Garifuna and Mestizo communities that have made a home here. Enjoy a taste of Belizes history, culture and contemporary life with these five food-focused experiences. 1. Craft chocolate in the style of the Maya For 4,000 years, the Indigenous peoples of Central America have cultivated cocoa. In ancient times, its value superseded that of silver and gold, the beans serving as the currency of choice for the Maya Empires elite. Today, cocoa farming methods remain largely unchanged. Take a tour to a cocoa plantation and pluck ripe pods from the trees, before watching on as their raw beans are fermented and processed. Travellers can then try their hand at making a chocolate bar from scratch, incorporating ingredients such as chilli, pepper or honey. Or, take a half-day trip to the popular southern seaside settlement of Placencia, famed for its coffee plantations, beautiful beaches, sprawling luxury resorts and great restaurants. Caye Caulker Lobster Fest has been taking place on the island since July 1994 to celebrate the popular crustacean. Photograph by Belize Tourism Board 2. Join the festivities at a seasonal food festival Have you ever been tempted to take part in a cashew wine-drinking contest? Or to attend a beauty pageant where competitors parade in lobster costumes? Belizes food festivals may be a tad unconventional, but they provide an unbridled celebration of the countrys most essential ingredients. In May, make for the annual Chocolate Festival in Toledo honouring cocoas essential role in the countrys history and prosperity or to the Cashew Festival at Crooked Tree village, where local farmers, chefs and artisans offer cashew-based goodies. In June, gorge on fresh fruit at Mango Street Fest in the coastal village of Hopkins, while in July, join the crustacean-centred celebrations at the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest. 3. Taste your way through San Pedro on a food tour Situated on Ambergris Caye, a small island below Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, the town of San Pedro is home to a thriving food scene. Navigate its colourful avenues with Belize Food Tours, stopping to sample small snacks and (often boozy) local concoctions. The tour takes travellers on a journey through Belizes distinct cultural influences, the Mestizo flavours just as evident in the fresh shrimp ceviche and adobe-soaked tacos as the Caribbean inspiration is in the crunchy beef patties. Wash down the wide array of sweet and savoury treats with a selection of Belizean rums as you wander. Salbute, deep fried puffed tortilla are one of the most popular foods in Belize and can be sampled on a San Pedro food tour. Photograph by Belize Tourism Board 4. Learn about Garifuna culture at a cooking class The Garifuna people found across the Caribbean and Central America have mixed African and Indigenous ancestry, and their distinct cuisine blends the rich culinary traditions of both. In the coastal town of Hopkins, visitors can choose from a number of tours to learn about the history and culture of the Garifuna-majority region through its best dishes. Take to the kitchen to try preparing a local favourite, hudut, by pounding green plantains into a fufu-style dumpling born of African techniques. Its then paired with a coconut fish stew that highlights the coasts star ingredients. Follow up with a masterclass in preparing perfectly fluffy fry jacks (deep-fried dough) or delectably sweet banana fritters. 5. Prepare traditional dishes and learn from locals The small village of San Antonio sits in the shadow of the forest-covered mountains of the Cayo District. Here, Yucatec Maya culture has been conserved as thoroughly as the surrounding archaeological sites, and traditional culinary techniques are still practised daily. Take a tour of the San Antonio Womens Cooperative an organisation that aims to empower San Antonios Maya women to learn how farmers plan their year around the cycle of the moon, study the corn-grinding techniques essential for crafting soft tortillas and prepare food on the traditional wood burning stoves characteristic of traditional Maya open kitchens. This paid content article was created for the Belize Tourism Board as part of a joint initiative with Latin Routes. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). On September 22, 2024, Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, departed for a business trip to New York, USA, to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UN), Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. It was noted that during the visit, Minister Bayramov will speak at the 79th session of the General Assembly, participate in several other international events, and hold bilateral meetings with foreign officials and heads of international organizations during the high-level week of the session. 5 injured in 3 separate stabbing incidents over span of 3 hours in Philadelphia: police PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating multiple stabbing incidents that occurred late Saturday night into Sunday. Incident #1 At around 11:28 p.m., officers responded to reports of a stabbing on the 6600 block of Gillespie Street in North Philadelphia. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 22-year-old woman sustained a stab wound to her left hand and a 23-year-old woman sustained a stab wound to her right hand. Both victims were taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital via medics where they are currently listed in stable condition. No arrests were made and no weapons have been recovered. Incident #2 Shortly after the incident in North Philadelphia, police say another double stabbing occurred in Philadelphias Point Breeze neighborhood. The incident occurred at around 12:02 a.m. inside a residence on the 1400 block of South Mole Street. Police say a 38-year-old man sustained four stab wounds to his back. He was transported by medics to Jefferson Center City Hospital, where he was treated and placed in stable condition. A 28-year-old man was also stabbed once in the right shoulder and once in the back. He was taken to Jefferson Center City Hospital via police, where he was also placed in stable condition. Upon securing the scene, officers recovered a knife believed to be the weapon involved. Both individuals are being held in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation. Incident #3 Just a few hours later, police say a woman was stabbed during a robbery incident in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood. At 2:08 a.m., police say a 43-year-old woman was stabbed once in the right side of her torso during a robbery on the 3500 block of Kensington Avenue. Medics transported the victim to Temple University Hospital, where she was listed in serious condition. No crime scene was located, no arrests were made, and no weapons were recovered in connection with the incident. The Philadelphia Police Department urges anyone with information regarding any of the incidents to call/text the PPD's tipline at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Abcarian: School kids, get off your damn phones! Trust me, you will thank us later The Los Angeles Unified School District will ban cellphones in classrooms starting in January. The only question is how exactly they'll implement the ban. (Matt Cardy / Getty Images) At Venice High Schools recent Back to School night, I was impressed that so many classrooms had signs forbidding students to use their cellphones. But how, I wondered, do teachers handle kids who break the rule? I try not to be punitive, said my nieces ethnic studies teacher. Well, why not? I wanted to ask. Why not just send them to the vice principals office the way teachers did in the good old days? A few days later, my ninth-grader proudly showed me a TikTok dance video that she and her friend made in their math classroom. Why were you filming yourselves in class when phones are banned? I demanded. Oh, it was before the bell rang, she said, and the teacher said it was OK. Seriously? Maybe its the teacher who needs a talking-to from the vice principal. (Im kidding, Mr. P!) Read more: Will students really get off cellphones? California's Phone-Free Schools Act, explained About a week later, I found myself among hundreds of parents in a Zoom meeting that was billed as a chance for Los Angeles Unified School District parents to discuss the districts new policy banning smartphones during the school day. It soon became clear that parents were not being asked whether they support a cellphone ban the Board of Education passed the resolution in June but how best to implement it when it takes effect in January. That realization prompted one father to snap, This whole meeting was stupid and pointless. It's true that the district could have done a better job explaining the meetings purpose, but it was valuable to hear what parents think, especially parents who also happen to be teachers, who bemoaned the stress and distraction of policing cellphone use in their classrooms. Read more: Opinion: Why LAUSD should ban smartphones in schools They are not wrong that we didn't get their input, L.A. Unified board member Nick Melvoin told me unapologetically this week. Melvoin, a former teacher, spearheaded the resolution. This is a policy thats in the best interest of kids and teachers. Every school that has done this says, I wish wed done this earlier. While there seemed to be general agreement that the ban was a positive step, I was surprised by how many parents strongly objected. Negative reaction ranged fromMy child needs her phone at all times to control her anxiety to, basically, Over my dead body. One parent said she didnt care what the district implemented, she and her child were not going to go along with it. Sadly and predictably, a lot of the parents fretted about school shootings and the need for kids to be able to let their parents know they're safe. But lets be honest, phones dont make people safe. Read more: Abcarian: Los Angeles public schools will ban cellphones. What's not to like? Anyway, said Melvoin, in an emergency its much safer for everyone for kids not to be texting, and for adults to do their job. Part of this is trying to change the culture around addiction to our phones. We want to check in with our kids all the time, but you shouldnt. They have to develop some independence, and even a vibration in your pocket or book bag distracts you. The good news is that L.A. Unified is not alone. Many private schools already ban phones, and a handful of states have adopted no-phone policies. In August, the California Legislature passed a bill requiring school districts to develop policies limiting the use of smartphones by July 2026. Quite frankly, school boards in general need to be pushed into this, said Democratic state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), a co-author of the bill. Theres always reasons to drag your feet, but the data shows that phones lead to learning loss, lower scores, increased depression, physical fights, less focus, less ability to learn. We need to shift the culture to a place where this is not acceptable. Read more: Students scoff at a school cellphone ban. Until they really begin to think about it And let me add, this is a problem that extends beyond the classroom door. Whenever they aren't in class, kids are on their phones at school, ignoring each other in favor of texting, Snapping and whatever else distracts them from face-to-face interaction. So, how to get kids off their phones? Some schools collect phones in the morning using phone lockers, while others supply magnetic pouches that stay in kids' possession but can be unlocked only at school exits or by teachers and administrators. In a big school like Venice High, Melvoin said, pouches would seem to make the most sense. A pouch for every student would cost the district about $6 million, according to Melvoin, a drop in its $15 billion annual budget. The return on this investment will be huge. The 10-year-old Mar Vista-based company Yondr, a pioneer in the phone pouch field, first created them to free live performers from the distracting and constant use of cellphones in the audience. Many artists have adopted the practice of shutting down cellphones, including Alicia Keys, Guns N' Roses, the Lumineers, Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock. Then teachers began reaching out to the company, its director Sarah Leader told me. Now the pouches are being used in thousands of schools in all 50 states and in 27 countries. The company estimates that they will be used by more than 2 million students by the end of this year, double the number at the end of 2023. We are not taking something away, said Leader. We are giving kids access to a phone-free education. Yondr works with schools to train staff, and to make sure kids and their parents understand how and why a phone-free day can improve the school experience. Turns out, there are all kinds of unexpected benefits to getting kids off their phones. Schools that use the pouches are seeing more meals eaten in their cafeterias, Leader said, because kids feel better about eating when they are not being recorded. Some schools, she added, report that more books are being checked out of the library. Banning cellphones in schools won't solve all the problems wrought by a technology that has gotten way out of hand. But wouldn't you agree that it's a great first step? @robinkabcarian 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. In his first public appearance since his campaign was rocked by national controversy, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson told supporters his plan was to focus on the issues that you are concerned with while everybody else wants to focus on the garbage and the trash. Robinson stopped by the Fayetteville Motor Speedway on Saturday night, as the Carlton Lamm Memorial Race was getting underway, to meet with supporters. Before the race began, Robinson was given a microphone to address the crowd that had come to see the racing, and him, and offer a prayer. The embattled Republican nominee did not specifically mention the scandal over a series of graphic, offensive and racist comments he allegedly made on a pornography website about a decade ago, according to a CNN report published Thursday, but alluded to it as the garbage and trash that he said was meant to besmirch people. The CNN report included screenshots of Robinson allegedly calling himself a Black Nazi on the porn sites message board and saying slavery is not bad. He also allegedly described spying on women in gym showers as a 14-year-old, and used a racial slur against the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., in addition to other lewd comments. On Friday, CNN reported that the posts had been removed from the website. Robinson has denied making the comments and called the allegations salacious tabloid lies. Addressing the crowd in the grandstand Saturday, Robinson said he was honored to be there, and said they were the reason he was running for governor. Were not running for governor to be a big shot, were not running for governor to have a title, to be driven and chauffeured around, we are running for governor to work for the people of North Carolina, because we are the people of North Carolina, Robinson said. Republican NC governor candidate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson greets the crowd before remarks by Republican candidate for President Donald Trump in Asheboro, N.C., Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Robinson supporters share why theyre backing him Even as Republicans continue to navigate the fallout and uproar over the online posts Robinson allegedly made, there was scant evidence at the speedway, or hours earlier at former President Donald Trumps rally in Wilmington, that supporters of the lieutenant governor were worried or concerned about the latest in a long line of controversies over Robinsons rhetoric and past comments. Susan Daniel, 50, said she supports Robinson because she feels he pays attention to the needs of small-town North Carolinians, unlike other politicians who she said are too focused on Raleigh. Wake County, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, they are who they are, but come on down to Cumberland County, Robeson County, Bladen, Hoke, come on down this way and see how it is, its a little bit different, the Fayetteville native told The News & Observer. Daniel added that there are pressing issues where smaller, more rural communities need assistance, including roads that are in bad shape, and police departments and schools that need help. Asked about the allegations in the CNN story, Daniel said that people grow, people live, they learn. We make mistakes, you learn from those mistakes, and you move forward, she said. You have to forgive, you have to ask the good Lord to forgive you, and have faith in that, and you move forward. Is any of that going to affect my vote? she continued. Absolutely not. Earlier in the day, Trump and Robinson supporters attending the former presidents rally just outside Wilmington International Airport told The N&O that they were skeptical of the CNN report, and remained committed to voting for Robinson in November. Rev. Dante Murphy, a Wilmington-area pastor who wore a Robinson T-shirt to the rally, said he believed Robinson should stay in the race, and said it was important to separate the policy from the person. If we were to dig deep enough, we could find something on everybody that would bring into question their job, but I think Mark Robinson has proven his policy is consistent with what North Carolina needs, Murphy, 54, said. Murphy also echoed concerns that have proliferated on social media among Robinson supporters, that the posts on the porn website may not be real, saying, in this day and time, with technology being what it is, you have to give Mark Robinson the benefit of the doubt. Robinson was notably absent from Trumps rally, even though other Republican candidates and elected officials including U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, who is running for state attorney general, and U.S. Sen. Ted Budd were invited and spoke before Trump arrived and took to the stage. Trump also praised several North Carolina Republicans during his remarks, but did not mention Robinson at all during his hourlong remarks, despite having embraced Robinsons candidacy and endorsing him earlier this year, calling him Martin Luther King on steroids. Murphy said he thought Trump was doing the right thing by not saying anything because at the end of the day, its out there, youve got to deal with it. Donovan Burke, a 58-year-old rally-goer from Supply, said of the story: I dont put a whole lot of stock in it, especially coming from CNN, adding that it hadnt changed his mind about voting for Robinson. Ive followed his policies, and thats what my main concern is, his policies, and I think hell be good for North Carolina, Burke said. Republicans call on Robinson to prove he didnt make comments Even though Robinson has denied being behind the posts, many high-profile Republicans have said in the ensuing days that he needs to do more to prove that to voters, and take action if the story is actually false. Appearing on Meet the Press on Sunday morning, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said that Robinson risked becoming a political zombie if he didnt present a credible defense to the allegations. He deserves a chance to defend himself, Mark Robinson, Graham said. The charges are beyond unnerving. If theyre true, hes unfit to serve for office. If theyre not true, he has the best lawsuit in the history of the country for libel. On Friday, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis made a similar argument, writing on X that that if the report is false, Robinson needs to take immediate legal action, but added that if it is true, he owes it to President Trump and every Republican to take accountability for his actions and put the future of NC & our party before himself. U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, said on Thursday he hoped Robinson could reassure North Carolinians that each of these specific allegations are not true, while Budd called the comments reported by CNN disgusting and said in a statement Thursday that while Robinson said they werent made by him, he needs to prove that to the voters. Under the Dome Get the latest news about North Carolina politics from The News & Observer's award-winning team. Get the free digest sent to your inbox by signing up here. Democrat Adam Frisch, left, and Republican Jeff Hurd, right, are running in 2024 to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. (Left, William Woody for Colorado Newsline; right, courtesy of Jeff Hurd for Colorado) The two men vying to represent Colorados rural western half, attorney Jeff Hurd and former Aspen City Council member Adam Frisch, differed little on responses to policy questions during a Saturday evening debate and instead criticized each other on their campaigning and political style. My opponent says he is a moderate, but look at what he does. He supported a liberal policy agenda on the Aspen City Council. He says he doesnt take corporate donations, but has Democratic PACs funneling him corporate money, Hurd, a Republican, said in his opening remarks. He also pushed Frisch on his campaigns support of another Republican primary candidate, Ron Hanks, saying it was inappropriate of Frisch to meddle in another partys primary. Frisch, the Democrat, attacked what he characterized as Hurds low number of public-facing campaign events and lack of appearance at other forums and debates. You have not had a single event open to the public since the general election, only closed-door meetings with no notice. The vast majority of voters are not insiders. Why are you so scared of talking to the general public? he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Frisch maintained that he does not accept money from corporate political action committees, though he does accept donations from other political action committees with corporate donors. Hurd responded to Frischs criticism by saying campaigning isnt a box-checking exercise about raising money and traveling across the district. You have to be authentic. You got to connect with people. You have to earn their trust. And thats what Ive tried to do, he said. Those were the few topics of tension during the debate between the candidates for Colorados 3rd Congressional District, hosted in Grand Junction at Colorado Mesa University by Club 20, a nonpartisan membership organization based on the Western Slope. It was the tail end of two days of debates for local and state races. Sponsors included Lockheed Martin, Xcel Energy and Chevron. Reproductive rights One of the only points of disagreement came on the issue of reproductive rights. Frisch supports abortion access and said he doesnt see any situation where the government should interfere with a persons decision to have an abortion. Hurd, meanwhile, described himself as pro-life with exceptions and thinks the issue should be left to the states. Colorado voters will have a chance to enshrine the right to abortion in the state Constitution this November. The candidates both said the federal government should enable Colorado energy production, from oil to renewables and even the nascent nuclear power industry, which could be fostered by the development of small modular reactors. I think its just crazy that the United States is trying to shut down the cleanest, most reliable and most responsible energy sources in the entire world. When were shutting down power and energy in Colorado, were not getting solar power from Sweden. Were asking Iran and Venezuela and China to bail us out, Frisch said. We need to figure out how to have a strong industrial policy, including a really strong energy policy in (the 3rd District). On water, they agreed that Colorado needs to protect its water rights and its position within the Colorado River Compact. That means making sure other states, such as Nevada and Arizona, live within their water budgets and strengthening storage. Hurd also said it is important to keep water within the district and not export it to Front Range communities and out of state. In Congress, Im going to fight against any water export project, he said. 1 of 3 open congressional seats Both said that bipartisanship is necessary in Congress, especially when it comes to the issues that affect rural Colorado such as energy, agriculture and public lands. It would be foolish for anyone to say that bipartisanship is not necessary, particularly with issues like the Farm Bill or H-2A visa reform, making sure that our agricultural workers have the resources that they need and the employees that they need to harvest the crops that we eat, Hurd said. The H-2A program allows temporary agricultural workers from other countries into the United States. Frisch said both parties have a lot to blame. He was one of the first to call on President Joe Biden to step down from his reelection bid, and he criticized the administrations student loan forgiveness plans in 2022. For 20 years I was independent. I made it very clear that when I get to Congress, Im gonna go join the Problem Solvers Caucus, he said. The 3rd District is one of three open seats in Colorado this election cycle. The district has been represented by Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert since 2021. After winning reelection by just 546 votes against Frisch in 2022, Boebert switched districts and is running this year in the 4th Congressional District on the other side of the state. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Frisch has leveraged his near-victory to a massive fundraising haul over the last two years with nearly $13.8 million raised. Hurd has brought in about $1.2 million. The district encompasses 27 counties and Colorados Western Slope, from the Wyoming to New Mexico border and sweeps east to include Pueblo County. It leans about 9 percentage points to the right, according to a 2021 analysis of recent elections. County clerks will begin mailing ballots to voters on Oct. 11. Voters have until Election Day, Nov. 5, to return their ballot or vote in person. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE AfD lead candidate in Brandenburg: Victory would be 'sign of hope' Hans-Christoph Berndt, the AfD's lead candidate for the Brandenburg state election, casts his vote at a polling station. Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa A victory for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in elections in the state of Brandenburg will be a "clear sign of hope," the AfD lead candidate in the eastern state said. If the AfD gained further support, "things will get better in Germany," Hans-Christoph Berndt said as he cast his ballot in the Golssen constituency to the south of Berlin. "We are stronger than in 2019," Berndt said. Brandenburg's future would not be decided in a single election but over the years ahead, he added. Support for the AfD was on the rise, and that gave him confidence, Berndt said. Hans-Christoph Berndt, the AfD's lead candidate for the Brandenburg state election, arrives at the polling station with his wife. Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa Hans-Christoph Berndt, the AfD's lead candidate for the Brandenburg state election, casts his vote at a polling station. Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa The News NAIROBI African countries face a sharp increase in dementia cases due to longer life expectancies and healthcare systems that are inadequately resourced to treat the growing number of elderly patients, scientists have warned. Dementia, which describes a loss of brain function such as thinking and remembering, already impacts millions of elderly individuals and their families on the continent, but it should not be seen as a normal part of aging, caution experts. Africa, which is often recognized for its young population with a median age of 19, is also home to the fastest-growing elderly population in the world, according to the UN. Now, with the continents population living longer than before, age-related diseases like dementia are becoming more common, says the World Health Organization. The healthy life expectancy in Africa jumped by 10 years per person between 2000 and 2019, a greater rise than in any other region in the world during the same period. Yet, research on dementia in Africa accounts for only 0.1% of the continents overall research output, according to an Aga Khan Universitys study. This, combined with a focus on higher profile non-communicable diseases like cancer, leaves many dementia patients undiagnosed or in majority of the cases, diagnosed too late. The biggest challenge for dementia detection and management in Africa stems from outdated technologies, insufficient research and poor data, said Dr. Zul Merali, the director of the Brain and Mind Institute at Aga Khan University in Nairobi. We have not been measuring dementia properly, said Merali. We have been measuring when people come to the clinics and when they come, they already are very symptomatic and they know that something is wrong. Know More In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 2.13 million people were living with dementia in 2015, with numbers projected to nearly double every 20 years, increasing to 3.5 million by 2030 and 7.6 million by 2050, according to Alzheimers Disease International. Many African countries lack widespread epidemiological studies or national registries for key non-communicable diseases. For example, early detection technologies, such as advanced brain imaging and blood biomarkers that are used in developed countries are not widely available in Africa. Most neurologists on the continent have to work with outdated tools, which further delays diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural areas where access to specialized clinics is especially limited. To address this crisis, the Davos Alzheimers Collaborative, a global initiative working toward a cure for Alzheimers, and the Aga Khan University Brain and Mind Institute hosted a conference in Nairobi this month to highlight the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Africa. Speakers said unlike conditions such as cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes, dementia is receiving very little attention. Viviannes view Africas first dementia conference this month was a timely development that the global south has been in need of key support for years. African countries in particular have over time been left out of critical medical research and developments. This has meant that millions of people have been prevented from accessing medical care that could be life changing. The invisible red tape from global health regulators that starves the continent of the best medical technology and clinical trials has left a lot of countries behind, despite Africans having some of the best medical talent globally. With aging populations and limited healthcare infrastructure, dementia patients are often overlooked and branded as mad old people leaving families and communities struggling to take care of them, and cope emotionally, and mentally with the stigma. The View From Ghana Dr Mary AmoakohColeman, a senior research fellow at the University of Ghana, said African governments, health NGOs and health care practitioners have ignored brain conditions like dementia and focused on controlling communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria. African authorities and health professionals often treat dementia as simply being a condition that comes with old age rather than a disease that can be detected and managed from very early on. She said the same focus paid to diseases backed by donor research funds should be given to dementia, because as our populations continue to grow and live longer, the number of people living with dementia also increases. (Getty Images) Republican attorney general nominee Dave Sunday and GOP contenders in eight Democratic-controlled state House districts have received at least $7.7 million in television advertising support from the PAC backed by conservative mega donor Jeff Yass. The Democrats targeted in those ads say theyre untruthful and strain the limits of how closely a political action committee can work with candidates. They also question whether the candidates backed by Commonwealth Leaders Fund, some of whom had raised little campaign money themselves, would be independent elected leaders. We have deep concerns about a campaign solely funded by one person: what are the expectations of that candidate if theyre elected, when does the debt come due, why does an allegedly education focused advocacy group plan to invest millions into the Attorney Generals office, for starters? Carver Murphy, campaign manager for Democratic attorney general nominee Eugene DePasquale, asked. Commonwealth Leaders Fund spent $5.5 million for advertising reservations on Sundays behalf from June 11 through Oct. 1, according to advertising industry data obtained by the Capital-Star. The data shows Commonwealth Leaders Fund spent $2.1 million during the same period on broadcast and cable TV advertising for the eight Republican state House candidates who are running against Democrats in rural districts where former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee for president, has performed well. The spending on broadcast and cable television advertising is in addition to direct mail and other campaign media spending by Commonwealth Leaders Fund, the extent of which will not be public until the Pennsylvania Department of State posts campaign finance reports that were due Friday. The television stations running the Commonwealth Leaders Fund advertising on behalf of the campaigns have filed documents with the Federal Communications Commission, including copies of a letter signed by Sunday, authorizing Commonwealth Leaders Fund to purchase advertising on their behalf. Zach Wallen, a Pittsburgh attorney specializing in election law, said the arrangement is unusual, but it complies with Pennsylvania law. Commonwealth Leaders Fund is a hard money PAC. Therefore, under Pennsylvania law, it can legally contribute to Pennsylvania candidates in unlimited amounts, Wallen said, adding that the expenditures must be reported in the candidates campaign finance reports. Adam Bonin, a Philadelphia election lawyer, said that when candidates and PACs coordinate on campaign spending, its generally an arms-length relationship. He also said the blanket authorizations by the candidates is unusual. It raises all sorts of questions about whos running the show, Bonin said. Are they independent candidates or are they subsidiaries of the Commonwealth Leaders Fund? State Rep. Frank Burns (D-Cambria) has called out his Republican opponent Amy Bradley in a TV spot that says she signed over her campaign to the Commonwealth Leaders Fund which it describes as a Philadelphia billionaire-funded group. It shows the shallowness of their candidates when they cant even speak for themselves and the Commonwealth Leaders Fund makes every decision for them, Burns said. Bradley, for whom the PAC has spent about $472,000, did not respond to a request for comment. Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have held a one-seat majority during the 2023-2034 legislative session. Its the first time Democrats have held a majority in either chamber of the General Assembly since 2010 and the defeat of only one incumbent could flip the House back to Republican control. Theyre just trying to invest a record amount of spending in these House districts to see what they can do and theyre throwing a bunch of nonsense at these candidates to see what sticks, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) said. Bizzarro is facing a challenge by Republican Micah Goring, who has received at least $200,000 in television advertising support from the Commonwealth Leaders Fund. Gorings campaign committee reported raising only about $15,000. Goring told the Capital-Star that he has had no interaction with the Commonwealth Leaders Fund and that he made the decision to run for the state House very late just as the period for collecting signatures on nominating petitions began. Im excited that we support the same thing. I think they see in me a candidate who sees the need to apply free market principles to our public education system, Goring said, noting that he hears from senior citizens who are struggling to pay school taxes on their homes and parents who want better outcomes for their children. Goring said his children attend the states largest online charter school. Yass, a Montgomery County trader and founder of Susquehanna International Group, has personal wealth nearing $50 billion, according to Forbes. As a proponent of charter schools and taxpayer funded vouchers to help parents pay for private school tuition, Yass has contributed tens of millions to PACs devoted to those issues. Much of that money passes through to the Commonwealth Leaders Fund, which has pumped more than $45 million into Pennsylvania elections since 2017, according to campaign finance records. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Matthew Brouillette, president and CEO of Commonwealth Partners Chamber of Entrepreneurs, serves as treasurer of Commonwealth Leaders Fund and did not respond to questions about its support of candidates in this years election that the Capital-Star emailed to him and the organizations public affairs director Gina Pope. School choice is a longstanding political live wire in Pennsylvania, where publicly funded charter schools have flourished in the last two decades and growth in spending for traditional public schools has been accomplished over the objections of Republican lawmakers. Gov. Josh Shapiro came into office as an unusual Democrat who supports school vouchers, and his first two budgets expanded existing tax credit programs for private school scholarships. In a direct mail piece sent to voters in the targeted districts, the Commonwealth Leaders Fund says Democratic incumbents voted for a $2,000 per family tax hike. State Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny) noted the mailer references a bill that passed in the House with a 107-94 vote that included a plan to spend $6 billion in response to a state court order to alleviate public education funding disparities. But the claim that the vote would cost taxpayers $2,000 a year is attributed to an op-ed that Commonwealth Leaders Fund chairperson Brouillette submitted to The Bradford Era that cites a study authored by the conservative Harrisburg think tank Commonwealth Foundation. All of these ads are lying about our records, Venkat said. Education not the only focus The ads Commonwealth Leaders Fund is funding attack Democrats on issues other than education. Another mail piece sent to voters across the state claims Democratic incumbents voted for a bill that would make it easier to pardon murderers, rapists and child molesters. It refers to a bill introduced by House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) that would restore a requirement for only a majority rather than a unanimous vote by the board of pardons for people sentenced to life without parole or death. The bill was never put to a roll call vote Burns noted. These are the lies that all of their candidates are forced to swallow, Burns said. And if theyre willing to do that now, what will happen if theyre elected? A TV spot about the attorney generals race contrasting Sunday and DePasquale focuses on the Democratic candidates inexperience as a prosecutor and his backing by progressive advocacy groups the ad describes as defund-the-police groups. Data from the advertising tracking firm AdImpact shows Commonwealth Leaders Fund has spent about $400,000 on the attorney generals race nearly every week since the beginning of August. Sunday has very few other donors and minimal public presence. Hes running this race like a shadow puppet for Jeff Yass and voters deserve to know more about their relationship, DePasquales campaign manager Murphy said. Campaign finance records show Sundays campaign had raised only $304,000 through the end of May. By comparison, former attorney general Shapiros committee had raised $1.5 million by the same point in his 2020 reelection campaign. Shapiros opponent Heather Heidelbaugh had raised $377,000 during the same period in 2020. The Commonwealth Leaders Funds spending on Sundays campaign so far has surpassed the $5.4 million total that Shapiros committee spent to get reelected in 2020, according to campaign finance reports. Ben Wren, a spokesperson for Sundays campaign, said its not unusual for the Commonwealth Leaders Fund to get involved in public safety focused campaigns, noting that the PAC has worked on some district attorney races. Wren told the Capital-Star that Sunday met with the board of the Commonwealth Leaders Fund and it decided to back him. Dave welcomes support from anybody who will help bring his message of accountability and redemption of the criminal justice system to the people of Pennsylvania, Wren said. The Commonwealth Leaders Funds support has been advantageous for Sunday, allowing him to get his message to voters early, before the airwaves became crowded with campaign commercials. The advent of mail-in voting in Pennsylvania allowing voters to cast ballots weeks before Election Day has also changed the formula. You have to get your message out earlier or you miss a critical component of the voters who tend to be your swing voters, Wren said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Salem will swear in its 43rd fire chief during Monday's City Council meeting. David Gerboth will lead 275 employees at the Salem Fire Department and Willamette Valley Communications Center. Gerboth will replace current Fire Chief Mike Niblock, who is retiring after 15 years as chief. Gerboth's tenure as fire chief will begin during a time of change for the Salem Fire Department. After almost a decade with a private ambulance provider, Salem Fire will become the exclusive ambulance provider for the city on July 1, 2025. Niblock said private provider Falck Northwest failed to meet contractual requirements and was causing the city to spend $3.3 million in overtime. The coming years could also bring cuts to the Salem Fire Department as the city grapples with a multi-million dollar budget shortfall. Some of the cuts could include layoffs, hiring freezes and shuttered fire stations. Gerboth has worked in fire and emergency service as a firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief and deputy chief for 30 years. I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the fire chief for the Salem Fire Department, Gerboth said in a news release. I look forward to working with our dedicated team of public safety professionals and staff and continuing to serve the community with the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Other Salem City Council agenda items A vote on establishing an intergovernmental agreement with Marion County for construction of Mildred Lane SE outside city limits. A vote on applying for a $750,000 grant through the Oregon Department of Forestry for working relating to combating the spread of the emerald ash borer. Appointments to the Citizen Budget Committee and the Citizens Advisory Traffic Commission. A vote on recommended policy statements and priorities to guide Salem's federal and state agendas along with the city's response to proposed legislation during the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session. A proclamation declaring October National Planning Month. How to participate in the Salem City Council meeting The meeting is at 6 p.m. It will be held in person in the City Council Chambers at the Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE, and can be watched on Comcast Cable CCTV Channel 21 or on the Salem YouTube channel in English/American Sign Language and Spanish. Those wishing to comment in person can sign up on the rosters at the chamber entrance before the start of the meeting. Written public comments on agenda items can be emailed by 5 p.m. Monday to cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net. Or preregister between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday at cityofsalem.net/Pages/Public-Comment-at-Salem-City-Council-Meeting.aspx to speak during the meeting via Zoom. For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth to be sworn in at city council meeting SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Saturday was the 4th annual Motorcycle Ride & BBQ, hosted by the Alex Cotton Memorial Fund Inc. First live AEW Wrestling show comes to Springfield Bringing the community out for a ride around the city in Springfield, the event is held in honor of Alex Cotton, whose life was cut short by pancreatic cancer at the age of 53. His daughter Kidon Gebersadik says events like this help to make sure that people know they have resources available to them. Its one of the cancers that you do not find a lot of resources for, said Kidon. We want to put the word out that we are looking for people and families to help because we are out here and we want to provide the support for those families. 22News spoke with one volunteer about the significance events like these have in the community. I want to make sure people can get the funding and also know that this stuff is available to help them, said Tisziya Williams of Springfield. . Make sure everyone is together as a community because no one is alone when they have these situations. The goal of this fundraising event is to provide financial support to families who are caring for a loved one with pancreatic cancer. They work to reduce the financial burdens that come with pancreatic cancer to allow families to focus on recovery, wellness, and quality time. According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than Caucasians. And men are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women. Kidon says its important to raise awareness of this cancer and let the community know that there are resources to help families through these difficult times. Financial stress is one of the leading causes of additional ailments and can adversely affect recovery because you want to be stress-free and finances can cause a lot of hardship and stress on people, Kidon explained. If we can help them keep a light bill on, pay the rent or anything like that, it can be one less thing to worry about. The Alex Cotton Memorial Fund Inc. says their goal is to raise at least $5,000 through their motorcycle ride event. 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. UPDATE (9/27/24) The Allegheny County Health Department has removed its consumer alert for Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. ORIGINAL COVERAGE (9/21/24) The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a consumer alert for a South Side business. Nakama Japanse Steakhouse and Sushi Bar on 1611 E Carson Street reportedly had 18 violations. Three of those violations were considered to be high-risk. The high-risk violations were: Cold holding temperatures: Cooked crab, fried tofu and cooked octopus were kept at 48F. Food must be held at 41F or below. The health department said the business must easily provide an accurate thermometer in the future once the food is kept the proper temperature. Cleaning and sanitization: Old food was found on the blade of a mounted can opener in the basement, residue had also built up along the deflector panel of the ice machine. The corrective action will be for the business to clean and maintain these areas and to provide test strips. Pest management: Two dead mice were found near the water heater and washing machine in the buildings basement. One dead mouse was found on a glue trap behind the bulk ingredients container in the basement and another was found underneath a hibachi grill in the dining room. Inspectors also found nesting material under the grills. Insulation along the grill ventilation ducts had been chewed through along with rags in the basement. Droppings were found in the back of the sushi bar prep area. Some flies and fruit flies were also found. The corrective action will be for the business to remove the mice, eliminate the areas where the pests are staying or entering the building, remove the droppings, providing a tight-fitting door, screen or controlled air curtain to prevent more mice from entering the building, cleaning and maintaining and providing pest control records. The inspection also said the person in charge failed to train food employees. Click here to read the full inspection report. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Woman killed in crash on Parkway East in Pittsburgh Man shot, killed inside Ellwood City Forge; suspect in custody 8-year-old takes moms SUV, does her own Target run VIDEO: Skylights Week 4 Player of the Week: Kenyan Brown - South Park DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts HONOLULU (KHON2) Los Angeles got a taste of Hawaiian culture and spirit, with more than 60 Hawaii artists and entrepreneurs flooding Venice Beach. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Mana Up reported that the inaugural event brought 7,000-plus visitors to Saturdays popup and enjoyed local Hawaii products. Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival celebrates 35 years Today was incredibly awesome and insane at the same time. We had to overnight more inventory in last night. Its already out on the tables and we dont even know if were going to have enough for tomorrow, explained Mana Up co-founder Meli James. On top of shopping experiences, visitors enjoyed lei-making workshops, cooking demonstrations and tastings, cocktail classes with Ko Hana Rum and a bake sale with Hawaiian Pie Company. Mana Up officials said the Los Angeles event exceeded attendance expectations and sales records, beating out other events held in New York City and Tokyo. Los Angeles is Hawaiis top domestic market and engaging events, like Aloha Market, are crucial to driving travel demand among this audience with a deep appreciation and love for Hawaiis people, places and culture. Its an opportunity to remind our friends in Southern California that the Hawaiian Islands are eager to welcome them, with new experiences and locally-made products abound, as we ensure tourism benefits our community. Mufi Hanneman, Hawaii Tourism Authority Board Chair Not only did the event bring the Aloha spirit to Los Angeles, it also re-connected folks who are from Hawaii originally. People have been coming and just continuing to come and even coming back who came on Friday, came back today wanting more, James added. Check out more news from around Hawaii The Aloha Market LA popups final day will be Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free so dont miss it! Visit Aloha Market LAs website for more details. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Amazon says workers must be in the office. The UK government disagrees. Who is right? They are two competing views on where desk-based employees work best. Amazon is ordering its staff back to the office five days a week, just as the government is pushing for rights to flexible working - including working from home - to be strengthened. The tech giant says employees will be able to better invent, collaborate, and be connected. But just as the firms announcement became news, the UK government was linking flexibility to better performance and a more productive, loyal workforce. Few are short of an opinion on how effective working from home is and for a government there are broader considerations such as how, for example, caring responsibilities are affected. But more than four years since the start of the pandemic, what does the evidence tell us about how we work best and is Amazon right to believe people being in the office full time will allow them to collaborate better? Amazons fellow tech giant Microsoft studied its employees during the pandemic. It looked at the emails, calendars, instant messages and calls of 61,000 of its employees in the US during the first six months of 2020. The findings were published in Nature Human Behaviour. The study indicated that, during Covid, remote workers tended to collaborate more with networks of colleagues they already had, and that they built fewer bridges between different networks. There was also a drop in communication that happened in real time - meetings that would have happened in real life werent necessarily happening online. Instead, more emails and instant messages were sent. The authors suggested this may make it harder to convey and understand complex information. Microsofts was a data-led study. But what about human experience? A 2020 survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) of 1,000 senior decision-makers in organisations found about a third struggled with "reduced staff interaction and cooperation. However, more than 40% of the managers said there was more collaboration when people were working from home. Greater collaboration is hard to object to, but equally it is no guarantee of productivity. In 2010, Chinas biggest travel agency CTrip tried something very new among staff in its airfare and hotel booking department. Almost 250 staff were identified as potential home workers - they needed to be established at the company and have a proper home working set-up. Around half that group started working from home. The other group stayed office-based. Researchers at Stanford University found the workers were 13% more productive when working from home - mainly because workers had fewer breaks and sick days, and they could take more calls because it was quieter. Communication barriers There was a particularly significant drop in staff quitting for non-managers, women, and people with long commutes, the researchers said. However, those Chinese home-workers were seeing a bit of the office: they were spending one day a week among colleagues. It could be this brought some benefit - a separate study years later from researchers at Stanford suggested fully remote work can lead to a 10% drop in productivity compared with working in the office all the time. Barriers to communication, lack of mentoring for staff, problems building a work culture, and difficulties with self-motivation were all cited. Amazon is not alone in telling employees to return to the office full-time. Goldman Sachs chief executive David Solomon famously described working from home as an aberration. The US firm requires bankers to be in the office five days per week. Rival US banks JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley have also backed workers returning to the office, whereas some banks in Europe have taken a softer approach. Elon Musks Tesla also requires employees to be in the office full time, leading to reports of problems finding space for them. Another Musk company, SpaceX, brought in a policy requiring workers to return to the office full-time. But it wasnt without consequences: when it brought the policy in, SpaceX lost 15% of its senior-level employees, according to a study published earlier this year. The pandemic changed work routines that were in many cases decades old. Linda Noble, now 62, from Barnsley, was used to putting on a suit and make-up. In 2020 she was a senior officer in local government, scrutinising governance in the fire service and the police service. Then Covid struck and she was working from home. I loathed it. I missed the communication - going into work, someone would make you smile, she says. But with time, Ms Noble adjusted. She set up her home office and she thinks that before long she was twice as productive as previously - even if that was in part because of an inability to switch off. Many disabled people also believe working from home makes them more productive. A 2023 study of 400 people suggested that disabled workers felt they had more autonomy and control when working from home, which led them to better manage their health and wellbeing, and 85% felt more productive. Perhaps unsurprisingly, not all studies come to the same conclusions. Some suggest an improvement to physical health from working at home, others disagree. The same goes for mental health. The wellbeing of staff was a key reason one UK business decided to get them back to the office as soon as possible after lockdown restrictions ended, according to one of its directors, Francis Ashcroft. Part of a team He was chief executive of a large private UK childrens care services company. He says some people were struggling with raised anxiety and wanted to get back to the office to be part of a team. Mr Ashcroft said there was also a recognition that 80% of staff were at the coalface, working in person in childrens homes and education, and so it was right to come back for reasons of fairness. Although team members were collaborating online at 95% of what they had been, coming back into the office added that 5% back, he argues. It brought a realness and a sense of belonging, Mr Ashcroft says, adding that when it comes to delivering a service, the teamwork was much better in the office. Despite this experience, an umbrella review of home working that examined a range of other studies concluded that, on the whole, working from home boosts how much workers can get done. What difference there is in approach between the government and Amazon essentially boils down to whether or not some home working should be part of the mix, with Amazon believing it shouldnt. Linda Nobles time solely working from home is over. She is just about to start a hybrid job. Shes attracted by the balance between working from home and office work. Reduce churn According to the CIPD, benefits of hybrid working include a better work/life balance, greater ability to focus with fewer distractions, more time for family and friends and wellbeing activity, saved commuting time and costs, plus higher levels of motivation and engagement. And it may be that this can reduce staff churn. A study published this year found that a Chinese firm that adopted hybrid working reduced the rate at which employees quit by a third. From an employee perspective, the optimum time for hybrid working is three days in the office this makes employees most engaged, according to a Gallup survey of US workers, although it also says there is no one-size-fits-all. In the UK, the number of people exclusively working from home is falling. But, crucially, hybrid working is continuing to rise, running at 27% of the working population. Gallup says that despite highly publicised moves by firms to get employees back in the office, the underlying trend is that the future of office work is hybrid. This tallies with the position of the UK government, which is clear that it believes the potential to work at home drives up productivity. The calculation by Amazon appears to be that what evidence there is for increased productivity among employees who work in part from home fails to capture the particulars of how they operate. Top image credit: Getty More from InDepth BBC InDepth is the new home on the website and app for the best analysis and expertise from our top journalists. Under a distinctive new brand, well bring you fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions, and deep reporting on the biggest issues to help you make sense of a complex world. And well be showcasing thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. Were starting small but thinking big, and we want to know what you think - you can send us your feedback by clicking on the button below. The American Heart Association hosted an event they hope will save lives in Pittsburgh. The 2024 Pittsburgh Heart Walk aimed to give the community life-saving tools in case of cardiac arrest. The event was held at Point State Park on Saturday morning. Participants learned how to give CPR as they went along their walk. The American Heart Association said nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive. The goal of events like the walk in Pittsburgh is to decrease that number by training as many people in CPR as possible. Organizers worked to keep the community healthy by offering free health screenings and flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the event. Donations for the American Heart Association were also accepted at the event. A goal of $1,509,000 was set. Click here if you are interested in donating. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Woman killed in crash on Parkway East in Pittsburgh Man shot, killed inside Ellwood City Forge; suspect in custody 8-year-old takes moms SUV, does her own Target run VIDEO: Skylights Week 4 Player of the Week: Kenyan Brown - South Park DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts At the start of Russias full-scale war, Kyiv-based Swiss filmmaker Marc Wilkins, like many artists in Ukraine, was struggling to create. The violence around me left me feeling paralyzed, Wilkins, who has lived full-time in Ukraine since 2016, told the Kyiv Independent. But then Wilkins learned of an admirable initiative in Kyivs jazz fusion scene, which he had been following for some years leading up to the full-scale war. The musicians affiliated with the Fusion Jams collective which describes itself on social media as a community of contemporary jazz and free people were coming together to stage performances and collect funds for the Ukrainian military. Louder than Bombs, the documentary that Wilkins is making, will chronicle the lives of these young musicians, and how the war led to some of them composing music even on the front line. Wilkins is currently running a fundraiser to secure the 39,000 euros ($43,574) in financing needed to continue the films production. Swiss filmmaker Marc Wilkins while winning the Swiss Filmaward in an undated photo. (Personal archive of Marc Wilkins) The young musicians in Kyivs jazz fusion scene are driven by more than just patriotism as they raise funds for the military during their concerts. Their lives, like the majority of Ukrainians, have been forever changed by Russias war. At the start of the full-scale invasion, Fusion Jams lost one of their own Oleksandra Kuvshynova. Kuvshynovas name made international headlines when she was killed in Kyiv Oblast while working as a fixer for the U.S. media outlet Fox News, but she was also a beloved member of Ukraines jazz fusion community for her contributions to build up the Fusion Jams collective in the years leading up to the full-scale war. Organizing concerts to raise money for the military was a kind of artistic revenge for their fallen friend, according to Wilkins. Kyivs jazz fusion scene is defined by the dynamic energy of its young musicians. Founded in 2019, Fusion Jams was established, in part, with a need to go against the stereotype that jazz was an antiquated music genre and to encourage young people to have a space to create. Jazz fusion, which first emerged as a genre in the 1960s, blends elements of jazz with rock, funk, hip-hop, and other musical styles. Known for its boundary-pushing approach, jazz fusion is distinguished from traditional jazz by more experimentation with both stylistic elements and technological innovations. Screengrab from a video of a Jazz concert in Ukraine in an undated photo. (Personal archive of Vadim Pinyagin) Oleksandra Kuvshynova, a beloved member of the jazz fusion community and a fixer for the U.S. media outlet Fox News, who was killed during a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Undated photo. (Wikimedia) Fusion Jams became one of the largest music communities in Kyiv, even before the full-scale war. Kyivs jazz fusion musicians look just like the cool kids that can be found searching for their paths into adulthood in New York, London or Berlin, if it werent for the fact their lives, like those of all Ukrainians, have been forever changed by the war, according to Wilkins. The fact that they were still creating music during wartime touched me so deeply and gave me so much light and energy to see that we continue to exist (in Ukraine) through culture and art, Wilkins said. As a musical genre, jazz epitomizes individuality and creative freedom due to its strong emphasis on improvisation. Simultaneously, it fosters a sense of mutual understanding among musicians, as creating compelling music requires musicians to listen attentively and remain in harmony with one another. For Wilkins, who was inspired to move to Ukraine after seeing European history in the making during the Revolution of Dignity (EuroMaidan Revolution) in 2014, the countrys jazz fusion scene serves as a powerful metaphor for its democratic transition. Something that we are kind of lacking sometimes here in Ukraine is the ability to listen to each other and give each other a little space a certain flexibility, lets say. When theres an external threat, Ukrainians are incredibly united and always come together. But outside of that, it can still be difficult for people, he said. This issue can be attributed to the lingering effects of centralized control from the Soviet era, which can still exert an influence over some people and how they view themselves and the world around them. Fusion jams are the opposite of that. You cannot come on stage without listening and giving space to the others. Thats why I feel (this music is) incredibly important for Ukraine and Ukrainian society. Since settling in Kyiv, Wilkins has made important contributions to the citys cultural life. He co-founded the Naked Room, a gallery dedicated to showcasing the works of contemporary Ukrainian artists. They also established a digital marketplace where people can support Ukrainian artists by purchasing their art. Wilkins is also a co-founder of Reitarska Circle, a popular food market in Kyiv inside of a renovated Soviet-era modernist building. The project is a rare example of business owners cooperating with an original architect to preserve their vision and rethink public spaces in a respectful way. The anticipated final version of Louder than Bombs will highlight the various ways Russia's war has disrupted the lives of the Fusion Jams musicians, including how some were compelled to fight on the front line. These trajectories are particularly compelling not only because they reflect the choices of artists but also because they resonate with the broader experiences of every Ukrainian since the start of Russias war. By day, Danylo, a composer turned commander, shoots down Russian tanks as a part of a drone unit, and at night, he creates music on the keyboard he brought with him to the front line to find some sort of temporary escape from the horrors of war he witnesses firsthand. Mykhailo, one of the founders of Fusion Jams, is still making music and raising funds for the military. But the male musicians who are continuing to create music in Kyiv understand that they might not always have that luxury and can be mobilized. Andriy, a saxophonist, tries to compose as many new songs as possible as a means of mentally reconciling with the prospect of being drafted into the military, where he faces the risk of death. Anna turns to the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument, after the death of her first love who was killed in battle. Wilkins hopes that viewers of the documentary will see that Louder than Bombs is about rebel artists, dreamers, and the power of art to transcend reality at its bleakest, as much as it is about violence, identity and freedom. The documentary would be a celebration of Ukrainians humanity, creativity, and resilience over the past two and a half years. Wilkins believes Kyivs jazz fusion community can show the world how Ukrainians, despite Russias intent on destroying Ukraine, are able to overcome feelings of fear and despair in their case, through creating music. We dont know what will happen to us tonight, we dont know what will happen to us tomorrow, Wilkins said. But we really want to finish this film. If you would like to support the production of Louder than Bombs, consider contributing to Marcs fundraiser on Indiegogo. Note from the author: Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, sharing an important culture-related story from Ukraine. It's important to show the ways in which Ukraine's cultural sphere is enduring despite the hardships of wartime and that's why I was so inspired to write about this documentary. Hopefully, we can see more and more dynamic films like this in the future. If you like reading such stories, please consider supporting The Kyiv Independent. Read also: She was the culture: Kharkiv mourns 18-year-old artist killed in Russian attack Introducing official merch from the Kyiv Independent Shop now Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As Hezbollah intensifies its rocket attacks on northern Israel, Israeli President Isaac Herzog warns that it will respond with full force if necessary. The U.S. is seeking to deescalate mounting tensions in the Middle East amid back-and-forth attacks between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have prompted concerns about all-out war in the region Hezbollah, the Iran-backed paramilitary group, launched over 100 rockets into northern Israel on Sunday, forcing thousands of Israelis into shelters overnight. According to the Associated Press, Israel's military reported that the rockets specifically targeted civilian areas seen as a clear escalation from previous strikes, which had primarily focused on military sites. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq reportedly played a role in Sunday's attack, which Hezbollahs deputy leader Naim Qassem warned is just the beginning of further retaliation. We are prepared to confront all military possibilities, Qassem reportedly said while attending Akils funeral near Beirut on Sunday. He later declared that Hezbollah has entered a new phase in its conflict with Israel and that an open-ended battle of reckoning is now underway. Naim Qassem (right), deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah, and Mohammed Raad (center), head of Hezbollah's bloc in the Lebanese parliament, attend the funeral of top Hezbollah military commander Ibrahim Akil in Beirut on Sept. 22. (AFP via Getty Images) The latest attack followed an Israeli air raid on Friday in Beirut that left at least 45 dead, including high-ranking Hezbollah commanders Ibrahim Akil and Ahmed Wahbi. According to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Friday's attack was based on intelligence indicating that Akil and Wahbi were plotting attacks similar to the Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel that left around 1,200 Israelis dead. In the ongoing Israeli military response to that attack, more than 40,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in Gaza. These guys who we eradicated on Friday were gathering together in their apartment in Beirut in order to plan another Oct. 7, Herzog told CBSs Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan this morning, though he declined to provide further details about the alleged scheme. Last week, Israel coordinated two attacks that detonated pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, killing over two dozen people, including two young children, and wounding thousands of others. Following the latest rocket strikes, Herzog insisted that while Israel is not seeking to escalate the mounting conflict into a full-scale war, it wont hesitate to engage if provoked. Those sentiments are shared by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who emphasized in a video address that Israel will take whatever action is necessary to restore security and to bring our people safely back to their homes. As Herzog explained to Brennan, Hezbollah has been attacking northern Israel on a daily basis, since Oct. 8, 2023, leading to the displacement of roughly 100,000 Israelis from their homes in the north. We dont want war, but if its waged against us, we go all the way, said Herzog. The U.S. attempts to deescalate The Israeli militarys heightened focus on Hezbollah has raised concerns that Israel may be diverting its attention from Gaza toward a broader regional conflict, even as the U.S. attempts to deescalate tensions on both fronts. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said the U.S. is making every effort to prevent the conflict from escalating into "an all-out war" with Hezbollah across the Lebanese border. We have been involved in extensive and quite assertive diplomacy, Kirby told ABCs This Week host George Stephanopoulos on Sunday, emphasizing that further military action is not in either sides best interest. Kirby noted that a wider conflict would contradict Netanyahus goal of getting families back to their homes, particularly with the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages. However, negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza are not achieving any progress here in the last week to two weeks, Kirby said, though he underscored that it's "not for lack of trying." Like Herzog, Kirby blamed the impasse on Hamas leadership, while reiterating that the U.S. is committed to finding a diplomatic solution for both sides. Hamas 'refuses to get a [ceasefire] deal' Herzog said that Israelis support and welcome U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire particularly through the work of Biden advisor Amos Hochstein, who has served as the key liaison between Israel and Lebanon. However, the Israeli president accused both Hezbollahs Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar of refusing to engage in negotiations. When youre dealing with terror organizations, they dont really give a damn about international affairs, Herzog said. They take hostages or they fire as much as they want, they get instructions from Tehran, they send routine terrorists to block the high seas and the cost of living in the world goes up. This is the culture of terror. Herzog responds to Israel's alleged malpractice During his appearance on Face the Nation, Herzog was also asked about the Israel Defense Forces investigation into an incident in which soldiers were filmed seemingly throwing lifeless bodies off a rooftop during a military operation in the West Bank town of Qabatiya on Sept. 19. That same day, the IDF reportedly killed four militants during a firefight in the area. In footage of the event, three soldiers are seen lifting what appears to be a rigid body and dragging it toward the edge of the roof. Troops on the ground are visible below as the soldiers on the roof look over the side before tossing the body off, according to the Associated Press. Were a nation under the rule of law, Herzog said. We will of course take all necessary action. We will condemn it and use all the legal steps that need to be taken against it, but were studying it because were a serious army with serious people and we study and investigate ourselves as much as we can. Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney is not Mississippis first statewide official to advocate for his job to be changed from an elected post to an appointed one. Earlier this month, Chaney called on the Legislature to eliminate the elected insurance commissioner position and instead have the states insurance industry regulated presumably by an appointee of the governor who is confirmed by the Senate. Chaney said he is willing to serve for a short period of time in an appointed position. William Winter successfully proposed to the Legislature in the 1960s that his post as tax collector be eliminated and the duties incorporated into other positions. Winters actions did not end his political career. He went on to serve in multiple other statewide elected posts, including as governor from 1980 until 1984 and is viewed as one of Mississippis most significant political figures. In the 1970s, John Ed Ainsworth ran for and was elected to the post of land commissioner with the promise he would work to eliminate the position. One of his primary goals while eliminating the position was to ensure 16th Section land was properly managed to the benefit of public schools. He succeeded and for his troubles was defeated when he later tried to run for lieutenant governor, though he is viewed favorably by many for his work in various areas of state government, including in developing the states casino industry. The duties that the land commissioner had are now handled primarily by the secretary of state. At least four previous statewide elected posts in Mississippi are either now appointed or have been eliminated. Besides the posts of land commissioner and tax collector being eliminated, the post of Supreme Court clerk was changed in 1976 so that the nine members of the Supreme Court appoint the clerk instead of the clerk being elected by Mississippians. And in the 1980s, the elected state superintendent of education was made appointed. The superintendent is now nominated by the Mississippi Board of Education and confirmed by the Senate. While the state superintendent of education and Supreme Court clerk are in the constitution and required an amendment approved by the voters to be changed, the land commissioner and tax collector needed only action by the Legislature to be eliminated. Currently, the statewide posts of governor, lieutenant governor, auditor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer are all in the constitution, so it would take a vote of the people to change how they are selected or to eliminate any of them. The positions of insurance commissioner and commissioner of agriculture and commerce would require only action of the Legislature and the governors signature to make a change. When Chaney first ran for and was elected as insurance commissioner in 2007, he said the post should be appointed. Since then, Chaney has been reelected four times. He does not plan to run in 2027 and is saying now is the time to change how the insurance commissioner is selected. Chaney said recently he believes an appointee can do a better job regulating the industry and protecting the consumers than someone elected to the post. I have grave concerns about someone running for this as a stepping stone to another position, said Chaney, age 80. It is too important to do that. He said it is borderline unethical to take campaign funds from the industry being regulated. Chaney said in 39 states the person regulating the insurance industry is appointed instead of elected. Mississippi has eight statewide posts more than most states, but there are states with more. For instance, neighboring Alabama has 10, but that includes three public service commissioners, all of whom are elected statewide. Mississippi also has three public service commissioners, but they are elected regionally. Another neighbor Tennessee only elects its governor statewide. The lieutenant governor is elected by the members of the Senate. Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, who is elected statewide, recently said on Mississippis Today The Other Side podcast that the Senate would look at state government structure in the coming session, including whether Mississippi should elect so many positions. While some posts have been changed from elected to appointed, Mississippi legislators often have been reluctant to take the vote away from the people. In the early 2000s, the House led by then-Ways and Means Chair Billy McCoy passed legislation to make the Transportation Commission appointed instead of elected. The proposal did not survive the process. But in more recent times, legislators did vote to make all local school superintendents appointees of the local boards of education. This analysis was produced by Mississippi Today, a nonprofit news organization that covers state government, public policy, politics and culture. Bobby Harrison is Mississippi Todays senior Capitol reporter. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Alaqua Animal Refuges annual Animore weekend returned Saturday, celebrating the love of animals. From cats and dogs to donkeys and emus, the Alaqua Animal Refuge cares for a variety of animals, some of which need fur-ever homes. They need people to love them, care for them, and give them a second chance in life for the love and happiness that they so desperately deserve, Alaqua Animal Refuge Philanthropy Director Stacey Salatich said. Deer Point Elementary students take part in blender bike challenge The shelters annual Animore weekend, featuring the Bluegrass Barn Jam helps with just that. Funds from the event go towards caring for the animals at the shelter. It also gives them exposure to potential adoptive families. We want to give them the best life possible. All of the animals here are here to have a second chance at life because a lot of them come from neglect situations, or from a situation where there was no hope. This gives them hope, Alaqua Animal Refuge volunteer Ruth Austin said. While attendees doted over dogs, they also enjoyed a variety of bluegrass performances. We have three concerts throughout the day. We have two concerts in the evening in our covered arena. We have food trucks, we have vendors, we have breweries, and of course, we have animals, Salatich said. Alaqua Animal Refuge volunteers said whether or not youre ready to adopt, they encourage everyone to visit their furry friends. Rutherford students face felony charges for false school shooting threats Come and just visit because even just coming by and saying hi to the animals, even if theyre not ready to adopt, just coming by visiting with the animals, it really helps the animals, Austin added. The Alaqua Animal Refuge is hosting a fall festival in October featuring hayrides, pumpkins, and, of course, animals. For more information about Alaqua Animal Refuge, 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 mypanhandle.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Anthony, Texas, Police Department is hosting its first-ever National Night Out event next month. The free event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Municipal Park, 101 Richard White Dr.. The event is designed to be a community outreach event for families and children and create good relationships between the community and first responders, organizers said. It will also help to educate children and families about what police do in the community. There will be vendors selling food and drinks and there will be games for children. Law enforcement equipment will also be on display and an honor guard will present the colors. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)Thousands entered Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday to watch the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, but a small group with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) entered for a different purpose. For eight years, the ASP has hosted the Race to Build event during race weekend. Three teams of college students compete to see who can build a house the fastest, safest and of the highest quality. This year, the competing teams came from Iowa State University, Kent State University and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Although a cash prize is involved, ASP President Melisa Winburn said the race is about more than the construction. The reality is that these are not just houses, said Winburn. They are homes, and they will be placed in permanent locations for families who are looking for a safe place to call home. And theyll have that pretty instant equity to can continue to build flourishing lives beyond that. Winburn said theyve continued to receive support throughout the years during the weekend, with many fans choosing to seek them out. Race fans will come back, and they say, Yeah, we saw it last year,' said Winburn. Who is winning this year? Some people will come the first day, the second day and the third day to see how the progress is going. So its nice to have that support from the community. And really, it takes a village to raise these houses. Custer races to victory in Food City 300 The team from Iowa State won the top prize of $5,000. For Cael Knox, the event meant more than just the competition itself. Its a great feeling, honestly, said Knox, who attends the university. Just knowing that were making an impact in someones life, making their life better because were super blessed, and we want to share that blessing across the United States. The three mortgage-free homes will go to a veteran and his family and two others who previously faced homelessness due to rising rent costs. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. An Arizona superior court judge rejected a challenge to a measure, Proposition 140, that would amend the state constitution and allow for open primaries in the Grand Canyon State. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Frank Moskowitz ruled on Thursday that the votes can be counted for the proposal, dubbed Make Arizona Elections Fair Act, that would permit all registered voters in the state to pick from all candidates in the primary election, no matter which party the candidate represents. After all of the votes in the race end up being counted, the top two vote-getters would proceed to the general election. The measure has faced legal barriers from the right. The right-leaning Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued that nearly 40,000 of the propositions signatures were duplicates. Moskowitz did not take up the evidence of duplicate signatures, but soon after, the states Supreme Court ordered the former Gov. Jan Brewer-appointed judge to settle if duplicates were involved, according to The Arizona Mirror. The Arizona Supreme Court also said in their ruling that if the proposition did not get enough signatures, the votes for it should not be counted. After being asked to reevaluate the order, Arizonas highest court walked back the statement, The Mirror reported. This Court is unable to find any rational or other basis for double counting invalid signatures in this case, Moskowitz said in the Thursday ruling. 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 proponents of the measure welcomed this weeks ruling. We are thrilled with the ruling today, which clears the way for #Prop140s votes to be counted this November and for our campaign to begin in earnest, Make Elections Fair for Arizona wrote in a statement on X. 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. Critics of the measure slammed Moskowitzs ruling, alleging the judge is biased and in favor of placing the proposition on the November ballot. From the moment he was unanimously rebuked by the AZ 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, Arizona Free Enterprise Club President Scot Mussi said in a statement. Today he issued a ruling manufacturing that outcome, deciding that the statutory method for determining the number of valid signatures for ballot initiatives is now unconstitutional, Mussi 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 The Hill. RACINE The City of Racine will receive more than $633,000 in grant funding from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for lift bridge maintenance. Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT announced Sept. 12 that the department will send over $2.1 million to help maintain Wisconsins nine lift bridges along Lake Michigan. Racine will receive $377,592 for the Main Street bridge and $255,837 for the State Street bridge, according to the governors office. The funding will reimburse the city for costs including paying bridge operators, power costs and general maintenance fees, according to City of Racine Communications Director Sean Ryan. Southern Arizona residents, activists and organizations are teaming up with federal government officials to designate a portion of the Santa Cruz River as Arizona's first urban national wildlife refuge. The federal designation would ensure the protection of the critical habitat for years into the future following its revitalization in recent years. Prominent landowner Andrew Jackson, who possesses thousands of acres of critical habitat, is part of the effort. Following backlash last year in the town of Rio Rico for a rezoning request that residents feared would bring mining to their town, he began working with the Santa Cruz River Refuge coalition to help preserve some of his land that borders the river. It was kind of a call to action to put (the land) in the hands of somebody that can manage it and maintain that for a long time, Jackson said, noting he's invested in regenerative farming practices and water conservation. In September, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Santa Cruz River Refuge coalition developed a landscape conservation design to start the process of proposing an "urban partnership" program in Tucson, and the potential for a new national wildlife refuge along the Santa Cruz River. The agency manages over 100 wildlife refuges across the state, within 25 miles of population centers of 250,000 people or more. Just one urban wildlife refuge currently exists in the Southwest, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Santa Cruz River would be Arizona's first urban national wildlife refuge. Map outlining the proposed Santa Cruz River refuge boundary. The Santa Cruz River Refuge coalition wants an archipelago of protected properties at risk of development along the Santa Cruz River, stretching from the U.S.-Mexico border to the northern edge of Pima County. Coalition members say this designation would offer permanent wildlife habitat, outdoor access, and ecotourism. The protected area would include areas of upland Sonoran Desert scrub habitat, canyons that provide habitat connectivity, and nearly seven miles of riparian habitat approximately 40 miles south of Tucson. We are excited about how the National Wildlife Refuge System can continue to work with partners, elected officials, Tribes, and other stakeholders to identify conservation opportunities in the Tucson and Santa Cruz River area, said Amanda McAdams, regional chief of refuges for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Southwest Region. Arizona's environmental legislation: 25 bills introduced, one new law Why landowners support this project Logan Phillips, a volunteer organizer, said the urban wildlife refuge would give landowners with properties on either side of the Santa Cruz River channel another option if they wanted to sell their property but not see it developed. We know that there are landholders all up and down the river channel who would like to see permanent protection for their land, Phillips said. Jackson is one of those landowners. He owns a historic property known as Baca Float #3 a remnant of a Spanish land grant given to Luis Maria Cabeza de Baca in 1818 in recognition of his service to the king of Spain. The property became a part of Mexico after Mexico obtained independence from Spain, and then it became part of the U.S. in the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. Located in the heart of one of the most sensitive and biologically rich areas of the U.S., the historic property includes 12 miles of the Santa Cruz River, 9 miles of Josephine Canyon Wildlife Corridor, and over 4,700 acres of San Cayetano Mountain. Following community meetings earlier this year about his unpopular rezoning request of a different property, Jackson said he realized how much the community wanted to preserve Santa Cruz Countys natural landscape at a time when mining pressures in the region are increasing. We need in our lifetime to put this in the hands of somebody that can preserve it for longer than they will be here, Jackson said about his property. The coalition says it hopes establishing the designation will help protect the progress already made to improve the rivers conditions. The designation would also protect crucial green space, maintain wildlife connectivity, and continue to ensure equitable access to the river for local communities, said the Sonoran Institute, a coalition member. The coalition has received support from local officials who are part of the founding members of the group, including Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, and Tucson City Councilmembers Kevin Dahl and Lane Santa Cruz. What happened to the river? The Santa Cruz River was once a flowing desert oasis, watering meadows and miles of trees, according to accounts from the mid-1800s. The river's floodplain also contains the earliest recorded instances of irrigation in the Southwest. As Tucson and other southern Arizona communities grew, diversion and groundwater pumping lowered the water table and dried up the river, according to the Central Arizona Project. In recent years, it's been revitalized by wastewater facilities releasing reclaimed water into the river. These facilities provide 35 miles of perennial flows, improving water quality, vegetation and wildlife populations, according to American Rivers, a national organization working to protect river habitats. In April, the organization named the Santa Cruz River as one of the most endangered rivers in the U.S. in 2024. Wastewater is used in revitalizing the Santa Cruz River. Upstream in Santa Cruz County, the Baca Float #3 property reflects what the river used to be. The coalition in its landscape design report wrote the property features running water, maturing gallery forest, dappled sunlight in a shady understory. Other examples of a prolific river can be seen downstream in Pima County, at the Sweetwater Wetlands Park and property near Roger Road where reclaimed water is released. Areas of the river currently flowing with reclaimed water include 15 miles near Nogales, from Rio Rico to Amado; one mile in downtown Tucson; 23 miles northwest Tucson to Marana; and one mile south of Tucson, where highly treated water is released from the Tucson Remediation Project. The importance of bringing back the Santa Cruz River Phillips called the Santa Cruz River and other riparian corridors super-highways of wildlife. Riparian areas are the lands adjacent to rivers and streams. In the Southwest, they make up just 2% of the land area but support the highest density and abundance of plants and animals of any habitat type, according to the U.S. National Park Service. The Santa Cruz River provides habitat for several federally listed species, including the southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo and Mexican garter snake. The area also connects critical habitat for jaguar and the Chiricahua leopard frog, and birds of "conservation concern" who use the riparian corridor for breeding and migration, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Santa Cruz River is also an important part of indigenous history in the area. The Ali Ak (Santa Cruz River) has brought human, plant, and animal life into this part of our Mother Earth. It is the reason our ancestors thrived in this area for thousands of years, wrote Austin Nunez, Chairman of the San Xavier District in the projects design document submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We have utilized water from our river and the aquifer for the last several decades, and now it is time to restore the river to some semblance of what it was before the advent of an increased population for our benefit and for the benefit of those yet to come, he wrote. The San Xavier Districts Wa:k Hikdan Riparian Restoration Project on Tohono Oodham land was a model for the coalition. The Wa:k Hikdan project restored riparian habitat to the San Xavier District just south of downtown Tucson by using Colorado River water granted through the Central Arizona Project. The coalition said the Wa:k Hikdan project resulted in trees regrowing, plant life becoming abundant again, and animals returning. The project brought the community together in the process, making it a model for the Santa Cruz River refuge proposal. Phillips reiterated the importance of having a wilderness refuge is not only for the plants and animals, but also for communities historically excluded from wild places. What I like about the urban wildlife refuge designation, is people are part of the solution and that communities of color who have been excluded from access to wild spaces, this wildlife refuge is geared to invite them to these spaces, Phillips said, citing issues of environmental racism in south Tucsons groundwater and urban renewal in the 1960s. Following the approval of the urban wildlife refuge's landscape conservation design, the U.S. Forest and Wildlife Service and its partners are hosting interactive workshops on conservation efforts and land protection in the Tucson and Santa Cruz River Corridor region on Sep. 24 and Sep. 25 Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. The Republics coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. Support Arizona news coverage with a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Part of Santa Cruz River close to becoming urban wildlife refuge LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A group of young Arkansans are headed to our nations Capital with the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission this week for a very special tribute to Arkansas legend, Johnny Cash. On Tuesday, Washington D.C. and local officials will gather inside the Statuary Hall at The United States Capitol for the official unveiling ceremony of Johnny Cash statue. Arkansas Johnny Cash statue on the way to Washington D.C. Cashs statue will be the second Arkansas representation in the Hall alongside Daisy Bates. DuShun Scarbrough, Executive Director of the commission says they took multiple students from Rivercrest, White Hall and Watson Chapel School Districts with them on the trip as part of their 2024 Dream Keepers Tour. What better way to recognize and pay tribute to Johnny Cash than to have the band and music department students with us, Scarbrough said. Johnny Cash is truly an icon in many ways not only as an humanitarian but as an individual who spoke through his music. On their way to D.C. the commission made several stops at historical markers in Memphis, Tennessee like at The National Civil Rights Museum and Sun Studio where Cash recorded the hit song, I Walk The Line in 1956. US Capitol statue of Johnny Cash to be unveiled in late September Gabbi Wynne, a student at Rivercrest School District, says despite it being the first day on the trip she has already learned things. I feel like I learned a lot about him even just by listening to his music, Wynne said. Sun Records was really cool because I have been really interested in music for a long time and seeing where icons like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley recorded was really cool. Scarbrough says every day students will continue to learn more while on the Dream Tour, as he hopes their message of unity is felt by all. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. Ascension St. Vincents Clay County has announced the expansion of its robotic surgery capabilities with the addition of a second da Vinci Xi system, further enhancing the hospitals ability to perform minimally invasive, robotically-assisted surgeries. The new system adds a second operating room dedicated to these procedures. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The da Vinci Xi system is used for a variety of surgeries, including general, gynecological, and urologic procedures. Robotic-assisted surgeries offer patients several benefits, such as reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery times. Surgeons remain in complete control during every procedure. This expansion of our capacity for robotically-assisted surgeries reflects our commitment to providing each and every patient with their best possible outcome, said Bryan Walrath, President and CEO of St. Vincents Clay County. We look forward to providing more minimally-invasive procedures with this technology in order to increase our patients quality of care and experience at our hospital. The da Vinci Xi system is the most widely used multiport robotic surgery platform in the world, offering advanced instrumentation and precision for a wide range of procedures. In addition to its expanded surgical capabilities, St. Vincents Clay County was recently named a High Performing Hospital by U.S. News and World Report for 2024-2025. The hospitals parent organization, Ascension St. Vincents, was also ranked among the top 15 health systems in the country for 2024 by Fortune and PINC AI. For more information, visit www.ascension.org. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Asheville Citizen Times journalists were honored Sept. 19 with three awards during the 151st North Carolina Press Association annual convention in Raleigh. NCPA members were honored for excellence in news and advertising coverage. The peer-reviewed contest is one of the largest in the nation with over 4,000 entries submitted by more than 125 newspapers and news organizations, according to the NCPA. Citizen Times City Reporter Sarah Honosky won a first-place award and Investigative Reporter Joel Burgess won two second-place awards including one he shared with Citizen Times Photographer Angela Wilhelm. Eric Freeman takes a break from eating lunch to sing Setting the Woods on Fire by Hank Williams at Haywood Street Congregation, November 8, 2023. Im very proud of, and congratulate our newsroom staffers for their N.C. Press Association awards. The work of Joel, Angela and Sarah represent some of the best reporting in the state, and alongside their Citizen Times colleagues, work tirelessly to present Western North Carolina residents with the truth, said Karen Chavez, Asheville Citizen Times executive editor. Our journalists exemplify the mission of the Citizen Times to inform our readers through explanatory pieces, to hold those in power accountable through watchdog, accountability journalism and to help set a vision of positive change for our community. The Citizen Times awards are all the more impressive considering the paper competes in a division with the state's largest daily newspapers, including the Charlotte Observer, Raleigh News & Observer and Greensboro News & Record, Chavez said. Honosky won first place for her series of intimate portraits of the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Asheville, the struggles the city faces in attempting to address this complex issue and debunking common myths about this vulnerable population. Linda Penland receives a haircut form a volunteer at Haywood Street Congregation, November 8, 2023. Read the Homeless in Asheville series: Schools, county tax assessment accountability Burgess, who covered government, politics and investigations for the Citizen Times for 17 years, won second place in General News Reporting for his story on the yawning gap between the sales prices of Buncombe County's high-end homes and the tax-assessed values of those homes. Burgess found that sales prices averaged 92% above their tax-assessed values, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in public subsidies to extremely wealthy homeowners. Read: 'Hidden subsidy for rich people:' Asheville area mansions sell for 92% over tax value Burgess who earlier this month moved to another Gannett paper, USA Today also won second place for Education Reporting, and Wilhelm for photography, in the same category for their story on unreported crimes in Asheville City Schools. David Frary's son was 5 when he was sexually battered by an older student in the bathroom of his elementary school, according to a 2019 police report and details from Frary. Read: Asheville City Schools crimes: weapons, rapes not reported to NC School Board? The reporter-photographer team found that even as police were recording rapes, assaults and other violent crimes in the city's schools those crimes were not being recorded in a North Carolina system used by state education officials and legislators to set policies and where parents should be able to judge a schools safety. The reporting led to a change in how the Asheville City School system reports crimes. Check out more award-winning, in-depth, accountability journalism, photos and video from all Citizen Times journalists at citizentimes.com. More: Citizen Times journalists honored by NC Press Association, SPJ for outstanding work More: Bears, beer, watchdogging, courtroom drama, pickleball: All in a daily newsroom's work Aaron Nelsen is the local news editor for the Asheville Citizen Times. His past stops include the San Antonio Express-News, where he was the Rio Grande Valley bureau chief, and for Time Magazine in Chile. He has been published in the New York Times, The Guardian, and Texas Monthly Magazine. Reach him at anelsen@citizentimes.com or follow him on twitter @amnelsen. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Citizen Times journalists win NC Press Association awards We have the sheer ignorance of VP wannabe JD Vance to thank for the hate being launched on the Haitian community of Springfield, Ohio. A single tweet alleging the Haitian immigrants were eating cats and dogs - based off an unrelated story about a Black woman allegedly confessing to eating a cat - took the racist Republican side of the internet by storm. Then, as expected, wannabe-President-again Donald Trump spewed the same lie on the presidential debate stage. However, despite the moderators calmly correcting him, the lie resulted in the unwarranted, racist violence and taunts against Springfields Haitian community, children included. Does this come as a surprise, though? Over history, white political figures or white people who weaponized their white privilege lied about Black people for political gain or to fuel their own racist ignorance. The sad part is... some people take the bait. For reference, we pulled 15 examples of dangerous lies white people told about Black people. Haitians Eating Pets Photo: Adam Gray/AFP (Getty Images) JD Vance took to social media, various news stations and the podium of several rallies alleging Haitian immigrants populating the Springfield, Ohio area have been eating cats and dogs. The lie stemmed from the body camera video of the arrest of a Black Columbus, Ohio woman confessing to allegedly butchering a cat and trying to eat it. Then, that orange man Donald Trump spewed the same damning lie on national television during the presidential debate. Rumors about pet-eating Haitians were already circulating the town, per NBC. Despite local police shutting down the rumors, these innocent people have been subjected to violent, racist threats both on a local and national scale - all because Trump wanted to solidify his stance against illegal immigration or rather, immigration in general. The Great Replacement Theory Photo: Derek Gee/Buffalo News/Pool via Xinhua (Getty Images) The white supremacist manifesto suggests Black and brown people will, at some point, replace the white population of America by emerging as the new majority. Though the racist rhetoric was often connected to the motives of some anti-Black mass shootings (like the Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron), others with major political platforms suggested the manifesto had some weight to it. Tucker Carlson, for example, boasted about the theory for years on both FOX News and his talk show alleging social movements like Black Lives Matter and the ongoing immigration crisis are to blame. Another example is Vivek Ramaswamy, whos not white but stood behind the racist whites suggesting the replacement theory was the basic statement of the Democratic Partys platform instead of the right-wing conspiracy it truly is. The Myth of Black-on-Black Crime Photo: Hill Street Studios (Getty Images) Ugh, gosh. For decades weve been spoon-fed under-analyzed statistics on the number of murders Black people commit in relation to the 15 percent of the U.S. population we take up. The Orange Man and many of his conservative minions tout the lies that Black people are more violent and prone to criminal behavior than anyone else. Crime data reaching all the way to Frederick Hoffmans 1896 research on the matter confirms the idea of Black people committing more crimes than white people is not only a myth but also ignores the racial inequities that cause crime to occur in our community anyway. Why lie? So white people can maintain their superiority complex above Black people. Criminalization of BLM Photo: Anadolu (Getty Images) Black Lives Matter, the movement, was immediately criminalized as a violent group who hates cops and thinks Black people matter more than everyone else. A few riots that bubbled out of intense interactions between police and peaceful protestors gave Republicans the ammo to not only denounce the group altogether but to claim theyre unnecessarily vile. One white man in Texas tweeted a lie that his daughter and her boyfriend were attacked by BLM supporters group of BLM in Baltimore, Md which was proven to be a fib by receipts from the city police department. Another white man went as far as to set his house on fire and vandalize his property to falsely allege BLM supporters targeted his home. Then, of course, veteran Daniel Perry was convicted in the fatal shooting of an armed BLM supporter after accusing him of threatening his life which is still being disputed. A White Ladys Lie That Caused a Lynching Photo: Bettmann (Getty Images) In 1955, 21-year-old Carolyn Bryant Donham lied to her husband alleging 14-year-old Emmett Till whistled at her inside a grocery store. Once her husband caught wind of what was considered a societal offense back then, he rounded up his brother and the two kidnapped Till in the wee hours of that night. Till was tortured, beaten and murdered - having been mutilated to point of not being recognizable. Donhams lie wasnt revealed until decades later inside her memoir, per CBS News. However, her lie is only one of many that white women told on Black boys and men that resulted in their lynchings or unlawful imprisonment. The Central Park Five Photo: The New York City Law Department Back in 1989, five Black teens hanging around Central Park at the same time a white jogger was brutally beaten and sexually assaulted resulted in one of the most widely criticized cases in America. Raymond Santana, Yusef Salaam, Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray and Korey Wise were blasted in the media as the wildin thugs that nearly took the life of an innocent white woman. Detectives conspired with the lead prosecutor, Linda Fairstein, to coerce the boys into false confessions and maliciously framed them as criminals during trial to ensure a guilty conviction. The five werent exonerated until 2002. Birtherism Photo: Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images) Back in 2016 and 2017, former President Donald Trump questioned the authenticity of former President Barack Obamas birth certificate, touting more than several times that Obama was born outside of the United States. Though, anti-Obama trolls ran with some unfound claim that he was born in Kenya and made further assumptions about his religion - all rooted in racism. He was born in Hawaii in 1961, for clarification. However, the Cheeto doubled back and used former First Lady Hillary Clinton as a scapegoat, claiming she was the origin of the birther suspicions because of an anonymous email from 2008 claiming Obamas mother gave birth to him in the African country, per The Atlantic. These racist lies were nothing other than an attempt to discredit Obama as a presidential candidate and soon, VP Kamala Harris as well. Hillary Clinton on Superpredators Photo: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu (Getty Images) She didnt have to say exactly who she was referring to when sharing her support for the 1994 Crime Bill. In Clintons speech she said, They are not just gangs of kids anymore. They are often the kinds of kids that are called super predators. No conscience, no empathy. In the previous war on drugs under Nixons administration, similar rhetoric was used to identify a certain population of people deemed problematic. However, the racial implication was obvious as the bill resulted in the mass incarceration of Black Americans. Clinton later apologized for her comment after being confronted by an activist, per The Washington Post. However, language like hers indirectly pointed toward Black and brown communities put a target on their back for police. Anti-White Racism Claims Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images) Anti-woke culture has pulled radical conservatives to believe that its possible for white people to be more racially oppressed than Black people. The downplaying of the importance of teaching children the truth of American history resulted in many Republicans alleging racism is too small of a problem to teach, per a YouGov poll. In turn, theyve managed to make themselves the victim of racism. With the rise of book bans and anti-white discrimination lawsuits, Trump and the rest of his Republican gang have repeatedly projected the claim that America is becoming anti-white and that white people are suffering by somehow being marginalized. Slavery Wasnt That Bad Photo: Joe Raedle (Getty Images) The centuries of slavery that resulted in the murder, rape and physical and psychological torture of Black people is hard to teach to a class of young minds but Republicans all over the country are encouraging the absence of it being taught at all. If thats not the case, then some political figures such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Bill OReilly suggested Black people benefited from slavery in someways like having food and shelter and learning sharecropping skills. Lying about the reality of slavery only makes its impact on Black American socioeconomics easier to blow off. Haiti and Africa Being Sh!thole Countries Photo: JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP (Getty Images) In 2018, former President Donald Trump made remarks in a meeting with senators where he referred to Haiti and African countries as shitholes while making a point about immigration, per NBC. Black and brown migrants already received a cyberbullying attacks from Trump as soon as he took office and obviously because of their color since he had no issue accepting migrants from places like Norway. However, his remarks only reinforced negative stereotypes and false claims that the immigrants flocking to the states are no good, job stealing, criminal psychos. Excited Delirium Photo: Rich Fury (Getty Images) When officers restrained Elijah McClain for paramedics to administer a lethal dose of ketamine, their excuse was that they wanted to calm him down from a state of excited delirium. Police officers often use the excuse that Black men who exert aggressive, superhuman strength, (as per a 2009 research piece) and appear to require more aggressive and sometimes lethal force for detainment. This diagnosis has been the exaggerated and overused excuse for the death of many Black men beyond Elijah McClain so officers could escape immunity. It also echoes an outdated myth from slavery to the Jim Crow Era about Black people having an inhumane level of strength in comparison to white people. The Crack Epidemic Photo: Dirck Halstead (Getty Images) The war on drugs between the 60s and 90s was most certainly targeted at the Black community by white politicians. The crack epidemic, in particular, was plastered through the media and politics as a Black issue. As a result, Black people were incarcerated at an 8x higher rate than white people ... who were using the drug more than Black people, per The National Institute on Drug Abuse. Not to mention, Black people got higher sentences and faced the good ol mandatory minimums more than white people - further rigging the statistics to show a false narrative that Black people have more criminal tendencies. Medical Myths Photo: Maskot (Getty Images) Being the medical field is inherently tailored to white men, a number of false narratives about Black patients emerged causing inaccurate diagnoses and sometimes, treatment. A 2020 article published in the National Library of Medicine found treatments for all patients are based on the treatments for a default human - that human being a white male. Other notable myths include Black people having a higher pain tolerance, significant vitamin D deficiencies and other stereotypes that cause Black to receive biased assessments, per Medical News Today. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We asked millennials and Gen Zers for their top hidden-gem travel destinations. Here's what they said. Summer may be over, but that isn't stopping people from dreaming about their next vacation abroad. As more young people prioritize travel, we took to the streets of NYC to learn where they're going. From a beach town in Turkey to a natural cave in Vietnam, here are hidden gems they love to visit. Depending on where you're reading this, you might have noticed a chill in the morning air or leaves turning a golden shade of brown. But while summer is coming to an end, people's travel plans are not and that's especially true for younger generations. In May, consulting giant McKinsey reported that 41% of Gen Zers and 37% of millennials are more interested in travel now than they were before 2020, compared to just 28% of Gen Xers and 22% of baby boomers. And while some Americans are choosing to cut down on expenses, an increasing number of Gen-Zers and millennials in the US are willing to sacrifice savings in favor of booking their next big trip abroad some are electing to fund trips through "buy now, pay later" schemes, while others are turning to travel agents to plan their holiday adventures. Fall travel costs have skyrocketed 36% compared to last year, according to travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth. But for those who missed splurging on a summer vacation, now may actually be the perfect time to book Expedia reports plane tickets usually drop 10% in autumn. BI took to the streets of New York City to meet members of these travel-obsessed generations and learn their favorite hidden-gem destinations. Here are their recommendations. Kilby Bronstein, 32, entrepreneur Bronstein told BI Alacat, Turkey, is a hidden gem. Amy Lombard for BI "Alacat, it's a hidden gem for Americans, not for people from Turkey. But it's incredible," Bronstein said of the coastal town by the Aegean Sea that she visited on a trip to Turkey this summer. Winding cobblestone streets of cafes and restaurants, buildings laden with flowers, and beaches lined with crystal clear waters are just a few reasons she considers it one of the most beautiful places she's ever visited. J.J. Martinez, 42, state worker Martinez recently traveled to Estonia. Amy Lombard for BI Martinez credits his travel-obsessed partner with being behind their recent visit to Eastern Europe, where he fell in love with Estonia's capital city, Tallinn, a cultural hub known for its medieval churches, palaces, and castles. "When you go to Estonia, it looks very similar to Ukraine, Russia that type of architecture. It's a hidden gem," Martinez said. As a Puerto Rican, he also noted that while the locals aren't as "outspoken" or "lively" as the people he grew up with, they were warm. "Even though at first glance, they may look very stoic and not as friendly if you need something, and if you ask them, they will help you," he said. Gregory Bratone, 33, teacher Bratone enjoyed the beaches and food in Ko Lanta, an island off the coast of Thailand. Amy Lombard for BI Bratone couldn't get enough of Ko Lanta, an island off the west coast of Thailand dotted with palm trees and golden sand beaches. "Super peaceful, beautiful beaches, very friendly people, and the best Thai food, as you'd imagine," he said. "Also very cheap. It was like $3 for a full meal," Bratone added. "That's like the streetside cafes, not a fancy place, but it was still very good." Alice Wolf, 23, government worker Wolf loved her time in Copenhagen. Amy Lombard for BI Though Wolf concedes that "it's not really hidden," Copenhagen was her favorite place she visited last summer. "I think it's very clean," she said. "Also, the people are very attractive, but not in a physical way only. They are just the kindest people ever to everyone. It makes you just feel so uplifted." Wolf added,"I went in May, so it was beginning to warm up." Tess Nguyen, 33, construction export executive Nguyen recommended visiting Son oong Cave in Thailand. Amy Lombard for BI Nguyen is from Vietnam and recommended Son oong Cave, nestled at the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the Quang Binh Province. "It's the biggest cave in the world," she added of Son oong, which stretches over 5 miles, encompassing vast caverns, underground rivers, and a plethora of stalagmites and stalactites. Matthew Gutierrez, 30, city planner Gutierrez told BI Berlin has a "messy-haired elegance to it." Amy Lombard for BI Gutierrez spent 11 days in Berlin, prefacing that some people may consider the city to be "a very obvious answer, but for others maybe not." "It's been a long time since I've gone to a new city, and I felt so immediately infatuated by it," he said. "I just feel like culturally, it's so interesting. The history is amazing. It's so international, amazing museums. It kind of has this messy-haired elegance to it. It's rough around the edges, but there's so much beauty." He added that while the city is often associated with club culture "that's definitely there, and that's a cool thing to tap into" there's "so much more than just that." Fania Muthia, 23, interior designer Muthia said Labuan Bajo in Indonesia is "really gorgeous." Amy Lombard for BI "It's really gorgeous," Muthia said of her time in Labuan Bajo, a city on the Island of Flores in Indonesia. "I really love it there." The port city is known for its natural attractions, like the marine cave Gua Rangko, as well as boutiques, hotels, and beach clubs. It's also considered a jump-off point for those wanting to visit Komodo National Park, a collection of islands and coral reefs home to a wide variety of species, from sea turtles and dolphins, to yes Komodo Dragons. Luis Minano, 20, student Minano visited the Black Lake in Slovenia last April. Amy Lombard for BI During a trip to Slovenia last April, Minano who's from Spain visited the Black Lake, one of 10 bodies of water nestled throughout the Triglav Lakes Valley. At the time, he remembers the mountains surrounding the lake being capped with powder-white snow. "There is a church in the middle of the lake, and it's so beautiful," he said. "Not many people know it, I think at least here in America." Read the original article on Business Insider Attacks by Islamic extremists are rampant in Africa's Sahel. Here's what we know about them DAKAR, Senegal (AP) Extremist attacks in Sahel, an arid swath of land south of the Sahara in Africa, have proliferated in recent months: Last week, Islamic militants attacked Bamako, the capital of Mali, for the first time in almost a decade, demonstrating their capacity to carry out large scale assaults. And last month, at least 100 villagers and soldiers were killed in central Burkina Faso during a weekend attack on a village by al-Qaida-linked jihadis, as they were forcibly helping security forces dig trenches to protect security outposts and villages. Heres what we know about the security situation in Sahel: A REGION CHARACTERIZED BY UPRISINGS AND COUPS Over the last decade, the region has been shaken by extremist uprisings and military coups. Three Sahelian nations, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, are now ruled by military leaders who have taken power by force, on the pledge of providing more security to citizens. But the security situation in Sahel has worsened since the juntas took power, analysts say, with a record number of attacks and a record number of civilians killed both by Islamic fighters and government forces. Over the first six months of this year, 3,064 civilians were killed by the violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a 25% increase compared to the previous 6 months. Extremist groups operating in Sahel, and what they want The main two groups operating in the region are the al-Qaida-linked militant group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), and the Islamic State in the Sahel. Over the last year, the JNIM has strengthened its presence in Mali and Burkina Faso, by becoming a more coherent political grouping. The local populations support (JNIM) more than IS-affiliated groups, said analyst Shaantanu Shankar of the Economist Intelligence Unit. They have integrated local rebel groups, which have close community ties. Unlike JNIM, Islamic State in the Sahel is a loose coalition of anti-government forces that is much less entrenched politically, he said. They are much more dominant in the Lake Chad region. These groups attack, terrorize and kill local populations and their actions likely amount to war crimes, according to rights organizations. In addition, there is also a number of local militia on the ground, which are not affiliated with IS or al-Qaida, as violence has exploded between rival ethnicities and local self-defense groups resulting in a self-perpetuating spiral of violence. Why the extremists in Sahel are getting stronger The military juntas in three countries have capitalized on popular discontent with the former democratically elected governments, which they saw as corrupt and propped up by France. After coming into power, all three juntas left the Economic Community of West African States, the nearly 50-year-old regional bloc known as ECOWAS, and created their own security partnership, the Alliance of Sahel States, in September. They have cut ties with the traditional Western allies, ousting French and American military forces, and instead sought new security ties with Russia. There is a huge security vacuum after the withdrawal of the French and American military" from the region, said Shankar, which cannot be filled by Russia. Troops from the Wagner Group, the Russian private military company, present in the region are being financed by the junta governments, Shankar added, with fewer financial resources. But experts say the other factor fueling instability is the worsening economic situation, as well as the lack of job opportunities, which contribute to the rising popularity of extremist groups. In all three countries, Islamic extremists have been recruiting among groups marginalized and neglected by the central governments. There are very few opportunities for people in rural Sahel, especially the youth, said Heni Nsabia, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project analysis coordinator for West Africa. But the other aspect is that people whose families and communities were targeted by state forces seek security, status and vengeance. How the groups finance themselves Despite being affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, extremist groups in the Sahel mostly get financial resources within their own strongholds, analysts said. They impose taxes on the local population, take control of the management of natural resources, especially of gold, and steal cattle. They also impose sieges on towns and use kidnappings, improvised explosive devices and landmines as they seek to control supply routs and resources. The extremists are also involved in trafficking, especially of drugs, said Aaryaman Shah, a security analyst who specializes in the financing of extremist groups. And they profit from people smuggling which might bring them even more money in the future. We are concerned about the recent turmoil in Libya, and how that could actually affect the migrant flow," said Shah. We are also looking at Niger, where the junta disbanded the law stopping people from crossing into Libya. The business model that these groups developed is very diversified, analysts said. This is why it is difficult to destroy them economically," said Nsabia from ACLED. "If you target one aspect, they have other sources of revenues. The outlook for the future Analysts predict that the situation in the Sahel is going to worsen in the coming months, with the military governments becoming increasingly desperate as they focus on preserving their political existence, and no way of holding them accountable. Its a very volatile phase, security is projected to get worse in the next 2 years, said Shankar of the Economist Intelligence Unit. And the violence has been spilling outside the Sahel borders: Extremists believed to be linked to al-Qaida have crossed into Benin and the north of Nigeria, the latest trend in the militants movements to wealthier West African coastal nations. Its undeniable that things are getting worse, and the scope of the threat has been expanding, said Nsabia. Today, we should not be talking only about Sahel, but also about Benin and Togo, where the JNIM have done excursions as far as 200 kilometers inland. Europe and United States are seeking to support the governments of these coastal nations in their counter-terrorism efforts. Michael Langley, the top U.S. commander for Africa, told reporters last week the U.S. was in talks with Ivory Coast, Ghana and Benin as the country starts to reset and recalibrate some of our assets." A major challenge has been, and will continue to be, access to information, experts said. All juntas significantly restricted journalism, so now they are in complete control of the narrative, including of who is defined as a jihadi. In Mali, the government branded all Touaregs an ethnic group which staged a rebellion against the government, as jihadis, although only some of them allied with JNIM. (Bloomberg) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is ending a brief US visit confident that two key regional security alliances will remain in place regardless of who wins the presidential election. Most Read from Bloomberg Albanese had a lengthy one-on-one meeting with President Joe Biden Friday in Wilmington, Delaware, at which their Aukus security alliance with the UK was discussed. The following day the pair joined prime ministers Narendra Modi of India and Fumio Kishida of Japan at the annual Quadrilateral Security Dialogue leaders summit. Overhanging the discussions was uncertainty over the future of both arrangements beyond the US vote in early November. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has long been wary of US alliances he thinks are lopsided, but Albanese says both Aukus and the Quad have a secure future. I know from my own experience, one-on-one discussions Ive had across the Congress and across the center, how deep the support for Aukus is, he told reporters in the US. There is no question in my mind that Aukus will continue to have the support of any future US administration. Subscribe here to The Bloomberg Australia Podcast, launching Sept. 26. Last week, the three Aukus members signaled they are willing to consider expanding the agreement by allowing access to the so-called second pillar that focuses on research and development of critical technologies. They named Canada, South Korea and New Zealand as potential partners for collaboration and said they were also exploring cooperation opportunities with Japan. The Quad leaders on Saturday announced a joint initiative to collaborate and save lives from cancer, initially focused on cervical cancer, as well as enhancements to maritime security that include an observer program across coast guard services to improve interoperability. On the future of the Quad alliance, Albanese told reporters he was absolutely confident it would endure, adding that all four nations are committed. His view was echoed by Biden, who said it will survive way beyond November. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (NEXSTAR) Forget about the complexity of your online password, your own voice could be the tool criminals use to access your money, new research warns. Starling, a UK-based online bank, said Wednesday in a news release that millions of people are at risk of falling victim to voice cloning scams. The data, based on a representative survey of roughly 3,000 UK adults, found that 28% of people said they had been targeted by an AI voice cloning scam at least once in the past year. Forty-six percent of UK adults were not aware such scams even existed, Starlings researchers found. Powerful artificial intelligence-based programs are able to replicate a persons voice using just seconds of original audio, which the studys authors noted is not difficult to find thanks to social media accounts, YouTube and other internet archives. In March, OpenAI unveiled its Voice Engine, which can accurately replicate someones speech using just a 15-second clip. Drinking this much coffee each day tied to lower risk of heart, metabolic disease The FBI issued a similar warning in early May, saying that the AI tools are publicly available and allow crooks to increase the speed, scale and automation of their attacks. While incorrect grammar or misspellings might have been obvious clues in the past, the AI tools can polish convincing messages to victims. Malicious actors increasingly employ AI-powered voice and video cloning techniques to impersonate trusted individuals, such as family members, co-workers, or business partners, the FBI said in a release. By manipulating and creating audio and visual content with unprecedented realism, these adversaries seek to deceive unsuspecting victims into divulging sensitive information or authorizing fraudulent transactions. If a call sounds like your boss (asking for bank account numbers) or your family member (begging for help in an emergency), youre more likely to act, a Federal Trace Commission warning reads. Thats why scammers use voice cloning to make their requests for money or information more believable. Major banks such as HSBC, Schwab and others have implemented a Voice ID security screening to speed up customer service interactions. Banks often reassure customers that their voices are as unique as their fingerprints, but what happens if ones voice can be accurately recreated by a bad actor? Nexstar reached out to both HSBC and Schwab to ask about the security of their Voice ID features, but did not receive a reply as of publishing time. In a piece for Vice, a journalist documented himself using an AI clone of his own voice to fool the automated system at Lloyds Bank in the UK, using only the recording and his birth date to gain access to the account. The article was one of several cited in a US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs letter to Brian Moynihan, the CEO of Bank of America, asking for information on how banks use and protect voice data. When it comes to the safety of voice authentication technology, Wells Fargo recently defended the tool, telling KQED that it relies on a layered approach that doesnt grant access solely on the basis of a customers voice. This service must be paired with other identity verification methods to allow access to customer accounts. The FBI and Starling recommend people do the following to keep their information and money safe: Stay vigilant: Messages asking for money or credentials are red flags. Businesses should employee technical solutions to fight phishing tactics and make sure to train employees against them. Multi-factor authentication: This is a crucial tool against crooks trying to take control of an account or system. Consider a safe phrase: While AI tools can mimic your voice, it wont be able to guess what phrase you might have previously agreed upon with friends and relatives. If you do experience a scam attempt, the FTC asks you to send them an email. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Update: Janet Jackson's apology for calling Harris "not Black" was not authorized by her In a twist, an apology credited to Janet Jackson over the weekend after saying that Vice President Kamala Harris is "not Black" in an interview with The Guardian was not actually authorized by the singer at all. According to an update from Variety issued on Sunday night: The unauthorized apology, first reported by Buzzfeed and repeated by multiple major outlets, was made by a man named Mo Elmasri who apparently inaccurately claimed to be the singers manager. It reads: Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments. She recognizes that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris racial identity were based on misinformation. Janet respects Harris dual heritage as both Black and Indian and apologizes for any confusion caused. She values the diversity Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating that in todays society. Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding. In an interview published by The Guardian on Saturday, Jackson balked at a question about the possibility of a Black woman being president. "[Harris is] not Black," Jackson said. Thats what I heard. That shes Indian. Her fathers white. Thats what I was told. I mean, I havent watched the news in a few days. I was told that they discovered her father was white. Harris is the daughter of Jamaican-American professor Donald Harris, who is Black, and Indian-American scientist Shyamala Gopalan Harris. The now-discredited statement made by Elmsari, who is not the singers manager, said Jackson's response was "based on misinformation." "She deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman," she added. "Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse." It's not the first time that Harris' ethnicity has been questioned this election season. Donald Trump falsely accused the vice president of "turn[ing] Black" at some point in the last few years. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black," he said at a Black journalists conference in July. "So, I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black? Bartow County, Georgia, Election Supervisor Joseph Kirk and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger at a Sept. 19, 2024, panel on election safeguards in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance) Bipartisan election officials from multiple battleground states met in Michigan and discussed their election day concerns and plans to make sure Election Day runs safely and smoothly. Officials from Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania gathered Thursday in the Gerald R. Ford Library in Ann Arbor for a string of panel discussions hosted by the nonpartisan group Keep our Republic, which focuses on providing education on threats to the U.S. election system and building trust in the electoral system. Panelists began the day discussing the safeguards in place to protect from double voting, ballots being cast by dead individuals and noncitizen voters, alongside the ways they ensure accurate voting results before discussing the steps theyre taking to ensure Election Day goes smoothly for election workers, poll watchers and voters. When asked what efforts the clerks on the panel were taking to support the wellbeing of permanent and volunteer election workers, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina Board of Elections, said physical and mental wellness has been a priority for their office. Alongside extensive deescalation training and training on wellness and resiliency, North Carolina has held sessions with a doctor through the U.S. Department of Defense with an understanding that many election officials are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, who they plan to have back before Election Day. In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has organized an election threat task force with federal, state, and local partners, and there is a training unit created in response to the large turnover of election workers in the state and across the nation, Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth and former GOP elections official Al Schmidt said. The unit is led by an experienced county election director who will train new election directors to ensure a smooth election. Communication Joseph Kirk, election supervisor for Bartow County, Georgia, said theres been more communication from the state in recent election cycles surrounding the landscape of threats to election workers. Additionally, the state has partnered with a wide number of organizations to get the word out about mental health, physical safety, and any other knowledge election workers may need. Kirk is ensuring his staff has training on physical threats and mental health that prioritizes the people in these situations, whether its an angry person at the polls or a natural disaster. Additionally, election work is a community, Kirk said, and other organizations have made efforts to offer mental health support to members of that community. Justin Roebuck, the Republican clerk for Ottawa County, Michigan, underscored Kirks point on community. Something that I dont want to get lost in this discussion is the fact that, you know, we sign up to do this for a reason, and theres joy in this process. We are a part of this incredible, long history, right, of allowing people to engage in the democratic process and choose their government, Roebuck said. In addition to discussions on resilience and taking advantage of resources provided by the state, Roebuck said he and his team have been encouraging each other with positive stories. We have so many positive stories, so many like first time voters walking into precincts and getting high fives and cheers from election workers when they vote. We go out into communities, and Im talking to fourth-grade class next week, and were doing a mock election with Oreos, Roebuck said. Were using, you know, taste testing an Oreo and voting for your favorite Oreo. And these kids are coming up and asking legitimate questions that some adults are not asking about voting, so all of these things I think are so important to remind ourselves of. New landscape As election officials continue to adapt to a new landscape that includes threats and harassment, Wisconsin Election Commission Administrator and Chief Official Meagan Wolfe said all clerks have been an inspiration. Theyve shown that were not going to let fear rule us. Were not going to let bullies or harassment dictate how we operate, that we are stronger than that, we are more resilient than that, and were going to keep doing our job the way that weve always done it, with integrity in mind, Wolfe said. As election workers charge forth the focus has been on empowering them, Wolfe said, ensuring they have relationships with law enforcement and security assessments of their offices and polling places. With election clerks facing increased scrutiny in recent years, panelists discussed procedures for poll watchers and poll challengers in their states. Schmidt noted the important role poll watchers played in ensuring transparency in Pennsylvanias elections, but noted its just as important that they understand what they cant do as far as interfering with the voting process, harassing or intimidating voters, or advocating on behalf or against a candidate. In Arizona, these observers are designated by county party chairs, Arizona State Election Director Lisa M. Marra. However, unlike poll workers who are required to be trained by state law, there are not the same requirements for observers, who may or may not have been trained on the basic rules. Training A lot of times, individuals say theyve seen all these things that are illegal happening that are not but they dont know because they dont know the laws because theyre not trained, Marra said noting her support for something like an hour-long class to ensure poll watchers know the basic rules around their position. Georgia has that type of class, Kirk noted, as poll watchers are required to go through training from the entity that appointed them, with many officials offering optional trainings about their local election processes. Its important for these watchers to understand what theyre seeing and what to do if somethings not going right, Kirk said, noting that poll watchers are different in Georgia from poll challengers in other states. In Georgia, poll watchers observe whats going on. If they see something wrong, they alert who appointed them or the election office, not the poll manager, where[as] other states, they have more of a role of challenging what poll workers should do, Kirk said. Additionally, there is an area where members of the public can observe if there is space, but if they want to go beyond the check in-area, they have to be trained, Kirk said. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, encouraged those interested in the process to join them as an election worker, rather than participating as a poll watcher, with another member of the panel joking, Then youre complicit. The question is to the voter out there, do you want to make a difference? They could be a watcher, or you could be a poll worker. Im a worker, not a whiner, so come join us, Raffensperger said. Poll challengers Michigan Bureau of Elections Director Jonathan Brater noted that the state has not had trouble with poll challengers who have been trained, regardless of the political party that has trained them. Where we have problems are when people show up, you know, because they got an email or at the last second and theyve been told somethings going wrong, they come into the middle of an election process they know nothing about, and then they start causing trouble, Brater said. While Michigan has updated its challenger guidance to make things clearer for election officials, the state also has laws making it a crime to threaten an election worker, Brater said. Lisa Posthumus Lyons, clerk for Kent County, Michigan and a former GOP member of the state House of Representatives, echoed the importance of training poll challengers and advocated for setting expectations for poll workers. I think we need to make sure that our election inspectors have an expectation set, that they understand that you could encounter poll challengers at your precinct. And so rather than have this unexpected, almost combative relationship, its a, This is part of the process. I know what they are able to do, and I know that role, I know whats coming and were really all a part of the process together, Posthumus Lyons said. This story first appeared in the Michigan Advance, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The News US President Joe Biden hosted the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan in Delaware this weekend, with the four countries agreeing to expand security and military cooperation, particularly in Asias trade-rich waterways. Known as the Quad summit, the alliance is here to stay, Biden emphasized the Indo-Pacific partnership has grown in importance during his presidency, and analysts believe that he sought to institutionalize the body before the end of his presidency and potential leadership changes in Japan and Australia next year, according to Nikkei Asia. National security adviser Jake Sullivan insisted that China is not the focus of the Quad, however, the countries leaders wrote in a joint statement that they are seriously concerned about Chinas escalations in the Pacific region. Biden was also heard on a hot mic saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping is looking to buy himself some diplomatic space by continuing to behave aggressively, testing this all across the region. Growing up, Nathan Gabriel was teased for his Haitian heritage. Hes now growing increasingly concerned about the claims former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance made at the national stage regarding Haitian immigrants and that anxiety has empowered him to push others to vote. Being Haitian is a blessing, said Gabriel, the president of the Haitian Student Union at Florida International University. Never let a classmate, coworker or even a vice president nominee and former President tell you different. Like Gabriel, about 200 people mainly members of South Floridas Haitian community and dozens of local political leaders gathered outside the North Miami City Hall on Sunday afternoon to rally against the baseless claims made by the Trump campaign. The event was hosted by the Miami-Dade Democratic Haitian Caucus. If there was ever a time to stand and defend ourselves, it is right now, Gabriel said. Especially [when the comments come] from anyone in a position of power, especially a former president and a current vice president candidate... Pembroke Pines resident Audi Sicard of the Broward DNC board, left, joins in support of the South Florida Haitian community as Miami-Dade Democratic Haitian Caucus hosted a rally against the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and running mate J.D. Vance, the importance of registration to vote, and participation in the election this November 5th on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in North Miami, Florida. READ MORE: Trump campaigns false claims about Haitians eating pets in Ohio stoke immigration fears In recent weeks, the Trump campaign has falsely stated that Haitian immigrants living in a southwestern Ohio city are abducting and eating local wildlife and their neighbors pets. Trump repeated the racist tropes, rooted in a centuries-old racist trope of vilifying newcomers to the United States, during the Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Harris. Karen Graves, a spokesperson for the city of Springfield, Ohio, said in a statement that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Mr. Trump made one big mistake, said Hedder Pierre-Joseph, president of the Democratic Haitian Caucus of Florida. He forgot that we are five generations in. The first boat load of Haitians landed on the coast of Pompano Beach in December 1973. Activist and singer Farah Juste, left, joins in support of the South Florida Haitian community as Miami-Dade Democratic Haitian Caucus hosted a rally against the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and running mate J.D. Vance, the importance of registration to vote, and participation in the election this November 5th on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in North Miami, Florida. We are U.S. citizens right now, and we are going to vote... Made this community The Haitian community should stand firm and turn out at the ballot box for Harris in November, State Sen. Shevrin Jones told the crowd. Thats how the community, he said, can prevent dangerous and offensive rhetoric from tearing the U.S. apart. [Trump and Vance] are not fit to lead... because they dont know about the Haitian community, Jones said. Not only that, maybe we need to invite them here to Florida to have a meal at Chef Creole. North Miami resident Frandzy Bruce Bernadin, left, wipes the sweat of his brow as he stand in solidarity with members of South Floridas Haitian community as Miami-Dade Democratic Haitian Caucus hosted a rally against the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and running mate J.D. Vance, the importance of registration to vote, and participation in the election this November 5th on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in North Miami, Florida. Standing before the crowd in the blistering sun, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, whos running against Sen. Rick Scott, slammed Scott for his partys response to the comments about Haitian immigrants. Scott, in an interview with conservative news outlet, said the situation sounds pretty scary for the citizens of Springfield. He later praised the states Haitian population, saying he has a great relationship with them. Mucarsel-Powell emphasized that the more than 500,000 Haitians living in Florida can sway who is elected in November. You are entrepreneurial, she told the crowd. Youre small business owners. You are our teachers. You are our nurses. You have made this community what it is today... Pembroke Pines resident Audi Sicard of the Broward DNC board, center, joins in support of the South Florida Haitian community as Miami-Dade Democratic Haitian Caucus hosted a rally against the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and running mate J.D. Vance, the importance of registration to vote, and participation in the election this November 5th on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in North Miami, Florida. A poster for the No campaign ahead of a biodiversity referendum due to take place on Sept. 22, is seen in a field in Hoechstetten, Switzerland, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, (Peter Schneider/Keystone via AP) GENEVA (AP) Switzerland, known for natural beauty like pristine lakes and majestic Alpine peaks, ranks among the world's richest countries whose plant and animal life is under the greatest threat. Environmentalists were seeking better protections for the country's biodiversity in a nationwide vote that culminated Sunday. Final official results showed more than 63% of voters casting ballots had rejected the initiative that aimed to boost public funding to encourage farmers and others to set aside lands and waterways to let the wild develop more, and increase the total area allocated for green spaces that must remain untouched by human development. The contest was decided by mail-in ballots followed by a morning of in-person voting Sunday. Factors behind the weakening biodiversity in the country of rivers, lakes, valleys and mountains include intensified agriculture, soil alteration, a fragmentation of the landscape such as the building of roads and housing that cut through wildlife habitats and pollution and climate change, proponents of the measure said. The federal government parliament and the executive branch opposed the plan, as did many rural voters and the country's main right-wing party, according to polls. They called it too costly, saying 600 million Swiss francs (over $700 million) is already spent on biodiversity protection each year, and fear economic development will suffer. Passage was estimated to cost at least another 400 million francs for national and local governments, the Federal Council estimates. The initiative would also, for example, prohibit the construction of new railway lines through protected dry meadows even if such meadow is set aside and developed elsewhere, it says. Passage of the biodiversity initiative would severely limit (sustainable) energy and food production, restrict the use of forests and rural areas for tourism, and make construction more expensive, argued the campaign for a no vote on its website. YES to biodiversity, but NO to the extreme biodiversity initiative. Proponents, meanwhile, pointed to dwindling natural resources in Switzerland and threats to bees, frogs, birds, mosses and other wildlife. They argued that protected green spaces are the main capital for tourism and more of them would support local economies. Diversified nature guarantees air purity, drinkable water, pollination, fertility of the soil, and our food supply, said a committee that backed the idea. But in Switzerland, biodiversity is suffering. One-third of all our plant and animal species are threatened or have already disappeared. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a think tank that counts 38 mostly rich countries as members, has produced a comparative look at threats to plant and animal life. Switzerland ranks among the top four countries with the highest rates of threatened species in all eight categories of wildlife. The voting was part of the latest Swiss referendums, which take place four times a year to give voters a direct say in policymaking in the country of around 9 million people. The only other nationwide issue up for consideration this time was a pension reform plan backed by the government. More than two-thirds of voters turned down the pension reform plan, the final results showed. TROY, Ala. (WDHN) Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. announced he has reconsidered his decision to retire and will continue to lead the college. On Saturday, the Board of Trustees asked that I reconsider my decision to retire. Janice and I were incredibly humbled and grateful for the heartfelt sentiments expressed during our board meeting. I believe TROY has the most dedicated and unified governing board in all higher education, and I am deeply appreciative to have their support, Dr. Hawkins said in a release to WDHN After consideration, Janice and I are honored to continue to serve as your Chancellor and First Lady. Dr. Hawkins announced his retirement on September 3 on the Universitys official YouTube page. The Board of Trustees asked Dr. Hawkins to reconsider his decision during a meeting on Saturday, September 21. Ive spoken with each member of the Board and theyve asked me to deliver a message to you, Board President at Troy University, Gibson Vance said. During the meeting, Vance reaffirmed the boards commitment to Dr. Hawkins continued leadership and vision. It is with unanimous consent that we do not accept your resignation, Vance said. Given the ongoing plans to move to R2 status and other initiatives now in motion, the Board is unanimous in its belief that Dr. Hawkins is the right person to lead our institution. R2 status is a classification given to universities that have a high level of research activity, as determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university also must have at least 20 research doctoral degrees and spend $5 million annually in total research. I seldom find myself speechless, but I find myself that way today, Dr Hawkins said following the meeting. One thing (First Lady Janice Hawkins) and I have found at TROY is its unique culture, and Im humbled and grateful for what has been said today. Weve always preached mission first and, as long as there is a mission that remains to complete, we will be here. Dr. Hawkins went on to say, I look forward to working with the Board to define what this new season will be. Dr. Hawkins is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and was named Chancellor of the Troy State University System on September 1, 1989, which garners him the title of longest-serving chief executive of a public university in the nation. As chancellor, Hawkins led the merger of the worldwide Troy State University System into the unified Troy University. He saw over $375 million invested in capital improvements and four new buildings on TROYs campus. Governor Kay Ivey praised Hawkins in a press release to WDHN. I have been proud to know and work with Chancellor Hawkins for more than 30 years and to simply say he has been an effective leader for TROY would be an understatement. His work has helped transform the Troy State University system into the renowned, global, doctoral institution we all know today as Troy University, said Governor Ivey. From the classroom to the field, TROY has accomplished a great deal under the leadership of Chancellor Hawkins, and he leaves a legacy that will last for generations of students to come. Thank you, Jack, for your outstanding service to TROY, our state and country, for your unmatched tenure and your strong partnership over the years. I wish you well in this next chapter. Governor Kay Ivey Stay with WDHN News as we bring you the latest developments on this story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Body found in Kansas City on Saturday night being investigated as homicide A body found Saturday night is being investigated as a homicide. Kansas City police were dispatched around 10:18 p.m. to the 10500 block of East 42nd Street, where they found a man with bodily trauma, according to Sgt. Phil DiMartino, spokesperson for the police department. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. This killing is Kansas Citys 117th homicide of 2024, according to data tracked by The Star including police shootings. At this time last year, the city had recorded 146 homicides. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. A judge denied bond for Naresh Bhatt for the second time at a Friday court hearing in Virginia after prosecutors revealed disturbing new evidence they say connects him to the disappearance and presumed murder of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, according to CNN affiliate WJLA. Prince William County prosecutors revealed in a courtroom packed with Kafle Bhatts family and friends a K9 cadaver dog detected signs of a dead body in the bedroom and bathroom of the couples home. They also played footage showing Bhatt, 37, driving around different communities, disposing of trash bags while wearing gloves after his wife went missing, according to WJLA. The search continues for Kafle Bhatt, 28, a mother to a young daughter, who authorities say is presumed dead. No one has been able to locate the beloved Nepalese community member since July 27, when she was last seen at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, where she worked as a registered nurse in the medical surgical unit, CNN previously reported. Her husband is accused of killing her in their home, then dragging her body outside, according to a criminal complaint. Bhatt faces a felony charge of concealment of a body, according to court records. He was taken away in handcuffs on August 22 after authorities conducted a search at the couples home. Bhatt has not been formally charged with murder, but the preliminary criminal complaint states on or about July 30, 2024, the accused, Naresh Bhatt, murdered his wife, Mamta Bhatt. Bhatts defense attorney has argued there is no probable cause to keep him in custody, as Kafle Bhatts body has not been found, WJLA reported. Bhatts attorney also said the couple were in the process of separating and Kafle Bhatt left to visit family out of state, according to WJLA. The new evidence on Friday put a spotlight on Bhatts movements in the days after his wife was reported missing, as prosecutors told the court he was captured on camera driving his Tesla on some occasions during the night disposing of trash bags in dumpsters and trash compactors, CNN affiliate WJLA reported. Naresh Bhatt - Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center In Loudoun County, near where Kafle Bhatts cell phone last pinged, video camera footage showed Bhatt dropping a bag inside a donation bin prosecutors say police told them found inside the bag was a bathmat with blood on it, according to WJLA. Bhatt sold his Tesla on August 19 after prosecutors had asked him if they could search it, WJLA reported. After the hearing, Kafle Bhatts friends, family and supporters held a news conference recounting the testimony they heard in court. The gravity of the evidence that (prosecutors) brought forward was stuff that we were absolutely unprepared for, that really talked to the fact that Mamta is murdered, said Holly Wirth, one of Kafle Bhatts former co-workers. She was systematically dismembered, she was put in bags Horrible things were done to her, Wirth said. The days after Mamta was last seen Police visited the couples home in Manassas on August 2 after Kafle Bhatts co-workers called for a wellness check on August 1. Kafle Bhatt worked two days a week at the hospital and was expected to work on August 1 and 2. Officials said they grew concerned after she did not show up to work or call. When police talked to Bhatt, he provided additional information and told investigators he did not want to report her as missing at the time, police said. Three days after the wellness check, Bhatt, a former Fairfax County police recruit and former US Army Reserve automated logistics specialist, reported her missing and told investigators he last saw his wife at the dinner table on July 31 and hadnt seen her since. Detectives conducted an exhaustive investigation from August 5 to 8, they said, and found there was significant lack of recent contact between Kafle Bhatt and her family, friends, employer and on social media, so they elevated her missing status to involuntary/critical missing person status. On August 21, detectives searched the couples home, though no details were provided at the time about what prompted the search. Prior to that search, investigators executed 10 search warrants and conducted hundreds of interviews related to this case, Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo said that same day. When asked if there was a person of interest in Kafle Bhatts disappearance, Lugo said her husband has been a point of interest and everybody knows that, adding Bhatt had stopped being cooperative with police. That was a departure from the departments news release on August 15, which said, The husband, friends and co-workers have all been cooperative throughout the investigation. Judge previously denied bond for Bhatt in August A judge ordered Bhatt to be held without bond during a court hearing late last month, saying he posed a danger to the community, CNN affiliate WUSA reported. On July 30, investigators said Bhatt was seen at a Walmart buying a pack of three knives, two of which were unaccounted for after the search of the couples home, according to WJLA. A day later, he was seen at another Walmart location buying cleaning supplies. Investigators found what appeared to be blood pooling and blood splatter in the homes main bedroom; the bed appeared to have been moved, blocking a closet; light pink stains were found on bedroom carpeting after the bed was removed; and pools of blood were found in the bathroom, as if something was dragged across the floor, along with blood pooling on the shower floor, WJLA reported from the arraignment last month. When investigators removed the bathtub, they saw what they believed to be blood in the caulking, WJLA reported. Its still unclear to whom the blood found in the couples home belongs. A number of the cleaning supplies Bhatt purchased were also found in the home, which appeared to be in disarray, according to law enforcement details revealed at the arraignment, WJLA said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A man is in critical condition after being shot by a relative of his girlfriend Saturday morning, the Fresno County Sheriffs Office announced. Deputies say around 9:25 a.m. they received a call from a woman who said her boyfriend was beating her up at a home near Fowler Avenue just south of Clarkson Avenue outside of Selma. Investigators report as they responded, the victim contacted her relative who showed up with a friend and intervened. As a result of the confrontation, detectives say the relative shot the boyfriend who was being violent. The boyfriend then made his way up the road where he collapsed in front of Wildflower Market. Deputies say an employee called and reported a victim of a gunshot wound. The suspect was airlifted to a local hospital where he remains in critical, but stable condition. Investigators say the relative and his friend were detained as they conduct their investigation. The Sheriffs Office adds that Fresno County has some of the worst rates of domestic violence in the state. They urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out for help as soon as possible. Problems like this where you get beat up one day you could be fighting for your life the next and nobody needs to be subjected to that. So we really encourage both women and men that if youre in a situation where domestic violence can spiral out of control, stop it at the onset, get the help that you need so that you could be safe, said Tony Botti with the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroners Office. It is important to note that victims of domestic violence are never at fault for the abuse they receive from their aggressors. Anyone seeking help can reach out to the Marjaree Mason Centers 24-hour crisis hotline at 559-233-4357 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline 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 YourCentralValley.com | CBS47 and KSEE24. If I were running the Labour conference, Id turn the stage into a catwalk and have ministers sashay up and down to Vogue by Madonna. But the Left cant laugh at itself. Instead, Angela Rayner looked almost vulnerable as she addressed the delegates, with the tired, frightened face of a lady whos spent a week going through her receipts. The leadership has blown itself up. No one is more upset than the partys Left. There are two Lefts: hard and soft. The hard, aka the Corbynites, have been so ruthlessly purged by Starmers Stalinist regime that most of them are now found outside the conference, shouting in. One protestor, a white granny in an Arab headdress, held a sign that read PARTY OF CROOKS. Inside, Morning Star staged a meeting in a tent in the basement. It was a litany of doom and gloom, interspersed with pleas to challenge the hegemony of capital. Their argument is mad but logical and sympathetic. For years they were told socialism cant win yet Jeremy Corbyn almost did it, in 2017. The party elite, rather than seizing this historic opportunity, undermined him and saddled him with an unpopular Remain policy in 2019. Starmer then recaptured the party by lying to it saying hed keep Corbyns manifesto and moved the party back to the centre, claiming that this would make it competent and electable. But, as the Morning Star comrades said, Labour only won in July because the public hates the Tories it got fewer votes than Corbyn did and the veneer of professionalism has already worn off. We are witnessing the corporatisation of the Labour Party, said a fireman: as benefits are cut, private donations roll in. Corbyn always bought his own clothes. Im sure every penny went to Oxfam. Diane Abbott says Keir is in the pocket of millionaires and is enabling the far-Right by failing to project a vision while pandering to migration fears. This is the perennial debate within Labour. The centrists seek to improve Britain; the Left wants to transform it, arguing that unless one redistributes wealth and power irreversibly, any improvements a Labour administration achieves will be wiped away when the Tories retake power. Lenin wrote: one step forward, two steps back. The soft Left, which is far stronger within the back benches and unions, shares some of Dianes analysis but differs in strategy: more practical, less dogmatic. Their great hope is Rayner, whose workers rights plan contains much to commend it, and shed make a far better leader than Starmer. But shes faced pushback from the business department, of course, and finds herself compromised by the Alli revelations: one can imagine the inner turmoil as she gave her report to conference, or confluence as she pronounces it. Minus any plan to build a new Jerusalem, the party falls back into the politics of class representation. You know me, she said; she was a single mum living on sixty quid a week. Shell not make any apology for where we came from or how weve ended up here. The delegates applauded. The subtext is that our girl might wear Prada, but theres a solid working-class woman underneath, and that is what the Tories really hate. I thought of Hartley Shawcross saying We are the masters now in 1946 as if a Labour victory, the elevation of a toolmakers son to Number 10, is an end in itself. This is the view socialists regard as shallow and foolhardy, for darn good reason. What will the malcontents do? Starmer is under the illusion that being in government ought to unify the Left by giving it purpose, but the experience of history is that it radicalises and splinters that the more the centre tries to apply discipline, the more it rebels. Expect strikes. Prepare for backbench rebellions. Labour will likely undergo the same fracturing that the Tories suffered the Conservatives via Reform, Labour into an umbrella of socialist pressure groups that include environmentalists and pro-Palestine independents. The election of such MPs to Parliament already proves that you no longer need the Labour label to win, that socialists dont have to compromise themselves with loyalty to a party that has been scarcely loyal to them. Call it Corbyns revenge. For a snack I go to the bar, order tea and sandwiches and try my luck. Its on Lord Allis credit card, I say. Blank faces. No sense of humour. A fond goodbye Columnists do read correspondence. For the past few years, every time I wrote for the Telegraph I received an email from one Daphne Pearson, offering words of wisdom on Britains decline. We never met, I dont even know where she was writing from, but I always tried to reply. Last week I received an email from Daphnes son to say that she had died. I took the news hard. It felt like losing a friend. Going back through our old conversations, I realise that she must have been in her eighties as she recalled being three when the War broke out and did not see a banana till 1946, when an uncle brought me one from London as a curiosity. Daphne was a Christian; she often wrote about the importance of tradition, family and civility. She is the kind of person I think of when Im writing, and I will continue to write as if she were reading. 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. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) Bridgeport Public Schools are prepared to reopen Monday with what they say are comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. This comes after Fridays closure due to a threat. According to the Superintendents office the district worked closely with law enforcement to investigate and make an arrest but still there still will be a strong police presence at the schools on Monday. In addition existing safety protocols have been reviewed and will be reinforced. RELEATED CONTENT: Bridgeport closes all public schools on Friday after social media threats Superintendent Dr. Carmela Levy-David says We are confident that these measures will provide a safe and secure environment for our students to return to their educational activities. Counseling and support services will be available to student and staff who may need 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 WTNH.com. 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 View Results British Airways has not given a reason behind the decision [PA Media] British Airways has cancelled all its flights from a UK city airport next summer. The airline said in a statement it was "suspending our summer 2025 operations from Southampton Airport". It did not give a reason behind the decision. An airport spokesperson said the move was "clearly disappointing". Under its subsidiary BA City Flyer, the airline runs flights from the airport to Bergerac, Dublin, Faro, Malaga and Majorca on weekends during the summer. British Airways said affected customers would be contacted with options, including rebooking on alternative flights - with either British Airways or another airline - or a full refund. A spokesperson from Southampton Airport said: "Clearly its disappointing when any route is removed. "However, we are in constant dialogue with airlines regarding the introduction of new services and that includes backfilling the routes withdrawn by British Airways." It comes almost a year after the airport unveiled its extended runway. At the time, it said the longer runway was "absolutely critical" to its viability as a regional airport and to handle a wider variety of aircraft. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. More on this story Related internet links Whitney Weiss kisses Stella at her home in Oakley on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. The Weisses have spent over $10K in medical bills on Stellas recovery treatment since she was hit by a car on their property. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News A crushed pelvis. That was the diagnosis for Mike and Whitney Weiss beloved 3-year-old mixed-breed dog, Stella, after she was run over by a car on the familys Oakley, Summit County, property last month. The treatment for the dog included orthopedic surgery to re-pin her pelvis together. The Weisses have spent roughly $10K in veterinary bills for Stella, whose recovery has a timeline of roughly eight weeks, according to the family. The incident has led the Weisses on a confusing back and forth process with insurance representatives with the question at the center of it all being: With pets being classified as personal property under Utah law, who should foot the bill for Stellas care? A pet owners worst nightmare With the Weisses living in a relatively rural area in Utah, wildlife roaming around their property is quite common. To prevent Stella from chasing animals that venture into their yard, the Weisses regularly leash the dog on a 50-foot lead line so that she can enjoy roaming the property while still being contained. On Aug. 12, Mike placed the lead on Stella to enjoy the outdoors with their other dog while he finished some work inside the house, as Ive done a million times, he told the Deseret News in an interview. Shortly after, the couples friend who lives in a separate dwelling on their property brought Stella to Mike, saying the dog may have been hit by a large truck that was in the process of parking in their driveway. The driver was a friend of a friend and someone Mike and Whitney hadnt met before. He was on the property that day to do some work on their tenants house. He had run over her lead line and she had nowhere to go except under his rear tires, the Weisses said. After a visit to an emergency vet clinic in Salt Lake City to determine the extent of Stellas injuries, the Weisses took their dog to Bark City Veterinary Specialists in Park City to receive orthopedic surgery for her pelvis and hip. Bark City was able to schedule Stellas surgery for the following day after her injury. Roughly one to two days after the accident and after Stellas initial surgery, Mike reached out to the auto insurer of the driver who the family says struck their dog. Mike said the claims adjuster they initially spoke with told them that Stellas expenses would be covered. I started tearing up and she did too, he said of the claims adjuster, adding that the good news was a really sweet moment amid the stressful ordeal. The Weisses say they were instructed by the insurance company to send in all relevant bills and any upcoming cost estimates, because there was a possibility of a second surgery being needed to adjust a screw that had moved slightly in Stellas hip. They were also asked for additional photos of their property and Stellas leash, along with labels for where the dog and the car were at the time of the accident. The call that changed everything But about two weeks later, the Weisses received a call from a different representative and it wasnt good news. Mike told the Deseret News that this representative said the insurance company would not be covering any of Stellas veterinary costs. Mike said the representative told him they determined that their driver was not liable for hitting Stella on the Weisses property. The reason? That 50-foot lead line that Stella was leashed on; because the lead allowed Stella, on our property, to cross where cars can go in our driveway, Mike said. The driver, according to Mike, admitted to him that he simply didnt see Stella and he apologized for hitting her. According to the Weisses, they have consulted professionals regarding their claim, all of whom have advised them that despite the leash, Stellas costs should be covered under the drivers auto insurance policy. During a conversation with their own insurance provider, Whitney said, it was explained to them that, generally, personal auto policy includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability. These are the primary coverages required by the state of Utah. Your dog is considered your private property. Our dog was purposefully leashed so that she was going to be solely on her property and not in dangers way, Mike said. After some back and forth, the drivers auto insurance company offered to give them about $1,000 for follow-up vet visits after Stellas surgery, but Mike did not accept the offer, as this would officially close the claim. He said he plans to fight the decision, as they had already spent roughly ten times that amount on Stellas care, and its money they cant get back. A sling is used to help Stella walk at her home in Oakley on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Whitney and Mike Weiss have spent over $10K in medical bills on Stellas recovery treatment since she was hit by a car on their property. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News The gray area of insurance coverage The stress of having to carry their sedated dog to the lawn to use the bathroom and being forced to keep her in a confined kennel has been exacerbated by the financial position we are now in, according to Whitney. And the Weisses financial predicament is not entirely uncommon. Americans spent an estimated $38 billion on health care and related services for companion animals in 2023, The Atlantic reported. The couple, who work in mental health care, say the time commitment for Stellas care has taken a toll on both their personal and professional lives. I work for myself. Whitney works for herself, and one of us has had to be home with the dog 24 hours a day for the last month, and its been so incredibly difficult and stressful, Mike said. Prior to the accident, Stella also regularly accompanied her owners to sessions, and her absence has been felt by everyone. Our clients have become attached to her, Whitney told the Deseret News, explaining that Stella is part of their work team. Its been really hard on people. Mike and Whitney have taken to social media to urge the insurance company to do the right thing, as well as launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek assistance in covering the cost of Stellas surgery and recovery. In doing so, we have heard numerous stories of people having to make very difficult and heartbreaking decisions about their pets care based on insurance companies unwillingness to honor their policies, they said. Generally, whether a dog is covered by the drivers insurance would depend on what part of the property the dog is on, Steve Gooch, a public information officer at the Utah Insurance Department, told the Deseret News. Gooch does not know the specifics of the Weisses claim, but was able to provide general information. If the dog is in the driveway, it may not be covered because a driveway is where you would expect a car to be not a dog. But if the dog was in the yard, the inverse would likely be true. There are also city and county codes, such as leash laws, that may impact who is at fault for the incident. The Utah Insurance Department represents the Beehive State as part of a national insurance regulation system designed to protect policyholders and to serve the greater public interest through the effective regulation of the U.S. insurance marketplace, according to its site. Ultimately, Gooch said, the Weisses have the option to file a complaint with his office to prompt an investigation into the insurance companys handling of their claim, or they can take the driver to small claims court, where a judge would determine who is at fault. The insurance companys public relations contact did not respond to Deseret News inquiries into Stella and the familys insurance claim. Had the Weisses known that the costs associated with Stellas treatment and recovery would not be covered, they said, we would have made very different decisions based on Stellas care. Thankfully, Stella is seemingly on the mend. In mid-September, she had her four-week checkup and it appears the surgery went well. Whitney Weiss carries Stella at her home in Oakley on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. The Weisses have spent over $10K in medical bills on Stellas recovery treatment since she was hit by a car on their property. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Is pet insurance worth it? Could the Weisses have used pet insurance to cover the costs of Stellas injuries? When the Weisses initially took Stella in to see the surgeon, they were asked if they had pet insurance for the dog. They didnt, unfortunately, and its not an option to retroactively sign up. It hadnt been on either of our minds, its not really spoken about a lot, Mike said. Just like we have health insurance, accidents happen. So I think about it differently than I did before. A fairly unknown and newer concept, pet insurance is becoming increasingly more common every year throughout the United States. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, just under 5.7 million U.S. dogs and cats were insured in 2023, a significant increase from 2020 when just over 3 million pets were insured. There are three main types of pet heath insurance options: An accident and illness plan. An accident-only plan. A wellness plan, for preventative health care. The accident and illness and accident-only plans are the most common, as 1 in 3 pets need emergency veterinary treatment every year and a pet receives emergency care every 2.5 seconds in the U.S., according to Forbes. A Forbes analysis on pet insurance showed that every six seconds, a pet owner faces a vet bill of $1,000 or more and that on average, insurance coverage costs roughly $612 per year for dogs and $324 per year for cats. Many owners are deciding the monthly premiums for pet insurance are worth it, even if only for peace of mind where their furry friend and their wallet are concerned. Married and with two children, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka has spent most of his political career outside of the mainstream (Ishara S. KODIKARA) (Ishara S. KODIKARA/AFP/AFP) Sri Lanka's Marxist president-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayaka hails from a party behind two deadly insurrections, counts Che Guevara among his heroes and will now helm a country limping back from economic ruin. The 55-year-old labourer's son took 42.31 percent of the ballots in Saturday's election, as voters punished establishment parties for a 2022 economic meltdown and hardships imposed by a stringent IMF bailout. The financial crash was the worst in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka's history as an independent nation since the end of British colonial rule in 1948. "This victory belongs to all of us... Together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history," Dissanayaka wrote on social media platform X after the results were announced. The president-elect and his People's Liberation Front (JVP) saw their popularity surge after shortages of food, fuel and medicines at the peak of the crisis fuelled anger at government corruption and economic mismanagement. "For the first time in Sri Lanka's post-independence history, governance will shift from the control of a few corrupt elite families to a people's government," he wrote in his party's campaign manifesto. Married and with two children, Dissanayaka has spent most of his political career outside of the mainstream. He was a student leader during a failed uprising led by the JVP in the 1980s that left tens of thousands dead. He assumed leadership of the party in 2014, according to his CV, and shortly afterwards made a public declaration it would "never again" take up arms. It won less than four percent of the vote during the most recent parliamentary elections in 2020. Dissanayaka's pledge to change a "corrupt" political culture resonates as millions struggle to make ends meet following tax hikes and other austerity measures imposed by outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He will be sworn in on Monday morning at the colonial-era President Secretariat in Colombo, election commission officials said. - Marx, Engels, Castro - Portraits of communist luminaries including Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Friedrich Engels and Fidel Castro hang in Dissanayaka's office in the capital. Outside a red hammer and sickle flag flies from a flagpole. In 1971 the JVP launched its first insurrection, against the socialist government of Sirima Bandaranaike, the world's first woman prime minister. The party's combatants were known as "Che Guevaras." The fighting was brief, but led to the deaths of 20,000 people. Their second armed struggle was in 1987, to oppose the then-government's plan to devolve political power to the island's minority Tamils under a deal brokered by neighbouring India. Dissanayaka, a member of the majority Sinhalese community, was an active JVP student leader during the second insurrection, which was also coupled with a violent anti-India campaign. He has described how one of his teachers sheltered him for over a month to save him from government-backed death squads that killed JVP activists, setting fire to their bodies in public using car tyres. A large number of people disappeared, and unofficial estimates place the death toll from the second JVP armed struggle at about 60,000. Some are still unaccounted for. - Geopolitics tightrope - Since his rise to popularity he has softened some policies, saying he believes in an open economy and is not totally opposed to privatisation. "There is a smear campaign against us, saying we will nationalise everything, even cows," Dissanayaka said at a campaign rally. "We will certainly help farmers to improve, to have their own dairies," he said. "We will not take over cows." His manifesto vows to improve loss-making state enterprises without selling them off. Dissanayaka and his party have mended fences with New Delhi since their anti-India rhetoric in 1987, but he is also seen as being close to China. The two nations are competing for influence in Sri Lanka, strategically situated on global east-west sea routes. Dissanayaka visited New Delhi this year for meetings with top Indian politicians, shortly after a similar visit to Beijing. On Sunday JVP politburo member Bimal Ratnayake said Dissanayaka would not allow the island to be caught up in geopolitical rivalry between the two. "Sri Lankan territory will not be used against any other nation," he said. aj/rma/gle/rsc ST. LOUIS Burglars broke into popular St. Louis restaurant Crown Candy Kitchen overnight and took off with a small amount of money. Authorities are searching for two suspects caught on camera. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reports that the break-in happened around 4 a.m. Saturday. Investigators say the suspects immediately went to the cash register, but only got away with $5. Crown Candy Kitchen business owner Andy Karandzieff reported of the break-in a short time later on social media platform X. Karandzieff shared a 41-second surveillance video clip of the apparent overnight break-in. The video shows two apparent burglars force their way into the restaurant, pace around the store, open the cash register, and leave with a small amount of money within less than a minute. Suspect faces DWI charge in crash that killed St. Louis cop The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department shared a similar video in a news release Saturday afternoon, though at a closer side angle. Karandzieff says the incident caused more than $1,500 worth of damages, most notably to two glass windows on doors. Police described one suspect as a man with medium build who wore a black leather jacket with rolled cuffs, a black and red hood, black pants with a unique red and white print on the left leg, red socks and black shoes. Its also believed he was wearing socks on his hands. Police described the other suspect as a thinner-built man wearing a white North Face jacket, black face mask, prescription glasses, and black pants with unique multi-colored print on the legs. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News St. Louis police believe the suspects may have taken off in an an older model SUV after their escape. Photos of a vehicle near the restaurant show whats believed to be an older-model Nissan Rogue with a damaged passenger-side headlight. Crown Candy Kitchen is located in the 1400 block of St. Louis Avenue in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood and has served the St. Louis community for more than 100 years. Dont even say its time to move because that aint happening We stay for the good people down here, said Karandzieff via social media platform X. If you have any relevant information regarding this case, contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department at 314-444-2500 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. The News Adjacent to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, there is another international gathering: Climate Week. Now in its 25th year, the event runs from Sept. 22 - Sept. 29. Described as a Burning Man for the climate geeks and a Davos-like exchange, Climate Week has been criticized in the past for generating more hot air than climate action. Immediately preceding this years convention, protesters gathered in New York to demand an end to fossil fuel use and to press the states Gov. Kathy Hochul to take legislative action. Even so, the events concurrence with UNGA means Climate Week is seen as a preview for the United Nations COP conferences, a researcher in energy and environment at the Council of Foreign Relations noted, with the next meeting, COP29, taking place in November in Azerbaijan. The same questions gnawing at the COP process also loom over Climate Week, she added: How much do these mass convenings truly accomplish? CANYON The City of Canyon hosted its inaugural State of the City address on Thursday, Sept. 19, drawing over 200 attendees to the Happy State Bank Stadium conference center. City officials unveiled plans for a new Housing Rehabilitation Program and announced a potential public safety bond election scheduled for May 2025, aimed at addressing the city's rapid growth and increasing demands on public services. Canyon Mayor Gary Hinders addresses the crowd Thursday at the Canyon State of the City event at Happy State Bank Conference Center in Canyon. City Manager Joe Price discussed the increasing strain on the city's fire department due to significant growth and a decline in volunteer numbers. "We are seeing our call volume demand increase significantly over five years, and unfortunately, volunteers are just not as many as we used to have," Price said. "We've had to hire additional full-time staff. Most of our increases in tax rates have been to the fire department. We have hired over six-plus fire department staff in the last three to four years to help answer that call." Price highlighted the necessity of the proposed bond election, which aims to fund a new fire station and upgrades to existing facilities. "When we grew our staff on the full-time fire department side, they could not function the way they're functioning in their current building," he explained. "That building is not meant to have beds; it's not meant to have eating quarters and things of that nature." Canyon officials say that due to growth, the city is in need of additional first responders and is slowly transitioning from a volunteer to a fully paid fire department. "There's two sides of the story to that. If you don't have enough volunteers to cover, you've got to go to those calls. So we have had to hire additional full-time staff," Price said. Joe Price, the Canyon city manager speaks about funding to improve fire station facilities Thursday at the Canyon State of the City event at Happy State Bank Conference Center in Canyon. This growth also includes increasing the number of patrol officers because of a state mandate requiring armed officers in all schools. To address these needs, city officials purchased the former Gold Star Trust building at 1401 4th Ave. to create a new police station. The existing fire station will be renovated to add living quarters for firefighters, enabling 24-hour staffing. "We consistently make surveys for the safest college town in Texas. We take a lot of pride in that, and we want to keep it that way, so we've got to have resources to do that," said Mayor Gary Hinders. Hinders emphasized the importance of investing in public safety and infrastructure to accommodate the city's growth. "The City of Canyon has been looking to expand our facilities since 2014," Hinders said. "Since City Hall was built in 1975, our population has nearly doubled, and city staff has grown to meet the demand. Renovating the fire station will allow for 24-hour staffing of firefighters, which has been a goal of ours as we've added new hires over the years." While specific details and costs of the bond are yet to be finalized, renderings of the potential new police and fire stations were revealed during the address. In addition to public safety enhancements, Hinders highlighted the city's efforts to expand its water supply to meet the needs of a growing population. Canyon CEDC Director Stephanie Tucker speaks about businesses growth Thursday at the Canyon State of the City event at Happy State Bank Conference Center in Canyon. "If there's been a pet project of mine over time, it's our water and water resources, and that continues to be," Hinders said. "We admire the City of Amarillo for what they've done on the generational water supply. Canyon has got to get there too. We've invested in land and resources to secure our water future." Hinders noted the city recently purchased land northwest of Canyon to drill new wells, providing intermediate water supplies. "Without that, Canyon would be in a tough spot just as far as water supply, but we've got to continue to drill wells," he said. "Long term, we've still got to figure out that piece, and so that's top of mind. We will work to get that done." The city is actively seeking solutions to ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations, recognizing that water resources are critical to supporting continued growth. "Housing is a massive issue not just for Canyon but also for the whole Panhandle," Price noted. "We believe that this program will be extremely beneficial to help make houses move from substandard back into good condition." The city announced the Canyon Housing Rehabilitation Program, a city-funded initiative aimed at improving owner-occupied homes that are in substandard condition and owned by low- to moderate-income households. The Canyon Housing Rehabilitation Program is an incredible opportunity for homeowners to improve the safety, comfort, and value of their homes while preserving the unique character of our community, said Canyon Planning and Development Director Lucas Raley. By providing financial assistance to eligible residents, this program addresses critical housing needs, ensures that low- to moderate-income families live in safe and healthy environments, and promotes neighborhood revitalization. The Canyon City Commission approved the formation of a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to help fund the program. In its first year, the city intends to support three projects with up to $25,000 each. More information, including a pre-application and donation platform, can be found on the city's website at www.CanyonTX.gov/HousingRehab. Both officials expressed optimism about Canyon's future and the community's role in its development. "Canyon, Texas, is a great place to live," Hinders said. "The Lord's blessed us to live in a place where people care about each other. Life's a lot better in Canyon, Texas, or any other community whenever we can do it that way." The State of the City address served as a platform for officials to communicate their vision, highlight achievements, and encourage community involvement. Attendees applaud during Canyon State of the City event Thursday at Happy State Bank Conference Center in Canyon. "Everything in Canyon as we've grown, there's a first, and this is the first State of the City," Hinders said. "It really is just to communicate with our town, to put out there what we're doing. There's a lot of things out there that folks will really never know that are interesting and fun unless this word gets out." As Canyon looks ahead, city leaders say they remain committed to meeting growth-related challenges while preserving the close-knit community atmosphere that residents cherish. "We've got great folks, great staff, but we've got to be able to support them and provide the resources that they need," Hinders said. "Our challenges are growth-related, and I think our biggest challenge is to keep that tax rate low and to build out a fire force that, as we grow, is going to have to be more and more full-time." The proposed bond election, the expansion of water resources, and the Housing Rehabilitation Program are seen by officials as Canyon's proactive approach to sustainable growth and community well-being. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Canyon discusses future plans at inaugural state of the city LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A new survey is showing how Arkansans are leaning in the state treasurer and Arkansas State Supreme Court chief justice races. A new poll from Talk Business and Politics shows that in the state treasurers race if the election were held today 48% support Republican Secretary of State John Thurston. 31% support Democratic candidate John Pagan, 3% for Libertarian candidate Michael Pakko and 18% are undecided. In the chief justice race 19% support Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Karen Baker, 11% for Justice Rhonda Wood and 70% are undecided. For more election poll results, head to TalkBusiness.net. Capitol View host Roby Brock spoke with Republican strategist John Burris with Capitol Advisors Group and Democratic Party of Arkansas chairman Grant Tennille who discussed the numbers of the latest polls along with other issues the state is facing in the upcoming election. Roby then talks with KARK 4 News political reporter Samantha Boyd who takes a deeper dive into the legislative inquiry on drug prices. Capitol View airs on Sundays 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 KARK. Cards Against Humanity (CAH) is suing Elon Musks SpaceX for $15 million after it allegedly left construction equipment and destroying property on CAH land in Texas. The complaint, which was filed Thursday evening in Cameron County District Court, details the original state of the land along the U.S.-Mexico border, which CAH worked to keep in its natural state. Photographs in the complaint show its current state, filled with equipment and materials not belonging to CAH. In short, SpaceX has treated the Property as its own for at least six (6) months without regard for CAHs property rights nor the safety of anyone entering what has become a worksite that is presumably governed by OSHA safety requirements, the complaint reads. In an email screenshotted and shared on X, CAH shared an update about the parcel of land, which was purchased in 2017 to protect from racist billionaire Donald Trumps very stupid wall, through a crowd-funding effort. We promised wed use every legal tool at our disposal to protect this land from bullies like Trump and Musk (whos spending millions to get Trump elected and also wants to build the stupid wall) CAH wrote in a statement. If we dont take action now, why would anyone ever trust us again? The card game company said that SpaceX, Musks space exploration company, offered to buy the land at half its value, to which they responded with the lawsuit. The email, sent to all the donors who contributed $15 to the companys campaign, said that CAH will send those donors up to $100 each, should they win the lawsuit. Unfortunately. Musk has way more money and lawyers than we do, so youll probably get, like, $2 tops, the email said. CAH has historically supported the Democratic Party, donating upwards of $40,000 to Democratic candidates in the 2020 cycle. SpaceXs acts have caused damage to both relationships in a variety of ways, but, in particular, by creating the impression that there is some association between CAH and SpaceX. SpaceXs acts constitute a willful and intentional interference with these relationships, the complaint states. Neither CAH nor SpaceX has responded to The Hill request for comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TAMPA, Fla. - Over the years, the cruise industry has become a huge economic driver, bringing in tourism dollars the local economy has come to rely on. It's a vacation experience with everything you think you might need all in one place, from gambling to food to entertainment. "It's a shared experience, and you can find anything you want to do to either relax or to energize," Carnival Cruise Lines Chief Communications Officer Chris Chiames said. Cruising has become a Tampa staple, and it all started 30 years ago when Carnival Cruise Lines first set sail from Port Tampa Bay back in 1994 with the now-retired Carnival Tropicale. "We are becoming more and more a very attractive destination as a home port. Our walkability, the city is becoming a combination of a new modern city, and then we have the history of Ybor City," Port Tampa Bay Executive Vice-President Raul Alfonso said. According to Port Tampa Bay, the cruising industry accounts for about 20 percent of their yearly revenue. Every time a ship sets sail, the port says it generates a $400,000 economic impact trickling down to local hotels and restaurants. READ: You can now renew your passport online; here's how "Thirty years here in Tampa means a lot to us as a company. We're proud to be a part of the Tampa Bay community and to generate so much economic activity and the tourism economy that's part of our ecosystem," Chiames said. Port Tampa Bay sees about one million passengers per year. While it's not as busy as Port of Miami or Port Canaveral, Alfonso says it offers something different you can't find at other ports. "At many other ports they either have to take a taxi or walk very far to go to amenities. This is all here, and we see it being created with the developments on Water Street, Sparkman Wharf, the aquarium nearby," Alfonso said. Today, Carnival operates two ships from Port Tampa Bay, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Legend, which offer trips to the Bahamas, Mexico and other Caribbean destinations. Chiames says Tampa's central location will always make it a popular spot for Florida residents to cruise from. "Tampa Bay has a great drive market for the surrounding area and so that's part of how we market and that's part of our appeal to attract so many families and first-time cruisers or people just wanting a vacation," Chiames said. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus City Schools is facing another lawsuit for its decision to declare some charter school students transportation impractical. In a lawsuit filed Sept. 19, a students parents filed a class action complaint against CCS for the decision, both individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. The complaint alleges CCS did not adhere to Ohio Revised Code laws requiring public school districts to provide transportation to nonpublic schools if students still live in their jurisdiction. According to Ohio law, districts are able to declare students are impractical to transport if they attend a nonpublic school that requires more than 30 minutes of travel time from the public school building they would have been assigned to. Ohio law says districts that determine students to be transportation impractical must do so at last 30 days before the districts first day of school. According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, many affected students did not receive word until on or after Aug. 6, despite the last day CCS could make such decisions being July 22. Ohio Statehouse leaders address Springfield claims Revised Code also says transportation ineligible students should then be offered payment in lieu of transportation services, from which parents can either accept the money or enter a mediation process. Ohio law says this payment should be between 50% and 100% of the districts average cost of pupil transportation from the last school year. The complaint alleges CCS did not properly adhere to the process described in Ohio law, highlighting the lack of stipends for affected families. The lawsuit is seeking monetary damages and a declaratory judgement, or a legal clarification of the relevant laws. The state of Ohio also sued CCS over the same decision earlier this month, with Yost accusing the district of failing to provide the legally required notice to affected families. Yost said around 1,380 students were declared transportation impractical, and has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to make CCS transport the students until a mediation process can unfold. CCS representatives told NBC4 they have not yet been served with the complaint, adding they will respond in court once they have received it. Previously, CCS Superintendent Angela Chapman has said she sympathizes with affected families, but argues the decision was necessary. But all families, our entire community needs to be thinking about the burden that it placed on the system organization, Chapman said. When we are choosing a school thats a significant distance away from their home and away from their home neighborhood, theres a cost to that. Yosts case is still in the Supreme Court awaiting further action. The second lawsuit is scheduled for trial in late 2025, according to court documents. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Multiple roads in Scranton now open after closures SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) The Scranton Police Department announced multiple road closures in Scranton. According to the Scranton Police Department, Cedar Avenue between Lackawanna Avenue and the Biden Expressway was closed on Sunday. South Washington Avenue between Lackawanna Avenue and River Street were also be closed, officials add. The closures were taking place in the area of the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was expected to visit Sunday afternoon. Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Scranton Army Ammunition Plant Those accessing the Marketplace at Steamtown were asked to use the Mifflin Avenue entrance, police note. For 24/7 road updates check 511PA.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 PAhomepage.com. As other central Ohio communities are prohibiting cannabis-based businesses from their communities, a marijuana dispensary is in the works for Reynoldsburg. The city's planning and zoning board approved a conditional use and variance earlier this month for Certified Cultivators to operate a marijuana dispensary at 7365-7369 E. Livingston Ave. It would be the Columbus suburb's first marijuana dispensary and Certified Cultivators' first dispensary in central Ohio. The company has a processing plant in Dayton and a dispensary in Cleveland. Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny said city residents have been asking for a dispensary for years. He said there wasn't an opportunity for a medical dispensary, based on the limited number of licenses available. But when the city redid its zoning code in 2020, it allowed for medical marijuana dispensaries. Ahead of the Ohio Issue 2 vote in November, the city preemptively updated the code to allow for adult-use dispensaries. "From a Reynoldsburg-only perspective, 64% of the community of Reynoldsburg voted in favor of Issue 2, and so that has definitely been something that the community has been looking at for somewhere in Reynoldsburg, depending upon the location, of course," Begeny said. A marijuana dispensary is coming to 7365-7369 E. Livingston Ave. in Reynoldsburg after approval from the city's planning and zoning board. Nearby Etna Township, Pataskala, and New Albany have all banned marijuana cultivation, processing and retail dispensing within their communities. Reynoldsburg's zoning code states that marijuana businesses are not allowed within 500 feet of another marijuana facility or within 500 feet of a park, residential district or school. The state prohibits dispensaries from being located within 500 feet of a school, church, public library, public playground or public park. Because of those regulations, Begeny said city officials believe this will likely be the only dispensary in the city. However, he added city officials believe another dispensary will be located just outside the city, on the Columbus part of Main Street. Begeny said the dispensary will still need administrative approvals before it can open. He said the existing building will also be renovated. He added the dispensary will likely open early next year. The dispensary needed a variance because it is 420 feet from a residential district to the south, according to city documents. Zach Weprin, president of Certified Cultivators, said during the Sept. 5 meeting that the dispensary will be monitored 24/7/365 by security cameras. All the products come prepackaged, and there is no onsite consumption. "We're committed to keeping a safe and clean, well-run facility that contributes to the positive impact of businesses we have in the community," Weprin said. Scott Miller, Certified Cultivators' chief compliance officer and general counsel, said the product is stored in a vault. The shop also won't allow just anyone to come in. When people walk in, they'll go to a reception area to check in. They then must provide identification to prove they are 21 or present their patient card if they are under 21. Medical marijuana became legal in Ohio in 2016, and Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana for those 21 and older 57-43% last November. Recreational sales started at existing dispensaries on Aug. 6. mdevito@dispatch.com 740-607-2175 This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Reynoldsburg aims to welcome marijuana dispensary Ceres man killed, child seriously injured in multi-car collision on SR-132, CHP says A multi-car collision Saturday on SR-132 left one person dead and four others injured, including a child, according to a press release from the California Highway Patrol. The crash was reported at 12:57 p.m. Emergency personnel responded to the scene near Vernalis and found five vehicles involved in the collision, the CHP release said. A 26-year-old man from Ceres, who was driving a Honda sedan, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the CHP. An 11-month-old child, who was a passenger in a 2021 Toyota sedan, was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center with major injuries. The little girl was in a child safety seat, but it was facing forward, CHP spokesman Officer Tom Olsen told The Bee. Child seats need to be rear facing until the child is at least 2 years old, he said. Four additional people sustained injuries in the crash. A preliminary investigation showed that the 26-year-old man was driving a 2001 Honda sedan eastbound on SR-132, east of River Road, according to the release. Hector Garcia was driving a 2012 Honda SUV west on SR-132, with Lizandro Castillo following behind in a 2021 Toyota sedan. Behind Castillo, Esther Yahaira was driving a 2004 Chevrolet van, and Abel Velasquez was driving a 2011 Honda sedan farther behind. According to CHP, the 26-year-old driver turned left, partially crossing the double yellow lines. His Honda sedan sideswiped Garcias SUV before continuing into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with Castillos Toyota sedan. Yahaira braked to avoid the crash, but the Honda sedan struck the rear of her Chevrolet van. SR-132 was closed between River Road and Gates Road, with Caltrans redirecting traffic through the area. The highway reopened around 3:10 p.m. It was unknown whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision, according to the release. All individuals involved were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. A Jersey charity has appealed for more donations for Christmas presents [BBC] A Jersey charity has appealed for more donations for Christmas presents to be sent to children in Ukraine and Romania. Mustard Seed Jersey wants to send shoeboxes full of items such as toiletries, tinned food and toys during the festive period. It said it was aiming to send thousands of parcels this year as part of its Christmas shoebox appeal. Rose Helie, from the charity, said islanders could choose to send their boxes to Romania or Ukraine, but if they have a particular choice they must donate before 11 October. The closing date for donations is 29 October. Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) Pet owners can now register for one of Chemung Countys upcoming rabies clinics. The Chemung County Department of Health is holding one rabies vaccination clinic in Van Etten and one in Elmira at the beginning of October. All New York State residents are welcome to get their cats, dogs, and ferrets vaccinated for free at one of these events, but they must register in advance. The Van Etten clinic will take place at Banfield Square Park, located at 6 Gee St., from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, and pet owners interested in attending can register using this link. The Elmira clinic will be at the Economic Opportunity Program (EOP), located at 650 Baldwin St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Pet owners can register for the Elmira clinic using this link. A lost cats mysterious 2-month, 900-mile journey home to California Cats, dogs, and ferrets aged three months or older are eligible for the clinics. Owners bringing cats or dogs that have previously been vaccinated for rabies can bring proof of previous vaccinations to receive three-year certificates. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier and be under the control of a responsible adult. Owners should only bring one animal per person. Cat owners without carriers should talk to clinic staff before taking their cats out of their vehicles. People (especially dog owners) should be prepared to clean up after their animals if they have an accident. Pet owners who cant make one of these clinics and owners whose pets arent due for a vaccine yet can check Chemung Countys website for future rabies clinics. Chemung County residents can also attend clinics in neighboring counties. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Claremore Indian Hospital (Photo/IHS) Guest Opinion. The Claremore Indian Hospital is a place of special significance for Cherokee Nation, as well as for my family. I was born there. My father was born there. My grandfather received care there. Thousands of Cherokees and citizens of other tribes have received essential health services at Claremore for many decades. Throughout that time, the Claremore Indian Hospital has always been staffed by wonderful people who work hard for their patients. However, the truth is, the Claremore Indian Hospital operates in a federal system, the Indian Health Service, which has never adequately delivered health care. To this day, IHS is funded well below the needs of American Indian patients. Their budget is seven times less than it should be, and the agency is $26 billion behind on building clinics and hospitals for Indian Country. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Meanwhile, Cherokee Nation has proven we can deliver care far more effectively. Cherokee Nation was among the very first tribes to assume self-governance over IHS programs in the early 1990s. After gaining experience and building on our successes in health care, we took over operations of the W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah in 2008. Now we have built up the largest tribally operated health care system in the country, with over 2 million patient visits annually. Our network of 11 health care facilities has become a system of choice for Native Americans of all tribes on our reservation, throughout the region, and even some who travel to Cherokee Nation from across the country for care. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. Quite simply, we have proven that when Cherokees operate our own health care system, we do it better. Thats why I sent legislation to the Council of the Cherokee Nation to begin the process of taking ownership and control of Claremore Indian Hospital by the end of 2025. With approval of this legislation, the talented team at Cherokee Nation Health Services has begun a deep dive into Claremores operations and infrastructure. They will work closely with IHS and Claremore leadership to ensure a smooth transition for patients and staff. I am confident that Cherokee Nation Health Services will be able to carry on operations and make improvements from day one of assuming control. I am grateful for the Indian Health Service leadership, including Director Roselyn Tso and Oklahoma City Area Director Travis Watts, who recognize that expanding tribal self-governance is the best path for success of IHS goals. With this important step, we are poised to take greater ownership of our health care destiny building a world class system of health care and wellness for all Cherokee families and individuals. Venezuelan migrants moving into Chicagos South Side have caught the attention of the citys gangs, with some fearing an impending turf war between local gangs and their Venezuelan counterparts. "When the black gangs here get fed up with the illegalities and criminal activities of these migrants or non-citizens, the city of Chicago is going to go up in flames and there will be nothing the National Guard or the government can do about it when the bloodshed hits the streets. Itll be blacks against migrants," Tyrone Muhammad, a former Chicago gangster who did 20 years in prison and now runs a violence prevention program, said in a report for the New York Post. The comments come as Chicago has seen an influx of Venezuelan migrants, according to the report, including members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. CAUGHT ON CAMERA: FENCE-CUTTING MIGRANTS BUSTED BY FEDS With the arrival has come a rise in crime, locals told the New York Post, while some Venezuelan gangsters have started to encroach on the territory of the citys local gangs. "Theres been a lot going on with (the migrant gangs) that nobodys even hearing about," Zacc Massie, a local Chicago gang member, told the New York Post. "They be moving in our own territory and robbing people but they dont get arrested like we do. I actually talked to one on the translator app. He told me all the things he got going on; how they helped him get a car, an apartment, (EBT) card, all this stuff. They giving them thousands, we get maybe $400 a month. And they dont even have Social Security numbers!" READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Sources from local Chicago gangs told the New York Post that members of the Venezuelan gang are often heavily armed and have begun spilling into areas traditionally controlled by local gangs. EX-BORDER PATROL CHIEF RIPS BIDEN ADMIN FOR ALLEGEDLY SUPPRESSING INFO ON MIGRANTS WITH POTENTIAL TERROR TIES Local gang member Corey Rogers told the New York Post that Venezuelan gangsters will often be seen "showing the flag," a slang term for brandishing their firearms. He also showed the outlet text threads that featured local gang members threatening turf wars with the newcomer gangsters. "What bothers me is that the Venezuelans are united," Rogers said. "The black gangs are too divided and they take each other down." Others shared concerns about the possibility of increased violence, telling the New York Post that things had actually improved in the city before the influx of migrants. "Its still violent down here but its calmed down a lot," one gang member told the outlet. "Back in the day wed get shot if we went over there. Its calmed down a lot. The last thing we need are the Venezuelans." The Chicago Police Department did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment. Original article source: Chicago gangs clash with Venezuelan Tren de Aragua members: Blacks against migrants CHICAGO - Chicago police are searching for the suspects in an armed robbery and attempted carjacking that happened in North Lawndale last week. On Sept. 10, a group of men robbed a victim at gunpoint and tried to steal a car in the 600 block of Independence Boulevard. The incident happened at 3:27 a.m. and the suspects fled right after in a black Honda Accord with damage to the rear driver's side. The car may have had a temporary license plate reading S842067. Police said there were anywhere from one to five suspects. They were believed to be between the ages of 17 and 20. The suspects were roughly 5-foot-5 to 6 feet tall and wore dark clothing with face masks. They were armed with black semiautomatic handguns. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Area Four Detective Bautista, badge #20956, at 312-746-8253. CHICAGO Chicago was founded by a Haitian. Chef Daniel Aurel, 26, wants people to know that. There is a large, vibrant mural of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable the citys founder on the outside of his family-owned restaurant Liors Cafe in Chicago's Washington Heights neighborhood, one of the few restaurants where customers can sit and be waited on in the area. Haitians have been coming to the city for centuries, Aurel said. His grandfather came to Chicago from Haiti in 1962, and brought his family with him. The restaurant, which opened in May 2023, attracts people from all over the city for Aurels famous oxtails, goat pot pie and shrimp stew. Haitian food is soul, he said. Its family. So when former President Donald Trump brought up the unsubstantiated claim in the presidential debate earlier this month that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing pets to eat, Aurel, like other Haitians in Chicago, called the rhetoric upsetting. But they said they would refuse to let Trumps continuing unfounded attacks define their values. Haitian culture is deeply rooted and showcased throughout the city. Chicagos Haitian community has been stung by Trumps language, but it has also reminded them of everything they have to be proud of, according to interviews with Haitian leaders, workers and recently arrived immigrants. Although there have not been widespread reports of threats or harassment in Chicago, the community plans to show support for the Haitians in Ohio with a Stop the Haitian Hate rally at 2 p.m. Sunday in Federal Plaza. The character of long-term Haitian immigrants as of those who recently arrived, are far from the narrative that Trump has created, said Cyndee M. Newman of Daughters of Haiti, an organization that provides support to the Haitian diaspora, which has an extensive history in Chicago. We are united, we are strong and resilient, Newman said. More than ever. Haitian legacy Haiti is the only country in the world that was born out of a slave revolt. But decades of natural disasters, foreign interventions, weakening institutions and lack of engagement from the international community have caused waves of migration from the former French colonized island. The country is now the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with more than half of its population living below the World Banks poverty line, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. People fleeing Haiti have fanned out across the globe and about 40,000 self-reported Haitians have settled in Chicago, according to data from the General Consulate of Haiti in Chicago. In the past two years, there has been an increase in Haitians arriving in Chicago seeking asylum. Though some go through Chicagos shelter system, most arrive directly in Haitian communities or get help from organizations. Most make a pit stop in the city and then reunite with family or friends in other states with larger Haitian communities, according to Aline Lauture, who spearheads efforts to help new arrivals under the Coalition of Haitian American Organizations in the Chicagoland Area. They, like us, are here to work, said Lauture, who has been working to assess the needs of Haitian migrants in city-run shelters. There are Haitian politicians, business and corporate leaders, professors, nurses and doctors in the city, but it has taken time for Chicago city officials to publicly acknowledge its Haitian legacy, starting from the citys inception. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, born in Haiti in 1745, moved to the U.S. when he became a fur trader. He built a cabin on the Chicago River in his late 20s and established a successful trading post which grew into what is now Chicago. It took almost 200 years for him to be recognized as the man who founded the city. In 2021, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance renaming the historic Lake Shore Drive to Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive. This year, the city passed a resolution designating May as Haitian American Heritage Month. Jennifer Torres, a volunteer who has worked with Haitian children and adults for the past 14 years, says Haitian contributions in Chicago tend to fly under the radar. I wish there was more news about the communitys rich cultural traditions, not just when there are demoralizing comments being made, Torres said. Those comments have trickled down to some Haitian Chicagoans. Daphne Francois-Torres, a 37-year-old Haitian American who was born in Chicago, said she recently received a Facebook message from an old colleague saying that he needed Haitian restaurant recommendations, and that he needed to convince his family they werent serving cat. Some may find that funny, she said. But I dont find that funny at all. Francois-Torres said being Haitian is rooted in everything (she does). Like Aurels grandfather, her parents also came to Chicago from Haiti in the 1960s and 70s at a young age because they were looking for better educational opportunities for themselves and their children, she said. Her father became a computer consultant and her mother worked in higher education. Francois-Torres works at the University of Chicago and her sister is a doctor. The owner of Haitian Food by Maggy, who didnt want her last name published out of fear she might receive hateful comments, said Trumps verbal attacks against Haiti left her angry. People who say bad things about us dont have eyes to see, she said.Maggy has three kids she raised by herself after her husband passed away 11 years ago. She used to work three cleaning jobs to have enough money for her family, before getting a kitchen spot in the Rockwell Food Center in the Rogers Park neighborhood. She came to Chicago in 2009, and said she doesnt know many people in the South Shore neighborhood where she lives because she hardly has time to do anything but work. Still, she loves Chicago. In some ways, she said, the people here and their warmth remind her of her home city Cap-Haitien. Integral part of the city Being Haitian for Courtney Joseph means red beans and rice and marinated pork shoulder or griot which makes her salivate at the thought. It means going back to the island to help build schools and provide medical care where people dont have access. It means large community gatherings where people speak Creole and drink rum and talk politics. Joseph, an associate professor of history and African American studies at Lake Forest College who is also the daughter of Haitian immigrants and grew up in Chicago, proudly wears her Haitian identity on her sleeve. She said the other Haitian Americans she knows do so, too. But that pride, I think, is also a defense mechanism to the amount of vitriol that Haitian people have received, she said. Haitians have had to deal with negative propaganda against them for centuries, Joseph said: from false stereotypes of having pacts with the devil to kids eating dirt cookies to being the arbiters of AIDS in the 1980s. Trumps comments last Tuesday were just recycled narratives, she said. But in Chicago, Haitians have found many ways to celebrate and honor their shared history.On a recent Thursday evening, in a small hall in the Bronzeville neighborhood, Chicago native Collin Boltz, 33, danced to the beat of konpa Haitian music with some jazz elements, African rhythms and Dominican merengue with his mother-in-law, Marie Dameus, his wife, Esther Boltz, and their toddler. Other people from the Chicago Haitian community gathered around, eating homemade food from paper plates. Boltz said he didnt know much about Haiti before he met Esther, who is from Haiti. But I learned a lot about it. There are a lot of cool stories, he said, laughing.The monthly dance party, called Konpa Swear, is a space for Haitians to embrace and celebrate their roots. They say they feel at home sharing smiles over a drink or two. Its a very special night for all of us because people come together to enjoy the beauty of the culture, said Carlos Bossard, the director of programming of the Haitian American Museum of Chicago, which hosted the event. The museum, one of two Haitians museums in the country, was founded in 2012 by Elsie Hector Hernandez, a native Haitian. She wanted to help change the negative perceptions and stereotypes about Haiti and Haitian culture with a robust and unique collection of art and artifacts. Few people know the museum exists in Chicago, but over the last decade it has become an epicenter for the Haitian community, not only in Chicago but across the Midwest, according to Bossard. It has an extensive list of immersive programs throughout the year, including cuisine programming, Haitian dance, music and art. It also features a legal branch, which provides immigration services for Haitian and non-Haitian migrants in Illinois. Daryll Auguste, member of the Haitian American Lawyers Association and a son of Haitian immigrants, has dedicated some of his time to providing pro bono services for Haitians filing asylum cases. Auguste said he has worked directly with hundreds of recently arrived families, which he described as diverse in occupation, immersed in culture, especially as God-loving, strong Americans that want to build our community. Auguste helped to organize the rally on Sunday, which he considers an important action to ensure that migrants in Chicago feel seen and supported. We want to show people that the Haitian community is a beautiful and integral part of the city and of the country, he said. Music and connection Lauren Eldridge Stewart, a professor of music at Washington University in St. Louis, connects with Haitian culture through music, though she isnt Haitian herself. She said Trumps comments at the debate ignored U.S. involvement in Haitian migration patterns. The most dramatic instance was the U.S. occupation of the country between 1915 and 1934, she said. More recently, U.S. tariffs levied on the country have triggered migration. All of these foreign involvements do matter, she said. And they do a lot to contribute to ongoing instability in the country. Stewart spent her summers between 2011 and 2017 offering piano lessons in urban and rural settings throughout Haiti. Classical music, a relic of colonial ties, has been used for years as a form of protest, she said. It acts as a violence prevention measure and aims to bring communities together. Frederica Confident, 26, took those music classes in Jacmel, Haiti, when she was a teenager. A decade later, Confident was pregnant when she boarded a plane to the U.S., where she knew only a few people, including Stewart. Confident said she left Haiti because she couldnt find work, there was no electricity, and food was expensive. Coming to the U.S. was a matter of self-respect, she said. She recalled the flavors of her mothers soup joumou, an orange-tinted squash soup with beef and vegetables. She remembered the sun, mountains and calm provinces she had left behind. Our country has many problems, otherwise we would stay there, Confident, 26, said in Creole through a translator. We have a beautiful country. Its paradise on Earth. Confident flew to New York through a program sponsored by President Joe Biden that allows up to 30,000 individuals per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to come to the U.S. for two years. Her partner still in Haiti hoped to come through the same means. He has never met their daughter, Ivy, born in Chicago three months ago. Confident said Trumps comments at the debate made her lose respect for him, as well as any faith that he might ever regard Haitian or Black people as equals. Thursday afternoon, Confident sat in a quiet courtyard in the Albany Park neighborhood and looked down at her baby in the stroller, swathed in a pink blanket. She said she is grateful to be in Chicago. She went to culinary school in her country and hopes someday to open a restaurant here. ____ If youd like to donate to a Haitian organization, consider Concerned Haitian Americans of Illinois , which provides education and clothing to children on the northern coast of Haiti. ____ PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Ninety-eight candidates are running for the new Portland City Council in November, and each one of them has a story. However, few are as compelling as that of Terrence Hayes, who is one of 16 candidates running in District 1 representing outer-East Portland. This area runs east of I-205 and includes the Portland International Airport. When will it feel like fall? New map shows Pacific Northwests forecast for next 3 months Back in 2017, Terrence Hayes cousin, Quanice Hayes, was shot and killed by Portland police officer Andrew Hearst. Authorities said Quanice, 17, was a robbery suspect and had a replica handgun with him at the scene. A grand jury decided not to charge Officer Hearst. But in 2021, the Portland City Council voted to settle a lawsuit by the Hayes family for $2.2 million. Our entire communitys impacted, Mayor Ted Wheeler said at the time. Families, doctors, nurses, neighbors, first responders, all of us. Despite the settlement and the family tragedy, Terrence Hayes has received an endorsement by the Portland Police Association, the union representing Portlands police officers. Brides-to-be seek refunds after abrupt closure of Portland smores shop Terrence Hayes joined this weeks segment of Eye on Northwest Politics to discuss his campaign and how his cousins death and the following settlement influenced his decision to run for office and forced him to see the city in a different light. His death moved me to recognize that there is a bridge or a gap of knowledge and understanding between, specifically, Black communities and policing, Hayes said. We generally dont understand the laws and rules that govern the behavior of officers. And when we take those type of losses, we feel them personally. So I wanted to make sure I understood how our city was ran. How our bureau practiced those type of engagements. And I wanted to be a part of change. Despite this history, Hayes said the Portland Police Association has chosen to endorse him because when they look at a story like mine, they realize that they need somebody whos done the work in community, has experienced the highest level of laws, and is still willing to sit at the table. To me, it means Portland should be excitedfor how the PPA is now seeing their relationship between community and itself, Hayes said. I think community as a whole in Portland has historically felt like Portland police have been able to kind of hide behind what we say is the blue shield, and I dont think they want to be there anymore. Hayes also served time in prison for attempted murder after shooting a man in the leg, which he claimed had been in self defense. The conviction came from a 10 to 2 jury decision before non-unanimous jury verdicts were outlawed in Oregon. Hayes said this experience motivated his political activism because he wanted to bring a unique perspective, because most individuals like myself whove committed a crime, we want a better life especially after weve been held accountable. In his time working within the community, Hayes has served on several boards and commissions related to criminal and racial justice, such as Portland Ceasefire. Hes also been on the board of the Freedom Fund, which raises bail money for people of color. Texas Monthly says these 3 Oregon spots get Texas-style barbecue right Hayes said he feels a duty to these causes because he wanted to bring his lived experience to the table. I think for the past four to six years, the Black narrative when it comes to criminal justice reform and the criminal justice system, its kind of been run by folks who dont know that dont always look like you and I, Hayes said. Oregon faces measles, pertussis outbreaks ahead of respiratory virus season But for a part of Portland that has historically gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to the citys attention, Hayes said the biggest thing for me is I want to make sure that we have enough officers in our district. Despite your view on police, on either side of this argument, we have to know that its problematic that we only have four squad cars to cover all of East Portland, Hayes said. East Portland has been very clear about two things. One is that they want responses from officers when they call for help. And two, they want an answer to encampments something that impacts their life every day. Watch the complete 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 KOIN.com. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) The fifth annual Pepperoni Roll 5K took place in Clarksburg on Saturday to raise funds for a local school. The Clarksburg Childrens House is a Montessori school that serves children from 18 months to nine years old. The 5K was founded five years ago to raise money for the school and celebrate one of the regions most famous foods. This years 5K was the first to also have a Childrens Fun Run, held after the main race. Destination Healthy Skin offering free skin cancer screenings in Morgantown Fundraising Chair for Clarksburg Childrens House Kaitlin Walker helped organize the event. Walker has had three children attend school at the Clarksburg Childrens House and looks to support it in any way she can. We are doing this event to raise money for the school and for various causes, Walker said. For class materials, teacher education, scholarships. The 5K said that over 200 runners participated and that the event raised over $12,000. The first-place runners for the 5K won a bag of mini pepperoni rolls from Tomaros Bakery and a certificate, while the winners of the Childrens Fun Run took home a trophy and a T-shirt. You can learn more about the Clarksburg Childrens House on 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 WBOY.com. As protests swelled in July, authorities shuttered the campus as part of a crackdown on the demonstrations that killed hundreds (Munir UZ ZAMAN) (Munir UZ ZAMAN/AFP/AFP) Students returned to classes at Bangladesh's Dhaka University on Sunday after a weeks-long shutdown sparked by a student-led uprising that toppled autocratic prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Tens of thousands demonstrated on campus and in the surrounding Shahbagh neighbourhood as protests against job quotas morphed into a nationwide struggle to end Hasina's 15 years of iron-fisted rule. As the protests swelled in July, authorities shuttered the campus as part of a crackdown on the demonstrations that killed hundreds. Several of the top student protest leaders were enrolled at the university, some of whom were snatched by plainclothes police and held in custody for several days. On Sunday the lecture halls were full again, with students chatting in groups along tree-covered walkways and buying drinks and snacks at canteens. "I feel so much better coming back to class after a long time," said Arpita Das, who studies political science. "It was like a new students' reception as our teacher welcomed us in class with flowers." Das said she was present during a pitched battle on campus in July, when protesters and students backing Hasina's Awami League party fought each other with rocks, sticks and iron rods. "We were used to the routine of going to classes, study and exams," she said. "We were in so much uncertainty about whether we could resume class again and complete our studies," she added. Classes had started again in all but four or five departments said assistant proctor Mohammad Mahbub Quaisar, who was appointed after previous administrators loyal to Hasina resigned. "Students are attending in a joyous mood," he said. Hasina's government was accused of widespread abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killing of political rivals. More than 600 people were killed in the weeks leading up to Hasina's ouster in early August, according to a preliminary United Nations report that said the toll was "likely an underestimate". Since her departure for exile in neighbouring India, cabinet ministers and other senior members of Hasina's party have been arrested, and her government's appointees have been purged from courts and the central bank. In the leafy streets of the Shahbagh neighbourhood, colourful new murals exhort the public to "destroy the iron doors of prison" and celebrate Bangladesh's "rebirth". "It was like we were in an oppressive era when we could not say anything," said masters student Kalimulla Al Kafi, 25, of the crackdown ordered by Hasina. "Today it feels like I am attending classes with freedom." "We can express ourselves freely." es-rma/rsc Cleanup efforts at one of Eries largest homeless camps makes new progress Editors note: Weve updated the story as new information has been provided. In an effort to prevent future habitation in a location that is unsuitable for living, volunteers took the day to dismantle makeshift structures and remove trash. What I see is a tragedy here that people have to live in this type of condition. Theres a lot of progress being done here, said Don Boore, Pennsylvania-New Jersey Disaster Relief. Homeless encampment issues stretch near and far. Here is Eries new plan to handle it A couple times a week, rescue and recovery organization Erie City Mission does outreach to search homeless encampments around the city. Saturday afternoon, over 200 volunteers made their way to clean one of Eries largest encampments, which is a part of their ServErie Tour in partnership with the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania and South Jersey. This is located south of West 12th Street between Liberty and Poplar Streets, directly behind the Erie Tool building. I think maybe three people started this camp, and it grew to over 30 people over the last year. In the planning process, the camp has been evicted. The police came in and dispersed them, too many issues going on, we have ODs, said Chaplain Rob OConnell, Erie City Mission. Shriners hosts car seat safety check in light of National Child Passenger Safety Month Chaplain OConnell said these encampments are more common than most may think referencing a couple located on upper Peach Street being businesses. He said the organization is working hard to inspire those who are homeless to take advantage of shelters and their resources. I pray with them every time before we leave after our visits with them, and my encouragement to them is that I need them to know that god sent us, OConnell added. Volunteers we talked to said although theyre aware of these types of situations its one thing to hear about it and a different thing to actually see it. I was just kind of surprised, said Rachel Manon, a volunteer. From now on, I definitely want to try to help more because who wants to live in these situations? These are pieces of peoples lives, there are photographs of their children that maybe were taken from them, said Debbie Knowles, volunteer. Walk to End Alzheimers brings around a thousand supporters to Perry Square Knowles, along with the other volunteers, agree that anyone can be in this situation and its everyones responsibility to lift each other 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Colombian authorities said Sunday they were fighting forest fires across seven departments, as a scorching drought fanned blazes across Latin America. From Ecuador to Brazil, many Latin American nations are gripped by their worst drought in decades, fueling a blistering fire season that has set residents and governments on edge. Colombia's National Unit for Risk and Disaster Management said in its latest report published on X that almost 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) had been consumed by fires. Some of the affected departments border Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, which are also battling flames. Authorities deployed eight airplanes to fight a fire in the village of Nagataima in the Andean Tolima department, where two people were injured as a result of the blaze. Meanwhile Ecuador was experiencing power outages in 12 provinces on Sunday to ration electricity as the hydroelectric power-dependent country faces its worst drought in 61 years. Nightly blackouts are planned from Monday to Thursday, as a way of "safeguarding the water resources" available after 71 days of no rain, the presidency said in a statement. The Peruvian government this week declared a 60-day state of emergency in the three departments worst affected by fires, jungle regions bordering Brazil and Ecuador. The drought has reduced the flow of the Amazon River where Colombia borders Peru and Brazil, choking food supplies and threatening residents' health. Another major waterway, the Madeira River in the Brazilian Amazon, has dried up so much that residents are forced to ditch their canoes and walk across its baking sands to buy food and water, get healthcare and send their children to school. Brazil, South America's biggest nation, has seen some of the most dramatic impacts of the drought which experts attribute to climate change. Thick plumes of smoke have clouded major cities such as Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, from fires that have consumed millions of hectares of forest and farmland from the Amazon rainforest to the Pantanal wetlands. Most of the fires are set deliberately by farmers trying to clear land for agriculture. On some of the worst days of fires, smoke blew across the border to neighboring Argentina -- battling its own fires -- and Uruguay. burs-fb/des Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Sunday defended the city of Aurora against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps claims that the city has been overrun by Venezuelan immigrants. It's really a great diverse city and its growing fast. It will probably be the No. 1 or 2 city in Colorado over the next decade or two, Polis, a Democrat, told Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan on CBS. So it's a great city, its safer than it's been. Like any city Chicago, L.A., mid-sized cities, Denver of course, there's been an issue with gangs for decades in Aurora and I feel that we finally turned the corner. Trump has taken to using Aurora and Springfield, Ohio, as his favorite examples of everything he sees as being wrong about the Biden administrations immigration policies, often with scary anecdotes provided without verifiable details. Under border czar Harris, Venezuelan gangs have taken over entire apartment buildings in Aurora, Colorado, the former president said at a rally in North Carolina yesterday. The governor is petrified in Colorado. He's a liberal governor. He doesn't know what to do. The guy is so scared of these guys and maybe you can't blame him. When asked how he responded to the personal attack, Polis said, I went shopping in Aurora yesterday. What a lot of Americans need to know is Aurora [has] over 400,000 people, its Colorado's third largest city, violent crime is down two years in a row, car thefts are down two years in a row. It's a wonderful city. Im there all the time. The Denver metro area has seen an influx of about 40,000 migrants to the already diverse community in recent years, which has increased housing costs. A special task force made up of Aurora police department detectives was assigned to investigate the Venezuelan gangs alleged connections to the city in August. However, Trumps claims that the Venezuelan gang is taking over as he said at a rally in California on Sept. 13 is greatly exaggerated, Polis and others have said. This is the difference between electing a president that skirts the law versus one who has made a career enforcing the law, Polis said to Brennan. Kamala Harris is somebody who stared criminal enterprises in the face, put criminals behind bars as district attorney and shes going to take that same attitude to the White House to make America safer." Trump said at a rally in Long Island on Wednesday that hes planning on visiting Aurora in the next few weeks. CORRECTION: This report has been updated to reflect that the Denver metro area has seen an influx of about 40,000 migrants, not just Aurora. The interim president of Columbia University kicked off the new school year by apologizing to anti-Israel protesters on campus who were "hurt" by the NYPD when they worked to clear the agitators who descended on the campus last year. "I know that this is tricky for me to say, but I do understand that I sit in this job, right. And so if you could just let everybody know who was hurt by that, that Im just incredibly sorry," interim university President Katrina Armstrong told student newspaper The Columbia Spectator in her first interview with the outlet since she was named interim president. "And I know it wasnt me, but Im really sorry. I saw it, and Im really sorry." Armstrong became interim president of the elite school last month when Minouche Shafik stepped down as president amid ongoing condemnation of her handling of campus protests last year that often turned violent. Agitators and student protesters flooded college campuses nationwide last school year to protest the war in Israel, which also included spiking instances of antisemitism and Jewish students publicly speaking out that they dont feel safe on some campuses. IVY LEAGUE ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS' PROTESTS SPIRAL INTO 'ACTUAL TERROR ORGANIZATION,' PROFESSOR WARNS New York Police Department officers detain dozens of pro-Palestinian students at Columbia University after they barricaded themselves at the Hamilton Hall building on April 30, 2024. Columbia's campus was notably rocked by student and outside agitators demanding the school completely divest from Israel amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Agitators and pro-Hamas demonstrators stormed the university's Hamilton Hall at the end of April, occupying the building for nearly 24 hours before members of the NYPD were granted permission by the university to take it back from the protesters. The officers were overwhelmingly dressed in riot gear to carry out the operation, and "used electric saws, stun grenades, and other tactical gear to sweep" the building, according to the student newspaper's report published Thursday. COLUMBIA RABBI TELLS JEWISH STUDENTS TO LEAVE CAMPUS, WARNS THAT SCHOOL, NYPD 'CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR SAFETY' During the widespread campus protests last school year, the NYPD also swept a tent encampment housing the protesters, which was dubbed the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment," before the university dismantled the encampment in May. NYPD SHARES GLIMPSE INTO RAID REMOVING ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS FROM COLUMBIA'S HAMILTON HALL All in, the NYPD arrested about 200 protesters on Columbia's campus last school year. "As we face anything, we have to be very committed to the principles, and our principles are our students and are enabling an environment where people can have freedom of expression, and we support debate, and we do those things," Armstrong said. "We have to be committed to our principles in terms of ensuring that our academic activities can continue. And so I think we have to be very clear about that, because thats the commitment I made to our students and to our professors." STEFANIK ACCUSES COLUMBIA PRESIDENT OF 'PRO-TERRORIST' PROFESSOR 'COVER-UP,' WARNS OF POTENTIAL FELONY A protester is removed from Columbia University's Hamilton Hall in New York on April 30, 2024. Members of the Jewish community on campus ripped Armstrong's apology in comments to the New York Post. "Why is she apologizing? An apology sends the message that there shouldnt be consequences for breaking the rules," Ari Shrage, cofounder of the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association, told the New York Post, calling the remarks "tone deaf." "This is exactly the opposite of what Columbia needs now." Anti-Israel demonstrators gather on the campus of Columbia University on April 29, 2024. "Instead of apologizing to the antisemitic protesters, [Armstrong] should be apologizing to the Jewish students for failing to protect them from relentless discrimination and harassment," student Maya Cukierman, 19, told the outlet. HILLARY CLINTON CONDEMNS ANTI-ISRAEL CAMPUS PROTESTS, SAYS 'OUTSIDE' GROUPS INFLUENCED STUDENTS: 'NASTY' Columbia Law School graduate Rory Lancman added that Armstrong kicking off the new school year by apologizing is an "ominous sign for Columbias dwindling cohort of Jewish students." A Columbia University spokesperson told Fox Digital on Sunday when asked about Armstrong's comments that, "From day one, Interim President Armstrong has been focused on engaging with and listening to a wide range of students and communities across the university and has heard about the harm they experienced last academic year." "Dr. Armstrong gave a wide-ranging interview with the student newspaper that in part focused on the impact of the past year, and just as she has as done while speaking to many groups across our campus, she recognized their pain and reiterated how sorry she is to all students who are hurting. She remains committed to ensuring everyone at the university feels safe and respected as we rebuild and heal this year." Original article source: Columbia's interim president apologizes to protesters who occupied campus for 'hurt' caused by NYPD Columbus police are searching for Christy Brown, 10, last seen in the area of Winding Path Court on the Southeast Side on Saturday evening. A 10-year-old girl who was reported missing Saturday evening returned home on her own Sunday, according to Columbus police. The child had last been seen at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, walking east from the vicinity of Winding Path Court on the city's Southeast Side. How the numbers stack up: How many children are missing in Ohio? Heres what to know Her mother called police at approximately 2:45 p.m. Sunday to report the girl had come home, a dispatcher said. A police report described the girl as "in good health." bpaschal@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Missing Columbus girl returns home after disappearance COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) After nearly 60 years of being open for business a local bar sold its final drink last night. The land that the building sits on, just south of OSU was sold to a company that plans to build new apartments in that same spot. Owner Craig Kempton knows the bar has had a significant impact on the community and he believes he will miss the people as much as they will miss the Bier Stube. I love this community, this community has been great to me, Kempton said. Its been great to my family, and I believe Ive been great back to the community again. And if you see all the people in there, its everybody on all for one in there. Watch: Last call for the Bier Stube Students, alumni and all those who have enjoyed their time at the Bier Stube gathered on Saturday to say their final goodbye. Patron Lauren Minerd personally understands the bars rich history of serving many Buckeyes. My dad and my mom met here and they graduated from here, and so this was an institution to them, Minerd said. My dad and mom are here all the time and so its a next generation bar for us. CCS sued again over decision to declare some students transportation impractical Though everyone gathered to celebrate and say thank you to the owners and the bar itself, for some, like Hannah Hays, its still hard to imagine that this is the last call. Its been fun to come here in the past couple of years, and its just such a unique vibe, Hays said. You cannot get that anywhere else (at) any of the bars on campus. Kempton said he is hoping to opening another location but, in his opinion, a sequel will never be better than the original. This place is 58 years old. Its a staple on this campus, Kempton said. Its hard, its sad. Its a sad day in Columbus 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Column: Californians would love for Kamala Harris to steal this Trump idea Kamala Harris already has stolen one idea from Donald Trump. Now she should pilfer another, helping middle-class families in California and other high-tax states. Forget pride of authorship. If an idea is good politics maybe even good policy latch onto it. This is election season. Be open-minded and recognize that even a campaign opponent even the contemptible Trump can occasionally be onto something worthwhile. Harris should copy Trumps promise to restore the federal tax break for state and local taxes SALT in government lingo if for no other reason than it would dramatically help millions of fellow Californians. The vice president has already established a precedent for campaign thievery. Last month, Harris adroitly adopted Trumps proposal to exempt service workers tips from federal income taxes. She simultaneously picked up the endorsement of the powerful Culinary Workers Union in Las Vegas, which is loaded with restaurant and hotel workers. Nevada is one of seven closely contested battleground states that are expected to decide who wins the presidency on Nov. 5. Never mind that the idea of making tips tax-exempt has flaws. Many tipped workers earn so little they dont owe any federal income tax. So theyd get no benefit. Read more: Trump says he would uncap the state and local tax deduction, a California favorite Anyway, tips are income. Why should one income source be tax-exempt but not another? But exempting tips probably matches reality. I suspect all those tips arent being reported as income anyway. Theyre part of the underground economy. And is the Internal Revenue Service bothering to nab these cheaters? Doubtful. It really should be focused on uncovering big-time tax fraud. The SALT idea also has critics. First, the background. Trump and congressional Republicans gutted the tax break in 2017. Now Trump believes its politically beneficial to restore it as he attempts to attract middle-class voters. I will turn it around, get SALT back, lower your taxes and so much more, Trump wrote last week on his social media platform, Truth Social. He reiterated the pledge later at a New York campaign event. Trump is making an absolutely empty promise, contends Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine), a leading advocate of reviving the SALT deduction. He made this mess with SALT. Read more: Column: Trump says Harris stole his idea for exempting tips from tax, but her version beats his Trump needed money from the middle-class to help pay for his 2017 corporate tax cuts. So he and GOP members of Congress placed a $10,000 cap on the deduction of state and local taxes. Before that, we could deduct all of our state income and local property taxes on federal returns. The average SALT deduction in California had exceeded $18,400. In the caps first year, Californians who itemized deductions were hit with a total extra tax burden of $12 billion, the state Franchise Tax Board reported. High-tax blue states led by Democrats were particularly slammed by the GOP legislation. It wasnt a big deal in many red states with low taxes or no income levies at all, such as Texas and Florida. Californias then-Gov. Jerry Brown charged that Republican congressional leaders were wielding their power like a bunch of Mafia thugs. Much more recently, Republican Rep. Mike Garcia of Santa Clarita asserted that the SALT cap was a legislative middle finger to the middle-class families of our community. Its penalizing blue states, which I live in. In 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom and six other Democratic governors sent President Biden a letter urging him to undo the cap. Nothing came of it. Capping SALT was based on politics, not logic or good government, the governors contended. This assault disproportionately targeted Democratic-run states. Critics contend that eliminating the SALT cap or even raising it, say, to $80,000 would benefit mainly the wealthy. Wrong. Read more: Trump says he won't tax your tips, OT or Social Security. Why critics see 'gimmicks' and a 'sham' It would help any taxpayer who itemizes deductions when filing federal income taxes, especially a homeowner who pays property levies. In California, thats a few million. Whats considered rich in some states is middle-class in much of high-cost California where housing often is unaffordable. A higher property tax deduction could be a big help. True, people with greater means would save the most tax dollars. But its relative. The savings for the middle-class could be more meaningful. I suspect that many critics of the SALT deduction are renters who have little to itemize and they take the standard deductions. One positive feature of the Trump tax act was that standard deductions were nearly doubled. So not all of that tax scheme should be scuttled. Another complaint about the SALT deduction is that it subsidizes taxes in high-tax states such as California, New York and New Jersey. The states that get more from the federal government than they pay in taxes are largely red states. The states that get less from the federal government but pay more taxes are largely blue states, says Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), who has tried to restore the SALT deduction and gotten nowhere. Blue states subsidize red states. We should be trying to lower costs for all middle-class families. Porter has tried hard to restore the tax break. She introduced a bill that would have eliminated the cap for all taxpayers making less than $400,000 annually. It never saw the light of day, she says. There wasnt the commitment on the part of either the Democratic or Republican leadership, she contends. Thats just the fact. Because if they had wanted [to alter the cap] they would have put the bill on the [House] floor for a vote. And that makes sense. Porter will be leaving Congress after this year. She ran for the Senate and finished third in the primary, not qualifying for the November ballot. The Trump tax act with the SALT cap will expire after next year unless Congress renews it. Therell be a fight over what parts to save and which to junk. Harris should join Trump in promising to crush the cap. It would be good politics and even better policy. 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. Column: Kamala Harris tried being something she wasn't. Now that liberal makeover is dogging her candidacy Running for president the first time, Kamala Harris staked a number of positions aimed at boosting her support on the left. Now she has to defend those positions as Harris bids a second time for the White House. (AFP via Getty Images) When Kamala Harris stepped in to replace the tottering Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket, there was no small amount of trepidation within her party. The only basis many had for judging Harris was her performance as vice president, which was shaky before she hit her stride some years into the job, and the crash-and-burn campaign she waged for president in 2020, which flamed out long before any votes were cast. Harris quickly allayed those concerns, at least among fellow Democrats. Her charismatic campaign style has shined through at rallies attracting capacity crowds. She headlined a boffo political convention in August and easily bested Donald Trump earlier this month in their one, and possibly only, debate. Still, the hangover from her failed 2020 campaign lingers, owing to Harris' leftward lurch and the position she took on issues, such as healthcare and immigration, that Trump and other Republicans have eagerly used to portray "Comrade Kamala" as the ideological stepchild of Karl Marx and Chairman Mao. Polls show that one of Harris' greatest weaknesses in this snap presidential campaign is a perception that she is "too liberal," as nearly half the respondents stated in a recent ABC/Ipsos survey. Read more: Column: This bellwether county picked 11 straight presidential winners. Here's how it views Trump vs. Harris What's striking is that Harris has never been the flaming lefty her positioning in the 2020 campaign would suggest, or some might impute from her grounding in the progressive climes of San Francisco, where Harris started her political career by winning election as district attorney. "She's center-left," said Dan Morain, a former Times staff writer and author of the biography "Kamala's Way: An American Life." "That's what she was in San Francisco. That's what she was when she ran for [state] attorney general ... She's a prosecutor," Morain said, and while prosecutors aren't necessarily conservative "by and large they're more conservative than run-of-the-mill Democrats." It was political expediency or, as some close to Harris prefer, necessity that caused her to stake her leftward ground. One Harris advisor, who has known the vice president for years, described the 2020 Democratic primary as a series of ideological litmus tests and a competition to see how many of the liberal boxes the large field of jostling candidates could check. The advisor agreed to speak candidly in return for anonymity, to preserve his relationship with the Democratic nominee. "If you checked those boxes," he said, "you could live to see another day." Another longtime member of Harris' political circle, who was similarly circumspect in discussing her 2020 campaign, said "there was a perception that the path to the nomination was only through running on the left" and managing to "out-Bernie" and "out-Warren" the competition. (That would be progressive totems Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.) That move not only turned out to be a strategic miscalculation, as pandemic-panicked voters turned to the more centrist Biden, but for Harris it was a masquerade. She was trying to be something she was not, this other longtime observer said. Worse, "She ended up adopting a bunch of positions that ultimately left her nothing but baggage four years later." Funny how that works. As part of her makeover, Harris backed elimination of the countrys private health insurance system, supported a ban on fracking, called for drastic cuts to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and said she was open to a conversation on allowing violent felons to vote from their cells. Recently, CNN's Andrew Kaczynski surfaced a 2019 ACLU questionnaire in which Harris supported taxpayer funding of gender transition surgeries for detained immigrants and federal prisoners. Harris has long since jettisoned those positions on healthcare, immigration and fracking. She abandoned her stance on jailhouse balloting the very next day. In response to Kaczynski's sleuthing, the Harris campaign offered this response, a masterwork of opacity: The Vice Presidents positions have been shaped by three years of effective governance as part of the Biden-Harris Administration. As for Harris, she's acknowledged changing some of her positions but insists, My values have not changed." But her political persona certainly has. After running away from the image of a tenacious prosecutor in the 2020 race when criminal-justice reform was a hot issue for many Democrats she's now making law and order a centerpiece of her White House bid. Read more: The blended, multiracial family behind Kamala Harris. It's not so unusual There's obviously a big difference between running in a primary, when a party's most ideological voters hold sway, and campaigning in a general election, which requires appealing to a broader slice of Americans. Harris has benefited greatly from her overnight installation as the Democratic nominee, which spared her the need to genuflect so conspicuously to the political left. But given her willingness to do that the last time she ran for president even if it meant going against her more-centrist inclinations voters aren't wrong to wonder where Harris stands and how firmly she'll stick to those values she professes to hold dear. In 2002, as a U.S. senator from New York, Hillary Clinton voted to give President George W. Bush the authority to invade Iraq. It seemed, at the time, a politically wise move for someone considering a future run for president and wanting to avoid the weak-kneed image that had plagued Democrats since the Vietnam War era. As it turned out, Clinton's vote was a key reason she lost the Democratic nomination in 2008 to then-Sen. Barack Obama, a staunch opponent of the Iraq War. All of those candidate contortions bring to mind a line from Hamlet: To thine own self be true. It's a good prescription for life. And for politics as well. Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Russian authorities reportedly arrested Vladimir "Beliy" Novikov, commander of an assault detachment from the 110th Motorised Rifle Brigade. There are several possible reasons behind the arrest: one suggests Novikov attempted to stop Chechens from supplying drugs to the military; another claims his unauthorised development of an anti-drone system led to the action, and the third points to the deaths of Russian drone operators during an assault on the Pokrovsk front as a potential cause. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Quote: "Russian actress Yana Poplovskaya, numerous Russian milbloggers (including supporters of arrested former Russian officer Igor Girkin), and Russian neo-nationalist outlet Tsargrad reported as early as 13 September that Russian authorities arrested an assault detachment commander of the 110th Motorised Rifle Brigade Vladimir Novikov, also known under the alias 'Beliy'. Poplovskaya published an appeal asking Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov to return Novikov to the frontlines, noting that Novikov had played a key role in the Russian seizure of Avdiivka and Krasnohorivka, has three state courage orders, and has received many of letters from his subordinates demanding his release." Details: Some of Novikov's subordinates and several milbloggers also said they joined the detachment solely because "Beliy" inspired them. Poplovskaya and a Russian milblogger who claims to have worked with Novikov noted that he had been arrested after attempting to stop Chechens from supplying drugs to the military. According to Poplovskaya, the Chechens retaliated by filing a false complaint against Novikov. A milblogger associated with Novikov suggested that the Russian military command might have disapproved of his efforts to train Russian soldiers and convicts from the Storm-Z unit to counter Ukrainian drones. The blogger claimed that the command was more focused on advancing their own career ambitions. He further revealed that he and Novikov independently developed a drone countermeasure system called "seizure of the small sky" to train specialists in drone defence, which reportedly contradicted headquarters protocol. Russian officials have not publicly acknowledged Novikov's arrest, and Belousov has not yet responded to any requests. Tsargrad, Russian propaganda outlet, notably connected Novikov's arrest to the recent deaths of prominent Russian military bloggers and drone operators from the 87th Separate Rifle Regiment of the 1st Slavic Motorised Rifle Brigade, Dmitry Lysakovsky (alias Goodwill) and Lieutenant Colonel Sergei Gritsai (alias Ernest), who reportedly died on the night of 12 September. Lysakovsky and Gritsai were unexpectedly deployed in a direct assault operation on 11 September, alongside at least 12 other long-range aerial reconnaissance specialists. The operation resulted in 14 deaths on the Pokrovsk front. Tsargrad speculated that the deaths of Lysakovsky and Gritsai, along with Novikov's arrest, could be connected, as both Lysakovsky and Gritsai had raised concerns about drug use among combat troops. The two cases may also be linked to the Russian military command's growing desperation to field more infantry in order to maintain the initiative on the Pokrovsk and Donetsk fronts. Russian sources highlight that the assault occurred shortly after the command disbanded Lysakovskys and Gritsais drone detachment. A Russian blogger and former Storm-Z instructor claims that the Russian military command has increasingly started to use the 1st Slavic Motorised Rifle Brigade, especially niche specialised units, in assault operations and that the 51st Motorised Rifle Brigade's leadership is guided by the slogan: "We do not need smart people, we are smart ourselves. We need assaults [and] meat". Quote: "ISW had previously observed the Russian higher military command dismiss and imprison some popular and effective military commanders who raised concerns about the tempo of Russian operations and persistent issues with Russia's campaign in Ukraine. The Russian military leadership and government are continuing to reduce the class of semi-independent Russian military innovators, specialists, and irregular commanders to advance force centralisation objectives, maintain the offensive tempo in Donetsk Oblast, and compensate for personnel shortages." To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 21 September: Ukrainian forces conducted another successful drone strike against Russian missile and ammunition storage facilities as well as a mobile radar system in Russia overnight on 20 to 21 September. The Kremlin appears to be reorganising Russia's decentralised, regional volunteer recruitment campaigns into a federal effort, indicating that Russia is struggling to meet the manpower demands of its war in Ukraine despite previous claims that the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast caused a spike in Russia's volunteer recruitment. The Russian military leadership and government are continuing to reduce the class of semi-independent Russian military innovators, specialists, and irregular commanders to advance force centralisation objectives, maintain the offensive tempo in Donetsk Oblast, and compensate for personnel shortages. Iran reportedly did not send mobile launchers for the Fateh-360 short-range ballistic missiles it recently supplied to Russia, likely due to a decision to prioritise sending additional missiles over bulky and easily replaceable launchers. Russian officials have designated 47 countries as having opposing and dangerous moral attitudes to Russia, highlighting that the Kremlin is reviving a Soviet-era tactic and mindset that defines a clear ideological division in the world. Russian milblogger analyses of Russias war in Ukraine continue to suggest that the Kremlin perceives Western commitment to Ukraine as feeble. Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast. Russian forces advanced north of the city of Kharkiv and near Kupiansk, Kreminna, Toretsk, and southwest of the city of Donetsk. The Kremlin has not fully suppressed localised protests organised by wives of Russian mobilised servicemen since declaring partial mobilisation on 21 September 2022. Support UP or become our patron! SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) It was hard to find an open space, as hundreds of people gathered at the Levitt in downtown Sioux Falls. We were expecting 500. Im going to guess we have surpassed that. Looking at our crowd, Im going to take a wild stab that we have at least 750 to 800 people with us, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Janet Harvey said. Its all to support a cause thats putting a spotlight on mental health. This is a walk that brings together families that have lost a loved one to suicide or have been connected to suicide in some way. Maybe it was a colleague, maybe it was a neighbor or just a family friend that they have lost, Harvey said. Construction zone worker dies in crash Suicide is one of the nations leading causes of death. The Out of the Darkness Walk is a part of the American Foundation of Suicide Preventions mission to provide resources and support for those affected by suicide. One example is through honor beads which represent personal connections to the cause based on the color of beads worn. All these beads represent, everything that I have dealt with in the past. Whether its a family member or friends or even myself, you know, struggling with that, John Stewart said. Stewart holds this event close to his heart. He lost his dad two years ago to suicide. Thats why he also decided to volunteer with the foundation. I think the support, the hope that youre going to feel that healing from this event is going to be so critical and I just really hope that we can change our statistics in our state, Harvey said. For Stewart and many others, its more than just a walk. Its a stand to start conversations and help others battling darkness find their light. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. For additional resources from the AFSP, 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 KELOLAND.com. Some of Greater Cincinnati's malls are dead. Others are dying. One is very much alive. I do not love malls, but I've learned over the last year that our audience adores them. You loved our Thanksgiving 2023 story on how Kenwood Towne Centre was thriving. Now we set out to know more about Greater Cincinnati's other malls: How are they faring? What exactly keeps them alive if stores are closing and customers are few and far between? This resulted in our first-ever mall health report card and a deeper look into the half-dozen regional malls slated for redevelopment. Indoor malls may be dying, but many are trying to reincarnate as lifestyle centers or something else entirely. Here's how we did it. A Saturday in August The food court at Eastgate Mall on Saturday, Aug. 3. This project was originally conceived during one of The Enquirer's weekly ideas meetings by breaking news reporter Erin Couch. She recently reported on Colerain Townships's capital investment in Northgate Mall and wanted to know if other municipalities were doing the same. The answer is, yes, they are. Before we dug into how these malls stay alive, we first visited them in person. On a Saturday in August, we dispatched two interns, Meredith Perkins and Allison Kiehl, and three staff reporters, me, Victoria Moorwood and Erin Couch, to assess the health of Kenwood Towne Centre, Northgate Mall, Eastgate Mall, Florence Mall and Towne Mall. What was the crowd size on that day? How busy was the food court? How many stores were vacant? Was the parking lot full? Are local malls dying? In our report card, we tried to show you the answer to that question rather than just tell you. The truth is that vibrant and healthy malls are easy to spot (looking at you, Kenwood...) but there's more going on than meets the eye at Greater Cincinnati's other malls. Keeping zombie malls alive is a business model Only Kohls remains open at the Cincinnati Mall, formerly Forest Fair Mall. The rest of the mall closed in December 2022. It was built in 1988. Its gone through numerous name changes and identities. The large retail space sits off I-275 and Winton Road. Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Malls are inherently complex because their ownership structures are complex. Some of our regional malls are owned by retail management companies based out of New York, others are owned by local cities. Even department stores like Kohl's own portions of malls. Meredith Perkins, our summer editorial intern, found that a private equity firm owns Florence Mall in Erlanger, Ky. Its business strategy is to invest in declining malls. This is similar to what Hull Property Group out of Georgia does for Eastgate Mall in Union Township, except it has big plans to upgrade the interior and attract new tenants. With persistence and a tight deadline, we got interviews with many of these mall owners to discuss their plans for the future. Only one, Tri-County Mall in Springdale, will be completely demolished for a multi-phase, multi-building development. This news was a big win on the real estate beat because I'd been trying to contact someone representing the project for six months. (The original owners' proposal, Artisan Village, was stalled and they were in litigation... hence the silence.) Other mall leaders were impossible to reach which I fully expected. Why malls matter Sydney Franklin, Real Estate Enterprise Reporter, at The Enquirer studio in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. As a real estate reporter, I understand why malls are such a hot topic. In uncovering larger truths about how they function, I grew to appreciate their cultural and economic importance in our region. Malls do matter. But maybe, and hear me out: the land they sit on matters more. Malls are typically located in places brokers consider prime real estate. They're oversized community gathering spaces built in busy areas surrounded by access roads, making them profitable land investments. So if many malls are dying, we need to think long and hard about the future of those sites. What is the most responsible thing to do with a mall once it's closed for good? I have a feeling we'll be wrestling with this question for the next few years in Greater Cincinnati. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Eastgate, Northgate, Florence, Kenwood: Which are best malls? Conservatives may have to create a new party after the GOP became corrupted by Trump, Liz Cheney suggests Former Republican Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney has said that conservatives may have to start a new party after the GOP has grown corrupted by former President Donald Trump. Cheney, who has said that she and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, will vote for Vice President and Democrat Kamala Harris in November, spoke to Peter Baker of The New York Times at the 2024 Cap Times Idea Fest on Saturday. During the event, hosted by The Capital Times in Madison, Wisconsin, Cheney revealed that she thinks the Republican Party may have outlived its usefulness after devoting its existence to Trump. Its hard for me to see how the Republican Party survives because its been so corrupted, she told Baker on stage. Cheney said that the US needs two strong parties, adding that the Republican Party may no longer be a welcome home for traditional conservatives. Baker asked if the party might be able to purge itself of Trump. Liz Cheney speaks at the 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. She is now suggesting conservatives might have to start a new political party (Getty Images) We need our political system to reflect the goodness of the American people, Cheney argued. Whether its organizing a new party ... its hard for me to see how the Republican Party, given what it has done, can make the argument convincingly or credibly, that people ought to to be voting for Republican candidates until it recognizes what its done. She added: I think making sure that on an individual basis, were casting votes for serious, responsible people, that were encouraging people to get involved and run. There is certainly going to be a big shift I think in how our politics work. I dont know exactly what that will look like, Cheney admitted. I dont think it will just simply be, Well, the Republican Party is gonna put up a new slate of candidates and off to the races, she said. I think far too much has happened. Its too damaging. Baker asked if a new party would be required, such as the Republicans came after the Whigs in the 1850s. It may well be because again, so much of the Republican Party today has allowed itself to become a tool for this really unstable man, Cheney said. Her comments come after more than 100 former Republican administration officials endorsed Harris in a letter stating that Trump is unfit to serve again as President, or indeed in any office of public trust. The letter was obtained by The New York Times. Former defense secretaries Chuck Hagel and William Cohen, former CIA directors Michael Hayden and William Webster, and former Trump administration officials Miles Taylor and Olivia Troye all signed it. Troye also spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris. 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 states. The signatories of the letter note that they may very well disagree with Harris on a litany of issues but they say that Trump is simply not worthy of the highest office in the land. Convicted felon caught with fake license plate during traffic stop in Polk County, troopers say POLK COUNTY, Fla. - Troopers stopped a man who was seen driving erratically on Friday night and discovered that he was using a fake license plate, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Officials say a Ford Explorer was headed east on SR-400 near MM47 while cutting in and out of traffic and driving on the shoulder of a wet road around 8:13 p.m. Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol When troopers conducted a traffic stop on the 41-year-old driver from Wimauma, identified as Jerome Jermaine Fox, they noticed that he had placed a fictitious license plate on the vehicle which read PR1V4T3. According to FHP, Fox refused to provide a license or registration. READ: 2 dead, 2 hospitalized after head-on crash in Hernando County: FHP Once his identity was determined, troopers say they found out that his drivers license was suspended multiple times over the course of the last few years. Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol They also learned that Fox had multiple felony convictions and was in possession of a pistol. Fox was arrested and charged with driving while license suspended, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, attaching an unassigned license plate, reckless driving, as well as possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, according to authorities. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: On Sept. 4, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of book publishers in their copyright case against the Internet Archive. The case, which narrowly involves questions of copyright and the online distribution of books, has garnered the attention of open-internet advocates and the publishing industry, but normally would not generate broad interest. But if it heads to the Supreme Court, it would make for one of the most glaring examples of the courts lack of enforceable ethics and recusal rules yet. Six out of the high courts nine justices have published books with the publishers involved in the case. Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson have all published books or signed book deals with Penguin Random House. HarperCollins has published books by justices Clarence Thomas and Gorsuch. And Justice Brett Kavanaugh is signed to a book deal with Hachette. (None of the publishers responded to requests for comment.) The case involves a digital lending library operated by the nonprofit Internet Archive that it expanded during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The publishers challenged the archives practice of copying and lending out digital copies of library books with no limit, through what the archive calls its National Emergency Library, as a violation of copyright that threatens authors earnings. A district court and the appeals court both ruled in favor of the publishers, finding that the archives digital lending practices violated copyright law. The Internet Archive has not appealed to the Supreme Court yet. A spokesperson for the Internet Archive told HuffPost the nonprofit is still reviewing the appeals court decision. But if the case were to reach the high court, it would raise serious questions about the self-enforcement of conflict of interest rules by the individual justices at a time when the court has been embroiled in ethics controversies, particularly around Thomas receipt of gifts from friends and wealthy conservative benefactors. As the court is bound by no enforceable code of conduct to require justices to recuse themselves when potential conflicts of interest arise, each justice is able to decide whether or not to sit on cases, including cases in which they have a financial relationship with one party. Each individual justice is guided by their personal judgment, rather than a universal rule. This lack of defined recusal rules could create a chaotic situation if the Internet Archive case is elevated, with some justices choosing to recuse based on their financial relationships with publishers while others choose to hear the case despite their book deals. Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson are four of the six justices who have had financial relationships with publishers involved in a case that could be appealed to the Supreme Court Jacquelyn Martin-Pool via Getty Images I dont love the fact that we could be going into a case like this and we dont have a clear sense of where each justice stands from an ethical perspective, said Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix The Court, a judicial ethics watchdog group. The self-enforcement of the courts ethics policy enables justices to abide differently. The liberal justices Elena Kagan, Sotomayor and Jackson have in the past provided reasons for their recusals, citing the code of conduct, while the conservatives, by and large, have not. Justices Samuel Alito and John Roberts own stock in corporations at least once presenting an apparent conflict of interest for Roberts while the others do not. In other cases involving publishers, the justices have also taken different stances on recusal. Both Sotomayor and Gorsuch chose not to recuse when the court declined to hear cases involving Penguin Random House, according to CNN. Since then, Sotomayor has indicated through the Supreme Courts press office that she would recuse from cases involving Penguin Random House in the future. No other justice has said they would also recuse from hearing cases involving their books publishers. One factor that could help determine whether a judge is conflicted: whether the justices are in an ongoing financial relationship with any given publisher. Thomas, for instance, published his memoir with HarperCollins in 2007. That may be long enough ago to not warrant a recusal, depending on how much he still receives in royalties. But the other justices all have published books or signed book deals with parties to Hachette v. Internet Archive within the past five years. I think those justices should recuse, Roth said about justices with existing or recent financial relationships with the publishers. Supreme Court ethics legislation introduced by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) would require justices to recuse when a case comes before them involving a party with which they have had a financial relationship in the previous six years. If that rule were implemented for the Hachette case, it would require the recusal of five justices Sotomayor, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett and Jackson. That would still leave four justices to hear the case, the minimum needed for a quorum. Related... Who could be in Harriss Cabinet? Let the chatter begin As Democrats revel in Vice President Harris closing the polling gap against former President Trump, speculation is ramping up over who might serve in a potential Harris Cabinet if she prevails in November. Any Cabinet appointee would likely face a razor-thin Democratic-controlled or GOP-controlled Senate, meaning Harris would have to balance partisan realities with her desire to break the mold with her choices, like naming the first woman to head the Pentagon. Im sure it will be very diverse. I think it will be a mix of people who have been around Washington for a while in these kinds of roles because she respects that, but also she might mix it up and bring in new voices, said a Harris ally. Harris would likely keep some Biden administration officials in their positions, and pull from her time in the Senate and as Californias attorney general. Here are some of the top choices for Harris, if she wins. Secretary of State There is likely to be a change-up atop the State Department, with President Bidens top diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, suggesting he wont stay on in a Harris administration. As to my own future, all Im looking at right now is the balance of this administration and January, Blinken said while in Haiti earlier this month. And I can tell you from having spent some time over the last week on a bit of a break with my kids, I will relish having a lot more time with them. CIA Director Bill Burns, a veteran diplomat, is being floated as a possible secretary of State. Biden has relied on Burns for the most sensitive diplomatic missions over the last four years. He was dispatched to Kabul to meet with the Taliban in the midst of the terrorist organizations lightning takeover of Afghanistan; to Moscow to warn Russian President Vladimir Putin against the full-scale invasion of Ukraine; and most recently as the top negotiator on efforts to secure a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. I think Bill Burns is the best strategist in government, said Michael OHanlon, senior fellow and director of research in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. I would hope hed be strongly considered for secretary of State. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a Biden foreign policy confidant and a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with a long-time focus on Africa, is another name that jumps out in conversations of a potential secretary of State. So does Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), also a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Both senators punted when asked by The Hill if they had any aspirations to be Americas top diplomat, saying they were focused on Democrats taking the House, Senate and presidency in November. But Coons said the Senate has historically served as a promising pool from which to pull Cabinet officials. Harris was four years into her first term in the Senate when Biden chose her for vice president. Former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry both served as senators. One former Harris Senate aide noted that the vice president is friendly with Murphy, which could boost his chances. They do have a relationship, and they work well together, the source said. At age 51, Murphy also represents a younger cohort. Coons is a decade older at 61. Secretary of Defense A potential Harris administration could finally give Michele Flournoy her turn and make history with the first female Defense secretary. Flournoy was under secretary of Defense for policy under former President Obama for three years, making her the highest-ranking woman in the history of the department. She was considered a front-runner for the top role under President Biden, given her vast national security experience, but was passed over for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who became the first Black man to lead the Pentagon. Harris wants to break new ground, [the Defense Department] is a place that theres never been a woman, a longtime Democratic consultant said, highlighting Flournoy. Likewise, OHanlon, of the Brookings Institution, said Flournoys name may top the list of hypotheticals, but he also raised Colin Kahl, who served as under secretary of Defense for policy in the Biden administration until July 2023; and Mara Karlin, who served as assistant secretary of Defense for strategy, plans, and capabilities between August 2021 and December 2023. National security adviser One of the most important positions that doesnt require Senate confirmation is the national security adviser the position currently held by Jake Sullivan. Phil Gordon, a veteran of the Obama and Clinton administrations, has served as Harriss national security adviser since March 2022, and was her deputy national security adviser at the start of the administration. Hes a top contender to stay in the position if the vice president moves into the Oval Office. I think hes a very smart and creative thinker, said Matt Duss, executive vice president at the Center for International Policy and the former foreign policy adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Duss pointed to Gordons book Losing the Long Game: The False Promise of Regime Change in the Middle East, as welcome thinking in that hes not someone who kind of claims to these illusions and fantasies of the magical abilities of American power, he takes a bit more realistic approach. Randy Scheunemann, vice chair of the International Republican Institute and strategic counselor with the Halifax International Security Forum, described Gordon as a friend but added hes very cautious, and Scheunemann was critical of Gordons time as assistant secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs and a change, at the time, of U.S. missile defense posture in Europe. But more recently, Gordons role was highlighted as key in helping ensure a smooth transition of power after the presidential elections in Guatemala and preventing a coup. A Republican in the Cabinet? Harris has committed to appointing a Republican to her Cabinet, a nod to bipartisanship that has precedent in previous presidential administrations. Its unclear which Cabinet position she would want to fill with a GOP figure. Two high-profile names have put their names on the potential list with endorsements of Harris and frequent criticism of Trump: former House Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) and Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.). Cheney, along with her father, former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, have said they are voting for Harris in November. Kinzinger, who spoke at the Democratic National Convention, told the Los Angeles Times earlier this week that he would certainly be open to serving in a Harris administration. OHanlon, from Brookings, also raised U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman as an intriguing Republican option, given her foreign policy experience and background in business and technology. As the former CEO of eBay, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and the short-lived media company Quibi, she was considered a possible Commerce secretary pick for Biden in 2021. Attorney general Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, who was also considered as Harriss potential running mate, is viewed as the top contender for attorney general. He was North Carolinas attorney general for almost two decades. A more controversial pick would be the vice presidents brother-in-law and campaign adviser, Tony West. Other names for the top law enforcement job include former Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), who was spotted as an attendee at the Democratic National Convention, and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D), also the states former attorney general. Those close to Harris point to Cooper as the most likely possibility. A longtime Democratic consultant said Harris will likely look to appoint former attorneys general like Cooper because Harris has stayed close with others who formerly served in the role. They have a very great relationship and hes a good surrogate for her and brings a lot to the table. For the people who havent been around Washington, hes a good example of that, a Harris ally said of Cooper. West was associate attorney general under Obama and is married to Harriss sister, Maya. He most recently served as chief legal officer at Uber. She obviously very much trusts him and hes been involved and well respected, and weve seen him traveling with her on [Air Force Two], a Harris ally said of West. But others are skeptical she would choose family. A source close to Harris said she would likely want to steer clear of perceptions of nepotism. Treasury secretary Treasury Secretary may be an area where Harris keeps on a Biden-era Cabinet official, at least early into the administration. Those close to Harris note her admiration for Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. She likes Janet Yellen. Especially when youre talking about the economy, she likes people who have been doing the work and have done a really good job in the role already. That is a huge plus, the former Harris Senate aide said. Other names floated for Treasury include Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, if she were to leave her post, and World Bank President Ajay Banga, who previously was the executive chair of Mastercard and worked with Harris closely on her Partnership for Central America work. CNBC also reported last month that JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon was being discussed for the role. There has never been an African American Treasury secretary, though, which could make it a position where Harris wants to break the mold. Labor secretary Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) is widely expected to join Harriss Cabinet. Butler is not seeking another term after she was appointed to fill the vacancy of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) when she died in October 2023. Butler, a Californian like Harris, is a longtime ally of hers. She would be an obvious pick for Labor secretary given her background as a union organizer and president of California SEIU State Council. It would 1,000 percent make sense for her to go into a Cabinet role. I think that is more her speed. That is something that she would do extremely well in, the former Harris Senate aide said. She works very well with Kamala. She knows how she thinks, shes really been there for years, and they work really, extremely well together. Others to watch Those close to Harris point to three former colleagues in the Senate Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) and retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) as options to watch for Harris. She is also close friends with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who could take on another role in a potential Harris administration or stay on leading his current agency. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Counties with the most assisted-living facilities in Mississippi The United States is facing a caregiving crisis. As Americas population ages and adults are staying active for longer, many are choosing to live in assisted-living facilities. Assisted-living facilities offer 24-hour care but are less hands-on than nursing homes. They can offer the best of both worlds for a generation that values independence. Still, low staffing levels are causing facilities to raise prices and, in some cases, close their doors entirely, exacerbating an already severe care gap. Residents of assisted-living facilities generally have their own apartments with shared amenities, offering more privacy and autonomy. They are also typically less expensive than nursing homes or home care. Compare Home Health Care Agencies examined data compiled by the Department of Homeland Securitys Geospatial Management Office to find the counties in Mississippi which have the highest rate of assisted-living facilities per 100,000 residents over 65, based on a national analysis. While facilities have varying numbers of beds that can accommodate more patients, the number of facilities is used since bed data was not available for some states. After dipping in 2020, occupancy rates at assisted-living facilities have largely recovered since the COVID-19 pandemicfaster than nursing homes and independent living communities. However, tough working conditions, like being able to lift patients and deal with stressed and angry family members, combined with low wages, have caused a workforce shortage. Fewer nurses and other medical professionals on staff can lead to a lack of individual attention and care. To remedy this, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented requirements in April 2024 to increase staff-to-patient ratios; however, senior living facilities say the new staffing rules, which will be phased in over the next five years, are onerous. The result is a face-off between government regulations and the private sector, which has been criticized for maximizing profits while not meeting patient needs and, in some cases, abuse and neglect. Compare Home Health Care Agencies How states are preparing for an aging population Since states, rather than the federal government, regulate assisted-living facilities, the quality and cost of care can vary greatly depending on location. In Michigan, there is only one assisted-living facility per 100,000 residents over 65. According to a March 2024 State of Reform report, the state estimated that it is short 36,000 direct care workers, including certified nursing assistants, and that more than a third of nursing homes are turning away new patients every month. Alaska, on the other hand, has the most assisted-living facilities per capita as more Americans decide to retire in the Last Frontier. In the last decade, the number of residents between 65 and 74 nearly doubled, according to the states Health Department, and developers have built facilities accordingly. However, the cost of care is among the highest in the nation. Alaskans pay about $7,250 per month for assisted living, 35% higher than the national average. To rectify disparities, states have tried to boost home-based care by increasing workers pay and offering training programs. At the federal level, the Senate held its first hearing on assisted-living facilities in two decades in January, calling for increased oversight. Since then, members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging have requested that the Government Accountability Office examine how much the federal government spends on assisted-living facilities each year. They are also soliciting information on quality and cost of care from families who have navigated the system. Drazen Zigic // Shutterstock Assisted-living facilities in Mississippi In Mississippi, there are 198 assisted-living facilities, or 40.6 facilities per 100,000 adults over 65. Read on to see the counties with the most assisted-living facilities in Mississippi. Canva #5. Clarke Assisted-living facilities per 100K seniors: 93.1 (3 total facilities) Population over 65: 3,221 (20.7% of population) Canva #4. Perry Assisted-living facilities per 100K seniors: 93.5 (2 total facilities) Population over 65: 2,140 (18.6% of population) Canva #3. Itawamba Assisted-living facilities per 100K seniors: 95.9 (4 total facilities) Population over 65: 4,172 (17.5% of population) Canva #2. George Assisted-living facilities per 100K seniors: 134.4 (5 total facilities) Population over 65: 3,719 (15.2% of population) Canva #1. Sunflower Assisted-living facilities per 100K seniors: 160.9 (6 total facilities) Population over 65: 3,729 (14.4% of population) This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 49 states. This story originally appeared on Compare Home Health Care Agencies and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. What do COVID symptoms look like this year? (WGN Radio) With every new season comes a new variant of COVID or so it seems. Over the past several weeks, KP.3.1.1, which is one of the FLiRT subvariants of the virus, has become more common. It now makes up a majority of COVID-19 cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. Have the changing variants brought changing symptoms associated with COVID-19? The fundamentals havent changed, experts say, as the virus still causes respiratory illness. However, that can make things confusing heading into fall and winter, when flu and RSV are likely to spike too. While it is a different variant, its starting to look a lot more like the flu-like symptoms: the cough, the sore throat, the runny nose, the sneezing and the muscle aches, said Dr. Jim Adams, chief medical officer of Northwestern Medicine, in an interview with WGN Radio. So its harder to differentiate. If you had COVID recently, when should you get the new booster? One set of symptoms people are paying more attention to lately has to do with the gut. Personally, Ive seen a lot of people this summer with COVID with a lot of GI (symptoms) stomach pains, diarrhea but weve known thats always been possible, Adams said. Even though stomach issues arent what we talk about most in terms of COVID symptoms, they affect about half of people infected with the virus, according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. How COVID impacts people varies person-to-person. While some may lose their sense of smell or be bed-ridden, some may hardly feel anything or confuse it with the common cold. Is it too early to get a flu shot? Its hard to differentiate COVID vs. non-COVID based on symptoms now, Adams said. Taking a COVID test when you feel sick can help you get answers and better treatment, if necessary. Listen to more of the interview with Dr. Adams in the audio player below: COVID-related hospitalizations finally appear to be dipping after the prolonged summer spike, but its not yet clear what will happen with the virus spread as we head into fall and the holiday season. We dont know what (COVID) going to do in the fall, said Adams. Every year is different. Flu and COVID booster shots, updated to targeted this years variants, are available at pharmacies and doctors offices. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive both. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CPS admits it did not charge Mohamed Fayed over sex abuse claims for second time Many more women have come forward after the BBC documentary on former Harrods boss Mohamed Fayed - Kamil Zihnioglu/AP The Crown Prosecution Service has admitted it did not charge Mohamed Fayed over alleged sex abuse for a second time. Five women alleged they were raped by the former owner of Harrods, with a number of others coming forward claiming sexual misconduct in the wake of a BBC documentary into the allegations. A legal team representing alleged victims confirmed on Saturday that they have had over 150 new enquiries since the programme was aired. Fayed who died in 2023 aged 94, had previously been accused of sexually assaulting and groping multiple women. It has now emerged that evidence was shown to the CPS in 2015 as well as in 2009, but it decided not to go ahead with the prosecution because there was not a realistic prospect of conviction. The Telegraph previously reported how Fayed was interviewed by the Metropolitan Police under caution in 2008 after a 15-year-old girl told detectives he had sexually assaulted her at the London department store. No charges in 2009 In February 2009, when Sir Keir Starmer was director of public prosecutions (DPP), the CPS announced 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. The CPS was under the direction of Dame Alison Saunders when prosecutors considered charging Fayed in 2015. In 2018, 2021 and 2023, the CPS provided early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police following allegations made against Al Fayed. However, a full file of evidence was never received by the CPS in each of these instances and they were given no further action by police. A file of evidence must be presented to the CPS by an investigating police force for it to have formal involvement in a case. A CPS spokesman said: We reviewed files of evidence presented by the police in 2009 and 2015. To bring a prosecution the CPS must be confident there is a realistic prospect of conviction. In each instance our prosecutors looked carefully at the evidence and concluded this was not the case. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, defended Sir Keirs record on tackling offences against women in a round of interviews on Sunday morning. She told Sky News Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: What has come to light in recent days in particular is extremely serious. Violence against women is, you know, an issue that we do absolutely need to tackle. When Keir Starmer was director of public prosecutions, he made that a personal priority. I dont know the details of what happened in 2009, there sometimes can be issues with the evidence thats presented by the police, whether that can lead to a conviction. She added: The first time that I ever knew who Keir Starmer was was when I saw him on television as director of public prosecutions, talking about the personal priority that he attached to tackling violence against women and girls, so hes got a personal commitment to it. He turned the CPS around while he was leading it to focus on that. But, clearly, if there have been issues that should be considered, that should happen. Enablers at Harrods On Saturday a former Harrods employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told BBC Radio 4s Today Programme of enablers at the luxury store who she claimed were as guilty as Fayed because they were not just passive onlookers. In its statement, Harrods said it was utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse and that they were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated. Referencing this, the stores former employee said: I know Harrods said in their statement that these are the actions of an individual but actually I think it also shows the inaction of multiple people and leaders. The woman said she was invited into Fayeds office where he offered her a job, kissed her on the forehead and handed her 300 in cash, as well as holding her hand and asking whether she had a boyfriend. Recalling the encounter, she said: He said No, you dont have a boyfriend. Im your boyfriend, adding that being kissed by him was horrible. The former Harrods employee said that after describing the encounter to her male line manager, he brushed it off and told her: Thats just what hes like. Sources within Harrods have said the business has accepted vicarious liability for the conduct of Fayed for the purpose of settling claims of alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority. Bruce Drummond, a barrister in the legal team representing 37 alleged victims, told BBC Radio 4 it was a huge conflict of interest that Harrods was inviting former or current employees to settle claims. Mr Drummond said: It does seem to me a huge conflict of interest that Harrods are saying: Yes, we did wrong. We were responsible for serious harm to you, but come to us and well sort out the settlement for you. He added: This is the worst case of corporate sexual exploitation of young women that I have ever seen, and I think probably the world has ever seen. Maria Mulla, another barrister in the legal team, told Times Radio that she had heard stories of women at Harrods being put into cupboards when Fayed was walking round so they wouldnt be spotted. In its statement on the BBC Documentary, Al-Fayed: Predator At Harrods, which aired on Thursday, Harrods said it was a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al-Fayed between 1985 and 2010. The store added that 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. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Crews with the Poudre Fire Authority responded to a two-alarm fire at a shop next to a home in Fort Collins Sunday morning. The fire was in the 400 block of Regina Drive and was first reported at 8:45 a.m. No one was seen near the shop when the fire was reported, and no injuries were reported as of 10:26 a.m. PFA said crews engaged in a defensive strategy to attack the fire from the outside due to the nature of the workshop and the materials inside, which included welding equipment and propane. According to PFA, a knockdown was called at 9:11 a.m. The hazmat team also evaluated the building. The investigation into the cause will occur on Monday because the damage and instability of the structure did not allow entry Sunday. (Credit: Poudre Fire Authority) Fire crews with Poudre Fire Authority responded to a two-alarm fire Sunday, Sept. 22. (Credit: Poudre Fire Authority) Crews were on the scene of a structure fire at a shop near a house in Fort Collins (Credit: Poudre Fire Authority) No additional information was 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 FOX31 Denver. EUCLID, Ohio (WJW) Multiple law enforcement agencies and businesses gathered Saturday to help people learn how to keep their homes and communities safer. Organized by the Community Policing Specialist Kate McLaughlin from the Euclid Police Department, the Northeast Ohio Crime Prevention Mini Conference was free and open to the public. Attendees could learn about avoiding internet fraud and other scams as well as martial arts techniques for self-defense. There were also demonstrations explaining firearm seizures and efforts to reduce violent crime. Euclid schools arent planning changes to sporting events following deadly shooting McLaughlin said she first held one of these conferences in 2019, but it was just for Euclid residents. She found it to be successful. Once she was able to bring the event back after the pandemic, she wanted to open it up to more people. Crime prevention is something more of us need to practice. Its really what makes a home and a community safer. Theres lots of things we can be doing, and I think people just need to be educated about what crime prevention resources would help with that, she said. When I decided it was time to do another crime prevention event, I wanted it bigger. I wanted to include more agencies because I knew how successful it was for Euclid. Video: Teens yell, swear and spit on officers outside Euclid church festival Multiple police departments mainly from Clevelands east side as well as the Cuyahoga County Sheriffs Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and others were on hand sharing what their departments do and interacting with residents. McLaughlin believes those interactions are a big part of community policing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Crime victims and survivors gather for day of remembrance at Arkansas State Capitol LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Saturday at the state capitol, crime victims and survivors gathered to commemorate a day of remembrance for the lives that have been lost to violence across the Natural State. Many people held photos of their loved ones and shared the impact and personal stories of violence in our communities like Bilenda Harris-Ritter whose parents were murdered. Families of murder victims come together on the steps of Arkansas State Capitol She says even though pain, there is joy in leaning on others who know what shes feeling. It is a pain you cannot know unless youve been through it and so to be in a group where other people can also feel that pain it is also comfort like no one else can really understand, Harris-Ritter said. Walmart co-workers honor Little Rock homicide victims with in-store memorial This event was sponsored by the Central Arkansas Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, a national self-help organization dedicated solely to the aftermath and prevention of murder. Anyone who needs emotional support can call their 24-hour crisis hotline at 501-351-7662. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. Nick Stevens says he has had to cut "irreplaceable" experienced staff [BBC] A south London hospice has made several staff redundant and cut services because funding levels are failing to meet rising operating costs, its chief executive has said. Nick Stevens said St Raphael's Hospice's operating costs have risen by 1m over the last four years but only received a 140,000 uplift from the NHS, which provides a quarter of the charity's funding. Among the cuts was the disbandment of the "hospice at home" service which serves the local area. The NHS in south west London said it has invested uplifts in line with what it had received. The government said funding challenges will "take time to fix". You can watch the latest edition of Politics London in full on BBC iPlayer Mr Stevens said they have had to reduce their clinical nurse community team by 20%. "That is a real tragedy. We've lost members with decades of expertise and experience who have supported hundreds of people through the last stages of their lives," he said. New MP Luke Taylor said constituents are "scared" about hospice cuts [BBC] Mr Stevens described such staff as "irreplaceable" and their loss will have a "detrimental impact" on the services offered by the hospice. Luke Taylor, the recently elected Lib Dem MP for Sutton and Cheam, told BBC London while on a visit to St Raphael's that people have contacted him to say they were "scared" about losing the services. "It's incredibly important that we can rely on services like these to be there when we need it," he said. 'Hospice let us be family' Fiona Duppenbecker, whose partner Alastair died from cancer about three weeks ago, said the hospice was "the best thing that could have happened to us" in his final weeks. Fiona said the hospice care for her husband care "meant we could just be his family again" [BBC] "The last couple of months of Alastair's life became really challenging both for him but also [for the family]," she said. Ms Duppenbecker said her partner's brain tumour caused him to have mobility issues that required more care. She said the specialist nurses providing the care "meant we could just be his family again". 'Huge challenges' Chief nursing officer for the NHS in south west London Elaine Clancy said: "We are doing everything we can to support our local hospices who do vital work, this is amidst financial pressures across all NHS services GPs, hospitals, community and mental health. "Over the last few years, we have invested in line with the uplifts we have received to our funding and St Raphaels has now accepted a funding increase for this year." A Department of Health spokesperson has said the new Labour government has "inherited huge challenges in the hospice sector". "We want everyone to have access to high-quality end of life care, which is why we require all local NHS bodies to commission services to meet the needs of their local populations," they added. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk More on this story Related internet links Criminal detectives in Prague discovered scammers who collected more than 1.1 million Czech crowns (approx. 44,000) from contributors as part of a fundraising campaign for Ukraine under the JSME LIDE Foundation ("We are people"). Source: Eva Kropacheva, Prague police spokeswoman, writes Novinky, as reported by European Pravda Details: For several months, they gathered money in piggy banks in department stores and supermarkets around Prague and the surrounding towns of the Central Czech region. According to investigators, the scammers took advantage of the gathered donations. Rather than helping Ukraine, they used the money to travel the world. The main organiser, who is 18 years old, faces up to eight years in prison, Kropacheva stated. Quote: "They used the money for their own needs: travelled the world, stayed abroad, but also paid for common expenses, such as rent and food. Thus, they abused the difficult situation of people affected by the war in Ukraine, and the desire of citizens to contribute to help this country," Kropacheva added. During residence searches, police recovered cash worth hundreds of thousands of crowns, safe deposit boxes from which fraudsters withdrew money, and many documents. According to the spokeswoman, the police have estimated that the damage amounted to 1.1 million crowns, but in reality the number might be much higher. The JSME LIDE Foundation is listed in the Czech commercial register but does not have a website or social media accounts. Last Monday, authorities arrested the suspected principal organiser of the fake fundraiser on charges of fraud. At the same time, a criminal investigation was launched against one legal entity that was also involved in the scam. In connection with fraudulent fundraising, the police warned citizens to be careful in such situations. "In the event that someone asks you for help, do not be afraid to ask about the evidence of registration of the collection and, possibly, check everything with the relevant regional administration, the municipality of Prague or the Ministry of the Interior," said Kropacheva. Background: In August, the Czech Prosecutor's Office charged Vladimir Gergel, the creator of the Help Ukraine charity fund, of fraud for allegedly appropriating a portion of the Czech Ministry of Education's subsidies. Furthermore, since last year, Estonia and Ukraine have been cooperating on an investigation into the suspected misappropriation of 1.5 million by the Estonian non-profit foundation Slava Ukraini and its Ukrainian partners, which were supposed to go to victims of the Russian war. Support UP or become our patron! Dan Evans, a popular three-term Republican governor of Washington state who went on to serve in the US Senate before leaving in frustration because he felt the chamber was too rancorous and tedious, has died. He was 98. Evans died Friday, according to the University of Washington, where he had served as a regent and where the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance bears his name. Dan Evans was an honorable, independent-minded public servant who put Washington state first and dedicated his life to protecting and investing in the places and people in our state, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington said in a statement Saturday. We were lucky to have him and I have no doubt his legacy will live on for generations to come. Evans was a dominant force in Washington politics for decades, and, until current Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, he was the only person to be elected governor three times. In a statement posted to the social platform X, Inslee said it was difficult to think of another resident who had such a positive impact on so many aspects of the state. We all, no matter our party, can feel fortunate for the progress he led during each of his three terms as governor, Inslee said. Born in 1925 in Seattle, Evans was a civil engineer before entering politics. He was elected to the state Legislature in 1956 and won the governorship in 1964, beating incumbent two-term Democrat Albert D. Rosellini and prevailing in a bad year for his fellow Republicans, one which saw President Lyndon Johnson soundly defeat the GOPs Barry Goldwater. Known as a moderate to liberal Republican, the avid outdoorsman helped add new recreation and park areas in the state and supported clean air and water legislation. He created the nations first state Department of Ecology, which President Richard Nixon used as a model for the Environmental Protection Agency. Evans also unsuccessfully pushed to create a state income tax. He opted not to run for a fourth term. His legacy of coming together for the greater good, despite party lines, has inspired and will continue to inspire public servants and the Evans School community, Jodi Sandfort, the schools dean, said in a statement. Sandfort recalled a quote from Evans: Accomplishing good things takes bipartisan effort, because often what were trying to accomplish isnt partisan. After leaving the governors mansion in 1977, Evans stayed in Olympia, serving as president of The Evergreen State College. Evans had helped create the state school when he signed an act authorizing the liberal arts college, and as governor he also backed founding the states community college system. He built a national profile during his time leading the state and was the keynote speaker at the 1968 Republican National Convention. He was mentioned as a possible running mate for President Gerald Ford in 1976. Never a fan of Ronald Reagan, Evans supported Ford in 1976 and initially backed George H.W. Bush in 1980. As a popular Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, it seemed that Evans would be a shoe-in had he decided to run for the US Senate. He frequently spurned such talk, saying in 1972 that I dont like Washington, DC, very well and I could not stand to be in the Senate. However, in 1983, Democratic Sen. Henry Scoop Jackson died in office, and Evans accepted an appointment to serve out his term. Evans opted not to stand for election in 1988, citing the tediousness of getting decisions made. At the time, he said he was looking forward to returning home to enjoy the outdoors. In later years, Evans served as a regent at the University of Washington, his alma mater. He also served on many nonprofit and corporate boards. Dad lived an exceptionally full life, his sons Dan Jr., Mark and Bruce Evans said in a statement quoted by The Seattle Times. Whether serving in public office, working to improve higher education, mentoring aspiring public servants he just kept signing up for stuff right until the end. He touched a lot of lives. And he did this without sacrificing family. Evans wife, Nancy Bell Evans, died in January at age 90. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This article was originally featured on MIT Press Reader. This article is adapted from Marcus Carter and Ben Eglistons book Fantasies of Virtual Reality. The political and cultural theorist Paul Virilio famously wrote that we live in a state of permanent (or pure) war. By this, he meant that there is an increasing perversion of any clear-cut distinction between civilian and military institutions and, by extension, civilian and military life. According to Virilio, after the Second World War, Western economies and societies were permanently reorganized to support military power. The focus shifted from battlefield tactics to a broader strategy aimed at restructuring industrial society to rapidly produce rockets, missiles, and other armaments or, more recently, computational, algorithmic, and sensing technologies. It is in the context of pure war that the technologies, techniques, and logics of militarization spill into the everyday. One prominent example is the increasing militarization of technologies used in the governance of civil societies, such as by police forces. The geographer Stephen Graham refers to this as the militarization of everyday life: the insidious creep of both technologies that track, sort, and profile, and logics that have increasingly come to characterize approaches to urban governance. Cops see urban environments as sites of threat and are outfitted with rugged tactical armor, high-powered assault weapons, and facial recognition software. Just like that, the logics of militarism flowing through technology extend into quotidian life. Augmented reality (AR) is one such example of how militarization has seeped into everyday life, particularly through the work of police forces. For AR firms that provide software and hardware to police, there is an enduring fantasy of creating smarter cops who operationalize real-time data flows in ways that mirror common depictions of cyborgs in popular works of fiction. For example, Vuzix a major manufacturer of augmented reality headsets, which has developed applications that incorporate facial recognition (working with companies like the controversial Clearview AI) makes the (curious) comparison between a wearable augmented reality headset and Paul Verhoevens 1987 film RoboCop. As the company states on its website: While the dystopian society envisaged in RoboCop is nothing to emulate, the innovative tools its main character uses to protect those in need is within reach. Like Palmer Luckey or Michael Abrash in their desire to recreate The Matrix, Vuzix seemingly misses Verhoevens subtext in RoboCop of social satire and commentary on the corporatization of urban governance in light of the growing privatization of social services under Reagan-era austerity. It also seems lost on Vuzix that, as a purveyor of technologies of violence and control to police forces, it plays a similar role to Omni Consumer Products the nefarious corporation and antagonist in the film, a company that facilitates and seeks to profit from the chaos of a dystopian Detroit through the provision of extremely harmful technologies to police forces. As we have pointed out elsewhere in a more comprehensive review of AR police tech, the goal of many of these AR applications for policing is to mediate how police think, feel, and act while doing police work. The point is that they provide police with a kind of anticipatory edge over the threats of the urban environment, feeding and visualizing streams of data such as those derived from facial recognition systems. Virtual reality (VR) policing applications envision a different kind of cybernetic cop. Unlike AR, which overlays digital elements onto physical environments, the simulated modeling of the world through VR seeks to shape how police think, feel, and act before they do police work. It introduces a unique kind of anticipatory logic, rooted in the largely fallacious assumption that VR has the capacity to instill the user with preparedness. Already VR is being used to train police forces worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. One market-leading firm in this space is Axon (previously Taser), a company that chiefly develops technology and ostensibly nonlethal weapons for military, police, and civilians (most famously the Taser electroshock weapon, widely used by police in the United States). In 2017, following the rebranding of Taser to Axon, the company began developing bodycams for police forces, sold on the premise of transparency, accountability, and more ethical policing a response to a spate of high-profile police killings of predominantly Black and brown people in the United States driving the adoption of these bodycams. Axons cameras were a means to capture truth (while also operating as a rugged communications beacon), according to their press releases, allowing the communication of information between cops a tool for further weaponizing police under the guise of security. Extending this reformist vision of policing, in 2021 Axon began developing VR simulation tools (as part of a VR-based learning management system) to be sold to police departments framed as providing both weapons skills and empathy training. As Axon put it: Combining the HTC VIVE Focus 3 VR headset and the VIVE Wrist Tracker from industry leading partner, HTC VIVE, Axon VR provides an all-in-one, portable platform thats simple to deploy and use, with no extraneous hardware, time or space constraints. The VR training provides connectivity for both in-person and remote experiences, creating an on-demand platform that can be accessed anytime. Axon also offers simulator training for weapons, including its own Taser energy weapons, as well as firearms training equipping users with an accurately modeled and weighted handgun, outfitted with sensors such that its movements are modeled in the VR simulation. The risks of making cops more lethal in the United States a country with a particularly murderous police force should be obvious. But Axons selling point for its VR is that unlike traditional simulators that only offer use-of-force training, Axon VR enhances an officers ability to de-escalate many of the most common calls for service. Put differently elsewhere, Axon offers empathy training providing officers with immersive content designed to encourage critical thinking and de-escalation. In their view, de-escalation training aims to bring about improved civilian interactions and to help rebuild the fractured relationship between cops and communities. The company sees itself as spearheading the dialogue that helps heal society. A particular point of focus for Axon in its promotional materials is a VR-based module simulating an encounter between a police officer (played by the user) and a person (modeled in the system) with various forms of cognitive impairment (with modules including autism and schizophrenia options, as one journalist notes, that are laid out on a menu screen like the levels of an early 2000s platformer game). Axon reports that its VR training modules have been adopted by over 1,000 police departments across North America. For Axon, the modules are not about stopping criminals; rather, they are about equipping first responders with the skills to recognize and successfully deal with a range of mental and psychological conditions. Further, the goal of these modules isnt about catching the bad guy but rather work to ensure the safety of the subject as well as the officer. In a similar fashion, Googles Jigsaw division which focuses on threats to open societies has developed Trainer, a VR platform for adaptive scenario-based training. As Google describes it: Recent advances in virtual reality (VR) have demonstrated the potential for technology to create scalable opportunities for law enforcement and other public safety professionals, particularly in the realm of education. In training contexts, VR can create a uniquely immersive experience, employing heightened tensions to build critical skills in an environment that mimics the same physiological responses as those generated in real-world interactions. VR here is part of an evaluation assemblage that hinges on Googles natural language processing AI, Dialogflow. In this way, Google claims that its software can categorize likely user intent based on speech inputs to the systems interactive voice-response system (where users communicate with virtual characters). For both Google and Axon, contra a wider range of mixed reality policing technologies and other policing tech (e.g., predictive policing), training is framed as explanatory rather than predictive. The outcomes of how police perform at training simulations have formed part of evaluative criteria in training, a way to divine which cops are good and which are bad (and a data point for backing up arguments about police reform). It is hard to take seriously such propositions of VR as a techno-fix for deeply sedimented, structural issues of racism, ableism, and authoritarianism that pervade police forces and underlie the violence enacted by police forces in the United States (which currently form the largest market for these training simulations). Additional training presented as a common suggestion by those arguing for police reform (as opposed to abolition) is unlikely to dislodge the entrenched warrior culture in police departments across the United States, characterized by a belief in the thin blue line, the worldview commonly held by many cops that theyre the only thing keeping society in check and must do so at any cost. Such VR systems of simulation feed into a wider societal problem, what abolitionist scholar Jackie Wang calls carceral capitalism. As Wang argues, with the technology-driven nature of hypermilitarized and surveillant policing where new technologies facilitate the criminalization and prosecution of relatively nonserious offenses the dynamic has proven incredibly lucrative for the private sector firms in the carceral industry (such as those that provide the telecommunications systems for prisons, for which they charge exorbitant usage fees). The carceral industry sees new opportunities for profit in VR. One particularly egregious example is Global Tel Link (GTL), a prison contractor that provides telecommunications systems and payment services to prisons in the United States. In 2017, GTL filed a patent for a system and method for personalized virtual reality experience in a controlled environment. Put plainly, GTL wants to charge prisoners to use its VR software, allowing the incarcerated to, for a brief time, imagine himself outside or away from the controlled environment. VR is at once the mechanism for training cops to target and persecute difference and the mechanism from which a parasitic carceral technology industry seeks to derive profit from that same oppression. Fantasies of simulation of VRs capacity to model real-world phenomena are often considered in neutral terms. Yet simulation is neither made nor deployed in a vacuum. It is closely entangled with the values, aims, and logics of the institutional systems within which it is embedded. For all its supposed novelty, VR entrenches forms of thought and action that reinforce the status quo. This is particularly apparent when adopted by police forces and militaries where a fantasy of simulation might be more accurately construed as a fantasy of violence: a technology bringing about injury, harm, and even death, or exacerbating existing forms of inequality, discrimination, and bias. Ben Egliston is Lecturer in Digital Cultures at the University of Sydney and an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow. Marcus Carter is Professor in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Sydney and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow. He is the author of Treacherous Play and Fifty Years of Dungeons & Dragons. Egliston and Carter are coauthors of Fantasies of Virtual Reality, from which this article is adapted. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) This weekend, Dayton celebrated Hispanic culture with the 23rd annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday. Held at RiverScape MetroPark in downtown every year, the Hispanic Heritage Festival features a parade, live music, dancing, and plenty of food to embrace and celebrate Hispanic culture. Why Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th The festival is held every year to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which occurs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Organizers say events like these are important because they help keep different cultures alive within America. This festival helps remind my country, and I know everyone that is coming to this country, for them, its very important to feel that they have parts in the United States for our country. said Martha-Jeannette Rodriguez, PACO community liaison. The festival is also a fundraiser for the non-profit Puerto Rican, American and Carribbean Organization (PACO). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pro-Iranian Hezbollah supporters carry the coffin of one of three party commander of elite al-Radwan brigade, who were killed in an Israeli air raid attack on Beirut southern suburb, during the funeral procession. At least 37 people were killed among them 16 Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa The death toll from Friday's Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburbs, a hotbed of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement, rose to 37, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Saturday. Among the dead were three children and seven women, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said in a press conference. At least 68 people were injured in the strike, the minister said. Hezbollah has reported the deaths of 15 of its members so far following the Israeli attack, including high-ranking military official Ibrahim Aqil and other commanders. Aqil was one of the founding members of Hezbollah and the group's elite Radwan Force. A spokesman for the Israeli army on Saturday put the number of Hezbollah members killed in the strike at 16. But the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said apart from Aqil, a man named Abu Hassan Samir, who was said to be the head of the training unit of the Radwan force, a Hezbollah elite unit, was killed during Friday's attack and other Radwan commanders from this unit were also killed. The IDF, in a post on Telegram, said Samir was "one of the planners and leaders" of the so-called "Conquer the Galilee" plan, which the IDF says planned to raid Israeli communities of the northern Galilee region. This could not be independently confirmed. Apart from that, the IDF said it has destroyed thousands of rocket launchers and 400 targets in "a number of strikes" in southern Lebanon. It said it would continue operating to "dismantle and degrade Hezbollah's capabilities and terror infrastructure." The army reported about 90 incoming projectile launches into northern Israel from Lebanon in the past day. The IDF announced new restrictions for people in northern Israel on Saturday evening. Indoor gatherings were restricted to 300 people, while 30 people could meet outdoors. Residents were only able to go to their workplaces or education facilities if shelters are available there. The restrictions apply to the coastal city of Haifa and northward. Condemnation from Turkey, Iran Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday accused Israel of planning to spread its war in the Gaza Strip to the wider region. "Attacks on Lebanon in recent days have proven our concerns about the Israeli administration's plans to spread war to the region," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul ahead of his departure for New York to attend the UN General Assembly. The region faces a "huge crisis," the Turkish president said, further accusing Israel of "carrying out attacks like a terrorist group," referring to the recent explosions of pagers used by Hezbollah in Lebanon which have been widely attributed to Israel. Israel's attacks on Lebanon are a "provocation" in order to implement a "radical Zionist ideology," Erdogan charged. Erdogan's government has close ties to Palestinian extremist group Hamas, which is allied with Hezbollah. And Iran, considered Hezbollah's main backer, strongly condemned the targeted killing of Aqil. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran, an ally of Hezbollah, is not planning a direct act of revenge. "The incident is a matter for Hezbollah, and it will certainly show an appropriate reaction in due course," the Iranian chief diplomat said, according to a report published by Iran's ISNA news agency on Saturday. Araghchi called Friday's targeted killing of Hezbollah commander Aqil "a criminal act of desperation by the Zionist regime." He said that Israel had reached an impasse and was now trying "to drag the entire region into the swamp with such crimes." Iran would push for international condemnation of Israeli "war crimes" to prevent an even more dangerous escalation of the situation in the Middle East, the minister said. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Israel has been Iran's declared archenemy. Germany worried about the conflict In Berlin, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Germany is concerned that if the conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah spreads over the Middle East, the ensuing destruction would be "catastrophic." "The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah must not become a regional conflagration," he said. "This would have terrible and long-term consequences for people throughout the region. The destruction from such a confrontation would be catastrophic." Meanwhile, the number of fatalities from the coordinated blasts involving electronic devices in Lebanon earlier this week has risen from 37 to 39, the Health Ministry said. Some 3,000 people were injured in the detonations, which have also been widely attributed to Israel. And in a separate incident, one person was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon, the authorities reported on Saturday. The strike targeted the town of Hamul, not far from the border with Israel, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The victim was a Syrian citizen, it said. The Israeli military said it was investigating the report. It was initially unclear whether the victim was a member of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Lebanese women mourn during the funeral of three pro-Iranian Hezbollah commanders of elite al-Radwan brigade, who were killed in an Israeli air raid attack on Beirut southern suburb. At least 37 people were killed among them 16 Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa A Lebanese shouts slogans during the funeral of three pro-Iranian Hezbollah commanders of elite al-Radwan brigade, who were killed in an Israeli air raid attack on Beirut southern suburb. At least 37 people were killed among them 16 Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa House Democrats have launched an aggressive campaign to push back against the false claims from some top Republicans that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating their neighbors pets. Led by members of the House Haiti Caucus, the Democrats are warning that the false narrative from the GOP accusers most notably former President Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (Ohio) has made Haitian immigrants the target of bigoted aggression and violent threats in Springfield and beyond. The lawmakers are pushing a resolution condemning racism toward Haitians, while urging Republicans to drop their bogus claims amid heightened concerns from even some within the GOP that the narrative is damaging community relations in Springfield and other immigrant-heavy areas around the country. They have chosen to spew racist and xenophobic lies as a political tool and weaponize rhetoric to place innocent families in harms way, Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), one of three co-chairs of the Haiti Caucus, told reporters outside the Capitol Friday. Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), head of the Congressional Black Caucus, echoed that message, saying the baseless pet-eating claim has forced Haitian communities around the country to live in fear because of a lie. We can only hope and pray that the false and racist rhetoric by the former president and his running mate and other extremists do not lead to violence in Springfield or any other Haitian or immigrant community, Horsford said. Enough is enough. The racist fear-mongering must stop, and it must stop now. The rumors swirling around Springfields Haitian immigrant population were reportedly initiated by a neo-Nazi group that had marched in the city in August. But they reached a national stage on Sept. 9 when Vance, Ohios junior senator, posted a message on social media claiming that Springfield residents have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? he asked, making a reference to Vice President Harris who has led trips to Central America in search of ways to ease the flow of migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border. Hours later, Trump broadcast the claim to a much wider audience when he amplified it during his debate with Harris in Philadelphia. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, he said. Theyre eating, theyre eating, the pets of the people that live there. The accusation was fact-checked by one of ABCs debate moderators, who noted that Springfields city manager denied any reports of attacks on pets by Haitians or anyone else. Trump dismissed the pushback, suggesting the city manager was merely covering up unflattering events in Springfield. The people on television say my dog was taken and used for food, Trump responded. The explosive debate over the Haitian migrants reflects the larger battle between the parties when it comes to the thorny topic of immigration. The border crisis has been a major vulnerability for President Biden and now for Harris as she seeks the White House. And the Trump campaign has made it a focus of its message to warn that Democrats border policies have resulted in a flood of migrants who are now stealing American jobs and threatening public safety. The Springfield episode fit that model neatly. Yet the claims have been thoroughly debunked by news reports and Ohio officials, including Springfields mayor, Rob Rue, and Ohios governor, Mike DeWine, both of whom are Republicans. In an op-ed in The New York Times on Friday, DeWine went a step further, saying the influx of Haitian migrants has helped to revitalize an economically depressed city while accusing Trump and Vance of setting back some of those gains. This rhetoric hurts the city and its people, and it hurts those who have spent their lives there, DeWine wrote. Since the narrative emerged, dozens of violent threats have been lobbed at Springfield. The threats, according to DeWine, have forced schools to be closed, a hospital to be locked down, community events to be canceled and City Hall to be shuttered. Its impacting neighborhoods, its impacting jobs, its impacting employers, its impacting businesses, and its impacting the psychology of this country, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) said. Vance, for his part, has defended his claims, telling CNN last weekend that hes heard the pet-snatching stories firsthand from constituents. But he also seemed to suggest that hed be willing to invent a narrative if it shone a light on issues he thinks the press would otherwise ignore. If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, he told CNN on Sunday, then thats what Im going to do. The remarks were not overlooked on Capitol Hill, where the Democrats pushing the resolution in defense of Haitians hammered the vice presidential contender as unfit to serve the public. Weve seen this before. Authoritarian leaders picking a community, making lies about them, and then turning to their base and saying, If youre scared, vote for me, Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said. Were here to say that this is racism, this is bigotry, and it should be automatically disqualifying for any elected official to bring this up. Some House Republicans have joined in the criticisms. Rep. Mike Turner, the Ohio Republican who represents Springfield, is among the GOP lawmakers voicing alarm. This certainly is incredibly tragic and completely untrue, Turner said Thursday in an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper. And this should not have happened. Its been tearing the community apart. Turner added that he thinks the episode is over and that Trump and Vance have moved on. Democrats arent so sure, accusing Republicans of continuing to spread the baseless claim in order to energize their conservative base ahead of Novembers elections. They were quick to link Trumps immigration policies to those contained in Project 2025, a broad wish list of conservative policy proposals intended to guide the next GOP president. Among the recommendations pushed in that agenda are provisions to eliminate the designation of temporary protected status under which many of the Haitian migrants entered the U.S. legally. Haitian migrants, who escaped national repression, do not deserve to be slandered by racist fearmongers while seeking safety in our country, Clarke 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. In this undated photo released by the Portage County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski poses. Zuchowski, is under fire for a social media post in which he said people with Kamala Harris yard signs should have their addresses recorded so that immigrants can be sent to live with them if Harris wins. (Portage County Sheriff's Office via AP) RAVENNA, Ohio (AP) A local Ohio elections board says the county sheriff's department will not be used for election security following a social media post by the sheriff saying people with Kamala Harris yard signs should have their addresses recorded so that immigrants can be sent to live with them if the Democratic vice president wins the November election. In a statement on the Portage County Democrats' Facebook page, county board of elections chair Randi Clites said members voted 3-1 Friday to remove the sheriff's department from providing security during in-person absentee voting. Clites cited public comments indicating perceived intimidation by our sheriff against certain voters and the need to make sure every voter in Portage County feels safe casting their ballot for any candidate they choose. A Ravenna Record-Courier story on the Akron Beacon Journal site reported that a day earlier, about 150 people crowded into a room at the Kent United Church of Christ for a meeting sponsored by the NAACP of Portage County, many expressing fear about the Sept. 13 comments. I believe walking into a voting location where a sheriff deputy can be seen may discourage voters from entering, Clites said. The board is looking at using private security already in place at the administration building or having Ravenna police provide security, Clites said. Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski posted a screenshot of a Fox News segment criticizing President Joe Biden and Harris over immigration. Likening people in the U.S. illegally to human locusts, he suggested recording addresses of people with Harris yard signs so when migrants need places to live well already have the addresses of their New families ... who supported their arrival! Local Democrats filed complaints with the Ohio secretary of state and other agencies, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio accused Zuchowski of an unconstitutional impermissible threat against residents who want to display political yard signs. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine called the comments unfortunate and not helpful. The secretary of state's office said the comments didn't violate election laws and it didn't plan any action. Zuchowski, a Republican supporter of former President Donald Trump, said in a follow-up post last week that his comments may have been a little misinterpreted??" He said, however, that while voters can choose whomever they want for president, they have to accept responsibility for their actions. A message seeking comment was sent Sunday to Zuchowski, who spent 26 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and was a part-time deputy sheriff before winning the top job in 2020. He is running for reelection as the chief law enforcement officer of the northeast Ohio county about an hour outside of Cleveland. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) A woman was arrested after officials said she shot her boyfriend following an argument in Greenville Sunday afternoon. According to the Greenville County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to an address on Lake El Jema Drive around 1:45 p.m. after county communications received a 911 call stating a man was shot after an argument. Once on scene, deputies found one victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim was taken to the hospital where they are expected to make a full recovery. The Greenville County Sheriffs Office said 25-year-old Kelsey Lanae Fleming was arrested and charged with domestic violence high and aggravated, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and unlawful conduct towards a child. This is an active investigation. Check back with 7NEWS on-air and online 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Disclaimer: All suspects are innocent until proven guilty. DESOTO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Louisiana State Police arrested a DeSoto Parish Fire Chief Saturday after his vehicle crashed into a fire hydrant. Around 12:15 p.m., Mark Magee was driving a 2022 Ford F-250 south on Louisiana Highway 5. Officials said Magee lost control of the vehicle near the intersection of Hwy 5 and Hwy 172. Magee ran off the left side of the road and crashed into a fire hydrant. Off-duty Louisiana State Trooper cited after getting into fight at LSU game The Ford is assigned to Fire District 1, unmarked, and equipped with emergency lights. Troopers at the scene detected signs of impairment. After authorities took a blood sample and submitted it for analysis, they arrested Magee. He is facing charges of driving while intoxicated first offense and careless operation. The crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Detroit Public Schools bring out the latest weapon in arsenal to fight chronic absenteeism: Laundry machines Steep payouts, ice cream, mini-breaks and laundry machines? Schools are incentivizing kids to come to class as chronic absenteeism remains a major post-pandemic concern, but the lattermost taking effect in Detroit Public Schools might sound a bit unconventional without context. "I have the opportunity to come to the school and wash my sons clothes," parent Melania Willis, whose son is a senior at a local high school where she works as a security guard, told WXYZ-TV in The Motor City. "I do stay in an apartment and its hard for me sometimes to put money on the card because they close at a certain time," she added. 6.5 MILLION STUDENTS CHRONICALLY ABSENT AFTER THE PANDEMIC, NEW STUDY SHOWS Washing machines are being installed in public schools in Detroit to help some students from lower-income households. The machines found their way into local schools thanks to the help of Detroit Public Schools Foundation President Kerrie Mitchell and charitable donations and a GE Appliances investment. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Willis said installing the washers and dryers helps kids from less privileged households, including one who has no running water at home and is bullied regularly. Though unclear if she was referencing the same student, she noted that one student who doesn't have laundry machines at home approaches her and often asks her to take her clothes to the washing machine. WHAT'S GOING ON WITH AMERICA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS? ENROLLMENT DROOPS AND CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM TELL A DRAMATIC TALE Classrooms have had more than a few empty seats since the COVID-19 pandemic as some districts struggle to get them back to class. "One student came to me like, 'I dont have a washing machine at home. Do you mind if you take my clothes to the washing machine, to the laundromat?' So, I took it and brought it back to her," she recalled. In another instance, Davis Aerospace Technical High School teacher Janine Scott said she noticed a student she thought had poor hygiene actually just needed to have his hoodie washed, and the problem extends to other students, especially of younger age groups, as well. Older age groups reportedly avoid the embarrassment by either finding ways to cover up the scent or staying out of class altogether. Detroit Public Schools have been hit hard by the chronic absentee epidemic, with two-thirds of students falling into the category of those who miss at least 10% of the school year, according to education website Chalkbeat. RATES OF STUDENTS SKIPPING CLASS REMAIN STUBBORNLY HIGH SINCE COVID CLOSURES: THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE The same report said more than half of the district's 108 schools now have the appliances installed. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts across the U.S. have struggled to get kids back into classrooms, with some taking measures to reel them back in. Ohio lawmakers floated an idea to get kids in class and across the graduation stage by incentivizing their attendance with payouts, but the bill ultimately stalled. Some Rhode Island schools incentivized good attendance with rewards like ice cream socials and extra recess time, according to Chalkbeat. Original article source: Detroit Public Schools bring out the latest weapon in arsenal to fight chronic absenteeism: Laundry machines 'How did we get here?' NASA hopes 'artificial star' can teach us more about the universe Look up into the sky on a clear night, and you're likely to glimpse thousands of stars dotting the cosmos. Add a telescope into the mix, and suddenly millions more come into view. The Milky Way is brimming with an estimated hundred billions stars, giant balls of hot gas, including our galaxy's most famous the sun. But outside of our home galaxy? The number of stars is near unfathomable. Yet getting a handle on observing stars, which form in large molecular clouds of gas and dust, is crucial to better understand not only how they evolve, but how our universe grows and changes with them, astronomers say. To do that, what's the harm of adding just one more "star" to the mix even if it's a humanmade one? In a $19.5 million NASA-funded mission, researchers at George Mason University are heading a project to construct and eventually launch a small satellite into space. Once in orbit, the contraption will be far enough away to look like a star to telescopes back on Earth. The satellite will then begin the work of helping researchers study star brightness to gain more precise estimates of their size, scale and age. By doing so, the researchers hope to uncover fresh clues about how fast the universe is expanding and, just maybe, whether life could exist anywhere else in the universe. It might impact and change the way we measure or understand the properties of stars, surface temperatures and the habitability of exoplanets," said Eliad Peretz of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, who is the mission's deputy principal investigator. Here's a look inside NASA's plan to launch an "artificial star" over the U.S. before the end of the decade. A rendering provides a visual of how a ground observatory may communicate with an "artificial star." Artificial star will be visible to ground telescopes The purpose of the so-named Landolt NASA Space Mission is to place a calibrated light source into orbit at a distance of 22,236 miles from the Earth. The satellite, or "artificial star," that the astronomers shoot into orbit won't be big enough, bright enough or close enough for skygazers to detect with the naked eye, but it should be visible to anyone with a telescope. Named for late astronomer Arlo Landolt, who created a renowned star catalog, the satellite will then spend its inaugural year in space moving at the same speed as Earth's rotation, keeping it positioned over the United States. In technical terms, the small satellite is what's called a CubeSat, which is a a class of nanosatellites. Equipping the device with a cache of eight lasers will allow it to provide consistent observations on brightness levels of millions of stars to mission control on George Mason's campus in Fairfax, Virginia and other observatories. By providing data that ground-based telescopes cannot, the artificial star should be able to refine the accuracy of measuring stellar brightness levels of nearby stars and even distant supernovae in far-away galaxies, Peter Plavchan, an astronomer at George Mason University, explained in a paper on the project. "The Landolt mission will allow us to re-calibrate the brightnesses of millions of stars," Plavchan, the mission's primary investigator, wrote. "Such measurements can only be achieved by a space-based orbiting artificial star." George Mason leading $19.5 million Landolt NASA Space Mission NASA, which recently approved the mission for deployment as part of the space agency's Pioneers program, is providing the funding. While $19.5 million is relatively low-cost in terms of space missions, the green light represents a major first for George Mason, which will build and operate the mission for NASA. But the university won't be doing it alone. A rendering provides a visual of how a ground observatory may communicate with an "artificial star." Along with NASA, George Mason will also partner with the National Institute of Standards and Technology a U.S. Department of Commerce agency as well as 10 other universities to develop the satellite. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for George Mason and our students," said Peter Pachowicz, an engineering associate professor at George Mason who is part of the Landolt mission, in a statement. "Our team will design, build, and integrate the payload, which, because its going very high into geostationary orbit, must handle incredible challenges. NASA will provide management and oversight of Landolt, which is already part of the space agency's fleet chart, by hosting reviews in the coming years amid key decision points, Plavchan told USA TODAY. He added that he and other mission operators will also provide monthly briefings to NASA. A specific launch vehicle will not be selected for another two-and-a-half years, Plavchan said. And because the Landolt satellite will be relatively small, the craft will have to hitch a ride to orbit via a private space company with the launch of either a bigger satellite or a set of small satellites, he added. Understanding more about habitable planets The Landolt mission is not just one of a characterizing the brightness of stars. As the satellite gazes into the endless expanse of outer space, astronomers hope to learn about distant terrestrial worlds that could harbor life. Astronomers have long been interested in so-called habitable zones and the abundance of ocean worlds theorized to exist throughout the cosmos. Next month, NASA is on the cusp of launching its own largest planetary craft to date to study Jupiter's moon Europa to see if the vast ocean beneath its surface hold clues to how life could exist beyond our own planet. By gathering data on stellar evolution, the Landolt mission may play a vital role in helping identify habitable zones where planets could have water, providing a key ingredient for life to flourish. In a nod to the classic fairy tale, astronomers even refer to these regions as "Goldilocks" zones because conditions have to be just right neither too hot nor too cold for water to remain in liquid form and pool on planetary surfaces. While finding evidence of life on another planet would be monumental, it's a tricky business: One that requires diligence and an abundance of evidence to determine, for instance, if a star gives off enough energy or if a planet is close enough to support life, explained Jamie Tayar, an astronomer at the University of Florida, a partner on the Landolt mission. There are so many big questions in astronomy: How did we get here? Are there other planets like ours? Do aliens exist? Tayar said in a statement. But those are really hard questions, and so to answer them the measurements have to be really good, and they have to be right. The team hopes to launch the "artificial star" into orbit by 2029. Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA funds mission to launch 'artificial star' into orbit by 2029 LOUISVILLE, Ohio (WKBN) The Diocese of Youngstown has announced two churches in Stark County will merge next year. According to a press release, Saint Louis and Sacred Heart of Mary parishes in Louisville will officially merge as one parish beginning in January 2025. The churches will retain their names, but the new parish will be known as Saint Isidore Parish. The mege was recommended by the two churches pastor, Matthew Humerickhouse. In a letter to Bishop David Bonnar, Humerickhouse said uniting the churches would be better positioned to address the evolving needs of our congregation and the broader community. In his letter, Humerickhouse also said We envision a parish that is not only financially stable, but also spiritually enriching. All assets and debts will be shared by the new parish, and all original records of baptism, confirmation, marriage and Christian burial will be preserved in the new office located at 8277 Nickel Plate Ave. in Louisville. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Miami-Dade Democrats sought to move past months of infighting and internal drama on Saturday at their annual Blue Gala in Miami Beach. Bringing in the top brass of the Miami-Dade, state and national parties, the gala was framed as a pep rally for Democrats, who are hoping to head off a possible electoral drubbing in Florida in November. Democrats need to run up big margins in Miami-Dade in order to have a shot at winning both the presidency and statewide office, but that has proved increasingly difficult in recent years, most notably in 2022, when both Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio won the county. With just over six weeks to go before Election Day, party leaders on Saturday rallied around the hope that the electoral rout they suffered two years ago was an anomaly born out of internal dysfunction and low voter turnout. This year, they vowed, will be different. Dont sleep on Florida, Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said before a packed ballroom at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Something special is going on in this state right nowand I think its going to shock the world. I think its going to shock the nation. And I know its going to give Republicans a shock. In a brief interview with the Miami Herald on Saturday night, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried said that the Blue Gala represented the rebuilding of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party after a rough stretch earlier this year. Florida Democratic Party leaders forcibly removed the Miami-Dade partys chairman, Robert Dempster, in March after Fried suspended him for what she argued were repeated violations of the state partys rules and bylaws. That kicked off a heated and divisive race to succeed Dempster as the head of the Miami-Dade party a job that eventually went to state Sen. Shevrin Jones. Fried, a Miami native, said that the county party is experiencing a resurgence. You see a sold-out crowd, you have the chairman of the DNC whos here as our keynote speaker, Fried said. You have [elected officials] that are here, leaning back into the local party, understanding that we can do all of this great work across the rest of the state, but if Miami-Dade doesnt produce the numbers and show once again that Miami is a stronghold for Democrats, it doesnt matter what happens in the rest of the state. Fried noted that things are looking up for Democrats in Miami-Dade, pointing to County Mayor Daniella Levine Cavas reelection win last month as a sign that Democratic voters were willing to turn out this year. Democrats are also hoping that a pair of proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot in November one that would legalize recreational marijuana and another that would enshrine broad protections for abortion rights into state law will help boost turnout among Democratic voters. Yet there are still significant challenges. Statewide, there are now nearly one million more active registered Republican voters in Democrats, and Republicans are increasingly bullish about the notion that former President Donald Trump could pick up Miami-Dade County in the November presidential election. Taking the stage Saturday night, Jones, the Miami-Dade Democratic Party chairman, acknowledged the divisions that had beset the party, but insisted that Vice President Kamala Harris path to the White House runs through Miami-Dade. He said it was incumbent upon Democrats to build bridges within the party and put their differences aside. While we didnt see eye to eye on all things, we all had one common goal, and that was to get the damn job done, Jones said. The Miami-Dade Democratic Party is back and we are not going back and we will win in November. Donald Trump says he doesnt believe he will run in 2028 if he loses in November Donald Trump says he doesnt believe he will run in 2028 if he loses in November Donald Trump likely would not run for president again in 2028 if he loses the election this November. During an interview that aired Sunday on TV news broadcaster Sinclairs Full Measure, the former president was asked if he could see himself running in 2028. No, I dont, Trump said. Donald Trump has said in a new interview he doesnt see himself running in 2028 if he loses this November (REUTERS) If Trump wins this election, the 22nd Amendment would bar him from running again in 2028, but a loss now would leave another campaign on the table for the future. Trump is rare to concede anything, but it seems running again in 2028, at which point he would be 82 years old, is something even he wont bluster about. That will be it, Trump added. I dont see that at all. I think hopefully were gonna be successful [in 2024]. According to our poll tracker, Kamala Harris retains a nearly three-point lead over Donald Trump at this stage in the campaign, a gap thats grown gradually since the candidates were functionally tied in late July. The more immediate concern for many is whether Trump will accept the 2024 election results if they show he lost. Trump would be 82 years old if he ran in 2028 - older than current President Joe Biden who dropped out of this years contest (AP) In August, Joe Biden said he was not confident at all Trump would concede, setting up another potential January 6. He means what he says, Biden said. We dont take him seriously. He means it. All the stuff about if we lose, therell be a bloodbath. [The elections] have to be stolen, look what theyre trying to do now in the local election districts. Earlier this summer, Trump refused to give a straight yes-or-no answer on whether he would accept the 2024 results. If its a fair, legal and good election, absolutely, he said during the debate, before repeating his baseless claims that fraud derailed his election chances in 2020. Other prominent Republicans such as Elise Stefanik, Tim Scott and Marco Rubio have also suggested they may not accept the 2024 results. When Biden bowed out of the 2024 race, it made Donald Trump officially the oldest person to run for president in U.S. history. An issue that would be amplified he ran again in 2028. Trump says he wont run for president in 2028 if he loses election Donald Trump has said he will not run for the White House in 2028 if he loses to Kamala Harris in the November presidential election. Asked whether he thought he would run again in four years if he lost on Nov 5, the 78-year-old Republican nominee told Full Disclosure, a US outlet: No, I dont. I think that that will be, that will be it. I dont see that at all. I think hopefully were going to be successful. Trumps comments are thought to be the first time he has ruled himself out of running to become president again if he fails in this years bid. If he wins, he would be ineligible for the 2028 race. The 22nd amendment to the US constitution limits the number of terms a president can serve to two four-year spells. However, he has previously suggested he would try to seek a third term if re-elected. In March, he told the National Rifle Associations annual meeting: You know, FDR 16 years almost 16 years he was four terms. I dont know, are we going to be considered three-term? Or two-term? During his campaign in 2020, Trump told a rally in Wisconsin that if he won another four years well go for another four years because they spied on my campaign. We should get a redo of four years. In July, Trump sparked criticism after telling people at a Christian summit they would never need to vote again if he returned to the White House next year. He told the crowd to get out and vote, just this time, adding that you wont have to do it any more. Four more years, you know what? Itll be fixed, itll be fine, you wont have to vote any more, my beautiful Christians. The Republican nominee later clarified his comments, saying: That statement is very simple. I said: Vote for me, youre not gonna have to do it ever again. Its true, because we have to get the vote out. Christians are not known as a big voting group, they dont vote. And Im explaining that to them. You never vote. This time, vote. Ill straighten out the country, you wont have to vote any more, I wont need your vote any more, you can go back to not voting. Trump lost to Joe Biden in 2020 but refused to accept he was defeated and insisted the election had been stolen. On Jan 6, 2021, Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in an attempt, spurred by his allegations, to stop the certification of the election result. In recent months, he refused several times to commit to unconditionally recognising the result of the forthcoming election. His remarks came as a new NBC News poll found he was trailing Kamala Harris, his Democratic opponent, by five points nationally. The poll of 1,000 people found Ms Harris had 49 per cent of the vote among registered voters, compared to 44 per cent for Trump. The remaining seven per cent either choose a third candidate, said they were unsure or said they would not vote. It is a significant shift from NBCs July poll which put Trump two points ahead of Mr Biden, the then Democratic nominee. It also found Ms Harris favourability had increased by 16 points since July, the largest increase for any politician in the news outlets polls since George W Bushs surge in popularity following 9/11. In July, 32 per cent of registered voters had a positive view of Ms Harris, while 50 per cent saw her in a negative light. In the latest poll, she has a 48 per cent positive rating, compared to 45 per cent who see her negatively. In July, there was a stiff breeze heading directly at President Biden and obscuring a clear path to victory. Today, the winds have turned in Kamala Harriss favour, said Jeff Horwitt, a Democratic pollster of Hart Research Associates, who conducted the survey with Republican pollster Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies. 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. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Sioux Citys favorite nature preserve brought the outdoor love to the indoors on Saturday night, where the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center hosted its 20th annual nature calls fundraiser at the Sioux City Convention Center. Guests ages 21 and over enjoyed beer and wine tasting, nature market vendors, raffles, and a charity auction to raise money for Woodbury Countys award-winning nature center. Keepin it Simple 0.1k raises money for those with mental illness It makes me feel very, very grateful that we provide services that everybody loves, and that theyre willing to help us continue our goals and mission, said Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and Woodbury County Conservation Board education director Theresa Kruid. Proceeds from Nature Calls will go towards Dorothy Pecauts educational programs, including field trips and summer day camps. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The death toll has risen to 30 following an explosion in a coal mine in the Tabas district of South Khorasan province, northeast Iran, Azernews reports. Mohammad Ali Akhundi, Director General of Emergency Management for South Khorasan, reported that 17 people were injured in last night's explosion. Akhundi stated that the methane gas explosion occurred in block "B" of the mine. Due to a connection with block "C," located about 2 km away, the gas spread to both blocks. The provincial official noted that the mine operates at a depth of 250 meters and is 700 meters long, employing 69 workers in the two blocks. DES MOINES, Iowa During National Hispanic Heritage Month, citizens of the metro have gathered at Western Gateway Park to celebrate the Iowa Latino Hertiage Festival. Over 15 countries are being celebrated during the festival, providing a variety of Latino cultures and customs for people to come together and enjoy. Joe Gonzalez, Executive Director of Latino Resources, says the festival gives them a chance to celebrate their culture and show what they contribute to Des Moines, Iowa, and the country. This country gave me a lot and it gives me an opportunity to give back, to be civically engaged with the community and putting out this festival and seeing how much fun people have makes me feel really great about our folks and our community, said Gonzalez. The main attraction during the festival is the amazing variety of food and drink vendors offer. Latino countries from all over the world including Mexico, Peru, Columbia, and El Salvador each have unique and special foods. The festival brings people together to enjoy the food and experiences the variety of flavors Latino foods bring to the table. Throughout the day live music and a variety of dances will be performed, all representing different cultures. Sons of Bossa, Parranderos, and Indestructible Banda Azteca were some of the feature performances Saturday. On Sunday, groups Mariachi Femenil Tecalitlan, Selekto Show, and Las Guaracheras will perform. Iowa man breaks Guinness record with motorized wheelbarrow The festival provides a wonderful place for children to play, learn, get creative, and spend time with family and friends. Arts and crafts, bouncy castles, face painting, and dancing are all available for kids to enjoy. Another fun activity kids can enjoy is a pinata thats brought out and broken every hour. Cultural booths are another special attraction for attendees. Stands around the festival represent different countries and help provide audiences with a deeper understanding of the nuances and diversity within the Latino community. These stands share dance, language, customs, politics, celebrations, and much more with people. The goal is to enrich peoples lives with learning and bring the community closer together. Art exhibits around the park feature work from local Iowa artists. Different mediums such as photography, sculpture, oils, and even performance art help tell the story of Latino Iowans. The display creates a platform for artists to share their work and experiences, while also giving viewers an opportunity to learn and appreciate. The festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) A Norfolk man was sentenced after he was part of a drug trafficking organization in the Tidewater area. After street dealing as part of a larger drug trafficking organization, 46-year-old Deton Doson was caught after trading drugs for a gun. In 2020, several government agencies began investigating the drug trafficking organization that were being supplied with kilogram-level quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. Dodson was just one of those members. On Nov. 5, 2021, he reportedly met with Edward Fonville for a transaction. After being confronted by law enforcement, Dodson confessed that he traded cocaine to Fonville for the gun. After his arrest, Dodson gave Fonville a heads up that law enforcement was investigating him. Fonville remains a fugitive. On Thursday, Dodson was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for distribution of cocaine. Thirteen other defendants have been convicted and sentenced in the drug trafficking case. Milton Artis, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 3, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Jan. 23, 2023, Artis was sentenced to one year in prison. Levell Batts Sr., 60, pleaded guilty on Sept. 12, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Jan. 12, 2023, Batts was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison. Emerson Brodie, 32, pleaded guilty on Jan. 30, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On May 30, 2023, Brodie was sentenced to six years and three months in prison. Charlie Chapman, 46, pleaded guilty on June 29, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Oct. 30, 2023, Chapman was sentenced to seven years in prison. James Ford, 40, pleaded guilty on April 12, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Aug. 15, 2023, Ford was sentenced to three years and one month in prison. Donald Gray, 48, pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On Oct. 4, 2023, Gray was sentenced to twelve years in prison. James Hill, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 3, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Feb. 13, 2023, Hill was sentenced to five years in prison. Michael Robinson, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 6, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Feb. 7, 2023, Robinson was sentenced to seven years and 11 months in prison. Michael Seay, 40, pleaded guilty on Sept. 15, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Jan. 23, 2023, Seay was sentenced to seven years in prison. Rondell Spain, 33, pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On May 30, 2023, Spain was sentenced to five years in prison. Mervin Walton, 39, pleaded guilty on Sept. 22, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Jan. 30, 2023, Walton was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison. Lavon Williams, 33, pleaded guilty on Oct. 6, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Feb. 8, 2023, Williams was sentenced to seven years in prison. Terrell Williams, 37, pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On June 27, 2023, Williams was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Continue to check WAVY.com 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 WAVY.com. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department took a DUI suspect into custody after a pursuit that lasted one minute in South L.A. According to LASD, deputies first observed the vehicle just before 12:15 a.m. Sunday on 170th Street. After a brief pursuit 60 seconds to be exact, LASD said the suspect was detained. Major crash shuts down 101 Freeway in Ventura County A second suspect fled the area and remained outstanding as of later Sunday morning. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department took a DUI suspect into custody after a pursuit that lasted one minute in South L.A. (Citizen App) The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department took a DUI suspect into custody after a pursuit that lasted one minute in South L.A. (Citizen App) Residents were advised to stay in their homes while authorities combed the area for the second suspect. Video from the scene posted to the Citizen App shows the stopped vehicle in front of a squad car with its trunk open while helicopters circled overhead searching for the suspect. As of 8:30 a.m. Sunday, they remained outstanding, LASD confirmed. Luis Zuniga 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 KTLA. Education advocate calls for criminal charges against NYC staff who took own kids to Disney World on trips meant for homeless students Education advocate calls for criminal charges against NYC staff who took own kids to Disney World on trips meant for homeless students Federal officials should consider criminal charges against six NYC employees who took their own kids and grandkids to Disney World and on other costly trips meant for homeless students, an education advocate is urging authorities. This appears to be a criminal use of federal funds for homeless students, involving forgery and fraud, said Leonie Haimson, executive director of Class Size Matters. As first reported by The Post, Linda M. Wilson, a Queens manager of students in temporary housing, and five employees she supervised used forged permission slips to take their daughters, sons and grandkids to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and upstate Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, among multiple locales. Linda M. Wilson, a Queens manager of students in temporary housing, and five employees she supervised used forged permission slips to take their daughters, sons and grandkids to vacation trips across the country. Getty Images What happens here stays with us, Wilson allegedly told her colleagues in what investigators called a cover-up. Haimson said she wrote last week to the US. Department of Educations inspector general, the office charged with investigating civil and criminal violations of federal funding, to call for a probe. Employees said a $300,000 federal grant was used to fund the trips. The citys Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools did not refer the employees for criminal prosecution. A spokesperson cited a lack of available documentation. Wilson allegedly told her co-workers, What happens here stays with us. Facebook Linda Wilson But Haimson noted the SCIs report cites much documentary evidence, including witness statements, dozens of photographs, and falsified permission slips. The city Department of Education would not answer questions about the cost of out-of-town trips for homeless kids, or explain how they are funded. DOE spokeswoman Nicole Brownstein also refused to say whether any employee paid restitution, but confirmed Friday that all six cited by the SCI were terminated, resigned, or voluntarily retired. Wilson, 63, who collected $97,700 in city paychecks last school year, told The Post she retired. She denied taking her daughters on trips and any other wrongdoing. Badr Abdelatty spoke ahead of an annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations (Bryan R. SMITH) (Bryan R. SMITH/AFP/AFP) Egypt's foreign minister warned Sunday of the risk of an all-out regional war as fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah intensified, saying the escalation "negatively impacted" Gaza truce talks. Badr Abdelatty spoke ahead of an annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations, with a chorus of international powers calling on Israel and Hezbollah to step back from the brink. "There is great concern about... the possibility of an escalation in the region leading to an all-out regional war," he told AFP at UN headquarters, adding that the latest spike in violence "negatively impacted" ceasefire negotiations. "But Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, has complete determination and commitment to continue" efforts to broker a truce agreement, he said. Qatar, Egypt and the United States have for months tried to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, which diplomats repeatedly said would help calm regional tensions. "All the components of the deal are ready," Abdelatty said. "The problem is the lack of political will on the Israeli side," he added. Abdelatty also blamed Israel's "provocative policies" for the intensified fighting with Hezbollah, a Hamas ally. - 'Stop the escalation' - "We are talking to our regional and international partners, including the United States, about the importance of working to stop the escalation and stop the unilateral and provocative policies that Israel is carrying out," he said. A regional conflagration "does not serve the interests of any party," the top diplomat added. Abdelatty spoke following meetings in Washington with US officials this week, including White House advisor Amos Hochstein, who is leading efforts to secure a truce between Lebanon and Israel. Earlier on Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged to step up efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza during talks with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken said a ceasefire would be the best way to stop violence from spreading in the Middle East. "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. It was Blinken's 10th trip to the region since the start of the war that was sparked by Palestinian armed group Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, which includes hostages killed in captivity. Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 97 are still being held inside the Gaza Strip, including 33 who the Israeli military says are dead. More than 41,431 Palestinians, a majority of them civilians, have been killed in Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to data provided by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The UN has acknowledged these figures as reliable. ho/gw/aha In Pennsylvania, officials are bracing for another presidential election in which the state could once again be the decisive battleground and take days to determine the winner. Seth Bluestein, a Republican city commissioner in vote-rich Philadelphia, put the odds of knowing the winner on election night at almost zero. In battleground Wisconsin, meanwhile, a final tally isnt likely until the morning after the election, said Ann Jacobs, a Democrat who chairs the states election commission. While several other states have moved to speed up the vote count in the four years since 2020s post-election chaos, political gridlock in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin has prevented a change that could have paved the way for earlier projections: the ability to begin opening and processing mail-in ballots before Election Day. Election observers worry that delays in counting mail ballots could give the public a false sense of whos winning the election. That could create a potential red mirage showing GOP candidates ahead initially before more Democratic-leaning absentee ballots are processed and added to the tally and leave an opening for false narratives about election fraud to flourish as the country awaits results. In Georgia, a controversial rule change approved Friday that requires workers to hand-count the number of ballots cast at precincts on Election Day could delay the results of the presidential election in another key swing state. Its obviously a concern, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, a Republican, said of the time lag in the Keystone State. That period of uncertainty is something that is exploited by bad-faith actors to undermine the confidence in the outcome. Police officers stand between supporters and opponents of Donald Trump outside the Philadelphia Convention Center on November 6, 2020, as the counting of ballots continues in Pennsylvania. - Chris McGrath/Getty Images A dayslong wait again In 2020, it took news organizations four days before projecting that Joe Biden had won the state and, therefore, the presidency. In that time, misinformation festered. Protests broke out at the Philadelphia counting center. Then-President Donald Trump baselessly accused election workers in Pennsylvania of trying to commit fraud. His attorney at the time, Rudy Giuliani, held a now-infamous news conference full of falsehoods at Four Seasons Total Landscaping. In Wisconsin, another state that Biden flipped on his way to the White House, Trump falsely attributed his loss to surprise ballot dumps in heavily Democratic Milwaukee. The jump in Biden votes came when the city reported all of its absentee ballots at the same time a development that had been widely anticipated because state law prevents the early processing of mail ballots. In Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, election officials are still barred from beginning to process mail ballots before 7 a.m. on Election Day even though election workers in both states have clamored for change. At one point, lawmakers in the Wisconsin State Assembly reached a bipartisan deal to allow clerks to begin processing the ballots the day before the election. But it died in the state Senate after an array of prominent Wisconsin election deniers raised concerns about election security. It was conspiracy theories that killed the bill, frankly, Jacobs told CNN. I was very disappointed. Election observers say a few factors could reduce new conspiracy theories from cropping up this year as ballot-counting continues late into the night. Republican leaders are encouraging the party faithful to vote by mail as part of an effort to bank votes potentially reducing the perception of an overnight lurch to the left. Trump, however, regularly muddies that message, including by parroting an unfounded claim recently that 20% of mail ballots in Pennsylvania are fraudulent. Officials in both states are anticipating a lower volume of mail ballots since the pandemic has passed. In Wisconsin, absentee ballots accounted for nearly 60% of the votes in the 2020 general election. In the state midterms two years later, that had fallen to about 29%, according to state data. Election officials process absentee ballots at a central count facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on November 3, 2020. - Daniel Acker/Reuters In Pennsylvania, meanwhile, the state has made millions in election funding available to counties, many of which have used the money to invest in faster ballot scanners and equipment that helps process mail ballots. The funding came with a catch: Counties had to agree to count their mail-in ballots continuously without stopping, even if it takes multiple days. So, while the public may go to sleep on election night without knowing the victor in Pennsylvania, election workers will still be counting. Its a real frustration, Schmidt said of the failure to change state law. It does not benefit any candidate. It does not benefit any party. It only benefits the public in knowing results earlier and our election officials, who otherwise dont have to work day and night. Election experts in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are preparing the public that it could be multiple days before the presidential race is called. Processing mail-in ballots takes time. Workers typically first need to verify the voters identity, open the ballot-return envelope, remove the ballot and sometimes flatten it, so it can run through a tabulation machine. Delays are not fraud, its simply logistics, said Jacobs. Its very, very unlikely that well know who has won the presidency or control of the House on election night, said David Becker, a former US Justice Department election lawyer who serves as executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research. This is the way that the process works, he added. We shouldnt expect at 8 oclock p.m. that we flip a switch and count 160 million, multiple-page ballots with dozens of races on them instantaneously. It takes time to get it right. Outliers Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are among the outliers in delaying the processing of absentee ballots. Most states 43 in total now allow at least some of that work to begin ahead of election day, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Several states have changed their procedures in the wake of the 2020 election, including Michigan, where Democrats have since gained trifecta control of state government. The Wolverine State now allows processing of ballots eight days before the election in communities of at least 5,000 people. Smaller communities can start processing the ballots the day before the election. Four years ago, it took until Wednesday afternoon to determine that Biden had carried Michigan as workers plowed through mail ballots. The ballot-counting center in heavily Democratic Detroit drew an angry crowd of Trump supporters, who demanded that the count come to an end. Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss, a Democrat who crafted the new law allowing the early processing of ballots, said he draws a direct line from the scene that erupted in Detroit to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol that attempted, unsuccessfully, to stop the transfer of power to Biden. I cant understand why a state wouldnt want to solve this problem when other states have the exact same frame for processing absentee ballots, added Moss, who chairs the elections and ethics committee in the Michigan Senate. Georgia's State Election Board members discuss proposals for election rule changes at the State Capitol in Atlanta on September 20, 2024. - Mike Stewart/AP New wrinkles in other battlegrounds In states that allow early processing of mail ballots, other changes to election procedures might still produce some election night delays particularly if the winning margins are tight, experts warn. In Georgia, election officials can begin processing absentee ballots ahead of Election Day and a new law since the 2020 presidential election requires counties to report to the secretary of state an hour after polls close the results of all early voting and absentee ballots. But on Friday, a Trump-aligned majority on the Georgia State Election Board approved a new rule that requires election workers to count by hand the number of ballots cast at a polling place to ensure it matches the number of ballots tallied by voting machines. Voting experts say the new hand-counting requirement will burden election offices with additional work, and they warn that slower results could allow confusion and disinformation to spread. In North Carolina, where Harris and Trump are waging a heated battle for votes, a new law requires valid mail ballots to be received earlier than in past elections. Even so, election results could be reported later than usual, officials say. Another new provision requires county boards to wait until polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to begin counting and reporting the results of votes cast during the states 17-day early voting period. Previously, county election boards could tabulate early voting results before poll closings and then report those results immediately at 7:30 p.m. The new law could delay by an hour or more depending on the county the posting of unofficial early results, state election officials have said. Its going to be a late night, which could spur misinformation, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, said at a recent event about election safeguards. Its going to raise questions of what is Karen Brinson Bell doing with the ballots? Thats what was on a poster in a protest outside of our election office in 2020, and Ill get asked that again. Additionally, this year marks the first statewide general election in which a photo ID is required to cast a ballot in North Carolina, a change that officials say is likely to drive up the number of provisional ballots that wont be adjudicated and counted until after Election Day because voters lacked the required identification at the polling place. Voters deposit their mail-in ballots at a ballot collection box in Phoenix on October 18, 2020. - Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images In Arizona a state that Biden flipped by fewer than 11,000 votes out of more than 3 million cast in 2020 most residents vote via ballots mailed to their homes. Many opt to return those ballots on Election Day at drop boxes or vote centers. In Maricopa County, which is home to Phoenix and more than half the states voters, officials estimate that between 400,000 and 500,000 voters potentially as much as a quarter of Novembers total county electorate will drop off their ballots on Election Day. At 8:01 p.m. in Arizona, it will look very bad for Republicans, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer said at the election safeguards event. In 2020, someone encouraged Republicans to not vote early, instead to vote in person, either on Election Day or drop off your ballot on Election Day, Richer said in a thinly veiled reference to Trump. But on election night, counties first release their early vote counts and since 2020, those will be disproportionately blue, Richer noted. A new Arizona statute requires officials to count the number of same-day ballot envelopes dropped off at each vote center before officials can shut down the polling place and take the memory cards that have recorded the votes cast that day to a central counting location. Additionally, election observers say the complexity and length of Arizonas ballot could further delay the tallying of results. In Maricopa County, the general election ballot covers both sides of two pages twice the length of the ballot voters encountered four years ago. On top of federal, state and local candidate elections, this years ballot is crowded with more than a dozen initiatives, many placed there by the Republican-controlled state Legislature seeking to bypass vetoes by Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat elected in 2022. (In Arizona, ballot referrals approved by state lawmakers are not subject to the governors approval.) In a state where contests are often decided by razor-thin margins, any glitches or delays can make it harder to call the race. Arizonas 2022 contest for state attorney general was decided by fewer than 300 votes. As a practical matter, it doesnt take us any longer to count ballots than other jurisdictions, said Jennifer Liewer, Maricopas deputy elections director for communications. But officials in this swing state fully anticipate our races will be just as close this year as they have been in other recent elections, she said. Maricopa is taking steps to help speed up vote tallying on election night, including adding two workers at each of the countys 246 vote centers who will focus just on counting the number of early ballot envelopes dropped off on Election Day, Liewer said. Election experts around the country are urging voters to be patient and refrain from making any conclusions if the results arent known quickly on election night. Weve got to stop this language that somebodys ahead or somebodys behind, said Moss, the Michigan state legislator. The winner is the winner when the polls close. We then just find out who the winner is. CNNs Ethan Cohen, Marshall Cohen and Jason Morris contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Electoral failure I will cast my vote in November, as I always try to do. However, it appears that Donald Trump has already won the presidential election here in Kansas. In fact, it appears in multiple states around the country that the winner has already been chosen. It seems much less like a national election coming up than a battleground state election. George W. Bush and Donald Trump both lost the popular vote but still won because of the electoral-college process. I know, griping about the electoral college is nothing new, but Im bringing it up again. Voters want to believe their votes count that they make a difference. The electoral college chips away at that belief. It essentially signals to people that larger forces are in play and that, however they choose to vote, the electoral college will have its way. If the electoral college were functioning in a beneficial way, its results would reflect the popular vote, and that hasnt happened. Lets get rid of it. Whatever theoretical purpose it was supposed to serve has long expired. Our fragile democracy needs all the direct representation we can muster. - Shane Smith, Olathe Too risky The president, as commander in chief, has the sole final authority to order a launch of nuclear weapons. It is balanced somewhat by the Uniform Code of Military Justice to follow orders provided they are legal and have come from competent authority. Donald Trumps problems with cognition, emotional stability, judgment and understanding of and respect for the military make him unfit for this authority. Recall his reckless 2018 exchange with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un about who had the bigger button to push for a nuclear strike. Recall the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi phoned Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about Trumps authority for nuclear decision-making under the circumstances. Milley assured her the nuclear arsenal was secure because the military was not going to do anything illegal or crazy. Consider what could happen during another Trump presidency if a military leader of Milleys standing is not in place. As a nuclear decision-maker, Trump would present an unacceptable risk to the global ecology and civilization as we know it. He is therefore unfit to be president. - Michael Miller, Roeland Park Sherman praise Many thanks for a well-written article on Marny and John Sherman. (Sept. 13, 1B, Contrary to false narratives, KC Royals owner John Sherman is crucial community pillar) Vahe Gregorian captured not only their generous financial contributions but their sincere dedication to the local organizations they support. It has been disturbing to read so many negative comments on social media this past year. Thank you for setting the record straight on two individuals who have done wonderful things for our community. Go Royals. - Jan Stephenson, Fairway Hating immigrants Amid recent jokes and memes about eating pets, I heard a newscaster say, How would you like to be a Haitian child going to school in Springfield? It took me back to my time as a school librarian. One of my greatest joys was sharing books with kids especially fiction. It helps us walk in anothers shoes creates empathy. One book whose title seems particularly apt, Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate, is the story of a young African refugee sent to live in Minnesota and his unlikely and loving relationship with a cow the only familiar thing he sees in this new land. Maybe if more teachers and librarians shared stories like these we wouldnt see people who are different from us with fear and hatred. But as Kamala Harris says, We would see that we have so many more things in common than we have differences. - Jan Bombeck, Overland Park Lost truth Over the last several years, I have seen many things. I have heard many things. I have read many things. Now there are people telling me that I did not see, hear or read any of these things and that they were innocent and that they want to be my king. I dont think so. It seems to me that I read this was how great nations were lost. - Richard Clyde Lumpkin, Prairie Village Farms champion Agriculture is the backbone of Kansas economy, contributing more than $82 billion annually and supporting 250,000 Kansas jobs. Rep. Sharice Davids understands this and is working to secure a Farm Bill that strengthens our agricultural economy, protects farmers and ensures a stable and affordable food supply for generations to come. She cant do it alone, though. Thats why passing a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill is essential not only for farmers and ranchers but for the entire Kansas economy. Rep. Davids has demonstrated a deep commitment to Kansas agriculture and the importance of a Farm Bill that works for everyone. She held a listening tour and met with farmers and ranchers to better understand the issues affecting them. This relationship-building and hands-on approach have not gone unnoticed. Its one of the reasons Rep. Davids earned the endorsements of the National Farmers Union PAC and the Kansas Farm Bureau PAC. She knows the best Farm Bill will be one that is realistic, can gain bipartisan support and invests in Kansas agricultural professionals while protecting vital nutrition programs that ensure families dont go hungry. - Nick Levendofsky, Executive Director, Kansas Farmers Union, Courtland, Kansas No MAGA for me Ive been voting for nearly 50 years, mostly Republican. I believe in law and order (not MAGAs Jan. 6), fiscal responsibility (tax cut plus lifting the debt ceiling), conservation of resources (drill baby drill) and free trade (100% tariff). Im a Dinosaur (Dino), not a RINO, and will continue voting against MAGA. - Jim Turner, Independence Elon Musk to comply with Brazilian court's orders to restore X in nation A photo shows the new Twitter logo on July 24, 2023, following Elon Musk's announcement of a rebrand that replaces the iconic blue bird with the letter X." File photo by Ismael Mohamad/ UPI Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Billionaire Elon Musk has decided to comply with court orders in Brazil in an effort to end the ban on his his social platform X in the Latin American nation. On Saturday, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the company had not filed the proper documentation showing that it had appointed Rachel de Oliveira Conceicao as its Brazilian representative. The company was given five days to present documents validating her appointment. And the judge also granted the court's secretary 48 hours to verify if earlier orders were respected. Then the court will decide whether to reinstate X. The ban began on Aug. 30. The company said Friday it is complying with other orders. The company formerly known as Twitter also informed the court that it blocked accounts allegedly responsible for disseminating hate speech and fake news, two sources told Bloomberg. Musk, who also owns SpaceX and Tesla, has expressed outrage at the ban. "Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purposes," Musk posted on X on Aug. 30. Moraes opened a criminal inquiry into Musk and accused him of spreading disinformation. On Thursday, the platform abruptly became accessible to Brazilian users after an automatic update switched the way it directs traffic, the country's association of internet providers said. Moraes ordered X to restore a block on its site or face fines of $907,000 a day, accusing it of attempting to "disobey" the court. About 40 million of Brazil's 215 million citizens used X, which has more than 550 million monthly users. Brazil also has about 250,000 Starlink subscribers and is popular among the nation's rural citizens and indigenous tribes in the Amazon region. Brazil last week withdrew $3 million from local bank accounts of X and the satellite internet provider Starlink to pay for fines imposed by the Supreme Court. "Unless the Brazilian government returns the illegally seized property of X and SpaceX, we will seek reciprocal seizure of government assets too. Hope Lula enjoys flying commercial." Musk posted on Sept. 2 Florida has told school districts around the state that they may not teach teenagers about contraception, show them pictures depicting human reproductive anatomy or discuss topics such as sexual consent and domestic violence, according to district officials and an advocate for comprehensive sexual health education. As a result, Orange County Public Schools plans to scrap its own high school sex education plans and instead use a state-approved textbook that focuses on abstinence. The districts now-abandoned plans, outlined in a nearly 600-page document it provided to the Orlando Sentinel, stress abstinence for teenagers but also provide information on how pregnancy occurs, the pros and cons of various birth control methods, what consent means and ways to handle pressure to be sexually active. Broward County Public Schools has until early October to tell the state how it plans to teach about reproductive health during the 2024-25 school year but knows the Florida Department of Education thinks some of the lessons it had planned to teach are not age or developmentally appropriate. Broward schools now plan to comply with state requirements and emphasize abstinence in their lessons, the district said in an emailed statement Friday. Karen Castor Dentel, a member of the Orange County School Board, said the states instructions mean students will glean information from their phones and their friends rather than reputable sources. I think its utterly ridiculous and is a continuation with the states obsession with sex and denying our students fact-based information about their bodies, how they work, Castor Dentel said. I think its a disservice to this generation, but its consistent with what is coming out of Tallahassee these days. The recent directives from the state came in phone calls from education department officials a year after school districts submitted their sex education lessons plans for approval, per a new state law. Last September, the education department told school districts they had to send in their reproductive health plans for review or use state-approved textbooks for those lessons. Previously, local school boards oversaw the approval of their districts sex education materials. But as the Sentinel reported in July, the state did not respond to the plans a number of districts submitted as an alternative to the state-approved curriculum. So for the 2023-24 school year OCPS and some other districts canceled the sex education lessons typically taught in the spring. Now, with the 2024-25 school year underway, theyve been told their plans do not meet state approval. Castor Dentel, a former OCPS teacher, noted that sex education lessons which in Orange started in fifth grade are voluntary, and parents can opt their children out if they do not like the topics covered. In her six years on the school board, those lessons have never been an issue. No one has ever complained about their kid learning about reproductive health, she added. The state education department did not respond to a request for comment Friday nor to email requests sent over the summer when the Sentinel asked why districts reproductive health plans had not been approved. Florida law requires schools to teach reproductive health lessons in grades 6 to 12 that emphasize the benefits of sexual abstinence as the expected standard and the consequences of teenage pregnancy. But in the past, districts have been able to offer additional instruction. Orange schools, for example, started their lessons in fifth grade with a class on the physical changes of puberty and for high schoolers provided conversations about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases, among other topics. Orange school leaders declined to discuss in detail their interaction with the state about the sex education curriculum. State officials called Broward educators on Aug. 21 to outline their concerns with its planned lessons, according to a memo Broward educators put together about the call. Pictures of external sexual/reproductive anatomy should not be included in any grade level, the memo said, characterizing the concerns expressed orally by the state. Contraceptives are not part of any health or science standard but could be mentioned as health resource, though pictures, activities, or demonstrations that illustrate their use should not be included in instruction in any grade level, it said. Different types of sex (i.e., anal, oral, and vaginal) cannot be part of instruction in any grade level, state officials added in the call, according to the Broward memo. The high school lessons Orange schools submitted last year also mentioned different types of sex. Elissa Barr, a professor of public health at the University of North Florida, said she has heard from health education educators in about a dozen Florida school districts who have been told by state officials to remove topics such as contraception from their curriculum plans and teach abstinence only. That is a strategy, she said, that decades of research shows is not effective. We in Florida, were moving in the wrong direction, Barr said. We should be making data driven decisions, and were just not. Barr is part of the Florida Healthy Youth Alliance, a group that advocates for comprehensive sexual health education in schools. The group wants teenagers taught the benefits of abstinence We all want our kids to wait longer, she said but also how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies should they become sexually active. That sort of program, she said, is the most effective in convincing teens to delay sexual activity and avoid its problematic consequences. As district officials contact her, Barr has been keeping a list of words and phrases theyve been told to remove from their reproductive health plans. They include abuse, consent, domestic violence, fluids, gender identity and LGBTQ information, she said. Axing the word fluids will make it hard to accurately teach how HIV is transmitted a topic that is required by the state since it is spread through blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids, she said. Thats science. All of the district officials Barr spoke with said they got phone calls, but no written communication, from the education department. OCPS said it got verbal feedback from the department, with the states updated health education standards and new laws cited to explain why the districts plans needed changes. The FDOE strongly recommended the district utilize the state adopted text, the district said in an emailed statement. A state-authorized textbook used in Lake County high school classes last year preaches abstinence as the only effective way to prevent STDs and pregnancy and does not mention contraception. It also encourages students to go on group dates rather than spend one-on-one time with a partner. Our curriculum will emphasize abstinence and provide comprehensive health education to help students make informed, healthy decisions, Broward schools said in its statement. While advisory groups have expressed concerns about changes to the curriculum, we will adhere to state law and FLDOE rules. Scott Travis of the South Florida Sun Sentinel contributed to this story. Florida has told school districts around the state that they may not teach teenagers about contraception, show them pictures depicting human reproductive anatomy or discuss topics such as sexual consent and domestic violence, according to district officials and an advocate for comprehensive sexual health education. As a result, Orange County Public Schools plans to scrap its own high school sex education plans and instead use a state-approved textbook that focuses on abstinence. The districts now-abandoned plans, outlined in a nearly 600-page document it provided to the Orlando Sentinel, stress abstinence for teenagers but also provide information on how pregnancy occurs, the pros and cons of various birth control methods, what consent means and ways to handle pressure to be sexually active. Broward County Public Schools has until early October to tell the state how it plans to teach about reproductive health during the 2024-25 school year but knows the Florida Department of Education thinks some of the lessons it had planned to teach are not age or developmentally appropriate. Broward schools now plan to comply with state requirements and emphasize abstinence in their lessons, the district said in an emailed statement Friday. Karen Castor Dentel, a member of the Orange County School Board, said the states instructions mean students will glean information from their phones and their friends rather than reputable sources. I think its utterly ridiculous and is a continuation with the states obsession with sex and denying our students fact-based information about their bodies, how they work, Castor Dentel said. I think its a disservice to this generation, but its consistent with what is coming out of Tallahassee these days. The recent directives from the state came in phone calls from education department officials a year after school districts submitted their sex education lessons plans for approval, per a new state law. Last September, the education department told school districts they had to send in their reproductive health plans for review or use state-approved textbooks for those lessons. Previously, local school boards oversaw the approval of their districts sex education materials. But as the Sentinel reported in July, the state did not respond to the plans a number of districts submitted as an alternative to the state-approved curriculum. So for the 2023-24 school year OCPS and some other districts canceled the sex education lessons typically taught in the spring. Now, with the 2024-25 school year underway, theyve been told their plans do not meet state approval. Castor Dentel, a former OCPS teacher, noted that sex education lessons which in Orange started in fifth grade are voluntary, and parents can opt their children out if they do not like the topics covered. In her six years on the school board, those lessons have never been an issue. No one has ever complained about their kid learning about reproductive health, she added. The state education department did not respond to a request for comment Friday nor to email requests sent over the summer when the Sentinel asked why districts reproductive health plans had not been approved. Florida law requires schools to teach reproductive health lessons in grades 6 to 12 that emphasize the benefits of sexual abstinence as the expected standard and the consequences of teenage pregnancy. But in the past, districts have been able to offer additional instruction. Orange schools, for example, started their lessons in fifth grade with a class on the physical changes of puberty and for high schoolers provided conversations about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases, among other topics. Orange school leaders declined to discuss in detail their interaction with the state about the sex education curriculum. State officials called Broward educators on Aug. 21 to outline their concerns with its planned lessons, according to a memo Broward educators put together about the call. Pictures of external sexual/reproductive anatomy should not be included in any grade level, the memo said, characterizing the concerns expressed orally by the state. Contraceptives are not part of any health or science standard but could be mentioned as health resource, though pictures, activities, or demonstrations that illustrate their use should not be included in instruction in any grade level, it said. Different types of sex (i.e., anal, oral, and vaginal) cannot be part of instruction in any grade level, state officials added in the call, according to the Broward memo. The high school lessons Orange schools submitted last year also mentioned different types of sex. Elissa Barr, a professor of public health at the University of North Florida, said she has heard from health education educators in about a dozen Florida school districts who have been told by state officials to remove topics such as contraception from their curriculum plans and teach abstinence only. That is a strategy, she said, that decades of research shows is not effective. We in Florida, were moving in the wrong direction, Barr said. We should be making data-driven decisions, and were just not. Barr is part of the Florida Healthy Youth Alliance, a group that advocates for comprehensive sexual health education in schools. The group wants teenagers taught the benefits of abstinence We all want our kids to wait longer, she said but also how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies should they become sexually active. That sort of program, she said, is the most effective in convincing teens to delay sexual activity and avoid its problematic consequences. As district officials contact her, Barr has been keeping a list of words and phrases theyve been told to remove from their reproductive health plans. They include abuse, consent, domestic violence, fluids, gender identity and LGBTQ information, she said. Axing the word fluids will make it hard to accurately teach how HIV is transmitted a topic that is required by the state since it is spread through blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids, she said. Thats science. All of the district officials Barr spoke with said they got phone calls, but no written communication, from the education department. OCPS said it got verbal feedback from the department, with the states updated health education standards and new laws cited to explain why the districts plans needed changes. The FDOE strongly recommended the district utilize the state-adopted text, the district said in an emailed statement. A state-authorized textbook used in Lake County high school classes last year preaches abstinence as the only effective way to prevent STDs and pregnancy and does not mention contraception. It also encourages students to go on group dates rather than spend one-on-one time with a partner. Our curriculum will emphasize abstinence and provide comprehensive health education to help students make informed, healthy decisions, Broward schools said in its statement. While advisory groups have expressed concerns about changes to the curriculum, we will adhere to state law and FLDOE rules. _____ (Scott Travis of the South Florida Sun Sentinel contributed to this story.) _____ Members of an alleged multigenerational, family-run retail theft crew arrested June 20, 2024, are among hundreds of people held in California burglaries and robberies in recent months under existing state laws. (KTLA) Backers of Proposition 36 would have you believe that Californias criminal laws attract thieves and that public safety is not possible without long prison sentences for people holding illegal drugs for their personal use. They offer a ballot measure that would rescind voters' smart reforms, partially refill prisons and revive the disastrous war on drugs. They claim their solution will ramp up drug treatment and combat homelessness, when it is at least as likely to do the opposite. It would suck up much of the funding Californians recently approved for mental health care, and gut programs that have successfully slashed recidivism and brought much-needed trauma recovery services to crime victims. Read more: L.A. Times electoral endorsements for 2024 November election Proposition 36 is a wrong turn. Voters saw through an earlier rollback attempt four years ago and would be wise to say no again. The problems the measure claims to address retail theft, drug abuse and homelessness are to some degree intertwined. But despite proponents claims, they are unrelated to Proposition 47, a smart 2014 criminal justice reform measure that brought California's theft law in line with other states and made drug possession for personal use a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. Read more: 2024 California propositions voter guide: minimum wage, crime, marriage, healthcare, rent and more The new measure would allow a third misdemeanor theft to be charged as a felony. For a person with two prior petty thefts, stealing a slice of pizza to borrow the example of the three-strikes laws notorious excess could result in a counterproductive multiyear sentence without any new assurance of a law-abiding return to society at the end of the term. Police could stop petty thieves now if they made misdemeanor arrests, as they can and sometimes should under current law. But they dont, because they argue it's not worth their time. Theyre asking voters to change the laws to fit their accustomed practices, rather than update their practices to fit the laws theyre asked to enforce. Californians should expect police to follow the law, rather than the other way around. Read more: Editorial: Haven't we learned yet? Harsher penalties won't save us from fentanyl Police were caught flat-footed as smash-and-grab robbers, South American tourist burglars, copper wire thieves and online buyers and sellers of stolen goods wreaked havoc with new modes of crime. It took too long, but the authorities finally responded with task forces and first-rate detective work. Now daily reports of arrests literally thousands of them are as common as videotaped robberies were just a year ago. They don't evoke the same emotional response, yet the ongoing string of arrests is mind-boggling in its scope and is being followed by prosecutions. Read more: Endorsement: Yes on Prop. 5. It's too hard to pass local bond measures Just Google Los Angeles, theft and arrest to find endless stories of people whose crimes made headlines a year or two ago finally being brought down. Proposition 47 had nothing to do with these crimes, and Proposition 36 would not have stopped them. Thats because robbery, residential burglary and grand theft are already felonies, punishable with long prison sentences. The law as it exists is appropriate to deal with those crimes whenever law enforcement is ready to use it. As for repeat drug offenders, Proposition 36 would create a treatment-mandated felony on a third possession charge, meaning the accused would have to complete court-supervised drug treatment or be sentenced to a multiyear jail or prison term. Read more: Editorial: Blame it on Prop 47: The latest chapter in an endless work of fiction about crime This component is based on several speculative or specious assumptions that the accused is addicted, that drug courts prevent relapse, that effective treatment is widely available and that people with substance use problems will kick their habit even if they have no home, job resources or prospects. It also assumes that Californias serious problem with opioids and methamphetamine suddenly appeared when we eliminated felony possession charges. If that were the case, all those other states that still charge felony possession wouldnt be suffering the same drug problems. But they are. The standard for treating meth addiction is six months of residential treatment followed by outpatient follow-up, but the waiting lists for treatment beds are long, and Medi-Cal covers only 30 days (60 to 90 with special approval). Twenty-two counties have no residential treatment at all. Proposition 36 provides no funding. Backers say money could come from Proposition 1, barely adopted by voters in March but thats supposed to pay to treat mental illness, not just addiction recovery. Read more: Opinion: This tough-on-crime proposal won't solve California retail theft, but it would crowd our prisons People who fail to complete treatment and almost everyone relapses after the first time supposedly would go to jail, but jails in Los Angeles and most other large counties are legally overcrowded and jailers need that space for violent and dangerous criminals, not people convicted simply for drug possession, who probably would be released to the street. That probably means more homelessness, because even short jail stays strongly correlate with lost financial and emotional stability. Instead of providing funding, the measure would deplete it. Proposition 47 has so far saved the state more than $800 million in prison spending, and that money is redirected to carefully monitored anti-recidivism programs, trauma recovery for crime victims and school programs. More felony convictions means lower savings and less spending on prevention and victim services. Read more: Editorial: Blame it on Prop 47: The latest chapter in an endless work of fiction about crime California does have a serious property crime problem, including auto theft and burglaries, and it has recently begun to deal with it using the ample tools currently provided under state law. We do have a serious drug problem that requires a thoughtful response and enormous resources. Proposition 36 pretends the task can be accomplished on the cheap. It cant. Its more illusion than solution. Vote no. 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. Evidence Against Mohamed Al-Fayed Was Presented to British Prosecution Services Twice Before New Allegations A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson says the organization "reviewed files of evidence" regarding allegations in 2009 and 2015 and concluded there wasn't a "realistic prospect of conviction" Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Mohamed Al-Fayed in London on Jan. 8, 2007 The U.K.'s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was twice presented with evidence against Mohamed Al-Fayed the late Harrods owner who has since been accused of multiple rapes though the organization determined there was not a realistic prospect of conviction both times. According to multiple outlets, including the BBC, The Independent and The Standard, the CPS was presented the findings by Metropolitan Police in both 2009 and 2015 tied to allegations that Al-Fayed assaulted a 15-year-old girl in 2008, as well as a separate 2013 rape allegation against him. We reviewed files of evidence presented by the police in 2009 and 2015," a CPS spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, Sept. 22. "To bring a prosecution, the CPS must be confident there is a realistic prospect of conviction." "In each instance, our prosecutors looked carefully at the evidence and concluded this wasnt the case," the statement added. Related: Late Mohamed Al-Fayed, ex-Harrods Owner Whose Son Died Alongside Princess Diana, Accused of Multiple Rapes Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Mohamed Al Fayed arrives at the High Court on February 20, 2008 in London According to The Independent, which cited a spokesperson for Metropolitan Police, authorities investigated various allegations of sexual offenses made over a number of years against the late Harrods owner, which no charges resulted" from. An investigating police force must provide a file of evidence to CPS in order for it to be formally involved in an investigation. As The Sunday Times first reported, in 2018, 2021 and 2023, the CPS provided investigative advice to Met Police over other allegations against Al-Fayed, but a full file of evidence was not given. Related: Late Mohamed Al-Fayed Was a Monster, Says Lawyer as Survivor Outlines Alleged Abuse According to a recent report from the BBC, five women claimed Al-Fayed raped them when they worked at the luxury London department store, which he owned from 1985 to 2010. As detailed in the new documentary and podcast Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, over 20 female former employees provided testimony that Al-Fayed who died in August 2023 sexually assaulted them, with the alleged crimes said to have taken place in London, St. Tropez, Abu Dhabi and Paris. Among the alleged victims are a woman who claimed Al-Fayed raped her at his London apartment, another woman who said he raped her when she was a teenager and one other woman named Sophia (who worked as his personal assistant from 1988 to 1991) who claimed she was sexually assaulted and that he tried to rape her more than once, per the BBC. Another personal assistant named Gemma, who worked for him from 2007 to 2009, claimed he raped her at Villa Windsor in Paris. Harrods which was sold by Al-Fayed in 2010 said in a statement released on Thursday, Sept. 19, that 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 continued. We also acknowledge that during this time as a business, we failed our employees who were his victims and for this, we sincerely apologize. Adding that the Harrods of today is a very different organization to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010," the company concluded its message by stating that it aims to put "the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do." Lawyer Dean Armstrong, who is representing some of Al-Fayed's alleged victims, said on Friday, Sept. 20, that a website has been set up to enable others to come forward. As many as 37 women had done so by Sept. 20. I have never seen a case as horrific as this, Armstrong said during a London press conference. 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. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. World leaders attend United Nations "Summit of the Future", in New York World leaders attend United Nations "Summit of the Future", in New York By Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Vietnam's President and ruling Communist Party Chief To Lam on Wednesday, the White House said on Sunday. The meeting, reported first by Reuters, is expected to take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Biden has been eager to deepen relations with the strategic Southeast Asian country and manufacturing hub in a bid to counter Russia and China, with which Vietnam also retains ties. Last September, Biden visited Vietnam and secured deals on semiconductors and minerals and an upgrade to Hanoi's highest diplomatic status, alongside China and Russia. In his first U.S. trip since he was named in early August as head of the party, the country's most powerful job, Lam will speak at the U.N. event and meet with representatives from several U.S. corporations, including Alphabet's Google and Facebook owner Meta, Reuters previously reported. Ahead of To Lam's trip to the United States, authorities in communist-ruled Vietnam had released some prominent activists from prison before the end of their jail terms, sources told Reuters. They include Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison in January 2010 on charges of subversion, and environment activist Hoang Thi Minh Hong who was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of tax fraud in September last year. Lam's trip also includes a stop in Cuba, Vietnam's long-term Communist partner. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Francesco Guarascio and Khanh Vu; Editing by Marguerita Choy, Lisa Shumaker and Lincoln Feast.) PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The country has seen two apparent attempts on former President Donald Trumps life recently and continues to hear hateful rhetoric in the political arena along with threats of political violence. Republicans and Democrats are blaming each other for fueling the fire and putting candidates in the middle of it, and American voters seem to be getting accustomed to this new reality. When will it feel like fall? New map shows Pacific Northwests forecast for next 3 months Professor Randall Blazak is an expert on political extremism and hate crimes. His group, Cure: PNW, focuses on finding ways to de-escalate political violence hopefully before it happens. We were the recipient of a federal grant two and half years ago to go into community-based ways to de-escalate political violence, and this is in the wake of 2020 when we saw so much political conflict in the city of Portland, Blazak said. Blazak recently announced that building community capacity is one way to prevent political violence. He said this is about going back to communities to find elements that bind them together. Weve got this tension thats out there, and this tension around specific issues sometimes its around the federal government or LGBTQ rights, or these sort of flash points in communities. We know that were not as divided as we pretend to be, Blazak said. Were in this language of good and evil my side is good and your side is evil but when we get together to build the sort of strength thats already in the community, a lot of that stuff fades away. Texas Monthly says these 3 Oregon spots get Texas-style barbecue right Its become clear that extreme statements in the political arena can lead to real consequences. For example, after Trump and J.D. Vances statements about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets in Springfield, Ohio, the town experienced multiple bomb threats leading officials to close city hall and schools there. There is this really divisive political rhetoric out there thats just toxic. Its just pulling people apart, Blazak said. But what weve seen in Springfield, is that community of conservatives and liberals and Democrats and Republicans are kind of coming together and saying, Wait, this is our community and we have to live in it. It starts to block it out. Meanwhile, Jan. 6, 2021 is still much on the minds of the American public, raising concerns that no matter how the election turns out in November, the country could see that kind of reaction again. And if not at the Capitol, then possibly on the streets of U.S. cities. We certainly have this conspiracy theory that the election is going to be stolen, that whoever wins, its going to be stolen especially if one particular candidate loses, its going to be stolen, Blazak said. Weve seen these groups advertise for guns and bullets and also first aid kits for when they do get shot by police, like theres this coming civil war Were really trying to get out in front of that and get as many people into communities as possible to kind of help those people move away. Oregon faces measles, pertussis outbreaks ahead of respiratory virus season In the presidential race, both sides say a victory by the opponent would destroy democracy. Blazak said this kind of reaction should be challenged. Instead of going down this path that seems very intoxicating and righteous because youre saving something that you believe in, lets find a non-violent way of achieving the thing that we all share in common, which is a stable society Blazak said. Watch the complete 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 KOIN.com. An enduring mystery surrounding a body found buried beneath Notre Dame following the disastrous 2019 fire that destroyed the church may finally be put to rest, Le Monde and La Croix International reported. The remains were found in 2022 encased in a lead sarcophagus, one of two exhumed from the cathedral by a team of roughly 50 researchers with the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) who have worked since 2019 to preserve the site. After examining the remains, scientists believe they belong to famed Renaissance poet Joachim du Bellay, who died in 1560 at the age of 37. Du Bellay, founder of the literary group La Pleiade, was believed to have been buried near one of his relatives at a chapel in Notre Dame, but the precise location of his grave was never pinpointed. Further examination from the Forensic Institute of the University Hospital of Toulouse found that the man had suffered from bone tuberculosis and chronic meningitis during his lifetime. Eric Crubezy, a professor of biological anthropology at Toulouse, believes that du Bellay hinted at both conditions in several of his poems. He matches all the criteria of the portrait, Crubezy explained. He is an accomplished horseman, suffers from both conditions mentioned in some of his poems, like in The Complaint of the Despairing, where he describes this storm that blurs [his] mind, and his family belonged to the royal court and the popes close entourage. However, INRAPs archaeologist and excavation leader Christophe Besnier contests this assertion. Certain elements do not support this hypothesis: isotope analysis of the teeth indicates that the individual lived in the Paris region or Rhone-Alpes until he was 10 years old. However, we know that Joachim du Bellay grew up in Anjou, Besnier said. The remains are set to undergo further testing to determine the exact age at which the man died, but experts warn any definitive answers will be elusive due to the lack of comparative DNA. Only 10 percent of the floors beneath Notre Dame have been examined, leaving much opportunity for similarly impressive finds. However, those will have to wait. The legendary church is entering its final phases of renovation before finally reopening to the public on Dec. 8. All eyes are on the Gulf as the threat of a storm hitting the US grows - but its not the only one brewing All eyes are on the Gulf as the threat of a storm hitting the US grows - but its not the only one brewing Storms are brewing in the Atlantic and two areas have forecasters warning the US Southeast about their potential impact. There are three systems currently out in the Atlantic, and two have a 50 percent chance or greater to become formed storms in the next seven days, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A third storm is in the Atlantic, but it is not expected to form into a named storm over the next weeks. The first area of concern is off the coast of Central America. That system has an 80 percent chance of becoming a formed storm in the next week, according to forecasters. That system is expected to continue north and impact the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. From there, its projected path shows it moving north into the Gulf of Mexico, then targeting the US, specifically Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. But its path could still change as the storm develops. Three potential storms are currently brewing and a system in the Gulf of Mexico is the most immediate concern for those in the US (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) The storm is expected to bring heavy rains to parts of Central America over the next few days. "Regardless of the exact track, tropical impacts are expected along parts of the Gulf coast later this week or next weekend," AccuWeather meteorologist Grady Gilman said. He also warned that the warm Gulf temperatures, which are currently in the mid-80s, will add fuel to the storm. "It is typical for tropical features to rapidly intensify over this area at this time of the year to begin with, but now were looking at well above historical average temperatures possibly contributing to a significant intensification of a tropical system, he said. The other system is closer to Africa in the Atlantic but has a 50 percent chance of becoming a named storm over the next week. That storms projected path is hard to know for sure. Current projections show it moving toward the Caribbean. From there, it could target America. The next name for a formed storm will be Helene. Former President Donald Trump told two fictional stories about Oprah Winfrey on Saturday one of them new, another he has been telling for at least 11 years. Trumps claims about Winfrey are both trivial. But they are the latest on a long list of recent examples of the Republican presidential nominee delivering vivid but imaginary tales as he again seeks the nations highest office. The end of Winfreys television show Winfrey endorsed Trumps opponent in the presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris, at the Democratic National Convention in August. Winfrey hosted a live streamed virtual campaign rally for Harris in Michigan on Thursday. In a social media post late Saturday night, Trump wrote, A long time ago, Oprah Winfrey asked me to do her last Network Television Show. The final week of her show was a big deal, and it was my honor, with my family, to do it. He went on to criticize Harris and say that when he watched Winfreys event with her, I couldnt help but think this isnt the real Oprah. Facts First: Trumps claim is false. He did not appear on the last episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011, nor even in the star-studded final week of the show. Rather, Trump appeared on the show about three-and-a-half months before it ended. Winfreys show concluded on May 25, 2011. Trump and his family appeared in the episode that aired on February 7, 2011. Trying to exaggerate his past importance to Winfrey, who has supported Trumps Democratic opponents in each of the last three presidential elections, Trump falsely boasted at least four times during his presidency that he was on her popular show in its final week. CNN fact-checked the claim in October 2020 and noted Trump had been making it since at least 2013. The actual final week of the show featured a star-studded arena tribute to Winfrey which included prominent celebrities such as Michael Jordan, Will Smith, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Beyonce, but not Trump and appearances by memorable non-entertainer guests from past episodes. The very last episode starred Winfrey alone. Winfreys McDonalds comment Trump has repeatedly claimed that Harris is lying about having once worked at McDonalds. (The Harris campaign says she worked at a restaurant in California during a summer when she was in college in the 1980s.) At a campaign rally in North Carolina earlier on Saturday, Trump said: And didnt Oprah ask her about her time at McDonalds? And she just sort of didnt want to answer that one. Let me not talk about that. Oprah said, You work at McDonalds, thats great. You know, Oprah didnt hear the end result; she never worked there. So Kamala just sort of hid under the desk, along with every other answer she gave. Facts First: Trumps claim that Harris dodged a question from Winfrey about working at McDonalds is false. In reality, Winfrey never even asked Harris about working at McDonalds. Rather, Winfrey passingly mentioned the McDonalds job during her introduction of Harris before the vice president walked onstage for their conversation. This was Winfreys only mention of McDonalds at the event: In no other country on this Earth could her story unfold the way it has. From a child of immigrants to big sister to McDonalds worker there is hope for yall district attorney, a wife and Momala to senator to vice president. Please welcome Kamala Harris. Harris walked out to applause, hugged Winfrey, and they began their conversation on non-McDonalds subjects. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Loved ones are searching for a teen who disappeared in East Los Angeles. The missing girl was identified as Ashley Espinoza, 16, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. On Sept. 15, Espinoza was last seen on the 500 block of North Hebert Avenue at around 5:30 p.m. She is described as a Hispanic female around 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 100 pounds. She has brown eyes, light brown hair and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans. Her family said she does not have any known medical conditions that would contribute to her disappearance. She also does not have a history of running away. Ashley Espinoza, 16, was last seen in East Los Angeles on September 15, 2024, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Espinozas loved ones have not heard from her since her disappearance and are very concerned for her well-being. Anyone who knows the teens whereabouts or has information on the case is asked to call LASD Detective Lavin or the East L.A. Stations Watch Commander at 323-264-4151. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Family of teen killed in hate crime attack stand up for their son Six years after the murder of Blaze Bernstein, his family came face to face with his killer, Sam Woodward, a former high school classmate. KEN MORRISON (in court): The why is the single most important issue you will need to decide. Not who is responsible for the death of a young man, but exactly why he was killed six years ago. For Jeanne Pepper and her husband Gideon Bernstein, those six years were painfully marked by COVID delays, shifting lawyers and legal strategies. Jeanne Pepper: Slow justice is no justice. It's not fair to victims and it's not fair to the deceased. Finally, came April 2024. Jeanne Pepper and Gideon Bernstein were more than ready for their day in court. Jeanne Pepper: We're impatient. We want to get on with our lives. But not before telling the story of their first-born child, Blaze Bernstein. How he lived, and why they believe he died: murdered because of who he was. Targeted by hate. Gideon Bernstein: It's not safe for you to be a lot of different minorities now. KEN MORRISON (in court): The victim in this case and nobody disputes that he was a victim was stabbed to death. Ken Morrison would defend Samuel Woodward, charged with first-degree premeditated murder. Morrison squared off against Prosecutor Jennifer Walker. JENNIFER WALKER (in court): And where we start is with who was killed. Blaze Bernstein and he was 19 He was gay and Jewish. Blaze Bernstein / Credit: Cindy Airey The silent, ghostly presence in the courtroom was Blaze that slender, curious, playful young man with a big world. Images that refuse to fade. Tracy Smith: Are there pictures or things that flash through your mind that you think of Blaze? Jeanne Pepper: Always. Every day. It was just weeks after Blaze's death that "48 Hours" first met Jeanne and Gideon. Wounds raw, they shared bittersweet memories of the son they described as magical. Jeanne Pepper: And the first time I saw him, I looked in his eyes. Something about this baby, he's gonna change the world someday. Tracy Smith: What do you miss most about Blaze? Jeanne Pepper: His quirky personality. Jeanne Pepper: He was different. Gideon Bernstein: He liked to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jeanne Pepper: I call him a unicorn He was magnificently creative. It was late summer 2016, and Blaze who'd already achieved so much, was headed to an Ivy League school in Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania. There'd be new friends, mentors and challenges. And Blaze seemed ready for it all. Jeanne Pepper: He really hit his stride. A creative writer. Thinking about a career in medicine. Jeanne Pepper: He was finding himself. Then came winter break, sophomore year. Blaze headed home. Jeanne Pepper: He was really looking forward to being with us, too. Jeanne Pepper and Gideon Bernstein with Blaze. / Credit: Bernstein family There were holiday celebrations and Hannukah candles. The budding chef cooked up a gourmet meal. And then, sometime on the night of Jan. 2, 2018, Blaze secretly left his parents' house. It would be the last time. Tracy Smith: That night when did you realize that he was missing? Gideon Bernstein: We didn't. Jeanne Pepper: I didn't know that night. Gideon Bernstein: We didn't even know. We thought he slept in and the next day we were Jeanne Pepper: I I had my aha moment when I was at the dental appointment. The next day, Blaze was due to meet his mother for that dentist appointment. But Blaze never showed up and wasn't answering his cellphone. Jeanne Pepper: I called Gideon he asked me if Blaze had ever come home the night before? And I screamed out, "I don't know!" Gideon Bernstein: Rushed outta the office and came home. Jeanne Pepper: We both did. We flew home. And checked Blaze's room. Jeanne Pepper: His wallet. His retainers. His keys. Gideon Bernstein: Those were all still at the house. Jeanne Pepper: His glasses. Yeah, all of that stuff was at the house. Tracy Smith: But your thought was? Gideon Bernstein: Well, it was just so highly unusual. Jeanne Pepper: He wanted to spend time with us. I just kept texting and calling him and leaving messages all day. Jeanne Pepper: Where had he been? We didn't know. They called police and tried to log on to Blaze's social media accounts. Gideon Bernstein: We just jumped on his computer. This was a big challenge for us. But with the help of family and friends, they logged on to Blaze's Snapchat. That's where they discovered the night he disappeared, Blaze had sent his home address to someone: Sam Woodward, a seeming stranger. Gideon Bernstein: We never heard the name. Jeanne Pepper: We never heard the name before. Gideon and Jeanne were panicked and baffled. Who was Sam Woodward? So Gideon messaged Woodward: "Please pick up." Woodward got on the phone. The Bernsteins recorded the phone conversation and would share it with police: GIDEON BERNSTEIN (phone call with Sam Woodward): "And we just cracked into his Snap account and saw that that you had been, uh, trying to find him. So you're the first real clue to the, to the puzzle here." Woodward's pieces of the puzzle began with him meeting Blaze near the Bernsteins' home. SAM WOODWARD (phone call): "I picked him up at 11." And he said he drove him to nearby Borrego Park, with its thick brush and twisting paths. And that once there, they parked. GIDEON BERNSTEIN (phone call): "OK. And then did he get out of the car, or what happened?" SAM WOODWARD: "Yeah. He got out of the car, and, uh, I got out of the car, too." And Woodward added, Blaze, claiming he was going to meet a friend, walked down a path, and vanished into the darkness. SAM WOODWARD: "I shouted out, 'Blaze! Blaze! But I didn't see anything. I I didn't hear anything." Woodward explained to the Bernsteins how he knew Blaze and why he says they were getting together. SAM WOODWARD (phone call): "It was more of a spur of the moment kind of thing 'Yeah, dude, let's hang out' since he and I were friends when we were at OCSA." OCSA The Orange County School of the Arts, where Raiah Rofsky, Blaze and Sam Woodward were once classmates. Rofsky's high school memories of Woodward were about to come flooding back with a vengeance. Raiah Rofsky: I got a call from my mom. 'Raiah, did you hear?' And I said 'what?' And she said, 'Blaze is missing.' And then my mom said, 'Raiah he was with this guy named Sam Woodward.' I screamed in the phone, 'he what!' And she was like, 'do you know this guy.' And I said, 'yes. I know this guy. He's crazy!!' Tracy Smith: How different were Sam and Blaze? Raiah Rofsky: Oh, they were so different. Probably about as different as you could be. Hauntingly different says Blaze's oldest friend. So, when that word began to filter across Orange County that Blaze hadn't come home, and that Sam Woodward might be a person of interest, it chilled Rofsky to the bone. Her memories of Woodward are impossible to shake. Raiah Rofsky: He was drawing guns in his notebook in class. Tracy Smith: Did you say anything? Raiah Rofsky: No. Tracy Smith: But you thought? Raiah Rofsky: This is terrifying. THE SEARCH FOR BLAZE BERNSTEIN The spotlight was on Sam Woodward, whom Rofsky remembered from high school. Raiah Rofsky: He was very quiet, very withdrawn, didn't really talk to people. Woodward. Odd man out, says Rofsky. Raiah Rofsky: You know everybody has their clique. But I don't think he identified with any of them really. Sam Woodward And as far as anyone knew, he was the last person to see Blaze Bernstein alive. Raiah Rofsky: The only reason I could think of Sam meeting up with Blaze is because either number one, he wanted to hook up with him, or two, because he was planning to murder him. And as for that story Woodward told that on the spur of the moment he and Blaze had decided to hang out it didn't come close to adding up for Rofsky. Tracy Smith: He had a reputation of being what? Raiah Rofsky: Racist, homophobic, sexist. It was Rofsky who was there when Blaze's sexuality was still a secret until, along a glistening California beach, he bravely confided in his oldest friend. Tracy Smith: So you guys were kind of walking down the beach alone together and Raiah Rofsky: Yeah. Tracy Smith: he came out to you? Raiah Rofsky: Yeah. Rofsky, who would later also come out, stepped up when it mattered most. Raiah Rofsky: All I could do was be a good friend and love him unconditionally. Tracy Smith: Did you get the sense that Blaze had told anyone else that he thought he was bi? Raiah Rofsky: I don't think that he did. He was kind of upset to say it. Tracy Smith: Something that clearly was a big secret for him and ... Raiah Rofsky: Yeah, you know, coming out to yourself is a really mature, difficult thing to do. Tracy Smith: And what did you tell him? Raiah Rofsky: I told him, "It's OK. If you like boys that's totally fine. Love who you love." While he hadn't yet told his parents, Gideon and Jeanne sensed Blaze might be gay. Jeanne Pepper: We went up to him and said, "Listen, whatever your situation is, we embrace it. We love you. We don't care." But in those first days of 2018, it wasn't just love. It was also an unimaginable fear that consumed Jeanne and Gideon, as the search for Blaze began. Orange County cops spoke with Woodward. He repeated what he told the Bernsteins on that phone call. That he had picked Blaze up, driven to Borrego Park. And that then Blaze had vanished. By Jan. 5, the search had become massive. Jeanne Pepper and Gideon Bernstein addressed reporters, seeking help in finding Blaze. / Credit: CBS Los Angeles Rabbi Arnold Rachlis coordinated the search from University Synagogue, where Blaze was an active member and a role model. Rabbi Arnold Rachlis: And we printed up thousands and thousands of fliers that people in the congregation put up Everybody's looking. Blaze embraced his Jewish heritage and confronted its haters. Rabbi Arnold Rachlis: At such a young age to see someone with so much talent is a beautiful thing. A good heart, a good soul. That's what Blaze had. Everyone was somehow hoping for good news. Including, it seemed, Sam Woodward. GIDEON BERNSTEIN (phone call): OK. So, is this the best number to reach you at? SAM WOODWARD: Uh, yes, sir, it is. On that call that Gideon had recorded, Woodward sounded deeply concerned. SAM WOODWARD (phone call): Yeah, I wanna find Blaze as much as you do. But Blaze was nowhere to be found. Anxious hours stretched into sleepless nights. Jeanne Pepper: I really didn't know if we would ever find him. Gideon Bernstein: As the days passed Jeanne Pepper: You know Gideon Bernstein: it became more and more difficult. Jeanne Pepper: And I thought, "We're never gonna know. We're never gonna know what happened exactly. We're never gonna figure it out." Yeah that's what I thought. Raiah Rofsky: I immediately thought he's dead. He's dead. Tracy Smith: Just from hearing that he was with Sam? Raiah Rofsky: Yes. It was day seven since Blaze last left home. A family and a community was beyond frustrated. Detectives had searched Borrego Park over and over. But they decided to give it one more look. In the pouring rain, hidden under a large tree branch was a mound of dirt. Under the wet, caked earth lay Blaze Bernstein. Leah Bernstein: If not the rain, we would have never known what happened to him. So the rain uncovered his face. Leah and Richard Bernstein are Blaze's grandparents. Leah Bernstein: We just loved him. Richard Bernstein: I wish I could write like he wrote. I wish I could cook like he cooked. "48 Hours" met them just a few months after Blaze was murdered. Richard Bernstein: I think the world lost a beautiful soul. Leah Bernstein: I always think of him before I go to sleep. (teary) Their grandchild, once brimming with life and possibility, had been horrifically slaughtered with a knife. Rabbi Arnold Rachlis: And then the funeral happened And it was shattering. The grief stretched across Orange County. Gideon Bernstein: Just wanna know why. Jeanne Pepper I don't. I don't even want to know because I'm not gonna like that answer. SAM WOODWARD'S DARK AND FRIGHTENING SECRET Three days after Blaze Bernstein was found butchered and broken, investigators confronted his one-time classmate Sam Woodward at his parents' home. REPORTER: Can you tell us what happened to Blaze? SAM WOODWARD: No comment. REPORTER: Were you there when he disappeared? SAM WOODWARD: No comment. Sam Woodward was arrested charged with murder with the personal use of a knife days after Blaze Bernstein's body was found. / Credit: CBS Los Angeles REPORTER MICHELE GILE | CBS LOS ANGELES: Undercover officers made their move on Sam Woodward this afternoon, as he pulled out of his Newport Beach driveway and went down the road, they pulled that car over and arrested him. Tony Rackaukas: Sam Woodward was charged with murder with the personal use of a knife. Then-Orange County D.A Tony Rackaukas. Tracy Smith: How did Blaze Bernstein die? Tony Rackaukas: He was stabbed multiple times in the neck. Tracy Smith: What does that tell you? Tony Rackaukas: Well it tells me there was a lot of hate. For Blaze's parents, the details of his murder were too much to even imagine. Jeanne Pepper: I just try not to think about what that really meant. I don't think I that I physically can deal with the trauma of what's happened. As police gathered evidence, the violence that happened in Borrego Park was revealed. With Blaze's body his battered phone. Inside Sam Woodward's car blood. Tony Rackaukas: The blood on the headliner, uh, belonged to both Sam Woodward and Blaze Bernstein. Tracy Smith: Blaze Bernstein's blood was in Sam Woodward's car? Tony Rackauckas: Yes. Yes. Tracy Smith: And then they went on to search the house? Tony Rackauckas: Yes. Tracy Smith: What kind of forensic evidence did they gather ? Tony Rackauckas: There was a knife. The knife had blood on it. Blaze Bernstein's blood on the knife. At his arraignment, Sam Woodward would plead not guilty. Investigators would continue to search for what happened that night in Borrego Park. They would soon come to believe that Woodward had a dark and frightening secret. Sarah Moore: He was involved in this extreme neo-Nazi organization, Atomwaffen Division, which does expect its members to explicitly target members of the Jewish and LGBTQ community. Sarah Moore monitors hate crime, working for GLAAD, one of the most prominent gay rights organizations in the country. She has kept a close eye on the small but violent group, Atomwaffen. Sarah Moore: They want to kind of blow up the world as it is. They want to create something entirely new. Tracy Smith: And the new thing is what? Sarah Moore: In their mind it would be a White ethno-state. Sarah Moore: And there's either no Jewish, or no LGBTQ, or no people of color in that society. Tracy Smith: How does Atomwaffen recruit? Sarah Moore: They recruit primarily online. Just a click away, and exactly where Woodward who Raiah Rofsky remembers had trouble making friends found some strangers who welcomed and encouraged him. Tracy Smith: Did you consider yourself a neo-Nazi ? Former Atomwaffen member: I just considered myself a Nazi. This man doesn't want his identity revealed. But he says he was once a member of Atomwaffen. And that he came in contact with Sam the year before Blaze was murdered. Former Atomwaffen member: It was like a camaraderie type of thing common interests. Tracy Smith: And those interests were hating other groups. Hating Jews. Hating gays. Hating Blacks. Former Atomwaffen member: Yeah. Oh, yeah. Tracy Smith: How involved was Sam Woodward in Atomwaffen? Former Atomwaffen member: I know that he was involved. After police seized physical evidence, including an Atomwaffen mask in Sam Woodward's car, they found a trove of Nazi hate on his phone and computer. Involved enough, say investigators, to wear the Atomwaffen mask, give the Nazi salute, make a pilgrimage to Colorado to meet neo-Nazi leader James Mason, and travel to Texas to attend Atomwaffen's version of a corporate retreat. They call it "hate camp." Sarah Moore: At hate camps, members will get kind of a one-on-one training in how to be a violent extremist. And that bitter January 2018, when news broke that Blaze had been stabbed to death allegedly by a member of Atomwaffen as Orange County mourned, neo-Nazis reportedly cheered. Former Atomwaffen member: Everyone was celebrating him. Like he killed a gay Jew. Sarah Moore: Which in their mind is a sort of jackpot. Tracy Smith: Ugh. Sarah Moore: It's disgusting. Jeanne Pepper: There were people congratulating this accused killer for what he had done, killing my son. Congratulating him. Tracy Smith: Had you ever heard of Atomwaffen? Jeanne Pepper: No. Tracy Smith: Before this? Jeanne Pepper: No. But we should have. Because we're a perfect target for that group. Because of Sam's involvement in Atomwaffen, seven months after Blaze's murder, prosecutors upped the ante, adding a hate crime enhancement a murder motivated by prejudice. Rabbi Arnold Rachlis: As the story unfolded that the murder was related to homophobia and antisemitism, well then the anger in the community ratcheted up. For some it brought back the darkest of times. Tracy Smith: It must seem like all this hate was behind you. That's something from the past. Leah Bernstein: You can't forget it. Tracy Smith: You can't forget it? Leah Bernstein: Never. It is a murderous echo from her past, all too real for Grandma Leah, a Holocaust survivor once a little girl forced by Hitler's Nazis to wear a yellow star. Leah Bernstein: Yes we did wear the stars. Tracy Smith: It's a horrible irony, that what you escaped is Leah Bernstein: Is following me. Sam Woodward was locked up in the Orange County Jail. He would begin his yearslong journey through the justice system. It included a revolving door of defense lawyers who raised questions with the court about Woodward's mental health, and his ability to defend himself. In 2022, Woodward was found competent to stand trial. Investigators say they also mined Woodward's phone and social media activity. And along with the Nazi propaganda, they found something else. Woodward had visited gay dating and porn sites. And he had exchanged flirtatious messages with Blaze. Louis Keene: So, they match twice on Tinder. Louis Keene, a reporter for "The Forward," would cover the case and report on the conversations between Woodward and Blaze. Louis Keene: Blaze admits that he's gay. Blaze says, "I think you're hot" And Sam says back to Blaze, "You're not too bad looking yourself, Blaze." And so they kind of had this flirty interaction. Raiah Rofsky: Maybe Sam was like closeted and wanted to hook up. Rofsky moved to New York City, where she lives as an openly bisexual woman. She still wonders about Woodward's intention, and Blaze's, that tragic night in Borrego Park. Tracy Smith: The defense may argue that Blaze made a move on Sam and Sam freaked out. Raiah Rofsky: OK. And if you freak out, does that excuse you stabbing somebody? In April 2024, Sam Woodward finally headed to trial. Over time, the case had taken on even greater meaning. Sarah Moore: There's a lot at stake here because it's not just about getting justice for Blaze, but it's also about what precedent this is setting for other LGBTQ+ people who have been or might in the future be in similar situations. Blaze's parents steadied themselves to relive the night that shattered their lives. Jeanne Pepper: I know that a lot of things will be said that are probably untrue, because that's what happens in a criminal trial. I have an opportunity to defend Blaze and that's what I will do. MAKING THE CASE FOR HATE Jeanne Pepper: It's the final thing that I have to do for my son is be there and make sure there is some form of justice. It took more than six years for Jeanne Pepper and Gideon Bernstein to get this day in superior court. But it comes with terrible memories of the day they lost their son, Blaze. JENNIFER WALKER (in court): I just want to thank you for being here and I'm sorry that the circumstances. You remember where you were when you got the phone call? Blaze Bernstein's parents, Jeanne Pepper and Gideon Bernstein, were among 23 witnesses who testified for the prosecution. / Credit: Pool GIDEON BERNSTEIN: I do remember that, yes. JENNIFER WALKER: And why does that stand out in your mind? GIDEON BERNSTEIN: Because it was the beginning of hell. The couple has to come face to face with their son's killer, but the killer, Sam Woodward, doesn't seem to want to be seen. KENNETH MORRISON: Can I ask you to move the hair out of your face a little bit, maybe pull the hair on your right side of your head away so we can see you? Please? Thank you. SAM WOODWARD: No. Sam Woodward walking into court with his hair covering his face at his trial in April 2024. / Credit: Pool Even before he took the stand, Woodward was already an eerie presence in the courtroom who got everyone's attention. Louis Keene: Sam looked like Charles Manson You couldn't really see his face. Louis Keene: You couldn't really hear him all the time. If you're in the jury he looks extremely menacing. Tracy Smith: Do you want to look him in the eye? Jeanne Pepper: Not really. I don't care. He's meaningless to me. KENNETH MORRISON: Can I nag you one more time to move your hair out of your face a little bit for us? Back when they were frantically searching for Blaze, Sam Woodward told the Bernsteins he didn't know anything about what happened to their son. SAM WOODWARD (PHONE CALL): I didn't see where he went ... I searched all over for him ... I couldn't find him anywhere ... But Woodward's looks have changed dramatically and so has his story. KENNETH MORRISON (in court): Do you remember what you were thinking when you were driving the knife down again and again and again? SAM WOODWARD: (Long silence) An anger like nothing I'd ever felt in my whole life. There's absolutely no question, Sam Woodward killed Blaze Bernstein. KEN MORRISON (in court): The evidence will show that Samuel Woodward is guilty of homicide. The question for the jury: KEN MORRISON (in court): Why this homicide was committed? Louis Keene: Sam's defense attorney said in opening arguments that we were going to hear from Sam about something that happened that night, that provoked Sam into killing Blaze. The challenge for defense attorney Ken Morrison is to prove voluntary manslaughter; that Woodward acted impulsively. KEN MORRISON (in court): There was no cold, calculated decision to kill. And the knife? According to the defense it wasn't ever meant for murder. From the time Woodward was a Boy Scout, he was never without one. KEN MORRISON (in court): Would you ever carry a pocketknife with you in your pants pocket? SAM WOODWARD: Yes I would Almost all the time. KEN MORRISON (in court) Did you have a knife in your pocket when you were with Blaze Bernstein? SAM WOODWARD: Yes I did. Prosecutor Jennifer Walker argues this was premeditated murder and a hate crime. JENNIFER WALKER (in court): The killing happened in less than an hour. JENNIFER WALKER: You'll see the cellphone evidence, the DNA evidence, the defendant's words, the defendant's hate. In the nearly three months at trial, Walker painstakingly put on almost 20 witnesses including the same former Atomwaffen member who spoke with "48 Hours," now a witness for the prosecution, who still wanted his identity concealed. JENNIFER WALKER: Do you recognize that? FORMER ATOMWAFFEN MEMBER: Yes. JENNIFER WALKER: What is it? FORMER ATOMWAFFEN MEMBER: That's a picture of Samuel Woodward All to build the case for the added hate charge and a greater sentence. Louis Keene: The difference is the possibility of parole If it's no hate crime, then it's 25 years to life with the possibility of parole. if it's a first-degree, premeditated murder and a hate crime, Sam faces life in prison without possibility of parole. The defense uses a time-honored tactic suggesting the victim is not as innocent as he appears. KENNETH MORRISON (in court): The facts of this case are not simple. You will learn that Blaze Bernstein was not killed because of who he was, but because of what he did. KENNETH MORRISON: Tell us what happened. Sam, can you pick your head up, move your hair? Sam Woodward on the stand testifying after his attorney asked him to move his hair out of his face / Credit: Pool In Sam Woodward's version, Blaze was toying with him and threatening to out him. Once they were in Borrego Park, Woodward says he smoked a joint. SAM WOODWARD (in court): I started nodding off. Woodward says he thought Blaze took a compromising picture. SAM WOODWARD: I saw my pants unbuckled I could practically, like, feel something somewhat close to my leg and he had his phone in his hand. Louis Keene: And he tells us that he believes that Blaze is taking a photo of his privates. SAM WOODWARD (in court): I just came undoneI went in a state of just terror. SAM WOODWARD (in court): And I asked, "What are you doing, what are you doing?" No photo was ever found, so there's no evidence that Blaze actually took one. KEN MORRISON (in court): What were you afraid of? SAM WOODWARD: I grew up in a home with my mother and my father and I love them more than I can imagine. My father though he there's no way not a chance people like him just even thinking about the look on his face if he saw something like that, if he'd heard about something like that, that got out somehow, I couldn't fathom that. Louis Keene: Sam grew up in an ultra-conservative Catholic household. He had parents who believed homosexuality was a sin, but Sam also seemed to have really conflicted feelings about his own sexuality. What you come away with is just immense sadness. of all these external forces coming to bear on his life He did what he did. And what he did can't be undone. KEN MORRISON (in court): Any idea how long it took to stop stabbing Blaze? SAM WOODWARD: No idea. No. Louis Keene: It was one of the most awful things I've ever heard and you know that Blaze's parents are sitting there for months of this trial, they've been hearing their son is accused of sexual assault you can't really imagine what that's like. Jeanne Pepper walked out of the room. For the prosecution, the only predator in this story is Sam Woodward. JENNIFER WALKER (in court): He has a six-inch knife out and Blaze is the predator? Blaze is the problem here? JENNIFER WALKER: That's what's being sold to you by the defendant. He was interested and fixated on hate. Atomwaffen Division had that outlet for him. San Woodward and Blaze Bernstein Only two people know what really happened that night. Sam Woodward has had his say. Blaze Bernstein isn't alive to tell us. JENNIFER WALKER (in court): You should find him guilty of first-degree murder with the hate crime. It's the only reasonable conclusion. KENNETH MORRISON (in court): Do you have any hesitation? Do you have any doubt? Now it's up to the jury. CELEBRATING BLAZE BERNSTEIN'S LEGACY WITH LOVE The passage of time has been doubly hard for Blaze's grandparents Richard and Leah, still waiting for justice for the grandson they loved and lost. Leah Bernstein: I miss him all. Everything about him. He was loving and caring. He was handsome too. (smiles) Blaze and his exceptional appetite for life. Richard Bernstein: I tried to treat him as just a normal kid, you know. And he turned out uh (breaks down) Tracy Smith: I'm sorry. Richard Bernstein: He turned out well. On July 3, 2024, the jurors began their deliberations. Leah Bernstein: I don't want him to die. I want him to suffer every day of his life. Tracy Smith: Is there a part of you that wants to look that young man in the eye? Richard Bernstein: No. Tracy Smith: Why not? Richard Bernstein: Because he's a footnote in history. Whether footnote or headline, grandparents, parents, Rabbi, or oldest friend, It felt like forever. Raiah Rofsky: I was nervous, and I felt anxiety because I was not sure what the verdict was going to be 2,364 days after his arrest, Sam Woodward's fate is on the line: living and dying in prison. Or someday possibly walking free. It took the jury eight hours. Louis Keene: The verdict being read. There's no way to describe what it's like, sort of the emotional intensity of the moment. Sam Woodward bows his head after hearing the guilty verdict. / Credit: Pool COURT CLERK: We the jury find the defendant Samuel Woodward guilty of the crime of first-degree murder. JEANNE BERNSTEIN (reacts off camera) Thank God! (cries) Guilty of murder. But was it "hate"? Did Woodward target Blaze because he was gay? The jury spoke again. COURT CLERK: We the jury find it to be true that the defendant Samuel Woodward committed hate crime first-degree murder. Outside the Orange County courtroom all that pain and uncertainty overflowed. The current D.A. offered thoughts on love and law. D.A. TODD SPITZER (addressing reporters): We don't care who you love, or who you want to be with. You deserve to be a free person with free will and love who you love. And that needs to be protected. JEANNE PEPPER (adressing reporters): We are thrilled with the verdict, which holds Samuel Woodward accountable for the brutal, violent, painful murder of our son, brother, grandson, cousin, Blaze Bernstein on January 3rd, 2018. Louis Keene: His parents will never get to speak to him again. And that loss is incalculable. The Woodwards also lost their son. He's going to prison. Raiah Rofsky: When the verdict was that the murder was a hate crime, that essentially meant that there is the proof that Blaze was murdered because he was gay and Jewish. Simple as that. For Rofsky, who Blaze first came out to, on that California beach Raiah Rofsky: In my head I was telling Blaze "we finally got him." Like, you know, case closed. And says the prosecutor, Woodward should pay the maximum price. JENNIFER WALKER (addressing reporters): He faces life without possibility of parole. And that's what we'll be asking for. Experts who monitor Atomwaffen say it has largely dissolved. But that the threat of hate groups remains today. Tracy Smith: You said, "love who you love" it sounds so simple but it's not. Raiah Rofsky: Mm hmm Just because you're accepting of yourself that doesn't mean that everybody is going to see the same as you do, you know (emotional). Tracy Smith: Can you picture Blaze if he was alive today? Raiah Rofsky: No. I don't think I can. Tracy Smith: Can you still hear his voice? Raiah Rofsky: No. Tracy Smith: That's kind of sad. Raiah Rofsky: Yeah. For Jeanne Pepper and Gideon Bernstein, every day brings reminders, of what might have been. Jeanne Pepper: I think of Blaze all the time, because when I see things, I think to myself "what would Blaze be doing now?" They founded what they call "a kindness movement," promoting "positivity" and random acts of kindness, in Blaze's name. Gideon Bernstein: "BlazeItForward" was a response to Blaze's death. A hand-painted stone with the likeness of Blaze Bernstein in Orange County, California's Borrego Park. / Credit: KCBS And In Borrego Park, where Blaze took his last breath, there are hundreds of hand-painted stones, most left by total strangers, in the memory of Blaze Bernstein. Tracy Smith: This pile of stones has grown and grown and grown. Jeanne Pepper: Yes. It's great to see the messaging. It's always positive. Gideon Bernstein: And they're getting sent to us from all around the world. Tracy Smith: Still? Gideon Bernstein: Still. The silent stones speak of tolerance and Blaze Bernstein's transformation into a kind of martyr, his murder a marker of rabid hate. His spirit an inspiration to LGBTQ+ people wherever they live and with whomever they love. Jeanne Pepper: Blaze's life mattered and he has a legacy to create good news, to inspire people to be better, to be kinder. And to work on repairing the world, because it's not too late and we can make it better. Sam Woodward is due to be sentenced on Oct. 22, 2024. Produced by James Stolz and Mary Murphy. Shaheen Tokhi is the field producer. Lauren Turner Dunn is the associate producer. Cindy Cesare is the development producer. Atticus Brady, Wini Dini, Diana Modica, Doreen Schechter and Diana DeCilio are the editors. Peter Schweitzer is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. California Rite Aid store taking extreme measures against shoplifting Tupperware's bankruptcy filing marks end of an era California startup hopes weather balloons can help address global warming Fatal motorcycle crash: Man dies after crash with Jeep in Minnetrista MINNETRISTA, Minn. (FOX 9) - A man is dead after a motorcycle crash in Minnetrista Friday night. What we know A crash report from the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) states the crash happened at the intersection of Highway 7 and County Road 44 just before 11 p.m. Investigators report that Johnathan David Hommer, 24, was riding a 2008 Honda XL 1200 west on Highway 7 when he entered the intersection with County Road 44. It was there that Hommer "made contact" with a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to the crash report. Hommer reportedly died from injuries sustained in the crash. Minnesota State Patrol investigators say in the crash report that alcohol is suspected to be a factor in Hommer's involvement in the crash. Road conditions were dry at the time of the crash, according to MSP. Hommer was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to authorities. What we don't know The crash report does not state if Hommer or the driver of the Jeep properly obeyed traffic signals at the intersection before the crash. This sheriff is tired of school shooting hoaxes plaguing his county. Heres his message to students A Florida sheriff is tired of bogus school shooting hoaxes plaguing his county so tired, hes got a slew of strong words and actions ready for students and parents alike: if you make a threat, were coming after you. You dont stand up on an airplane and yell, Hijack. You dont walk into a movie theater and yell, Fire. And you dont get online and post that youre going to shoot up a school, Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood said in a video on social media. Its going to get your ass sent to jail. Chitwoods remarks follow the arrest of an 11-year-old middle school student in Port Orange, Florida, on Monday, who is being charged with a felony after making a bogus threat to commit a mass shooting at a middle school, authorities said. CNN is not naming the 11-year-old, who has been charged as a juvenile. Beyond his striking words, Chitwood is turning heads for his approach of putting students and their parents names, mugshots and perp walk videos on social media for all to bear witness. Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire, he told CNN Wednesday. Under Florida law, I have every right to release your kids photo, the video of them being arrested and the police report, and Im able to come after you, either criminally or civilly, for the cost of the investigation for endangering the child or endangering the welfare of a child. And then were going to show pictures of you, the parents, he said. Because you dont want to raise your kid, Sheriff Chitwood is going to raise them. Some parents of teens who killed people in school shootings are being held accountable. This includes the Georgia father facing second-degree murder charges in the Apalachee High School shooting and the parents of the teenager who killed four students in the 2021 Oxford, Michigan, school shooting, who were each sentenced to prison after being convicted of manslaughter charges that in both cases, push the legal limits of parental responsibility for a childs alleged gun crime. On Wednesday evening Chitwood released two more videos online showing two teens in handcuffs being walked into jail for making school threats. This was RIGHT AFTER their school played our message about how serious we take these jokes, he wrote on X. Just unbelievable. School shooting threats have increased across the country and in frequency in the days following the fatal shooting at a high school in Winder, Georgia, the deadliest US school shooting since the March 2023 rampage at the Covenant School in Nashville, and the 49th this year. For the 2022-2023 school year in Volusia County, Chitwood said the department had seen 357 written threats to kill or shoot up a school. As of Wednesday, they already had 282 and school has only been in session for three weeks this school year. In a 12-hour period from last Thursday night to Friday morning, the department had 54 threats come in, which were all found to be bogus, Chitwood said. The department has arrested 12 juveniles and confiscated 11 weapons so far, he said. Some authorities are going beyond investigating school shooting threats theyre holding students accountable. Students are facing charges this week in Kentucky, California, New Mexico, New Jersey, Missouri and South Carolina, in addition to the 11-year-old in Florida. What students are doing online could make them a victim of a crime or worse and on the flip side of that, you can end up with a police department officer knocking on your front door arresting your child, he said, urging parents to be aware of what their child is saying online. (The 11-year-old) had written a list of names and targets, Chitwood said in a social media post announcing the arrest. He says it was all a joke. But after last Fridays incident, Chitwood told CNN, hes tired of the jokes. Go talk to the families who have lost a loved one in a school shooting, Chitwood said during a news conference last Friday. These little knuckleheads think its funny, go talk to those parents and see how funny this is. Its not. Were going to come and get you and were going to put you out for public embarrassment. Public shaming youth will impact their lives Chitwood has not followed through on his promise to show students arrested for these threats in at least one case: On Sunday, the sheriff announced his office had arrested another teenager for making a hoax threat but said he chose not to film the perp walk because the student has autism. The student was playing Fortnite when he allegedly threatened to get some explosives and blow up a Deltona high school, Chitwood wrote in a post on X. Heres the thing. He has autism, Chitwood said. I am not going to perp walk this kid on video this time. Hes in custody with a felony charge, and will be facing the consequences of his actions. My promise to publicly show others who make these threats still stands, the sheriff said. In a way, what Chitwood is doing is like bullying, Yalda T. Uhls, founder and executive director of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers and assistant adjunct professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, told CNN. To publicly shame someone in a way thats permanent, thats shareable it has very lasting mental health effects, probably more extreme than traditional in-person bullying its going to impact their lives, said Uhls, who studies how media affects the social learning and behavior of preteens and adolescents. However, for some youth the public shame and embarrassment may be enough to motivate them to change behaviors, Uhls said, if coupled with further support through empathy building or a change in school culture. Without that secondary approach, Uhls said it could just backfire. And because of the sense of permanency the internet brings, this is the kind of thing future employers or colleges will have access to, Uhls said. Fifteen years ago people were worried about drinking or traditional teenage behavior but now its about violence or sexism or racism and these kinds of things end up really hurting children and communities, she said. An uptick in school shooting threats nationwide Whats happening in Florida isnt happening in isolation, as reports and arrests due to school threats are popping up in various states. Several students in Northern California were arrested this week for making shooting threats online, CNN affiliate KCRA reported. You will go to jail, you will go in handcuffs, and youll be taken out in front of all your friends and classmates, Amar Gandhi, spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office told the station. Were not worried about your feelings at that point. Youre going to go to jail. Dont try to be a hero, dont try to be a prankster amongst your friends. There are consequences to this. In New Jersey, Franklin Township Police said they will be charging a 10-year-old student in the area with causing a false public alarm after a video circulated on social media that depicted a disturbing video of a school in the district, the department said in a news release Wednesday. It was determined to be a potential threat so all district buildings activated their safety protocols which included deployment of law enforcement officers to each of the schools in the area. And in South Carolina, 21 juveniles were charged in connection with threats made against local schools this week, authorities said. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is aware of over 60 threats targeting schools throughout 23 counties since September 4, the agency, which was asked to assist with six school threat investigations, each in a different county, said in a news release Tuesday. A possible cause for the uptick in violent school threats could be attributed to peer contagion, which happens when two people influence each other to behave or act in a certain way through aggression, bullying, weapon carrying and more, research says. On some level, by making it so public, it could become a badge of honor, Uhls said. There could be peers copying other peers. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Federal Bureau of Prisons says its boosted staff as part of urgent action at notorious MDC Brooklyn jail Federal prison officials say theyve upped staffing levels and increased correction officer wages following a raft of complaints and violent incidents at the notorious MDC Brooklyn jail. The jail, which currently houses rap star Sean Diddy Combs as he awaits trial for sex trafficking, has long been decried for its hellish conditions by judges, defense attorneys and inmates. Earlier this year, two inmates were stabbed to death just six weeks apart. Last week, the federal Bureau of Prisons announced it had made several changes at the jail, many of them focusing on a severe staffing shortage there, following up on an announcement in August by the bureaus director, Colette Peters, that shed tasked an urgent action team to MDC Brooklyn. Those changes include a significant spike in correction officer pay, including a more than $14,000 recruiting bonus upon hire, and retention incentives of 35% to keep them on staff. Urgent action on the notoriously terrible conditions at MDC Brooklyn is long overdue, said Deirdre von Dornum of the Federal Defenders. Until the facility proves that it is able to provide constitutionally adequate care to defendants, our clients should not be detained there. Court filings last November showed that only 200 of 301 correction officer positions were filled at the MDC Brooklyn, about 66% and that rate was down to 55% in January but the BOP said Thursday the jail has now filled 70% of its correction officer positions. MDC Brooklyn has also hired more medical staffers, filling 90% of its open positions compared with 69% percent in January. Notably, in January, MDC Brooklyn had one nurse on staff. It now employs six nurses on staff, BOP officials wrote in a Thursday Urgent Action Team Fact Sheet. The inmate count has also dropped from about 1,580 in January to roughly 1,220 in September, BOP officials wrote. Inmates are also being offered telehealth services, while staff went cell to cell over the spring to make repairs, officials said. The teams work is ongoing, but it has already increased permanent staffing at the institution addressed over 700 backlogged maintenance requests, and applied a continued focus on the issues raised in two recent judicial decisions, said BOP spokesman Donald Murphy. Murphy didnt specify which judicial decisions, but judges have repeatedly voiced concerns over conditions at the jail. In January, Manhattan Federal Court Judge Jesse Furman said conditions at the Sunset Park jail were so dreadful, and the lockup so short-staffed, that he wouldnt send a 70-year-old drug dealer there as he awaited sentencing. And last month, Long Island Federal Court Judge Gary Brown issued a similar decision, stating hed vacate a 75-year-old tax scammers nine-month sentence and give him house arrest instead if hes sent to MDC Brooklyn. Feds execute search warrant on new NYPD commissioner just over a week after he was appointed Federal authorities executed a search warrant at the residences of NYPD interim commissioner Thomas Donlon just over a week after he took on the position, he said in a statement Saturday night. On Friday, September 20th, federal authorities executed search warrants at my residences, Donlon said in a statement. They took materials that came into my possession approximately 20 years ago and are unrelated to my work with the New York City Police Department. Donlon, a former FBI official, added in his statement that the search warrant is not an NYPD matter, and the NYPD will not be commenting on it. Law enforcement officials say the search warrant is related to documents that the commissioner may have retained from his previous positions. The search warrant is not believed to be related to any of the corruption investigations currently ensnaring City Hall. What prompted the search so many years after Donlons departure from government positions is not clear. A spokesman for the FBI in New York would not comment on the search warrant or whether the documents they were looking for were believed to be classified. Donlon was appointed as Interim Police Commissioner just over a week ago, after the previous commissioner, Edward Caban, resigned amid an investigation by federal authorities. It marked the first high-profile departure from Mayor Eric Adams administration since the start of four separate federal investigations into Adams office and the NYPD. Caban, who had served as commissioner for 13 months, said in a statement at the time: The news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD. Cabans departure came days after it was reported that investigators with the US Attorneys Office for New Yorks Southern District had seized his electronic devices and phones. The investigation involves Cabans brother and enforcement around nightclubs in New York City, a source familiar with the investigation told CNN. Several other members of the mayors staff are being investigated by the US attorneys in the Eastern and Southern Districts in New York. I was as surprised as you to learn of these inquiries and I take them extremely seriously, Adams said at a news conference earlier this month. Fabien Levy, spokesperson for Adams, issued a statement Sunday in response to the search warrant. As we have repeatedly said, we expect all team members to fully comply with any law enforcement inquiry, Levy said. Donlon is a former FBI official Adams appointed Donlon as interim NYPD commissioner on September 12 after addressing Cabans resignation. A short time ago, I accepted the resignation of the NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, Adams said at a news conference last week, adding it was the best decision at this time. I respect his decision and I wish him well, Adams said. Adams then announced he was appointing Donlon: To ensure crime keeps going down in our city today, Im taking immediate action in appointing Tom Donlon as interim police commissioner. Tom is an experienced law enforcement professional who has worked at the local, state, federal, and international levels, he said. Donlon is a former intelligence official who served as New Yorks director of the Office of Homeland Security, ran the FBIs National Threat Center and the FBI and NYPD joint terrorist task force. I am honored and humbled to be named interim-Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, the greatest law enforcement agency in the world, Donlon said in a statement at the time. My goals are clear: continue the historic progress decreasing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, Donlon said. CNNs Mark Morales, Brynn Gingras and Sabrina Shulman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The Illinois Fire Service Institute hosted an event this weekend in Champaign to give female firefighters some hands-on training. Attendees had three options to pick from, officer training, basic firefighting or auto extraction. Whichever they chose they were sure to leave with more experience than they came with. UPDATE: Bridge closed over I-74 near Oakwood Our goal is to provide training and networking opportunities for female firefighters throughout the state of Illinois, Fire Service Women of Illinois President Christie Lynch said. That goal was accomplished today at the Illinois Fire Service Institute. IFSI offered free training for anyone who signed up, thanks to a grant from the Office of the State Fire Marshall. Any and all training in the fire service is essential, Deputy Director of Acedemic Operations Heather Moore said. It is essential to maintain your relationship with this profession. And the only way to do that is to do to go through classes for education, to do hands on training. The institute has offered classroom trainings this year, but for the end of year event, they wanted to make sure they could transfer that knowledge to real situations. Its nice to have it spelled out as to what were going to go over, trainee Katie Knasko said. It lays the groundwork for what were going to do. And then you get to come out here and basically put it into practice. Its really awesome to be able to put together this group of women across the fire service, Lynch said. In general, theres only 8% of women make up the fire service. So, for us to be able to provide an opportunity to where we can get women together is really important. And when these women get together, they are able to help make each other better. It is awesome to spend time with other women learning about the tips and tricks that they have because ergonomics are different, Moore said. We can accomplish the task, it may just look a little different. I say very often is my limiters are not anything to do with my strength or gender, Lynch said. A lot of times its my height because Im short, so I know some different tips and tricks that I can work around to help with those height adjustments. According to event organizers, they are looking to hire more people. They say firefighting is a great opportunity for both men and women. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Firefighter hospitalized after battling house fire in North Huntingdon Township A firefighter was taken to a hospital after battling a house fire in North Huntingdon Township. Westmoreland County dispatchers say firefighters were called to the 1200 block of Reed Street at 10:07 p.m. The fire burned a hole through part of the siding on the house. Smoke appeared to have filled a lot of the inside of the residence. Firefighters had cut holes into the roof. Investigators say a firefighter was taken to a hospital to be treated for heat exhaustion. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Allegheny County Health Department issues consumer alert for Nakama Japanse Steakhouse and Sushi Bar Woman killed in crash on Parkway East in Pittsburgh Police officer taken to hospital after being hit by suspected drunk driver in Robinson Township VIDEO: Skylights Week 4 Player of the Week: Kenyan Brown - South Park DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Firefighters contain fire at Seattle daycare, cause under investigation Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire at a school building in the 2800 block of South Massachusetts Street early Sunday morning, according to the Seattle Fire Department. The blaze, which started as an exterior fire, extended into the building before crews brought it under control. Firefighters responded to the scene at approximately 6:26 a.m., entering the building to contain the flames. The fire was soon under control, with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. First Alert Weather: Tracking dry and warm days while we also eye the tropics First Alert Meteorologist Corey Simma says its a nice day for Saturday warm but sunny with just some spots of rain inland. Tonights clear and mild, especially inland where overnight temps drop to the 60s. Sunday is the first day of Fall, but it wont feel like it, it will be a very warm but dry day again. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for the entire coast and St. Johns River basin. High tides will be a little bit higher and there could be some minor flooding. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The days stay warm and dry through Wednesday. Rain returns late next week and next weekend, with the timing and amounts pending the tropics. The First Alert Weather team is tracking the tropics. A disturbance is forecast to develop in the Western Caribbean and then move into the Gulf of Mexico. There are lots of question marks with this system and well have a better idea of the forecast next week. It appears this system will be tracking toward the Central Gulf Coast by late next week. Showers and storms could overspread our area out ahead of the main system itself, but the timing of the rain is still TBD. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] There are a few other areas to watch in the Central Atlantic. A couple of these areas (including the Remnants of Gordon) wont make it any closer to the U.S. A tropical wave is about to move off Africa, which well have to watch long-term. Heres a look at your 7-day forecast: TONIGHT: Clear & Mild. Low: 70 TOMORROW: Mostly Sunny & Warm! High: 89 MON: Mostly Sunny. 68/90 TUE: Mostly Sunny. 69/88 WED: Mostly to Partly Sunny. 72/88 THU: Partly Cloudy, Isolated Showers. 72/88 FRI: Cloudy, A Few Showers & Storms. 75/85 SAT: Showers & Storms. 75/86 [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. First electric firetruck in the state coming to Redmond The City of Redmond prepares to receive the states first electric fire truck as it looks to electrify its municipal fleets. With the citys goal of electrifying at least 50% of its fleet by 2035, the Redmond Fire Department will receive its first electric fire truck by the end of the year. In August, the mayor of Redmond joined 350 U.S. mayors in a collaboration to increase the electrification of its government fleet. Electrifying municipal fleets and building our charging infrastructure is key to building a green economy in Redmond, said Mayor Birney. By investing in sustainable transportation alongside fellow Climate Mayors, we not only reduce emissions, but also lay the foundation for new opportunities for innovation and sustainability in our community. Over the years the city has been slowly adding electric vehicles, hybrids and clean-fuel alternatives in hopes of delivering clean air, lowering tax bills, and building a more sustainable future for its residents. The city wrote in a Facebook post that the new electric firetruck will reduce emissions, air pollution and noise without compromising performance, functionality or safety. Pierce, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation, the manufacturer of the electric fire truck, said Electric fire trucks are designed to maintain the high level of operational standards firefighters demand with no compromises. Pierce said that the fire truck batteries are capable of a full recharge in less than 90 minutes but also have an internal combustion engine as a backup. In 2023, the Washington State Department of Ecology awarded the City of Redmond a $587,155 grant to purchase an electric fire engine, which the city council unanimously approved in February 2023. In the Agenda Memo, of AM No 20-016, the city council accepted the grant from Ecology and agreed to fund the remaining 75% or $1,761,464 of the over $2.3 million price tag purchase of the truck and its necessary charging infrastructure. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) The newly opened Gary Rome Car Wash & Dog Wash Detail Center hosted its spectacular car show Sunday morning. First-ever Strides for Serenity 5K at Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke The community made their way to the annual Cars & Coffee Car Wash Car Show in Holyoke. This charity car show supports the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The Ronald McDonald House provides support to families with children who are seriously sick or injured and need medical care. According to Gary Rome, its important to have events like this to help those in the community. I feel it is my responsibility to give back to the community and make a difference. I hope what we do here today will become contagious and will be an example for others to follow, said Rome. This event was free for everyone and people did not hesitate to come out and showcase their unique vehicles. Ronald Sena made his own trike right in his garage. Something I wanted to build for a long time, it took me three and a half years to build this. It has an engine that came out of a 62 Chevy when I was a kid I lost it in a fire but I saved the motor. I was in the coast guard in 1970 in Miami and I saw the first V8 powered trike and thought I would build one, said Sena. 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. Debris from flooding piles up at a bridge in Wajima city, which has recorded more than 540 mm of rainfall in the 72 hours to Sunday morning (Yuichi YAMAZAKI) (Yuichi YAMAZAKI/AFP/AFP) Floods and landslides killed one person and left at least 11 missing in central Japan, with recovery teams at work on Sunday in a remote peninsula already devastated by a major earthquake this year. "Unprecedented" heavy rains that lashed the area from Saturday began to subside, leaving muddy scenes of destruction as the national weather agency urged people to stay vigilant for loose ground and other dangers. In the city of Wajima, splintered branches and a huge uprooted tree piled up at a bridge over a river whose raging brown waters almost reached ground level. People were seen wading into the mud to try to dig out half-buried cars, while elsewhere flood waters inundated emergency housing built for those who had lost their homes in the New Year's Day earthquake that killed at least 318 people. Akemi Yamashita, a 54-year-old resident, told AFP she had been driving on Saturday when "within only 30 minutes or so, water gushed into the street and quickly rose to half the height of my car". "I was talking to other residents of Wajima yesterday, and they said, 'it's so heart-breaking to live in this city'. I got teary when I heard that," she said, describing the earthquake and floods as "like something from a movie". Eight temporary housing complexes were affected in Wajima and Suzu, two of the cities on the Noto Peninsula ravaged by the magnitude-7.5 quake, which toppled buildings, triggered tsunami waves and sparked a major fire. More than 540 millimetres (21 inches) of rainfall was recorded in Wajima in the 72 hours to Sunday morning -- the heaviest continuous rain since comparative data became available in 1976. Landslides blocked roads, complicating rescue efforts, and tens of thousands of people in the wider region were urged to evacuate. Muddy rivers ran high in Anamizu, south of Wajima, where more rain fell on Sunday morning onto quake-damaged houses and the shattered stone columns of a shrine still lying on the ground months after they were toppled. A message blared from the city's loudspeaker disaster prevention system warning residents that the rain could flood the sewer system and dirty water could rise up. Hideaki Sato, 74, stood on a bridge holding a blue umbrella, anxiously looking at the swollen water in a small canal. "My house was flattened completely in the quake," he told AFP. "I now live in a small apartment room right there," he said, pointing at a wooden structure behind him. "If this floods, it would be a real problem." - 'Secure your safety' - Military personnel have been sent to the Ishikawa region on the Sea of Japan coast to join rescue workers, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Saturday. Some 5,000 households were without power and at least 1,700 households were without running water, the Ishikawa regional government said. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) downgraded its top warning to the second-highest alert on Sunday. The areas under the emergency warning saw "heavy rain of unprecedented levels", JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto said Saturday, adding "it is a situation in which you have to secure your safety immediately". Scientists say human-driven climate change is intensifying the risk posed by heavy rains because a warmer atmosphere holds more water. One person had been killed, eight were missing or unaccounted for, and one was seriously injured in Ishikawa by Sunday afternoon, the regional government said. At least a dozen rivers burst their banks and two of the missing were reportedly carried away by strong currents. Another three people were missing who had been working for the land ministry to restore a road in Wajima, local ministry official Yoshiyuki Tokuhashi told AFP. Municipalities in Ishikawa told 110,000 residents in the region -- including in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, as well as Noto town -- to evacuate, officials said. Another 17,300 residents were also told to evacuate in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, north of Ishikawa, the fire and disaster management agency said. oh-kh-kaf/rsc Jacksonville Dr. Om Kapoor kept his Florida medical license despite a 2021 misdemeanor conviction after a patient said Kapoor masturbated during an exam. Kapoor tried to argue he should keep his license after pleading guilty to battery after a boy accused him of rape because, Kapoor insisted, he didnt actually rape the child. Administrative law judge Lawrence Stevenson and the Florida Board of Medicine didnt agree with Kapoor. The board followed Stevensons recommendation from a June hearing and suspended Kapoor on Sept. 3. The suspension will remain in effect until at least two years after his criminal charge probation ends. According to the Florida Dept. of Corrections website, Kapoors scheduled to be off probation on March 24, 2026. That probation started when Kapoor got sentenced in Duval County Circuit Court on March 24, 2023 or one year, five months and 10 days before the board suspended Kapoor. READ MORE: A Florida doctor with two convictions involving sexual misconduct still has his license Though his online Florida Department of Health license profile lists his status is listed as Retired, the report from the administrative law hearing said the 54-year-old Kapoor expressed a desire to return to active medical practice. On the criminal side, Dr. Om Parkash Kapoor has been on probation since March 2023. Professionally, the state Board of Medicine took action against Kapoors license in September 2024. Take the napkin, leave the office After becoming licensed in Florida on April 10, 2008, Kapoor started working as an infectious disease specialist at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville as well as running an infectious disease office practice. The medical centers risk manager sent a report to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office in 2012 that alleged Kapoor engaged in sexual misconduct with a 20-year-old male patient. No arrests were made. The Florida Department of Health said nobody notified the agency about this report. That mention of the 2012 allegations comes from the 2018 emergency restriction order on Kapoor, an action taken after the department did hear about Kapoors arrest in December 2017. READ MORE: He was getting checked for Lyme disease. Then, he heard the heavy breathing. According to an arrest report and the restriction order, Kapoor told his 34-year-old male patient in July 2017 that he had Lyme disease, a disease ferried by ticks. The patient saw Kapoor for follow up exams and, on Dec. 17, 2017, Kapoor told him hed tested positive again for Lyme disease. Kapoor asked him to drop his pants, underwear and lean over the examination table. Kapoor later asked him to spread (his) butt cheeks. After several minutes, the restriction order said, (the patient) heard [Kapoor] breathe heavily and moan. The patient turned around and screamed at the site of saw Kapoor pleasuring himself into a napkin. Undeterred by his patients screams, Kapoor finished into the napkin, then threw it away. The patient took the napkin out of the trash can and straight to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. A JSO detective wrote in the arrest report, I asked [Kapoor] if there was any reason the victim should be in possession of a napkin with his semen, and he said no. While the prosecution of this case took over three years and it made news around the state, Kapoor could keep practicing. The only limits in the restriction order prevented him from seeing male patients without a licensed healthcare professional in the room. On Sept. 9, 2021, a jury found Kapoor not guilty of misdemeanor battery, but guilty of exposure of sexual organs. Kapoor got sentenced to 12 months in county jail. Kapoors motion for a new trial based on ineffective counsel by his attorney Nah-Deh E.W. Simmons got rejected by Duval County Judge Robin Lanigan in December 2023: From the evidence presented at the hearing, it is evident that [Kapoor} and his trial counsel,Mr. Simmons, discussed trial strategy and, in fact, were successful on one of the two counts based on that strategy. While some decisions made between [Kapoor] and his counsel at trial are different than what other defense attorneys have made, from the evidence, it does not appear Mr.Simmons was ineffective in his representation of [Kapoor]... By the time of that ruling, Kapoor had pleaded guilty to another criminal charge. READ MORE: A doctor knowingly used an unqualified anesthesiologist. The patient died. Hes still licensed A sleepover, keys and a cell phone Testimony before the administrative law judge said Kapoor, his wife and son became friends with another family around 2010 or 2011 through shared religious beliefs. The other family included two kids, a son a few years older than the Kapoors son and around his age. Their mother testified Om Kapoor was especially solicitous of her son, pampering him and giving him treats. But, it wasnt until a 2020 family argument, the mother said, that her son said to her that she would not trust him if he told her that Dr. Kapoor had raped him in 2017. The mother testified she thought her son had been trying to tell her for some time, but had not known how to say it. She believe that he was only then becoming mature enough to understand what Dr. Kapoor had done to him. She said when the son was 9 years old, they had important interviews in the process of getting their green cards. Kapoor, she said, said her son should stay at his house because the kids were too young to go to the interview. The boy told Jacksonville Sheriffs Office detectives after he went to bed, Kapoor got into bed with him, pulled his underwear down and began to rape him. He said he halted the sexual battery by pretending he was waking up from a nightmare. He said Kapoor raced out of the room, keys and cell phone crashing to the bedroom floor. At breakfast the next day, he said, he returned the cell phone and keys to Kapoor, telling him where hed found them. Kapoor and his wife, administrative law judges report said, adamantly denied to the administrative law judge that the boy had ever spent the night at their house. [Kapoors wife] testified that no child outside her family has ever spent the night at her house, the report said. She stated that Indian culture and tradition frowns on leaving children at anyones home without their parents. She also denied that Dr. Kapoor showed any special favoritism toward (the boy). She stated that Dr. Kapoor is a caring, loving and affectionate person and treats all children with love and affection. At the administrative law judge hearing, Kapoor put forth the idea that the boy accused him of rape because hed been punished for spraying potpourri in Kapoors sons eyes at a party. The masturbation case being in local media, Kapoor said, gave the boy the idea. The day before the start of Kapoors trial on two counts of sexual battery, with a maximum sentence of life, prosecutors offered a plea deal one count of felony battery, no more incarceration beyond the 313 days hed spent already in county jail. Kapoor took the deal noting he was pleading guilty because it is in my best interest and not because he was guilty of the offense as outlined on this plea form. Kapoors criminal defense attorney, Michael Ceballos, testified that plea deal demonstrated the weakness of the prosecutions case, but there are no guarantees in the jury system and Dr. Kapoor was facing a mandatory life sentence, the hearing report said. Dr. Kapoor argues that his best interest guilty plea in some way disconnects the crime of felony battery from his practice of medicine, administrative law judge Stevenson wrote. But, while acknowledging the possible truth in what Ceballos said, the entry of a best interest plea does not alter the fact that the defendant pled guilty. Also, Stevenson said, its a guilty plea to felony battery in which the victim was a child. So, Stevenson recommended the suspension punishment that the state Board of Medicine enacted. Food Bank of Western Massachusetts hosts 14th annual Will Bike for Food in Hatfield HATFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts hosted its 14th annual Will Bike for Food event on Sunday in Hatfield. Hundreds flock to second night of the 164th annual Belchertown Fair Each year, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts provides meals to an average of over 115,000 people experiencing hunger and food insecurity, but they cant do it alone. The Food Banks 14th annual Will Bike 4 Food event brings the community together to raise awareness and money to support Western Mass. This annual fundraiser unites cyclists of all levels and ages to pedal for change on the scenic routes of the Connecticut River Valley. Participants can choose between rides ranging from 100 miles to a 4-mile family fun ride, and they can register as an individual or with a team. Its a good cause, Rob Steinburg of Northampton said. And its always fun to take a 50-mile ride. Its worth it, Todd Perusse of Bristol, Connecticut added. Youre gonna have a great feeling from this. 22News Storm Team Meteorologist Brian Lapis joined in the cause both as this years Emcee and on his bike for the 12-mile cycle. Participants can choose between rides ranging from 100 miles to a 4-mile family fun ride, and they can register as an individual or with a team. The options provided help to make this important event accessible to anyone wishing to support it. It really makes a big impact, Jillian Morgan, Director of Development for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts said. This finishes off our fiscal year so it really finishes off strong and gets us ready for fall when we traditionally get very busy. This years ride aimed to raise $250,000 to provide 750,00 meals to the community, and every dollar raised provides three meals to people in need in Western Mass. Food insecurity in our region has grown in recent years, largely due to inflation. Weve been providing food assistance to folks across all four counties in numbers that weve never seen before, Andrew Morehouse, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Executive Director said. Today, were providing food to as many as 114,000 people every month. When the rides finished, the celebration continued at an after-party with food and drinks supplied by various local restaurants and breweries. To help combat hunger and food insecurity, you can make a donation on the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts website and ensure that your neighbors have access to nutritious food. 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. Its been another hot September day, and likely the last one for a while. Temperatures have been roughly the same as Fridays. Weve now had 133 consecutive days with highs of at least 70 degrees in Des Moines (thanks to the National Weather Service office in Johnston for the graphic below). Things change as a cold front drops through the state tonight and brings showers and thunderstorms along with it. Expect a much cooler Sunday. The images below show the progression of storms and showers across Iowa tonight through Sunday afternoon, along with the general rainfall amounts expected. We move into astronomical fall on Sunday morning, with high temperatures responding accordingly as the suns most direct rays cross the equator southbound. Highs the next six days: As we look at the extended outlook, it appears well stick with above-average highs and below-average precipitation into the beginning of next month. Your WHO 13 7-day forecast: Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. More than 740 former national security officials released a letter Sunday supporting Vice President Kamala Harris presidential bid and decrying former President Donald Trump as dangerous to the future of America. Signers of the document include a mix of Republicans and Democrats, including four former defense secretaries William Cohen, Chuck Hagel, Leon Panetta, and William Perry and seven Senate-confirmed military service secretaries. This election is a choice between serious leadership and vengeful impulsiveness, the letter states. It is a choice between democracy and authoritarianism. Vice President Harris defends Americas democratic ideals, while former President Donald Trump endangers them. The public message comes just a few days after Harris campaign released a similar public message from about 100 former Republican officials calling Trump unfit to serve and two weeks after a group of retired generals wrote a public statement defending Harris from Trumps attacks regarding her involvement in the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Both campaigns have traded letters with military and national security themes throughout the summer. GOP vets in Congress attack VP nominee Walz over his military record Earlier this month, several families of servicemembers killed in Afghanistan offered their support for Trump. In August, a group of 50 veterans serving in Congress released a statement criticizing Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz for mischaracterizing his military service. The latest letter also includes signatures from three former acting service secretaries, former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. The group criticized Trumps incitement of supporters ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and his past praise of foreign dictators as reasons to oppose his return to the White House. They also praised Harris work as vice president and her commitment to work with foreign allies to strengthen U.S. military capabilities. That is how we know Vice President Harris would make an excellent Commander In-Chief, while Mr. Trump has proven he is not up to the job, the group wrote. As leaders, we know effective leadership requires in-depth knowledge, careful deliberation, understanding of your adversaries, and empathy for those you lead. It requires listening to those with expertise and not firing them when they disagree with you. The presidential election will be held on Nov. 5, but early voting has already opened in several states. EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) The Monroe County District Attorney has announced that former Police Chief Todd Alan Graeff of Manor Township, in Lancaster County, has been found guilty of an incident that occurred at a resort in the Poconos. According to D.A. Mike Mancuso, the incident occurred in July of 2022 at Kalahari Resort where Graeff was attending a police chief conference and the victim stated he inappropriately touched her on the water slide. PSP investigates $1.4K worth of unpaid McDonalds orders Officials say after the incident, Graeff was recorded apologizing to the victim. During the trial, the jury rejected Graeffs testimony claiming that the incident was accidental. The victim says after the incident, Graeff asked to keep it on the down low and that he knew he crossed the line, as stated in the release. D.A. Mancuso said Graeff was found guilty of indecent assault and his employment has been terminated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former President Donald Trump will make another trip to Michigan on Friday, this time delivering remarks at a manufacturing facility in a Grand Rapids suburb and hosting a town hall at Macomb Community College in Warren. Trump's remarks, planned for 2 p.m. at FALK Productions in Walker, and 6 p.m. at Macomb Community College, will mark his 10th visit this year to Michigan, a battleground state expected to be one of several crucial to deciding the presidential election between Trump and the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. The events are open to the general public, although general admission tickets have to be registered for online at Trump's campaign website. Doors will open at 11 a.m. for the Walker event, and at 3 p.m. for the Warren event. Trump most recently visited Michigan last Tuesday, when he held a "town hall" discussion in Flint. His running mate on the Republican ticket, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, also held an event in Michigan on the same day, speaking to supporters in Kent County. Vance is slated to visit Traverse City on Wednesday. Harris also was in Michigan last week, joining TV host Oprah Winfrey Thursday night for a campaign event livestreamed from Farmington Hills. Presidential campaigns have routinely visited Michigan in recent weeks and months, as the state is once again expected to be a key battleground to decide who wins the presidential election between Harris and Trump this November. Opinion polls currently show a close race in Michigan, with the RealClearPolling average currently giving Harris a 1.7 percentage point lead. More: Celebrities, tears, guns: 3 takeaways from Oprah, Harris Michigan livestream Mitch Albom: Harris facing the press not a partisan issue, it's a national one Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump returning to Michigan for events in Walker, Warren The author is former chair, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education The person elected to lead the public schools of North Carolina ought to serve as a role model for the children of our state. Michele Morrow, a statewide candidate for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction, has called for the death of multiple public figures who hold political views different from her own. This is alarming. If elected, she would oversee all public schools in North Carolina. She would set an example for 1.5 million schoolchildren. She would be responsible for their safety and well-being. WCNCs Ben Thompson asked Morrow last week about social media posts in which she proposed executing President Biden and former President Obama. He compared this to the problem of online bullying in our schools. In the past, she has excused such statements as sarcastic. In this particular interview, she rationalized: It is not bullying as a private citizen. As a former school board chair, I know what happens when students are caught posting online threats: They face serious consequences. Excuses like I said that as a private citizen or I was being sarcastic would not fly. We should expect at least the same level of accountability from candidates asking for our votes. Lets send all candidates a message: Violent rhetoric disqualifies you from our votes. We owe this to our children. Elyse Dashew, Charlotte Presidential rhetoric Republican accusations that Democrats rhetoric is causing unhinged individuals to attempt to assassinate former President Trump are disturbing. If their point is that all sides should tone down the rhetoric, fair enough. But how can that be their point if their candidate for president repeatedly refers to his opponents as communists and radical Marxist leftists and constantly asserts that a Democratic victory would mean that we wont have a country anymore? Not a peep from most Republican electeds about that. Pat McCoy, Charlotte Morehead Inn Forty years ago this month, I opened The Morehead Inn on Morehead Street as Charlottes first country inn. Since then it has been the premier destination for all kinds of people to stay, from Bob Hope during the historic two weeks of Jimmy Carters first Habitat builds, to Romare Bearden, DG Martin and his monthly broadcasts, and countless weddings, parties and executive meetings. Now hemmed in at the edge of Dilworth by big buildings, I encourage, no, I beg the leaders of Charlotte to help prevent icons of Charlottes history like this one from being destroyed for yet another apartment building. Historic properties like the 1916 Coddington estate, now Morehead Inn, must be saved if there is to be any character left in the city. Nancy C. Bryant, Norwood Protecting children Recent assassination close calls have some in Congress demanding more government spending to protect our political class. Meanwhile, the gun carnage continues unabated for American school children. Politicians and judges have decided nothing meaningful can be done to restrict the rights of mentally deranged people to have military-style assault weapons. Isnt it time to protect the right to life of children after birth when they go to school? Since the Constitution allegedly allows nothing practical to restrict assault weapons, we need a massive expansion of government spending on the Secret Service to protect the lives of every school child in America. Ed Hinson, Charlotte Housing tension Thank you for your Sept. 15 opinion piece relating to building industry. There is clearly not enough discussion in the public sphere regarding two contradictory forces that are occurring the industry that has a great impact on residential development. I do not believe the general public or even residential real estate professionals realize there is a conflict between the political pressure of reducing building costs as to produce lower cost housing and international, Federal, State and Local regulatory forces that impact building costs. Lewis Zwick, Mint Hill Fort Worth officer arrested in off-duty shooting says driver was preparing to run him over The Fort Worth police officer arrested Friday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon says the driver he shot multiple times was preparing to run him over and he was afraid for his safety. Officer William Martin gave the police department a good faith recitation of the facts as he remembers them leading up to the Sept. 3 shooting in a signed statement Thursday, according to his attorney, who sent the document to the Star-Telegram on Saturday. According to the document, Martin hasnt been allowed to listen to the 911 call he made that day or review the statements he made to officers who responded to the incident. No rational police officer ever wants to discharge their firearm, much less when in fear for his safety, Martin said in his signed affidavit. The events were stressful and at times terrifying. I only acted because it was my duty to do so under Texas state law and there were no other officers on scene. Martin was headed home from work in his personal vehicle, a 2024 Honda Accord, the afternoon of Sept. 3. According to his statement, he was traveling in the inside lane next to the barrier on southbound Interstate 35W. A red pickup truck pulled up beside him and started to move into his lane. Martin said he moved his vehicle over as far as he could to try to avoid a collision and honked his horn to warn the other driver. The driver then looked straight at me and continued to proceed over into my lane, Martin said. The red truck struck Martins vehicle, and then started moving toward the far right lane, according to the officers statement. Martin said he assumed the driver was going to pull over and exchange insurance information with him, but the driver suddenly moved to the left. At that point, Martin said, he started to think the driver was trying to flee. He called 911, identified himself as an off-duty Fort Worth police officer and reported the accident. He gave the operator his location and continued to follow the truck. More top stories from our newsroom: Fort Worth ISD remains a C-rated district after TEA review Armed guard fired after leaving gun in school bathroom Drunk driver slams semi into cars stopped on freeway, killing woman [Get our breaking news alerts.] According to Martins statement, the truck didnt have a rear bumper, and no rear license plate was visible. At one point, Martin was able to move slightly ahead and check for a front license plate, but he didnt see one, he said. If there had been a license plate, I would have noted that to 911 and stopped following, Martin said. The red truck continued to maneuver through traffic, according to the officers account. Martin said he stayed on the phone with 911 and tried to keep the vehicle in sight, thinking it was unlikely officers would be able to locate it again once they arrived on the scene. According to Martin, the trucks driver became more and more aggressive. He changed lanes abruptly and without warning and was going too fast for the present driving conditions. He had near misses with other driver, who had to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident, the officer said. The dangerous actions of the driver and the fact that the red truck didnt have license plates made Martin wonder if the vehicle was stolen, he said. Without knowing the location of responding officers (if any), I believed that I was in the best position to attempt to stop the dangerous actions of the driver, Martin said. Around East Seminary Drive, Martin was able to get in front of the truck. By using surrounding traffic to box the vehicle in, Martin said, he was able to get the truck to stop. He backed his car to within a few feet of the truck to prevent the driver from taking off again, according to his statement. Martin said he intended to de-escalate the situation by announcing he was a police officer and then detaining the suspect until on-duty officers could arrive. But as he was putting his car in park, the pickups driver suddenly accelerated and rammed his vehicle, he said. According to Martin, he exited his Honda and drew his weapon. As he pointed his gun at the truck and ordered the driver to get out, he said, he heard the engine rev and saw the truck move forward. I believe then, as I believe now, that the driver would have run over me had I not taken defensive action, Martin said. Martin fired his gun, and the driver took off, according to the statement. Martin notified the 911 operator that shots had been fired and followed the truck for a few more miles until on-duty Fort Worth police officers arrived. The driver, who has been identified by his attorneys as Samuel Christopher, was shot multiple times, according to police. He was treated at the scene and then taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Christophers attorneys said he was unarmed at the time of the incident. Hes been cooperating with the investigation, but declined to give further comments, the law firm representing him said in a statement Thursday. Police havent announced any charges against Christopher. Martin was placed on restricted duty Sept. 5 pending the results of an investigation into the shooting. Fort Worth residents who spoke at a Sept. 10 City Council meeting demanded Martin be held accountable. They argued Martins actions during the Sept. 3 altercation were part of a pattern of aggressive behavior and said he should be removed from the police department before any more residents get hurt. While some Fort Worth City Council members opted to reserve judgment on the shooting, council member Chris Nettles said hed like to have the 911 call audio released to the public. Community activist Gerald Banks Sr. recounted Martins involvement in the 2016 arrest of Jacqueline Craig which became a national story saying the officer could kill someone if hes not held accountable. Video of the arrest that went viral showed Martin wrestle Craig to the ground after she called police during a dispute with a neighbor and she argued with the officer. In 2022, the city agreed to pay Craig $150,000 to settle a lawsuit. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed the evidence in the Jacqueline Craig case in 2022 and determined that Martins conduct in this case was not objectively unreasonable and he was entitled to qualified immunity, according to court documents. Once it was leaked (by who?) to the media that the events of September 3, 2024 involved the same officer as was involved in the Jackie Craig case it is our belief that no matter the objective facts of September 3, 2024 the arrest of Officer Martin was a foregone conclusion, Martins attorney, P. Micheal Schneider, said in a news release Saturday. The Fort Worth Police Department didnt use Martins name in its statement regarding the initial hit-and-run shooting investigation but identified him in a news release Friday announcing his arrest. According to the departments release, investigators determined there was probable cause for Martin to be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Martin voluntarily turned himself at the Tarrant County Jail on Friday, according to Schneider, and was released on bond. In a statement Friday, Schneider, wrote that, Officer Martin is innocent of the charges articulated in todays arrest warrant. His actions were wholly in line with the duties of a peace officer under Texas law. This case is a prime example of what happens when a police department places political expediency ahead of a thorough and complete investigation of the facts, Schneider wrote. Thankfully the case will now be in the hands of the Tarrant County District Attorneys Office who we trust will handle this case appropriately and professionally. A police spokesperson did not release a copy of the arrest warrant and said it would be available from the court clerks office, which was closed when Martins arrest was announced Friday evening. Following the arrest, Martin will be placed on detached duty pending the completion and review of an Internal Affairs investigation, police said in the release. Martin has been with the police department for 19 years and was assigned to the Support Bureau at the time of the shooting. FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth police officer who was arrested after an off-duty shooting says he was doing his duty when he chased a driver who hit his car. Fort Worth police arrested Officer William Martin on Friday and charged him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Martin was leaving work in his Honda Accord on September 3, when he says he was hit by a Ford F-150. He then chased the driver as he talked with 911. In a sworn affidavit provided to FOX 4 by his legal team, Martin claims he eventually boxed the driver in and the truck rammed his car. He says he got out of his vehicle, pointed his gun at the truck and demanded that the driver get out. William Martin (Tarrant County Jail) When he heard the truck's engine rev and move forward, he opened fire. "I believe then, as I believe now, that the driver would have run over me if I had not taken defensive action," Martin wrote in his affidavit. While Martin says he intended to identify himself as an officer, it's not clear in the statement if he ever did. The driver of the truck, later identified as Samuel Christopher, was struck multiple times but survived. Christophers attorneys tell FOX 4 he was "unarmed" and that hes cooperating with law enforcement related to the investigation. Martin's attorneys also say that their client is cooperating with the police investigation, but that his past is getting in the way of the investigation. "Once it was leaked (by who?) to the media that the events of September 3, 2024 involved the same officer as was involved in the 'Jackie Craig' case, it is our belief that, no matter the objective facts of September 3, 2024, the arrest of Officer Martin was a foregone conclusion," wrote P. Michael Schneider, Martin's attorney. Martin was released on bond after his arrest on Friday. He is currently on "detached duty" from the Fort Worth Police Department pending an Internal Affairs investigation into the incident. Jacqueline Craig Arrest Martin, who has worked for the Fort Worth Police Department for 19 years, received a 10-day suspension for a high-profile arrest in 2016. Jacqueline Craig and her daughter complained that Martin used excessive force on them after Craig called police to complain about her neighbor. Video showed Martin wrestling Craig and one of her daughters to the ground. The incident was released online and caught attention nationwide. The Craig family sued Martin saying the force used in the arrest was unconstitutionally excessive, but a panel of judges on Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Martin, overruling a district court. Craig's family later settled a lawsuit with the city for $150,000. Martin appealed his suspension in the case, but the appeal was denied. Over 100 shots fired outside Birmingham restaurant in mass shooting that left 4 dead and 17 hurt Four people are dead and at least 17 others injured after gunmen fired over 100 shots in a mass shooting in Birmingham late Saturday night that police believe was a targeted attack. The killers remain at large after the shooting in the Five Points South neighborhood, home to the University of Alabama campus and a number of bars and restaurants. Two men and one woman were found unresponsive on the sidewalk and died at the scene, the Birmingham Police Department said. The fourth victim, an adult man, later died at a local hospital. More than 100 shots were fired from at least one automatic weapon, local outlet AL.com reports. No arrests have been made as of Sunday evening. Police say the shooters drove to the area, exited their car and fired multiple shots at a group of people before fleeing the scene. Investigators believe the shooters were paid to kill a targeted individual, who is among the four dead, according to Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond. A bullet hole in Birmingham, Alabama, where four people are dead following a mass shooting. Officials said more than 100 rounds were fired (AP) Someone was willing to pay money to have that person killed, Thurmond said. Dozens of people were injured, including four people with life-threatening wounds. Everyone injured was standing on a sidewalk or in the street, police said. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital received 11 of the victims, including one of the people who died, hospital spokesperson Hannah Echols told CNN. Police on the scene of a mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday night. Investigators believe the gunmen were paid to kill an individual target (WVTM 13 News) Its still unclear what motivated the violence. Anyone who witnessed the shooting should contact the police, Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald said. There is a $5,000 reward for any tip that leads to an arrest. There is no greater resource than he public, Fitzgerald said. Drops of blood on the sidewalk in the Five Points South neighborhood following Saturdays shooting. Police say the gunmen may have used switches to allow their firearms to function as machine guns (AP) If you were out here, if you saw anything if you heard anything, please reach out. Witness Dajon Singleton told local outlet WVTM-13 the scene was very scary. I walked up when it was just ending, because everybody was screaming, there was people crying, Singleton said. The grieving type screaming, like I know someone is hurt, or that passed away, he added. That type. Thats when I instantly knew someone lost a lost one. The shooting occurred in the Five Points South neighborhood, home to several restaurants and bars, as well as the University of Alabama campus (WVTM 13 News) Police have asked local businesses for their security footage. The FBI and ATF are both assisting with the investigation. Rest assured, we are going to do everything we possibly can to make sure that we uncover, identify and hunt down who was ever responsible for preying on our people, Fitzgerald said. There have been more than 400 mass shootings in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. These mass shootings have more to do with culture than they do with criminality, Fitzgerald said. We are seeing far too many arguments being decided by bullets. The Independent has contacted the Birmingham Police Department for further information. This article was amended on 23 September 2024. It originally said one of the people who had died was called Hannah Echols, but Echols is the hospital spokesperson and not one of the victims of the shooting. (Bloomberg) -- President Emmanuel Macrons new government sparked an immediate angry reaction from across the political spectrum, raising the risk of a swift collapse that would further cloud the outlook for Frances stretched public finances. Most Read from Bloomberg Prime Minister Michel Barniers cabinet, named late Saturday, marks a rightward shift that creates an awkward patchwork of conservatives and centrists who havent always worked smoothly together. The two groups fall far short of being able to thwart a no-confidence vote that would bring down the government. The left-wing New Popular Front alliance which holds the largest number of seats in the lower house but was left out of Barniers cabinet has pledged to topple the government at the earliest opportunity. It doesnt have the votes to do so without the support of the far-right National Rally, whose leader, Marine Le Pen, becomes the de facto kingmaker for the new administration. The National Rally, which is the single largest party in parliament, indicated that the new government has no future and is a return of Macronism. The French, who have twice shown in the last elections their desire to break with seven years of Macronisms abandonments and failures, find themselves this evening with a reshuffled government, far removed from the desire for change, Le Pen wrote on X late Saturday. The cabinet is the fruit of more than two months of factious negotiations after Macrons bid to bring stability to parliament with snap elections achieved the opposite: a National Assembly split into three bitterly opposed blocs, each incapable of governing alone. Macrons decision to dissolve the lower house and the ensuing gridlock have undermined investor confidence, driving up Frances borrowing costs compared with other European countries as investors fret about the disarrays impact on public finances. Making matters worse, the nations fiscal situation deteriorated further over the summer under the watch of a caretaker government. The priority for Barniers administration is to construct a 2025 budget bill in the coming weeks to tackle the runaway deficit. However, its already likely to miss the Oct. 1 deadline to present a bill to parliament. Compounding the pressure, the European Union has put France in a special procedure designed to enforce stricter fiscal discipline in countries deemed to have excessive debts and deficits. Without new measures to curb spending or increase tax, Frances budget deficit could reach 6% of economic output this year, Les Echos reported on Friday, citing new forecasts from the finance ministry. European Union rules cap it at 3%. The situation made the appointment of a finance minister a central piece of the political puzzle for Barnier and Macron. However, high-profile politicians, including Laurent Wauquiez, the leader of Barniers Republicans party in the National Assembly, turned down the job, according to French media. The prime minister eventually picked Antoine Armand, a 33-year-old with limited political experience. Hell be flanked by Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, the 39-year-old head of Business France, which promotes export growth and foreign investment. The new finance team must navigate a near-intractable division over fiscal policy, even within the parties in the new government. Crucially, Macrons centrists have vowed to stick to his dogma of not raising taxes, which they argue is the cornerstone of pro-business policies that have attracted investment to France in recent years. Barnier, however, has said he favors more tax fairness. In the current fiscal context, excluding outright some exceptional and targeted taxes would not be responsible, Armand said in an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche. But that doesnt make it a doctrine, and doesnt resolve our problem: we must cut public spending and make it more efficient. At a handover ceremony with the outgoing finance minister Bruno Le Maire on Sunday, Armand said a top priority would be to ensure Frances sovereignty, in areas including industry and public finances. As the prime minister said, we must speak truthfully and have strong beliefs, he said. Meanwhile, Le Maire, who held the post for seven years, said the groundwork he has prepared for the next budget is based on the refusal to hike taxes and instead cuts spending. Speaking Sunday on France Info radio, National Rally Vice-President Sebastien Chenu said his partys decision to support a no-confidence bill would depend on the budget and Barniers approach. We said we wouldnt immediately censure the Barnier government, he said. On the other hand, seeing the profile of this government, Barnier hasnt scored a good point. Barnier is due to address the parliament on Oct. 1, which will be the first opportunity for a party to call for a no-confidence vote. Macron Supporter Armand supported Macrons 2017 election campaign and went on to run a local branch of the presidents party in the Haute-Savoie region bordering Switzerland, before winning a seat in the 2022 legislative elections. Like Macron, Armand is a graduate of the prestigious Ecole Nationale dAdministration. He began his career at the finance ministry, working on industry, the management of the Covid crisis, and the energy transition. Armand regained his seat in parliament in this summers snap elections, and in July was elected to chair of the National Assemblys economy commission, a post he will leave after being appointed minister. On his website, Armand says he rejects politics focused on party labels at the expense of getting results. Ive alway been passionate about politics in the noble meaning of the word, he wrote. Saint-Martin will report directly to Barnier, a sign of the importance the new prime minister attaches to pushing through a budget. Barnier scored one high profile appointment with the leader of the Republicans in the Senate, Bruno Retailleau, wholl be the new interior minister. The 63-year-old has been a vocal critic 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. Overall, there was a shift to the right in the cabinet: out of 39 members, 10 came from Barniers group, despite it holding fewer than 50 of 577 seats in the National Assembly, and 12 from Macrons. Former Socialist President Francois Hollande, who returned to parliament as a lawmaker in July, repeated that his party would consider a no-confidence bill. The Barnier government is a fragile government, he told France Bleu radio. Its the fruit of an arrangement, a team that already seems wobbly. --With assistance from James Regan. (Updates with comments from finance minister starting in 14th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Michel Barnier opened the door to taxing wealthy individuals and large companies in a bid to repair Frances massive budget deficit and reassure international investors. Most Read from Bloomberg The new premier said in an interview on France 2 television Sunday that he wanted to avoid raising taxes on the middle class and workers, but emphasized that there needed to be a collective effort to cut spending and to turn around Frances grave debt situation. Parties on the left and right have threatened to bring down the newly formed government, raising the risk of a swift collapse that would further cloud the outlook for Frances stretched public finances. Further complicating the situation, some lawmakers backing the new administration have said that one of their conditions to support Barnier is that he doesnt boost taxes. In the necessary, national effort to repair the situation, I wont exclude that the richest participate, Barnier said. In the national effort, some very big companies, multinationals that are working well, can also contribute. The issue is particularly explosive for President Emmanuel Macrons centrists, who have argued that seven years of keeping a lid on taxes is a cornerstone of economic policy that slowly transformed Frances fortunes, bringing jobs and foreign investment. But Barnier is increasingly cornered as Macrons decision to dissolve the lower house and months of political gridlock have undermined investor confidence, driving up Frances borrowing costs compared with other European countries. Making matters worse, the nations fiscal situation deteriorated further over the summer under the watch of a caretaker government. Since Macron called a snap election on June 9, the benchmark Paris stock index is down more than 6%, making it by far the worst-performing major market in Europe. The countrys government bonds have also been sliding relative to other European countries, taking the spread between French and German 10-year yields, a proxy for French risk, up about 30 basis points since before the elections. Our country is in a very grave situation 3 trillion ($3.3 trillion) of debt and 50 billion in interest to pay a year, Barnier said in the interview. A lot of our debt is on international markets we must preserve Frances credibility. Barniers cabinet, which was announced Saturday evening and holds a first meeting Monday morning, is the fruit of more than two months of factious negotiations after Macrons bid to bring stability to parliament with an election achieved the opposite: a National Assembly split into three bitterly opposed blocs, each incapable of governing alone. The new government hands Barnier an awkward patchwork of conservatives and centrists who havent always worked smoothly together. Whats more, even if he can hold together the groups, as a unit they fall far short of being able to thwart a no-confidence vote that would bring down the government. The question is not what government well have in France but when it falls, Benjamin Melman, global chief investment officer at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, said last week before the administration was announced. As long as theres going to be this French premium, we will find some reluctance from investors to come back. The left-wing New Popular Front alliance which holds the largest number of seats in the lower house has pledged to topple the government at the earliest opportunity. It doesnt have the votes to do so alone, but it could get the support of the far-right National Rally, whose leader, Marine Le Pen, has become the de facto king maker for the new administration. The National Rally, which is the single largest party in parliament, indicated that the new government has no future and is a return of Macronism. Budget Pressure The priority for Barniers administration is to construct a 2025 budget bill in the coming weeks to tackle the expanding deficit. However, its already likely to miss the Oct. 1 deadline to present a bill to parliament. Compounding the pressure, the European Union has put France in a special procedure designed to enforce stricter fiscal discipline in countries deemed to have excessive debts and deficits. Without new measures to curb spending or increase tax, Frances budget deficit could reach 6% of economic output this year, Les Echos reported on Friday, citing new forecasts from the finance ministry. European Union rules cap it at 3%. In an interview published Monday, Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau put his weight behind Barniers tax proposals, adding that tax increases should be targeted and fair to avoid undermining economic confidence by hitting middle classes and small companies. Some tax exemptions that benefit the wealthiest or go against the ecological transition can be reduced, he said in an interview with La Montagne newspaper. And in a complementary and temporary way, a reasonable effort from the biggest tax payers and big businesses should not be excluded. Speaking Sunday on France Info radio, National Rally Vice-President Sebastien Chenu said his partys decision to support a no-confidence bill would depend on the budget and Barniers approach. We said we wouldnt immediately censure the Barnier government, he said. On the other hand, seeing the profile of this government, Barnier hasnt scored a good point. Barnier is due to address the parliament on Oct. 1, which will be the first opportunity for a party to call for a no-confidence vote. The prime minister has picked Antoine Armand, a 33-year-old with limited political experience, to take on the role of finance minister. Hell be flanked by Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, the 39-year-old head of Business France, which promotes export growth and foreign investment. Saint-Martin will report directly to Barnier, a sign of the importance the new prime minister attaches to pushing through a budget. In the current fiscal context, excluding outright some exceptional and targeted taxes would not be responsible, Armand said in an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche. But that doesnt make it a doctrine, and doesnt resolve our problem: we must cut public spending and make it more efficient. Barnier scored one high profile appointment with the leader of the Republicans in the Senate, Bruno Retailleau, wholl be the new interior minister. The 63-year-old has been a vocal critic of Macrons past governments, demanding more fiscal discipline and taking a more conservative stance on social issues. --With assistance from Alice Gledhill and Julien Ponthus. (Updates with government meeting in ninth paragraph, central bank chief starting in 15th) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The first EU defence commissioner is determined to make EU countries stock a minimal level of ammunition and other stocks, saying it is the best way to increase the scale of the underdeveloped armament industry of the EU in order to prepare it for war. Source: European Pravda with reference to Financial Times Details: Andrius Kubilius, who will take the job this year if the European parliament approves, said the EU must prepare for a Russian attack within a few years. He compared his plan to similar agreements regarding natural gas, under which the countries must preserve reserves and share them with their neighbours in need. "Why do we not have some kind of criteria called military security to keep in storage such and such an amount of artillery shells and some other products . . . lets say powder [explosives]? You bring added value to the security of member states but in addition, you are creating permanent demand for production, which is the biggest issue for the defence industry. They lack stable long-term orders for production. Democratic Europeans should be as united as possible," Kubilius said, adding that the UK is considered a part of Europe. The EU is trying to extend the scale of armament production after Ukraine was forced to ration ammunition and missiles in an attempt to repel Russian offensive actions. Finland, Russias neighbour, is one of the few EU member states with large armament stocks, while it was reported in 2022 that Germany would run out of ammunition after two days of combat action. Kubilius said he had no wish to duplicate the role of NATO. Officials at the US-dominated alliance have criticised the EUs alternative set of equipment standards and procurement efforts. In March the EU allocated 500 million under the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) to boost output capacity to two million shells annually by the end of 2025. Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister, said that was an improvement on the 300,000 annual limit when Russia attacked Kyiv in 2022. However, he notes this is still not enough. "If Im correct, were still behind the Russians," he said. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that the EU needed to spend 500 billion to compensate for the deficit of defence expenditures since the end of the Cold War in the 1990s. She gave Kubilius 100 days after taking office to produce a white paper on defence strategy. She says it should include a European air shield, which would cost hundreds of billions of euros, and a cyber defence system. Kubilius wants EU member states to borrow the money for this jointly this idea is opposed by Germany and the Netherlands, which make clean contributions to the budget. He will also outline other projects which are of common interest and can be funded in the EU, including the ways of encouraging defence industry companies to cooperate across borders. Kubilius added that he would like to cooperate with Ukrainian armament manufacturers more tightly, as drones and missiles have changed the modern battlefield. "They have real-world experience," he said. Kubilius warned that there was no time to lose, citing Germanys assessment that Russia could be ready to attack an EU member by 2029. It was revealed on 17 September that Andrius Kubilius, a representative of Lithuania, was appointed to the new position of the defence and space commissar. Ursula von der Leyen stated that Kubilius would work on the "development of the defence union and strengthening of our investment and industrial capability". This is the first time the position of a EU defence commissar is created. Support UP or become our patron! SACRAMENTO, California California's public university campuses will not be opening campus jobs to undocumented students after Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected legislation to create such a mandate. The Sunday veto avoids legal and political risks as it crushes the hopes of immigrant rights activists who have suffered a string of defeats this year. The Democratic governor in his veto message said immigrant students' access to higher education opportunities is "important for local communities and California's economy," but he warned of legal risks. Given the gravity of the potential consequences of this bill, which include potential criminal and civil liability for state employees, it is critical that the courts address the legality of such a policy and the novel legal theory behind this legislation before proceeding, Newsom wrote in his veto message. Newsom has previously supported services and rights for undocumented Californians, including the expansion of the states health insurance system to include all eligible undocumented residents. But he has now vetoed two proposals in short succession, including legislation that would have opened up state-supported home loans to undocumented people , as former President Donald Trump hits Vice President Kamala Harris over progressive California policies and immigration on the campaign trail. The governors decision means thousands of students will continue to seek under-the-table pay at off campus jobs, compete for paid fellowships or forego income altogether as they complete their coursework. Undocumented students in California receive financial aid but many have been unable to work on campus since a federal judge closed applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in 2021. The federal government has failed Dreamers and failed on immigration reform, Democratic Assemblymember David Alvarez, author of the bill, said in a statement after state lawmakers passed his legislation. Progressive legal scholars and student activists last year sought to ease those restrictions at the University of California system, host to prestigious campuses including UC Berkeley and UCLA. They argued a federal law banning employment of undocumented people does not apply to state governments such as public universities. University leaders questioned that untested legal theory and decided against allowing campuses to hire the students at least until after the election. They publicly cited legal risks to employers and students, but officials also told POLITICO the Biden administration had privately pressured them not to proceed at a time when the presidents reelection campaign was taking hits over the border. The UCs governing board members many of them Newsom appointees ultimately postponed discussion of the idea until January of 2025. Democratic state lawmakers attempted to override the decision, introducing legislation a month later that in its final form sought to require the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges to offer jobs to undocumented students. It was unclear, however, whether Assembly Bill 2586 would have applied to the UC, which has constitutional autonomy from the Legislature. UC leadership had also considered seeking declaratory relief on the issue, essentially asking a court whether the system could hire the students before proceeding. That step was unpopular with activists who worried that option would prevent students from ever being hired, but Newsom in his veto message again floated having the UC go that route. "Seeking declaratory relief in court an option available to the University of California would provide such clarity," he said of the legal ambiguity surrounding the issue. University leaders never formally opposed the legislation, but their lobbyists warned legislators that it could expose their systems to lawsuits and make undocumented students and the people hiring them vulnerable to criminal prosecution. Unfortunately, AB 2586 does not protect our undocumented students or employees from prosecution, nor does it protect the University from the risk of potentially losing billions in federal dollars, UC Legislative Director Mario Guerrero wrote in a letter to the state Senate Appropriations Committee in July. He added, We would welcome working with the author and Legislature on other legal options to support these students. General Staff: Russia has lost 642,420 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 Russia has lost 642,420 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Sept. 22. This number includes 1,500 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day. According to the report, Russia has also lost 8,768 tanks, 17,222 armored fighting vehicles, 25,023 vehicles and fuel tanks, 18,333 artillery systems, 1,195 multiple launch rocket systems, 949 air defense systems, 369 airplanes, 328 helicopters, 15,628 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine. Read also: Russian strike on apartment building in Kharkiv injures 21, including children Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Georgetown County authorities looking for armed and dangerous man after shooting GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Georgetown County authorities are asking the public for help locating a man following a Sunday afternoon shooting at a Plantersville store. Daemon Hykem Sanders of Lot Drive in Georgetown is 6-foot-1 and weighs 180 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous and poses a threat to the community, authorities said. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 843-546-5102. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Georgia breaks tourism records for second year in a row Georgia broke tourism records for the second year in a row last year. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp shared the news at the annual Georgia Governors Tourism Conference last week. Georgia welcomed five million more visitors in 2023 than in 2022, reaching a new high of 171 million domestic and international visitors. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Those visitors spent $43.6 billion on Georgias hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other businesses. Thats nearly $4 billion more than in 2022. The state maintained its number five market share ranking among U.S. states for the fourth consecutive year. Georgia continues to grow as a top destination for travelers and businesses alike, Kemp said. Weve seen unprecedented visitation across all regions of the Peach State over the last couple years, a testament to the unique attractions, natural resources, and cultural institutions that make Georgia such a desirable place to visit. Were grateful for all our tourism partners statewide who support jobs in communities in all four corners of Georgia. The conference was held at the Georgia World Congress Centers new hotel, the Signia by Hilton Atlanta. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: BKA President Holger Muench presents the Federal Situation Report on Organized Crime 2023 at the Federal Press Conference. Jorg Carstensen/dpa Holger Munch, president of Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), has called for stronger action from online platforms and prosecutors on tackling online hate crimes. In an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) news agency, he said: "We see that polarization is increasing further, and that criminal acts are increasingly being committed from the left." While politicians on the left of the political spectrum and the Greens were most often the target of attacks, attacks on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) were in second place, he said. Politicians at local level were failing to lay charges in response to online attacks, Munch said. This was happening in only 11% of all cases. "That is far too little. Apparently, there is a lack of trust," he said. "Therefore, we need to send the signal that law enforcement authorities are capable of consistently pursuing such offences," he said. Munch said he considers problematic content on social media as a factor that contributes to radicalization. "Here we have evidently recognizable risks to society, and for that reason corresponding obligations have to be introduced for social media, so that providers themselves search for, report and delete criminal content," he said. He warned that if people received only one-sided information, social media could become a "radicalization machine." Munch described the results to date from the European Union's Digital Services Act, which requires providers to report criminal content, as disastrous. The BKA had received just 61 reports over the course of a year. He added: "And we cannot enforce different behaviour because there is no system for fines." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock predicted that voter turnout in elections being held on Sunday in the eastern state of Brandenburg will be high. People in the state were aware of the significance of this election, Baerbock said as she cast her ballot in the state capital of Potsdam. "A lot is at stake," she said. Recent surveys indicate that her party, the Greens, may struggle to meet the 5% electoral threshold, with polls showing support at around 4% ahead of the election. As a result, the party faces the risk of not returning to parliament. "Today the sun is shining after all, and hopefully this is a day of hope," she added. The Greens are currently in a three-way coalition in the state parliament with the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD), which is German Chancellor Olaf Scholz' party. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock casts her vote at a polling station. Michael Bahlo/dpa The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday launched a civil rights probe into the Rankin County Sheriffs Department in Mississippi after several of its former officers known as the Goon Squad were prosecuted for torturing and sexually abusing two Black men. Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general of the Civil Rights Division, said the investigation will examine whether the Rankin County Sheriffs Department uses excessive force, routinely makes unlawful stops or searches, and whether it engages in racially discriminatory policing practices. Clarke said the departments decision to launch the investigation was not triggered by a particular incident, though she acknowledged the infamous January 2023 home invasion assault by five former Rankin County and a sixth former narcotics investigator from another police force in the state. In that incident, the officers entered a home without a warrant where they handcuffed, stripped, beat and sexually assaulted Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker. Both victims were also subjected to electric Taser shockers and waterboarding, as the officers screamed racial slurs at them. The six former law enforcement officers were convicted for their crimes, and received prison sentences ranging from 10 to 45 years. Since the Goon Squads sickening acts came to light, we have received reports of other instances indicating that this conduct was far too common, Clarke told reporters at a virtual press conference. Put simply, the concerns about the Rankin County Sheriffs Department did not end with the demise of the Goon Squad. A representative from the Rankin County Sheriffs Department could not immediately be reached for comment. This marks the 12th civil rights investigation launched by the Justice Department during President Joe Bidens term into systemic abuses by local law enforcement. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Aurora Ellis) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TechCrunch Actress Emma Watson has made a previously undisclosed investment into the womens health company Hertility, bringing its total funding to more than $14 million, the company told TechCrunch in an interview on Monday. Dr. Helen ONeill, the CEO and co-founder of Hertility, said she met Watson through one of her investors who felt that the actress' stance on womens rights would make her a natural fit as an investor. Hertility was founded by women and focuses on womens health an area that historically hasn't received enough attention or funding, ONeill told TechCrunch. Several leading Republicans refused to outright denounce North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) as a scandal over his alleged comments on a porn website roiled the GOP over the weekend. While speaking to NBC Philadelphia on Saturday, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) stopped short of rebuking the gubernatorial candidate who, in a recent report from CNN, was accused of calling himself a Black Nazi, saying he supported slavery and making an array of shocking sexual comments on an adult website years ago. Robinson firmly denied the allegations while vowing to stay in the race in a video statement posted Thursday night, calling himself the victim of a high-tech lynching. REPORTER: Do you believe Mark Robinson that those were not his posts? JD VANCE: I don't not believe him pic.twitter.com/YHhZLsEedI Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 22, 2024 Vance was less than unequivocal in his comments about the controversy, telling the NBC affiliate, The allegations are pretty far out there, of course, but I know that allegations arent necessarily reality. I dont not believe him, I dont believe him, the Republican vice presidential candidate continued to hedge. I just think that you have to let these things sometimes play out in the court of public opinion. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) took a cautious approach while appearing on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday morning, telling host Kristen Welker that Robinson deserves a chance to defend himself. WATCH: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) says Mark Robinson "deserves a chance to defend himself" when asked if Donald Trump should pull his endorsement of the North Carolina Republican.@LindseyGrahamSC: "The charges are beyond unnerving. If they're true, he's unfit to serve." pic.twitter.com/5FeTIFhWLv Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) September 22, 2024 The charges are beyond unnerving, he said. If theyre true, hes unfit to serve for office. If theyre not true, he has the best lawsuit in the history of the country for libel. What I would do if I were him, I would hire me the best lawyer I could find [and] Id sue the hell out of CNN, Graham added, claiming that Robinson has an obligation to defend himself from this scandal hanging over his campaign. Elsewhere on the Sunday interview circuit, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) called the allegations concerning while trying to shift the focus to the 2024 presidential race. He owes the people of North Carolina more answers about it, Cotton told Jake Tapper, a co-host of CNNs State of the Union. He owes the people of North Carolina more answers about it.@SenTomCotton responds to CNNs report uncovering disturbing comments made by Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor in North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/hI7zbC93Lr State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) September 22, 2024 Asked if Donald Trump should rescind his endorsement of Robinson, Cotton said hed leave that decision up to the former president. Most importantly, Ill leave it to the people of North Carolina, he added. Previously one of Robinsons most prominent backers, Trump once referred to the lieutenant governor as Martin Luther King on steroids. Trump has yet to address the Robinson controversy, avoiding any mention of the embattled politician during a campaign rally in North Carolina, a critical swing state, on Saturday. Related... Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is declining to back state Attorney General Dana Nessel, a fellow Democrat, who has been attacked by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) over Nessels decision to charge anti-Israel campus demonstrators at the University of Michigan for assaulting police and engaging in ethnic intimidation, among other alleged crimes. Tlaib has also suggested that Nessel is only charging the protesters because shes Jewish. Nessel has publicly decried the congresswomans characterization as antisemitic and wrong. Asked by CNNs Jake Tapper whether Whitmer agrees with Tlaibs argument that Nessel is only charging the protesters because shes Jewish, the Michigan governor declined to weigh in. Im not going to get in the middle of this argument that theyre having, Whitmer said on CNNs State of the Union show Sunday morning. I can just say this: You know, we do want to make sure that students are safe on our campuses, and we recognize that every person has the right to make their statement about how they feel about an issue, a right to speak out. And Im going to use every lever of mine to ensure that both are true. Im not going to get in the middle of this argument that theyre having, @GovWhitmer said on @CNNSOTU show Sunday morning with @jaketapper. I can just say this: You know, we do want to make sure that students are safe on our campuses, and we recognize that every person has pic.twitter.com/2uCGD9hBPq Jewish Insider (@J_Insider) September 22, 2024 Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt sharply criticized Whitmer for not speaking up more aggressively against antisemitism. Governor Whitmer, when your attorney general prosecutes people for violating the law, harassing Jews, and attacking police officers, its in the interest of public safety. When a congresswoman accuses the attorney general of prosecuting protestors simply because shes Jewish, its bias, Greenblatt said on X. Saying you want to make sure that students are safe on our campuses is just words if you are not willing to use your bully pulpit to speak out unequivocally on antisemitism and support holding people accountable for violating the law when it affects Jews. Whitmer spokesperson Stacey LaRouche later issued a follow-up statement offering a clearer defense of Nessel, without specifically defending the Michigan attorney generals prosecution of the anti-Israel protesters. The statement did not mention Tlaib. Governor Whitmer has been very clear in denouncing all anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, racist, and sexist language targeted toward communities in our state. The hateful rhetoric and racist tropes that have been lobbed at people, simply for who they are and what faith they practice, is unacceptable, LaRouche said in a statement. Attorney General Nessel has spent her career defending the rights of Michiganders to live freely and safely in our state. Her office has centered impartiality and fairness in every decision to uphold the rule of law equally. Earlier this month, Nessel charged nine anti-Israel demonstrators and two counterprotesters involved in incidents at the University of Michigan relating to the schools anti-Israel protest encampment. Nessels office charged seven demonstrators with assaulting or resisting police, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison. Two were charged with misdemeanor trespassing, carrying a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison. A university alumnus is also charged with disturbing the peace and attempted ethnic intimidation. Nessel said she pursued felony charges against those who physically placed their hands or bodies against police or physically obstructed an arrest. Tlaib publicly slammed Nessel for her decision to charge the demonstrators, telling the Detroit Metro Times: It seems that the attorney general decided if the issue was Palestine, she was going to treat it differently, and that alone speaks volumes about possible biases within the agency she runs. Tlaib went on: This is a move thats going to set a precedent, and its unfortunate that a Democrat made that move. You would expect that from a Republican, but not a Democrat, and its really unfortunate. Nessel responded sharply to Tlaib on Friday, insinuating that the congresswoman has been making antisemitic comments that the attorney general cant perform her job fairly. Her comments came in a tweet criticizing a Detroit News cartoon portraying Tlaib next to an exploding pager, which most Michigan Democrats have been publicly condemning. But Nessel, in her public comments, took the opportunity to both speak out against both the cartoon and Tlaibs behavior, which she tagged as antisemitic. Nessel first spoke out against Tlaib last November, after the congresswoman defended protesters use of the phrase from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free as an aspirational call for freedom. At the time, Nessel wrote to Tlaib on X: I have supported and defended you countless times, even when you have said the indefensible, because I believed you to be a good person whose heart was in the right place. But this is so hurtful to so many. Please retract this cruel and hateful remark. Tlaib didnt respond. This story was updated at 2 p.m. on Sept. 22 to include comments from Gov. Whitmers office and the Anti-Defamation League. View comments Labours annual conference in Liverpool was supposed to be a celebratory jamboree. It is the partys first such gathering in power for 15 years and the first after a period in Opposition of more than a quarter of a century. Instead it is an uncertain affair, dominated by the row over free gifts from donors and union objections to the cut in winter fuel allowances. The conference gave a rousing reception to Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader, even as she faced fresh questions over accepting free accommodation from Labour donor Lord Alli. She claimed that all politicians took freebies, therefore all that mattered was whether the rules were observed. Whether the voters will see it that way is another matter. This row has become so toxic that the Prime Ministers chief of staff Sue Gray, who is locked in an internal power battle, is not attending the conference. Ms Rayner and others have accused the media of focusing on personalities and not policies. So lets look at those. In Liverpool, the word change is everywhere, bandied about as though its repetition will bring it about by some osmotic process. As the Victorian premier Lord Salisbury remarked, Why change arent things bad enough already? But Sir Keir Starmer is forever insisting that he has a mandate to change the country which is patently not the case. The country emphatically voted to change the government but that is not the same thing. Voters had become weary of the Tories after 14 years in office and wanted something different. But since Labour won just 34 per cent of the vote on a 60 per cent turnout this cannot be taken as a green light for wholesale change even if we knew what it entailed. What people felt they were not getting from the Conservatives was competence and direction. Promises made were not delivered. They are not looking to Labour to reverse past policies but to make them work. Voters want the economy to grow, the health service to improve, immigration to be controlled, green policies to be sensible and benefits reduced but without savings being squandered on public sector pay rises. We are not seeing change, however many times Sir Keir and his ministers repeat the word over the coming few days. Change is something you plan for before embarking on the project. Sir Keir is just governing by the seat of his well-tailored pants. 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. Earlier this year, CALPIRG released a report showing that the volume of plastic bag waste in California had actually increased since 2014, as a result of the loophole in a previous ban. (Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times) On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that will close a legal loophole that has allowed for an increase in California's plastic bag waste, despite a 2014 law that was designed to ban the environmental blight. Plastic bags create pollution in our environment and break into microplastics that contaminate our drinking water and threaten our health, said Jenn Engstrom, state director of CALPIRG, a consumer advocacy group. Californians voted to ban plastic grocery bags in our state almost a decade ago, but the law clearly needed a redo. With the governors signature, California has finally banned plastic bags in grocery checkout lanes once and for all. In 2014, the Legislature passed a law that banned single-use plastic bags at grocery store and retail checkout lines. However, they allowed stores to offer consumers, for a small fee, "reusable" bags. Such bags included paper and high-density polyethylene plastic bags, which plastic companies argued could be reused. This year, CALPIRG released a report showing that the volume of plastic bag waste in California had actually increased since 2014 as a result of the loophole in that law. Read more: California's war on plastic bag use seems to have backfired. Lawmakers are trying again In 2014, 157,385 tons of plastic bag waste was discarded in California. By 2021, that tonnage had skyrocketed to 231,072 a 47% jump. Even accounting for an increase in population, the report noted, the number rose from 4.08 tons per 1,000 people in 2014 to 5.89 tons per 1,000 people in 2021. The new law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026 and focuses only on checkout bags not bags used to hold produce or wrap food that could cause contamination, such as meat. In addition, beginning Jan. 1, 2028, the definition of a recycled paper bag would change from one made from 40% recycled material, to one with more than 50% recycled material. The new ban "at grocery store checkouts solidifies California as a leader in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis," said Christy Leavitt, Oceanas plastics campaign director. She said plastic bags are "one of the deadliest types of plastic to ocean wildlife," and noted that when they break down, they become a pernicious environmental pollutant having been detected in the air, water, plants and human bodies. "Our state and national elected leaders should continue to adopt new policies to stop plastic pollution at the source, she said. A statewide poll released by Oceana in 2022 revealed that 86% of California voters support local and state policies that reduce single-use plastic, and 92% of California voters are concerned about single-use plastic products such as grocery bags, beverage bottles and takeout food containers. Nothing we use for just a few minutes should pollute the environment for hundreds of years, said Laura Deehan, Environment California state director. Finally, with this necessary update to the bag ban, plastic grocery bags will no longer be a threat to sea turtles, birds and other wildlife in California. Read more: Gen Z: Will they finally solve the plastic crisis? Others hailed the new law as well. "This is a big deal! Californians voted to ban plastic bags in 2016 and they didn't get what they voted for," said Nick Lapis, director of advocacy for Californians Against Waste, referring to Proposition 67, a ballot measure that doubled down on the 2014 plastic bag ban and was approved by California voters. "I think this is an important example of California policymakers being committed to issues over time and not just calling it a day after a bill passes." The plastic recycling industry took issue with the bill, however. We are disappointed that Governor Newsom has chosen to sign Senate Bill 1053," said Erin Hass, executive director, of the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance. "This flawed bill is similar to legislation in New Jersey, Canada and other regions that has resulted in the widespread use of imported non-recyclable plastic-cloth bags." Also on Sunday, the governor vetoed AB 2214, which would have required state agencies to begin crafting guidance and language to tackle the growing issue of microplastic pollution. In a statement outlining the reasons for his refusal to sign, Newsom noted a 2018 law that directed the Ocean Protection Council to develop a statewide microplastics strategy, which he described as providing a "comprehensive and coordinated approach to identify early actions California can take to address microplastic pollution and advance existing microplastic research." That law required the council and other state agencies to report their findings to the state Legislature by December 2025. "I believe this bill and the requirement for agencies to build out work plans ahead of the publishing of policy recommendations is premature," Newsom wrote. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Its official, the Florida Python Challenge this year has a winner. The $10,000 grand prize went to Ronald Kiger, who removed 20 Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades during the 10-day hunt, which was meant to bring awareness to the threat that these pythons pose to the ecosystem. Last year, he was the direct runner-up to the grand prize winner. Representatives from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Kigers win in a Tuesday morning meeting in Duck Key. This year, more than 800 people from 33 states and Canada participated in the challenge, and hunters removed 195 Burmese pythons from the wild. The rest of the prize money was divided amongst competitors in the contests three categories: novice, professional and military. Donna Kalil was one python away from a tie with Kiger. Kalil, a contractor with the South Florida Water Management District, got a $2,500 prize for catching 19 pythons in the professional category. Also in the professional category, Marcos Rodriguez caught 16 pythons for the prize of $1,500, and Quentin Archie won a $1,000 prize for catching the longest python in this category at 8 feet 11 inches (2.7 meters). Read: Few scattered showers and dry air comes this weekend as we bring in fall Thomas Hobbs won $2,500 for leading the novice category by catching 16 Burmese pythons, while Dennis Krum caught the longest python in this category and also in the entire competition, at 9 feet 11 inches (3 meters). Jeff Lince caught five pythons, winning $2,500 in the military category, and Antonio Ramos won $1,000 for catching the longest python in this group at 9 feet 7 inches (2.9 meters). The challenge occurred in mid-August. Hunters were tasked with humanely killing the Burmese pythons and turning in the carcasses to any of the contests three check stations in South Florida. The challenge wasnt just meant for hunters to win the share of about $25,000 in prizes. It also served to raise awareness about the dangers of Burmese pythons, like how they affect native snakes, can spread diseases amongst native animals and have high mercury levels that are dangerous for human consumption. Read: A lost cats mysterious 2-month, 900-mile journey home to California Over 14,000 pythons have been successfully removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017, said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in a news release. This collective effort continues to have a direct positive impact on the Everglades and our native wildlife through removal and awareness. This years competition was a little bit smaller compared to last year. In 2023, more than 1,000 hunters participated and 209 pythons were removed. Hunters contracted with the states wildlife commission and the South Florida Water Management District work year-round to remove the invasive pythons from the wild. A female python can lay about 50 to 100 eggs at a time, which is why the competition is held during hatching season in August. According to the wildlife agency, about 22,000 pythons have been removed from the state since 2000. Read: Disney Cruise Lines newest cruise ship heads to Port Canaveral Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Group of Ukrainian intelligence officers who liberated Zmiinyi Island in 2022 were adrift at sea on rubber boat for over 24 hours Commandos from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) have recounted the liberation of Zmiinyi Island from Russian occupation. Ukrainian forces deployed 155-mm self-propelled howitzers and Uragan multiple-launch rocket systems on barges around the Danube Delta, firing directly on the island. On the day the Ukrainian flag was raised, a storm capsized a motorboat, leaving the commandos to endure 28 hours in the open sea on a rubber boat with oars. Source: The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Details: A journalist from the WSJ visited Zmiinyi Island in early September and interviewed officers from the Timur Special Unit, the elite DIU force that took part in the retaking of the island in the summer of 2022. The newspaper reports that the rocky stretch of land, located 20 miles off the coast, bears the scars of relentless Ukrainian strikes aimed at retaking it. The island is strewn with the wreckage from Russian military equipment and buildings reduced to rubble. Zmiinyi Island gave Ukraine a foothold in the Black Sea and provided a vital boost to the struggling economy as billions of dollars in grain exports resumed. The newspaper notes that the liberation of the island was also a symbolic victory for Ukraine, as on the first day of the war, when Russian warships approached and demanded that Ukrainians surrender, a border guard radioed back that the warships should "get f**ked". "As the historical saying goes, 'Whoever controls Snake Island, controls the sea'," an officer serving in DIU, alias Ned, said in an interview on the island. Ukraine's campaign to retake the island began in April 2022 with the sinking of the Russian Black Sea Fleet's flagship, the Moskva. Soon after, Ukraine launched continuous strikes on the island with missiles fired from drones and warplanes, sinking Russian boats and destroying a helicopter just as it landed. Ukrainian forces deployed 155-mm self-propelled howitzers on barges and moved them around the Danube Delta to firing positions inaccessible from land. Uragan multiple-launch rocket systems delivered fire directly from the barges. "As soon as we started working systematically from the middle of June 2022, we forced them to abandon the island in two weeks," said the DIU officer in charge of the operation, alias Shakespeare. A career soldier who goes by the alias of Ramses and five other special forces officers from the Timur unit returned to the island to secure Ukraine's control over the territory. They approached the cliff on the western side of the island in a low-slung riverboat under the cover of darkness. The four of them, led by Ramses, climbed the cliff and slowly made their way through buildings and past vehicles that had been mined by the retreating Russians. In the rain and fog, they began clearing the buildings from mines and collecting documents left behind in the rush. Ramses raised the Ukrainian flag on the island. The weather worsened while the soldiers were ashore. As they attempted to return to the mainland, violent waves disabled two of their boat's motors and eventually capsized it, forcing them to switch to an inflatable boat powered only by oars. The boat was swept out to sea, heading towards the gas drilling rigs where Russian troops were stationed. The officers spent the night constantly scooping out the water that had entered the boat over the sides and using a pump to keep the boat inflated. They were rescued after 28 hours at sea. The WSJ notes that the main battle in this part of the Black Sea is now raging for several gas rigs east of the island that Russia has seized. Russian forces have set up equipment at these rigs to monitor Ukrainian activities and track missiles and drones that Kyiv employs to target the occupied Crimean peninsula. The Timur special forces unit recently sent about a dozen speedboats to attack the drilling rigs, targeting them with machine gun fire. They also shot down a modern Russian Su-30SM fighter jet. Support UP or become our patron! Getty Images Three nonprofits earlier this month released findings of a study that analyzes segments or values clusters within the Black community in three swing states that goes deeper than typical demographics. The research in Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania was not conducted in support of any candidate. Results of a national, four-year project to study the Black electorate show that while almost half (41%) of Black people believe in their collective power to drive change, another 22% are deeply cynical about politics and elections, and 18% are susceptible to this growing disillusionment because they are often overlooked by the political industry. POWER Interfaith of Pennsylvania, New Georgia Project and Detroit Action Education Fund headed the effort. The political industry has often looked at the historical trend of the overwhelming majority of Black voters supporting Democrats and assumed that the Black electorate is a monolith or voting bloc that can be taken for granted, the executive summary reads. However, after more than four years of rigorous research across multiple states focused on the intersections, nuances, issue priorities, and values within the Black community, we know that the Black electorate is complex. Any organization or campaign interested in engaging Black voters should treat them with the same level of curiosity as any other constituency. Black people are political agents making choices about how they engage, whether or not they engage, and what role they see the government playing in their lives based on their lived experiences, values, and identities. Black Values Survey graphic Katrina Gamble, founder and CEO of Sojourn Strategies, and Terrance Woodbury, CEO and founding partner of HIT Strategies, worked with the state-based organizing groups to conduct the national research and research in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan. Michigan has a 14% Black population, with Pennsylvania at 13% and Georgia at nearly 31%. Campaigns and organizations are making historic investments to engage Black voters but theyre missing a critical piece of the puzzle, and a Black values survey is the key, said Gamble. Too many segments of the Black electorate feel isolated and ignored by the political industry because no one has taken the time to understand the roots of their cynicism and mistrust of politics. This research reveals the nuances, motivations, and unique messages that different communities of Black voters need to hear so community organizers can build more effective programs and narratives that inspire people to vote. The 2024 Black Values Survey, which includes both registered and unregistered Black voters, builds upon preliminary 2022 research which studied only registered Black people. The researchers asked questions about respondents values and worldviews (such as levels of social trust, self-perceptions of power, feelings of solidarity with the Black community, and religiosity), and identified five Black Values clusters within the national Black electorate. Detroit Action Education Fund (DAEF) is using a combination of door-to-door canvassing, digital marketing, and micro-influencer engagement to influence voters. In 2020, the organization helped to bring 86,000 new Wayne County voters into the process. You cant talk young Black people out of their rightful cynicism, said Branden Snyder, senior advisor with DAEF. What you have to do is acknowledge, listen, and empathize with folks lived experience. Rightful cynics are looking for a place where they see other cynics like them taking action in their community. Here in Detroit, we are proving that rightful cynicism is not necessarily a barrier to civic engagement. You can be cynical and still vote if it means delivering real change for your community. Legacy Civil Rights (41% of respondents) is the oldest group, with an average age of over 50. Secular Progressives (12% of respondents) is a cluster that has the second-highest level of political participation. It is the most progressive, and the majority are women. NextGen Traditionalists (18% of respondents). is a young cluster, with the majority being Millennials and Gen Z Americans. These findings are from a survey of 2,034 Black registered voters and 918 Black unregistered voters. YouGov conducted survey weighting, matching respondents to frames based on gender, age, and education. The survey was fielded in March 2024. The margin of error is +/-1.84 % 66d9ff4a9adb021e294754cc_Black Values Clusters Research SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This report was first published by Michigan Advance, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network. Its 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. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is the biggest obstacle to a cease-fire in Gaza at this point, according to White House national security communications adviser John Kirby on Fox News Sunday. It is certainly apparent to us that Mr. Sinwar remains the big obstacle here to getting a deal and it certainly is the case that he has done nothing in the recent weeks to prove he's willing to move this forward in a good faith way, Kirby told host Shannon Bream when asked if its time to expect that Hamas might not want to make a deal with Israel to end the fighting in Gaza. Sinwar was the longtime Hamas leader in Gaza before being formally appointed as the overall head of Hamas when Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran, likely by Israel. Formerly, Sinwar was also a long-serving Palestinian prisoner freed in a prisoner exchange similar to the kind that would be part of a cease-fire and hostage release deal. It is believed that Sinwar has been living in tunnels under Gaza since directing the attacks of Oct. 7 against Israel, and it is unclear how much contact he has with the outside world. He is the obstacle, no questions about it, Kirby continued, adding: It's tough to get him to say yes to things that he's already said he wants. It's very, very difficult. But as the president said the other day, everything is unrealistic until all of a sudden it's not anymore. The president and other Washington officials are in talks with Israel and regional allies in an attempt to prevent a direct confrontation at the Lebanon border. Some cease-fire deals that have been brought to the table by American officials possibly include granting Sinwar safe passage out of Gaza. We're going to keep trying at this, and this idea that we're just throwing up our hands and it's not going to happen before the end of the term, I can tell you that's not where the president is, not where Jake Sullivan or Tony Blinken are, Kirby said, referencing the national security adviser and the secretary of state. We still believe that theres a possibility of moving this forward and were going to keep trying. Those hostages need an effort to get them home. Were not going to give up on that." Earlier this month, the U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges against Sinwar, along with others in connection with the Oct. 7 attack. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The total enrollment for Hardin-Simmons University 2024-2025 academic year increased to 1,665 students. HSU claims it had other issues, such as delays and problems with the rollout of the Department of Educations new FAFSA forms. This year, HSU saw an 8.5% increase in first-time freshmen. The university also decided to expand its dining experience with the expansion and remodeling of The Caf, featuring a larger kitchen, a variety of food options, and more dining space. The university also claimed a 19% increase in meal plan subscriptions. Hardin-Simmons added that they are excited to announce that 70 students will join their new nursing program, which will launch in Spring 2025. Their engineering program doubled its enrollment in just its second year. The College of Arts and Media also saw its enrollment grow by 48% in just a few months. As HSU celebrates its academic achievements, the school awarded $25 million in scholarships. For more information, please visit the Hardin-Simmons University 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. By Gabriella Borter ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - An intimate crowd gathered around a blue bus and listened intently while Hadley Duvall, an abortion rights advocate and a supporter of Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, told how she was raped and impregnated by her stepfather at age 12. Duvall ultimately had a miscarriage but said that under new abortion laws in her home state of Kentucky, she would have been forced to carry the pregnancy to term. Aleyda Garcia, 53, held a Harris campaign sign in Spanish and teared up. Her son Brandon Rodriguez, 18, wiped a drop from his mother's cheek. A first-time voter, he had yet to decide between Harris, a Democrat, and the Republican Donald Trump. Duvall's story, part of the Harris campaign's "Reproductive Freedom" bus tour, made Garcia think of her granddaughters. "You never know when something can happen like that," Garcia said. "I want them to have a choice." Reuters followed the bus tour for two days in Pennsylvania. Most who showed up support Harris while a few, like Rodriguez, came to hear more about her. Voters like him make up the small group who could swing the Nov. 5 election. Democrats see abortion rights as a popular issue for Harris to use against Trump, a Republican who while president appointed three Supreme Court justices who in 2022 helped overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had legalized abortion nationwide. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from August 21-28 found a majority of voters, including 34% of Republicans, want the next president to protect or increase abortion access. Trump says he backs abortion rights in circumstances of rape, incest or when a mother's life is in danger but says it's up to each state to decide for itself, and some allow no exceptions. He denies Democrats' assertions he plans to sign into law a national ban on abortions. The bus will make at least 50 stops that began with a few laps around Trump's Florida home in West Palm Beach. It will hit all seven battleground states expected to decide the election. The aim is to take the fight to small-town and neighborhood voters that big rallies will not reach. Spokespeople hop off and on the bus and include Harris' husband Doug Emhoff, actors, influencers, local radio hosts, podcasters and senators. Stops include colleges, health centers and beer halls in places like Allentown, population 126,000. "You can get into communities that you dont get to as easily with principals flying in and out," said Morgan Mohr, senior campaign adviser for reproductive rights who rode the bus through the battleground states of Florida, Georgia and North Carolina before arriving in Pennsylvania. Harris has vowed to bring back Roe's protections, although to do so she would likely need a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress - a long shot in the 2024 election. In Allentown, a left-leaning city that is more than 50% Latino, the campaign gave out empanadas to appeal to a demographic group that Democrats have been losing ground with in recent years. Honduran-born Garcia, a Democratic voter since she became a citizen, heard about the event that morning on a local Spanish-language radio station. One of the featured speakers was radio host Victor Martinez, whose first political endorsement in a three-decade career was for Harris. Garcia said she brought her son, who works at an amusement park, so he could hear from the campaign and make an informed voting decision. "I think Ill probably vote for Harris," Rodriguez said, after the program ended. He said he still found Trump funny, but didn't want him to be president again. (Reporting by Gabriella Borter; Editing by Heather Timmons and Howard Goller) Harris calls out Trump again for looking for an excuse to avoid a second debate Kamala Harris laid down another challenge to Republican rival Donald Trump to meet her for a second debate before Novembers presidential election, telling supporters in New York that her opponent seems to be looking for an excuse to avoid a second confrontation. On Saturday, the vice-president and Democratic nominee said she had accepted an invitation from CNN to debate the former president, but Trump said it was already too late. In her remarks at a New York fundraiser, Harris doubled down in her taunting of Trump over the issue, saying: I think we should have another debate. I accepted an invitation to debate in October, which my opponent seems to be looking for an excuse to avoid when he should accept, she added. He should accept because I feel very strongly that we owe it to the American people, to the voters, to meet once more before election day. The question of the USs high stakes presidential debates has hung over the candidates since Joe Biden dropped out of the race following a disastrous performance in June. The single scheduled debate between Trump and Harris, earlier this month, was widely viewed to have gone Harriss way and been a serious blow to Trump. But it did not move the polls as much as the Harris campaign hoped and her campaign is still tasked with introducing her to US voters. Last week, Harris sat down with Oprah Winfrey to help smooth the introduction along. This week Harris is due to reveal a set of new economic policies. Polls show she is steadily gaining trust on the key issue of the economy, which often favors Trump and the Republican party. On Sunday, Harris returned to the key themes of the message Democrats wish to underline a threat to democracy they perceive a second Trump terms represents and the knife-edge that polls suggest the race remains balanced upon. This is a man who said he would be a dictator on day one just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails, Harris said in New York. This race is as close as it could be. This is a margin of error race and I am running and we are running as the underdog. Harris called Trump an unserious man, but said the consequences of putting him back in the White House were very serious. Head-to-head polls tend to show Harris with a narrow but solid lead over Trump, though the situation is more mixed in the crucial swing states that will decide the race to the White House. That is a reverse of the situation when Biden was in the race, where Trump had established a firm lead over the US president. Harris pushes for second debate while Trump declines because early voting has started NEW YORK (Reuters) -U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing for a new debate next month as the Nov. 5 election nears, while former President Donald Trump is declining, citing the start of early voting in some states. On Sunday, Harris urged Trump to accept a proposal to debate on CNN on Oct. 23, as a follow-up to their Sept. 10 debate on ABC. "He should accept because I feel very strongly that we owe it to the American people and to the voters to meet once more before Election Day," Harris told supporters at a fundraiser in New York City. "We should have another debate," she added. "My opponent is looking for a reason to avoid." A representative for Trump's campaign referred to the presidential candidate's comments at a rally on Saturday when asked about Harris' remarks. Speaking to supporters at a North Carolina rally on Saturday, Trump said: "The problem with another debate is that it's just too late. Voting has already started." Harris on Sunday acknowledged that early voting had started in some U.S. states but noted that it is a close contest with more than a month to go. "This race is as close as it could be. This is a margin of error race," she said. (Reporting by Nandita Bose and Daphne Psaledakis; Writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Diane Craft and Lisa Shumaker) Harris touts need for reproductive freedom in an Atlanta campaign appearance Vice President Kamala Harris Friday put the blame for the deaths of two Georgia women after doctors delayed abortion care squarely on former President Donald Trump. At a mid-afternoon rally in Atlanta, the Democratic presidential nominee said the deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller shortly after Georgias six-week abortion ban took effect in 2022 were a consequence of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion. Trump appointed three of the six justices who joined the majority in that 6-3 ruling. Doctors have to wait until the patient is at deaths door before they take action, Harris said. This is a health-care crisis. Donald Trump is the architect of that crisis. Thurman and Miller died after taking abortion medication left them with some fetal tissue remaining in their uteruses, ProPublica reported this week. Both needed a dilation and curettage (D&C), a common procedure that removes remaining fetal tissue. But in Thurmans case, doctors delayed the procedure for 20 hours, worried they could run afoul of Georgias heartbeat law, which prohibits abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, typically at about six weeks into a pregnancy. Miller didnt seek medical care because of the same concerns with the law, according to the ProPublica report. Ambers death was preventable, said Harris, who met Thursday night in Michigan with Thurmans mother and sisters. She should be alive today. Harris warned that if Republican nominee Trump is elected, he would sign a national abortion ban. If she is elected, she vowed to push for legislation codifying the Roe v. Wade decision into federal law. In response to Harris appearance in Georgia, the Republican National Committee (RNC) accused Democrats of spreading misinformation about the two Georgia cases. The loss of any life is always a tragedy, RNC spokesperson Morgan Ackley said. [But] Georgia not only established clear exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother, but also included providing necessary care in the event of a medical emergency. There was no reason that doctors could not act swiftly to protect the lives of mothers. (Bloomberg) -- The battle between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump over the economy is set to intensify, with the rival presidential candidates planning dueling addresses this week on one of the campaigns defining issues. Most Read from Bloomberg Harris told reporters Sunday she will deliver a speech to outline my vision for the economy. Trump, meanwhile, is set to offer remarks Tuesday in swing-state Georgia on a plan to lower taxes for US business owners. The events show how the economy has become an election focal point with Harris and Trump offering a slew of competing proposals to push tax breaks, credits and other programs to address voter anxiety over high prices, jobs and wages. With the candidates embarking on a six-week sprint to Election Day, each is angling for any advantage they can find. Americans angst over the economy has been a political liability for Harris and President Joe Biden thats souring voter perceptions of their administrations record. And its been a boost for Trump and his unprecedented campaign as the first former US president convicted of a felony. The Republican presidential nominee has promised to slash regulations and renew expiring tax cuts policies that have helped him rebuild support among many Wall Street executives and corporate leaders who shunned him after the 2020 election. In recent days, Harris and Trump have both also sought momentum from the Federal Reserves decision to lower its benchmark interest rate by a half percentage point. Harris hailed it as a sign of progress in the fight against inflation and a vindication of Biden administrations policies, while saying more needs to be done. Trump lambasted the cut as a political decision to protect Harris and said the move suggests the US economy is in poor shape. Harris has also sought to bolster her standing with business, saying she would help grow emerging sectors. At a Manhattan fundraiser on Sunday she told donors she would support investments in digital assets and artificial intelligence. Trump, a onetime skeptic of cryptocurrencies, has courted the industry strongly this cycle. A Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll from August showed voters less likely to hold Harris responsible for the economic anxiety that undercut Biden even as they said they were better off under Trump. A poll Sunday, though, showed Harris narrowing Trumps advantage on whom voters trust more on the economy. The September CBS/Ipsos poll found Harris narrowed her deficit among voters who care most about the issue, with Trump leading 53% to 47% among that subset, compared with 56% to 43% in August. Harris Address Harris said Sunday that her speech will explain how she intends to do more to invest in the aspirations and ambitions of the American people while addressing the challenges they face, whether it be the high price of groceries or being able to acquire homeownership. Plans for Harris address this week arent finalized yet, a person familiar with the Democratic presidential nominees plans said Sunday. The address will be more sweeping in tone rather than focused on any proposal or set of policy items, according to the person, who cast it as an opportunity to communicate with voters who say they still dont know enough about Harris or her policies. Reuters reported earlier that Harris plans to present economic policy proposals this week, including ways to promote wealth creation for Americans. Harris has unveiled initiatives to help curb costs for households, offer assistance for first-time homebuyers, expand a tax break for small business startups as well as proposing to eliminate taxes on tips for service industry and hospitality industry workers a campaign pledge embraced first by Trump. The vice president has said she will pay for those policies in part by seeking a 28% capital gains tax rate on people earning $1 million or more and by raising the corporate tax rate to 28% from 21%. Trump says he will end taxes on overtime, tipped wages and Social Security benefits, renew expiring tax cuts from his signature 2017 law and push to reduce the corporate tax rate even further to 15%. He has also pledged to lift the cap on the state and local tax deductions he instituted as president and adopt a temporary 10% cap on credit card interest to help households burdened by consumer debt. Regardless of who wins, those competing plans come with large price tags, opening the door to a contentious fight over tax policy in the next Congress. Trump has assailed Harris as a communist as well as a Marxist and fascist over her economic agenda and mocked her efforts to assure Americans she will help lower costs if elected president, questioning why the administration hasnt done more already. Harris has sought to counter Trumps criticisms in part by casting herself as pro-capitalist and pro-growth. At her fundraiser on Sunday, she vowed to help bolster investments in innovative technologies such as digital assets and artificial intelligence, saying shed bring together labor, small business founders and innovators and major companies to invest in Americas competitiveness and by focusing regulations on protecting investors and consumers. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. 'I hate Trump, she likes him - we both think he staged assassination attempts' Wild Mother - the online alias of a woman called Desiree - lives in the mountains of Colorado, where she posts videos to 80,000 followers about holistic wellness and bringing up her little girl. She wants Donald Trump to win the presidential election. About 70 miles north in the suburbs of Denver is Camille, a passionate supporter of racial and gender equality who lives with a gaggle of rescue dogs and has voted Democrat for the past 15 years. The two women are poles apart politically - but they both believe assassination attempts against Mr Trump were staged. Their views on the shooting in July and the apparent foiled plot earlier this month were shaped by different social media posts pushed to their feeds, they both say. I travelled to Colorado - which became a hotbed of conspiracy theories about the 2020 election being stolen - for the BBC Radio 4 podcast Why Do You Hate Me? USA. I wanted to understand why these evidence-free staged assassination theories seemed to have spread so far across the political spectrum and the consequences for people like Camille and Wild Mother. Dozens of evidence-free posts I found suggesting both incidents were staged have racked up more than 30 million views on X. Some of these posts came from anti-Trump accounts that did not seem to have a track record of sharing theories like this, while a smaller share were posted by some of the former presidents supporters. For Democrat Camille, Trumps team orchestrated this to boost his chances of winning the election. Wild Mother - who already follows QAnon, the unfounded conspiracy theory which claims Donald Trump is involved in a secret war against an elite cabal of Satan-worshipping paedophiles - wants to believe Trumps own team staged the attack in order to frame his supposed enemies in the "Deep State". The Deep State is claimed to be a shadowy coalition of security and intelligence services looking to thwart certain politicians. There is no evidence to support either of the womens theories. Wellness influencer Wild Mother says she has been swayed by online theories that Trump staged the attack to frame his enemies [BBC] The idea that news events have been staged to manipulate the public is a classic trope in the conspiracy theory playbook. Wild Mother says she is no stranger to this alternative way of thinking. Camille, however, says this is the first time she has ever used the word "staged" about an event in the news like this. She always believed Covid-19 was real and she was extremely opposed to false claims the 2020 election had been rigged. But on 13 July this year, when she was sitting in front of her TV at home watching live as Donald Trump was shot at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, she says she immediately thought: "Oh, that's staged." The way Donald Trump was able to pose for a photo and raise his fist in the air was what ignited Camilles suspicions. She had questions about how the US Secret Service allowed the shooting to happen in the first place. The director of the service has since resigned over failings that day. The shooter was a 20-year-old called Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was killed by Secret Service snipers. His motives remain unknown which left many questions wide open. And so Camilles thoughts continued to spiral. Already sceptical that something did not add up, Camille turned to X for more answers. In the years before the shooting, she had already started spending more and more time on the social media site, formerly known as Twitter. She had taken an interest in pro-Democrat anti-Trump accounts and followed some of them. "I would admit to you that I spend too much time on social media now, and it, in my mind, is kind of a problem," she tells me. Camille says she turned to social media for answers to some of the mysteries around the shooting [BBC] Recent changes to how Xs "For You" feed works meant she started seeing more posts from accounts she does not follow, but that pushed ideas in line with her political views. Lots of these accounts had also purchased blue ticks on the site, which give their posts more prominence. So when the first assassination attempt happened, unfounded conspiracy theories suggesting it had been staged were not only recommended directly to her feed - but were all the more convincing as they came from other profiles with the same political views she holds about Donald Trump. Most of the social media companies say they have guidelines to protect users and reduce harmful content. X did not respond to the BBC's request for comment. [BBC] Why Do You Hate Me? USA - Episode one Marianna Spring travels from Colorado to Baltimore and New York to uncover how social media is shaping the Presidential race. Its social medias world and the election is just living in it. Listen on BBC Sounds. 'Like watching a magic show' Wild Mother had also turned to social media to find her tribe - having been called "a weirdo, an alien, a diamond in the rough" offline - and has built a following of thousands. As we stand chatting in a waterfall in the small town she calls home, she explains how she began sharing her views on natural medicine and motherhood in 2021. Then she started posting unproven theories about what was happening behind the headlines - such as on the Princess of Wales' health or the Baltimore bridge collapse earlier this year - and saw her views and likes rack up. She says she has been immersed in what she calls this "alternative idea about reality" from a young age and believes we have been lied to about what really happened when John F Kennedy was assassinated in the 1960s, when 9/11 happened in 2001, and during the Covid-19 pandemic. She started to like Trump when she began spending more time online during the pandemic and became exposed to the QAnon movement, which she believes could be linking all these events. As a mum, she was especially concerned about allegations around child abuse and trafficking its supporters often talk about. "I would never in my life even imagine some of the stuff that I've had to hear is going on right now, under our noses. And it blows my mind. We have to be able to protect our most innocent," Wild Mother says. Mr Trump's defiant pose after shots were fired at him raised Camille's suspicions [Getty Images] QAnon supporters were among the crowd that stormed the US Capitol building on 6 January, 2021, in a violent protest against Joe Biden's election victory. Now Wild Mother wants to believe the idea she has seen on social media that they might have been involved somehow in staging Trump's shooting in July - in order to frame the Deep State. But Wild Mother says, according to the posts she has seen online, "good guys in the military", known as White Hats, had been doing covert operations to counter the Deep State. And one theory that popped up on her feed claimed the July assassination attempt was staged by them to show the public the threat Trump is under. Wild Mother doesn't claim to know for sure if the QAnon theory is true - but she does know what she wants to believe. "I think our country needs rescuing from our government right now. It's a horrible mess. A horrible mess," she says. Once Wild Mother started to question whether a news event could have been staged, it seemed as though any of them could be. "It's like going to a magic show as a kid and then that you find out for the first time that the magician is pulling one over on you. Now, every time you go to a magic show, you know what they're doing," she tells me. Ryan Routh is accused of going to Trump's Florida golf course armed with a rifle [Reuters / Martin County Sheriff's Office] As both Camille and Wild Mother came to rely more on social media, the beliefs they picked up contributed to a fracturing of their relationships in the real world. Camille finds it hard to have conversations with some of her close family who support Trump, while Wild Mother says it played a part in her separating from her now ex-husband, who she says strongly opposed conspiracy theories. "Does it make it difficult? Yes. Did it create a wedge? Was it possibly one of the things that ended my marriage? Maybe," Wild Mother says. Meanwhile, Camille also found herself embroiled in arguments on X which left her with her guard up in the real world, too. "It's a little scary because I feel like every time I leave the house, it's a potential for conflict," she says. This atmosphere of suspicion and conflict doesnt just have consequences for these womens personal lives - but for society too. Officials, election workers - and politicians around the USA have found themselves subject to hate and threats as a consequence of this wider belief that almost anything and everything - including elections - is being rigged and staged. For Wild Mother, people are "walking a really fine line" between seeking justice and harmful behaviour. "It's not writing your senators and calling them racist names. But if you were somebody who truly did your research and found that there was an issue, do I agree that you should use your voice? Absolutely," she says. "I think that we all have ways of doing that. For them, it just so happens to be harassing people." While Wild Mother and Camille say they have never threatened anyone themselves - and strike me as empathetic, kind people - the mistrust fostered in part by their social media feeds has eroded their faith in society and its institutions. Camille, who was so opposed conspiracy theories, now finds herself using the language of them. She appears to be one of many recruited into this way of thinking - by Julys assassination attempt and the social media algorithms drawing people deeper into an online world detached from reality. OREGON, Ill. (WTVO) Fall is in the air, and apple orchards are selling cinnamon donuts and apple cider. But health officials are warning that in some cases, drinking unpasteurized apple cider can be harmful. According to the Ogle County Health Department in Illinois, apple cider which appears murky and golden colored does not usually go through a pasteurization, a process involving the application of mild heat, to kill potentially harmful bacteria. Most peoples bodies can fight off a potential foodborne illness, but others arent able to. The health department said, Highly susceptible populations are the most likely to be affected by unpasteurized apple cider. Those populations include infants, pregnant people, the elderly and others with weaker immune systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it has received reports of outbreaks of food poisoning that have been traced to drinking fruit and vegetable juice and cider that has not been pasteurized. Why do most school buses not have seat belts? Some apple ciders are pasteurized and others arent. Not all unpasteurized ciders will cause problems, either. They are just more likely to contain microorganisms that cause food poisoning than pasteurized alternatives. You should look to the label when browsing at the store or farm stand for more information. Juices or ciders that arent pasteurized should contain a warning on the label that reads: WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and, therefore, may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. The FDA says if youre unsure whether the cider has been pasteurized, like if its being sold at a farmers market or cider mill without clear labels, you should ask the seller. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Heat of cannabis farm detected by police aircraft Heat coming from the roof of the cannabis farm was detected by a police aircraft [Northumbria Police] A cannabis farm with more than 200 plants was discovered after a police aircraft detected heat radiating from its roof. Northumbria Police raided an address in Birtley in Gateshead after reviewing aerial thermal images of "suspicious activity" taken by the National Police Air Service. As part of Operation Vienna, officers discovered a "complex drugs set-up" of plants in three rooms at the address. The force said a 26-year-old man had been charged with the production of cannabis. Police said the drug operation was a "complex set-up" of 200 plants [Northumbria Police] Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links A debate about airport expansions is about to reignite as demand for flights soars At the height of the pandemic, when planes around the world were lined up stationary as if in graveyards and airlines were battling to stave off bankruptcy, Heathrow declared that plans for a third runway had been put out to pasture. Passenger numbers would take so long to recover, bosses reasoned, that moving ahead with the 14bn project would be foolhardy in the extreme. Such was the doom and gloom that the then chief executive John Holland-Kaye said Europes largest aviation hub would probably not need a new landing strip for 15 years and might not require one at all, depending on the severity of damage to the economy. Yet just three years after the last Covid lockdowns were lifted, demand for flights has stormed back so strongly that the debate about the countrys once-again crowded airports is about to be reignited. Heathrow is busy working on a revised blueprint for a third runway, together with more immediate measures to boost capacity. Boss Thomas Woldbye is expected to test the waters in meetings with key government figures at the Labour Party conference this week. It is not the only airport eyeing expansion. Gatwicks plans to turn an emergency landing strip into a fully fledged runway, currently being scrutinised by planners, will be put before the Government early next year. Opponents of airport expansion, meanwhile, are dusting down their placards and preparing for legal challenges. The ranks of the anti-expansion brigade have been swelled by a new breed of protester who views air travel as a threat to the planet and is prepared to resort to extreme action to undermine it. Just Stop Oil protesters blocked Heathrow Terminal 5 departure gates this summer - Guy Smallman/Getty Images The confrontation is set to pit economic priorities against climate and environmental concerns. Labours response will go to the heart of its vision for Britain and test Sir Keir Starmers commitment to making the pursuit of growth his number one mission. Aviation is an enabler of everything else in the economy and an industry where Britain punches well above its weight, where were genuinely world-class, said Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of trade group Airlines UK. Whether or not the Government signs off on the Heathrow third runway will be the biggest decision it makes on aviation. Alderslade said: Heathrow was full 10 years ago and its full again now. This isnt something thats going to go away. Path to jet zero Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has stoked expectations that airport expansion will be looked upon favourably. Speaking before the election, she said that while Labour would need to consider all the evidence, she had nothing against expanding airport capacity. After Labours victory, a spokesman for Sir Keir who voted against a third runway in 2018 said he is not opposed in principle to new or longer runways or to people flying more. However, Downing Street cautions that such schemes must satisfy four tests: delivering growth across the country; meeting climate obligations; and complying with both noise and air pollution considerations. How these tests are applied in practice remains vague and the industry is urgently in need of clarity. Trade group Airlines UK contends that members including British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic are already struggling to keep pace with the renewed appetite for travel. Alderslade said: The tourist market is back, European short haul is back and capacity is scarce, before weve even seen a full return in business demand. The economic rationale for expansion appears compelling. Britain has the third largest aviation sector in the world, behind only the US and China. Travel is central to the functioning of our island economy. Heathrow alone accounts for a fifth of all UK trade by value and brings in passengers who spend 20bn a year. It ranks first in the world for global connectivity, according to a study this month, luring foreign companies and providing British business with vital export links. Each UK-based aircraft directly supports 400 jobs and adds 27m in gross value to the economy, Airlines UK claims. Moreover, Britains jet zero strategy, unveiled under Rishi Sunak in 2022, claims to provide a pathway to delivering an aviation industry with net zero carbon emissions by 2050, even accounting for a 70pc increase in passenger numbers, new infrastructure and all. It suggests airports can be expanded without blowing environmental targets. Opponents of expansion, however, argue that new runways are nothing more than a one-way street towards increased noise and air pollution, gridlocked roads and climate-destroying CO2 emissions. Jet zero, in particular, is fundamentally flawed, critics say, requiring an exponential increase in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is derived mostly from cooking oil and last year made up just 0.2pc of industry requirements. Achieving the plan will also require the introduction of new aircraft technologies that arent currently even on the drawing board. Extinction Rebellion activists demonstrate against the building of a third runway at Heathrow. The aviation sector is braced for more protests - Tolga Akmen/AFP Extinction Rebellion, which has previously blocked roads near Heathrow and sought to disrupt services by flying drones nearby, warned that the aviation sector can expect a sustained campaign of direct action if it seeks to put new runways back on the agenda. Founder Gail Bradbrook said: There are ways to attack these suicidal policies other than just legal ones. Direct action has been made more difficult by changes in the law, but people arent going to be put off when were heading for a collapse of civilisation. Other tactics could include targeting insurers in a bid to force them to stop underwriting airlines, pulling the rug from beneath the industry, she said. Pressure on Labour to confront the realities of burgeoning passenger demand is likely to increase, with summer travel figures revealing that many existing runways and terminals are already operating at, or close to, capacity. Heathrow had its busiest day ever on August 18, serving 269,000 travellers, in what was also its busiest week, taking the rolling 12-month tally of passengers to a record 82.6m. The number of routes attracting more than a million passengers increased by two to six, with Los Angeles and Madrid joining Doha, Dublin, Dubai and New York. At Gatwick, the worlds busiest single-runway airport, it is also proving impossible to accommodate further aircraft during peak periods, a spokesman said. Among Britains other leading airports, Stansted and sister hub Manchester, which are both expanding their terminal facilities, reported their busiest-ever months in August, five years after the prior records were set in the pre-Covid summer of 2019. Michael OLeary, the Ryanair chief executive, said there was evidence that the political tide was turning on aviation, as governments previously quick to condemn the industry for its contribution to carbon production softened their positions. You go back four or five years aviation, despite only accounting for 2.5pc of emissions, was getting blamed for the whole of climate change and global warming, he said. It was an easy hobby horse for them to all join in. The Swedes were talking about flight-shaming. Now the Swedes have abolished their aviation tax. Were seeing that trend right across Europe. Theyve all begun to realise that we need to encourage air travel and tourism. Its a key driver of economic growth, its good for society and it will take place on much more environmentally efficient aircraft. Labour has been ambivalent in its stance on airports: it opposed Heathrow expansion in 2018, but MPs were given a free vote, with 100 rebelling. But OLeary said he blamed Boris Johnson and his plans for a Heathrow replacement in the Thames estuary for poisoning the well against expansion. He said: Labour, we hope, will tidy up. One of the ways to deliver growth, particularly post-Brexit, is to facilitate more investment in air travel and tourism. Whether that will extend to backing for an enlarged Heathrow, OLeary is not so sure. A revival of plans to build a runway across the M25 is likely to prove tough to stomach. Full continental airports It is not only in England where airport expansion is an issue. Ryanair, which carries more passengers on UK-based jets than any other airline, faces a battle over capacity closer to home. Its Dublin base is set to deprive airlines of operating slots next summer after falling foul of a 17-year-old planning law. While the airport has an annual capacity of 60m passengers after the opening of a second runway in 2022, the regulation imposes a cap of 32m. Dublin expects to handle 33m this year due to the number of flights granted to airlines by the Irish Aviation Authority, suggesting plans must be curtailed. Dublin Airport boss Kenny Jacobs said: We want to grow, but we cant until this planning condition is removed, so were having to ask the regulator to intervene and grant fewer flight slots to protect ourselves legally. Its making me feel schizophrenic. The airport wants to raise the limit to 40m passengers and is applying to remove the cap, which Jacobs said is based on redundant concerns about the ability of local roads to handle airport traffic. However, it faces a three-year planning battle to do so. A similar drama has been playing out in the Netherlands, where Amsterdams Schiphol airport, western Europes third-busiest after Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle, was ordered to slash flights to reduce its noise profile in 2022. The move to diminish a crown jewel of the Dutch economy met with incredulity from Schiphol and flag carrier KLM, and provoked alarm across the wider industry. The US department of transportation complained that the decision violated an open skies accord with the European Union. The Dutch government initially backed off but this month confirmed that the plan will go ahead, albeit with a cap of between 475,000 and 485,000 annual flights, up from the 440,000 originally proposed. Flights at Schipol peaked at around 495,000 in 2019. In the UK, Labour has taken tentative steps towards increasing airport capacity after raising a cap at London City by 40pc to 9m passengers a year. However, a partial weekend curfew was kept in place, assuaging some of the concerns of local residents. A decision on whether to grant a development consent order to Luton Airport, which would lift its passenger cap from 19m a year to 32m, has meanwhile been delayed until February, suggesting that the Government remains conflicted in its reasoning. A more significant test will come early next year, when it must decide whether to give the go ahead for a new runway at Gatwick, lifting capacity from 45m to 75m by the mid 2030s. The airport initially sought to out-muscle Heathrow in pressing its case for a new runway serving the South East, before an independent commission established under former prime minister David Cameron found that its larger rival was the better location. Gatwick responded with an application to transform its northern runway, traditionally used as a taxiway, into a fully fledged landing strip. The plan is categorised as making best use of an existing asset and so avoids some of the planning hurdles that have dogged Heathrow. Stewart Wingate, Gatwicks chief executive, told The Telegraph that the planning inspectorate was expected to deliver a report on the 2.2bn scheme by the end of November, after which Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, will have three months to reach a decision. He said: Weve been working since 2017 to get to this stage. We carried on through Covid. We want this to happen and were very confident that it will. The new runway would create 14,000 new jobs, lifting employment at the airport to 40,000. Gatwick boss Stewart Wingate is bullish on the airports expansion plans - Source: Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph As one flight fades away, another comes over Labours overwhelming Commons majority means airport expansion is just one area where the Government can afford to be bold. Yet not everyone is in support of the plans. Labour MP Ruth Cadbury, whose Brentford and Isleworth constituency is on the Heathrow flightpath, said she was one of 2m people affected by aircraft noise associated with the airport. Incoming aircraft wake her from 4.30am if she leaves a window open in the summer. As one flight fades away the next one comes over. It impacts our ability to enjoy where we live, our childrens learning and our mental and physical health. Cadbury is the new chairman of the Commons transport select committee and believes the Government shouldnt ignore the real concerns of airport expansion opponents. She said: We cant afford to be complacent. The success of the Greens and the priorities of younger people tell you that. The top, top issue in every school I visit is the climate crisis, what are you doing and why arent you doing more. And they are tomorrows voters. She is concerned that what relief there is from aircraft noise may disappear with the ending of the so-called Cranford Protocol, an agreement dating from the 1950s that previously outlawed eastbound take-offs from Heathrows northern runway. While the lapsing of the accord will provide noise relief for people living in Windsor and other towns west of London, it could also open the door to so-called mixed-mode operations, with aircraft departing and arriving from both Heathrow runways simultaneously. A senior Heathrow source said such a move could be more disruptive to residents than a new runway, and isnt being pursued. Neither is there any intention to seek an extension of nighttime operations. Still, Cadbury argued: Even if they say they wont, we would never trust them. Whatever one chief exec says now, history suggests it means diddly squat. At Heathrow, priority is instead being given to maximising passenger numbers on the 480,000 flights a year currently permitted. The extension of Terminal 5, which is used by British Airways, would boost long-haul operations and could swell the tally of people who pass through the airport each year to 90m. A study into options for further expansion, including a third runway, should conclude in the coming weeks, though the airport is anxious to hear more from Labour before reaching any conclusions about the best way to proceed. As one flight fades away the next one comes over: Locals are concerned that expanding Heathrow could cause even more noise pollution - Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images That includes more detail on the Governments four tests, specifically what trade-off between growth and emissions it is prepared to contemplate, how much regional economies would need to benefit, and what noise and pollution levels would be deemed acceptable. The source said: We dont know what the regional contribution needs to be or what the noise limit is. Its like being told youll be sitting an exam but not what youll be tested on. While the airport is leaning towards taking forward plans for a third runway that have already been approved by Parliament, it is reluctant to do so without government backing, the source said. Woldbye, Heathrows chief, will attend this weeks Labour conference in Liverpool, where he will seek to explain the airports stance to key figures and gain a better understanding of the Governments position. The Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (Hacan) contends that the hubs expansion is neither compatible with environmental commitments nor justifiable on economic grounds. Paul Beckford, the associations policy director, said: Theres a point where increased connectivity no longer adds value, and thats a point that Heathrow reached years ago. There is plenty of alternative runway capacity around the country, for example in Manchester and Birmingham. Thats where the focus should be, on making the best use of existing infrastructure. Beckford said giving the green light to significant expansion at Gatwick and other airports in the South East could fundamentally undermine the case for enlarging Heathrow. He said: If Gatwick gets its runway and City and Luton expand, the gap that Heathrow will need to squeeze through gets even narrower. Every time you allow an airport to grow, the rest of the economy has to work even harder to cut emissions. Heathrow said it has increased its passenger count by 20pc without increasing its overall noise profile, aided by a switch to glide-based descents which use less throttle. Theres no way Labour can permit new runways How Heathrow could look with three runways. The airport wants to ensure it has government backing before it pursues expansion plans - Getty Images/AFP The biggest obstacle to the Government signing off on a third Heathrow runway, however, might come from the Climate Change Committee, an independent public body formed under the 2008 Climate Change Act to advise the Government on tackling global warming. The ongoing expansion of airport capacity, even without additional runways, means that the UK is falling further and further behind the jet zero pathway to eliminating emissions, the committee said in a report last year. The Government should therefore permit no airport expansion before establishing a UK-wide capacity management framework capable of reining in emissions if required, it concluded. Beckford said: Everybody knows that the industry can never reach net zero when that plan includes 70pc growth. Theres nowhere near enough SAF, and hydrogen technology is decades away. So there is no way that Labour can go ahead and permit new runways. Heathrows Matthew Gorman, director of carbon strategy and sustainability, said the airport was already the world leader in SAF usage, with the fuel expected to make up 2.5pc of total requirements this year, well on the way to the Governments target of 10pc by 2030. At Airlines UK, Tim Alderslade said the Government was facing a clear choice: We can take the carbon out of aviation and theres a credible plan to do so and were making good progress. But constraining demand now would be putting the cart before the horse. Government has levers it can pull if the sector is not on track. But if you dont put the capacity in place, assuming of course its affordable, its not going to be there when we need it. If we want growth in the economy we need aviation. A DfT spokesman said that all airport expansion proposals must demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, while remaining in line with existing environmental obligations. The spokesman didnt provide further details. The Government is expected to respond to issues raised by the CCC in the autumn. 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. A cordoned-off area in Kiryat Bialik in the Haifa district of Israel, targeted by a strike by Lebanons Hezbollah - JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images The senior Hezbollah leaders killed in an Israeli strike on Friday were meeting to discuss plans to invade Israel in an October 7-style attack, Israels president said. The claims follow IDF statements also claiming Hezbollah were plotting a similar attack in the north and around Galilea. Isaac Herzog said: All of these leaders came together in order to launch the same horrific, horrendous attack that we had on October 7 by Hamas, by burning Israelis, by butchering them, raping their women, abducting and taking hostage people and little babies. The Israeli airstrike killed two of Hezbollahs top leaders and at least 14 others, many of them senior Radwan Force commanders, as they met in the basement of a Beirut residential building. The airstrikes came after thousands of Hezbollah pagers and other communications devices exploded last week in an attack blamed on Israel. A source told Al-Monitor, a Middle Eastern news website, the meeting was among members of the elite Radwan Force studying plans for a ground invasion at the heart of the occupied territories. 05:30 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage as Hezbollah and Israel exchanged heavy fire. We will be back soon with more updates and analysis on the ongoing conflict. Heres a quick recap of todays events: The senior Hezbollah leaders killed in an Israeli strike on Friday were meeting to discuss plans to invade Israel in an October 7-style attack, Israels president said. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel had landed a series of blows on Hezbollah after a night of intense cross-border fire and attacks this week in Lebanon. Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said his group was in a new phase in its battle against Israel which he described as an open-ended battle of reckoning. Israeli forces raided Al Jazeeras Ramallah TV bureau in the West Bank and demanded the broadcaster close for 45 days. An Iran-backed militia fired drones at Israel as part of the overnight wave of attacks. United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said Sunday that it was clear neither side of the grinding war in Gaza was interested in a halt to fighting, and warned of the risk of transforming Lebanon into another Gaza, as hostilities flare between Israel and Hezbollah. 05:10 PM BST Netanyahu says half of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are alive In a closed meeting of the Knessets foreign affairs and defense committee today, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, reportedly told lawmakers that only half of the 97 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 are alive. According to the information we have, half of the hostages in Gaza are alive, he is quoted as saying by Army Radio. 04:48 PM BST Hamas praises Hezbollah Hamas has praised its ally, Hezbollah, after the Lebanese group launched overnight rocket strikes at northern Israel. Hamas said in a statement: Hamas saluted the resistance fighters in Lebanon for their resilience and bravery in facing the Zionist war machine and for their determination to continue fighting in support of the Palestinian people and their resistance in Gaza and the West Bank. 04:29 PM BST Hezbollah deputy chief says in new phase of battle with Israel Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said Sunday his group was in a new phase in its battle against Israel, which it has waged from across the Lebanese border since the Gaza war erupted. We have entered a new phase, namely an open reckoning with Israel, Mr Qassem said at the funeral of a senior Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli strike this week. Threats will not stop us... We are ready to face all military possibilities, he added. 04:23 PM BST Clear that neither side of Gaza war interested in ceasefire, says UN chief United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said Sunday that it was clear neither side of the grinding war in Gaza was interested in a halt to fighting. It is for me clear that both sides are not interested in a ceasefire. And that is a tragedy, because this is a war that must stop, Mr Guterres told US broadcaster CNN, adding that neither the government of Israel nor the Hamas really want the ceasefire. 04:09 PM BST In pictures Smoke from projectiles fired from south Lebanon at northern Israel - ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Mourners carry a coffin during the funeral of Hezbollah senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and Hezbollah member Mahmoud Hamad, who were killed in Fridays Israeli strike on Beirut - REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh The destruction after an Israeli attack on a school in Shati Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip - Ayman Alhesi/Anadolu via Getty Images 03:59 PM BST UN chief warns of risk of transforming Lebanon into another Gaza United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres has warned of the risk of transforming Lebanon into another Gaza, as hostilities flare between Israel and Hezbollah. What concerns me (is) the possibility of transforming Lebanon (into) another Gaza, Mr Guterres said on CNN ahead of the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN. 03:50 PM BST EU extremely concerned by escalation in Lebanon The European Union is extremely concerned about an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and is calling for an urgent ceasefire, said Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, on Sunday. The European Union is extremely concerned about an escalation in Lebanon after the attacks Friday in Beirut, Mr Borrell said in a statement, calling for a ceasefire along the demarcation line separating them, as well as in Gaza. 03:40 PM BST UK calls for immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, has called for an immediate ceasefire after a worrying escalation between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah, as heightening cross-border tensions led to fears of an all-out war. Our message to all parties is clear: we need an immediate ceasefire from both sides so that we can get to a political settlement, so that Israelis and Lebanese civilians can return to their homes and live in peace and security, Mr Lammy said in a speech at the Labour partys annual conference. 03:24 PM BST Hezbollah says confrontation with Israel is now open-ended battle of reckoning Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy secretary-general, said that the group had entered a new phase of its battle with Israel which he described as an open-ended battle of reckoning, in comments made on Sunday during a funeral for a top commander killed in an Israeli strike on Beiruts southern suburbs on Friday. The funeral of Hezbollah senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and Hezbollah member Mahmoud Hamad, who were killed in Fridays Israeli strike on Beirut - REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh 03:15 PM BST Watch: Northern Israel hit by rockets after Hezbollah confirms 16 dead in Beirut attack 03:06 PM BST Drones fired at Israel from Iraq An Iran-backed militia fired drones at Israel as part of the overnight wave of attacks. The Islamic Resistance, an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias, launched drones targeting a military base in Israel on Sunday as it reaffirmed its commitment to destroying the enemies strongholds. The Israeli military says it intercepted multiple aerial devices approaching Israel from the direction of Iraq. It added that the targets did not cross into Israeli territory and no injuries were reported. The Islamic Resistance has launched several attacks on Israeli targets over the past year one attack by the group killed three US personnel and wounded 34 others in Jordan in January. Sundays attack comes amid escalating fire exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, heightening fears of a broadening conflict. Israeli fighter jets hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon with one of the most intense bombing raids since the war began this weekend. The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday night it launched two waves of attacks one attacking about 290 targets, and a second targeting 110 sites across southern Lebanon. Hezbollah meanwhile has launched over 100 rockets at Israel, which the IDF said had been fired toward civilian areas. The United Nations has urged for calm and warned of imminent catastrophe if a regional war ensues. 03:02 PM BST Foreign Press Association deeply concerned over Al Jazeera raid The Foreign Press Association (FPA) has said it is deeply concerned over the Israeli raid this morning that forced the closure of Al Jazeeras Ramallah bureau in the occupied West Bank. In a statement posted to X, the FPA said: The Foreign Press Association is deeply troubled by this escalation, which threatens press freedom, and urges the Israeli government to reconsider these actions. Restricting foreign reporters and closing news channels signals a shift away from democratic values. 02:53 PM BST Israel army says Al Jazeera TV office in West Bank used to incite terror The Israeli military said on Sunday that it closed the Al Jazeera TV office in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, because it incited terror. The closure order was signed after a legal opinion and intelligence assessment determined that the offices were being used to incite terror, to support terrorist activities and that the channels broadcasts endanger the security and public order in both the area and the State of Israel as a whole, a military statement said. 02:40 PM BST Military escalation not in Israels best interest, says White House A regional military escalation is not in Israels best interest, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said on Sunday, as heightening cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon have led to fears of an all-out war. We dont believe that escalating this military conflict is in their best interest, Mr Kirby said on ABCs This Week, adding that the United States was saying this directly to our Israeli counterparts. 02:28 PM BST Watch: Patients in Haifa moved deep underground after Hezbollah attacks 02:01 PM BST UK foreign minister says more sanctions possible over West Bank violence Britain will keep under review possible new sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank and will act if it has to, foreign minister David Lammy said on Sunday, adding he was concerned by actions that were inflaming tensions. Britain announced sanctions against Israeli settlers in February and May this year over what it said was extremist groups perpetrating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Mr Lammy, who became foreign minister in July after a Labour election victory, indicated the new government would take a similar approach and said that further sanctions were possible. He added that, notwithstanding Israels genuine security concerns in the West Bank, we are very worried about escalatory behaviour, very worried about inflamed tensions. Im absolutely clear: if we have to act, we will act, and Im in discussions with G7 partners particularly and European partners on that, Mr Lammy said. Im not announcing further sanctions today, but that is kept under close review, and as you would expect, I am deeply, deeply concerned. 01:45 PM BST Lammy: Cannot be a moment to recoil from rule of law David Lammy said this cannot be a moment to recoil from the rule of law when asked why the Government had begun to take some steps which some may see as critical of Israel. The Foreign Secretary was questioned on why recent decisions on arms exports and restoring funding to UNRWA had been taken, and how he would explain these positions to Israelis. Speaking at a Labour Party conference fringe event hosted by Labour Together, he said: We in the Labour Party have been calling for a ceasefire now for approaching 10 months. We think there needs to be a hostage deal and there needs to be a ceasefire. But, actually, were also very clear that in a tough geopolitical environment particularly, this cannot be a moment to recoil from the rule of law and the international humanitarian law architecture that was set up in the wake of the Second World War which our men and women died fighting for, which our country is really clear on. 01:11 PM BST Pictured: Patients in Haifa moved underground amid bombing Medics transport a patient to underground parking after rocket attacks by Hezbollah - Saeed Qaq/Anadolu via Getty Images Medical teams transport patients to Rambam Hospitals underground emergency facility in Haifa - ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Patient beds moved into the parking area - REUTERS/Shir Torem 12:48 PM BST Death toll in Gaza reaches 41,431, says health ministry At least 41,431 Palestinian people have been killed and 95,818 injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, the Hamas-run health ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The toll includes 40 deaths in the previous 24 hours, according to the ministry. It said thousands of other dead people are most likely lost in the rubble of the enclave. 12:17 PM BST Lebanon health ministry says Israeli strikes kill three Lebanons health ministry said three people were killed in separate Israeli strikes on south Lebanon on Sunday, as Israel said it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. In separate statements, the health ministry said one person was killed in Israel enemy strikes in three different south Lebanon villages. Hezbollah on Sunday announced one fighter had been killed, without specifying where they died. 12:00 PM BST Netanyahu says Israel has landed a series of blows on Hezbollah Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel had landed a series of blows on Hezbollah after a night of intense cross-border fire and attacks this week in Lebanon. In recent days, we have landed a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined. If Hezbollah did not get the message, I assure you it will get the message, Mr Netanyahu said in a statement. No country can tolerate attacks on its citizens, attacks on its cities. And we, the State of Israel, will not tolerate it either, he said, vowing to return residents of northern Israel displaced by nearly a year of fighting to their homes. 11:42 AM BST Gaza rescuers say Israeli strike on school shelter kills 7 Civil defence rescuers in Gaza City said an Israeli strike Sunday on a school-turned-shelter killed at least seven people, with the Israeli military saying it had targeted Hamas terrorists. The vast majority of the besieged Gaza Strips 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the war, with many seeking shelter in school buildings. Civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported seven martyrs and a number of wounded, including serious cases, as a result of Israeli shelling of Kafr Qasim School in the Al-Shati refugee camp. He said hundreds of displaced Gazans were sheltering there. The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas fighters operating from the school grounds, and that its forces had taken steps to mitigate the risk of harm to uninvolved civilians including by using precise munitions and surveillance. It said the air force had conducted a precise strike on Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip who were operating from a compound at the school complex. 11:27 AM BST Watch: Hezbollah rockets hit Haifa suburbs Hezbollah rockets struck a suburb in the Israeli city of Haifa, destroying cars and homes in the latest escalation of cross-border attacks. The Israeli military said rockets had been fired toward civilian areas, after previous barrages had mainly been aimed at military targets. Video footage shows explosions on leafy roads close to homes, while hospitals in northern Israel have been instructed to shift to war footing. The attack comes as Israel fighter jets hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon with one of the most intense bombing raids since the war began. The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday night it launched two waves of attacks one attacking about 290 targets, and a second targeting 110 sites across southern Lebanon. It follows an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday that killed at least 45 people, including one of Hezbollahs top leaders, and a sophisticated pager attack just days earlier. 11:16 AM BST UAE leader seeks to deepen strategic ties in US visit during Mideast crisis UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is due Monday in Washington for a first official visit at a time of soaring tensions in the Middle East. With his upcoming trip, Sheikh Mohamed will become the first sitting president of the oil-rich Gulf monarchy to make an official visit to Washington, and is scheduled to meet with US president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris. US officials said the top agenda items were the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the conflict in Sudan, where the UAE has been accused of backing one of the warring parties a charge it denies. The UAE, a federation of sheikhdoms, is one of a handful of Arab states to recognise Israel and enjoys growing clout in the Middle East owing to its oil wealth, business environment and reputation for stability. It also neighbours oil giant Saudi Arabia, which the US has been pressing to forge relations with Israel in the hope of calming a region pushed to the edge by the Israel-Hamas war. 10:56 AM BST Hundreds of thousands seek shelter Hundreds of thousands of people sought shelter from Hezbollah rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel on Sunday, the military said. Hundreds of thousands of people had to take refuge in bomb shelters across northern Israel, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told AFP. Israels civil defence agency ordered all schools in the countrys north closed following the rocket fire. It reminds me of October 7 when everybody stayed home, Haifa resident Patrice Wolff told AFP. This is not pleasant. This is war, said Sharon Hacmishvili, a resident of the area. 10:45 AM BST UN warns of catastrophe The United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon has urged calm in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah continued to trade fire on Sunday, raising fears of a regional war. With the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert wrote in a post on X. 10:39 AM BST Death toll rises to 45 from Israeli strike on Beirut The death toll from an Israeli air strike that targeted Hezbollah military commanders in Beiruts southern suburbs this week has risen to 45, Lebanons health ministry said Sunday. The number of dead has risen to 45 people, a ministry statement said, updating an earlier toll of 37 from the Friday attack. It said work continues to remove the rubble for the third day in a row and that DNA sampling would be used to determine the identities of some of the bodies. 10:30 AM BST Herzog denies Israeli involvement in pager attacks Israels president Isaac Herzog has rejected claims Israel was involved in this weeks exploding pager and walkie-talkie attacks in Lebanon. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Herzog said he rejects out of hand any connection to this or that source of operation, adding that Hezbollah had many enemies. "We have the inherent right to defend ourselves." Israeli president @Isaac_Herzog refuses to deny Israel was behind the exploding pagers attack against Hezbollah.#TrevorPhillips https://t.co/fhIHlpTGAF Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/EBZwHkrln9 Sky News (@SkyNews) September 22, 2024 10:28 AM BST Hezbollah says it targeted Ramat David Airbase with dozens of missiles Hezbollah said it targeted the Israeli Ramat David Airbase with dozens of missiles in response to what it described as repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon, the group posted on its Telegram channel early on Sunday morning. 10:13 AM BST We do not want war with Lebanon, says Israeli president Israels president, Isaac Herzog, has said that Israel does not want war with Lebanon. Speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News, Mr Herzog claimed that the conflict was instigated by Iranian proxies in the region. Israel is not interested to be at war with Lebanon. We do not want to get into a war with Lebanon, he said. But Lebanon has been hijacked by a terror organisation which is also a political party called Hezbollah. Israel is fighting for its well being, its existence, its citizens. Thats what we are doing. And we are doing whatever is the right thing to do, he added. 10:09 AM BST Pictures from the Haifa suburb attack A member of the Israeli security forces stands guard inside a cordoned-off area in Kiryat Bialik - JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images First responders, Israeli security forces and local people gather amid debris and damaged vehicles in Kiryat Bialik - Ilia Yefimovich / Avalon Security forces investigate a damaged vehicle - Ilia Yefimovich / Avalon 09:56 AM BST Israeli president disappointed in new UK Government There is a sense of disappointment in the way the new UK Government has acted towards Israel, Isaac Herzog has said. The Israeli president told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips on Sky News: We have outstanding relations with the British Government. We have outstanding relations with the people of Britain. I have, personally, very close affinity with His Majestys Government and with Britain at large, but we also have to understand that between friends we expect friends and allies to be there for us all the time, as we are for them. There is a sense of disappointment in Israel and I have expressed it to my friends. He added: I met with Prime Minister Starmer at the opening of the Olympic Games. We expect that all our allies will be side-by-side with us in combating this terrible situation and fighting, like we are, to bring our hostages back home. 09:39 AM BST Northern Israeli hospitals instructed to shift to war footing Hospitals in northern Israel have been instructed to transfer their operations to facilities with extra protection from rocket and missile fire, the health ministry said on Sunday. Rambam hospital in the city of Haifa will transfer patients to its underground, secure facility, the ministry said. 09:35 AM BST Watch: Israeli troops raid Al Jazeera TV bureau in West Bank Israeli forces raided Al Jazeeras Ramallah TV bureau in the West Bank on Sunday morning, with the broadcaster capturing the moment live. The Qatar-based channel aired live footage of the Israeli troops storming the channels office, handing over a military closure order to one of the Al Jazeera TV staff, before the broadcast was disrupted. The military order demanded the broadcaster close for 45 days, a move decried by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate as arbitrary. There is a court ruling for closing down Al Jazeera for 45 days, an Israeli soldier told Al Jazeeras local bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, in the live footage. I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment. Video showed what appeared to be Israel troops tearing down a banner on a balcony used by the Al Jazeera office. Al Jazeera said it bore an image of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist shot dead by Israeli forces in May 2022. Israeli communication minister Shlomo Karhi later described the raid as affecting the mouthpiece of Hamas and Hezbollah, while the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate denounced the Israeli raid and order. 09:26 AM BST Israeli military says it intercepts aerial target launched from the east Israels military said it has intercepted a suspicious aerial target launched from the east, and that no damage or injuries were reported. Earlier, an official in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a grouping of Iran-backed armed factions, said they launched cruise missile and explosive drone attacks at 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. A cordoned-off area in Kiryat Bialik in the Haifa district of Israel, targeted by a strike by Lebanons Hezbollah - JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images The senior Hezbollah leaders killed in an Israeli strike on Friday were meeting to discuss plans to invade Israel in an October 7-style attack, Israels president said. The claims follow IDF statements also claiming Hezbollah were plotting a similar attack in the north and around Galilea. Isaac Herzog said: All of these leaders came together in order to launch the same horrific, horrendous attack that we had on October 7 by Hamas, by burning Israelis, by butchering them, raping their women, abducting and taking hostage people and little babies. The Israeli airstrike killed two of Hezbollahs top leaders and at least 14 others, many of them senior Radwan Force commanders, as they met in the basement of a Beirut residential building. The airstrikes came after thousands of Hezbollah pagers and other communications devices exploded last week in an attack blamed on Israel. A source told Al-Monitor, a Middle Eastern news website, the meeting was among members of the elite Radwan Force studying plans for a ground invasion at the heart of the occupied territories. 05:30 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage as Hezbollah and Israel exchanged heavy fire. We will be back soon with more updates and analysis on the ongoing conflict. Heres a quick recap of todays events: The senior Hezbollah leaders killed in an Israeli strike on Friday were meeting to discuss plans to invade Israel in an October 7-style attack, Israels president said. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel had landed a series of blows on Hezbollah after a night of intense cross-border fire and attacks this week in Lebanon. Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said his group was in a new phase in its battle against Israel which he described as an open-ended battle of reckoning. Israeli forces raided Al Jazeeras Ramallah TV bureau in the West Bank and demanded the broadcaster close for 45 days. An Iran-backed militia fired drones at Israel as part of the overnight wave of attacks. United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said Sunday that it was clear neither side of the grinding war in Gaza was interested in a halt to fighting, and warned of the risk of transforming Lebanon into another Gaza, as hostilities flare between Israel and Hezbollah. 05:10 PM BST Netanyahu says half of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are alive In a closed meeting of the Knessets foreign affairs and defense committee today, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, reportedly told lawmakers that only half of the 97 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 are alive. According to the information we have, half of the hostages in Gaza are alive, he is quoted as saying by Army Radio. 04:48 PM BST Hamas praises Hezbollah Hamas has praised its ally, Hezbollah, after the Lebanese group launched overnight rocket strikes at northern Israel. Hamas said in a statement: Hamas saluted the resistance fighters in Lebanon for their resilience and bravery in facing the Zionist war machine and for their determination to continue fighting in support of the Palestinian people and their resistance in Gaza and the West Bank. 04:29 PM BST Hezbollah deputy chief says in new phase of battle with Israel Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said Sunday his group was in a new phase in its battle against Israel, which it has waged from across the Lebanese border since the Gaza war erupted. We have entered a new phase, namely an open reckoning with Israel, Mr Qassem said at the funeral of a senior Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli strike this week. Threats will not stop us... We are ready to face all military possibilities, he added. 04:23 PM BST Clear that neither side of Gaza war interested in ceasefire, says UN chief United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said Sunday that it was clear neither side of the grinding war in Gaza was interested in a halt to fighting. It is for me clear that both sides are not interested in a ceasefire. And that is a tragedy, because this is a war that must stop, Mr Guterres told US broadcaster CNN, adding that neither the government of Israel nor the Hamas really want the ceasefire. 04:09 PM BST In pictures Smoke from projectiles fired from south Lebanon at northern Israel - ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Mourners carry a coffin during the funeral of Hezbollah senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and Hezbollah member Mahmoud Hamad, who were killed in Fridays Israeli strike on Beirut - REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh The destruction after an Israeli attack on a school in Shati Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip - Ayman Alhesi/Anadolu via Getty Images 03:59 PM BST UN chief warns of risk of transforming Lebanon into another Gaza United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres has warned of the risk of transforming Lebanon into another Gaza, as hostilities flare between Israel and Hezbollah. What concerns me (is) the possibility of transforming Lebanon (into) another Gaza, Mr Guterres said on CNN ahead of the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN. 03:50 PM BST EU extremely concerned by escalation in Lebanon The European Union is extremely concerned about an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and is calling for an urgent ceasefire, said Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, on Sunday. The European Union is extremely concerned about an escalation in Lebanon after the attacks Friday in Beirut, Mr Borrell said in a statement, calling for a ceasefire along the demarcation line separating them, as well as in Gaza. 03:40 PM BST UK calls for immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, has called for an immediate ceasefire after a worrying escalation between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah, as heightening cross-border tensions led to fears of an all-out war. Our message to all parties is clear: we need an immediate ceasefire from both sides so that we can get to a political settlement, so that Israelis and Lebanese civilians can return to their homes and live in peace and security, Mr Lammy said in a speech at the Labour partys annual conference. 03:24 PM BST Hezbollah says confrontation with Israel is now open-ended battle of reckoning Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy secretary-general, said that the group had entered a new phase of its battle with Israel which he described as an open-ended battle of reckoning, in comments made on Sunday during a funeral for a top commander killed in an Israeli strike on Beiruts southern suburbs on Friday. The funeral of Hezbollah senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and Hezbollah member Mahmoud Hamad, who were killed in Fridays Israeli strike on Beirut - REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh 03:15 PM BST Watch: Northern Israel hit by rockets after Hezbollah confirms 16 dead in Beirut attack 03:06 PM BST Drones fired at Israel from Iraq An Iran-backed militia fired drones at Israel as part of the overnight wave of attacks. The Islamic Resistance, an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias, launched drones targeting a military base in Israel on Sunday as it reaffirmed its commitment to destroying the enemies strongholds. The Israeli military says it intercepted multiple aerial devices approaching Israel from the direction of Iraq. It added that the targets did not cross into Israeli territory and no injuries were reported. The Islamic Resistance has launched several attacks on Israeli targets over the past year one attack by the group killed three US personnel and wounded 34 others in Jordan in January. Sundays attack comes amid escalating fire exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, heightening fears of a broadening conflict. Israeli fighter jets hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon with one of the most intense bombing raids since the war began this weekend. The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday night it launched two waves of attacks one attacking about 290 targets, and a second targeting 110 sites across southern Lebanon. Hezbollah meanwhile has launched over 100 rockets at Israel, which the IDF said had been fired toward civilian areas. The United Nations has urged for calm and warned of imminent catastrophe if a regional war ensues. 03:02 PM BST Foreign Press Association deeply concerned over Al Jazeera raid The Foreign Press Association (FPA) has said it is deeply concerned over the Israeli raid this morning that forced the closure of Al Jazeeras Ramallah bureau in the occupied West Bank. In a statement posted to X, the FPA said: The Foreign Press Association is deeply troubled by this escalation, which threatens press freedom, and urges the Israeli government to reconsider these actions. Restricting foreign reporters and closing news channels signals a shift away from democratic values. 02:53 PM BST Israel army says Al Jazeera TV office in West Bank used to incite terror The Israeli military said on Sunday that it closed the Al Jazeera TV office in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, because it incited terror. The closure order was signed after a legal opinion and intelligence assessment determined that the offices were being used to incite terror, to support terrorist activities and that the channels broadcasts endanger the security and public order in both the area and the State of Israel as a whole, a military statement said. 02:40 PM BST Military escalation not in Israels best interest, says White House A regional military escalation is not in Israels best interest, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said on Sunday, as heightening cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon have led to fears of an all-out war. We dont believe that escalating this military conflict is in their best interest, Mr Kirby said on ABCs This Week, adding that the United States was saying this directly to our Israeli counterparts. 02:28 PM BST Watch: Patients in Haifa moved deep underground after Hezbollah attacks 02:01 PM BST UK foreign minister says more sanctions possible over West Bank violence Britain will keep under review possible new sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank and will act if it has to, foreign minister David Lammy said on Sunday, adding he was concerned by actions that were inflaming tensions. Britain announced sanctions against Israeli settlers in February and May this year over what it said was extremist groups perpetrating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Mr Lammy, who became foreign minister in July after a Labour election victory, indicated the new government would take a similar approach and said that further sanctions were possible. He added that, notwithstanding Israels genuine security concerns in the West Bank, we are very worried about escalatory behaviour, very worried about inflamed tensions. Im absolutely clear: if we have to act, we will act, and Im in discussions with G7 partners particularly and European partners on that, Mr Lammy said. Im not announcing further sanctions today, but that is kept under close review, and as you would expect, I am deeply, deeply concerned. 01:45 PM BST Lammy: Cannot be a moment to recoil from rule of law David Lammy said this cannot be a moment to recoil from the rule of law when asked why the Government had begun to take some steps which some may see as critical of Israel. The Foreign Secretary was questioned on why recent decisions on arms exports and restoring funding to UNRWA had been taken, and how he would explain these positions to Israelis. Speaking at a Labour Party conference fringe event hosted by Labour Together, he said: We in the Labour Party have been calling for a ceasefire now for approaching 10 months. We think there needs to be a hostage deal and there needs to be a ceasefire. But, actually, were also very clear that in a tough geopolitical environment particularly, this cannot be a moment to recoil from the rule of law and the international humanitarian law architecture that was set up in the wake of the Second World War which our men and women died fighting for, which our country is really clear on. 01:11 PM BST Pictured: Patients in Haifa moved underground amid bombing Medics transport a patient to underground parking after rocket attacks by Hezbollah - Saeed Qaq/Anadolu via Getty Images Medical teams transport patients to Rambam Hospitals underground emergency facility in Haifa - ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Patient beds moved into the parking area - REUTERS/Shir Torem 12:48 PM BST Death toll in Gaza reaches 41,431, says health ministry At least 41,431 Palestinian people have been killed and 95,818 injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, the Hamas-run health ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The toll includes 40 deaths in the previous 24 hours, according to the ministry. It said thousands of other dead people are most likely lost in the rubble of the enclave. 12:17 PM BST Lebanon health ministry says Israeli strikes kill three Lebanons health ministry said three people were killed in separate Israeli strikes on south Lebanon on Sunday, as Israel said it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. In separate statements, the health ministry said one person was killed in Israel enemy strikes in three different south Lebanon villages. Hezbollah on Sunday announced one fighter had been killed, without specifying where they died. 12:00 PM BST Netanyahu says Israel has landed a series of blows on Hezbollah Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel had landed a series of blows on Hezbollah after a night of intense cross-border fire and attacks this week in Lebanon. In recent days, we have landed a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined. If Hezbollah did not get the message, I assure you it will get the message, Mr Netanyahu said in a statement. No country can tolerate attacks on its citizens, attacks on its cities. And we, the State of Israel, will not tolerate it either, he said, vowing to return residents of northern Israel displaced by nearly a year of fighting to their homes. 11:42 AM BST Gaza rescuers say Israeli strike on school shelter kills 7 Civil defence rescuers in Gaza City said an Israeli strike Sunday on a school-turned-shelter killed at least seven people, with the Israeli military saying it had targeted Hamas terrorists. The vast majority of the besieged Gaza Strips 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the war, with many seeking shelter in school buildings. Civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported seven martyrs and a number of wounded, including serious cases, as a result of Israeli shelling of Kafr Qasim School in the Al-Shati refugee camp. He said hundreds of displaced Gazans were sheltering there. The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas fighters operating from the school grounds, and that its forces had taken steps to mitigate the risk of harm to uninvolved civilians including by using precise munitions and surveillance. It said the air force had conducted a precise strike on Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip who were operating from a compound at the school complex. 11:27 AM BST Watch: Hezbollah rockets hit Haifa suburbs Hezbollah rockets struck a suburb in the Israeli city of Haifa, destroying cars and homes in the latest escalation of cross-border attacks. The Israeli military said rockets had been fired toward civilian areas, after previous barrages had mainly been aimed at military targets. Video footage shows explosions on leafy roads close to homes, while hospitals in northern Israel have been instructed to shift to war footing. The attack comes as Israel fighter jets hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon with one of the most intense bombing raids since the war began. The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday night it launched two waves of attacks one attacking about 290 targets, and a second targeting 110 sites across southern Lebanon. It follows an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday that killed at least 45 people, including one of Hezbollahs top leaders, and a sophisticated pager attack just days earlier. 11:16 AM BST UAE leader seeks to deepen strategic ties in US visit during Mideast crisis UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is due Monday in Washington for a first official visit at a time of soaring tensions in the Middle East. With his upcoming trip, Sheikh Mohamed will become the first sitting president of the oil-rich Gulf monarchy to make an official visit to Washington, and is scheduled to meet with US president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris. US officials said the top agenda items were the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the conflict in Sudan, where the UAE has been accused of backing one of the warring parties a charge it denies. The UAE, a federation of sheikhdoms, is one of a handful of Arab states to recognise Israel and enjoys growing clout in the Middle East owing to its oil wealth, business environment and reputation for stability. It also neighbours oil giant Saudi Arabia, which the US has been pressing to forge relations with Israel in the hope of calming a region pushed to the edge by the Israel-Hamas war. 10:56 AM BST Hundreds of thousands seek shelter Hundreds of thousands of people sought shelter from Hezbollah rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel on Sunday, the military said. Hundreds of thousands of people had to take refuge in bomb shelters across northern Israel, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told AFP. Israels civil defence agency ordered all schools in the countrys north closed following the rocket fire. It reminds me of October 7 when everybody stayed home, Haifa resident Patrice Wolff told AFP. This is not pleasant. This is war, said Sharon Hacmishvili, a resident of the area. 10:45 AM BST UN warns of catastrophe The United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon has urged calm in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah continued to trade fire on Sunday, raising fears of a regional war. With the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert wrote in a post on X. 10:39 AM BST Death toll rises to 45 from Israeli strike on Beirut The death toll from an Israeli air strike that targeted Hezbollah military commanders in Beiruts southern suburbs this week has risen to 45, Lebanons health ministry said Sunday. The number of dead has risen to 45 people, a ministry statement said, updating an earlier toll of 37 from the Friday attack. It said work continues to remove the rubble for the third day in a row and that DNA sampling would be used to determine the identities of some of the bodies. 10:30 AM BST Herzog denies Israeli involvement in pager attacks Israels president Isaac Herzog has rejected claims Israel was involved in this weeks exploding pager and walkie-talkie attacks in Lebanon. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Herzog said he rejects out of hand any connection to this or that source of operation, adding that Hezbollah had many enemies. "We have the inherent right to defend ourselves." Israeli president @Isaac_Herzog refuses to deny Israel was behind the exploding pagers attack against Hezbollah.#TrevorPhillips https://t.co/fhIHlpTGAF Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/EBZwHkrln9 Sky News (@SkyNews) September 22, 2024 10:28 AM BST Hezbollah says it targeted Ramat David Airbase with dozens of missiles Hezbollah said it targeted the Israeli Ramat David Airbase with dozens of missiles in response to what it described as repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon, the group posted on its Telegram channel early on Sunday morning. 10:13 AM BST We do not want war with Lebanon, says Israeli president Israels president, Isaac Herzog, has said that Israel does not want war with Lebanon. Speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News, Mr Herzog claimed that the conflict was instigated by Iranian proxies in the region. Israel is not interested to be at war with Lebanon. We do not want to get into a war with Lebanon, he said. But Lebanon has been hijacked by a terror organisation which is also a political party called Hezbollah. Israel is fighting for its well being, its existence, its citizens. Thats what we are doing. And we are doing whatever is the right thing to do, he added. 10:09 AM BST Pictures from the Haifa suburb attack A member of the Israeli security forces stands guard inside a cordoned-off area in Kiryat Bialik - JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images First responders, Israeli security forces and local people gather amid debris and damaged vehicles in Kiryat Bialik - Ilia Yefimovich / Avalon Security forces investigate a damaged vehicle - Ilia Yefimovich / Avalon 09:56 AM BST Israeli president disappointed in new UK Government There is a sense of disappointment in the way the new UK Government has acted towards Israel, Isaac Herzog has said. The Israeli president told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips on Sky News: We have outstanding relations with the British Government. We have outstanding relations with the people of Britain. I have, personally, very close affinity with His Majestys Government and with Britain at large, but we also have to understand that between friends we expect friends and allies to be there for us all the time, as we are for them. There is a sense of disappointment in Israel and I have expressed it to my friends. He added: I met with Prime Minister Starmer at the opening of the Olympic Games. We expect that all our allies will be side-by-side with us in combating this terrible situation and fighting, like we are, to bring our hostages back home. 09:39 AM BST Northern Israeli hospitals instructed to shift to war footing Hospitals in northern Israel have been instructed to transfer their operations to facilities with extra protection from rocket and missile fire, the health ministry said on Sunday. Rambam hospital in the city of Haifa will transfer patients to its underground, secure facility, the ministry said. 09:35 AM BST Watch: Israeli troops raid Al Jazeera TV bureau in West Bank Israeli forces raided Al Jazeeras Ramallah TV bureau in the West Bank on Sunday morning, with the broadcaster capturing the moment live. The Qatar-based channel aired live footage of the Israeli troops storming the channels office, handing over a military closure order to one of the Al Jazeera TV staff, before the broadcast was disrupted. The military order demanded the broadcaster close for 45 days, a move decried by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate as arbitrary. There is a court ruling for closing down Al Jazeera for 45 days, an Israeli soldier told Al Jazeeras local bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, in the live footage. I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment. Video showed what appeared to be Israel troops tearing down a banner on a balcony used by the Al Jazeera office. Al Jazeera said it bore an image of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist shot dead by Israeli forces in May 2022. Israeli communication minister Shlomo Karhi later described the raid as affecting the mouthpiece of Hamas and Hezbollah, while the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate denounced the Israeli raid and order. 09:26 AM BST Israeli military says it intercepts aerial target launched from the east Israels military said it has intercepted a suspicious aerial target launched from the east, and that no damage or injuries were reported. Earlier, an official in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a grouping of Iran-backed armed factions, said they launched cruise missile and explosive drone attacks at Israel. Hezbollah fires rockets deep into northern Israel as tensions flare. Heres what we know The last 48 hours has seen the most intense exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in almost a year of war in Gaza, as the Lebanese militant group fired projectiles deeper into Israeli territory than has previously been seen. On Saturday, Israel pounded Hezbollah targets with nearly 300 strikes in what they described as preemptive action to thwart a planned attack. Hezbollah meanwhile has been launching a barrage of rockets and other projectiles at Israel in what it says is retaliation for Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Hezbollah the Lebanon-based, Iran-backed militant group has been left reeling after two days of blasts targeting pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members was followed by an Israeli strike on southern Beirut, which killed at least 45 people including a top commander and other senior operatives. Heres what we know about the escalation of tensions. Whats happened, when and where? On Tuesday and Wednesday, Lebanon was rocked by two similar, surprise attacks. On Tuesday afternoon, pagers exploded at the same time across several parts of Lebanon, including capital Beirut, and in several towns in the central Beqaa valley, strongholds for the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. 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. Lebanese health minister Firass Abiad put the death toll from both attacks at 39; 12 on Tuesday and 27 on Wednesday. The exploding devices attacks were followed by an Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Friday, which killed at least 45 including senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil, and levelled a multistory building in a densely populated neighborhood. The developments put the region on a knife edge, with Hezbollah targeting northern Israel with a series of rockets and missiles overnight on Saturday into Sunday, striking deeper into Israeli territory than they have done in other recent attacks. The attacks, Hezbollah said, were in response to repeated Israeli strikes in Lebanon that have led to the deaths of many civilians. Among the targets, Hezbollah said it hit an air base with Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 missiles, a longer-range weapon seemingly not used so far. Most were intercepted but some fell, causing damage. The Israeli military reported impacts in Kiryat Bialik, Tsur Shalom and Moreshet near the port city of Haifa, around 40 km (25 miles) south of the border, marking one of the deepest direct hits by the Iran-backed group since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. Schools have closed in many northern areas of Israel, and gatherings have been restricted. Israel meanwhile fired nearly 300 projectiles into southern Lebanon on Saturday in what the military said was pre-emptive action against a planned Hezbollah attack. Israel continued its strikes into Sunday, with Lebanons official National News Agency (NNA) reporting two people were killed Sunday morning in southern Lebanon. Will the conflict escalate? Exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah have occurred consistently since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 8, the day after Hamas attack on Israel, in skirmishes which have long sparked fears of the fighting spilling over into a wider regional conflict. Key players have at times appeared to walk right up to the brink, but tensions have de-escalated given the grave consequences of an all-out war in the Middle East. However, the intensity of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah seen over the past few days has been unprecedented, renewing fears of a wider war that could drag in the entire region, as well as Israels chief ally the United States. Emergency workers use excavators to clear the rubble at the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs. - Bilal Hussein/AP While Hezbollahs leader has previously stated he does not want a fully-fledged regional war, experts have said he may now be under more pressure to act following the spate of explosions, and with Israel set on moving its military objectives to its northern border. Israeli President Israel Herzog told Sky News on Sunday said that Israel is not interested to be at war with Lebanon. He instead blamed Hezbollah for the military escalation between the two nations. Hezbollah has admitted the attacks have left them weakened but also show little sign of pulling back. Naim Qassim the groups second most important figure after leader Hassan Nasrallah said a a battle without limits was now underway. Why did Israel target Lebanon now? Hezbollah and Israel have been in 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. Speaking on Sunday, Netanyahu again put the focus on ensuring the return of Israel citizens to their homes in northern Israel and to restore security in that region. Speaking ahead of a government meeting, he said: If Hezbollah didnt get the message - I assure you - they will get the message. We are determined to return our citizens in the north to their homes safely. CNNs Tamara Qiblawi, Tim Lister, Mick Krever, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Eyad Kourdi, Jessie Yeung, Hamdi Alkhshali and Lauren Izso contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Hezbollah said it fired dozens of missiles into an air base in southeast Haifa as a retaliatory move after a series of attacks from Israel killed dozens of people in Lebanon last week, according to reports. The death toll rose to at least 37 people after a missile attack Friday in Beirut, as Israel hit against Hezbollah, The Associated Press reported. One of Hezbollahs senior leaders, as well as women and children, were among those reportedly killed. On Sunday, the Israeli military said that about 10 projectiles crossed into Israel from Lebanon, and most had been intercepted, according to the New York Times. AP said that Israel emergency medical services reported that a man was lightly wounded by missile shrapnel that was intercepted in a village near Galilee. Earlier Saturday, Health Minister Firass Abiad said during a news conference that the Friday strike in southern Beirut had left 31 people dead, including seven women and three children. At least 68 people were also injured, with about 15 still recovering in the hospital and two remain in critical condition, he added. The strike took out Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollahs operations unit and the commander of the elite special forces unit the Radwan Force, according to the Israeli military. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) added that other senior Radwan commanders were also killed. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that Aqil and the other Radwan commanders were huddled underground beneath a residential building in the heart of the Dahieh neighborhood, using civilians as human shields. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Security forces stand infront of damaged buildings in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa The Hezbollah militia reported launching an attack on an industrial complex and an Israeli military base near the port city of Haifa in northern Israel early on Sunday, while the Israeli army said it launched attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah described its attack as retaliation for Israel's "brutal massacre" last week, in which coordinated blasts involving electronic devices across Lebanon caused death and injury. The Iran-backed militia also said it had attacked the Israel Defence Forces' (IDF) Ramat David airbase near Haifa in response to "repeated Israeli aggression in various regions in Lebanon." It did not mention the name of Ibrahim Akil, the senior Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli attack on a Beirut suburb on Friday. The death toll from Friday's Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburbs, a hotbed of the Hezbollah movement, rose to 45, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Sunday. Meanwhile, the IDF reported on Sunday that Hezbollah had launched around 115 attacks on civilian targets in northern Israel. IDF forces were on high alert in the region to ward off the attacks and to "intensify" attacks on Hezbollah, it said. The attacks penetrated further south than previously. Air raid sirens were also heard to the south-west of Nazareth, which lies inland from Haifa. Lebanese authorities described the Israeli air attacks as the heaviest since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip on October 7 last year. Some 70 targets had been attacked within 20 minutes, they said. Hospitals in northern Israel to move patients to bunker Amid increased cross-border rocket attacks from Lebanon, hospitals in northern Israel have been instructed to move patients to shelters, Isreali media reported on Sunday. Rambam Hospital in Haifa, the region's largest, announced it would begin relocating patients to its underground emergency facility at midday, following army directives. Rambam's so-called "bunker hospital," built in 2014 and located more than 16 metres underground, can accommodate up to 1,400 patients, both soldiers and civilians, according to its website. Normally used as a car park, the facility is also fortified against biological and chemical attacks. Since the war began in the Gaza Strip on October 7 last year between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement, which is allied with Hezbollah, there have been almost daily military confrontations between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in the border area between the two countries. There have been deaths on both sides, most of them members of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. Hezbollah says it is acting in solidarity with Hamas. Concerns are rising that the IDF could launch a ground offensive into southern Lebanon to force Hezbollah units back from the border in order to allow thousands of Israeli civilians to return to their homes in the region. UN warns of 'imminentcatastrophe' in the Middle East The United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has warned that the Middle East is facing a catastrophic situation, stating that the region is "on the brink of an imminent catastrophe." She said: "It cannot be overstated enough: there is no military solution that will make either side safer." Hennis-Plasschaert's remarks referred to the ongoing exchanges between Israel's army and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which continued through the night. Both sides have engaged in some of the most intense exchanges since their renewed confrontations began nearly a year ago. The UN observer mission UNIFIL has been monitoring the Israel-Lebanon border since 1978. Last month, three UNIFIL soldiers were slightly injured by an explosion near their vehicle in southern Lebanon. The mission currently involves around 10,000 troops and 800 civilians. Since its inception nearly 50 years ago, more than 300 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives. US calls on citizens to leave Lebanon Meanwhile, in view of the escalation, the United States is calling on its citizens to leave Lebanon. "Due to the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflict between [Hezbollah] and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon including the capital Beirut," the US Embassy is advising its citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial options are still available, the US State Department said in a statement. At this time, flights are still available, but with reduced capacity, it added. An excavator removes a destroyed vehicle in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa A view of a damaged building in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Security forces stand infront of damaged buildings in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa People walk near the area targeted by a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Paramedics assist medical staff at Rambam Hospital in transporting patients from the upper floors to an underground parking area following an attack by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa A view of Rambam Hospital's parking garage after it was converted into an emergency underground facility following an attack by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Paramedics assist medical staff at Rambam Hospital in transporting patients from the upper floors to an underground parking area following an attack by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Damaged vehicles can be seen in Kiryat Bialik following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa The Hezbollah militia reported launching an attack on an industrial complex and an Israeli military base near the port city of Haifa in northern Israel early on Sunday, while the Israeli army said it launched attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah described its attack as retaliation for Israel's "brutal massacre" last week, in which coordinated blasts involving electronic devices across Lebanon caused death and injury. The Iran-backed militia also said it had attacked the Israel Defence Forces' (IDF) Ramat David airbase near Haifa in response to "repeated Israeli aggression in various regions in Lebanon." It did not mention the name of Ibrahim Akil, the senior Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli attack on a Beirut suburb on Friday. The death toll from Friday's Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburbs, a hotbed of the Hezbollah movement, rose to 45, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Sunday. Meanwhile, the IDF reported on Sunday that Hezbollah had launched around 115 attacks on civilian targets in northern Israel. IDF forces were on high alert in the region to ward off the attacks and to "intensify" attacks on Hezbollah, it said. The attacks penetrated further south than previously. Air raid sirens were also heard to the south-west of Nazareth, which lies inland from Haifa. Lebanese authorities described the Israeli air attacks as the heaviest since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip on October 7 last year. Some 70 targets had been attacked within 20 minutes, they said. Security forces investigate a damaged vehicle in Kiryat Bialik following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa First responders, Israeli security forces and People gather amid debris and damaged vehicles in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Security forces investigate a damaged vehicle in Kiryat Bialik following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa By Timour Azhari and Miro Maman BEIRUT/HAIFA, Israel (Reuters) -Hezbollah and Israel exchanged heavy fire into Sunday, as the Lebanese militant group sent rockets deep into northern Israeli territory after facing some of the most intense bombardment in almost a year of conflict. Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem told mourners at the funeral of one of the group's commanders killed last week in Beirut: "We have entered a new phase, the title of which is the open-ended battle of reckoning." Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said operations would continue until it was safe for evacuated people on his side of the border to return - also setting the stage for a long conflict as Iran-backed Hezbollah has vowed to fight on until a ceasefire in the parallel Gaza war. Israel's Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said in a televised statement the military was well-prepared for the next stages of fighting, which were coming in the next few days, but did not say what this would entail. "We will do whatever it takes to removes threats against Israel," Halevi said in a televised statement. The conflict - which has escalated sharply in the past week - has raged since Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel, saying it was acting in support of Palestinians facing an Israeli offensive further south in Gaza. On Tuesday and Wednesday, thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded. The attack was widely blamed on Israel, which has not confirmed or denied responsibility. The following day, Israel launched its heaviest bombardment of Lebanon yet. On Friday an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburb targeted senior Hezbollah commanders in an attack that killed 45 people, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Hezbollah said 16 members of the group were among the dead, including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and another commander, Ahmed Wahbi. In a further intense bombardment on Saturday the Israeli military said it struck around 290 targets, including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels. "In recent days we have inflicted a series of blows on Hezbollah that it never imagined," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement. "If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message." SIRENS SOUND, SCHOOLS CLOSED Speaking at Aqil's funeral on Sunday, Hezbollah's Qassem said Israel was seeking to paralyse the group, but would not succeed. Qassem said Israel's escalation of the conflict would lead to further displacement of its own citizens. Israel has closed schools, restricted gatherings in the north and ordered hospitals there to move patients and staff to protected areas - many have secured or underground facilities designed to withstand rocket fire. Air raid sirens sounded constantly in Israel on Sunday. About 150 rockets, cruise missiles and drones were fired at Israel overnight and into Sunday, most of which were intercepted by air defences, the military said. Several buildings were struck, including a house badly damaged near the city of Haifa. Rescue teams treated wounded but there were no reports of deaths. Residents had been instructed to stay near bomb shelters and safe rooms. Hezbollah said it hit a barracks and another Israeli position with squadrons of attack drones and also launched rockets at military-industrial facilities in an "initial response" to the device attacks last week. An official in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a grouping of Iran-backed armed factions, said they launched cruise missile and explosive drone attacks at Israel at dawn on Sunday as part of "a new phase in our support front" with Lebanon. "Escalation in Lebanon means escalation from Iraq," the official said. 'IMMINENT CATASTROPHE' The U.N. special coordinator in Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasscharet, said in a post on X that "with the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer". Lebanon's top Christian cleric, Bechara Boutros al-Rai, said in his Sunday sermon that Lebanon was "deeply saddened" by the casualties among civilians and within Hezbollah in the attacks of the past week, in a rare condolence message by a Christian leader to the group. "We direct an appeal to the (United Nations Security Council) to put an end to this war by all available means," Rai said. Tens of thousands of people have left their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in October. The Gaza conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has killed more than 41,300 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, and laid waste to the enclave. (Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly, Timour Azhari, Maya Gebeily, Hatem Maher, Adam Makary, Ari Rabinovitch and Emily RoseWriting by Lincoln Feast and Ari RabinovitchEditing by William Mallard, Frances Kerry and Andrew Heavens) Israel and the militant group Hezbollah have exchanged heavy fire as the conflict in the region intensifies. Dozens of rockets hit Israel which destroyed homes, cars and communities, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, said in a post on X. Israel said roughly 150 rockets, cruise missiles and drones were launched at Israel. Many were intercepted but there was a small number when strikes made it through, NBC News reported. Shoshani blamed Hezbollah for the attacks and said earlier Saturday that Israel had eliminated 16 members of Hezbollahs leaders. The attacks follow an uptick in attacks between the two groups. Late last week handheld pagers used by members of Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon and in parts of Syria, in what was widely seen as an attack from Israel. The coordinated attack sparked fears of a larger regional war as Israel continues to battle Hamas in Gaza. Israel has been increasingly hinting it is ready for a bigger war against Hezbollah as operations wind down in Gaza. In response to the pager attack, Hezbollah said it had fired dozens of missiles into an air base in southeast Haifa in retaliation for the pager attack and strikes from Israel. Israel said Sunday that ten projectiles crossed into Israel from Lebanon. Israeli strikes this weekend took out Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollahs operations unit. Shoshani said on X that Aquil, along with the 11 other Hezbollah leaders killed, made up the groups leadership and were advancing terror attacks similar to Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel last year. These murderous terrorists were a threat to Israeli and Lebanese civilians alike, with their blood on their hands, Shoshani posted. As international leaders work to get Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire deal, Hezbollah has been gathering across the border and represents a significant outside security threat. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Workers inspect the damage inside a house after a missile strike on a residential neighborhood in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel, on Sunday. Photo by Abir Sultan/EPA-EFE Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Hezbollah on Sunday launched around 85 missiles from Lebanon into the Haifa area -- the deepest into Israel since the beginning of the war in October -- with three people injured. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terror group, claimed the rockets were in response to the pager and walkie-talkie blasts in Lebanon last week, which killed more than 30 members of the terror group and wounded thousands of others. The attack was attributed to Israel, which has not commented. More than 60 Israeli airstrikes have been fired on southern Lebanon since dawn Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conducted security consultations with ministers and top defense officials on Saturday night. Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar said the IAF was on the highest level of alert. "If Hezbollah didn't get the message -- I assure you -- they will get the message," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said ahead of a government meeting Sunday, "We are determined to return our citizens in the north to their homes safely." US President Joe Biden responds to a question from the news media after stepping off Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on Sunday, September 22, 2024. President Biden is returning from Wilmington, Delaware where he hosted the leaders of Australia, India and Japan at his home for his final 'Quad Summit.' Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI Netanyahu has delayed his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. He plans to leave Friday, an Israeli official told CNN. U.S. officials are urging Israel to de-escalate but the nation must defend itself against attacks, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Sunday. "We're watching with concern the escalating tensions in the region and across that border here in the last week or so. And we don't believe, continue to not believe, that kinetic action, military action, by either side is really in either side's best interest ... There's a better way forward here," Kirby said on Fox News Sunday. President Joe Biden also expressed concern about tensions in the Middle East. He told reporters upon returning to the White House from Delaware on Sunday that "we're going to do everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out. And we're still pushing hard." A teenager was killed when he crashed his vehicle as sirens sounded early Sunday in northern Israel, The Times of Israel reported. Hezbollah fired 24 rockets in Jezreel Valley, which were all intercepted, according to Israel Defense Forces. IDF said some of the rockets fired toward Haifa were intercepted and others impacted in Kiryat Bialik, a suburb of the northern coastal city, injuring three people. One rocket caused significant damage but no injuries at a home in Moreshet in the Lower Galilee. Hezbollah said they targeted the Israeli Air Force's Ramat David Airbase, located some 31 miles from the Lebanon border. The Hezbollah-affiliated al-Mayadeen network said the rockets were fired from an underground "Imad" missile base. Thousands of rocket launcher barrels were hit in the strikes, the IDF said, as they vow to "dismantle and degrade" its capabilities. Two million Israelis -- a fifth of the population -- are in range of the farthest strikes. On Saturday, the IDF struck hundreds of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including rocket launchers. The army said there were preparations by the terror group to launch major rocket attacks against Israel. The death toll from an Israeli strike on southern Beirut that targeted several Hezbollah commanders on Friday rose to 45, Lebanon's health ministry said Sunday. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told CNN he is concerned Lebanon could be transformed into "another Gaza" amid escalating attacks between Israel and Hezbollah. He told Fareed Zakaria there is "potential for a much stronger escalation," which could be a "devastating tragedy for the world." The UN chief told CNN's Fareed Zakaria in an exclusive interview aired on Sunday These are the developments in southern Israel: Seven people were killed Sunday morning in an Israeli airstrike on another school compound, reports from Gaza say. The IDF says the compound was being used as a Hamas base. The Israeli military has struck several school compounds sheltering the displaced in recent weeks, with 22 people reported killed on Saturday in one strike. The Gaza Civil Defense said Sunday that the highest proportion of civilian casualties in August at the school compounds. The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza said the bodies of 40 people have been brought into hospitals in the past 24 hours and 58 individuals have been injured as a result of Israeli military operations. The ministry reported the cumulative death toll since Oct. 7 as 41,431, with 95,818 people injured. During a raid, Israel's military ordered the closure of Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, the network said. A security guard told CNN the soldiers used explosives to breach the building's entrance. In May, Israel shut down its Jerusalem office and seized some of its communication equipment. Al Jazeera broadcast live footage early Sunday of Israeli soldiers entering its offices in Ramall. The Foreign Press Association, which represents foreign press in Israel and the Palestinian territories, said it was "deeply troubled" by what it described as an "escalation which threatens press freedom." Hezbollah rockets struck a suburb in the Israeli city of Haifa, destroying cars and spraying shrapnel on homes, in a revenge attack for Israeli air strikes and sabotage in Beirut. The Israeli military said rockets had been fired towards civilian areas after previous barrages had mainly been aimed at military targets. Footage from car dashcams caught the moment of the explosions, which appeared to strike the middle of a residential street. Vehicles were left ablaze, and homes hit by debris. The scenes of destruction in a major city are rare, with Hezbollah rockets normally falling on army positions or abandoned northern villages, and many being downed by Israels Iron Dome defence system. Israeli security forces in a Haifa district targeted by Hezbollah - Jack Guez/AFP It came as Israel fighter jets hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon with one of the most intense bombing raids since the war began. The Israel Defense Forces said it launched two waves of attacks one on about 290 targets, and a second targeting 110 sites across the region. Israel is thought to be using air strikes and purported sabotage of pagers and walkie-talkies to try to pressure Hezbolllah to retreat north so Israeli civilians can move back to the north of Israel. On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, warned: If Hezbollah did not understand the message ... I promise you, it will understand the message. We will not suffer this no state will suffer this, and we will do whatever necessary to return security. Israel and Hezbollah have so far resisted escalating the conflict to a full-scale war, despite tit-for-tat exchanges escalating almost daily. Iran, which backs Hezbollah, is thought to be resistant to a major escalation, while Israel faces internal and external pressure from allies to avoid a ground invasion of Lebanon. However, Israeli officials suggested last week that the conflict was entering a new phase as more military reinforcements were sent northwards. On Sunday, Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy chief, said his group was also in a new phase in its battle against Israel, which it said had become an open-ended reckoning. Threats will not stop us... We are ready to face all military possibilities, he said. Emergency services at the scene of a Hezbollah rocket strike on Haifa - Gil Nechushtan/AP They were the first comments from a senior group official since a strike on Beiruts southern suburbs killed Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force. At least 16 Hezbollah members were killed in the strike, while Lebanons health ministry put the death toll at 45, including civilians. Israel suggested on Sunday that those killed were plotting a new Oct 7-style attack on northern Israel and Galilee. Hussein Fadlallah, the Lebanese member of parliament for Hezbollah, said the group had already replaced the commanders killed over the weekend. There is no vacuum on the night of the attack in Dahieh, the new commanders were already appointed and began to plan an attack on the enemy. Not a single outpost remains empty of commanders for even a single day, he said. Experts believe the Hezbollah attacks that struck civilian parts of Haifa on Sunday risk escalating the conflict further. Usually, Haifa is a red line, said Ronen Solomon, an Israeli intelligence analyst. Debris in the Haifa suburb of Kiryat Bialik following a Hezbollah strike - Avalon Schools were closed in several areas of northern Israel, and gatherings restricted, while hospitals were ordered to move operations to facilities with extra protection from rocket and missile fire. Alana Cohen, a resident, said: In Haifa, we are not used to this. I have barely slept with all the booms and sirens through the night. Daniel Rosenfeld, another resident, said: The streets are empty there is a weird feeling here this morning. It [the conflict] hasnt felt so close as now. Sarit Zahavi, from Alma, which focuses on security on Israels northern border, said: Its the first time during this conflict that Hezbollah has fired rockets, and so many, towards the Haifa area. We are in a new phase in the war and have been living under fire here since October, and we want to see our government doing something. Emergency personnel stand near houses in Haifa damaged in the rocket attack - Shir Torem/Reuters Hezbollah claimed it had targeted the Israeli Ramat David Airbase with successive barrages of missiles in part as revenge for the attacks by exploding pagers and walkie-talkies, thought to have been carried out by Israeli secret intelligence. Some of the drones overnight came from Iran-backed groups in Iraq. Israels wave of bombings marked one of the largest sorties over southern Lebanon in months. On Sunday, John Kirby, the White House National Security spokesman, said a regional military escalation was not in Israels best interest, adding that the US was saying this directly to our Israeli counterparts. He warned: The tensions are much higher now than they were even just a few days ago. Israeli and Iranian delegations head to New York this week for the UN General Assembly, which falls two weeks before the anniversary of the Oct 7 attacks. 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. Security forces stand infront of damaged buildings in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa The pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement vowed on Sunday to continue to fight Israel and support its main ally Hamas in Gaza despite the severe blow Israel dealt it this week, saying the conflict had entered a new phase. "We follow the front of support and confrontation... we will kill them and fight from where they expect and from where they do not expect," said Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naeem Kassem, referring to Israelis. He spoke at the funeral of Ibrahim Akil, a key commander in the movement. "We will now determine how to respond to the aggression, and we have entered a new phase with the Israeli army called the 'Battle of the Open Account,'" Kassem said. He vowed that the residents of northern Israel will not return, but instead the displacement will increase as the movement will increase its attacks into northern Israel from Lebanon. "We are prepared to face all military possibilities and you will see the results," said Kassem referring to a possible war with Israel. Killed commander Akil was top Hezbollah strategist Akil, was killed along with 44 other people, when Israeli warplanes struck a building where he and other commmanders from the movement's elite Radwan Force were holding a meeting under a residential building in Beirut's southern suburbs, a hotbed of the movement. Kassem said during the funeral that Akil was the commander of operations in Hezbollah and that he started Radwan in 2008. Sixteen members of the force were killed in Friday's Israeli airstrike, according to Hezbollah sources. Hezbollah: Israel guilty of 'three war crimes' The Hezbollah official said Israel has committed "three war crimes" by hitting residential areas and houses and not only their fighters. Tensions have also intensified in recent days, when Hezbollah pagers and two-way radios exploded on Tuesday and Wednesday killing over 70 people, and wounding 68 others. Hezbollah has blamed Israel, which has not commented. Men clad in black and others in military fatigues were crying as the coffins of Akil and another commander passed during the funeral process. "God is Great...God bless Nasrallah," chanted the angry crowd while raising their fists in the air, in a show of support for Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader. Israel has been exchanging fire with Hezbollah on a daily basis since the beginning of its conflict with the Palestinian militant organization Hamas in Gaza nearly a year ago. An excavator removes a destroyed vehicle in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Israeli security forces inspect a damaged building in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa People hang a giant Israeli flag from the roof of a damaged building in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Heavy smoke of Israeli air raids billows from suspected Hezbollah position in the southern Lebanese village of Mahmoudieh. Israeli warplanes carried more than 50 raids on several villages one day after a deadly attack on Beirut southern suburb killing 31 people among them Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan Brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa Heavy smoke of Israeli air raids billows from suspected Hezbollah position in the southern Lebanese village of Mahmoudieh. Israeli warplanes carried more than 50 raids on several villages one day after a deadly attack on Beirut southern suburb killing 31 people among them Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan Brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) The western Caribbean and southern Gulf of Mexico are being closely monitored for potential tropical development next week. Tropical Depression Likely to Form A broad area of low pressure is expected to form over the northwestern Caribbean Sea within the next few days. Gradual development of this system is anticipated, with a tropical depression likely forming as it slowly moves northward across the northwestern Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico by the end of next week. The chance of formation within the next 48 hours is medium, at 40 percent, but the chance of formation over the next 7 days is high, at 80 percent. Disagreement Among Forecast Models Some forecast models predict a strong tropical system making landfall along the Gulf Coast toward the end of the month, and these predictions have been circulating widely on social media. However, its important to remember that model projections are likely to fluctuate significantly between different models and from one update to the next until the system actually begins to form. Because of this uncertainty, there is currently little to no confidence in any specific outcome at this time. What is the Central American Gyre? The Central American Gyre (CAG) is a large, slow-rotating area of low pressure that forms over Central America and the surrounding waters of the western Caribbean and eastern Pacific. It typically develops during the late spring and again in the early fall, during the Atlantic hurricane season. It is known for producing widespread thunderstorms and heavy rain, sometimes leading to flooding and landslides in the region. The CAG can act as a seed for development of tropical systems by creating areas of enhanced thunderstorm activity and rotation. Under favorable conditions such as warm ocean temperatures, low wind shear, and abundant moisture, these areas can develop into tropical depressions or storms. Depending on steering currents, any system that forms within the gyre can move into the Atlantic or Pacific, making the CAG a key feature to monitor for potential tropical cyclone formation, especially from late May through June and from late September through October. Stay Updated Be sure to monitor forecasts from official sources like the National Hurricane Center and trusted media outlets over the next few days. Now is a good time to review hurricane preparedness plans and refresh supplies, but there is no immediate concern for Gulf Coast residents. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) A crowd gathered in Manchester Saturday for the towns Hispanic Heritage Day celebration. Visitors were able to check out live music and cultural performances all along Spruce Street. There were shops from local restaurants and vendors, live music and community activities all with the goal of uplifting Hispanic neighborhoods in Manchester. Theres diversity. Thats what we want in this town, so people know that we are a diverse community, said Manchester Town Council member Jessee Muniz Poland. Hispanic Heritage Day started as a small celebration sponsored by the Manchester Latino Affairs Council five years ago and has only grown in scale since. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) When film star James Stewart went on location in 1948 at Stateville prisons notorious roundhouse while portraying a Chicago newspaper reporter whose work freed a wrongly convicted killer in Call Northside 777, the lockup had already been standing nearly a quarter of a century. Now, 76 years and hundreds of millions of dollars of neglected repairs later, the Illinois prison home of infamous killers Leopold and Loeb and Richard Speck, and the site of John Wayne Gacys execution, is shutting down. The Illinois Department of Corrections already has begun transferring inmates from the facility in the Chicago suburb of Crest Hill, a contentious decision bolstered by a federal court order last month. Last spring, Gov. JB Pritzkers administration announced a $900 million plan to replace Stateville, which opened in 1925, with a state-of-the-art facility on adjacent, state-owned land. The campus also could see a new womens prison. Supplanting the deteriorated Logan Correctional Center in central Illinois is part of the proposal; it might move to the Stateville campus. Completion could be three to five years away. But thats about all the administration has said. There has been no disclosure of a design plan; no timeline for demolition, groundbreaking or even deciding what will happen to prison staff. Nonetheless, corrections officials decision to shutter the facility this month was made long before the court decision made it inevitable. Ruling in a decade-old lawsuit challenging the health and safety of Statevilles environment, U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood on Aug. 9 ordered most of the prisons 430 inmates to be evacuated by Sept. 30. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News The primary reason for the facilitys closure during the rebuild is to address serious safety and security concerns posed to those who work and live in Stateville, acting Corrections Director Latoya Hughes told a legislative review panel in June. This is not just a matter of preference but a necessary step to ensure safety, efficiency and the fulfillment of our rehabilitative mission. Employees and service providers, such as institutions that supply a variety of educational courses and social programs to inmates, want Stateville to stay open while its replacement is constructed to avoid disruption to services or destruction of a tightly knit and highly experienced staff. The prison is behind on maintenance by $286 million, according to a long-range capital needs study released in May 2023. It identified $12 million in immediate upgrades, but Hughes said that grossly underestimates the full spectrum of urgent needs. Woods court order focused on falling chunks of concrete, bird feathers and feces and foul-smelling tap water. The ramshackle F-House, a circular unit with cells around the perimeter and a guard tower in the middle, was closed in 2016 the last of the nations roundhouse prison housing units although it was briefly reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic to put more space between inmates. F-House and other buildings no longer in use are part of the backlog of repairs, but they still require maintenance, Hughes said. It doesnt make sense to pay for rehabilitation while also preparing for a huge outlay on a new facility. Whats more, much of the work would require moving inmates anyway, Hughes said. But it doesnt make sense to state Sen. Rachel Ventura that the department has not followed through on resolving concerns she and other lawmakers raised during public hearings in June she said in one case, an inmate promised a continued education course no longer has access post-transfer. The Joliet Democrat said she has asked repeatedly for updates but is told theres no new information. If theyre going to shut it down (Sept. 30), well, what are you doing with it? Are you transferring furniture out of there? Are you getting out a demo plan? Are you getting an environmental study done? Ventura said. These would be the next logical steps, but to have nothing, no response from DOC on this again, highly concerning. An email was sent to Corrections spokesperson, followed up by a telephone message, seeking comment on activity at Stateville: timelines for closure, demolition and groundbreaking, and what measures are necessary after inmate evacuation. The hearings in June before the bipartisan, bicameral legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, were understandably packed with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees members jittery about not just losing their jobs but breaking up collegial, cooperative staff environments at Stateville and Logan. Stateville has 939 staff members, including 676 who provide security. Hughes noted that Corrections Department understaffing works in their favor. In June, she said the agency had 1,000 vacancies within 63 miles (101 kilometers) of Stateville, including at facilities that will remain open on the Stateville campus. There are 500 vacancies to the south at the larger and older Pontiac Correctional Center and 168 at Sheridan prison to the west. When Stateville reopens, its former employees will have first dibs on returning. But many employees have a long commute to Stateville. Charles Mathis drives 45 minutes from his south Chicago home. A transfer to Sheridan or Pontiac would mean a one-way trip of up to two hours, to say nothing of double shifts employees work once they get there because of staff shortages. That kind of commute roundtrip would take an enormous toll on my mind and body, Mathis said. It would take away from the precious time that I have with my family and friends. I speak for all my co-workers when I say that that may be nearly impossible to justify. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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. HEPHZIBAH, Ga. (WJBF) On Sunday, September 22nd, at 2:26am, the Richmond County Sheriffs Office responded to the 4300 block of Forest Road in reference to shots fired and one person being shot. Upon arrival, deputies observed a male victim had been shot at least one time and had succumbed to his injuries. The Richmond County Coroners Office has identified the victim as 43-year-old Mikah Smith. An autopsy has been scheduled. This investigation is ongoing, with no further information available at this time. Count on NewsChannel 6 for more details 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 WJBF. I can do this, Honowai 6th graders get a taste of the medical field HONOLULU (KHON2) When you were 10 years old did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? The University of Hawaii Medical School hosted young students over the past week to hopefully put a career in the medical field on their radar. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Sixth graders from Honowai Elementary School had a first-hand look at what its like to be a medical student. Students learned about different health topics from the effects of nicotine to learning about heart pressure, dials and needles. Mayor Blangiardi participates in 10th anniversary of ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Close to 100 students got a feel of college classes to help plant the seed for possible future doctors, nurses or any other medical professional. We know role modeling is really critical and for any young person, child, whatever, just having that ability to say wow, okay that person could be me someday,' said Dr. Lee Buenconsejo-Lum, Associate Dean of JABSOM. Doctor Buenconsejo-Lum estimated about a third of the current incoming class visited the school in one of these Pathway Programs. JABSOM usually hosts these events for high school students, so its the first time hosting students so young. If everything works out, it wont be the last. UH received funding from the state legislature, hopefully allowing it to hire more staff to host more students. We believe in our young people. We believe in our schools, so these types of partnerships with the Department of Education is really important for all of Hawaiis workforce. Dr. Lee Buenconsejo-Lum, Associate Dean of JABSOM I always wanted to be some sort of engineer or architect. It definitely got me to look further at health and stuff, said sixth grader, Robindehl Joachim. Check out whats going on around the nation on our National News page This is achievable. You can be a doctor one day or you can be a business owner in a school or be a teacher. Just give them the confidence to just think about, Hey, I could do this as possible. Like this person went to my school. This is possible for me,' said Malia Ignacio, teacher. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) The Hoot and Howl gift shop in Morgantown turned into Hoot and Owl on Sunday as it hosted the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia (ACCA) for a fundraiser. Officials with the ACCA explained that they partnered with Hoot and Howl to host a fundraiser where a portion of their proceeds go to the center. Its goal is to conserve the birds from the region through rehabilitation, education and research. Avian Trainer and educator for the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia Cheyenne Carter described just how much money is needed to take care of the birds, illustrating the importance of fundraisers like this one. It costs a lot of money to feed these birds. We spend thousands of dollars, about $23,000 last year in just feeding birds, Carter said. We get lots of eagles, hawks, even songbirds. So, as things increase in price, that means their food increases and the budget needs to increase. Upshur County hosts Firefighter Recruiter and Retention Boot Camp Some of the items sold by Hoot and Howl included shirts and tote bags printed with the shops logo on them. Three birds from the ACCA were also present for people to see. Owner of Hoot and Howl gift shop Stephanie Swaim said she was happy to help support the center. Our community is incredible, you know, we have so many amazing people here that do all kinds of really amazing things with animals and to help other human beings, Swaim said. And every chance that I get I am going to try and donate or find a different charity to help out or fundraise or anything like that. The ACCA hosts open houses on the first Saturday of every month and its Owloween event will take place on October 20. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) Two more veterans were honored with free home repairs in New Britain and Manchester Saturday, courtesy of the House of Heroes Connecticut. Since their founding in 2012, House of Heroes CT has helped 244 veterans with no-cost home repairs. Thirty-five volunteers showed up at 8:00 a.m. in New Britain to help and they all had a similar mission to Kathy Morin when they arrived. Morin, an employee at PCX Aerosystems in Newington, told News 8, Were here today to make a difference and hopefully, by the end of the day, we will have done that. House of Heroes Connecticut brings volunteers to help veterans in Norwalk and Stamford Michael Lockery, a New Britain native, served with the Marine Corps in Okinawa and the Philippines. He heard about the program from his wife who saw a segment about House of Heroes on television. When asked his feelings on what was happening to his house, Lockery said, When you have your own house and, of course, you want all the best upkeep and that. And once in a while life bites you. But these guys are here to come and help out and move you a step ahead. I really appreciate 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 WTNH.com. HOUSTON - A documented Houston gang member has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of five people in a series of shootings in 2019. Harris County District Attorney's Office says 22-year-old Christian Ivan Cavazos pled guilty to three counts of murder for a number of shootings which began on Sept. 6, 2019. "So many people, so many families will never have peace because of the indiscriminate violence this man inflicted on our community," DIstrict Attorney Ogg said. "We swore an oath to see that justice is done, and in this case justice demanded that this man be sentenced to life in prison." CRIME: Terror in Greenspoint: Houston police say teen robs and sexually assaults women at apartment complexes Cavazos' was riding in a car with other men when he shot into a group of young men in a separate vehicle. The driver, who was wounded, pulled over in a light industrial area north of Jersey Village. Cavazos got out of the car and shot 19-year-old Ryan McGowan, who was sitting in the backseat, killing him. Weeks later, on Sept. 25, 2019, Cavazos mistakenly believed a purple Dodge Charger belonged to a rival gang member and began following it. The car was actually driven by 65-year-old Ramiro Reyes and his wife, Rosalva Reyes, 63, who were returning home from a hospital where Rosalvas mother had just died. The couple was killed as they arrived at their home in northwest Houston. The five victims killed by Christian Ivan Cavazo. On Dec. 27, 2019, when Cavazos shot into a group filming a music video in north Harris County in a drive-by attack while in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Videographer Gonzalo Andrew Gonzalez, 22, and Jonathan Jimenez, 20, were killed, while seven others were injured, officials say. Cavazos was initially facing a charge of capital murder before his plea and a judge sentenced him to life in prison after a hearing that revealed the full details of the five killings. DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 HOUSTON APP BY CLICKING HERE Four people who knew the victims gave emotional impact statements, wearing buttons that displayed the faces of all five victims. "Christian Cavazos is a dangerous man who got what he earned, he got what he deserved when he was sentenced to life," said Assistant District Attorney Napoleon Stewart, a prosecutor in the case. Stewart, a chief in the District Attorneys Organized Crime Division, prosecuted the case with ADA Garrett Moore. The Government gave the go-ahead for the 150 million project in Dorset this week - BNPS A huge waste incinerator on the Jurassic Coast could threaten its World Heritage status, experts have warned. The Government has approved a 264ft-tall chimney stack on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, despite the plans facing widespread opposition among the local council, MPs and campaigners. The 150 million incinerator, which will run 24 hours a day burning commercial, household and skip waste, is in the middle of Englands only natural Unesco World Heritage Site. Dorset Council initially rejected Powerfuel Portlands proposals, only for the Government to intervene and overturn the decision after the developers launched an appeal. The Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety and Homelessness claimed that the incinerator would not appear out of place or out of scale and would have no injurious effect on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. However, experts have warned that the Governments green light could contravene Unesco guidelines with World Heritage Watch, an independent body that highlights threats to World Heritage Sites, saying they would need approval from the UN body. According to the Unesco website, armed conflict and war, earthquakes and other natural disasters, pollution, poaching, uncontrolled urbanization and unchecked tourist development pose major problems to World Heritage sites. The danger list includes properties in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. World Heritage Watch finds the decision of UK Government to grant planning permission for a waste incinerator in the immediate vicinity of a World Heritage Site deeply deplorable, said Stephan Doempke, the bodys chairman. The plan has been slammed as deeply deplorable due to risks it poses to the surrounding landscape - BNPS The Isle of Portland is not part of the World Heritage Site but sits in the middle of it, meaning the incinerator could impact the surrounding natural assets. It sends the wrong message by giving short-term economic gains preference over long-term benefits for the people and nature of the Dorset coast, Mr Doempke said. The UK Government should also be aware that a project of such magnitude and potential impact on a World Heritage site must be submitted to Unescos World Heritage Committee for approval, and according to Section 172 of the operational guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, the UK Government should avoid any decision that would be difficult to reverse. We request the UK Government to fully meet this obligation they have under international law. The Isle of Portland is in the middle of the UKs only natural Unesco World Heritage Site - BBC Lloyd Hatton, the new Labour MP for South Dorset, said he would continue to oppose the development. Im deeply disappointed and frustrated with this decision. Its a poorly thought out proposal in a far from ideal place, he said. I havent met a single person in my constituency who thinks it is a good idea. I firmly believe it is not the right idea I will do everything I can to oppose this. The 95-mile long stretch of coast in Dorset and Devon is the only place in the world where rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods can be seen in one place, representing 185 million years of Earths history. Sam Scriven, from the Jurassic Coast Trust, said: The Jurassic Coast Trust are very disappointed by the decision to grant permission to build the energy reclamation facility on Portland. Although the development will lie outside of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site itself, there will be an impact to the sites overall setting. We will continue to advise Dorset Council and other stakeholders as needed on this matter, and carry on our work to promote and conserve the outstanding Earth heritage of the Dorset and East Devon coast as a whole. A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: In line with the recommendation from the independent planning inspector, ministers have granted planning permission for an energy recovery facility at Portland Port. The full reasons for this are set out in the published decision letter. 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. More than 2,500 people visited the relics in the first two days of the four day visit [BBC] Thousands of people are making a pilgrimage to a church in a large housing estate to honour an Italian teenager nicknamed "God's influencer", who will be canonised as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint next year. A relic of London-born web-producer Blessed Carlo Acutis , who died aged 15 in 2006, is being viewed at St Anthonys Church, Wythenshawe, Manchester. The relic of his heart, kept in an ornate container called a reliquary, is on view in the church. Such was the demand to see it that church authorities asked people to use a major ticketing website to book timeslots to pray in the church. The gathering particularly attracted young families who queued a long time to honour the youthful saint. Mother-of-six Joanna Lees from Manchester said: "My 13-year-old was particular impressed with his use of the internet. "We have a disabled child who was very touched when they heard of his love for disabled people," she added. Chester-based clinical psychologist Joanna Moretto, who is originally from Italy, said: "I came here to ask his prayers for the troubled young people I work with." Michael Collins says he was determined not to miss out [BBC] The relics have toured 14 venues this year in Ireland but Michael Collins, who is from an Irish Traveller family, missed out there and was determined to catch up with them in his adopted city. "I've brought all of my family - it's incredible this is a young guy who lived in our times and he is going to be a saint," he said. Joanna Lees brought all six of her children to the church [BBC] The Rt Rev Mark Davies, the Bishop of Shrewsbury who requested for the relics to come to Manchester, said Blessed Carlo spent his short life spreading the love of God. He added: "An ordinary young man indistinguishable from his contemporaries in the way he dressed, the trainers he wore, the Nutella he liked (and recognised he liked too much!) and especially the internet he used." Joanna Moretto said Blessed Carlo was inspiring her work with young people [BBC] Blessed Carlo was born on 3 May 1991 and moved to Italy with his Italian parents when he was three months old. The teenager recorded purported miracles online and helped run websites for Catholic organisations, while also helping poor people and the homeless. Carlo Acutis will be canonised next year according to the Vatican [BBC] He was beatified in Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, Assisi, Italy in 2020 in a Mass attended by his parents and twin siblings. Organisers said a steady stream of people - more than 2,500 by the end of Saturday, crammed into the church. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk More on this story Related Internet Links SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Hundreds and hundreds of people teamed up Saturday in the battle against a disease affecting more than a quarter-million new patients in the U.S. each year. The 11th annual 5k race for breast cancer awareness formerly called Paint Pittson Pink shifted to the Electric City for its inaugural downtown Scranton run. Its more than just a race, its a celebration of strength, resilience, and community Paint the Planet Pink started in 2014 as Paint Pittston Pink. An initiative created by Barbara Sciandra after her own battle with breast cancer I was diagnosed with breat cancer in 2012 after the birth of our third daughter, So after my own struggles I really wanted to do something to help other people and this was just the best outlet to be able to do something like that, said Sciandra. After ten great years in Pittson, it was time to expand, aiming to spread their message even further What to know, what to do at the 2024 Bloomsburg Fair Part of our mission statement is to bring the community together, so we talk alot about an invisible line between luzerne and lackawanna county, and our mission this year is really to cross that line and just bring as many people together as we can, says Sciandra. Hundreds of participants gathered in a powerful display of hope coming together to run, walk, and show their unwavering support for the cause It felt really good to run for the cause, I had a couple people in my family whove had breast cancer so it felt kind of personal for me to be running this, added Matthew Felicia the overall male winner from New Jersey. I love the cause and I wanted to do my best to support the community and contribute my part to the community, stated Grace Bennet the over-female winner from Clarks Summit. It feels great im glad we all did it together, continued Samantha Colby a participant from Connecticut. Some participants took it a step further making a dash in high heels Everybodys impacted by cancer you either have some sort of acquaintance, somebody in the friend group, family member that has been affected by it, and it affects the entire family and surrounding community so its really great to be apart of an organization that really cares for them and fights for them, explained Kevin Casson a participant in the gentlemens dash. Awards were given to winners in various age groups but the real victory was the overwhelming support for cancer research. So far paint the planet pink has raised more than $70,000 for cancer research this year alone and more than 900,000 to date. To learn more about the non-profit and how to donate to them visit their website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Participants in a protest against the AfD's election party and its right-wing policies have gathered at Potsdam's main railway station. State elections will be held in Brandenburg on Sunday. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Several hundred demonstrators protested outside where members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) planned to watch Sunday's election results in the eastern German state of Brandenburg. The demonstrators held placards and banners with slogans including "Potsdam Nazi-free" outside the AfD event on the outskirts of Potsdam, Brandenburg's state capital. A dpa reporter at the scene noted numerous police officers. Opinion polls suggest the AfD are neck and neck with the ruling centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) in the state;s parliamentary election. The AfD is already riding high after finishing first in a state election in Thuringia earlier this month, and placing a close second to the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) in the state of Saxony. Brandenburg's domestic intelligence agency has listed the AfD's state-level party organization as a suspected far-right extremist group. The agency also considers several leading AfD figures in Brandenburg, including top AfD candidate Hans-Christoph Berndt, to be confirmed right-wing extremists. CHICAGO (WTVO) The owner and operator of four We Wash Hand Wash and Car Detail Centers has been ordered to pay $799,566 in backpay and damages to 110 employees. He also owes $110,990 in penalties to the Department of Labor. A federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago ordered Mariusz Lekarczyk and the car detail company to pay back wages to employees on September 19th. The owner must pay the back wages by May 1, 2025, and penalties by August 1, 2025. He must also post information and posters for employees reminding them of their labor rights. The complaint alleges that Lekarczyk and the company paid workers for the first 40 hours they worked and paid overtime by cash without overtime rates. He did not keep a record of payments either, which the law requires. The recovery of these rightfully earned wages will have a tremendous impact on the employees who earned them and sends a clear message to all employers that we will not tolerate an employers failure to pay overtime, Wage and Hour Division District Director Tom Gauza told Lake & McHenry County Scanner. We appreciate the courts support in the Department of Labors fight on behalf of workers and in holding employers legally accountable. the locations in Chicago were investigated in 2013 for violations before the current investigation. The U.S. Department of Labor will take all necessary legal actions including recovering back wages, seeking damages and assessing penalties to hold employers who violate the law accountable, said Regional Solicitor of Labor Christine Z. Heri in Chicago. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports two people were transported to the hospital after a one-vehicle crash Saturday night. The crash took place just before 11 p.m. Saturday on state Route 170 near Sheridan Road. OSHP reports the driver was heading southbound when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road and hit a utility pole. The driver was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash and was taken to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with minor injuries. A passenger of the car was also unbelted at the time of the crash and was taken to the same hospital with life-threatening injuries after his head struck the windshield, according to OSHP. According to an early Sunday morning media release, the passenger is in stable condition. OSHP says alcohol and marijuana appear to be a contributing factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. The patrol reminds everyone to always wear their seatbelts and contact a designated driver if impaired. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), the chair and ranking member of the task force on the attempted assassination of Republican nominee Donald Trump, emphasized the need for bipartisan support for Secret Service agents in a joint appearance on Sunday. These guys are exhausted, they have been played out to the very end, Kelly, a Republican, told the host on ABCs This Week with George Stephanopoulos, referring to Secret Service agents. The July assassination attempt of Trump occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, a community in Kelly's district. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, he added. This is an American issue. We have to protect those who we have up for election and those that are already serving. It's a very dangerous time for us to be looking at this and thinking, this is just the way the world is. It's not. And we cannot accept this as Americans. Following the second apparent assassination attempt on Trump, Secret Service funding and its ability to do its job have been under scrutiny, with many looking to find a way to boost its funding. Crow, a Democrat, said, There were no doubt a series of cascading failures on the day of the first assassination attempt, which is reflective of a cultural problem, a command-and-control problem. However, the Secret Service is also stretched thin, both Crow and Kelly agreed. Our Secret Service now is trying to guard more people than theyve ever had to guard in the past, Kelly said. Additional funding and resources for the Secret Service will not be enough before Election Day, Crow said. We can't mass-produce Secret Service agents. We cant create these. It takes years to create a Secret Service agent. So, we have to rely on Department of Defense agents, other federal agencies to cover down and provide some relief to these folks. Kelly agreed, but added, There's another way of doing this. Rather than redeploy money which he said is necessary it is more important to get more people on the ground, people who are trained, people who are competent, and people who have a nose for all this. Kelly blamed some of the heightened problems the Secret Service is dealing with on incendiary political rhetoric, a talking point that has been popular for Republicans recently. We have people acting and acting out in a bad way and something spurring them on to do that. A lot of it is the rhetoric, Kelly said. We've got to be careful about what we say and when we say it and how it's received by somebody else. Kelly emphasized that rhetoric on both sides of the aisle should be toned down. Crow backed his task force co-member, returning to the issue of bipartisanship. Mike is a very conservative Republican. Im a very proud Democrat, and what we are trying to show folks is we can go through an election cycle, we can have fierce and tough debates, and we can show people that we will settle our political differences and debate, Crow said. He added, We're going to come together on an issue that Americans expect us to come together on and we are going to get answers to people's questions and we're going to make sure that our candidates are being protected. CORRECTION: A previous version of this report misstated the title of a representative on the taskforce for the apparent attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Rep. Mike Kelly is chair of the task force. Indian prime minister Modi expected on Long Island for rally, meeting with Trump: What to know NEW YORK - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make an appearance on Long Island on Sunday, according to sources. Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he would meet Modi during his visit to the U.S. Modi is scheduled to be in the United States this weekend, along with the leaders of Australia and Japan, for a summit of the so-called Quad hosted by President Joe Biden in his Wilmington, Delaware, hometown. TOPSHOT - US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 25, 2020. (Photo by Prakash SINGH / AFP) (Photo by PRAKASH SINGH/AFP via Getty Images) Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder gave an update Friday on the detailed security measures for Modi's scheduled visit to Nassau County. Officials say more than 24,000 Indian-Americans have registered to attend the "Modi & US: Progress Together" rally at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The meeting between Modi and Trump had not been previously reported, according to AP. The Republican presidential nominee referenced it for the first time while speaking at an unrelated event in Flint, Michigan. The Indian embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday night. Who is Narendra Modi? Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, left, and U.S President Donald Trump, arrive for a news conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. Trump touted "tremendous progress" on a trade deal with India as he sought to strengthen ties with a country key to American efforts to blunt China's influence in Asia. Photographer: T. Narayan/Bloomberg via Getty Images Indias Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, took office for a third consecutive term in June. The popular Indian prime minister has advanced Hindu nationalism in his decade-long tenure. Modi, 73, is only the second Indian prime minister to win a third straight term. He has presided over a fast-growing economy while advancing Hindu nationalism. To his supporters, he is a towering figure who has elevated Indias global stature, helped grow its economy to the fifth-largest in the world, and reformed the country's extensive welfare system, serving nearly 60% of the population (AP). To some, he is viewed as almost more than human. What foreign leaders has Trump met with? President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the InterContinental Barclay New York hotel during the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Earlier this year, Trump met with several foreign leaders, including Hungary's nationalist prime minister Viktor Orban, whom he frequently references in speeches, and Polish President Andrzej Duda, who once suggested naming a military base in his country "Fort Trump." Trump also held talks with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Foreign leaders have claimed that meetings with Trump are routine engagements they hold with opposition figures. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Alyssa Bustamante admitted to killing a 9-year-old girl in 2009, and the reason why shocked police Cole County Sheriffs Department (2) Alyssa Bustamante and Elizabeth Olten The brutal 2009 murder of Elizabeth Olten has continued to haunt a Missouri community, partly for the crime itself but also for the motive. The reason Elizabeth's teenage killer committed the crime, she said, was that she wanted to know what it felt like to kill. The shocking case was in the news again earlier this summer when the killer, Alyssa Bustamante, who was 15 at the time of the slaying, was denied a chance at parole. The murder, and Bustamantes attempt at getting released, ultimately compelled lawmakers to change Missouris state laws regarding underage criminals convicted of murder when Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation for which Elizabeth's family had advocated. Heres what happened: Cole County Sheriffs Department Elizabeth Olten Elizabeth's Murder Patty Preiss called police on Oct. 21, 2009 after her 9-year-old daughter never returned to the family's St. Martin's, Mo., home from visiting a friends house that evening. Police eventually found the young girl buried in a shallow grave with her throat cut. She had been stabbed and strangled, according to local Fox 2. The Disturbing Motive Police were led to Bustamante after finding written evidence at the crime scene that implicated the teenager who was a neighbor of Elizabeth's in the murder, according to ABC News' reporting at the time. After an investigation, authorities also uncovered Bustamantes social media pages, which included references to wanting to know what it was like to kill someone, as well as a diary in which she confessed to the crime. I just f------ killed someone, the teenager wrote in her diary, according to ABC. I strangled them and slit their throat and stabbed them now theyre dead. I dont know how to feel atm [at the moment]. She added: It was ahmazing. As soon as you get over the ohmygawd I cant do this feeling, its pretty enjoyable. Im kinda nervous and shaky though right now. Kay, I gotta go to church nowlol. Cole County Sheriffs Department Alyssa Bustamante Investigators interrogated Bustamante for more than two hours while she confessed to the crime. The teenagers grandmother was in the interrogation room the moment her granddaughter admitted to the murder. The grandmother burst into tears and ran out of the room in shock. Bustamante was sentenced to life in prison in 2012 after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, according to local KOMU. The world lost an innocent little girl who hoped to be a teacher and a veterinarian, her family said in a statement, according to the outlet, adding that Bustamantes sentencing was extremely difficult for them to sit through. How the Case Changed Missouri Law New legislation signed in the summer of 2024 would appear to cement Bustamante's life sentence for good. Because Bustamante was a juvenile at the time of the killing, she was eligible for parole due to a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. According to CNN, the court ruled 5-4 that no juvenile could be sentenced to life in prison without the chance at parole even for murder. However, state lawmakers in Missouri passed a bill in 2021 that said that ruling does not apply to juveniles who committed first-degree murder. In 2024. Pason signed legislation expanding on that law to include juveniles convicted of second-degree murderers, according to local ABC 13. Elizabeth's family had advocated for that legislation. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) After nearly five years of construction on the Salt Lake City Temple, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing an inside look at the ongoing interior renovations. The Salt Lake City Temple an iconic building located in the heart of Utahs capital has been under construction since December 2019. While it is commonly known that the church is making seismic upgrades to the historic building, the church released insight Saturday into the future of the temples layout and design. The church said it is making several changes to restore the design to its original Victorian-era look, which was altered several times in the 1900s. It also is expanding the temple to increase its capacity and accessibility, according to the churchs press release. Once completed, the temple will have two baptistries, nine additional sealing rooms, and an underground addition that will add 100,000 square feet to the building. LDS Church to open Deseret Peak Temple for open house The temple will also use single-room video presentations available in more than 90 languages to better accommodate non-English speaking members who visit the temple. The church said a team of historians and preservationists have worked to decipher which elements of the temple were in its original design and which were added on or covered in subsequent years. The original design elements will be incorporated throughout the temple in its fabrics and carpets. As soon as you walk through the doors of the north entry pavilion, it will look like a Victorian-era temple, which was never the case after previous renovations, said Bill Williams, the churchs director of architecture. Some structural elements, such as the staircase between the first and second floors and several interior walls, were not able to be preserved due to the seismic upgrades. Those elements were photographed and will be kept in the Church History Library. A rendering of the entry pavilion of the new north addition to the Salt Lake Temple. (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A rendering of the entry into the Salt Lake Temple, with the recommend desk and skylight. (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A rendering of the new grand staircase of the Salt Lake Temple. (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A rendering of the new grand hall of the Salt Lake Temple. (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A rendering of the renovated celestial room in the Salt Lake Temple. (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A rendering of a new baptistry in the Salt Lake Temple. The renovated temple will have two baptistries instead of one (both located in the north addition). (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A rendering of a large sealing room in the Salt Lake Temple. The renovated Salt Lake Temple will have 22 sealing rooms (where marriages occur), up from 13. (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A rendering of an instruction room in the renovated Salt Lake Temple. (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A rendering of the new veil room in the Salt Lake Temple. (Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) The interior of the temple will appear more historic than it did previously, but the systems and utilities will be the most up-to-date they have been. The church is updating the mechanical systems and utilities to improve their efficiency. This includes elevators, heating and air conditioning, and plumbing. The temples layout is also being simplified to make it easier to navigate through the building. We want to create a positive, seamless experience for everyone who visits the temple, said Andy Kirby, director of the churchs historic temple renovations. We removed all 1960s infrastructure, with its low ceilings and confusing corridors. The new central corridor, with its skylight view of the temple, makes it easier to find your way. The construction is scheduled to be completed in 2026. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The interim New York City Police Department (NYPD) commissioner said in a statement posted Saturday to the social platform X that federal agents searched his homes and seized materials. On Friday, September 20, federal authorities executed search warrants at my residences, Thomas G. Donlon said in the statement posted to the NYPDs X account. They took materials that came into my possession approximately 20 years ago and are unrelated to my work with the New York City Police Department. This is not a department matter, and the department will not be commenting, the statement continued. Earlier this month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) said New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban had resigned, shortly after the FBI seized Cabans devices in a federal investigation. As we have repeatedly said, we expect all team members to fully comply with any law enforcement inquiry, Fabien Levy, the deputy mayor for communications in Adamss office, said in an emailed statement to The Hill. Caban had previously said he stepped down in the wake of news around recent developments created a distraction for our department, The Associated Press reported following the news service obtaining an email via Caban to the police department. I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD, he wrote, per the news service. Caban and multiple deputies to Adams had their homes searched by FBI agents, according to reporting from multiple outlets earlier this month. The FBI has no comment, the FBIs national press office said in an email to The Hill on Sunday. The Hill has reached out to the Justice Department for comment. Updated at 5:57 pm EDT. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, stated that it is impossible to resolve the Ukrainian crisis without considering Moscow's interests. Azernews reports that the text of her statement was posted on the official website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Zakharova noted that Russia will not participate in the "peace summit" proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting that such a process has no relevance to a resolution. "At the same time, Russia does not refuse to address the crisis through political and diplomatic channels and is ready to discuss serious proposals that take into account the current situation, geopolitical realities, and the initiative outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin." Investigation reveals dangerous cuts to enforcement of heat-protection laws for laborers: 'Workers complaining ... about the lack of shade and drinking water' California has sharply cut enforcement of heat-protection laws for outdoor workers, even amid intensifying heat in recent years, according to a new investigation. What's happening? The Los Angeles Times and Capital & Main partnered up on the investigation, which found that the number of field inspections conducted by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health dropped by nearly 30% from 2017 to 2023. The number of violations issued to employers during that time fell by more than 40%, according to the Times, which published an article about the two publications' findings. Worker advocates told the Times that this reflects the state's poor enforcement of its outdoor heat-illness law, which calls for protections like break areas with shade and cool water as "close as practicable" to workers in temperatures exceeding 80 degrees. "We just need Cal/OSHA to be out there more often and do more inspections that hopefully will save farmworker lives," Ephraim Camacho, a community worker for California Rural Legal Assistance, told the news organization. "We are constantly getting calls from workers complaining, specifically, about the lack of shade and drinking water." Why is this investigation important? The state has experienced its six warmest years on record since 2014, according to the Times, which cited data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At least 17 workers have died in heat-related incidents in that period. Meanwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that U.S. heat-related deaths are expected to increase alongside more frequent and intense extreme heat events associated with rising global temperatures. Of course, not all workers who are impacted by heat die, but they may suffer other consequences. According to the Center for American Progress, extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke; occupational injuries from high heat exposure, such as burns or falls from dizziness; and exacerbation of preexisting conditions such as asthma, kidney disease, and heart disease. On top of that, economic impacts include lost worker productivity, increased health care costs, and lost wages, the Center for American Progress states. What's being done to protect workers from the heat? Cal/OSHA told the Times that it is working on improving training and investing in automation. It also says it is creating a new agricultural unit that will significantly expand enforcement. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has proposed federal heat protection for workers, but it could take years to go into effect if adopted. In the meantime, some cities are taking matters into their own hands. For instance, the Phoenix city council passed a rule that requires employers to provide cool drinking water, regular and necessary breaks, access to shaded areas and/or air conditioning, and training for all city contractors and employees. Phoenix is also looking at one innovative way to drop temperatures in this notoriously steamy city: white paint on streets, which can cool the pavement by up to 12 degrees and cools the air above as well. Neighborhoods in LA are using the same strategy. You can protect yourself during heat waves by taking steps such as drinking water even if you're not feeling thirsty, avoiding strenuous exercise, finding a local cooling center if you lose power or don't have AC, and avoiding alcohol or drinks with caffeine. 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. Part of the park in Splott, Cardiff, has been taped off by police while investigations continue [BBC] Police are investigating a serious sexual assault which took place in Cardiff's Splott Park during the early hours of Sunday morning. Officers were called at around 03:25 BST after the female victim alerted a member of the public. South Wales Police said the woman was receiving support from specialist police officers. Part of the park has been taped off while enquiries are ongoing. If you were in the vicinity of Splott Park between the hours of 02:00 and 04:00 this morning and saw anyone in the area, or if you have any other information that could assist our investigation, please contact us quoting reference number 2400316906," said Det Insp Kath Barry. Illinoiss governor could have a fight on his hands with the mayor of the states biggest city. And a lot of nursing homes in Iowa are not following the rules. Host Jim Niedelman gets into that with former Scott County Democratic Party Chair Elesha Gayman and former Rock Island County Republican Party Chair Bill Bloom. I think its a good thing for the auditors office to take a look at, Bloom said. Its always good to have a second set of eyes on critical processes like how well we take care of our elderly. With our aging population, if were having issues now were gonna continue to have issues in the near future and on, Gayman said. I think it definitely should take a top priority. Question of the week And now we want to hear from you, too, with our question of the week: What do you think about a possible billion-dollar budget bailout for Chicago from the state of Illinois? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Copyright 2024, Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. A majority of Iowans oppose the states new fetal heartbeat law, which bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, according to a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll. The poll found that 59% of Iowans including 69% of women disapprove of the new restrictions. It found 37% of Iowans favor the new law, and 5% are not sure. This latest Iowa Poll is the first test of Iowans views on abortion since the states six-week ban went into effect July 29. Iowans support for abortion rights has continued to rise since the pandemic and in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Iowa Poll results show. Now, 64% of Iowa adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, a new high since the Iowa Poll began asking the question in 2008. That compares with 33% who say abortion should be illegal in most or all cases and 3% who are not sure. This poll of 811 Iowans was conducted by Selzer & Co. from Sept. 8-11. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. The new fetal heartbeat law, which is among the most restrictive in the nation, prohibits abortion once fetal cardiac activity is detected in a pregnancy and includes narrow exceptions for rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities and to save the life of the pregnant woman. It replaced Iowas previous law, which allowed abortions until about 20 weeks. The poll found widespread disapproval of the new law among many groups of Iowans, including 91% of Democrats, 88% of suburban women, 78% of those who identify with no religious group and 71% of all suburban adults. Among the half-dozen demographic groups likely to favor the six-week ban are Republicans (67%), evangelicals (58%), fathers of children younger than 18 (54%) and residents of the 4th Congressional District, married men and white men with college degrees (each at 50%). GOP-controlled Legislature passes 6-week ban in 2023; court gives green light this year Iowas hotly contested abortion ban was passed by the Republican-majority Iowa Legislature in a marathon one-day special session last year. The law was blocked by a legal challenge until earlier this year, when the Iowa Supreme Court ordered an injunction on the ban to be lifted. More than two in three Iowa women (69%) oppose the law, compared with 27% who favor the ban. Four percent are not sure. Tiara Soupene, a 27-year-old poll respondent from Tiffin, is among those who oppose the abortion ban. As a nurse who cares for women in pregnancy, she said cutting off access to abortion care would mean more women put at risk. I know the outcome, said Soupene, a self-identified Democrat. I know how easily an ectopic pregnancy can rupture, and then you can go septic or you can bleed to death. Soupene is also a trained sexual assault nurse examiner who handles rape kits for women after theyve been sexually assaulted. Even with the new bans exceptions, she fears that those who become pregnant wont be able to get abortion care because theyll be unable to prove the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Im worried well get to the point where people will say, Well, how do you know that for sure? Where really is the proof? she said. Attitudes toward Iowas new abortion law are closely split among Iowa men, with 48% opposing the law. 46% in favor and 6% who are unsure. Abortion protesters say the pledge of allegiance at a Rally for Life abortion protest on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Poll respondent Eric May, a 63-year-old Cedar Rapids resident and self-identified Republican, supports Iowas six-week ban. May, an evangelical, says he believes abortion is murder in any circumstances and does not support any exceptions. Although he said he would like to see a law that bans abortion at conception, May believes Iowas current law is the best we can attain today under the political environment were in. This was fought tooth and nail to get where were at today, said May, who works as a telecommunications technician. Even if with the strong majorities (in the Iowa Legislature) that we currently have that got the six-week ban into place, getting a ban closer to conception is going to be very difficult. Support for legal abortion continues to grow among Iowans The 64% of Iowans who support legal abortion includes 25% who say it should be legal in all cases and 39% who say it should be legal in most cases. By comparison, the 33% of Iowans who oppose abortion includes 26% who say it should be illegal in most cases and 7% who say it should be illegal in all cases; 3% are not sure. The Iowa Poll has measured Iowans views on abortion seven times since September 2018, and once before in 2008, with the latest findings showing the highest support. In a March 2023 Iowa Poll, the most recent test of this issue, 61% of Iowans said abortion should be legal in most or all cases, and 35% said it should be illegal in most or all cases. Poll respondent Jessa Bears, a 38-year-old farmer living in Farragut, is an abortion rights supporter who said she believes the government shouldnt have a say in a persons decision to seek the procedure. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, nearly two-dozen states have enacted greater restrictions on abortion. Bears, a self-identified Democrat, said watching these laws be passed has been terrifying. Bears worries that Iowas law could exacerbate challenges to recruit health care providers for rural communities, which already face a severe shortage of maternity care. She said her community has an emergency room, but if she needs care from an urgent care clinic or a specialty physician, she must drive at least an hour away. Theres just so many gray areas in medical decisions that to have these black-and-white laws just make no sense to me, she said. You paint it with a broad brush, and its going to cause problems a lot more problems than I think they even realize when theyre passing the dang law. Protestors hold a rally for reproductive rights in the Iowa State Capitol rotunda as the Iowa Legislature convenes for special session to pass 6-week 'fetal heartbeat' abortion ban Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Support for legal abortion is heavily split among party lines, with 92% of Democrats saying they support abortion in all or most cases and 7% saying abortion should be illegal in all or most cases. By comparison, a majority of Republicans, 63%, say abortion should be illegal in all or most cases. Thirty-two percent say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Independents, by contrast, are much more supportive of abortion rights, with 70% saying abortion should be legal in all or most cases and 26% saying it should be illegal in all or most cases. Corey Baldwin, a 51-year-old poll respondent living in Ridgeway, is a self-identified Republican who believes abortion should be illegal in most cases. He said he believes abortion should be restricted to certain circumstances, such as rape, incest or to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. However, Baldwins thoughts on Iowas six-week ban are complicated. The self-employed truck driver has four daughters, and he agrees most women likely wouldnt know they are pregnant before six weeks. But he said he doesnt agree that abortions should take place much later in pregnancy. Maybe six weeks is too short, Baldwin said. Its a tough topic. Theres pros and cons on both sides, but my biggest thing is that I just dont think (abortion) should be used as birth control. Iowa Supreme Court\'s approval rating tied to Iowans abortion views The Iowa Poll also tested Iowans opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court, which cleared the way for the states abortion ban to go into effect earlier this year. About half, 49%, of poll respondents say they approve of the state Supreme Court, while 33% disapprove and 18% are not sure. The latest poll shows Iowans views on abortion are tied to their approval of the justices. Sixty-nine percent of those who say abortion should be illegal in all or most cases say they approve of the states top court. Fourteen percent say they disapprove, and 18% are not sure. A plurality of those who support legal abortion disapprove of the Iowa Supreme Court (44%), while 39% approve and 17% of that group are not sure. We've been the news Iowa depends upon since 1849. Subscribe to help us continue our mission. May, the poll respondent from Cedar Rapids, said he approves of the Iowa Supreme Court primarily because of its recent ruling on the six-week abortion ban. I am in favor of what they're currently doing, and the fact that they did allow it to go through, May said. Bears, the poll respondent from Farragut, disapproves of the Iowa Supreme Court, saying she believes the justices were playing politics in allowing Iowas stricter abortion law to go into effect. It happened relatively quickly after the federal Supreme Court ruling, so I feel it was already loaded in the cannon, ready to pull the trigger as soon as they had the means. Then, boom, it was done, she said. Abortion advocates gather on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol for the 2024 Women's Strike on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Des Moines. These new findings on the courts job performance show little change from July 2022, the last time the Iowa Poll tested this issue. At that time, 48% of Iowans approved of the court, while 28% disapproved. In the February 2019 Iowa Poll, 59% of Iowans approved of the state Supreme Court, while 14% disapproved. Michaela Ramm covers health care for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at mramm@registermedia.com, at (319) 339-7354 or on Twitter at @Michaela_Ramm. About the Iowa Poll The Iowa Poll, conducted Sept. 8-11, 2024, for The Des Moines Register and Mediacom by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines, is based on telephone interviews with 811 Iowans ages 18 or older. Interviewers with Quantel Research contacted households with randomly selected landline and cell phone numbers supplied by Dynata. Interviews were administered in English. Responses were adjusted by age, sex and congressional district to reflect the general population based on recent American Community Survey estimates. Questions based on the sample of 811 Iowa adults have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. This means that if this survey were repeated using the same questions and the same methodology, 19 times out of 20, the findings would not vary from the true population value by more than plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. Results based on smaller samples of respondentssuch as by gender or agehave a larger margin of error. Republishing the copyright Iowa Poll without credit and, on digital platforms, links to originating content on The Des Moines Register and Mediacom is prohibited. This embedded content is not available in your region. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll: Most Iowans back legal abortion, oppose Iowas 6-week ban Rescuers fear workers are still trapped inside Iran's Tabas mine after a deadly blast caused by a gas leak (-) (-/Iranian Red Crescent/AFP) A blast caused by a gas leak at a coal mine has killed at least 51 people, state media said Sunday, in one of Iran's deadliest work accidents in years. "The number of dead workers increased to 51" in the explosion at the Tabas mine in eastern Iran, the official IRNA news agency reported, revising an earlier death toll of 30. It said 20 more were injured. The explosion occurred at around 9:00 pm (1730 GMT) on Saturday, when around 70 workers were present at the site in South Khorasan province, IRNA said. IRNA said a methane leak led to the blast in two blocks of the mine, owned by private Iranian firm Madanjoo. State TV broadcast footage of ambulances and helicopters arriving at Tabas. Online footage carried by IRNA showed bodies of some of the victims, wearing their work clothes, being brought out of the mine. South Khorasan governor Javad Ghenaat told state TV rescue teams were working to recover the remaining bodies. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed his condolences at the "sad accident" and also urged the authorities to do everything they could to save those trapped. Iran's Red Crescent said search and rescue operations were underway in the mine, where some workers remained trapped. IRNA reported that they were about 250 metres (820 feet) below the surface, cut off from rescuers by chambers that had filled with methane. An apparent "gas condensation" in the mine is believed to have been the cause of the explosion, said Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. Momeni said at the site that rescue operations "could last until tomorrow", Monday. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, in remarks carried by state TV before he left for the UN General Assembly in New York, offered his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered an inquiry. - Three days' mourning - "Unfortunately, we learned that an accident occurred in one of the coal mines in Tabas and a number of our compatriots lost their lives. I offer my condolences to their respected families," Pezeshkian said. His first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, spoke with cabinet members to ensure "emergency follow-up" and support for the victims and their families, IRNA said. The authorities have announced three days of public mourning in the eastern province, local media reported. "Gas accumulation in the mine" has made the search operations difficult, local prosecutor Ali Nesaei was quoted by IRNA as saying. "Currently, the priority is to provide aid to the injured and pull people from under the rubble." Nesaei added that "the negligence and fault of the relevant agents will be dealt with" later. Last year, an explosion at a coal mine in the northern city of Damghan killed six people, also likely the result of a methane leak according to local media. In May 2021, two miners died in a collapse at the same site, media reports said at the time. A blast in 2017 killed 43 miners in Azad Shahr city in northern Iran, triggering anger towards the authorities. Mineral-rich Iran has around 1.5 billion tonnes of proven coal reserves, according to state media. The Tabas mine covers an area of more than 30,000 square kilometres (nearly 11,600 square miles) and holds mass reserves of coking and thermal coal, according to IRNA. It is "considered the richest and largest coal area in Iran," IRNA said. rkh-ap/hme/srm/jsa Iran did not include mobile launchers along with its delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia, Reuters reported on Sept. 21, citing three sources with knowledge of the matter. Russia and Iran have deepened their military and political cooperation since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Tehran has provided Moscow with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones used in attacks against Ukraine. After months of contradictory reports, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Sept. 10 that Russia had received deliveries of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles from Iran. Iran denied it had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, calling the reports "psychological warfare." There has been no official confirmation that Russia has used the missiles against Ukraine to date. A European diplomat, a European intelligence official, and a U.S. official told Reuters that Iran did "not supply launchers with the Fath-360 missiles, raising questions about when and if the weapons will be operational." The officials spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Read also: Iran unveils new ballistic missile, upgraded Shahed drone The European intelligence official told Reuters they did not expect Iran to provide the launchers. Expert analysis suggests this may be because Russia may modify trucks to carry the missiles. One expert told Reuters that the launchers typically used by Iranian forces may not be robust enough to operate in winter conditions in Ukraine. Another theory is that Iran is withholding the launchers for the time being to allow for "space for new talks with Western powers on easing tensions," Reuters said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other Iranian officials are expected to meet with European officials on the sidelines of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York. Ukraine, the E.U., and the U.S. introduced more sanctions against Iran in the wake of the confirmation of the missile delivery to Russia. The confirmation of the deliveries marked a "further escalation of Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," the U.K., France, and Germany said in a joint statement. The three countries said they have "privately and publicly been clear that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if the transfers took place." Read also: Russia now has Irans Fath-360 ballistic missile heres what it means for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Iranian Armed Forces showcased domestically-produced weapons, including a modernized Shahed-136B drone and new ballistic missile, at a military parade in Tehran on Sept. 21, according to Iran's state news agency. Iran is a key weapons supplier to the Russian military and has provided Moscow with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tehran unveiled the new drone and missile along with other homegrown missiles during a Sept. 21 parade, kicking off a week of demonstrations honoring the Iranian military. The Shahed-136B is reportedly an upgraded version of the Shahed-136, a type of drone used by Russia in near-daily attacks against Ukraine. The new version has a range of 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles), according to Iran. Iran's "Jihad" ballistic missile is a solid-fuel missile with an operational range of 1,000 kilometers (over 600 miles). The new weapon was unveiled at the parade, where it was one of 21 ballistic missiles on display. The U.S. on Sept. 10 confirmed that Iran had shipped Fath-360 ballistic missiles to Russia. The Fath-360 is a close-range ballistic missile with a 150-kilogram warhead. Ukraine and some Western countries imposed new sanctions against Iran following reports of the missile transfer. Moscow and Tehran have deepened their military and political cooperation since February 2022. Read also: Explainer: Irans cheap, effective Shahed drones and how Russia uses them in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Israel army says hundreds of thousands take cover after new Hezbollah barrage Damage in an area near north Israel's Haifa city after rocket fire from Lebanon (Jack GUEZ) (Jack GUEZ/AFP/AFP) The Israeli military said more than 100 projectiles were fired early Sunday from Lebanon, forcing hundreds of thousands to take cover and prompting school closures in Israel's north. The military said that "approximately 20 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon" shortly before 5:00 am (0200 GMT), followed by a barrage of "approximately 85 projectiles" launched from Lebanon after 6:00 am (0300 GMT). "Hundreds of thousands of people had to take refuge in bomb shelters at that time across northern Israel," military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told AFP. The military in an earlier statement said the rocket fire sparked fires, while Israel's medical emergency service said at least four people suffered "shrapnel injuries", three of whom in the area of the northern Israeli city of Haifa. Israel's civil defence agency has ordered all schools in the country's north closed following the rocket fire, the latest escalation in nearly a year of cross-border exchanges throughout the Gaza war. Educational activities would not be permitted across northern Israel until at least Monday at 6:00 pm (1500 GMT), the military's Home Front Command said, affecting "hundreds of thousands of children" according to Shoshani. "In Haifa, a lot of school are closed... and offices are empty", said resident Patrice Wolff, who works in the medical industry. He told AFP there was "more and more pressure" coming from Hezbollah as well as from Israeli forces on the Lebanese group. The military said it launched strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in response to the rocket fire. Shoshani said the military had hit a range of targets over the past day, mostly "rockets launchers and rocket launcher barrels". The Israeli strikes were meant "to prevent a larger-scale attack", the military spokesman told an online press briefing. A steady escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah has stoked fears of all-out war. Israeli officials this week have signalled their intention to turn the focus of military operations from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. bur-rcb/jd/ami Pictures of slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh hang on the channel's office in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, which an Israeli court ordered shut for 45 days (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH) (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP/AFP) Armed and masked Israeli forces raided the office of global news channel Al Jazeera in the occupied West Bank on Sunday and issued a 45-day closure order. It was the latest salvo in a long-running feud between the Arab broadcaster and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government which has worsened during the war in Gaza. Since the war began on October 7 when Hamas Palestinian militants attacked Israel, Al Jazeera has aired continuous on-the-ground reporting on the effects of Israel's military campaign. Israel's military has repeatedly accused journalists from the Qatar-based network of links to Hamas or its ally Islamic Jihad. Al Jazeera has fiercely denied these accusations and said Israel systematically targets its employees in the Gaza Strip. Four Al Jazeera journalists have been killed since the war in Gaza began, and the network's office in the territory has been bombed. Israel's military said on Sunday the Ramallah office was closed because it was "used to incite terror" and "support terrorist activities", and because Al Jazeera's broadcasts endangered Israel's security. "The channel's offices have been sealed and its equipment has been confiscated," a military statement said. Al Jazeera called the Israeli raid "a criminal act" and an attack on press freedom. In a conversation during the raid broadcast live on the network, an Israeli soldier told Al Jazeera's West Bank bureau chief Walid al-Omari there was a court ruling to close down the office for 45 days. "I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment," the soldier is seen as saying in the footage. "Targeting journalists this way always aims to erase the truth and prevent people from hearing the truth," Omari said. The Ramallah-based Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the Israeli operation as "a flagrant violation" of press freedom. Shuttering the Al Jazeera office "confirms the (Israeli) occupation's efforts to disrupt the work of the media in conveying the occupation's violations against the Palestinian people," said Mohammed Abu al-Rub, director of the government media office for the Palestinian Authority which has partial administrative control in the West Bank. - 'No surprise' - The Foreign Press Association in Israel and the Palestinian Territories said it was "deeply troubled by this escalation" and called on Israel to "reconsider" the move. "Restricting foreign reporters and closing news channels signals a shift away from democratic values," the association's board said in a statement. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Israeli authorities to "stop harassing" Al Jazeera. "Israel's efforts to censor Al Jazeera severely undermine the public's right to information on a war that has upended so many lives in the region," CPJ's programme director, Carlos Martinez de la Serna, said in a statement. "Al Jazeera's journalists must be allowed to report at this critical time, and always." In April, the Israeli parliament passed a law allowing the banning of foreign media broadcasts deemed harmful to state security. Based on this law, Israel's government on May 5 approved the decision to ban Al Jazeera from broadcasting from Israel and close its offices for an initial 45-day period, which was extended for a fourth time by a Tel Aviv court last week. The network condemned that decision as "criminal", saying it "violates the human right to access information". Israel's government last week announced it was revoking the press credentials of Al Jazeera journalists in the country. The shutdown had not affected broadcasts from the West Bank or the Gaza Strip, from which Al Jazeera was still covering the Gaza war. Al Jazeera correspondent Nida Ibrahim said the closure of the network's West Bank office "comes as no surprise" after the earlier ban on reporting from inside Israel. "We've heard Israeli officials threatening to close down the bureau," she said on the network. The media office of the Hamas-run government in Gaza condemned Sunday's raid, saying in a statement it was a "resounding scandal and a blatant violation of press freedom". Qatar, which partly funds Al Jazeera, also served as a base for Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. He was killed in July during a strike in Tehran which Iran and Hamas blamed on Israel. Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, on the Israeli side, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity. Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,431 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the territory's health ministry. The United Nations has acknowledged the figures as reliable. he-sw-rcb/jd/jsa Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal has been stalled for 2 weeks, Biden aide admits, as violence in region escalates Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal has been stalled for 2 weeks, Biden aide admits, as violence in region escalates White House and State Department officials have said for weeks that the US is on the verge of orchestrating a ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Israels military and Hamas. But now, a top White House spokesman has admitted that talks have essentially stalled. John Kirby made the admission Sunday on ABCs This Week when he was asked about a Wall Street Journal report which seemed to drain the optimism surrounding Gaza talks, indicating that senior-level Biden officials no longer believe peace is achievable this year. Bidens national security council spokesman told ABC that no progress has been made in two weeks on the deal, which he and others have previously said is largely hammered out. It appears that the Gaza ceasefire talks have gone cold. Is that right? host George Stephanopoulos asked. I would say that we are not achieving any progress here in the last week to two weeks, Kirby replied. Not for lack of trying. He then firmly laid blame on Hamass Yahya Sinwar for refusing to continue negotiations in good faith. Sinwar became the lead negotiator for Hamas after his predecessor was killed in an Israeli strike in August. Its the latest mixed message from the Biden administration when it comes to Israel and Hamas, and the negotiations which the US has been facilitating through Qatar, aimed at ending the nearly year-long conflict. Biden has also said that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, deserves some blame for the negotiations failing to reach a deal. The devastating conflict has now claimed more than 40,000 Palestinian lives, including thousands of children. Netanyahu commented on the matter in a Fox News interview earlier this month. Theres not a deal in the making ... unfortunately, its not close, he said. That sentiment was echoed by an unnamed senior Biden administration official in the WSJs report last week. No deal is imminent, the official said. Im not sure it ever gets done. Theres no chance now of it happening, another official, from an Arab country, commented in the same report. Everyone is in a wait-and-see mode until after the election. The outcome will determine what can happen in the next administration. At the State Department, officials spent the past week taking questions about a bloody attack, believed to have been perpetrated by Israel, which set off explosions in pagers and walkie-talkies across Lebanon used by Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah. The attack killed at least 39 people, and has escalated tensions between Israel and its neighbor. State officials have refused to officially attribute the attack to Israel or explain the US position on whether it violated international laws. Israel has denied having any involvement. Israel-Hamas war latest: Fears of all-out war rise as Israel and Hezbollah step up attacks Hezbollah supporters carry pictures of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, during his funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) Lebanons Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets into northern Israel early Sunday in response to ramped-up Israeli attacks that killed dozens of people in Beirut, including a veteran leader of the militant group. During the funeral Sunday of that Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Akil, Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Kassem declared that the group is now in an open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel, and he vowed to prolong the misery of those displaced from the country's north. The Hezbollah rocket barrage overnight sent thousands of people scrambling into shelters. The Israeli military said rockets had been fired toward civilian areas, pointing to a possible escalation. Hezbollah says its attacks have been aimed at military targets. The barrage came after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday killed at least 45 people, including one of Hezbollahs top leaders as well as women and children. The militant group was already reeling from a sophisticated attack that caused thousands of personal devices to explode just days earlier. Heres the latest: A new crisis for displaced Palestinians: flooding MUWASI, Gaza Strip As the first rain of the cool season starts to fall in the Gaza Strip, displaced Palestinians living in the sprawling Muwasi tent camp are struggling to cope with flooding that is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Some children are entertained by the novelty of walking barefoot in the ankle-deep water, but their parents are less amused. The adults try to save what they can from their family's tents. One mother tries to dry her temporary home with a mop. We woke up in the morning to find the tents with rainwater pouring on us, and water from the streets entering on us, said Rana Gozat, a displaced person from Gaza City. This is the beginning of winter. What will happen in the coming days? Suhail Al-Barawi, a displaced person from Beit Lahiya, was helping to build sand barriers to prevent more flooding in the camp. People wish for rain," he said, "and we say, Oh God, do not give us rain. The nearly yearlong war between Israel and Hamas has displaced 90% of Palestinians in Gaza, according to the United Nations. Israel defense minister praises air strikes in Beirut Israels defense minister says recent attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon are a step toward facilitating the return of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north of the country. Speaking Sunday evening after visiting the militarys Northern Command headquarters, Yoav Gallant described the recent air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut as significant, important and powerful. He says Israel will take all necessary measures to ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes. Israeli attacks since Friday have killed dozens in Lebanon, including a veteran Hezbollah commander. Hezbollah responded with more than 100 missile attacks in northern Israel early Sunday, sending hundreds of thousands of Israelis into air raid shelters. Gallant says: The past week has been the most difficult in the history of Hezbollahs existence especially over the past day. Two Israeli strikes in central Gaza kill at least seven people DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Two Israeli strikes in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah have killed at least seven people, according to hospital officials. The first strike hit an apartment building early Sunday killing four people, including two women, followed by a second one in the afternoon that killed at least three more people. The bodies were rushed to the Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the city. Not long after funeral prayers were held for them outside the hospital, three more bloodied bodies arrived at the hospital, including one that appeared to be missing a leg. Israel is ready to take new steps against Hezbollah, military chief says JERUSALEM Israels military chief says the army is prepared to step up pressure on Hezbollah in the coming days. Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi told reporters Sunday that Israel is committed to returning tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by nearly a year of fighting to their homes. He said Israel has inflicted heavy damage against Hezbollah in recent weeks, and if the Lebanese militant group hasnt learned its lesson, it will receive another blow and another blow. Halevi says the army is on a high level of readiness and prepared to take additional steps in the coming days. We have many capabilities that we have not yet activated, he said. Funeral takes place for seven killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut MAYS AL-JABAL, Lebanon A funeral has taken place in the southern Lebanese border town of Mays al-Jabal for seven people killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut, among them three women and two girls. Men in black wearing yellow scarves with the Hezbollah logo stood quietly Sunday, as women wept and threw rice and rose petals over the coffins five draped in Lebanese flags, and two in flags of Hezbollahs Imam Mahdi Scouts. Mourners waved flags representing Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, a Lebanese Shia political party, and expressed their rage over Israels conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Tell our brothers in this country, you must realize that this enemy and America and all these countries behind it are traitors to us, and have betrayed us and sold us out and do not believe our words, said Sheikh Bassam Karout, a local imam who officiated the funeral. The Israeli strike Friday in a crowded suburb south of the Lebanese capital killed several members of the militant Hezbollah group, including the head of its elite Radwan Force Ibrahim Akil. Civilians were among the dozens killed. Batoul Nasrallah, mourning the loss of several relatives at the funeral, called the Israelis cowards. (Israel) relies on the laws of the jungle instead of international conventions, especially with protecting civilians, Melhem Khalaf, a Christian Lebanese parliamentarian from Beirut, told The Associated Press. U.K. foreign secretary calls for immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah LONDON The U.K.s top diplomat is calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Sunday that the fighting is in nobodys interest. In recent days, we have seen worrying escalation between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, Lammy said. Our message to all parties is clear: We need an immediate ceasefire from both sides so that we can get to a political settlement. He also advised British nationals to leave now for their safety, repeating a message the Foreign Office has delivered several times recently. U.S. says is pushing for a diplomatic solution to end Israel-Hezbollah attacks WASHINGTON The Biden administration is pushing for a diplomatic solution to end the attacks between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, which have killed dozens of people in Beirut and pushed hundreds of thousands into underground shelters in Israel's north. Speaking Sunday on ABC's This Week, national security spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. has been involved in extensive and quite assertive diplomacy in the region. He says: "We still believe that there can be time and space for a diplomatic solution here" According to a statement from the Pentagon, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Saturday about the Hezbollah rocket attacks and stressed the need for a diplomatic solution. As concerns bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza, Kirby says they have not achieved any progress here in the last week to two weeks. Not for lack of trying. He says the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, doesn't appear to be negotiating in good faith, citing the recent killing of six Israeli hostages in tunnels under Gaza. "But it doesnt mean that were not trying. Palestinians worry about heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah MUWASI, Gaza Strip Palestinians in the Gaza Strip fear the war and worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory might be forgotten as tensions boil between Hezbollah and Israel. The militant group launched more than 100 rockets into northern Israel early Sunday in response to an Israeli attack last week that killed dozens in Beirut, including a top Hezbollah commander. All focus of the news and media is on Lebanon. Gaza is forgotten, Nezar Zaqout, who is living in a tent camp in Muwasi in southern Gaza, told The Associated Press. Every day we heard that there was hope for negotiations, or new news that they were trying to solve the issue of the displaced but we have become completely forgotten. In the sprawl of camps along Gaza's coast that Israel has designated a humanitarian zone and where Zaqout and other displaced Palestinians are sheltering, children walk on dirt roads muddied by overnight rainstorms to wait in line for bread. Saadi Abu Mustafa says he was hopeful for a ceasefire deal through Qatari, Egyptian, and American mediation, but he fears that the escalation in fighting and the focus on Lebanon will affect us negatively. Hezbollah has said it is confronting Israel in support of its ally Hamas in Gaza. He says: They leave Gaza without negotiations, without a prisoner, and without a ceasefire. Hezbollah is in an open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel, deputy leader says BEIRUT Hezbollahs deputy leader says his group is now in an open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel, and he is threatening to displace more people in the country's north. Speaking Sunday during the funeral of top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, Naim Kassem warned: We admit that we are pained. We are humans. But as we are pained, you will also be pained. His comments follow days of surprise Israeli attacks that have wounded thousands of people in Lebanon and killed members of Hezbollah, and hours after the militant group responded by launching rockets deep into northern Israel, including near the city of Haifa. He vows the ongoing conflict will destroy Israel's economy and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will not achieve your goals. Hezbollah has said it is confronting Israel in support of its ally Hamas in Gaza. Kassem says Hezbollah, which has lost several senior military leaders in recent months, has returned stronger, and the frontline will witness this. He has said Hezbollah will stop attacking northern Israel only if the country can reach a ceasefire in Gaza with Hamas, and that a military solution will not allow the tens of thousands of people displaced from northern Israel to return. Hundreds attend the funeral of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil BEIRUT Hundreds of people gathered in southern Beirut Sunday for the funeral of top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, killed in an Israeli airstrike on Friday alongside other members of the powerful militant group. Akils coffin was draped in a yellow Hezbollah flag with his portrait. Senior Hezbollah members attended the funeral, including deputy leader Sheikh Naim Kassem and senior parliamentarian Mohammad Raad. Killed Hezbollah militant Mahmoud Hamad was also honored at the funeral. Hezbollah legislator says the group is ready for any scenario BEIRUT, Lebanon Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah says the war with Israel has entered a new phase, saying the group is ready for any scenario, war, or confrontation. Attending the funeral of a member of the Lebanese militant group who was killed among dozens of others in an Israeli strike on a Beirut neighborhood Friday, Fadlallah said the southern front has played a crucial role in pressuring Israel to stop its war on Gaza. He also said that Israel won't be able to achieve its main goal ... to return settlers in the north," as he praised the abilities of Hezbollah. We have a strong and capable resistance that possesses the capabilities, competencies, and numerous fighters and equipment that enable it to absorb any loss or blow, and to adapt to any new situation," he said. Netanyahu says Hezbollah has been dealt unimaginable blows JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has dealt Hezbollah blows that it did not imagine after days of intense strikes on Lebanon. In a video statement released by his office, Netanyahu said that if the militant group did not get the message, I promise you, it will get the message. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel was determined to return its displaced citizens in the north, adding: No country can tolerate fire on its residents, fire on its cities. And the state of Israel will not tolerate it either. We will do everything necessary to restore security. Israel and the Hezbollah militant group exchanged heavy fire across Lebanons border on Sunday, fueling fears of a wider conflict in the region as the monthslong war in Gaza continues to rage. Dozens of rockets hit Israel which destroyed homes, cars and communities, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said on X. In a separate development, Israeli soldiers shut down Al Jazeeras bureau in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, on Sunday morning, a moved condemned by several journalist organizations. The IDF said Hezbollah launched roughly 150 rockets, cruise missiles and drones at Israel. While many were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, there were a small number of cases of hits and interception debris falling on Israeli territory, it said. Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said on X that three people were wounded by shrapnel in the barrage. Another rescue service, United Hatzalah, said it treated 20 people who were injured while heading for shelter. Later, the IDF said its fighter jets had struck dozens of Hezbollah terror targets, including launchers and military structures in dozens of areas in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah meanwhile, said it had launched dozens of rockets as part of its initial response to Fridays airstrike on a densely populated suburb of Beirut that killed 45 people including senior leaders of the group. That attack followed the coordinated detonation of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members across Lebanon. Speaking Sunday at the funeral procession for senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, who was killed in Fridays strike, Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy secretary general, said that the group would not disclose how it would respond to the attack but that we have entered a new phase defined by an open reckoning. Separately, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iraqi militias backed by Iran, said it had also launched drones at Israel on Sunday. In a video statement Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military had inflicted on Hezbollah a sequence of blows that they did not imagine. Reiterating his governments intention to return displaced residents in northern Israel, he said, No country can tolerate shooting at its residents, shooting at its cities and we, the state of Israel, will not tolerate it either. We will do everything necessary to restore security. A member of the Israeli security forces stands guard inside a cordoned-off area in the Haifa district of Israel. Israel and Hezbollah, which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization, have traded fire since the outbreak of the war in Gaza that began with Hamas Oct. 7 terror attacks, in which about 1,200 people were killed and Palestinian militants took around 250 hostages. Around 100 people remain in captivity, although a third are believed to be dead. Israels offensive in Gaza since then has killed more than 41,000 people, according to health officials in the enclave. Those figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Hezbollah said it began firing rockets in solidarity with the Palestinians and its fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas, and since then the low-level tit-for-tat attacks have killed dozens of people in Israel, hundreds in Lebanon, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border. The United Nations warned that the region was on the brink of an imminent catastrophe. In a statement posted on X, the United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis, said it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "reaffirmed the United States commitment to Israels right to defend itself" in a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a Pentagon spokesperson said in a statement. During a visit to the IDFs Northern Command, Gallant said the events of the past week were "the most difficult in the history of Hezbollahs existence." "We will continue to use all the means at our disposal to achieve our goal ensuring the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes, he said Sunday. Further south in the Gaza Strip, Israels air force killed seven people wounded several others in a strike on a compound that housed a former school, Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Saber Basal said in a Telegram post Sunday. He added that the compound housed hundreds of displaced people. The IDF said in a statement that Hamas was operating from the compound and that numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to uninvolved civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence information. Elsewhere, Israeli soldiers shut down Al Jazeeras bureau in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, on Sunday morning. In an exchange broadcast live on Al Jazeeras Arabic-language news channel, Israeli troops handed the networks bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, an order shutting down the office for 45 days. The IDF said in a statement that the order was signed following a legal opinion and an up-to-date intelligence assessment that determined that the offices were being used to incite terror, to support terrorist activities and that the channels broadcasts endanger the security and public order in both the area and the State of Israel as a whole. Calling the allegations unfounded, the network said in a statement that the raid was an affront to press freedom. These oppressive measures are clearly intended to prevent the world from witnessing the reality of the situation in the occupied territories and the ongoing war on Gaza and the devastating impact on innocent civilians, the statement added. The move was condemned by the Foreign Press Association, which said in a statement that it was deeply concerned by this escalation in threats to press freedom. Urging the Israeli government to reconsider the measures, it added that the restriction of foreign correspondents and the closure of news outlets signals a shift away from democratic values. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement that the raid was deeply concerning. It added that journalists must be protected and allowed to work freely. Israel banned Al Jazeera from broadcasting within Israeli territory, but it had continued to broadcast from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Last week, Israels government announced it was revoking the press credentials of Al Jazeera journalists in the country, four months after banning the channel from operating inside Israel. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sunday opened with a new barrage of Hezbollah fire into northern Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces, which continued its own campaign of cross-border strikes after a week of high-profile -- and high-casualty -- attacks across Lebanon. The IDF said Hezbollah launched 150 rockets, cruise missiles and drones toward Israel on Sunday, of which were fired within 45 minutes. Hezbollah said the barrage was "an initial response to Israel's pager and walkie-talkie attacks in Lebanon last week. In a statement, the group said it targeted facilities belonging to a military technology company and the Ramat David military base. Asked about the status of both, an IDF spokesman declined to comment. At least four people in northern Israel were treated for shrapnel wounds, with several others treated for light and moderate injuries sustained while rushing to shelters, according to the Magen David Adom emergency service. The IDF said it was striking "Hezbollah terrorist targets in Lebanon" in response, having already bombed 400 targets through Saturday. IDF international spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a Sunday morning briefing there was "heavy rocket fire by Hezbollah" across multiple northern regions, with several projectiles landed in areas including Kiryat Bialik, Zur Shalom and Moreshet, all close to the northern city of Haifa and some 20 miles from the Lebanese border. PHOTO: An excavator removes a charred car at the scene of a strike by Lebanon's Hezbollah in Kiryat Bialik in the Haifa district of Israel on September 22, 2024. (Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images) MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates: IDF strikes Lebanon after 115 Hezbollah launches "This is a situation that is untolerable and Israel is committed to act to change this reality," Shoshani said. Cross-border fire has been near-constant since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began attacks in protest of Israel's latest offensive into the Gaza Strip, which followed Hamas' Oct. 7 operation. Hezbollah -- which controls southern Lebanon and is backed by Iran -- has vowed to continue its attacks until Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza. Tensions have been steadily mounting on the Israel-Lebanon border as the war drags on and cease-fire negotiations fail. Israeli leaders have long demanded Hezbollah withdraw its forces north of the Litani River -- some 18 miles from the Israeli border -- per a 2006 United Nations Security Council resolution that sought to end the last major clash between the two sides. Tens of thousands of Israelis have left their homes in the border region since Oct. 8 under the threat of Hezbollah strikes. Their safe return is a key war goal for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. The simmering conflict entered "a new phase" last week, in the words of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, after Israel's covert operation to detonate communication devices carried by Hezbollah members. Two consecutive days of explosions in Beirut and across Hezbollah's southern heartland killed at least 37 people and wounded 2,931, according to Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad. At least one explosion was also reported in Syria. Hezbollah suffered another serious security breach on Friday, when an Israeli airstrike in a densely-populated Beirut suburb killed operations chief Ibrahim Aqil and 14 other members. PHOTO: An Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept rockets that were launched from Lebanon, in northern Israel, on September. 22, 2024. (Baz Ratner/AP) MORE: Key Hezbollah leader, commanders killed in strike in Beirut, Israel says The strike devastated part of the Dahiya area -- known as a Hezbollah stronghold -- and killed at least 45 people, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The dead included at least three children -- aged 4, 6 and 10 -- and seven women, the ministry said. Dozens more people were wounded. The past week of escalation has left the region on the brink of an intensified and broadened conflict. Shoshani said Sunday that three aerial targets approached Israel from the east overnight, two of which came from Iraq and were intercepted. Iraqi militant groups aligned with Tehran have claimed several attacks towards Israel since Oct. 7. The IDF on Sunday issued new security guidelines for the north of the country, prohibiting educational activities, limiting the size of gatherings and closing beaches. The Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa said in a statement that it will move all patients from wards to a "protected underground hospital." The State Department, meanwhile, reissued its level 4 "do not travel" warning for Lebanon to include threats posed by "recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut." The Department's prevailing guidance for American citizens in the country -- which is to "depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available" -- is unchanged from its last advisory issued in July. "At this time, commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity. If the security situation worsens, commercial options to depart may become unavailable," the advisory said. The United Nations' special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, warned in a statement posted to X on Sunday: "With the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer." PHOTO: Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli strike that targeted the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Zibqin on September 22, 2024. (Kawnat Haju/AFP via Getty Images) ABC News' Jordana Miller, Dana Savir, Shannon Kingston, Ghazi Balkiz and Victoria Beaule contributed to this report. Israel and Hezbollah trade fresh border barrages as region braces for war originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A rocket from Israel's Iron Dome air defence system is fired to intercept rockets fired from Lebanon on September 22 (Jalaa MAREY) (Jalaa MAREY/AFP/AFP) World powers on Sunday implored Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement to refrain from escalating their conflict as the Gaza war threatened to spill over across the Middle East. Hezbollah and Israeli forces have traded regular cross-border fire since Palestinian Islamist group Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel sparked the devastating war in Gaza. But fears of an all-out regional conflagration soared this week as both sides intensified the fighting, with Israeli strikes killing dozens in Lebanon, including top Hezbollah commanders. - United Nations - UN chief Antonio Guterres told broadcaster CNN he feared "the possibility of transforming Lebanon (into) another Gaza". The UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, warned on X that the region was "on the brink of an imminent catastrophe" and that no military solution would make either side safe. Guterres also said neither Israel nor Hamas were interested in achieving a ceasefire to end the brutal war in Gaza that has raged for almost a year. "That is a tragedy, because this is a war that must stop," he added. - United States - President Joe Biden said the United States was "pushing hard" and would do "everything we can" to prevent a wider regional war. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said escalating the conflict was not in key US ally Israel's "best interest". Washington was saying this "directly to our Israeli counterparts" and believes "there can be time and space for a diplomatic solution", he told ABC. - Egypt - Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told AFP there was "great concern about... the possibility of an escalation in the region" leading to all-out war. The latest surge in violence "negatively affects" the Gaza ceasefire talks Egypt has been mediating for months with Qatar and the United states, he added. - European Union - The 27-nation bloc is "extremely concerned" about the escalating violence and is calling for an "urgent" ceasefire, its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. A full-blown war "must be averted, including by renewed intense diplomatic mediation efforts", he added. - Britain - UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Israel and Hezbollah to reach an "immediate ceasefire" following a "worrying escalation". Addressing his Labour party's annual conference, Lammy said a ceasefire would facilitate "a political settlement, so that Israelis and Lebanese civilians can return to their homes and live in peace and security". burs-imm/ju/jj Israel and Hezbollah warn each other over border exchanges Security forces stand infront of damaged buildings in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa The Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and Israel ramped up the rhetoric on Sunday, as violence continued along their border with no end in sight. Lebanon reported three dead in an Israeli airstrike, while Hezbollah said it attacked a military base near the port city of Haifa in northern Israel early on Sunday. Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naeem Kassem, speaking at the funeral of top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, whom the Israelis killed on Friday, said the conflict is entering a new phase. "We will now determine how to respond to the aggression, and we have entered a new phase with the Israeli army called the 'Battle of the Open Account,'" Kassem said. "We follow the front of support and confrontation... we will kill them and fight from where they expect and from where they do not expect," said Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naeem Kassem, referring to Israelis. He spoke at Akil's' funeral. The death toll from Friday's Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburbs, a hotbed of the Hezbollah movement, rose to 45, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Sunday. Israel, for its part, is planning to launch further attacks on the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah in the coming days, Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi said. The killing of Akil and other senior commanders in an Israeli air strike near Beirut on Friday had "shaken" the organization, the chief of General Staff said. Israel's message to Hezbollah and others in the region now is: "We can reach anyone who threatens Israel's citizens," Halevi said, noting that Israel has additional capabilities that it has not yet utilized. Halevi said Israel would make sure those living in the north of the country can return to their homes. "And if Hezbollah has not understood this, then it will take another blow and another blow - until the organization understands." The country continues to be on high alert in matters of attack and defence, he said, without mentioning any kind of ground invasion. Earlier Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Hezbollah is coming under increasing pressure from Israel's military might and is now feeling like it is being pursued. The Israeli Air Force, by its own admission, has attacked hundreds of Hezbollah positions. In turn, Hezbollah attacked northern Israel with fierce rocket fire. Hezbollah fires at Haifa On Sunday, Hezbollah reported launching an attack on an industrial complex and an Israeli military base near the port city of Haifa - it said was in retaliation for Israel's "brutal massacre" last week, in which coordinated blasts involving electronic devices across Lebanon caused death and injury. Israel's military reported on Sunday that Hezbollah had launched around 115 attacks on civilian targets in northern Israel. Israeli forces were on high alert in the region to ward off the attacks and to "intensify" attacks on Hezbollah, it said. The attacks penetrated further south than previously. Air raid sirens were also heard to the south-west of Nazareth, which lies inland from Haifa. Hospitals in northern Israel to move patients to bunker Amid increased cross-border rocket attacks from Lebanon, hospitals in northern Israel have been instructed to move patients to shelters, Israeli media reported on Sunday. Rambam Hospital in Haifa, the region's largest, announced it would begin relocating patients to its underground emergency facility at midday, following army directives. Rambam's so-called "bunker hospital," built in 2014 and located more than 16 metres underground, can accommodate up to 1,400 patients, both soldiers and civilians, according to its website. Normally used as a car park, the facility is also fortified against biological and chemical attacks. There have been almost daily military confrontations between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in the border area between the two countries since the Gaza war started, with deaths on both side. Most of those killed have been Hezbollah militia. Concerns are rising that the IDF could launch a ground offensive into southern Lebanon to force Hezbollah units back from the border in order to allow thousands of Israeli civilians to return to their homes in the region. UN warns of 'imminentcatastrophe' in the Middle East The United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has warned that the Middle East is facing a catastrophic situation, stating that the region is "on the brink of an imminent catastrophe." She said: "It cannot be overstated enough: there is no military solution that will make either side safer." People hang a giant Israeli flag from the roof of a damaged building in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa A view of a damaged building in Kiryat Bialik, following a reported strike by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Heavy smoke of Israeli air raids billows from suspected Hezbollah position in the southern Lebanese village of Mahmoudieh. Israeli warplanes carried more than 50 raids on several villages one day after a deadly attack on Beirut southern suburb killing 31 people among them Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan Brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa Heavy smoke of Israeli air raids billows from suspected Hezbollah position in the southern Lebanese village of Mahmoudieh. Israeli warplanes carried more than 50 raids on several villages one day after a deadly attack on Beirut southern suburb killing 31 people among them Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan Brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa Israel and Hezbollah urged to step back as UN warns of 'catastrophe' Israel and Hezbollah both threatened to increase their cross-border attacks on Sunday, despite international appeals for them to step back from all-out war. Israels military said about 150 rockets, missiles and other projectiles were fired at its territory overnight on Saturday and early on Sunday mostly from within Lebanon. Some reached further than previous strikes, sending thousands of Israelis to bomb shelters and damaging homes near the city of Haifa. Israel launched its own strikes on targets in southern Lebanon, which it said destroyed thousands of Hezbollah's rocket launchers. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would take "whatever action is necessary to restore security" and return people safely to their homes along the Israel-Lebanon border. He said Israel had dealt "a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined". But the group's deputy leader Naim Qassem declared: Threats will not stop us... We are ready to face all military possibilities". Speaking at the funeral of Ibrahim Aqil, a high-ranking Hezbollah commander killed in Israel's Friday strike on Lebanon's capital, Beirut, he said: "We have entered a new phase, namely an open reckoning" with Israel. Sheikh Nadeem Qassem told mourners that Israel had failed in all its aims, while the resistance - meaning Hezbollah - had continued firing for the last three days. He said more Israeli residents would be pushed out from their homes in the north of the country, adding that Israel had failed to break the group's resistance and connection with Gaza. Hezbollah is allied with Hamas, which is also part of Irans so-called "Axis of Resistance". Huge crowds lined the streets and followed the coffin as it was driven on an elevated platform on the back of a pick-up truck. Among the grief and anger at the funeral, there was a message of defiance from the gathered Hezbollah supporters - including chants of "death to America" from the crowd. The ceremony took place in a square in the southern suburb of Dahieh in Beirut, the heartland of Hezbollah, just a few streets away from Friday's air strike. Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem leads funeral prayers for a senior commander killed by an Israeli strike [Reuters] Lebanese officials said 45 people were killed in the attack, including Ibrahim Aqil and 15 of his men. Aqil had many enemies, and a bounty of $7m on his head. He was wanted by the US for his alleged links to the killing of hundreds of Americans in Beirut in the 1980s in attacks on the US Embassy and a Marine barracks. About 30 civilians were also killed in Fridays Israeli strike, including entire families. At the scene today, relatives remained at the edge of a vast crater, hoping for remains to be found. Lebanese Minister for Public Works Ali Hamie who is linked with Hezbollah - said Israel is dragging the region to war. At the end, Lebanon is not seeking the war, he told the BBC at the scene of the strike. Even the Lebanese people. But Israel is calling us worldwide, come to war. Come to war. Asked if he thought war would happen, he replied: "I dont know, we will see." Hezbollah is the most powerful political and military organisation in Lebanon. The Shia Muslim organisation is better armed than many nations. It is classed as a terrorist organisation by countries including the UK and the US. Fighting between Hezbollah and Israel escalated on 8 October 2023 - the day after the attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen from Gaza - when Hezbollah fired at Israeli positions. About 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage in the Hamas attacks on southern Israel, while 60,000 people in the north have been evacuated as a result of near-daily rocket attacks by Hezbollah since. Haifa's main hospital relocated patients to a secure underground facility [EPA] The latest cross-border exchanges have sparked renewed international concern. UN chief Antonio Guterres told CNN he feared "the possibility of transforming Lebanon [into] another Gaza". The UN special co-ordinator in Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, posted on X that the Middle East was on the brink of "imminent catastrophe". "It cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer," she posted on Sunday. US President Joe Biden said Washington would do "everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out". The EU said it was "extremely" concerned, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for an "immediate ceasefire". The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said many of the projectiles it faced had been intercepted overnight on Saturday, including two that had been launched from Iraq. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Iran-backed group, said it had fired cruise missile and explosive drone attacks at Israel. Northern Israel remains on high alert, with schools closed and hospitals moving patients underground. People there have been told to restrict outdoor gatherings to fewer than 10. One resident of Kirayt Bialik on the outskirts of Haifa, which was hit by rocket fire, told Reuters news agency: "Around 06:30 there was an alarm and then immediately afterwards a big explosion - very, very big explosion - even three or four houses from here. Our window in the main room was completely destroyed." Earlier this week, 39 people were killed and thousands wounded after pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, the politically-influential Iran-backed organisation, exploded on two days across Lebanon. On Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah blamed Israel for the attacks, saying it had crossed "all red lines" and vowed "just punishment". Israel has not claimed responsibility. As fears increase that the conflict may break out into a full-scale war, the US state department issued new travel advice for citizens currently in Lebanon. The US embassy in Beirut urged people to "depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available". Neighbouring Jordan's foreign ministry issued similar advice to its citizens, urging those in Lebanon to leave as soon as possible. More on this story Israeli soldiers raided the West Bank offices of the Al Jazeera network early Sunday morning, forcing the bureau to shut down. Al Jazeera broadcast video of the military entering the bureau and ordering staff to evacuate and cease operations. There is a court ruling for closing down Al Jazeera for 45 days, a soldier told bureau chief Walid al-Omari in the live footage, according to Al Jazeera. I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment. The troops seized documents and equipment including the microphone al-Omari was using to interview them. In an article covering the raid, Al Jazeera wrote that the move is aimed at silencing networks coverage of Gaza war. Twelve hours after the raid, the Israeli government made a statement without including evidence that the bureau was being used to incite terror, to support terrorist activities and that the channels broadcasts endanger security and public order. Al Jazeera said these allegations are unfounded, and the network will not be intimidated or deterred by efforts to silence its coverage. Israels government under Benjamin Netanyahu has often complained that the Qatar-based outlet is a mouthpiece for Hamas. The network has often broadcasted uncensored video statements from Hamas and other militant groups in the region, including Hamas officials calls for a violent uprising in the West Bank on Oct. 7 the day Hamas militants attacked Israel, which led to nearly 1,200 Israeli deaths. This past May, the Israeli government shut down Al Jazeeras operations in Israel and closed its Jerusalem offices, raiding and confiscating equipment. It also banned Al Jazeera from broadcasting in Israel, citing national security concerns after Israels parliament passed a law allowing the government to stop foreign broadcasts if they were decided to be a threat to Israels security. Last week, the Israeli government revoked Al Jazeera journalists press credentials in the country. The board of the Foreign Press Association, which represents international media working in Israel and the Palestinian territories, said in a statement that it was deeply troubled by this escalation, which threatens press freedom. It called for the government to reconsider these actions, adding, Restricting foreign reporters and closing news channels signals a shift away from democratic values. Carlos Martinez de la Serna, program director for the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said the organization is deeply alarmed. Israels efforts to censor Al Jazeera severely undermine the publics right to information on a war that has upended so many lives in the region, he said in a statement. Al Jazeeras journalists must be allowed to report at this critical time, and always. Four Al Jazeera journalists are among the at least 116 journalists and media workers who have been killed since the war in Gaza began, marking the deadliest time period for journalists since the Committee to Protect Journalists began collecting data in 1992. The committee said it is still investigating another 130 cases of potential journalist killings, arrests and injuries but added that many are difficult to document amid these harsh conditions. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Israeli military has raided the offices of news broadcaster Al Jazeera in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, confiscated its equipment and ordered it to close for an initial period of 45 days. Armed Israeli soldiers entered the building early on Sunday during a live broadcast. Israel's military said a legal opinion and intelligence assessment determined that the offices were being used "to incite terror" and "support terrorist activities", and that the channel's broadcasts endanger Israel's security. Al Jazeera "vehemently" condemned the closure and "unfounded allegations presented by Israeli authorities to justify these illegal raids", and called the move an "affront" to press freedom. The Foreign Press Association said it was "deeply troubled" by the development, which it also said threatened press freedom. "Restricting foreign reporters and closing news channels signals a shift away from democratic values," the organisation said. Viewers watched as the troops handed the closure order to Al Jazeeras West Bank bureau chief Walid al-Omari, who read it out live on air. Targeting journalists this way always aims to erase the truth and prevent people from hearing the truth, Mr al-Omari said in comments reported by his employer. The soldiers confiscated the last microphone and camera off the street outside and forced Mr al-Omari out of the office, Al Jazeera journalist Mohammad Alsaafin said. Posting about the raid on social media, Mr Alsaafin said the troops also pulled down a poster of Shireen Abu Aqla - an Al Jazeera reporter who was killed while covering a raid by Israeli forces in the West Bank. The network and witnesses at the time said the Palestinian-American reporter was shot by Israeli forces. Israel initially argued she had been shot by a Palestinian. However, months later it concluded there was a "high probability" that one of its soldiers killed her. About the closure of the offices, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it and Israel Border Police, alongside the civil administration, enforced an order signed by the Commander of the Central Command. The offices had been sealed and equipment confiscated, the IDF added. Al Jazeera decried the "draconian actions" and "oppressive measures", but said it would not deter the network from covering Gaza and the West Bank. The news outlet said it would pursue all available legal channels through international legal institutions to protect its rights and journalists, as well as the public's right to information. Relations between the Qatari-owned broadcaster and the Israeli government have long been tense, but have worsened following the outbreak of war in Gaza. With foreign journalists banned from entering the strip, Al Jazeera staff based in the area have been some of the only reporters able to cover the war on the ground. In April, the Israeli parliament passed a law giving the government power to temporarily close foreign broadcasters considered a threat to national security during the war. A ban would be in place for a period of 45 days at a time, as seen in Sunday's raid, and can be renewed. In early May, the Al Jazeera offices in Nazareth and occupied East Jerusalem were subject to separate raids. Amid the drama of Israels devastating booby traps and precision air strikes against Hezbollah, it is easy to lose sight of what is really at stake. With ex-diplomats and academic experts filling the airwaves with warnings against a conflagration in the Middle East, some readers may believe their claims that Israel is responsible for anything and everything that its sworn enemies inflict upon the region. The truth is more or less the opposite. The Israel Defence Force is determined to defeat Hezbollah, like Hamas before it, solely because these terrorist organisations pose a lethal threat to its own civilians. Too many in the West have played down the relentless rocket bombardment of northern Israel by Hezbollah, but the displaced populations of entire cities such as Kiryat Shmona cannot ignore it. Would we tolerate the forced evacuation of, say, Dover? Retaliation is necessary to deter such attacks and it is also legitimate, even under a strict interpretation of international law. Targeting terrorists by detonating their pagers and walkie-talkies is both proportionate and precise. Israel would be justified in acting in self-defence even if it were openly pitted against hostile states such as Iran. However, Hezbollah and Hamas are not state actors, but illegitimate terror networks bent on indiscriminate murder. They, like their Iranian sponsors, are driven by a genocidal ideology, one which seeks to transform the ancient religion of Islam into a death cult. Moreover, by striking back at these fanatics, Israel strengthens Jewish people in the global diaspora who suffer from the scourge of anti-Semitism. Indeed, the sight of terrorists getting their comeuppance should give heart to those who love freedom and democracy everywhere. What, though, about the danger of a full-scale war in Lebanon, which could spread elsewhere? Escalation cannot be ruled out, especially if Iran unleashes its hellhounds. Hezbollah is believed to possess some 150,000 missiles, enough to inflict mass casualties by overwhelming Israels Iron Dome defence system. Hence Israel is quite right to pre-empt such an onslaught. Rather than calling for ceasefires that help the terrorists to regroup, Britain and other allies should applaud Israels decisive action for it is the only path to peace. 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. Israel raids and shuts down Al Jazeera's bureau in Ramallah in the West Bank This image made from video provided by Al Jazeera English shows Israeli troops raiding their bureau in Ramallah, West Bank, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Al Jazeera via AP) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Israeli troops raided the offices of the satellite news network Al Jazeera in the Israeli-occupied West Bank early Sunday, ordering the bureau to shut down amid a widening campaign by Israel targeting the Qatar-funded broadcaster as it covers the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Al Jazeera aired footage of Israeli troops live on its Arabic-language channel ordering the office to be shut for 45 days. It follows an order issued in May that saw Israeli police raid Al Jazeera's broadcast position in East Jerusalem, seizing equipment there, preventing its broadcasts in Israel and blocking its websites. The move marked the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country. However, Al Jazeera has continued operating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, territories that the Palestinians hope to have for their future state. Israel acknowledges raid on Al Jazeera The Israeli military acknowledged conducting the raid 12 hours later, alleging without providing evidence that the newsroom was "being used to incite terror, to support terrorist activities and that the channels broadcasts endanger ... security and public order. Al Jazeera denounced Israel's unfounded accusations as it continued broadcasting live from Amman, Jordan, even as Israeli troops welded shut its office doors in Ramallah and confiscated its equipment. Al Jazeera will not be intimidated or deterred by efforts to silence its coverage, it said. Armed Israeli troops entered the office and told a reporter live on air that it would be shut down, saying that staff needed to leave immediately. The network later aired what appeared to be Israel troops tearing down a banner on a balcony used by the Al Jazeera office. Al Jazeera said it bore an image of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist shot dead by Israeli forces in May 2022. Al Jazeeras local bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, later told the AP that the Israeli military cited laws dating back to the British Mandate of Palestine to support its closure order. The Palestinians secured limited self-rule in Gaza and parts of the occupied West Bank through the 1993 Oslo agreements. While Israel occupies and controls vast areas of the West Bank, Ramallah is under full Palestinian political and security control, making the Israeli raid on the Al Jazeera office that much more surprising. Journalists criticize raid and closure order The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate denounced the Israeli raid and closure order. This arbitrary military decision is a new aggression against journalistic work and media outlets," it said. The Palestinian Authority administers parts of the West Bank. Its forces were driven from Gaza when Hamas seized power in 2007, and it has no power there. The Authority's Foreign Ministry condemned the raid. Israeli Communication Minister Shlomo Karhi later described the raid as affecting the mouthpiece of Hamas and Hezbollah, the Shiite militia in Lebanon that Israel targeted with strikes Sunday after cross-border fire from the militants. We will continue to fight the enemy channels and ensure the safety of our heroic fighters, Karhi posted on X. Neither he nor the Israeli military addressed what legal authority Israel had to order the bureau closed. Israels Foreign Press Association said it was deeply troubled by this escalation, which threatens press freedom, and urges the Israeli government to reconsider these actions. Restricting foreign reporters and closing news channels, signals a shift away from democratic values, it said. The Israel-Hamas war has been extensively covered by Al Jazeera The network has reported on the Israeli-Hamas war nonstop since the militants initial cross-border attack on Oct. 7. Al Jazeera has maintained 24-hour coverage in the Gaza Strip amid Israels grinding ground offensive that has killed and wounded members of its staff. It remained unclear whether the Israeli military would target Al Jazeera's operation in Gaza as well. While including on-the-ground reporting of the wars casualties, Al Jazeera's Arabic arm often publishes verbatim video statements from Hamas and other regional militant groups. That has led to Israeli claims by officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the network has harmed Israels security and incited against soldiers. Those claims have been vehemently denied by Al Jazeera, whose main funder, Qatar, has been key in negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire to end the war. An order closing Al Jazeera in Israel has been repeatedly renewed in the time since, but it hadn't as of yet ordered the Ramallah offices closed. The Israeli government has taken action against individual reporters over the decades since its founding in 1948, but broadly allows for a media scene that includes foreign bureaus from around the world, even from Arab nations. It also blocked the foreign broadcasts of the Hezbollah-affiliated, Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news channel at the start of the war. Al Jazeera has faced controversy in past Criticism of Al Jazeera isn't new. Washington singled out the broadcaster during the U.S. occupation of Iraq after its 2003 invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein and for airing videos of the late al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. Al Jazeera has been closed or blocked by other governments in the Middle East. Most notably in 2013, Egyptian authorities raided a luxury hotel used by Al Jazeera as an operating base after the military takeover that followed mass protests against President Mohammed Morsi. Three Al Jazeera staff members received 10-year prison sentences, but were released in 2015 following widespread international criticism. The Israel-Hamas war began when Hamas-led fighters killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in an Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. They abducted another 250 people and are still holding around 100 hostages. Israels campaign in Gaza has killed at least 41,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between fighters and civilians. The closure of Al Jazeera's Ramallah office also comes as tensions continue to rise over a possible expansion of the war to Lebanon, where electronic devices exploded last week in a likely sabotage campaign by Israel targeting the Shiite militia Hezbollah. The explosions Tuesday and Wednesday killed at least 37 people including two children and wounded around 3,000 others. ___ Natalie Melzer contributed to this report from Nahariya, Israel. Qatari Al Jazeera TV said Sunday morning that Israeli forces stormed its bureau in the West Bank city of Ramallah with a military order to close it for 45 days. The Qatar-based channel aired live footage of Israeli troops rushing into the channel's office and handing over a military closure order to one of the Al Jazeera TV staff members before the broadcast was disrupted. In a statement, the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate condemned the Israeli move, saying "this arbitrary military decision is considered a new violation against journalistic and media works, which has been exposing the occupations crimes against the Palestinian people." In May, Israeli authorities raided a Jerusalem hotel room used by Al Jazeera as its office after the government decided to shut down the AL Jazeera TV station's local operations, saying it threatened national security. The raid comes as tensions in the Mideast are soaring to new heights and the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war nears. On Saturday, Palestinians said an Israeli strike killed at least 22 people in a school sheltering displaced people in southern Gaza City, while the Israeli military said the attack targeted a command center of Hamas. The Gaza health ministry said most of those killed were women and children. The Hamas-run government media office said 13 children and six women were among the dead. Rescue workers in Beirut on Saturday also searched for people still missing in rubble after an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah commanders the previous day killed at least 37 people in a suburb of the Lebanese capital, according to authorities. Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed group, said that 16 members including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and another commander, Ahmed Wahbi, were among those killed in the deadliest strike in nearly a year of conflict with Israel. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israeli forces raid Al Jazeera bureau in Ramallah, West Bank Israeli forces raided and shuttered the West Bank bureau of news organization Al Jazeera, accusing the newsroom of "supporting terrorism" in an order that compelled the office to close for 45 days. The raid of Al Jazeera was captured on video by the camera people of the Qatar-funded broadcaster. In the clip, bureau chief Walid al-Omari reads the order aloud and questions soldiers. He continues reporting on the incident after being forced outside until a soldier approaches and takes away his microphone. The raid follows a similar one on Al Jazeera's East Jerusalem base of operations in May. The broadcaster railed against the Ramallah raid this week, noting that their Ramallah studio is well within territory that is meant to be under the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organization under the Oslo Accords. The network also shared video they claim shows Israeli soldiers tearing down a large photos of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian journalist who was killed by Israeli forces in 2022 while covering a refugee camp in the West Bank. The photos are displayed prominently on the facade of the Ramallah bureau. Following the May raid, Al Jazeera continued to broadcast news reports about the ongoing war in Gaza from both its Ramallah bureau and another location inside the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military told the Associated Press that the newsroom was "being used to incite terror, to support terrorist activities and that the channels broadcasts endanger ... security and public order. Al Jazeera shared in a statement that the government of Israel clearly intend[s] to prevent the world from witnessing the reality of the situation in the occupied territories and the ongoing war on Gaza. Heavy smoke of Israeli air raids billows from suspected Hezbollah position in the southern Lebanese village of Mahmoudieh. Israeli warplanes carried more than 50 raids on several villages one day after a deadly attack on Beirut southern suburb killing 31 people among them Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan Brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa Israel is planning to launch further attacks on the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah in the coming days, Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi says. The killing of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil and other senior commanders in an Israeli air strike near Beirut on Friday had "shaken" the organization, the chief of General Staff said. Israel's message to Hezbollah and others in the region now is: "We can reach anyone who threatens Israel's citizens," Halevi said, noting that Israel has additional capabilities that it has not yet utilized. Halevi said Israel would make sure those living in the north of the country can return to their homes. "And if Hezbollah has not understood this, then it will take another blow and another blow - until the organization understands." The country continues to be on high alert in matters of attack and defence, he said, without mentioning any kind of ground invasion. Site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people, in Gaza City Site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people, in Gaza City By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) - An Israeli airstrike killed seven people in a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City on Sunday, Palestinian health officials said, with the Israeli military saying it had targeted militants operating from the compound. The strike hit Kafr Qasem School in Beach camp at around 11 a.m. (0800 GMT), the officials said. Among those killed was Majed Saleh, the director of the Hamas-run Public Works and Housing ministry, they added. Israel's military said the strike targeted Hamas fighters there, and that it had used aerial surveillance and taken other steps to limit the risk to civilians. Hamas, the Islamist militant group that rules Gaza, has regularly denied Israeli accusations that it uses hospitals and other civilians buildings for military purposes in the near year-old war. The attack and other reported violence in Gaza came amid a surge of strikes further north between Israel and the Iran-backed forces of Hezbollah across the border with Lebanon - a parallel conflict that had stoked fears of wider regional unrest. Six other Palestinians were killed in separate airstrikes in central and southern parts of Gaza, the medics said. They put the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes so far on Sunday at 16. In Rafah, near Gaza's border with Egypt, residents said Israeli tanks advanced towards the western parts of the city, where the army has operated since May, and took positions over some hilltops overseeing the coastal road. Israel's demands to keep control of the southern border line between Rafah and Egypt have been a major sticking point in internationals effort to conclude a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Hamas's armed wing said fighters have mounted several attacks against Israeli forces in Rafah, firing anti-tank rockets and detonating bombs in houses where Israeli troops had taken positions. In a statement on Saturday, the Israeli military said forces, operating in Rafah since May, have killed dozens of militants in recent weeks and dismantled military infrastructure and tunnel shafts. On Sunday, Gaza's health ministry warned that all services in all hospitals could halt in 10 days because of the shortages in essential spare parts, and oil needed to operate the fuel-powered generators. Adding to the turmoil and misery, heavy rain flooded tent encampments overnight. "Ten minutes of rain were enough to sink the tents. What if it rained all day? Tents are already worn out and can't stand winter," said Aya, displaced with her family in the central city of Deir Al-Balah, where around a million people are sheltering. "We don't want new tents. We want the war to end. We don't want temporary solutions in hell," the 30-year-old told Reuters via a chat app. More shelters and supplies to help people cope with the coming winter were needed, Juliette Touma, Director of Communications of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, said. "With rain and temperatures dropping, people are likely to fall ill especially children who are most vulnerable to colds and flu," Touma told Reuters. This war in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed more than 41,300 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, and displaced nearly the entire 2.3 million-strong population. (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Additional reporting by Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem; Editing by Andrew Heavens) 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 The Lebanese Hezbollah militia is coming under increasing pressure from Israel's military might, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says. Gallant's office quoted him as saying that Hezbollah is now feeling like it is being pursued. The Israeli Air Force, by its own admission, has attacked hundreds of positions of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia. In turn, Hezbollah attacked northern Israel with fierce rocket fire. Gallant says Israel's attacks will continue until the country can ensure that residents of northern Israeli towns can go back to their homes. He says that is the goal and the mission and Israel will do whatever it takes to achieve that. Jake Tapper pressed Tom Cotton on whether hes comfortable with Donald Trump blaming a potential election loss on the Jews, preemptively. The Republican senator fired back that his partys nominee was the most pro-Israel president we have ever had Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Trump told a crowd of supporters on Friday, If I dont win this election and the Jewish people would really have a lot to do with that if that happens, because if 40%, I mean, 60% of the people are voting for the enemy [then] Israel, in my opinion, will cease to exist within two years. Are you comfortable with that, with Donald Trump saying, if he loses, preemptively, its the fault of the Jews, a group already experiencing a rise of antisemitism in this country from the left and the right but still, preemptively, its the fault of the Jews? host Jake Tapper asked Cotton in response to Trumps claim. Well Jake, Donald Trump has been saying things like this for at least 11 months since the Oct. 7 attacks, Cotton replied. I think the only reason the Democrats latched onto it this week is they see the polling that reflects Donald Trump winning record-high amounts of Jewish voters who are Republicans. The point hes been making all along is that any Jewish voter, Christian voter, any other kind of voter who cares about Israel, who cares about a relationship with Israel should not vote for Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. Joe Biden has not backed Israel very much over the last 11 months. Kamala Harris has been much worse, he added. Tapper reminded Cotton that the topic at hand was American Jews and not Israel, to which the senator said that Harris has consistently been the most anti-Israel voice in this administration, before he asked of the Democratic candidate, When was the last time Kamala Harris spoke at an event about combating antisemitism? Her husband is Jewish and holds and is in charge of a group about combating antisemitism in the United States, Tapper returned. The pair also discussed the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The United States has failed diplomatic ally Israel, Cotton argued. The U.S. has not given them the political and diplomatic support that they needed from the very beginning, he insisted. Cotton also said Israel has every right to defend itself against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Rather than trying to put constant pressure on Israel, more pressure than we put on Iran and its terrorist networks, if Joe Biden and Kamala Harris would simply adopt a policy to let Israel win and back them to the hilt, the war on Hamas probably would have ended a long time ago, Cotton asserted. As Tapper attempted to interject, Cotton continued, Consistently, the Biden-Harris administration has put more pressure on Israel than it has put on Israels enemies. Thats probably had the effect of prolonging the fighting. Tapper asked Cotton about the hostages still believed to be held in Gaza by Hamas, including several Americans, and criticism of the Israeli government by their family members. Cotton said he has the deepest heartfelt sympathy for them and the agony they can go through but repeated his point. If you look at whats happened over the last 11 months, the only time Hamas has released hostages or hostages have been rescued is when Israels putting maximum military pressure on Hamas, the senator said. If the Biden-Harris administration had backed Israel from the beginning, not only would this war likely have already ended with fewer civilian casualties, but we would have gotten more hostages out earlier and alive. The post Jake Tapper Challenges Tom Cotton on Trump Blaming Jewish Voters for Potential Loss | Video appeared first on TheWrap. UPDATE 2:32pm: Turns out Janet Jacksons bizarre questioning of Kamala Harris heritage has gotten even weirder. Despite reports today about the 5x Grammy winner walking back her statements that Harris is not Black, Jacksons team has told TMZ that the apology issued earlier by Mo Elmasri, who claimed to be her manager, was not approved by Jackson. More from Deadline According to Janets IMDb, Elmasri is listed as her manager, but it is widely known that her brother Randy Jackson is her longtime manager. The saga continues PREVIOUSLY 9:18am: Following swift backlash for recent comments about Vice President Kamala Harris, Janet Jackson appears to have issued an apology. Claiming to be the Unbreakable artists manager, Mo Elmasri said Jackson previously spoke based on misinformation about the Democratic presidential nominees family and ethnicity during a recent interview with The Guardian. She deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman. Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse, Elmasri told Buzzfeed in a statement. We appreciate the opportunity to address this and will remain committed to promoting unity. Jackson previously postulated about Harris family background while seemingly admitting that she did not know what she was talking about. Well, you know what they supposedly said? Shes not Black. Thats what I heard. That shes Indian, she told The Guardian. When the reporter clarified that Harris is of both Black and South Asian heritage, Jackson responded, Her fathers white. Thats what I was told. I mean, I havent watched the news in a few days. I was told they discovered her father was white. Jackson appeared to be parroting a right-wing conspiracy theory perpetuated by Harris presidential opponent Donald Trump. While appearing before the National Association of Black Journalists in July, Trump said, She was always of Indian heritage and she was promoting Indian heritage. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I dont know, is she Indian, or is she Black? It is well documented that the VPs father Donald is a Jamaican-American professor of economics at Stanford University, while her late mother Shyamala Gopalan was a renowned breast cancer researcher and scientist who hailed from southern India. Both of Kamalas parents immigrated to the United States, meeting as graduate students at the University of California, Berkeley. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This Japanese region is still recovering from a deadly earthquake. Now record rains have flooded its streets Record rainfall has brought deadly flooding and landslides to a coastal region of Japan still recovering from a devastating New Years Day earthquake. Japans weather agency issued its highest emergency warning for Ishikawa prefecture Saturday, urging residents to take extreme precautions in what it said is the heaviest rainfall the region has ever experienced. The torrential downpour caused 16 rivers in the area to breach their banks, according to public broadcaster NHK. At least six people were killed, several are missing and tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, NHK reported, citing local authorities. One person was killed in the city of Suzu after their home was swallowed by a landslide, NHK reported. In the city of Wajima, two bodies were found near a tunnel following a landslide and two women were found dead in a house also impacted by landslides, according to NHK. A man pulled from a river was also confirmed dead, it said. Four workers doing earthquake restoration work in Wajima city are missing, possibly caught up in a landslide, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The storm also cut power to more than 6,200 households, authorities said. Ishikawa endured destruction and misery on January 1, when a powerful 7.5 magnitude quake struck the Noto peninsula, killing hundreds of people and causing widespread destruction. Temporary housing built for people who lost their homes in the quake was surrounded by several feet of murky floodwater on the weekend, photos showed. Earthquakes make soil unstable and prone to further landslides, especially after heavy rains. The weather agency downgraded its warning level Sunday, but asked residents to remain on high alert. Shoichi Miyakoshi checks a circuit breaker at his temporary housing, built for people who lost their homes during the New Year's Day earthquake, which was damaged by floods in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture on September 22, 2024. - Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP/Getty Images People remove mud to dislodge a car following flooding in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture on September 22, 2024. - Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP/Getty Images A collapsed bridge is seen following heavy rain in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture on September 22, 2024. - Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP/Getty Images Temporary housing is surrounded by floodwaters after heavy rains pounded the city of Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, on September 22, 2024. - JIJI Press/AFP/Getty Images A worker clears debris and mud at the site of a landslide caused by heavy rain in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture on September 22, 2024. - Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP/Getty Images This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Hanako Montgomery contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com What a turn up for the books. I am very much in agreement with John Major on his remarks about Reform UK and Nigel Farage. As I said during the General Election and as it turned out correctly, Reform, in taking over 90 seats away from the Conservatives but without gaining a single shred of influence in Parliament, have betrayed Brexit and handed Starmer a substantial majority, which has also cost us dearly in terms of Select Committee representation as well. Reform have betrayed Brexit and betrayed Britain, as I predicated, and with a massive majority, the Labour Party are now intent on resetting (as they put it), our relations with the EU. The consequences of this are dire, not least of which is Starmer, who described the referendum result as a catastrophe and who also argued for a second referendum to remain in the EU. The very notion of this is grotesque considering that we have now regained our self-government, our democracy and our sovereignty. Starmer does not seem to have noticed that Europe itself, as everyone can see, is imploding economically and politically, as country after country is reasserting its national identity and voting with their feet against EU political integration. In a matter of months, Starmer has demonstrated one failure after another, including letting down pensioners with the winter fuel allowance and surrendering to the unions, and has now sullied the office of Prime Minister, swaggering around in expensive suits paid for by his cronies, like a third-rate Burlington Bertie. With the prospect of massive taxation to come in the Autumn Budget, many voters who either abstained in the General Election or voted against the Conservative Party are now beginning to realise what a mistake they have made. It was the Conservative Party, with its values and principles, which delivered Brexit in the 2019 General Election which endorsed the 2016 referendum result. Reform and its predecessor, the Brexit Party, claim to have delivered Brexit but they, like the Labour Party, merely obtained a fraction of the vote and on a derisory turn out. However, on the question of illegal migration in particular and the Rwanda scheme, I profoundly disagree with John Major in what he said in his interview. Of course, as I have always argued, we should protect genuine refugees, but that is not what we are faced with through the criminally organised and lethal small boats operations. What is needed is a re-negotiation of international treaties, which are now some 70 years old. It is an illusion to conflate the current global and European crisis of migration with the kind of protection needed for refugees of the Holocaust in the 1940s. With our uniquely unwritten constitution and as the Rwanda Supreme Court Judgement dismissal of the case of an Iraqi national demonstrated, on the principle of legality, where our statutes are clear and unambiguous, the Supreme Court will support that statute even when it overrides international law, including the ECHR and international treaties. This is not possible in the EU because of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and many of the countries, such as Germany, have constitutions which put international law above domestic law and they are tearing their hair out over illegal migration and are imposing compulsory fines and quotas which do not apply to us because of our own constitutional arrangements and because we have now left the EU. The Rwanda Act needed to be clear and unambiguous, but Starmers abandonment of the Rwanda policy has increased the small boats problem and John Major is wrong. Bill Cash CH served as a member of Parliament from 1984 to 2024 and was long-standing Chair of the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee 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. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) The Salvation Army of Johnson City announced on Sunday a new in-person application process for families looking to have a child or children sponsored by the Angel Tree program this Christmas season. According to The Salvation Army, Angel Tree applications will be conducted in person only this year. Other changes include the addition of Greene County as an eligible place of residence, as well as raising the age limit to 17 years old. Application sessions will take place at the Dawn of Hope, 500 East Oakland Avenue in Johnson City, on Sept. 26 and 27 from 4:307 p.m. and Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.noon. The Angel Tree program has been providing families in financial need with Christmas gifts for years. Once a child up to 17 years of age has been registered and accepted as an angel with The Salvation Army, their Christmas wish list is shared with community donors, who purchase gifts of clothing and toys for them. The gifts are then distributed to the families to place under their Christmas trees. According to a release, The Salvation Army collects information about applicants to determine their needs and eligibility for the program. Information required during the in-person application sessions include the following: Government-issued photo identification for the adult, which can be a drivers license, passport and/or consulate card. Evidence of need: Two recent pay stubs, housing voucher, or letters with TANF, WIC, SNAP or SSI awards are acceptable. Birth certificates or custody papers, and social security card or consulate papers for each child being applied for. This year, The Salvation Army in Johnson City will accept applications from families in Washington, Carter, Unicoi and Greene counties during the in-person application sessions. There will be no late or online applications accepted this year, according to the release. All applications for the Angel Tree program must be completed during the application events at Dawn of Hope, The Salvation Army said. Along with in-person-only applications this year, The Salvation Army has lifted the previous requirement for parents to attend a class at its office; no classes will be held on Sept. 26 at The Salvation Army. We want to make it easier for families to apply, so we are lifting the requirement to complete a class, Major Maureen Diffley, corps officer in Johnson City, said in the release. In addition, the in person application intake will help us to make good connections with families and ensure that everyone completely fills out their application and can ask any questions that they have to understand how the project works. The Salvation Army said it is also looking for volunteers to help with all stages of this years Angel Tree program. Angel Tree is a great initiative that The Salvation Army is grateful to provide across the nation and in many countries around the world, Major Diffley said. I have had people around the world tell me that they received Angel Tree as a child with such gratitude and pleasure. Its a wonderful opportunity to help families fulfill their desire to provide holiday magic without imperiling their finances and stability. For more information on the Angel Tree application process or to sign up to volunteer, contact the Johnson City Salvation Army at (423) 926-2101. 2024-Flyer-Angel-TreeDownload Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. House GOP leaders on Sunday unveiled a plan to keep the government funded for three months after Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) opening gambit to avoid a shutdown failed due to opposition from Republicans. The continuing resolution (CR), which was the result of bipartisan negotiations in the House and Senate, would keep the government funded at current levels through Dec. 20 setting up a holiday funding fight. The three-month time frame is shorter than Johnsons opening offer of a six-month stopgap, and the bill notably excludes a Trump-backed measure requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Republican leaders are aiming to bring the bill up under a regular rule process, with a floor vote on the legislation by Wednesday, according to GOP aides. It would then head to the Senate ahead of the Sept. 30 shutdown deadline. Johnson warned Republicans against a shutdown in a Dear Colleague letter on Sunday. While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances. As history has taught and current polling affirms, shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice, Johnson said, citing a McLaughlin & Associates survey that found two-thirds of likely voters oppose a government shutdown. The bill also directs that $231 million to go the Secret Service, which has again come under scrutiny in the wake of an apparent second assassination attempt against former President Trump. Johnson outlined the legislation to GOP lawmakers in his letter Sunday, saying: Since we fell a bit short of the goal line, an alternative plan is now required. The Speaker added that the clean, three-month CR is intended to prevent the Senate from jamming us with a bill loaded with billions in new spending and unrelated provisions, and that the legislation is a very narrow, bare-bones CR including only the extensions that are absolutely necessary. House Republicans will almost certainly need help from Democrats to pass the legislation. Many GOP lawmakers are expected to oppose the bill because of the lack of spending cuts, shorter time frame and exclusion of the voting bill, which hard-line conservatives and Trump pushed to be part of the final product. Bringing the bill up under regular order, rather than fast-tracking it, could present a hurdle as it means the measure will need to clear a procedural vote. Such votes on rules, which govern the debate over a bill, are traditionally party-line affairs regardless of lawmakers views on the underlying legislation. Throughout this Congress, however, hard-line conservatives have voted against rules to protest legislation they disagree with, opposition that, if large enough, could block the bill from being considered in the House. The roughly three-month timeline is the duration preferred by Democrats and GOP defense hawks. Conservatives, on the other hand, sought a longer stopgap through spring to lessen chances of a massive end-of-year omnibus spending package, and to potentially allow Trump more input regarding fiscal 2025 funding if he wins in November. In a press call ahead of the stopgap texts release, House GOP leadership aides said that the three-month timeline does not necessarily mean we will be doing an omnibus in December hinting at another funding battle after the election. The short-term spending bill is Republican leaderships latest attempt at avoiding an Oct. 1 government shutdown after Johnsons opening salvo in the spending talks failed last week. Fourteen GOP lawmakers joined with the overwhelming majority of Democrats to torpedo a six-month CR coupled with the voting bill, dubbed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act dealing a blow to Johnson. Johnson, nonetheless, has stressed that the six-month CR-plus-SAVE Act was the right play call. It was intended to put the focus on Democrats stance on voting issues and be an initial offer for negotiations, even though Republicans knew the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House would never approve it. Democrats note that noncitizen voting is already illegal and exceedingly rare, and worry about burdening eligible voters. Trump also seemed to complicate matters when he called on Republicans in Congress to not pass any CR, forcing a shutdown, unless Democrats approve the SAVE Act. But Republicans overwhelmingly say a shutdown would hurt them in November. Johnson, who has talked to the former president about the funding issues, said Friday that Trump understands the situation House Republicans are in. Democratic leaders in both chambers lauded the proposed CR, while slamming Johnson and Republicans for their attempt to pass the partisan stopgap last week. As a result of a bipartisan and bicameral process recently underway, the continuing resolution currently under consideration is now consistent with the spending levels agreed upon in the Bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act. It is also devoid of any partisan, right-wing policy changes that House Republicans inappropriately attempted to jam into the appropriations legislation, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. Upon our return to Washington, House Democrats will collectively evaluate the spending legislation in its entirety in advance of its consideration on the Floor. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) noted that he began the lengthy process of originating a funding bill in the Senate, saying Hopefully, this vehicle will be unnecessary. While I am pleased bipartisan negotiations quickly led to a government funding agreement free of cuts and poison pills, this same agreement could have been done two weeks ago. Instead, Speaker Johnson chose to follow the MAGA way and wasted precious time. As I have said throughout this process, there is only one way to get things done, with bipartisan, bicameral support, he said. The stopgap would keep funding in line with levels last hashed out by both chambers earlier this year. It excludes $10 billion in additional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) disaster relief fund that was previously included in House Republicans initial six-month plan. But it does include replenishment of FEMAs disaster relief fund. A GOP leadership aide said negotiations with Democrats about the stopgap aimed to keep only things that are absolutely necessary on the table and leave everything off the table. Funding for the Virginia Class Submarine program that was included in the earlier GOP-backed plan is also missing from the stopgap, as well as additional dollars to address what the Department of Veterans Affairs has warned is a potential $12 billion shortfall facing the agency for medical care for fiscal year 2025. However, the 46-page bill also features a number of health-care extensions for the VA, including measures appropriators say would extend its authority to provide nursing care to veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as the authority for the joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund. The move comes after Congress passed legislation last week to address a more immediate $3 billion shortfall for the VA, as officials warned that benefit payments for veterans were at risk of being disrupted next month absent congressional action. While the bill does include Secret Service funding, it is money allocated under the existing budget caps, rather than additional emergency funding. House GOP leadership aides said the funding is confined to help their immediate needs for campaign purposes, as Trump and Vice President Harris enter the final stretch to Election Day. GOP leadership aides did, however, say there will be a number of conditions on the funding, including meeting congressional demands as its panels, like the House task force formed to investigate the July assassination attempt against Trump, conduct oversight of the agency. A source familiar with the negotiations said Democrats had pushed for emergency resources for the Secret Service while Republicans resisted. A House GOP leadership aide countered that Republicans had pushed for additional resources for the Secret Service, but only within the existing budget cap, including a spend fast to make more resources available. A last-minute change increased the Secret Service money from $187 million to $231 million. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe earlier this month said the agency had immediate and future needs, adding we also have the necessary need to make sure that were getting the personnel that we have, and that requires us to be able to have the funding to be able to hire more people. Republicans on Capitol Hill, however, have been skeptical of sending more money to the agency, with some arguing that it is grappling with a manpower allocation issue, not a funding issue. Updated at 5:35 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Join the fight against hunger at the Lowcountry Food Banks Walk on Sunday NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) On Sunday, September 22, the Lowcountry Food Bank will host its 4th Annual Walk to Fight Hunger at Wannamaker Park in North Charleston. The family-friendly event aims to raise awareness about hunger issues in coastal South Carolina and support vital food bank programs such as Senior Meals, Childhood Hunger programs, and increased access to fresh produce for the community. Presented by Parkers Kitchen, the event encourages individuals, companies, civic groups, schools, and churches to form fundraising walk teams and come together to support the cause. All funds raised will go toward Lowcountry Food Banks mission of ensuring equitable, dignified, and consistent access to food across South Carolinas ten coastal counties. Participants can enjoy a 5k walk, a 1-mile fun-loop walk, a scavenger hunt, music, and more. Event registration is free, though there is a $2 entrance fee per person for Wannamaker Park (free with a Gold Pass). To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or event details, contact Katrina Machado, Annual Giving Officer at Lowcountry Food Bank, at kmachado@lcfbank.org or 843-747-8146 x105. For more information on Lowcountry Food Banks mission, visit lowcountryfoodbank.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to protect dolphins along the Mississippi Gulf Coast after dozens were killed or sickened in 2019 following the prolonged opening of a spillway used for flood control. U.S. District Court Judge Louis Guirola Jr. ruled Wednesday that local governments and business groups that filed the civil complaint in January had no legal standing to sue. The judge said the plaintiffs, who called themselves the Mississippi Sound Coalition, failed to show they faced imminent harm. The coalition had sued the Army Corps of Engineers over its operation of the Bonnet Carre Spillway upriver from New Orleans. The spillway is used to divert Mississippi River water to Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne, after which it flows to the Mississippi Sound in the Gulf of Mexico. When the river is high, opening the spillway eases pressure on the levees that protect New Orleans. However, it also flushes pollutants and nutrients into the Mississippi Sound and reduces salinity. Judge dismisses lawsuit seeking to protect dolphins along the Mississippi Gulf Coast The coalitions lawsuit said that polluted freshwater flowing into the Gulf in 2019, when the spillway for opened 120 total days, left dead and sickened bottlenose dolphins stranded along Mississippi beaches. One expert quoted in the lawsuit said 142 sick and dead dolphins washed onshore. The coalition said the grisly sight tarnished tourism and seafood industries that are vital to the areas economy. The groups attorneys argued the Marine Mammal Protection Act requires Army Corps and other agencies to obtain a U.S. Department of Commerce permit when their actions may kill, harm or harass animals like the bottlenose dolphin. They wanted a judge to order the Army Corps to seek permits before future operations of the Bonnet Carre Spillway. The judge sided with the Army Corps in ruling that the coalition failed to show that it faces imminent harm from future spillway openings because their frequency and duration are unpredictable as is the potential threat to dolphins. The judge noted that the coalition presented no evidence that dolphins were harmed when the spillway was last opened in 2020, or during prior openings in 2018 and 2016. The possibility of future harm claimed by Plaintiffs is too speculative, the judge wrote. Robert Wiygul, an attorney for the Mississippi Sound Coalition, did not immediately reply to an email message Saturday. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. LOS ANGELES - Vice President Kamala Harris accepted an invitation from CNN on Saturday to debate former President Donald Trump on October 23, challenging her opponent to join her in a second showdown ahead of the November election. The move intensifies the pressure on Trump, who has been non-committal about participating in future debates. Harris took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to announce her acceptance and directly addressed Trump: "I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23. I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me." I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23. I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me. https://t.co/Trb8HUBsDh Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 21, 2024 Why another debate matters The first debate between the two candidates was marked by fiery exchanges, with Trump at times taking the bait set by Harris, leading to chaotic moments that left conservatives frustrated with the debate's moderators. The back-and-forth was moderated by ABC News, and the network's real-time fact-checking of Trump ignited accusations of bias from his supporters. Despite these heated exchanges, Harris campaign has been pushing for more debates, particularly since Trump previously wrote on Truth Social that "there would be no third debate." The vice president's camp believes another face-off would allow her to solidify her stance on key issues and further challenge Trump's record. Is Trump willing to debate again? At the rally today, Trump appeared to dismiss the possibility of another debate, stating it was too late in the election process. He also referenced Fox News, suggesting Harris missed her opportunity for a debate earlier in the campaign. RELATED: 'No third debate,' Trump says on Truth Social Trump said, "The problem with another debate is that it's just too late. Voting has already started. She's had her chance to do it with Fox. You know, Fox invited us on, and I waited, and waited. They turned it down. They turned it down. But now, she wants to do a debate right before the election with CNN because she's losing badly." Trump went on to compare Harris' request for another debate to a fighter seeking a rematch after a loss. "It's like a fighter who goes into the ring and gets knocked out. The first thing he says is, 'I want a rematch.'" This statement signals that Trump is unlikely to participate in the October 23 CNN debate, further intensifying the speculation about whether another debate will happen before the election. What to expect from the second debate Should Trump accept the invitation, the second debate would follow a format similar to the June CNN event, which he praised. That event featured 90 minutes of questioning with no studio audience, a format Harris' campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, insists should be no problem for the former president. RELATED: Trump, Harris presidential debate in Philadelphia: Moment-by-moment recap "Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate," O'Malley Dillon said in a statement, pointing out that Trump lauded CNNs moderators and format after the June debate. "We look forward to Vice President Harris again having the opportunity in the CNN debate to show her command of the issues and why it's time to turn the page on Donald Trump and chart a new way forward for America." As Trump weighs his options, Harris is standing firm in her request for more debates. Whether the former president will engage or sit this one out remains to be seen. The Source: This article is based on reports from CNN, Axios, and Reuters, along with additional context from public statements made by both campaigns. Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is making a play for North Carolina. But she will need to win over students who are not sure about her. ((Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)) Behind Alabama, North Carolina is tied with Georgia for having the most historically Black colleges and universities. And that means that as Vice President Kamala Harris makes a play for North Carolina, she has made a play for HBCUs. HBCUs play a significant role in the Black community. Initially created after the Civil War, they became important institutions for Black Americans when they could not attend predominantly white institutions that remained segregated. Harriss history as an alumnus of an HBCU Howard University and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alphas has some believing she will be able to uniquely appeal to younger Black voters who were moving away from the Democratic Party until President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election. James Christian, who is from Prince Georges County in Maryland, and a student at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, called the election brutal but said he made his decision after the debate between Harris and Trump. He likes that Harris is representing the Black community, he added, and thinks shes the better of the two options in this election. Aimy Steele, the chief executive at the New North Carolina Project, told The Independent said that her organization is going to high schools and colleges to get voters registered and energized. But she added that Israels war with Hamas, as well as student loans and economic mobility, remain big issues for young people. That could pose a problem for Harris later down the line. And on NCCUs county of Durham, Harriss support is not as dyed-in-wool as she might hope. Cameron Johnson, a senior at NCCU, said that he will be voting for Harris, but added caveats. I think she's getting a lot of love right now, not necessarily because of her policies or anything like that, but because a lot of people can't stand Trump, he told The Independent. I think one thing that we need to focus on is trying to clean up our own problems before we clean up other problems for other nations. Harriss ascendancy to the top of the ticket has seen a marked improvement with young voters for the Democrats, particularly with young Black voters in swing states like Pennsylvania. A survey by North Carolina Asian Americans Together, a non-profit group, showed that 53 percent of young Black voters between the ages of 18 and 35 have either a favorable or somewhat favorable opinion of Harris, compared with only 29 percent who said the same about Biden. But some voters are not torn between Harris or Trump; instead, they cant decide whether they will vote at all. It's either Harris or no one, okay, but I'm trying to study more on Harris first before I just decide, just because she's a Black woman, that I should vote for her, Nya Lumsden, who is from Atlanta, told The Independent on NCCUs campus on Thursday. As a college student, it's kind of like I don't really know which way to lean to. Lumsden said abortion is a top issue for her, which would make some believe that Harris would be the perfect candidate for her, given that she has focused heavily on restoring abortion rights in her campaign and has traveled to the state to talk about abortion rights. Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump nominated the judges who overturned Roe v Wade. But Lumsden isnt as sure. Trump shouldn't tell us what we can and can do with our body, she said. Also, Kamala is very big on keeping abortion. But... I don't think she's going to keep all the wars away from us like Trump did. Barack Obama won North Carolina in a rare victory for the Democrats in 2008, becoming the first Democrat to win it since Jimmy Carter in 1976. He did so by energizing turnout in places like Durham County, where he won more than 75 percent of the vote and more than 136,000 voted. By comparison, 144,000 people voted for Biden in Durham County four years ago and he still narrowly lost the state to Trump. Like many young people, Christian sees affordability as the top issue: making sure everyone has housing, affordable housing, making sure that you don't have to spend $60 to get gas are two of his biggest priorities, he said. Lumsden is not the only voter who is undecided. Aaliyah Burt from Henderson said she likely was not going to vote for either candidate. They both just say very reckless things about people, about us, people in the world, she told The Independent. Specifically, she cited Harris saying in 2014 that kids between 18 and 24 are stupid, which has been used to hammer Harris, but was taken out of context from a speech about reducing recidivism. And Trump just talks so bad about the immigrants, Burt added. Other students are more focused on what the consequences are of a second Trump presidency. Aundrea Diaz, a graduate student from Jacksonville, North Carolina, said Bidens decision to drop out surprised her. But she said she would be voting for Harris. I try to base all my political decisions off of not just my own morality, Diaz, who is half-Black and half-Puerto Rican and is gay, told The Independent. I feel like, personally, I take a lot of things into consideration, and I feel like Trump being the president, I don't really feel safe. So far, Harris has not campaigned in the HBCUs, though she has campaigned near them in places like Greensboro, home of North Carolina A&T University. If the vice president is to have any hope in this state, she will need to convince students to turn out for her in a big way and its clear they still need convincing. But Democrats will not just need to win Black college students; they will need to win Black voters without degrees. Khalil Thompson, who runs Strategies for Change Group, said he leads a group of young Black men who meet regularly to discuss politics at a barber shop. He pointed out the first question they would ask Harris was about abortion. They see the Dobbs decision as being not just impactful on women, but what does this mean about the health choices that they wish to have?he told The Independent. He added that as a Jamaican American, he was disgusted by Trumps vitriol toward Haitians. The fact that at this particular moment, we couldnt find ways to just talk about policy, but were talking about a red herring and a nasty, ugly trope that just shouldnt be discussed, I think, is telling about the two options that we have in this election cycle, he added. Is Kamala Harriss scramble for Republican endorsements about to blow up in her face? Six weeks before election day, most voters have made up their mind about who they will support on November 5. Postal ballots have been sent out, and early voting in some states has begun. For some, the campaign is already over. With the result predicted to be so close, Kamala Harris is running a guerilla campaign against Trump, by picking off high-profile Republicans who can be convinced to publicly endorse her. Ms Harriss team has launched Republicans for Harris, an official arm of her campaign that pumps out endorsements from her traditional enemies. The biggest endorsement so far is from Dick Cheney, the former Republican vice president, and a slew of former officials, politicians and advisers have joined him in praising the Democratic ticket. George Bush and his then vice president Dick Cheney pictured in 2015 - Smith Collection At the Democratic National Convention last month, a parade of former Republican officials, including some Trump administration staff, warned voters not to put him back in the White House for a second term. On Friday, Nikki Haleys campaign manager in Iowa became the latest strategist to break ranks and join her team. However, the strategy has raised concerns from some observers, who worry Ms Harris runs the risk of alienating her liberal base. The Republicans for Harris strategy has emerged during an incredibly tight presidential race, in which a few switchers could make a major difference to the result. Within each of the seven battlegrounds, the margin of votes is very small. No candidate has a lead of more than four points in any of them, and most polls put the predicted result within the statistical margin of error. That means voters who switch sides have enormous value to both campaigns. A switcher is effectively worth double an undecided voter, because their move both deducts a vote from one campaign and awards it to the other. There are also more potential switchers than undecided voters. 14pc may still change their vote The Telegraphs latest swing state poll found an average of 14 per cent of voters across the swing states say they may change their choice, compared with seven per cent who have not decided on a candidate. The data shows Ms Harris has an advantage in the political affiliation of the switchers. In the majority of swing states, more Trump voters say they are open to switching than Harris voters suggesting Trumps support is slightly softer. However, Ms Harris is also vulnerable to a collapse in support from the Left. Mr Cheney, who is primarily associated with the Iraq War, has an approval rating with the American public of just 33 per cent, according to data from YouGov. Unsurprisingly, he is especially unpopular with Democrats. Former Trump officials are similarly despised by liberal voters, who could be dissuaded by their endorsement of Ms Harris. Philip van Scheltinga, director of research at Redfield & Wilton, who polled the swing states for The Telegraph, said: It is absolutely baffling that the Harris campaign has come out and said they are proud of Dick Cheneys endorsement. He was a deeply unpopular Vice President, and he has done nothing since his vice presidency to rehabilitate his standing among the public, nor have his policies been vindicated in any sense. If public opinion had moved back in support of the Iraq War in that time, then maybe this decision by the Harris campaign would have made some sense, but it hasnt. The Harris campaign has taken the extent of the feeling of the anti-Trump vote for granted. Riding out the storm of Middle East conflict The polls show that Ms Harris has won back the support of some liberals who opposed Joe Biden, mostly because of his support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza. But there are concerns in her campaign that some younger voters especially those in swing states could stay at home on November 5. Young women are much more likely to support Ms Harris than Mr Biden, but may also be concerned about endorsements from Republicans who served Trump or previous GOP administrations. Ms Harriss campaign has done well to avoid any major negative stories since she took over from Mr Biden in July, and has pursued a Ming vase strategy focussed more on preventing losses than making audacious gains. Attracting prominent Republicans, many of whom have toxic reputations with the voters she most needs, is a risky strategy. 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. Kansas U.S. Army soldier charged in connection with crash that killed off-duty cop A 19-year-old man was charged in connection with a vehicle crash that killed an off-duty Clearwater police officer in March. Gage Kaiser, 19, of Arkansas City, was charged earlier this month with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence and two other counts of aggravated battery, a complaint filed in August shows. The charges stem from a vehicle crash that occurred in the early hours of March 16 near Mulvane. The collision killed 26-year-old Clearwater police officer Scott Hollingsworth, who was off-duty and heading home. Kaiser was driving a 2013 GMC Sierra truck with three passengers when he failed to yield at a stop sign and struck the driver side of Hollingsworths car, officials said. Hollingsworth died at the scene of the crash. All three passengers in the truck were taken to the hospital with injuries. Kaiser was not taken to the hospital. Kaiser is a U.S. Army soldier who was stationed at Fort Riley since February 2024. He holds the rank of private second class, Fort Riley public affairs officer Jefferson Grimes said in an email. Sedgwick County Jail records show Kaiser was booked into jail on Wednesday and remains there as of Saturday. He made his first appearance in court on Thursday. His next scheduled appearance is set for Sep. 30. Hollingsworth had just marked his one-year anniversary with the Clearwater Police Department. He was a husband of nearly five years and had a 2-year-old daughter named Claire. Standing at 6 foot, 9 inches tall, Hollinsgworth was described as a gentle giant, his father told The Eagle. With Scott, you know, when he would give you a hug, he would just envelop your whole body, Gregory Hollingsworth said. Theres just never a time that you felt uncomfortable around him. He was a gentle giant. Police officer killed on his way home after work, Kansas officials say Gentle giant: Father remembers son, a Clearwater police officer who died in crash FILE - Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales smiles as she speaks to a woman during her visit to Sebby's Corner in north London on Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool, File) LONDON (AP) Kate, the Princess of Wales, made her first public appearance Sunday since she announced she had completed chemotherapy and would return to some public duties. Kate and her husband, Prince William, were seen Sunday attending church with King Charles III and Queen Camilla near their royal Balmoral estate in Scotland. Kate, 42, announced on Sept. 9 that she had completed treatment six months after revealing she had an undisclosed type of cancer. Her announcement came six weeks after Buckingham Palace announced that the king was being treated for cancer. In a video announcing her progress, she said the path to full recovery would be long and she would take it day by day. She said she would undertake some limited engagements through the end of the year. While she stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate made two appearances earlier this year. First, during the kings birthday parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and most recently during the mens final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation. LONDON (AP) Kate, the Princess of Wales, made her first public appearance Sunday since she announced she had completed chemotherapy and would return to some public duties. Kate and her husband, Prince William, were seen attending church with King Charles III and Queen Camilla near their royal Balmoral estate in Scotland. Kate, 42, announced on Sept. 9 that she had completed treatment six months after revealing she had an undisclosed type of cancer. Her announcement came six weeks after Buckingham Palace announced that the king was being treated for cancer. In a video announcing her progress, she said the path to full recovery would be long and she would take it day by day. She said she would undertake some limited engagements through the end of the year. While she stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate made two appearances earlier this year. First, during the kings birthday parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and most recently during the mens final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Siouxland non-profit hosted a not-so-long-distance race that everyone could enjoy. Simple Life, Inc. hosted a Keepin It Simple 0.1k at Marto Brewing Company. Participants who finished the 100-meter walk received a free beer from Marto Brewing and enjoyed a variety of food, games, and raffles. Dorothy Pecaut hosts 20th annual Nature Calls Guests took the leisurely stroll around Marto Brewing to raise money to help give those with chronic mental illness a well-earned day-trip. One day, 24 hours where we load up on a charter bus and we travel to some place that our member may not have been for a long time, or have never been, and experience something new and exciting and different and fun and outside of Sioux City because so many of them cant travel and dont have family that travel with them, so we try and provide them that opportunity, said Simple Life, Inc. CEO Sheri Porter. The proceeds raised from the 0.1k will go to this years day trip to Galena, Illinois. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. WHITESBURG, Ky. Theyd been friends for years and once worked side-by-side in the county courthouse. They were two high-profile elected officials in a town where it seems like everybody knows each other. So why, as hes accused in court, did Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines walk into a private room inside the courthouse, pull out a gun and kill District Judge Kevin Mullins? Its an unprecedented crime in a town that can go years without a homicide. And the Thursday afternoon shooting left a gaping hole in the judicial system Mullins was the countys only judge, and its sheriff is behind bars in Leslie County, facing a first-degree murder charge after he surrendered on the scene. Who is Mickey Stines? What to know about Kentucky sheriff accused of shooting judge With a population in 2020 of just under 1,800 people, Whitesburg is tight-knit. Letcher County Commonwealths Attorney Matt Butler recused himself from the case due largely to family ties with the judge. The two were once married to a pair of sisters, and Butler said his two daughters called Mullins unkie. And in that tight-knit community, Butler knows rumors spread like wildfire. In a video he posted Friday morning on social media, he told viewers he would not be a source of gossip and asked those in the region, many of whom have his cellphone number, to do the same. If you are only looking to gossip or to be a troublemaker or a stirrer-up of gossip, leave me out of that conversation and just don't have that conversation, Butler said. Be more respectful. Thursday's fatal shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins took place inside the Letcher County Courthouse. It was closed a day later, on Friday. No motive has been publicly identified. Kentucky State Police didnt provide one in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, which took place just before 3 p.m. Thursday. Nor did police host a press conference Friday. His first court appearance will likely take place next week and the three-sentence arrest citation offered few details. As of Saturday morning, Stines had not named an attorney who might speak for him. In the meantime, Whitesburg, Letcher County and the rest of the region have been left only to speculate. Mullins had no public discipline history from the Kentucky Bar Association and had a reputation in the community of working with drug offenders to get them into treatment facilities instead of jails. Stines, meanwhile, had friends all over town. Hed been a fixture in the community for decades, working for years as bailiff in Mullins court before winning the race for sheriff in 2018. He had no plans to seek another term, he had said earlier this year. Patty Wood, a legal assistant at a law office down the street from the courthouse, said her husband, former District Judge James Wood, took (Stines) under his wing while the sheriff was still a bailiff in his court room more than 15 years ago. If she saw Stines 10 times in a day, she said, there was always a hug. He would always say, Do you need anything? If you need anything, call me, Wood said. Literally, no matter how many times Id see him in a day, it was always a hug, it was always those specific words that he would say. Cars drive through downtown Whitesburg on Friday. Main Street was a chaotic scene a day earlier in the aftermath of the shooting. She was at the law office when she heard about a shooting at the courthouse Thursday. She walked with attorney Jennifer Taylor to the scene, she said, where a crowd of stunned witnesses and onlookers had gathered. They said Kevin had been shot and Mickey shot him, and at that point, my heart had dropped, Wood said. That was the last thing that you could even think of happening. In Woods mind, it just doesnt add up. And she isnt the only one with questions. Bill and Josephine Richardson have lived in Whitesburg since they helped found the famed Appalshop art center in 1969. The Richardsons had met both men but were closer with Stines. He was well-liked, Josephine said, and had pushed this year for a petition to allow alcohol sales throughout the county to add to its coffers, assuring residents he wouldnt benefit financially because he wasnt running for reelection. The Richardsons said two people theyd spoken to said Stines wasnt himself earlier this week. Theyve witnessed a lot, but they havent witnessed a scene like the one that unfolded Thursday. Their son, who lives in Somerset, called Josephine minutes after the shooting, she said, and warned his parents not to go downtown. The area was packed with police, ambulances and onlookers and the nearby high school was on lockdown. A contingent of media swarmed the town, including reporters with LEX-18 and the New York Times. Laci Wright, who works at nearby Coal City Coffee, watched the scene unfold. Three ambulances drove by, and then you saw fire trucks, and the police cars, cop cars and all that stuff. It backed all the way up (to the end of the street), she said. The Letcher County Sheriff's Department office is across the street from the courthouse in Whitesburg. The sheriff is a defendant in an ongoing federal lawsuit and was deposed Monday for several hours. He has been accused of failing to train and supervise a deputy sheriff who traded favorable treatment for a woman on house arrest who didnt want to return to the Letcher County jail in exchange for sexual favors in Mullins chambers, where there were no cameras at that time. That deputy, Ben Fields, was fired and later convicted of several state charges, spending less than a year in jail before being released this summer on probation. Stines was not accused of trading sex for favors, and Mullins was never charged. Attorneys for the plaintiffs in that case told The Courier Journal they were surprised by the shooting and are not sure whether it played a role in Thursdays chaos. Everyone has different perspectives, Josephine said. Jackie Steele, Commonwealth's Attorney for nearby Perry County and several other Eastern Kentucky jurisdictions, will take up the case alongside Attorney General Russell Coleman in place of the Letcher County Commonwealth's Attorney. Butler praised Steele in his social media post, calling him "maybe the most competent prosecutor in the Commonwealth of Kentucky." Cars drive in and out of Whitesburg on Friday. The town sits in southeastern Kentucky near the Virginia border. Wood remains close to Stines' family and saw his wife and daughter Friday. They're a "good family," she said, but right now, "they're not good." Wood is among many in Letcher County and beyond who are waiting for clarity. In the meantime, Butler said, rumors can only complicate a situation that is getting more frenzied by the minute. "This is not the time to gossip. This is not the time to trash people," he told viewers. "... We are going to do anything we can to help each other. We are going to be respectful of each other while we grieve, and we are going to do things to make our county safer and make sure this does not happen again." Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky judge shot, sheriff charged, Whitesburg asks why Kentucky judge had lunch with the sheriff now arrested in his killing, court clerk says A local sheriff ate lunch with a prominent district judge hours before allegedly shooting the judge in his chambers, according to a court official, who said the killing last Thursday has stunned the small community of Letcher County, Kentucky. Circuit Clerk Mike Watt saw District Judge Kevin Mullins and Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines shortly before noon on Thursday, he told CNN affiliate WKYT, describing the kind of encounter that might happen among coworkers in any workplace across the country. We were kind of joking around about national politics And then I talked to the sheriff about attending the sheriffs association (conference) last week in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and asked him how that went, Watts said. And then they went down the street to eat lunch. Later that day, Stines, 43 a man whose role made him responsible for judges personal security fatally shot Mullins, 54, inside the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg, according to Kentucky State Police. Stines was arrested at the courthouse and is now facing a first-degree murder charge, authorities said. What transpired in the judges chambers moments before the fatal shooting that afternoon is unclear, though state police said the preliminary investigation indicated an argument took place between the two men inside the judges chambers. After the heated conversation, a 911 call reported shots fired on the second floor of the courthouse just before 3 p.m., then the district judge of 15 years was found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead, Kentucky State Police said. The whole county is just devastated by this, Watts said, nodding to the void left in the local justice system. Weve not only lost our sheriff and district judge, but Ive lost two personal friends that I worked with daily. I dont know what happened or, or what the reason was, Watts said. I know Kentucky State Police are investigating it and I feel confident that they will hopefully provide some answers on, on why and maybe that will be able to help us all heal. But the entire county and community is just in shock. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines. - Leslie County Sheriff's Office Letcher Countys sheriff of eight years is being jailed in Leslie County and his first court appearance is scheduled for September 25 before a judge in Carter County, said Jackie Steele, the Commonwealths Attorney assigned to the case. CNN is trying to determine whether Stines has an attorney. In Kentucky, sheriffs are responsible for security at courthouses including the personal security of judges according to Jerry Wagner, a retired sheriff who is now the executive director of the Kentucky Sheriffs Association. We have 120 sheriffs that work on a daily basis with our judges. We work more closely with them than any other elected officials, Wagner told CNN Friday. No one saw this coming. A funeral for Mullins was scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Jenkins, Kentucky, according to Hall and Jones Funeral Home. In remembrance of Mullins, flags at all Kentucky Court of Justice facilities will be lowered to half-staff through Monday. Speaking outside the funeral on Sunday, the towns former mayor and friend of Mullins, Garnard Kincer Jr.told CNN affiliate WYMT that the judge had been dedicated to his job and a great person. He was kind, he wanted to help people and he spent most of his career doing that, Kincer said.He was a wonderful friend and there was no boundaries for what he wouldnt do for you. Kincer told WYMT that he was shocked by Mullins death and puzzled as to what could have led to the tragedy. I wouldnt have imagined that he would have ever been in a situation like that, he said. But of course, all judges and all people in the in the judicial system face that possibility every day. Mullins killing had brought a lot of negative attention to the community, despite the limited details available, Kincer said. Its been a like a big cloud, dark cloud over us that we, that we dont deserve. The former mayor said he would wait for the case to play out in court. Weve got a great governor, we got a great attorney general and weve got a great judicial office in Letcher County. Matt Butler, commonwealths attorney for the county, earlier also expressed confidence in his community: If you knew Letcher County, you would know that families stay tightly connected at all times and pull even more tightly together during times of unspeakable tragedy like today. Mullins is survived by his wife and two daughters, his obituary states. He died in his chambers of the courthouse where he spent his career working to help people, the obituary says. As a passionate advocate for recovery efforts across Kentucky, Mullins worked to address the opioid epidemic by providing access to treatment and helped those affected by substance use disorders, mental illness and disabilities, according to his obituary. We all know each other In Letcher County, we all know each other, Butler said. Thats why the killing involving two high-profile elected officials sent shockwaves through the community, and left friends of both the sheriff and judge struggling to understand why it had happened. Butler recused himself and his office from the sheriffs prosecution because he and the judge married two sisters and their children act more like siblings than cousins, he said in a statement Thursday evening. Butler added that he had a close professional relationship with both Mullins and Stines, he said in a video statement on Facebook Friday. Our community has suffered an act of violence that appears to be between two men that I have worked with for seventeen years and loved like brothers, Butler said in a social media post. Letcher County, Kentucky District Judge Kevin R. Mullins - Letcher County government Ben Gish, the editor of Mountain Eagle, a local weekly newspaper, told CNN none of us could imagine anything like this happening in this day and time, but the impact of the tragedy will be long-lasting. I cant imagine the scar this will leave on our community, Gish said. In the aftermath of the killing, Whitesburg residents are grieving the death of Mullins, who had a passion for helping others, the obituary said. He helped develop a program that links people involved with the justice system to treatment services, according to his obituary. In 2022, The Supreme Court appointed Mullins to the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, where he worked to improve the courts approach to behavioral health. His colleagues deeply respected him and his loss will be profoundly felt throughout Kentuckys court system, the obituary said. For Butler, hell always remember Mullins as a family member who was fun to be around, he said. We have always got along. I always thought he was hilarious. I always thought he was very witty, he said in the video statement. Kentucky police search for motive Kentucky State Police are investigating how the deadly shooting unfolded and what the argument leading up to it was about. To do that, theyll be looking at footage from cameras inside the courthouse and interviewing all witnesses who were in the building, Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart said. We know that it was an argument between the two that led up but what exactly transpired prior to the shots being fired, those are still things that were trying to get answers to, Gayheart said at a Thursday evening news conference. This is the first time a tragedy of this magnitude has afflicted the county, Gayheart said. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Colemans office will work with commonwealths attorney Steele as special prosecutors on the case, he said in a statement Thursday. We will fully investigate and pursue justice, Coleman said. As a result of the shooting, circuit and district courts, as well as the office of the circuit court clerk, will be closed until operations can resume, the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts said Thursday. Once the courts reopen, a retired judge will temporarily take over district court cases until a Judicial Nominating Commission selects Mullins replacement, spokesperson Jim Hannah told CNN Friday. On Monday, just days before the shooting, Stines was deposed in an ongoing federal lawsuit involving a former deputy who coerced a woman to have sex with him in 2021. The lawsuit alleges the sexual allegations against the deputy were not appropriately investigated by Sheriff Stines, who fired the deputy in 2022. Jonathan Shaw, the attorney representing Stines in his official capacity in the lawsuit, told CNN in an email he did not have the authority to speak on Stines personal behalf in the federal suit or the murder case. CNNs Michelle Watson, Zoe Sottile, Sarah Dewberry and Andy Rose contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President William Ruto also promised the Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti that he would try to get them better equipment [@WilliamsRuto] Kenya has pledged to send 600 more police officers to Haiti in the coming weeks to help fight gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and nearby areas. This would bring the Kenyan contingent, deployed incrementally since June to help the Caribbean nations beleaguered police force, up to 1,000. During a visit to the country, Kenyas President William Ruto also said he supported turning the current Kenya-led security mission into a full United Nations peacekeeping operation. A handful of other countries have together pledged at least 1,900 more troops. Violence in Haiti is still rife and a UN human rights expert has warned that gangs are targeting new areas, causing further displacement. The UN Security Council is due to meet by the end of the month to decide whether to renew Kenya's current mandate for another 12 months, paving the way for a full UN mission in 2025. This would lead to increased funding and resources for the operation, which has been hampered by a lack of equipment. Addressing the Kenyan police officers at their base in Port-au-Prince, President Ruto commended the force for their successes over the last few months. There are many people who thought Haiti was mission impossible, but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made. He said they would succeed against the gangs and he promised to try to get them better equipment. The nearly 400 Kenyan officers on the ground were going out on patrol working hand-in-hand with Haitian forces to protect the people and restore security, Ruto said. Our next batch, an additional 600, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks time and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment, he added. But there has been some criticism in Haiti at the lack of a decisive move against the gangs. A UN human rights expert who has just been there said the mission was inadequately equipped and needed helicopters, as well as night vision goggles and drones. The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), authorised by the UN Security Council in October 2023, has so far deployed less than a quarter of its planned contingent, William ONeil said on Friday. Despite an international embargo, arms and ammunition continued to be smuggled into the country. allowing the gangs to extend their control to new territories, he said. The UN expert had visited the south-east of the country, where he said the police lacked the logistical and technical capacity to counter the gangs. He quoted a policeman in Jeremie as saying: The situation borders on the impossible. We have to learn to walk on water. Sexual violence had drastically increased and more than 700,000 people were now displaced, Mr ONeil said. This enduring agony must stop. It is a race against time. He said the solutions already existed, but efforts had to be redoubled immediately. It is crucial to stifle the gangs by giving the MSS Mission the means to be effective in supporting the operations of the Haitian National Police, as well as to implement the other measures provided for by the United Nations Security Council, including the sanctions regime and the targeted arms embargo. 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 BBC Africa podcasts Kenya President William Ruto is promising to send an additional 600 police officers to Haiti over the next two months and to plea for additional money to fund a struggling, ill-equipped international armed mission to the country headed by his East African nation. Ruto made the announcement Saturday during a brief stopover in Haiti while on his way to this weeks high level meeting of world leaders at the United Nations. Ruto currently has 400 specialized police officers in Haiti as part of the first contingent of foreign security personnel involved in the U.N.-backed and largely U.S. funded Multinational Security Support mission. After arriving onboard a Kenya Airways flight at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Ruto descended the stairway and was greeted by members of Haitis Transitional Presidential Council and the force commander of the Multinational Security Support mission, Godfrey Otunge. You have represented the people of Kenya with courage, professionalism, selflessness, compassion and efficiency, Ruto told his troops, noting he made the visit to check on their progress. Your success is not only going to be the success of the National Police Service, it is going to be the success of the people of Haiti and the success of all people who believe in peace, in stability, in dignity and in democracy and I am very confident that you have what it takes to restore peace. Rutos visit came as the Kenya-led mission faces equipment and funding shortages, and the Biden administration seeks to have the mission transform into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation later this month when the Security Council meets on Sept. 30 to also decide on whether to extend the mission for another year. Ruto is expected to focus heavily on Haiti when he addresses the U.N. General Assembly. He said he chose to visit Port-au-Prince so that he could have clarity and mobilize support for the Haiti mission during meetings in New York. He said while there have been logistical constraints and a lack of resources for the mission, which is supposed to have 2,500 security personnel, 20 additional countries have now committed resources. He also plans to deploy an additional 300 police officers in the next three weeks. They will be followed by an additional 300 Kenyan officers in November. During his brief visit, Ruto toured the base of the mission where he, members of his delegation and Haitian authorities met in discussions before addressing the press. He also prayed for his police officers. Hes hoping more countries will pledge to send troops and send more money for the mission in order for it to be more effective and have more resources, said Fritz Jean, a member of the Transitional Presidential Council. Jean said he believe Rutos visit to Port-au-Prince was done in good faith and were hoping that what he wants to accomplish, he can. Like U.S. officials who visited recently, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ruto insisted there has been progress in the fight against armed gangs. This, however, has been contradicted by Haitians who continue to be displaced and by the U.N. human rights expert William ONeill. On Friday, ONeill concluded a visit to Haiti by warning that gang violence is spreading across Haiti and the countrys national police force still lacks the logistical and technical capacity to fight gangs, now controlling more than 85% of the capital. Read more: Wheres the money for Haiti? UN secretary presses for support as a key summit nears The one-year security mission was approved in October by the Security Council. Its deployment, however, was delayed by several months due to court challenges in Nairobi over Rutos promise to send a 1,000 Kenyan cops to lead it; funding blocks in Washington by Republican lawmakers not totally convinced of the plan; and later by the armed gang insurgency in late February that led to the U.S. pulling its support for then prime minister Ariel Henry. Soon after, Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Jamaica, where together with the Caribbean Community, the U.S. helped carve a path toward elections through the formation of a nine member Transitional Presidential Council. But seven months later, the council has been engulfed in scandal after three of its seven voting members were accused of soliciting a nearly $800,000 bribe from the director of a state-owned commercial bank to keep his job. The council as a group has not addressed the allegations, and the three accused council members have refused to step down despite pressure by their respective parties and the Caribbean Community to do so. In a huge slap in the face to the transitional body, the U.S. State Department on Friday informed the Haitian government that they will not be providing Secret Service protection for Council President Edgard Leblanc Fils, according to multiple sources who confirmed the decision to the Miami Herald. He was scheduled to provide Haitis address before the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday. Read more: Its pure war. A nation key to fight against Haitis gangs puts deployment on hold The State Department, which is providing Secret Service protection for Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille, did not specify why it was not providing the same service to Leblanc, whom U.S. authorities have started to refer to as coordinator rather than president. On Saturday as Ruto prepared to depart Port-au-Prince, Leblanc informed reporters that he would not be traveling to New York. He had intended to travel aboard Rutos aircraft. Presidential Council member Leslie Voltaire, who has some bilateral meetings scheduled in New York, did leave and it remains unclear if he or Conille will be the one to address the assembly, or if there will be no Haiti address. Leblanc has recalled both Haitis ambassador to the U.S. and the U.N. to seek an answer as to why the U.S. is not providing him with protection, a source familiar with the discussions informed the Herald. Kim Jong Un Offers Tepid Praise to China as He Cozies Up to Russia (Bloomberg) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent Chinese President Xi Jinping greetings with what appeared to be restrained rhetoric that comes as Pyongyang moves closer to Russia and depends less on its long-time Asian ally. Most Read from Bloomberg Kim wished the Chinese people greater success in building a modern socialist country, in a reply message to Xi for his congratulations on North Koreas birthday, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Sunday. The 190-word dispatch had little of the florid language that had been a staple of their correspondence, which has declined significantly this year, according to an analysis by Seoul-based specialist service NK Pro. It noted three references of back-and-forth exchanges mentioned in state media this year between Xi and Kim, compared to 10 in 2023. Descriptions of the bilateral relationship are less exuberant, NK Pro founder Chad OCarroll wrote in the analysis. The cooler and more restrained language in letters this year compared to 2023 indicates a palpable distance in the once-warm personal relationship between the two leaders. North Korea has often used the analogy of its ties to China being as close as lips and teeth. Its official media has frequently spoken of the deep trust in and friendly feelings toward the fraternal people of China. Kim, meanwhile, has increased his exchanges with Russia over the past year. The US and its partners said this has led to increased arms transfers, with Pyongyang sending millions of rounds of artillery and ballistic missiles to Russia to help President Vladimir Putin in his war on Ukraine. In exchange, Russia sent aid that has supported North Koreas economy and helped Kim advance his weapons programs, according to Seoul and Washington. Pyongyang and Moscow have denied the accusations despite evidence showing the arms transfers taking place. The artillery alone is likely worth several billion dollars and the aid from Russia could represent the biggest boost to North Koreas economy since Kim took power about a dozen years ago. China has been North Koreas biggest benefactor for large parts of the period after the end of the Cold War, providing an economic lifeline for Pyongyang. This month, Russia dispatched Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang for talks with Kim. North Korea later sent Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to Russia for a rare trip abroad that included talks with her counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Kim hosted Putin in June for the Russian leaders first visit to Pyongyang in more than 20 years, where the two countries reached a deal to come to the others aid if attacked. The North Korean leader also pledged to unconditionally support Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Ukraines military intelligence chief has said supplies of North Korean ammunition to Moscow have been causing major headaches for his countrys defense, as Russias full-scale invasion grinds through its third year. --With assistance from Sam Kim. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. National security spokesperson John Kirby said Sunday that cease-fire talks with Israel and Hamas have not been achieving any progress in recent weeks. Kirby joined ABCs This Week, where he was asked if negotiations have gone cold even as tensions rise and an all-out war in the region becomes more of a possibility. I would say that we are not achieving any progress here in the last week, two weeks, he said, adding that its not for a lack of trying. Kirby said Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar appears not to want to negotiate, even after six hostages were killed in a tunnel in southern Gaza late last month. So, it doesnt appear as if hes willing to move this forward, but it doesnt mean that were not trying, he said. Kirby said the United States is still working with Qatar, Egypt and Israel to move talks forward. His comments come as tensions in the Middle East rise. Last week, Israel was responsible for an attack on handheld pagers of Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria. Hezbollah has responded with airstrikes in Israel, and concerns about a larger regional war have been raised. Were watching with concern, the escalating tensions in the region and across that border here in the last week or so, Kirby said. He said the U.S. doesnt believe further military action from either side is in anyones best interest, but certainly not in Israels interests in bringing the remaining hostages home alive. Theres a better way forward here and were going to keep trying to proffer that, 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 The Hill. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Its that time of the year again Whitetail deer season is almost here in New York State. Bowhunting is the first of deer hunting season that is set to start throughout the end of September and beginning of October depending on your location in New York State. You can check out when each deer season starts in your area by looking at this map provided by the DEC. As of August 1, the DEC changed the material for hunting and trapping tags as well as fishing licenses from synthetic paper to plain paper. This gives NYS hunters and trappers the ability to print hunting tags right from the comfort of their home. The change was made in effort to lower the states carbon footprint and lower costs. New paper means hunters in New York State no longer are required to wear back tags when hunting. All tags ordered online can be printed at the end of your transaction and will also be delivered to you through email as well as available in you online DECALS account under your Active Licenses, Permits and Privileges. Tags ordered online will no longer be mailed to your home. Licenses ordered over the phone will also be delivered by email. You can request to have your licenses and tags mailed when ordering over the phone, but you will need to allow up to 14 business days to receive them. Children ages 15 and under must have a legal parent or guardian assist with tag or license purchases. Despite the recent changes, people can still buy licenses and tags in person or by the phone at select local stores or at a local Town Clerks Office. For proof of licensure, you can use the HuntFishNY application. For more information on the changes made to purchasing tags or how to create a DECALS online account, you can visit the DEC website. If you are still looking to purchase your annual or lifetime hunting or fishing license and need more information license requirements, rules, regulations and prices, you can visit this website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Lactaid milk recall in NY, NJ, CT due to traces of almonds: What to know Lactaid milk recall in NY, NJ, CT due to traces of almonds: What to know NEW YORK - Hood has recalled five varieties of its Lactaid Milk containers due to potential traces of almonds, an ingredient not listed on the label. The recall affects products distributed to retailers and wholesalers across 25 states, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut from Sept. 5 to 18 this year. Routine maintenance checks revealed the almond traces in the milk. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported so far. However, the presence of undeclared almonds is a significant risk to individuals with almond allergies. Consumption of the contaminated product could lead to severe or even life-threatening allergic reactions. The company says the affected Lactaid milk products can be identified by the code "51-4109 P2" and the best by date, both located on the top-center area of the 96 oz container. Customers who purchased the recalled products are advised not to consume them and may return the containers to the point of purchase for a full refund or exchange. HP Hood has provided a hotline for consumer inquiries at 1-800-242-2423, available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The company is working in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage the recall. For more information on recalls of FDA-regulated products, see here . SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church will be holding a Mass on Saturday to celebrate the Italian Saint Padre Pio. The Big E breaks all-time single day attendance record on Vermont Day This will be the first time the Sons & Daughters of Italy will be unveiling their new statue of St. Padre Pio at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. After the Mass, there will be a procession with an Italian marching band through the streets of the South End, followed by a reception at the Italian Club on Winthrop Street. The Mass will start at 10:30 a.m. with the marching band expected to start around 11:30 a.m. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) One lane of South Armenia Avenue between West Cleveland Street and West Kennedy Boulevard is closed due to a water main break. All lanes closed at 4 p.m. Saturday. Shortly after 7 p.m., all but one lane had reopened. All lanes are expected to reopen before 5 p.m. Tuesday, city officials said. Barricades and signs have been placed in the area, and drivers are urged to use caution in the area. Crews may have to return for additional work at a later date, which officials said they would provide another update. The Tampa Water Department thanked drivers for their patience. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Las Palmas Medical Center is inviting the public its free Community and Colleague Health Fair. The event is set from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23 at Las Palmas Medical Center, located at 1801 N. Oregon St. According to Las Palmas in a news release, attendees at the health fair will be able to learn about treatments, services and technology that are used and provided by various departments at the hospital, including kidney transplant services, cardiology, physical therapy and neonatal intensive care unit. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 couple of years ago, Sara Merlos mother found an old, yellowed newspaper clipping when going through boxes in their family home. It was an article about Merlos great-grandfather, E.V. Reams, who Merlo knew had been a justice of the peace in Mississippi in the days of Jim Crow. But what Merlo hadnt known and would learn from the article was that her great-grandfather exonerated a fellow justice of the peace who had murdered a Black man in cold blood in 1953. The newspaper clipping that Sara Merlo and her mother found. The victim, Claude Otis Johnson, was a 34-year-old man who worked on a plantation in rural Mississippi. According to witnesses, justice of the peace and storekeeper John Thomas fatally shot Johnson three times after an argument over a small grocery bill. Thomas and two law enforcement officers were the only ones to testify at the hearing. The officers said they could not find any eyewitnesses to the crime after searching diligently, but the local newspaper had no difficulty finding several witnesses, including Johnsons wife. Thomas argued that the killing was self-defense and insisted he only shot Johnson after the man jumped out at him. But witnesses recalled that Thomas was the aggressor, hitting Johnson over the head with the gun before shooting him three times in the stomach and chest. Reams ultimately dismissed the murder charges against Thomas as justfiable homicide, saying, I dont think youve produced enough evidence to bind him over to the grand jury. My decision is that he was justified in what he did, according to newspaper clippings. The discovery was shocking, but not entirely surprising, Merlo said, as she remembered her grandfather, who was E.V. Reams son, being an overtly racist man. But Merlo was struck by the details of the case, and by the photograph of Johnsons five children that was included in the article, so she decided to do some research of her own. That research eventually led her to the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project (CRRJ) at the Northeastern University School of Law, a program that documents anti-Black violence and the failures of the criminal justice system to hold perpetrators accountable. CRRJs archive documents hundreds of anti-Black killings in the southern United States between 1930-54, including more than 50 here in North Carolina. Its not quite that Merlo feels ashamed of her great-grandfathers actions. Shame isnt the right word for it, she tells me. The feeling that I have is that this is a tragic story, and I am connected to this. Like this is part of what I come from, and the person who made this shameful choice is part of my DNA, Merlo told me. And so I think with that comes a sense of responsibility to try to move in a different direction. Merlo inherited her great-grandfathers dining room table, but its not a place she sits with any intention of carrying on his legacy. Its a table where she sits now to do the opposite to find ways to achieve restorative justice for victims of white supremacy. The conversations Merlo had with CRRJ about her great-grandfather eventually led her to where she is today: working with CRRJ as an education consultant, creating lesson plans and case studies for North Carolina high school students to learn more about Black history and the perils of white supremacy. The lessons are designed to teach students about things like lynching, law enforcement violence and the failures of the criminal justice system and encourage them to think about how this history is still relevant today. To Merlo, teaching those lessons and telling those stories is more important than ever. Ive always been interested in this history, but the piece thats been motivating me recently is the onslaught of book-banning and backlash against African American history courses, Merlo said. Its that current climate and context that gives me a sense of urgency. None of us are to blame for the actions of our ancestors. But we arent detached from them, either. And we all have a moral responsibility simply by virtue of being human to do better. Whether thats having tough conversations with our grandparents at the dinner table or teaching a new generation about the sordid parts of Americas past, every white person has a role to play in dismantling the systems that carry that past into the present. And thats exactly what Merlo is doing. In this photo released by Iranian Red Crescent Society, miners and police officers are seen at the site of a coal mine where methane leak sparked an explosion on Saturday, in Tabas, some 540 kilometers (335 miles) southeastern of the capital, Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Iranian Red Crescent Society, via AP) TEHRAN, Iran (AP) An explosion in a coal mine in eastern Iran killed at least 34 workers and injured 17 others, officials said Sunday, marking one of the worst mining disasters in the country's history as others remained missing hours after the blast. The blast struck a coal mine in Tabas, about 540 kilometers (335 miles) southeast of the capital, Tehran, on Saturday night. By Sunday, weeping miners stood alongside mine cars that brought up the bodies of their colleagues, all covered in coal dust. Around 70 people had been working at the time of the blast. State television later said that 17 were believed to be trapped at a depth of 200 meters (650 feet) down a 700-meter (2,300-foot) tunnel. However, figures kept changing throughout Sunday regarding the disaster in the rural area with some reports suggesting the death toll was higher. A provincial emergency official, Mohammad Ali Akhoundi, told the state-run IRNA news agency Sunday afternoon that the death toll had reached at least 34 as rescue efforts continued. Survivors interviewed by state TV, still smudged in coal dust, described chaotic scenes after the blast. We were in the mine, working. Suddenly there was some smoke rising ... then I noticed I had difficulty breathing," said one miner, whom state TV did not identify. "I jumped off from the workshop and I scrambled until I reached somewhere (safe). My friends (remained) in there. Authorities blamed the blast on a leak of methane gas. Such gases are common in mining, though modern safety measures call for ventilation and other measures to protect workers. It wasn't immediately clear what safety procedures were in place at the privately owned Mandanjoo Co., which operated the Tabas Parvadeh 5 mine. The firm could not be reached for comment Sunday. Irans new reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, preparing to travel to New York for the U.N. General Assembly, said that he ordered all efforts be made to rescue those trapped and aid their families. He also said an investigation into the explosion had begun. I spoke with the ministers of health, interior and security and ordered that the issues of the families of the victims and the injured be quickly resolved, Pezeshkian said, according to a statement from his office. I also requested to take measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents by improving work standards in the countrys mines. But Irans mining industry has been struck by disasters before. In 2017, a coal mine explosion killed at least 42 people. Then-President Hassan Rouhani, campaigning ahead of winning reelection, visited the site in Irans northern Golestan province and angry miners besieged the SUV he rode in, kicking and beating the armored vehicle in a rage. In 2013, 11 workers were killed in two separate mining incidents. In 2009, 20 workers were killed in several incidents. Lax safety standards and inadequate emergency services in mining areas were often blamed for the fatalities. Oil-producing Iran is also rich in a variety of minerals. Iran annually consumes around 3.5 million tons of coal, but only extracts about 1.8 million tons from its mines per year. The rest is imported, often consumed in the countrys steel mills. At least 4 killed, several injured in Birmingham mass shooting At least four people were killed and more were injured in a mass shooting in a popular area of Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday evening, police said. The Birmingham Police Department said early Sunday morning its officers were on the scene where multiple people were shot and there were possibly multiple casualties. Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald said just after 11 p.m. Saturday evening, multiple shooters fired multiple shots on a group of people in the popular Five Points South area, CNN reported. Two men and one woman were pronounced dead at the scene and one other person died at a local hospital. Firefighters took eight wounded people to a hospital and other victims brought themselves, AL.com reported. Police were looking for suspects as of early Sunday. They said theyre working to determine whether the shooters walked up to the victims or drove by in a vehicle, since all four killed were on the sidewalk. The scene of the crime is in a popular area where people congregate for restaurants and live music. They are also investigating whether it was multiple shootings, since its unclear if multiple people opened fire. We have dozens of gunshot victims from this area, Fitzgerald told CNN. Im told at least four of those gunshot victims are life-threatening, the others have various injuries. Police have reached out to other law enforcement agencies to assist with the investigation. 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 The Hill. Letters to the Editor: Have a daughter? This is what voting for Donald Trump tells her A courtroom sketch depicts former President Trump on Sept. 6 during his appeal of the civil ruling finding him liable for sexual assault. (Jane Rosenberg / Associated Press) To the editor: Former President Trump was held liable for sexual assault and is a felon. If this is OK with you and you are still planning to vote for him, here is a letter to share with your daughter. "Dear Daughter: "I am writing this letter to explain my decision to vote for Trump this election. It is important that you understand your value and place in America. "Understand that if a man is rich enough and well known, this gives him the right to handle you in any manner he desires. If he chooses to push you into a dressing room and assault you, you need to hold any discomfort inside and let him have his way. "Understand that your value as a person is not to be strong, happy and well adjusted. Your place is to be what Trump, and men like Trump, want you to be. "Understand this so you can see the path to making America great again." Geoffrey Melchor, Sacramento This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Vote NO on Initiatives 2109, 2117, and 2124 Washington voters are being asked to weigh-in on four statewide initiatives. Three of the measures are billion-dollar decisions that would kill critical programs, disrupting education funding, climate resilience and accessible long-term care. The fourth would open the door to expanded dependence on natural gas, a dangerous greenhouse gas. The League of Women Voters asserts that the state is responsible to adequately fund education. We need a balanced tax structure that is fair, adequate and flexible. Discarding the capital gains tax to benefit a small number of Washingtons most wealthy people will hurt children in our public schools, child care and early learning programs. Initiative 2109 is misguided. The League recognizes that climate change poses a significant threat and supports pricing mechanisms for carbon emissions. Throwing out Washingtons most effective climate response tool through Initiative 2117 would be a big mistake with long-term consequences. The League recognizes that 70% of Washingtonians will require long-term care at some stage. Today, only people of means can afford long-term care insurance. It is inevitable that most of us will face significant medical financial stress at some point. Killing the states groundbreaking long-term care benefit, which guarantees access to vital long-term care and home health care services, by approving Initiative 2124 would be short sighted and just wrong. Your vote matters. Vote NO on Initiatives 2109, 2117, and 2124. Annie Cubberly, Olympia College needs to be free Did you know that nearly 30% of community college students drop out within their first year due to financial stress? Also, 78% of students reported negative impacts on mental health due to financial stress. As a student at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), I see this reality every day. Growing up in a low-income family with three siblings, the thought of attending college seemed like a distant dream, overshadowed by the financial burdens that accompany higher education. However, I believe that the lack of action from policymakers to provide cost-free community college and invest in wraparound services is preventing students like me from reaching our full potential. Cost-free college is more than just an economic issue; its a matter of equity and opportunity. Wraparound services, such as mental health resources, tutoring, and basic needs support, are crucial in helping students not only stay in school but also thrive. These services ensure that students are supported holistically, providing the necessary tools for success beyond just the classroom. For students like me, who have grown up in financially struggling households, being able to pursue higher education without the constant fear of debt would be life-changing. The wraparound services we DO have helped me stay on track, and with proper investment in them, more students could have the chance to succeed. I urge our policymakers to invest in our students and Washingtons future by offering cost-free community college and expanding wraparound services. Jackson Feaster, Olympia On gun violence: Even perpetrators feel despair Like every year in this country, many lives are lost to the endless gun violence occurring at places that conjure safety and calm for students and everyone alike. That many lives are both lost and entirely shattered by the shootings should also become an eye-opener to a reality no one dares to address: Our country brims with loneliness, depression, and the longtime tradition of placing blame on everything. Throughout the years, research has suggested most of those who carry out gun violence attacks in public places do not have a clear motive. Their life-altering terrible decisions have roots in the solitude and lack of human companions the perpetrators suffer from. Mass shooting perpetrators, moreover, are emotionally fragile individuals who fall prey to indifference, and they lack solid social companions that would guide them to healthy habits instead of hurting other people. As a community, caring for socially and emotionally broken individuals, even those who cannot see the consequences of their actions, is the first step in saving lives from gun-related violence and helping those individuals to embrace healthy responses to their lives. Erick Dietrich, Olympia Police shot and killed a man on Long Island after he blew off a traffic stop in Queens and left eight cops -- including two NYPD officers and one civilian -- injured in his wake, Nassau County authorities said. Police shot and killed a man on Long Island after he blew off a traffic stop in Queens and left eight cops including two NYPD officers and one civilian injured in his wake, Nassau County authorities said . The deadly episode unfolded when the unidentified suspect sped off from an NYPD traffic stop around 11 p.m. Friday, Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said at a news conference. Cops put out an alert after the rogue driver hit the gas and nearly ran over two NYPD officers, authorities said. The deadly episode unfolded when the unidentified suspect sped off from an NYPD traffic stop around 11 p.m. Friday, Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said at a news conference. news12 The renegade driver ultimately lost control at Hicksville Road and Sunrise Highway in Massapequa Park. Paul Mazza Police said the suspect made his way to Nassau County, where officers tried to block him with their patrol cars at Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway in Merrick, News12 reported. Two officers had to jump out of the way as the suspect raced past them, the outlet said. The renegade driver then drove the wrong way on Sunrise Highway, striking additional police cars and a civilians vehicle, the TV station reported. The driver ultimately lost control 4 miles down the road, at Hicksville Road and Sunrise Highway in Massapequa Park. In total, five Nassau officers, two NYPD officers, who attempted the traffic stop and one civilian were hospitalized with minor injuries, Long Island authorities said. Paul Mazza It was reckless. He jumped onto oncoming traffic on Sunrise Highway. Hes ramming police cars. Hes ramming civilian cars, and he lost control of his own vehicle, Ryder said at a news conference, according to Newsday. Officers attempted to get that individual to come out of the car, the shooting occurred, and the individual has died, Ryder told reporters. The deadly episode, from chase to shooting, spanned about a half hour, Ryder said. Cops put out an alert after the rogue driver sped off and nearly ran over two NYPD officers, authorities said. news12 In total, five Nassau officers, the two NYPD officers who attempted the traffic stop and one civilian went to the hospital with minor injuries, Long Island authorities said. Neither the names of the dead suspect, nor the injured were immediately released. The NYPD referred inquiries to the Nassau Police Department. This photo of Utica from the early 1900s shows North Main and Spring streets, looking north, after a fire destroyed part of the village. If one needed one word to describe the residents of Utica, Ohio, in the late 19th and early 20th century, the word resilient comes to mind. In the years between 1888 and 1909, the village suffered seven significant fires. The estimated monetary damage to businesses and homes is equivalent to $7 million in today's currency, but the emotional toll on the citizens when they heard the fire alarm sound must have been horrific, especially since many of these fires happened at night. In 1880, the village council tried to help the volunteer fire department and appropriated $551 for the purchase of a hand pump engine. To make sure the pumper had a water supply, they dug six wells around town. However, there were issues with the pump. In March 1888, when the Opera House and the Presbyterian Church burned, the pumper wouldnt work because of an ice buildup in the hose. The fire was finally contained by bucket brigades, but the Opera House and Presbyterian Church were destroyed. Licking County history: Mary Gilbert's uncle bequeathed her $60,000 to marry her cousin. She was 'greatly annoyed' The pumper had another chance nine years later, on June 27, 1897, when a fire started at 1 a.m. in a livery barn on the alley behind North Main Street. Just a few days before, the pumper had been used to clean out a well and put away. When the volunteers rolled it out, the hose was full of sand and gravel, so it was useless. The fire spread north, south and west, burning barns, storerooms and a business on North Main Street. When the fire began, a call for help had been sent to the Newark Fire Department. They loaded a fire engine and crew on a railroad car and made the 13-mile trip in 14 minutes. They fought the fire for about four hours and afterward were fed a free meal at a restaurant in town. In July 1906, another fire destroyed a wool warehouse and bowling alley on South Main Street. The scariest part of that fire was that 10 feet from the burning warehouse was a barn with a wagon of nitroglycerin. If the fire had spread, the Utica Herald surmised that perhaps a hundred persons would have been killed and many homes destroyed. In January 1907, a fire burned almost a block on South Main Street. Later that year the village council added a chemical fire engine and a hook and ladder truck to their firefighting capabilities. Licking County history: In 1914, Newark's Gertrude Dorsey Brown sued an ice cream parlor for discrimination On Sept. 16, 1908, at 3:30 in the morning, a fire destroyed the American House Hotel. Eight months later, on May 10, 1909, another fire was discovered at 3 a.m. at the Vance Motel. The flames spread up and down North Main Street. The fire pump had no available water source to use. Calls were placed to Newark and Mt. Vernon for help, but neither had any engines to send. The citizens fought the fire with buckets and finally succeeded in putting it out. The residents had had enough. In 1910, they approved a bond issue that added water lines and fire hydrants in the city, and in 1911, the Utica council established a village fire department. If you would like more information, these stories and more will be presented at 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Utica library. The event is free and open to all. Doug Stout is the Licking County Library local history coordinator. You may contact him at 740.349.5571 or dstout@lickingcountylibrary.org. This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking County's Utica saw 7 major fires 1888-1909, prompting bond issue Sen. Lindsey Graham is on a campaign to alter Nebraskas election laws to deliver an advantage to former president Donald Trump. The entire federal delegation of Nebraska, House members and two senators, want this changed, Graham said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. To my friends in Nebraska, that one electoral vote could be the difference between Harris being president and not, and shes a disaster for Nebraska and the world. "To my friends in Nebraska, that one electoral vote could be the difference between Harris being president or not and she's a disaster for Nebraska and the world" Lindsey Graham on Meet the Press calls for Nebraska to change its election rules before November 5 pic.twitter.com/jHtghpojNS Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 22, 2024 Under current law, Nebraskas electoral votes are divided by congressional district, but Trump, Graham and other Republicans nationally and in the state want to change the rules to winner-take-all. Without the change, it would be possible for Harris to win the electoral college by a very narrow margin. As long as Harris wins Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, along with one Nebraska congressional district likely the one that includes Omaha she could lose every other Sun Belt battleground state and still eke out a 270-268 victory. If the Republicans get their way, and Nebraskas electoral votes are allocated to only one candidate, then the above scenario would result in an electoral college tie, 269-269. That would send the decision to the House of Representatives, with each state delegation getting a vote. Because more Republicans control state delegations, they could deliver Trump a win. Graham isnt just pushing for this change on the Sunday show circuit. Last week, the senator met with approximately a dozen Republican state lawmakers in Nebraska who support it. But this is not yet a done deal. It would require Nebraskas governor to convene a special legislative session, which Gov. Jim Pillen has said he supports, as long as he can confirm enough senators will vote for the measure. At this time, I have not yet received the concrete and public indication that 33 senators would vote for WTA, Pillen said in a Sept. 13 statement. If that changes, I will enthusiastically call a special session. When Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker asked Graham about the odds that Nebraska will make this change, he said the chances were 50-50, down to two people. One of the remaining holdouts is GOP State Sen. Mike McDonnell, who thus far has opposed changing the rules. According to The New York Times, if McDonnell publicly changes his mind, others will follow. Senator McDonnell has heard a lot of compelling arguments for and against, but as of right now he still remains a no vote, McDonnell spokesman Barry Rubin said Friday, per the Times. The only way he would think about switching would be if someone gave him a compelling reason for why it made sense on the merits of the winner-take-all situation. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) The 56th annual Johnny Appleseed Festival is happening in Lisbon this weekend. The streets of downtown are lined with vendors, rides, food, and of course, plenty of apple treats. WKBNs very own Chief Meteorologist Paul Wetzl was a celebrity judge for the Apple Pie Baking Contest on Saturday. The festival is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 23:48 A representative of the Guinness World Records handed over the certificate to Chiranjeevi at an event in Hyderabad. "The most prolific film star in Indian Film Industry-actor/dancer is Konidela Chiranjeevi aka Mega Star (India) achieved on 20 September 2024," said a certificate issued by the Guinness World Records. "I never expected to get Guinness World Records. All these years of my film career, dance had become part of my life," Chiranjeevi said, thanking everyone for the honour. "Mega star Chiranjeevi has performed 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years," sources close to the actor said. "22 September also happens to be the day when the mega star made his debut in the year 1978," they said. Superstar Aamir Khan, who shared the dais with Chiranjeevi, said he is a huge fan of Chiranjeevi garu. "I see him as my elder brother. I was so happy that Chiranjeevi garu is being given this honour and I was really thrilled to know that. If you notice him in any song of his, "his own heart" is in it, and he is enjoying himself," Khan said. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in a post on 'X' congratulated Chiranjeevi and said, "It is a matter of pride for Telugu people that popular movie actor Konidela Chiranjeevi got a place in the Guinness Book of World Records." Chiranjeevi is one of the top stars of the South cinema, having worked in over 150 feature films in Telugu as well as Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Some of his popular films include Rudra Veena, Indra, Tagore, Swayam Krushi, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Stalin and Gang Leader. He was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, along with Indian cinema icon Vyjayanthimala, in May this year. Megastar K Chiranjeevi on Sunday received the Guinness World Records certificate as the most prolific film star in the Indian film industry. Lithuania is exploring the option of sending 17 fire engines to Ukraine. These vehicles were impounded in Klaipeda last year due to sanctions and were initially destined for Zimbabwe. Source: BNS, a news agency covering the Baltic states; European Pravda Details: "Yes, a pre-trial investigation is being conducted, and the prosecutor has decided, if I'm not mistaken, that the 17 vehicles that were to be shipped to Zimbabwe should be confiscated and the issue of their possible delivery to Ukraine is being considered," said Lithuania's Prosecutor General Nida Grunskiene. Last week, South African state-owned news website The Herald urged Lithuania to hand over 17 vehicles purchased by Zimbabwe from Belarus last year. The vehicles were detained at the Klaipeda seaport in March last year, according to Zimbabwe's attorney general. "We have a decision by the prosecutor in which we are informing the Zimbabwean prosecutor's office that these 17 fire engines have been confiscated because the company that manufactured these vehicles is subject to sanctions and Zimbabwe itself is also subject to sanctions," Grunskiene noted. She said the African state had also been informed of the decision through diplomatic channels. "We are waiting to see if they will exercise their right to appeal," Grunskiene added. Notably, Zimbabwe's attorney general visited Lithuania this year to request the return of the vehicles. Background: Lithuania's neighbour Latvia regularly donates cars confiscated from drunk drivers to Ukraine. Former Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (now serving as Latvia's Foreign Minister) said in an interview with European Pravda that 100% of Latvian society supports Ukraine, even those who drive under the influence of alcohol. Support UP or become our patron! PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) The good vibes and drinks were flowing at the Little Village Conch Shell Festival in historic St. Andrews on Saturday. The free festival featured live music, arts and crafts, and a live art demonstration. Attendees also enjoyed special dishes like conch fritters, cracked conch, conch curry, and a conch salad. The main event was a conch shell-blowing contest. Participants competed for different prizes, including homemade conch shell trophies. Port St. Joe Police arrested two women at a Little League football game St. Andrews Conch Festival Conch Queen Mary Lou Race says she hopes attendees come out of their shells and try something new. Have some fun and learn something different. Its not about being perfect or anything. Its just about learning something and just trying something different, and itll just make you feel so much better because it goes all through your body. That vibration when youre blowing the conch shell, its a vibration. Its good vibrations, Race said. Little Village hosts special events about once a month. To learn more about those events, 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 mypanhandle.com. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Gov. Jeff Landry hold a press conference on July 1, 2024, at the Denka neoprene plant in LaPlace to speak against a new EPA rule they say is unfair to the company. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) Louisianas attorney general and the states leading anti-abortion group were quick to claim disinformation in response to the Illuminators recent reporting on a new law that will classify two vital pregnancy care drugs as controlled dangerous substances. Attorney General Liz Murrill insists there should be no delay in care under the statute that takes effect Oct. 1, and that our coverage to that effect attempts to sow confusion and doubt and is flatly incorrect. Louisiana Right to Life, a driving force behind the new law, labeled our reporting a bogus & one-sided story from a far-left publication. The group went so far as to demand our news partners at WVUE-TV Fox 8 in New Orleans remove our story from their website and issue a correction for their own broadcast version of it. We stand by our reporting, as does Fox 8. This attack against the credibility of reporters is nothing new from the far right and its ongoing attempts to undermine trusted institutions. Its a staple of the Trump playbook, anytime their policy and blurring of the law is called into question. Attacking journalists serves to distract others from the very real fact that these laws will put peoples lives in danger doctors are telling us this. It would not be good PR to harass health care professionals, so politicians instead go after reporters. But screaming disinformation and accusing the news media of having an agenda will not silence us. As journalists, we have thick skin and are prepared to endure far worse baseless attacks. The facts will defend us time and again. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Whats more worrisome than any criticism we face is Murrills continued dismissal of concerns from doctors and other providers. They have said and we have reported over and over again that this new law will complicate their efforts to administer life-saving care. Rather than take the time for clarifications or addressing weaknesses in state health policy, Murill and anti-abortion forces have told doctors, in essence, youre wrong. And to add the potential for more injury to insult, they insist pregnant people absolutely have no reason to fear that life-saving medications wont be easily accessible should the need arise. Except that the professionals who provide that care are telling us repeatedly theyre not confident it will. Even the states own medical director for perinatal care, whos also a practicing OB-GYN, has expressed grave doubts. Shes the expert officials are supposed to turn to for guidance on best practices. I now have to worry about laws that are created that interfere with my ability to give my patient the best care. Where does this end? Dr.Veronica Gillispie-Bell told WWNO-FM. And I think the real answer to that question is there is no place that it ends, and that is very scary. Through our latest reporting, weve learned that one New Orleans-area hospital is already conducting drills to ensure they will be able to provide misoprostol soon-to-be a Schedule IV drug that will require locked, secure storage and monitored in a timely fashion. That means literally sprinting, from delivery rooms to to those medicine cabinets, practicing for the inevitable. So far, theyve struggled. Also, at least one New Orleans-area hospital has removed misoprostol from the hemorrhage carts it uses in labor and delivery rooms. If the new law doesnt require this step to be taken, as the attorney general maintains, then why is it happening? For starters, state officials havent provided the detailed explanations they claim they have. The Louisiana Department of Health issued its guidance on the new law earlier this month, but several doctors who spoke with the Illuminator said it did little to relieve their concerns. The health department memo urges doctors to seek further guidance from their lawyers, which on its own is troublesome because lawyers are not typically medical experts as is apparent from our attorney generals sensitivity to our reporting. Besides, not all physicians have quick or reliable access to attorneys, especially during the throes of a postnatal emergency. Murrill continues to insist the information from the health department answers doctors questions, with Louisiana Right to Life echoing the same. The end result is that theres little confidence our state leaders will offer workable solutions to health care professionals or, heaven forbid, admit they might be wrong on this. The biggest concern here, obviously, is that the new law will unnecessarily put lives at risk. But its also worrisome that the go-to enforcement tactic appears to be bullying, even before the rules go into effect. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Logan woman sentenced to at least 20 years for the rape of two children LOGAN, Ohio (WCMH) A woman will serve at least two decades in prison for raping two children after a Hocking County Court of Common Pleas judge issued her sentence. According to the Ohio Attorney Generals Office, Irene Day was sentenced Wednesday to serve 20-25 years in prison for raping two children in a case that also involves her boyfriend, whose case remains pending. Day, 39, was sentenced on charges of first-degree rape and gross sexual imposition. She had pleaded guilty on Aug. 1 and was originally facing up to 37 years in prison. Days co-defendant, Paul Sebring, was accused of raping two children in 2018, and although court documents confirm the investigation began in 2018, Day was originally uncooperative with police. Police said Hocking County Childrens Services contacted authorities regarding the alleged assault. While an investigator attempted to obtain information from Day, she refused to identify Sebring during an interview. She then reportedly requested to walk outside with the investigator but instead took off running and drove to Logan. The investigator caught up with Day there, but she refused to cooperate and continued to evade the rest of the interview. According to Lt. David Wright of the Hocking County Sheriffs Office, the victims made statements to a childrens services investigator in 2022, resulting in a grand jury hearing for both suspects. Documents state that the two victims, who were seven years old and eight and nine years old, were abused between April and September 2018. Day faced as many as nine total charges, and Sebring still faces up to eight charges, including four counts each of rape and gross sexual imposition, plus one count of failure to register as a sex offender. The first seven charges include a violent predator specification. Sebrings case is being prosecuted by the Ohio Attorney Generals Office. The case was set to begin trial in November, but was canceled this month after a change in defense counsel. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK - A man was fatally shot by police following a high-speed chase from Jamaica, Queens to Massapequa Park, that left three people injured on Friday. Officials say two NYPD officers were attempting to pull the man over at 11:15 p.m. when he allegedly pulled off, nearly running them over. The man headed towards Sunrise Highway, driving the wrong way, and hit several cars, including a police vehicle, without stopping. "That individual tried to ram the two police officers and hit those officers and then fled that scene. NYPD put the notification over the air that they were heading towards Nassau County," Nassau County police commissioner Patrick Ryder said. At Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway, officers tried to stop him again by using patrol cars to block his path. "He ran through and took off two of our police cars, two of our officers that they attempted to run over, they dove out of the way," Ryder said. He lost control at Hicksville Road and Sunrise highway in Massapequa Park when he slammed against a tree. Police said he was still alive and they tried to take him into custody. "That individual did not comply. There was a shooting that occurred and that of that individual died. And the three officers, along with that individual, were transported to a local area hospital," Ryder said. FOX 5 NY's Duarte Geraldino said there was a lot of broken glass yards away from where that car came to a stop and the bullet hit a double-framed window. Police are going to be reviewing ballistic evidence, looking at where those bullets flew and how fast the car was driving when it crashed. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in todays incident, including the officers injured while protecting our communities. The Nassau County PBA remains committed to supporting our officers as they put their lives on the line every day," Tommy Shevlin, President, Nassau County PBA said in a statement. Louisville is among several Kentucky cities to receive new federal funds for road projects, Gov. Andy Beshear announced earlier this week. Metro Government was awarded $800,000, which it said it will use to fund two new full-time staff positions with Vision Zero Louisville, a city-funded transportation initiative modeled after a U.S. Department of Transportation program. The money will also cover the creation of two road safety programs the newly-funded positions will help support. The city applied for the funding in May. With new funding set to last five years, Vision Zero said in a statement it plans to hire a transportation planner and an epidemiologist. The transportation planner would focus on "strategies to reduce vehicular speeds to life-sustaining levels," while the epidemiologist would look at "strategies to improve health outcomes if crashes do occur." In a grant application, Vision Zero said it would use funding to complete a "Speed Management Plan." The stated goal of the plan is to prioritize the safety of every user of Louisville's roads, including bicyclists and pedestrians and not just motor vehicle drivers. The plan may include lowering the speed limit in places and infrastructure improvements. Work on the plan began in 2023 and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. Vision Zero also said in the grant application it hopes to use funding to build a nonfatal crash database as part of an effort to help local hospitals, EMS and police "improve health outcomes" of patients involved in motor vehicle crashes. In addition, Vision Zero plans to form a multidisciplinary board to review fatal crashes and recommend strategies "to reduce or prevent similar harm in the future." The federal funds come from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Louisville previously received Safe Streets funding for its ongoing two-way street conversion projects. More: Will two-ways make Louisville streets safer? Residents, officials back city's projects Additionally, Metro Government allocated $200,000 for the Safe Streets funding. "Hiring two new staff who are solely focused on working on the Vision Zero Louisville program will increase the number of staff hours dedicated to the program by 200% per year," Vision Zero said in a statement on its website. Other Kentucky cities and counties awarded Safe Streets funding include: Elizabethtown ($11.1 million) Danville ($12.2 million) Henderson County ($3.3 million) Boone County ($709,064) London ($160,000) Versailles ($108,400) Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@gannett.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville awarded federal funds for new staff positions, programs Centre County residents look forward to receiving the League of Women Voters of Centre County Voters Guide generously published by the Centre Daily Times and more recently by the Centre County Gazette. Voters also eagerly anticipate attending, streaming or viewing the televised broadcast of the LWVCC hosted Candidates Night, where attendees from opposing parties are live, side by side, and taking turns answering the same questions in a moderated format. Such nonpartisan information is available to voters of any party. The ability to compare candidates views on issues of importance in the same space is invaluable to voters. And last but not least, the Voters Guide and the televised panel provides free marketing for all of the candidates. No yard sign needed! A win for the candidates and a win for the voters with this non-partisan approach. Recently, some political parties held targeted candidates nights or town halls in which only candidates of a single party appeared. Voters were deprived of the time-tested across-the-parties presentation of different points of view by candidates of all parties. Events at which candidates of every party appear allow voters to thoughtfully consider opposing views simultaneously. Voters can decide for themselves which proposed policies are best. What happens if candidates of one party decline an invitation to attend an all-inclusive forum? What if candidates choose not to be represented in the inclusive Voters Guide? The Federal Election Commission passed a law that addresses that very issue called the empty chair ruling. FEC has said that in-person federal candidate forums such as Candidates Night must have participants from at least two opposing parties. If candidates from a minimum of two parties do not attend, the event cannot be held. In other words, there can be no empty chair, or only one side presented. The League of Women Voters of the United States, LWV of Centre Countys parent organization, supports and follows this law. The national LWV strongly encourages state and local Leagues, such as LWVCC, to follow that rule in all elections, out of an abundance of fairness to all parties. LWVCC requests all eligible voters contact and encourage their candidates, by phone, text or email, to participate in their Voters Guide by providing or updating their answers to questions that are asked of each candidate in that race. The Voters Guide answers are provided by the candidates themselves and appear in the Guide unedited by the LWVCC. Voters are also being asked to contact and encourage their candidates by phone, text or email to participate in Candidates Night for 2024, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m., in council chambers at the State College Municipal Building, 243 S. Allen Street, State College. Voters can easily find candidates who will appear on the ballot (and contact information) at VOTE411.org. Voters may submit questions via email for Candidates Night by Oct. 3 at lwvcentrecounty@gmail.com or by mail to LWVCC, PO Box 962, State College, PA 16804. Please indicate which race the question pertains to. It takes just two minutes of time to confirm that a voter is eligible to vote in Centre County by checking voter registration status at centrecountyvotes.gov. This is also the place to make corrections or changes to voters address, name or party. Polling (voting) locations are also listed. The election is Nov. 5. The last day to register or change voter registration is Oct. 21. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 29. See you at Candidates Night on Oct. 10! Kathy Cox is the LWVCC Voter Services Chairwoman. The rapper Macklemore told a crowd of Seattle concertgoers "F--- America," according to video of his recent "Palestine Will Live Forever" performance shared on X. "Straight up, say it. I'm not gonna stop you. I'm not gonna stop you," Macklemore said, appearing to reference chants from the crowd. "Yeah, F--- America," the Grammy-winning performer said, sending the crowd into cheers. The video was shared on X by journalist Cam Higby. Macklemore, a 41-year-old rapper born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty in Kent, Washington, had advertised a "Palestine Will Live Forever Festival" on his Facebook page. Rapper Macklemore Calls Out Biden, Police And Music Industry In New Pro-palestinian Song Macklemore performs onstage during the ibis RockCorps France at Accor Arena on May 29, 2024, in Paris. He said the proceeds of the event held at Seward Park Amphitheater would go to various groups, including the controversial agency known as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Israeli officials have declared that UNRWA is strongly tied to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The U.N. itself announced in August that nine UNRWA staffers would be fired due to possible involvement in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel. Read On The Fox News App Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Macklemore for comment, but they did not immediately respond. Macklemore dropped an anti-Israel song in May titled "Hinds Hall," referring to the Columbia University building that students occupied and renamed in honor of a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed in the Israel-Gaza war. The song praised the anti-Israel encampments and protests on college campuses across the country and called out President Biden, the police and the music industry. The rapper this month dropped a second version of the song that now calls out Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic presidential nominee when Biden backed out of the race in July. Macklemore had advertised a "Palestine Will Live Forever Festival" on his Facebook page. Israel's Un Ambassador Slams World Body, Says Unrwa Taken Over By Hamas Terrorists In Gaza Macklemore seems to threaten that Harris will lose support in the battleground state of Michigan, which has a large Arab and Muslim community in Dearborn, for supporting Israel. "Hey Kamala, I dont know if you listening but stop sending the money and weapons or you aint winning Michigan. We uncommitted and hell no we aint switching positions because the whole world turn Palestinian," the song says. The music video shared on X shows a clip of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Mich., when those lyrics play. The song also includes the antisemitic chant, "From the river to the sea," which calls for the elimination of Israel. Macklemore, who has an estimated net worth of $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, also declares in the second version of the song, "Capitalism killing us, thats something we cant afford" and sings, "There will never be freedom by pleading with Zionists." Macklemore wears a Palestinian flag onstage during the ibis RockCorps France on May 29, 2024, in Paris. Macklemore has increasingly weighed in on conflicts in the Middle East. Last month, he canceled an upcoming October concert in Dubai over the United Arab Emirates' role "in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis" in Sudan through its reported support of the paramilitary force that's been fighting government troops there, according to The Associated Press. Click To Get The Fox News App In an Instagram post at the time, Macklemore said he had a series of people "asking me to cancel the show in solidarity with the people of Sudan and to boycott doing business in the UAE for the role they are playing in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis." Fox News' Teny Sahakian and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Macklemore declares 'F--- America' to cheers at Seattle concert benefiting UN agency with alleged Hamas ties Macrons new government on the ropes 12 hours after being unveiled The NFP protested against the new government in Paris on Saturday - Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images Emmanuel Macrons new government faces no-confidence votes less than 12 hours after it was unveiled On Saturday night Michel Barnier, the French prime minister, unveiled his new centre-Right cabinet, awarding plum posts such as interior and finance ministers to mainstream conservatives and Macron allies, provoking anger from the opposition and threats to topple the government. Minutes after the line-up was announced, Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the radical Left party France Unbowed (LFI), described the cabinet as a familiar cast of players from a disaster movie that the country has seen before. We need to get rid of it as soon as possible, he said on X. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-Right National Rally (RN), was also quick to denounce the new government, which excludes deputies from both the Leftist bloc the New Popular Front (NFP) and the RN. The NFP includes France Unbowed, Socialists, Greens and the Communists. Protesters accused Mr Macron of ignoring the election results - Esra Taskin/Anadolu via Getty Images This new government signals the return of Macronism through the back door, Mr Bardella said. What the French people have twice democratically rejected cannot be allowed to return through pitiful party politics and political calculations. It is therefore a government with no future. Francois Hollande, a former president and Socialist deputy within the NFP, also backed a motion of no-confidence, calling it the right solution during an interview with local French news site France Bleu Limousin on Sunday morning. The Left has been almost completely shut out of the administration, despite forming an alliance that won the highest number of seats. Michel Barniers government is a fragile government, Mr Hollande said, adding that it depended on the RN for survival and there were no heavyweights in the cabinet. The new cabinet: Bruno Retailleau (second row, far left) is described in the French press as a symbol of the conservative far-Right - AFP/ Assemblee Nationale/AFP via Getty Images Mr Barniers long-awaited cabinet comes nearly three months after a snap general election delivered a hung parliament. Though the Leftist coalition the NFP won the most seats, it failed to secure an overall majority. In a sign that the new government will take a hardline approach to immigration, Mr Barnier awarded the post of minister of the interior to fellow Republican Bruno Retailleau, described in the French press as a symbol of the conservative far-Right. The senator from Vendee was vocally opposed to same-sex marriage, and voted against the constitutionalisation of abortion earlier in 2024. Mr Retailleaus approach to immigration also aligns closely with the far-Right. He has pushed for French natives to be given priority access to social benefits, and for reducing the scope of emergency medical aid to undocumented people. Migrant aid and immigration advocates expressed alarm at Mr Retailleaus appointment, who has vowed order, authority and firmness to tackle the issue. He equates immigration with delinquency, Fanelie Carrey-Conte, general secretary of migrant and refugee association Cimade, told Le Monde. We fear a new political and legislative sequence of stigmatisation and attacks on migrants rights. 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. Maida Vale Studios to get revamp by new owners Coldplay were among the many acts that performed in the studio across nearly 90 years [BBC] A group backed by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer has revealed its plans to revamp Maida Vale Studios in west London. The former BBC site was purchased by the partnership last year from the broadcaster after it was valued at around 10m. The consultation states that the group will take a retro-fitting approach which means the works will prioritise energy-efficient and technological improvements while maintaining the existing building. MVS Partnership LLP has not yet submitted a formal planning application to Westminster City Council. Three new "state-of-the-art" studios are among the plans, with more composer suites and music rooms. "The renovated studios will provide circa 42,000 sq ft of creative workspace within the existing building, with flexible and adaptable technology," the consultation website states. A range of high-tech editing facilities are envisioned, with food and drink spaces available on-site for both staff and visitors. According to the consultation, the refurbishment would deliver a venue of "national importance to UK and creative industries". "This (sic) proposed upgrades will set new benchmarks for excellence in British film and music post-production, fostering the creation of new jobs, driving innovation, and promoting industry investment," it said. The studios are within a Grade-II listed building [Google] Some external alterations are also planned, including more planting and seats. Geoff Barraclough, a cabinet member and ward councillor for Maida Vale, said he was "delighted that Maida Vale Studios' long history will continue under new ownership". He added: "As with any planning application, there will be plenty of details to examine before the scheme is approved and we will want to ensure that local residents dont suffer during the building works." Maida Vale Studios was once home to the BBC Symphony Orchestra [BBC] Maida Vale Studios is a Grade-II listed building which the BBC converted it into studios in 1933, and since then has hosted a huge array of artists from The Beatles to Beyonce and Sir Elton John. In 2018 the BBC announced it was to move its live music hub to Stratford in east London, having previously described the Maida Vale site as "wholly unsuitable for the 21st century". As well as Hans Zimmer, the group which purchased the studios includes film producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner and Mr Zimmers long-time business partner Steve Kofsky. The online consultation will run until 11 October. Two public exhibitions are also planned, on 1 and 2 October at The Amadeus Centre on Shirland Road. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Related internet links First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), a leading industrial park developed and managed by the Lopez Group, broke ground on its new mixed-use hub, FPIP Plaza, on Sept. 10, 2024. The three-story development, spanning 15,000 square meters, will significantly add to the nearly 600-hectare industrial park. - Advertisement - FPIP Plaza is a testament to our desire to create something that is for the community, employees, and locators of FPIP. Even more importantly, the whole of Sto. Tomas and Tanauan, and nearby barangays will have an opportunity to gather and connect with each other, said FPIP chief commercial officer Jose Valentin Pantangco. FPIP Plaza, strategically situated at FPIPs Gate 1, is also expected to generate additional employment opportunities, further contributing to the over 70,000 individuals already working within the industrial park. FPIP Plaza is designed to enhance the experience of FPIPs locator employees, visitors and the surrounding community. It will house a diverse range of retail establishments, restaurants, service centers, corporate offices, and government offices, creating a convenient and dynamic environment. It will continue to support the mission of FPIP to create jobs, strengthen industry, and modernize the two cities of Sto. Tomas and Tanauan, and make Batangas the prime industrial corridor of the Philippines, Pantangco said. FPIP, a PEZA-registered ecozone, is home to over 150 world-class locators, including Collins Aerospace, Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc. and Dyson. FPIP teamed up with First Balfour for construction and Aidea for the architectural design of the commercial complex. The project is slated for completion by the first quarter of 2026. After more than 20 years operating in Bloomington, the North American arm of a major Danish hearing aid manufacturer is changing its Minnesota ZIP code. GN, maker of the ReSound hearing aid and other devices, has announced that it will be moving operations to the former Shutterfly facility in Shakopee in 2025. The company says it's finalized a 12-year-lease for the 22-acre site, located along Highway 169, and is now planning for a renovation that will "turn the site into a 218,437-square-foot, state-of-the-art hearing aid manufacturing, repair and shipping facility." GN says the facility will also house "sales, customer service and marketing support" for its hearing aid brands, which also include Jabra Enhance and Beltone. "Strong and steady growth in hearing aids sales in recent years, even coming out of the pandemic, have driven a need for additional, modernized space," a news release notes. "The new lease represents a 79% increase in space from the Bloomington facility." Weve simply outgrown our current space, said Tom Woods, president of GN Hearing division North America, in a statement. "GN's decision to move its North American Headquarters to Shakopee is a clear indication of our city's growing reputation as a prime location for businesses seeking innovation and growth, said Shakopee City Administrator William Reynolds, per the company. We are eager to collaborate with GN as they establish their state-of-the-art facility, which will bring new opportunities for our residents and bolster our position as a dynamic and attractive location for global leaders in technology." A robust on-site amenities package includes a 200+ person event center, training rooms, game room, fitness center, large cafeteria and outdoor break area. Most importantly, the facility is expandable by 118,000 square feet. - GN The release says the redesign and remodeling phase of the move is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The move will mark the end of a long tenure in Bloomington, where GN has operated since 2001. The manufacturer currently employs about 550 people in Minnesota, "more than half in manufacturing jobs." GN is based in Copenhagen. Man arrested in Joshua Tree on suspicion of firing gun after chase across two counties A 20-year-old man was arrested Saturday afternoon near Joshua Tree National Park after an 11-hour search that began when he allegedly got out of his vehicle following a police chase, fired a weapon and fled the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured, according to a statement by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, which assisted Riverside County Sheriffs Department personnel. Jonathan Rodriguez was arrested without incident, the statement said, about 2:22 p.m. Saturday at a home on Pueblo Trail in the small community of Joshua Tree, adjacent to the national park. Read more: L.A.'s 'Ketamine Queen' lived a celebrity-studded life. Now she's been charged in Matthew Perry's death He had not yet been booked into the city's Morongo Basin Jail as of early Saturday evening, San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez said via email, adding that information about the suspects vehicle and the gun he allegedly fired were not available. The arrest concluded a manhunt that began when Riverside County Sheriffs Department deputies attempted to stop a vehicle near Camino Idilio and Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs for a vehicle code violation," according to a statement by the department. Rodriguez allegedly failed to stop, so deputies pursued him onto I-10 headed west from Date Palm onto Highway 62, and then to Yucca Trail and Airway Avenue, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department statement. Read more: As crews chainsaw Joshua trees, Mojave Desert community protests solar energy project San Bernardino County sheriffs personnel took over the pursuit, and the chase ended on the 60800 block of Mountain View Trail, a stretch of picturesque road just outside the northwest border of Joshua Tree National Park. Rodriguez allegedly exited his vehicle, fired several rounds from a firearm, then fled, the San Bernardino County statement said. The investigation into the incident continues, according to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. Authorities asked anyone with relevant information to call the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Dispatch at (909) 387-8313 or anonymously provide information at (800) 782-7463 or www.wetip.com . 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. A 26-year-old Riverton man allegedly upset with plans to build a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon has admitted to harassing a member of the Utah Department of Transportation. The man entered a guilty plea in abeyance on Wednesday in Taylorsville Justice Court to electronic communication harassment, a class B misdemeanor. On July 12, 2023, UDOT released its final record of decision on the proposed gondola project up Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is considered the final step in the environmental impact statement. Later that day, UDOT's project manager for the Little Cottonwood Canyon environmental project received a message on his personal Facebook page stating "Watch your back," adding an expletive about the gondola, according to charging documents. The employee was working in the Calvin Rampton Complex, 4501 S. 2700 West, at the time he received the message. The building is also the headquarters for the Utah Department of Public Safety, whose investigators were able to identify the man who sent the message. As part of his plea deal, the man must pay a fine, have no contact with the UDOT employee and not pick up any new charges for a year. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was shot in Southeast D.C. on Saturday night. Police investigating crash in Alexandria MPD said that at about 9:20 p.m., it was dispatched to the 4000 block of Alabama Avenue for an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun). The man was a walk-in shooting victim at a hospital. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CACHE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A man who was struck and killed by a train in Cache County on Wednesday has been identified. The Cache County Sheriffs Office has identified the individual as Jacob Pratt, 40, of Logan. The Pratt family has expressed their appreciation to all agencies and their members who have been involved in investigating this incident during this difficult time, the sheriffs office stated. They have requested privacy to allow time for them to grieve the loss of their husband and father. Missing Spanish Fork man found dead in remote area of Uintah County Jacob Pratt (Courtesy of White Pine Funeral Services) A GoFundMe for the Pratt family has been posted here. At around 1:20 p.m. on Sept. 18, Pratt was driving a vehicle, crossing an unregulated train crossing located at 14300 North, just east of S.R. 23. This crossing is reportedly in a rural part of Cache County. Pratt was heading westbound as the train was coming northbound. Two cars also going westbound crossed in front of the train before Pratt, making it safely through the intersection, according to the sheriffs office. Pratt was struck trying to cross, and was declared deceased on scene. No other injuries were reported. You can find Pratts obituary here. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) A Fairfield County man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly attempting to meet an 11-year-old girl and admitting his intention of impregnating her. According to court documents, Lancaster police officers were called to an apartment of 1400 block of Sheridan Drive, north of the city, on reports of a sexual abuse. Arriving officers met with a man who leads a nonprofit called Bikers Against Predators. The man who called police said that the nonprofit creates decoy Facebook accounts of underage individuals in an effort to lure potential suspects into soliciting sexual activity or pornographic material. In this case, the man told police that Gary Lee Skinner Jr. contacted the decoy Facebook account and lives at the residence on Sheridan Drive. Members of Bikers Against Predators followed Skinner Jr. from a nearby gas station, where he allegedly attempted to meet with a girl as part of the groups setup. The group of people asked Skinner Jr. questions, but he refused to talk. This embedded content is not available in your region. The group provided police documentation showing how Skinner Jr. first attempted to contact their decoy 11-year-old girl. Though Skinner Jr. denied this detail, he admitted to police that he knew the decoy he was supposed to meet was underage. Other admissions Skinner made to police were consistent with what the group told police, including that Skinners intent upon meeting the girl was to impregnate her that evening. Skinner was arrested and charged with importuning, a fourth-degree 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Manhunt for young man and woman after 14-year-old is killed, South Carolina cops say A teenager was killed in a shooting and a search is underway for a South Carolina man and woman who are wanted on murder charges, according to the Florence County Sheriffs Office. Theres a manhunt for 21-year-old Kalebsolik Daron Singletary and 19-year-old Yabriah Latia Lewis, who the sheriffs office called armed and dangerous in a news release. The Johnsonville residents are wanted in connection to a Sept. 18 shooting where 14-year-old Jakarta Doctor died and another person was injured, according to the release. Further information on the surviving victims condition was not available. Both Singletary and Lewis are also wanted on other charges, but the sheriffs office did not list the additional counts. Information about a motive for the shooting was not available. The sheriffs office described Singletary as a 6-foot-1, 169-pound man. Lewis was described as a 5-7, 230 pound woman by the sheriffs office. If Singletary or Lewis is seen, they should not be approached, the sheriffs office said. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of either Singletary or Lewis is asked to call the sheriffs office at 843-665-2121, x. 80169, or CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip. In the case of an emergency, always call 911. Mansfield shooting: Suspect charged with murder of 17-year-old MANSFIELD, Texas - Mansfield police arrested a suspect who allegedly shot and killed a 17-year-old on Thursday. 21-year-old Elijah Hatton has been charged with murder in connection to the shooting. Police were called for a wellness check at a home on Cutting Horse Drive Thursday afternoon. When police arrived they found the 17-year-old with a gunshot wound and citizens performing CPR on him. The 17-year-old was taken to the hospital where he later died. The suspect in the shooting ran from the scene before officers arrived. Mansfield police detectives identified the suspect's vehicle, which was then located at an apartment complex in East Dallas. Hatton was taken into custody by Mansfield SWAT officers. Police have not released any information about the circumstances around the shooting. The 17-year-old's name was not released by police due to his age. Four key staffers on the North Carolina gubernatorial campaign of Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson have stepped down following a bombshell report about his disturbing activity on an online pornography forum, including referring to himself as a black NAZI. Robinsons campaign announced the major shakeup on Sunday. The departing aides were identified as Conrad Pogorzelski III, general consultant and senior advisor; Chris Rodriguez, campaign manager; Heather Whillier, finance director; and Jason Rizk, deputy campaign manager. The lieutenant governor was quoted in a campaign press release as saying he appreciated the efforts of these team members who have made the difficult choice to step away from the campaign, and I wish them well in their future endeavors. He added that more information about new staff roles would be announced in the coming days. Why GOPs Black Nazi Porn Posts Were Too Bonkers for CNN The mass exodus comes three days after scandal engulfed Robinsons campaign, with CNN reporting that he had used a porn forum to defend slavery, call the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. a commie bastard, and detail a salacious affair with his wifes sister. A followup report from The Washington Post showed that hed further used the site to praise Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf as a good read and a real eye opener. Minutes before the original report was published, Robinson released a video statement denouncing the allegations as nothing more than salacious, 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. With the gubernatorial election a little over six weeks away, Robinson vowed to remain in the race. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson joins the stage with former U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally at The Farm at 95 on April 9, 2022 in Selma, North Carolina. Allison Joyce/Getty Images He reiterated that intention in Sundays press release. My campaign will continue to focus on the substantive issues at stake in this election: building an economy that grows from Murphy to Manteo; cutting taxes and eliminating unnecessary red-tape; removing politics out of our classrooms; and cracking down on violent crime and dangerous drugs, he said. Polls have consistently underestimated Republican support in North Carolina for several cycles now and with a large portion of the electorate still undecided as we continue to ramp up our efforts across the state, I am confident our campaign remains in a strong position to make our case to the voters and win on November 5. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised Robinson in recent months, once referring to him as Martin Luther King on steroids and Martin Luther King times two. He had not publicly reacted to the CNN story as of Sunday. Vice President Kamala Harris team, on the other hand, were quick to sink their teeth into the scandal, rushing out an ad in North Carolina juxtaposing Trumps praise for Robinson with the latters previous incendiary remarks. The lieutenant governor is reportedly a Holocaust denier with a long history of disparaging women, the LGBTQ+ community, Jews, Muslims, and Black people who vote Democrat. 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. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images He has compared homosexuality to pedophilia and described transgenderism as filth. He has also characterized feminism as a movement watered by the devil and criticized abortion and patients seeking the procedure. Abortion in this country is not about protecting the lives of mothers, he says in the Harris attack ad. Its about killing the child because you werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down. Robinsons poll numbers against the Democratic candidate, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, were slumping even prior to the CNN revelations. The day prior to the reports publication, Stein had a 13-point lead over Robinson in a Morning Consult poll. The gap is likely to be even wider this week. Stein said Sunday that Robinson would not be on voters radars without the support of the former president. Look, Robinson exists because Donald Trump has lifted him up throughout, he told Jake Tapper on CNNs State of the Union. Mark Robinson could not exist without the support of Donald Trump. 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. Multiple people leading Republican Mark Robinsons gubernatorial campaign staff have resigned following a CNN report about vulgar and racist posts made years ago on a pornography website. Robinson, North Carolinas lieutenant governor, denies the allegations. His campaign announced the departures in a news release Sunday evening. Those leaving include: Conrad Pogorzelski III, who was Robinsons general consultant and senior advisor. He has been known as the main person behind Robinsons campaign. Chris Rodriguez, Robinsons campaign manager, Heather Whillier, Robinsons finance director, Jason Rizk, deputy campaign manager. In a statement, Robinson said he appreciated the efforts of these team members who have made the difficult choice to step away from the campaign, and I wish them well in their future endeavors. I look forward to announcing new staff roles in the coming days. Robinson did not address the scandal in the statement. The N&O has learned that Patrick Riley, Robinsons director of operations, also resigned. WUNC also reported Rileys departure, as well as political directors John Kontoulas and Jackson Lohrer, saying that leaves just two campaign spokespeople and a bodyguard. Campaign spokesperson Mike Lonergan confirmed to The N&O Sunday night that he is still on staff, and did not respond to a question about who else left beyond those listed in the news release. Fallout from CNN report Robinson easily won the Republican gubernatorial primary and faces Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein in the general election. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Robinson and publicly supported him at events, plus invited him to visit his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida in December. But the fallout from Thursdays CNN story was almost immediate, with fellow Republicans calling for Robinson to offer evidence that the allegations werent true, with others calling for him to end his campaign. Robinson didnt attend former President Donald Trumps campaign rally in Wilmington on Saturday, and Trump didnt mention him during the event, The News & Observer previously reported. Robinson also has been endorsed by top Republicans in North Carolina, including Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore. Republicans have been distancing themselves from Robinson since the CNN report, which showed a series of comments allegedly made by Robinson several years ago before he entered public office. They include Robinson describing himself as a Black Nazi, sexuality explicit comments, racial slurs about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and saying that slavery was not bad and he would buy enslaved people if they brought it back. Republican candidate for president Donald Trump greets N.C. Republican candidate for governor Mark Robinson at the start of former President Trumps speech in Asheboro, N.C., Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Robinson continues to deny that he wrote the posts. Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Budd told The N&O on Thursday that the comments reported in the article are disgusting. Mark Robinson says they are not from him. He needs to prove that to the voters. Robinsons campaign continues Robinsons statement on Sunday said that his campaign will continue to focus on the substantive issues at stake in this election: building an economy that grows from Murphy to Manteo; cutting taxes and eliminating unnecessary red-tape; removing politics out of our classrooms; and cracking down on violent crime and dangerous drugs. Robinson made a campaign appearance at a race in Fayetteville on Saturday night, hours after the Trump rally. He has two campaign events on Monday, in Wilkesboro and Boone. The campaign says that new staff will be hired, however Election Day is Nov. 5 just over six weeks away. Polls have consistently underestimated Republican support in North Carolina for several cycles now and with a large portion of the electorate still undecided as we continue to ramp up our efforts across the state, I am confident our campaign remains in a strong position to make our case to the voters and win on Nov. 5, Robinson said. Speaking to the crowd at the Fayetteville Motor Speedway on Saturday night, Robinson said hell focus on the issues that you are concerned with while everybody else wants to focus on the garbage and the trash. He had been down in several polls against Stein before the scandal broke. Robinson has long been known for controversial, insulting statements including about women, teachers and LGBTQ+ people. He has changed his stance on abortion multiple times, and wants it more restrictive than the Republican-written current abortion law, though he and his now-wife had an abortion 30 years ago. Republican NC governor candidate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson greets the crowd before remarks by Republican candidate for President Donald Trump in Asheboro, N.C., Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Republican State Treasurer Dale Folwell told The N&O on Thursday that the CNN report about Robinson was not a shock to him. Folwell, a longtime elected official who lost to Robinson in the primary, said that it seems like anyone whos ever come in contact with him has been fleeced. And this is just the latest example of the taxpayers and the donors getting fleeced. 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. DC correspondent Danielle Battaglia contributed. Chinese ships continue to gather at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal while a replacement for the Philippine Coast Guards BRP Teresa Magbanua heads toward its waters. National Maritime Council spokesperson Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez announced that the Philippines will no longer publicly disclose ship details to avoid aiding China, which has stationed vessels in the area west of Palawan. - Advertisement - Lopez declined to say whether it was a coast guard or a Philippine Navy ship, saying only that it was already there or close to Escoda Shoal and that it was not yet experiencing any harassment from the Chinese. The important thing is that the ship has sailed and is conducting its mission of maritime patrol and to get information and document whatever illegal activities are there, he said. We are adjusting because we all saw how China reacted when we said BRP Teresa Magbanua was anchored there. We made operational adjustments. Ray Powell, director of SeaLight at Stanford University, reported on X that eight Chinese militia ships were moved from Panganiban (Mischief) Reef to Escoda, and two more were sent to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, along with a China Coast Guard vessel spotted southwest of Palawan. What generated this sudden activity is unclear, he said, also describing the Qiong Sansha Yu ships as paramilitary vessels masquerading as fishing boats. According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, nine CCG vessels, four Chinese warships and 52 maritime militia vessels were swarming Escoda on Sept. 16, two days after the PCGs BRP Teresa Magbanua left the shoal after nearly five months of deployment. Escoda, about 139 km west of Palawan province, has become the latest flashpoint in the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China. (COLORADO SPRINGS) Marksheffel Road will close to all traffic from south of Stetson Hills Boulevard to north of North Carefree Circle for five nights, Sunday, Sept. 22, through Thursday, Sept. 26, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Crews will remove barriers, restripe the road, and shift traffic to a new lane. Courtesy: City of Colorado Springs The detour directs drivers to use Peterson Road. On Sept. 22-24 and 26, access will be from North Carefree Circle; on Sept. 25, it will be from Stetson Hills Boulevard for neighborhoods along Zircon and Graphite Drives. The temporary traffic signal at Marksheffel and Zircon Drive will be removed overnight on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Barnes Road will reopen on Sept. 25 between Antelope Ridge Drive and Marksheffel Road. Work is weather-dependent, and updates are available by text at 866-762-3640, text IMPROVE. Check the message boards in the corridor and project hotline at (719) 645-4055. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Marxist Anura Kumara Dissanayake has won Sri Lankas presidential election, according to early results, as voters rejected the old political guard that has been widely accused of pushing the country into economic ruin. Mr Dissanayake secured victory over opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and incumbent liberal president Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took over the country two years ago after its economy hit rock bottom. Mr Dissanayake received 5,740,179 votes, followed by Mr Premadasa with 4,530,902, Election Commission data showed. This achievement is not the result of any single persons work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us, Mr Dissanayake said in a post on X. Mr Dissanayake leads National Peoples Power, a left-wing coalition of civil society groups, professionals, students and Buddhist clergy. National Peoples Power leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrives at a voting centre in Sri Lanka on 21 September (AP) The election, held on Saturday, came amid the worst economic crisis in the countrys history and the resulting political upheaval. Contested by 38 candidates, it was largely a three-way race between Mr Dissanayake, Mr Wickremesinghe and Mr Premadasa. Mr Dissanayake, 55, took the most votes in the first round of counting, but fell short of clearing the threshold of 50 per cent to win outright. The Election Commission ordered a second round in which preferential votes were counted, and Mr Dissanayake quickly raced into the lead. The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. This achievement is not the result of any single persons work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory pic.twitter.com/N7fBN1YbQA Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) September 22, 2024 Mr Wickremesinghe, who took power in July 2022, was eliminated in the first round after leading Sri Lankas fragile economic recovery. This included restructuring Sri Lankas debt under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme after the country defaulted in 2022. This is the first time in Sri Lankas history that the presidential election is being decided by a second round of counting. The second round is required if no candidate secures an outright majority. Sri Lankans wait in a queue to cast their ballots in Galle on 21 September (AFP via Getty) The top two candidates then split the ballots of the eliminated nominees, depending on which of them is listed as the second preference. The second-preference ballots are added to the tallies from the first counting round, and whoever receives the higher number of votes is declared the winner. Mr Dissanayake received a congratulatory message from outgoing foreign minister Ali Sabry, who said that he respected the mandate given to him by Sri Lankans. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr Dissanayake and his team. Leading a country is no easy task, and I genuinely hope that their leadership brings Sri Lanka the peace, prosperity and stability it so deeply deserves, he said on X/Twitter, adding that Sri Lankans face immense challenges. Mr Premadasa had not yet conceded defeat by Sunday afternoon. After a long and arduous campaign, the results of the election are now clear. Though I heavily campaigned for President Ranil Wickremasinghe, the people of Sri Lanka have made their decision, and I fully respect their mandate for Anura Kumara Dissanayake. In a democracy, it is M U M Ali Sabry (@alisabrypc) September 21, 2024 Around 17 million eligible voters cast their ballots on Saturday, and the final results were expected on Sunday evening. Police said no major incidents were reported during the voting process, which was held under a countrywide curfew that ended at midday on Sunday. More than two years after the south Asian island nation fell into a deep economic crisis, millions of its people continue to struggle with high living costs. Unsurprisingly, the economy was the biggest campaign issue. Sri Lankas economic crisis, which was years in the making, stemmed largely from the federal administrations excessive borrowing for projects without generating enough revenue. A further blow was delivered by the Covid pandemic, and by the governments push to use scarce foreign reserves to prop up the Sri Lankan rupee, throwing the economy into a tailspin. Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa at an election rally in Colombo last week (AP) At the time of its default, the country faced a foreign and local debt of $83bn (62bn). Several rounds of restructuring brought it down to around $17bn. In the past week, officials in Colombo said the government had cleared the final hurdle in restructuring the debt by reaching an agreement with private bond holders. Mr Dissanayake and his rival said during the campaign that they would renegotiate a proposed deal with the IMF to make austerity measures more bearable for the countrys millions of citizens. Mr Wickremesinghe warned that any move to alter the basic agreement could delay the release of the fourth tranche of nearly $3bn needed for economic stability. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, 55, has seen a surge of support based on his pledge to change the island's 'corrupt' political culture (Ishara S. KODIKARA) (Ishara S. KODIKARA/AFP/AFP) Sri Lanka's leftist president-elect on Sunday invited his compatriots to help him "rewrite" history in the cash-strapped island nation after winning a vote coloured by discontent over an unprecedented financial crisis. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, the 55-year-old leader of the People's Liberation Front, was declared the winner of the weekend's poll with nearly 1.3 million more votes than his nearest rival. The once-fringe leader, whose party won less than four percent of the vote in parliamentary elections four years ago, saw a surge of support as the economic meltdown forced widespread hardships upon Sri Lankans. "The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true," he said in a statement shortly after the announcement. "This victory belongs to all of us," he added. "Millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history." Outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe -- who took office at the peak of the 2022 economic collapse and imposed tough austerity policies per the terms of an IMF bailout -- was a distant third in the contest with 17 percent of the vote. "History will judge my efforts, but I can confidently say that I did my best to stabilise the country during one of its darkest periods," he said in a statement. He congratulated Dissanayaka on the win and said he was "confident" the politician would "steer Sri Lanka on a path of continued growth and stability". US ambassador Julie Chung also passed on her congratulations, saying in a statement that Washington stood "ready to work together on shared priorities" with his administration. Dissanayaka will be sworn in on Monday morning at the colonial-era President Secretariat in Colombo, election commission officials said. - IMF deal - Economic issues dominated the eight-week campaign, with widespread public anger over the belt-tightening measures imposed by Wickremesinghe since the peak of the island nation's bruising financial crisis. Dissanayaka would "not tear up" the IMF deal but would seek to modify it, a party politburo member told AFP. "It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate," said Bimal Ratnayake. He said Dissanayaka had vowed to reduce income taxes that were doubled by Wickremesinghe and slash sales taxes on food and medicines. "We think we can get those reductions into the programme and continue with the four-year bailout programme," he said. Dissanayaka's once-marginal Marxist party led two failed uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s that left more than 80,000 people dead. But Sri Lanka's crisis has proven an opportunity for Dissanayaka, whose popularity rocketed on his pledge to change the island's "corrupt" political culture. Around 76 percent of Sri Lanka's 17.1 million eligible voters cast ballots in Saturday's poll. Dissanayaka's party sought to reassure India that any administration he led would not be caught up in geopolitical rivalry between its northern neighbour and China, the country's largest lender. New Delhi has previously expressed concerns over what it sees as Beijing's growing influence in Sri Lanka, which sits on vital shipping lanes criss-crossing the Indian Ocean. "Sri Lankan territory will not be used against any other nation," Ratnayake told AFP. "We are fully aware of the geopolitical situation in our region, but we will not participate." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X he was looking forward "to working closely with (Dissanayaka) to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region". - Austerity rejected - Wickremesinghe sought re-election to continue the austerity policies that stabilised the economy and ended months of food, fuel and medicine shortages during Sri Lanka's economic meltdown. His two years in office restored calm to the streets after civil unrest spurred by the downturn saw thousands storm the compound of his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who then fled the country. But Wickremesinghe's tax hikes and other measures imposed under the $2.9 billion IMF rescue package he secured last year left millions struggling to make ends meet. Official data showed that Sri Lanka's poverty rate doubled to 25 percent between 2021 and 2022, adding more than 2.5 million people to those already living on less than $3.65 a day. Thousands of police were deployed to keep watch over voting on Saturday. A temporary curfew was imposed after polls closed, despite police reporting that there had been no violence during or after balloting. No victory rallies or celebrations are permitted until a week after the final results are declared. aj/rma/gle/nro/bfm Mass shooting in Alabama leaves 4 dead, at least 18 others wounded, no arrests made: police Mass shooting in Alabama leaves 4 dead, at least 18 others wounded, no arrests made: police Four people were killed and at least 18 others were wounded during a mass shooting in a popular nightlife district in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday night. Two men and a woman were killed at the scene in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue in the Five Points South area near the University of Alabama at Birmingham, while a fourth victim died at the university's hospital, the Birmingham Police Department told Fox News Digital via email on Sunday morning. Police responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 11 p.m., police said. "Detectives believe the shooting was not random and stemmed from an isolated incident where multiple victims were caught in the crossfire," police said in the emailed statement. ALABAMA WOMAN'S 18-YEAR ODYSSEY ON THE RUN ENDS WITH HER ARREST ON 88 OUTSTANDING WARRANTS Birmingham Fire and Rescue transported eight victims to the hospital. Police said the injuries among the wounded ranged from non-life-threatening to life-threatening. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Police said it is unclear who the suspected gunmen were targeting in the shooting. No suspects have been taken into custody. "Rest assured, we are going to do everything we possibly can to uncover, identify and hunt down whoever was responsible for preying on our people," Officer Truman Fitzgerald told AL.com. 7 MIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOL DEATHS IN A MONTH PROMPT WARNINGS: 'PROTECT YOUR KIDS' Streets have been blocked off in the area as police continue to investigate in the Five Points South area, which contains entertainment venues, restaurants and bars and is often crowded on Saturday nights. Fitzgerald said police have reached out to the FBI and ATF for assistance. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact police, adding that a reward was possible. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Mass shooting in Alabama leaves 4 dead, at least 18 others wounded, no arrests made: police State housing officials kicked off outreach efforts on accessory dwelling units 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 Healey's 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. 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. The kitchen area of an accessory dwelling unit in East Sandwich on Oct. 14, 2022 A first priority: municipal officials "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 EOHLC's 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, let's say to a spring town meeting season," Kluchman said. "My guess is that there won't 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. Drinking water and septic system needs "Let's say you have a three-bedroom septic and an ADU makes a fourth bedroom, and there's 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 it's 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 EOHLC's 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. The Cape Cod Times is providing this coverage for free as a public service. Please take a moment to support local journalism by subscribing. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Septic systems, drinking water could be barriers for new Mass. ADU law Massachusetts man arrested in 36-year-old cold case after spit on sidewalk links him to murder of woman Massachusetts man arrested in 36-year-old cold case after spit on sidewalk links him to murder of woman A 65-year-old Massachusetts man was arrested Thursday for the cold-case murder of a Boston woman in 1988, the Boston Police Department confirmed. James Holloman was linked to the crime after DNA from his spit on a sidewalk outside his home last year matched DNA from the crime scene, Boston 25 News reported. DNA from a possible suspect had been found underneath Karen Taylors fingernails and on a bloody sweatshirt and cigarette when she was found stabbed 15 times at her Roxbury home in May 1988. Holloman's paycheck was also allegedly found at her home. SERIAL KILLINGS PROSECUTOR REVEALS DETAILS OF UNIDENTIFIED VICTIM'S VIOLENT DEATH A 65-year-old Massachusetts man was arrested Thursday for the cold-case murder of a Boston-area woman in 1988, the Boston Police Department confirmed. "What I understood is they collected a DNA sample from the ground after he spit, and that's how they claim to have matched all this up," defense attorney Anthony Ellison told Boston 25. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Holloman was wanted on a murder warrant issued by the Suffolk Superior Court for Taylors death when he was taken into custody by the Boston Police Departments Fugitive Unit. He pleaded not guilty in court Friday, Boston 25 reported. On May 27, 1988, Taylors 3-year-old daughter answered the phone when her grandmother called, telling her that her mom was sleeping, and she couldnt wake her up, the station reported, citing the Suffolk District Attorneys Office. GREEN RIVER KILLER' TRANSFERRED FROM STATE PENITENTIARY TO COUNTY JAIL: REPORT Taylor's mother later found her body at her home in a pool of her own blood. Holloman pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court Friday. "This is an example of superb investigative work by detectives and prosecutors using modern criminology science, but most of all its an opportunity for Karen Taylors loved ones to see someone answer for her death after so many years of unanswered questions," Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said, according to Boston 25. Holloman had previously claimed to officials he hadn't seen Taylor for weeks before her murder but recently allegedly admitted to seeing her the day before her death, the station reported. Original article source: Massachusetts man arrested in 36-year-old cold case after spit on sidewalk links him to murder of woman MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police and MATA say a passenger was shot after an argument on a MATA bus Saturday evening. The shooting happened on Frayser-Raleigh Road and Calvary Creek. Memphis Police responded to the scene at around 7:27 p.m. Father of 3 dead after Raleigh shooting According to MPD, the incident began as an argument between two passengers on the bus. The suspect was reportedly put off the bus after the argument. Police say that after getting off the bus, the suspect fired a shot into the bus. MPD says the victim was grazed and taken to Regional One Hospital in non-critical condition. The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot. Police say no other injuries were reported. MATA released a statement after the shooting. The Memphis Area Transit Authority has been made aware of a shooting of a passenger on a MATA bus. We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident, and we remain committed to the safety of our riders and operators. We are cooperating with authorities during this investigation and ask that all inquiries be directed to the Memphis Police Department. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Demolition for the Washington Bridges westbound portion was recently halted unexpectedly, but Gov. Dan McKee remains optimistic it will resume soon. Work was paused on Tuesday by the R.I. Department of Transportation as the state preserves evidence for an ongoing legal battle. READ MORE: RI stops Washington Bridge demolition citing ongoing legal battle Im not anticipating that, McKee told 12 News when asked if legal proceedings need to start before resuming the demolition. Were following the legal advice, and I think that what Im hearing and what I heard from the attorney general is that the demolition is going to start soon. The state also recently got $125 million in federal funding that will go toward replacing the bridge. ALSO READ: $125M coming to RI for Washington Bridge McKee said the grant will help control the cost and making sure that were not raising taxes to pay for this project. Currently, state officials anticipate the full project, including demolition and reconstruction, to be roughly $473 million, with expectations it will increase. Despite the pause, the governor expects full demolition of the bridge to be complete sometime in the first quarter of 2025. NEXT: Lifespan lays off 20% of executives as CEO seeks to streamline operations Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Melania Trump describes being jolted awake by Secret Service agents during violent protests Donald Trump has said he is too busy to read his wife Melania Trumps new book - INSTAGRAM Melania Trump has described being jolted awake by Secret Service agents during violent protests outside the White House. In the latest promotional video for her upcoming memoir, the former first lady, 54, appears to recount how she and her family were briefly rushed into the underground bunker during the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. In the short clip, Mrs Trump wears a black blazer and speaks to camera while tense music plays in the background. The loud knocking on my door sent a jolt through my body, she says, adding: The Secret Service agent told me I need to move, safety was paramount, not just for me, but for the president and all of the other residents in the White House. Mrs Trump adds: The violent protests across the country had finally reached Pennsylvania Avenue. While the former First Lady does not give further information, she appears to be referring to the Black Lives Matter protests. On 31 May 2020, Donald Trump, his wife and their son, Barron, were briefly taken into the White House bunker as protesters gathered outside. Protests against the death of George Floyd outside the White House on May 31, 2020 - GETTY The following day, Trump praised the Secret Service for its handling of the protests in the wake of George Floyds murder in Minneapolis. Mrs Trump has been posting short videos to promote her upcoming memoir Melania, which is set to be released on Oct 8. In an earlier clip, Mrs Trump compared her nude modelling to Renaissance art. An exploding firecracker during protests near the White House on May 30 2020 It comes days after Trump admitted he has not read his wifes book because he is so busy on the campaign trail. The Republican candidate urged his supporters to buy his wifes great upcoming memoir at a rally on Long Island, New York on Wednesday night. People love our first lady. Go out and get a book. She just wrote a book, he said. I hope she said good things, he continued, admitting I dont know. I didnt [read it]. So busy, he added. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Australia wrapped up its winter with weather that felt a lot more like spring or summer. The country recorded its hottest winter temperature during a record warm August. What's happening? The temperature soared to 107 degrees at the end of August in Yampi Sound, on the northwest coast of Australia. It wasn't just daytime temperatures setting records; overnight minimum temperatures also reached record-warm levels. Sydney had a streak of 15 consecutive nights with a low above 50 degrees during August. "It feels really pleasant where most of us live and a lot of us have dropped off the Ugg boots and winter doonas, but it isn't normal for this time of year," said Australian National University Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, per the Guardian. "We've certainly seen weather systems like this before; in fact, they're so common during summer. It's just the timing and the intensity that is rare. The lengthening of spring and summer is only going to intensify with climate change." Every decade has been warmer than the previous decade since 1950 in Australia. "Warming is observed across Australia in all months with both day and nighttime temperatures increasing," according to an analysis of Australian climate trends. "The study says this shift "is accompanied by more extreme nationally averaged daily heat events across all months." Why is record warmth during Australia's winter important? The problem is that record-warm temperatures, like those seen during Australia's winter, are becoming more common in more seasons and places worldwide. July was Earth's hottest month on record and the 14th month in a row with record-high global temperatures. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, August stretched that streak to 15 consecutive months of record-high global temperatures. The world just experienced its hottest August in the 175-year record. What's being done about a warming Australia? Australia, along with the rest of Earth, is overheating. Advances in technology offer hope that we can cool off our planet. A recent significant breakthrough in sustainable energy-producing green hydrogen could revolutionize renewable energy production. Scientists at Oxford have announced a remarkable new approach that uses an ultra-thin material to generate solar power without traditional panels. They say the material provides 27% energy efficiency in converting sunlight into energy. A breakthrough with extended-range battery technology that transforms waste energy into power could revolutionize power generation. Using your voice as an advocate to fight for the future of our planet is a way to make a difference by drawing attention to the problems our warming world is causing. Understanding the problem by exploring critical climate issues and using that knowledge to help choose pro-climate candidates can have a significant impact. 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. A Martinsville man has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after he was found to illegally possess a firearm after a prior felony conviction. Demetrius Perkins, 30, had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. Martinsville police attempted to stop Perkins, who was driving a silver GMC Arcadia, on July 7, 2023. The vehicle matched the description of one previously reported to be involved in a hit and run, according to court documents. Perkins failed to stop and sped away. He eventually lost control of the vehicle, crossed a median into the opposite lane of travel and crashed into a ditch. After the crash, Perkins got out of the vehicle and ran into some nearby tall grass. Officers, who were running after him, observed Perkins remove a firearm from his waistband and toss it into the grass. Perkins then surrendered, saying, You see, you see. You got me, a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Wester District of Virginia stated. After Perkins was in custody, an officer returned to the place in the grass where he had seen Perkins drop the gun and recovered a loaded 9mm pistol lying on the ground in a holster. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin B. Johnson prosecuted the case; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Martinsville Police Department investigated. U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanagh, and James VanVliet, acting special agent in charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced the results of the cast on Tuesday. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Those in New Mexico who gave the gift of life were honored on Saturday. New Mexico Donor Services hosted a celebration to honor those who have donated organs from 2020 to 2023. According to the organization, 95 organ donors were involved in nearly 250 life-saving transplants. Story continues below Many people shared their experiences of donating organs, as well as some sharing their experience of waiting for a matching donation. The organization said one organ donor can save up to eight different lives. They also said New Mexico was voted the second kindest state in the nation, with 53% of residents registered as organ donors. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said there was 'still time and space for a diplomatic solution' (Jim WATSON) (Jim WATSON/AFP/AFP) A regional military escalation is not in Israel's "best interest," White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said on Sunday, as heightening cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon have led to fears of an all-out war. "We don't believe that escalating this military conflict is in their best interest," Kirby said on ABC's "This Week," adding that the United States was "saying this directly to our Israeli counterparts." Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah have engaged in rapidly escalating cross-border exchanges, including intense rocket fire overnight at northern Israel that sent hundreds of thousands of people to bomb shelters, according to the military there. "The tensions are much higher now than they were even just a few days ago," Kirby said. But he added that "we still believe that there can be time and space for a diplomatic solution here and that's what we're working on." The overnight rocket fire reached Kiryat Bialik on the edge of north Israel's biggest city Haifa, leaving a building in flames, another pockmarked with shrapnel, and vehicles incinerated. The attacks follow a Friday air strike on Beirut that killed 45 people -- including Hezbollah commanders -- and deadly blasts of communication devices across Lebanon earlier in the week that left 39 dead and almost 3,000 wounded. Israel has signaled its intention to turn its focus to Hezbollah after nearly a year of cross-border fire that began in October, after the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched an unprecedented raid on Israel that precipitated its war in Gaza. "We've been working since the beginning of this conflict, October 8th and on, to try to prevent an escalation, to prevent a broadening of this conflict there in and around Israel, but also in the region," Kirby said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day vowed to return residents of northern Israel displaced by nearly a year of fighting near their homes. An escalating war is "certainly not going to be in the best interest of all those people that Prime Minister Netanyahu says he wants to be able to send back home," Kirby said. bur-bfm/aha Mr Miliband will ultimately be responsible for deciding what is done with the plutonium - Lauren Hurley/DESNZ Ed Miliband has been urged to preserve a 140-tonne stockpile of radioactive plutonium instead of burying it as dangerous waste. The material, which is made up of spent fuel from power plants, still has the potential to generate energy and disposing of it would amount to economic vandalism, an industry insider warned. Reusing the plutonium currently stored at Sellafield in Cumbria would go against proposals thought to be favoured by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), which has been examining options for the leftover material for 20 years. NDA officials are said to lean in favour of burying the plutonium deep under the sea, permanently locking it away safely in a plan known as immobilisation. Mr Miliband, the Energy Secretary, will ultimately be responsible for making the decision. The plutonium, a radioactive metal that is a byproduct of nuclear energy, has the potential to be reprocessed into fuels for certain kinds of reactors, including the small-scale advanced modular reactors (AMRs) being developed by British companies such as Moltex and Newcleo. Continued storage of the material at Sellafield is regarded as risky and expensive, leading the NDA to push for disposal instead. However, that is opposed by industry insiders and some in Whitehall, who argue the plutonium could be a valuable and potentially abundant source of future energy if used properly. One person familiar with the discussions said: If this plutonium is put beyond use, well be throwing away 140 tonnes of future nuclear fuel. Thats simply economic vandalism. Its a national interest issue. Getting rid of the waste would involve baking it into a rock-like material such as glass or ceramic and wrapping that in steel and concrete, before burying those blocks in a reinforced bunker under the sea known as a geological disposal facility. No such facility exists in the UK today. But three sites are being considered, including one off the coast of West Cumbria near Sellafield. Andrew Bowie, a Tory MP who was nuclear minister under the last government from February 2023 to July 2024, said the issue was brought up during his tenure but a decision was delayed to keep options open. He said: There was a push, for understandable reasons, to put [the plutonium] out of commission and move in the direction of geological disposal facility. But my concern, which was shared by Claire Coutinho [the then-energy secretary], was that there were potential commercial uses for it and no time constraint on making a decision even if disposal might be the right decision in the long run. We wanted to leave the door open for that commercial possibility. Our view was, if it is possible, why cant we get British firms access? Thats why we held off from making a decision. If you dont do that, the only potential fuel suppliers for AMRs will be France. We would be cutting off our nose to spite our face and simply helping French industry. Moltex, a UK-founded company now developing its waste-to-fuel reactor design in Canada, has previously argued that nuclear waste such as plutonium can be put to good use as fuel in molten salt reactors, dramatically reducing its half-life in the process. Nuclear waste typically remains radioactive for as long as 100,000 years. However, only a fraction of nuclear fuel is actually used by power plants, with spent fuel typically comprising 96pc unreacted uranium and 1pc plutonium both of which can be recovered. The UK previously had plants capable of reprocessing spent fuel at Sellafield but the last such facility was closed in 2022. The 140-tonne stockpile of radioactive plutonium is currently stored at Sellafield in Cumbria - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe David Landon, chief executive of London-based MoltexFLEX, said: Fuel that has been in reactors is a potential energy resource. Some has already been converted to plutonium and is available as fuel feedstock. Other spent fuel is currently designed for long term storage for tens of thousands of years, but could be recycled to recover the goodness for use as fuel in modern advanced reactors. The UK was once a leader in the field of nuclear. Theres a real opportunity to rebuild this capability by supporting the development of advanced nuclear technology in the UK to address our global energy challenges deal and find better ways to deal with our nuclear waste. A spokesman for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero on Friday said dealing with the UKs plutonium stockpile was a priority for the Government. She said: We are committed to the nuclear sector in West Cumbria, and to the local community. We are working with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to find a solution to put the plutonium stored at Sellafield beyond reach and will share more details in due course. 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. After the controversial decision by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential race, the union's midwest arms including one in Minnesota are throwing in for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Teamsters Joint Council 32, which represents Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas, issued a statement endorsing the Democratic presidential ticket. "Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz are proven champions for Union workers," the group says, calling Harris an "ally to Labor Unions" who has helped advance "several policies to establish protections around minimum wage, fair wage increases, improved working conditions, and a worker's right to join a Union and collectively bargain." The announcement also lauds Walz's record of supporting unions as Minnesota governor. "Walz shows his compassion for his community by walking the walk," said Joint Council 32 President Tom Erickson. "He has stood beside us on our picket lines, listened to our concerns, and increased protections for Union workers in warehouse, refinery, construction, and automotive technician jobs." Gage Skidmore, Flickr This comes after the IBT refused to endorse either Harris or Trump for president. This was met with widespread criticism, with former Teamsters chief Jim Hoffa calling it a "failure of leadership" on the part of current President Sean O'Brien who also faced fallout for appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention. The reason for the criticism? Aside from the Democratic Party's longtime support of labor, President Joe Biden has taken unprecedented steps on behalf of union members including those belonging to the Teamsters. As noted by Newsweek: The Teamsters' decision reflected a labor union divided over political identity and policy, despite its members having directly benefited from the Biden administration. It was Biden who, soon after taking office, signed into law a $1.9 trillion stimulus package that included $86 billion for multiemployer pension plans. Tens of billions of those dollars went to a pension fund owned by about 350,000 members of the Teamsters union. - Newsweek, Sept. 19, 2024 Biden is also the first sitting president to join union members on the picket line, joining a United Auto Workers strike against the Big Three carmakers in 2023. So why the decision not to endorse either candidate? When IBT announced its non-endorsement last Wednesday, it cited "strong political divides" and "few commitments from candidates" as the reason. One major driver behind the decision, the organization said, was the polling of rank-and-file Teamsters members, which showed that "a majority of voting members twice selected Trump for a possible Teamsters endorsement over Harris." However, as NBC News notes, the Harris-Walz campaign says "almost two dozen local Teamsters unions and joint councils representing approximately 1 million Teamster-affiliated workers" have endorse the vice president in the wake of the national union's refusal to do so. For her part, Vice President Harris has vowed to continue the Biden Administration's pro-union policies if elected president. (You can read more about her policy proposals on her campaign website.) As for Trump's policies towards unions, the former president has appealed to union and working-class voters with an "America First" economic agenda, but his critics note that this is contrast to his record on labor issues. As USA Today reports, Trump "slashed" funding for the National Labor Relations Board while in office, while the Economic Policy Institute "called moves under his administration to overturn worker protections 'unprecedented.'" You can check out Trump's policy proposals, which include "fair trade for the American worker," on his campaign website. MISSING: 12-year-old boy out of Millcreek Update, 5:41 p.m.: MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4) Aimable Shukurani, 12, has been located safe, according to Unified Police. No further information is available at this time. Original Post: MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4) A 12-year-old boy has gone missing out of Millcreek, according to Unified Police. The boy, identified as Aimable Shukurani, 12, is described as 4 tall, 100 pounds, with black eyes and black hair. Dick Van Dyke no longer attending FanX, organizers say he is not able to travel He was last seen at Bud Bailey Apartments, located at 3983 South West Temple, Millcreek, police said. He was reportedly wearing gray shorts and a white shirt with orange lettering. Shukurani is considered missing and endangered at this time. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Unified Police at 801-840-4000 and reference case number 24-89975. No further information is currently 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 ABC4 Utah. UINTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A man who went missing out of Spanish Fork earlier this month was found dead in Uintah County on Saturday. According to the Uintah County Sheriffs Office, Blayne Parkin was reported missing in Spanish Fork on Sept. 11. He was believed to have been last located at an oilfield in Uintah County. On Sept. 15, deputies located a camper shell believed to be connected to Parkin at an oilfield which led them to call in search and rescue teams from multiple agencies. Several days later, authorities located Parkins vehicle in a remote area near the Colorado state line approximately 45 miles from the camper shell. PREVIOUS STORY: Search underway for Utah Co. man missing since Sept. 11 Search and rescue crews called in canine teams and continued to search on the ground and by air. On Saturday, Sept. 21, crews located a deceased male who was later identified as Blayne Parkin. His body was found just over a mile from his vehicle. While the incident is still under investigation, authorities do not believe there to be foul play at this time. The Medical Examiners Office is currently looking into the cause of death. We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Blayne Parkin, the Uintah County Sheriffs Office 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 ABC4 Utah. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Mississippis unprecedented decline in its unemployment rate over the last few years is among the best nationally. In July, Mississippi achieved the lowest unemployment rate in state history at 2.7%. Though it marginally increased in August, it is still a roughly 54% drop compared to the same metric in 2019. For this and other reasons, WalletHub ranked the state second nationally for having the biggest positive change in unemployment. The state tied with Nebraska for having the fifth lowest unemployment rate nationally. But to get to this point, the state turned its historically high unemployment rate around. Like most other states, the start of the coronavirus pandemic skyrocketed unemployment in Mississippi. The state still bounced back better than every state except Hawaii. Last months rate was 63.5% lower than the one in August 2020. How to qualify for unemployment in Mississippi Since August 2023, Mississippi is one of just ten states where the unemployment rate has not increased. Since last year, unemployment in Mississippi dropped by 13.9%, a drop second only to Arizona. The state now has 106 more unemployed people compared to July 2024, according to WalletHub. Still, the roughly 0.3% increase was not enough to change unemployment from 2.7%. Still, the unemployment rate is not the only measure of the economy. Mississippi had the nations lowest labor force participation rate in August at 54.4%. In August 2019, only West Virginia had a lower labor force participation rate than Mississippi. In August 2024, Mississippis rate is still below pre-pandemic levels. Since August 2011, it has been under 60%. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Sexual abuse is largely considered one of the most heinous crimes, but a recent report shows that Mississippi is a hotspot for crimes against societys most vulnerable: children. Mississippis number of sex offenders is higher than many states with similar populations. Still, rates of sexual violence overall are lower here than in most states. However, a SafeHome.org analysis reveals that Mississippi has the third highest number of child sex abuse victims nationally. About 192 per 100,000 children are victims of childhood sexual abuse in the state. Nationally, 10.6% of all child maltreatment is sexual abuse. In Mississippi, that number is 14.4%, which is over 35% higher. Child sex trafficking made up 0.2% of all maltreatment cases nationally. In Mississippi, that number was 0.3%, or 50% higher than the national average. The two largest sources of mistreatment are neglect and physical abuse. Mississippis share of each among all cases of child maltreatment is lower than the national rate. However, Mississippis rate of medical neglect for children is the third highest rate nationally. It is 168% higher than the national average. According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Human Services, the ages that were the most victimized by child maltreatment overall were those under one year old. Compared to the national rate, Mississippis rate for victims at that age is 50% higher than the national average. Child Abuse: Know the signs The Child Advocacy Centers of Mississippi recommends caregivers be cautious of the one-on-one time their child has with other adults. Experts also recommend taking the following precautions: 1. Learn the signs Physical signs of sexual abuse are not common. Emotional or behavioral signals occur more often. These can run from withdrawal and depression to unexplained anger and rebellion. Sexual behavior and language that are not age-appropriate can be a red flag. Additionally, be aware that in some children, there are no signs whatsoever. 2. React responsibly Do not overreact. It may have an impact on what the child shares with you or authorities in the future. Encourage the child to talk, but do not ask leading questions about details. Believe the child and make sure the child knows it. 3. Offer support Do not panic. Think through your response before you react. Seek the help of a professional who is trained to interview the child about sexual abuse. Professional guidance could be critical to the childs healing and any criminal prosecution. Assure the child that it is your responsibility to protect him or her and that you will do all you can. Report or take action in all cases of suspected abuse, both inside and outside the immediate family. 4. Report your discovery immediately to law enforcement Tell the childs name and where he or she lives. Tell where you are at presently, where the child is, and where the offender is if known. Tell what the child said to you. Tell what interactions you saw between the alleged offender and the child. Tell what access the alleged offender has to the child. Tell what other behaviors, if any, you have observed in the alleged offender. Tell what signs in the child you have seen. The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services provides a toll-free hotline (1-800-222-8000) and online access for reporting child abuse and neglect. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. KSNF/KODE As the last few weeks tick down before Novembers general election, candidates weigh in on key topics with voters. At a candidate forum held in Springfield Friday, the four candidates for the U.S. Senate in Missouri were each asked about federal abortion legislation. Abortion became a hot-button topic when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in 2022. The question posed to them: Would you support federal legislation either allowing or preventing abortion or do you feel its up to the states to decide? I think Missourians are smart enough to make their own decisions about how they live their lives, how they build and protect their families. As a U.S. Senator, Im going to promise you right now, I will codify Roe vs. Wade, because we cant have no exceptions for rape and incest, said Lucas Kunce, Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate. I dont support a nationwide ban. I do support reasonable federal restrictions, limits on abortion, like partial birth abortion, like when the baby is capable of feeling pain. What I will not support is imposing on the state of Missouri and all the other states abortion on demand through nine months with taxpayer funding, said Josh Hawley, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. I think we need to find a place where were preventing as many abortions as possible, but were still leaving room for compromise, and thats an area where most Missourians can be comfortable. If we can actually sit down and discuss it like reasonable people, thats the solution that well reach, said Jared Young, Independent candidate for U.S. Senate. Well, I and the Green Party have always supported a womans right to be in charge of her own body. Were not pro-abortion, we are pro a womans right to be in charge of her own body. You can either give the right to the infant, the fetus, or the woman. You cant chop them in half, said Nathan Kline, Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate. Voters will decide this race on the November ballot. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Mom of suspect in Georgia school shooting indicted and is accused of taping a parent to a chair Mom of suspect in Georgia school shooting indicted and is accused of taping a parent to a chair Video above: Colin Gray, father of Georgia school shooting suspect, arrested on multiple counts FITZGERALD, Ga. (AP) The mother of a Georgia teenager charged with fatally shooting four people at his high school has been indicted in connection with an alleged domestic incident last year. The indictment handed down Monday charges Marcee Gray, 43, with exploiting an elderly person and other crimes in Ben Hill County, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. It appears unrelated to the school shootings at Apalachee High School, which occurred in a different Georgia county nearly 200 miles (320 kilometers) away. Disturbance near Florida likely to form into tropical depression next week, NHC says Gray is the mother of 14-year-old Colt Gray, who was charged with murder after surrendering to police at the high school on Sept. 4. Authorities say the boy brought an assault-style rifle to school in his backpack and opened fire during morning classes, killing two students and two teachers and injuring nine others. The indictment charging Marcee Gray stems from a domestic incident late last year, the Atlanta newspaper reported. It said a police incident report states Grays 74-year-old mother told authorities Nov. 4 that Gray had taken her phone, taped her to a chair and left her for nearly a full day. The incident report said Gray bound her mother before traveling to Barrow County to confront her ex-husband, who lived with their son and two other children. The Atlanta newspaper said records show Gray was arrested in Barrow County on Nov. 6, two days after her mother was found and was sentenced to 45 days in jail after pleading guilty to charges of criminal trespassing, using a license plate to disguise her car and causing property damage. Tampa man arrested for fatal shooting over package of socks: police Messages left Saturday at possible phone numbers for Gray were not immediately returned. It was not immediately known if she had an attorney. Gray has said she called her sons high school the morning of the shootings to warn the staff after Colt Gray sent her a text message saying, Im sorry. Days later, she issued a statement saying her son is not a monster. The teenagers father, Colin Gray, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children. Authorities say he gave his son access to the rifle used in the shootings. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Israel's unconventional warfare tactics heighten risks of broader regional conflict Xinhua) 09:07, September 22, 2024 Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi (Rear) attends a meeting at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel, as an Israeli military operation is undertaken in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 20, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Recent explosions of communications devices in Lebanon that targeted Hezbollah, along with the assassinations of top Hezbollah commanders, have raised alarms across the Middle East. Many experts warned that the confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah is escalating to dangerous new levels. Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have escalated sharply following explosions from pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon earlier this week that killed 37 and injured 2,931. Israel has not claimed responsibility, while Hezbollah has accused Israel of causing the blasts. On Friday afternoon, at least 37 people, including Ibrahim Akil, the acting commander of Hezbollah's Elite Radwan Force, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut. This strike followed Hezbollah's launch of over 100 rockets into Israel earlier that day. Political experts in Syria believe the attacks signal a shift in Israel's tactics, suggesting the region may be moving toward a broader, more unpredictable conflict. An editorial in the Syrian government-run Tishreen newspaper stated that Israel is adopting unconventional warfare, including cyberattacks and covert operations. The editorial warned that following an 11-month conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, tensions are now escalating in Lebanon, heightening risks and creating "unprecedented dangers" for the region. Mohammad Nader al-Omari, a Damascus-based Syrian analyst and international relations expert, believes the escalation could continue for days or weeks, especially because of the political motivations behind the conflict. "With U.S. elections approaching, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a vested interest in keeping the region unstable," al-Omari explained, noting that the conflict could bolster support for Donald Trump, Netanyahu's preferred candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. The Tishreen editorial also linked these developments to recent U.S. political maneuvering in the region, including visits of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who are perceived as offering tacit support for Israel's actions. Al-Omari warned that this new phase of conflict could be unprecedented for the region, with advanced technology and cyberattacks playing a key role. He noted that Israel, emboldened by U.S. political support, risks spiraling the crisis into a prolonged and possibly broader confrontation. However, al-Omari suggested that a ground invasion of southern Lebanon now appears unlikely due to Israel's overstretched military resources amid ongoing operations in Gaza. According to Tishreen, Hezbollah has responded cautiously as the group is wary of being provoked into a reckless confrontation by Israel's unconventional tactics. The newspaper argued that Israel is trying to "bait the resistance into an uncalculated response," but Hezbollah has remained measured in its actions despite severe provocations. Damascus-based political expert Maher Ihsan warned that Syria, home to a significant Hezbollah presence, may be drawn into the conflict if Israel escalates its strikes on Hezbollah strongholds and supply lines. "Syria remains critical to Hezbollah's regional strategy," al-Ihsan said. "If Israel intensifies its strikes in southern Lebanon, we could see a further destabilization of the region, dragging Syria deeper into the conflict." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) The Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov, held a telephone conversation to discuss further development and strengthening of relations between their two countries, Azernews reports citing the press service of the leader of Uzbekistan. During the call, Shavkat Mirziyoyev sincerely congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on his birthday, wishing him good health, prosperity, and success, as well as peace and prosperity for the fraternal Turkmen people. The leaders addressed issues related to the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, noting the importance of intensive political dialogue and fruitful inter-departmental contacts, including the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission. They highlighted the increase in mutual trade turnover and the deepening cooperation in energy, transport, and cultural-humanitarian exchanges. The heads of state also reviewed current aspects of the regional agenda and the schedule of joint activities. The Pan-African Parliaments standing committee held meeting September 13 through 20 in Midrand, South Africa. The sessions addressed hot topics, including updates on peace and security across Africa, strategies to advance childrens rights in line with the African Unions (AU) Agenda 2063, governance of natural resources, and efforts to bolster the resilience of African health systems in the face of future pandemics. The meetings featured a workshop on results-based management designed for all parliamentarians and debates on several draft conventions and model laws, including the African Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, legislation on statelessness, and laws promoting gender equality and equity across the continent. This years meetings were held under the AUs 2024 theme, Educating an Africa Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa. The theme aims to address gaps in Africas education systems and encourage parliamentarians to advocate for improvements across the continent. Established in 2004 under Article 5 of the AU Constitutive Act, the Pan-African Parliament serves as a platform to ensure African peoples participation in the development and economic integration of the continent. Currently, the body holds consultative and budgetary oversight roles within the AU. The Pan-African Parliament consists of 11 standing committees that cover a broad range of issues and convenes twice a year for regular sessions. Credit: Photo illustration by Matthew Cooley. Photographs in illustration by Adobe Stock, 3 Selah Givens is a bit of a wild child. Shell wake you up at 6 a.m. Chuck a sippy cup your way. Insist you play with her until, well, you play with her. Those tendencies have earned the three-year-old a nickname, says her mother, Doshia Givens: Crazy Horse. More from Rolling Stone She knows shes loved, she knows shes spoiled, Doshia tells Rolling Stone. Shes in her villain era. In moments when the last thing Doshia wants to do is build another block tower or yield the computer keyboard to Selahs furious typing, she cant resist. The smile on her face lights up a room, Doshia says. It can brighten the gloomiest of days, she adds, even ones when her life as a single mom in Cleveland feels just impossible. Thats why Doshia was devastated when Selah was taken. Days after the horrific car accident that mangled Doshias bone and tore through her muscle and days after the numerous surgeries required to hammer and nail her skeleton back in place the crippling pain persisted. Doshia was prescribed heavy-hitting narcotics, oxycodone and Vicodin among them. But she was terrified of becoming addicted: Since 2014, Ohio has had one of the highest opiate death rates in the country; about one out of 150 Clevelanders has died of opiate-related causes during that period. So, with her doctors blessing, Doshia says, she started smoking weed. Shed asked if it would impair her breastfeeding. No, she recalls him saying. A lot of patients do it, she remembers a different doctor telling her. Nothing to worry about. Over the next couple of months, things were fairly normal. Doshia got a little better each day. Selah, whod started daycare by then, came home early a couple of times; a little vomit and diarrhea, an occasional fever. Nothing extraordinary, Doshia says, but concerning enough to get her checked out. So, in January of 2023, Selahs father took her to the emergency room. Within a few hours, a blood test for tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC a byproduct of cannabis came back positive. Due to that result, Doshia posed an imminent risk of serious harm to her daughter, according to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services protocol. Within 24 hours, Doshia and Selah were separated. Across the country, tens of thousands of mothers like Doshia are coming under scrutiny because of marijuana use. Whether based on hearsay or urine toxicology tests often done without maternal consent, reports of marijuana use are triggering notifications to child protective services. Family investigations and separations follow. Black mothers have been particularly vulnerable, a year-long Rolling Stone investigation reveals. Thats all despite conflicting evidence that THC causes adverse effects to newborns, either in utero, via breast milk, or inhaled secondhand. Despite the Food and Drug Administrations August recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Agency that marijuana be downgraded to a Schedule III controlled substance a category that includes Tylenol with codeine and testosterone given its low risk of harm relative to other drugs. Despite marijuana products being at least partially decriminalized in 39 states. And despite statements from national medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that negative consequences of marijuana exposure for children, such as poor weight gain or school performance, may be due to poverty rather than the substance itself. Doshia Givens (right) jokes that her daughter Selah is in her villain era. In comparison, separating children from their parents has long-term effects on nearly every aspect of their health. Rates of physical illness, like heart disease and diabetes, are higher. Rates of neurocognitive changes, like developmental delay and regression, are higher. Rates of mental illness, like depression and suicidality, are higher. Rates of truancy and incarceration are higher. Rates of underemployment, unemployment, and poverty are higher. In a 2018 interview with The Washington Post, Charles Nelson, a neuroscientist specializing in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, called the impact of family separations on childhood development catastrophic. As the percentage of children entering foster care due to substance use hits record highs, and as the country reckons with a post-Dobbs world one in which opinions on maternal bodily autonomy and so-called fetal personhood are reshaping the rights and protections afforded to pregnant people in the U.S. individual states are all over the map when it comes to marijuana use. Some, like Maryland, are passing laws to prevent parental investigations premised on marijuana alone. Others, like New York, say they arent considering marijuana use as grounds for such investigations. But, advocates say, when combined with an empty fridge or a dirty home, its leading to family separations nonetheless. Still other states, like Doshias home state of Ohio, are pioneering laws criminalizing any and all perinatal drug use, concluding that children exposed to marijuana are necessarily being abused or neglected. [They] catalog you to a book, Doshia says. They see what they want to see, they hear what they want to hear. GROWING UP IN South Central Los Angeles, Raneisha Hubbert says, every day seemed like a party. Her extended family brothers, a sister, twin aunts, a gaggle of cousins shared a home. Barbeques all afternoon and sleepovers all night, Hubbert recalls, Luther Vandross bumping on the stereo. Family was everything, she tells Rolling Stone. Slowly, though after the citys Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) started coming around the house got quieter. First, her older brother was removed. Later, an older sister was taken, too. Decades later, the cycle kicked off again after her three-year-old son Jayceon wandered out of their home. It was 2016, and Hubbert had just moved to a snazzy new two-bedroom apartment in Westlake. The rental wasnt child-proofed when they arrived: Among other things, the front door wasnt yet furnished with an inside lock. So, as Hubbert napped following the hustle and bustle of the move, Jayceon ever mischievous walked out. Next thing she knew, a neighbor was shaking her awake; soon thereafter, they tracked the little explorer down. But then, over the coming weeks even after Hubbert installed the lock Jayceon found his way out again. Then a third time, and a fourth. That time, it wasnt a neighbor who came calling; it was the police. Soon, DCFS came calling, too. One of the first items on DCFS checklist: a drug test. Hubbert tested positive for marijuana. Days later, Jayceon, and his older sister, Jamiesha, then five, were taken away. Hubbert says officials told her she was unable to take care of my children, and my children needed protection from me, [because] I am a substance abuser. (DCFS would not comment specifically on Hubberts case to protect the confidentiality of children, siblings and their families as they seek to resolve sensitive matters.) Pee tests arent parenting tests. If were going to have a system this punitive, its got to be based in science. Attorney Julie Gunnigle For half a century ever since June 17, 1971, when President Richard Nixon declared a war on drugs women like Hubbert have seen their children taken away due to substance use. Part of Nixons war, he said in that speech, was a renewed focus on addict identification and the subsequent treatment and rehabilitation of drug-addicted individuals. That meant pathologizing drug use, Regina Davis Moss, a public health scholar and president of In Our Own Voice, a reproductive justice organization, tells Rolling Stone. These diagnoses became a social judgment about how we live and the decisions we make, Moss says. Within years, mothers found themselves squarely within the crosshairs of Nixons war, too. In a 1986 speech, First Lady Nancy Reagan suggested that mothers who use drugs are killing our children. In 1990, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector published a referendum on the wide-ranging problem of crack babies. The report recommended, among other things, that state and local governments make it easier to remove children from parents who used drugs. Since then, tens of thousands of families have been separated every year. According to data from the federal Administration for Children & Families, more than 600,000 children were removed from their homes between 2015 and 2021 due to parental drug use. (The agency did not collect the data before 2015.) In 2020, the percentage of removed children on account of parental drug use hit record highs more than doubling since 2000, to a peak of 39 percent. Once you put drugs in the equation, you just get a different storyyou exist in a different political paradigm, Erin Miles Cloud, senior attorney at Civil Rights Corps, a nonprofit legal firm in Washington, D.C., tells Rolling Stone. And if youre a prosecutor, thats where you want people to live. You want them to live in the crack mom paradigm because then, youve made your case. Statistics on removals due to parental marijuana use specifically are more difficult to find. Rolling Stone contacted all 50 states for this story. Most do not track those numbers, even as they investigate and separate families for it. Rolling Stone was able to obtain statistics from six states and those numbers demonstrate an immense burden of investigations attributed to marijuana use: nearly 100,000 families in the past five years. In Ohio alone, more than 70,000 families were investigated for using weed. Data obtained from West Virginia, Nebraska, and Iowa revealed thousands more investigations over the same period. Moreover, the data show, these investigations disproportionately target people of color. In Louisiana, for example, 78 percent of the parents targeted over the past five years were Black. In North Carolina, 53 percent of those investigated in the past three years were. Investigations due to maternal marijuana use also far outnumber those sparked by maternal tobacco or alcohol use, both of which are statistically more common in white Americans and both of which cause known harm. According to federal data, alcohol led to fewer than 11,000 child separations in 2022 compared with over 60,000 due to other substances. [The system says], if youre Black or Brown, being a fit parent means not using drugs, Miriam Mack, policy director for family defense at Bronx Defenders, a nonprofit legal firm in New York City, tells Rolling Stone. Those kinds of drug allegations leave people like Hubbert in a tough spot. And when it comes to court hearings, she says, drug use all but seals the case. You cant say anything, Hubbert says. [You] just have to shut up and listen. WHILE BOTH THE American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) currently recommend against marijuana use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, both also acknowledge what the AAP called in 2018 a lack of definitive research on cannabis effect on child development. Theres also scarce evidence that secondhand cannabis smoke impacts child development. Recent studies have found little relationship between cannabis smoke exposure and kids lungs or brains. One found that cannabis exposure was actually related to better, rather than worse, reading skills. (In comparison, secondhand tobacco smoke has been associated with worse school performance.) In August 2023, the FDA presented a 250-page report to the DEA recommending that the agency reduce enforcement of the drug given that the vast majority of individuals who use marijuana are doing so in a manner that does not lead to dangerous outcomes to themselves or others. Many agencies agree that evidence on the harms of marijuana use is lacking. The department acknowledges that more studies are needed to ascertain the long-term effects of prenatal and postpartum marijuana exposure, an L.A. DCFS spokesperson tells Rolling Stone. Silas Ridgell in the neonatal unit in 2019. He was given a drug test without his mothers consent. Still, many states treat marijuana use alone without evidence of past, present, or future harm on the child as grounds for parental investigation. Take, for example, Wisconsins child welfare statute. In it, marijuana use can be classified as unborn child abuse based on the risk of serious physical harm to the child, Rachel Nili, a spokesperson for Wisconsins Department of Child and Families, tells Rolling Stone. The statute also notes the habitual lack of self-control of the expectant motherexhibited to a severe degree with regard to marijuana use as grounds for investigation. But what constitutes severe in Wisconsin or anywhere else in the country appears to depend on the individual investigator. For example, Hubbert says that despite psychiatric evaluations showing she did not meet criteria for marijuana addiction, California DCFS took her kids away and made her attend drug classes. I am one of thousands of parentswho are railroaded every day, Hubbert says. We are in an authoritarian court where there is no law. DCFS tells Rolling Stone that, in California, allegations of marijuana use alone do not automatically call for children to be separated from their parents. Whether or not the agency investigates depends on whether parents are impaired to the extent that they are unable to provide appropriate care and supervision. DCFS declined to detail their parameters for impairment or appropriate care and supervision. To Alan Dettlaff, a former child welfare worker and previous dean of University of Houstons Graduate College of Social Work, the absence of clear definitions around these terms is a feature of child welfare systems, rather than a bug. Its a function of systemic bias, Dettlaff tells Rolling Stone. [The] definitions of maltreatment are very vague, he says. Nothing is really codified. For example, in December 2020, employees of New York Citys Administration for Childrens Services said the agency actively destabilizes Black and Brown families in a manner they called predatory, according to a draft report commissioned after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. That report was subsequently buried by the agency, Gothamist found. The racism is in the discretion, Dettlaff says. IN MANY CASES, like Lindsay Ridgells, parents may not even know that they or their children are being drug tested. By the second month of her pregnancy, Ridgell was vomiting every day. She was throwing up at home and in grocery store parking lots when she couldnt wrench their dumpsters open in time. She was in and out of the emergency room. She was prescribed one drug, and another, and another. Eventually, she was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, or severe morning sickness. There was really only one thing that helped her: marijuana. Ridgell had previously been authorized to use medical marijuana, which has been legal in her home state of Arizona since 2010, for irritable bowel syndrome. Three months into her pregnancy, her physician renewed her card. In Ridgells mind, the decision to use was life-or-death not just for her, but for her baby, too. [It] felt like doing what we needed to do to survive, she tells Rolling Stone. In May 2019, her son Silas was born. The birth was a crazy blur, Ridgell says: Seconds after delivery, the newborn stopped breathing. Minutes later, he was on a machine for respiratory support. Within a few hours, he was whisked away to a specialty hospital in Phoenix. Next thing Ridgell knew, Silas had received a drug test (positive), a diagnosis (intrauterine addictive drug exposure), and a report (to the Department of Child Safety). And shed earned an investigation for neglect. The probe into Ridgell came despite the fact that she never actually consented to a drug test for Silas. As of July 2023, only eight states require medical providers to test pregnant women for substance use; Arizona is not one of them. And yet, this is how a substantial number of cases come to the attention of child protection agencies. A January 2023 study found that 91 percent of mothers with positive screens were reported to agencies, versus just 17 percent of those without one. The weight of such testing is not borne evenly: An April 2023 study found that Black mothers in Pennsylvania were more likely to be drug screened, even as white mothers were more likely to test positive. The definitions of maltreatment are very vague. The racism is in the discretion. Alan Dettlaff, former dean, University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for its part, recommends against routine drug screening around the time of pregnancy, especially in cases where parents did not consent what it calls covert testing. In 2001, the Supreme Court ruled that drug screening without consent was a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure. Nonetheless, what ACOG calls test and report practices continue. If you want to shut down the pipeline, it would be really great to shut down this big inlet, Julie Gunnigle, Ridgells lawyer, tells Rolling Stone. Beyond the consent issue, authorities pursued an investigation of Ridgell despite immunity granted by Arizonas medical marijuana law, through which citizens are not subject to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any manner, or denial of any right or privilege for using the substance. The law also contains anti-discrimination provisions that prohibit denial of custody, visitation, or parenting time, or presumption of neglect or child endangerment. There is even an exemption in Arizonas child welfare legal code that permits substance use during pregnancy if it is the result of a medical treatment administeredby a health professional, as was the case with Ridgell. Policies maintained by Arizonas Department of Child Safety (DCS) do not appear to uniformly honor these provisions, however. Even if a parent has a medical marijuana card, they may come under investigation for recreational rather than medicinal use, Darren DaRonco, an agency spokesperson, tells Rolling Stone. The fact that the child welfare agency exerted medical authority over a physician is not unique to Ridgells case, Dr. Mishka Terplan tells Rolling Stone. Terplan is a Baltimore physician double-boarded in obstetrics and addiction medicine whos published over 190 papers, many of which focus on substance use during pregnancy. Hes also been tapped as an expert by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, and helped develop national guidelines for ACOG. One such document is ACOGs 2018 bulletin on hyperemesis gravidarum the condition Ridgell suffered from during her pregnancy with Silas that describes a condition too often minimized and undertreated; warns of potentially significant morbidity for mother and child; and recommends early treatment. Terplan has also advised scores of mothers and attorneys in cases involving substance use. In those cases, hes repeatedly seen agencies claim scientific expertise they dont have and, in his opinion, weaponize medical jargon. Suddenly, the case worker becomes the medical expert, Terplan says. Eventually, Ridgells son was determined to be healthy more than 250,000 newborns require respiratory support at birth in the U.S., studies estimate, and the majority have no long-term problems. Doctors also determined that her marijuana use had nothing to do with the slight tremors, or jitters, that Silas exhibited following the delivery. (Ridgell was also taking antidepressants during her pregnancy, which are known to cause jitters in newborns.) Raneisha Hubbert with her children Jayceon and Justin. A court mandated monitor is blurred for privacy. Still, Ridgell was placed on the DCS Central Registry for neglect: something that would flag her on employment background checks and stop me from doing anything I wanted [for] work, she says including, continuing in her role as a social worker for the very department that was investigating her. Ridgell could be on the DCS blacklist for up to 25 years. I feel like they were pulling at straws, she says. Im not sure if they used any studies or [where] they got their facts from. [But] you really had to prove your innocence. DCS maintains that substance use alone did not lead to the decision. Rather, DaRonco says, investigations only occur when [substance use] is causing a substantial risk to the child. Substantial risk appears to be a broad criterion, however. A DCS policy document obtained by Rolling Stone lists more than 130 situations in which children may be deemed unsafe, including when a parent makes inadequate and/or inappropriate babysitting or child care arrangements, or if they are distressed, at the end of their rope and [are] asking for some relief. It didnt take Ridgell long to file an appeal which she won. But DCS placed her on its list anyway. DaRonco did not comment on that determination, or on any other aspect of her case. Many of these policies require updates subsequent to the Ridgell decision, he says. Gunnigle says that, based on the decision, it is clear that the law and the science didnt matter. Pee tests arent parenting tests, she says. If were going to have a system this punitive, its got to be based in science. EVEN IN PLACES where child welfare agencies are forbidden from considering marijuana use alone as a reason for neglect like New York it often constitutes a gateway to surveillance, Miles Cloud, at Civil Rights Corps, says. The reported marijuana use, which wont lead to a separation by itself, leads to an investigation. And the investigation surfaces other things that, when framed around neglect and substance use, can appear damning a phenomenon she calls positive-plus cases. You get drug test plus messy home[or] a dirty piece of laundry somewhere, she says. What theyre trying to do is connect in someones mind that drugs lead to these horrible behaviorslike [the parent is] so stoned out of their mind that they cant clean their house. Alexander Stein, a staff attorney for the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project at Northeastern University in Boston and a former public defender in Chicago, has seen similar strategies used against his clients. And to Stein, these cases illustrate a broader pattern: child welfare agencies tendency to criminalize poverty. The legal term in Illinois, Stein tells Rolling Stone, is an injurious environment, defined by the state as any circumstance that may likely cause harm to the childs health, physical well-being or welfaredue to the parent or caregivers blatant disregard. Thats an amorphous concept, Stein says, [which], for a lot of my clients, in practicecould be anything. Statistics from the federal Administration for Children and Families bear that out. In 2021, the most recent year for which data is available, nearly 80,000 children determined to be victims of abuse or neglect had receipt of public assistance listed as a risk factor for their welfare; about 34,000 had financial insecurity listed; and close to 28,000 had housing insecurity listed. According to a 2023 ACF study, children whose parents are struggling with poverty were seven times more likely to be deemed neglected than the general population. (Such differences may be explained by increased surveillance of people living in poverty, the agency adds.) There is no perfect parent, Miles Cloud says. You can always find a thing. Still, some states practically name poverty in their child separation policies: If family finances are insufficient to support unusual need[s], child separation could be justified, Arizonas DCF policy reads. (Using data from 2022, the Federal Reserve reported that 43 percent of parents more than 14 million families did not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.) [The system] is all about pathology when really what youre identifying are structural things. If you cant pay rent or dont have food on the table, thats not an individual failing. Thats poverty. Miriam Mack, policy director for family defense at Bronx Defenders Advocates like Mack at Bronx Defenders are also quick to point out that while parents suffering from poverty are more vulnerable to losing their children, they rarely receive cash benefits to support their needs. In contrast, foster families receive a stipend of around $4,500 per year from the state to support children separated from their parent, historical research shows. The system is all about pathology these individual failings when really what youre identifying are structural things, Mack says. [But] if you cant pay rent or you dont have food on the table, thats not an individual failing thats poverty. THE SPECTER OF family separations due to marijuana use also creates a different issue: mothers foregoing care altogether. In Cleveland, Doshia has heard of other parents doing just that while theyre pregnant, or, after delivery, avoiding the emergency room for anything short of a life-threatening situation. And while she knows those women may not be making the safest decision, she also sympathizes with those who fear that visit is going to create a bigger problem. In a post-Dobbs world and in an era of so-called fetal personhood, the conservative ideology that grants legal rights to infants not yet born that risk becomes more real every day. States like Mississippi and South Carolina are already using chemical endangerment laws to prosecute women criminally for prenatal drug use. In Oklahoma and Alabama, women have been charged for using cannabis including medical marijuana. Any sort of outside influenceto determine whether or not I can keep my childcould be, and is, a deterrent for women who are seeking care, Moss, at In Our Own Voice, says. Some states are trying to mitigate threats of deterrence related to marijuana use. Last May, Maryland was among the latest states to enact a law similar to the New York one shielding parents from neglect investigations based on cannabis alone. Other states are moving in the opposite direction. Lindsay Ridgell (right, with her son Silas today), who used cannabis to mitigate symptoms of severe morning sickness, says Arizonas Department of Child Safety was pulling at straws to place her on its registry for neglect. In Ohio, a law has been on the books since April that could criminally prosecute pregnant women for corrupting their unborn children by furnish[ing] or administer[ing] a controlled substance to a juvenile. (The law, unfurled amid the opioid epidemic, was originally intended to prosecute drug dealers targeting youth.) When asked about the states approach to child removal cases involving marijuana, LeeAnne Cornyn, director of Ohios department of mental health and addiction services and former chief of staff for Governor Mike DeWine, tells Rolling Stone that there is no universal approach given that enforcement varies by county. What we should be focusing on isdeploying our resources to conduct investigations on children that have the evidence of needing help, Cornyn says, adding, We may not necessarily have the culture everywhere that we want or aspire to as a state. According to ACOG, the threat imposed by laws like Ohios risks the health of both mother and child. Drug enforcement policies that deter women from seeking prenatal care are contrary to the welfare of the mother and fetus, the organization wrote in 2021. In Cleveland, the welfare of mother and fetus especially for those who are Black is a timely issue. The city has some of the highest rates of Black maternal and fetal death in the country. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the 2019 Black maternal mortality rate in Ohio was around 60 per 100,000 a figure two to nine times higher than any other racial group. That makes giving birth as a Black person in Ohio statistically more dangerous than in countries like Kyrgyzstan, El Salvador, and Syria. And according to 2020 data from Ohio, Cuyahoga county where Cleveland is located had a Black infant mortality rate of 15 per 1,000. That figure was almost four times that of white children, indicating that being born as a Black infant in the county was more dangerous than in countries like Mongolia, Tonga, or Costa Rica. Questioned about these statistics, Cornyn says that we want every Ohioan to live up to their full potential. Its a work in progress, she adds. Clearly, were not all the way there yet. ON A THURSDAY in June 2023, Hubbert and her third child, Justin, drove to a McDonalds in Compton. Abutting a playpen overflowing with young Angelenos, amid a cacophony of hoots and hollers, and supervised by a stranger, the two slurped milkshakes, inhaled McNuggets, and spent an hour with Jayceon. Justin like Jamiesha and Jayceon had also found himself in DCFS crosshairs. He was always small for his age and, eventually, those plateauing growth charts led to suspicion by his doctors: Justin was diagnosed with failure to thrive, his mother was accused of neglect, and he was temporarily removed. Ultimately, the court found those allegations unjustified, and Justin was reunited with his mother. (Hubbert herself is significantly shorter than the average population.) Yet, even as Hubbert was exonerated when it came to Justin, the courts did not return custody of Jayceon or Jamiesha. Her contact with them is limited to an hour or so a week in a fast-food joint. Jamiesha who is now 16, and recently, a mother herself of late has been refusing to see her mom altogether. I was traumatized, I was hurt, and I know that my children will be hurting even more, Hubbert says, because theyre asking the question: Why is my brother home, and we cant come home? The outcomes for other parents have varied, too. Ridgell, after a nearly three-year court battle, got Silas back and got her name taken off Arizonas blacklist for those who abuse or neglect their children. Silas is now an affectionate and spunky five-year-old who loves dinosaurs, tells the same jokes hundreds of times, and who, on a whim, plants kisses on his mothers arm. I know my rights, Ridgell says, [but] they should never have substantiated [the report of neglect] in the first place. I shouldnt have had to appeal. Doshia, for her part, went to parenting classes and substance use classes for weeks after Selah was removed from her custody. She drove across town for drug tests once or twice a day, paid for gas, arrived late for work, and bore the consequences. Ohio Job and Family Services would text her on a Friday morning, she recalls, demanding a test in the next 48 hours even as drug testing centers refused to accommodate her on the weekends. And if you miss a test, they told her, that counts as a positive. How do you know youre not addicted? a judge asked her at one point, when she questioned the necessity of the tests. Despite her hesitations, Doshia complied. Eventually, she and Selah were reunited. And while it took her daughter months to get over separation anxiety complete with glass-breaking screams that would come if her mother left even for an hours errand Selah is now all but back to her normal, wild self. Doshia wonders, though, what will happen if when Selah gets one too many fevers again. While shell most likely take her to the emergency room nothing comes before ensuring her daughter is safe, Doshia says she knows that decision may have consequences. Theyre looking for the smallest things, Doshia says, to take your kids away. This reporting was supported by an Investigative Reporters and Editors Freelance Fellowship. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Most Shocking Revelations in Diddys Federal Indictment, Tyreek Hills Arresting Officer Has Allegedly Had Been in Trouble Before, ATL Man Wrongfully Accused of Killing His Parents and More News Photo: Perry Knotts (Getty Images) Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill went viral with the release of police body cam footage of him being arrested just before the Dolphins season opener on Sept. 8. The video shows Hill being detained by multiple responding officers, but in a perhaps not-so-surprising turn of events, the one who violently pulled Hill from his car has an, ahem, colorful record of professional misconduct. - Phenix S Halley Read More Diddy performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. - Photo: Johnny Nunez for MTV (Getty Images) On Tuesday, the federal indictment against Sean Diddy Combs was officially unsealed and released to the public and the detailsabout everything from his alleged freak offs to his mansion raids by Homeland Security earlier this yearwill surprise you. - Shanelle Genai Read More U.S Attorney Markenzy Lapointe speaks during a press conference on September 16, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ryan Wesley Routh is charged with two federal counts: possession of a firearm while a federal convict and possession of a firearm with the serial number obliterated. - Photo: Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo (Getty Images) Its a joke that even we couldnt prepare enough for. The federal prosecutor spearheading the investigation into former President Donald Trumps second assassination attempt is you guessed it Haitian-American. - Phenix S Halley Read More Dawn Richard, left; Diddy, and Kalenna Harper attend the 2010 BET Awards announcement at 230 Fifth Avenue on May 18, 2010 in New York City. - Photo: Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic (Getty Images) Former Diddy Dirty Money member Kalenna Harper spoke out about being named multiple times in the recent lawsuit filed against Diddy by her fellow groupmate Dawn Richard. Her response might raise more than a few eyebrows. - Shanelle Genai Read More Harry Hubbard, Deborah Hubbard, and Keith Sylvester - Screenshot: 11 Alive Updated as of 9/17/2024 at 3:35 p.m. ET Nothing can truly make right the unbelievable injustice Keith Sylvester faced back in 2018, but now, the City of Atlanta just took the final step towards righting their wrongs after a tragic double murder resulted in the false imprisonment of a grieving son. - Phenix S Halley Read More For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Sheldon Jameson, 42, was taken to hospital after being found injured but later died [Handout] A man has been arrested following the death of a man found by police in an alleyway on Thursday. Sheldon Jameson, 42, died in hospital after he was found injured in the Hyde Park area of Doncaster, South Yorkshire Police said. Officers said a 36-year-old man has been held on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. A woman, 47, was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has been released on bail pending further investigation, the force added. Mr Jameson was found between Apley Road and Whitburn Road [Google Maps] Mr Jameson was found between Apley Road and Whitburn Road at about 05:30 BST on Thursday. He was taken to hospital but died a short time later and his family have been informed. A police spokesperson urged anyone with information to contact them. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. More on this story A 113-year-old courthouse with a towering copper dome near the banks of the Truckee River in Reno, Nevada, was for several days last week the center of a family drama that could in time affect the information and opinion consumption of global millions. What is at stake could be the fate of one of the most powerful media empires in the world and, in the shape of Fox News in the US, one that has been a driving force behind Donald Trumps Maga movement just as he seeks to return to the White House. Related: Rupert Murdoch attends court hearing in battle over future of media empire If Rupert Murdoch, 93, prevails in his legal effort to change voting rights of the family trust to ensure that his chosen successor and conservative-leaning eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, 53, runs the company after his death, little may change. According to the Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal, Murdoch is arguing that shifting voting control of the trust to Lachlan should be allowed because it is in the best interest of all the beneficiaries, including his other children. But if the patriarch loses, the younger brother James Murdoch, in concert with his sisters Prudence and Elizabeth, could force Fox News to move away from the conservative news alignments of their father and brother. That would be an earthquake in American politics. No other media power in the US has the impact that Fox News has had in the last two decades. It has become a driving force of American conservatism, feared for its power by both Republicans and Democrats. And condemned by many for its conservative bias and numerous show hosts who have become darlings of the US right and powerful players on their own. Figures such as Sean Hannity are hugely powerful within the Maga world, while the former host Tucker Carlson now exiled from the station where he rose to power has withered outside it and been largely unable to recreate the influence he had while broadcasting to Foxs viewers. Gaming out the different scenarios at stake in Reno is water cooler talk at Fox Newss midtown New York headquarters, with TV hosts discussing a reposition of their own personal brands if liberal-leaning James wins and opening back-channel communications with him if his father and rival brother prevail. But despite their immense importance the legal arguments over the Murdoch Family Trust presented within the impenetrable walls of a 1960s annex court extension in Reno last week are known only to the judge and court staff, Rupert Murdoch, his first and second set of children and an army of lawyers, including Trumps attorney general William Barr. A family trust like the one at issue in this case is essentially a private legal arrangement, the Washoe county probate commissioner Edmund J Gorman Jr, wrote in an 18-page recommendation before the parties convened. The proceedings pit Murdoch, 93, and his chosen successor, Lachlan, against his three more liberal-leaning siblings, Prudence, Elizabeth and James, over future control of Murdochs Fox Corp and News Corp through the familys control of the global empires share structure via an irrevocable trust set up in 1999. James, Elisabeth and Prudence, want the trust to be maintained and oppose Murdochs proposed change giving Lachlan control because they would stand to lose voting power. Yet while Lachlans politics are comfortably rightwing and match his fathers, the opposing other siblings have a different world view. James Murdoch even hosted Joe Biden in his home for a fundraiser in 2022 and has endorsed Kamala Harris to beat Trump in 2024. But it wont be Fox politics under discussion so much in Reno. Instead, much of that argument will be couched in an examination of US corporate governance conventions that allow for a family to control a business they do not majority own by a so-called dual class structure of shares in effect the family shares have more power than others. For example, Rupert Murdoch owns 17% of equity in the media empire and 39% of the voting power. The fight for control of the Murdoch empire is only magnified by the dual class structure, says Charles Elson, a leading authority on US corporate governance issues. The idea is I am the smartest person in the world and I should run the company as its king. Other shareholders can say we believe you. If thats a condition of investing, so be it. But critics of unequal dual-class voting say the structure weakens executive accountability. Thats the problem it basically destroys accountability, says Elson. Passing that power on generationally, he adds, only makes it worse. How do you know the talent is genetic? Simply because theyre the children doesnt mean they have the same business acumen as the father and its not how you pick the leader of a company or a country. Related: As the Murdoch succession battle plays out in a US court, a separate fight is brewing over control of News Corp The Murdoch biographer and antagonist Michael Wolff wrote recently that the late Fox News chair and CEO Roger Ailes told him that the Murdoch sons, Lachlan and James, are both wannabe little kings. But that was before open warfare broke out. I think they both really believe they were put on earth to show up their father, rather than the reality, which is that they would be mid-level media executives making a quarter million a year and grateful for it, without their old man. Earlier this month, the hedge fund Starboard Value sent a letter to shareholders of News Corp, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, calling for the company to eliminate its dual-class share structure. In the letter, the Starboard CEO, Jeffrey Smith, argued: This transition of power from Rupert Murdoch to his children has allowed for complicated family dynamics to potentially impact the stability and strategic direction of News Corp. Four Murdoch children with voting rights, Smith added, could be paralyzing to the strategic direction and, more importantly: We are not sure why their perspectives should carry greater weight than the views of other shareholders. News Corp said it believed its dual-class capital structure promotes stability and has facilitated the successful implementation of News Corps transformational strategy and long-term outperformance for all News Corp stockholders. The outcome of the Nevada court battle will not immediately affect the familys control of the Murdoch empire but could in the fullness of time if Murdoch dies or becomes incapacitated. If the stock is split up and the family doesnt get along, the company could face real challenges and it becomes a very bumpy road for the other investors who are not part of the drama. But as the caravan of Black SUVs ferried warring Murdochs in and out of court last week, there was at least one certainty, Elson says. While Rupert Murdoch still lives, the company remains firmly under his thumb. Rupert Murdoch calls the shots and when hes gone he really doesnt have that worry any more. Hes done. We must show nerve in support for Ukraine, says Lammy The foreign secretary has said allies must show "nerve" in their support for Ukraine, as the country continues to call for permission to fire Western long-range missiles into Russia. David Lammy said there was a "real-time discussion" between allies about how to help Ukraine heading into the winter. Speaking alongside him at a fringe event at Labour's party conference, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK Valerii Zaluzhnyi said lifting restrictions on the use of weapons against military targets in Russia was "critical". Ukraine already has supplies of long-range missiles from the UK, the United States and France but at the moment it is only allowed to fire them at targets within its own borders. Mr Lammy told the event: "This is a critical time for nerve and for guts and for patience and for fortitude on behalf of allies who stand with Ukraine." He added: "I am not going to, as foreign secretary, of course, comment on operational detail, because that can only aid Putin. "But there is a very real-time discussion across allies about how we can support Ukraine as we head into the winter." Earlier, Mr Zaluzhnyi had described weapons with long-range capabilities as "critically important". "Lifting restrictions on use of weapons against military targets in Russia is critical. This would help protect civilians from Russian missiles," he said. "This winter in Ukraine will be the most difficult. As we know, I believe in the resilience of the Ukrainian people, but without additional help the price will be very, very high." Earlier this month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden met in Washington to discuss the issue. There had been strong indications the US and the UK were poised to lift the restrictions on long-range missiles but no confirmation came after the talks. Discussions are expected to continue at the UN General Assembly in New York next week, which Sir Keir and Biden are attending alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other world leaders. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian cities and front lines have been under regular bombardment. Many of these missiles are launched by aircraft deep inside Russia and Kyiv says not being allowed to hit the bases from which these attacks are launched hinders its ability to defend itself. Zelensky has repeatedly pleaded for the restrictions on the use of long-range missiles to be lifted. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against this, arguing it would represent "direct participation" by Western allies in the war. Ukraines allies have been reluctant to do anything which could drag them into direct conflict with Moscow. In his speech to the main conference hall later, Lammy insisted the government would always stand with Ukraine and had committed 3bn per year in military aid "for as long as it takes". "We need to show Putin that Britain - and its allies - are not going anywhere," he said. He also spoke about the "worrying escalation" in fighting between Israel and Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah in recent days, which he said was in "nobody's interest". "Our message to all parties is clear: we need an immediate ceasefire from both sides so that we can get to a political settlement," he said. "So that Israelis and Lebanese civilians can return to their homes and live in peace and security." He repeated his call for British nationals still in Lebanon to leave immediately "for your own safety". One letter said: "I hope you get cancer" [BBC] Anonymous letters have created a village of poison in East Yorkshire, according to residents. Those on the receiving end of the vulgar mail say they have been "terrorised" through their letterboxes for the past two years. The post sent by a mysterious writer to Shiptonthorpe, some of which has been seen by the BBC, is described as personal, obscene and targeted. Humberside Police has carried out inquiries into some of the incidents. The saga is reminiscent of scandalous letters that blighted Littlehampton, a small seaside town in Sussex, in the spring of 1920 - which sparked a House of Commons debate and period comedy drama Wicked Little Letters, starring Olivia Colman. In Shiptonthorpe, Sophie - not her real name - said she received her first letter in December 2022 and reported it to the police. At the time she was trying to become a ward councillor - and she was left astonished after opening it. It was vile, I ripped it up, I couldnt believe where it had come from or why Id received it," she said. Despite destroying the letter, the hurtful accusations have stuck with Sophie. It was accusing me of what you could call being a loose woman, she said. It said the only way I would ever get anywhere within politics would be if I was to perform unspeakable things to men." 'Just vile' The writer ended the letter and said Sophie should be "turned out on the Beverley Westwood pasture with the rest of the cows". It was just vile, Sophie recalled. Humberside Police confirmed it received a report of the letter. Inquiries were carried out at the time, including reviewing CCTV," the force said. However, the content of the alleged letter was unavailable and subsequently no further investigative opportunities were able to be obtained." Officers said they gave Sophie safety advice. She has received three more letters since and reported them all to police. Elsewhere in the village - home to just 500 people - Sophie's partner Sam has opened letters claiming to be from a friend, urging him to be honest with himself. One, which the BBC has seen, warned Sam about Sophies private life, urging him to stop Sophie from roaming. The letter was signed: From a caring dear friend." 'I was frightened' [BBC] Sam said he feared for his partner after they both received letters. I was frightened," he said. "I was worried that anybody would approach her because I didnt know who else had knowledge of this letter." Humberside Police said it received a report from a man who felt concerned after he received an anonymous letter to his home address. Officers reviewed the letter, however the content was not found to contain any aggressive language and it was established that no criminal offences had been committed," the force said. Officers urged him to call them again if further incidents took place. In another letter seen by the BBC, an anonymous writer told a villager: I hope cancer finds you." Another resident, Jason, said although he had not received any letters, the damage stretches further throughout the village. A cloud of vitriol has fallen over Shiptonthorpe, he said. It is a wonderful village with wonderful people, but someone has brought poison to this village." Jason claimed some people had left the village because of the letters. People come here for a quiet, tranquil, community-spirted life and thats being damaged badly by one or two devilish people, he said. In my opinion I believe this constitutes a hate crime. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. More on this story Related internet links The community is small in nature, and were all shook, a Kentucky state police trooper said after the shooting in Whitesburg. The community is small in nature, and were all shook, a Kentucky state police trooper said after the shooting in Whitesburg. Photograph: Randy Sartin/AP A small Kentucky town is still reeling after a longtime sheriff was accused of shooting and killing a judge at the county courthouse on 19 September in an act of shocking violence that has left many questions unanswered. State police said that the sheriff, Shawn Stines, 43, killed the district judge Kevin Mullins, 54, after an argument in the judges chambers. Stines turned himself in, was arrested at the scene and now faces first-degree murder charges. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, leaving the town of Whiteburg, with a population of 1,711 people, wondering what happened between the two elected officials. The community is small in nature, and were all shook, the Kentucky state police trooper Matt Gayheart said at a press conference on the evening of 19 September, after the shooting. We know that it was an argument between the two that led up [to it] but exactly what transpired prior to the shots being fired, those are still things were trying to get answers to. Multiple residents told news outlets that Stines was a beloved longtime member of the community and wondered what led to the outburst. Stines and Mullins had been friends and worked at the county courthouse together for more than a decade. Stines was recently deposed from a federal investigation involving a former deputy who pleaded guilty to raping and coercing a woman in the courthouse. Ben Fields, the former deputy, was sentenced to six months in jail and nearly seven years probation as part of a plea deal. Fields was fired in 2022 as the allegations were going through court. The woman at the center of the case, in addition to the estate of a second woman who made similar allegations against Field when she was alive, but has since died, sued Stines for not appropriately investigating the allegations. A defense attorney for Stines in the lawsuit said that he at all times acted in good faith and exercised reasonable care and skill in effectuating his duties as required by law, according to CNN. On 16 September, three days before the shooting, Stines was deposed in the case, sources told CNN. Mike Watts, a circuit court clerk, told local TV station WKYT that the sheriff and the judge had lunch together right before the shooting, but police have yet to say what the argument that led to the shooting was about. People close to Stines said the alleged shooting was out of character and were shocked to hear the accusation that he murdered Mullins. You couldnt find a better person on the face of the earth than Mickey Stines. I dont know what happened, Patty Wood, a widow of the district judge who preceded Mullins who was a friend of Stines, told ABC News. I know [Stiness] character. And I know there had to be something that did it I just cannot believe that he just went in and shot him for no reason. Bill and Josephine Richardson, a couple who have lived in the town for more than 50 years, told the Louisville Courier-Journal that Stines was well liked in the community, and two people they spoke to said that Stines wasnt himself earlier in the week before the shooting. Supporters of the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) argue the new government makes a mockery of the election result (Dimitar DILKOFF) (Dimitar DILKOFF/AFP/AFP) French Prime Minister Michel Barnier's hard-won new government faced pressure from day one on Sunday, as it came under fire from opponents on both the left and far right -- which are now the largest blocs in parliament. Eleven weeks of negotiations after President Emmanuel Macron called spot National Assembly elections finally ended Saturday with his announcement by a cabinet that marked a significant shift to the right. The new cabinet's first meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon. But opposition politicians from the left have already said they will challenge Barnier's government with a confidence motion, with far-right politicians also slamming its composition. In the July election, a left-wing alliance called the New Popular Front (NFP) won the most parliamentary seats of any political bloc, but not enough for an overall majority. Veteran far-right leader Marine Le Pen meanwhile saw her National Rally emerge as the single largest party in the Assembly. Macron had argued that the left would be unable to muster enough support to form a government that would not immediately be brought down in parliament, and rejected a National Rally candidate over the party's extremist legacy. He turned instead to Barnier to lead a government drawing mostly on parliamentary support from Macron's allies, as well as from the conservative Republicans (LR) and the centrists groups -- even though the LR came in fourth in the June snap election. - 'No future' - Talks on the distribution of the 39 cabinet posts continued right up to Saturday's official announcement, insiders said, with moments of sharp tension between the president and his prime minister. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon has called the new lineup "a government of the general election losers". France, he said, should "get rid" of the government "as soon as possible", while his France Unbowed party threatened to "increase popular pressure" on the government. Even before the announcement, thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities Saturday in a left-wing protest to denounce what they said was a denial of July's election results. Socialist party chairman Oliver Faure dismissed Barnier's cabinet as "a reactionary government that gives democracy the finger". "An unnatural government against nature," was the verdict of Marine Tondelier, leader of the Greens party. Macron had been counting on a neutral stance from the far right, but National Rally leader Jordan Bardella was quick to condemn the composition of the new government. It marked "a return to Macronism" and so had "no future whatsoever", he said on Saturday. The first major task for Barnier, best known internationally for leading the European Union's Brexit negotiations with Britain, will be to submit a 2025 budget plan addressing France's financial situation, which the prime minister this week called "very serious". France was placed on a formal procedure for violating European Union budgetary rules before Barnier was picked as head of government. The difficult job of submitting a budget plan to parliament next month falls to 33-year-old Antoine Armand, the new finance minister. He has previously served as head of parliament's economic affairs commission. Armand told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper that "exceptional and targeted" tax increases could not be ruled out while also pledging to cut public spending. Among the other new faces in key cabinet posts are Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, while Bruno Retailleau of the Republicans takes over at the interior ministry. His portfolio covers immigration and his right-wing credentials have created unease even in Macron's own camp. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, a close Macron ally, has kept his job. The only left-of-centre politician is Didier Migaud, a little-known former Socialist named justice minister. Barnier is to address parliament with a key policy speech on October 1. jh/sbk/jj/sw/js CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Clarksville police have identified the person they say is responsible for a shooting that happened in the overnight hours Saturday morning, and they are asking the publics help in locating him. According to the Clarksville Police Department (CPD), detectives with District 2 Criminal Investigations identified Michael Cason, 30, of Nashville, as the suspect of a midnight shooting on McGraw Street. Michael Cason in January 2023 (Courtesy: Clarksville Police Department) CPD said officers responded to an address on McGraw Street after receiving a 911 call of a shooting that had already occurred around 12:30 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man who had been shot three times. They immediately performed life-saving measures before the man was transported to a Nashville hospital by helicopter. Police give all clear after shots fired near Governors Square Mall in Clarksville Police said the victim is currently in critical condition. Cason has been charged with attempted homicide, aggravated kidnapping, and two counts of aggravated burglary, according to CPD. Anyone with any information as to Casons whereabouts is to call 911 immediately, CPD said. He is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be confronted. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The investigation into the McGraw Street shooting remains ongoing. Anyone with information or additional video footage should contact Detective J. Salazar at 931-648-0656 ext. 5239. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward by calling the Clarksville Montgomery County Crime Stoppers Tipsline at 931-645-8477 or submit their tip online at P3tips.com/591. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Workers at a Starbucks on Hillsboro Pike voted the unionize, becoming the first Nashville Starbucks with union representation. The Nashville baristas joined a growing movement of more than 10,500 baristas to unionize their workplaces. The Starbucks location, located at the corner of Hillsboro Pike and Graybar Lane, is the first in Nashville and the sixth in Tennessee to join Starbucks Workers United (SBU), according to a press release from the organization. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts This election is about the community we serve and the partners that give their all to those that come into our store. We want to feel heard and supported and its been a very long time since Starbucks has made us feel that way. We want to know that they mean what they say in their mission and values. Winning this election is a step in that direction. We must take care of one another and thats exactly what we are doing in our beautiful community. We are ecstatic, so heres to a bridge to a better future. Together we can make a difference, said Rabia Bamerni with SBU. The Starbucks workers voted 17-1 to join SBU, according to the organization. Starbucks later commented on the union election, sending a statement to News 2. At Starbucks, we believe that our direct relationship as partners is core to the experiences we create in our stores, and we respect our partners rights to have a choice on the topic of unions. We are committed to delivering on our promise to offer a bridge to a better future to all Starbucks partners, the company 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 WKRN News 2. 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: CC0 Public Domain A direct comparison between the experimental psychedelic drug psilocybin and a standard SSRI antidepressant shows similar improvement of depressive symptoms, but that psilocybin offers additional longer-term benefits. The comparison, between psilocybin (the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms") and the SSRI escitalopram gave similar long-term improvements in depressive symptoms over a 6-month period; however, patients taking psilocybin also reported better psychosocial functioning, including experiencing a greater sense of meaning in life and psychological connectedness. The work is presented for the first time at the ECNP Congress in Milan. A related paper will appear in the journal eClinicalMedicine to coincide with the conference presentation. Lead researcher Mr. Tommaso Barba (Ph.D. candidate from Imperial College, London) said, "This is the first work to compare the long-term effects of these two drugs in the context of overall well-being, not just freedom from depression. In previous work we had found that both treatments led to comparable improvements in alleviating symptoms of depression at the 6-week mark, such as sadness and negative emotions. "However, this work shows that psilocybin outperformed escitalopram in several measures of well-being, meaning in life, work and social functioning. These results appeared to be maintained over a 6-month follow-up period. In addition, in previous work we had found that psilocybin also improves sexual drive, in contrast to SSRIs which tend to lower libido in many patients. So overall it seems psilocybin might give additional positive mental health benefits." SSRI drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, are one of the main types of drugs used to treat depression. However, around a third of patients don't respond to SSRI treatment, so for them psilocybin may offer an alternative, although this was not studied in this trial. Barba continued, "SSRIs work well, but not for everyone. They are also associated with some side effects. However this work implies that psilocybin generally seems to offer a real alternative, and perhaps additional benefits, to people who are worried about taking conventional antidepressants." The researchers, from Imperial College in London, undertook a 6-month study (phase 2, double-blind, randomized controlled trial) with 59 patients with moderate to severe depression. 30 were treated with a single dose of psilocybin, 29 patients were given a six-week course of escitalopram. Each group received similar psychological support of around 20 hours in total. Both groups showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms, even up to 6 months after treatment (the researchers stopped monitoring at 6 months). However, those given psilocybin reported greater improvements in social functioning and psychological connectedness, with large effect sizes. Co-first author Dr. David Erritzoe, Clinical Director and Deputy Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College, London, commented, "This is important because improving connectedness and having greater meaning in life can significantly enhance a person's quality of life and long-term mental health. "The study suggests that psilocybin therapy might be a more holistic treatment option for depression, addressing both the symptoms of depression and overall well-being. This could make a substantial difference in the overall happiness and daily activities of those suffering from depression, providing a more joined-up approach to mental health treatment." The researchers note that the patients were only treated for 6 weeks, and that many of the patients received additional treatments over the 6-month follow up. Dr. Erritzoe cautioned, "Psilocybin is still an experimental drug; it has not yet been approved for general use. It is administered in highly controlled and protected environments: these precautions are not found in recreational psychedelic use, which is known for having unpredictable and potentially harmful effects, especially for vulnerable people struggling with mental health issues." Commenting, Johan Lundberg (Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm), was not involved in this work, said, "This report is an important attempt to compare the clinical value of psilocybin compared to a state-of-the-art treatment of major depressive disorder. The results come with several caveats, including the lack of a non-inferiority analysis and failure to report other interventions given during the follow-up period. That said, as a hypothesis generating piece it may benefit the field substantially. "For now, we don't know if psilocybin will be approved for the treatment of major depression, but if so, it won't be for everyone. Some future patients might prefer psychedelic treatment over SSRI, but some patients may be intimidated by the dramatic alterations in perception and confrontations with challenging emotions that psychedelic drugs promote." More information: Erritzoe, D. et al. Effect of psilocybin versus escitalopram on depression symptom severity in patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder: observational 6-month follow-up of a phase 2, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial, eClinicalMedicine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102799 Journal information: EClinicalMedicine Pollster Nate Silver said that a 50/50 forecast for the presidential election means that people should start planning for the possibility that former President Trump takes back the White House in November. Silvers election forecast and model showed Vice President Harris beating Trump for the first time since Aug. 28. Harris, as of Saturday, leads Trump, 49 percent to 46.3 percent. One potential advantage of having a forecast that says its 50/50, is that people should be making their contingency plans, like, right away. It doesnt mean you need [to stockpile] ammo and peanut butter, but it means, you know: Whats your strategy to protect American institutions in the event of a Trump second term? Or, in 2028 [or] 2032, a Trump-like Republican who maybe is more effective than Trump? Silver told The Guardian on Saturday. If I were a liberal donor, for example, I would want to begin funding now to protect institutions in that eventuality, instead of giving another $100,000 to Kamala Harris, who has more money than she needs, Silver added. The Guardian also reported that Silver fears a Trump win, but that he also warned against labeling a second Trump term as a threat to democracy as a political strategy. The notion of basically holding voters hostage in that sense is very unappealing, Silver said. Biden was like: OK, sure, I may be running for president until Im 86 and can barely form a complete sentence, but if you dont vote for me, the country gets it.' Silver then applauded Harriss joyfulness, calling her a very talented woman. Silver did, however, question whether Harris has kept too many Biden staffers who had thought it was a good idea to keep running [him]. He added that he guessed she didnt have a choice. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NATO jets intercepted six Russian aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea without transponders or a flight plan over the past two days, the Latvian Air Force reported late on Sept. 21. Transponders are an electronic device that helps maintain safe air traffic in international airspace. Russian jets regularly enter the airspace above the Baltics with transponders switched off, likely to test the response of NATO states. The Russian jets were identified over the Baltic Sea on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 and escorted by NATO Eurofighter jets as part of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, the Latvian Air Force said. According to the German Air Force, a group of five jets were identified on the afternoon of Sept. 21, consisting of one Sukhoi Su-35 and four Sukhoi Su-30MKIs. In August, the German Air Force reported that Russian pilots who were detected heading toward Latvian airspace "behaved uncooperatively but not aggressively" when intercepted by NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission. "The transponders were switched off, and the pilots did not respond to radio requests," a German Air Force spokesperson said. Earlier in September, a Russian Shahed-type drone equipped with an explosive crashed in Latvia, the first confirmed case of a Russian drone crashing on Latvian soil. Lieutenant General Leonids Kalnins, the commander-in-chief of the Latvian Armed Forces, said on Sept. 9 that the drone was heading towards a target in Ukraine before it entered Latvia via Belarus. The drone eventually crashed in Gaigalava parish in Rezekne district, 85 kilometers (52 miles) northwest of the Belarusian border, Kalnins said. Read also: Too dangerous to ignore Russias malicious activity in the Baltics set to test NATO resolve Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Still from the documentary film "Bad Indian: Hiding in Antelope Canyon," which will screen at the Black Hills Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (courtesy photo) Still from the documentary film "Bad Indian: Hiding in Antelope Canyon," which will screen at the Black Hills Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Courtesy photo) Until recently, many members of the Tsinigine family lacked details about the life of their ancestor, Hastiin Tadidinii, which translates from Navajo (Dine) as Corn Pollen Man. Family lore told the story in broad brushstrokes: He was strong, respected by his people and shot to death by white men. But big pieces of the story were missing. What they found when they set out to learn more a journey aided by a Dine journalist investigating boarding school abuses was a medicine man and community leader tagged by the press at the time as a renegade Indian for his refusal to submit to the federal governments reservations and boarding schools. In other words, they found a hero. Poster for the documentary film "Bad Indian: Hiding in Antelope Canyon," which will screen at the Black Hills Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (courtesy photo) Bad Indian: Hiding in Antelope Canyon The film about boarding schools and their impact on the Tsinigine family in Arizona will screen at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, in Hill City during the Black Hills Film Festival. A Q&A will follow. For a full schedule of films and events, visit blackhillsfilmfestival.org. South Dakotans will soon have the chance to see the Tsinigine familys story of resistance on the big screen in the documentary Bad Indian: Hiding in Antelope Canyon. At the Black Hills Film Festival, which begins Sept. 27 in Hill City, Logan Tsinigine and others from the crew will be on hand for a question and answer session. The film is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. Tsinigine and his family run a company called Taadidiin Tours, guiding visitors through the painted rock formations of Arizonas Antelope Canyon. Taadidiin is a nod to Hastiin Tadidinii, who was Logans great-great grandfather. Tadidinii was among the Dine who escaped The Long Walk of the 1860s, a forced removal that pushed around 10,000 Indigenous people hundreds of miles across New Mexico. He hid in Antelope Canyon, performing ceremonies for prisoners and aiding those who fled or were freed. His killing in 1916 was sparked by his decision to pull a daughter from a boarding school, prompting a directive from the schools superintendent to bring him in, on a stretcher, if necessary. Today, the boarding school era is widely regarded as a stain on American history that ripped apart families and left generational scars on Indigenous people across the U.S. and Canada. Some children were beaten and berated for speaking their own language, and some children who died at the schools were buried in unmarked graves. The movie tells the story of Tadidinii, but also serves as an exploration of the ways the boarding school system and its abuses have colored the last century of Indigenous history. Tsinigine has never been to South Dakota, but he knows the state is full of people who have their own family histories of forced removal and boarding school abuse. In a recent interview with South Dakota Searchlight, Tsinigine said he wants to hear those stories as he tells his familys own. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity. What inspired you to tell this story in a documentary format? How did this project come about? Weve been collecting Tadidinii information for maybe 10 years. We had heard oral stories from our elders about who he was and what he did, but as we got older, its one of those things where youre trying to just know more about who you are. He was almost supernatural, from the stories on how big he was, how strong he was, but we didnt have that much information other than the stories. There was a journalist, Alastair Lee Bitsoi, who is in the documentary, and he got a lead about this man who was having issues with the boarding schools, that he was murdered, and that his family is still around. So he contacted us. We had a sit down with him, and he published an article in High Country News. He was basically the catalyst for all of this. Other people started coming to us with information, just different tidbits, and all of a sudden we had just this giant drop box of information that we were trying to figure out what to do with it. At one of our family get-togethers, someone brought it up and said, This is enough for a documentary. In the film, you talk about Tadidinii as a leader, as someone to look up to, but theres very little about him online. How well-known is this story? Where we lived, in that era of the early 1900s, was one of the most remote areas in all of the United States. And we are finding that we are the most documented family out there. Still from the documentary film "Bad Indian: Hiding in Antelope Canyon," which will screen at the Black Hills Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (courtesy photo) We were down at the University of Arizona about three months ago, and a woman from a trader family had written her masters thesis and included the Grand Old Indian in there. Then we found The Vanishing American, which is a (1925) novel by Zane Grey, and he mentions my family story in that book. When the University of Utah was doing archeology work down in that area, Professor Byron Cummings (d. 1954) also documented his interactions with my family. In October, in California, one of the descendants of the traders from the area is going to be doing a presentation called The Grand Old Indian, and its about us. So as you go through, its amazing that all these other people documented their interactions. So theres information, and there are people whove been uncovering this stuff, but its not necessarily widely known, even in your neighborhood? It isnt, because our elders, they always talked about sad times like lets just let it go. You cant change it. Dont dwell on it. But us, being the generation that we are, were so curious, and everyones wanting to know more. Now we have younger people in our family looking at several different things in his life. We actually have the indictments (in the murder trial), the investigation, and almost all of the court files. It was huge on the reservation, and the papers were afraid of an uprising, a sort of a revolt. Then people on our side said, no, it really wasnt that bad, and it was kind of like a smear campaign to make him seem like this larger-than-life criminal. But on our end, it was just like, no, he was just responding to things that he thought werent correct. Some of that was digging up our historical sites, some of our burial sites. He didnt like that. And then there was the abuse in the boarding schools. In South Dakota, weve had a lot of controversy over how to incorporate Native American history and culture into social studies curricula. Do you see films like yours playing some role in influencing the history our kids are exposed to? I think, as with all other movements, that once you get enough information that you can make a curriculum and teach with it, and have it be fact-based, that it helps out. The issue that we have is that were oral-based. You dont have your bibliography with all these things and where it came from. The difference in our story is that we were very documented. We can reference those things, and weve actually created a bibliography. Its going to take time, because thats not traditional academia. But as you go forward, its just one of those things where once we start writing it, and then the generations behind us can start referencing that, itll legitimize it eventually, however long that takes. You say in the film youd like viewers to take a more curious approach to Native history and culture. What else might you hope that viewers, maybe specifically in South Dakota, take from this film? After the Phoenix film festival, one of the people that went to the screening came up for a tour, and I didnt realize he recognized me or had even seen the documentary. But he sat down by me on the bench, and we had almost a 45-minute conversation. Still from the documentary film "Bad Indian: Hiding in Antelope Canyon," which will screen at the Black Hills Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (courtesy photo) He was apologizing, because his family was actually part of the assimilation movement. And I explained to him that I have no hard feelings, theres no animosity, theres nothing. We dont want to make people feel bad. Were just talking. And I said, our conversation here, I feel like thats healing. And we connected. We just talked about different things, and we ended up talking about our kids and what theyre doing. For me, thats where this is going. Hopefully it brings more people together, rather than disagreeing with the history or talking about whos at fault. In my view, its just history, and we review it and learn from it. I was really struck by the discussions in the film about canyons and mountains as churches, and that really reminded me of the Black Hills and their importance to our folks up here. Can you talk a little bit about the role your company plays in educating visitors on the importance of spaces like these? When we have visitors come, our tour guides try to pack as much culture and history into the tour as we can, to go along with the cool Instagram photos and the amazing colors of the rocks. So we tell them about who we are, the things that weve done, and talk about the four sacred mountains, and that were still here, in that perimeter. A lot of times they have other questions, and weve actually had people that have come like three different times, wanting to learn something else, or hoping to learn more. Thats just kind of the role were taking. Ours is more of a cultural tour than just a sightseeing tour now. Theres some people that couldnt care less about the rocks, or their pictures. Weve had prayers with some of our guests down there, like, can we hear a prayer? Can we hear a song? And weve had people break down and cry, all sorts of stuff. We have engagements, proposals down there. So its changed into this whole big thing, rather than just getting this cool picture. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Navajo Nation to press for revival of aid to bomb victims Gabrielle Wallace Cronkite News WASHINGTON Survivors of nuclear testing and uranium mines are ramping up pressure on Congress to reauthorize a federal compensation program that expired in June. Many of those afflicted since World War II are from the Navajo Nation, which is organizing a rally next week that will include prayers at the Capitol for radiation victims. I want Congress to realize that its important and we need to pass this bill because some people did not get any compensation, said Maggie Billiman, whose father, a Navajo Code Talker during World War II, died of stomach cancer that she attributes to fallout from nuclear tests that settled over their hometown in Arizona. Much of her family has suffered from cancer, she said, and she looks forward to the ceremonial performances and prayers when activists converge at the Capitol on Sept. 24. Thats why were doing a peaceful rally there to bring people and be able to pray and sing and if someone could hear our voices, Billiman said. Its hard to process all these things and to have my family be suffering and my community be suffering. The federal government has paid $2.6 billion to over 41,000 downwinders and uranium workers since 1992 under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. The program provides $50,000 to $100,000 to people who developed certain illnesses linked to radiation and lived in a fallout zone or worked at uranium mines and mills. In March, the U.S. Justice Department projected that another 1,070 claims would be approved by the end of September. Congress has repeatedly extended the program. The most recent extension expired in June. The Democrat-controlled Senate voted 69-30 in March to extend the filing period for five years. The House, controlled by Republicans, has yet to vote on the measure. Speaker Mike Johnson has not said whether or when he would put the RECA reauthorization to a vote. Aides ignored requests Monday to discuss the bill. Republicans are refusing to take up the issue because its going to cost money, said Navajo Larry King, a former uranium mine worker from New Mexico. The BADGER explosion on April 18, 1953, at the Nevada Test site. (Photo courtesy of National Nuclear Security Administration/Nevada Site Office) Many Dine lived downwind of nuclear bomb tests the U.S. government began conducting during World War II. An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 worked in the mines that operated for decades, living nearby with their families. The current federal budget runs out on Sept. 30. But RECA payments come from a trust fund that dont require any immediate replenishment, according to the Department of Justice Our people are neither expendable nor invisible, Justin Ahasteen, who heads the Navajo Nation Washington Office, said in a statement. Advocates will take buses from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the nations capital, a two-day trip. Organizers expect more than 70 people at the protest. The DineTah Navajo Dancers will perform and provide blessings on the Capitol lawn to those affected by radiation exposure. Although the Navajo Nation is a key advocate for RECA, the program applies to downwinders in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Guam. About one in seven approved claims 5,480 through the end of 2023 came from Native Americans, 86% of them Navajo, totalling $372.6 million. King said he believes opponents in Congress are under a misunderstanding that this an Indigenous bill. Its for everybody. Its to compensate former uranium workers of all walks of life. Not just Indigenous people, said King, 67, a resident of Church Rock, New Mexico, who spent eight years as a mine worker. Speaker Johnson needs to get off his high horse and put that legislation up for discussion and a vote. The U.S. Navy apologized in a ceremony Saturday for the bombardment of the Alaska Native village of Kake in the late 1860s, The Guardian reported. This has been 155 years in the making, said Joel Jackson, the president of the Organized Village of Kake, of the apology. Its becoming real because we never talked about it and now we are. The Navys apology Saturday was the first of two that will be given to the Lingit (also called Tlingit) communities who its forces bombarded in Kake in 1869 and Angoon 13 years later. Rear Adm. Mark Sucato delivered the apology and is expected to deliver the second, as well, which is expected to take place on Oct. 26, the 142nd anniversary of the navys bombardment on Angoon. The Washington Post said that Navy officials acknowledged wrongful actions at Kake and Angoon, adding that the acts inflicted multigenerational trauma. Navy spokesperson Julianne Leinenveber said the pain and suffering inflicted upon the Tlingit people warrants these long overdue apologies, the publication wrote. At the ceremony, tribal leaders and elders gave remarks, the tribe and navy chaplain gave a blessing, and local Native Keex Kwaan dancers and the navy band performed, The Guardian said. In July, The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon would be reviewing 20 Medals of Honor awarded for actions during the Wounded Knee massacre, in which the U.S. Armys 7th Cavalry opened fire on hundreds of Native Americans. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. We may just be beginning to see the fallout over a CNN report about Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, tying his online presence, email and username on multiple platforms to vulgar, racist and sexually explicit posts on a pornography website. Robinson denies the information in the report, calling it tabloid trash. He also pointed to his opponent, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, as to blame for the report. CNN published Thursday afternoon a long, detailed story about Robinsons alleged online comments made about a decade ago, which he denied to CNN in an interview as well, included 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. The fallout was immediate, even as Robinson put out his own video less than an hour ahead of CNN publishing their report detailing the comments and showing evidence of why they alleged Robinson was behind the posts. Politico has since reported that Robinsons email address was registered on the website Ashley Madison, for married people seeking affairs, with an anonymous adviser confirming the address was Robinsons, but his campaign spokesperson denying that Robinson made an account. Some Republicans have already begun to disavow Robinson, while many are staying silent, at least publicly. Other removed photos with him from their social media. North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson delivers remarks during the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, WI. And as I was interviewed on an episode of NBCs Meet the Press NOW on Friday, NBC reported that Trump does not want to pull his endorsement of Robinson, despite Republican advisers telling him he should. Republican State Treasurer Dale Folwell, who talked to me on Thursday when the news broke, said that Robinson has fleeced North Carolina taxpayers and the donors who are supporting his campaign. Also in that same story, Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Budd said the comments reported in the article are disgusting. Mark Robinson says they are not from him. He needs to prove that to the voters. And state Senate candidate Scott Lassiter explained why he wants Robinson to drop out. You can read all our coverage at newsobserver.com. Here are a few more stories that cover other aspects: Reporter Kyle Ingram wrote about whether Republicans could replace Robinson on the ballot. That scenario expired at midnight Thursday, but you can read about why thats the rule. DC correspondent Danielle Battaglia noted in this story all of the late-night comedy jokes about Robinson as he became national news. And heres the original breaking news story by all three of us on Thursday. With more coverage to come, heres another story from Avi Bajpai about Trump and Robinson, and you can read our coverage of Trumps rally in Wilmington in The N&O. As of Friday evening, Robinson had a campaign event scheduled for Monday in Wilkesboro to meet voters. Stay informed about #ncpol Dont forget to follow our Under the Dome tweets and listen to our Under the Dome podcast to stay up to date. Our new episode posts Monday morning, and Im joined by our Washington correspondent Danielle Battaglia to talk about the presidential race and Robinsons impact on it, plus the latest on Congress and threats of a federal government shutdown. 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. You can also email me questions you may have about the governors race at dvaughan@newsobserver.com. FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for North Carolina governor, made a public appearance in Fayetteville on Saturday evening. He has been embroiled in controversy after a CNN report linked him to a series of past anti-Semitic and sexual remarks made on a porn site. Robinson greeted supporters at the Fayetteville Motor Speedway amid calls from some Republicans to step down from the race. We are running for governor to work for the people of North Carolina because we are the people of North Carolina, he said to the crowd during a brief speech. A breakdown of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons history amid bombshell CNN report, calls to step aside Robinson spent time taking pictures with supporters and taking pictures with them before and after his speech. It was great. I really felt really good about it, supporter Susan Daniel said. Daniel, a Fayetteville native, said she is excited to see Robinson paying attention to smaller communities. I think this is a great win for him, coming out here to a small track like Fayetteville and meeting all the locals, she said. She hopes to see more of this if he wins in November. This appearance came just days after a CNN report linked Robinson to lewd and sexual comments on a website called Nude Africa. The comments included referring to himself as a black NAZI! Robinson has dismissed these reports and said Saturday, he will continue to work while opponents try to drag him down. Were going to work our butts off to make sure we build an economy in this state that works for everybody, he said. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson dismisses shocking comments on porn forum unearthed in bombshell report as salacious tabloid trash Supporters said they are not worried about those comments. I believe its something that was made up because the Democrats are getting desperate, supporter Justin Hall said. Daniel said this does not change her decision to vote for him. We all make mistakes. You live through them, you learn from them and you move forward, she said. CBS17 also spoke to Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, a Democrat. He called Robinsons rhetoric extreme and said a divisive leader is not what North Carolina needs. As we go to the polls, were looking for ways to bring our communities together, not tear them apart, he said. Colvin said he hopes people are paying attention and doing their own research. Some of these extreme beliefs and the things that hes said has shown us truly who he is, and so when people tell you who they are, you have to believe them, 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 Queen City News. On Wednesday, NDN Collectiverallied in front of the White House and called for executive clemency for Leonard Peltier. At 80 years old, Peltier has been incarcerated for nearly 50 years and is now in very poor health. Time is of the essence to release Leonard Peltier, the longest held Indigenous political prisoner in U.S. history. NDN Collective is spending the week in Washington to meet with elected officials, calling upon representatives and federal officials to take action on a number of issues including supporting the release of Leonard Pelteir. The following statements were shared on behalf of the organization: Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. President Biden now has the opportunity to solidify his already extraordinary legacy in Indian Country as the U.S. president that granted clemency to Leonard Peltier and finally righted a grave injustice, said Holly Cook Macarro, Government Affairs for NDN Collective. In the next few months, we are going to organize our many allies in Congress and around the world to unite their voices and support the call for clemency from President Biden. Americas longest living and incarcerated Indigenous political prisoner, Leonard Peltier, is a boarding school survivor, said Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective President and CEO. He lived through the atrocities of those schools and while this country is reckoning with the traumas inflicted on our people by these institutions, its important to lift up all our elders who survived boarding schools, Leonard included. The fact that Leonard is still behind bars is the result of a longstanding campaign against him by the FBI, said Janene Yazzie, Director of Policy and Advocacy for NDN Collective. Despite the plethora of evidence that shows the system injustices that led to his incarceration, the narrative of the FBI continues to paint Leonard as a murderer. As we move forward, we need to look at all the research and good work done by our partners and other human rights organizations on Leonards case to keep ourselves informed. On April 19, 2024, Peltiers request for a compassionate release was denied by the Bureau of Prisons. On July 2, 2024, Peltier was denied parole after a full parole hearing was held on June 10, 2024. Peltier will not be eligible for another hearing for 15 years, when he will be 94. As a result of this denial and Peltiers age, executive clemency is his best opportunity to be released. To support Leonards freedom, NDN Collective is asking people to: Call senators and urge them to support executive clemency for Leonard Peltier Watch the latest Red Nation Movement podcast on Leonard's case Download the toolkit at freeleonard-peltier.com Text FREELEONARD to 50302 for more updates About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net About half of the roughly 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip since last year are still alive, Israeli media have quoted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying. Netanyahu spoke about this during a meeting of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Security Committee in Jerusalem, according to media reports on Sunday. There was no official confirmation of this, as it was a closed session. Terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups killed more than 1,200 people in Israel on October 7 and took about 250 as hostage to the Gaza, triggering the ongoing war. During a ceasefire at the end of November, Hamas released 105 hostages. In return, Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners. Indirect negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of more hostages have so far been unsuccessful. Individual hostages have since been freed by the Israeli military, while several have been found dead. Experts and observers have long believed that many of the hostages still in the Gaza Strip are no longer alive. Earlier on Sunday, Palestinian medical officials said at least seven people were killed and others injured in an Israeli attack on a former school building in the north of the Gaza Strip. The general director of the Hamas-controlled housing ministry was among the dead, medical sources said. The Israeli military said it had carried out a precision attack on terrorists making use of the former school to mount attacks. "This is a further example of the Hamas terrorist organization's systematic abuse of civilian infrastructure in violation of international law," the IDF wrote on its Telegram channel. It said Israeli forces had taken a number of measures to reduce danger to civilians but "will continue to act against terrorist organizations that use schools and civilian institutions as shelter." The information from both sides could not be independently verified. Netanyahu considering plan to force all Palestinian civilians out of northern Gaza to besiege Hamas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a plan to force all Palestinian civilians out of northern Gaza, including Gaza City, in order to lay siege to Hamas and force the release of hostages. It is unclear how many Palestinians remain north of the so-called Netzarim Corridor, which splits Gaza in two, but estimates run into the hundreds of thousands. The plan does not mention whether, when, or how civilians would be allowed to return to northern Gaza. After nearly a year of war, with no part of Gaza immune from Israeli airstrikes, Palestinians have been increasingly unwilling to heed Israeli demands to relocate. The idea comes from a group of retired Israeli military generals, who have formally presented it to the Israeli cabinet and a powerful parliamentary committee. The goal, they say, is to use siege tactics to starve Hamas fighters and force them to release 101 hostages still held in the territory. Those who leave will receive food and water, Giora Eiland, a retired Israeli military general who is spearheading the proposal, says in a slickly produced video posted online earlier this month. But in a week the entire territory of the northern Gaza Strip will become military territory, and this military territory as far as we are concerned, no supplies will enter it. Israeli national broadcaster Kan, a CNN affiliate, reported on Sunday that Netanyahu, in a closed-door meeting with the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said that the plan makes a lot of sense. It is one of the plans being considered, but there are several others, he said, according to Kan. We are committed to dismantling the civilian control of Hamas. It is unclear when the meeting took place. An Israeli official confirmed the veracity of that quote, but said, seeing it positively does not mean adopting it. The official said that the head of the Israel Defense Forces strategic division will in the coming days present to Netanyahu several alternatives for how to deprive Hamas of civilian control capabilities in Gaza. Calls to adopt plan In a letter obtained by CNN, 27 members of Knesset including three sitting ministers have written to the government urging them to adopt it. The public face of the proposal is Eiland, who had an illustrious career rising to the rank of major general and serving as head of the prime ministers National Security Council from 2004 to 2006. The reality today in Gaza is that Sinwar is really not stressed, he says in the video. The right thing to do is to inform the approximately 300,000 residents who remained in the northern Gaza Strip, citizen residents, of the following: Not that we are suggesting you leave the northern Gaza Strip, we are ordering you to leave the northern Gaza Strip. In a week, the entire territory of the northern Gaza Strip will become military territory. And this military territory, as far as we are concerned, no supplies will enter it. That is why 5,000 terrorists who are in this situation, they can either surrender or starve. Dictators like Sinwar are not afraid of military pressure. They are afraid of two other things: a governmental alternative and the existence of an angry mob that can overthrow them. The Commanders and Reserve Fighters Forum, a group of retired and reservist commanders, has championed the plan to bring about a de facto change in the war situation. It is not clear what the senior leadership of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) thinks of the plan. When asked for comment on the proposal, the IDF referred CNN to the Prime Ministers Office. The plan does not tackle the question of whether Palestinians could ever return to northern Gaza, one of its backers told CNN. It will all depend on what will happen in the future, Retired Major-General Gershon Hacohen said in a text message. But there is no indication in the plan that they will never be able to go back. The generals group claims to have presented the plan to the Israeli cabinet several times. The Prime Ministers Office would not confirm to CNN whether those meetings took place. The plan has been presented to the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Meirav Cohen, a member of Knesset from the centrist Yesh Atid party, lambasted the government for allowing aid trucks into Gaza. The only threat that they are facing is obesity, she said during a meeting with the pressure group, including Giora Eiland. Is this how we will bring our hostages back home? So I think that the plan that Giora and other commanders presented here is very smart. It sets clear rules. We have to implement it. In the letter addressed to Netanyahu and his fellow ministers, 27 of the 120 members of Knesset lament that we have not yet reached the finish line in any of the goals defined by the War Cabinet. They call on the government to implement Eilands plan in northern Gaza. After carrying out the program in this area, it is possible to carry it out in other parts of the strip, they say. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FILE PHOTO: Fire burns in north Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Israel JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel is examining a plan to use siege tactics against Hamas in northern Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted by several Israeli media outlets as saying on Sunday. Netanyahu's office did not respond to a request for comment. The reports cited unnamed sources at a closed parliament committee meeting. The plan, published by retired military commanders and floated by some parliament members this month, suggests Palestinian civilians would be instructed to evacuate northern Gaza, which would then be declared a closed military zone. An estimated 5,000 Hamas militants remaining there would then be put under siege until they surrender. Army Radio reported that Netanyahu told lawmakers at parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee that it was being examined. Public broadcaster Kan quoted Netanyahu as saying that the blueprint "makes sense" and that "it is one of the plans being considered but there are others as well." Israel has faced fierce international criticism for the humanitarian crisis brought on by its nearly one-year offensive against the Hamas militant group in Gaza. Most of Gaza's population has been displaced. An estimated one million people - half the population - are currently crammed into a designated humanitarian zone that makes up less than 15% of the territory and is lacking essential infrastructure and services, according to the United Nations. Humanitarian access to northern Gaza, where estimates of the population run between 300,000 and 500,000 people - is especially difficult, according to the United Nations. The war was sparked when Hamas-led militants burst into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and taking another 250 hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive since, according to the Gaza health ministry. Gaza health officials say most are civilians. Israel, which has lost 346 soldiers in Gaza, says at least a third of the Palestinian fatalities are fighters. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Additional reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Conor Humphries) Writer Evan Wright was embedded for 'Rolling Stone' in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hey, Sean, its Evan. Thats how the phone calls always started with the late Evan Wright. What followed were long, twisting conversations that could last for hours. Evan gave to get. He wanted to dig into your life and was willing to share his inner dialogue and past, too. It was a fair trade-off. I wasnt special; Evan was like this with everyone. Its what made him such a gifted reporter he wanted to know the secrets and thoughts of anyone who crossed his path. But he didnt pry and never judged. He just loved to talk and write. And when he was ready, thousands and thousands of words would pour out of him. No word count or deadline ever held firm. He blew past them all. I was a junior staffer working with him and then-deputy managing editor Will Dana on the series of Rolling Stone articles that became Generation Kill, Evans landmark reporting on the Iraq war. He had embedded with a team of recon Marines leading the invasion and racing along the deadly road to Baghdad. The three-part story won the National Magazine Award for Excellence in Reporting, then became a book and an HBO miniseries. We did it all on deadline, sending pages to the printer in the wee hours of the morning at the last possible minute. It felt like the first draft of history. There was no rah-rah varnish to the story this was brutal, bloody, and raw. His work stands as some of the best combat reporting ever written. More from Rolling Stone Evan was a lot more than a war reporter, though. He wrote about murders, drug dealers, anarchists, mobsters, porn stars, and strippers. He fully immersed himself in whatever subculture he was investigating. He often told me that his years roaming the country digging into stories for RS were the happiest times in his life. But he also admitted his process was exhausting. Read his work on the RS website and youll find a fearless writer who searched for stories with one arched eyebrow, a wry smile, and a willingness to go anywhere. He had a troubled youth, and many of those wounds never healed, but they also toughened him. He mistrusted hierarchy and power. He called out bullshit where he found it. The TV writer David Simon, who produced and directed HBOs Generation Kill, called Evan feral, and there was truth in that; Evan was not made to sit in an office. Like all good things, he needed to be wild and free. In the past few months, Evan had been openly talking to me about his struggles with PTSD. Like the Marines he wrote about, he brought more home from the war than he first let on. He was a person who lived with trauma his whole life, and the psychic price was steep. Yet he never ceased to be generous or curious. And he never stopped writing. Just days before he died, we had been talking about stories he was going to write. He was a journalist until the very end. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Newnan man charged with murder of woman at gun store NEWNAN, Ga. - A Newnan man is facing a murder charge in the shooting death of a woman at a local gun shop late Friday night. Newnan police responded to Oz Tactical, a guns, knives and ammunition store on East Court Square, where 28-year-old Olivia Faith Robinson of Newnan was found shot to death. Through a preliminary investigation, officers determined 34-year-old William Brannon Owens of Newnan was the shooter. Owens was arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. He was booked at the Coweta County Jail. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) regional investigative office in Columbus at 706-565-7888. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. Students and supporters rally in May at UCLA to support the hiring of undocumented students at the University of California. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Sunday that would have directed the University of California, California State University and state community colleges to hire undocumented students for campus jobs his second veto of legislation aimed at expanding aid to those who are not living in California legally. The action crushed the hopes of tens of thousands of students who were brought illegally to the United States as children and have not been able to obtain work permits to help finance their educations or qualify for research and teaching jobs crucial to their academic programs. An estimated 55,000 undocumented students in those straits attend California public colleges and universities; the state is home to a fifth of the nation's undocumented college students. Despite California's "proud history" of expanding educational opportunities for undocumented students, Newsom said he was vetoing Assembly Bill 2586 because of legal risks to state employees who could be deemed in violation of federal laws against hiring undocumented people. "Given the gravity of the potential consequences of this bill, which include potential criminal and civil liability for state employees, it is critical that the courts address the legality of such a policy and the novel legal theory behind this legislation before proceeding," he said in his veto message. Newsom said UC and others could seek clarity first by asking a federal judge to rule on the bill's legality before moving to hire undocumented students. Jeffry Umana Munoz, a Cal State L.A. graduate student, said undocumented students were disheartened by the veto but would continue to fight for the opportunity to work as a movement that is "unashamed, unafraid and unstoppable." "We are ashamed and appalled that the Governor Newsom has decided to cave to the anti-immigrant vitriol of Trump and the Republicans and deny us the equitable opportunities we deserve," he said in a statement on behalf of all California undocumented students. Both UC and CSU had expressed concerns about the bill, saying it could cause them to run afoul of a federal law that bars employers from hiring undocumented people putting at risk their students, their employees who would hire them and billions of dollars in federal funding. UC receives more than $12 billion in annual federal funding for research, student financial aid and healthcare. The system is the largest recipient of federally sponsored research $3.8 billion last year among U.S. higher education institutions. The bill had drawn national attention over the humanitarian stakes, legal risks and potentially explosive politics. Illegal immigration is a top issue in the 2024 election amid a tight presidential contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump. Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, co-sponsored a bill in March cutting off federal funding to universities that hire undocumented people and he specifically criticized UC as a "left wing" institution bent on a "lawless" scheme. Read more: Newsom vetoes bill that would have offered home mortgage aid to undocumented immigrants Newsom's veto of AB 2586 marked the second time this month that he nixed legislation to expand services to undocumented immigrants. Earlier this month he vetoed a bill that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to apply for interest-free home loans through a program run by the state. Both bills had the support of most legislative Democrats, who argued that California should do more to help undocumented immigrants because they contribute to the economy and pay taxes. They were opposed by Republicans who argued that California should prioritize funding services for citizens and said providing aid would encourage more immigrants to enter California illegally. The bills presented a difficult decision for the Democratic governor in this presidential election year. If he sided with his party's base and supported more aid for undocumented immigrants, Newsom risked bringing attacks on Harris, a fellow California Democrat. "It would be impossible to not have California act on these and have this be part of the 2024 election cycle," said Mike Madrid, a GOP political consultant and expert in Latino politics. He noted that Harris has taken a more conservative position on immigration than most Democrats by backing a bipartisan border security bill that failed after Trump came out against it. Passage of the legislation in California could have complicated her efforts to win moderate voters in battleground states, Madrid said. "Kamala Harris is trying to prevent these attacks," he said. "She is trying to inoculate against these attacks by running on the most conservative border security position of a Democrat probably ever." The bill's author, Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-San Diego), expressed "profound disappointment" at the veto, saying it denies students the opportunity to better themselves through education. In a statement Monday, he said he would reintroduce the bill during the next legislative session. But even within the UC system, some critics of the bill feared that Newsom would have handed Republicans "red meat" against Democrats had he signed the bill. Read more: UC, CSU wary over legislation allowing them to hire undocumented students. Newsom to decide In a statement Sunday, UC said it believed undocumented students should have access to resources and opportunities, including jobs, enjoyed by all other students, and vowed to continue supporting them. The university supplements state grants and private scholarships with such resources as university legal aid and fellowships that offer hands-on learning with grants of up to $7,200. This is a complicated situation, and we acknowledge the Governors basis for his veto in light of concerns that federal law would prohibit the University from hiring undocumented students, and that the implementation of this law could put our students, faculty, staff, and significant federal funding at risk," UC said. "The University will continue to support our undocumented students, including expanding access to opportunities that allow undocumented students to gain valuable experiential learning and financial support." UC did not say whether it would ask a federal judge to rule on the legality of hiring undocumented students, saying only that it would "continue to explore all options." CSU, in a statement Monday, said the bill "shone a bright light on the inconsistencies of state and federal immigration policies and employment laws." The university system said it intended to continue advocating for its undocumented students and would work with legislators to find ways to ease their plight. Undocumented students were given a lifeline under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program better known as DACA which granted work permits and protection from deportation to certain youth who were brought to the United States as children. But many students could not obtain that status because then-President Trump rescinded the program and, during the Biden administration, a court order froze all petitions. Students who do not have DACA protections now outnumber those who do. Among an estimated 86,800 undocumented students in California, only 37% are recipients of DACA or are eligible for it. Each year, 14,000 more undocumented students graduate from California high schools, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. A new UCLA study has found that the number of newly enrolled low-income undocumented students declined by half at UC and CSU campuses between 2015-16 and 2022-23. The study attributes the decline to the growing difficulty of obtaining DACA status. The students draw widespread sympathy and support even as attitudes toward illegal immigration have hardened. A July Gallup poll showed the majority of Americans wanted immigration reduced, the highest share in two decades. But 81% favored allowing those brought to the U.S. illegally as children the chance to become U.S. citizens if they meet certain requirements including 64% of Republicans polled. In 2022, UCLA scholars presented a potential path forward for the students by crafting a novel legal theory that asserts the federal ban on hiring undocumented people does not apply to states because they are not specifically mentioned as employers subject to sanctions in the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. Before that law, the legal analysis notes, the U.S. Supreme Court established that Congress must use unmistakably clear language if it wants to regulate state governments. Scholars at the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at the UCLA School of Law developed the theory and 29 immigration and constitutional scholars including Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law signed on as backers. Students and their supporters launched a statewide campaign to prod UC and other public colleges to embrace the theory, test the law and hire the students. But UC, after consulting with multiple law firms and legal experts inside and outside UC, declined to do so, concluding there were too many legal risks. Their concerns were rooted in precedents by the U.S. Supreme Court and others that established federal supremacy over conflicting state laws in immigration matters. While regents shelved action on the issue in January, Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-San Diego) pressed forward with the bill, winning overwhelming support for it in the Assembly, 63 to 7, and the Senate, 31 to 8. They plan to take up the issue again next January. The bill would have prohibited UC, CSU and California community colleges from disqualifying any student for campus job opportunities due to their failure to provide proof of federal work authorization. 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. No one injured after truck slams into house in Terre Haute TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) No one is hurt after a truck slammed into a house in Terre Haute on Saturday afternoon. The accident happened at West Rigney Drive and Judith Lane in Terre Haute, around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Vigo County Sheriffs Office believes that the driver veered off the road, through the grass before striking the home. According to a Facebook post, deputies report the driver of the vehicle was transported to the Vigo County Jail and booked for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. Deputies told WTWO that no one was injured, and all residents were accounted for. This is an ongoing investigation with the Vigo County Sheriffs 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 MyWabashValley.com. No option but to cut winter fuel help - Jo Stevens Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said the UK had inherited a "dire economic situation" from the previous Conservative government [Getty Images] Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has said "we have been left with no alternative" when challenged about Labour's policy to cut the winter fuel allowance. The Cardiff Central MP was speaking from Liverpool at the start of the Labour Party Conference. "We have inherited a dire economic situation from the Conservative government," Stevens told the BBC's Politics Wales. "The first line of our manifesto on which we were elected - with an enormous mandate, including in Wales - where we won 27 of the 32 seats - was to bring economic stability to the country." "We can only fix the foundations if we sort that out and we have to make some tough decisions early on," she said. Stevens added that there were eligible pensioners in Wales who were not claiming pension credit, which was worth on average over 3,900 a year. Cutting winter fuel payments is expected to affect 400,000 homes in Wales [Getty Images] "MPs across Wales are working to make sure, along with colleagues in councils and Welsh government, that people who are eligible apply for it." According to UK government estimates, the decision by Sir Keir Starmer's new Labour government to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners is expected to affect 400,000 homes in Wales. The change will mean that only those pensioners receiving pension credits or other benefits will be eligible for the payment, which is worth up to 300. Stevens also responded to comments by First Minister Eluned Morgan who likened her influence on Starmer to her influence on Donald Trump. Speaking to Welsh programme Y Byd yn ei Le on S4C, Morgan said: "Let us not overstate my influence" on the UK Labour leader and prime minister. Asked why she had not called Starmer to ask for a rethink on winter fuel payment cuts, she said: "I could call on Donald Trump to do things too." First Minister Eluned Morgan said she had no more influence on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer than she did on Donald Trump [PA Media] Stevens dismissed any suggestion that this showed little respect between the two governments. "If you just look at what's happened in the last 12 weeks, the relationship between UK government and Welsh government has completely transformed," Stevens insisted. "We've made a number of announcements around north Wales rail for example, where we're going to be increasing the number of trains by 50%. "I've worked closely with Welsh government in relation to Tata and the better deal that as a UK government we have achieved for the Tata workforce. "And the announcement I made in July, within weeks of coming into office, about 13.5m for a transition board to help workers affected by the transition in Port Talbot and downstream. "There are lots of areas where we're working together." Analysis by political reporter Teleri Glyn Jones Welsh Labour will have plenty to discuss as they congregate in Liverpool at their first UK Labour conference since a landslide victory at the general election. After promising a reset to the relationship between the UK and Welsh governments under the Labour banner, First Minister Eluned Morgan raised eyebrows this week by saying she had no more influence on Sir Keir Starmer than she did on Donald Trump. But this week is a chance to change that. With other parties like Reform and Plaid Cymru fielding a real challenge to Labour's century-long dominance of Wales at the next Senedd election in 2026, Morgan will be using the party conference to impress upon her Westminster colleagues the need for her to deliver. Waiting lists are at a record high and public services in Wales, like social care, transport and schools, need investment. Can she convince the prime minister that he has as much to lose as she does if Labour falls at the next political hurdle? Related Stories RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed legislation Friday that allocates several hundred million dollars to an expanded private school voucher program and orders sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigrant agents looking for people in the country illegally who have been brought into county jails. Cooper's veto was anticipated the Democratic governor is a longtime critic of spending taxpayer dollars to help families send their K-12 children to private and religious schools. The bill in part funds grants for this fall for children from families at all income levels who qualify. Cooper had already vetoed two previous versions of the immigration bill in 2019 and 2022. Unlike those previous years, when enough Democrats were seated at the General Assembly to uphold Coopers vetoes, Republicans now hold narrow veto-proof majorities in both chambers. Cooper had vetoed 27 bills since 2023 before Friday. Twenty-six have been overridden, and the other veto is poised to be overturned, too. After floor votes last week to approve this latest vetoed bill, legislative leaders said they likely would consider additional overrides in the fall. They would have to act by year's end or lawmakers would have to start over and advance a new bill. Cooper would need support from some Republicans to succeed. There is still time to stop the expansion of private school vouchers," Cooper said at a news conference surrounded by educators and current and former elected officials from rural counties. "Wealthy people will never let their private school vouchers be taken away if we dont stop it now. The vetoed measure combined the two provisions within a supplemental spending bill that also included $377 million for Medicaid and $160 million to address enrollment growth in public schools and community colleges. House and Senate GOP leaders signed off on the compromise bill earlier this month. The two chambers had been unable to agree on broad adjustments to the second year of the two-year state budget before they adjourned this year's chief work session in late June. The compromise legislation transfers $463.5 million more to the state's Opportunity Scholarship program for this school year and next in order to eliminate a waitlist of roughly 54,000 children. It's the result of a large increase in applications for this school year as legislators in 2023 did away with income limits on families to qualify. There were otherwise enough funds available for scholarships for over 45,000 new student applicants and past recipients, nearly all of whom are in low- and middle-income families, according to the state budget office. Republicans said earlier this year that providing full funding for these scholarships was a top priority. But House Speaker Tim Moore said later that the GOP caucus also wanted any legislation to include additional funds for public schools. Legislators previously agreed to spend roughly $12 billion for K-12 public education this fiscal year. The bill bolsters our states growing public schools and gives parents a greater say in their childs educational environment, Senate leader Phil Berger said in a news release after the veto, adding it was past time for Cooper "to acknowledge that North Carolina can have both a well-funded public school system and robust school choice options. The program is now supposed to be universal, meaning even students from the richest families would get scholarship payments, albeit smaller amounts than poorer families. Cooper and speakers from rural areas of the state argued Friday that the expanded program would devastate public schools over time, particularly in small counties, when they miss out on per-pupil funding should students go to private schools instead. The bill also adjusts upward planned annual giving by the legislature to the Opportunity Scholarship, reaching $800 million annually by the early 2030s. The veto protects every child's right to a quality public education, Washington County Schools board Chair Carlos Riddick said. Our public schools are the cornerstone of the opportunity and we must invest in them, not dismantle them. The bill also tells county sheriffs to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers that identify jail inmates believed to be in the country unlawfully and who have been charged with the most serious crimes. Those inmates would be held up to 48 hours under a judicial officials order so ICE agents could pick them up. Republican advocates of the immigration provisions say theyre necessary because several sheriffs in predominantly Democratic counties are disregarding ICE detainers, threatening public safety. Opponents argue it would unconstitutionally target North Carolinas Hispanic population, harming families and reducing trust in local law enforcement. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Several top staffers in North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's campaign for governor have quit their posts, marking more fallout from a CNN report outlining evidence that he made disturbing posts on a pornography websites message board more than a decade ago. The campaign said in a news release Sunday that senior adviser Conrad Pogorzelski III, campaign manager Chris Rodriguez, the campaign's finance director and the deputy campaign manager have stepped down from their roles with the campaign. Information on new campaign staffers would be forthcoming soon, the release said. I appreciate the efforts of these team members who have made the difficult choice to step away from the campaign, and I wish them well in their future endeavors," Robinson said in the release. Pogorzelski, who helped Robinson get elected lieutenant governor in 2020 in his first bid for public office and later became his chief of staff, said separately on Sunday that additional staffers also left the campaign the deputy finance director, two political directors and the director of operations. Pogorzelski, in a text, said that he along with others from the campaign have left of our own accord. The CNN report on Thursday unearthed past posts it said Robinson left on a porn sites message boards in which he referred to himself as a black NAZI;" said he enjoyed transgender pornography; said in 2012 he preferred Hitler to then-President Barack Obama; and slammed the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as worse than a maggot. Robinson denied writing the posts and said Thursday that he wouldnt be forced out of the race by salacious tabloid lies. He avoided directly discussing the controversy during a gubernatorial campaign event on Saturday evening at a race track in Fayetteville. The event happened after earlier in the day former President Donald Trump didn't mention Robinson at a rally about 90 miles (145 kilometers) away in Wilmington. Before Saturday, Robinson had been a frequent presence at Trumps North Carolina campaign stops. The Republican presidential nominee has long praised Robinson who would be North Carolina's first Black governor if elected calling him Martin Luther King on steroids for his speaking style. On Sunday, Robinson still expressed optimism that he could win in November over Democratic nominee Josh Stein, the sitting attorney general. Polls have shown Robinson trailing Stein. But Robinson said polls have underestimated Republican support in North Carolina for several cycles, and with a large portion of the electorate undecided I am confident our campaign remains in a strong position to make our case to the voters and win on November 5. Robinson has a long history of making inflammatory comments, including suggesting women who sought abortion werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down and comparing abortion to slavery. Stein said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that Robinson is utterly unqualified, unfit to be the governor of North Carolina, and were going to do everything in our power to keep that from happening. Polls show Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris locked in a close race in North Carolina and nationally. Democrats have seized on the opportunity to highlight Trumps ties to Robinson, with billboards showing the two together and a new ad from Harris campaign highlighting the Republican candidates ties, as well as Robinsons support for a statewide abortion ban without exceptions. On Sunday, Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina, said on NBCs Meet the Press that Robinson deserves a chance to defend himself against the allegations, which Graham described as unnerving. He said Robinson is a political zombie if he does not offer a defense to this thats credible, while arguing the issue wouldnt hurt Trump. If theyre true, hes unfit to serve for office, Graham said of Robinson and the claims in the CNN report. If theyre not true, he has the best lawsuit in the history of the country for libel. __ Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report. Coming this fall, residents in Stockholm wont have to endure the hour-long commute by car or train between Ekero, a popular suburb, and central Stockholm, home to the historic City Hall. Instead, they can jump on a 30-passenger ferry and make the journey in half the time, all while helping to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. This isnt your run-of-the-mill diesel ferry. Its the P-12, an electric ferry that hovers just above the surface of the water, like a landspeeder straight out of Star Wars. Created by Candela, a Swedish company thats been finetuning the technology since 2016, the P-12 uses a hydrofoil to lift the boat above the waters surface, reducing drag and the amount of energy needed to operate it. The hydrofoil system cuts energy consumption by 80% compared to fossil fuel-powered vessels, says Gustav Hemming, vice president of the Regional Executive Board in Stockholm who is responsible for sea-bound public transport. That number is obviously huge, and a game-changer for waterborne transport. Its not just better for the environment a 2022 study by Stockholms KTH Royal Institute of Technology found that the P-12 emits 97.5% less carbon dioxide emissions than diesel ferries but also allegedly gives a smoother ride, what Hemming describes as a magic carpet experience. Rendering of the futuristic electric ferries planned for San Francisco Bya. Aurora Marine Design By flying above the water, the P-12s hull is lifted above the friction from the water, he says. That means less noise, a steadier ride, and none of the diesel fumes that keeps some people away from ferry travel. The foil technology works much like aircraft wings that provide lift as water flows over them and creates a pressure difference, Hemming adds. Stockholm wont be the only city with these futuristic ferries. Candelas P-12s will soon be operating in Berlin, Germany, and eight vessels are being built for NEOM, Saudi Arabias $1.5 trillion megacity project for the ultrarich, with a 2025 delivery date. Candela reps were even in New York this past August, offering test rides out of New York Harbor and meeting with potential customers. Could this mean floating ferries are coming to Manhattan soon? Hemming is tight-lipped, saying only that theyre in talks with many private operators around the world, including New York. And if it happens, hypothetically, a P-12 trip between Hoboken Terminal and Chelsea Market would take less than three minutes, as opposed to the current half hour journey by car or train. The electric ferry journey from Staten Island to lower Manhattan, which currently takes around 25 minutes, could be done in 11. The Maid of the Mist is an electrified ferry that takes visitors around and under Niagara Falls. Maid of the Mist Electric ferries which run on battery packs charged on land rather than diesel arent exactly new. Norway introduced the worlds first electric ferry service in 2015. And Finlands ferry system went all-electric in 2017. But the last few years has seen a boom in ferry innovation, with all-electric fleets popping up in countries like Spain, India, Portugal, Denmark, Thailand, and New Zealand. The electric ship market, worth about $4.3 billion globally this year, is projected to grow to nearly $17 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. The US has been slow to join the electric ferry revolution. The nations first electric ferry was introduced in Gees Bend, Ala., in 2019, and it didnt exactly capture the countrys imagination. Several other cities and states have been working to introduce e-ferries, including Washington State, which (after repeated delays because of unexpected costs over the past few years) may finally get their first electric fleet in 2028. Gees Bend Ferry, the nations first electric ferry introduced in Alabama in 2019. Gee's Bend Ferry New York has had similar problems getting their electric ferry initiatives off the ground, despite being a prime candidate for the technology. The city has set an ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. And Niagara Falls, just seven hours north, has offered a template of whats possible, launching their first all-electric tourist ferries back in 2020. There were promising signs in 2022, when New York Cruise Lines announced a partnership with the Swedish company Green City Ferries. Together, they would build The Beluga24, a high-speed, zero-emission, low-wake ferry capable of holding 147 passengers and 28 bicycles, which would debut at New York Harbor by the spring of 2024. But the launch date came and went, and no ferry materialized. Candelas P-12s ferries will soon be operating in Berlin, Germany, and eight vessels are being built for NEOM in Saudi Arabia. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images We were a bit too early in New York, says Hans Thornell, Green City Ferries founder and CEO. (Reps from New York Cruise Lines declined to comment.) He says there were problems with the Harbors charging infrastructure, and it became increasingly difficult to obtain batteries that met the MADE IN USA rules. Thornell is referring to the century-old Jones Act, which stipulates that all boats that transport goods between American ports must be manufactured in the US. Our Swedish battery supplier Echandia has recently set up a production facility in Washington State, he says. Now were just looking for an investor whos interested in emission-free commuting on water. Norways Estelle, the worlds first fully autonomous emission-free ferry. Zeabuz Not everybody is enthusiastic about the possibilities. Joan Sammon, founder of a boutique oil and gas advisory firm, says that most supporters of environmentally friendly travel options like to pretend that the technology is being built by union workers in Michigan. Far from that reality, the battery industry upon which U.S. and global consumers rely for its green battery technology, including ferries, is almost entirely controlled by China, a Communist country with a stunningly poor record of upholding environmental standards. Even ensuring that all the parts and manufacturing are ethically sourced, theres still the matter of cost. Patrick Finn, a former maritime technology analyst who now works as a harbormaster in Newport, Maine, says that the reason countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway are leading the electric ferry race is because they have one of the longest running taxation schemes for air pollution. Their governments support cutting edge innovation through grants and encourage companies to take on risk and experiment, he says. At least in some parts of the US, thats starting to change. In California, the San Francisco Bay Ferry, a public transit passenger ferry service which carries around 8,000 passengers every weekday, recently secured an $11 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to build high-speed electric ferries. The Estelle is operated by an AI Captain algorithm, says Zeabuz co-founder and CEO yvind Smogeli. Zeabuz This program will help the United States catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to reducing maritime greenhouse gas emissions, says Tom Hall, the companys director of operations. While the expense of building the first fleet wont be small they hope to launch SF Bay Ferrys first electric vessel commercially in 2026 Hall expects that in the long run, the operational costs of electric vessels will be lower than our current diesel fleet. That may not be true if the technology continues to get more sophisticated. Last summer, Norway tech company Zeabuz unveiled the MF Estelle, the worlds first fully autonomous emission-free ferry. Along with maritime radar, LiDAR, and a maritime-specific AIS transponder, the ferry is operated by an AI Captain algorithm, says Zeabuz co-founder and CEO yvind Smogeli. The hydrofoil system cuts energy consumption by 80% compared to fossil fuel-powered vessels, says ferry expert Gustav Hemming. Mathilda Laestadius The AI Captain is trained using an advanced simulator or virtual world, which includes a wide range of operational scenarios. Its navigation skills are safer and more efficient than the average human captain, Smogeli tells The Post. With over 80% of all accidents at sea being due to human error, an AI Captain does not have to be perfect for it to save a lot of lives. In Denmark, another ground-breaking e-ferry called the Ellen is setting the bar even higher. Introduced in 2019 (at a cost of $23.6 million, about 40% more than traditional ships), the Ellen is capable of traveling further than most electric ferries 22 nautical miles and carrying up to 200 passengers and 30 cars. Its also got a massive amount of power, over 50 times the battery capacity of a Tesla. And according to a BBC report, it could single-handedly reduce CO2 emissions by 2,000 tons every year. But Hemming insists that bigger isnt always better, especially when it comes to electric ferries. Most ferries built for intra-city or coastal transport are capable of carrying 300 or more passengers, he says, but they dont usually fill all of their seats. A rendering of the Beluga, which could one day ply the waters of NYC. Fredrik Thornell/ Green City Ferries In Stockholm, vessels typically carry 10% of their passenger capacity., he says. So fuel and money is spent on shuttling around a lot of empty seats. With the P-12 big enough to carry just 30 passengers, its also more affordable to build, so cities can afford a bigger fleet of ships. Think of the P-12 like a city bus on the water, Hemming says. Sooner or later, he says, electric ferries are coming to cities like New York, and theyre going to change the way people use public transportation. Itll be a paradigm shift in the maritime industry, much like when cars and buses replaced boats in transport, Hemming says. Now its the other way around well see a comeback for transport on our waterways. It has been called disorientating and terrifying, people have been known to cry when they use it and it divides opinions. But Coventry's ring road, a well-used city landmark, passed its 50th anniversary this week. Its notoriety stems from the way drivers have to get on and off the raised concrete roadway at 40mph (64kph) while weaving between other motorists. About 60,000 vehicles use it every day and the anniversary triggered a wave of memories. Kate Evans told BBC CWR she "cried the first time I had to drive to work using it" but added she now loved it and "actually look forward to knowing I have to use it". Another motorist told the station she stopped in the middle of the ring road when she first drove on it as it was too stressful. "I was practicing getting to work and I accidently went on it. When I got off it I was just in floods of tears," she added. Construction of the entire ring road took more than 12 years [Getty Images] But plenty of drivers have praised Coventry's concrete collar with Chris Burrell saying that prior to its completion on 19 September 1974, getting around the city was "a nightmare". "Now the traffic normally flows freely and only needs a little consideration for drivers entering and exiting the road for all to be safe and sound," he said. Coventry was famously devastated by a German bombing raid in November 1940. The ring road became part of the city's efforts to repair itself and the 2.25 mile (3.62km) road took more than 12 years to finish. At one stage, in 1969, when the last beam went into the construction, all the workers were given a bottle of beer to celebrate. Bottles of beer were given out to workers when the last concrete beam was put into the ring road [Getty Images] Anthony Evans, a classic car enthusiast, said he remembered when one of the first stretches of the ring road opened. "We all used to go up and down from the Queens Road on this new stretch of ring road, round the island of Foleshill Road and back again, flat out because it went through a tunnel so the sound of a big exhaust sounded quite throaty," he said. Since then, millions of people have driven on the route and some have admitted getting stuck and having to go round two or three times before they were able to get off. One of the issues, according to Neil Campbell, from the Warwickshire-based Jaguar Daimler Trust, is how people drive on it. "It's unusual for being one of the few roads in the UK where you're supposed to drive on the right-hand lane until you get to your exit - something which a lot of people don't do," he said. Classic car enthusiast Anthony Evans said he remembered racing around an early stretch of the ring road when it opened [BBC] It is one of the safest roads in Coventry, according to the city council, but for those not keen on the route, things could have been worse. There were plans for THREE rings roads in the city, the local authority said, but only one was built and made it to 50 years old. Facts about Coventry's ring road The 2.25 miles (3.62km) long ring road has nine junctions and follows the approximate lines of the old city walls Work started on the first section, Moat Street Flyover, Ringway Rudge and Queens, in 1962 The final section, Ringway St. Johns and Ringway St Patrick's, was completed between 1971 and 1974 More than 700 houses were bulldozed to make way for it An early plan for the ring road included going around the railway station but this was later shelved Other early plans were for the raised sections of the ring road to link to rooftop car parks but in the end parking went underneath Under road heating was installed on the first sections of the ring road but this was abandoned due to costs Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links Through a series of meetings with prominent industry leaders held on Sunday, Goyal emphasised the Indian government's commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business and fostering investment opportunities in emerging technologies. In a meeting with Shailendra Singh and Rohit Agarwal, Managing Directors at Peak XV Partners, a leading venture capital and growth investment firm, Goyal highlighted the vibrant landscape of India's startup ecosystem. "Held a meeting with Shailendra Singh and Rohit Agarwal, MDs at @PeakXVPartners, a leading venture capital and growth investment firm. Discussed India's thriving startup ecosystem and the government's efforts to enhance ease of doing business. Also, explored potential opportunities in sectors such as green investments and emerging technologies like AI," Goyal posted on X. https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1837722211563565130 Goyal also met with Sean Chiao, Group CEO of Surbana Jurong, an urban and infrastructure consulting firm. The meeting revolved around Surbana Jurong's plans to contribute to India's rapidly evolving urban and industrial infrastructure landscape. "Met Mr. Sean Chiao, Group CEO, Surbana Jurong in Singapore. We had a productive discussion on the company's plans for India's fast-developing urban and industrial infrastructure sector. India looks forward to closely collaborating with Surbana Jurong in shaping next-generation infrastructure globally", Goyal stated on X. https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1837725524677816746 In a separate meeting with Phua Mei Ming, CEO of HTL International, an upholstered furniture manufacturing company, Goyal discussed India's burgeoning manufacturing sector and vast retail market opportunities it presents. With India's focus on becoming a manufacturing hub under initiatives like "Make in India," Goyal remarked, "Held a meeting with Phua Mei Ming, CEO of HTL International, an upholstered furniture manufacturing company based in Singapore. With immense growth opportunities in India's manufacturing sector and vast retail market, deliberated on India's role in the company's expansion plans." https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1837728306684104713 As India positions itself as a global player in various sectors, including green technologies and manufacturing, these engagements with leading firms underscore the potential for significant bilateral cooperation, ultimately benefitting both economies. (ANI) The number of rhinos is slightly up but poaching has increased too FILE - A black rhino, on the Red List of Threatened Species according to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), eats grass at Nairobi National Park, on the outskirts of Nairobi, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga, File) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) The rhino population across the world has increased slightly but so have the killings, mostly in South Africa, as poaching fed by huge demand for rhino horns remains a top threat, conservationists said in a new report. The number of white rhinos increased from 15,942 in 2022 to 17,464 in 2023, but the black and greater one-horned rhino stayed the same, according to the report published by the International Rhino Foundation ahead of Sunday's World Rhino Day. Another subspecies, the northern white rhino, is technically extinct with only two females being kept in a secure private conservancy in Kenya, known as Ol Pejeta. A trial is ongoing to develop embryos in the lab from an egg and sperm previously collected from white rhinos and transferring it into a surrogate female black rhino. A total of 586 rhinos were killed in Africa in 2023, most of them in South Africa which has the highest population of rhinos at an estimated 16,056. The killings increased from 551 reported in 2022, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. With all five subspecies combined, there are just under 28,000 rhinos left in the world, from 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century. Rhinos face various environmental threats like habitat loss due to development and climate change but poaching, based on the belief that their horns have medicinal uses, remains the top threat. Philip Muruthi, the vice president for species conservation at the Africa Wildlife Foundation, said protection has played a big role in increasing rhino population. In Kenya, their numbers rose from 380 in 1986 to 1,000 last year, he said. "Why has that happened? Because the rhinos were brought into sanctuaries and were protected. Muruthi advocates for a campaign that will end the demand for rhino horn as well as adoption of new technology in tracking and monitoring rhinos for their protection while also educating communities where they live on the benefits of rhinos to the ecosystem and the economy. Known as mega herbivores that mow the parks and create inroads for other herbivores, rhinos are also good for establishing forests by ingesting seeds and spreading them across the parks in their dung. Murithi lamented that the northern white rhino whose only two females are left in the world should have never gotten so close to the brink of extinction. "Dont get the numbers to where its very expensive to recover and we are not even sure that it will happen, he said. The body of the last male northern white rhino named Sudan that died in 2018 has been preserved and displayed at the Museums of Kenya in Nairobi. A research scientist and curator of mammals at the museum, Bernard Agwanda, said preserving Sudan will tell the story of how the species lived among humans and why conservation is important. So we expect that the northern white rhino behind us here is going to live for one or two centuries to be able to tell its story for generations to come, he said. ___ Follow APs Africa coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/africa A New York state resident tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis the first human case of the mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident is hospitalized and state health officials said the county Department of Health is investigating the case, the New York State Department of Health said. The last time there was a human case of eastern equine encephalitis in New York state was 2015. The Ulster County diagnosis is New Yorks first since 2015. CDC A least 10 cases of EEE were confirmed across the United States this year, including a deadly case in New Hampshire. The virus was identified in several horses in New York state, including in Orange, Ulster, Saint Lawrence, Madison, Oneida, Cayuga, Wayne and Washington counties, the state Department of Health said in August. Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but serious disease spread to humans by infected mosquitoes, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control. Although most people infected with the virus will not experience symptoms, health experts warn that early signs of severe cases include headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. New Hampshire dad Joe Casey is currently fighting three mosquito-borne viruses. Courtesy Family About 30% of eastern equine encephalitis cases are deadly, and those who recover from the disease may have neurological impairment. One New Hampshire dad, Joe Casey, 54, was left in the ICU on a ventilator after he tested positive for three mosquito-borne illnesses, his sister-in-law told a local news outlet. He was positive for [eastern equine encephalitis], for West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis, but the CDC, the infectious disease doctors, they dont know which one is making him this sick, she said. Eastern equine encephalitis is a mosquito-borne illness. nataba stock.adobe.com He just got bit by a mosquito and it could happen to anybody. Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious and fatal mosquito-borne disease with no vaccine, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. Mosquitoes, once a nuisance, are now a threat. Its important that we prevent mosquito bites using insect repellants, wearing long-sleeved clothing and removing free-standing water near our homes. Even though temperatures are getting cooler, mosquito-borne illnesses are still a risk and New Yorkers must be cautious. NYC doesnt heart you: 80% of New Yorkers who suffer cardiac arrest die due to slow FDNY response NYC firefighters and medics revived just 20% of all cardiac arrest patients in fiscal 2024, the worst success rate since the FDNY began documenting the statistic more than a decade ago, according to annual Mayor's Management Report released Monday. Four out of five New Yorkers who go into cardiac arrest die as the FDNYs response times to medical emergencies continue to soar. City firefighters and medics revived just 20% of all cardiac-arrest patients during the fiscal year ending June 30, the worst success rate since the FDNY began documenting the statistic more than a decade ago, according to the annual Mayors Management Report. Its absolutely shocking to learn that four out of five cardiac-arrest calls in New York City end in the death of a patient, Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, told The Post. NYC firefighters and medics revived just 20% of all cardiac arrest patients in fiscal 2024, the worst success rate since the FDNY began documenting the statistic more than a decade ago. Robert Miller Combined average response times by FDNY ambulances and fire companies to life-threatening medical emergencies were 10 minutes and three seconds in fiscal 2024, up 13 seconds, or 2.2%, compared to the previous 12 months. Robert Miller New York City needs to address the ever-increasing response times and volume of calls with more resources for the FDNY. We are responding to more life-threatening calls than ever before, slower than we have ever been, and the results are far too often fatal. The FDNY needs to figure out why we cant get fire trucks and ambulances there fast enough, and we need to reverse this trend, Ansbro added. Were talking about literally thousands of lives lost every year . . . and survivability is directly related to response times. For a third straight fiscal year, FDNY firefighters and medics took longer to get to medical emergencies. Combined response times by FDNY ambulances and fire companies to life-threatening medical emergencies were 10 minutes and three seconds in FY 2024, up 13 seconds, or 2.2%, compared to the previous 12 months. Cardiac cases not treated with CPR in eight minutes usually end in death, and brain damage is common if untreated after five minutes, experts say. Survival for cardiac arrest patients could be as high as 90% if treated within the first minutes. The FDNY says NYCs 20% cardiac-arrest survival rate is similar to the national average for EMS crews. FDNY medics and firefighters responded to 633,361 life-threatening medical emergencies including 30,038 cardiac arrests or choking incidents in fiscal 2024, according to the MMR. In fiscal 2019, they handled 567,757 and 26,231, respectively. Response times have jumped because the number of emergency calls are up, staffing is short and resources strained, the head of the union representing city EMTs and paramedics said. Meanwhile, City Halls anti-car agenda has narrowed more streets and changed traffic patterns, slowing down drivers including first responders, added Oren Barzilay, president of Local 2507 of District Council 37. Success rates for all cardiac arrest cases under the Fire Departments old metrics were as high as 35% in fiscal 2019, and 28% in fiscal year 2023, according to past Mayors Management Reports. Getty Images Our men and women do amazing heroic work every day, Barzilay, said. However, we are stretched thin. . . . More resources and personnel are the only solutions at this time. The 20% cardiac-arrest revival rate is alarming, he said. The bleak cardiac-arrest survival rate comes as the FDNY this past year changed how it measured revivals. FDNY medics and firefighters responded to 633,361 life-threatening medical emergencies including 30,038 cardiac arrests and choking incidents combined in fiscal 2024. William Miller The department shifted to a national standard, which counts success as the sustained return of spontaneous circulation or steady heartbeats for patients upon arrival at hospitals, rather than the previous metrics that boosted numbers by counting all cases where spontaneous circulation returned. Success rates under the old metrics were as high as 35% in FY 2019 but dropped to 28% by FY 2023. The latest MMR recalculates the fiscal 2023 statistics using the current national standard method making 2023s survival rate the same dismal 20% rate as FY 2024. For a third straight fiscal year, FDNY firefighters and medics also took longer to get to medical emergencies. Christopher Sadowski FDNY spokeswoman Amanda Farinacci Gonzalez said the citys survival rate is comparable to the national average for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. She also said responding to New Yorkers in need is a top priority of the FDNY, which is why we recently announced several initiatives to help decrease response times including hospital liaison officers, paramedic response units, increased access to telehealth and raising awareness of when to call 911. In recent years, EMS has experienced an explosion in call volume, including in the number of high-priority calls, as well as an increase of transports to the hospital, she added. NYC jury awards $2.78M to au pair who was secretly filmed by creepy chicken mogul NYC jury awards $2.78M to au pair who was secretly filmed by creepy chicken mogul A Manhattan jury has awarded $2.78 million to a petrified au pair who was secretly videotaped by a creepy Staten Island dad and fast-food chicken mogul but the victim is outraged he got only a slap on the wrist from prosecutors. Michael Esposito, 35, recorded hundreds of nude videos of Colombia native Kelly Andrade, 25, then tried to break down her door as she cowered in fear after finding a hidden camera in her bedroom, according to a Brooklyn Federal Court lawsuit. He was arrested in 2021 on a charge of unlawful surveillance, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. But the Staten Island District Attorney and a Staten Island judge instead allowed Esposito to walk, provided he undergo counseling and satisfy two years probation. Its [a probation sentence] not enough for the whole situation Ive been through these three years. Its not enough, Andrade told The Post Thursday before breaking down in tears. I was angry because the damage that he caused me is irreversible. J.C. Rice Its not enough for the whole situation Ive been through these three years. Its not enough, Andrade told The Post before breaking down in tears. I was angry because the damage that he caused me is irreversible. The twisted episode unfolded in 2021. The South American woman underwent hundreds of hours of training before being hired by Cultural Care Au Pair a placement firm and coming to the US, where the company situated her with Esposito, the owner of three LaRosa Grill franchises, and his wife, Danielle. The Espositos were staying in Danielles parents waterfront Tottenville home while their nearby $2.3 million mansion was being renovated. The Espositos gave Andrade a bedroom to sleep in while she cared for their four young kids, but the au pair claimed she kept catching Esposito in her room, fiddling with the ceiling smoke detector, which was constantly being repositioned, according to the lawsuit. Less than three weeks into the job, she examined the smoke detector, finding a camera inside with a memory card filled with hundreds of recordings, many capturing her nude and/or dressing/undressing, she charged in the lawsuit. Within minutes of her finding the device, Esposito showed up at the house. He seemed very nervous and he seemed very worried when he arrived to the house, she recalled. Kelly Andrade, a Colombian native, found the hidden camera in her bedroom and reported Michael Esposito to the police. Provided by Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC Andrade tried to pretend she was sleeping in a bid to get Esposito to leave, but he was banging on the door and she entered fight or flight mode, she previously told The Post. I need to get away, she recounted. She leapt from a first-floor window, injuring her knee in the process. The first night after leaving the Espositos, Andrade slept on the street in a bush, her attorney, Zachary Holzberg told The Post. Andrade reported the incident to cops at the 123rd Precinct, who arrested Esposito March 24, 2021. The Espositos (above, Danielle and Michael) gave Andrade a bedroom to sleep in while she cared for their four young kids, but Andrade claims she kept catching Esposito in her room, fiddling with the smoke detector on the ceiling, according to the federal lawsuit. Facebook But in April 2022 the Staten Island businessman entered into a two-step plea. After successfully completing a year of counseling, Esposito was permitted to withdraw his felony plea and pled down to attempted unlawful surveillance, a misdemeanor, with only two years probation, the Staten Island DAs office said. Andrade and Holzberg wanted Esposito behind bars. At the four-day civil trial this month in Brooklyn Federal Court, Andrade testified for three days. Esposito never took the stand. Right now Im working on myself recovering, Andrade told The Post. J.C. Rice The au pair said she was in shock just to be in the same room as Esposito. Holzberg said he argued that there was no consequence for Esposito, who got probation . . . a slap on the wrist. The attorney added: Despite him doing this, he got to go home to is wife and children in their mansion and shes sleeping on the street. The jury awarded $780,000 in emotional distress damages against both Michael and his wife Danielle Esposito, as well as $2 million in punitive damages against the dad. Right now Im working on myself recovering, Andrade said. It wasnt easy for me to be on a trial. It was a very difficult time for me. It brings back memories that Im trying to forget. Andrade immediately reported the incident to cops at the 123rd Precinct on Staten Island. Provided by Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC Andrade, who lives in New Jersey with her husband of two years, said she is speaking out to encourage many au pairs and also immigrants who have been victims of abuse. Dont keep quiet. Dont be afraid to report your aggressor. Andrade settled her lawsuit with Cultural Care Au Pair last month for an undisclosed sum, court papers show. NYC schools chancellor David Banks had no waiver to benefit brothers business clients Schools Chancellor David Banks never obtained a waiver to meet with vendors who hired his younger brother, Terence, despite a possible conflict of interest, officials told The Post. Public servants are prohibited from taking any official action to benefit any person or firm associated with that public servant, said Carolyn Miller, executive director of the citys Conflicts of Interest Board. No such waiver was granted to Chancellor Banks, who met with Marlon Lindsay, the CEO of a tech-ed company that later collected $1.4 million in taxpayer funds from city schools. Terence Banks consulting firm, Pearl Alliance, had listed Lindsays tech-ed company, 21stCentEd, among its clients. New York schools Chancellor is embroiled in a possible conflict of interest. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office Within a month of hiring Terence, Lindsay landed a private meeting with the schools chancellor in October 2022. Since then, as first reported by The Associated Press, the company was hired for programs to help schools teach artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. The chancellor has refused to answer questions about dealings with his brothers consulting business. The COIB has almost never granted a waiver for a public servant to take an official action to benefit a person or firm that he or she is associated with, Miller said. The latest revelation comes amid at least four corruption investigations into Mayor Eric Adams administration, entangling leaders of the NYPD and Department of Education. David Banks refused to answer questions about his brothers business. Robert Miller This month, the FBI raided the Harlem home that Chancellor Banks shares with his fiancee, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and confiscated both their cell phones. They also seized the phones of Terence Banks and another brother, Philip Banks, Adams deputy mayor for public safety. On Friday, DOE spokesman Nathaniel Styer would not explain why Banks had no COIB waiver to meet with Lindsay, but sought to separate the chancellor from the vendors lucrative gigs, suggesting the hiring of 21stCentEd was out of his hands. All spending on companies owned by Marlon Lindsay have come from district offices or schools at amounts under $25,000 the threshold that would require going through the contract process, he said. This article was originally published in Ohio Capital Journal. The state of Ohio is giving taxpayer money to private, religious schools to help them build new buildings and expand their campuses, which is nearly unprecedented in modern U.S. history. While many states have recently enacted sweeping school voucher programs that give parents taxpayer money to spend on private school tuition for their kids, Ohio has cut out the middleman. Under a bill passed by its Legislature this summer, the state is now providing millions of dollars in grants directly to religious schools, most of them Catholic, to renovate buildings, build classrooms, improve playgrounds and more. The goal in providing the grants, according to the measures chief architect, Matt Huffman, is to increase the capacity of private schools in part so that they can sooner absorb more voucher students. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The capacity issue is the next big issue on the horizon for voucher efforts, Huffman, the Ohio Senate president and a Republican, told the Columbus Dispatch. Huffman did not respond to ProPublicas requests for comment. Following Hurricane Katrina and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, some federal taxpayer dollars went toward repairing and improving private K-12 schools in multiple states. Churches that operate schools often receive government funding for the social services that they offer; some orthodox Jewish schools in New York have relied on significant financial support from the city, The New York Times has found. But national experts on education funding emphasized that what Ohio is doing is categorically different. This is new, dangerous ground, funding new voucher schools, said Josh Cowen, a senior fellow at the Education Law Center and the author of a new book on the history of billionaire-led voucher efforts. For decades, churches have relied on conservative philanthropy to be able to build their schools, Cowen said, or theyve held fundraising drives or asked their diocese for help. Theyve never, until now, been able to build schools expressly on the public dime. This breaks through the myth, said David Pepper, a political writer and the former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party. Pepper said that courts have long given voucher programs a pass, ruling that they dont violate the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state because a publicly funded voucher technically passes through the conduit of a parent on the way to a religious school. With this latest move, though, Ohio is funding the construction of a separate, religious system of education, Pepper said, adding that if no one takes notice, This will happen in other states they all learn from each other like laboratories. The Ohio Constitution says that the General Assembly will secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the state; but no religious or other sect, or sects, shall ever have any exclusive right to, or control of, any part of the school funds of this state. Yet Troy McIntosh, executive director of the Ohio Christian Education Network several of whose schools received the new grants recently told the Lima News that part of the reason for spending these public dollars on the expansion of private schools is that we want to make sure that from our perspective, Christian school options are available to any kid who chooses that in the state. When they were implemented in the 1990s, vouchers in Ohio, like in many places, were limited in scope; they were available only to parents whose children were attending (often underfunded) public schools in Cleveland. The idea was to give those families money that they could then spend on tuition at a hopefully better private school, thus empowering them with what was called school choice. Over the decades, the state incrementally expanded voucher programs to a wider and wider range of applicants. And last year, legislators and Gov. Mike DeWine extended the most prominent of those programs, called EdChoice, to all Ohio families. It was the ultimate victory for Ohios school-choice advocates. The problem, though, was that in many parts of Ohio and other states, especially rural areas, parents cant spend this new voucher money because private schools are either too far away or already at capacity. This, in turn, has become a major political liability for voucher advocates in many states, with rural conservatives becoming increasingly indignant that their tax dollars are being spent on vouchers for upper-middle-class families in far-off metropolitan areas where there are more private schools. In April, the Buckeye Institute, an Ohio-based conservative think tank affiliated with the Koch brothers political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, recognized the problem. In a policy memo, the institute said that it was offering lawmakers additional solutions to address the growing need for classroom space in private and charter schools, given the success of the Ohio EdChoice program. Among its recommendations: draw funding from the Ohio One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, which provides grants of state money for the construction and repair of buildings, as well as other capital projects. Within months, the Legislature did precisely that. Led by Huffman, Republicans slipped at least $4 million in grants to private schools into a larger budget bill. There was little debate, in part because budget bills across the country have become too large to deliberate over every detail and, also, Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers in Ohio. According to an Ohio Legislative Service Commission report, the grants, some of them over a million dollars, then went out to various Catholic schools around the state. ProPublica contacted administrators at each of these schools to ask what they will be using their new taxpayer money on, but they either didnt answer or said that they didnt immediately know. (One of the many differences between public and private schools is that the latter do not have to answer questions from the public about their budgets, even if theyre now publicly funded.) The total grant amount of roughly $4 million this year may seem small, said William L. Phillis, executive director of the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy of School Funding. But, he noted, Ohios voucher program itself started out very small three decades ago, and today its a billion-dollar system. They get their foot in the door with a few million dollars in infrastructure funding, Phillis said. It sets a precedent, and eventually hundreds of millions will be going to private school construction. Mollie Simon contributed research. This story was originally published in ProPublica, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor David Dewitt for questions: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com. Follow Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook and X. Old Hilton Head graves unearth new lessons in how to best teach history in SC | Opinion Seventeen-year-old Jack Gatlin, who took his first breaths as a less than 4-pound premature baby, is breathing new life into an old Hilton Head Island cemetery. He has found 41 unmarked graves in the Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery, and marked each one with a white, metallic cross. It is part of his Eagle Scout project with the islands Scouting America Troop 245. But theres a broader story here. In his new search for bones that have rested beneath Lowcountry oaks since the late 1700s, Jack teaches us all a history lesson. Its a lesson on the value of knowing our past, and how we might best teach it today. Jack will be a breath of fresh air to many, as he is to me, in this era when legislatures want to handcuff history teachers and librarians in increasing skirmishes over what is fact and what is appropriate and who gets to decide it and what students are allowed to learn. Hes got a good mind, and hes using it well, away from this new wave of partisan meddling. Jack was 8 when his grandmother, Angie Greenfield, took him to one of the docent-led tours at the Zion Chapel of Ease historic site on William Hilton Parkway at Folly Field Road. He was 9 when he became a docent himself. Ancient grave markers for the planter elites of Hilton Head have for generations captured the imagination of islanders and visitors. The Baynard Mausoleum that dates to 1846 at one time contained iron caskets that had little windows to see within the spooky remains of a long-lost era. Jack still serves as a docent at other historic sites owned or operated by the Heritage Library, the islands nonprofit history and ancestry research center. And he does reenactments across the state with the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, 1775-1780. He traces his fascination with the American Revolution to Erin Richter, his third-grade teacher at the Hilton Head Elementary School for the Creative Arts. She just made it real, he said. Ever since then, Ive been pretty much utterly fascinated by that era of our countrys history. It is the defining moment of what made our country. Its what made us a country. Its what put us on the worlds stage. But he said it gets little attention compared to the Civil War, even though at our nations bicentennial, a state commission used the rallying cry Battleground of Freedom because of the 168 battles and skirmishes of the American Revolution fought on South Carolina soil. As a child, Jack played the role of Charles Davant Jr., who was an island child in 1781 when his father was mortally wounded near the cemetery in an ambush while returning from a patrol with the patriot militia. Davant was killed by Tories from Daufuskie Island. Hilton Head has a pretty interesting chapter in the American Revolution in how we were kind of almost having a war with Daufuskie, Jack said. As he grew, Jack moved into the role of the senior Davant. That story has the wounded Davant making it back to his Two Oaks Plantation on what is now Leg-O-Mutton Road, and dramatically falling dead into his wifes arms with his 4-year-old son watching. Work to recognize the then-overgrown sites place in history began in the 1950s. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest tombstones in the cemetery now are for Davants, but the wooden chapel is long gone. The Heritage Library is trying to tell its stories, and Jacks project to mark where more of the bodies are buried is a help, said executive director Barbara Catenaci. A private grant funded the professional whose ground-penetrating radar identified the unmarked graves. We will never know who they are, but we have paid them respect, Catenaci said. The project may pay dividends for Jack, too. The Hilton Head Island High School senior wants to become a history teacher, one who prefers stories of people to endless recitations of dates and wars. Im not interested in the weapon, but who was carrying it, he said. Im interested in the people. We are story-telling animals. History is the greatest story ever told. You have to tell it as a story. David Lauderdale may be reached at lauderdalecolumn@gmail.com. Up to one million people wrongly classed as too sick to work Up to a million people have been wrongly categorised as too sick to work when they are willing and able to get a job, according to new analysis. The study by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) found that joblessness in Britain is nearly twice as high as official figures suggest, owing to a surge in so-called hidden unemployment. The CSJ found at least 800,000 people who are out of work but want to get a job were missing from the headline unemployment rate in 2022 many of them likely stuck on long-term sickness benefits. Analysts said this figure could now have reached 1m amid a rise in the unemployment rate, which has climbed to 4.1pc from a low of 3.6pc two years ago. Hidden unemployment refers to people who want a job and are capable of doing one, but who are not actively looking for work and are therefore not counted in the official unemployment rate. Trushar Pandya, head of data and analysis at the CSJ, warned that real unemployment is likely nearer 2.5m, not less than 1.5m of working age people. There were 1.4m people unemployed in the three months to July, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This number covers everyone out of work and actively seeking employment. Meanwhile 9.3m working-age people are classified as economically inactive not in a job but not actively seeking employment either. This group includes early retirees, stay at home parents, students and the long-term sick, with many on benefits even if they do not seek work. The CSJ analysed survey responses from these economically inactive people, and concluded that up to 1m of them want to do a job and are therefore wrongly categorised. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the Government must do more to get people back into work. He said: Too many people on sickness benefits are written off, he said, adding that the current benefits system did not have the right incentives for people to even start looking. The former work and pensions secretary added: Just let them go to work, for Gods sake. Help them get into work, get better pay, and then they will come off benefits naturally. Mr Pandya said many people in this group of hidden unemployed lived in areas that had been left behind. He said: The problem is that a lot of these people live disproportionately in parts of the country that are deindustrialised areas. Theyre in seaside towns, theyre in inner cities, as a consequence, while headline rates of unemployment suggest joblessness is quite low, these figures paint a very mixed picture across the country. It added that many forgotten seaside towns were now being used to house recently-arrived migrants, which was exacerbating the concentration of unemployed and inactive people in certain parts of the country. In an upcoming report, the CSJ will say: This means that they have become locations where local government and markets have tended to put recently arrived migrants and refugees as well as the unemployed owing to cost pressures; all of whom are vulnerable to becoming incapacitated. The think tank is urging the Government to continue to invest in programmes such as Universal Support, which offers tailored help for the long term sick and disabled. Economic inactivity has surged since lockdown amid a rise in the number of people signed off work for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The number of working age people neither in work nor looking for a job owing to ill health currently stands at 2.8m people. The report said the benefits to the taxpayer of getting people back to work are huge. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the Governments tax and spending watchdog, has calculated that every person on incapacity benefits who moves from welfare to work reduces pressure on taxpayers by 10,900. One in 10 adults of working age are now on sickness benefits, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). The number of people aged 16 to 64 claiming incapacity, disability benefits or both jumped from 2.8m before the pandemic to 3.9m now, with the surge driven by more claims by young people and a rapid rise in mental health-related claims among all ages. Women also make up a rising share of disability claims. 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. One person arrested for operating an illegal massage parlor in North Syracuse NORTH SYRACUSE N.Y. (WSYR-TV) One person has been arrested for operating an illegal massage parlor in North Syracuse. On Thursday, September 19 members of the Cicero police department and New York State Police executed a search warrant at SF Spa on east Taft Road. Latest local news The police department began to receive complaints about the massage parlor and its suspicious activity and began an investigation into the allegations. Their investigation revealed the sole worker was not licensed to perform massages and was involved in illegal prostitution activity. 47-year-old Yinhong Fei was arrested and later released on appearance tickets. Fei is ordered to return to Cicero town 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 WSYR. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement, during his recent visit to Singapore, of the establishment of the Invest India office in the city-state. The Singapore office will act as a dedicated point of contact for regional companies looking to invest in India, fostering collaboration across sectors. As Invest India's first overseas office, it will provide comprehensive support to Singaporean investors in various areas. In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted that this significant move reinforces India's commitment to deepening investment partnerships and making it easier for global investors to engage with India. Speaking at the event, Minister Goyal said, "Singapore is a key strategic partner for India, and this office marks a new chapter in our efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with Singapore and the broader ASEAN region. We plan to open more overseas Invest India offices in the coming months, aiming to provide global investors with seamless access to India's dynamic and growing economy." Separately, the minister wrote on social media platform X, "Investing in a stronger partnership. Proud to inaugurate the @InvestIndia Singapore office today. This marks a pivotal moment in strengthening economic ties and unlocking vast investment opportunities between India and Singapore. It is a significant step towards fostering global partnerships and driving shared prosperity." Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, established as a non-profit initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. As part of the "Make in India" campaign, Invest India enables and supports investors in launching, operating, and expanding their businesses in India. Invest India serves as a one-stop centre created to attract and retain high-quality investments in the country. It offers investors comprehensive facilitation services, including strategic business advisory, policy guidance, location assessment, issue resolution, and expansion support. (ANI) ROME, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) A former Oneida County pastor will spend three years behind bars in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Latest local news According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York, 59-year-old James Swanson of Rome admitted that in March of 2022, he uploaded several videos of child pornography to a cloud storage account under his control. Additionally, Swanson said that for years he would periodically purge his collection of child pornography before eventually accessing, viewing, and downloading more. Documents filed in the United District Court say that Swanson was a pastor for decades. Swanson most recently served as the pastor of Rome Wesleyan Church. A 15-year term of supervised release was also implemented by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes, which Swanson will begin serving after his release from prison. Also after being released, Swanson will be required to register as a sex offender. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Have playgrounds become too safe? Even if your answer is no, you probably understand why the question is sometimes asked. In recent decades, the scraping of sneakers has gone mute against spongy rubber. Slides have shrunk in size and monkey bars have begun to disappear altogether. With an eye toward eliminating injury, it seems we also may have eliminated some of the adventure in being a kid. But this piece isnt about playgrounds where children run and scream and wrestle with one another its about school libraries, where they sit and whisper and wrestle with ideas. These institutions suffer from a parallel condition the disappearing of books perceived as harmful to young minds. Again in the name of protecting kids, we risk sanitizing what are supposed to be playgrounds for their intellects. Children need access to diverse perspectives to grow, and that includes those that are unpopular or uncomfortable. Just as falling off a swing can serve as a lesson, so can a challenging encounter with a book. Today we are too quick pull out the blunt tools of censorship and deny children that valuable experience. The bulldozer is en route before we have even dusted them off. Children need access to diverse perspectives to grow, guest columnist writes and that includes those that are unpopular or uncomfortable. Just as falling off a swing can serve as a lesson, so can a challenging encounter with a book. Sunday is the start of Banned Books Week in libraries and bookstores across the country. There is perhaps no better way to observe this cautionary holiday than by picking a book off a list of frequently challenged titles. Admittedly, youll find some that are risque nobody said all books were appropriate for all ages. But youll also recognize names such as Mark Twain, Toni Morrison and, amusingly, George Orwell. OPINION: Worried about porn in libraries? Do you know what your child is looking at on their phone? Respectfully, what is a library without these authors? Probably not one worth visiting. To take it further, what is a library that contains only books that reinforce the worldviews of every student and their parents? Empty. In a climate where parents are wary of the values and ideas their children might encounter in school, what we need is trust trust in educators to judge a books basic age appropriateness and trust in children to evaluate the perspective contained within. In writing this, I was fortunate to get feedback from Dana Meister, a recently elected Oklahoma City Public Schools school board member (also, my co-manager at Full Circle Bookstore). As someone who lives and breathes books, shes averse to bans, but she wants parents to know a school library isnt a free-for-all, either. When elected to the school board, I was able to discuss this hot-button topic with our district media specialist, Meister said. I found that the books placed in school libraries go through several rounds of reading and discussion. Each book is categorized by age and grade level appropriateness. Parents can sleep a little easier knowing there is a process in place to keep books for teenagers out of elementary schools. But for those who want a deeper understanding of it, Meister invites them to open a conversation. I would encourage parents to take notice of the books your children are reading, and if they do not meet the mores of your family, to take the book to the librarian and discuss the issue with them, Meister said. We are all in this together, and we want nothing more than to be good stewards of our children and their education. Steven Zoeller Steven Zoeller is manager and event coordinator at Full Circle Bookstore in Oklahoma City. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OPINION: It's Banned Books Week. Read a book on the 'challenged' list Critics of college and university responses to campus antisemitism have a simple solution. This isnt rocket science, Sen. JD Vance said recently. Just enforce the law. Last spring, 27 Republican senators demanded that the Biden administration direct federal law enforcement to restore order and protect Jewish students against antisemitic, pro-terrorist mobs. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott insisted that pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Texas belong in jail, shortly before police arrested 57 people engaged in a peaceful and lawful protest. New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged local college presidents to let police intervene, telling them, Soon as one tent comes up, take that tent down. And a number of Senate Democrats, particularly those in tight races, have joined in the call for police to enforce the law. Over 3,100 student protesters were arrested last spring, and arrests have begun again with the start of fall classes. Responding to the pressure, many colleges and universities have tightened time, place and manner restrictions on protest activity and adopted a system of progressive discipline, with warnings for initial violations and suspensions, arrests and expulsion for continued noncompliance. Cornell University warned students that acts of violence, extended occupation of buildings, or destruction of property (including graffiti)will be subject to immediate public safety response. The get-tough approach calls to mind H.L. Menckens observation that every human problem has a solution that is neat, plausible, and wrong. As the ACLU stated recently, calling armed police into a campus protest environment, even a volatile one, can escalate, not calm, the tensions on campus. The day after vowing at a congressional hearing to respond aggressively to campus antisemitism, Columbias president, Minouche Shafik, asked police to disband a pro-Palestinian encampment. More than 100 students were arrested, but the encampment was quickly rebuilt. Tensions escalated, culminating in a violent clash between police and protesters occupying a campus building. Columbias use of force prompted a faculty vote of no confidence in the president and condemnations from both the left (for an excessive response) and the right (for failing to maintain order). Shafik resigned several months later. Nearly 50 colleges and universities followed Columbias lead and summoned police to shut down encampments. What has received less attention is that 97 percent of these campus protests have been peaceful. The use of stun grenades, rubber bullets, tear gas and zip ties to arrest peaceful protesters, moreover, divided campuses and alumni and sparked a series of faculty votes of no confidence in campus leaders. In the meantime, the criminal charges against most of those arrested were dismissed. It may be an overstatement to suggest that summoning the police almost always backfires, but the history of failure and tragedy from mass arrests during the Berkeley Free Speech movement to the National Guard shooting and killing four students at Kent State in 1970 makes clear that calling the police should be a last resort. Even so, last does not mean never. Colleges and universities have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of their communities and to prevent undue disruption to their teaching and research missions. What this means in practice will vary widely. Large urban universities in major media markets with many outside agitators face different challenges than do small rural colleges. Elite institutions dominated by progressive students and faculty will find protests more frequent and harder to manage than less selective and more conservative schools. Size matters. Sending in a few police officers to quietly remove a handful of disruptive demonstrators is unlikely to cause a campus crisis. Sending in hundreds of them in riot gear to take down a large but peaceful encampment almost certainly will. If protests are peaceful, administrators should rely on ordinary campus disciplinary processes to enforce their rules. Timing is everything. Being overly prescriptive about what administrators will and wont do may well tie their hands. Even disruptive protests can be tolerated if they are unlikely to last. Campus leaders should consider waiting out demonstrators if they peacefully occupy a building three days before the Thanksgiving break or if the end of the semester is near. Leadership and communication are important. If student leaders are responsible, and administrators are prepared to work with them, excesses on both sides are more likely to be avoided. At Michigan State University, for example, the president allowed students to apply for and receive a permit allowing their encampment to remain, if it didnt disturb classes or other essential activities. Preparation should begin long before protests start. Administrators should build relationships with student leaders, enlist trusted faculty as intermediaries, train staff in de-escalation techniques and clearly communicate applicable policies. When protests get out of hand, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each campus will have to find its own best practice. Glenn C. Altschuler is the Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Emeritus Professor of American Studies at Cornell University. David Wippman is emeritus president of Hamilton 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. When I was young, back in the late 1960s, my moms dad, a CPA by trade, owned a couple of cherry orchards. When the cherries got ripe, they needed to be picked within a two- or three-week window, hauled to the packing plant and shipped off to various destinations around the United States. Grandpa never made much money off the orchards, but they had been in his family since pioneer days. Grandpas workforce consisted of me and my friends, other kids looking for summer employment and a few stay-at-home moms seeking to supplement tight family budgets. Picking cherries was hot work, which is why we started at first light and worked till early afternoon, and it was not very lucrative. We were paid a few cents a pound, but if we worked hard, we could earn some much-desired spending money. When I turned 16 and was old enough to drive, I was promoted to orchard manager. Then I got to supervise the younger kids, many of whom were either goof-offs or started strong in the cool of the morning but fizzled when the sun rose in the sky. When I graduated from high school, I left home for college, then an LDS mission, and then more college. When my dad retired, he took over the orchard from my grandpa. I can remember a conversation we had about the cherries one summer. Times had changed. He couldnt find any local kids willing to pick cherries anymore, so he had to hire the Mexicans, as he called them. They were migrant farm workers, likely in the country illegally, but without them the fruit would have rotted on the trees. The upside was that they worked very hard and were very efficient. They could clean a tree a lot faster than we suburban kids ever could have. Ive thought a lot recently about my early cherry-picking days and my dad having to hire migrant laborers because no local kids were willing to do hot, sweaty work that didnt pay all that well. Why? Because Donald Trump is threatening to deport millions of people who are in the country illegally. Two recent articles one in The New York Times and one in Mother Jones have delved into the ramifications of mass deportation that Trump and many of his followers obviously dont understand. Trumps rhetoric paints these immigrants as poisoning the blood of our country, but consider the following statistics detailed in the Mother Jones article: Half of all farmworkers in the U.S. are undocumented. (How much do you really want to pay for a peach or a gallon of milk or a head of lettuce?) One quarter of workers who process meat, fish and poultry are undocumented. (How much do you want to pay for a pound of hamburger?) 350,000 undocumented immigrants work in health care. (Whos going to empty your bedpan when you end up in the hospital?) One in five undocumented workers (about 1.4 million people) are employed in construction. With the industry already needing a half-million more workers, mass deportations would pretty much crater the industry. (You think housing prices are through the roof now? Just wait.) Unauthorized workers pay $13 billion a year into the Social Security system, even though they receive no benefits. In 2022, undocumented households paid $35.1 billion in taxes. (Maybe Trump doesnt care about the federal debt, but I do.) During the pandemic, more than 5 million undocumented immigrants were employed in essential industries. Trump claims that undocumented immigrants are stealing Black jobs, but the unemployment rate has been at historic lows. It appears they are not stealing anyones job. They are picking the cherries that American citizens refuse to pick. Because undocumented workers not only harvest our produce and build our houses and staff our health-care facilities but also pay taxes and purchase goods and services, the New York Times article points out that simply deporting them will do a lot more than tear families apart (many undocumented workers have spouses and children who are U.S. citizens). For every one million unauthorized immigrant workers seized and deported from the United States, 88,000 U.S. native workers (will be) driven out of employment. As Brian Turmail of the Associated General Contractors of America put it, You cant build things in the United States without people to build them. Representative Greg Casar of Texas was more blunt: The economy would collapse. Fortunately, it is very unlikely that Trump will be able to pull off his mass deportation. It will be like the wall he didnt build. But that wont stop Americans from voting for him because they like his reckless rhetoric. Roger Terry is a writer and retired editor who lives in Orem, Utah. Amid revelations of spy scandals and disinformation campaigns, foreign interference in U.S. elections is a very real worry. In 2016, Russia seeking to influence the U.S. election was shocking; now its practically routine. New proposed federal rules would tighten requirements for disclosing foreign agents operating in the U.S. They are needed. Congress first passed the Foreign Agent Registration Act back in 1938 to expose Nazi activity in the U.S. This summer, the Biden Justice Department released new draft rules to update the laws enforcement. They require more registration and reporting for lawyers, lobbyists, nonprofits and multinational companies and their executives operating in the U.S. with foreign funding. Just this month, the Justice Department indicted employees of the Russian-controlled media outlet RT who were directing a $10 million disinformation network in the U.S. The department also indicted former Trump adviser Dimitri Simes for working for a sanctioned Russian state-owned TV network and laundering money to hide it. Its not just Russia. Iran hacked the Trump campaign and tried to hack the Harris campaign, as well as the WhatsApp accounts of the Biden and Trump administrations. The Chinese Spamouflage scheme uses social media accounts to manipulate U.S. political discourse. Proposed updates to Justice Department rules would combat such attacks by increasing the number of organizations subject to registering as foreign agents, as well as imposing some mild administrative burdens on them. If that sounds insufficient given the quickening pace of foreign interference today, heres a word of caution: There is a growing global pattern of foreign agent laws being used to suppress civil society, silence dissent and imprison dissidents. Starting in Russia and spreading around the world, these laws have become part of the authoritarian playbook for dismantling democracy. Vladimir Putins 2012 foreign agent law was passed to suppress protests against his return to power. It targeted independent foreign-funded nongovernmental organizations that engaged in political activity, requiring that they register as foreign agents, identify themselves as such in all publications, and undergo audits. By 2017, the law was being used against media organizations. Then its net was progressively widened, first to cover any private individuals or groups receiving any foreign funding which published printed, audio, audio visual or other reports and materials, and then Russian citizens who reported or shared information on crime, corruption, the military, space and security services or their employees. As intended, this stifled dissent, shut down civil society and press freedom, and bolstered autocracy. And it became an export. Some 60 countries followed suit, adopting foreign agent laws on Russias model. This year, for example, the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party rammed a foreign agent law through parliament requiring that nongovernmental organizations with foreign funding register on a public database as organizations serving the interests of a foreign power. Tens of thousands of Georgians protested what they called the Russian law, recognizing it as a move toward tyranny. Subsequently, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that his Georgian Dream party planned to abolish opposition parties. I live in Bulgaria, a NATO and European Union member state and a U.S. ally, where a similar foreign agent law was recently introduced by pro-Russian forces. It was just tabled in committee, but its not the first time the bill has been introduced and it wont be the last. It would require nearly anyone receiving at least roughly $600 from a foreign source to register as a foreign agent. Foreign source is so broadly defined as to include not only foreign governments but companies, foundations, non-profits, civic organizations, international organizations and even your Aunt Ivanka who emigrated years earlier. If any source abroad sent you any sort of funding a stipend, a scholarship, payment for a workshop you could be branded a foreign agent and severely restricted. That means no teaching, no providing social services, no disseminating information, no making art. The law would ensnare virtually anyone involved in international cooperation or exchange, which would threaten the existence of civil society organizations, including (not incidentally) the American University in Bulgaria, where I serve as president. The university is now 30 years old. Each year it graduates future leaders committed to democracy, a new generation prepared to push back against authoritarianism. Its an example of how in many countries, international cooperation and exchange is the lifeblood of civil society. Once cut off by onerous foreign agent laws, cultural exchange and independent thinking itself wither and die. In the U.S., were right to be vigilant and vigorous in combatting foreign election interference. But we should remember that were not the only country targeted by autocratic regimes. Happily, U.S. democracy is robust. Even while confronting the problem, we can still encourage international dialogue and hear other voices. We are able to maintain international exchanges while keeping our civil society strong and our political discourse open and free. Other countries arent so fortunate. The U.S. needs to help them temper autocratic and xenophobic impulses, and to protect and nurture civil society as a critical resource for building and preserving democracy. Margee Ensign, Ph.D., is president of the American University in Bulgaria. Previously she served as president of the United States International University-Africa; as president of Dickinson College; and as president of American University of Nigeria. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This summer, over 1,000 NAACP delegates from across the country convened in Las Vegas to address issues impacting civil rights. While President Joe Bidens keynote address received the lions share of media attention, the passage of two resolutions establishing literacy as a civil right could have the greatest long-term implications for the nations children. With this historic act, the NAACP brings moral clarity to a burgeoning movement to improve the way reading is taught in U.S. schools. Reading outcomes for American children are a source of national shame and a root cause of many of the countrys deep-seated issues and injustices. In the most recent assessment of U.S. fourth graders, only one-third were proficient in reading. These results reflect a longstanding problem with grave social consequences, a reality the Department of Justice recognized when it declared illiteracy a causal factor in delinquent behavior and incarceration more than 30 years ago. This embedded content is not available in your region. The NAACP has been increasingly vocal about poor literacy outcomes. It passed a resolution on dyslexia in 2014 and recently led a national literacy campaign, but its new resolutions are particularly pointed. While they are not heavily prescriptive, their message is clear: Literacy is a civil right, and progress is a moral imperative. Children cannot read, and the culprit is the widespread neglect of implementing evidence-based practices in how literacy skills are taught. The resolutions call for accountability and monitoring of instructional practices as well as better training to ensure teaching methods grounded in research-proven effectiveness are implemented in all schools. The NAACP also calls on policymakers to be aware of research-based strategies and use them in their policies. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter As local NAACP branches must uphold national resolutions, this work can begin immediately within the states. In recent years, journalists, parents and many teachers have pushed for reform, yet change has been slow to reach classrooms, both in elementary schools and in universities. As I consider the continued barriers to progress, I believe the NAACP and peer civil rights organizations including Childrens Defense Fund, Alliance for Excellent Education and National Urban League are uniquely poised to dismantle them. Politics, for example, has been a notable obstacle to change. Structured literacy instruction was once considered a conservative cause, and while it has become a big-tent issue, many partisans cannot resist coloring it red or blue. This reflects the general atmosphere of American society deeply divided by politics but given the stakes, literacy advocates must call for a cease and desist of any form of politicization in the movement to improve reading instruction. The NAACPs stance can help depoliticize conversations about reading instruction, as it joins standard-bearers from red state governors to the American Federation of Teachers, from dyslexia advocates to houses of worship and from those living in poverty to those in the wealthiest zip codes in advancing change. Related How One St. Louis Literacy Org Helps Black Students Become Proficient Readers At the university level, professors of education have long been arming teachers with methods that simply do not work for the majority of students. While the National Center on Teaching Quality has reported extensively on this issue, many universities have ignored these critiques in the name of academic freedom. The NAACP takes teaching colleges to task, calling for an evidence-based professional education system. Leaders can and must ask universities why they are complicit in civil rights violations when they fail to hold their education departments accountable. These institutes of higher education should not be designated research institutions unless they align their programs and methods courses with the research consensus. NAACP activism also pressures education funders, particularly the federal government, to take initiative for better reading outcomes. Why should any school that receives federal funding including public schools via the Title I program be allowed to perpetuate civil rights violations by failing to use research-validated approaches to teach reading? Certainly, the U.S. Department of Education could institute corrective measures. Public or philanthropic funding could also address key voids in research and training. Educators deserve access to major research efforts to help them understand which curricula are most effective and usable in schools. Teachers should not be paying for professional development out of their own pockets to make up for training that was not current with the research. If America can spend billions of dollars overseas to fund wars, surely our leaders can find the money needed to ensure our children can read. Related Which School Districts Do the Best Job of Teaching Kids to Read? Lastly, NAACP advocacy may finally compel change in the unregulated K-12 product marketplace. Major publishers continue to put profitability first, with little accountability as to whether their materials actually help teach children to read. State departments of education create curriculum lists without considering which have evidence of working best, and how much time and preparation is required for full implementation of materials. School systems, at all levels, must demand effective, highly usable products that empower teachers, not salespeople. Society has established that the profit motive must not override civil and human rights, a principle affirmed by decisions to end slavery, create child labor laws and codify access to a free and appropriate public education. The right to read belongs in that same pantheon of liberties. As Maya Angelou put it, The elimination of illiteracy is as serious an issue to our history as the abolition of slavery. By demanding important changes in American education, the NAACP brings its powerful pulpit to bear in heeding Angelous call. This story was updated to add new information. Lebanon has been attacked by something the world has never seen before a mass sabotage of electronic devices remotely detonated. Tiny bombs inside pagers and walkie-talkies went off as the devices' users were in homes, supermarkets, buses and on the streets. At least 37 people, including two children, were killed and thousands wounded in two waves of attacks this week. Lebanon's government and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group that uses the nation as a base for its militants, both blamed Israel. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attacks directly, but anyone who pays attention to the Middle East understands that this operation almost certainly originated in Tel Aviv. On Friday, Israel launched an airstrike that reportedly killed senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil in Beirut. Israeli officials said Hezbollah later fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel. War has always involved sabotage. But the morality and legality of sabotaging pagers is highly questionable. As is its wisdom. When you turn pagers into bombs, you have to know that there will be a high risk of collateral damage. The pagers belonged not just to military members of Hezbollah, but also medical staff and others. As an American, I support Israel with my tax dollars An image of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is seen during the funeral of a Hezbollah member in Kfar Melki, Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024, after handheld pagers and walkie-talkies detonated. In the past, when Israel targeted specific cellphone users, including killing a bomb maker working for Hamas, it seemed like a much better way to respond to terrorism with minimal risk of collateral civilian deaths, as compared with, say, a missile strike on an apartment.This time, an entire nation, Lebanon, has been terrorized. Its medical facilities are straining to handle all the bomb victims. Some in Lebanon are comparing the feeling of insecurity to the awful aftermath of the 2020 Beirut dock explosion.Hezbollah is helping Hamas, and both groups kill Israeli civilians without mercy or regret. They kill Israeli children when they can. I have no illusions about their methods. But I don't financially and politically support Hamas or Hezbollah. As an American, I financially support Israel with my tax dollars. If they are murdering Lebanese children, then to some extent, I did that. OPINION: Hamas murders more hostages. Biden must do more to save them. And how, exactly, is this helping Israel? Is there a chance Hezbollah goes, "Well, we didn't realize how dangerous Israel was, let's negotiate." The cyber attack has shaken the hornets nest and killed a few terrorists, that's all. Sure, Hezbollahs ability to communicate internally has been gravely damaged, at least momentarily. But this tactic is spurring anger at Israel across all sectors of Lebanese society, and indeed, the Arab world. Iraq is sending medical supplies to Lebanon; Egypt is expressing solidarity. Will it be harder or easier for Hezbollah to get recruits? The pager and walkie-talkie explosions killed and wounded a few fighters, but there will be three or four replacements for each one who fell. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Hezbollah has always been a terrible challenge for Israel. Its a non-state actor, with a military force far stronger than Lebanon's national army. A few years ago, I asked a Lebanese government minister how a fight between Hezbollah and the Lebanese military would go, and he predicted that Hezbollah would win in a week. Hezbollah also is funded by Iran, and gets more sophisticated weaponry every year. Compared with Hamas, Hezbollah has always been far more potent as a military force. Attacks may hurt Israel in the long term The long-term hope for Israel in its relationship with Lebanon has to be that Hezbollah is eventually brought under control of the political authorities in Beirut, and that a coalition of Sunni, Druze, Christian and moderate Shiite leaders makes peace with Israel. That is the dream, but also the only realistic way the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel ends well. OPINION: My father survived the Holocaust. Why are students taking part in a new call to violence? The cyber attack just pushed that day off by years. Is a massive sabotage of devices as bad as a Hamas bus bombing, which indiscriminately killed Israelis? No, but Israel should remember what happened when bus bombings left body parts all over the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The attacks devastated the Israeli left, the side that had been working for peace and even a two-state solution. They unified the nation around harder policies against Palestinians. They strengthened Israels will to fight. Thats whats happening in Lebanon, as even Hezbollahs fiercest opponents are now rallying to their support. It also will inevitably cause more and more Americans to wonder if we should be such strong supporters of a nation that uses tactics that terrorize an entire country and inevitably leave behind dead and wounded children. Jeremy Mayer is an associate professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, where he also directs the master's and Ph.D. programs in political science. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: OPINION: Lebanon pager attack could cost Israel and the US President Bush, right, meets with outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 17, 2007. | Charles Dharapak The polite, low-key visit of Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain to President Joe Biden has generated relatively little media attention. That is unfortunate, because our alliance remains vital. McGeorge Bundy, President John F. Kennedys national security adviser, summed up the partnership with Britain as someone to talk to. In those years, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan provided unfailing support, encouragement and friendship to the often-beleaguered young American president. Otherwise, JFK faced serious conflicts with our allies in Europe, in particular President Charles de Gaulle of France. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev provoked almost nonstop confrontations, especially over Berlin and eventually, terrifyingly, over Moscows missiles in Cuba. In 2010, Britains Prime Minister David Cameron visited President Barack Obama. Their session before Washington media underscored our cooperation. They emphasized the importance of tough nuclear negotiations with Iran. Hard international realities were faced head-on. There was honest and honorable explanation of the high stakes involved, and also the great difficulty of negotiating a viable, durable agreement with Tehran. Cameron worked contacting members of the Senate to argue against more sanctions on Iran. The absence of any meaningful backlash reflects the uniquely close nature of this alliance. The special relationship between Britain and the U.S., forged during the terrible first years of World War II, has endured down to the present despite sometimes severe strains. The evolution of the durable Anglo-American partnership highlights important events of that global total war, and the Cold War and post-Cold War era which followed. These include fundamental commitment to the rule of law, free trade and democratic institutions. David Camerons predecessor, Tony Blair, paid a high political price for his faithful support of the administration of George W. Bush in the invasion of Iraq. Blair survived politically, and led his Labour Party to another election victory, but ultimately was rejected. More important, the Anglo-American military alliance, and the durable wider NATO structure, was at no point seriously threatened. During the mid-1960s, the Johnson administration pressed extremely hard for at least token direct military participation in the Vietnam War. Australia and New Zealand, both members of the British Commonwealth, did provide forces. In the case of Australia, there was considerably more than a pro-forma commitment. Britain remained out of that war, in hindsight for good reasons. This lack of support by a close ally was an important indicator of the questionable nature of the American military adventure. From the other direction, the most serious Anglo-American and wider Atlantic alliance crisis was over the Suez Canal in 1956. Britain, France and Israel launched a coordinated surprise military attack to retake the waterway and associated territory from Egypts nationalist government. President Dwight Eisenhower was completely opposed and was angered by the lack of consultation. His administration forced an abrupt halt to the operation. No crisis since has so seriously threatened the alliance. Economics strengthens diplomatic cooperation. Prime Minister Margaret Thatchers deregulation of the economy in the 1980s pays powerful dividends today. Canary Wharf, formerly grim docks and working-class housing blocks in eastern London, has been transformed into a mammoth global commercial center. Modern skyscrapers dominate the horizon, complemented by retail outlets. Mrs. Thatchers heavy-handed style earned her the sobriquet of The Iron Lady, but forceful reforms were crucial to contemporary British prosperity and strength. Bundys point alludes to our shared core values, which in turn facilitate policy cooperation. World War II cemented this partnership. Together, we provide an international anchor. Arthur I. Cyr is the author of After the Cold War American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia. Contact at acyr@carthage.edu. The National Park Service and a trail-promoting nonprofit organization are moving forward with plans for a controversial trail segment at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, despite a local township board and Native American tribe expressing opposition to the plan. At issue is "Segment 9," a more-than $15 million extension proposed at the national lakeshore by the Park Service and Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails Inc., known as TART. It would extend by 4.25 miles the existing 22 miles of Heritage Trail along Lake Michigan near Sleeping Bear Dunes from Bohemian Road to Good Harbor Trail, a nonmotorized trail connection providing access to the bay at the northern boundary of the national lakeshore. Supporters tout the proposed segment's expansion of nonmotorized access to some of the lakeshore's lesser-explored areas. But opponents say the project will require boardwalks through sensitive wetlands and significant retaining walls through critical dune areas. An independent analysis conducted by Borealis Consulting of Traverse City and commissioned by the Little Traverse Lake Association, a neighborhood group near the proposed trail segment, found that the trail as envisioned would require the removal of more than 7,300 trees. A proposed new segment of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail in Leelanau County would add about 4.25 miles to connect the existing 22-mile trail with Good Harbor Trail, providing access to the Lake Michigan shore near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's northern boundary. Leelanau County's Cleveland Township Board of Trustees on Sept. 10 voted unanimously to rescind their 2019 approval of Segment 9, and passed a resolution in opposition to the plan as it stands. Nearly 40% of the township's land area is in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Cleveland Township Supervisor Tim Stein said the action was prompted by more information coming to light in the years since their resolution of support and "environmental concerns with the critical dunes area that could be impacted." He also cited the segment's price tag. "The cost has spiraled to more than $15 million for over 4 miles of trail," he said. "We are just trying to show as elected officials some type of fiscal responsibility in light of whats happening in the world today, and questioning the real need of 4.2 miles of trail at that cost, at the least-used end of the trail." Tribe says trail may infringe on treaty rights National Park Service officials earlier said the cost for Heritage Trail development would be half-funded through federal and state grants, with the remaining half through philanthropic donations. More: Study: Trail extension near Sleeping Bear Dunes would require removal of 7,300 trees The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians also expressed opposition to Segment 9 in an Aug. 26 letter to Michigan's U.S. senators, Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Department of the Interior Director Debra Haaland and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Superintendent Scott Tucker. "The proposed section threatens to disrupt delicate wetland ecosystems which are vital to the environmental health of the region," Tribal Chairwoman Sandra L. Witherspoon stated. She added that the trail extension potentially infringes on the tribe's treaty rights in the area, and that the tribe calls for "revocation, amendment and reconsideration of any current or proposed federal appropriations for the trail Segment 9 extension." The tribe also called for an extension of public comments under the federal Natural Environmental Policy Act, so it can register its opposition and "provide detailed input on the project's potential impact." Opponents question 2009 environmental study Attempts to reach Tucker for comment were unsuccessful Friday. He told the Free Press in February that the first segment of the 22-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail was completed in 2011, and Segment 9 is the last segment of the proposal. A 2009 study examined the cumulative environmental impacts of the entire trail when completed, including Segment 9, and found no significant environmental impact. But some Little Traverse Lake Association members question how robust that environmental assessment was, noting its environmental impact findings for an off-road trail in 2009 were identical to an assessment the year before for an on-road trail along Traverse Lake Road. The Park Service's 2009 evaluation made no reference to wetlands, a required crossing of Shalda Creek, dune forest tree removal, state-protected critical dune areas, or protected wooded dune and swale complexes. Julie Clark, CEO of TART Trails Inc., acknowledged Segment 9's cost has risen. "Its also been 10 years since any trail has been constructed," she said. "Everything is considerably more expensive than it was 10 years ago. These prices that we are seeing at Sleeping Bear are absolutely in line with the costs we are seeing for all of our infrastructure projects trails, roads, all of it." Many of the concerns raised by Cleveland Township and Grand Traverse Band officials will likely be addressed in the engineering of Segment 9, which is still in the works by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Park Service, Clark said. "A lot of these concerns are certainly understandable, because there hasnt been a finished design that the National Park Service has provided," she said. "All of the environmental impact questions and where the trail will go and its specifics arent yet answered. "The reason this is taking so long is because the Park Service works very slowly through these types of areas and is making sure that all of those environmental concerns are addressed. Its complicated, and I think the complexity is showing itself in the time it is taking to get this project in a design that they can share." More: The marking of Michigan: Earliest surveyors laid it all on the line in untamed wilderness Though construction on Segment 9 was once envisioned to commence this fall, delays in engineering have pushed the proposed work out to at least next summer, Clark said. "We think its a fantastic combination of improved safety for nonmotorized travel along the entire lakeshore, connecting both residents and national lakeshore visitors to trailheads and communities along the length of a linear park," Clark said. "We think this is an investment thats one for the generations." Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Opposition grows to new trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A group of local clergy and members of their congregations are trying to reduce violence in Youngstown neighborhoods. Pastors and members of local churches gathered Saturday afternoon outside the Phillips Memorial Baptist Church on the citys East Side to pray and march to Rockford Village homes. Organizers hoped their presence would bring peace to the neighborhoods, and they said that police could not do the job all by themselves. We just believe that if weve got the presence of violence in the community then we have to bring the presence of the spirit of God that dispels the spirit of violence, and so, were trying to counteract that, said Pastor Ken Simon with Community Mobilization Coalition. This is the fourth year groups such as Community Mobilization Coalition, ACTION and others have held peace marches in different neighborhoods. They said they believe crime statistics show the groups are having a positive impact. Tino DiCenso contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Vodafone Idea Limited has secured a deal worth USD 3.6 billion (Rs. 300 billion) with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung for the supply of network equipment over the next three years. This agreement marks the first step in the company's three-year capital expenditure plan of USD 6.6 billion (Rs. 550 billion), according to its official filing. The investment will be used to expand Vodafone Idea's 4G population coverage from 1.03 billion to 1.2 billion, and to launch 5G services in key markets, as well as increase capacity to meet data growth demands, the filing noted. "The company has retained its long-standing partners, Nokia and Ericsson, and has also brought on Samsung as a new partner," the statement read. Vodafone Idea said that this contract will enable the company to leverage cutting-edge equipment to enhance customer experiences. "Moreover, the insights and expertise gained by these vendors in the Indian market over the last two years will help the company implement a more flexible and modular rollout plan, customising services for advanced technologies like 4G and 5G. The new equipment will also bring energy efficiency benefits, thereby reducing operational costs," the company added. Vodafone Idea stated that supplies from these new long-term agreements will begin in the upcoming quarter. The company's primary focus is to extend 4G coverage to 1.2 billion people across India, it said. Following the recent equity raise of Rs. 240 billion and an additional Rs. 35 billion spent on spectrum acquisition during the June 2024 auction, the company has already implemented several "quick win" capital expenditure projects while finalising these long-term contracts. These quick wins have primarily involved deploying additional spectrum at existing sites and establishing new ones. "This has led to a 15 percent increase in capacity and expanded population coverage by 16 million, which is expected to be achieved by the end of September 2024," it added. Akshaya Moondra, CEO of Vodafone Idea Limited, said, "We are committed to investing in emerging network technologies to provide a best-in-class experience for our customers. We have initiated the investment cycle and are on the path of VIL 2.0. From here, VIL will stage a smart turnaround, enabling us to effectively participate in the industry's growth opportunities. Nokia and Ericsson have been our partners since the beginning, and this is yet another milestone in that long-standing relationship. We are also excited to start our new partnership with Samsung and look forward to collaborating with all our partners as we transition into the 5G era." The company also noted that customer experiences have improved in certain regions where these rollouts have been completed. (ANI) Orlandos electricity provider and its customers could use relationship therapy as they venture together into an era of sunshine powering homes, cars and most everything else. What the municipally owned Orlando Utilities Commission aims to do is swift, consequential and risk-taking in a region of the nation only now going full throttle to green energy. Within 16 years, OUC plans to jettison more than 90 percent of its tried-and-true ability to make electricity with generation plants that burn fossil fuels, mainly coal and natural gas, and will have erected solar panels on more than 10,000 acres, an expanse larger than Winter Park. In that time, the utilitys batteries for providing nighttime power will grow in capacity to as much as that in 35,000 electric cars. Its difficult to overstate the enormity of the transformation, which is intended to help shrink fossil fuel carbon pollution that drives global warming, rising sea levels, desertification, supercharged wildfires and storms, spreading pathogens, species extinctions and more. Already, however, Orlandos utility is struggling to enlist its customers in moves it insists are necessary to chart this new course. OUC wants to adjust rates so that using electricity during high-demand times of the day is more costly than during low-demand periods, a change it says will promote more efficient use of power. Critics say that many renters and low-income homeowners in part because they cant afford modern, programmable appliances have little or no ability to change when they consume electricity. But an even more boisterous outcry has arisen over an issue that affects just a fraction of customers: A proposal to pay rooftop solar users less than current rates for the surplus electricity they send into OUCs power lines. Opposition led by influential city council member and rooftop solar maven Patty Sheehan has stalled the utility from moving forward with any modernizing rate changes, and has revealed a distrustful relationship at a time when the utility is about to take momentous steps toward a very different energy future. Right now, clearly, customers dont agree with OUC, said veteran state Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando, who is active with solar and climate issues in the legislature and more recently with her city. Eskamani strongly supports OUCs larger commitment to ending its carbon pollution. But she said the utility, as it is publicly owned, needs to slow down and regain the confidence of its climate-concerned customers. Its really important that you have the support of those you serve, she said. OUCs chief executive officer, Clint Bullock, said in a recent meeting that the utility will take the appropriate amount of time to reach out to stakeholders, listen to what theyre saying, understand some of the studies and information that theyre sharing with us and work through some of the misunderstandings and misconceptions. While struggling with how it will charge customers in the future, the century-old OUC is moving forward with less controversy toward a monumental goal: reinventing how it makes and supplies power. Most electric utilities traditionally prioritize one practice: burning carbon-based fuels to run electricity generators. Their prime objective decade after decade has been to tweak incremental gains in fuel efficiency. What OUC is about to do far outpacing any other municipal power provider in Florida is pioneer a frontier devoid of carbon-based fuels. Theres no doubt that the disruption to the utility industry as we transition to a carbon-free, clean energy future is unlike anything that theyve seen, said Chris Castro, senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Energys Office of State and Community Energy Programs and previously the sustainability officer for the city of Orlando. Later this year, OUC will start up a pair of large solar plants Harmony II and Storey Bend in Osceola County able to provide for about 28,000 homes or roughly 10 percent of residential customers. For the first time, the sun will be a major source of the utilitys electricity. That will take some getting used to for system operators because of solars intermittency as conditions shift from clear skies to clouds to nighttime. Next year, OUC will mothball one of its two, flagship generators that tower in the east Orange County skyline. They consume mountains of coal and generate tons of planet-heating pollution, although they remain in solid enough financial and mechanical shape as middle-aged plants to potentially run for many more decades. OUCs plan for the other coal plant is to convert it to run on natural gas by 2027. After that, the journey to a new era of energy begins to take on increasing uncertainty. Unknowns are: where to build solar plants, what revolutionary innovations or inventions may occur including with hydrogen, nuclear, wind, and batteries and what it all means for OUCs rates, its ability to keep the lights on and its continuation of approximately $100 million in annual cash contributions to city halls operating expenses. The utility industry is being asked to transform extremely rapidly, far faster than anything weve done in our past with technologies that arent as robust as we would like them to be, said Justin Kramer, OUCs director of emerging technology. I have to balance that with people who struggle to afford power, and I have to balance equity, and clean and reliable energy, with technologies that havent been around for more than five or 10 years. That keeps me up at night, Kramer said. If it goes well, OUC intends by 2050 to have zeroed out its net contribution to carbon pollution causing climate change. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who has a permanent OUC board seat and is an original and leading proponent of reining in the citys carbon pollution, warns that the path could be bumpy. Its not a slam dunk, Dyer said. Its going to take a lot of wisdom and planning and being adaptable to the changing technology. Stephen Smith, executive director of the environmental group Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, urges utilities to lean aggressively toward transformations that are bold and rapid. His group, emphasizing analysis, holds credibility with OUC. There is nothing more serious in the world than what were dealing with: climate disruption and destabilizing the atmosphere, Smith said. The science is overwhelming that the manifestation of the effects is much more pronounced than a lot of scientists even thought it would be at this point, and its intensifying. He said the controversy over OUCs proposal to reduce how much it pays for surplus electricity from rooftop solar panels is not uncommon among utilities and is distracting. Rooftop solar is a piece of the puzzle but its a smaller piece of the puzzle, Smith said. The most important thing we need to be deploying faster than anything else is utility solar. You dont want to get into so much of a big fight over rooftop solar that you lose perspective on what weve got to do to deploy as much as possible. Just how much electricity OUC will have to harness from the sun is daunting. Of the utilitys nearly 250,000 residential electric customers, about 10,000 have solar panels on their rooftops. Those panels plus those of commercial customers have a combined capacity to generate 104 megawatts, or nearly 5 percent of OUCs capacity a squirt of energy into the citys torrent of power. The overall demand for OUC electricity is nearly 1,600 megawatts, with the vast majority of that coming today from burning fossil fuel. About a dozen generators typically provide that power, with many more on standby. To ensure theres enough electricity at any given time and get it where it needs to be OUC operates what it calls an energy management center, a spacious bunker in east Orlando equipped with secure, isolated computers that direct millions of watts flowing across nearly 3,000 miles of the utilitys transmission and distribution power lines. The centers arrays of video screens lend to a sense of an intensive care unit, where the patient is breathing not oxygen but electricity. One of the simpler screen graphics depicts the minute-by-minute demand for OUC electricity. Consumption dips to a low at about 4 a.m., just before the early birds showers and coffee makers start and the graphics line begins to steadily increase. At sunrise, street lights flicker out and the line dips briefly. The need for power then rises until about 4 p.m., though the timing of the daily peak can be dramatically altered by thunderstorms and their cooling effects. Every day has an operational plan, written beginning a week earlier and accounting for which generators will cost the least to operate and what to do if one of them fails catastrophically. The overall impression is of deep institutional experience and nothing left unaccounted for except for the solar energy on the scale thats coming. The rise of solar energy will bring challenges never seen before, including how to respond to thunderstorm shadows galloping across millions of solar panels and causing their power outputs to plunge, and whether batteries will compensate sufficiently. That will call for new ways of daily planning. Engineers study solar exhaustively and look to the experiences of others. OUC has set up two dozen weather stations to watch for and project the shading over solar panels from storms. But no two utilities are alike, they note, and the sun doesnt shine as relentlessly in the Sunshine State as it does in the Southwest and West. Hopefully, there is not going to be a big learning curve, said Keith Mutters, system planning and reliability director. Nearly three years ago, OUC bought what amounts to insurance in case of a problematic implementation of solar energy. That would be the Osceola Generating Station, a peaker power plant nestled in remote pinelands of Osceola County. Not many people even know we are out here, said Milliard Long, who is in charge of OUCs generators fueled with natural gas. About 20 years old and last operated by a private company seeking profit in the electricity market, the station cost $100 million to buy and upgrade. Groups such as the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Sierra think the investment should have gone to solar. OUC regards the 510 megawatt plant which is more output than from either coal plant as an ace up its sleeve. As we move forward with our clean energy transition, ensuring operational flexibility is essential, said Bullock, OUCs leader, at the time of the acquisition. OUCs mainline generators are efficient but ponderous, taking much of a day to start up and put into service. The Osceola Generating Station, by contrast, fires up with the click of a mouse to make electricity in 15 minutes and reach full output in 29 minutes and can power off just as quickly. Doing the work are three jet engines strapped to generators, devouring natural gas, with a three-day supply of backup diesel fuel on site. In the worst case of extended cloudy weather coupled with a broken natural gas pipeline, the station will keep Orlandos lights on. But the station is a hot rod and not an econo-machine just one of the jet-engine generators will suck down 215 gallons of diesel fuel every minute and running it can be pricey. Solar energy, meanwhile, is a rising bargain, with no charge for the suns rays, which is another justification for projects ahead. By 2032, according to OUC reporting to the states Public Service Commission, OUC anticipates constructing a dozen large solar plants, each covering between 500 and 800 acres, containing approximately 300,000 panels. The cost of the plants, about $75 million each today, is expected to continue to decline. The batteries needed to store some of this solar power during the day then provide it when the sun doesnt shine come in 4 megawatt units the size of a shipping container and weighing 75 tons. Batteries are likely to be dispersed widely, plugged in next to solar plants, substations and perhaps big commercial customers. The Southern Alliance For Clean Energy measures utility solar performance by the number of solar watts per customer. By that metric, Orlando Utilities Commission now ranks first in the Southeast for projected solar growth from 2023 to 2027, besting the giant, stockholder-owned Florida Power and Light Co. and Duke Energy. Its great that we are building more solar, but the real truth is we are not building anywhere near enough, said Jim Fenton, director of the Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida. That includes rooftop solar. But on that matter, OUC, customers and the city remain mired in animus, and it is still to be determined whether that is reconcilable. Honestly, I do not trust OUC, city council member Sheehan said. They look at us as competition. OUC had planned by now to adopt its rooftop solar, time-of-day and other rate changes calling them essential to a new way of providing electricity until headed off by rare dissension on its board coming from the citys leading green-energy booster. If we were voting today, Dyer said at a board meeting this summer, I would vote no on that. Orlando man took off on foot after crashing into SUV while trying to evade troopers: FHP ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - An Orlando man was arrested on Friday night after he fled a traffic stop and left the scene of a crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers say they spotted a Ford Focus sedan driving recklessly on I-275 just after 8:30 p.m. Troopers chased the driver, later identified as 31-year-old Jason Christopher Smalls, after they attempted to conduct a traffic stop, according to officials. Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Authorities say Smalls exited onto 38th Avenue North and, while passing other traffic on the left shoulder of the exit ramp, lost control and hit two roadside signs before finally striking a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was headed eastbound on 38th Avenue North. READ: 2 dead, 2 hospitalized after head-on crash in Hernando County: FHP Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol After the crash, Smalls took off on foot and was apprehended by troopers. FHP says he was charged with reckless driving involving injury and property damage, fleeing and eluding, driving while license suspended as a habitual traffic offender, as well as leaving the scene of a crash involving injury and property damage. Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol The occupants of the Cherokee, a 42-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl, both of St. Petersburg suffered minor injuries and were taken to an area hospital, according to officials. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Hezbollah hits back with rockets as it declares an 'open-ended battle' with Israel Israeli security and rescue forces work at the site hit by a rocket fired from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel, on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gil Nechushtan) NAHARIYA, Israel (AP) Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets early Sunday across northern Israel, with some landing near the city of Haifa, as Israel launched hundreds of strikes on Lebanon. A Hezbollah leader declared an open-ended battle was underway as both sides appeared to be spiraling closer toward all-out war. The overnight rocket barrage was in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon that have killed dozens, including a veteran Hezbollah commander, and an unprecedented attack targeting the groups communications devices. Air raid sirens across northern Israel sent hundreds of thousands of people scrambling into shelters. One struck near a residential building in Kiryat Bialik, a city near Haifa, wounding at least three people and setting buildings and cars ablaze. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said four people were wounded. Avi Vazana raced to a shelter with his wife and 9-month-old baby before he heard the rocket hitting. Then he went back outside to see if anyone was hurt. I ran without shoes, without a shirt, only with pants. I ran to this house when everything was still on fire to try to find if there are other people, he said. Lebanons Health Ministry said three people were killed and four wounded in Israeli strikes near the border, without saying whether they were civilians or combatants. Hezbollah responds to unprecedented blows The rocket attacks followed an Israeli airstrike Friday in Beirut that killed at least 45 people, including Ibrahim Akil, one of Hezbollahs top leaders, several other fighters, and women and children. Hezbollah was already reeling from a sophisticated attack that caused thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies to explode just days earlier. But it faces a difficult balance of stretching the rules of engagement by hitting deeper into Israel, while at the same time trying to avoid large-scale attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure that could trigger a full-scale war that it would rather not start and take the blame for. Hezbollahs deputy leader Naim Kassem said Sunday's rocket attack was just the beginning of whats now an open-ended battle with Israel. We admit that we are pained. We are humans. But as we are pained you will also be pained, Kassem said at Akil's funeral. He vowed Hezbollah will continue military operations against Israel in support of Gaza but also warned of unexpected attacks from outside the box, pointing to rockets fired deeper into Israel. Late Sunday night, Hezbollah announced a series of strikes on military sites in northern Israel with missiles and artillery shelling. It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties or damages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would take whatever action was necessary to restore security in the north and allow people to return to their homes. No country can accept the wanton rocketing of its cities. We cant accept it either, he said. Other funerals were held Sunday for those killed in the airstrike. Seven people, including three women and two children, were buried in the southern Lebanese town of Mays al-Jabal, where Christian Lebanese lawmaker Melhem Khalaf said Israel relies on the laws of the jungle instead international conventions, especially with protecting civilians. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told ABCs "This Week" that the U.S. has been involved in extensive and quite assertive diplomacy." He added: We want to make sure that we can continue to do everything we can to try to prevent this from becoming an all-out war there with Hezbollah across that Lebanese border. Israel says it thwarted an even larger Hezbollah attack The Israeli military said it struck about 400 militant sites, including rocket launchers, across southern Lebanon in the past 24 hours, thwarting an even larger attack. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have come under fire across a lot of northern Israel, said Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani. "Today we saw fire that was deeper into Israel than before. The military also said it intercepted multiple aerial devices fired from the direction of Iraq, after Iran-backed militant groups there claimed to have launched a drone attack on Israel. School was canceled across northern Israel, and the Health Ministry said all hospitals in the north would move operations to protected areas in the medical centers. Separately, Israeli forces raided the West Bank bureau of Al Jazeera, which it had banned earlier this year, accusing it of serving as a mouthpiece for militant groups, allegations denied by the pan-Arab broadcaster. U.N. envoy says the region is on the brink of catastrophe Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire since the outbreak of the war in Gaza nearly a year ago, when the militant group began firing rockets in solidarity with the Palestinians and its fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. The low-level fighting has killed dozens in Israel, hundreds in Lebanon, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the frontier. Until recently, neither side was believed to be seeking an all-out war, and Hezbollah has so far stopped short of targeting Tel Aviv or major civilian infrastructure. But in recent weeks, Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon. Hezbollah has said it would only halt its attacks if the war in Gaza ends, as a cease-fire there appears increasingly elusive. The war in Gaza began with Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage. They are still holding about 100 captives, a third of whom are believed to be dead. Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It doesn't say how many were fighters, but says women and children make up more than half of the dead. With the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the U.N. envoy for Lebanon, said on X. Families of Israeli hostages and residents of Gaza expressed fears the fighting in Lebanon will divert international attention from their own plights. Im incredibly concerned with the increased tensions with Hezbollah because, my biggest concern is that, all the publics attention and the worlds attention would be distracted, said Udi Goren, a relative of Tal Haimi, an Israeli who was killed Oct. 7 and whose body was taken into Gaza. Enas Kollab, a Palestinian displaced from Gaza, voiced similar fears. We are afraid that the situation in Lebanon will affect us -- that all attention will turn to Lebanon and we will become forgotten, she said. Hezbollah says it's using new weapons Hezbollah said it had launched dozens of Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 missiles a new weapon the group hadn't used before at the Ramat David airbase, southeast of Haifa, in response to the repeated Israeli attacks that targeted various Lebanese regions and led to the fall of many civilian martyrs. In July, the group released what it said was video it had taken of the base with surveillance drones. Hezbollah also said it had targeted facilities of the Rafael defense firm, headquartered in Haifa, calling it retaliation for the wireless devices attack. It didn't provide evidence, and the Israeli military declined to comment. Hezbollah vowed to retaliate for a wave of explosions that hit pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing at least 37 people including two children and wounding about 3,000. The attacks were widely blamed on Israel, which hasn't confirmed or denied responsibility. An Israeli airstrike Friday took down an eight-story building in a densely populated Beirut suburb as Hezbollah members met in the basement, according to Israel. Among those killed was Akil, who commanded the group's special forces unit. ___ Kareem Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Moshe Edri in Kiryat Bialik; Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip; and Shlomo Mor in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed. ___ This story has been corrected to show that White House national security spokesman John Kirby made his comments to ABCs This Week, not Fox News Sunday. ___ Follow APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war More than 700 high-ranking national security officials have endorsed Democratic candidate Vice President Harris in her run for the White House, with some leaders expressing concerns about former President Trumps scary authoritarian streak. Vice President Harris has all the leadership qualities needed to be a strong commander in chief. Shes prepared. Shes strategic. Shes understands all sides of an issue, retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Smith told The Hill. We saw as much during the debate. As weve seen for nearly a decade, however, former President Trump has none of those qualities, and he has a scary authoritarian streak, Smith, who is also the president of National Security Leaders for America, added. The letter endorsing Harris consists of 741 former high-ranking national security officials, including 233 general and flag officers. Among those 741 officials are 15 four-star generals, 10 former Cabinet secretaries and 10 service secretaries as well as leaders who served in Republican administrations. We do not agree on everything, but we all adhere to two fundamental principles, the letter reads. First, we believe Americas national security requires a serious and capable Commander-in-Chief. Second, we believe American democracy is invaluable. Each generation has a responsibility to defend it, the letter continues. That is why we, the undersigned, proudly endorse Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States. The signatories praise Harris as the more diplomatic and realistic candidate for office, distinguishing her from former President Trump, who they call impulsive and ill-informed. The letter cites Trumps relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the terrorist leaders of Hezbollah. Our endorsement of Vice President Harris is an endorsement of freedom and an act of patriotism. It is an endorsement of democratic ideals, of competence, and of relentless optimism in Americas future, the letter concludes. This endorsement comes after more than 100 former GOP national security figures endorsed Harris earlier this week. That letter cited Trumps demonstrated chaotic and unethical behavior as president as reason to support Harris, who they say possesses the essential qualities to serve as president. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sallie Reeves inspects damage to her house, which is sliding in the Portuguese Bend area of Rancho Palos Verdes. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Tom Keefer can only describe the last few weeks in their Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhood as a nightmare. Cut off from vital utilities for more than a month while living on the active landslide whose limits have yet to be determined, Keefer and his wife have seen their lives upended by the escalating emergency in ways they never could have foreseen. Tom Keefer stands next to a generator outside his house in the Portuguese Bend area of Rancho Palos Verdes. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Beyond the closed roads, damaged homes and transformed landscapes caused by the devastating and ongoing land movement, they have found themselves struggling to safely store food and secure stable power while running repeatedly to the gas station for more ice and propane to keep their house, and lives, afloat. We have scrambled," Keefer, 67, said. Not only is it stressful emotionally, but its stressful financially. Amid the long list of challenges now accompanying daily life in their Portuguese Bend community, the predominant feelings among many residents are mounting anxiety and frustration and even anger over a lack of responsibility, answers or assistance from anyone in charge. The sad thing is theres been literally no help, its been extraordinary," Keefer said. "Theres been no funding. Its only through helping each other that were making progress." The emergency has only escalated since the Keefers and their neighbors first lost natural gas in late July. Further gas and then electricity shutoffs have cascaded across four neighborhoods in two cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with almost 300 homes now without electricity and 224 without gas indefinitely. Many are without both. Utility companies have said the ongoing land movement has made it unsafe to continue providing gas and electricity in certain areas, citing concerns about infrastructure breaks, potential wildfires and other hazards that may come with system failures. On top of losing utilities, residents of 146 homes in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood including Keefer and his wife lost their landline internet connections when Cox Communications disconnected its service this month. Its scary because its bigger than anything anyone imagined," said Sallie Reeves, who has been trying to figure out how to safely remain on her Portuguese Bend property despite the lack of utilities not to mention the massive fissure that runs through her home of more than 40 years. Before this winter, she and her husband had never seen any landslide damage on their property. Sallie Reeves, whose Rancho Palos Verdes house is sliding, uses a generator to power her appliances. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Reeves, 81, wouldn't wish her scenario on anyone, but she is hopeful that with more people than ever affected, it could bring more attention and action to help save their beautiful corner of Los Angeles County as it continues to slide toward the ocean. Yet months into the burgeoning crisis, it's still not clear from where that help would come. Also not yet clear is the full reach and capability of this complicated complex of landslides, which officials last month determined was deeper and probably larger than previously thought, perhaps explaining the unprecedented movement across areas that had never before recorded shifts. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Rancho Palos Verdes this month after the shutoffs, but that did not provide any relief to homeowners or money to combat the underlying geological forces that continue to drive further damage. Nor does it extend to the city of Rolling Hills, where 50 homes lost power and dozens of others lost gas last week because of land movement in its hillside neighborhoods, which were not previously considered vulnerable to the recent landsliding. The state declaration should, however, help cover costs the city of Rancho Palos Verdes incurs because of the power shutoffs, including the generators and fuel used to keep the sewer system running. The utility companies have not offered any specific plans for bringing back service. Instead, they've said that more shutoffs are possible albeit as a last resort with a SoCal Edison spokesperson calling it a "fluid situation." Sallie Reeves fills storage containers as she clears out her badly damaged house. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Rancho Palos Verdes officials are hoping to slow the land movement with the help of five new de-watering wells they're in the process of installing at the deepest level yet. The wells aim to relieve the pressure from groundwater on the newly discovered, deeper slip plane, or the surface driving the landslide failure. City officials have acknowledged, however, that they don't know how effective the pilot project will be. Rolling Hills officials, meanwhile, have been scrambling to respond to the crisis while also attempting to distinguish the city's "notably different" land movement from the experience in Rancho Palos Verdes. Nevertheless, city officials reported this month that land movement had damaged three homes and a door at the local Los Angeles County fire station and caused several fissures and water main breaks and they are now faced with utility shutoffs. "Along with all of my neighbors, my family is struggling to deal with the serious consequences the actions ordered by SoCalGas and [Edison] have caused us," Rolling Hills Mayor Leah Mirsch said in a statement. "It is devastating on many levels for all of us." Mirsch said the city had pursued all practical courses of action to prevent or delay these shutoffs, to no avail. She said the city is now committed to holding the utility companies accountable and "pushing them to implement solutions that will restore services both quickly and safely." Sallie Reeves uses a generator to power her appliances. Almost 300 homes are without electricity. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) All the unknowns have left many in the area living on edge. For Steven Barker it's been literal: His home in Rancho Palos Verdes' Seaview neighborhood sits on the brink of a growing sinkhole. He has lost gas service but not electricity yet. This has turned our world upside down, to say the least. Were just trying to get by," Barker, 52, said. Were trying to figure out what to do. He worries about losing electricity something he's been told could happen at any point but he's mostly concerned about the effects that rain could have on the sinkhole that has shot ripples through his street and is pulling on one side of his house. "We are gonna be in big trouble if water flows into that thing right there," Barker said, shaking his head at the massive cracks that span the street in front of his house. Is it going to keep on going? We dont know." Barker has asked the city and public works officials for months to address the sinkhole, but no ones helping us, he said. The governor, he hasnt even seen [the landslide damage]. He should be here, this is way bigger than RPV can handle. Way bigger than the utility companies. .... We need help from much higher [levels], state, federal we need Army Corps of Engineers. His fear about upcoming rainstorms is echoed across the communities that have been fighting the land movement for months. It's undisputed that the landslide activity is caused by increasing groundwater, which officials have linked to the back-to-back years of heavy rainfall in Southern California. Many residents also worry it's been exacerbated by poor drainage and repeated water main breaks. Rancho Palos Verdes' Seaview neighborhood has lost some utility service. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) "Do you know how scared everybody is for the first rain?" Keefer's wife, Cindy, 63, said. "Nothing is being done to prevent a major catastrophe. ... We dont want sympathy, we want work being done up there now. She said they feel abandoned, left behind to figure out a way to stop the landslide and survive off grid without help from experts, engineers or officials. She's turned much of her energy to a community-run art auction, which aims to raise money to respond to the growing emergency and save their beloved homes. Jan Seal, who lives in a Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhood above the Portuguese Bend Reserve, said she and her husband have been closely following the landslide developments and are glad they don't live on one of the many cliffs overlooking the slide area, though they're not too far. When you hear it happening in areas that didnt have an issue, and they say this is moving faster than it ever has in the past I think people always get nervous," she said. For Barker and his family, it's been weeks of taking cold showers, eating takeout and Crock-Pot meals and grappling with the impossible math of which investments installing a large propane tank, converting gas-powered appliances, switching to solar panels are feasible or even possible for a house on the edge of disaster. If I lose my house I dont have the money to buy another, Barker said. Are they just gonna let the neighborhoods go and let people go homeless? 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. BAYBORO, N.C. (WNCT) On Saturday, Pamlico County Schools celebrated the groundbreaking of their new high school. This will condense Pamlico County Middle School and Pamlico County High School together, making it 6th through 12th grade. They plan on starting construction in mid-October and have students learning in the new building by fall of 2026. We had an opportunity to build a new school is something thats been sorely needed in the past 15 years. Our Pamlico County Middle School was flooded twice due to a hurricane, flooding and storm damage. And so we really have been struggling since the and since Hurricane Florence thinking about ways that we might be able to get our students out of that building, said Jeremy Johnson, the superintendent of Pamlico County Schools. Click the video above for more details. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After nearly four years in operation, Parable, a family-owned bookstore, plant shop and community space in Tacomas McKinley neighborhood, will close at the end of October, owners said in online posts recently. The shop, which had limited its regular hours, attracted a following and reputation as a space that celebrated local artists and makers. The Black-, women- and queer-owned store held regular book clubs, markets, queer line dancing, open mics, workshops and pop-ups since opening in 2021. Its address is 3502 McKinley Ave., Suite A. With full hearts, we share the bittersweet news that we are closing shop. This decision wasnt easy but is the best for our family, the company said in social media posts Sept. 14. Over the years we have experienced great joys and accomplishments but also heartache, family loss and struggle. There are no words for how meaningful its been to witness the way that our community came together to lift up our work, and the heart and sweat put in by people like you has sustained and nurtured Parable. The owners of Parable, a family-owned bookstore, plant shop and event space, announced in September the shop would close Oct. 31, 2024, after four years open. The owners said in the post the grief our family is holding and subsequent loss of capacity took a toll, and when they were informed that the building was changing ownership, we saw it as the right moment to transition our business. Parable has always been more than a business. In this space we built community and watched beautiful networks form for Tacoma as a whole, the post said. Its been an honor to hold the space for so many inspiring community members to gather, celebrate our brilliance, care for each other and just be joyful together. With that in mind, we are trusting that the seeds weve planted (with your help) these past four years will continue to bear fruit this is just the beginning. The shop will officially close Oct. 31, and a liquidation sale will happen later next month, the post said. Patrons can leave farewell messages and share memories online. Co-owners of Parable did not return requests for comment from The News Tribune this week. People gather for a photo at the Rain or Shine community artisan and maker market event on Oct. 2, 2022, at Parable. In April, Parable asked the public for financial support to keep the business afloat. A GoFundMe raised nearly half of its $31,000 goal within 24 hours, and as of Friday morning surpassed $25,000. At the time, co-owner LaKecia Farmer told The News Tribune that business had slowed since January, the workload was becoming unsustainable for the family and Parable didnt have the funding to expand. Farmer said the family knew opening a business in 2020 amid the pandemic and social unrest was risky, but they moved forward with a mission to serve the greater community and carry on the legacy for their children. After making the very vulnerable decision to publish and advertise the GoFundMe, Farmer said the family was moved by the community support they received soon after. This week dozens of patrons left supportive comments on social media and the Kudoboard Parable set up to share memories. Many expressed grief at the stores closure and thanked the owners for creating a beautiful and special community space. Parable said patrons should keep an eye out for some of its final events. The store is hosting an Accessibility for All Artist Market to showcase the work of local disabled artists and creators from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 and 29. PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) Some pharmacies in Central Illinois could be on a medicine shortage. Hudson Drug and Hallmark shop in Paxton say theyve been limited on their supply of Adderall and Ritalin. He says other pharmacies could be going through the same thing because of multiple different situations. These drugs could be high in demand, or several manufacturers arent making money off the specific item and other companies have to meet the need. UPDATE: Bridge closed over I-74 near Oakwood Well try to work with our patients and our providers and doctors. If someone cant get a particular drug, often there is another one in that same category that we can get that that typically will work just as well, Pharmacist Andy Hudson said. He says the only difficulty may be dealing with insurance companies. Hudson also says if people cant get Adderall or Ritalin they can try similar items like Vyvanse after talking with their doctor. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PINSON, Ala. (WIAT) Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran died on Friday due to ALS. According to the City of Pinsons Facebook page, Cochran lived in Jefferson County his whole life, growing up in Fultondale and eventually settling in Pinson. Cochran was elected to the City Council in 2004, where he served until 2016. He was elected to the position of Mayor in 2020. The City of Pinson said in a statement, Mayor Cochrans visionary approach and dedication to the communitys welfare earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, constituents, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. During his time on the City Council and as Mayor, Mayor Cochran was a strong advocate for economic development and quality of life in Pinson. Cochran also supported schools, libraries and parks in Pinson. The City of Pinson stated, Today, we honor Mayor Cochrans memory and his contributions to our city. Mayor Cochrans wisdom, strength, and courage will continue to inspire future generations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were touched by his life. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Poland assures of its support for Ukraine, but "has its own requirements" Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski declared his support for Ukraine, but asserted that it was not unconditional. Source: RMF24, as reported by European Pravda Details: "We want to maintain bipartisan US support for the alliance with Europe, Ukraine, as well as the physical presence of American troops in Poland," Sikorski said, while being in the United States on a ten-day visit. The head of Polish diplomacy paid a visit to Washington. In the coming days, he will be in New York for a session of the UN General Assembly, followed by a flight to Detroit, Michigan, to meet with the management and staff of the General Dynamics Land Systems facility, which is the executor of Polish arms orders. Meetings with the local Polish community, as well as members of Congress from Michigan, are scheduled for the visit. Sikorski emphasised the importance of discussing the alliance and its relations. "It's an important union for us, it's a union that allows us to feel safer," he went on. When asked if discussions with Ukraine are becoming more difficult [in recent days, the media have reported on the argument between Sikorski and Zelenskyy ed.], he answered, "Ukraine is under pressure. They are doing fine at sea but slightly worse on land. We support Ukraine, but as neighbours, we have our own requirements." A few days earlier, columnist and journalist Witold Jurasz of the Polish daily outlet Onet claimed, citing sources, that the Polish delegation was taken aback by President Volodymyr Zelensky's communication style during the negotiations in Kyiv. "According to the testimony of the participants in the conversation, which Onet managed to get, the atmosphere at some point was so bad that you could even call it a scandal," Jurasz had written. Following that, it was revealed that the Polish Foreign Ministry intends to use Ukraine's European integration goals to exert pressure on Kyiv in the next months, particularly regarding the exhumation of Volyn massacre victims [The Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy was a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy a genocide of Poles ed.]. Support UP or become our patron! Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan's film 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' is set to release in India on October 2. However, the movie is facing strong opposition from Indian political parties. Following the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the Shiv Sena has also spoken out against the release of the Pakistani film. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey expressed his disapproval, questioning the need to release a Pakistani film in India. "... What is the need to release a Pakistani film in India? Do we not have artists in our country? Do we not make films here?... Why should we spend our hard-earned money on Pakistani films so that they earn money and use that money to sponsor terrorism against India... How can the government allow the release of a Pakistani film? When it is decided that Pakistan is a terrorist country and it doesn't want India to progress, then why do we have anything to do with them?..." Dubey told ANI. Earlier on Friday, President of the MNS Cinema Wing, Ameya Khopkar, while speaking to ANI stated that they "will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India," and also urged people in other states to oppose the release as well. "This movie will not be released. Not just this movie, we will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India... If this happens, there will be a strong agitation," Khopkar told ANI. "I also call the people and parties of other states to oppose it in their states. Our soldiers are dying at the borders and our cities are being attacked... Why do we need Pakistani actors here, don't we have enough talent here?" he added. A ban on Pakistani artists working in India was put into effect after the Uri terror attack in 2016. In November 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking a complete ban on artists from Pakistan to perform or work in India. Both Fawad and Mahira have earlier worked in Indian cinema. Fawad was a part of films like 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and 'Khoobsurat'. Mahira made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the film 'Raees'. (ANI) A man has been arrested after police were met with a "hostile crowd" of approximately 500 people at a car meet. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said stones were thrown at officers by some of the people gathered. The event started at Winchester Park and Ride, before travelling around Hampshire and ending on Southsea seafront shortly after midnight on Sunday. Police received reports of dangerous and anti-social driving, public disorder and violence in connection with the event, including an assault on a member of the public. When the police attempted to engage with the group in Southsea they were met with a "hostile crowd", which included individuals throwing stones at them. One driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving in Fareham, it said. Police said the crowd at the car meet had been "hostile" [SNAP] In videos posted on the social media platform Snapchat, a large crowd of people could be seen alongside cars loudly revving their engines and performing wheel spins and tricks. Ch Insp Marcus Cator said Hampshire police recognised that "not all car enthusiasts who meet up socially are involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour". He added: "However, there were some individuals last night who demonstrated a clear lack of regard for the safety of not only themselves but other road users and the community at large." Police said a a crowd of around 500 people had gathered [Hampshire Police] He said the force would be reviewing evidence to "establish the extent of any offences" and "deal with anyone identified as being involved". Police have asked anyone with information or video footage of the meet to come forward. Footage shared on Snapchat showed large crowds surrounding vehicles [SNAP] Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones called the large-scale meets a "total blight on decent people's lives". In a post on X, Ms Jones said the events were "criminal" and "dangerous", adding: "They must stop." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Related internet links Police: Eight arrested following disturbance after Pro-Palestine demonstration in Downtown Orlando Eight demonstrators were arrested Saturday during a Pro-Palestine demonstration at Lake Eola. At approximately 4:00 p.m., 20 individuals met at Lake Eola for a Pro-Palestine demonstration. The demonstration was monitored by Orlando Police department bike units. At 5:15 p.m. the demonstration ended peacefully, according to OPD. Around 5:30 p.m., the bike officers responded to a disturbance near Publixon East Central Blvd. Read: Man armed with knife fatally shot while running towards deputies, sheriffs says When police arrived they found demonstrators in an argument with a person of opposing views. As officers attempted to separate the two parties, a member of the Pro-Palestine demonstration group lunged toward an OPD officer and the opposing citizen in a physically threatening manner. Officers arrested the man, along with seven other demonstrators who attempted to interfere with the arrest, and charged them with multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Read: Ormond Beach man accused of slashing teens face during argument Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A man riding a bicycle in Central Fresno was shot and killed early Sunday morning, Fresno Police say. A three-round ShotSpotter alert led police to the victim just after 4 a.m. in the 4400 block of East Floradora Avenue, near Rowell Avenue. Officers say they arrived to find a man, believed to be about 40-years-old, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital where police say he died from his injuries. The motive for this shooting has yet to be determined. As this investigation is still in its early stages, investigators ask anyone with information on this case to contact the departments non-emergency line at 559-621-7000. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) The Alexandria Police Department (APD) said officers were on the scene of a crash on Sunday morning. APD said Seminary Road between Fort Williams Parkway and St Stephens Road was closed due to the crash and that there were life-threatening injuries. Arborist electrocuted while trimming tree in Alexandria, police say The crash also caused a power outage, which crews are working to repair. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Charles County Sherriffs Office (CCSO) said it is investigating a deadly motorcycle crash that happened overnight on Sept. 22. CCSO said that at about 12:10 a.m., deputies responded to the 2400 block of Old Washington Road in Waldorf for the report of a motorcycle crash. Fairfax County police investigating fatal pedestrian crash Deputies said a green 2003 Suzuki GSXR 600 motorcycle was traveling south on Old Washington Road when it hit a Ford Mustang. The person driving the motorcycle died at the scene. The driver of the Mustang stayed on the scene, according to police. Police are working to identify the motorcycle driver since the bike was not registered. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police investigating after man dies from bodily trauma in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. Police are investigating after a man was found dead in Kansas City, Missouri late Saturday night. According to the Kansas City Police Department, just before 10:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 10500 block of East 42nd Street on reports of a dead body. Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from bodily trauma. Reports said emergency responders later pronounced him dead at the scene. He has been identified as 73-year-old Ollie Thompson. One dead, one seriously injured in head-on Johnson County crash This case is being investigated as a homicide, according to KCPD. Detectives and crime scene investigators are canvassing the area for witnesses and physical evidence. If you or anyone you know has information regarding this case, KCPD asks that you contact homicide detectives directly at (816) 234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at (816) 474-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Police investigating shooting on Harding Place that sent 1 to hospital NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Police are investigating after two drivers engaged in a gunfight on Harding Place Saturday night. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the incident took place near the corner of Harding Place and Antioch Pike in South Nashville. Man found dead after standoff situation in East Nashville Police told News 2 two cars on Harding Place exchanged gunfire, resulting in one driver sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg. (WKRN Photo) The man was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The suspect vehicle reportedly drove away from the scene. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. How police are putting the brakes on car cruising Car cruising is popular with men and women of all ages [Getty Images] It has been a landmark week for efforts to halt street races in the West Midlands. The jailing of three people for organising so-called "festivals of dangerous driving" was hailed a "major victory" by West Midlands Police. It was a first for the region where street racing, also known as car cruising, was banned after the deaths of two teenagers at an event. The BBC looks at efforts to tackle it. West Midlands Police have released videos showing cars drifting at speed on public roads [West Midlands Police] What is car cruising? The term is used to describe both groups of vehicles driving in convoy, and performances of reckless driving or stunts. But it can also apply to static meet-ups between car enthusiasts and other events permitted by police. Vehicles might convene on public roads, empty car parks or in fields. Gatherings become a problem when participants use roads as race tracks, obstruct other vehicles, make excessive noise revving engines or playing loud music, or perform stunts like donuts, drifting and burnouts. Hundreds of residents living near hotspots have complained about the fear and nuisance it can bring. While it has a reputation for "boy racers", police say car cruising attracts male and female enthusiasts of all ages. In the past decade, illegal street races have soared in popularity across the UK and hundreds of spectators can line the streets to watch and film on mobile phones. High Court judge Justice Julian Knowles said, when granting an injunction for Birmingham and the Black Country, that car cruising had become a euphemism for "organised dangerous driving". Why was it banned? Ben Corfield, 19, and 16-year-old Liberty Charris died in 2022 when they were hit by a car which ploughed into pedestrians watching a street racing meet in Oldbury. Their deaths led authorities to seek an interim injunction forbidding car cruising in Birmingham and the Black Country, which was extended and strengthened for three years in February. The ban means drivers, riders and passengers can no longer meet in groups of two or more to participate in racing, stunts or other types of dangerous driving between 15:00 and 07:00. It also prevents organising or gathering to watch street racing, stunts or cruising, with police given power to arrest anyone in breach and penalties including fines, cars being seized and jail sentences. Last Monday, 56-year-old Dhiya Al Maamoury admitted causing the deaths of the teenagers and seriously injuring two others. He is due to be sentenced later this year. The same week, Birmingham Crown Court jailed organisers of illegal meet-ups Ahzi Nagmadin, 24 and Jessica Roberts, 30, for three years and Rashani Reid, 32, for four. Det Con Mark Campbell said: "We are coming for anyone who is involved in organising these events and they too can expect lengthy prison terms." Residents say they live in fear of accidents caused by street racing [Getty Images] Is it banned everywhere in the West Midlands region? In Birmingham and the Black Country, Justice Knowles acknowledged "nothing short of an injunction" would put the brakes on it. "I am satisfied not only that those who engage in car cruising are deliberately, intentionally and flagrantly flouting the law, but that they will continue to do so unless and until effectively restrained by an injunction," he said. Elsewhere, forces and councils collaborate to tailor approaches to local need. In August, after scores of complaints, Stafford Borough Council approved the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on a section of the A34. Anyone promoting, participating in, or attending a car cruising event where prohibited activities take place could get a 100 Fixed Penalty Notice, or 1,000 fine if convicted. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cannock Chase Council are also consulting on PSPOs, while South Staffordshire Council intends to introduce one next month. In Coventry, more than 800 have signed a petition calling for a PSPO or injunction to stop "irresponsible and dangerous" street racing around Baginton. Initially the Birmingham and Black Country injunction displaced car cruisers over the border to north Worcestershire. But West Mercia Police said activity decreased over the usually busy summer months, which it attributed partly to engaging with the car cruising community. Over the past six months, road policing officer Scott Gee has been attending meets to chat to car lovers about indulging their passion without putting others at risk. He described groups getting frustrated with those who turned up to do wheelspins and donuts. "Most of the people that meet go for static reasons, they want to show their vehicles," he said. "But it's the small number of at-risk drivers which seem to ruin it for the rest." Initially reluctant, the community has become more receptive. "We've had really positive feedback," said Insp Stephanie Arrowsmith. "We fully appreciate that this is peoples passion," she added. "We just want it to happen in a safe environment, in a safe way. "Ultimately what we're trying to prevent is a fatality." South Staffordshire Council installed warning signs on the A449 Stafford Road warning motorists against antisocial driving [Staffordshire Police] Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links GRAMERCY PARK, Manhattan (PIX11) Police are looking for a man who they say stabbed another in Gramercy Park on Friday. The incident happened in the area of First Avenue and East 14th Street around 8:45 p.m., according to officials. More Crime News Authorities say a 29-year-old man was stabbed after he bumped into another unknown man while walking down a staircase. An argument broke out between the two leading up to the stabbing, police report. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to survive. Officers have released a photo of a man wanted in connection with the incident. 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). 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. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) A missing adult alert has been issued for a man in Clark County. The Clark County Sheriffs Office has issued a missing adult alert for Kevin Sumner, a 24-year-old white male. He is approximately six feet tall, weighs 150 pounds and has red hair and blue eyes. (Photo/Clark County SO) Player injured in chaos after shots fired near Cincinnati football game Sumner left his residence on foot around midnight on Sept. 21 and has failed to return. Police say Sumner is suicidal and suffers from Autism. Law enforcement is concerned for his safety. Residents in Clark County as well as surrounding counties of Champaign, Greene, Madison, Miami and Montgomery should be on the lookout for Sumner. Call or dial 911 if you see the adult. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, came alive with cultural performances as Indian artists took the stage ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Modi and US" event. The performances celebrated India's rich traditions and diverse heritage, drawing attention from the gathered crowd. Artists from the Indian community performed Kathak, a classical dance form from Uttar Pradesh, adding a touch of grace and tradition to the evening. Another group performed Yakshagana, a folk dance form from the coastal districts of Karnataka. The colourful costumes of Yakshagana entertained the audience. Apart from this, a group of dancers performed an Assamese folk song, showcasing the cultural richness of Assam in northeastern India. Artists also performed on a Gujarati song ahead of the much-awaited event. PM Modi is set to address the "Modi and US" programme around noon local time in New York. While speaking to ANI, a member of the event organising committee, Jagdish Sewhani, said, "It is a historical event in Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York. It looks like we are celebrating Diwali here... 15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states. "More than 500 artists are going to perform, and we all are awaiting PM Modi. It is the first time ever, that an Indian PM is coming to Long Island in 75 years. The mayor of Nassau County is so excited that he said that he is going to welcome the most popular leader, not only in India but in the world," he added. Preparations are in the final stage at the venue where PM Modi will address the Indian diaspora as the Modi-US event to commence around noon. Indian chef and restaurateur, Vikas Khanna, said, "When a leader of your country comes, it's our job, our duty to honour and respect him. It is important as the leaders don't represent a party, but the country. They represent our family, our heritage our ancestors. Anyone residing outside the country represents one's culture. When Donald Trump visited India, I received a letter from PMO, I was invited there along with AR Rahman. What can be a b better honour to a chef than this? This is how you elevate a profession when you see that at one side there is an Oscar winner and at the other side, you have a chef standing there to welcome the American President...We are differently built people, our DNA is different, and we have so much respect towards our motherland. The PM is the elder of our family, he represents us, in totality." Ahead of the event, a member of the Indian diaspora performing with the 'Parai' said, "I am very happy to take part in this event. We are proud of the 'Parai' instrument and happy to perform here." A group was seen performing Mallakhamb, an acrobatic activity originated in Maharashtra, outside Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island. Jaydev Anata of the Mallakhamb Federation US said, "We are promoting Mallakhamb in the USA as an acrobatic and gymnastic sport with the objective of getting it into the Olympics. We are using every opportunity to present this to the public." Earlier in a post on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora and wrote, "After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes." PM Modi will chair key bilateral meetings in New York and attend a CEO Roundtable in addition to addressing the Summit of the Future on September 23. (ANI) Italian police have raided the home of an influencer whose affair with the countrys culture minister brought about his political downfall, with officers seizing a pair of spy glasses which she used to film inside parliament. Maria Rosaria Boccia is under investigation for allegedly making threats to Gennaro Sangiuliano, who was forced to resign over their affair earlier this month. The exact nature of the alleged threats has not been made public by prosecutors, but under Italian law it is an offence to make threats to a public official or politician. Gennaro Sangiuliano resigned last month in disgrace over his affair with Maria Rosaria Boccia - @mariarosariabocciaofficial/INSTAGRAM Police raided her home in Pompeii, the modern town adjacent to the World Heritage ancient Roman archaeological site, seizing her computer, mobile phone and a pair of spy glasses that she used to record video of herself walking through the corridors of power in the lower house of parliament in Rome. The influencer and fashion entrepreneur subsequently uploaded the video to social media, breaching rules which forbid visitors from recording video and audio inside parliament. She was subsequently banned from entering parliament for making the recordings with the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses which are equipped with a tiny camera and microphone. Ms Boccia is also under investigation for alleged assault, amid accusations that she hit the minister and left him with an injury to his head. The Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses used to film inside parliament Before his resignation, he appeared at events in public with a large strip of plaster on his forehead. The relationship between Mr Sangiuliano, 62, and Ms Boccia, 41, appears to have ended acrimoniously in July. In leaked private text messages that were published by an Italian newspaper, La Verita, she told him that he had sent her out of her mind and had driven her crazy like a hyena. The minister told her: I have done things that I should never have done, according to one of the leaked messages. Video shot by Maria Rosaria Boccia in the lower house of parliament in Rome - LA7 Mr Sangiuliano made a tearful confession to the affair on primetime television earlier this month, apologising to Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, for causing her embarrassment, and to his wife for his betrayal. He was the first minister to resign from Ms Melonis Right-wing government since it came to power nearly two years ago. Ms Boccia claimed that the minister had hired her as a grand events organiser and that she had been privy to classified information about a G7 summit for culture ministers, prompting concern from opposition parties that the security of the event was compromised. He denied that, saying that he had considered hiring her but had changed his mind after being advised that there would be a conflict of interest. Since the scandal broke, Ms Boccia has claimed, during television interviews and on numerous social media posts, that she was appointed as a consultant by the Mr Sangiuliano. She posted numerous photos of the two of them attending events, meetings, lunches and dinners. Mr Sangiuliano insisted that she had not received a single euro of public money. He admitted attending events with Ms Boccia but said he had paid for everything himself with his personal credit card. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) A new batch of tenants were welcomed to Pearlridge Center Mauka, including a popular Asian lifestyle brand opening its doors for the first time in Hawaii. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You During Saturdays grand opening, lines wrapped around the second floor of the mall waiting to shop for products from toys, collectibles, plushes and even makeup. It sells a lot of cute stuff, especially for kids like the Sanrio characters that Im wearing right now, said shopper Chloe Devera. Aloha Market attracts more than 7,000 Los Angeles visitors I bought like three capybaras, like three different blind boxes, and like a bunch of Sanrio characters, Leiandra Fagaragan, another Miniso Shopper. With more than 6,000 stores worldwide and 200-plus stores nationwide, Hawaii customers were eager for the store to open its doors. Hawaii finds itself ranked 6th in the nation This is something Ive never seen at this scale before and the excitement, its just like, Im so happy to be home and Im so grateful that all these people came out to see us, explained Kealii Cabral, Pearlridge Miniso Area Manager. Fagaragan and others said they waited at Ross. Once the gates opened at 9:45 a.m., they bolted to the new Miniso location and were some of the first few people to experience the store. Alala: A journey into Hawaiis future through its past When we were planning this whole adventure, we were like So how many people gonna go, how early do we need to be here? We were shocked though because when we came to Pearlridge outside, we were like Oh no, are all these people already here for the Miniso? said shoppers Kara Nakagawa and Kailey Kurashige. The new Miniso location will not only bring more Sanrio products to Hawaii but also products from BT21 and more, which can be harder to find in the state. Weve had grand opening events before but when I say Hawaii people turned up, they turned 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 KHON2. Several popular beaches along the Maryland and Delaware coast were closed to swimming after medical waste, including needles, washed ashore last week. Swimming was prohibited at beaches that included Ocean City, Maryland, and Fenwick Island, Delaware, and both state and federal beaches on Assateague Island, which is part of Maryland and Virginia. In a social media post, the Town of Ocean City said last Sunday that its emergency services team is actively addressing the recent discovery of medical waste that washed onto the beach. "To ensure the safety of all residents and visitors, Ocean City Beach Patrol has temporarily closed the ocean for swimming, and we urge everyone to adhere to this closure until further notice," the post read. TODDLER KILLED IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND, TRAM CRASH WHILE CROSSING BOARDWALK In an aerial view, a Ferris wheel and amusements are seen at the Ocean City inlet and Ocean City boardwalk in Ocean City, Md. Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobold stressed the seriousness of the situation, not just because of Sunday's rough seas, but also because of the potential health concerns the waste poses. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "We will work closely with the Worcester County Health Department and other public health authorities to investigate the source of medical waste," Theobold said in a prepared statement. "Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely." On Tuesday, Theobald announced that there was no medical waste on the beach in Ocean City after a post-high tide cleanup. Still, swimming access was closed, and his department was working with the Health Department to conduct water tests with the hopes of reopening before the weekend. POPULAR ATLANTIC BEACH DESTINATION HIT WITH DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS AS STORMS LINGER; HUNDREDS RESCUED In an aerial view, the pier at the Ocean City inlet and Ocean City boardwalk is seen in Ocean City, Md. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehans office told Fox News Digital on Thursday that swimming was closed to swimmers because of rough surf conditions, limited lifeguards and out of an abundance of caution, as officials awaited water test results. The mayors office added that it is hoping to have beaches reopened to swimmers by Friday. The town said that crews will continue monitoring the beach, removing debris and updating the public as more information is obtained. ANOTHER DEAD WHALE BEACHES IN MARYLAND AMID RAPID OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT People were prohibited from swimming in Ocean City, Maryland after medical waste began washing ashore last weekend. In the town of Fenwick Island, just north of Ocean City, officials closed the beach to swimming because of the waste, and urged anyone on the beach to wear shoes, noting that the waste includes needles. As of Thursday, rough seas continued to be a hazard for swimmers, though officials had not updated the towns social media channels to say whether medical waste remained an issue. Fox News Digital reached out to the Fenwick Island town manager multiple times about the swimming closure and did not receive a response on the matter. To the south, on Assateague Island, state and federal officials closed the beach for the same reason. EXPLORING MARYLAND: WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN LITTLE AMERICA Assateague Island was closed to swimming this week after medical waste began washing ashore. Assateague Island National Seashore announced the immediate closure, stating that the north end of the island and all beaches on the Maryland side are closed to swimming. Beaches on Assateague Island that are on the Virginia side were also closed to swimming and wading. Maryland State Parks announced its closure on social media, as well. "Assateague State Park, along with other beaches along the Maryland coast, is experiencing a significant amount of medical waste washing onshore," the state Park Department said. "Access to the ocean will be restricted at this time. No swimming, wading, surfing, or any activities in the ocean are permitted. Visitors to the beach should wear shoes and use an abundance of caution." Original article source: Popular vacation destinations on alert after hazardous materials wash ashore (Bloomberg) -- Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and Socialist opposition leader Pedro Nuno Santos will meet on Sept. 27 to hold talks about the 2025 budget after previously failing to agree on scheduling discussions earlier this month. Most Read from Bloomberg The government accepted the proposed date for the meeting, the Socialist Party said in an emailed statement on Sunday night. The opposition group said the government had suggested holding meetings on two other occasions, and these ended up not taking place. The first meeting didnt happen because the government didnt send the budget data requested by the opposition leader in time to start the negotiations, according to the Socialist Partys statement. The prime ministers office said in a separate statement that the premier had been trying to schedule a meeting and that hadnt happened until now due to the Socialist leader being unavailable. The approval of the budget is in the national interest and the government wont contribute to any political instability, it said. The budget, due to be presented in October, may be a key test for the prime ministers minority government, which took office in April after the center-right AD coalitions narrow election win over the Socialists. Premier Montenegro needs to find backing from other parties to get approval for budgets and other measures, and may have to compromise on key policies such as tax cuts to pass legislation. The government, which held talks about the budget with officials from different parties earlier in September, has said it aims to post budget surpluses of about 0.2% to 0.3% of gross domestic product in the next four years, and forecasts economic growth of about 2% in 2024 and 2025. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Pregnant Mom and Husband Who Both Drowned While Snorkeling in Maui Were on Their Babymoon They were planning to name her Melody because they both sang, one victims sister revealed of the couple's unborn baby Design Pics Inc / Alamy A stock image of water and land in Maui, Hawaii The husband and wife who drowned while snorkeling during their Hawaii vacation on Sept. 14 were celebrating their babymoon, according to a report. Local news station KITV reported that Ilya Billy Tsaruk and Sophia Kovalevich Tsaruk were celebrating the future arrival of their second baby in Maui at the time of their deaths. Per a GoFundMe page, the couple was already parents to an 18-month-old child, Logan. [Sophias] birthday is the day after Christmas, the pregnant woman's sister Ilona Tsymbalyuk told KITV. She was always talking about how she might deliver this baby girl that she was dreaming about on her birthday. They were planning to name her Melody because they both sang. Sophia had the voice of an angel, and together with Ilya, they sang in a worship group in their church, their relatives wrote on the couples GoFundMe page. The fundraiser surpassed its initial goal of $100,000, before setting a new goal of $200,000. The funds, in part, will be used to pay to transport their bodies from Maui to Washington, and to cover funeral costs. 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. Remaining funds, after all transport and funeral expenses, will be responsibly allocated and put away to help facilitate little Logans future life, a statement on the GoFundMe page read. It continued, There are so many hurdles that we foresee in making sure that he is taken care of in every way, and we are so thankful that so many people have opened their hearts to help. The Maui County Fire Department confirmed they had found a 26-year-old female in the water and a 25-year-old male located on the bottom 100 to 150 yards from shore and performed CPR on both people. Ultimately resuscitation efforts proved to be unsuccessful, and both parties were pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS, they said on Facebook. The burial services for the couple and Baby Melody will be in Everett, Wash., on Sept. 27, after their celebration of life in Mukilteo on Sept. 26. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.0 struck the Los Angeles area Saturday, which was felt by residents across a large swath of the region. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck at 2:15 p.m. with an epicenter 2.1miles northwest of Malibu. As of 2:26 p.m., there were no reports of damage or injuries. The quake came less than two weeks after the same area experienced a 4.7 magnitude tremor on Sept. 12. his is a developing story. Stay with KTLA 5 News for updates. Latest California Earthquakes. Please wait a moment for map to load. Use controls or your thumb to move and zoom. Thousands of earthquakes are recorded in California yearly, but the vast majority are extremely minor. Several hundred reach a magnitude of 3.0, and only about 15 to 20 are greater than magnitude 4.0, according to the USGS. In North America, only Alaska records more quakes per year than California. What to do in an earthquake During an earthquake, its crucial to know the proper steps to protect yourself and minimize injury. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides detailed guidelines on what to do during such events. Here are the key points: Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop: Immediately drop down onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over and allows you to stay low and crawl to safety if necessary. Cover: Use one arm to protect your head and neck, and if possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is available, get down next to an interior wall away from windows. Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs. Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an address in the US on 22 September. Screenshot from a video President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported on the start of his visit to the US, where he intends to present Ukraines Victory Plan to US President Joe Biden and other leaders of Ukraines partner states. Source: an address by Zelenskyy Quote: "Were starting our visit to the United States right now we are flying to Pennsylvania. This visit is special. Then were heading to New York and Washington. This autumn will determine what comes next in this war. Together with our partners, we can strengthen our positions as needed for our victory our shared victory for a truly just peace. Ukraine will present its Victory Plan in the United States, and the US President will be the first to see it in full. Of course, I will also present the Victory Plan to all the leaders of partner countries, who, like President Biden, are world leaders and can become leaders of peace by helping us with the Victory Plan. We will also present it to Congress to both parties and both US presidential candidates. America has enough power to ensure, together with Ukraine, our allies and partners, what we want most. We need peace, exactly as envisioned by the Peace Formula. Exactly as envisioned by the UN Charter. We are doing our utmost to achieve this." Details: Zelenskyy stressed that "it is now being determined what the legacy of the current generation of state leaders those in the highest offices will be". Zelenskyy also announced that a meeting with Global South, G7 and European leaders will take place within the next few days. Background: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit the US and present his Victory Plan to President Joe Biden during a meeting in Washington, DC, on 26 September. Zelenskyy also hopes to explain the plan to presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Bloomberg reported that the Victory Plan envisages an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO and a commitment from the US to provide constant supplies of modern weapons. Zelenskyy further noted that the Victory Plan outlines decisions that are expected to be made between October and December 2024. Zelenskyy said the thought that US President Joe Biden might not back the Victory Plan put forward by Ukraine was "horrible" because it would lead to a very long war with a huge number of casualties. Support UP or become our patron! Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., was dealt a blow in the Michigan Senate race this week when the Michigan Farm Bureaus AgriPac endorsed her Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers, potentially upending the already close race. In the latest slate of endorsements, the industry group revealed its support for Rogers, diverging from AgriPac's recent history of endorsing the Democrat candidate for that Senate seat. The group has not endorsed a Republican candidate for the Senate seat since 2006, backing outgoing Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., in her re-election campaigns in 2012 and 2018. "I'm honored and grateful to have earned the endorsement of AgriPac and the farmers across Michigan who feed our nation and power Michigan's economy," Rogers said in a statement. "Michigan farmers are struggling mightily under the current administration with rising input costs and burdensome government regulations, and now for the first time in American history we are importing more food than we export. As Michigan's Senator, our farmers know I'll always have their back, and I'll fight to lower costs, slash needless regulations, and pass the Farm Bill, so farmers can thrive and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation to succeed and feed the world," he wrote. RICK SCOTT LEADS EFFORT TO UP SECRET SERVICE PROTECTIONS AFTER 2ND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON TRUMP Rogers received the coveted AgriPac endorsement. The group has palpable influence in Michigan, given that agriculture is one of the state's top three industries, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Farming in the state contributes "over $100 billion annually to the state's economy," per the department. It further employs nearly a million people, or 22% of Michigan's employment. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Michigan Republican strategist Jason Roe told Fox News Digital that the endorsement is "pretty damn significant." "Slotkin serves on the House Agriculture Committee and her patron, Debbie Stabenow, is chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. I imagine they are both pretty p---ed about that decision," he said. Stabenow has backed Slotkin and had been encouraging the farm bureau to also support the congresswoman as her successor. 'I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS': TOP REPUBLICAN DETAILS LEVEL OF SECRET SERVICE 'LACK OF COOPERATION' Stabenow had a record of receiving the group's backing. Stabenow told Fox News Digital, "That was very disappointing," in response to the endorsement. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Gary Peters, D-Mich., dismissed the group's decision, telling reporters at a Christian Science Monitor Breakfast on Tuesday, "The Farm Bureau always endorses they always endorse the Republican. The only exception has been Debbie Stabenow because she's chair of [the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry]." "She's the only one," he said. "Otherwise, basically, they're an extension of the Republican Party." Rogers pushed back at Peters' claim, pointing out that the organization has backed 14 Democrats across the state this cycle alone, including in the House of Representatives. Slotkin's campaign did not provide comment to Fox News Digital in time for publication. HARRIS, TRUMP DEADLOCKED IN PENNSYLVANIA AS FORMER PRESIDENT TRAILS IN OTHER 'BLUE WALL' STATES: POLL Peters said the group was an extension of the GOP. According to Rogers, "I think their conclusion to endorse us sends a very clear message, not just to the [agriculture] community but the rest of the business community in Michigan." As for Peters' claim likening the group to the Republican Party, Rogers said in an interview with Fox News Digital, "You just insulted the second-largest industry in the state. They have a very thoughtful process, and it tells me he hasn't visited very many farms recently." Such a remark could even hurt Peters if he seeks re-election in 2026, according to Roe. The race between Slotkin and Rogers has been quickly tightening as the election approaches. New surveys have shown the Republican within reach of Slotkin, though she still has a lead. According to the latest Marist poll, the Democrat beat Rogers by six percentage points among registered voters, 51% to 45%. GOP SENS CALL ON SCHUMER, DEMS TO TAKE UP BORDER BILLS AS THEY TOUT IMMIGRATION VIGILANCE The Michigan Farm Bureau's AgriPac endorsed Rogers for Senate. The stakes have been raised in the race, which has surprised some with its level of competitiveness. It is one of only two "toss up" Senate elections, according to top political handicapper the Cook Political Report, alongside the matchup in Ohio. It was previously considered to "lean Democrat" before being shifted in the summer. Despite Slotkin's current lead in the polls, Rogers is confident that this particular endorsement will make a difference. "What it does is it makes people take note," he said. He pointed out the plethora of negative ads being run against him but said, "I will tell you one thing about farmers they know exactly where the bear does its business in the woods; it's an old expression my dad used to say." The former representative said farmers "don't care about the ads. They don't care about the misinformation." Rogers said the farming community is instead more concerned with the candidates who met with them and their county boards to discuss agricultural solutions. He also said the AgriPac endorsement wasn't just a crucial win among farmers but also independent voters, who are some of the few who remain undecided. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: 'Pretty damn significant': Slotkin suffers blow in Michigan as farm bureau jilts Dems to endorse GOP candidate Prison inmates in Finland are being employed as data labellers to improve accuracy of AI models With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the fear of being left behind in a fast-evolving world looms over everyone, but what about those who are already cut off from society, such as prisoners? Finland, long heralded as a pioneer in humane prison practices, is trying to bridge this gap. Over the past two years, some Finnish prisons have introduced AI-related tasks to inmates, moving beyond traditional prison labour in an effort to prepare them for a future where digital literacy is crucial. Related This initiative, in collaboration with a start-up, aims to reduce reoffending by equipping inmates with modern skills. Metroc is a Finnish market data company that aggregates public construction data and delivers categorised data to its clients. The company approached the Finnish Prison and Probation Service with the idea of using prison labour for data annotation a process that involves classifying and labelling information to improve AI accuracy. AI systems need human input when theyre being developed, especially when dealing with languages like Finnish, which is spoken by only five million people globally. This creates challenges in a high-wage economy like Finland, where hiring native speakers can be costly. Related "As our software tries to interpret text material and different details about construction products, we need to teach the [AI] language models to understand the Finnish language and to understand construction context and construction questions and topics," Jussi Virnala, founder of Metroc, told Euronews Next. "I was a summer trainee 10 years ago at the Ministry of Justice, and I happened to know the organisation. So then I just called the contact to the criminal sanctions agency and started to have discussions about this type of idea and they were immediately really excited about it," Virnala added. Prisoners participating in AI work sit in trio in a room. The work is typically for three hours with a break. - Prison and Probation Service of Finland The company prepares training materials which include a basic course about construction history and terminology as well as AI. Participants are provided with special laptops and are asked simple questions such as "is the text about granting a building permit?" An inmate participating in the AI annotation work at a Finnish prison, nicknamed *Robin, wrote to Euronews Next that they chose the work "to spend time for meaningful activities. Artificial Intelligence was a new topic for me, and it aroused my interest. Also to get money". Related The 'normality principle,' a Nordic approach to prisons This AI work reflects the broader ethos of the Nordic prison system, which emphasises maintaining conditions that resemble life outside as closely as possible. The "normality principle," a core philosophy of Nordic incarceration, seeks to avoid stripping away an inmate's sense of autonomy. We try to keep the prison conditions as normal as possible compared to normal society and other citizens and the rights that any citizen can have regardless of whether he's in prison or not. "The so-called normality principle is important. We try to keep the prison conditions as normal as possible compared to normal society and other citizens and the rights that any citizen can have regardless of whether he's in prison or not," Pia Puolakka, project manager of "Smart Prison" at the Finnish Prison and Probation Service, told Euronews Next. "So prisoners can, in a restricted way, use the services of the outside society, also digitally, while they are incarcerated. But of course, we have also very precise security policy. And everything we do digitally is secured and we follow the data protection and data security instructions," Puolakka added. Finnish law allows prisoners to make Internet video calls and use email while incarcerated in closed prisons. Related In 2018, the prison authorities started a project called "Smart Prison" to comply with the legislation and use digital services to increase prisoners rehabilitation, education, and contact with their relatives, social services, and health care services. By familiarising inmates with digital skills, the Smart Prison programme aims to narrow the digital divide that many face upon release, ultimately easing their transition back into society. The projects run across three prisons in Finland where every prisoner is offered a personal cell device. A special software for internal prison communication and management enables them to contact staff and manage daily schedules inside the prison digitally. Some other prisons have joint-use workstations where prisoners can use digital services, but they also have more traditional forms of work. "This data work with computers is future-oriented, forward-looking," said Tuukka Lehtiniemi, a researcher at the University of Helsinki who is monitoring the project. "There's lots of computers, and digital devices [outside of the prison], and this needs to be reflected then in the prison as well. So what the data work can do in the prison, it sort of puts the prisoner in front of a computer, it introduces the computer into the prison," Lehtiniemi said. Related Navigating ethical boundaries This blend of AI, prison labour, and corporate needs is not without its complexities. While data annotation is crucial for building AI systems, tasks are often repetitive and mundane, with one inmate telling Euronews Next the work is "boring". "I am a lively and energetic person. I like physical work more. This work is to pass the time and to get money," prisoner Robin wrote in Finnish, which was translated and forwarded via Puolakka in an email. The compensation is exactly the same as for those prisoners doing any other type of prison work. So it's fair, and we have to remember that comparing the open labour market to what prisoners are doing in prison is not the same situation. But Robin acknowledges they "got to understand what AI is and got some rhythm in my everyday life" thanks to the programme. AI labelling work has raised ethical concerns globally, especially after companies like OpenAI and Google were criticised for outsourcing data labelling to low-paid workers. Dr Oguz Alyanak, a cultural anthropologist at the Fairwork project of the Oxford Internet Institute whose research focuses on labour migration, said AI annotation and labelling work is often low-paid, short-lived, heavily monitored, and has health risks. "It is therefore important for us at Fairwork to highlight these problems that workers raise regarding AI work, and approach the AI supply chain with a critical eye," he said. While he could not comment on the Finnish prison case in particular, he says that many companies "where data annotation or content moderation is done advertise such work as an opportunity to gain new skills which may come in handy in finding future employment". Most workers engage themselves in the "precarious" data work not to equip themselves with modern skills but to secure a few job opportunities in their countries, according to Alyanak. Related The Finnish authorities say that prisoners are fairly compensated. Robin wrote that at first, they received 3 euros per day and then after it raised to 4.62 per day. "The compensation is exactly the same as for those prisoners doing any other type of prison work. So it's fair, and we have to remember that comparing the open labour market to what prisoners are doing in prison is not the same situation. Prisoners don't have to pay for their living or food or basic maintenance or things like this during incarceration," Puolakka told Euronews Next. Lehtiniemi says the prison is a strictly regulated environment which he believes can help "excessive or exploitative things that you could imagine happening with the project". "It's not the Wild West that tech companies can just start exploiting, he added. "People assume that something fishy must be going on, right? There's a prison and there's AI, and there's tech companies and what we know about data work, in general, we know that usually, it's low-paid work". However, Alyanak says that transparency is crucial as a strictly regulated environment can also mean that work-related problems are not easily brought to public view. Researchers and prison officials also caution that the focus should remain on offering inmates a chance to develop new skills, rather than on creating a vast data workforce for companies. Related "If Finns or Finnish companies or Finnish AI developers need lots of data in Finnish, they have to look elsewhere than the prisonsThe purpose of this in the prison is rehabilitation. The purpose is not to create lots of data for Finnish companies," Lehtiniemi said. He stresses Finland's incarceration rate is significantly lower than the EU average of around 100 per 100,000 with approximately 3,000 prisoners in closed prisons about 50 per 100,000 inhabitants. In the United States, the rate is even higher, ranging from 500 to 700 per 100,000. Metroc also admits that it cannot rely completely on the prison labour and says its staff including the founder Virnala do the annotation tasks themselves. "What people tell me in the prison... is that given that the purpose is rehabilitation, this cannot expand too much and there's no prison population to do this," Lehtiniemi said. Prison officials acknowledge that not every inmate finds the work suitable, and it is by no means a universal solution. However, for those willing to try, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with evolving technology. "My experience is that most of the prisoners who have had the opportunity to try the [AI] work, they have wanted to continue. They liked it. But, of course, every work is not for everybody," Satu Rahkila, senior specialist at the Prison and Probation Service of Finland who coordinates the programme with Metroc, told Euronews Next. Related "But we want to motivate the prisoners to try it we have good experiences because many prisoners have bad experiences at work or school or they have difficulties and they can have also some limits," Rahkila said, adding that they can be afraid initially and then find its not complicated. Finland's experiment with AI in prisons has drawn the attention of other countries interested in integrating technology into correctional facilities. The Nordics and other European countries have sought consultation on the AI work and Smart Prison projects, according to the Finnish authorities. For more on this story, watch the video in the media player above. * Euronews Next requested an interview with an inmate currently participating in the AI work. The Prison and Probation Service of Finland forwarded Euronews Next's interview questions to an inmate who chose to use the nickname "Robin". The authority translated and forwarded Robin's answers to Euronews Next via email. Euronews was asked not to reveal Robin's gender. Weeks after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, a then-little-known Republican congressman from Louisiana introduced a short bill that proposed amending the Social Security Act to ensure child support payments be made for an unborn child. The Unborn Child Support Act has gone nowhere. But the congressman has. Hes Mike Johnson, now the speaker of the House. More than two years after the Dobbs decision and nearly a year into a job that gives him control over which legislation get debated and voted on, Johnson hasnt touched the bill or any of its provisions. Thats far from unique. CNNs review of dozens of pledges made and bills introduced to help mothers and children living in a post-Roe America found little action, either in Washington or in state capitals where abortion bans were quickly put in place. Abortion remains a dominant political issue going into November up and down the ballot. But on the state level, despite much fast and thorough action to ban or limit the procedure mostly in Republican-led states, only a handful of measures have been enacted to address the aftermath of those bans. In several places where politicians have spoken at length about the need to do more to help mothers and children, like in Iowa, or where bills were introduced only to stall out, like in Missouri, any substantive laws passed related to the post-Dobbs reality have only solidified those restrictions. Few of those new laws are about mothers during their pregnancies or after. Few address child care, for infants or beyond. Even as independent researchers find the number of births going up as well as higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and greater economic insecurity in states where abortions are most limited, theres been little substantive legislative action in response. For many pro-lifers, this has just not been in their lane before. Its been, We have Roe, how do we chip away at Roe? said Samuel Lee, a deacon whos the director of Campaign Life Missouri, an anti-abortion group that runs pregnancy centers but also pushes for funding increases for housing, child care and other measures. Across the country, thats led to an unlikely alliance of activists, advocates and economists across the spectrum on reproductive rights who complain that anti-abortion politicians havent followed up with enough effort to prioritize and protect life. Since Dobbs, seven states have had ballot initiatives on the topic, with the abortion rights position winning in each state. In November, at least 10 more initiatives aimed at restoring or protecting abortion rights will be in front of voters across the country. But those measures only address the issue of abortion itself not what happens if the procedure is restricted. The analogy is true of the dog finally catching the mail truck and not knowing what to do, said Josh Brahm, the CEO of the anti-abortion Equal Rights Institute, who believes legal abortion should have never been a right that Roe recognized in the Constitution. But Brahm has also rallied an array of political, faith, academic, medical and advocacy leaders into a coalition called Building a Post-Roe Future that calls for more affordable health care and child care, expanded child tax credits, paid parental leave, flexible work hours and enforced pre-natal support. In an appearance in Georgia on Friday to criticize that states six-week abortion ban, Kamala Harris accused GOP legislators of being hypocrites when it comes to caring about women and families. These hypocrites want to start talking about This is in the best interest of women and children? the vice president told a somber room in Atlanta. Well, where you been? Where you been when it comes to taking care of the women and children of America? In a late Friday night post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump wrote in all capital letters that if he wins, WOMEN WILL BE HAPPY, HEALTHY, CONFIDENT AND FREE! YOU WILL NO LONGER BE THINKING ABOUT ABORTION, BECAUSE IT IS NOW WHERE IT ALWAYS HAD TO BE, WITH THE STATES, AND A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE. The former president then read out the post at his Saturday campaign rally in Wilmington, North Carolina. Scattered efforts to take action Scattered efforts have been made toward what people like Tate Reeves the Republican governor of Mississippi, where the Dobbs case had originated call a culture of life. In Mississippi, that includes laws establishing a foster parents bill of rights and a maximum state income tax credit of $10,000 toward adoption costs. Elsewhere, Kentucky established a Lifeline for Moms maternal psychiatry access program. In Ohio, where voters last year effectively overturned a strict 2019 ban that temporarily came into effect with Dobbs, the legislatures big move on child care was allowing breastfeeding mothers to be excused from jury duty. Though paid parental leave has been a big topic of discussion around the country, the only states to enact such measures since Dobbs are those where abortion rights are protected. Anti-abortion supporters hold signs as they wait to enter the North Carolina Senate gallery in Raleigh on May 16, 2023. - Chris Seward/AP/File North Carolinas 2023 ban on abortions after 12 weeks, passed via a supermajority overriding the Democratic governors veto, included increased funding for contraceptive services, measures to reduce infant and maternal mortality, and paid maternity leave for state employees which state Senate leader Phil Berger and other Republican legislators propelling the ban acknowledged on several occasions were specific responses to abortion rights activists complaints that conservatives only ever focus on bans. But in a state that sees over 120,000 births each year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the law provides $70 million in annually recurring funds for these and other services which comes out to about $583 per birth and another $15 million in one-time infusions around foster care, as well as a provision expanding the scope of what midwives can do. Its a been a growing revelation for some legislators, said Lee, who has testified in favor of several bills he hopes will foster conditions under which women are less likely to want or seek abortions in the first place and also have resources available to them and their children in the absence of the procedure. Its not just about stopping abortions, Lee said. Its about helping women, whatever their circumstances are. Abortion rights activists protest in St. Louis on June 24, 2022, after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. - Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images/File Where efforts were killed and promises didnt materialize Because of a trigger law waiting on the books, Missouris ban on abortions except to save the life of the mother kicked in only six minutes after the Dobbs decision was announced. Its also the rare state where there has been a committed, bipartisan effort to enact laws addressing what comes next, with Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields, in 2023 and again in 2024, introducing legislation to create tax credits to pay for child care. By Shields numbers, the effects of such a measure would have boosted the state economy by over a billion dollars. Children have to be in a safe, loving quality program, and we have to help provide that. Its just unaffordable for working middle-class families if we dont help, Shields, now a grandmother but with clear memories of her own time as a working mother, said in an interview in the spring. They are people who want to bring children into this world to love and have a family, but they also have to work to be able to do that. Republicans supported the bill. Democrats did too. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and groups like Lees Campaign Life Missouri were also on board. Republican Gov. Mike Parson backed the effort, as did Crystal Quade, the Democratic leader in the state House and a working mom, who has since become her partys nominee to succeed Parson. The bill passed the state House earlier this year but floundered in the state Senate. After it collapsed in the spring, Shields told CNN she gave up and started looking for another way in. We will have to continue as a state to address this issue. We cant just walk away and think its going to resolve itself, Shields said. Around the same time, another bill did get through: The governor signed into law legislation that cut Medicaid funding to the remaining Planned Parenthood facilities in the state performing non-abortion-related health care. The end result in Missouri is that in the two-and-a-half years since Dobbs, the only measures meant to address the fallout amount to a few million dollars worth of legislation, including tax credits for adoption and tax exemptions for child care facilities. To Quade, this is evidence that legislators opposed to abortion rights are not really pro-life. Its a shame that they have been able to take hold of a phrase that means so much for so many people, Quade said. When I say Im a pro-life legislator, its because I want women to have health care and arent sent home to bleed out because theyre not close enough to death. A few hundred miles away in Iowa, anti-abortion leaders made big promises about how they would address the consequences of Dobbs. But the most significant action was legislating around court challenges to a law that restricts abortion to as early as six weeks. When Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the law prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions in July 2023, she also cited the culture of life, explaining that as a pro-life governor, I will continue to promote policies designed to surround every person involved in a pregnancy with protection, love, and support. A few months later, Iowa state House Speaker Pat Grassley said that Republicans need to look at things like adoption, adding that over-the-counter (birth control) needs to be part of what were looking at within our caucus. In an interview earlier this year with Iowa Press discussing the bill passed the previous summer, Grassley said, If we really believe in what we did in July to protect life, I think these conversations are the next step in that. Grassley helped pass legislation in March this year that defines life as starting at conception and bestows personhood rights, which increase penalties for people involved in abortions by criminalizing the death of an unborn person. Despite those earlier statements, no bills about adoption or contraception access have passed in Iowa. Zach Wahls, a Democratic state senator in Iowa, told CNN that in his chamber, he couldnt even get a subcommittee hearing for a right to contraception bill he co-sponsored, arguing that anti-abortion leaders in the state abandoned Iowa women by failing to adopt basic protections. Neither Grassley nor Reynolds responded to requests for comment. House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a news conference at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on September 10, 2024. - Kent Nishimura/Getty Images/File Action falls short of promises in Washington Back in Washington, asked why Johnson hasnt been pushing his Unborn Child Support Act forward, spokesperson Taylor Haulsee said the speaker still supports the legislation and pointed out that Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York to whom he transferred the bill reintroduced it earlier this year. The same day in January, the bill was referred to the House Ways & Means Committee. No action has been taken on it since. A spokesperson for Tenney did not respond to an inquiry about the status of the bill. Johnson is not the only member of Congress whose actions over the past two years havent matched the promises made in statements immediately after Dobbs. The day Dobbs was decided, GOP Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa said in a statement that shed work to ensure women have access to affordable contraceptives, quality maternal care, and provide support and increase awareness to adoption services. But a month later, she voted against the Right to Contraception Act, which would have codified the right to birth control access. Miller-Meeks office did not respond to CNNs request for comment. Republican Rep. Young Kim of California also voted against that legislation. In the weeks after Dobbs, she said: As a mother of four and to three daughters, I understand how important it is for women to have access to safe birth control, and I will work to support women on all levels. In July 2023, Kim joined Miller-Meeks in introducing another bill that would require the US Food and Drug Administration to send guidance to manufacturers on how to get oral contraceptives approved, arguing that this was the best way to both keep the medications safe and create a competitive market. That bill has gone nowhere, but in response to questions about why Kim voted against the Right to Contraception Act and what other efforts she was involved in, spokesperson Callie Strock said the congresswoman has been working in good faith with the bills lead sponsor, the Energy and Commerce Committee, and House leadership to find a path forward to get this bill through the legislative process. Dave Schweikert, a seven-term congressman from Arizona, greeted Dobbs by tweeting that as someone saved from an abortion, he was pleased with the decision. The Republican often notes that his birth mother almost had an abortion before putting him up for adoption and that he grew up in part in the foster system and later adopted his children. But in the two years since Dobbs, Schweikert has neither signed on as a co-sponsor of a bipartisan adoption bill that remains pending nor successfully advanced other legislation that would address the consequences of Roe being overturned. Schweikerts office did not return a request for comment on why he has not signed on or whether he is pursuing similar ends through other efforts. In the narrowly divided Senate, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney has introduced several bills aimed at boosting help for children, including one to turn tax credits into a monthly cash benefit for families. Fellow Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida has introduced his own child tax credit legislation. Neither has gone anywhere, nor have other measures, even as several proposed versions of a national abortion ban have gathered support among Republicans in Congress. Brahm, who pulled together the Building a Post-Roe Future coalition, said most of the bills he has seen are window dressing that dont do nearly enough to make mothers feel like they would have the resources if they carried pregnancies to term or to provide for them once those babies arrive. Brahm said he has been dismayed by how often debates have gotten tangled in accusations that mothers may try to game the system through unlikely scenarios such as alternating their years of work to claim bigger tax credits. Can we stop nitpicking and fighting about the people who need the help the most at the time they need it the most? Brahm said. The decisions that some of them are making do not demonstrate they actually have compassion for these people. If they do have compassion for these people, they should do a better job showing it. A woman rests next to anti-abortion posters in front of the US Supreme Court on June 24, 2022. - Nathan Howard/Getty Images/File For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi, fondly called the "Megastar," has made history by being recognised as the 'Most Prolific Film Star/Actor/Dancer' in the Indian film industry by Guinness World Records. Guinness World Records Adjudicator Richard Stenning who announced the achievement on Saturday, while speaking to ANI shared that it's a "fantastic achievement" for the Megastar. "Today Guinness World Records have announced the official announcement of Mr Chiranjeevi being the most prolific Indian film star as an actor and dancer. It's a fantastic achievement with 537 songs that he's danced in across 143 films which is the official number that we recognize... So we're specifically looking at the number of films and yes, the evidence took quite a long time to compile as well as review as you can imagine, there's a lot of films there to go through but it was handed over to me in such a nice format, an easy format for me to review and some videos I did get distracted and watched the full length but actually, my only job was to actually look for Mr Chiranjeevi dancing in each one of those videos and pair it up with data to classify that as official release as well," Stennings told ANI. Earlier in the day, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy congratulated veteran Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi for his remarkable achievement of entering the Guinness World Records. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Revanth Reddy wrote, "It is a matter of pride for Telugu people that popular movie actor Mr. Konidela Chiranjeevi got a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. My congratulations to them on this auspicious occasion." https://x.com/revanth_anumula/status/1837835815436886365 Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also took to his X account to congratulate the megastar as he wrote, "Megastar for a reason! Congratulations to one of the most admired Indian film star Sri K Chiranjeevi Garu on being recognised as the Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Film Industry, Actor / Dancer. 24000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years - This is simply incredible! This is an iconic feat. Your legacy will be an inspiration for generations." https://x.com/kishanreddybjp/status/1837866983356035492 The achievement is particularly special for Chiranjeevi as it marks the same date he made his acting debut back in 1978. The Guinness World Record was presented to Chiranjeevi at an event in Hyderabad, with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan doing the honours. As a gesture of respect and admiration, Aamir warmly hugged Chiranjeevi. Praising Chiranjeevi's legendary dancing skills, Aamir said, "If you see any of his songs, his own heart is into it. He is enjoying himself. Our eyes just don't move from him because he is having such a great time. We are also infected with that." "I'm happy to be here and your achievements are many. You will go on in this journey, creating many achievements and many firsts. We will always be there to be entertained by you and applaud you," he added. Throughout his 45-year career, Chiranjeevi has performed an incredible 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs across 156 films, cementing his status as a true icon in Indian cinema. (ANI) Big Sandy Medical Center in Big Sandy, Montana (Phto by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan) Health care in the United States certainly isnt perfect. But, as a retired Montana physician, I know that Tim Sheehys plan for the pure privatization of our healthcare system will only make things worse. I couldnt believe it when I heard the audio of Tim Sheehy at a campaign event, saying: In my opinion, we need to return health care to pure privatization. As a retired doctor, it was shocking to me that someone who wants to be our U.S. senator would advocate for something so bad for patients. What would pure privatization of our health care system actually look like for Montanans? Resources yanked from rural hospitals, potentially shuttering them across the state. The end of Medicare. Rolling back price caps on prescription drugs. And overturning the Affordable Care Act, leaving Montanans with pre-existing conditions without crucial protections for their health care. Eliminating Medicare and Medicaid would cost patients thousands of dollars, making it next to impossible for them to pay for the services they need. Medicare and Medicaid are especially critical for low income and senior patients to be able to afford their health care. So many Montanans have paid into Medicare their entire lives, and now Tim Sheehy wants to take that all away from them. I wouldnt want to look seniors in the eyes and tell them they have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for an easy and quick procedure that Medicare would have covered. I wouldnt want to tell them their insulin would now cost them hundreds of dollars a month when it used to be protected and capped at $35. With fully private health care, Montanans relying on Medicaid, including thousands of children, would be stuck paying the full cost of doctors visits, treatment and prescriptions. Medicaid is vital for hard working Montana families to be able to afford annual check-ups for their kids. Without Medicaid, too many families in Montana will go without any health care. Our kids can only succeed if they are healthy, and Sheehys plan would jeopardize access to health care for families across our state. Sheehys plan would be especially burdensome for folks living in rural communities. If Sheehy got his way and everything was privatized, rural hospitals would get shut down and Montanans in rural areas would have to drive even farther to reach a hospital. Access to health care in rural Montana can be the difference between life and death. People shouldnt have to live in a city to have access to affordable and quality medical care. Its obvious to me that a multimillionaire like Sheehy doesnt understand what health care costs and he doesnt know the first thing about what is best for Montanans health care. No one should have to decide between a life-saving surgery and being able to pay the bill afterwards Sheehys plan would make this nightmare a reality. Thats not what I would want for my state and its citizens. Dr. David Lehnherr is a retired physician. He lives in Red Lodge, Montana. Putin must not win in Ukraine, Russian dissident Kara-Murza says Russian President Vladimir Putin "must not be allowed" to win the full-scale war against Ukraine, Russian opposition figure and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza said during a press conference at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London on Sept. 20. Kara-Murza was released from a Russian penal colony on Aug. 1 as part of a historic prisoner exchange between the West and Russia. He had been sentenced to 25 years in prison in April 2023 for condemning Russia's all-out war in Ukraine. "Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to win this war in Ukraine," Kara-Murza said at the press conference, organized jointly by RUSI and the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign. "More than that, he must not be allowed to have a face-saving exit from this war." Kara-Murza reportedly also met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Sept. 20 to urge Western governments to provide stronger support for Ukraine's defense. Read also: UKs Starmer seeking European support for Ukraine long-range missile strike proposal, Bloomberg reports During the RUSI press conference, Kara-Murza went on to say that Western nations should prepare for the Russian Federation to transition to a democratic government after Putin eventually leaves office. "None of us knows exactly when, exactly in what circumstances, but it's going to happen in the very foreseeable future. And next time, we must get this right." Putin holds a high approval rating among the Russian population (over 80%, according to independent polls), though those numbers have fallen some as the full-scale war drags on. Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast has also reportedly increased social discontent in Russia. A September 2024 poll found that nearly half of Russians may support the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine, even if the Kremlin's military goals are not achieved. Kara-Murza also advocated for the release of more Russian political prisoners. "I wake up every morning and I go to sleep every night thinking about all the others who are still left behind," he said. A dual Russian-British citizen, Kara-Murza was charged with "treason" and "spreading false information," among other crimes, after being arrested in April 2022. While imprisoned, Kara-Murza won the Pulitzer Prize in May 2024 for the commentary he wrote from his prison cell. Kara-Murza was released in a historic swap along with fellow Russian dissident Ilya Yashin, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsa Kurmashova. Read also: Opinion: A sober look at the successors of the Russian Empire Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Rachel Reeves says tough choices will be worth it Rachel Reeves has promised Britains best days lie ahead as she sought to strike a more optimistic tone in her first speech to the Labour Party conference as chancellor. Reeves has been accused of talking the economy down by warning of tough choices to deal with what she says is a worse-than-expected inheritance from the Conservatives. In her speech, she said: "My ambition for Britain knows no limits because I can see the prize on offer if we make the right choices now. But she faces a backlash from the trade unions and many Labour members over her decision to strip winter fuel payments from 10 million pensioners, with a conference debate expected later this week. As Reeves stood up to deliver her 25 minute speech, news broke that nurses in England have said the government's award of a 5.5% pay rise is not enough, in an online poll. Then, a few minutes into the speech, the chancellor was interrupted by a heckler protesting about continued arms sales to Israel while the war with Hamas in Gaza continues. A campaign group called The Climate Resistance has claimed responsibility for the protest. As the protester was dragged out of the hall, the chancellor won a standing ovation for saying that "this is a changed Labour Party and not a party of protest". She also received a rapturous response when she promised a "war on Tory waste", with the appointment of a Covid corruption commissioner to help recoup 674m of disputed contracts the Conservatives had agreed to waive. To loud applause, she said: "That money belongs in our police, it belongs in our health service and belongs in our schools. Conference, we want that money back." She announced that Labour's promise to set up free breakfast clubs would be piloted in 750 primary schools in England from April, at a cost of 7m. This will be followed by a national rollout, she told the conference, describing it as "an investment in our young people, an investment in reducing child poverty and investment in our economy". Defending her decision to cut winter fuel payments for many pensioners, she said: "It was made clear to me that failure to act swiftly could undermine the UK's fiscal position with implications for public debt, mortgages and prices. "And so, I took action to make the in-year savings necessary." Looking ahead to her first Budget on 30 October, Reeves said there would be no increases in income tax, national insurance or VAT - and "no return to austerity". She said it would be a Budget for economic growth and investment - but gave few clues about tax and spending decision it might contain. Instead, she spoke of the "prize" on offer from economic stability and a new industrial strategy to spread wealth across Britain. "Yes, we must deal with the Tory legacy and that means tough decisions, but I won't let that dim our ambition for Britain," she told delegates. "So, it will be a budget with real ambition, a budget to fix the foundations, a budget to deliver the change that we promised, a Budget to rebuild Britain." The BBC's Faisal Islam points out that consumer confidence was hit, and some retailers spooked by disappointing sales after talk of pain. The chancellor was sending a message that the tax rises, when they come, will not primarily hit hard-pressed working families, he says. And he says the UK is heading towards some changes to the rules on government borrowing in order to allow more investment. Reeves also used her speech to announce new measures to target tax dodgers and help close the 39.8bn shortfall between the amount of tax owed and that which has actually been collected. The plans include recruiting 5,000 more tax officials over the next five years, with 200 new compliance officers set to start at HMRC in November. Labour's leadership team has also come under fire from one of their own MPs over accepting donations of clothes despite their six-figure salaries. Speaking ahead of her speech, Reeves said she could "understand why people find it a little bit odd that politicians get support for things like buying clothes". She said that while shadow chancellor a friend had given her clothes to wear on the campaign trail and for big speeches. She added that the donations had been declared but that she would not continue to accept such donations while a government minister. Rayner wants 'fairer' Right to Buy scheme for taxpayer Angela Rayner wants to overhaul England's planning rules to help deliver Labour's promise of 1.5m new homes by 2029 [Reuters] The deputy prime minister has told the BBC she wants the government's Right to Buy housing scheme to continue but that it needed to be "fairer" to the taxpayer. Angela Rayner insisted she is committed to keeping it, as it was important that social tenants were able to buy the homes they had lived in for a long time. She told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme a consultation would review the rules after she said the previous Tory government had allowed "huge discounts" to be made quicker. Rayner said it was "fair" that someone should be allowed to buy the home they have lived in their home a long time but that this "has to be levelled against replacing that stock." Rayner said she believed there has to be a "balance" as well. "The changes the previous government made has made it a lot easier with a huge discount for people to buy the social housing and we just cannot replace them. "Therefore I have started a consultation because I believe that we should make it more fairer to the taxpayer who help fund social housing so we don't lose the sites as quickly as we are." Since October 1980, council tenants have been able to buy their homes at a discount, which now stands at a maximum of 70% - depending on the length of the tenancy - or 80,900 across England and 108,000 in London boroughs (whichever is lower). Under Right to Buy, millions of homes have been sold across the country. But housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa described the scheme as "the most damaging policy introduced in respect to social housing". On building social stock, he said ministers would have to intervene. Earlier this year, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, urged the government to suspend Right to Buy for new homes being built in the city. If we don't, trying to solve the housing crisis is like trying to fill a bath but with the plug out because you try and build new homes but you lose them at the other end, he told the BBC. 'Historic legislation' Rayner was also pressed by Laura Kuenssberg on a Labour election promise to build 1.5m homes by the end of this parliament. The deputy prime minister was asked how many would be social housing and how many would be council stock. "I think it is really difficult to put an exact target on that because it depends on whether it is through a new town, access on a site with grey belt or whether it is an urban site," Rayner said. "But what I do want to see is the biggest wave of council housing in a generation and that is what I want to be measured on." In her conference speech, Rayner drew on her personal background as a single teenage mother to set out what she wanted to do in government. "It was the foundation of a decent home, secure work and a strong community that nurtured me," she told party delegates, as she reiterated her commitment to new legislation on workers' rights. She said the Employment Rights Bill, to be introduced in Parliament next month, would be a piece of "historic legislation". The bill would offer "a genuine living wage and sick pay for the lowest earners" and ban "exploitative zero hour contracts and unpaid internships", she said. "This is our Plan to Make Work Pay - coming to a workplace near you." On housing, she pledged to "clamp down on damp and mouldy homes" by implementing Awaab's law and extending it to cover the private rented sector as well as social housing. The law, named after the toddler who died after being exposed to mould in his home, was passed under the previous Conservative government and compels social housing landlords to carry out certain repairs in a specific timescale. As part of its bid to build more houses, the government is also planning to introduce planning passports, with the aim of speeding up developments in urban areas. Rayner trumpeted the government's new devolution deals, which would see areas including Hull and East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire get new mayors. 'Let me be blunt' The deputy prime minister also warned her party that the new government faced "tough choices". "So let me be blunt. We cant wish our problems away. We have to face them." Since coming into power, Labour have accused the Conservatives of leaving behind a poor economic inheritance and warned that difficult decisions will have to be made. One of those decisions, cutting the winter fuel allowances for 10 million pensioners in England and Wales, has caused concern among some Labour MPs, activists and trade union backers. Sharon Graham, head of the Unite union, told Sky News she was worried the government was "walking us into austerity mark 2". Keir Starmer has insisted he will not pursue austerity polices, which saw large public sector cuts between 2010 -15, telling the Sunday Mirror, he was "not going down that road". Received a letter from Change Healthcare? What you should do next (WJET/WFXP) You may not have ever heard of Change Healthcare before, but more likely than not, they know you. The company is one of the largest health payment processors in the world, which we trust to safely store and process our personal information. But the company was hit with a massive data breach earlier this year, and the data of around a third of Americans may have been exposed, even after a $22 million ransom was paid. Not only is Change Healthcare one of the largest health payment processors in the world, but it is also a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, the largest healthcare provider in the world by revenue. Change Healthcare processes around 15 billion medical claims a year. UnitedHealth recently acquired Change Healthcare in 2022, a roughly $13 billion deal. UnitedHealth says wide swath of patient files may have been taken in Change cyberattack In reality, the data breach could have been stopped with cybersecurity 101, Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden told UnitedHealth CEO Sir Andrew Witty during a congressional hearing in May. The servers lacked a very basic form of security: multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication adds a second layer of security to password-protected accounts by having users enter an auto-generated code. Its common on apps protecting sensitive data like bank accounts and is meant to guard against hackers guessing passwords. The breach took place between February 14, 2024, and February 20, 2024. Shortly after learning of the breach, Change Healthcare shut down all its systems in an effort to protect further data. The attack triggered a disruption of payment and claims processing around the country, stressing doctors offices and healthcare systems by interfering with their ability to file claims and get paid. UnitedHealth says substantial proportion of Americans information hit by cyberattack Change Healthcare began sending customer notifications regarding the data breach, beginning on July 29, 2024. Since then, further notices have continued to be sent out on a rolling basis. If your data was affected you will receive a letter in the mail (as shown below). The letter details the breach, what information may have been seen and taken, and what you can do to protect yourself. As a result of the breach, Change Healthcare is offering two years of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services free of charge. Weve literally built this platform back from scratch so that we can reassure people that there are not elements of the old attacked environment within the new technology, Witty said, also noting that he was deeply, deeply sorry for the attack. Witty told senators UnitedHealth is consistently under attack. He said in prepared remarks that his company repels an attempted intrusion every 70 seconds. 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Reform plan to be adopted at UN's Summit of the Future in New York Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres speaks on the second day of the Summit of the Future- Action Days in the General Assembly Hall. Bianca Otero/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Against the backdrop of a deeply divided world community, the member states of the United Nations are set to unanimously adopt a UN reform plan in New York on Sunday. It was planned that the agreement would be adopted unanimously by all 193 states of the United Nations without a vote. However, after months of negotiations, Russia is causing some unrest ahead of the two-day UN Summit of the Future, set to begin Sunday afternoon in New York. UN member states are preparing for an attempt by Moscow to force a vote on the so-called Pact for the Future on Sunday, diplomats told dpa. Russia, Belarus and Nicaragua had previously threatened to withhold their approval at the UN's Summit of the Future, according to diplomats. It initially unclear whether this was just an empty threat from Russia. Diplomats had reportedly anticipated Russia would support the painstakingly negotiated compromise, despite its threats. If Moscow insists on pushing for a vote, diplomats believe that this could be averted with the necessary majority of votes from the UN General Assembly. The pact for the future was negotiated under the leadership of Germany and Namibia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will give a speech at the beginning of Sunday's event. Scholz is in New York this weekend despite a high-profile regional election in Brandenburg on Sunday, with political observers both in Germany and abroad eager to see how his Social Democratic Party (SPD) fares in the voting as the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) might mirror recent electoral successes in Thuringia and Saxony. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had called for ambitious reforms of the United Nations and other international organizations to make the international community more capable of acting in the face of many crises and wars and to make the world a fairer place. This pact includes declarations of intent to reform the UN Security Council and calls for an adjustment of the international financial system in favour of the so-called Global South. It also aims to lay the initial groundwork for the global regulation of artificial intelligence. Despite some rays of hope, the final text falls short of Guterres' very ambitious expectations, diplomats have pointed out. Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres receives German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) for bilateral talks ahead of the UN Summit of the Future 2024 in New York. Michael Kappeler/dpa Mona Lisa, by Artificial intelligence (with my prompts, so do I own it?) (Photo/Professor Victoria Sutton) Guest Opinion. The U.S. Constitution provides for the protection of the arts, which has been implemented through statutory and regulatory protections for authors and inventors: promote the [p]rogress of . . . Arts U.S. Const. art. I, 8, cl. 8. The entire quote from the Constitution reads, To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries. But it is the promote the progress of . . . clause that is having difficulty with courts that do not see artificial intelligence as progress but that the arts are in need of protection from it. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Artists who are using artificial intelligence (AI) are a challenge to the copyright office. In response, the Copyright Office officially published a statement of policy to clarify its practices for examining and registering works that contain material generated by the use of artificial intelligence technology for the use of AI in copyright applications, effective March 16, 2023. In August 2023, in a case where the applicant was denied copyright protection for his autonomously created artwork, the D.C. District Court held that the artificial intelligence function was the sole creator of the art it created. But because only a person can hold a copyright, this and any AI art is ineligible for registration. The copyright applicant in this case, Thaler, filed an application to register a creation called Entrance to Paradise (see below) created by artificial intelligence which he identified as his Creativity Machine, which he included as a claimant. Thaler admits that the art was autonomously created by a computer algorithm running on a machine in his claim notes. He also writes in a note to the Copyright Office that he is seeking to register this computer-generated work as a work-for-hire to the owner of the Creativity Machine which is Thaler. In August 12, 2019, the Copyright Office sent Thaler a letter denying registration to Thaler finding that it lacks the human authorship necessary to support a copyright claim. After a series of administrative appeals, the Office's Review Board issued a final determination affirming that the work could not be registered because it was made without any creative contribution from a human actor. This week, on September 19, 2024, the D.C. Circuit Court heard an appeal from the D.C. District Court opinion last year, affirming the Copyright Office decision not to register the AI created work. The question before the court is whether the Copyright Office "correctly denied a registration application that claimed on its face that the work was autonomously generated by an AI [system]." But Thaler argued he had more to do with it than previously argued, confusing the judges panel about what question was before them, according to one account. It is likely that the lower courts opinion will be affirmed, but we will see. Art competitions In 2022, Jason Michael Allen entered his AI created art using Midjourney in the Colorado State Fair category for digitally created art, and won the top prize, marking the first time AI had won in a competition. The Copyright Office also rejected Allens application for copyright of his award-winning work, citing that there was more than a de minimis contribution from artificial intelligence (the office had asked Allen to provide which elements were his, and he declined). Argument of Artists Artists who create works of art argue that artificial intelligence functions are based on training they received by ingesting their works, thus using the work of others to make their own. However, it seems that is exactly what human minds do by being human and living in the world of art. They are inspired and so create based on their training of seeing the Masters who have painted and created great works of art, as well as those that are lesser known artists. Having a machine assist you in that process is human enhancement of a sort. How far does the Copyright Act extend? There is some question as to whether the Copyright Act extends to tribal lands, because the Act is silent on its application beyond the states. Native American scholar, Trevor Reed, argues that each Tribe should decide whether it applies within their jurisdiction. Tribes are also free to create their own copyright laws. Further conflicts with AI in Indigenous Cultures Where art is depicting sacred objects or ideas, the use of artificial intelligence to generate aboriginal art can be offensive and misappropriating indigenous culture. In this example, a law firm in Australia used this to show how indigenous art can be stolen for artificial intelligence art generation in a potentially offensive way: The use of artificial intelligence can also be used to police copied, misappropriated or even stolen indigenous art. A Google image search can find similar images and artificial intelligence can enhance that function. Artificial Intelligence for Artists Today Many AI applications like two of them in the title of this article, are created for artists to use in the generation of art that can be used commercially or sold, but still not copyrighted. Some competitions like the Colorado Fair competition where one of the first AI generated artworks won the digital division competition, have now required disclosure as to whether the artist used artificial intelligence in the creation of their entry in the competition. Until we hear from the D.C. Circuit Court, these works will continue to be ineligible for registration at least to AI ownership because AI is not a person; and not to the human prompt artist because they did not create the work. Ultimately, when the U.S. Congress catches up on the plight of artists and copyright, they may be able to fashion legislation for another category of AI generated art that has some limitations on its infringement just like human-generated art. Prompt artists will need to direct it not to copy other works, and that may be a challenge. So do I own the Mona Lisa-like image created with artificial intelligence at the beginning of this article? Obviously it was trained on the original Mona Lisa created by Da Vinci in 1503-1506. Yes, I own it but I am not the creator yet I can use it royalty free. It is not, however, eligible for copyright protectionyet. To read more articles by Professor Sutton go to: https://profvictoria.substack.com/ Professor Victoria Sutton (Lumbee) is a law professor on the faculty of Texas Tech University. In 2005, Sutton became a founding member of the National Congress of American Indians, Policy Advisory Board to the NCAI Policy Center, positioning the Native American community to act and lead on policy issues affecting Indigenous communities in the United States. 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 (Bloomberg) -- Senators in his own party expressed concern Sunday about the scathing report on North Carolinas Republican gubernatorial nominee, Mark Robinson, acknowledging the grave allegations against Donald Trumps preferred candidate. Most Read from Bloomberg The charges are beyond unnerving. If theyre true, hes unfit to serve for office, Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said on NBCs Meet the Press. If theyre not true, he has the best lawsuit in the history of the country, for libel. CNN reported that Robinson posted sexually explicit and hateful messages on an adult website, referring to himself as a Black Nazi and talking about secretly watching young women shower. The report says he also expressed supporting for reinstating slavery. Robinson has denied he made any of the reported statements. Four top campaign officials resigned on Sunday in the wake of the report and its backlash, CNN reported citing a statement from the campaign. The operatives who left include a senior adviser, campaign manager and finance director. Trump has endorsed Robinson, though he didnt mention his name or any of the reported details at a rally in the state on Saturday. Robinson, who is the sitting lieutenant governor, wasnt seen in attendance at the event in Wilmington. North Carolina was considered a solid Republican state for the presidential election just a few months ago. Kamala Harris entrance into the race has since erased Trumps lead in the state, with 538s average of state and national polls showing the two candidates neck-and-neck. Graham said Robinson deserves a chance to defend himself. I dont think this hurts Trump. But as to Robinson, hes a political zombie if he does not offer a defense to this thats credible, Graham said. He owes the people of North Carolina more answers about it, Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, said on CNNs State of the Union. Cotton called the allegations concerning. Robinson is facing off against Democrat Josh Stein, the states attorney general. Polling in the gubernatorial race has shown Stein consistently ahead of Robinson, leading him by 13 percentage points among likely voters in a Morning Consult poll conducted Sept. 9-18. This man is utterly unqualified, unfit to be the governor of North Carolina, and were going to do everything in our power to keep that from happening, Stein said Sunday on State of the Union. (Updates to include staff resignations in the fourth graf.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Brandyn Gallagher should be on the road right now. Instead, the 36-year-old, who has spent the last five years driving an 18-wheeler, is at home in northwest Arkansas looking for a new job. Gallagher doesnt want to give up trucking. They pivoted to the profession after working as a consultant for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and were happy it provided some financial stability to help pay off their student loans. But they are worried that a new state rule about gender markers on drivers licenses might put them at risk when theyre on the road. In March, Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an emergency order eliminating the X gender-neutral marker option, which had been in place for 14 years. Gallagher has an X on their license to denote their identity as a trans and intersex person. The order also forces trans people to provide an amended birth certificate with their correct gender marker, which they can obtain only after getting a court order and presenting medical documentation of surgery, before they can change the gender marker on their license. A Pulaski County Circuit Court judge blocked the order in June, and Gallagher updated their license with an X, which matches their passport and Transportation Security Administration documents. But the Arkansas Supreme Court reinstated the order later that month, and within weeks Gallagher had received a letter from the state Department of Finance and Administration telling them that the offices internal computer system would list them as male going forward. Gallagher has stopped trucking out of fear of what might happen if theyre stopped by the police while hauling hazardous materials a high-paying position they had secured earlier this year and a scan of their ID shows an incongruence between their physical license and the states records. Everything else has an X on it because I am biologically neither female nor male, Gallagher told HuffPost. It didnt make any sense for the state to be making a new emergency rule that contradicts established federal policy. But they did, and it came completely out of left field. Arkansas is one of at least five states, including Florida, Montana and Texas, to enact policies this year that bar trans and nonbinary people from updating the gender marker on identification documents such as state drivers licenses or birth certificates. Missouri quietly added its own requirements for individuals to show documentation for proof of full transition from a surgeon or to get other medical documentation. Experts warn such policies not only pose barriers to employment, banking and housing but could also have major implications for trans people as they try to vote in November. About 210,800 eligible transgender voters who live in states with voter ID requirements do not have an ID that reflects their correct gender, according to a new estimate from the Williams Institute, an LGBTQ+ policy research center. Conservatives have long championed voter ID policies as a way to weed out possible election fraud, even though research shows those rates to be exceptionally low. In practice, voting rights experts say, these policies deter low-income people, people of color and trans people from voting. Since 2020, Republican-led states have enacted stricter requirements for voters, and 36 states have some sort of voter ID law. The federal government allows individuals to self-select their gender when applying for documentation such as passports and Social Security cards. But Republican-led states are increasingly making it difficult for trans people to update their gender marker on state-issued documents and doing so without much fanfare, meaning many trans people may not know about the changes until its too late. Experts say that many state officials have skirted typical legislative processes, instead quietly issuing internal agency policies, memos and executive orders to keep trans people from having documentation that reflects their gender identity. Now increasingly were seeing either categorical barriers being thrown up by agency heads or, at the very least, really onerous barriers that serve no purpose being thrown up so that people have to encounter insurmountable roadblocks, like surgery requirements, in order to be able to change their gender markers, Peter Renn, an attorney at Lambda Legal, a civil rights group that advocates for LBGTQ+ issues, told HuffPost. This has turned everyday tasks, such as applying to jobs or for loans, into administrative nightmares and has put trans people at risk any time that they have to show an ID. Theres a serious privacy intrusion when people are saddled with presenting documents that out them as transgender, and we know that rates of hostility, harassment and violence against transgender people are extremely high, Renn said. So putting people in a position where they have to out themselves to a gas station cashier at 2 a.m. is a recipe for disaster. Rowan Fowler, a 49-year-old trans woman, decided to permanently leave Oklahoma because of the states rules about birth certificates and the growing hostility toward trans people. Fowler began to medically transition in 2021. Within the first three months, she updated her name and gender marker on her Social Security card and Real ID. At the time, Oklahoma allowed people to amend the gender marker on their birth certificates. Through a legal settlement, the state issued its first amended document to a nonbinary person. But in November 2021, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order barring people from changing their gender on birth certificates. Fowler couldnt change her birth certificate, and she said she has had issues with credit bureaus still using her deadname because she cannot provide them with updated documentation. Theres nothing I can do about it, she said. Its very frustrating. Fowler said that her birth certificate has been changed once already, when she and her brother were adopted at 8 years old and that that modification happened without any interference from the state. The only person that information affects is me, she said. It affects no one else, both who is listed as my father and how my gender marker is listed. She said the political climate in Oklahoma, which has bred some of the harshest anti-trans legislation and rhetoric, ultimately pushed her to move to California. She faced a barrage of harassment both before and after she updated her ID documentsin Oklahoma. I was refused entry into a bar when I was going out with a bunch of friends, Fowler recalled. We were going to see a concert. [The bouncer] looked at my drivers license and refused to let me in. Trans rights activists protest outside the House chamber at the Oklahoma Capitol on Feb. 6, 2023, as the Republican-led legislature and Republican governor pushed through anti-trans measures that included barriers to obtaining voter ID with an appropriate gender marker. Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press Fowler and Gallagher have decided to share their experiences as part of ongoing litigation headed by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union, respectively, two of the largest legal advocacy groups in the country fighting these new restrictions. In June, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit found Oklahomas policy to be unconstitutional and said it discriminated against transgender people, including Fowler and two transgender men who were plaintiffs in Lambda Legals lawsuit. Renn, who is also one of the attorneys on the case, said the state government is now trying to appeal the decision. Policies that block trans people from updating their identity documents go hand and hand with broader legislative attempts by Republican officials to pass bills defining male and female based on a persons reproductive organs and adopt the concept of biological sex, which many biology and sex researchers say are not grounded in modern science. These attempts have largely failed, but experts warn that if former President Donald Trump were to be reelected this fall, legislative erasures of trans identity could become the law of the land. In Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations playbook for a second Trump presidency, conservative officials want to legally redefine sex as biological binary sex and erase any mention of gender identity or sexual orientation from all laws, federal agency rules and regulations. I think the common denominator across all of these efforts is that theyre motivated by the same goal, which is to prevent transgender people from being able to live openly as who they are and ultimately to erase their legal existence, Renn said. There is so much at stake for trans voters, and state-level ID restrictions could have serious consequences on their turnout in November. The Williams Institute report looked specifically at the implications of these policies in states like Georgia, which has one of the the most restrictive voter ID laws in the country and which Joe Biden carried in the 2020 presidential election by only 11,779 votes. The report estimates that there are 14,900 eligible trans voters in Georgia who do not currently have accurate identification. There is a chilling effect, Lauren Kunis, CEO and executive director of VoteRiders, told The 19th News. There is an unsafe and intimidating environment around existing as trans in society, and definitely in being able to go to the polls safely and cast a ballot. This year has already seen trans people being blocked from participating in the political process. In Ohio, several transgender Democratic candidates running against Republicans for the state legislature were barred from getting on the ballot because of a decades-old law that requires candidates to disclose their deadnames in their applications. Two candidates appealed to local election officials and were able to enter their races. There arent any credible accusations of trans people voting illegally, said Elliot Isme, the executive director of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, which helps support elected officials. The reaction to trans political participation is in part because of an ugliness from the far right that wants to harm trans people for their own political gain, not because they actually believe trans rights negatively affect people, Isme said, but because they will do whatever it takes to win their elections regardless of who it hurts. CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated the region of Arkansas in which Gallagher lives. Related... FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump attend the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) LANSING, Mich. (AP) Republican activists in swing states say they have seen little sign of the teams tasked with knocking on doors and turning out infrequent voters on behalf of Donald Trump, raising concerns about the party's presidential nominee relying on outside groups for an important part of his campaign operations. Trump and the Republican National Committee he controls opted to share get-out-the-vote duties in key parts of the most competitive states this year with groups such as America PAC, the organization supported by billionaire Elon Musk. It is difficult to demonstrate that something is not happening. But with fewer than 50 days until the Nov. 5 election, dozens of Republican officials, activists and operatives in Michigan, North Carolina and other battleground states say they have rarely or never witnessed the groups canvassers. In Arizona and Nevada, the Musk-backed political action committee replaced its door-knocking company just this past week. I havent seen anybody," said Nate Wilkowski, field director for the Republican Party in vote-rich Oakland County, Michigan, which includes crucial Detroit suburbs. He was speaking specifically of America PAC. Nobodys given me a heads-up that theyre around in Oakland County areas. Trump has relied on the loyalty of his fervent base, in an election expected to pivot on turnout. The spotty evidence, however, of what was portrayed as a sophisticated operation has some party activists questioning the operation's value. Trumps campaign views the race with Vice President Kamala Harris as a toss-up among likely voters but believes it has the edge among people who stayed away in 2016 and 2020, making it even more essential to reach them. The work is particularly important in Michigan, where Trump lost by fewer than 160,000 votes in 2020, and where the GOP began the year mired in debt and fighting an ugly contest over the rightful state party leader. Michigans Republican chairman, Pete Hoekstra, said he was told that America PAC canvassers had arrived in late August and were at work. A spokesperson for the PAC said canvassers were in Michigan, as well as Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin the seven most competitive states. The spokesperson declined to say how many canvassers there were across the states. Meghan Reckling, a Republican canvassing firm owner in Michigan, said she spotted two America PAC canvassers Tuesday in Oakland County. Identifiable in blue polo shirts emblazoned with America, they were working an area that Recklings own data showed to be one with low-propensity voters, she said. They had, you could tell, a very pleasant exchange with the lady who answered the door, and probably talked to her for five minutes, Reckling said. From what I observed, they were obviously engaging in direct conversations. But in interviews with more than two dozen activists and party officials across the seven battleground states, such reports were rare. I dont know what the PACs are doing, said Mark Forton, the GOP chair in Macomb County, Michigan, a populous, suburban area northeast of Detroit. I dont know if they are going door to door." Trump aides say the campaign has an estimated 30,000 volunteer captains who are identifying less likely voters at the local level, including through neighborhood canvassing. Campaign political director James Blair also estimates that close to 2,500 paid canvassers, with America PAC making up a significant chunk, are working in the seven states. The PAC has paid canvassing firms more than $14 million since mid-August for work on the presidential campaign, according to Federal Election Commission spending reports filed by the group. Blair dismissed the statement that the campaign was ceding work to outside groups. Instead, he said, the campaign was making use of the resources within those groups to bolster the frequency of contacts and the total coverage within the universe of where we would want them. We very much are focused on low-propensity voters, because its what makes strategically the most sense in terms of how the president is going to win these states, and these groups efforts have helped reach them, Blair said. America PAC is run by former top aides to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis failed presidential campaign. Trumps team also is sharing the responsibility of reaching less-frequent voters with groups that include Turning Point USA, led by conservative millennial personality Charlie Kirk, and the Faith and Freedom Coalition, headed by Christian conservative figure Ralph Reed. Part of the reason for the campaigns move was the result of an FEC ruling this year that a candidates campaign and outside groups could coordinate their canvassing efforts with super PACs, and specifically share voter lists and data that they collect door to door. It means campaigns could share much of their labor- and cost-heavy ground efforts with groups that can take unlimited donations. Harris outreach on the ground in the seven states is being led by campaign-paid staff, a number the campaign puts at nearly 2,200 in more than 328 offices. Campaign aides said groups affiliated with labor organizations were canvassing independent of the campaign. The vast majority of what outside groups that support Harris are doing is advertising. Based on ad reservations for Harris and the leading super PAC supporting her, they are on track to spend nearly $175 million more than Trumps campaign and the leading super PACs supporting him by Election Day. Harris campaign has outspent Trumps on advertising by 2-to-1 since she entered the race on July 23, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact. Over the past week, there were complications for America PAC, the most high-profile of the groups helping Trump in 2024. America PAC fired Nevada-based canvassing company September Group, according to two people familiar with the matter. America PAC had paid the company almost $2.7 million a month ago, according to FEC reports. The people familiar with September Groups dismissal spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private business decisions. A spokesman for America PAC declined to confirm the move. Trump is not the first candidate to delegate some typical campaign-managed duties to outside groups. But the arrangement has not gone smoothly for some of the others who have tried it. Last year, DeSantis entrusted much of the political outreach for his Republican presidential campaign to a super PAC called Never Back Down, with conflict between its board and top campaign personnel late in the lead-up to the Iowa caucuses. Despite starting the campaign with roughly $100 million, DeSantis dropped out after losing the first contest in Iowa. In his unsuccessful quest for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush attempted something very similar, ceding much of the political infrastructure work to a super PAC called Right to Rise, which raised more than $114 million in 2015. ___ Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press writers Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Gary D. Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix contributed to this report. Miss India Worldwide 2024, Dhruvi Patel, was among the attendees at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Indian diaspora, and heaped praise on the passionate and energetic crowd at the Nassau Coliseum in New York and called her experience "surreal." Dhruvi said that despite living in America, the people have so much passion for 'Bharat'. While speaking to ANI, Dhruvi said, "As you can see, there is so much energy in this stadium. It is absolutely incredible. It's so contagious. Everyone has so much passion for Bharat. It is absolutely insane. It just feels so surreal being surrounded by so many Indian people that are so passionate about their own country. Even though they're living in America, they're still so passionate. It truly is amazing." PM Modi arrived in New York for the second leg of his three-day visit to the United States. In his historic address, Prime Minister Modi said that India's 'Namaste' has now become multinational, and has turned from 'local to global'. "'Ab apna Namaste bhi multinational ho gya hai, local se global ho gya'.....Your love is my good fortune..." the Prime Minister said to cheers from the audience. Lauding the contributions of the Indian community overseas, PM Modi said that Indians contribute to do the most no matter where they are. "Many languages but one common feeling-that feeling is for Bharat Mata and Bhartiyta...This is India's biggest strength. Whether Indians are in any country, we look to do good, we contribute the most no matter where we are," PM Modi added. Later on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi will interact with the CEOs of leading US-based companies to foster greater collaborations between the two countries in the cutting-edge areas of AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology, among others. Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi participated in the Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. He along with Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida were hosted by US President Joe Biden. (ANI) The murals by Carbuncle Passage just before Tottenham Marshes Bridge, were damaged by graffiti [LDRS] Residents in north London have helped restore a series of art murals after they were damaged by graffiti. Volunteers from the Friends of Hartington Park and Carbuncle Passage group came together over the summer to clean and repaint them. The murals in Tottenham, were created in 2021 using a combination of community and Haringey Council funding. Carbuncle Passage is a known hotspot for anti-social behaviour, including fly-tipping and vandalism, and sits between the Tottenham Hale and Northumberland Park areas. Residents came together to remove the damage over the summer [LDRS] In 2021, around 100 residents took part in a womens safety walk calling for new lighting, CCTV, and improved general maintenance of the area. A redeployable CCTV camera, which provides temporary surveillance, was used in Tottenham Hale to record anti-social behaviour, and Carbuncle Passage was one of the areas captured. Vincent Neff, a member of the friends group, said the idea for more dedicated CCTV had been "floated" but acknowledged the councils efforts to tackle the areas problems. Mr Neff said: "The intention behind the art mural was to make the passage safe, more accessible, and an engaging route for pedestrians and cyclists in response to the anti-social behaviour. "Residents gathered over three or four weekends in August and early September to clean and repaint the mural following a build up of graffiti. He added: "I was surprised the mural lasted that long untouched. Our main aim is to help open up this hidden backstreet, where people havent felt safe to walk along, through the use of colourful artwork." Tottenham Hale ward councillor Sean ODonovan added: "I was not surprised that the local residents reacted so quickly to the graffiti on the mural. "I was pleased to play a small part in the repainting but the main work was done by the residents." The friends group, which uses social media to organise, aims to paint more walls along the passage and have encouraged volunteers to get involved. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Related internet links The New England Newspaper & Press Association named Rhode Island Current as the region's top digital news outlet of 2024 at an awards ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) Rhode Island Current was honored as the regions digital news publication of the year by the professional trade organization for newspapers in all six New England states at an awards luncheon Saturday in Providence. The New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA) celebrated distinguished publications and outstanding achievements in community journalism during the organizations annual Fall Publishers Conference at the Omni Providence. The Newspapers of the Year and Online Publications of the Year competition is judged by New England readers who are enlisted by the association to evaluate entries from a news consumer point of view. Judges evaluated quality of reporting, use of photos, design, overall utility and news value and how well news outlets reflected and cared about the communities they serve. One of 39 state capital digital news outlets affiliated with the nonprofit States Newsroom, Rhode Island Current launched in March 2023 with a team of three reporters reporting to an editor-in-chief. All States Newsroom outlets operate as independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit news sites covering public policy and politics in their state and augment their coverage with reporting from State Newsrooms Washington, D.C. bureau. Rhode Island Current took the top honor in the online category and two runners-up VT Digger based in Montpelier, Vermont, and Connecticut Inside Investigator based in Hartford, Connecticut were named Distinguished Online Publications for 2024. The competition required work published during the month of April 2024 and coverage that ran between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. For the latter requirement, Rhode Island Current submitted its extensive coverage of the 1st Congressional District special election. Also submitted was Senior Reporter Nancy Lavins in-depth story published April 16, 2024, about a solar company operator navigating unregulated terrain and fighting off the state attorney general. The companys leader, Jay Gotra, gave an unusually candid interview to Lavin who also talked to former customers with whom he had made amends. Rhode Island news outlets were well represented among honorees in this years awards competition: Providence Business News was named Newspaper of the Year in the Specialty Publications category. Rhode Island Catholic was honored with a Publick Occurrences award for its four-part series on the conflict in Israel and Gaza, Israel at War Series. Entries in the Publick Occurrences competition are what news outlets consider their very best work of the year. The Providence Journal s Nursing Home Investigation, a series on abuse and neglect in Rhode Island nursing homes with a database of incidents, also received a Publick Occurrences award. Providence Journal photographer Kris Craig was honored with the Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award for outstanding work over his 39-year career. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A farm circle between Horn Rapids Dam and the Horn Rapids Motorsport Complex could be the final resting place for thousands of U.S. military veterans. David Puente and Solomon Gilbert, director and deputy director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, will share plans for a Tri-Cities cemetery with the Richland City Council at a workshop, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Blvd. The state and federal officials are working to establish Washingtons third cemetery serving veterans. They want it in the Tri-Cities, where an estimated 46,000 veterans live within a 75-mile radius. Local families currently must choose from private and civilian cemeteries in the Tri-Cities area or travel to one side of the state or the other for the two existing veterans cemeteries. The Washington State Veterans Cemetery opened in 2010 in Medical Lake, near Fairchild Air Force Base in the Spokane area. The other is Tahoma National Cemetery, in the Kent suburb of Seattle. Buried at home Earlier this year, the state began scouting for 100 or more picturesque acres in the Tri-Cities, a campaign dubbed Buried at home. It believes it has found the right spot at Horn Rapids and Snively Road, in the far northwestern reaches of Richland. The 140-acre property fronts Highway 240 on one side and the Yakima River on the other. Benton County property records indicate it is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. If built, the Tri-Cities Cemetery is expected to accommodate about 400 interments annually, providing not only a local option for the veterans living in South Central Washington, but an affordable one. The cost is minimal for military veterans. Plots are free as is opening the grave, installing a vault and monument and maintaining it in the future. Plots for family members currently cost $300. The Medical Lake Cemetery opened in 2010 and provided 900 services in 2023. Buried at home Locally, May Hays of the West Richland City Council and Shirley Schmunk, a Gold Star mother, have promoted a local cemetery for several years, part of their work to organize events for families who have lost members serving in the military. An official cemetery focused on veterans would be more than a final resting spot for those whose remains are placed in graves, niches or scattered in designated areas. It would become a focal point for community events honoring military service. The criteria for interment in a state cemetery echo those of the national system. Generally, all who served in uniform and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible, as are spouses, dependent children. The deceased need not have lived in Washington. State and federal funds would build and operate the Tri-Cities cemetery. Go to dva.wa.gov/tri-cities-cemetery. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. Roads on Market Street blocked off after Youngstown police say cruiser was shot at YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Several roads on Market Street were blocked off Saturday night after someone fired gunshots at a police cruiser around 7:10 p.m., according to Youngstown police. No one was hurt. Police say no one has been taken into custody. A perimeter was set up from Hughs Avenue to Breaden Street, and a drone was deployed. According to Boardman police, who were also on the scene, the suspect was last seen wearing a tan hoodie and in the area of Falls Avenue and Williams Street. First News will continue to update this story. Wilson Corbisello and Erin Yudt contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Romania is increasing its ammunition acquisition and calling on NATO to react to Russian incursions as Ukraine war lingers on its doorstep Romania is increasing its ammunition acquisition and calling on NATO to react to Russian incursions as Ukraine war lingers on its doorstep Romania is urging NATO to react to Russian missile and drone incursions into its airspace. The Romanian Defense Minister called for a "robust, coordinated response" from the alliance. The country also announced it would increase its acquisition of ammunition in response to Russia's war in Ukraine. Romania is taking strategic steps to bolster its defenses amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, accelerating its acquisition of ammunition and calling on NATO to react to Russian incursions into its airspace. Romania's Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT) said this week that Russia's aggressive moves in the region had forced it to reassess and tweak its military acquisition efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities, Euractiv reported. In a statement, the CSAT said that changes would include "the increased acquisition of combat ammunition and the gradual build-up of strategic reserves," per Euractiv. It comes as Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar urged NATO to carry out "robust, coordinated" responses to Russian missile and drone incursions into Romania's airspace. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Tilvar said: "B9 states are profoundly concerned about the repeated incursions of Russia's drones and missiles in NATO air space, in Poland, Romania, Latvia, as well as escalating tensions along NATO's eastern flank." "That is why a robust, coordinated response on an allied level is needed as well as enforcing the rotational air defence and integrated anti-missile model as soon as possible," he added. The B9, or Bucharest Nine, group was formed in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. It includes Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Russian drones have repeatedly strayed into Romania's airspace over the last year. Earlier this month, Romanian authorities said they were investigating after a Russian drone crashed after breaching its airspace. Following the news, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said NATO condemned "the overnight Russian airspace violation into Romanian airspace." "While we have no information indicating an intentional attack by Russia against Allies, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous," he added. The B9 countries underlined the importance of boosting European air defenses in a statement earlier this week. "We need a collective answer within NATO to challenges posed by modern weapons and technologies including through boosting our capabilities of detecting, identifying and, if necessary, engaging low and slow flying objects," the statement said, per Romanian news agency Agerpres. Romania's strategic location bordering Ukraine and on the shores of the Black Sea makes it an important hub for NATO forces. The country's Mihail Kogalniceanu air base is set to become the alliance's largest base in Europe. A major expansion is expected to allow the base to support 10,000 NATO personnel and their families. Read the original article on Business Insider Gipper knew Thank you to the Tarrant County commissioners for approving the election administrators recommended early voting locations. (Sept. 13, 1A, Dems rejoice after decision on college campus voting sites) The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, Ronald Reagan said in 1982. Our goal must always be to remove barriers and provide all eligible citizens the opportunity, access and ease to register and cast their votes. Early voting, offering a broad window of locations and days, increases participation better than almost anything else. The commissioners upheld that commitment. Only Judge Tim OHare objected. You let the people down, Judge. - Margaret Russell, Saginaw Gonzales words In an election where every vote counts, any and all endorsements have value. Those who take a public stand do so at some risk, especially when its a stand against the party one has been identified with for decades. In the case of Republican former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales backing Democrat Kamala Harris, his voice is one in a chorus that appears to be getting larger and louder. (Sept. 15, 1C, Another Texan and Bush Republican backs Harris over Trump. Will it matter?) - Edward B. Valverde, Hurst Believe eyes Texas has been through the wringer this year. Weve endured the largest wildfire in the states recorded history, the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record and high summer temperatures. This isnt the weather our grandparents knew. The extreme events are no longer natural disasters theyre the direct result of carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels, wrapping our planet in an ever-thickening blanket. As the recently launched Act of Man campaign makes clear, these extreme weather events are not acts of God but human-exacerbated. The good news: We have the power to change this. Fossil fuel pollution may be driving these unnatural disasters, but solutions are within our reach. Texas is rich in wind and solar energy, and our communities are resilient. Harnessing our ingenuity can help us build a better future. The time to act is now before its too late. - Katharine Hayhoe, Lubbock Every person Calling every American: Please act like one and stand up for a persons right to live, whether he or she is disabled, unwanted, inconvenient, burdensome or in the womb, from conception on. Americans have answered many challenges in the past by doing what is courageous and right. Surely we can do so again. How? By supporting leaders who help those in need with lawful, God-loving action. - D. Carolyn Allen, Fort Worth Just admit it A stark difference between Democrats and Republicans is that when Joe Biden looked old and not up to the job of president during the debate, Democrats didnt try to blame everything but the man himself. They saw the truth and said it out loud. When it comes to Donald Trumps debate loss to Vice President Kamala Harris, Republicans blame everything and everyone except the old man not being up to the job and lying about his performance. - Blake K. Wallace, Arlington Tarrant for all I strongly believe in separation of church and state. The previous Tarrant County judge, Glen Whitley, started Tarrant County Commissioners Court sessions with Christian prayer, as does the current judge, Tim OHare. Many people who attend these meetings are not Christian and do not feel comfortable having to hear a Christian prayer at a meeting on county business. Tarrant County is a diverse county. Let us acknowledge that with more inclusive prayers, or better yet, let us remember that we are doing secular business and have no public prayer at all. - Phil Sawyer, Fort Worth HONOLULU (KHON2) The Royal Hawaiian Center invites the community to its September Kukui-Discovery event today, September 22, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ka Lewa Lanai rooftop. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You In collaboration with Paradise Monarchs, the event offers guests a chance to connect with nature and unleash their creativity. Admission is free, and attendees of all ages are welcome to enjoy an afternoon filled with butterflies, art, and aloha. Wounded Warriors to celebrate with canoeing and community in Honolulu Highlights of the event include live butterflies in their natural habitat, a butterfly-themed coloring station, and an educational life cycle adventure. Additional activities include balloon animals by Balloon Monsoon, face painting by Fantasy Face and Body Art, and a group butterfly release. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The Royal Hawaiian Center aims to create a family-friendly atmosphere where guests can explore and learn about the beauty of butterflies while enjoying various creative activities. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RUSSELL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Driving through Russell County, it is easy to see just how much of an impact Deputy Joshua Phipps made in his community, with signposts bearing his name, and flags at half-staff. Every time you seen him he was asking you how you are doing, and he actually meant it from his heart, said Courtney Vance, a server at Reel Java in Jamestown. Rep. Daniel Grossberg faces growing allegations of harassment, calls for resignation People from across the Commonwealth gathered on Saturday at 3Trees church in Russell Springs, paying respects to Deputy Phipps one last time. Were grieving as a community, for his family, for just everybody here, for our customers. He sat in that corner over there, a lot when he was waiting for his coffee, said Heather Weaver, Owner of Reel Java. Weaver said, the restaurant is finding ways to keep his legacy alive, planning to put the Joshs Special his go to Latte, on the menu. It consists of coffee, oat milk, marshmallow, and vanilla. He would bring in a cup every day, most of the time it was dirty, so there would be stuff at the bottom, but he said, just use this cup, it makes it taste better, said Vance. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Although she will never see him again, Weaver said the small-town community will continue to show its respect, living in love and care, the way Deputy Phipps would want. These types of things that happen, just make it a big impact, but I wouldnt change it for anything. Im glad that we get to come together as a community and see what that means to be a small town. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The glide bombs are made by retrofitting old Soviet bombs with wings and sat-nav - ANTON GERASHCENKO Russia has dropped more than 900 glide bombs on Ukraine this week, along with 400 Shahed drones and nearly 30 missiles, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday. One barrage on Friday injured at least 15 people in Kharkiv, including children, while on Saturday bombs hit apartment buildings in the city, wounding 21, including an eight-year-old child. Ukrainian officials said that KAB-type aerial glide bombs highly-destructive free-fall bombs that have been laying waste to eastern Ukraine were used in both attacks. For months Kyiv has struggled to counter the bombs, which are a relatively new development, cheap but devastating. The weapons, which weigh up to 3,300 pounds, are built by retrofitting old Soviet bombs with fold-out wings and satellite navigation. The aftermath of a Russian KAB missile strike in Kharkiv on Saturday - GETTY Russia has used them to target Ukraines frontline defences and nearby cities, gaining a significant aerial advantage. Mr Zelensky said that 3,000 glide bombs hit targets in March. There are no words to describe the aftermath of a glide bomb attack, Vovchansk police chief Oleksii Kharkivsky said in May. You arrive to see people who are lying there, torn apart. The 900-figure comes amid repeated calls from Ukraine for restrictions to be lifted on firing Western-supplied long-range missiles into Russia. Currently, neither the UK nor the US has given Kyiv permission for ATACMS or Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russian territory. We need to strengthen our capabilities to better protect lives and ensure safety. Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities, and we are working to convince our partners of this. We will continue these discussions next week, Mr Zelensky said in a post on social media on Sunday. The Ukrainian leader is hoping to discuss the topic with US President Joe Biden and both US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump this week, on the sidelines of the UN general assembly. There will be a new president in the United States. And we need to talk to each of the candidates about their perception of this, Mr Zelensky said. The devastation in Kharkiv following Russian bombing over the weekend - AP Over the weekend, attacks in Kharkiv, which has been bombed heavily this year, hit nine residential buildings. Further south, a 12-year-old girl and a woman died after a Russian drone struck a passenger car in the city of Nikopol, local governor Serhii Lysak reported. Two others, including a four-year-old child, suffered wounds. Russia also launched 80 Shahed drones and two missiles at Ukraine overnight into Sunday, the Ukrainian air force said. Ukrainian air defences shot down 71 drones, and another six were lost on location due to electronic warfare countermeasures. 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. Russia launches over 1,000 aerial weapons against Ukraine in a week, Zelensky says Russia has launched nearly 30 missiles, around 400 drones, and more than 900 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine over the past week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 22, as he called for Ukraine to be given long-range strike capabilities. On Sept. 21 alone, 21 people were injured in Kharkiv when Russia targeted an apartment building with a FAB-250 guided aerial bomb. The day before, a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih killed a 12-year-old boy and two women aged 75 and 79. Over the past week, at least 31 civilians have been killed and over 200 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine. "We need to strengthen our capabilities to better protect lives and ensure safety," Zelensky said. "Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities, and we are working to convince our partners of this. We will continue these discussions next week." Ukraine has been restricted from using weapons supplied by its Western partners to strike deep inside Russia due to fears of escalation. Ukraine argues that striking military targets, such as airfields, would save the lives of civilians, as it would destroy the Russian aircraft that launch bombs and missiles against Ukrainian cities. While the U.S. eased restrictions on the use of certain arms just across the border after a Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast in May, limits on long-range strikes deep inside Russia remain in place. Reports emerged earlier in September that the U.S. and U.K. were preparing plans to further ease the restrictions, but no change in policy has so far been announced. Read also: Russia must feel its going to lose Zelenskys victory plan, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday took a dig at Congress over apparent internal differences and reports in sections of the media about its senior leader Kumari Selja not visible in assembly poll campaign for a few days and alleged that the main opposition party "does not respect Dalits". He said Kumari Selja, who is MP from Sirsa, is a leader and if she wanted to become the Chief Minister, what crime has she committed. He alleged that she has been insulted. "Congress is anti-Dalit, Congress does not respect Dalits. If any Dalit leader wants to move forward in Congress, Congress crushes that leader. Kumari Selja is not a small leader, she is a very big leader of Congress, a big leader of Dalits... She is a leader, if she wanted to become the Chief Minister, what crime did she commit? Congress party is stuck in nepotism, they do not think beyond nepotism," the Chief Minister said on speculation that Kumari Selja may join the BJP. However, Congress candidate from Uchana Kalan assembly constituency Brijendra Singh dismissed any speculation of Kumari Selja leaving the party. He alleged that BJP is "facing frustration" in Haryana elections.. "Kumari Selja is one of the very senior leaders, there is no point in saying such things about her. She will contribute fully to Congress in this election... BJP is a shop of lies," Brijendra Singh said. Kumari Selja, a former Union Minister, is seen to be bete noire of Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. She was not present when the Congress released its seven guarantees for Haryana at a press conference at the AICC headquarters. Former Haryana Chief Minister and BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar earlier did not rule out the possibility of senior leaders leaving Congress in run up to the Haryana polls. On being asked if Congress MPs Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala join the BJP, he said, "It is a world of possibilities, and possibilities cannot be ruled out. You will know everything when the right time comes." Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5. Votes will be counted on October 8 along with that in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) Russian troops shelled a mine in Donetsk Oblast, killing two female mine employees and injuring one other person, Ukraine's Energy Ministry reported on Sept. 22. According to the Energy Ministry, the shelling caused a fire to break out in the area above the mine, leading to the evacuation of 371 miners who were below the ground at the time of the attack. After the attack, two female workers were found dead when the territory of the mine was inspected. Another person was taken to hospital. The Energy Ministry did not specify where or when the attack took place, but Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin reported early on Sept. 22 that two people had been killed and one person had been injured in Udachne the previous day. Udachne, a village 12 kilometers (7 miles) west of Pokrovsk, is the site of one of the largest coal mines in Ukraine. Russian attacks against Ukraine's coal-rich Donbas region regularly put the lives of miners in danger. An attack in July set fire to a mine in Donetsk Oblast with 86 miners inside. The Energy Ministry did not report any casualties after the fire was extinguished. Earlier in September, 151 miners were trapped underground at a mine in Dobropillia, a town 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Pokrovsk, when a Russian attack caused a blackout. 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. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed 5 people, and wounded another 40 over the past day, regional authorities reported early on Sept. 22. Civilian casualties were reported in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Donetsk oblasts. Ukraine's Air Force reported that 71 of the 80 attack drones launched by Russia were downed overnight. Russia also launched two Kh-59/69 missiles from the airspace of occupied Luhansk Oblast. Russia dropped a FAB-250 aerial bomb on the city of Kharkiv late on Sept. 21, damaging multiple high-rise apartment buildings and injuring 21 people. Among the wounded, a 17-year-old boy and a 39-year-old woman were hospitalized in serious condition, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. According to Syniehubov, the attack impacted nine buildings, broke more than 1,200 windows, and damaged 21 cars. The city of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast came under attack repeatedly during the evening and the night, targeted by Russian multiple rocket launchers, artillery fire, and kamikaze drones, Governor Sehii Lysak said. A 25-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl were killed in Nikopol when a Russian drone hit their car. The attack injured a 25-year-old man and a 4-year-old girl who were also in the vehicle. The 4-year-old girl's condition is still serious, and she has small shrapnel injuries to her head, upper limbs, and forearms, Lysak reported on the morning of Sept. 21. Five people had been injured in Kherson Oblast over the past day as a result of Russian attacks, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Among the victims was a 72-year-old woman, who was injured when Russian forces attacked the village of Stanislav with a drone. A man in the city of Kherson was also injured in a drone attack, sustaining injuries to his head, back, arms, and legs. Two people in the city of Beryslav were injured in a drone attack, while a 52-year-old man in Antonivka, a village close to Kherson, was injured by artillery shrapnel. Three people were killed and 12 others were injured as a result of Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. Two people were killed and one person was injured in Udachne, a settlement 12 kilometers (7 miles) west of Pokrovsk. One person was killed and two others injured in Kurakhove, a town located around 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of Pokrovsk, and just a few kilometers from the front line. Other regions of Ukraine, including Sumy, Mykolaiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Kyiv oblasts, also came under Russian drone and missile attacks over the past day, but no civilian casualties were reported. Read also: Russia must feel its going to lose Zelenskys victory plan, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second city near the Russian border, has been hit relentlessly by Russian attacks this year (SERGEY BOBOK) (SERGEY BOBOK/AFP/AFP) A late-night strike on a residential neighbourhood of the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv wounded 21 people, Kyiv said Sunday. The strike hit late on Saturday, hours after Russian attacks killed five people -- including two children -- in central Ukraine. The weekend attacks came ahead of a crucial visit by President Volodymyr Zelensky to the United States, where he is due to present proposals on how to end the war and press the West for a green light to use long-range weapons on targets inside Russia. "Last night, Russia struck Kharkiv again, this time with aerial bombs targeting an ordinary residential building," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media. "As a result, 21 people were injured, including an eight-year-old child and two 17-year-olds," he added. Regional leader Oleg Synegubov said two people were in critical condition. He said dozens of residents were asleep when the building was struck. AFP saw rescuers scrambling through a heavily damaged building, with burned-out cars in the parking lot outside, using chainsaws to cut through walls to get to distressed residents in the dark. "Mama, mama, mama," sobbed one woman, who struggled to breathe and was too scared to descend the stairs. Rescuers helped her down to find her mother, who hugged her tightly as the woman trembled. "She is scared," her mother, Oleksandra Ivanivna, told AFP. "It's not the first time." Kharkiv -- which was home to 1.4 million residents before Russia's invasion -- has seen relentless attacks this year. "We were asleep. It (the building) was just blown up... the place is a wreck," Ivanivna said. - Kyiv long-range strikes call - The city's mayor Igor Terekhov said at the site: "As you can see, there are no military here." "Every day and every night Kharkiv suffers the hits," he added. AFP saw an elderly man with his head bandaged being brought to an ambulance, as well as a man whose face was covered in blood, holding a small terrier dog. Zelensky said the attack showed why his forces needed to use weapons supplied by Western allies to strike deeper into Russian territory, which so far they have refused to authorise. "We need to strengthen our capabilities to better protect lives and ensure safety. Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities," he said. "We are working to convince our partners of this. We will continue these discussions next week." In Washington, he is due to hold talks with Joe Biden, as well as both US presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. - 'Still betting on military victory' - Details of Kyiv's so-called "victory plan" have not been made public, but Zelensky has said Ukraine has prepared all of its points. He has also said Kyiv plans to invite Russia to a second international peace summit in November. But Moscow this weekend said it would not attend and referred to President Vladimir Putin's conditions to enter talks: that Ukraine surrender four of its regions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told CNN Sunday that he does not see a real interest in talks. "I think both are still betting on the possibility of a military victory," Guterres told CNN in an interview aired Sunday. "President Zelensky has announced that he has a victory plan to present in the United States... The Russians have clearly indicated that they also have victory (in mind)." Zelensky will travel to the United States after a summer of intense fighting, with Moscow's troops advancing fast in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv holding on to swathes of Russia's Kursk region. bur/rlp Russians injure 3 women in strike on residential area in Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast The aftermath of the Russian attack on Sloviansk on 22 September. Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office The Russian army struck the city of Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, at 11:50 on 22 September, injuring three civilians. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Facebook Details: The Russians targeted one of the houses. Ukrainian rescue workers freed a woman from under the rubble. Two of the womans neighbours, ages 53 and 54, were also injured. The victims were taken to hospital. According to preliminary information, the Russian Armed Forces used FAB-250 aer-dropped bombs in the attack. Support UP or become our patron! The territories in green are controlled by Ukraine; those in red are occupied by Russia. Map: DeepState Five civilians were injured, including a 16-year-old girl who is in a critical condition, as a result of a Russian attack on the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast. Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office Quote: "Five people were injured in an attack on Kramatorsk. The city came under enemy fire this evening. Among the people injured is a 16-year-old girl who is in critical condition. Four buildings and two cars were damaged." Details: Later the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office specified that at 17:45 on 22 September the Russians struck the city of Kramatorsk, likely from a Tornado-S multiple-launch rocket system. A residential building was in the epicentre of the explosion. Five locals received injuries of various degrees of severity: a 16-year-old girl, three men aged 22, 47 and 75, and a 74-year-old woman. They were in the street at the moment of the attack. They received tear wounds and shrapnel wounds. This news has been updated since publication. Support UP or become our patron! Since October 2022, Russia has launched over 1,000 attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, posing a substantial threat to the system's stability. Source: Mykola Kolisnyk, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine, on the air of the national 24/7 newscast Quote: "Since October 2022, the enemy has inflicted more than a thousand attacks on civilian energy infrastructure. Of course, this affects the stability of the power system. Despite the fact that today the largest repair campaign continues. In fact, we are focused on restoring the work of those energy facilities where repairs are possible," Kolisnyk said. He commented on rumours of Russia's plans to attack Ukraine's nuclear energy infrastructure, stating that pertinent information had been conveyed to IAEA representatives. Background: Ukraine ordered more transformers than Poland's whole consumption capacity. To safeguard the station's safety, the IAEA requests that Russian military and other personnel leave immediately from the territory of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and return it to Ukrainian administration. Support UP or become our patron! The existing building would be demolished under the plans [Google] Sainsburys has objected to plans to build a Lidl store stating there is no need for another supermarket in York. Lidls planning application stated its multi-million pound investment into the vacant Monks Cross site could create up to 40 jobs and improve consumer choice. The plans stated the development would bring a new discount shopping offering to York, adding new facilities for local residents could help them save money on their groceries. But Sainsburys claimed there was not enough evidence to show the new store would not negatively affect neighbouring sites. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the company stated: There is simply no need for another food store in York, and the impact from the drive-thru is unknown given that the tenant has not been disclosed. The plans would see the former TK Maxx off Monks Cross Drive demolished and a new Lidl and drive-thru restaurant built. An operator for the restaurant has not been named. Huntington Parish Council also objected, stating the existing building should be reused rather than demolished in light of the councils climate emergency declaration. The application will go before York Councils Planning Committee for a decision on Thursday but planning officers have recommended approval. A consultation carried out on Lidls behalf in 2022 received 97 responses, 71 of which said they would support the development. The site has stood empty since TK Maxx relocated to the east of Monks Cross in 2020. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. More on this story LITTLE NECK, Queens (PIX11) A New York City sanitation worker of 19 years died on the job on Saturday, officials said. Richard Errico, 54, fell and was run over by his own truck on Douglaston Parkway in Queens around 5:45 p.m., police said on Sunday. More Local News For over 19 years, our fallen brother worked tirelessly to keep the streets of New York City clean and safe. His commitment to public service, in a tough and dangerous job, will not be forgotten, said Harry Nespoli, the president of the Uniformed Sanitationmens Association, in a statement. Nespoli and New York City Mayor Eric Adams contacted Erricos family to extend their sorrow and offer support. More Queens News New Yorks Strongest work tirelessly every day in incredibly difficult and physically taxing jobs. Too often, we dont stop to thank them for all they do to make our city a better place for us all to live, Adams said in a statement. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A Sarmat ICBM missile exploded during a test in Plesetsk, Russia, the OSINT project MeNMyRC has reported, publishing satellite images (ICBM stands for intercontinental ballistic missile ed.) Source: Russian news agency Agenstvo.Novosti; MeNMyRC, citing analyst MT Anderson Details: MeNMyRC draws its conclusions based on satellite images showing a large crater in Plesetsk, as well as data on flights of US reconnaissance aircraft. The huge crater reportedly indicates that a missile exploded in its silo destroying the test site. The fire in the area of the test site was detected by NOAA-20 and SUOMI NPP satellites, the expert said. Photo: MeNMyRC An American Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball reconnaissance aircraft took off from a US base in Alaska to observe the Sarmat tests, MeNMyRC said, citing FlightRadar24 data. However, it did not record the launch, the report says. The expert believes that the explosion possibly occurred not directly during the launch, but, for example, during the process of loading the fuel. Background: Earlier, Western media reported five Sarmat test launches, four of which failed. According to CNBC, Sarmat's longest test flight lasted just over two minutes: the missile flew just over 35 kilometres before losing control and crashing. The only successful launch of the missile reportedly took place on 20 April 2022. Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered the Sarmat to be put on combat duty in 2022, which was not done until September 2023. Support UP or become our patron! German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) reacts to a reporter's question after the UN Future Summit before the start of the 79th General Debate of the UN General Assembly. Michael Kappeler/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reacted with satisfaction to initial results of the state elections in Brandenburg on Sunday which showed his Social Democrats (SPD) in the lead. Scholz told journalists in New York that the mood in his party is "good, of course." Scholz is in New York attending a UN summit. He joined a telephone conference with SPD leaders just before a meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Sources close to the chancellor said he is "thoroughly satisfied" but will wait until Monday before offering a more thorough assessment of the election results. State elections in Brandenburg, which the SPD has led since the collapse of communism in 1990, were seen in part as a major test for Scholz, whose coalition government has been plagued by infighting and miserable approval ratings. Dietmar Woidke, Minister President and Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Brandenburg, speaks during an election broadcast after the first forecasts of the Brandenburg state elections. Fabian Sommer/dpa Dietmar Woidke, Minister President and Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Brandenburg, and his wife Susanne are on stage at the SPD election party after the first forecasts of the Brandenburg state elections. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh exuded confidence in winning the Haryana Assembly polls, emphasising that they'll fulfil the promises made to the people of the state. 'Without the support of AAP, the next government in Haryana won't be formed. AAP believes in the politics of transparency, and honesty and does politics for the people. We have given 5 guarantees of Kejriwal, and the next govt that will be formed (in Haryana), the remote control will be in the hands of Arvind Kejriwal, the son of Haryana. The promises that we have made, we will fulfil that. BJP is going to be wiped out," he said. Earlier, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal claimed during a roadshow in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana that AAP would play a decisive role in Haryana and no government would be formed without its support. Meanwhile on September 20, Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal said that the Election Commission of India, along with the Chief Electoral Officer's office, has implemented special measures to increase the voting percentage in the 15th Haryana Legislative Assembly General Election on October 5, compared to the last election. Voters are being encouraged to cast their votes through various SVEEP activities, including slogan writing, painting, street plays, and poster making, Agarwal said. The Chief Electoral Officer further said that the voters of Haryana are politically aware. In both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the voting percentage here has consistently been higher than in other states. Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5. Votes will be counted on October 8 along with that in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2019, BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 40 seats. Congress won 30 seats. (ANI) 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. KSNF/KODE The second of two brothers accused of going on a crime spree where one man was killed and one woman was shot, is now charged in Jackson County. PREVIOUS: Brothers arrested in I-44 homicide case body found in ditch Prosecutors filed four charges against Jose Benitez, 20. Jose Benitez, 20. Those charges include first-degree assault, vehicle hijacking, and two counts of armed criminal action. Just after five Tuesday evening, officers from the Independence, Missouri Police Department responded to an attempted carjacking. Officers say Benitez had shot a woman. The woman was found lying on the ground next to a pickup truck and police say she had a gunshot wound to the left forearm and one in the chest. Independence Police say Benitez left the scene before they arrived. According to the probable cause affidavit, IPD found one spent 9mm shell and one 9mm bullet on the ground near the pickup truck and say it appeared as if the woman was shot while still sitting in the drivers seat. Just after that shooting, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department received reports about a prowler in a residential neighborhood. After a short foot pursuit, Benitez was arrested. All of this comes after Benitez and his older brother, Adin Benitez, 26, were being sought in connection to a homicide in Joplin. Around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, officers were called to an area near I-44 and Prigmore Avenue, to reports of a body in the ditch off I-44. That person was later identified as Jesse Gilmore, 63, of Oklahoma. Jasper County authorities say the older brother walked up to Gilmore at the truck stop as he was sitting inside his car and shot him in the head. Both brothers are said to be illegal immigrants from Honduras and are both being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold. Earlier reports about one victim being pistol-whipped appear to have not actually happened. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Security firm linked to Adams honcho Phil Banks under investigation by feds, DOI: sources Federal and NYC investigators are scrutinizing a security firm previously owned by Mayor Eric Adams top public safety officer amid a jaw-dropping escalation of probes swirling around City Hall, sources told The Post Saturday. Both the U.S. Attorneys Office and the citys Department of Investigation are probing City Safe Partners, which was once owned by Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks. The company scored a whopping $154 million contract in January to provide emergency fire watch services for the New York City Housing Authority, The New York Times reported. Sheena Wright, Adams first deputy mayor and the fiancee of Banks brother David, the schools chancellor, sits on NYCHAs board and voted to approve the emergency contract. The City Safe deal is just one of numerous government contracts under review as part of an ongoing probe into the Adams administration that involves at least four separate federal inquiries, law enforcement sources told The Post. Wrights role in greenlighting the NYCHA deal is being reviewing for alleged improprieties, they added. FBI agents on Sept. 4 raided the homes of Phil Banks and Wright. The feds are eyeing whether Phil Banks steered city contracts toward companies represented by a consulting firm run by his another Banks sibling, Terence, which records show had inked millions of dollars worth of public deals, sources have said. The three Banks brothers phones were seized by federal agents investigating the possible bribery scheme. Before Phil Banks was appointed deputy mayor by Adams two years ago, he had a long career at the NYPD before abruptly after retiring in 2014 as chief of department amid a sprawling federal corruption probe into police corruption. Prosecutors identified Philip as an unindicted co-conspirator, but he was never charged with wrongdoing. Federal and NYC investigators are scrutinizing a security firm previously owned by Mayor Eric Adams top public safety officer, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Philip Banks III. Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office In 2015, Banks bought interest in City Safe Partners and was listed as a member of its management team as recently as 2018. Winnie Greco, a major fund-raiser for Adams who went on to become his special adviser and director of Asian affairs, was also once part of the companys management team. In 2023, NYCHA sought a new security company to provide fire safety services, and when it sought out new firms, the agency prioritized those classified as minority and women-owned businesses, an agency spokeswoman told The Times. City Safe was one of four companies that submitted proposals. It scored the contract to place up to 500 guards in more than 150 public housing developments and monitor them for fires. The U.S. Attorneys Office is currently probing City Safe Partners as the company received a $154 million contract in January to provide emergency fire watch services for the New York City Housing Authority. James Keivom So far, the company has pocketed $13.3 million of the three-year contract. City Safe did little business with the city until after Banks joined Adams administration. The security firm from 2017 through April was under contract with the state-run Metropolitan Transportation Authority to provide unarmed security guards at subway stations, in part during the past two years to crackdown on fare-beating. The company was paid $7.2 million for that deal, a City Safe rep told The Times. It also reportedly earned $4,773 in 2014 providing security for a Parks Department event. Banks sold his share of City Safe in July 2018, according to the company. His lawyer Benjamin Brafman told The Times his client has long had nothing to do with City Safe, which was originally formed as Overwatch Services LLC. Banks was with Overwatch for less than two years and was long gone before the contracts you reference were ever awarded, Brafman said. During an unrelated event in Manhattan on Saturday, Adams, a retired NYPD captain, continued to insist his administration follows the law. Whatever our people do, we follow procedures, Adams said. We follow rules Thats what we do. The DOI declined to comment, and the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan did not return messages. A lawyer for Sheena Wright, Xavier R. Donaldson, declined to comment. City Safe is currently run by Soyini Chan-Shue, a former NYPD sergeant who long worked under Banks. Additional reporting by Khristina Narizhnaya. Born in Santa Maria, Ernest Houston thought he would work in the oil fields like his father. Instead, hes working with the Northern Chumash Tribal Council to establish the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and protect the Central Coast from further oil drilling. We dont want any more oil drilling. Coming from an oil family, its hard for me to say that, Houston said. My father worked in the oil fields, and I thought I would too but its time to move on. Houston led an aerial tour of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Wednesday morning from a single-engine Cessna 210 plane. He pointed out the rivers that carry sand to the sea forming the beaches and dunes that line the Central Coast. When you get up (in the sky), you can see larger relationships, he said. You can see the course of a river going. You can see the lineament in a bridge. You can see the alignment of the Morros. You can see how the land surface changes. If designated, the sanctuary would protect 4,543 square miles of the Pacific Ocean from the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County to just below Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in San Luis Obispo County, according to the final environmental impact report released Sept. 6. The purpose of the sanctuary is to protect marine ecosystems, shipwrecks and underwater Chumash cultural and historic sites off the Central Coast. Offshore oil drilling and certain sea floor disturbances would be prohibited in the sanctuary. We really feel it is our obligation and our duty to take care of the ocean, Northern Chumash Tribal Councilwoman Violet Sage Walker said. The ocean is the giver of life on this Earth and probably the most important resource that we have. This is the first tribal nominated national marine sanctuary in the United States. A view of Los Osos with Los Osos Middle School at lower right. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council organized an aerial tour of lands bordering the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Sept. 18, 2024. The flight was sponsored by EcoFlight, a nonprofit dedicated to appreciation of the environment. The late Northern Chumash Tribal Council Chief Fred Collins originally nominated the sanctuary in 2015. The council and Walker, who is Collins daughter, carried on his work. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released the final environmental impact report for the sanctuary this month, and the agency is expected to designate the sanctuary in December or January, NOAAs website said. He asked me to do this on his deathbed, Walker said of her father. We finally can rest assured that we took care of his final wishes and we honored his legacy. An aerial view of Montana de Oro State Park, with the parking lot at the end of Sand Spit Road. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council organized an aerial tour of lands bordering the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Sept. 18, 2024. The flight was sponsored by EcoFlight, a nonprofit dedicated to appreciation of the environment. Aerial tour of Chumash sacred sites The airplane took off from San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport on Wednesday afternoon and headed north toward Morro Bay. Suburbs below shrunk to the perspective of a diorama, minuscule compared to Hollister Peak. The Colorado-based nonprofit EcoFlight provided the tour. Their flights are fully funded by grants and donations, chief pilot Bruce Gordon said. The nonprofits goal is to raise awareness about culturally and ecologically important landscapes. We want to bring people up in the air and get them to take a real look at it, Gordon said. I dont want people to come down on one side or the other side. I want them to come down on looking at the land and really trying to understand it for themselves. As the flight soared over Morro Bay, Houston pointed out the Morro Bay Estuary, known as Tstqaw by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. The estuary wont be included in the marine sanctuary boundaries, as its already protected by the nonprofit Morro Bay National Estuary Program. Los Osos crowds up against the Morro Bay Estuary with Hollister Peak in background. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council organized an aerial tour of lands bordering the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Sept. 18, 2024. The flight was sponsored by EcoFlight, a nonprofit dedicated to appreciation of the environment. Nearby, Morro Rock is a deeply spiritual place for the Chumash people, Houston said. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council believes the Rock is so sacred that people should not climb it. Living people just simply do not go there, Houston said. It exists of its own accord. It does not need people to build something on it to be revered. The flight then whizzed above Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, which was once home to a large Chumash village, Houston said. Records show that the Chumash have occupied the area for about 18,000 years, he said. On the coast, the Chumash fished for mussels, clams and limpets, harvested grass and seeds, and hunted on land. The abundance of food empowered the Chumash people to thrive, building a vibrant culture with traditions of celestial observation, ocean-going navigation and basket weaving, Houston said. They were not strapped every day, all day long, in a basic, arduous search for survival, he said. There was a great deal of cultural advancement because they did have that ability. Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant owned by PG&E is built on a historic Chumash settlement. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council organized an aerial tour of lands bordering the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Sept. 18, 2024. The flight was sponsored by EcoFlight, a nonprofit dedicated to appreciation of the environment. Tsipxatu, the traditional Chumash capital, was located in Avila Beach. People often expose burials and artifacts in their backyard while renovating their homes in Avila Beach, Houston said. That entire area was sequentially covered with villages almost for a continuous time period, and so thats why it is such a sensitive area, he said. Those who find artifacts should notify the Northern Chumash Tribal Council at northernchumash.org, Houston said. The flight then soared over the retired Unocal oil property, where tanks stamped the soil with massive circles. Further south, the Santa Maria River meandered through the valley, carrying sand to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. The pilot then circled over northern Santa Barbara County where much of the coast was hidden by a screen of fog. One of the most sacred sites protected by the marine sanctuary will be Point Conception, known as Humqaq. The Chumash believe this to be the Western Gate where souls pass into the afterlife. Point Conception also marks Californias Transition Zone, where cooler water from the north meets warmer water from the south an environment that supports a diversity of wildlife. At 1,275 feet, Valencia Peak, center, is the second highest point in Montana de Oro State Park. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council organized an aerial tour of lands bordering the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Sept. 18, 2024. The flight was sponsored by EcoFlight, a nonprofit dedicated to appreciation of the environment. NOAA proposed smaller boundaries for marine sanctuary The proposed boundaries of the marine sanctuary are smaller than what the Northern Chumash Tribal Council first proposed. In 2015, the Northern Chumash Tribal Council suggested a sanctuary design that started at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and extended north to meet the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary would have also stretched 80 miles offshore to include the seabed west of Santa Lucia Bank. This design would have protected about 7,600 square miles of the Pacific Ocean and created a contiguous strip of national marine sanctuaries on the California coast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, however, shortened the northern boundary to allow for the development of underwater cables that would carry electricity generated by offshore wind turbines in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area to shore. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will protect 4,543-square-miles of the Pacific Ocean from just south of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in San Luis Obispo County to Naples Reef on the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County. The final sanctuary management plan will also include a pathway for expanding the sanctuary boundary to meet the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary at Cambria. That plan would require NOAA to start exploring lengthening the sanctuary boundaries by January 2032 if it wished to pursue a larger sanctuary. Meanwhile, NOAA extended the southern boundary to the Gaviota Coast to protect beaches, kelp forests and reefs there, as well as land that was previously home to numerous, large Chumash villages at the time of European first contact, the report said. While the Northern Chumash Tribal Council originally preferred the larger boundaries, it agreed to the smaller sanctuary to ensure that it would be designated sooner rather than later, Walker said. Still, the Northern Chumash Tribal Council will continue to advocate for the health of the environment in Morro Bay. Just because Morro Bay is not inside the boundaries, does not mean we have agreed to check out, Walker said. We will be even more actively participating to make sure things go well with offshore wind. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council won the Lenfest Ocean Grant and NOAAs Sea Grant, which will fund their efforts to monitor water quality and ecosystem health on the coast, Walker said. Well be on the front line, being able to see and to monitor and respond and react to changes whether theyre positive or negative, she said. The work of the sanctuary is just beginning. The marine sanctuary would be largely beneficial to marine habitats that support a diversity of ecosystems within its boundaries, the environmental impact report said. Sanctuary vessels, deploying buoys or monitoring equipment and uncrewed underwater systems could have temporary, negligible adverse impacts on the environment but otherwise, the protections afforded by the sanctuary will have long-term positive impacts on the environment, the report said. NOAA expects to publish the final rule and management plan for the sanctuary in October, paving the way for sanctuary designation in December or January, the agencys website said. Fog covers Morro Bay, while Montana de Oro State Park remains in the sunshine. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council organized an aerial tour of lands bordering the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Sept. 18, 2024. The flight was sponsored by EcoFlight, a nonprofit dedicated to appreciation of the environment. How will the sanctuary be managed ? NOAA will collaborate with the Northern Chumash Tribal Council to manage the sanctuary, according to the draft management plan. One of the principal objectives of designing this new sanctuary is to bring traditional knowledge together with Western approaches and science to guide sanctuary management, the report said. Members of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council would serve on the sanctuarys Intergovernmental Policy Council, the Indigenous Cultures Advisory Panel and the Sanctuary Advisory Council, according to the report. The management structure will be more clearly defined in the sanctuarys final management plan, which NOAA is expected to release in October. Walker said the Northern Chumash Tribal Council wishes to manage the land from the perspective of thrivability. Thrivability is this idea of rolling back the clock to a time when the earth was cleaner, the water was cleaner, had more abundance, and we had thriving ecosystems, she said. Shell Beach and Highway 101 can be seen in the foreground, while Dinosaur Caves Park is at the lower right and the Santa Lucia Range is in the distance. Pismo Beach is derived from the Chumash word for tar, pismu. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council organized an aerial tour of lands bordering the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Sept. 18, 2024. Walker was born in Avila Beach, delivered by her father in their home. When she was a child, the family could easily catch a steelhead salmon using a pitchfork in San Luis Obispo Creek. Now, there are few salmon left in the river. In one generation, theyve gone from abundance to barely there, she said. She hopes that proper management of the sanctuary will restore the health of coastal ecosystems. I was one of the last Chumash born on our village there in Avila, she said. How many people can say they were able to protect the place they live, the place they were born, they place theyre from? Its pretty special. Wind-sculpted sand blown inland from the Oceano Dunes extends toward Highway 1. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council organized an aerial tour of lands bordering the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Sept. 18, 2024. The flight was sponsored by EcoFlight, a nonprofit dedicated to appreciation of the environment. Several shot, 1 fatally, in less than an hour across Chicago Saturday night CHICAGO Multiple people were shot, one fatally, across Chicago Saturday night. The first shooting happened at 7:33 p.m. in 8500 block of South Manistee Avenue in South Chicago. Police said a 32-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were in a vehicle when they were shot by an unknown suspect. The man was shot in the back and taken to University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition, while the woman was shot in the left flank and back and taken to University of Chicago Hospital in fair condition. No arrests have been made and Area Two Detectives are investigating. Chicago police seek suspects in armed robberies at construction sites At 8 p.m. in the 9400 block of South Perry Avenue in Roseland, two men ages 20 and 22 were standing on the sidewalk when a vehicle pulled up and a suspect inside the vehicle fired multiple shots at them. The 20-year-old man was shot in the left leg and taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in good condition, while the 22-year-old man was shot in the left foot and taken to Christ Hospital in good condition. The vehicle drove off in an unknown direction. No arrests have been made and Area Two Detectives are investigating. About five minutes later, a 44-year-old man was shot in the 5400 block of South Paulina Street in Back of the Yards. Officers were sent to the location after receiving a gunshot detection technology alert and found the man with two gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to University of Chicago Hospital initially listed in good condition. A person of interest is in custody and Area One Detectives are investigating. At 8:10 p.m., another shooting was reported in the 1600 block of West 79th Street in Auburn Gresham. A 32-year-old man was on the sidewalk when police said he was shot in the left leg and abdomen by an unknown suspect. Teen charged with mothers murder appears in court The victim was taken to Christ Hospital in critical condition and Area Two Detectives are investigating. It is unclear if any arrests have been made. At 8:14 p.m., two men ages 48 and 52 were in a yard located in the 1000 block of North Lawler Avenue in Austin when someone fired shots in their direction and fled. The 48-year-old man was shot in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition; he died from his injuries a short time later, while the 52-year-old man was shot in the right leg and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition, according to investigators. No arrests have been made and Area Four Detectives are investigating. WGN News crews also found a police presence in the area of East 87th Street and South Jeffrey Boulevard where two people were being treated for gunshot wounds. Police officials at the scene said the victims had been shot at another location several blocks away and may have been chased by someone. Both victims were taken to University of Chicago Hospital and it is unclear if this scene is connected to any of the aforementioned shootings. Anyone with additional information may leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.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 WGN-TV. A New Hampshire boy diagnosed with a rare brain disorder six years ago is now thriving thanks to a bone marrow donorliving 700 miles away. The pair finally met for the first time, and there was no shortage of hugs and gratitude. Its nice to finally meet you, sorry Im going to cry, said Jessica Carroll, the bone marrow donor for Grady Smith. Jessica Carroll drove thirteen hours to finally meet the boy she helped save and his family. Thank you, said Jeffrey Smith, as he hugged Jessica. Its mind-blowing I cant believe today is happening, its really cool, said Grady Smith. Grady smith was diagnosed with Adreno Leuko dystrophy, or ALD, in August of 2018. The genetic disease damages the nerves in the brain and it can be deadly if its not caught early. Since Gradys disorder was caught late, doctors didnt know if treatment was an option. But Gradys family never gave up hope and the race was on to find a bone marrow donor. Thats where Jessicaliving in Southfield Michigan--would unknowingly become Gradys hero. I actually registered on the donation list by going to a fundraiser that a boy was having, just a random thing I did with a friend, said Carroll. And I got on the list and a few years later they called. There was just no way I could say no, they said I could take the day and I took the day, and took about five minutes I called back and left a voicemail and said alright Im ready to do it lets do it. What typically is a three-month processwas fast-forwarded to three weeks due to the urgency of treating the disorder. Somebody could say you know what Im busy right now Ive got other things going on I cant do this, and she took her time, and saved a life, said Jeffrey. When it was determined Jessica was a match, she quickly went through the process. It wasnt super painful but it made you sick, said Carroll. I was running a fever for three to four days, I had headaches, I tried working but I couldnt work I felt very, very run down. But in the endJessica said she would do it again and encourages everyone to register and become a donor. You can change a life, Im so grateful I was able to change Gradys life, I was able to save him and keep him with us today and keep him with his family, said Carroll. After a long delay due to COVID, Grady couldnt wait to see his hero in person. Its crazy Im very thankful for to meet this woman, said Grady. The pairnow share a life-long connection and Gradys family cant find enough words to thank Jessica for her selfless contribution. It really makes you think about life and you realize how precious it is and we wouldnt have this moment if it wasnt for JessicaI wouldnt have my son if it wasnt for Jessica, said Jeffrey. Shes a hero, she really is, shes a hero, she saved a life of a little boy whos thriving. Gradys mother said there is a simple test doctors can do at birth to detect ALD in babies before it gets worse. Since Boston 25 first reported on Gradys condition, the family pushed to help get a law passed in New Hampshire that tests all boys for ALD. She is still working to get the same law in Massachusetts. If you would like to register as a donor, you can click on this link. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The cargo ship Ruby is located west of Denmark and south of Norway. Screenshot: Vesselfinder The cargo ship Ruby, which is travelling with Russian explosives, was supposed to pass through Danish waters this weekend but got stuck in Norwegian waters. Source: This was reported by DR, as reported by European Pravda Details: MarineTraffic service, which tracks ship movements, reported that the vessel had been standing more or less motionless in the same spot in Norwegian waters on Sunday, and now it looks like the ship's plans may change. On Friday evening, the state-owned pilotage company DanPilot told Ritzau that a pilot would board the ship on Saturday evening, but now there is no longer an order for a pilot with DanPilot. Spokeswoman Anne Heinze reported this to DR Nyheder. "The vessel will not have a pilot tonight, and the last I heard it was in Norwegian waters," she said. A pilot is a person who assists and advises the master of a ship in navigating waters about which they have special knowledge. The Danish Maritime Administration reported that both a pilot on board and a tugboat are required to pass through Danish waters with dangerous cargo. The vessel is carrying 20,000 tonnes of explosive ammonium nitrate and has damage to the rudder and cracks in the hull. The cargo is seven times larger than the one that led to the explosion in Beirut in 2020, which killed at least 207 people. The MarineTraffic website wrote that Ruby was supposed to pass through the resund strait that connects Denmark and Sweden. However, the strait is not deep enough for the ship to pass through. The Maltese-flagged cargo ship was denied entry to Norwegian ports. The ship ran aground on 22 August, shortly after leaving the Russian port of Kandalaksha. Nevertheless, the vessel continued its long journey around Norway's north to dock in the Norwegian city of Troms. The ship was scheduled to sail to Lithuania to undergo maintenance, but the Lithuanian government refused to accept the vessel as long as it was carrying explosive cargo. The Swedish authorities also deny that the ship could dock in the ports of Gothenburg and Uddevalla, near populated areas. In April, it was reported that a Danish civilian ferry was forced to change course near the island of Zealand because a Russian warship sailing nearby could have hit it. Support UP or become our patron! September is National Child Passenger Safety Month and a local childrens hospital is working to keep little ones out of danger. Shriners Childrens Erie hosted a free car seat safety event where certified experts were available to inspect car seats. This is an effort to ensure theyre the right size and properly installed. Other local community partners also attended to show families valuable resources. This gets the community together to come to our location to see our building and to actually be here and learn about what we have to offer. We want to get the community more involved and we want people to feel free to come and see what we have to offer, said Izzy Spires, marketing & communications specialist at Shriners Childrens Erie. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Signs of high election turnout in German state of Brandenburg Sebastian Walter, top candidate for the Left Party Brandenburg, casts his vote at the polling station. Fabian Sommer/dpa There are signs of high turnout in Sunday's election in the eastern German state of Brandenburg, officials said. By 2 pm (1200 GMT), a total of 46.1% of eligible voters had already cast ballots, according to the state's election administrator. In the previous state election in 2019, the figure at the same time was just 31.3%. Polling stations will remain open until 6 pm. The provisional figures do not include postal ballots, which more than 20% of voters are believed to have used this year. As of 2 pm on Sunday, election administrators said there had not been any major disruptions or known issues with the vote. A voter throws his ballot paper into the ballot box labeled "Landtagswahl". Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa Antje Toepfer, the top candidate of Alliance 90/The Greens (Buendnis 90/Die Gruenen) for the Brandenburg state election, casts her vote at a polling station. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock casts her vote at a polling station. Michael Bahlo/dpa IROQUOIS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) One person is dead after a crash in Iroquois County on Saturday evening. Cissna Park High School confirmed that Senior Colson Carley passed away in a traffic accident. A vigil for Colson will be in front of the school Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. On Monday, the school will have a crisis team available to speak with students and staff. Crash closes part of I-74 near Oakwood According to Illinois State Police Trooper Jason Wilson, the Illinois State Police responded to Illinois Route 1 south of 1330 North, Iroquois County on Saturday around 4:40 p.m. According to the reports, a motorcycle was driving north, crossed into a ditch, struck a culvert and was ejected. Carley was transported to a local hospital with injuries and later pronounced deceased. The Gibson City Melvin Sibley School District announced on Sunday that they would be honoring Carley on Tuesday. Instead of Neon Day for Spirit Week, students are asked to wear light blue and dark blue, the Cissna Park school colors. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bhartiya Janata Party leader Aparna Bisht Yadav congratulated the newly appointed Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Saturday but also pointed out that not much time is left for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections She further took a dig at Atishi over the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River. "I congratulate her, time is very short, very little time is left for the Delhi elections. Earlier she was the Water Minister in the Delhi Government, but the condition of Yamuna in Delhi is not hidden from anyone," Yadav said. The BJP leader advised the AAP leader to do 'good work' while stating that the "people of Delhi will decide on whom to give power to." AAP MP Sanjay Singh also congratulated the new CM saying, "Now, Atishi ji will run a campaign with 2 crore people of Delhi to make Arvind Kejriwal the CM again... Arvind Kejriwal will win all 70 seats after four months to become the CM. I congratulate Atishi and her council of ministers. Earlier on Saturday, Atishi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi in at Raj Niwas. Other AAP leaders, including Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Imran Hussain and Mukesh Ahlawat also took oath as council of ministers in the Atishi-led Delhi cabinet. At 43, Atishi has become the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit. A prominent leader of AAP, Atishi has played a key role in improving education in Delhi's government-run schools during her time as an advisor to the former Education Minister, Manish Sisodia. Atishi expressed mixed feelings about the change in leadership. She said that she is happy about the trust placed in her by outgoing CM Arvind Kejriwal but is also sad that he has resigned from his post. Speaking to the media, she added that she would work hard to bring Kejriwal back as Chief Minister after the upcoming assembly elections. Notably, the assembly elections in Delhi are expected to be held in February next year. However, the Aam Aadmi Party has demanded the polls to be conducted in Novemebrr this year itself. (ANI) In 1892, standing for a little known entity called Independent Labour, Keir Hardie became an MP for West Ham South in London and entered Parliament for the first time. He wore his working mans tweed suit, cap and red tie and was ridiculed for not conforming to the dress code of the rich parliamentarians who surrounded him. Determined not to make the same mistake 132 years later, Sir Keir Starmer decided that it would be sensible politics to accept gifts from a millionaire donor for nice suits and even better spectacles. On the morning of the Labour Party conference opening, front pages were adorned with images of the PM, with his chief of staff, Sue Gray, in the directors box of another Premier League club. Party members are saying just make it stop. In Liverpool this week, Sir Keir Starmer will once again try to do politics. It is to be hoped he has more success than with his decision to accept tickets to any passing piece of glitter. The Prime Minister likes a game of five aside, which friends say he plays with stodgy determination and little obvious skill - stooping to the odd shoulder barge when things are not going his way. He has brought similar talents with him to Number 10. This is the first conference with Labour in government for 15 years. It should be a celebration. A few things have gone well, the response to the riots was robustly supported by the public. A pay deal for public sector workers means there are now no excuses for strikes which left millions on delayed trains or facing empty classrooms. Lord Darzis analysis of NHS failures opens up the health service to the large scale reform it needs. But all the talk in the quieter, but no less important, parts of the Labour Party, is anxious. Starmer has squandered any honeymoon he had with poor decision making and a glaring lack of political strategy. There is, as yet, no big story about what this new government wants to do. Just 80 days in and some are wondering if the right person is in charge. And these are people who want a Labour prime minister. American analysts call the period after an election, when a new leader naturally dominates the headlines and voters can finally see someone not campaigning but leading, as the second look. This is the PMs chance to set expectations and build a sustainable relationship with the public, including those many millions of people who did not vote Labour. Starmer is failing the second look test. The decision to cut the allowance for pensioners has been a political disaster - the most significant policy mistake since Theresa May announced the dementia tax as one astute Labour Party observer told me. That is not because it is the wrong policy (I happen to support means testing benefits) but because it was announced with the fig-leaf defence, given the size of the public finances, that the Government needed to save 1.5bn. Most worrying for those around Starmer and Rachel Reeves, who took the decision, is not only that many poorer pensioners will lose a significant amount of money - they will - but that abrupt and unexplained changes to benefit rights for older people always go wrong, as any political leader should know. Just ask Gordon Brown about the 75p increase in pensions he agreed in 1998, a move so controversial the Labour government was obliged to announce that winter fuel payments, introduced a year earlier, would be paid annually. They also threw in free television licences for the over-75s. Reeves will be under similar pressure to help pensioners in the Budget in a months time, the moment when she should have announced the phasing out of the winter fuel allowance and the campaign to ensure as many poorer pensioners as possible are signed up to receive the benefit via the pensioner credit. She could also have said that the application process - at present running to over 200 questions - would be simplified, to cheers and waving of order papers from the back benches. Within a package of fiscal measures, means testing the winter fuel allowance, a badly targeted payment formulated to solve an earlier Labour controversy, would have been simple to land and less straight-forward to attack. No one can reasonably believe that giving the benefit to millionaires makes any sense. Politics isnt simply about making the right decision. It is first about having the right narrative Then it is about connecting every decision to that narrative, and to ensuring that anything that contradicts the governments story is killed and killed quickly. This is politics 101. Starmers narrative, such as it is, is three-fold - fixing the public finances, stability and a government of public service. Cutting the universal winter fuel allowance failed on all three. And then came the gifts. Free stuff not available to the general public is a reminder to all voters that far from turning the page, senior Labour politicians have their heads turned by the wealthy bearing cash just as readily as their Conservative counterparts. Starmers photographs with friends at Taylor Swift concerts and in the Arsenal directors box reveals a tin ear to the publics attitude to politicians. The fact that Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Reeves both attempted to obscure what they had actually received by describing thousands of pounds worth of clothing from party donors as donations in kind for undertaking Parliamentary duties or to support the shadow chancellors office will further erode trust. Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons, said on Question Time that gifts were fine as long as everything was transparent. She should tell her Cabinet colleagues. Voters have noticed. Starmers personal approval ratings have fallen to their lowest levels since 2020 when he still laboured under the shadow of Jeremy Corbyn. The percentage who disapprove has doubled. In the few council by-elections since July 5, Labours vote has collapsed - though turnouts are small. Even the partys press release championing the somewhat Orwellian conference slogan, Change Begins, is riddled with errors. Politics is part art, part engineering, a difficult balancing act akin to surfing a wave whilst simultaneously tying your shoelaces. Like a right hander attempting to write a sentence with his left, Starmer is no natural. The results - shaky, disjointed, lacking in grace - are depressingly similar. 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. Six Russian aircraft spotted over Baltic Sea in two days Six Russian aircraft were identified over the Baltic Sea region on 20 and 21 September. Source: Latvia's Air Force on the evening of Saturday, as reported by European Pravda, citing Baltic states news website Delfi Details: The Russian planes did not provide flight plans and did not switch on their transmitters. NATO Eurofighter jets stationed in Latvia were scrambled to respond, warning and escorting the violators. The Latvian Defence Ministry reported on Tuesday that at 09:00, an unidentified aircraft was spotted near the Latvian state border with Belarus, approaching the border and crossing it in the Kraslava region. NATO patrol fighter jets were scrambled from the Lielvarda base to investigate the area, but they did not detect any suspicious objects in Latvian airspace. Subsequently, the military confirmed that the unidentified object detected in the sky of the province of Latgale, which prompted the scramble of NATO fighter jets, was identified as a flock of birds. Latvia's Ministry of Defence emphasises that the National Armed Forces, in collaboration with NATO allies, are actively monitoring the situation along the eastern border. Following the incident on 7 September, airspace surveillance has been significantly enhanced. Background: On 7 September, a Russian Shahed loitering munition crashed in Gaigalava parish, located in Latvia's Rezekne region. The National Armed Forces tracked the drone's approach but chose not to intercept it or engage NATO aircraft, a decision that drew public criticism. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- Its been 100 days since Cyril Ramaphosa returned to power and his African National Congress agreed to form a governing alliance with opposition parties. While the coalition has been credited with lifting market sentiment, its arguably Ramaphosas earlier reforms that are driving the current optimism. Most Read from Bloomberg Since the so-called Government of National Unity was formed after Mays elections, investors have cheered the new political stability in Africas largest and most-industrialized economy. Yet the government, which was officially sworn in on July 3, faces challenges in delivering on long-standing infrastructure and policy issues. Ramaphosa, who came into office in 2018, made fiscal stability, governance improvements and efforts to ease the nations energy crisis a focus. The improvements were seeing now are largely the result of reforms introduced during Ramaphosas previous administration, said Razia Khan, head of research at Standard Chartered Bank. Its too early to say whether the GNU itself has had any real impact, but the outlook for South Africa has certainly improved thanks to those earlier efforts. The cabinets centrist composition has driven expectations that the government will focus on reforms. Thats helped boost the rand 5.8% against the US dollar in the past 100 days. Local-currency bonds have also surged, returning 17.8% outpacing all peers in a Bloomberg EM index of sovereign debt. And hard currency sovereign debt has advanced 8.2%, beating the average of 5.9% for peers. The rally in markets since Ramaphosas re-election has largely been a sentiment play for markets. Investors believe that if the coalition can maintain political stability in the nation of about 64 million people, it will buy time for deeper reforms to take hold. This is a sentiment-driven rally, said David Austerweil, deputy portfolio manager at VanEck, which holds an overweight position on South African bonds. If the coalition holds, there could be substantial benefits down the road, but that will depend on whether the government can resolve the big structural issues. The coalition, led by the ANC, has managed to keep the peace for now. However, key ministries like finance, energy, and security remain under ANC control, and fundamental challenges - including debates over Black economic empowerment and national health insurance - have yet to be fully addressed. Despite the market rally, South Africas infrastructure backlog presents a significant hurdle to sustained growth. While the country has managed to avoid planned power cuts for over five months, easing some of the economic pressure, energy supplies remain just one part of a broader infrastructure crisis. South Africas logistics network - including rail, ports, and water supply - requires massive modernization efforts. The governments Operation Vulindlela program is designed to fast-track these reforms, but its still in its early stages, and the backlog remains immense. Business sentiment has surged to a nearly two-year high, fueled by political certainty and economic optimism, according to Rand Merchant Bank and Stellenbosch Universitys quarterly confidence index. The outlook for South Africa is promising, said Mary Vilakazi, CEO of FirstRand Bank. We want to ensure we have the resources to participate in the growth opportunities coming our way. Risks Ahead For now, investors are cautiously optimistic but wary of the risks ahead. RBC BlueBay Asset Managements Emerging Market Debt team highlighted the coalitions fragility, citing the potential for internal disagreements to stymie progress. The market is giving Ramaphosa the benefit of the doubt for now, they wrote, but any instability in the coalition could quickly reverse the gains weve seen. From here, the ability of South Africas government to attract long-term investment in sectors like transport, water, and logistics will be critical to laying a foundation for sustainable economic growth. Continued improvement in logistics is in our mind crucial to the future growth trajectory, said Yvette Babb, a portfolio manager at William Blair. This will require the successful implementation of existing policies and initiatives such as the Private Sector Partnership Framework. --With assistance from Ntando Thukwana. (Updates with new quote, details from paragraph three.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The emergency measures mean that Ecuador's military patrol the streets in darkness [Reuters] Planned power cuts in Ecuador have begun a day early as severe drought disrupts its hydroelectric plants. The country is suffering its worst drought in 60 years, with no significant rainfall in more than two months. The government had already announced nightly blackouts across the country from Monday, but 12 provinces had their power cut from 08:00 to 17:00 local time over the weekend. Several South American countries are currently experiencing their worst droughts on record, which is also fuelling a number of wildfires. Hydroelectric plants cover 70% of Ecuador's electricity demand, but the water reserves that fuel it have fallen to critical levels. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said there could be further cuts and other emergency measures introduced if water levels in the hydroelectric plants are not restored soon. In addition to the 71 days without rain, Noboa also blamed the emergency on political failings. In a statement, the president blamed the power crisis on the failure of previous governments to adequately maintain infrastructure and the lack of contingency planning. A red alert has been imposed in 15 provinces including the capital Quito. Sixty neighbourhoods in Quito have had their water supplies cut as part of rationing measures. It was less than six months ago that Ecuadorians were last rationing electricity. In April, drought saw the country impose power cuts of up to 13 hours a day. The current drought is certainly not contained to Ecuador - several other countries in South America are suffering the impact of the worst drought in living memory Extreme drought has devastated vast areas of the Amazon and the Pantanal in Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. In Colombia, firefighters are battling dozens of fires, which have so far ravaged almost 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres). Earlier this week, Peru's government declared a 60-day state of emergency in the jungle regions bordering Brazil and Ecuador which have been worst affected by forest fires. The drought has also weakened the vast Amazon River, affecting food supplies and the livelihoods of locals. Last week, the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB) said water levels in many of the rivers in the Amazon basin had reached their lowest on record. In 2023, the Amazon basin suffered its most severe drought in at least 45 years which scientists at the World Weather Attribution group found had been made many times more likely by climate change. UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Investigators say the takedown of a suspect by deputies, arresting a man in the middle of a neighborhood in Weddington on Wednesday in Union County, is part of a massive transnational organized crime group from South America targeting and breaking into high-value homes. PREVIOUS: 1 in custody, others sought in home break-in that led to chase in Union County The days of just smashing the door down and then searching through the house, theyre organized now, they have Wi-Fi jammers, they use Zillow, Reddit to look at the layout of the house, said Dan Brunner, a former FBI agent who owns a security firm, The Brunner Sierra Group. Brunner has spent his whole career dedicated to stopping these criminal organizations. A lot of these organized crime entities are from Chile, its an organized crime entity where they obligate or tell someone whos a complete civilian, listen youre going to go to the United States for four weeks as a tourist, you get a tourist visa, you come to the United States and then they facilitate them robbing different locations, jewelry stores, homes, said Brunner. Photo: Queen City News On Wednesday in the middle of the day, Union County deputies say Michael Giovanni Bejarano Rodriguez and two other men smashed out a window of a home in the HighGate neighborhood and grabbed some cash and jewelry. But they got a surprise. Someone was home, so deputies say the suspects hopped in a car with a standby driver but crashed it into a tree trying to get away. What sounded like a bang, described a neighbor who didnt want their name used. Neighbors watched as the suspects car was towed away and deputies locked down schools and launched a manhunt, searching for the other two suspects who still havent been caught. It makes you nervous, it makes you a little bit more cautious, said the neighbor. And Brunner says you should be, especially when it comes to these organized crime groups. Theyre doing advanced intelligence work, the Wi-Fi jammers, theyll go in and jam all the cameras, said Brunner. Deputies say over the past two years, theyve investigated 10-15 similar break-ins in Marvin and Weddington that they believe are connected to South American criminal organizations. If someone hits your house and youre inside, just like the situation you were talking about, you know what to do, be prepared, said Brunner. A month ago, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police made three arrests, which they say are also connected to South American organized theft groups. Those arrests stemmed from 18 cases in CMPDs Steele Creek division from this year and last. Investigators say the suspects targeted homes in the middle of the day to steal luxury items and dressed as construction and lawncare workers to avoid suspicion. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Public responsibility? These students deserve better, and I will not rest until they get it. Ellen Weaver Why, oh, why does the leader of education in South Carolina make a statement like this (about public funds going to private schools)? Does she have no concept of her responsibility to the many public school students in South Carolina? Should she not be endeavoring to advance the cause of public education in South Carolina? Level the playing field, in popular vernacular? Why is Ms. Weaver always working the side of the educational funding street, pandering to those who would have her take what she can and direct it to where they believe she might gain the most political support? No, Ms. Weaver, I will not vote for you when you run for governor. Mark Thomas Wishart, Columbia Restore trust fund Note: Candace Carroll is the Director of Public Affairs for Americans for Prosperity-South Carolina. As a mother of two, including one with autism, I am deeply concerned about the South Carolina Supreme Courts recent decision to invalidate the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) Act. This ruling undermines the essential support many families rely on for educating their children. The ESTF Act provided necessary funding for alternative educational options, offering hope and stability to more than 2,800 students across South Carolina. For my child with autism, having access to specialized programs can significantly impact her academic and social development. The abrupt timing of this decision, after the school year has started, disrupts plans and adds unnecessary stress to families already navigating complex educational needs. School choice is vital for empowering parents to find the best fit for their childs unique needs. I urge our legislators to act swiftly to restore and strengthen school choice policies, ensuring every child has access to the education that suits that child best. I and countless activists with Americans for Prosperity-SC will continue to advocate for a flexible educational environment that supports all South Carolina students. Candace Carroll, Liberty Incomprehensible partnership I am writing to express my profound disappointment and deep disdain regarding the S.C. Department of Educations decision to partner with PragerU, an organization that has grossly distorted the realities of American history particularly in its dangerous and misleading interpretation of the Three-Fifths Compromise and its impact on the institution of slavery as one gross example. PragerUs claim that the Three-Fifths Compromise was an anti-slavery move is a deliberate perversion of historical facts. The Three-Fifths Compromise, which treated enslaved Black Americans as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of apportioning representation, was never intended to combat the institution of slavery. Rather, it was a political agreement that allowed Southern slaveholding states to increase their power in Congress while maintaining the systemic dehumanization of Black people. By framing this as a step toward abolition, PragerU not only erases the lived experiences of enslaved Africans and their descendants but also propagates a narrative that absolves those responsible for this nations darkest sins. It is incomprehensible that the Department of Education, which has a duty to promote critical thinking and historical accuracy, would align itself with an organization that undermines both. George Johnson Jr., PhD, Columbia A 25-year-old Monticello man is charged with two counts of attempted murder after he is alleged to have shot his mother and grandmother, according to Kentucky State Police. The Monticello Police Department contacted state police after a shooting took place at a Winchester Road home in Wayne County Saturday night. The initial investigation indicates Chase Jackson was in a verbal altercation with his mother, Audrey J. Jackson, 50, and grandmother, Savana Brock, 94, inside the home. During the argument, Jackson allegedly discharged a firearm inside, striking his mother and grandmother, authorities said. A Wayne County Sheriffs deputy performed life-saving measures before Wayne County EMS arrived on the scene, according to state police. A medical team transported the victims to the Wayne County airport, where they were airlifted to the University of Kentucky where they remained in critical condition Sunday. Jackson was later located walking on Highway 90 in Wayne County and was arrested . He is being held at the Wayne County Detention Center and is charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of first-degree assault. House Speaker Mike Johnson laid out the next plans to avert a government shutdown in a Sunday letter to his members. Johnsons plan, known as a limited continuing resolution, would fund the government until December 20 and include $230 million for Secret Service funding. Next week the House will take the initiative and pass a clean, three-month CR to prevent the Senate from jamming us with a bill loaded with billions in new spending and unrelated provisions, the Louisiana Republican wrote in his letter. Our legislation will be a very narrow, bare-bones CR including only the extensions that are absolutely necessary. While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances. Government funding is slated to run out at the end of the month, and Johnson said in his Sunday letter that he does not want a shutdown weeks before the election. As history has taught and current polling affirms, shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice, he said. From now until election day, I will continue with my tireless efforts and singular focus of growing our majority for the 119th Congress. The top Democrats in Congress, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, praised bipartisan negotiations that led to a funding agreement free of cuts and poison pills and signaled swift passage of the stopgap bill ahead of the deadline. If both sides continue to work in good faith, I am hopeful that we can wrap up work on the CR this week, well before the September 30 deadline. The key to finishing our work this week will be bipartisan cooperation, in both chambers, Schumer said in a statement Sunday. Jeffries signaled House Democrats will evaluate the spending legislation as members return to Washington on Monday evening, but praised the negotiated legislation as devoid of any partisan, right-wing policy changes. Johnsons bill comes after the House failed on Wednesday to pass a six-month GOP government funding plan that included a controversial measure targeting noncitizen voting, an effort pushed by Donald Trump. The former president had called for a government shutdown if lawmakers cannot get the voting measure, known as the SAVE Act, passed into law. Johnson said Friday that he believes Trump understands House Republicans dont have the votes to pass the SAVE Act, a GOP-led bill that passed the House in July. The measure would require documentary proof of US citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, despite the fact that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. This is story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The students of Springfield, Ohio, are caught in a mess they had nothing to do with. Schools had to shut down for multiple days after 33 separate bomb threats, and two universities moved classes online after threats of a shooting, one specifically targeting members of the Haitian community, after baseless accusations of immigrants eating peoples pets. Experts worry not only about the students ability to focus and learn amid the threats but the long-term takeaways they may have after seeing how false political allegations can upend their community. Exposure to threats of violence or safety concerns, even indirectly through overhearing conversations between adults or news coverage, can detrimentally impact kids. In response, kids might display obvious signs of fear and anxiety, for example, by verbally expressing their worries and seeking reassurance, having trouble separating from caregivers, or not wanting to go back to school, said Sabrina Liu, assistant professor and licensed clinical psychologist at California State University-San Marcos. However, its also common for kids to display more difficulty concentrating, disruptive behavior, and/or changes to their sleep or appetite in response to events such as these, Liu added. And those feelings can become even more difficult with the political context around Springfield, as migrants can feel singled out or ostracized due to the rumors spread about their communities. I would be concerned for students that hear this language or rhetoric towards aspects of their personal identities as very stressful. [] Oftentimes we do try to promote a feeling of belongingness and connectedness to schools, said Justin Heinze, director of the School Safety Section and co-director of the Research and Scholarship Core at the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and an associate professor at the University of Michigan. And so, if youre hearing language about your school or your school community thats also either derogatory or very negative, that could be impactful. False allegations of Haitian migrants stealing and eating pets first emerged at a Springfield City Commission meeting late last month, which saw a speaker from a neo-Nazi group expelled for making threats for every Haitian you bring in. A week later, a Facebook post attributed to the posters neighbors daughters friend accused Haitians of killing a cat that has since been found alive. The conspiracy theory was amplified by GOP vice presidential nominee and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and later by his running mate, former President Trump, during his high-profile debate with Vice President Harris. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump exclaimed. Two days later, the bomb threats began. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), who has denounced the unfounded claims, deployed state troopers to every school in the city. He says none of the bomb threats have been found to be legitimate. As a supporter of former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance, I am saddened by how they and others continue to repeat claims that lack evidence and disparage the legal migrants living in Springfield, DeWine said in a New York Times op-ed published Friday. This rhetoric hurts the city and its people, and it hurts those who have spent their lives there. It is disappointing to me that Springfield has become the epicenter of vitriol over Americas immigration policy, he wrote, because it has long been a community of great diversity. Pressed on the conspiracy, Vance has said hes trying to bring attention to immigration more broadly and the strained infrastructure of Springfield in particular, which has seen an influx in recent years. But the false allegations, experts say, are doing considerable harm. There is kind of this broader political frenzy, or almost hysteria, surrounding this particular situation, and I think that those types of situations have a tendency to feed on themselves, right? said Jessie Borelli, professor and associate director of clinical training at the University of California-Irvine. So, theres been one accusation thats been made and then other accusations that can create fear, right? So that can be especially frightening for children, where they can start to wonder, Well, whats the next thing thats going to be pulled out from underneath? Whats the next scary thing thats going to happen? she added. It can be a balancing act for schools and parents to try to explain the situation going on, especially between different grade levels. I think many children at a younger age than many adults might be expecting are attentive to the political conversations occurring in the background, said Winston Thompson, associate professor of philosophy and history of education at the Ohio State University. So I would say its entirely appropriate to have conversations with children about these issues, because remaining silent about these issues doesnt mean that the children are going to be exposed. It just means that the children are going to be grappling with and trying to make sense of circumstances that about which they might have incomplete information or misinformation. Some parents have called for the schools to go remote over the threats until the spotlight gets off their city. But parents and adults also need to be aware of the tension in the community given the racial and ethnic underpinning of the conflict. I think with an influx of immigrant populations, a school really has to be careful to make sure that its not creating the context within which theres going to be alienation for those who are relatively newly arrived, nor will there be suspicion and xenophobia from those whose families have longer histories in the area and deeper roots over time, Thompson said. Schools should be trying to educate people so that they can recognize their shared humanity and our shared faith as members of a political and civic context, 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 The Hill. The News Leftist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake won Sri Lankas presidential election Sunday after competing in the countrys first ever runoff. The election was the first since protests unseated former president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in 2022 in the midst of a spiraling economic crisis, with voters sweeping out Rajapaksas successor, incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe. Dissanayake, who is a member of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, ran on an anti-corruption campaign that blamed the establishment for the countrys civil unrest and the island countrys first-ever debt default in 2022. The platform, the BBC noted, seems to have been enough to quell any trepidation over electing him the JVP has a violent past that saw it lead armed insurrections against the government in the 1970s and 1980s. Know More Dissanayake has made several economic promises, including a pledge to negotiate a new $3 billion bailout for the country with the International Monetary Fund, Bloomberg reported. A previous deal with the IMF negotiated by Wickremesinghe in 2023 stipulated steep austerity measures and tax hikes that were incredibly unpopular with the electorate. Despite his partys historical anti-India and pro-China bent, Dissanayake has signaled a shift in his stance toward both countries, suggesting that Sri Lanka would not seek to take sides in any geopolitical race between Beijing and New Delhi, The Times of India noted. Police have recovered skeleton of a missing person in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban. The police suspect that he was killed in a terrorist attack. "A missing report was filed in the Batote Police Station on 13th August. The police team and civilians together searched for 24 days but nothing was found. Yesterday evening, the relatives of the missing person went to the area from where he went missing and found that a skull was lying there and some clothes were also found. A police team reached the spot and found the skull, his shoes and some clothes that were identified by their relatives," Ramban Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulbir Singh, told ANI on Saturday. Singh said the police investigation into the matter is underway. "It is an unfortunate incident that happened at the same time when there was an encounter in which a militant and some army personnel were also killed. As the investigation progresses, it will be known how many people were involved in it. "This is the same group that was involved in the killing of civilians. There have not been many such incidents in our area but the security forces should always remain alert so that such incidents cannot be carried out," Singh said. (ANI) (Bloomberg) -- Sri Lankas new leftist president was sworn into office Monday after ousting the countrys elites who voters had blamed for bankrupting the nation and imposing harsh austerity measures linked to an International Monetary Fund bailout. Most Read from Bloomberg Anura Kumara Dissanayake, popularly known as AKD, took his oath of office in Colombo on Monday, vowing to work with others to achieve his goals of clean governance. We do not believe that this deep crisis can be overcome by a government, a party or an individual, he said. I am not a magician, I am an ordinary citizen born in this country. My main task is to absorb skills, absorb knowledge, and take the best decisions to guide the country. Dissanayake, 55, defeated opposition leader Sajith Premadasa after two rounds of counting in the countrys first-ever runoff, sweeping Ranil Wickremesinghe, the previous president, out of power in the first round. The new president has vowed to reopen negotiations with the IMF over its $3 billion bailout, which came with spending cuts and tax hikes that proved deeply unpopular with voters. Some members of his National Peoples Power coalition also oppose debt restructuring terms agreed to with the nations creditors. Reviewing the debt plan or reopening IMF talks risks delaying the disbursement of fresh loans from the Washington-based lender, which has said it will hold discussions with the new administration once its in place. Under the current bailout program, Sri Lanka will need to meet certain economic targets before the IMF approves the next tranche of funding, estimated at about $350 million. Sri Lankas dollar bonds due in 2027 and 2029 fell by the most in over two years on Monday. The rupee inched higher against the dollar, rising with stocks as investors hope the new leader will stick with the IMF program. Sri Lanka has voted for a regime change, said Avanti Save, head of Asia credit research and strategy at Barclays Bank Plc. Bond trading will be determined by developments and comments suggesting commitment to the IMF program and macro-linked bond proposal, government appointments, and ability to execute economic policy, she added. Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena resigned from his post, thereby dissolving the previous cabinet and allowing Dissanayake to make his own appointments. The new president is now expected to dissolve the parliament soon and call for fresh elections to choose lawmakers. His coalition currently has only three members in the 225-seat parliament, including himself. Dissanayake will need to appoint a replacement for his parliamentary seat before setting up his own cabinet, or forming a caretaker government. Under the constitution, Sri Lanka must hold parliamentary elections by mid-2025, and under the nations executive system, the president can hold multiple cabinet portfolios. The victory for Dissanayake, who secured only 3% of the vote when he last ran for president in 2019, shows the depth of frustration with a political elite that triggered the governments first default in its history. The economic crisis culminated in street protests that ousted former leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Under Wickremesinghe, who was appointed by parliament after the uprising, inflation slowed to low single-digits from nearly 70%, borrowing costs fell, debt was restructured and the economy posted faster-than-expected growth. But the island nations 22 million people have felt the pain with higher taxes and electricity prices. Cost of living and austerity measures were the heart of these elections compared with previous votes, when constitutional reforms and minority rights were in focus, Bhavani Fonseka, senior researcher and lawyer at the Colombo-based Centre for Policy Alternatives, said ahead of the result. Dissanayake now faces the challenge of following through on his economic pledges while maintaining stability in the economy and keeping IMF bailout funds flowing. Although he has not spelled out his plan on the IMF deal in detail, his backers have said he plans to seek modifications without throwing out existing terms altogether. We are staying with the program but will look for modifications, Rizvie Salih, an executive committee member of Dissanayakes NPP coalition, said on Saturday. Even the IMF has said they are open to new ideas, proposals. In a report published Monday, Bloomberg Economics said Dissanayakes proposed tax-relief measures pose a risk to the IMFs fiscal targets if implemented fully. In the end, however, the economists wrote that his administration would likely take a pragmatic approach that avoids a standoff with the IMF. We think Dissanayake will soften his stance and dilute his tax-cut proposals to fit them within the fiscal space available and any concessions provided by the IMF, they wrote. The incoming president pledged other economic measures on the campaign trail, including an increase in tax exemptions and more equitable tax rates and brackets. Hes seeking more oversight on government spending and cleaner governance. Dissanayake has also said he may cancel a proposed wind power project by Indias Adani Group amid claims of a lack of transparency and uncompetitive pricing. Foreign Policy On foreign policy, Dissanayake faces the challenge of juggling the competing interests of China and India, strategic rivals whove been major investors. Some analysts have said Dissanayake may be more likely to favor China given his partys Marxist roots, although he also paid a visit to New Delhi at the invitation of Indias government earlier this year. Dissanayakes backers have also called for greater scrutiny of investment deals with China and other nations to avoid future debt traps. Hes previously questioned the governments trade agreement with China, saying it would undermine Sri Lankan businesses. Both the US and India congratulated Dissanayake and said theyll work with him to bolster ties. The US is committed to supporting Sri Lanka as it builds a stable society, State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sri Lanka holds a special place in Indias neighborhood-first policy. Dissanayake replied to Modis comments in an X post, saying he shared Indias commitment in strengthening ties. China also congratulated Dissanayake on his win. On Monday, President Xi Jinping sent a message to the new president pointing out that the two sides have long been friendly neighbors, and said he looks forward to further promoting cooperation in Beijings Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, according to a China Central Television report. Dissanayake got his political start as a student leader in his party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. The party was once known for violent Marxist uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s, but has since renounced violence, with Dissanayake positioning himself as a center-left figure. He became the partys head in 2014 and has included civil society leaders and academics in the group to appeal to a broader section of the country. The party has shifted away from its anti-capitalist roots and briefly joined coalition governments. Still, the JVP leadership is untested as administrators, and the coalition that it leads has only three members in the 225-seat parliament. --With assistance from Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Swati Gupta, Malavika Kaur Makol and Kai Schultz. (Adds prime minister resigning, possibility of early parliamentary polls starting in ninth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. St. Johns County has secured a significant legal victory in its dispute with Southeast Development Partners LLC and Southeast Land Ventures LLC over the Grand Oaks development. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida ruled in favor of the County on Sept. 13, 2024, affirming the Countys position in the ongoing legal battle. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The dispute centered on the developers obligation to widen a 3-mile stretch of State Road 16, a project critical for managing growth and public safety. Since its initial approval in 2016, the projects costs have soared from $15 million to over $60 million. Despite this, the developer has not completed the required work, leading the county to declare them as default. The court also upheld the Countys right to withhold further approvals of plats and construction plans until the developer fulfills its contractual duties. This ruling reaffirms our commitment to holding developers accountable and ensuring that promises made to our residents are kept, said County Commission Chair Sarah Arnold. The developers attempt to alter the terms years later was a breach of trust. We stood firm for our community, and this decision sends a clear message that we expect all parties to honor their commitments. The dispute began in early 2023 when the developer sought to amend the original development agreement. The County Board unanimously denied the request, prompting the developer to file a civil action in March 2023. The County countersued and ultimately prevailed in court. County Administrator Joy Andrews highlighted the broader implications of the courts decision, saying, This Court decision represents a significant victory for our residents, reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding their financial assets and overall well-being. The Countys firm stance throughout the litigation reflects its commitment to responsible development and protecting community interests. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Ukraine's surprise thrust into Russia armored columns slicing through unprepared defenses, seizing towns and settlements is perhaps the most audacious gamble in more than two years of war, since the invasion was launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "There's a big psychological blow here to the Russian mindset, specifically Putin, where you have a Ukrainian penetration of Russian territory, [for the] first time since World War II," said former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley. But Milley points out the 500-square-mile bulge is barely a dot on the map of Russia. And with three exposed flanks, it comes with considerable risk. "The Russians could mass forces, cut them off and overrun the Ukrainians," Milley said. / Credit: CBS News Asked if he expects Putin to launch a major counter-offensive to take back Russian territory, Milley replied, "That's at least one of the possibilities that could very well happen in the coming months." Ukrainian forces strike 2 key bridges in Russia's Kursk area Putin is pursuing a long-war strategy relying on sheer weight of numbers to slowly grind down Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to shorten the war by bringing it home to Russian soil. Last week, a weapons depot 300 miles inside Russia went up in a massive fireball after being hit by Ukrainian drones. Zelenskyy is also pushing hard for permission to use American-made long-range missiles against targets in Russia. "We need to have this long-range capability so that Russia is motivated to seek peace," he said earlier this month. Flames rise during an explosion in Toropets, Tver region, Russia, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on September 18, 2024. It was reported that Ukrainian drones struck a warehouse about 300 miles from the Ukraine border containing Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missile systems, guided aerial bombs, and artillery ammunition. / Credit: SOCIAL MEDIA via Reuters Ukraine has already used the Army Tactical Missile Systems (known as ATACMS) with devastating effect against Russian targets in occupied Crimea. Ukraine uses U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles for first time in counteroffensive against Russia According to Milley, the range of the ATACMS is about 300 kilometers, or 190 miles. "You can shoot basically from Washington D.C. to New York City," he said. ATACMS is guided by GPS, and carries a 500-pound warhead. "It clearly would have impact wherever it hits," Milley said, "but it's not going to destroy an entire depot. It's not going to destroy a brigade or division of troops." Zelenskyy said he needs them to counter glide-bomb attacks, which are launched from bases inside Russia. How Russia, Ukraine deploy new technologies, tactics on the battlefield ("Sunday Morning") Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says it's too late for that: "We know that the Russians have actually moved their aircraft that are using the glide bombers beyond the range of ATACMS." There are other Russian military targets still within range of ATACMS, but Putin has warned that striking them would bring NATO and the U.S. directly into conflict with Russia. "He's making a clear, unambiguous threat publicly against NATO," said Milley. "You could easily have missiles, Russian missiles, strike into, say, Poland. If one of those missiles or two of those missiles struck an area where there's U.S. forces there, killing American soldiers, you're going to have a major league international crisis on your hands at that point." Putin says NATO will be "in the war" if U.S. or allies let Ukraine fire long-range missiles at RussiaNATO members Romania and Latvia say Russian drones violated their airspace It is a high-stakes moment for a war that already has cost an estimated total (on both sides) of one million casualties, and is mired in stalemate. "The probability of Russia militarily overrunning Ukraine is very unlikely," Milley said, "but the probability of Ukraine militarily compelling the withdrawal of, you know, a couple hundred thousand Russian troops is also highly unlikely." Zelenskyy is betting his already-stretched defensive lines in Ukraine will hold while he opens a new front inside Russia. "He took a calculated risk, in order to put himself in a position of strength for what he perceives could be the coming of some sort of negotiation perhaps next year," Milley said. Part of the risk is whether the United States, with its deeply-divided politics, will continue sending Ukraine enough weapons to stave off Russian assaults. Funding for those weapons is set to expire at the end of this month. U.S. announces more aid for Ukraine at "critical moment" in war with Russia, but Zelenskyy says more is neededWhy Ukraine needs U.S. funding, and why NATO says that funding is an investment in U.S. securityHow Donald Trump and Kamala Harris differ on the Russia-Ukraine war Milley said, "If somehow that aid gets cut off, if somehow Europe or the United States does not support Ukraine, then I think it gets very problematic for Ukraine to sustain their fight." For more info: Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, Princeton School of Publican International Affairs Story produced by Mary Walsh. Editor: Joseph Frandino. See also: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis says Aurora is "safer than it's been" despite Trump comments Marco Rubio says "the dogs and cats thing" has gotten more attention than immigration impacts Rep. Chrissy Houlahan says there were "enormous gaps" in Secret Service communication EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Community-favorite authentic Iraqi restaurant Spartys Kabob is set to close its doors for the last time at the end of the month, according to a Sunday morning announcement on the restaurants social media page. Spartys Kabob first opened in July 2020 to raving reviews from the wider Lansing community, touting itself as Greater Lansings first Iraqi Middle Eastern Restaurant. However, the restaurant will not be renewing its lease and will close for the last time on Sept. 30. Spartys Kabob (Courtesy Spartys Kabob) Reflecting on the past four years, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support weve received from each of you. As a family-run business, our journey has been both rewarding and challenging, but the connections weve built with our community have made it all worthwhile. Sharing our traditional Iraqi food with you has been an honor and we hope to have given you a taste of our home from the comfort of yours. We want to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the community of the Greater Lansing Area and the community of MSU as you have all been a vital part of our story and we will cherish the lessons from this journey. Facebook statement from Spartys Kabob, Sept. 22, 2024 The restaurant is still encouraging the community to come out and dine in one last time before it shuts down operations next Monday. We look forward to making these last weeks memorable and hope to see many familiar faces before we say our goodbyes, the restaurant says. We will also be doing a buy-one-get-one 50% off as a way of giving back to our community one last time. Until then, the restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This embedded content is not available in your region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Keir Starmer saw new questions over donations and gifts overshadow the start of his Labour Partys annual conference in Liverpool, with top officials spending more time denying rule-breaking than touting the new UK governments policy plans. Most Read from Bloomberg Starmers deputy, Angela Rayner, was forced to use to what was meant to be a tone-setting appearance on the BBC to defend her handling of a New Years Eve holiday in New York subsided by a donor. Rayner said she had been over-transparent in her declarations of donations to parliamentary authorities, after the Sunday Times reported she and a friend had stayed in accommodation paid for by Waheed Alli, a TV mogul and Labour peer in the House of Lords. I had the use of the apartment and I disclosed that I had the use of the apartment, Rayner said on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show. Donations are a feature of our politics, she said. The interview underscored how the UKs new Labour government has become distracted by the media scrutiny of donations accepted by the party. Most of the questions were about the row, rather than Labours plans for a convention that just weeks ago appeared to be an opportunity for the party to celebrate its landslide general election victory and set out its plans for office. Instead, Starmer and his top team have struggled to shake off sustained media coverage of Alli and the 575,000 he has given to Labour politicians since 2020, including paying for clothing for Starmer, his wife and government ministers. After the election, the Labour peer was given a pass to Downing Street, allowed to attend some political meetings, and advised on public appointments, raising questions over whether Starmer had accepted donations in exchange for access. Though they are barely two months in office and nearly five years out from the next general election, the row is still dangerous for Labour, who are being accused of hypocrisy by the opposition Conservatives after Starmer and Rayner campaigned against Tory sleaze under previous administrations. I get that people are angry, I get that people are upset, Rayner told the BBC. She suggested there could be a national debate about how we fund poltitics, but added: We have a system at the moment that says if you get donations, that has to be declared and the rules have to apply to everybody. The problem for Starmer and Labour is that they built an election campaign around change and a promise to do politics differently. The premier has repeatedly said that the challenge of fixing Britain including sorting out problems in the National Health Service are a decade-long challenge that would require Labour to win again in five years. But Labour is struggling to get its message across. At the conference on Sunday, Rayner announced a policy package aimed at improving the quality of housing for Britons, including consulting on a new standard for homes and tougher regulations to prevent low quality accommodation. She also told the BBC she would publish legislation on workers rights next month. However, those policies have been unveiled to little fanfare as stories about donations dominate the news agenda. Another Cabinet member, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, also said she benefitted from donations from Alli. Speaking earlier on Sunday on Sky News, Phillipson confirmed the donor had paid for her 40th birthday celebrations, which was first reported by Bloomberg. Phillipson said the event, though linked to her birthday, was a work event attended by journalists and people in the education sector. It is frustrating to be having this conversation with you this morning, not talking about the wider agenda that were setting up here in Liverpool, because we have delivered an awful lot in the very short space of time that we have been in government, Phillipson said, adding: Of course, this is a distraction. On the BBC, Rayner was also asked about another story which has been the focus of attention among senior aides in Downing Street: accusations that Labour staff are unhappy about the role of Starmers chief of staff, Sue Gray. Bloomberg reported Saturday that some Labour aides wanted Gray to leave her post after the conference. Asked if she thought Gray would still be in her job by Christmas, Rayner said she thought she would. Sue Gray has been doing an incredible job and shes got a huge amount of respect amongst the Cabinet, Rayner said. I dont accept that Sue Gray is part of a problem at all. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Keir Starmer wanted his Labour Partys annual conference to set out how it will deliver on its change promise to British voters. Instead, the prime minister and his top aides spent the first day trying to put to rest internal doubts about decisions taken in the first weeks in power. Most Read from Bloomberg The premier arrived in Liverpool amid fresh reports about political donations and gifts, and backbiting among top staffers over who wields power in Downing Street. That was on top of ructions about tax rises and budget cuts expected to dominate the governments first budget next month. Labours top team used speeches and interviews Sunday to try to shift the focus back to what the government elected in a landslide on July 4 has promised on housing and what it calls a decade-long project to rebuild public services. Now is our moment, Angela Rayner, Starmers deputy, told the conference. Even now especially now there will be no complacency, she said, in a nod to the internal squabbles. Labour won the election, she said, because it had the discipline to make hard decisions and the determination to remain united. The ministerial fightback is due to continue Monday, when Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is expected to give a more positive, optimistic message about the future of the economy, Environment Secretary Steve Reed told Bloomberg Radio, after the government was criticized for dragging down confidence with gloomy warnings about the October budget. The problem is, even people in government fear the messaging wont cut through. One official said privately they expect a messy few days, with angry aides drinking with journalists without an obvious positive narrative to point to. A slump in Starmers approval rating makes things even harder. The opening of conference could hardly have been worse, with Rayner forced to use to what was meant to be a tone-setting appearance on the BBC to defend her handling of a New Years Eve holiday in New York subsidized by a donor. Rayner said she had been overly transparent in her declarations, after the Sunday Times reported she and a friend had stayed in accommodation paid for by Waheed Alli, a TV mogul and Labour peer in the House of Lords. I had the use of the apartment and I disclosed that I had the use of the apartment, Rayner said on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show. Donations are a feature of our politics, she said. The interview underscored how Labour has become so distracted, with Starmer and his top team failing for weeks to shake off questions about Alli and the 575,000 ($766,000) he has given to Labour politicians since 2020, including paying for clothing for Starmer, his wife and government ministers. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson endured her own torrid interview on Sky News focused on events linked to her 40th birthday that were also funded by Alli a fact first reported by Bloomberg. Phillipson said they were work events attended by journalists and people in the education sector, and that it was frustrating that the media focus was on donations rather than the wider agenda that were setting up here in Liverpool. The problem for Starmer and Labour is they campaigned on a promise to do politics differently. The premier has repeatedly said fixing Britain including sorting out problems in the National Health Service are a decade-long challenge that would require Labour to win a second term. Yet even five years out from the next general election, the donations row is still dangerous for Labour, who are being accused of hypocrisy by the opposition Conservatives after Starmer and Rayner campaigned against Tory sleaze under previous administrations. Nigel Farages right-wing Reform UK party is calling for the whole system to be overhauled. Theres no sign of the row dissipating. Asked by ITV why she accepted free tickets to see Taylor Swift which Starmer also did this year Phillipson said it was a hard one to turn down as one of my children was keen to go. Against that backdrop, Starmers net approval rating has slumped to minus 26, down 45 percentage points since he became prime minister, according to a survey by Opinium published on the eve of the conference. Almost half of respondents had a negative view of Labour since the election, according to the survey, though Labour still leads the second-placed Conservatives on key policy areas including the National Health Service and barely on the economy. The Labour government is also facing a backlash over its decision to cut winter energy assistance for millions of pensioners as it tries to repair the UKs public finances, and trade unions are trying to lodge a protest at conference. Its a cruel policy, Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite labor union, told Sky News on Sunday. He needs to reverse it. And Id like him to say that hes made a misstep and to reverse that policy. Id also like him to say that were not going to take this country down austerity mark 2. Unite is pushing for a motion on reversing the benefit cut, as well as a wider rethink of Reeves economic strategy ahead of what is expected to be a punitive budget on Oct. 30. If accepted, it will lead to an uncomfortable conference hall debate about the chancellors policies directly after her keynote speech on Monday. Any vote would be embarrassing, but not binding. Labour MPs want reassurance Starmer and his team can win back the initiative. One said Downing Street had controlled the news agenda after the election but struggled with Parliament on summer recess. They said they wanted Reeves and Starmer to spell out how things will improve after the budget pain. Another MP compared the feeling to Labours 1997 election victory under Tony Blair. This time is more bittersweet than rapture and the challenge is greater, they said, adding theres a sense ministers are trying to get on with the job. But there is little doubt that the negative headlines are making it harder. On the BBC, Rayner was also asked about another story animating senior aides in Downing Street: accusations that Labour staff are unhappy about the role of Starmers chief of staff, Sue Gray. Bloomberg reported Saturday that some Labour aides wanted Gray to leave her post after the conference. Asked if she thought Gray would still be in her job by Christmas, Rayner said she thought she would.I dont accept that Sue Gray is part of a problem at all, she said. It all made for a tough opening day of conference. Reed, the environment secretary, acknowledged that of course he was frustrated, but said any new government would experience a grinding of the gears. I want to talk about the changes were making following the general election, he said. --With assistance from Joe Mayes. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. State-owned tax forfeited properties are not cleaned up by the state. Who does it then? With approximately 7,000 state-owned tax forfeited properties scattered throughout Mississippi just over 1,800 of which are located in the City of Jackson it seems local and state lawmakers are gearing up to take some action. At the end of August, the Select Committee on Capital and Metro Revitalization, made up of 19 members from the Mississippi House of Representatives, held a meeting to listen to people who are fighting the issue every day, including code enforcement officers in Jackson's Department of Planning and Development, officials from the Secretary of State's office and local and county law enforcement. Also at the meeting was Ward 5 Jackson City Councilman Vernon Hartley, who presented to legislators the city's new "Abandoned Property Task Force." Hartley said the task force is in the middle of drawing up a "master plan" and invited members of the committee to join. Additionally, he emphasized the need for outside funding, as the city has struggled to find the resources to adequately tackle the problem. This house at 1420 Booker St. in Jackson seen Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2024, is one of some 2000 abandoned properties the state owns in the city. With all this chatter and seeming interest from lawmakers, it begs the question: How are state-owned tax forfeited properties being handled right now? The short answer: It's a combined effort from both local and state departments, but one that is currently struggling due to the sheer number of those properties throughout the state. How does a property turn into a state-owned tax forfeited property? When a property owner fails to pay taxes for two years, then their property is included on a list of properties advertised for sale by the County Tax Collector, according to Miss. Code. tit. 1, pt. 11, ch. 1. If no buyer is found, the property is removed from the sale list and is forfeited to the state, if not redeemed by the payment of taxes or any other fees within two years. Special Jackson City Council election: Ward 2 special election set. 6 candidates vying for a seat on the Jackson City Council Tax-Forfeited lands are held by the Public Lands Division, which is within Mississippi's Secretary of State's office and currently has two employees: Assistant Secretary of State Bill Chaney and Tyrone Hickman. Both are in-charge of maintaining and hopefully selling the state's tax-forfeited land inventory, which can be found on the Secretary of State's website. How does the state maintain the properties once they are forfeited? They don't Chaney and Hickman were at the Select Committee meeting at the end of August, and laid out how the process of acquiring and selling tax-forfeited properties works and some of the challenges they face. The main challenge they face being maintenance. Most of the properties are dilapidated, vacant and have very low property value. But the Secretary of State's office "has no statutory authority, nor budgetary authority to clean up any property," Hickman said. In other words, they can't maintain properties, and even if they could they don't have the money for it. Hickman pointed to MS Code 29-1-145, which states municipalities can be reimbursed by the Secretary of State's office "in maintaining unredeemed lands" if they remain unsold. But, currently there is no money in that fund due to legislative changes in 2016 that ceased the funding. A small piece of a house on this abandoned property at 1318 Marydale Dr., in Jackson one of the some 2,000 abandoned properties the state owns in the city, is barely visible through overgrowth and downed limbs Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. "There has not been any money in that fund since 2016," Hickman said. "So when we get calls about cleaning it up or a clerk says, 'Well, reimburse us.' We cannot." Chaney suggested legislators provide his office with more funds for cleaning up properties. "We recognize the issue, we're trying to come up with ways within our statutory standing to help address them," Chaney said. So, who does take care of the properties? Since the state has no authority to maintain state-owned tax forfeited properties, it falls on the city where they are located to take the necessary steps and allocate the necessary amount of dollars to ensure they don't become public health hazards. That has irked some members of the Jackson City Council, as was visible back in March when the council reluctantly approved spending $37,730 on cleaning up five state-owned properties. Two were in Ward 5, one in Ward 3, one in Ward 6 and one in Ward 7. Homelessness: When homeless people migrate, trash is left behind. Who should clean up the properties? "They're state-owned properties but the city's paying for it," Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said at the time. "The state has way more money than we have and it seems like there should be a plan in place where the state can give to this city a timeframe of where we're going to have all houses torn down by the state, all lots cleaned that are owned by the state. And while the Secretary of State's Office may not have the authority to maintain properties, Chaney and Hickman said they are "proactive" about working with municipalities in cleaning them up. Samatha Graves, a code enforcement manager in Jackson, backed that up. "We have a good relationship with the state," Graves said. "So, we'll get in contact with Tyrone (Hickman) and let him know what's going on and can he give us a letter of entry to the property trying to work together and have that good close relationship because if we're helping them, they're helping us as well." But a lack of code enforcement officers within the city is also an issue. Currently only three code-enforcement officers are employed though two more are being trained. Back in 2015 there were 15-20, according to Robert Brunson, a Jackson code enforcement officer who spoke at the select committee meeting. Thalia Mara: State Fire Marshal inspects Thalia Mara Hall. See what they found and the mayor's response Last week, the council adopted the city's budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, which included raises for code enforcement officers, though it's unclear if there is additional funding to hire more. Once a code enforcement officer receives entry to a state-owned abandoned property, they will assess the needs then the city will hire a contractor based on the assessment, Graves said. That could mean lawn care, asbestos and general clean-up and, sometimes, demolition. The council then has to sign off once a contractor is selected. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Who cleans up state-owned tax forfeited properties? Not the state Tennessee State University was founded to keep Black students out of the University of Tennessee. In 1890, states with land-grant schools, like the University of Tennessee, were given a choice. They could either admit Black students to these colleges, which had been funded initially with grants of land from the federal government. Or the states could receive federal funding to create separate schools for Black residents. TSU at a crossroads: After an upheaval in leadership and scrutiny from the state, TSU is working to lay a foundation for its future. Read about how a new board and an interim president are making changes at the historically Black university. In Tennessee and other Southern states, separate schools were created. When states took the money, which ensured their flagship schools remained segregated, they agreed to provide "just and equitable" funding to both institutions. Few states interpreted that phrase as a requirement to provide equal funding, and most historically Black land-grant universities have been forced to operate with far less state support than the predominantly white institutions. A student walks across the Tennessee State University campus in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Land-grant schools have always had a mission to research and improve agriculture. The federal government, today through the farm bill, provides grants for that research, but states must match those grants on a 1-to-1 basis. Historically Black land-grant schools regularly must request a waiver from the matching requirement so they can still receive the federal research grant. Between 2018 and 2021 Tennessee State University received no matching funds from the state for research and extension services, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture records. $2.1 billion: Tennessee State University has been underfunded. Here's what that means. In 2021, Tennessees Office of Legislative Budget Analysis calculated that the state's failure to match federal research funds to TSU shortchanged the school by $151 million to $544 million since 1957. In response, the state allocated $250 million to TSU for infrastructure projects. Last year, the Biden administration sent letters to 16 governors informing them how much their states had underfunded their historically Black land-grant universities over the last 30 years. The amount was calculated by comparing the per student spending by the states at both the historically Black and predominantly white land-grant schools. The federal government found that Tennessee underfunded TSU by $2.1 billion, the most of any state. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State underfunded by state by more than $2 billion Heres how the stranded American astronauts will vote from space Heres how the stranded American astronauts will vote from space (NewsNation) Call it the ultimate absentee ballot. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, the Boeing Starliner astronauts whose eight-day mission aboard the International Space Station will now stretch to at least seven months, will cast their ballots from space. Its nothing new for NASA, which has accommodated orbiting absentee ballots for 27 years. Thats when Texas passed a law permitting the practice. Since NASA is headquartered in Houston, nearly every American astronaut is a Texas resident. The difference this time is that Wilmore and Williams didnt expect to be in orbit on Election Day. Thruster and helium leak issues with their Starliner capsule, combined with the logistics of the regular ISS crew rotations, will keep the pair in space until February. The Starliner capsule, minus its crew, returned to Earth earlier this month. SpaceX Crew-9 launch delayed until Sept. 26 I sent down my request for a ballot today, Wilmore said on a call with reporters earlier this month. Its a very important role that we play as citizens including those elections, and NASA makes it very easy for us to do that. NASA astronaut Kate Rubins in 2020, pointing to the International Space Stations voting booth where she cast her vote from space. (NASA photo) Election officials in Harris County, Texas said they work with NASA to send astronauts a PDF with clickable boxes to make their choices. The PDF is password-protected to ensure a secret ballot. The first astronaut to cast a vote in space was NASAs David Wolf, while he was aboard the Russian space station Mir in 1997. Starliner crew shares thoughts on extended stay in space The four other American astronauts currently aboard the ISS wont be voting from space. Tracy Caldwell Dyson is scheduled to return to Earth on Sept. 23. Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps will return on Oct. 6. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A student has been arrested for allegedly making a threat against Jinks Middle School on Saturday. According to a news release, at approximately 1:30 p.m. a tip was received by the Bay County Sheriffs Office and Bay District Schools. Bay County officials said the threat stated, Ill shoot Jink up, Everybody dying, Imma murder everyone along with other details. The BCSO Criminal Investigations Division immediately initiated an investigation. 11-year-old Jenesis King was developed as a suspect and confessed to making the threat. Jinks Middle School Principal Chris Coan also confirmed the news in a social media post. Coan said in a statement on Facebook they will take any and all threats seriously and will prosecute those making threats to the fullest extent of the law. Port St. Joe Police arrested two women at a Little League football game King was charged with Felony Written Threats to Kill, and will not be returning to Jinks Middle School. King was booked at the Department of Juvenile Justice Detention Center. This comes a day after a student from Rutherford Middle School and a student from Rutherford High School were both arrested on felony charges for allegedly making false threats about a school shooting. Jinks Middle School released this statement on Facebook: We take all threats seriously and appreciate the continued support of our parents and guardians. Please continue to talk to your children about the seriousness of these actions and remind them that those who make threats will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff, and we are grateful for your partnership in ensuring a secure school environment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah hit out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, following his rally in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah, mentioned that people in the valley are suffering due to the current situation and want solutions. "The people are suffering due to the current situation and they want solutions. FIRs that have been registered against youth, many of them are being kept in jail outside J&K," Omar Abdullah said. Following Amit Shah's remarks that under the rule of the NC, Congress and Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP, 40 thousand people were killed over 35 years in J-K, Omar Abdullah said that the Union Minister should decide first on whom to blame for terrorism in J-K. "Amit Shah should come clean. Amit Shah should tell who is responsible for terrorism in J&K. When BJP talks in the rest of India, they blame Pakistan for that but in J&K they blame NC and Congress," Abdullah said. "As far as this allegation is concerned, if they truly believe that NC and Congress are responsible for terrorism, then why are they not talking to Pakistan? If we are responsible, then talk to Pakistan cause they are not responsible. The roads you have blocked, open them because Pakistan is not responsible. In Jammu and Kashmir, you blame us; in the rest of the country, you blame Pakistan. First, you should decide on whom to blame for terrorism," Abdullah added. On Saturday, Amit Shah said that J-K was burnt in the fire of terror for 35 years under Gandhis, Muftis and Abdullahs family. "Jammu and Kashmir was burning in the fire of terror for 35 years under the rule of these three families: the Gandhi family, Mufti family, and the Abdullah family. Curfew was imposed in Kashmir for 3 thousand days, 40 thousand people, and many army personnel were killed... Prime Minister Modi has buried terrorism under the ground. Today I want to tell these three families that try as hard as you can, even your third generation cannot bring back terrorism," he said. "The NC has released an agenda that is being supported by Rahul Gandhi's Congress party. Do you agree with this? The NC has said that they will bring a separate flag instead of the tricolor, they will restore Article 370, and they will hold talks with Pakistan. Do you agree with these statements?" Shah added. (ANI) Student-loan companies that don't do their jobs should be fired, Elizabeth Warren says. Her next target is one that manages 8 million borrowers. Student-loan companies that don't do their jobs should be fired, Elizabeth Warren says. Her next target is one that manages 8 million borrowers. The CFPB settled with student-loan company Navient, resolving claims Navient mishandled borrowers' payments. Elizabeth Warren told BI it sends a signal to the student-loan industry that they'll face consequences for bad behavior. She said that terminating servicers' contracts for failing obligations is an effective solution. For nearly a decade, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has been working to enforce oversight over Navient, a major student-loan company. Warren and some of her Democratic colleagues were concerned that the company was not properly managing student-loan borrowers' payment options, causing them to accumulate unaffordable student debt. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau caught on: in 2017, it filed a lawsuit against Navient, accusing the company of misleading borrowers about their debt relief and repayment options, causing them to lose out on more affordable payments. On September 12, the litigation finally concluded with CFPB Director Rohit Chopra announcing a $120 million settlement, $100 million of which was going back to impacted borrowers along with a permanent ban on Navient ever reentering the federal student-loan servicing industry. "Persistence pays," Warren told Business Insider in an interview. "We've stayed after Navient for years. Director Chopra's efforts at CFPB have finally helped millions of people get the relief they deserve and a guarantee that Navient will never work as a federal student loan servicer. That proves we can hold these guys accountable." Navient said in a statement following that settlement that "while we do not agree with the CFPB's allegations, this resolution is consistent with our go-forward activities and is an important positive milestone in our transformation of the company." Warren concurred that the settlement was positive for the industry and she said it's a signal of more to come for borrowers. Since federal student-loan payments resumed last October after an over three-year pause, the Education Department has reported a range of errors it detected with servicing, including late or inaccurate billing statements and difficulties with customer service. While all four major servicers have faced financial penalties for mishandling payments, Warren said terminating servicers' contracts for failing their obligations would be an effective next step. "If the government is not willing to fire the people who cheat our students, then those people are going to keep right on cheating," Warren said. "Getting rid of the bad servicers makes a huge difference in the whole system." 'Their days are numbered' Following the CFPB's settlement with Navient, Chopra told BI in an interview that there's still more to be done in the student-loan industry: "There are still so many people who are struggling with student loan servicers. And so we're going to have to keep pushing and keep cleaning up this market." One way a group of Democratic lawmakers wants to continue cleaning up the market is by setting their sights on MOHELA, another major federal student-loan company servicing around 8 million borrowers. Earlier in September, Warren and Rep. Jim Clyburn led over 50 of their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Education Sec. Miguel Cardona and expressed concern that MOHELA was not delivering on its contract to help borrowers. "We request that ED immediately conduct an evaluation of MOHELA's fulfillment of its contractual obligations as a servicer, share key data with our offices and federal and state regulators, and act quickly to apply corrective measuresincluding the potential termination of MOHELA's federal contract if such action is justified," the lawmakers said. The Education Department did not respond to a request for comment from BI on whether it would consider terminating servicers' contracts for failing their contractual obligations. However, it released an accountability framework in December that outlined enforcement actions it would take should servicers harm borrowers, including fining servicers and transferring borrowers to better-performing servicers. For example, MOHELA was the first servicer to be hit with a $7 million fine last October for failing to send on-time billing statements to over 2 million borrowers. Still, the push to fire servicers is gaining momentum: in May, advocates joined Democratic lawmakers in calling for MOHELA to be fired, with Rep. Ayanna Pressley saying at the time that "enough is enough. Terminate MOHELA's contract and put loan services on notice: we will not tolerate your negligence and exploitation; we will not let you profiteer off vulnerable student borrowers." Responding to the May calls to end its contract, MOHELA told BI that "borrowers are not better off when outside groups spread false and misleading information about our work as a federal contractor for FSA. We remain committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of customer service to the borrowers that we serve." But Warren said servicers should take the Navient settlement as a sign that they must ensure they're fulfilling their contractual obligations or suffer the consequences. 'We've organized, we've held hearings, we've done everything possible to hold these student loan servicers accountable for their misconduct," Warren said. "And it's beginning to bite. And for some of them to bite big time, that's a whole shift in the system. It means that those who've cheated and haven't yet come clean know that their days are numbered." Read the original article on Business Insider Students at a Chicago high school were left without a teacher for several weeks, an issue stemming from a teacher shortage and chronic absences in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), according to a report. Roberto Clemente Community Academy (RCCA), a high school based in Humboldt Park and West Town, is plagued with staffing issues, the Chicago Block Club reported. The staffing crisis at the high school is reportedly attributed to a larger problem. Teachers told the Chicago Block Club that Clemente's issues are "compounded by the management and leadership approach of administrators." RCCA is an institution that has largely served Puerto Rican families since the mid-1970s. "About 46 percent of the teaching staff had more than 10 absences in 2023, according to CPS data. That means nearly half of Clemente teachers missed the equivalent of at least two weeks of school," the outlet reported. GROWING NUMBER OF TEACHERS LEAVING THE PROFESSION ACROSS THE US DUE TO BURNOUT, LOW PAY READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Students were left without a teacher for a week, an issue stemming from a teacher shortage in Chicago Public Schools, according to a report. The outlet reported further, "Clemente is emblematic of a broader problem: CPS schools and many other public schools across the country are hamstrung by funding constraints and a nationwide teacher shortage, education experts said. The outlet reported further that CPS officials "insist Clemente doesnt have staffing issues." Fox News Digital previously reported on the challenges of staffing teachers across the country. Particularly in Arizona, almost a quarter of their teaching jobs are consistently vacant. Districts nationwide are shortening school weeks and consolidating classrooms due to the shortage of teachers. Similar to Illinois and Arizona, other states where more than half their school districts have a tough time filling school vacancies include Nevada, Florida and Michigan. CALIFORNIA BILL PUSHES SCHOOLS TO DOLE OUT LESS HOMEWORK TO MITIGATE STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS Students were left without a teacher for a week, an issue stemming from a teacher shortage in Chicago Public Schools, according to a report. School districts around the country are hiring internationally to help with the teacher shortage. "They forgot about us," Carolina Carchi, a sophomore at RCCA, heard her classmate say. Her classmates were "growing restless" and "sitting in their classroom with little to do," the outlet reported. The statement from Carchi's classmate motivated her to step up to teach chemistry. "When I heard that, this spark and passion grew in me," Carchi told the outlet. The students were told there would be a permanent teacher assigned to the classroom, but the teacher never showed up. Furthermore, they were given a substitute teacher, but the teacher did not know how to teach chemistry. Carchi reportedly told herself: "No, youre not going to be left out, they didnt forget about you, and Im going to be here to prove that." The 15-year-old taught her classmates for two months during the winter of her sophomore year. The course was not assigned a permanent teacher until the following fall, the outlet reported. "Clemente students are missing critical instruction because so many teachers are regularly absent and positions go unfilled for long stretches," the Chicago Block Club reported. "As they deal with the stresses of working with students with significant needs, teachers say theyre not getting support from the schools principal, which has left them burnt out and demoralized and often absent," the outlet noted. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX NEWS CPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Original article source: Students left behind as Chicago high school suffers from staffing issues, teacher absences: Report Study finds Utahns are among the cheapest restaurant tippers in the U.S. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A new study found that Utahns are among the cheapest restaurant tippers in the United States, but a local expert says Utahns are more generous than the data implies. According to a study released by Toast a technology platform for restaurants Utah tied for seventh place among the worst states for tipping. On average, Utahns tip 18.7% at restaurants, which falls beneath the national average of 19.3%. California was the cheapest state for tips at 17.3% and Delaware averaged the highest percentage with 21.5%. A Toast spokesperson said the data was collected through its digital payment platform, which means the numbers did not include cash tips or people who chose not to tip at all. Inside the Salt Lake City Temple a look at the ongoing interior renovations Melva Sine, president and CEO of the Utah Restaurant Association, said most servers at casual and fine dining restaurants in Utah are doing pretty well making upwards of $26 an hour. She said the association has not received any tipping complaints from restaurants as of late. It seems to be that theres a pretty calm spirit about it out there right now, Sine said. While the data points to lower tipping habits in Utah, Sine said Utahns are extremely generous tippers and helped save the restaurant industry during the pandemic. We were one of the states that were least impacted, she said. We did have some closures and we did have some of those things as a result of the pandemic, but because of the generosity of the people in our state, our restaurants did fairly well. Sine continued to say that Utahns generosity may now be stretching due to current economic pressures, such as the higher cost of feeding a family. I would say that people are still very generous, but they have to be making ends meet, she said. The study showed that Utahns pay just below the national average for full-service restaurants, but pay significantly less than the average for quick-service restaurants. When it comes to quick-service restaurants such as dessert shops or fast food restaurants Sine said the employees are not as dependent on tips to meet their standard, making it so the tip is more of a personal choice and a way to say thank you. In a quick service restaurant, and some of these other types of restaurants, theyre making a higher wage hourly, Sine said. Me personally, Im probably not going to leave a tip. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After stumbling for years, a federal program designed to address homelessness among veterans is getting back on track, especially in Chicago CHICAGO Chris Murray was homeless, living on Lower Wacker Drive, after his mother died from COVID-19 in 2020. Her death, he said, caused him to go off the deep end. His heroin addiction grew worse, and he lost his job. Nonprofit and social service groups would come around to offer housing support, but Murray, now 37, said he was skeptical of their offers. It sounded too good to be true, Murray said. And for him, the street wasnt so different from his time in the U.S. Army. The military kind of conditions your standard of living to be lower, Murray said. Eventually, after three years of being homeless, Murray was tired of living on the street and took a leap of faith. He allowed a nonprofit worker to help connect him to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Now, Murray is living in an Uptown studio thanks to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, a rental aid program that is the federal governments primary tool for ending veterans homelessness. The rental aid comes in the form of a housing voucher, known as the HUD-VASH voucher, where the tenant allocates 30% of their income to rent costs and the federal government picks up the rest of the tab. The veteran voucher program is a special subset of HUDs Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, which provides housing vouchers to low-income residents. Murray, a full-time nursing student, is one of more than 1,600 veterans in Chicago and Cook County currently in the veterans housing program, which had over 85,000 participants nationwide as of June. He called the voucher life changing. Since the voucher program launched in 2008, the government has made dramatic strides in addressing veterans housing needs. Homelessness among veterans has fallen by roughly 50% in Illinois and nationwide, according to HUD data. But as the COVID-19 pandemic hit and housing costs skyrocketed, some of those strides started to reverse. The number of veterans without housing started to creep up again and the use of the HUD-VASH vouchers continued to decline. Over the last year, HUD has been working with VA medical centers and public housing authorities in Chicago and beyond to boost the use of vouchers and renew efforts to get veterans off the streets and into their own homes. High turnover among voucher holders, rising rents and a need to align veterans housing with supportive services have posed challenges, but the use of the vouchers has already improved, both locally and nationally. Roughly 86% of the Chicago Housing Authoritys vouchers were in use in June, up from around 82% in August 2023. The voucher usage rate in Cook County was around 84% in July, the highest it has been since 2019, according to yearly averages. Compared with the public housing authorities for the city and county of Los Angeles the two agencies with the most vouchers Chicago and Cook County are well ahead in using their vouchers. Voucher usage rates in Los Angeles are in the 50% range. Nationwide, usage of HUD-VASH vouchers stood at 75.9% in June 2024, the latest available data from HUD, up from around 73.6% a year earlier. All told, more than 700 public housing authorities nationwide receive vouchers, with Chicago receiving the seventh-most vouchers and Cook County receiving the 39th most. Richard Monocchio, a principal deputy assistant secretary at HUD who was the executive director of the Housing Authority of Cook County until May 2023, said HUD would like voucher usage rates for public housing authorities to be at least around the mid-80 percentages. He is optimistic more vouchers will be in use soon. This administration believes that one veteran that is unhoused is too many, Monocchio said. We are not going to stop making improvements to the program until we beat that goal. High voucher turnover Compared with other vouchers offered by HUD, the veterans program has a uniquely high turnover rate, an indicator of not only how tricky it can be to adequately address the housing needs of this population, but also the success of the program. Veterans come and go from the program for a variety of reasons, including addiction and mental health issues, and they dont always provide notice when they vacate. And some, regretfully, die, officials at Chicago and Cook County housing authorities say. The Chicago Housing Authority sees a 10% annual turnover rate among its HUD-VASH voucher participants, compared with a 4% rate for its regular housing voucher program beneficiaries, said Cheryl Burns, the head of the authoritys Housing Choice Voucher Program. Sheryl Seiling, rent assistance director at the Housing Authority of Cook County, said that over the last 18 months, the agency has added 138 new participants to the HUD-VASH program. Around the same number of veterans left the program in that time. Some of the turnover is tied to the programs success. Seiling said veterans often withdraw from the program voluntarily, once they are back on their feet. They use the program as intended, Seiling said. They get stable employment and address any other challenges they have so they can become self-sufficient. Nicole Bowden, 42, had a HUD-VASH voucher through the Chicago Housing Authority for nine years and relinquished it when she was able to buy a two-flat in Calumet City in April. Bowden, an Army veteran, said she originally came into the program after she left an abusive relationship in Texas to live with her mother in Chicago in 2014. Her mother kicked her out after a few months. Bowden said she bounced between abandoned buildings and then slept in her car. She was meeting with a therapist from Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, the Chicago Housing Authoritys VA partner, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as related to her military sexual trauma. She was also drinking to cope with the emotions associated with that trauma, Bowden said. While receiving mental health and substance-use support services, Bowden had a caseworker help her apply for a voucher, which she received in January 2015. Two months later she had her own place, the first time her name had been on a lease in three years, Bowden said. To Bowden, who now works as a peer specialist in the HUD-VASH program, the voucher was a lifeline. First and foremost, it provided me and my (kids) with some stability, Bowden said. It minimized the fear of being homeless. Now, she is grateful to not only have a place to call her own, but also to offer a home to someone else in her second unit. To go from not knowing where you are going to sleep to now looking for someone to rent your unit is only God, Bowden said through tears. Services and housing needed While housing vouchers have emerged as a key tool, they are just one component of a broad strategy for addressing homelessness among veterans. Both the Chicago and Cook County housing authorities said veterans without housing often require mental health counseling, substance-use treatment and other health care services. The things that may have been casual to their homelessness, they are still dealing with those (once they are housed), said Tracey Scott, CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority. Thats why developments that set aside units specifically for veterans and provide on-site support services are crucial, Scott said. Vouchers awarded for housing in these types of developments, which are known as project-based vouchers, are available through both the Chicago and Cook County housing authorities. The most recent building to open and accept project-based vouchers through the Chicago Housing Authority was in November 2023 at the Historic Lawson House in the Rush & Division neighborhood, according to the Chicago Housing Authority. Cook County hopes to welcome veterans with these types of vouchers to Otto Veterans Housing in Chicago Heights later this month, Seiling said. But while some are able to find housing in veteran-focused developments, others must find units in the private rental market, where they contend with a problem that all voucher recipients face: high rent costs and lagging landlord participation. Higher rents make it harder for voucher holders to find places where they can use their vouchers. And Matthew Moeller, acting communications director at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, the Housing Authority of Cook Countys VA partner, said that some landlords may hesitate to participate in the voucher program because they wish for more immediate payment. All voucher program units have to go through an inspection process that can take weeks to complete. To Murray, the veteran living in the Uptown neighborhood who moved in last August, there is no one-size-fits-all model for helping veterans find housing, as everyone has their own unique circumstances. Guilt and shame can get in the way of accepting a voucher if a veteran has served in the military and is now on the corner, holding a sign, Murray said. There can be trust issues with service providers, including the VA, he and Bowden said. What worked for me isnt going to work for the next person, Murray said. Everybody is going through their own struggles and their own life stories. Hiring additional caseworkers is also helping to get more veterans into housing. Local housing authorities administer the HUD-VASH vouchers and receive referrals for the program from their VA partners. The Chicago Housing Authority was recently able to boost its voucher usage as the Jesse Brown medical center hired more caseworkers. Regina Freeman, deputy chief manager of the Jesse Brown social work program, said in an email that the medical center is partnering with other VA and non-VA organizations to increase case management capacity. The medical center has increased its number of case managers from 44 to 53 since August 2023. At the end of the day, the coordination and communication is the key to this, Scott said. Continually evolving HUD has continuously tweaked the veteran voucher program since its inception, and on Aug. 8 more policy changes were announced for the HUD-VASH program in an effort to expand access. HUD will now require public housing authorities to accept veterans who earn up to 80% of the area median income for the voucher program. Previously, the requirement was up to 50% of the area median income, according to a news release. Additionally, when determining eligibility for the program, HUD will no longer count service-connected disability benefits toward annual income for veterans. HUD also increased the value of all vouchers across the country by 28% over the last two years to keep pace with rising rents, Monocchio of HUD said. The days of a veteran having to choose between getting the VA benefits they deserve and the housing support they need are finally over, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in the news release. This is a critical step forward that will help veterans nationwide and bring us one step closer to our ultimate goal of putting an end to Veteran homelessness for good. Along with the policy changes, HUD allocated an additional $20 million to 245 housing authorities, including the Housing Authority of Cook County, to better aid veterans in their search for housing. Services include landlord recruitment and landlord-tenant mediation support. I emphasize this wherever I go and also send a message out to all public housing authorities (that says), We expect you to use this flexibility to help house people with vouchers and increase utilization rates, Monocchio said. For Murray, receiving the voucher was transformative. (I literally went) from the bottom of society, living on Lower Wacker, to living a two-minute walk from Lake Shore Drive, Murray said. That was a huge mark in my life to try to rebuild everything. U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) rallies college students at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 (Photo by Abigail Hakas for the Capital-Star) PITTSBURGH With just 44 days until the 2024 election, U.S. Reps. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) rallied young voters for the Harris-Walz ticket at Carnegie Mellon University on Sunday. Young people, Lee told the audience are not the voices of the future, but rather the voices of right now. We are all in the most powerful room in the country, she said. This is the most powerful room because we are in Western Pennsylvania, were in Western Pennsylvania, and the road to the White House, the road to the Senate and the road to the House all leads right here through yalls campuses. Pennsylvania is key for both Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrats nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee. With its 19 electoral votes, the Keystone State is the biggest prize of the blue wall battleground states for either candidate. According to the Pew Research Center, about two-thirds of registered voters ages 18 to 24 align with Democrats. In 2023, the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement estimated around 41 million members of Gen Z would be eligible to vote in the 2024 election. Sundays event was co-hosted by College Democrats at Pitt, the CMU College Democrats and the Young Democrats of Allegheny County. When I talk about what our job is in the next 40-something days, your job is to take care of each other because thats who Im voting for, Lee said. Im going to go and vote for the most marginalized person in my life. Because its my job, its my responsibility, to make sure that Im creating the conditions that we all can survive in, not just survive, that we can all thrive in. Ocasio-Cortez followed Lee with a list of the issues that young voters might be most concerned with: climate change, school shootings and the cost of rent and healthcare. We have been aging and growing in a world that our predecessors have left to us, Ocasio-Cortez said. Respectfully, a lot of what has been left to us is messed up, is really messed up, and its messed up not even on a partisan basis, its messed up generationally. Ocasio-Cortez told a story of her time at Boston University when Barack Obama began his candidacy, and her absentee ballot did not arrive in time. She said she took a bus back home to New York City to cast her vote for the future president. She not only encouraged students to register to vote in Pennsylvania with their on-campus address, but also to sign up for a shift with the Harris-Walz campaign, go door-to-door and ensure a Democratic victory at every level in the election. Those calls-to-action were the theme of the speakers at Sundays event, with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, CMU College Democrats President Avalon Sueiro and Harris-Walz campus organizer Agatha Prairie all taking the stage. Prairie encouraged attendees to convince five friends to vote and Sueiro said to knock on classmates doors and have those tough conversations about the stakes of the election. Gainey took a more somber approach. We should all be tired. Im tired of someone that can stand on the stage in a debate and say to the American people and the world that immigrants that are here in our country eat dogs and cats, he said in reference to former President Donald Trumps false claim that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Im tired of that level of hate. Trumps running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) campaigned in Berks County on Saturday, and mentioned Springfield in his remarks. His job as the United States Senator representing the people of Ohio is to listen to American citizens and fight for them, Vance said. So our message to Kamala Harris and Democrats is were going to keep on complaining about their politics because this is America and we have the right to speak our minds, he added. Innamorato pointed out that a satellite voting location at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 15-17. Satellite locations offer residents the ability to register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, complete and return it in one place. A Pennsylvania victory runs through Allegheny County, and it runs through young people, Innamorato said. Im asking for all of you to do what you can, to knock doors, to volunteer, to make phone calls, to talk to your weird cousin, to get your classmates on board, because we got a lot of work to do over the next 44 days. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Fall officially arrived Sunday at 8:44 a.m. (autumnal equinox), but summer stuck around for one more day. Temperatures reached the low 90s for the third straight day, more than 15 degrees above normal. Clouds increased ahead of a cold front that triggered late-afternoon showers and storms, with the strongest activity in west-central Ohio and south of U.S. 22. A second band of showers will arrive around midnight, providing welcome rain for much of the region, before shifting east by morning. The front will cross Ohio Monday morning and stall near the Ohio River, with a lull in the showers, and skies remaining mostly cloudy. Temperatures will be more than 10 degrees cooler, near 80 degrees, as winds turn northwesterly behind the cold front. An upper-level disturbance in the southern Plains will lift northeastward to the Ohio Valley Tuesday, bringing widespread showers and a possible storm. A cold front will follow early Wednesday, bringing an end to the rain and ushering in seasonable, drier conditions for the remainder of the week. At the end of the week, attention turns to a possible tropical storm or hurricane approaching the Florida Panhandle, with some moisture drifting north toward the Ohio River early next weekend, depending on the eventual track. Forecast Tonight: Mostly cloudy, muggy, showers. Low 68 Monday: Few showers, mostly cloudy, cooler. High 79 Tuesday: Showers, storms return. High 78 (64) Wednesday: Clouds linger, some sun p.m. High 77 (62) Thursday: Partly sunny. High 79 (59) Friday: Mostly cloudy, showers possible. High 78 (62) Saturday: Few showers. High 81 (62) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As sun sets on Biden's term, some inmates pin their hopes on clemency By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Michael Montalvo has served 37 years in U.S. federal prison for leading a criminal enterprise that sold tens of millions of dollars' worth of cocaine in California and during that time he has earned a law degree and helped other inmates obtain their freedom through a program called compassionate release. But due to a quirk in the law, the 78-year-old Vietnam War veteran is barred from seeking compassionate release himself. He has two options to get out of prison: death or persuading President Joe Biden to grant him clemency. Montalvo is one of more than 7,000 federal inmates asking Biden to use this power to release them from prison before the end of his term. "Mr. Montalvo poses no danger to society," his lawyers wrote in his clemency petition, noting he was not accused of violence. "Clemency is the only remedy available to correct his sentence." When Montalvo was convicted of "continuing a criminal enterprise," he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A similar conviction today would most likely lead to a far less stringent sentence, his lawyers said. Montalvo is part of a small and often forgotten subset of the 158,000 federal US inmates -- people who were convicted of crimes committed before November 1987, when the federal parole system was abolished and replaced with new U.S. sentencing guidelines. The U.S. government says it does not keep track of the number of inmates, including Montalvo, who are serving sentences of life without the possibility of parole, but Berkeley Law professor Charles Weisselberg estimates there are somewhere between 100 and 400. When Congress amended the law in 2018 to make it easier for aging or ill federal inmates to be freed through compassionate release by petitioning a federal court, it did not account for people who were incarcerated under the earlier system. Criminal justice advocates say they believe that exclusion was unintentional. In 2021, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin and Republican Senator Charles Grassley introduced the Safer Detention Act to address these issue, but the bill did not pass. Weisselberg said he believes everyone serving a sentence under the parole system should be granted clemency. "Do we really want to turn the federal prisons into nursing homes for this group of frail senior citizens?" he asked. Since Biden took office in 2021, the White House has pardoned 25 people and commuted sentences for 131 people, according to Justice Department data. The White House has not said what Biden's priorities might be in using his power of clemency in his last months in office. A White House spokesperson said Biden remains "committed to reforming our criminal justice system" and continues to evaluate clemency requests "in a thoughtful and deliberative manner." Criminal justice advocates said they hope Biden will grant more clemency requests before his term ends on Jan. 20. "I don't have the right words to describe just how disappointing it has been," said Rachel Barkow, a professor at New York University School of Law. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Sunday a prayer for local heroes, a token of gratitude and appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to serving others in our community. Sunday is known for bringing folks together in the name of faith. The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester took the time Sept. 22 to honor local first responders inviting them and their families to join the community and faith leaders for a special Sunday mass in their honor. The First Responders Mass is an annual endeavor. Bishop Salvatore R. Matano celebrated the day by praying for the safety of Rochester-area first responders. Law enforcement officers, EMTs, firefighters and other first responders risk their lives daily, often responding to unknowns. In recent years, work to bridge the gap between community and law enforcement has become more prevalent to address the lack of trust becoming more widespread among the general public. If theyre not safe, youre not safe: Law enforcement calls for end to violence against police Law enforcement personnel in recent months have also spoken up about ongoing violence toward officers, including shots being fired directly at officers, and stolen cars being used to ram into them. Sundays mass was a reminder of those daily dangers endured, serving as a way for the community to honor the work being done 24/7 to protect the public as well as those lives tragically lost. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE) For the second time this summer, former President Donald Trump is dealing with the fallout of an assassination attempt. We hear from local political analysts on why this second attempt on Trumps life may have happened, as well as what comes next. U.S. Senate candidate Steve Garvey also joins us in-studio to discuss his campaign and share his message with voters. How he distinguishes himself from his opponent, Southern California congressman Adam Schiff. Click here for more Sunday Morning Matters Also, a push to get more Valley residents registered to vote as part of National Voter Registration Day. Some of the messages from organizers who want to ensure voters have their voices heard this fall. All of that is on this weeks Sunday Morning Matters. Watch it 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 YourCentralValley.com | CBS47 and KSEE24. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Dozens of Veterans arrived from Washington DC for the final Honor Flight of the year on Saturday. This is the fourth and final Honor Flight bringing back Veterans and their guardians from a day in DC. For 100 local Veterans, their day started at 3 a.m., with a quick flight from Dayton International Airport to the nations capital. Local man receives first neuro-prosthetic knee: A major milestone Veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Cold War, along with their guardians, got the opportunity to visit various war memorials and spend the day in DC. Its a tremendous opportunity for these men and women who have given to us, that we can give to them, said Jennifer Landess, Honor Flight volunteer. Its not just going and seeing memorials, its giving them that opportunity to have closure for themselves. Their exciting day ended with a special moment as they returned home to Dayton. Supporters lined the concourses and terminal at the airport, giving these Veterans the welcome home they deserve. From family and relatives to community members wanting to show support, everyone showed up to give them an incredible welcome back to Dayton. Many of the Veterans who returned home did not receive the kind of fanfare they had expected but thats something that organizers want to change with for these Vets. This is what they needed to get originally, said April Kamentz, community member. They deserve to have this kind of recognition. Im really proud of all of them. Its a huge turnout, said Kelsey Kamentz, supporter. I wasnt expecting it to look like this. Im just so excited to welcome everybody home together. The Honor Flight initiative is completely volunteer-run and organized throughout 122 airports across the nation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The discussions also focused on reviewing the government's initiatives aimed at empowering the surrendered NDFB members and ensuring their self-reliance, with the objective of further enhancing the economic well-being of those who have rejoined the mainstream. The Chief Minister also held a meeting with the leaders of the All Bodo Students Union to review the progress of the Bodo Peace Accord 2020. During the meeting, the Assam Chief Minister had a detailed discussion on the implementation of various clauses of the Accord. The Assam Chief Minister wrote on X, "Met a delegation of All Bodo Students Union & reaffirmed our Govt's commitment on the implementation of the Bodo Accord in letter and spirit. We recollect Adarniya Modi ji's efforts in ending the long standing conflict in BTR in 2020." The Bodo Peace Accord was signed on 27 January 2020 between the Government of India, the Government of Assam and the representatives of the Bodo groups, bringing peace to Bodoland. (ANI) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its Sunday, September 22. Take a look at our top stories with KELOLAND On The GO. The Sioux Falls Police Department says theyve located the person they were looking for in connection with what theyre calling suspicious activity over the weekend at Lincoln High School. Update: person sought for suspicious activity found A construction worker who died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash in a construction zone near Wessington, S.D. has been identified. Construction zone worker identified in deadly crash It was hard to find an open space, as hundreds of people gathered at the Levitt in downtown Sioux Falls. Its all to support a cause thats putting a spotlight on mental health. Community walk brings awareness to suicide prevention So far the insects have infested trees in the extreme eastern part of the state. They are small emerald colored insects that came from China more than 20 years ago. Aberdeen, Huron & other cities prepare for Emerald Ash Borer Fall officially begins at 7:43 am CDT today, and well get off to a very pleasant start across KELOLAND. Storm Center AM Update: Quiet Start to Fall Check out our Boredom Busters! Sunday Boredom Busters: September 22nd Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SWAT drone, K9 used in arrest of domestic violence suspect in Kennewick On Friday, Kennewick Police answered a call about potential domestic violence on the 3800 block of South Newport Street in Kennewick. When police arrived, police learned that the man had previous felonies in California and suspected he could have access to guns. Police said the man was seen going into a home but they didnt know if he was still inside. At the request of police, the Tri-Cities SWAT team and a Kennewick K9 team were called. Using a drone, the home was watched from above as the SWAT team prepared to take action. Soon after police entered the house, they found the man was no longer inside and had probably escaped through the back door. Not long after clearing the house, a SWAT team member saw the suspect walking nearby and arrested the man. The 34-year-old suspect was taken to Benton County Jail for suspicion of fourth-degree domestic violence assault. LOWVILLE, N.Y. (WWTI) A Guinness World Record has returned home to the United States. Kraft Heinz in Lowville has officially reclaimed the record for the worlds largest cheesecake with a 15,008-pound dessert. This occurred at the annual Cream Cheese Festival thats in the village of Lowville. Kraft-ing a new record: Lowville looking to reclaim largest cheesecake crown Lowville held the record previously in 2013 with a nearly 7,000-pound entry. However, a plant in Russia took the mark in 2017 with a cheesecake of 9,347 pounds. Plans were in motion for moths to shatter the record and bring it back stateside. A Guinness Book of Records official was there to adjudicate the record at the unveiling on Saturday afternoon. Lieutenant Colonel Adam. Keller, Commander, 6-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division cut the Philadelphia Cheesecake and handed out to slices to attendees of the festival. Any remaining slices of cheesecake will go to the Lowville Food Pantry and Watertown Urban Mission. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. The government and parliament have come out against the proposal (Fabrice COFFRINI) (Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP/AFP) Swiss voters rejected proposals to bolster biodiversity protections as well as a pensions reform in twin referendums on Sunday, according to projected results. Switzerland may be associated with pristine natural landscapes, but environmentalists have sounded the alarm over its endangered ecosystems and were urging voters to back broader biodiversity protections. The proposal failed, however, with only 37 percent of votes in favour and a turnout of 45.2 percent, according to provisional results reported by federal authorities around 1430 GMT on Sunday. Voters also rejected a planned reform of the financing of the wealthy Alpine nation's pension system, the results indicated. - Nature reform proposal - The first proposal had the backing of a number of environmental protection organisations, including Pro Natura and BirdLife. They warned that Switzerland's biodiversity "has declined". "Switzerland has one of the highest levels of threatened species and environments among the European countries in the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation)", Sarah Pearson Perret, a Pro Natura director, told AFP, citing a report by the European Environmental Agency. Published in 2020, that study shows that the percentage of protected zones compared to the national territory is lower in Switzerland than anywhere else in Europe. The cantons of Basel-City and Geneva were the only ones to back the proposal. The Swiss Union for Arts and Crafts said it was "relieved" that the initiative had been rejected and hailed voters' "foresight". It claimed that if it had passed, the reform could have imperilled electricity and food production. The country's top party, the right-wing UDC, said it hoped "moralising environmentalists will finally let Swiss farming families do their precious jobs in peace". The Green Liberal Party of Switzerland however, viewed the outcome as a "missed opportunity to preserve our natural heritage, which is essential to the quality of life and the economy". - Biodiversity investment - Switzerland's federal government currently invests around 600 million Swiss francs ($700 million) each year in the preservation of biodiversity. The organisations behind Sunday's referendum said that was not enough. They were asking voters to approve boosting the biodiversity budget and to expand the number of protected areas. A landmark biodiversity agreement reached in Montreal in 2022 called for at least 30 percent of the planet's lands and oceans to be protected by 2030. But last year, Switzerland's Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) said just 13.4 percent of the Alpine country's territory was dedicated to biodiversity conservation. The FOEN acknowledges that Swiss biodiversity protection is insufficient, with half of all natural environments and a third of natural spaces threatened. Aquatic environments and marshes are among the most threatened. The organisations backing the referendum deemed the situation "alarming", stressing that "the mass extinction of species directly affects us humans". Both the government and parliament came out against the proposal, insisting Switzerland is already doing enough and warning that the measures would severely impact the economy, agriculture, construction and energy production. - Pensions reform proposal - Swiss voters on Sunday also rejected a government-backed reform of pension financing, the projections indicated. Federal authorities reported that 67.1 percent of voters had opposed it, with the no vote prevailing in every canton, and a turnout rate of 45 percent. Swiss pensions are split into three pillars: the basic state pension, a compulsory pension fund into which employers and employees must pay and voluntary top-ups into private funds and investments. According to the government, low financial market returns and rising life expectancy have left the second pillar underfinanced. Bern's proposed reform would require employers and workers to raise their contributions into the obligatory occupational funds. But the unions who demanded the reform be put to a referendum charged that it would force people to contribute more even as they would see their pension payments shrink. The Swiss Trade Union Federation, an umbrella group of 20 unions, slammed the proposals as a "scam". apo-vog/ju/rlp Back in 2019, Synex Medical founder Ben Nashman spent the night detained by U.S. customs. Nashman tried to explain he was simply transporting materials from Buffalo to Toronto for his homemade MRI. Customs, however, took issue with the label on the package: nuclear magnetic resonance. Nashman spent hours in a bright waiting room before he finally convinced them that he was really just a run-of-the-mill 18-year-old scientist with an obsession with MRI technology. They let him take his roughly 80-pound magnet, and he zoomed back to Toronto. I got back at like 3 or 4 a.m. and got a few hours of sleep before classes, he said. Nashman, now 24, might have landed himself on a list of suspicious individuals, but he insists it was worth it: That one very long night was part of his years-long journey to build a portable MRI capable of testing glucose and other important molecules without the need to extract blood. Today, the company is one step closer to that goal, announcing a $21.8 million Series A fundraise, with investors like Accomplice, Radical Ventures, Fundomo, and Khosla Ventures. It brings the companys total haul up to over $36 million, which includes seed funding from Sam Altman. Right now, Synexs prototype is the size of a toaster, although Nashman hopes to one day have it fit in your palm. It works by first using MRI to create a 3D image of the finger to find the best spot to test. It then uses something called magnetic resonance spectroscopy to send radio pulses that excite the different molecules, Nashman said. The machine then takes the signals from all the molecules and filters for a specific one. Synex will start with glucose testing, but will eventually track things like amino acids, lactate, and ketones. The company introduced me to Diane Morency, a woman based in Massachusetts who has suffered from Type 2 diabetes for years. I've got holes in my fingers, she told me, adding she can no longer play her ukulele because of the pain. It would be a godsend to not have to prick my [fingers] anymore. But theres a reason non-invasive glucose testing hasnt been commercialized: Its difficult to track glucose accurately without drawing blood, and its even harder to make the device portable or affordable. We believed that was going to be an absolute moonshot, said Jun Jeon, an investor at Khosla Ventures focusing on healthcare. Jeon has yet to try Nashmans prototype but said that, if Nashman can deliver on his promises, then this was a bet worth taking. An obsession with longevity Nashman was always curious about living forever. When he was about 16, he walked into his vets office armed with printed-out scientific studies. He had determined that his dog should be put on the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin, a drug controversially heralded by longevity enthusiasts. The vet had no idea what Nashman was talking about. He was just like, this is just way too experimental for me, Nashman recalled. The vets refusal didnt deter him. Later, I got my parents on it and I got on it, he laughed. Honestly, I think everything should be on it. It was the first of several longevity self-experiments. Nashman briefly took the diabetes drug acarbose, forked over thousands for a Prenuvo full body scan, and, like so many in Silicon Valley before him, got his hands on a continuous glucose monitor. His health obsession coincided with a fascination with physics particularly the elegant science behind MRIs, and how much they could reveal about the human body. By 17, he had ordered materials online to make a makeshift MRI in his bedroom (it was really crap, he said). By 18, he had held an internship working on brain imaging at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and enrolled at the University of Toronto for engineering science. I think I have the record for most MRIs ever, probably, he said. Ive probably scanned my finger honestly thousands of times at this point. He realized that MRI technology could be the ultimate longevity hack, giving him more information about his body than an Oura Ring or Whoop ever could. He first sold his dreams to Altman, whom he met in 2019, and then Peter Thiel, landing the Thiel Fellowship in 2021. Nashman may have Silicon Valleys overlords on his side, but hes still entering a very crowded space with well-capitalized competition. Startups like Know Labs and Berlin-based DiaMonTech are both making their own non-invasive products. Apple has reportedly been quietly working on a non-invasive glucose monitor, and Google too once tried to make its own glucose monitoring contact lens before pausing the project in 2018. Synex Medical faces an uphill battle from here. The company will have to undergo rigorous clinical trials to prove to the FDA that its machine can accurately isolate glucose molecules. Theres also the lingering question of whether Nashman can really get technology to a portable size. If not, It wouldn't be too useful, Morency said. It would do us no good outside of the house. But lets say Nashman nails all of that. Lets say Synex soars through its FDA-approved trials and successfully shrinks its current metal toaster down to something that fits in your palm. It will still debut in a healthcare industry that has long struggled to make new technology affordable, according to Khosla investor Jeon. There's not a lot of good infrastructure and reimbursement that will allow for all patients to have access to the technology, Jeon said. For Nashman, the chance for a longer life is worth dedicating his own life to. I want to know exactly what my body needs. I want to know what my parents need, he said. A technology like this is just needed to usher in that age of predictive medicine. Syracuse man arrested on assault charges after stabbing two women SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Syracuse Police officers were called to the 1000 block of South McBride Street for a report of a stabbing involving two victims. According to police, the stabbing happened around 2:51 p.m. on Saturday, September 21. When police arrived, officers found a 45-year-old female with a large cut to her face and a 52-year-old female with multiple stab wounds to her upper torso. Latest local news Both women were taken to Upstate Hospital by American Medical Response for treatment. Their injuries were deemed non-life threatening. A 31-year-old male was arrested and taken to the Onondaga County Justice Center, on the following charges: Assault in the Second Degree, 2 counts Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, 2 counts Anyone with information is asked to call the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A teenager charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of a woman reported to be his mother appeared in court Saturday. Family members of 17-year-old Davion Pryor, who is being tried as an adult, showed up to the Cook County Criminal Courthouse and requested not to be on camera, but said Pryor had been diagnosed with a mental health illness and was receiving help. The family emphasized the need for increased funding and resources for others in similar circumstances. Prosecutors said that shortly before 4 p.m. on Sept. 19, Pryors parents were arriving at their South Shore home after picking up his 7-year-old brother from school. Mayor Johnson asks CPS CEO Pedro Martinez to resign: report Prosecutors allege as Pryors mother was unlocking the door, Pryor was on the other side and shot her in the head and body at point blank range. They went on to say the father and brother heard more gunshots as they ran out to call 911. Police officers reportedly found a 9mm handgun and 12 shell casings next to the mothers body. She was rushed to the hospital and died from her injuries. Hours after the shooting, Pryor turned himself in and is currently facing first-degree murder charges. Prosecutors also mentioned Pryor has two pending juvenile cases one for carjacking and another for aggravated battery. He was also on home confinement at the time of the shooting. Pryors defense team argued that while they acknowledge its a murder case, they believe theres no reason for society to be concerned as it was a familial situation and proposed he should be placed on electronic monitoring. Dolton names new police chief amid controversy over legality of appointment As these details came to light, Judge David Kelly asked Pryor to raise his head as he had kept it down for most of the hearing. The judge was visibly emotional while speaking to the teen, saying that it was an unprovoked shooting that led to his mothers death in front of his father and sibling. Prosecutors believe the teens actions posed a threat to the community. Judge Kelly agreed and ordered him to stay in custody. Pryor is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 27, while his juvenile cases are set for Oct. 3. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it is investigating a deadly crash that happened between two stolen cars in Southeast D.C. on Saturday. Police said that at about 12:15 a.m., a stolen black 2016 Hyundai Elantra and a stolen white 2020 Hyundai Elantra were speeding in the 4300 block of Southern Ave. The vehicles hit each other. Man shot in Southeast DC The black Hyundai Elantra stopped in the 4300 block of Southern Ave., while the white Hyundai Elantra hit a tree and stopped nearby. All but one person in the vehicle left the area. The remaining person, who was in the white Hyundai, was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. He died at the hospital. Police identified him as 16-year-old Kavonte Whatley of Northeast, D.C. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Three people were arrested following rival protests held by anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters in Bournemouth. About 100 protesters from three groups gathered at the Cenotaph, close to the town's Civic Centre, around midday on Sunday. Of those, about 50 were from Stand Up to Racism, another 20 were from the anti-fascism Antifa group and another 30 were from the anti-immigration Taking Back Our Country group. Dorset Police said three people were arrested for public order offences. Another person was issued with a dispersal order to leave the protest. Dorset Police said anyone found to be involved in reported violence or disorder "can expect to be brought to justice". Members of the anti-fascism Antifa group wearing face masks attended the protest [BBC] A police spokesperson said: "Dorset Police has dedicated officers for this event, who will remain for the duration of the protests and ensure people can exercise their right to protest legally and safely without causing significant or ongoing disruption to residents and businesses." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Related internet linnks Three people in hospital after serious crash Police are appealing for the driver of an HGV to get in touch [BBC] Three people are in hospital with serious injuries following a crash in Midlothian. Police were called to the incident, on the A7 near Tynehead, at about 22:15 on Friday. Two occupants of a silver Volkswagen Passat estate - an 80-year-old man and 79-year-old woman - were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries. The 69-year-old man driving a blue Vauxhall Grandland attended Borders General hospital with a serious injury. Anyone who witnessed the event or who may have dash-cam footage is urged to contact police. Police Scotland said: "We would like to speak to the driver of a heavy goods vehicle who was travelling behind the Vauxhall prior to the collision. "If that was you, please get in touch." District Court on Saturday granted bail to all the seven accused in the alleged assault case of the Army officer and his fiancee at Chandaka Road in Odisha's Bhubaneshwar. The Odisha police had arrested seven people on Thursday after the incident took place reportedly on September 15, when the couple were returning from a hotel late at night. Krushna Prasad Dash, Additional DCP, Bhubaneswar, told ANI that they have registered a case under several sections of the BNS. "During the investigation, we have recovered a vehicle and 11 mobile phones from the accused. Seven of them have been arrested, and they have been forwarded to the court. We have also recovered a video and audio clip and are examining the same," he said. "The arrested accused are Rakesh Naik, Abhilash Sawant, Aman Kumar, Aditya Ranjan Behra, Akash Padhiyari, Harish Manta, and Ashish Kumar. Further investigation is underway," Additional DCP Dash added. The incident reportedly took place on September 15 when the Army Major and the woman went to the Bharatpur police station to complain against some miscreants, who had harassed them while returning from a hotel late at night. Instead of addressing their concerns, the police allegedly tortured the Major and the woman, even sending her to jail without any justification. The Odisha government reiterated its 'zero tolerance' policy on violence against women on Friday and initiated an inquiry into the matter. The Chief Minister's Office issued a statement saying that necessary steps and departmental actions have been taken regarding the issue. "The government has taken the allegations of misbehaviour and assault against an army officer and a woman accompanying him in Bharatpur police station very seriously. As soon as the incident came to the notice of the government, necessary steps were taken as per law along with departmental action," said the statement by the Chief Minister's office. The state government has suspended five police officials, including the Inspector Charge (IIC) of Bharatpur police station, in connection with the incident and ordered a Crime Branch probe in this regard. Former Chief Minister of Odisha and Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, also called for a judicial probe into the incident and criticised the BJP government for stopping certain initiatives for the people. (ANI) SEATTLE - Governor Dan Evans has died at the age of 98. Community members, political leaders, and other local officials are remembering his long career in Washington and national politics. Former Governor Dan Evans speaks to other guests during a Celebration of Life event for former Governor Mike Lowry, who died earlier this month, May 31, 2017, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Renton. (Genna Martin, seattlepi.com) (Photo by GENNA MARTIN/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) Evans was born in Seattle and attended Roosevelt High School in 1943 before entering the United States Navy. He attended the University of Washington upon his return from service and began his political career in 1956. To this day, he is the youngest person elected governor of Washington. In 1964, he won his election at the age of 36. He later served in the United States Senate from 1983-1989. Throughout his career, education and the environment were among his key issues. In office, he expanded the community college system and helped create the North Cascades National Park along with the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. (Original Caption) Seattle, Washington: Governor Dan Evans of Washington (left) presents a huge King Salmon to President Gerald Ford on his arrival at Boeing Field here, September 4. The President is here to join six of his top domestic officials in a "Presidential Town Hall Meeting." September 4, 1975. Sitting Governor Jay Inslee statement "Its difficult to think of another Washingtonian who ever had such a positive impact in so many realms as Dan Evans. We all, no matter our party, can feel fortunate for the progress he led during each of his three terms as governor," the governor posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday afternoon. University of Washington statement The University of Washington released a statement Saturday afternoon, noting accomplishments of the state's youngest-elected governor following his death on Friday, September 20: "Daniel J. Evans, former Washington state governor, legislator, college president, U.S. senator and our schools namesake, will forever remain one of Washington states most distinguished leaders," said Jodi Sandfort, dean of the Evans School. "He taught us that deep listening and coalition building to balance legitimate, but conflicting, political views was central to the political process." Current candidates for Washington governor respond Former Congressman Dave Reichert (R) Dan Evans served Washington as governor for three terms, from 1965-1977. Fellow republican, and current candidate for governor, Dave Reichert posted to X (formerly Twitter) upon hearing the news. "I am saddened by the news that Governor Dan Evans has passed. Dan was a guiding light for those of us in service who sought to work with others, regardless of ideology or party, to get things done for Washingtonians. Keeping Washington clean, green, and pristine was a passion for Governor Evans and I was honored to work with him during my time in Congress to preserve our natural beauty for future generations. He was a titan of Washington politics and will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family as they mourn this tremendous loss," said Dave Reichert. I am saddened by the news that Governor Dan Evans has passed. Dan was a guiding light for those of us in service who sought to work with others, regardless of ideology or party, to get things done for Washingtonians. Keeping Washington clean, green, and pristine was a passion Dave Reichert For Governor (@reichert4gov) September 21, 2024 Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D) "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a Washington legend: former Governor Dan Evans. Evans was more than a Senator, Governor, and civic leader; he was a Washingtonian, always putting the people, places, and institutions of his state ahead of political party and personal ambition. His legacy is seen today in the forests and mountains he helped protect, in the communities and economies he helped prosper, and in his beloved University of Washington, which he helped transform into a global higher education leader. "The term Dan Evans Republican became shorthand for his style of leadership moderate, pragmatic, and always putting the interests of Washington first. I grew up with parents who were truly in this mold, hosting fundraisers for Evans early in his career and true believers in his approach. I learned from them and from him many of the values I have sought to bring to my own public service. "We mourn his loss as a state, but know that in his decades of dedication and service to the people of our state, he leaves a durable foundation. We are grateful not only for Dan Evans leadership, but the way he led. Our thoughts are with his family as we reflect upon and celebrate his innumerable accomplishments for the people of Washington state." (Original Caption) A Governor With Troubles. Olympia, Washington: Governor Dan Evans, pictured with his family recently, expects to win the keynote speaker's laurels for the Republican National Convention. But he is haunted by the political paradox of a battle for leadership of his own state's convention delegation. With him are his wife, Nancy, who is holding Bruce, 20 months old, Mark, 4, and Daniel, Jr., 7. Senator John Braun "We are all here standing on the shoulders of a giant in Washington state history. Governor Evans was a stellar example of good old fashioned government who strove for the best interests of the people in everything he did. In todays politicized age, his example will be sorely missed," Sen. Braun said in a statement Saturday afternoon. Government institutions and offices Office of King County Executive Press Secretary Amy Enbysk released the following statement to media partners on the afternoon of September 21. "Governor and Senator Dan Evans stands among a circle of the greatest Washingtonians of all time. He was a thoroughly dedicated public servant - a three-term Republican Governor who fought for a progressive tax system, supported womens bodily autonomy, worked to welcome refugees fleeing war and oppression, and was a true champion of the environment. Permanent, living tributes include the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness in the Olympic Mountains and the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington. Dan Evans legacy of service will endure." Wider Washington community members Others remembered Gov. Evans for his service in the military and United States senate, as an Eagle Scout, and former staff member of Camp Parsons. "Governor Dan Evans, Eagle Scout and long term Camp Parsons staff member died today. He was a great man and a friend to Scouting and Camp Parsons. He will be missed," said Mike McNellis. Governor Dan Evans, Eagle Scout and long term Camp Parsons staff member died today. He was a great man and a friend to Scouting and Camp Parsons. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/f8xpnTFpkn Mike McNellis (@mc_nellis) September 21, 2024 This is a developing story and will be updated as communities across the state learn of the passing of Gov. Evans. MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE Overlook Walk, a new Seattle waterfront landmark, set to open in October Here's where to go apple picking in WA this fall I-405 closures in Bothell, Renton scheduled for this weekend Tacoma duo accused of murder in fake paid-for-sex scheme with stripper Man sneaks into Bellevue apartment, exposes himself to students, refuses to leave To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle newsletter. Three weather systems are in the Atlantic and Caribbean. One could be headed for Florida Two weather systems in the Atlantic Ocean have the attention of the National Hurricane Center, but its the system in the Caribbean Sea with a projected path that includes the United States that is the most concerning. The Gulf coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle could be dealing with a tropical depression in a few days, according to the hurricane centers current forecast. Heres what the hurricane center had to say as of 8 a.m. Sunday. Rain and depression This system is dropping rain over Nicaragua and the western Caribbean Sea. Even if doesnt develop into a system, that rain could drench parts of Honduras and Mexicos Yucatan peninsula into midweek. Environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual development of this system during the next several days, the hurricane center said. A tropical depression is likely to form while the system moves slowly northward across the northwestern Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico through the end of the week. Formation chance for the next two days: 10%. Formation chance over the next seven days: 70%. A wave in the Atlantic Ocean Near Africas west coast, theres a westward moving tropical wave and a tropical depression could form during the middle to latter part of the week while the wave moves westward across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. Formation chance over the next two days: near zero. Formation chance over the next seven days: 40%. Disorganization goes north A low pressure area several hundred miles southeast of Bermuda has not become better organized since (Saturday), the hurricane center said. Despite being embedded in a very dry environment, a short-lived tropical depression cannot be ruled out if showers and thunderstorms become better organized... The system is forecast to move north at 5 to 10 mph. Formation chance over the next two days: 20%. Formation chance over the next seven days: 20%. In the Democratic National Conventions reimagined fairy tale, Goldilocks and the Beltway, President Joe Biden played the part of the porridge. I was too young to be in the Senate, he quipped, and now hes too old to stay as president. Bidens candid admission was met with a standing ovation from those eager to usher him offstage but this presidential historian cant help but feel alarmed. I dont think the decision to shuffle out of office at 81 should have been Bidens to make, nor should it be left to the Republican rival, Donald Trump a convicted felon who, if successful, will be 82 at the end of his second term which he may not consider his last. If lawmakers dont codify an age limit for the presidency or remove the minimum requirement of 35 Bidens farewell might be remembered as the last coherent thing said by a sitting president. At 78, Trumps age lends an unnerving weight to his vice presidential running mate. J.D. Vance, a mere 40 years old, is comfortable brandishing his radical stances on pivotal issues like a national abortion ban, even under Trumps allegedly moderating influence. This foreshadows a chilling scenario: should Trumps tenure end prematurely, a President Vance stands poised to transmute his extreme beliefs into the iron-clad policy of the land. I know how I sound like Im a framer at the Constitutional Convention. The founding ageists debate over the presidential age minimum at 35 has been overlooked and forgotten for far too long: George Mason, convinced that wisdom required at least 35 rotations around the sun, faced off against future Supreme Court Justice James Wilson. Wilson, fearing the stifling of genius and laudable ambition, invoked the British wunderkind William Pitt the Younger, who became prime minister at a sprightly 24. But invoking British examples to recently liberated colonists was about as effective as using a teacup to bail out the Boston Harbor. Masons argument that on-the-job Congressional training was essential but time-consuming proved more persuasive. Mason, a paragon of paradox, refused to sign the Constitution and rallied against its ratification in his home state. Many presidents, Trump included, have sidestepped congressional apprenticeship entirely, making Masons insistence on legislative seasoning seem quaint. And James Monroes actuarial prediction that dynastic presidencies were unlikely due to men typically expiring in their late 30s? John Quincy Adams ascended to the presidency during Monroes final year in office, becoming the first presidential son to follow in his fathers footsteps. Had Mason deigned to grace the Second Continental Congress with his august presence in 1776, as George Washington fervently wished, the chorus of youthful revolutionaries might have been unceremoniously muted. Picture Patrick Henry, all of 29, his impassioned cry of Give me liberty or give me death! silenced before it could echo through history. Imagine Thomas Jefferson, a sprightly 33, barred from crafting the Declaration of Independence. Alexander Hamilton, 21, along with the cadre of spirited young rebels propelling the war, might have been sent off to bed with their revolution. Why didnt the framers include an upper age limit? It never came up. Picture them, powdered heads bent over parchment, inventing a country. In their world, reaching ones 50s was cause for celebration; the idea of septuagenarian presidents was as far-fetched as moon landings. They werent equipped with crystal balls to foresee how modern medicine would extend life expectancy. The notion of cognitive decline in leadership was irrelevant. If it had been front of mind, they would have left it to Washington, the ever-reliable precedent-setter. He left office at a spry 64 years old, and they reasoned future leaders would simply follow suit. The assumption that common sense would prevail in politics is a quaint notion thats aged as well as their knee breeches and tricorn hats. The honor system works until it doesnt. Inspired by Washingtons two-term precedent, 31 presidents followed suit until Franklin Delano Roosevelts unprecedented four-term tenure was abruptly ended by his death in office. This prompted the 22nd Amendment, which formally entrenched term limits into law. Similarly, when Lyndon B. Johnson, a man of 55 who had survived a near-fatal heart attack, stepped into power after John F. Kennedys assassination, he exposed vulnerabilities in the presidential succession line. The precarious health of the next in line a 71-year-old Speaker of the House and an 86-year-old Senate President Pro Tempore spurred the ratification of the 25th Amendment in 1967, streamlining the transition of power to ensure stability. The 25th Amendment, designed as a failsafe for presidential incapacity, has proven to be merely decorative. In theory, it outlines the transition of power should a president be unable to fulfill official duties, but in practice, partisanship has rendered it toothless. It was allegedly discussed during Ronald Reagans second term as signs of his cognitive decline surfaced, but no action was taken; Reagan, then the oldest president, was diagnosed with Alzheimers just five years post-presidency. After the January 6th insurrection, calls from Democrats for then-Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th fell on deaf ears, underscoring the amendments practical limitations in the thick drama of American politics. According to the Pew Research Center, the public prefers presidents who arent senior citizens. About half the nation believes the sweet spot for a president is their 50s, while another 24% give the nod to candidates navigating their 60s. The debate barely flickers between parties. A paltry 3% of U.S. adults advocate for command-in-chiefs cruising in their 70s or beyond, hinting that perhaps its high time Congress entertained the thought of etching an age cap into the legislative books. Capitol Hill has morphed into a veritable geriatric gymboree, presided over by a corps of pick me handmaidens whod sooner play hide-and-seek with grandpas car keys than have his license revoked. Their misguided logic suggests preserving dignity until its subpoenaed by the great caucus in the sky. (Case in point: the late Diane Feinstein). But what if our doddering leader stumbles upon those hidden keys which, in this high-stakes game of national security, are actually nuclear codes and decides to take a joyride straight into metaphorical traffic, with traffic here standing in for the entire human race? RAND Corporation has found anyone with security clearance can become a threat with the onset of dementia. In this absurdist political theater, weve entrusted our nations most sensitive secrets to a ticking time bomb of cognitive decline, hoping against hope that senility wont strike before the next election cycle. Safeguarding an individuals dignity and a political partys grasp on power has become a threat to our collective survival. Masons legacy as the original ageist of American politics serves as a potent reminder that genuine representation is a labyrinthine, often paradoxical endeavor. As we navigate this thorny issue, more prudent paths beckon: Congress could institute an upper age ceiling, dismantle the minimum age requirement, or engineer a system rooted in principles that soar above arbitrary age constraints championing inclusivity, adaptability, and cognitive diversity as cornerstones of leadership. As we chart our course, lets not forget that wisdom isnt inherently bound to wrinkles but folly has demonstrated a remarkable ability to transcend generational boundaries. Alexis Coe is an American presidential historian, senior fellow at New America, and the author of, most recently, the New York Times best-selling You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Swarms of spherical nanobots barely larger than a virus could one day save hundreds of thousands of lives globally each year by staunching deadly bleeds in the brain. An international team of researchers, led by clinicians from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Edinburgh, developed the magnetically-controlled devices to deliver precise doses of clotting agents through a body's blood vessels to prevent blow-outs. In a demonstration of their potential effectiveness, billions of the drug-carrying microscopic structures were guided through a test animal's body to safely defuse a model aneurism in its carotid. While the technology is yet to be trialed on human patients at risk of a stroke, the team behind the innovation is now confident their design is up to the challenge of delivering controlled amounts of medication to a precise location without losing a drop. "Nanorobots are set to open new frontiers in medicine potentially allowing us to carry out surgical repairs with fewer risks than conventional treatments and target drugs with pinpoint accuracy in hard-to-reach parts of the body," says the study's co-lead author Qi Zhou, a computational biophysicist from the University of Edinburgh. "Our study is an important step towards bringing these technologies closer to treating critical medical conditions in a clinical setting." A mere 300 nanometers in diameter on average, each individual particle consists of a magnetite core surrounded by a payload of a clotting agent called thrombin, which itself is encapsulated by a protective shell made of a substance that melts at precisely 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit) just above human body temperature. Scanning electron microscope image of the nanobots. (Wang et al., Small, 2024) Subjected to the twisting forces of a magnetic field under the guidance of a technician, the iron-oxide nucleus drags the nanoparticle through a maze of blood vessels mapped out by ultrasound. Only once the bots are safely within the aneurysm are they subjected to a rapidly alternating magnetic field to melt their coating. This starts the clotting process and prevents the blood vessel from bursting. Delivering the nanobots into an artery by a microcatheter, technicians can guide it to an aneurysm where it can be heated to deliver its payload. (Wang, Small, 2024) The research team put their innovation through its paces in a number of trials testing its effectiveness at clotting, melting points, resistance to degradation, and ultimately its ability to function safely within a body. An injection of nanobots in solution was carried a short distance through the animal's carotid to a model weakening in the artery wall, where the particles were halted and forced to release their payload on command. There were no signs of inflammation or inadvertent damage from the heating process, or the drug's delivery, the researchers found, which bodes well for further testing. Brain aneurysms affect around 3 percent of people worldwide. Though only a small percentage of these will rupture, the consequences of them spilling their life-giving contents are dire, commonly resulting in debilitation and death in what's commonly referred to as ischemic stroke. Caused by a thinning of a blood vessel's wall, they are commonly prevented from rupturing through surgical procedures that clip or bypass the weakened section, or employ endovascular coiling to block blood flow into the bulging cul-de-sac. By using nanobots as a form of endovascular plug instead, medical specialists can avoid the potential rejection of clips, or the risks of surgery and bypassing blood vessels. Additional innovations will be required to ensure the nanobots can move through the depths of the human body, further than the magnetic fields can currently reach. Yet as far as the proof-of-concept goes, this microscopic paramedic service might one day be the safe and speedy way to prevent a shaky blood vessel from bursting and ending a life. This research was published in Small. Related News Try to understand the weird way the US government gets money A version of this story appears in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. The current drama should feel so familiar: A deadline looms for a must-pass, stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown. Former President Donald Trump is encouraging Republicans to embrace a shutdown if they cant get Democrats to agree to add controversial immigration-related language this time, related to noncitizens voting into the spending bill. Republicans dont have the votes to execute Trumps command in the House, where they have the majority, and much less in the Senate, where Democrats are in control. The resolution will feel familiar too. House Speaker Mike Johnson will need to ignore Trump and seek help from Democrats to pass a short-term funding bill something he unveiled over the weekend that includes $230 million in additional funding for the Secret Service, which is ramping up security for Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris after two attempts on Trumps life. Variations on that pattern of a looming deadline to fund the government have been repeated through multiple funding fights to the point where most Americans eyes probably glaze over at talk of a possible government shutdown. Its a serial threat that hasnt come to be since Trump was in the White House and Republicans controlled both the House and the Senate. Setting all of that aside, for just a moment, its worth looking at why the funding process allows for the threat of a government shutdown every year and sometimes multiple times during the course of a year. OK, how are things supposed to work? The Constitution requires that the government only spend money that comes through appropriations made by law. Laws must be passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the president. But were talking a lot of money $1.7 trillion in annual discretionary spending in the most recent fiscal year. Lawmakers in the House and Senate divide up the funding of the government into 12 different appropriations bills. Committees in the House and Senate work to draft appropriations. The full House and Senate are then supposed to consider these bills in turn, reconcile their differences and send the final product to the president. This work is supposed to be completed by September 30 since the governments fiscal year begins on October 1. How many of these regular appropriations bills were passed into law this year? Zero. The House, to its credit, passed an initial version of five of the 12 appropriations bills. The Senate didnt pass any, so none of the appropriations bills came anywhere close to being signed into law. That doesnt mean lawmakers didnt do any work on the spending bills. Appropriations committees in both the House and Senate did pass versions of all but one bill, and the versions passed in the Senate committees were all passed with some bipartisan support. Even if the appropriations bills dont pass, the work of these committees can ultimately be reflected in spending bills that do pass. When was the last time Congress passed a single regular appropriations bill on time? Its been years. Lawmakers havent passed a single appropriations bill on time and sent it to the presidents desk since 2019, when they sent five. Thats the same year of the most recent partial government shutdown, by the way. The 2019 fiscal year was an anomaly. Lawmakers routinely fail to pass any appropriations bills at all. In the years leading up to 2019, lawmakers passed one single appropriations bill on time in 2017 and one in 2010. In the decades before that, they would routinely pass a few appropriations bills, but in the nearly half-century this process has been in place, theyve only really completed the work in four years: 1977, 1989, 1995 and 1997. In only one other year did they even get to more than half of the appropriations bills. What happens when Congress cant pass the normal spending bills? Lawmakers pass a temporary funding bill, known as a continuing resolution, or CR. Sometimes these bills are referred to as stopgap measures. They keep the government running until, frequently, all of the appropriations are wrapped into a massive omnibus that is passed months after the fiscal year starts. Whats wrong with this system? Continuing resolutions usually just buy time. Rather than implement funding for the new year, they simply extend the previous years funding. Thats better than a gap in funding, but certainly not the most efficient way to run a massive government. A 2022 report by the Government Accountability Office identified inefficiencies in the process, but also found that the federal bureaucracy is used to the uncertainty built into the system. But theres another element to consider. More and more, consideration of a CR comes at the last minute, along with fears of a government shutdown, or lapse in funding, such as the one Trump suggested Republicans embrace to force consideration of their bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. The distraction of planning, year after year, for a shutdown is a major inefficiency. Johnson, according to CNNs Capitol Hill team, has said he thinks Trump now understands that Republicans dont have the votes to make it happen, but Trump has not endorsed a simple extension of funding. Similarly, when lawmakers get around to the large omnibus spending bill that ties appropriations together, theyre frequently asked to vote days after these massive bills are introduced. The last-minute nature is part of what pressures them to get things done. How often does Congress need extra time to fund the government? Pretty much every single year. The current budget process has been in place since the late 70s. In those 47 fiscal years, there has been at least one CR in all but three fiscal years. The most recent fiscal year in which there was no CR was 1997, according to the Congressional Research Service. Continuing resolutions are essentially part of the process at this point. Many of the numbers in this story come from that CRS report. How long do these temporary funding bills last? They can be enacted for as little as a day or for much longer. It just depends on the year and the politics of the day. The short-term bill Johnson is proposing would fund the government for three months, which means that after the November election, the lame-duck Congress would need to revisit spending. The CRS report averaged the 200 continuing resolutions that have been put in place since the 1977 fiscal year and found that CRs fund all or part of the government for an average of 137 days, or about a third of the year. In some years, Congress lurches from CR to CR until well into the spring. For the most recent fiscal year, which was supposed to begin last October, President Joe Biden didnt sign a yearlong funding bill until late March. Why does it take so long? Theres a lot of politicking that goes on around these spending bills each year. It was a standoff over last years spending bill that cost former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy his position. His willingness to pass a short-term funding bill a CR with help from Democrats sparked a rebellion from a few hard-line Republicans, even though his ouster frustrated most GOP lawmakers. It took Republicans days to pick Johnson. Johnson ultimately hatched a similar spending deal to one McCarthy had been working on, but not before multiple, additional CRs kept the government running. He needed Democrats to keep the government open. Johnson will almost certainly need help from Democrats again this year after Trump encouraged Republicans to embrace a shutdown without an added-on voting bill. What happens if theres a shutdown? The term shutdown is also something of a misnomer. Lapses in funding are a bad way to do business, and they can delay paychecks for federal workers and temporarily shutter some government services. But the most recent shutdowns have affected only portions of the government, and they are usually short-lived. The 2018-2019 partial shutdown, the longest in history at five weeks, did not affect all federal departments and reduced economic output by $11 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Shutdowns can also have real political consequences. Sen. Mitch McConnell, the outgoing Senate minority leader, is among the Republicans warning that a shutdown right before the November election would be a very bad idea. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) justified former President Donald Trumps remarks blaming Jewish voters ahead of a potential election loss. Donald Trump has been saying things like this for at least 11 months, since the Oct. 7 attacks, Cotton told CNNs Jake Tapper on Sunday on State of the Union. The point hes been making all along is that any Jewish voter, Christian voter, any other kind of voter who cares about Israel, who cares about a relationship with Israel, should not vote for Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. Cottons remarks come days after Trump claimed at an event against antisemitism on Thursday that Jewish voters didnt treat him properly and that those who vote for Harris in the upcoming election need to get their head examined. In Sundays show, Tapper pushed back against Cottons justification, insisting that this was the first time Trump preemptively blamed Jewish voters in the case that he loses the 2024 presidential election. This is the first time he has ever said, If I lose, it will be the fault of Jews, Tapper said. I happen to have a pretty good ear for when people say things like this. And thats the first time hes ever said that. Still, Cotton called Trump the most pro-Israel president weve ever had. He also repeatedly deflected in an effort to bash Vice President Kamala Harris, who he baselessly claimed is anti-Israel. In the three months that followed Hamas militants Oct. 7 attack in Israel, in which they killed roughly 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. surged by 361%, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Ahead of the attack, antisemitism was also already on the rise in 2023 compared to the year prior. According to a Pew Research Center poll, Jewish voters prefer Harris to Trump 65% to 34%. Related... 'Too early to judge' Zelensky on success of Kursk incursion President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 22 that the Kursk incursion had delivered some success, primarily diverting Russian troops from other parts of the front line. But, when pressed to say whether the operation was a success, the president told The New Yorker that it was "too early to judge." "It has slowed down the Russians and forced them to move some of their forces to Kursk on the order of 40,000 troops. Already, our fighters in the east say that they are being battered less frequently," Zelensky said in the interview. "I'm not saying it's a resounding success or will bring about the end of the war or the end of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. What it has done is show our partners what we're capable of," the president added. Read also: 49% of Russians support withdrawal of troops from Ukraine, poll says Zelensky also added that Ukrainian troops are continuing to provide Russian civilians trapped in the area food, water, and other commodities. "These people are free to leave: all the necessary corridors are open, and they could go elsewhere in Russiabut they do not," the president said. Ukrainian officials previously shared different accounts of the situation. Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi, a spokesman for Ukraine's military administration in Kursk Oblast, said Russian civilians from occupied areas could leave for Russian-controlled territory only after Ukraine and Russia "agree, through international organizations that deal with these issues, to open a green corridor under the supervision of observers." Ukraine launched its cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6, seizing around 100 settlements and over 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles). Russia's counterattack in Kursk Oblast aiming to retake Ukrainian-held territory has been stopped, Dmytrashkivskyi told AFP on Sept. 18. The statement comes a week after Moscow launched a counteroffensive against the western flank of Ukrainian troops in the Russian region. "They tried to attack from the flanks, but they were stopped there," Dmytrashkivskyi said. Read also: Zelensky comes to US in attempt to boost firepower, pitch victory Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. TOPEKA (KSNT) According to a press release from the Topeka Police Department (TPD), as of 12:45 p.m., the three missing children and their babysitter have been found safe. Prior to being found, the three children, Diego Abundiz, 1, Jesus Abundiz, 2, and Arianna Ritter, 6, were being babysat by April Woods, 18, and were unable to be reached since Saturday, September 21. TPD thanks the community for sharing information to help find the four individuals. 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. HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WETM) Part of Interstate 86 in Horseheads was closed for about eight hours on Sunday morning after a tractor-trailer filled with thousands of pounds of vegetables caught fire. A 53-foot refrigerated trailer full of bok choy traveling east on I-86 in the Town of Horseheads caught fire shortly after midnight on Sept. 22, according to the Chemung County Sheriffs Office. The tractor-trailers driver, whos from Ontario, Canada, reportedly saw smoke coming from the trailer, safely pulled over onto the highways shoulder, and disconnected the truck from the trailer. The trailer was engulfed in flames when deputies arrived at the scene at 12:14 a.m. Authorities say firefighters from the Horseheads Fire Department, the Town and Country Fire Department, the Elmira Fire Department, and the Breesport Fire Department extinguished the fire by 1:30 a.m. (Courtesy: Chemung County Sherifs Office) A refrigerated trailer was destroyed during the fire, spilling bok choy onto the highway. Rinwalskes Towing removed the trailer and about 40,000 pounds of bok choy from the highway. The Chemung County Sheriffs Office, the New York State Department of Transportation, the Horseheads Police Department, and the Elmira Heights Police Department closed the highway. According to alerts from 511NY, the eastbound side of I-86 was closed from Exit 52A to Exit 54 from when first responders arrived at the fire until 8:42 a.m. This was the second tractor-trailer to catch fire in this area of I-86 within 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. A major tragedy was averted on Sunday after a 5-litre empty gas cylinder was found on the railway track in the Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Soon after spotting the cylinder on the track, the loco pilot promptly applied the brake to avert the incident. The incident occurred near Prempur railway station at around 5.50 am today in the morning. According to Indian Railway officials, the loco pilots of the goods train reported a 5-liter empty gas cylinder on the track, following which the driver halted the train. As soon as the information was received about the incident, the officials of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) promptly arrived at the scene, and are investigating the incident. Police personnel are inspecting the spot where the gas cylinder was found as a goods train was about to pass through, at Prempur Station earlier today. The statement from CPRO of North Central Railway said, "A goods train going from Kanpur towards Prayagraj was stopped using the emergency brakes after the driver spotted a gas cylinder lying on the tracks, at Prempur Station at 5:50 am today (September 22). Railway IOW (Inspector of work), security, and other teams examined the cylinder and removed it from the tracks. Upon inspection, it was found that the 5-litre cylinder was empty. Directions have been given to investigate the matter." Earlier, on September 16, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed police officials to heighten vigilance and take strict action against those involved in alleged conspiracies to sabotage railway tracks or cause railway accidents. This statement follows an incident in Kanpur on September 15, where a major tragedy was narrowly avoided. A damaged gas cylinder, along with other 'objectionable' materials, was found near the railway track where the Kalindi Express had halted, triggering an alarm. The train, which was travelling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani in Haryana, came to a stop after the train driver spotted the cylinder and applied emergency brakes. The incident occurred around 8 pm near Munderi village, between Barrajpur and Bilhaur stations. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Harish Chander, the driver noticed the cylinder around 8:30 p.m. and immediately stopped the train. "The cylinder rolled off to the side, and the train halted," said Chander. (ANI) BAZETTA, Ohio (WKBN) Trumbull County Fairgrounds is hosting its first Halloween Family Fun Weekend. Theres something for everyone from trick-or-treating, horse-drawn wagon rides, music food and more. The cost to get into the fairgrounds is one non-perishable food item per person, which will be donated to the Warren Family Mission. The fairgrounds are located at 899 Everett Hull Rd. Wilson Corbisello contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A top Donald Trump ally is pressuring Nebraska Republicans to award all of their state's Electoral College votes to the statewide winner, a late-stage rule change that could potentially help return Trump to the White House. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that split their electoral votes by congressional district, and both have done so in recent presidential elections. In Nebraska, which is solidly Republican, that means one of the state's five votes is competitive for Democrats. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., met recently with GOP lawmakers in the state to encourage them to make a change supported by the state's all-Republican congressional delegation and Republican Gov. Jim Pillen. The change was discussed earlier this year but lacked the votes to pass. Now, with Trump in an extremely close race against Democrat Kamala Harris where every electoral vote matters, his allies are making another push. To my friends in Nebraska, that one electoral vote could be the difference between Harris being president and not, and shes a disaster for Nebraska and the world, Graham said Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press. Trump's allies have been calling on Nebraska Republicans for months to make a switch despite a lack of necessary support in the state legislature. But there's new urgency to their push with fewer than 50 days until the election and Trump and Harris locked in a tight race across several battlegrounds. There is a plausible scenario where the election ends up being decided by the voters in Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District, a swing district in the Omaha area. This year, if Harris wins the three so-called blue wall battlegrounds of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania while Trump wins the four Sun Belt battlegrounds of North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, the result would be a 269-268 split in the Electoral College in favor of Harris. Nebraskas 2nd District, which went for President Joe Biden four years ago, could give Harris the decisive 270th electoral vote. Or, if Trump were to win, the election would end in a 269-269 tie. In that scenario, the president would be chosen by the House of Representatives, with each state's delegation getting a single vote a scenario that favors the former president. The five Republicans who represent Nebraska in Congress urged their colleagues in the state to change the law in a letter dated Wednesday, saying the state should speak with a united voice in presidential elections. Any legislative change would require Pillen, the governor, to call lawmakers into a special session. He said in a statement he would enthusiastically do so if he gets a clear and public indication that there are 33 votes in favor, the minimum necessary to pass in Nebraskas single legislative chamber. Nebraska Democrats have started showing support for the states electoral vote split with yard signs showing a blue dot on a white background, symbolizing their potential role of the metro Omaha district as an island of blue surrounded by Republican red in the rest of Nebraska. Nebraskans dont need out-of-state interests to come in and tell us to change the way weve been doing things for decades especially when ballots have already been sent out," the Nebraska Democratic Party said in a statement Sunday. "We are proud of the state senators who have been consistent and steadfast in standing up for Nebraskans having a voice in our electoral process and will continue to do so. Trump's campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Republicans currently control 33 seats in the Legislature but they are not united in support. One of those Republicans, state Sen. Mike McDonnell, recently switched parties but still represents a district that includes Democrats who oppose an Electoral College switch. A McDonnell spokesperson told KETV in Omaha on Thursday that the senator has heard compelling arguments from both sides, and as of today, remains a no.' The system has long confounded Republicans, who have been unable to force the state into a winner-take-all system since Barack Obama became the first presidential contender to shave off one of the states five electoral votes in 2008. Biden in 2020 was the only other Democrat to capture Nebraskas 2nd District electoral vote. ___ This story has been updated to correct the spelling of a state senator's name as Mike McDonnell, not McDonald. WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) Donald Trump returned to North Carolina on Saturday, stumping in the southern battleground state with direct appeals to women, claiming he would be a better champion for them than Vice President Kamala Harris, who is vying to become the first female president. Trump campaigned in Wilmington, along the states southern coast, without Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the GOP gubernatorial nominee and one of the former presidents top surrogates in the state, following a CNN report about his alleged posts on a pornography websites message board. He did not mention Robinson during a speech that lasted just over an hour. VIDEO: Defiant Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks in Cumberland County Saturday night Robinson has denied writing the posts, which include lewd and racist comments, saying Thursday that he wouldnt be forced out of the race by salacious tabloid lies. Trumps campaign has appeared to distance itself from Robinson in the wake of the CNN reporting, which the AP has not independently verified, saying in a statement that Trump is focused on winning the White House and saving this country and calling North Carolina a vital part of that plan, without mentioning Robinson. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson dismisses comments on porn forum unearthed in report as salacious tabloid trash Democrats have seized on the opportunity to highlight Trumps ties to Robinson, with billboards showing the two together, as well as a new ad from Harris campaign highlighting the Republican candidates ties as well as Robinsons support for a statewide abortion ban without exceptions. According to Harris campaign, its their first ad effort related to tying Trump to a down-ballot race. Both abortion rights and Robinson are electoral liabilities for Trump in a state he previously won twice. Already before CNNs report, Robinson was trailing in several recent polls to Democratic nominee Josh Stein, the states attorney general. Polls show Trump and Harris locked in a close race here and nationally. Trump downplays abortion as a campaign issue In his first outdoor rally since the second apparent attempt to assassinate him, Trump argued women would be safer and more prosperous with him as president and would no longer be thinking about abortion. Republicans in NC remove Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson from their social media following new scandal I will protect women at a level never seen before. They will finally be healthy, hopeful, safe and secure, Trump said. Their lives will be happy, beautiful, and their lives will be great again. So women, we love you. Were going to take care of you. The former president said women wont have to think about abortion because decisions about regulating it are now left to the states. Many Republican-led states have taken steps to restrict or eliminate abortion access after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump nominated three of the six justices who voted to overturn Roe. North Carolina banned most abortions after 12 weeks last year, with Republicans in the state legislature overriding Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto. Voters overwhelmingly say they trust Harris to do a better job handling abortion policy, with 55% favoring her while 27% favored Trump in a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Harris and Democrats running down ballot have highlighted stories of women who faced severe medical complications or death because they didnt get proper medical care from doctors worried about the impact of abortion laws. Harris on Friday blasted Trump as a threat to womens freedoms and their lives, warning in a speech in Georgia that Republicans would continue to target access to abortion if he returns to the White House. Trump also showed a gentler side, inviting two of his young grandchildren on stage. The former president lifted Carolina to the microphone, where she said Make America great again to cheers, followed by her older brother, Luke Trump, who said, Vote for Grandpa. Theyre the children of Eric Trump, the former presidents second son, and his wife, Lara Trump, a North Carolina native who is now serving as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. Bulletproof glass surrounded Trump as he spoke, a new precaution for outdoor venues the Secret Service implemented after a bullet grazed Trumps ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump supporters dismiss the new claims against Robinson A Republican has carried North Carolina in every general election since 1976 save one, when Barack Obama won the state in 2008. Trump won there in both his previous campaigns but by less than 1.5 percentage points over Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, the closest margin of any state that Trump won. Thats part of why Democrats see the state as winnable this fall. With neither Senate seat up for grabs, the gubernatorial contest has been North Carolinas marquee down-ballot race this year. Robinson has become a natural top surrogate for Trump in the state and a frequent presence at campaign events there, appearing with the nominee as recently as an event last month in Asheboro. Trump has long praised Robinson, who is Black, referring to him as Martin Luther King on steroids. Endorsing Robinson ahead of the GOP gubernatorial primary, Trump continued: I think youre better than Martin Luther King. I think you are Martin Luther King times two. Robinson has a long history of making inflammatory comments, including suggesting women who sought abortion werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down and comparing abortion to slavery. Charlie Kimball, a 46-year-old former construction worker from Burgaw, who said he is currently on disability, dismissed the new allegations against Robinson as fake news. Thats his personal life. Who cares? Kimball said. Its all hearsay Its not true. Its all speculation. Wheres the proof? While more visits have been made by presidential contenders to the Rust Belt battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, both Harris and Trump have made multiple trips to North Carolina, highlighting the states importance. Following Bidens departure from the race in July, Trump held his first large-scale rally there, turning his full focus toward Harris. Wilmington is home to New Hanover County, which Biden won in 2020. But his margin over Trump in the county was among his slimmest in the state. Julia Novotny, 55, of Wilmington, said shes come around to supporting Trump after initial reservations because of allegations that hes been sexually abusive to women, which he denies. Hes classy, hes a gentleman, he looks good in a suit and he has strong values, Novotny said. Everybody makes mistakes, and whether he did or didnt, I dont know, but you know what? Leave him alone. Hes a good man. He wants to change this country. Our country is in the dirt, and the only man who pulls us out is Donald Trump. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Trump Bashes Oprah Over Harris Event In Late Night Meltdown: 'This Isn't The Real' Her Donald Trump went after Oprah Winfrey late Saturday night and suggested that the media mogul was embarrassed while speaking with Vice President Kamala Harris during a recent live-streamedcampaign event. When I watched her interview yesterday with a woman who is destroying, through her complete and total incompetence, America, I couldnt help but think this isnt the real Oprah, wrote the GOP nominee on his Truth Social platform. He continued, This isnt a person that wants millions of people, from prisons and mental institutions, and terrorists, drug dealers, and human traffickers, from all over the World, pouring into our Country. The former president added that his Democratic opponent looked really foolish, and the media mogul just wanted to crawl under a table. Trump, earlier in the post, also falsely claimed that he appeared with his family on the final week of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The former president who has made the claim multiple times for over a decade appeared in an episode that aired in February 2011, over three months before the show came to an end. Donald Trump on Truth Social. Truth Social Trumps remarks come after Harris spoke with Winfrey on Thursday and discussed several topics at the event including immigration, abortion, the economy and gun violence. The event garnered more than 300,000 viewers during the YouTube livestream, The Associated Press noted, and featured appearances by a number of celebrities including Meryl Streep, Bryan Cranston, Tracee Ellis Ross and Jennifer Lopez. Trump, in earlier remarks at a North Carolina rally on Saturday, declared that Winfrey didnt know what the hell to do in response to Harris at the event. Oprah was, like, embarrassed, she wanted to hide under the table but shes a professional and she was able to sort of disguise it. No, she wanted to go right under the table, he told his supporters. Winfrey, who has endorsed Harris and spoke at the Democratic National Convention last month, called on all decent people and caring people to respond to the moment toward the end of the event with Harris. This is the moment that people who are tired of all of the bickering and all of the name calling, people who are exhausted by the craziness and the made-up stories and the conspiracies, she said. This is the moment. You want to get on with your life because you know that we can do better and that we deserve better. Related... Donald Trump made his return to North Carolina on Saturday, holding a rally in Wilmington, a key city along the states southern coast. However, his high-profile ally, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, was notably absent. Robinson, the GOP nominee for governor, is embroiled in a controversy following allegations of inappropriate and lewd posts made on a pornography websites message board. These accusations, which include racially charged comments, have shaken Robinsons campaign. Despite his absence, Trumps campaign moved forward with the event, emphasizing North Carolina's crucial role in the upcoming 2024 election. What are the allegations against Mark Robinson? Robinson, who is one of Trumps most prominent supporters in North Carolina, has denied all allegations related to inappropriate online behavior. According to a CNN report, Robinson allegedly posted lewd and racist comments on a message board linked to a pornography website. The claims, which Robinson has called "salacious tabloid lies," have created a distraction in his gubernatorial campaign. Robinsons decision to skip the rally was reportedly influenced by these allegations, with Trumps campaign stating that the former president remains focused on his path to victory in North Carolina without addressing the situation directly. How has Trump responded to Robinsons absence? The Trump campaign has largely distanced itself from the controversy. In a statement that was not independently verified by the Associated Press, Trumps team emphasized their commitment to securing North Carolina, which has been a critical battleground in past elections. The campaign refrained from mentioning Robinson, instead focusing on broader election strategy and the importance of rallying support in key swing states like North Carolina. Trump has previously praised Robinson, calling him "Martin Luther King on steroids" and expressing support for his gubernatorial run. However, with Robinson trailing in polls against Democratic candidate Josh Stein, his campaign may be affected by these allegations. RELATED: NC GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson facing calls to drop out amid rumors of looming bombshell Whats at stake in North Carolina for Trump? North Carolina has become increasingly vital for both Republicans and Democrats. Trump won the state in both 2016 and 2020, but the margins were slim. This year, with no Senate seat up for grabs, the gubernatorial race has taken center stage. If Robinson's campaign suffers due to these allegations, it could have a ripple effect on Trumps efforts to secure North Carolina in the general election. The states 15 electoral votes are pivotal, and losing ground could impact the larger Republican strategy. How are Democrats responding? Democrats, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, have seized on the opportunity to connect Trump and Robinson in a negative light. Billboards showing Trump and Robinson together have popped up, along with ads from Harris campaign highlighting Robinsons controversial positions, including his support for a statewide abortion ban with no exceptions. Harris campaign sees North Carolina as a winnable state, and by drawing attention to Robinsons scandal, Democrats hope to gain ground among moderate voters who may be put off by the GOP candidates troubles. The Source: This article is based on reporting from the Associated Press and CNN, including allegations made against Mark Robinson and reactions from both Robinson and Trumps campaign. Information regarding North Carolina's role in the 2024 election is sourced from prior political analysis of the states voting trends in past elections. This story was reported from Los Angeles. Trump Declining 2nd Debate Sounds Like an Introverts Excuses to Skip a Party, MSNBC Host Quips: He Does Not Want to Do This! | Video Donald Trumps refusal to join Kamala Harris for a second debate is a lot like how introverts feel about going to parties, MSNBCs Alicia Menendez pointed out Sunday. She explained, Im an introvert. I want to be invited to your party, she told Eugene Daniels. I dont want to go to your party and that sounds a lot like what I have to say when Im trying to find a way out. I have to wash my hair, its complicated, I just dont know, Ive got to get a babysitter he does not want to do this! Menendez elaborated. The MSNBC panel burst into laughter at Menendezs analogy. .@AliciaMenendez says Trump trying to weasel out of another debate against Harris sounds a lot like the excuses she makes, as an introvert, trying to ditch a party. pic.twitter.com/78QUQXoBrn The Weekend on MSNBC (@TheWeekendMSNBC) September 22, 2024 Journalist Eugene Daniels agreed, comparing the idea to JOMO joy of missing out and noting that its something he feels deeply at times. Harris invited Trump on Saturday to a second debate. Vice President Harris is ready for another opportunity to share a stage with Donald Trump, and she has accepted CNNs invitation to a debate on Oct. 23, Harris spokesperson Jen OMalley Dillion said in a statement. Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate. It is the same format and setup as the CNN debate he attended and said he won in June, when he praised CNNs moderators, rules, and ratings, Dillion added. While speaking to a crowd of supporters in North Carolina hours later, Trump said, The problem with another debate is that its just too late. Voting has already started, she had her chance to do it with Fox. Fox invited us on, I waited and waited, they turned it down. Theres still a chance that Trump could change his mind, journalist Eugene Daniels told Menendez. The thing thats really interesting about Donald Trump is that you also have to watch him working through things in real time, and you can hear the kind of conversations hes had with folks around him whether he or someone else probably said, Well, its too late.' But lets be clear: October. 22nd, if I remember correctly, is when the second debate that Kristen Welker, our colleague here, at [NBC News] did between Joe Biden and Donald Trump we always have later debates, debates always happen in later October, in mid-to-late October, he continued. But his campaign people around him know that he did not do well in this debate, Daniels added. He himself, hes very good at pulling out the things that are good, that happened that he feels really good about, that maybe Vice President Harris didnt do, because hes very online. The people who surround Trump, Daniels said, dont push back on things he doesnt do well, and so he has a different view of it, he doesnt feel like he has to do it. But poor polling could change his mind. As we get closer to that date, if things change, if its looking worse and worse for him, I wouldnt be surprised if he changes his mind. You can watch the exchange between Menendez and Daniels in the video above. The post Trump Declining 2nd Debate Sounds Like an Introverts Excuses to Skip a Party, MSNBC Host Quips: He Does Not Want to Do This! | Video appeared first on TheWrap. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Former president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will hold a town hall this Friday in Warren. The event will be held at Macomb Community College, located at 14500 Twelve Mile Rd. A release obtained from the Trump campaign indicates that Michigans auto industry is a likely topic of conversation. See an excerpt of the release below. Michigan prides itself on being the auto capital of the world, and its the backbone of Michigans economy. President Donald J. Trump has shown time and time again that he is dedicated to supporting and rebuilding the auto-industry, starting with encouraging American manufacturing jobs. Trump-Vance Press, Sept. 22, 2024 This visit to Michigan is one of several from both presidential candidates and their vice president picks in recent weeks, as recent polling still has Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in a statistical dead heat. Trump, Harris, Vance, and Walz were all in Michigan within a week of each otherand as Michigan is one of several battleground swing states for the upcoming election in November, its not hard to see why. Doors will open at 3 p.m. and Trump is scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. This embedded content is not available in your region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Donald Trump, and lt. gubernatorial candidate Hal Weatherman pose for a photo over the Memorial Day weekend. (Photo: @HalWeathermanNC account on X.com) WILMINGTON, N.C. Former President Donald Trump made no mention of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson during his appearance Saturday at a rally in Wilmington, but the controversy surrounding CNNs Thursday bombshell report on Robinson continued to dominate political discussions across the state. Trump instead used the event to decline an offer to debate Vice President Kamala Harris on CNN on October 23 and to deliver a familiar set of rambling and frequently false and outlandish remarks blasting the Biden-Harris administration and promising an almost instant national transformation if he is elected. He said that if he wins in November, the borders would be instantly secured, the price of household goods will plummet, energy prices will be cut by half in one year, homeless encampments will be gone, and world peace would prevail. He falsely stated that every job created in the U.S. in recent years had gone to a migrant worker. He also repeatedly referred to the vice president as Comrade Harris, and averred that if she wins, 40-50 million illegal aliens will be in the nation stealing your money, while a Harris administration will confiscate all guns, seek to pack the Supreme Court with 25 justices, and kill the American dream forever. Robinson, who was not at the Trump event, was scheduled to appear at a meet-and-greet at Fayetteville Motor Speedway at 6 p.m. Saturday, according to a post on the venues Facebook page. Trump did highlight the presence of other GOP politicians on Saturday, including Senator Ted Budd and Congressmen Dan Bishop and David Rouzer. 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 before the start of his political career. CNN also reported that 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX On Friday, Politico reported that an email address belonging to Robinson was registered on Ashley Madison, a website designed for married people seeking affairs and that an adviser to Robinson, granted anonymity to speak freely, confirmed to POLITICO that the email address in question belongs to Robinson. As with the CNN story, an official spokesperson for the Robinson campaign denied the report. It was the second time in four days that Robinson was unmentioned and absent from a major GOP campaign event he was a no-show at vice presidential nominee JD Vances rally in Raleigh on Wednesday. The scandal surrounding Robinson, who Trump has previously and enthusiastically endorsed and repeatedly and favorably compared to the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., served to focus an extra measure of national attention on Saturdays event. Though Robinson was already badly trailing his Democratic opponent, state Attorney General Josh Stein, in numerous statewide polls prior to this weeks revelations, the new reports have led some experts to opine that a freefall for his campaign could lead to a reverse coattails effect for Trump and help deliver the state and its 16 electoral votes to Harris. Recent polls in the presidential race indicate that Harris and Trump are in a virtual tie in North Carolina and that a shift of even a relatively small segment of voters could prove fatal to the Trump campaigns hopes in the state. As Washinton Post senior political writer Aaron Blake explained in a Friday analysis, Robinsons favorability numbers were awful well before this past week and he is easily linked to Trump. Indeed, as NC Newsline reported yesterday, the Harris campaign has already launched a multimedia campaign to do precisely that. This is from Blake analysis: What sorts of Trump voters might this turn off? Trump has maintained his political stature over the years despite his own mounds of baggage. But its not as if all his supporters are true-believer MAGA types. He also relies on more traditional Republicans who dont love him but support the team. (Recall that during the GOP primaries, as many as 1 in 5 voters continued voting against him even after Nikki Haley dropped out.) According to Blake, Robinsons continued presence on the scene he missed the states deadline for withdrawing from the race and has vowed to stay in could bolster the Harris campaigns strategy of promising to turn the page on the chaos and extremism of the past nine years It might not be enough to get Democrats over the line in a stubborn state theyve won just once since 1976 (in 2008), but it surely doesnt hurt. And if it does help them tip the state and snatch its 16 electoral votes, that would severely hamper Trumps path to victory. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This report was first published by NC Newsline, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network. It 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. Trump, Once The Man Who Couldnt Be Bought, Is Now Up For Sale Former President Donald Trump has said rich people who support Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for president are "STUPID." Illustration: Damon Dahlen/HuffPost; Photos: Getty In June 2015, former President Donald Trump infamously came down a golden escalator and declared himself the man who couldnt be bought. Im using my own money, Trump said in the opening speech of his presidential election campaign. Im not using the lobbyists. Im not using donors. I dont care. Im really rich. Trump, who did self-fund large portions of his 2016 primary campaign, would return to this theme again and again. He would run against a field of more mainstream GOP politicians, each backed by super PACs filled with million-dollar checks from wealthy donors, and then against Democrat Hillary Clinton, who many voters saw as the embodiment of a moneyed class of Washington insiders. Now, almost a decade later, he is running as a candidate who is openly for sale. He has said hell offer plum jobs to major donors like Elon Musk, promised favors to oil executives, bragged to the wealthy about the tax cuts he can deliver and has even taken time away from his campaign to pitch a cryptocurrency project for his sons. Americans can even buy DJT on the stock market, in the form of shares in the publicly traded holding company that owns his social media site, Truth Social. That companys revenues are meager, with the share price hitting all-time lows, but its still being propped up by the former presidents loyal political fandom. He just thinks he operates in his own world, Fred Wertheimer, a veteran of decades of fights over campaign finance and government ethics, told HuffPost. What hes doing is incredibly brazen in both asking for large amounts of money and telling people what hes going to do for them in return. Bottom line, Ive never seen anyone do what hes doing, Wertheimer said. Trumps campaign did not respond to an email seeking comment for this story. His new strategy may have created an opening for Democrats, if Vice President Kamala Harris and her campaign can seize it. In a survey released before the presidential debate, the Pew Research Center found the presidential race tied, 49% for Harris to 49% for Trump. Buried in those results, Pew noted one area where most Americans said they had little faith in either presidential candidate: Just 37% of Americans thought they could trust Trump to get money out of politics, and only 32% said the same of Harris. His Most Salient Message Trump comes down the escalator in 2015. He would use his initial speech to quickly establish himself as a rich businessman, above the petty corruption of Washington. Christopher Gregory via Getty Images Trumps image as an outsider/businessman, unafraid to upset political apple carts, powered his run through the 2016 GOP primaries. He took special aim at former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the beneficiary of the outside group Right to Rise, which had stunned observers with its explosive fundraising. They will be bombarded by their lobbyists that donated a lot of money to them, Trump told a crowd in Iowa of his primary rivals, not long after his campaigns launch. Jeb raised $107 million, OK? Theyre not putting that money up because its a wonderful charity. Standing on a debate stage in Boulder, Colorado, that October, Trump decried how super PACs were corrupting his fellow candidates. Super PACs are a disaster, he said. Theyre a scam. They cause dishonesty. And you better get rid of them because they are causing a lot of bad decisions to be made by some very good people. Republicans who worked on the campaigns against Trump remember the message as particularly devastating, if not especially novel. Alex Conant, who was then the communications director for the presidential campaign of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), noted plenty of candidates had tried to run as outsiders taking on the establishment before, but said the tactic was far more effective for a New York real estate developer. That was his most salient message in 2016, Conant said. He was a uniquely good messenger for it, because he was such an outsider, and it also kind of excused all the unconventional stuff attacking John McCain, attacking Republican Party leaders. A more typical politician, if they were doing that, you would think they were idiots. For him, it was part of what made him so authentic. In the general election, Trump relied more on outside groups and traditional fundraising than he did during the primary campaign. But as he took on a rival from a second political dynasty Democratic nominee Hilary Clinton, who was battling scandals about her email account and a trio of paid speeches she delivered to Goldman Sachs he still ran as an insurgent. The donors and the lobbyists, who are used to getting their way, are trying to do everything they can to help crooked Hillary Clinton, and to cling to their power, Trump said at a rally in Novi, Michigan, in October 2016. Always Will Be A Con Man Despite his rhetoric, Trump did little to drain the swamp upon taking office. He failed to follow through on a promise to divest his business holdings. His hotel quickly became a gathering spot where those hoping to win Trumps favor could also line his pockets. He appointed lobbyists to key government positions overseeing defense, trade and environmental protection. He took in up to $160 million from international business deals while he was president. He has and always will be a con man whos really only looking out for himself and whatever helps him to obtain power, said Tiffany Muller, the president of the Democratic campaign finance group End Citizens United. All his promises went out the window. Instead of draining the swamp, he brought the swamp to him and his properties and cashed in. Trumps corruption was not a central issue for President Joe Bidens campaign in 2020. Once Biden was in office, Democrats pitched their signature government reform legislation mostly as a way to protect voting rights. Trump, meanwhile, has continued to intermingle his political and business interests since leaving the presidency, even though he sold his hotel. Beyond the crypto project and Truth Social, Trump is also selling Bibles, NFT trading cards, sneakers, and as of this week, silver coins. Its enough to make even some of his allies uncomfortable. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), one of the Senates biggest crypto advocates, told HuffPost this week the crypto project made her a little uncomfortable. If I were a Trump adviser, Id say, Mr. President-elect, put it in a blind trust, she said. Four years later, as Trump runs to reclaim his old job, he has faced a consistent cash crunch. His legal costs diverted huge amounts of money from his campaign in 2023, and Biden began the general election with a significant financial advantage. Trump closed the gap after winning the GOP nomination, in the wake of Bidens disastrous debate performance. But Harris selection as the Democratic nominee set off a massive wave of enthusiasm and fundraising, significantly setting Trump back. And Trumps small-dollar fundraising is not close to the levels it was in 2020. While Harris has raised about 42% of her campaign cash through July from donors who gave less than $200, according to the campaign finance website OpenSecrets, Trump has raised just 32% from small donors. Trumps solution has been to aggressively fundraise from the wealthy, often making them explicit promises in return. In one of his first major fundraisers after seizing the GOP nomination, Trump went to the house of a billionaire hedge fund manager and told the crowd he would extend the tax cuts he passed in 2017, most of the benefits of which flowed to the wealthiest Americans. In March, Trump backed down from calling for a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok after embracing the conservative group Club for Growth and Jeff Yass, a billionaire TikTok investor and one of the Clubs major donors. Trump adviser Steve Bannon, in a post on social media, was explicit about why Trumps position changed: Yass Coin. In April, Trump promised to make a deal with the oil industry, telling executives from Chevron, Exxon and other companies that if they raised $1 billion for his campaign, he would, if elected, promptly reverse environmental policies put in place by the Biden administration. (For what its worth, the industry has not raised close to $1 billion for Trumps campaign.) Most recently, Trump said during an economic speech in New York City that he would pick Tesla CEO Elon Musk to lead a government efficiency commission tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government. Musk has said he will donate at least $45 million to a super PAC backing Trump. I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises, Musk, whose companies SpaceX and Starlink receive government contracts in the billions annually, wrote on the social media site he owns following Trumps offer. No pay, no title, no recognition is needed. And far from disowning them as a scam, Trump has embraced super PACs wholeheartedly as he tries to reclaim the presidency. Musk and other wealthy conservatives are funding America PAC, which is focused on turning out GOP voters in swing states. Trumps official super PAC, MAGA, Inc. is airing attack ads targeting Harris with more than $100 million from Timothy Mellon, a somewhat reclusive banking heir with far-right politics. And Miriam Adelson, the widow of gambling magnate Sheldon Adelson, is pouring tens of millions into Preserve America, another super PAC targeting Harris with attack ads. Trump seems thankful for their help. When Trump implied the Presidential Medal of Freedom, handed out to civilians, was better than the countrys top military honor, he did so while praising Adelson, to whom he gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom while he was in office. Its actually much better because everyone [who] gets the Congressional Medal of Honor, theyre soldiers, Trump said at his country club in Bedminster, New Jersey in August. Theyre either in very bad shape because theyve been hit so many times by bullets or theyre dead. [Adelson] gets it, and shes a healthy, beautiful woman. Harris, of course, has her own wealthy supporters. Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, for example, gave $3 million to the super PAC backing her campaign, Future Forward, which received more than $150 million in commitments just in the 24 hours after Harris replaced Biden at the top of the ticket. But in public, Harris has not been nearly as obsequious to large donors, save for a decision to trim back a Biden proposal to increase taxes on capital gains. Donors, for instance, have openly pushed for Harris to fire Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan if shes elected president. But Democrats close to Harris have suggested such a push has only made it less likely that Harris will oust Khan, a progressive who has chilled mergers and acquisitions with an aggressive approach to antitrust. On a recent Sunday morning, Trump seemed baffled as to why any rich person would donate to Harris campaign instead of his own. All rich, job creating people, that support Comrade Kamala Harris, you are STUPID, he wrote on Truth Social. What This Means Harris, shown here speaking at a fundraiser shortly after taking over the Democratic presidential campaign, has not made Trumps promises to wealthy donors a central issue in the race. STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH via Getty Images Polling from End Citizens United conducted by the Democratic firm Impact Research in August found 55% of voters in congressional swing districts rated cracking down on corruption as very important to their vote, ranking it alongside top issues like crime. While a slim plurality said they trusted Democrats more to fight corruption, roughly a third of respondents said they did not trust either party to do so. Voters dont think either party has an advantage in taking on corruption, Muller told HuffPost. Whoever wins that messaging with independent voters wins the election. It needs to be part of Democrats closing message in the last days. Right now, neither campaign is dedicating much energy to it. Harris does talk about standing up to companies who are engaged in price gouging, but rarely speaks about the specific root causes of corporate power in Washington. When Trump talks about cleaning up Washington in 2024, he means getting rid of bureaucrats by gutting civil service protections, not the lobbyists and donors he used to inveigh against. Donald Trump went from bragging that he couldnt be bought to begging for donations from his billionaire friends and promising them massive tax giveaways all while running to gut Social Security and hike taxes on middle class families by nearly $4,000 a year, Harris spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said. The American people deserve a leader who will lower costs for the middle class, not line the pockets of billionaires. Thats Vice President Harris. Jeff Hauser, a progressive strategist who runs the Revolving Door Project, said Democrats need to do more to turn Trumps corruption into a campaign narrative and force Republicans to respond. He suggested that Senate committees, for instance, could subpoena oil executives who attended Trumps fundraiser. The Democratic Party needs to understand they need to be provocative when youre raising a winning issue, Hauser said. Conant, for one, thinks Trump could revive his efforts to demonize the swamp, and seemed surprised Trump has not emphasized the fact Harris and Walz are both career politicians. He noted Trump did not say Washington or promise to drain the swamp in his lengthy speech at the Republican National Convention. He could still do it. He should still do it, Conant said, when asked if Trump could run as an outsider. Hes running against two politicians who were hand-picked by Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama to be their partys nominees. People are just as upset with Washington now as they were in 2016. But he said Trump, who has been the GOPs de facto leader for a decade, may no longer see himself as the outsider. Clearly, his self-image has changed, Conant said. He thinks of himself as the head of a machine. Someone who ran Washington can run it again. He has members of Congress who wouldnt be caught dead with him nine years ago who now do whatever he wants them to do. Igor Bobic contributed reporting. Related... Trump says unlikely he will run again if he loses in November Former President Donald Trump speaks during a Fighting Anti-Semitism in America event at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Thursday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Former President Donald Trump said he probably won't run again if he loses this year's election. "No, I think that that will be, that will be it. I don't see that at all," Trump told Sharyl Attkisson, the host of Full Measure. Atkisson asked the Republican nominee about his intentions in four years if this year's bid is unsuccessful. "I think that hopefully we're going to be successful," Trump said during the interview, which aired Sunday to Sinclair Broadcast Group stations. Trump would be 82 in 2028. Trump is planning a rally in the politically critical state of Pennsylvania on Monday, according to his schedule, and in the crucial states of Georgia and Michigan later in the week. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is showing a slight edge in the race in recent polls, attended a fundraiser in New York on Sunday afternoon. The Democratic nominee and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have done few interviews, instead opting to keep a tight rein on their message. Trump has also all but ruled out another debate against Harris, who accepted an invitation from CNN for Oct. 23, which is 13 days before the election. "She's done one debate, I've done two," Trump said. "It's too late to do another. I'd love to in many ways but it's too late, the voting is cast, the voters are out there, immediately -- is everybody voting, please? Get out and vote." Even among some Republicans, Harris was widely considered to have won the first and only debate between the two, which was held on Sept. 10 and aired on ABC News. Trump also appeared in a debate with President Joe Biden on CNN before he dropped out of the race. Biden is 81, three years older than Trump. In-person voting began Friday in Minnesota, Virginia and South Dakota. It is the closest race for the White House in 60 years. Idaho, Maryland, New York and West Virginia are required to send out absentee ballots Friday. Delaware, Indiana, New Jersey and Tennessee must send out absentee ballots Saturday. In 2020 election, more than 69% of votes cast in the election were through mail-in ballots or early in-person voting, according to election data compiled by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's election data science lab. This was during the pandemic. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that the central government will not hold any conversation with Pakistan until terrorism is eliminated. Addressing an election rally in Nowshera in the run-up to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Shah stressed against revoking Article 370 in the valley as demanded by the opposition, including the National Conference and Congress. "Farooq Abdullah says that they will bring back Article 370. Farooq Sahab, nobody can bring back Article 370. Now, bunkers are not needed because no one can dare to fire bullets. 'Agar wahan see goli aayi to goli ka jawab gole se diya jayega'. They want to bring back Shiekh Abdullah's flag. Only our tricolour will wave in Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorism continued in Jammu and Kashmir for 30 years, curfew was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir for 3000 days in 30 years, 40,000 people were killed. Farooq Sahab, where were you during those days? Let me tell you, when Kashmir was burning, Farooq Sahib was comfortably holidaying in London," Shah said. "They want us to have a dialogue with Pakistan. Let me be clear, we will not hold conversations or dialogue with Pakistan till terrorism is eliminated. They want to free the terrorists from jails. Modiji came, and we wiped out the terrorists one by one. No terrorist or stone pelter will be freed from jail. BJP assures you, no terrorist will walk free in Jammu and Kashmir!," he added. Shah highlighted the reservation issue raised by the opposition and alleged that the Congress, NC, and PDP "deprived" reservation to those living in the hilly regions, adding that PM Modi ensured reservation despite. "Congress, NC, has said that we will reconsider the reservation given to those in hilly regions, tribals, Dalits, or OBC communities. Rahul Gandhi goes to America and says that now that they have developed, they do not need reservations. Rahul Baba, we will not let you remove the reservation. The Congress, NC, and PDP had snatched the right to reservation of those living in the hilly regions for 70 years. It was their decision not to give reservations to the hill people. Modiji said, Congress, NC, and PDP can do whatever they want to do. We will give reservations to the hill people," he said. "When reservation was given to the hill people, Farooq Sahib started provoking the Gurjar brothers here that your reservation will be taken away. I had promised in Rajouri that the reservation for Gujjar Bakarwal will not be reduced even by one per cent and they will get a reservation, and we kept that promise. Congress, NC, and PDP deprived you of your reservation rights for years," Shah added. First phase of voting was completed in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 with a voter turnout of 61.13 percent registered across 24 constituencies in seven districts, as per the Election Commission. The second and third phase will be held on September 25 and October 5 respectively. Vote counting will be conducted on October 8 along with the counting of votes in Haryana. (ANI) Trump says he will not run again if he loses election Donald Trump has been the Republican candidate for the last three elections [Getty Images] Former President Donald Trump has said he does not expect to run for election again in 2028 if he is defeated in this November's US presidential poll. Trump, 78, has been the Republican candidate for three national elections in a row and has reshaped the party greatly over the last eight years. In an interview with Sinclair Media Group, he was asked if he could foresee another run in the event that he loses to Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris. "No, I don't. I think... that will be it," Trump said. "I don't see that at all." But he added that "hopefully, we're going to be very successful". US law bars presidents from serving more than two terms, and so Trump is not expected to run in 2028 if he wins, either. In the past, the real estate mogul has rarely acknowledged the possibility of losing the election, more often firing up supporters with speeches and social media posts pledging victory at the polls. But this is the second time in four days he has mentioned a chance of defeat. During an event held by the Israeli-American Council on Thursday, he brought up losing, and suggested that any such loss would partly be the fault of Jewish voters. "Do they know what the hell is happening if I don't win this election?" he said, according to various media reports. "And the Jewish people would have to do a lot with that if that happens because at 40% [support] that means 60% of the people are voting for the enemy." The comments were condemned by the Harris campaign and by the nonpartisan American Jewish Committee and Anti-Defamation League. Trump's acknowledgments of a possible loss may reflect how the Democratic Party's prospects have changed since Harris became its nominee following President Joe Biden's decision to quit the race. Her campaign raised more than $190m (142m) in August, compared to $130m brought in by the Trump campaign and affiliated organisations. In national polling averages tracked by the BBC she is ahead of Trump, and a poll released on Sunday by CBS indicated she leads Trump 52% to 48% nationally. In key US battleground states which look set to prove decisive to the overall result, Harris has a narrower lead of 51% to 49%, which is a slight improvement from the even 50% in a similar poll conducted last month by CBS, the BBC's news partner. Another poll released on Sunday by NBC indicated Harris had a five percentage point lead over Trump across the US. It also found that 48% of registered voters see her positively compared to 32% in July - the largest jump since then-President George W Bush's favourability surged after the 11 September 2001 attacks. But like other surveys, the NBC poll suggested Trump held a clear advantage with voters on some of the election's biggest issues, including the economy, the cost of living and immigration. The BBC has contacted the Trump campaign for comment on the polling data. [BBC] More on the US election My grandparents, Perla and Herschel Goldberg, were naturalized citizens of France. Herschel fought in the French army. When the Nazis took over the country, Perla and Herschel were stripped of their French citizenship and deported to Auschwitz, where they died. My mother was a hidden child and survived the war. JD Vance blithely denies the rights of immigrants when he calls people with legal status illegal aliens. Donald Trump crows about starting mass deportations on the first day of his second term. Words have consequences; these are not simply glib campaign talking points. My family is testament to that. Andrew Geller, Durham Mark Robinson The most recent revelations concerning Mark Robinson come as no surprise to me. He has repeatedly and quite clearly shown he views women as second-class citizens. This man is every bit as dangerous as Donald Trump and should not ever be given the power to make decisions about womens bodies. I hope all North Carolinians will now see this man for the misogynistic hypocrite he is. Brandie Davis, Smithfield Gasoline prices The author is Professor of Economics Emeritus, North Carolina State University In spite of the alleged prominence of corporate greed and price gouging, gasoline prices continue their persistent decline. This paradox is best explained by Adam Smiths famous Invisible Hand analogy. Even if each individual seller seeks the highest price (maximum greed), if sellers collectively supply more gasoline than buyers demand, competition will force prices to fall, as if by an Invisible Hand. Are Presidential candidates and voters willing and able to learn? Thomas Grennes, Raleigh Trump threats Only nine weeks after Trump was shot at his Pennsylvania rally and he is now being threatened again. The gun violence in this country is too common. No matter your political view or whom you support, I think we can all agree that there should be stricter gun laws in place. Nobody should have to fear being hunted down with a gun by another citizen. Olivia McKiernan, Clayton Liberalism In reply to the Sept. 15 letter writer who equated liberalism with fascism, I guess they never heard the saying if fascism comes to America it will come as a cross wrapped in a flag. I would contend that Christian nationalism and white supremacy (sometimes they are together) represent a far greater threat to American democracy. Liberalism gaves us the New Deal, the Civil Rights Act, voting rights, Medicare, FDA, SEC, and many other things. Maybe that writer should read Project 2025 and see whether they would arrive at the same conclusion. Henry Jarrett, Raleigh Housing tension Thank you for your Sept. 15 opinion piece relating to building industry. There is clearly not enough discussion in the public sphere regarding two contradictory forces that are occurring the industry that has a great impact on residential development. I do not believe the general public or even residential real estate professionals realize there is a conflict between the political pressure of reducing building costs as to produce lower cost housing and international, Federal, State and Local regulatory forces that impact building costs. Lewis Zwick, Mint Hill Raleigh route Kudos to Go Raleigh bus service for launching Route 9 along the Hillsborough Street corridor. With 15 minute frequency, it exemplifies what public transportation should be. Now, if frequency of service along some of its other routes could be similarly increased, Raleigh residents will begin to run out of excuses for not using the service instead of driving everywhere and complaining about traffic congestion Lyle Adley-Warrick, Raleigh Citizenship The statewide ballot includes an unnecessary constitutional amendment seeking to clarify that only citizens can vote. The amendment builds on unfounded anti-immigrant sentiment that non-citizens are committing widespread voter fraud. Existing state law makes it illegal for non-citizens to vote. Therefore, the proposed constitutional amendment points to a non-existent problem. Jennifer McMillan Rubin, Durham Former President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social Friday, said he would save vaping, despite banning flavored vaping products during his first term. Ill save Vaping again! Trump said in the post. His post appears to flip-flop from actions he took when he was president. In 2020, the Trump administration announced a limited ban on mint and fruit flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes, but not all types of vaping products. In 2019, Trump had faced some criticism when he announced it would ban all flavored vape products. In December 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for a ban on flavored vaping products in a press release. The WHO had said that the ban was necessary to prevent uptake of e-cigarettes and counter nicotine addiction in the release. In June, the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) announced a task force of agencies focused on cracking down on the distribution of illicit electronic cigarettes. Later that month, the FDA then authorized the first nontobacco flavored electronic cigarettes for adult smokers, signaling the agency believed some flavors of vaping products could be used to mitigate the effects of smoking traditional cigarettes. The Supreme Court announced earlier this year that it will hear a case involving the FDA marketing denial of two companies that sell flavored tobacco vaping products. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Donald Trump made antisemitic comments at a pair of Jewish-hosted events on Thursday. One might expect this to hurt his chances among Republican Jews, yet as historians explained to Salon, partisan loyalties may very well trump self-preservation among a substantial set of Jewish voters. In his first Thursday speech, Trump falsely claimed that his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, supports "Hamas sympathizers, antisemites, Israel haters on college campuses and everywhere else." Trump then proceeded to dabble in antisemitism himself. "In my opinion, the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss if Im at 40% support in the polls among Jewish voters, Trump argued to the Republicans assembled by Washington megadonor Miriam Adelson, ostensibly to oppose antisemitism. Trump either didn't know or ignored the fact that Jewish voters have consistently supported Democratic presidential candidates with 60 to 80 percent of their voteshare since the 1970s (except when they turned against Jimmy Carter in 1980 for policies perceived as anti-Israel). He also did not cite any specific polling for his own claim to having 40% of the current Jewish vote. If Im at 40, think of it, that means 60% are voting for Kamala (Harris), who, in particular, is a bad Democrat; the Democrats are bad to Israel, very bad," Trump added. He then made another false claim, saying that Israel will be eradicated, wiped off the face of the earth and cease to exist if Harris wins the presidency. "Its going to happen. Its only because of the Democrat hold or curse on you. You cant let this happen. Forty percent is not acceptable, because we have an election to win. Speaking at a separate event in New York later that day, Trump complained that he had not been treated properly by voters who happen to be Jewish during the 2020 election, most of whom supported President Joe Biden (the range of support varies from 68 percent to 77 percent depending on the survey). After incorrectly claiming to have been the best friend Israel ever had" (a distinction that at least among presidents Jewish historians traditionally argue goes to the ones who helped recognize the Jewish state, Woodrow Wilson and Harry Truman), Trump asserted that because of his actions in canceling the Iran nuclear deal and mediating the Abraham Accords, "Jewish people have no excuse" to note vote for him. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff who if Harris is elected stands to be simultaneously the initial First Gentleman and the first Jewish presidential spouse denounced Trump on Twitter for fanning "the flames of antisemitism by trafficking in tropes blaming and scapegoating Jews. He even did it at an event purporting to fight antisemitism, no less. This is dangerous and must be condemned. We will not be intimidated and will continue to live openly, proudly, and without fear as Jews." Yet even less partisan sources agree that Trump's words are objectively antisemitic. Most notably the Anti-Defamation League slammed Trump's words as having "undermined' any efforts to combat bigotry by "employing numerous antisemitic tropes and anti-Jewish stereotypes including rampant accusations of dual loyalty." "The statement is hideous, whining and divisive," Hasia R. Diner, a historian at New York University who writes about Jewish issues, told Salon. "It is more than a dogwhistle to those who would harm Jews or Jewish institutions. It is a desperate plea but one that carries deep danger." While some laugh off Trump's words, they should think of "the bells it could set off, making them a sobering threat. Do we want to call that antisemitism, so be it. It is far more hateful to Jews, much more real and potent and disgusting than 'Free Palestine!' He may be cynical in using them, but his slavish followers are not." Despite the threat posed to Jews by Trump's words, however, Diner doubts this will dissuade many MAGA Jews from abandoning their hero. "Are there Jews who will still vote for him? For sure," Diner said. "They are so monomaniacally focused one issue alone, they will ignore the toxic and frightening language. Perhaps they will be the ones responsible for Jew-hatred." Jonathan Sarna, a historian at Brandeis University who also specializes in Jewish issues, explained how these voters can be so "monomaniacally" focused on "one issue alone," as mentioned by Diner, in their support for Israel. "I suspect they did not view [Trump's comment] as antisemitic," Sarna said. "I think they probably viewed it as 'the facts of life' because the wording was careful. These tropes that exaggerate Jewish power as if Jews decide who the next president is these tropes would probably be lost, especially on Israeli Americans, because the escalated language of that kind is more common in Israeli politics, and you're obviously not as worried about the 'fear of Israeli' trope. And I keep stressing 'Israeli' because of course Miriam Adelson was born in Israel, and if you ever go to IAC [where Trump delivered his first speech], it's called Israeli American Council for a reason." In earlier periods of American history, it is unlikely that even these pro-Israel Jews would have supported the Republican Party. In his classic 1969 monograph "The Emerging Republican Majority," political strategist Kevin Phillips wrote off the then-predominantly northeastern Jewish vote as hopeless for Republicans because "whatever small strides the GOP may make in low-middle-income New York City neighborhoods filled with Jewish postal workers, storeowners and taxi drivers, the overall thrust of Jewish ballot behavior is clearly liberal, and there is little reason to expect Northeastern Jews to give substantial support to a Republican coalition with a Southern-Western-New York Irish base." Sarna explained to Salon that "historically the extreme right wing in America was filled with antisemites and folks who today would be called Christian nationalists. Some were known supporters of Hitler; others (like right-wing supporters of Father Coughlin), are now known to have been in the pay of the Nazis, although most may not have known that." Because the Republican Party could be easily linked to the extreme right by Democrats, Jewish voters backed Democratic presidential candidates with 75 percent to 90 percent of their votes in every election from 1932 to 1968 (save the two, in 1952 and 1956, when Republicans nominated a moderate, the popular war hero General Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower). "Post-war, however, most people on the right distanced themselves from antisemitism," Sarna explained, "Young conservatives like William Buckley were particularly forceful in their effort to purge antisemites and to appeal to a broader constituency. As neoconservatives rose, that seemed like a wise strategy; so-called paleoconservatives were marginalized." These Jewish conservatives were especially attracted to the modern Republican Party's unabashedly pro-Israel stances, which put it in contrast with a Democratic Party whose humanitarian impulses caused occasional criticisms of Israel's atrocities. For this reason, they may not recognize that Trump is resurrecting a different and hoary form of Jew-hatred. "Mr. Trump, though, has re-engaged with the once marginalized antisemites and dismissed the neoconservatives as well as folks like the Cheneys and Bushes as RINOs," Sarna said. "The 2024 election, among many other things, will determine the future of Conservative politics in America, whether it will return to the bad old days of embracing Nazis and other antisemites or not." Susie Stern, chair-elect of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and a prominent New York Jewish Democrat, is optimistic that American Jews as a whole are wise to Trump's ways. "The polling cited by Trump was based on a very small sample," Stern explained. "There is no credible evidence that New York Jews are turning to Trump. We are confident that across the country, 70% of Jewish voters will support Kamala Harris." Certainly Trump's recent diatribes against Jews may help him do so. "Trump frequently plays into harmful stereotypes and antisemitic tropes about Jews, suggesting we have dual loyalties or that we need our 'heads examined' because we support Democrats," Stern said. "These comments are blatantly antisemitic, embolden extremists, and normalize hatred and intolerance from elected officials. Trump reduces Jewish identity to political talking points, weaponizing antisemitism rather than addressing the rising antisemitism in his own political party." This does not mean that the left cannot have antisemites. As Diner pointed out, "there are no doubt individuals on the left also and maybe more diverse and diffuse who see Jews as inherently and fundamentally problematic and might be understood to engage in antisemitism." Yet unlike the Christian nationalists and many of the other extreme right-wingers backing Trump and the modern Republican Party, "their religion or race or identity are not foregrounded. They do not define themselves as the true bearers of the nation. Most on the left nearly all may see deep flaws in the State of Israel, define it as guilty of genocide, colonialism and racist, but that does not make them advocates of antisemitism or spokesmen of it. Their views are political and not based on antipathy to Jews." The dark irony is that many Trump-supporting Jews, because they mistakenly see criticism of Israel as antisemitc, are ignoring the real menace: "To do so ignores the threat from the white, nationalist Christian right," Diner said. Trump's goal of mass deportations fell short. But he has new plans for a second term SAN DIEGO (AP) Donald Trump has long pledged to deport millions of people, but he's bringing more specifics to his current bid for the White House: invoking wartime powers, relying on like-minded governors and using the military. Trumps record as president shows a vast gulf between his ambitions and the legal, fiscal and political realities of mass deportations of people in the United States illegally 11 million in January 2022, by the Homeland Security Department's latest estimate. Former President Barack Obama carried out 432,000 deportations in 2013, the highest annual total since records were kept. Deportations under Trump never topped 350,000. But he and his chief immigration policy architect, Stephen Miller, have offered clues in interviews and rallies of taking a different approach if they are returned to power in November. They could benefit from lessons learned during their of four years in office and, potentially, from more Trump-appointed judges. What Trump seems to be contemplating is potentially lawful, said Joseph Nunn, counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York Universitys School of Law. There might not be a lot of legal barriers. It is going to be logistically extraordinarily complicated and difficult. The military is not going to like doing it and they are going to drag their feet as much as they can, but it is possible, so it should be taken seriously. The Trump campaign, asked how his pledge would be carried out, said Trump would begin the largest deportation program in U.S. history, without elaborating in detail. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman, said Trump would marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers." How would Trump overcome inevitable legal challenges? Trump has said he would invoke the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that allows the president to deport any noncitizen from a country that the U.S. is at war with. Texas Gov, Greg Abbott has advanced a theory that illegal immigration amounts to an invasion to justify state enforcement measures, so far without success, but legal scholars say judges may be reluctant to second-guess what a president considers a foreign aggression. The sweeping Alien Enemies Act authority may sidestep a law that bans the military from civilian law enforcement. Trump has said he would focus on deploying the National Guard, whose troops can be activated on orders of a governor. Miller says troops under sympathetic Republican governors would send troops to nearby states that refuse to participate. The Alabama National Guard is going to arrest illegal aliens in Alabama and the Virginia National Guard in Virginia. And if youre going to go into an unfriendly state like Maryland, well, there would just be Virginia doing the arrest in Maryland, right, very close, very nearby, Miller said last year on The Charlie Kirk Show. The military has been peripherally involved at the border since President George W. Bushs administration with activities that are not deemed to be law enforcement, such as surveillance, vehicle maintenance and installing concertina wire. Nunn, of New York University's Brennan Center, said Trump may look to 2020, when he ordered the National Guard to disperse peaceful Black Lives Matter protests near the White House, despite the mayor's opposition. Trump did so without invoking the 18th-century war powers law, but the District of Columbias federal status gives the president outsized authority to act. Trump may also contend with rights afforded under immigration law and court rulings that took shape after 1798, including a right to seek asylum that became law in 1980. Under a 2001 Supreme Court ruling, people in the country illegally can't be detained indefinitely if there is no reasonable chance their countries will take them back. Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and others are either slow to accept their citizens or refuse. How would Trump pay for this? U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is funded by Congress for 41,500 detention beds this year, raising questions about where Trump would house people before they board deportation flights and how long they could hold them if countries refuse to take them back. Miller floated the idea of large-scale staging grounds near the border, most likely in Texas. ICE officers are painstakingly deliberate, researching backgrounds of their targets and prioritizing people with criminal convictions. They try to capture suspects outside their homes because they generally work without court warrants and people don't have to let them inside. A single arrest may require hours of surveillance and research, a job that one ICE official likened to watching paint dry. On practical level, it will be nearly impossible for (Trump) to do the things hes talking about, even if could bring in the military, said John Sandweg, a senior Homeland Security Department official in the Obama administration. Obama's deportation numbers were made possible by local police who turned people over to ICE, but many state and local governments have since introduced limits on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Obama's presidency also predated a surge of asylum-seekers at the border, which drained limited resources of the Trump and Biden administrations. How would a mass deportation drive fare politically? While many support Trump's plans, mass deportation could tear apart families, exacerbate labor shortages and uproot people with deep ties to their communities. Pew Research Center estimates 70% of households with at least one person in the United States illegally also have someone in the country legally. Military leaders are likely to resist because it would undercut other priorities and damage morale, Nunn said. The military is going see this and say this is not the kind of duty that soldiers signed up for," he said. "This is getting the military involved in domestic politics in a way the military doesnt like to do. Adam Goodman, associate professor of history and Latin American studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago, who has written about deportations, said a threat of a mass expulsion can have a serious impact even if it isn't carried out. He thinks it is highly unlikely that Trump can do what he promises but it can strike fear in immigrant communities. In June 2019, Trump announced ICE would "begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens" the following week. A month later, the agency said it targeted about 2,100 people, resulting in 35 arrests, indicating the president's plans fell far short but only after they generated widespread concern in immigrant communities. Trump himself acknowledged the political perils during an interview Sunday with journalist Sharyl Attkisson. You put one wrong person onto a bus or onto an airplane and your radical left lunatics will try and make it sound like its the worst thing thats ever happened," Trump said, before repeating his pledge: "But were getting the criminals out. And were going to do that fast. ___ Associated Press writer Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report. Former President Donald Trumps declaration at a Thursday event in Washington that Jewish Americans would have a lot to do with his defeat drew quick condemnation as a textbook example of antisemitism, with both the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee criticizing the Republican presidential nominee. Trumps comments, ironically delivered at an event billed as being about combating antisemitism, come as he continues his very aggressive and often awkward courting of Jewish voters, whose support he often seems to believe his pro-Israel stances entitle him to, despite their century-long history of backing Democrats. Of course, Trumps focus on Jewish voters and frustration with their overall preference for Democrats were always a bit puzzling from an electoral perspective. Since Jews make up only 2% of the U.S. population, Jewish voters rarely top discussions of demographic groups that will determine the outcome, though they might make a difference in a race that comes down to thousands or even hundreds of votes. Regardless of the electoral impact of Trumps comments, hes showing how he manages to constantly undermine his own efforts. And his words, Jewish critics fear, could send a very specific message to the darkest and most antisemitic elements of the far right. Its the same old, same old: blame the Jew for everything that happens, said an ultra-Orthodox Jewish Trump supporter from New Jersey who attended the event, which was hosted by Miriam Adelson, a billionaire Republican megadonor and widow to the late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. (The supporter requested anonymity to avoid jeopardizing relationships within his own community.) It remains far from clear whether Trumps comments are enough to cost him with Jewish supporters. The remarks havent even cost him the support of the New Jersey Jewish voter, whose concerns about Israel, economic policy, and support for Jewish schools still take precedence over his personal distaste for the Republican nominee. But Democrats are working overtime to keep Jewish voters on their side, as continuing intra-coalition tensions over Israels war in Gaza threaten to cleave the traditional alliance in two. Last night, Donald Trump once again fanned the flames of antisemitism by trafficking in tropes blaming and scapegoating Jews, Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris Jewish husband, posted on X, formerly called Twitter, on Friday. He even did it at an event purporting to fight antisemitism, no less. This is dangerous and must be condemned. The Jewish Democratic Council of America, a liberal group that has sought to tie Trumps authoritarian impulses to dark chapters in Jewish history, likewise cited the rhetoric as more evidence of the dangers Trump poses to Jewish voters. He said that if he loses the election, the Jewish people would have a lot to do with that. Now thats scary, considering the last time he lost, his supporters tried to hang the vice president, Halie Soifer, CEO of the JDCA and former national security adviser to Harris in the Senate, said in a Friday social media video. Hes even gone as far as to not distinguish us by party. So yes, Jewish Republicans, Trump supporters, this threat includes you too. Trump made the remarks the same day CNN reported that North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the states Republican nominee for governor who Trump has previously endorsed, allegedly described himself as a Black Nazi on a pornography forum in 2020 and said he wished slavery would return. In the past, Robinson also called reports documenting the Holocaust hogwash. With this latest report, [Robinson] has taken concerns about his ability to lead to a new level, Meredith Weisel, the Anti-Defamation Leagues regional director for Washington, D.C., said in a Friday statement. Calling oneself a Black Nazi and wishing for a return to slavery is abhorrent. Still, it was relatively easy for Jewish Trump supporters to continue to justify their support, even if they took issue with Trumps comments. What I found really perplexing was the main issue, which the event was called for, was to combat antisemitism. When it got to talk of that topic, there were a lot of antisemitic undertones in what he was saying, said the ultra-Orthodox Jewish Trump supporter from New Jersey. Im not saying hes an antisemite. I dont believe hes an antisemite. I believe he loves himself, and he has a grievance [with] the Jewish community. The New Jersey Jewish voter is not exactly a dyed-in-the-wool Trump supporter. A traditional conservative who voted for former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in the Republican primary, he still feels he can trust Trump more than Harris to help protect Israel. His plan to vote for Trump, despite his issues with Trumps rhetoric, also stems from the Republican Partys support for lower taxes and other business-friendly policies, public funding for private religious schools, and what he sees as religious freedom for conservative faith practitioners. The presidents frustration with the Jewish community is that it doesnt realize the extent of the antisemitic portion of the Democratic Party.Yehuda Kaploun, Jewish Trump supporter and informal adviser Already not a fan of Trumps rhetoric, this voter expected him to complain about how Jews who dont support him need to get their head examined a type of comment Trump has made several times before and that the voter also finds offensive. But he was nonetheless taken aback by Trumps warning that he would hold the Jewish community partly responsible for a potential loss. Meanwhile, the Republican Jewish Coalition hailed Trumps speech as a tour de force in support of the Jewish community and Israel, without addressing the controversial parts of his remarks. Matthew Brooks, CEO of the RJC, seemed to allude to the criticism dismissively with a Friday evening post on X that said simply, Blah blah blah blah blah. Democrats efforts to paint Trump as a threat to Jewish voters security and interests come as Trump and his allies argue forcefully that he is the better candidate for Jews. Republicans case focuses on Trumps record of staunch support for Israel, which included moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Israels annexation of the Golan Heights, and presiding over the Abraham Accords, a series of peace treaties between Israel and Arab nations like the United Arab Emirates. Trump is also hoping to take advantage of many Jewish Americans discomfort with the activist lefts vehement criticism of Israels invasion of Gaza in response to the Palestinian militant group Hamas massacre of Israelis on Oct. 7. Mainstream Jewish groups have condemned the actions of pro-Palestinian groups on college campuses in particular, where there have been reports of Jewish students being intimidated or bullied for expressing support for Israel, and sometimes even without that pretense. Given the association of many of these incidents with a pro-Palestinian movement aligned with the political left, including a handful of left-wing Democrats in Congress, Trump and his allies maintain that he is the more credible bulwark against antisemitism. The presidents frustration with the Jewish community is that it doesnt realize the extent of the antisemitic portion of the Democratic Party, said Yehuda Kaploun, a Miami-area entrepreneur and friend of Trumps, who was present at the antisemitism event in Washington on Thursday. Because if any Jew would spend the time to look at the history of Nazi Germany or look at the history right now of whats occurring in America, there are stark similarities to nobody standing up to combat antisemitism. Pressed for his reaction to Trumps line about Jewish responsibility for his potential defeat, Kaploun, an informal adviser to Trump on Jewish affairs, downplayed that part of the former presidents remarks. It has to be taken in the greater context of the entire speech, because its a matter of the Jewish community needing to be better educated as to the differences between the parties and the fact that the Democratic Party has now become a haven for a portion of antisemitic behavior, Kaploun said. Vice President Kamala Harris made a strategic decision not to offer any policy concessions to pro-Palestinian activists, such as imposing stricter conditions on U.S. aid to Israel. MANDEL NGAN/Getty Images In fact, while Harris has spoken more frequently and passionately than Biden about Palestinian suffering in Gaza, she is not running on any policy changes, such as imposing stricter conditions on U.S. military aid and weapons sales to Israel. That decision cost her the endorsement of the Uncommitted movement, a coalition of pro-Palestinian activists lobbying for the United States to exert greater pressure on Israel to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza. For the large majority of U.S. Jews who have an emotional attachment to Israel, as well as an array of other concerns, that is likely more than enough, Soifer told HuffPost earlier this month. Israel is a threshold issue for Jewish voters, Soifer said. Voters are looking for candidates who meet or exceed that threshold, and the overwhelming majority of our candidates do. Once that threshold is met, Jewish voters are voting on those issues where theres the biggest difference between the candidates: domestic policy. The Jewish Democratic Council of America has touted Harris support for Israel. It has also occasionally helped unseat Democrats in primaries, such as Reps. Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.) and Cori Bush (Mo.), whom it sees as intolerably hostile to Israel. In Trumps remarks on Thursday, he said he currently has the support of 40% of Jewish voters, an improvement on his past margin that he nonetheless said was incommensurate with the work he has done for the community. But publicly available polling suggests that Trumps figure is too high. Nationwide, Harris leads Trump among Jewish voters, 65% to 34%, according to a Pew Research Center poll earlier this month. In 2020, Jewish voters preferred President Joe Biden to Trump 70% to 27%, according to Pew. A separate poll commissioned by the Jewish Democratic Council of America has Harris leading Trump nationwide 72% to 25%, improving on what Biden was on track to receive. Like the country as a whole, however, the U.S. Jewish population is starkly polarized along factional lines. The Orthodox Jewish community, which makes up about one-tenth of all U.S. Jews, leans heavily Republican. At least half of the attendees at Trumps event in Washington were Orthodox, someone present told HuffPost. A forthcoming poll conducted by UCLA Jewish history chair David Myers and Nishma Research President Mark Trencher, who shared their findings with HuffPost, found that 77% of Orthodox Jews plan to vote for Trump. Within the Orthodox community, though, the smaller subset known as Modern Orthodox Jews, who blend contemporary attire and secular education with strict religious observance, plan to vote for Harris over Trump by a 55% to 45% margin compared with 93% of ultra-Orthodox or black hat Jewish support for Trump. Trumps rhetoric has never been too responsible. Its not great for him to call out any ethnicity.Moshe Gruber, undecided Jewish voter For Modern Orthodox Jews, who lean right on U.S.-Israel policy but are concerned about Trumps character and conduct, his remarks on Thursday could make a difference, according to Trencher. The Modern Orthodox are aware of the fact that his rhetoric kind of resonates with the white supremacist community, Trencher said. The Modern Orthodox community, which may be the closest group to a swing-voting bloc in the Jewish community, is relatively small but has a significant presence in Pennsylvania, which is the swing state with the most Jews. An early August poll commissioned by the Orthodox advocacy group Teach Coalition found Harris leading Trump by just 12 percentage points among Pennsylvania Jewish voters. Moshe Gruber, a Hasidic accountant from the suburbs north of New York City with a politically independent streak that might make him more closely resemble the typical Modern Orthodox voter, cast his ballot for Haley in the Republican presidential primary. But while Gruber plans to vote to reelect Republican Rep. Mike Lawler (N.Y.) in a key House race in November, he is not sure whether he will vote for Trump or simply write someone in. Trumps rhetoric has never been too responsible. Its not great for him to call out any ethnicity, Gruber said. We dont want to see him call out Hispanics. We dont want to see him call out Blacks for good or bad. We dont want to see him pull out Jews for good or bad reason. The way he does it is culturally insensitive and not helpful to the national discourse. Personally, I would appreciate for Jews to be kept out of the national conversation as to picking winners and losers, or even worse, being blamed for a loss, he added. Related... By Tarek Amara TUNIS (Reuters) - Hundreds of Tunisians protested on Sunday against President Kais Saied, accusing him of deepening authoritarian rule and stifling political competition two weeks before a presidential election. Amid a heavy police presence, protesters for a second week marched along Tunis' main avenue, a focal point of 2011 "Arab Spring" revolution, chanting slogans including "The people want the fall of the regime" and "Out with dictator Saied". The protest came after lawmakers proposed a bill to strip the administrative court of its authority to adjudicate electoral disputes, a move that the opposition says would discredit the Oct. 6 election, and pave the way for Saied to secure a second term. "Saied's steps show that he is no longer popular and he fears losing the election", Nabil Hajji, the leader of the opposition Attayar party, told Reuters. "Tunisians now have only one choice, which is the streets to defend our democracy," he said. Political tensions in the North African country have risen since an electoral commission named by Saied disqualified three prominent presidential candidates, Mondher Znaidi, Abdellatif Mekki and Imed Daimi. The commission defied the administrative court, the highest judicial body in election-related disputes, and allowed only two candidates to run against Saied. One of them, Ayachi Zammel, is in jail after being sentenced on Wednesday to 20 months in prison for falsifying signatures on election paperwork in what he calls a politically motivated case. Critics say Saied is using the electoral commission and judiciary to secure victory by stifling competition and intimidating candidates. The president denies the accusations, saying he is fighting traitors, mercenaries and the corrupt. Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019, has tightened his grip on power and began ruling by decree in 2021 in a move the opposition has described as a coup. (Reporting by Tarek Amara; Editing by Ros Russell) Two arrested following police chase through Henry County HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Two men were arrested on Saturday following a police chase through Henry County. At 2:11 p.m., a deputy with the Henry County Sheriffs Office recognized a white Buick who was allegedly involved in a larceny at a local business. The deputy followed the suspects vehicle along Greensboro Road to Highway 87 south of North Carolina. The Sheriffs Office says the Buick allegedly sped up and was driving recklessly. The deputy performed a P.I.T. maneuver on the suspects car, causing the vehicle to slide into an embankment near the intersection of Highway 87 and Vista View Lane. The pursuing deputy exited his car to approach the suspect and was pinned between the suspects car and his own when the suspects vehicle slid forward. Officer-involved shooting in Christiansburg ends with weapon carrying suspect dead The suspect, later identified as Carlton Haizlip, 35, of Eden, North Carolina, exited the vehicle and escaped on foot. Two other people were discovered inside the original vehicle. One was identified as Ronald Haizlip, who had a warrant for his arrest out of Eden, North Carolina for eluding police. He was arrested and is being held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center awaiting extradition. A woman in the car was released and not charged for the incident. Carlton Haizlip was later discovered in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina after allegedly stealing a car from a location in Ridgeway, Virginia. Amherst County Sheriff identifies alleged shooter and person found dead after gunfight The Myrtle Beach Police Department was able to locate and arrest Haizlip, who was taken into custody and charged with eluding police, assault on law enforcement, and larceny of a motor vehicle. He is awaiting extradition back to Henry County. The deputy who was injured after being pinned between the two cars was transported to SOVA Health of Martinsville where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and has been released. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriffs 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 WFXRtv. Two in critical condition after shooting at East Broad Street gas station COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Police said two people were hospitalized in critical condition Saturday night after an east Columbus shooting. Police responded to a call at 9:40 p.m. of shots fired at the 6000 block of East Broad Street. Upon arrival, they found two people in critical condition from gunshot wounds outside of a Speedway gas station. Police said there is no information on suspects at this time. The shooting occurred less than three hours after another Columbus shooting also led to two hospitalizations. This embedded content is not available in your region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two killed, one seriously injured in early morning two-car crash in New Hampshire Two people were killed and another was seriously injured after a two-car crash in New Hampshire early Saturday morning, state police say. New Hampshire State Police troopers responded to the intersection of Turkpike Road and Temple Road in New Ipswich shortly after midnight Saturday for the reported crash. An initial investigation determined that a 1996 Honda Del Sol being driven by Devin Lundgren, 21, of New Ipswich collided with a 2015 Dodge Ram attempting to make a turn. Lundgren and his passenger, James Barna, 18, of Sharon, were pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Dodge Ram, Samuel Wheeler, 36, of Greenville, was flown by medical helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester to be treated for his serious injuries, state police say. State Police say speed appears to be a factor but officials are still investigating the crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has further information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Isaiah Acquaye at Isaiah.J.Acquaye@dos.nh.gov or (603) 223-4381. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW In a series of search operations and area dominations, the Army, in coordination with the Manipur Police, recovered a significant number of arms, ammunition, and explosives from several districts, including Churachandpur. The operation led to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms, including a 5.5 feet rocket, 9 mm SMG Carbines, a large size mortar, two medium-sized mortars, 4 mortar bombs, two pistols with magazines, 9 live ammunition rounds, a single Barrel rifle, 17-meter cortex, 9-meter-long fuse and hand grenades. Taking it to a social media post on X, the Manipur Police wrote, "Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. During the search operations the following items were recovered: ii.01 (one) no. of Rocket (approx. 5.5ft), 01 (one) no. of Rocket (approx. 3ft), 01 (one) no. of Large size country made Mortar, 02 (two) nos. of Medium Size country made Mortar, 04 (four) nos. Mortar bomb (Country made), 02 (two) nos. of pistol with magazine, 09 (nine) nos. of live ammunition rounds, 01 (one) no. of single Barrel rifle, Explosive grade-2 (6.3kg), Cortex 17 meter, Fuse 09 meter by Manipur Police and Army from Moavom, Churachandpur District." https://x.com/manipur_police/status/1837644635360895255 Another social media post by Manipur Police reads, "i.02 (two) nos. of 9 mm SMG Carbine with magazine, 01 (one) no. of 12-Bore Single Barrel Gun, 01 (one) no. of 9 mm pistol with magazine, 01 (one) no. of .32 pistol with magazine, 05 (five) nos. of HE-36 hand grenade, 04 (four) nos. of arming ring, 02 (two) nos. of Tube Launching, 11 (eleven) nos. of live ammunition rounds, 01 (one) no. of detonator, 02 (two) nos. of BP iron plate, 01 (one) no. of BP Jacket, 01 (one) nos. of tear smoke grenade, 02 (two) nos. of Stun shell, 01 (one) no. of tear smoke shell and 01 (one) no. of Walkie Talkie Baofeng Radio Set by Manipur Police and Army from Fungei Ching, Thoubal District." https://x.com/manipur_police/status/1837644801992180218 On September 21, in two successful joint operations, the Indian Army, in coordination with the Manipur Police, made significant recoveries of illegal arms and warlike stores from Churachandpur and fringe areas of Thoubal and Imphal East districts, an official statement said. (ANI) Heavy smoke of Israeli air raids billows from suspected Hezbollah position in the southern Lebanese village of Mahmoudieh. Israeli warplanes carried more than 50 raids on several villages one day after a deadly attack on Beirut southern suburb killing 31 people among them Hezbollah commanders of the elite al-Radwan Brigade. Marwan Naamani/dpa Three people have died and another three have been injured in renewed Israeli air attacks on two villages in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported on Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not yet provided details on the strikes. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Hezbollah militia claimed responsibility for launching drone attacks on northern Israel, as both sides exchanged heavy fire for hours. It was the longest-range attack by the Shiite militia since its renewed conflict with Israel nearly a year ago. The IDF reported that most of the missiles fired by Hezbollah overnight had been intercepted, but Israeli paramedics reported a number of injuries. The IDF has been conducting attacks on hundreds of Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon since Saturday afternoon. Two mine workers killed in Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast A fire broke out in a mine in Donetsk Oblast due to a Russian attack, causing fatalities. Source: Ukraine's Energy Ministry Details: At the time of the incident, there were 371 workers in the mine, all of whom were brought to the surface. Two workers were found dead after the inspection of the premises, and another civilian was taken to hospital. The ministry noted that no combustion products entered the mine. Support UP or become our patron! UK foreign minister says more sanctions possible over West Bank violence Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaks about climate and environment policy at Kew Gardens, in London By Elizabeth Piper LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Britain will keep under review possible new sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank and will act if it has to, foreign minister David Lammy said on Sunday, adding he was concerned by actions that were inflaming tensions. Britain announced sanctions against Israeli settlers in February and May this year over what it said was extremist groups perpetrating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Lammy, who became foreign minister in July after a Labour election victory, indicated the new government would take a similar approach and said that further sanctions were possible. He added that, notwithstanding Israel's genuine security concerns in the West Bank, "we are very worried about escalatory behaviour, very worried about inflamed tensions." "I'm absolutely clear: if we have to act, we will act, and I'm in discussions with G7 partners particularly and European partners on that," Lammy said. "I'm not announcing further sanctions today, but that is kept under close review, and as you would expect, I am deeply, deeply concerned." (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; Writing by Alistair Smout; Editing by Conor Humphries) UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said delicate conversations with the White House about permitting Ukraine to unleash Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory were underway, stressing that it was time for "nerve and guts". Source: The Guardian, as reported by European Pravda Details: Speaking at a fringe session at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Lammy stated that the misery and hardships of the war in Ukraine would become "deeper and harsher", particularly as we approach "the back end of 2025 into 2026" and beyond. Quote: "So this is a critical time for nerve, guts, patience, and fortitude on behalf of allies who stand with Ukraine," he said, appearing to address an indecisive White House anxious about the implications of authorising the employment of Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russia. Lammy stressed that Ukraine and its western partners were debating "what more might be necessary" to assist Kyiv on the battlefield beyond simply holding the lines, which is under intense strain in the east. "I am not going to as foreign secretary, of course, comment on operational details, because that can only aid Putin," Lemmy said, apparently referring to Storm Shadow missiles. "But there is a very real-time discussion across allies about how we can support Ukraine as we head into winter," he added. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Western partners do not allow Ukraine to employ long-range weaponry in Russia because they are concerned about escalation. Background: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg supported the authorisation of Ukraine's long-range strikes, sceptical of the "red lines" set by Vladimir Putin. On 20 September, The Times reported that the United States and the United Kingdom are likely to give Ukraine permission to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russian territory, but this decision may remain a secret to preserve the factor of surprise for the Russian side. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine expects allies to supply French Mirage-2000 jets while also discussing the provision of Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen and German-British Eurofighter Typhoon. Source: Ukraines Defence Minister Rustem Umierov on the air of the national 24/7 newscast, as reported by European Pravda Details: In particular, Umierov the allies commitment to supply F-16s, as well as Mirage-2000s. Quote: "Conversations about commitments or talks regarding Gripens are ongoing, as are consultations regarding Eurofighters. This is an excellent list of platforms, and we are discussing when they will begin. Soon, we will have results to announce. I hope we can report soon," the minister said. According to Umierov, the ministry previously focused on pilot training, fighter infrastructure, and operational platforms, but now seeks for air superiority over the Russian Armed Forces. "We worked last year to focus on pilot training, platform acquisition, and infrastructure development, and this year we will focus on how to grow it enough to get an advantage over the enemy in the air. These processes have previously been developed, but they need to be scaled up, and we are currently working on that. And we already have solutions that we are now working on with partners," Umierov said. Speaking about negotiations with international partners on aircraft supply, the minister stated: "The enemy uses up to 300 planes and 300 helicopters, so we notify our allies how many brigades or jets we need. We also explain realistically what platforms we need and what weapons they should have." Background: On 20 September, the French Armed Forces stated that the first batch of Ukrainian pilots had completed their training on Alpha Jet aircraft. Earlier, it was reported that the first set of Ukrainian pilots began theoretical training on F-16 fighters in Romania and may begin practical training in the coming months. According to the media, Ukrainian pilots will fly training F-16s provided to Romania by the Netherlands. This should alleviate concerns about Russia's threats to destroy NATO aircraft heading to Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine has handed over industrial dehumidifiers to Czechia, which has suffered from large-scale floods. Source: Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky on X (Twitter), European Pravda reports Details: He said that diplomats from the Czech Consulate General in Lviv are transporting the cargo. "Our diplomats from the Consulate General in Lviv are currently transporting a shipment of dryers provided by Ukraine to Czechia. Ukraine is at war, yet it does not forget its friends in need. We appreciate it. Thank you!" Lipavsky wrote. Ukraine's ambassador to Czechia, Vasyl Zvarych, specified in a comment to European Pravda that 40 dehumidifiers were being provided. "We handed over 40 industrial dehumidifiers at the request of the Czech government to overcome the consequences of the floods," Zvarych said. Our diplomats from the Consulate General in Lviv are currently transporting a shipment of dryers provided by Ukraine to Czechia. Ukraine is at war, yet it does not forget its friends in need. We appreciate it. ! pic.twitter.com/GsxchzXtK7 Jan Lipavsky (@JanLipavsky) September 22, 2024 Background: Last Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to offer the help of Ukrainian rescue workers to the European countries affected by floods. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the provision of access to 10 billion from the Cohesion Fund for Central and Eastern European countries affected by floods in recent days. Support UP or become our patron! From the Dispatch Faith on The Dispatch Hello and happy Sunday. One of the enduring lessons you learn early as a journalist is that whatever the big story of the day is, theres almost always much, much more to it beneath the surface (insert iceberg cliche here). Thats never more true than when it comes to millenia-old institutions and sometimes centuries-old disputes. Such is the case with a story that has gotten a lot of attention in the last month: a new law in Ukraine seeking to split the Ukrainian Orthodox Churchthe largest Orthodox body in Ukrainefrom its historic ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. In one sense, such a law makes sense given Ukraines ongoing efforts to throw off its Russian invaders. But the law itselfand the fact that church leadership has condemned Russias invasion and the Russian Orthodox Churchs support of the invasionraises religious liberty concerns. It also may further pit Christian against Christian, beyond what the war already has done. In todays Dispatch Faith, Matthew Namee explores the underlying conflicts within the world of Orthodoxy that in part precipitated this situation and asks valid questions about the laws ultimate effect on Orthodox Christians. Matthew Namee: Ukraines Religious Identity Crisis Ukrainian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Onuphry attends a religious service during Orthodox Epiphany celebrations in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2019. (Photo by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) It may seem ironic, but a recent statement from the head of the Roman Catholic Church shows how sensitive the current moment is for Orthodox Christians in Ukraine. Please, let no Christian church be abolished directly or indirectly. Churches are not to be touched! Pope Francis protested in response to a bill passed last month by the Ukrainian parliament, and which went into effect this week. It is intended to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Churchthe largest church in the country before Russias 2022 invasion. Though Ukraines effort to defend itself from Russia is just, the new law raises questions about Ukraines commitment to some democratic values in the face of longstanding, internal religious conflicts. But this is Orthodox Christianity on the border of East and West. To understand the current situation for Orthodox Christians in Ukraine, we must understand its complex history. Orthodoxy in Ukraine. The Orthodox Churchwith some 200 million members worldwideholds itself to be the original Christian Church, tracing an unbroken continuity back to the apostles of Jesus Christ. Unlike Roman Catholicism, which makes a similar claim, Orthodoxy lacks a centralized governing structure. Instead, it is organized into a federation of autocephalous (self-governing) churches, each of which is overseen by its own synod of bishops. (There are 14 universally recognized autocephalous churches, with several more claiming autocephaly but lacking universal recognition.) The patriarch of Constantinople (also known as the ecumenical patriarch) enjoys a primacy of honor as the first among equals, but he and his synod cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another autocephalous church. Some Orthodox churches date to apostolic times (such as Jerusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria) while others are organized along national lines and attained independence in the past two centuries (Greece, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, for example). Numerically, the Russian Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, is the largest Orthodox body in the world, with roughly half of the worlds Orthodox Christians. Ukrainian Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy are historically intertwinedboth have their origins in the medieval Rus civilization, which was originally centered in Kyiv and adopted Christianity from the Byzantine Empire at the end of the first millennium. After Kyiv was sacked and depopulated in the 13th century, the center of Rus moved to Moscow, and after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, the Muscovite rulers adopted the title tsara Slavic transliteration of Caesar. For hundreds of years, the territory of modern Ukraine was divided between various European powersprimarily the Russian and Habsburg empireswith all Orthodox Christians in the Russian Empire subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 transformed the Russian Empire into the Soviet Union. Life under the Soviets was bad for everyone, but particularly for Ukrainians. The Bolsheviks crushed the short-lived Ukrainian Peoples Republic and forcibly incorporated it into the Soviet Union. Later, the Soviet authorities inflicted a man-made famine, Holodomor (murder by hunger), on Ukraine by forcibly collectivizing agriculture and confiscating food reserves, causing millions of Ukrainians to starve to death. In 1990, as the Soviet Union was collapsing, the Russian Orthodox leadership granted a large measure of autonomy to its dioceses in Ukraine, creating the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), but stopped short of granting full autocephaly. Two other churches splintered off, claiming total independence, but these were unrecognized by any of the worlds Orthodox churches. Meanwhile, the UOC was technically subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate (the governing structure of the Russian Orthodox Church): Moscow had the right to confirm or veto the UOCs election of bishops and provided sacramental Holy Chrism (special oil) to the UOC for baptisms; for its part, the UOCs top hierarch held an ex-officio seat on Moscows synod and commemorated the patriarch of Moscow as his ecclesiastical superior in traditional liturgical prayers. Otherwise, the UOC governed its own affairs independently and enjoyed universal recognition in the Orthodox world as Ukraines only legitimate Orthodox church. The situation changed dramatically in 2018 when the Istanbul-based, ethnically Greek Ecumenical Patriarchate (EP) unilaterally reversed a 300-year-long status quo and declared that it had ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Ukraine. (Long ago, most of the territory of modern Ukraine was under the EPs jurisdiction. In 1686, the EP transferred that territory to the Moscow Patriarchate, and the EPs 2018 decree rescinded that transfer.) Simultaneously, the EP decreed that the Ukrainian splinter groups were now legitimized. Late in the year, the EP, with the direct participation of then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, convened a unification council, inviting both UOC bishops and hierarchs from the splinter groups. But these plans hit a snag: All but two of the UOCs hundred bishops ignored the invitation, viewing the EPs actions as interference in their ecclesiastical territory. The council still took place, but far from unifying all of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, it merely brought together the splinter groups into a new entity, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). Then, in early 2019, the new church structure was granted autocephaly by the EP. In response to these developments, the Moscow Patriarchate severed ties with the EPa move that surprised no one. For the past six years, the global Orthodox Church has been in a state of semi-schism. Three other churchesall led by ethnically Greek leaderseventually joined the EP in accepting the newly formed OCU. The other 10 of the worlds Orthodox churches have maintained an uneasy neutrality, retaining their diplomatic ties to the EP but rejecting the OCU as illegitimate. Russias invasion creates another wedge. Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 exacerbated this global Orthodox crisis. The UOCat that time still subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchateresponded decisively. Three days after Russia invaded, the UOCs leader, Metropolitan Onuphry, openly condemned the invasion as a fratricidal war, comparing it to Cains murder of Abel (he had likewise condemned the original Russian occupation of Ukrainian Crimea back in 2014). In contrast, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow quickly came out in support of the invasion, putting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in an uncomfortable and precarious position. The Ukrainian government had already shown favor to the rival OCU from its creation in 2018-19. But now, with the Russian invasion and the bellicosity of Patriarch Kirill, Ukraines wartime government began to suspect the UOC even more as a kind of fifth column. The UOC held a landmark council in May 2022, declaring itself independent of the Russian Orthodox Church. It stopped short of using the word autocephaly, but it abolished all features of subordination to Moscow, establishing itself as a fully self-governing Ukrainian church. The Moscow Patriarchate, however, has not accepted this new reality and still considers the UOC as its own subsidiary. While the UOC condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine, in March 2024, a meeting chaired by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow issued a controversial document declaring the invasion to be a holy war in which Russia and its people defend the single spiritual space of Holy Rus and fulfill the mission of the Restrainer [cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:7], protecting the world from the onslaught of globalism and the victory of the West that has fallen into Satanism. The UOC fired back the next day, reiterating its 2022 declaration of independence and rejecting Patriarch Kirills Russian World ideology that sees Ukraine as part of Russias geopolitical space. We do not build any Russian world, we build Gods world, Metropolitan Onuphry said in the UOC statement. This means that the Church should care about the proper preaching of the Gospel, which Christ commanded her to do, and not of the formation of geopolitical and geospiritual concepts. The UOC condemned the concept of holy war as incompatible with Christianity and defended Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. Even so, the Ukrainian government has continued to treat the UOC as if it is an arm of the Moscow Patriarchate, and, by extension, the Putin regime. The government seems to be basing this conclusion in part on its interpretation of Orthodox canon law. The logic seems to be that all Orthodox churches must either be autocephalous themselves, or part of an autocephalous church. The UOC hasnt declared itself autocephalous or joined another autocephalous church; ergo, the UOC remains part of the Russian Orthodox Church. DESS, Ukraines agency overseeing religion, comes to this conclusion based on its reading not of the UOCs own documents and practices, but on the governing Statute of the Russian Orthodox Churcha document over which the UOC has no control. In a painfully ironic twist, the Ukrainian government shares Moscows interpretation and rejects the UOCs own claim of independence. Spiritual independence. This culminated in the passage of Bill 8371, which bans religious organizations affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church if they dont break that affiliation within nine months. The bill doesnt directly reference the UOC itself, but based on the interpretation of DESS, despite all of the UOCs efforts to distance itself from Moscow, it remains a branch of the Russian Orthodox Church. Because each of the UOCs 8,000 parishes is a separate legal entity, bans will be imposed on a parish-by-parish basis. Following the adoption of the bill, one member of Ukraines parliament, Iryna Herashchenko, posted on Telegram, This is a historic vote. Parliament approved a legislation which bans a branch of the aggressor country in Ukraine. Mykyta Poturaiev, one of the bills sponsors, said that the purpose of the law is to ban the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which is an instrument of Russian influence and propaganda. President Zelensky has repeatedly asserted that Ukraine must secure not only its territorial integrity, but also its spiritual independence. The bill is just the latest in a series of domestic difficulties facing the UOC. By some metrics, the UOC has suffered more from the Russian invasion than any other religious organization. According to independent data, 308 UOC churches have been destroyed in the warover half of the total number of destroyed houses of worship of all faiths. Last year, the United Nations sent human rights investigators to Ukraine. While those investigators reported on human rights concerns perpetrated by Russian forces in Ukraine, they also reported on the Ukrainian governments searches of UOC places of worship, and on its investigations and arrests of clergymen. During the month of April 2023, the report states, the city and regional councils in Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and Volyn banned the activities of the UOC in their respective areas, after the regional councils in Lviv, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia and Ternopil had done the same, even though such bans were beyond their authority. The U.N. report expressed concern that the cumulative impact of Government actions targeting the UOC could be discriminatory. While comparatively few UOC churches switched allegiance to the new OCU between 2019 and 2022, since the Russian invasion began, church transfersoften accompanied by violence, according to some on-the-ground reportshave become increasingly common. UOC members assert that transfer decisions have been made by sham votes involving outsiders claiming to be parishioners. Churches have been raided, with OCU partisans beating their UOC counterparts. In a November 2023 open letter to G7 leaders and other international organizations, a UOC representative, Mother Superior Seraphima, wrote, These seizures are carried out using administrative resources, sometimes with the direct involvement of officials from local executive authorities, the National Police, and territorial defense units, which is an unacceptable practice since these entities have no authority to carry out such actions. Harsh physical force is used against parishioners who are mostly elderly people, women, and children. Recently, The American Conservative published a report on the plight of the UOC, with numerous accounts from clergy and parishioners. Here is one example, from the western Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi: Father Petro, who was the parishs head priest for 14 years, also showed me videos of the event. He said the group who seized the church did not belong to the parish and came with local authorities and police, saying, Force is on our side. A bloody fight ensued, with children and elderly people beaten while police stood by and watched, he said. The entire parish was then forced outside, the church doors were locked, and religious and personal items were taken away, including the priests personal belongings. In addition to the church seizures, numerous high-profile UOC clerics have been arrested. In April, the home of Father Mykolai Danylevych, the UOCs deputy head of external church relations, was raided by Ukraines secret police, and Danylevych was subsequently charged with incitement of religious hatred and justification of Russian aggression. His crime, it seems, is that he had religious objections to the rival OCU, and had, the previous day, met with representatives of the Conference of European Churches and described the plight of the UOC at the hands of the government. Out of more than 12,000 UOC clergymen, only 70 have been accused of treason or espionage, according to the Telegram channel of the SBU (Ukraines security service). Ukraine already has laws on the books against these crimes, raising the question of why a ban of the UOC as a church is necessaryespecially considering the UOCs outspoken opposition to Russian aggression. Supporters of the law insist that its necessary for Ukraines national security. According to Viktor Yelenskyi, the Ukrainian government official who oversees religion, the core problem is not in this handful of collaborators but the whole structure, which transmits Russian ideas and Russian narratives and is a channel of Russian influence Its a threat to the national security of Ukraine to have ties to a body subordinated to Russias militaristic machine. Yelenskyi and the laws supporters argue that the law doesnt violate religious freedomand, even more, that any claim of persecution is proof of Russian collaboration. Defending the law to Christianity Today, Maksym Vasin of the Institute for Religious Freedom in Kyiv asserted, When the UOC bishops refuse to obey the law and claim persecution, it becomes evident that its leadership wants to maintain its dependence on Moscow. Ukrainian legal expert Dmytro Vovk comes to a different conclusion: Addressing real national security threats, such as the involvement of UOC priests and believers in collaboration with the Russian army or the dissemination of Russian propagandaas well as the much larger number of such cases involving people not linked to the UOCis a legitimate concern of the Ukrainian government. However, Law No 3894-IX does not help address those problems and may add to them by prosecuting people exercising their human rights and banning their religious communities. The Law will also not help preserve the religious freedom, tolerance, and pluralism championed by Ukraine since gaining independence in 1991. Perhaps the reason for the governments anti-UOC posture can be found in President Zelenskys favored term, spiritual independence. Ukraine is positioned between Russia and the West. The cultural overlap and common history with Russia are seen by some Ukrainian leaders as incompatible with Ukraines sense of nationhood. Yet Ukraine is a multiethnic, multinational state. Millions of Ukrainians speak Russian as their first language (but hundreds of thousands speak Romanian and other minority languages, and it does not make them any less loyal to Ukraine). It seems that the Ukrainian government is aiming, not so much to suss out traitors, but to cleanse Ukraine of any latent perceived Russianness. And eradicating the UOC, or at least coercing it into turning its back on any incidental religious commonalities with Russia, is viewed as essential not so much to national security, but to national identity. If Ukraine is, as it claims to be, a Western-oriented democracy, seeking membership in the European Union, can it ban an entire church for cultural identity politics? And what of the other religious minorities in the country? Are they to fall under a cloud of suspicion in due time? Ukraine cannot help its geographical and geopolitical position, teetering on the border of East and West. The very name, Ukraine means borderlands in Old Slavonic, but it is no longer The Ukraine, as in a region of the Soviet or Russian empires. It is a sovereign nation which has chosen democracy. Now, Ukraine faces the question: Will it fulfill its own democratic values, even as it defends its sovereignty? More Sunday Reads Its not only Orthodox churches that have suffered due to Russias invasion of Ukraine. For The Christian Chronicle, Erik Tryggestad reports on Americans traveling to Ukraine, including Jeff Abrams, to help churches constantly bombarded there. Ive heard a lot of sirens today, Abrams told the Chronicle from a hotel room in Kharkiv, a city in northeastern Ukraine less than 20 miles from the Russian border, You dont know when to take the sirens seriously. I try to judge what I should do by looking at what Ukrainians are doing. And thats probably not the best idea.Abrams also shared experiences visiting Christians who have had to move multiple times, fleeing fighting. When Abrams visited one woman in Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, she told him her new home was paradise. Its paradise. Another woman, a widow who is in her third home since the war began, told Abrams she is tired of moving even if fighting is nearby. They say, Well, if we go to this town, well just have to leave again later. We might as well make our stand here, you know? And if something happens, it happens. Perhaps the core assumption undergirding much of modernity is the belief in autonomy over all else: that individual freedom is the highest good. In Plough, James R. Wood has an arresting essay illustrating how aversion to commitment is no freedom at all, framed by his relationship with his father. Over time I came to adopt a conception of freedom that had destroyed the lives of many around me, and which would threaten to destroy my own as well: the popular idea of freedom as unconstrained choice. Since this is impossible, the default was a more achievable version: the ability to drop commitments and relationships at any point when they become too complicated. Freedom as the license to leave when things get tough. Live by the mantra of Robert De Niros character in Heat: Dont let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in thirty seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner. If complications come, dont worry. You can always go. I eventually came to see that such freedom left me and some of those I loved unfree to love and to be known in love. Furthermore, this approach to freedom is a form of self-harm that also harms those dependent on you. A Different Kind of Sunday Show Last week Pope Francis again made headlines for a pair of off-the-cuff remarks: one regarding the U.S. presidential election and another of a more theological nature. This week on the Dispatch Faith video podcast, I talked with three other fellow DispatchersVictoria Holmes, Charles Hilu, and Luis Parralesabout their assessments of Francis verbal style, particularly as young Catholics. A Good Word Last week New York City officially made Landing Day a city holiday. Until now celebrated mostly by the citys Jewish community, it commemorates the 1623 arrival of 23 Sephardic Jews at what was then called New Amsterdam, and the Jewish community that would eventually spring up as a result. Writing for Religion News Service, rabbi and author Jeffrey Salkin argues Landing Day should be celebrated as a uniquely American Jewish holiday. Referring to a 17th-century sermon from Rabbi Saul Levi Morteira on mourning, he writes: This is the founding text of New York Jewish history. Two takeaways from this journey into an almost 400-year-old sermon. First, it places the arrival of Jews in New Amsterdam into a larger historical context. The 1640s was a time of great disruption in the Jewish world in Ukraine, the worst acts of violence against Jews until the Holocaust, and in New Amsterdam, the beginnings of what is, arguably, the greatest Jewish community of the Diaspora. Both of those events featured Jew-hatred: the first, of the most violent kind; and the second, of a more genteel variety, but nevertheless hateful. Later, Salking writes, the arrival of Jews in New Amsterdam should remind us that American Jewish history began as the story of refugees, fleeing from hatred and persecution, and being met by an antisemite with his own agenda and his own fantasies about the Jews. Just substitute immigrants into that story, and see what happens. For that reason, Landing Day merits becoming an American Jewish holiday. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Ukraine wants to fire Western long-range weapons into Russia. But the battlefield gain is not clear-cut Next week, an already very public debate over whether Ukraine should be allowed to use long-range Western-supplied missiles on Russian soil will come under an even brighter international spotlight. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet not only US President Joe Biden, who has signaled he is open to discussing the issue, but also likely both US presidential candidates on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Those meetings come as experts say the public wrangling on this topic has raised the stakes of the decision, and potentially shifted the role these missiles - the Franco-British Storm Shadow/Scalps and US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) - might play in this expanding war. It was almost exactly a year ago, also during an in-person meeting with Zelensky in the United States, that Biden made the decision to supply the ATACMS to Ukraine. The news did leak out, but official confirmation only came a month later, Zelensky burying it at the end of a nightly address on October 18. Our agreements with President Biden are being implemented, he said. And they are being implemented very accurately ATACMS have proven themselves. By that point the missiles had, according to US officials, already been used in several strikes on Russian-occupied Luhansk and the southern coastal town of Berdiansk. A few months earlier, a similar story played out with the British Storm Shadows when then-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace only confirmed they had been supplied once they were already in use. In both cases, Ukraine promised not to use them on Russian territory. This September, Zelensky is employing a strategy of more openly challenging his allies, and that, combined with Russias open threats that any lifting of restrictions on their use would mean war with NATO, has turned the issue of firing these missiles into Russia into a political touchstone, an ultimate determinant of the extent of Western support. Zelensky has refused to allow the topic to fall out of the headlines - publicly criticizing his allies hesitation after a Russian strike on a military educational facility in Poltava killed more than 50 people earlier this month. Every day of delay is, unfortunately, the death of people, he said. Last weekend, after a Russian bomb attack on an apartment block in Kharkiv, he even made veiled accusations of cowardice, saying: This terror can be stopped. But to stop it, the fear of making strong, objectively necessary decisions must be overcome. Zelensky has taken a bit of a risk on this, said Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, a think-tank in London. Hes almost playing political chicken. Hes kind of daring people to support him. If it happens though, the political dividend would be significant, says Savill, blunting Russian rhetoric and demonstrating firm international support for Ukraine. As for the battlefield dividend, that, experts say, is less clear cut. Opinion is divided on the extent to which the public debate around the missile permissions has blunted their potential utility - especially when it comes to targeting Russian fighter jets and missiles before they can be used against Ukraines civilian infrastructure. US intelligence believes 90% of Russian aircraft that launch deadly glide bombs (at least 100 per day, according to Zelensky), are more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Ukrainian-controlled territory, so outside of ATACMS range. And that number may be increasing. Russia recently relocated planes from two bases near the border further east, according to one US official. Savill agrees lots of the juiciest targets have likely been moved deeper into Russian territory, meaning the impact on the war may be limited. But that doesnt mean the missiles have no utility. Storm Shadows, designed to penetrate deep into concrete, could be effective against military headquarters, or ammunition stores, many of which are still in range. ATACMS, some of which have cluster warheads, could be used to do significant damage to airfields. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a think-tank in Washington DC, has calculated that 15 Russian airfields are in range of ATACMs (though its not clear how many aircraft are still housed on them). George Barros, the author of that ISW research, agrees a less public debate may have been preferable, but if the very prospect of these permissions being granted has forced Russia to move aircraft further from the border, its a good thing. It could reduce the number of bombing missions Russian planes can make (known in the military as the sortie rate) and buy Ukraine valuable detection and reaction time for incoming attacks. An early version of an Army Tactical Missile System is tested December 14, 2021, at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. - John Hamilton/US Army More importantly, he believes that if Ukraine could strike Russian troops, weaponry and logistics within the 300-kilometer range of the top-end ATACMS, it would for the first time force Russia to calculate the risks of moving large amounts of troops and equipment into Ukraine. Youve only just now started talking about a potential risk to Russias rear area and depriving them of this insane luxury that the Russian command has leveraged. To really bring mass (equipment), to get 10 to one artillery ratios on Ukraine at the frontline, he told CNN. Barros research has pinpointed at least 200 potential targets that would be in range of ATACMs, ranging from military regiments to fuel depots, weapons storage depots, and even the headquarters of Russias Southern Military district in Rostov (all of which would be much harder to move than aircraft). The list is also conservative, Barros acknowledges, and has not accounted for new targets installed after the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. And some of the newest targets of all could, according to Savill, include Iranian FATH-360 ballistic missiles, which the US believes have already been supplied and have a range of just 75 kilometers (47 miles), far less than the Western missiles. Experts also agree the missiles could provide valuable support to Ukraines drone and ground operations. Savill believes ATACMS could do serious damage to Russian air defense radars and systems, adding that if you punch a hole through, actually Ukrainian long-range drones have got better options to penetrate deeper into Russia. Hitting Russian air defense systems in the border areas could also improve Ukraines chances of retaking its own territory, said Barros. You actually do open up some interesting areas where theres parts of occupying Ukraine that are no longer under Russias air defense umbrella, he said. Theres also the option in theory, Savill said, to extend the range of the missiles by launching from Ukrainian positions inside Kursk, though that could put Ukrainian bombers and missile launchers in the crosshairs of Russian air defenses. Ultimately, Ukraine continues to argue that the ability to use Western-supplied long-range missiles inside Russia is part of the complex jigsaw puzzle of ending this war on Kyivs terms and a way to show Russia it cannot outlast Ukraines allies. Zelensky is heading to the US on the one hand buoyed by the Kursk offensive providing fresh evidence of both Ukrainian ingenuity and, he argues, the flimsiness of Russian red lines, but on the other hand motivated by the prospect of a third winter with critical electricity shortages, and still inadequate supplies of equipment and manpower. We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine, but also on Russian territory, he told a large gathering of Ukraines allies at the US Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany earlier this month, so Russia is motivated to seek peace. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Key developments on Sept. 21-22: Ukraine awaits Mirage 2000 jets, in talks about Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, defense minister says Ukraine confirms overnight strikes on Russian arms depots Iran provided no launchers with missile deliveries to Russia, Reuters reports Russia preparing strikes against Ukrainian nuclear facilities ahead of winter, foreign minister says US may send Ukraine medium-range missiles for F-16s, Politico reports Zelensky on success of Kursk incursion: 'Too early to judge' Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said Ukraine has an agreement to receive Dassault Mirage 2000 jets. He didn't provide a timeline. According to the minister, Ukraine is in talks to acquire Swedish-made Saab JAS 39 Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. "Soon we'll have results to announce," Umerov said during an interview aired on national TV on Sept. 22. "We worked last year on pilot training, on building all the necessary infrastructure, and this year we will focus on how to scale it up enough to have an advantage over the enemy in the air," the minister said. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on June 6 that an unspecified number of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets would be transferred to Ukraine, but did not provide a timeline. "Tomorrow we will launch a new cooperation and announce the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine, made by French manufacturer Dassault, and train their Ukrainian pilots in France," he said during a live interview. Read also: Sweden takes step toward supplying Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets Ukraine confirms overnight strikes on Russian arms depots The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed on the afternoon of Sept. 21 that the Ukrainian military and security service struck two Russian arms depots overnight. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed earlier the same day that its forces shot down and intercepted 101 Ukrainian drones overnight, while explosions were reported at ammunition depots in Krasnodar Krai and Tver Oblast. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed a strike on the Tikhoretsk weapons depot in Krasnodar Krai, which it called one of the three largest ammunition depots in Russia and "one of the key storage facilities in the Russian military's logistics system." "According to available information, at the time of the attack, another echelon was on the territory of the arsenal, which delivered at least 2,000 tons of ammunition, including from North Korea," reads the General Staff's report. A Russian Podlet radar system that aided air defense of the arsenal was also destroyed in the attack, according to the Ukrainian military. Veniamin Kondratyev, the regional governor, reported early on Sept. 21. that a drone strike in the Tikhoretsk district of Russia's Krasnodar Krai had caused detonations of "explosive objects" at an unspecified facility. Russian air defense units intercepted two drones over the Tikhoretsk district, Kondratyev said. "The falling debris of one of them caused a fire that spread to explosive objects. A detonation began." Local authorities have evacuated 1,200 residents from the area near the blast, Kondratyev said later the same day. No casualties have been reported. Hours after the attack, Andrii Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine's state-run Center for Countering Disinformation, wrote that a depot was "demilitarized" in Russia's Tikhoretsk district and published videos allegedly showing the aftermath of the strike. North Korea-made KN23 missiles, artillery shells, and ammunition for Smerch rocket launchers were stored in the Tikhoretsk depot, Kovalenko added. Ukraine's General Staff also confirmed a strike on an ammunition depot in Tver Oblast that was earlier reported by Russian Telegram channels. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) hit the 23rd arsenal of the Russian Defense Ministry's Main Artillery Directorate near the village of Oktyabrsky in Tver Oblast, according to the General Staff. The local government in Tver Oblast reported that an unspecified number of drones were shot down in the region but did not disclose any details on the consequences of the attack. The facility is located near a weapons depot in Toropets, one of Russia's largest arsenals, that was attacked by Ukrainian drones on Sept. 18. Read also: Former Wagner base in Russias Krasnodar Krai reportedly on fire Iran provided no launchers with missile deliveries to Russia, Reuters reports Iran did not include mobile launchers along with its delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia, Reuters reported on Sept. 21, citing three sources with knowledge of the matter. Russia and Iran have deepened their military and political cooperation since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Tehran has provided Moscow with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones used in attacks against Ukraine. After months of contradictory reports, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Sept. 10 that Russia had received deliveries of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles from Iran. Iran denied it had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, calling the reports "psychological warfare." There has been no official confirmation that Russia has used the missiles against Ukraine to date. A European diplomat, a European intelligence official, and a U.S. official told Reuters that Iran did "not supply launchers with the Fath-360 missiles, raising questions about when and if the weapons will be operational." The officials spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. The European intelligence official told Reuters they did not expect Iran to provide the launchers. Expert analysis suggests this may be because Russia may modify trucks to carry the missiles. One expert told Reuters that the launchers typically used by Iranian forces may not be robust enough to operate in winter conditions in Ukraine. Another theory is that Iran is withholding the launchers for the time being to allow for "space for new talks with Western powers on easing tensions," Reuters said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other Iranian officials are expected to meet with European officials on the sidelines of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York. Ukraine, the E.U., and the U.S. introduced more sanctions against Iran in the wake of the confirmation of the missile delivery to Russia. The confirmation of the deliveries marked a "further escalation of Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," the U.K., France, and Germany said in a joint statement. The three countries said they have "privately and publicly been clear that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if the transfers took place." Read also: Russia says it will not take part in follow-up peace summit Russia preparing strikes against Ukrainian nuclear facilities ahead of winter, foreign minister says Moscow is preparing to carry out strikes against Ukrainian nuclear facilities ahead of winter, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Sept. 21, citing Kyiv's intelligence data. The possible targets include open distribution devices at nuclear power plants and transmission substations, "which are essential for the safe functioning of the nuclear energy system," according to Sybiha. "Damage to these facilities would create a high risk of a nuclear incident that will have global consequences," Sybiha said in a statement published on social media. Ukraine's special services informed Kyiv's partners and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about the possible threat. "Russia is the only country that seized a nuclear power plant in Europe, blackmailing the world," the minister added. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear power station, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Its position near the front line has led to heightened nuclear safety risks throughout Russia's full-scale war. 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. Read also: Russia launches over 1,000 aerial weapons against Ukraine in a week, Zelensky says US may send Ukraine medium-range missiles for F-16s, Politico reports The United States may send Ukraine medium-range missiles for F-16 fighter jets as part of its latest military aid package, Politico reported on Sept. 20, citing unnamed U.S. officials. The U.S. is expected to announce a $375 million military assistance package for Kyiv next week, Reuters reported earlier on Sept. 20. The package represents the largest tranche of U.S. military aid for Ukraine since May 2024. A medium-range glide bomb known as the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) might be included in the new package, officials told Politico. The missile can cover a distance of over 110 kilometers (70 miles). The contents of the package have not been finalized and are subject to change, the officials said. Reuters earlier reported that the U.S. would likely send patrol boats, ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), artillery shells, and spare parts as part of the latest round of military assistance. The JSOW has a shorter range than U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), long-range missiles that can travel up to 300 kilometers (190 miles). Ukraine has urged Washington to grant permission for Ukrainian troops to use ATACMS to strike military targets located deep inside Russian territory. While JSOW missiles won't accomplish that goal, the 70-mile range would allow F-16 pilots to keep their distance from the front lines and Russian air defense systems. Ukraine received its first U.S.-made fourth-generation jets in late July and has already deployed F-16s to intercept Russian mass aerial attacks. One aircraft crashed during such a mission, marking Ukraine's first F-16 loss. Read also: NATO jets intercept six Russian aircraft flying over Baltic Sea 'Too early to judge' Zelensky on success of Kursk incursion President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 22 that the Kursk incursion had delivered some success, primarily diverting Russian troops from other parts of the front line. But, when pressed to say whether the operation was a success, the president told The New Yorker that it was "too early to judge." "It has slowed down the Russians and forced them to move some of their forces to Kursk on the order of 40,000 troops. Already, our fighters in the east say that they are being battered less frequently," Zelensky said in the interview. "I'm not saying it's a resounding success or will bring about the end of the war or the end of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. What it has done is show our partners what we're capable of," the president added. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The News Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy kicks off a US trip Sunday by visiting a Pennsylvania ammunition factory that supplies critical munitions for the Ukrainian troops. His visit comes as Kyiv continues to pressure the US and other Western allies to authorize the use of their long-range weapons to strike deep within Russia, a move that Russian President Vladamir Putin has warned would put Moscow at war with NATO. Know More At one point in the war, Ukraine was firing as many as 8,000 of the Pennsylvania-made shells per day, Politico reported, enough to briefly raise concern that the US defense stockpiles may not be robust enough to support another potential conflict, prompting a ramp up in production. Zelenskyy will also meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump this week, as both candidates for the presidency ramp up their own campaigning in Pennsylvania, a pivotal battleground state. Harris campaign has sought to target the states Polish American community, hoping to capitalize on their general animosity toward Russia and on Trumps hesitancy to back Ukraine, The Associated Press reported. People visit the 11th Asian Tourism Fair in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The 11th Asian Tourism Fair was held in Dhaka from Thursday to Saturday to boost the tourism industry. More than 100 tourism companies and institutions from eight countries including China, Bangladesh and Maldives participated in the exhibition. China set up "Hello! China" Pavilion to show its rich and colorful tourism resources and profound cultural heritage. The pavilion was designed in the Beijing architectural style, featuring brackets and eaves. Screens and photos in the pavilion displayed tourism books, materials, and handicrafts such as paper cutting, kites, Chinese knots and lanterns. In the interactive area, visitors were encouraged to find the Chinese cities they are interested in visiting on a map. China's policies to facilitate tourism and payment were also introduced. Organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh jointly with the Confucius Institutes and Classrooms and Chinese enterprises in the country, performances featuring both Chinese and Bengali songs and dances were shown at the exhibition on Friday. "I am so curious and I want to have a solo trip, so I come here," Bangladeshi visitor Simi Hossain told Xinhua on the occasion. "Now I know what kind of tourist spots are in China." "Chinese culture spreads all over the world now. I haven't got the chance to travel there but I like it very much," the visitor said. "I think when we go there on a trip, we will learn more about the culture there." BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh targeted National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and the Congress party holding them responsible for the "distress" in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking after a party workers' meeting in Battal Ballian, Udhampur, Chugh said, "We are fighting the elections on Modi Ji's vision of development for J&K." He criticised the three parties accusing them of coming to power through "boycott politics." Chugh alleged that these parties work for Pakistan, calling them "puppets of Pakistan." He exuded confidence that the NC, PDP, and Congress would lose in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, claiming that "people know the facts of these parties." "The people of Jammu and Kashmir are now aware of the truth behind these political entities and their practices," he added. Earlier during a public rally in Jammu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance of attempting to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir by seeking the release of separatists and terrorist sympathisers. "Three families have looted J&K. Terror will be back if NC and Congress come to power. Jammu has to decide their fate. If the BJP comes to power, we won't allow terror to raise its head, asserting that talks with Pakistan will not resume until peace is restored," Shah said. National Conference (NC) Chief Farooq Abdullah hit back, claiming that the BJP wants to weaken national unity and is attempting to bolster its position by misleading the public. "When they point one finger towards us, three fingers are raised towards them. These (BJP) are the biggest looters. They have ruined the country. They have tried to divide the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. They do not want to keep India united, they want to divide India," he said. The National Conference and the Congress party are fighting the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir together. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has also extended its support to the Congress and National Conference alliance in the J-K polls. First phase of voting was completed in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 with a voter turnout of 61.13 percent registered across 24 constituencies in seven districts, as per the Election Commission. The second and third phase will be held on September 25 and October 5 respectively. Vote counting will be conducted on October 8 along with the counting of votes in Haryana. (ANI) Ukraine's Foreign Ministry warns Belarusian President of the consequences of his meeting with "head" of occupied part of Donetsk Oblast Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says that the meeting between self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and the leader of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (the occupied part of Donetsk Oblast), Denis Pushilin, will have negative consequences for Ukrainian-Belarusian relations. Source: statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Details: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemned the meeting between Lukashenko and Pushilin on 19 September, which the ministry views as another example of Belarusian disregard for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Quote from the Foreign Ministry: "This meeting is yet another confirmation that the position of the current Belarusian authorities on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is solely driven by the Kremlin's instructions and has nothing to do with international law or the international obligations of the Republic of Belarus. Ukraine rejects the hypocritical rhetoric of Alexander Lukashenko regarding the principles of cooperation with the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and considers it another evidence of support for the war of aggression against our country. We call on the Belarusian people to realise that against the backdrop of repeated contacts between Belarusian officials and Russian puppet governors from Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, repeated statements by Alexander Lukashenko about his warm feelings towards the fraternal Ukrainian people sound like a mockery, and in practice his actions destroy the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual respect on which relations between the Ukrainian and Belarusian peoples were built. These unfriendly actions of the political leadership of Belarus cannot be left without a proper response and will have negative consequences for Ukrainian-Belarusian relations." Background: On Thursday 19 September, self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met with the leader of the so-called DPR Denis Pushilin and declared his readiness to develop cooperation with the Russian-occupied region. Lukashenko also cynically noted that he was "ready to cooperate with Ukraine on the same basis as with the DPR". Support UP or become our patron! WEST PALM BEACH Superheroes and super-nerds alike roamed the South Florida Expo Center on Saturday for a second day of the annual comic convention, UltraCon. Some came dressed in character-inspired costumes that took months to make. Others, dressed only as civilians, posed for photos with the more eccentrically clad. All gathered to celebrate the characters, shows and games they love, and if they're lucky snag a selfie with one of the convention's celebrity guests. This year's included WWE champion Mick Foley, as well as actors Kathy Coleman and Wesley Eure from the '70s show "Land of the Lost." Kermit the Frog's second voice actor, Steve Whitmire, and Scott Innes, the goateed voice behind Shaggy and Scooby Doo, made appearances, too. About 200 vendors set up shop for those who didn't want to wait in line for a meet-and-greet. They sold every trinket imaginable, eager to explain what made their custom dice, crystal skulls, retro games, first-edition comics and homemade stickers different from the rest. More: Meet the female python hunter taking 2nd place for most snakes caught in Florida challenge "Ours are hand-painted," said 41-year-old Enrique Hernandez, who has sold a collection of 3D-printed goods at the West Palm Beach-area convention for two years. He keeps one 3D-printer on display at his booth and 17 back at home, in a space that used to be called the living room (but has since become the printing room). A vendor near him offered to turn customers into action figures. Another sold taxidermized bats and beetles. Attendees stopped at each booth, some pausing to photograph a favorite character or gawk at a lewd action figure on display. Three siblings pulled one another from vendor to vendor, having left their first round of purchases back in their car. A Hulk and The Thing masks for sale during Ulta Con at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center on Saturday September 21, 2024. DAMON HIGGINS/PALM BEACH POST The eldest of the three, 21-year-old Lucas Alvarez, dressed as Gambit from the "X-Men." He said he enjoys the sense of community he gets at the convention especially when people stop to ask him for photos. They see his costume, he said, and they start talking about the fandom. And as quickly as that, strangers become less strange. It's what drives UltraCon's organizer, Irving Santiago, to host the event year after year. "Having fun, seeing people smile," he said Saturday. "That's all it is." The convention will run through Sunday. Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. General admission is $27 and tickets can be found at ultraconofsouthflorida.com. Hannah Phillips covers criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism and subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Comic convention UltraCon draws thousands to South Florida Fairgrounds U.N. General Asembly holds high-level meeting on adoption of resolution on Ukraine in New York By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations General Assembly adopted a "Pact for the Future" on Sunday, which U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described as a landmark agreement that is a "step-change towards more effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism." The pact, which also includes an annex on working toward a responsible and sustainable digital future, was adopted without a vote at the start of a two-day Summit of the Future. The agreement came after some nine months of negotiations. "We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink," Guterres told the summit. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT Guterres long-pushed for the summit and the pact, which covers themes including peace and security, global governance, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations. It lays out some 56 broad actions that countries pledged to achieve. KEY QUOTES FROM THE PACT FOR THE FUTURE "We recognize that the multilateral system and its institutions, with the United Nations and its Charter at the centre, must be strengthened to keep pace with a changing world. They must be fit for the present and the future effective and capable, prepared for the future, just, democratic, equitable and representative of today's world, inclusive, interconnected and financially stable. "Today, we pledge a new beginning in multilateralism. The actions in this Pact aim to ensure that the United Nations and other key multilateral institutions can deliver a better future for people and planet, enabling us to fulfil our existing commitments while rising to new and emerging challenges and opportunities." CONTEXT Global crises have spotlighted the need for U.N. reform and overhauling international financial systems. These challenges include ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan; lagging climate change mitigation efforts; widespread national debt issues; and concerns over technology advancing without governance. Russia's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Vershinin criticized the negotiations and adopting the pact. Russia failed in its bid to include an amendment - backed by North Korea, Syria, Nicaragua, Belarus and Iran - that would have spelled out that "the United Nations and its system shall not intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres defended the UNRWA's operations in Gaza on Sunday, saying only "a few elements" of the organization were affiliated with Hamas. Israeli ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon claimed last week that the UNRWA, or United Nations Relief and Works Agency, is completely taken over by Hamas. Guterres has admitted that Hamas "infiltrated" the organization, but said during a Sunday appearance on CNN that there is no evidence behind Israel's claims. "The fact is there was an infiltration with a few elements that indeed participated in the 7th of October," Guterres said, condemning the action. "A lot of things have been invented that do not correspond at all to the truth," he continued. "Of course there are tunnels below the premises of UNRWA, as there are tunnels everywhere in Gaza. But there has never been any commitment of UNRWA in general to provide any kind of support to Hamas." Israeli Defense Minister: 'Dozens' Of Unrwa Staff Took Part In Hamas Oct 7 Massacre Meanwhile, Israel has doubled down on its accusations regarding UNRWA. Danon accused Guterres and the U.N. of "burying its head in the sand" on the issue. Danon himself was defending an Israeli airstrike that hit the UNRWA al-Jaouni school in a Gaza refugee camp last week. Read On The Fox News App Dossier Reveals Information Used To Explain Un Agency's Deep Ties To Hamas In Gaza "Those who were killed in the IDF strike were nine terrorists with blood on their hands, and some of them participated in the barbaric massacre on October 7. In case there are still any doubts, there are the names of the Hamas terrorists who were at the school compound disguised as local UNRWA employees,'" he Danon said. The school, which was not operational, was being used as a Hamas command and control center, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Just last month, Fox News Digital reported that UNRWA was forced to fire nine employees because of their likely involvement in Hamass slaughter of nearly 1,200 people on Oct. 7 in southern Israel. Click To Get The Fox News App The U.S. suspended funding to UNRWA because of the role some of its employees played in the Oct. 7 massacre. President Biden had initially restarted aid to the controversy-hit agency upon assuming office after former President Trump's decision to defund the organization in 2018. Fox News' Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report Original article source: UN chief defends UNRWA, says only 'a few elements' participated in Oct. 7 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during the 'Summit of the Future' at UN headquarters in New York on September 22, 2024 (ANGELA WEISS) (ANGELA WEISS/AFP/AFP) The United Nations on Sunday adopted a "Pact for the Future" aimed at addressing sprawling 21st-century challenges ranging from conflict to climate change and human rights, despite last-minute objections from a group of countries led by Russia. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who organized the "Summit of the Future," had billed it as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to reshape human history by rekindling international cooperation. As an opening act for the annual high-level week of the UN General Assembly, which begins Tuesday, dozens of heads of state and government gathered for the signing of the text. In the adopted version, leaders pledged to bolster the multilateral system to "keep pace with a changing world" and to "protect the needs and interests of current and future generations" facing "persistent crisis." "We believe there is a path to a brighter future for all of humanity," the document says. The pact outlines 56 "actions," including commitments to multilateralism, upholding the UN Charter and peacekeeping. It also calls for reforms to international financial institutions and the UN Security Council, along with renewed efforts to combat climate change, promote disarmament, and guide the development of artificial intelligence. The adoption of the text faced a brief delay when Russia's deputy minister of foreign affairs, Sergey Vershinin, introduced an amendment emphasizing the "principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states" and urging the UN to avoid duplicating efforts. Russia's objections were backed by allies Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Nicaragua and Syria, but its amendment was overwhelmingly dismissed in a motion to take no action. - Words to action - During the negotiations phase, Guterres had urged nations to show "vision" and "courage," calling for "maximum ambition" to strengthen international institutions that struggle to respond effectively to today's threats. But while there are some "good ideas," the text "is not the sort of revolutionary document reforming the whole of multilateralism that Antonio Guterres had originally called for," Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group told AFP. That sentiment was widely shared among diplomats, many of whom expressed frustration when discussing the ambition and impact of the text, describing it as "lukewarm," "the lowest common denominator," and "disappointing." "Ideally, you would hope for new ideas, fresh ideas," said one diplomat. The fight against global warming was one of the sticking points in the negotiations, with references to the "transition" away from fossil fuels having disappeared from the draft text weeks ago, before being re-inserted. Despite the criticism, it is still "an opportunity to affirm our collective commitment to multilateralism, even in the difficult current geopolitical context," one Western diplomat said, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust between the Global North and South. Developing countries have been particularly vocal in demanding concrete commitments on the reform of international financial institutions, aiming to secure easier access to preferential financing, especially considering the impacts of climate change. The text does indeed include "important commitments on economic justice and reforming the international financial architecture," Human Rights Watch (HRW) commented, while also praising "the centrality of human rights." However, world leaders "still need to demonstrate that they are willing to act to uphold human rights," said Louis Charbonneau, HRW's UN director. Regardless of its content, the pact and its annexes -- a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations -- are non-binding, raising concerns about implementation, especially as some principles -- such as the protection of civilians in conflict -- are violated daily. "Our next task is to breathe life into them, to turn words into action," Guterres urged on Saturday. abd/ia/des/gw/bfm PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) As world leaders meeting in the United Nations this week discuss the future of efforts to rein in the gangs strangling Haiti, Haitians are expressing hopelessness that an international response can turn the tide of violence. Thus far, a UN-backed force of 400 police from Kenya and about two dozen Jamaican officers have done little to quell the country's gangs, which have terrorized the country since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. World leaders have been discussing the next steps in a convoluted efforts to restore order to the Caribbean nation, and Kenya this weekend pledged 600 more officers. The United States has floated the idea of a U.N. peacekeeping force, but the idea was considered too controversial given the introduction of cholera and sexual abuse cases that occurred the last time U.N. troops were in Haiti. The deployment of Kenyan forces was, in part, to avoid tensions that may be sparked by sending another U.N. peacekeeping mission. But in a visit to Haiti by Kenya's President William Ruto over the weekend on his way to the United Nations General Assembly session, which began on Sunday Ruto said he would be open to expanding Kenya's operations into a larger U.N. peacekeeping mission. On the suggestion to transit this into a fully U.N. Peacekeeping mission, we have absolutely no problem with it, if that is the direction the U.N. security council wants to take, Ruto said. While Ruto hailed the successes of the Kenyan forces on Sunday, a recent report by a UN human rights expert said gang violence is spreading across Haiti and that Haitian police still lack the logistical and technical capacity to fight gangs. The ongoing violence has left Haitians like 39-year-old Mario Canteve disillusioned with further international efforts to quell the gangs, saying he no longer believes promises by world leaders that they'll be able to change anything in the crisis-stricken nation. No one is coming to save Haiti. Nothing is changing," he said. A new mission cannot save Haiti. Canteve sells cellphone chips and repairs electronics in the capital of Port-au-Prince, 80% of which is estimated to be controlled by gangs. Facing brutal gang violence, some Haitians have organized vigilante groups to battle the gangs themselves. Such groups underscore to the lack of hope many Haitians have that an international solution can mark a shift in Haiti. Moise Jean-Pierre, a 50-year-old school teacher, recalled past U.N. missions in Haiti and said such efforts were a waste of time. It would not be the first time we've had U.N. missions in Haiti, he said. What difference will it make? Sentiments on the ground speak to the bind world leaders are in as they've spent years looking for a larger solution to Haiti's woes. The current security mission is expected to reach a total of 2,500 personnel, with the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Chad also pledging to send police and soldiers. Though it still is not clear when that would happen. Few at the U.N. have an appetite for a larger peacekeeping mission in part due to the abuses in past missions, but also because many Haitians have an aversion to foreign interventions. Experts say three previous interventions by US and the UN have not improved crises in Haiti. Some harbor hope that elections planned next year will pave the path to a Haitian-born solution. The country has not held general elections since 2016 as the crisis has dragged on. Last week, Haiti took its first steps in creating a provisional election council to prepare the nation for elections. Haiti still has many hurdles ahead of it to get there. Chief among them is violence. While Canteve, the cellphone chip salesman, called for unity and said a new mission cannot save Haiti, the children of Haiti need to save themselves, he also expressed doubts the country was safe enough to facilitate elections. How can you hold an election when everything is so violent. Everyone is shooting," he said. "When police cannot even go into certain areas, what kind of election are going to get? Find more AP coverage of the United Nations at https://apnews.com/hub/united-nations ___ Associated Press reporter Megan Janetsky contributed to this report from Mexico City. A general view of the UN Future Summit before the start of the 79th General Debate of the UN General Assembly. Michael Kappeler/dpa Despite Russian efforts to derail the agreement, the international community adopted a UN reform plan at the Summit of the Future in New York on Sunday. UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang declared the United Nations Pact for the Future formally adopted - against the will of Moscow and several other states. Russia distanced itself from the agreement, which was supposed to be adopted unanimously, with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin saying that the countries that were not satisfied with the agreement had not been given the opportunity for further negotiations. "If our amendment is not included in the text of the pact, we will also distance ourselves from the consensus on this document," Vershinin said. Immediately after the Russian announcement, the Democratic Republic of the Congo submitted a motion to reject Russia's move, which was accepted by a majority of 143 votes in the UN General Assembly. On Saturday night, UN member states had prepared to counter Moscow's motion on the so-called Pact for the Future. Diplomats had already been concerned about Russia's obstructionism during the work on the Pact for the Future. Ahead of the summit, diplomats had hoped the agreement would be adopted unanimously by all 193 states of the United Nations without a vote. Diplomats had reportedly anticipated Russia would support the painstakingly negotiated compromise, despite its threats. The pact for the future was negotiated under the leadership of Germany and Namibia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had called for ambitious reforms of the United Nations and other international organizations to make the international community more capable of acting in the face of many crises and wars and to make the world a fairer place. This pact includes declarations of intent to reform the UN Security Council and calls for an adjustment of the international financial system in favour of the so-called Global South. It also aims to lay the groundwork for the global regulation of artificial intelligence. Despite some rays of hope, the final text falls short of Guterres' very ambitious expectations, diplomats have pointed out. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), speaks at the UN Future Summit before the start of the 79th General Debate of the UN General Assembly. Michael Kappeler/dpa The leaders of the United States, India, Japan, and Australia called for "a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace" in Ukraine in a joint statement following the Quad Leaders Summit on Sept. 21. The Quad countries the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia form a strategic alliance dedicated to shared economic and security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The Sept. 21 meeting marks the group's fourth annual leaders' summit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and U.S. President Joe Biden convened in Wilmington, Delaware to discuss their ongoing cooperation. Their joint declaration included a call for peace in Ukraine. "(W)e reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement read. "We also note the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security." The declaration also said the use or threat of nuclear weapons was "unacceptable" in the context of the war. The statement did not explicitly condemn the Russian Federation for its full-scale invasion, instead reiterating that "all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state." The Quad declaration comes as world leaders gather in the U.S. ahead of the 79th U.N. General Assembly in New York City. President Volodymyr Zelensky will present his victory plan for Ukraine to Biden on the sidelines of the General Assembly. He will also reportedly meet with Japan's Kishio during his visit to the U.S. India's Modi visited Kyiv on Aug. 23, marking the first time an Indian prime minister has set foot in Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established over 30 years ago. Modi's visit came just weeks after Modi's trip to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. India has maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow since February 2022, with bilateral trade reaching a historic high in 2023. 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. US and several countries warn Russia against intimidation with nuclear weapons The member states of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the United States, Australia, India, and Japan) have expressed their strong disapproval of Russia's possible use or mere threat of use of nuclear weapons. Source: a statement by the leaders of the four states, released on the White House website, as reported by European Pravda Details: The states reaffirmed their support for compliance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations and the peaceful resolution of disputes. "We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. Each of us has visited Ukraine since the war began, and seen this first-hand; we reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement reads. The leaders noted the negative impact of the war in Ukraine on global food and energy security, especially for developing countries and least developed countries. "In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We underscore the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterate that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state," the leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue stressed. Background: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated, citing Ukrainian intelligence data, that Russia is planning to strike Ukraine's critical nuclear energy facilities this winter. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is stepping down at the end of September, is sceptical about Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin's warning amid discussions about allowing Ukraine to launch long-range strikes against Russia. Support UP or become our patron! US is on track to set a new record for homeless people with over 650K living on the streets US is on track to set a new record for homeless people with over 650K living on the streets The US is set to break a new record number of homeless people with more than half a million people living on the street this year. Data collected and reviewed by The Wall Street Journal from more than 250 homeless organizations have counted at least 550,000 homeless people so far, a 10 percent rise from last years reports. The numbers gathered from cities and rural areas show homelessness as it was on a single night earlier this year. The upward trend means that the US will probably reach and pass the 2023 estimate of 653,000 homeless people. Its the highest number since the government began sharing such data in 2007. The final estimate of the number of unhoused people will depend on data not yet reported from areas such as New York City, which had the highest population of any city in 2023. Contributing to the most recent rise are migrants bused by Texas to cities such as Chicago and Denver. Large numbers of migrants have also arrived in New York, increasing the numbers last year. The most recent counts of homelessness in the United States were mostly conducted in January, shortly after there was a record number of unlawful border crossings. In the months that followed, there was a large decrease in crossings at the southern border and no migrants have been sent to Chicago or Denver since June. However, the counts were typically done before that time. Its not just migrants adding to the expected record, since the end of aid during the pandemic, rising house prices and rents have forced people out of homes, homeless advocates say, The Journal noted. Members of the Los Angeles Inside Safe team help an unhoused person make their way from an encampment to a bus to be brought to interim housing, as part of an Inside Safe operation in September. The US is on pace for its highest homeless population count ever. (Getty Images) Other issues spurring the numbers include crises of mental health and fentanyl last year, the US set a new record for chronic homelessness, which includes disabled people who consistently are unhoused. Almost 400 groups conduct the counts and some have declined to share their figures before the 2024 report by the Department of House and Urban Development is released in December. The figures are still preliminary and are a view of a single moment when the counts were conducted. The counts are seen as being undercounts that can be severely affected by how many volunteers agree to take part or harsh weather conditions. HUD has said that some cities are making progress, citing this years decreases in unhoused individuals in Pheonix and Los Angeles. The agency pointed to government efforts, including helping veterans, $175 million for housing, and $40 million for legal aid for residents facing eviction. The department noted that its still reviewing the numbers for this year and that the counts from January might not be the same as today. Boston said its number of unhoused people rose by 11 percent, partly due to rising numbers of migrants. Some cities and areas report their figures separately, but the numbers reported show that the figures went from 4,430 in 2023 to just over 12,000 this year. The state said almost half of the 7,250 families in shelters in Massachusetts were migrants and the state is set to spend over $1 billion on shelters and other measures this fiscal year. Other cities that reported increases in homelessness include Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Miami. Milwaukee saw a 16 percent decrease, according to The Journal. The number of unhoused people in Chicago increased by almost triple, reaching almost 19,000. Over 70 percent of the homeless people in the city were migrants in shelters. However, the number of migrants in shelters had been lowered by September. In January, the number of homeless people in Denver rose by 42 percent to around 14,300, a rise contributed to by migrants arriving by bus. The count took place when the number of migrants in shelters in the city was close to its highest point. In December last year, Texas sent 144 buses to the city. In connection with the ongoing investigation into the criminal case against the multi-crore rupee scam of DB Stock Consultancy involving the main accused, Deepankar Barman, who is currently absconding, the Guwahati Police has arrested his parents and financial planner, officials said. The arrested persons were identified as Chabin Barman (67) (father of Deepankar Barman), Deepali Talukdar (63) (mother of Deepankar Barman) and Mukesh Agarwal (40) (CA and Financial Planner for DB Stock Consultancy). In an official statement, Guwahati City Police said that a case was registered at Paltan Bazar Police Station under sections 316(5)/318(4)/3(5) of BNS r/w Sec 21 of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Scheme Act 2019. "Chabin Barman and Deepali Talukdar, parents of the main absconding accused, Deepankar Barman, were arrested on Saturday following the analysis of the materials collected during the searches conducted on the residence of Deepankar Barman. During the search, several incriminating documents were recovered. The investigation revealed that Chabin Barman and Deepali Talukdar had used funds collected through unregulated deposits to invest in a number of immovable properties and various financial assets, some of them in their own names. Based on this evidence, both were taken into custody," said the police in a statement. "In addition, Mukesh Agarwal, a chartered accountant associated with the DB Stock Consultancy, was also arrested. It was discovered that Mukesh Agarwal was actively involved with Deepankar Barman and played a significant role in the financial operations of Deepankar Barman's DB Stock Consultancy. As the primary financial planner, Mukesh Agarwal managed bookkeeping, audits and other financial aspects of the DB Stock Consultancy. The Guwahati Police is currently tracking the flow of funds obtained through these unregulated deposits. Notices have also been issued to the family members of Deepankar Barman, requiring them to appear before the police on Monday for further questioning. To unearth the full extent of the scam and the nexus involved, assistance is being taken from specialised central agencies to ensure a thorough investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working diligently to uncover the full extent of this case," the statement added. Earlier, Assam police arrested more than 60 people in connection with a multi-crore rupee illegal trading scam from different parts of the state, including prime accused Bishal Phukan, Swapnanil Das, Assamese actress Sumi Borah, and her husband Tarkik Borah (photographer). Assam police have formed SITs to investigate the cases related to illegal trading scams. (ANI) (Bloomberg) -- For months, the US has warned Iran not to send ballistic missiles to Russia and told China not to provide military components for Moscows war in Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg But Iran is now doing just what Washington said not to and China is pushing the line. Indeed, the US and its allies are increasingly worried by the speed and intensity with which the three, along with North Korea, are deepening ties to challenge American dominance despite facing some of the most sweeping sanctions the West has ever imposed, according to officials who asked not to be identified discussing matters that are not public. The defiance fits a pattern of what outside experts and increasingly, US and allied officials see as the growing struggle Washington faces as its seeks to get what it wants around the world. The examples, they say, are legion. Venezuelas authoritarian leader brushed aside a months-long US push for free and fair elections and remains in office after a vote widely seen as rigged. A Washington-led naval coalition has so far failed to lift a Houthi rebel chokehold thats crippled shipping in the Red Sea. Washington and its allies have been pushed out of bases in Africa as China and Russia expand their reach. Beijing has only stepped up its aggression in the South China Sea. Then there are the allies. Washington finds itself unable to cajole Israel into a cease-fire deal with Hamas. US influence is waning, and its waning rapidly, said Martin Kimani, former Kenyan ambassador to the UN and director of NYUs Center on International Cooperation. There are rising powers that want to assert themselves more within the multilateral space from China to others and the Global South increasingly has a voice. Thats the reality President Joe Biden faces as joins more than 140 other world leaders in New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting is likely to underscore how the US often finds itself on the backfoot as other powers gain influence. Some 40 nations that voted to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine last year decided to abstain on a similar motion in July. A majority of them are countries that have been vocal on the Palestinian cause, including Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. For its part, the Biden administration takes credit for assembling an alliance of more than two dozen nations supporting Ukraine in its efforts to turn back Russias invasion. In the Middle East, officials argue their efforts have helped limit the spread of a conflict that risks turning into a regional conflagration. They also blame Hamas, whose Oct. 7 terror attack triggered Israels invasion of Gaza, for blocking the cease-fire. But Washingtons strong support for Israels war against Hamas is draining its diplomatic currency, Kimani said. US pressure for a cease-fire so far has yielded few results despite regular trips to the region by top administration officials. Also gathering in New York this week will be officials from the Brics, which has grown to nine members, including some US allies, as well as Iran and founders Russia and China. More countries are applying to join a group thats explicitly called for creating an alternative center of global influence, including rivals to the US dollars dominance. Countries outside the orbits of the US and its rivals are seeing this new node of power emerging. It probably contributes to them staying in between both poles, contributing to a multipolarity in the world, said Nadia Schadlow, a former top official in the administration of Donald Trump and now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. The US now has to manage that more effectively, which is hard. At the same time, domestic politics in the US and Europe is pulling capitals away from international commitments, as populist leaders pushing for more isolationist policies find growing support. Moscow, meanwhile, is deepening relationships as it shares more sensitive military knowhow with Beijing, Tehran and Pyongyang in return for their war aid. That process has accelerated as the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine drags toward a fourth year. There is a perception in both China and Russia that the United States and the West are in inevitable decline, said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former senior US intelligence official now at the Center for a New American Security. Now they see the momentum moving in their favor and so theyre willing to lean in and take more risk in order to accelerate that decline. GLOBAL INSIGHT: How Chinas Axis Compares With US Allies Former President Trump has sought to exploit the chaos, saying under his leadership Russia would have never invaded Ukraine and Hamas wouldnt have attacked Israel. But experts and analysts say the problem is deeper than that. Officially, the US adversaries deny sharing weapons and technology. But President Vladimir Putin dispatched a top aide to North Korea and Tehran - after talks in Russia with a senior Chinese official - this month and announced plans for a sweeping new strategic pact with Iran. Wave after wave of US sanctions on all those countries havent stopped the trade. China is finding ways to supply Russia 90% of the chips its needs to produce missiles, tanks and aircraft, according to the Hudson Institute. US restrictions also havent deterred Russia, Iran and China from attempting to the meddle in the November presidential election. American officials have accused all three of elaborate efforts to use hacking, disinformation and other means to influence the vote, although the adversaries deny those charges. A senior US official said sanctions, while not 100% effective, have complicated the adversaries efforts to cooperate, adding to the economic cost of defying Washington. And for China, the official said, deeper links between Russia and North Korea are likely to spur closer ties between the US and its allies in the region, something Beijing is unlikely to welcome. Chinas deep integration into the US-dominated global financial system and reliance on international trade may also limit how far its willing to go in defying the US. But even as the US has rekindled ties with allies to support Ukraine, its also growing increasingly hard to get European allies on board with additional sets of measures on the heavily sanctioned countries. Italy, for instance, still hasnt agreed to implement sanctions on Iran Air pushed for by the US in response to it sending Russia ballistic missiles, according to a senior diplomat familiar with the matter. And while Brussels has taken a sharper line on China, heavier sanctions in response to Russia aid could be challenging to agree given European companies deep business ties there. Ultimately, the US and its allies hope their cooperation, rooted in shared democratic values, can still carry weight around the world. Russia and Chinas alignment with North Korea and Iran is of a completely profoundly different quality to the type of relationship that we have, Richard Moore, head of Britains MI6 Secret Intelligence Service, said in early September, speaking of British collaboration with the US and Europe. The thing thats driving it - the cooperation between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea - is not based on shared values, he said. Its on a sort of rather dark and more pragmatic basis. --With assistance from Iain Marlow, Donato Paolo Mancini and Jenny Leonard. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A recent filing at the U.S. Supreme Court should anger every Idahoan, and every Westerner, who loves the land. The state of Utah, which has led the public lands grabbing movement among conservative Western states (with Idaho often towed close behind), asked the U.S. Supreme Court to force the federal government to hand over millions of acres of Bureau of Land Management land under a dubious legal theory, as the Utah News Dispatch reported. A victory for Utahs government would be an incalculable loss for the West the loss of an entire way of life because of the radical reading of the U.S. Constitution it relies upon, a reading that seemingly forbids the federal government from permanently holding almost any kind of land apart from a few, limited cases. And without public land, the West would be nothing like it is today. No limiting principle There are three parts of the Constitution that allow the federal government to hold land, Utah argues. First, theres the Enclave Clause, which creates Washington, D.C., and authorizes military bases and federal buildings. Second, theres the Property Clause, which gives Congress Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States, but that requires that the land eventually be disposed of sold off or transferred Utah argues. It briefly brushes past the Necessary and Proper Clause, which the Supreme Court has held since the 1880s authorizes the federal government to hold any land necessary to execute any of its powers, whether for arsenals, fortifications, light houses, custom houses, courthouses, barracks, or hospitals, or for any other of the many public purposes for which such property is used. Thats pretty expansive, which is probably why Utah edited and took out of context that quotation in its brief. Read Utahs filing, and heres the important thing you wont find: any limiting principle. The state says it only wants control of 18.5 million acres, so-called unappropriated land, a vague term which Utah seems to count as BLM land that hasnt received a national monument, wilderness or other special designation. But why? Utah isnt after Zion or Arches, state officials want to reassure the public. But it is unclear why any national forest, any national monument or even any national park would be allowed under this reading. Why does the Yellowstone National Park Act of 1872 (the law creating Yellowstone) fulfill a constitutional purpose if the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1972 (the law governing BLM lands) does not? Two Californias Without a clear limiting principle, Utahs reading of the Constitution seems to require that the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone be disposed of, as well. It seems possible that even Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who famously enjoys traveling around in his RV when free trips on a billionaires superyacht arent available, might be reluctant to do something that radical. Even if a limiting principle could be clearly articulated, the impact on public lands would be devastating. The Wilderness Society estimates that if the standards used by Utah to land on its 18.5 million acre figure were applied across country, BLM would have to get rid of some 210 million acres of land roughly twice the size of California. In Idaho, it would be around 10 million acres, roughly a fifth of the state, according to Rob Mason, Idaho state director of the Wilderness Society. That includes vast, wild areas like the Pahsimeroi Valley and major sections of the Owyhees. And theres little question what would happen to most of that land. The big sell-off Idaho spent around $50 million fighting wildfires this year, as the Idaho Capital Sun reported. In 2022, the federal government spent over $4 billion fighting wildfires compared to less than $2 billion for all states combined, according to the National Association of State Foresters. And thats just fire suppression. It doesnt include the massive costs of maintaining trails, roads and other access infrastructure, environmental monitoring and a thousand other costs. Idaho simply cant shoulder its portion of that cost if it became solely responsible for federal lands no state could so the only way to make holding a big new chunk of public land financially feasible would be to sell off or develop the rest to provide income. This is what Idaho has done with a lot of the public lands it holds. A significant portion of those, called endowment lands, are managed to provide funding for education. And over time, nearly half of them have been sold off, according to a 2016 report. Ignoring our Constitution Utahs lawsuit also asks the Supreme Court to breeze past language found in the constitutions of most Western states, including Utah and Idaho, specifically renouncing forever any claim on federal lands within their boundaries. So this suit opens the door for a partisan Supreme Court to set aside the federal land system in general, a move so radical that most legal analysts expect it to fail. The courts have made a more conservative turn, but I dont think even this Supreme Court is likely to overcome the quite clear law and Constitutional provisions that would bar Utah from taking over public lands, University of Colorado environmental law professor Mark Squillace told the AP. But we shouldnt count on that. We should apply continuous pressure against this and similar land-grabbing efforts (like the hundreds of thousands of dollars Idaho has spent on dubious efforts to have its federal lands valued). If youre against the land-grabbing movement, make sure your elected officials know it particularly Attorney General Raul Labrador, who can decide whether Idaho files an amicus brief in support of Utahs lawsuit. Bryan Clark is an opinion writer for the Idaho Statesman. LEESPORT, Pa. Sen. JD Vance on Saturday reacted for the first time to the bombshell report about Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor in North Carolina, saying that the allegations against Robinson arent necessarily reality. The allegations are pretty far out there, of course, but I know that allegations arent necessarily reality, Vance, R-Ohio, said of Robinsons reported comments on a porn site. In Vance's interview with NBC Philadelphia, he said it is ultimately up to Mark Robinson and North Carolina whether hes going to be their governor and whether he wants to stay in the race. Robinson years ago allegedly made comments on a porn website in which he called himself a black NAZI, expressed support for slavery and referred to Martin Luther King Jr. by a racial slur, among other remarks, according to a CNN report published Thursday. Some members of his own party have expressed concern over the allegations. The North Carolina Republican Party on Thursday issued a statement reiterating that Robinson has categorically denied the allegations. Robinson has denied the report and said he will stay in the race. When asked whether Vance believes Robinsons denial that the comments were made by him, Vance said that the situation needed to play out. I dont not believe him, I dont believe him I just think that you have to let these things sometimes play out in the court of public opinion, Vance said. Hes going to make whatever arguments he wants to make. Im sure the news media and others are going to investigate these comments further. Vance also said that his ticket does not have plans to campaign with Robinson, who is currently North Carolinas lieutenant governor. The vice presidential nominee is scheduled to be in North Carolina on Monday. NBC News previously reported that there were no plans for Trump to formally withdraw his endorsement of Robinson. The former president previously heaped praise on Robinson, calling him Martin Luther King on steroids. North Carolina is considered a crucial state for Republicans to win in order to secure the White House. Trump won the state narrowly in 2020, but Democrats have been ramping up resources in North Carolina in hopes of flipping it blue. Polling indicates that Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are locked in a tight race. In the gubernatorial contest, Robinson is polling well behind his Democratic opponent, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A Vast, Untapped Source of Lithium Exists in The US A Vast, Untapped Source of Lithium Has Just Been Found in The US Almost two centuries after California's gold rush, the United States is on the brink of a lithium rush. As demand for the material skyrockets, government geologists are rushing to figure out where the precious element is hiding. In September 2023, scientists funded by a mining company reported finding what could be the largest deposit of lithium in an ancient US supervolcano. In April 2024, public researchers on the other side of the country reported another untapped reservoir one that could cover nearly half the nation's lithium demands. It's hiding in wastewater from Pennsylvania's gas fracking industry. Lithium is arguably the most important element in the nation's renewable energy transition the material of choice for electric vehicle batteries. And yet, there is but one large-scale lithium mine in the US, meaning for the moment the country has to import what it needs. Officials at the US Department of Energy are desperate to change that. By 2030, they want all lithium produced domestically. Expanding America's lithium industry, however, is highly controversial, as mining can destroy natural environments, leach toxic chemicals, and intrude on sacred Indigenous land. At the same time, however, lithium-ion batteries are considered a crucial technology in the world's transition to renewable energy, storing electricity generated by the wind and the Sun. Finding a source of lithium that doesn't cause more environmental destruction than necessary is key, but a clean solution is complicated. Pennsylvania sits on a vein of sedimentary rock known as the Marcellus Shale, which is rich in natural gas. The geological foundation was deposited almost 400 million years ago by volcanic activity, and it contains lithium from volcanic ash. Over vast stretches of time, deep groundwater has dissolved the lithium in these rocks, essentially "mining the subsurface", according to Justin Mackey, a researcher at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pennsylvania. Mackey and his colleagues have now found that when wastewater is dredged up from the deep by fracking activities, it contains an astonishing amount of lithium. "We just didn't know how much was in there," said Mackey in May. Because of its location, Pennsylvania is a leading state in controversial fracking activities, which have spurred numerous environmental and health concerns. Fracking works by drilling an L-shape into the earth so that water can be pumped downward. This forces deeper substances, including gas, out into the open. "Wastewater from oil and gas is a burgeoning issue. Right now, it's just minimally treated and reinjected," said Mackey. Such practices could squander precious lithium. As the recent study shows, in properly measuring lithium reserves in fracking wastewater, there could be another way to put the waste to good use. The regional analysis is based on data from oil and gas companies, which report the elements found in their wastewater to government officials. Mackey and his colleagues considered data collected from 2012 to 2023 from the wastewater of 515 wells in Pennsylvania. Their results suggest that the Marcellus Shale "has the capacity to provide significant lithium yields for the foreseeable future" as long as fracking continues, that is. If scientists can extract even a conservative amount of lithium from fracking wastewater in the state, they calculate it could meet more than 30 percent of the current US demand. That sounds really promising, but the potential environmental impact of extracting lithium from fracking wastewater is as yet unexplored, and the wastewater only exists if fracking activity continues. To fulfill our climate goals, global demand for lithium is expected to increase by 400 percent in the coming decades. It remains to be seen how lithium requirements will be met and what new environmental crises those solutions might wreak. The study was published in Scientific Reports. An earlier version of this article was published in May 2024. Related News VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) Two men are still missing after a reported drowning on Saturday night at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Video Credit: Eric Carlson The search for the two men still unaccounted for, 22-year-old Sergio Olcot Ajbal and 22-year-old Sergio Xinico, both of Chesapeake, is considered a recovery effort. Another male who was pulled from the water on Saturday night was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Police did not have an update on his condition as of Monday morning. Rescue crews were first called around 8:30 p.m. Saturday for the report of three males in distress. After the one victim was pulled from the water, crews searched from 15th street to 40th street until late Saturday night. The recovery effort picked up again on Sunday morning with Virginia Beach Police, Marine Police, United States Coast Guard and United States Navy crews working together. Online aircraft trackers showed Coast Guard helicopters from Elizabeth City continuing the search around sunrise. By noon Sunday, VBPD and the Coast Guard announced that the search had been halted due to rough seas and that the two missing individuals are still unaccounted for. We heard the news last night about what happened. We feel for the families, of course, said Ulysses Howard, a Virginia Beach resident. Howard, a Navy veteran, is hopeful the man in critical condition will be OK. All we can do is just keep praying and hope people are careful when [they] come down here. Enjoy it. Its peaceful. Its beautiful. Just be careful. Thats all, Howard said. 10 On Your Side will continue to follow this story as it develops. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Veterans return from final Honor Flight of the year Veterans returned from the final Honor Flight of 2024 Saturday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Honor Flight Dayton flew veterans to Washington D.C. on the fourth and final honor flight of 2024 to see their National Memorials at no cost. TRENDING STORIES: 100 Korea, Vietnam, and Cold War era veterans traveled to visit the WWII Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and US Marines War Memorial. They also visited Arlington National Cemetery where they got to see the Changing of the Guard at the Tombs of the Unknown Soldiers. The veterans returned to Dayton International Airport Saturday night, greeted by the Wright Patterson Air Force Band of Flight, Centerville Community Band, active members of the Armed Forces, local organizations, and their friends and family. News Center 7s Gabrielle Enright was at the airport when they arrived. This is something hes waited for for a very long time and were very very honored to give him the homecoming he deserved, Robyn Fell, whose Uncle was on the Honor Flight, said. Several people had signs thanking the veterans for their service and welcoming them home. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Librarians and educators across the country are grappling with threats to the information they provide to their communities and Kansas City is no exception. In the most recent meeting of the Kansas City Public Librarys FYI Book Club, community members discussed Amanda Jones nonfiction book That Librarian, in which Jones tells her own story of speaking out against attempted censorship at a public library board meeting in her Louisiana hometown and the subsequent right-wing conservative attacks that changed the course of her life. The book club discussion, a regular collaboration between The Star and the library, included about 20 readers and touched on First Amendment rights, censorship, bullying, school library versus public library policy and more. The conversation took place at the Kansas City Public Librarys Central location not long before Banned Books Week (Sept. 22-28), during which Jones will be speaking at a public event at the library. Amanda Jones That Librarian is due out in August. FYI Book Club participants can get copies early. The groups overriding concern was distilled by reader Maria Robertson, who said she seemed sure that those intent on banning books are against education. She quoted the author Jones: Education is about knowledge, facts, truth, and what theyre pushing isnt about these things. Its a belief system based in nostalgia, a longing to turn back the clock to a time when Christianity was more universal, when whites ruled society, when women were subservient to men, and when gay people stayed closeted. This months FYI Book Club gathering was different from past meetings in that several participants were librarians or educators including Kansas City Public Library staff members, deputy director of youth and family engagement Crystal Faris and director of programming and marketing Steven Woolfolk. Woolfolk made news in 2016 for standing up to a possible First Amendment violation. He attempted to stop the arrest of an audience member during the Q&A portion of a library event. The speaker was a Middle East expert and diplomat, and a patron asked him a series of challenging questions. When private guards and off-duty police officers at the event moved to arrest and remove the patron, Woolfolk interfered, which led to his own arrest. He was later found not guilty by a Kansas City municipal court. Woolfolk wondered if the ordeal was a true First Amendment issue or if it was more about someone in a position of authority censoring a member of the public; the distinction is murky and is also one that Jones grapples with in That Librarian (Bloomsbury, $29.99). Woolfolk said that the questions he returns to, and the ones he posed to the FYI book club group, were: Does it matter if its a violation of the First Amendment or if its just a matter of routine censorship? Are we committed to the text of the First Amendment simply because that is the rule of law we live by, or is our commitment to something bigger than that and to the free exchange of ideas? For him, its the latter. He said we have to be willing to be confronted with new information and willing to change when that new information contradicts established thought. None of that happens in a world where we actively seek to prevent voices from being heard, Woolfolk said. While the removed voice at the 2016 library event was literally a voice, in most cases, challenged voices at libraries are in written form and they come from specific communities. The American Library Association found that 4,240 unique book titles were challenged in 2023 the highest level ever documented by the organization. Missouri was one of 17 states where there were attempts to censor more than 100 books. In That Librarian Jones notes that of the titles challenged, the vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community or by and about Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color. Jones called the effect of those attempts on our education system chilling, but said fear wouldnt stop her from serving students who deserve to see themselves and their families represented in the books on the shelves of our school and public libraries. Kimberley Kreicker witnessed fear determining content when she was a teacher in the Parkhill School District. She said that district administrators checked the school library for offensive images. She recalled one book that they removed for a drawing of a characters bare breast. The teachers always have classroom libraries that they pay for themselves, and everybody just shut down their own classroom libraries, Kreicker said. Teachers did it for self- protection. A major theme in That Librarian is refusing to be cowed even when many are. Jones wrote that shortly after the online bullying and harassment began against her, she had a large number of intellectual freedom supporters. However, as the harassment and threats intensified, fewer and fewer people defended the position shed taken. Nobody wanted to speak out if it meant becoming the next target. If they could take the first steps to completely ruin my reputation with just a few online posts, Jones wrote, they could ruin anybodys. People told me outright they were scared to speak up and support me publicly for fear of retribution. Faris, the librarys deputy director of youth and family engagement, told the group shes been called names for speaking out against censorship, but she wont let that get in the way of doing her job either. I respond a little bit more than some people in Missouri only because I have a more secure place, shall I say, than some of my colleagues in the state. And so I can help them out a little bit, Faris explained. My professional responsibility is to the children and teenagers and to secure their rights to have access. She echoed Robertsons concerns saying that censorship in education is about far-right legislators and radical groups wanting children to believe what theyre told to believe rather than grow up to be their own people. And whats really baffling, reader Margaret Turner said, is that so many challenged stories seem in no way offensive. Shes thinking of a story that the head of San Franciscos library system, Michael Lambert, read after the 49ers lost the most recent Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs. As part of the two library systems Super Bowl challenge, the losing city recorded a banned book storytime. Lambert chose to read Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beatty. Turner says, It was just a lovely story about a little girl wanting to build a pocket park in her city for her grandfather. I kept going down a rabbit hole trying to figure out what was wrong with the book. She eventually discovered that a supporting character has pinned to his hat a tiny pink triangle a symbol of the LGBTQ community. The room was quiet for a moment until reader Kate Butler asked the librarians in the room if people who grew up loving books and going to the library have a different point of view from someone who has been told books are bad? The author, who zoomed in for about half of the discussion, answered. Ive never met anyone that is pro-censorship that grew up a reader. The people in my town, the people that harass me, they dont have library cards, Jones said. Weve got some extremists installed on our library board, and they dont even have library cards. After another silence, Robertson responded: I think its disingenuous of them to say censorship attempts are about protecting children. They want to protect a way of life, right? They want to dumb down America. Meet the author Amanda Jones will speak at 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Kansas City Public Library, 14 W. 10th St., during Banned Books Week. The public reception begins at 5:30 p.m. RSVP at kclibrary.org/events. Join the club The Kansas City Star and the Kansas City Public Library present a book-of-the-moment selection every few months and invite the community to read along. To participate in the next discussion led by Kaite Stover, the librarys director of readers services, email kaitestover@kclibrary.org. ADEL, Iowa The Vintage & Made Fair celebrated 10 years Saturday at the Dallas County Fairgrounds. Tricia Hall, creator of the Vintage & Made Fair, felt there was a need to bring vintage and handmade items together in Des Moines. The goal is to boost and empower the creative community by giving them a way to cultivate new knowledge and learn about vintage crafting. Over 190 businesses from all over the Midwest came together to share their love for vintage and handmade items. The fair brings unique items of almost every medium and style together in a grand display all can appreciate and enjoy. People were able to find vintage clothes and freshly assembled pieces alike. It was a great time to secure seasonal plants and florals for your yard. The event also provides a place for restorers, photographers, and other entrepreneurs to advertise their businesses. It was truly wonderful way to spend a Saturday, with a mix of indoor and outdoor vendors and stations. Guests were able to enjoy food and drink vendors who had unique and creative treats of their own to share. The fairgrounds came alive with live music provided by several local musicians. Goers were also able to find special editions items created just for the event. BEV the Barbarian and Backpocket Brewing Co. teamed up to debut an Orange Cream Ale. Make and Take Workshops gave people an opportunity to do some make of their own. Handful of Made LLC gave an embroidery workshop earlier in the day and Wildflower Clay Designs provided a jewelry workshop in the afternoon. The festival ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. attracting a massive crowd of shoppers and crafters. The event was $10 to enter, children under 12 were free. To learn more about this years fair and maybe plan next years visit, visit their website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) Officials say Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be visiting an ammunition factory in Scranton. The Associated Press reports that Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on Sunday. The AP cites multiple sources that Zelenskyy will visit the plant to see where the artillery shells are made which his country uses in its war with Russia. Man attempts to defraud bank of over $194,000 According to AP, the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant is one of the few facilities in the country to manufacture 155mm artillery shells. A local Ukrainian volunteer feels the presidents visit is an urgent reminder and the shells are a vital tool for battle. Its urgently needed, says a Ukraine volunteer from Swoyersville. So urgently needed, the Associated Press reports Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will check out the vital Scranton resource for himself. He is expected to thank workers for their efforts in the production of artillery shells Ukraine has used in the more than two-and-a-half-year war. Thats just a great effort to show that they do need us. Were not fighting a nuclear war, its a ground war, and in ground wars your artillery is your main backup, said Daniel Griffin, a Ukraine Volunteer from Swoyersville. Griffin saw the war-torn country for himself in 2022. The Ukrainian relief effort volunteer from Swoyersville spent three months in Ukraine helping those trapped in the devastation. According to the A.P., the U.S. has been the largest donor to Ukraine and the Scranton plant plays a large role in that. And that facility is an expert at it so thats why the quality and machinery they use is of paramount importance to Ukraine, continued Griffin. The ammunition plant has operated under various names since opening in 1953. That plant has been there a long time and theyre making a lot of shells. I guess hopefully they do the job and this war gets over soon because its sad, stated Kevin Colarusso the owner of Colarussos Cafe. Ukraine, at one point in the war, was firing between 6,000 and 8,000 shells per day. The Scranton plant recently received an order to increase production by 50 percent and add three new production lines to churn out even more shells. Griffin says Zelenskyys visit underscores the importance of U.S. support. Its a reminder that they need us and its better to send this aid over by plane than our troops on the ground. And I cant emphasize enough how important that is, added Griffin. 28/22 News will provide coverage of President Zelenskyys visit to Scranton 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 PAhomepage.com. Speaking to ANI, Nayab Singh Saini said, "PM Modi will address the BJP workers of Haryana on September 26 via the Namo App. I urge all workers and the public to join in large numbers and listen to PM Modi's thoughts. The BJP's double-engine government will continue working for Haryana's development." On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi announced the 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot' programme, during which he will engage with BJP workers, volunteers, and supporters from Haryana. Modi will interact with party workers on September 26 at around 12:30 PM via the Namo App, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, PM Modi shared a link and invited questions and suggestions from supporters ahead of the 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot' interactive session. "Our workers, volunteers, and supporters have pledged to make the lotus bloom at every booth in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections," PM Modi wrote on X. "We will have the privilege of interacting with them during the 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot' programme on September 26 at around 12:30 PM through the Namo App. Do send your questions and suggestions." On Friday, September 20, Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal stated that the Election Commission of India, along with the Chief Electoral Officer's office, has introduced special measures to increase voter turnout in the 15th Haryana Legislative Assembly General Election on October 5, compared to the last election. Voters are being encouraged to participate through various SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) activities, including slogan writing, painting, street plays, and poster making. Voting for the 90-member Haryana Legislative Assembly will take place on October 5, with counting scheduled for October 8, along with that of Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) How volunteers are restoring the burn scar of the largest wildfire in Colorado history Elle Bergly was working in Denver when she found out she had to evacuate during the Cameron Peak Fire. She had been monitoring NOCO Alerts to see where the fire was, and when the time came, Bergly went back to her home to pick up her animals and load up her most important belongings to live in a hotel room for a month. Bergly, who works as the rivers and forests project manager at Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, is now leading a restoration project in the burn scar. A lot of the Cameron Peak burn scar still looks like a moonscape four years later because it burned so hot that it took out the whole seed bank, Bergly said on a recent Sunday morning while standing on a property that had been affected by the fire. Wildfires and climate change An area impacted by a fire nearby the property where volunteers planted Ponderosa pines on Sept. 15, 2024. On the drive to the property, which is near the CSU Mountain Campus, trees stand like burnt match sticks with no branches left in the barren mountain slopes. In 2020, the Cameron Peak Fire took down just over 200,000 acres, becoming the largest in Colorado history. That same year, the East Troublesome and Pine Gulch fires burned another 330,000 acres combined, becoming the second and third largest fires, according to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. And seasons like this could become more common. In a recent study, Colorado State University researchers in the statistics department analyzed fire weather, which includes temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and precipitation, at Grand Lake. They found the probability to have a fire season like the one seen in 2020 is four to 10 times higher now than what it was under the climate of the past, the Coloradoan previously reported. The CSU climate change report shows theres high confidence that the temperature in Colorado has been increasing, a trend that is strongly linked to the overall human influence on climate and recent global warming. Read more: Colorado's 20 largest wildfires happened this century. Here's how things are changing. And according to projections, this warming will continue. By 2050, an average year will likely be as warm as the very warmest years on record through 2022." A warming climate combined with more people moving to fire-prone areas can lead to hefty costs. According to the state, Without mitigation efforts and actions to slow the rate of climate change, the damage from wildfires to buildings and the cost of fire suppression alone is anticipated to cost the state $440 million annually by 2050. Elle Bergly (center), the rivers and forests project manager at Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, explains the tree planting project to volunteers on Sept. 15, 2024. Planting day On Sept. 15, about two dozen volunteers gathered around Bergly as they went over how they'd plant saplings that day. After crossing a small stream, they spread out in different groups to cover the steep slope. Many of the burnt trees were still standing, while some glossy black trunks had fallen over. Yet, there were signs of life. Lodgepole pines, whose cones open with extreme heat to release seeds, were emerging. Aspen trees were also growing back, producing a distinctive sound as the blowing wind fluttered their leaves. But the volunteers focused their efforts that day on Ponderosa pine saplings, which were grown from seeds collected by volunteers in 2022 at Lory State Park in partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado Park and Wildlife. Read more: Scientists 'grew a forest' in Fort Collins to study how climate change impacts aspen Adding Ponderosa into the mix not only increases diversity but also the resiliency of the ecosystem: Ponderosa has thick fire resistant bark that can handle prescribed burns (an important aspect to reducing fire fuels) better. If a fire gets really big and hot, it can damage so much our water, our streams, our soil and people's homes, buildings and then animal habitat, Bergly said. So I think getting that habitat established again is super important. Bergly had been in conversations with the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed, the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition, The Nature Conservancy and other partners talking about how temperatures are increasing with climate change. Different species, from plants and animals, respond to these changes by shifting their range toward cooler areas, meaning they move toward the poles or higher altitudes. It just so happens that the property where volunteers were planting Ponderosa pines is on the higher end of the elevation than what those trees are normally used to. Jake Clark, from Fort Collins, plants Ponderosa pine saplings on a property that was impacted by the Cameron Peak Fire. This is going to be a perfect research project for Colorado State Forest Service and (Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed) to be able to come back and monitor these trees, Bergly said. By having a proactive approach and planning ahead of the warming temperatures, they might be giving the trees a better survival rate. Bergly also emphasized the importance of looking at ecosystems as a whole during their restoration projects. For example, they are combining our programming of forests and rivers by using the material gathered from fire mitigation projects and putting them in the stream to make beaver analog dams. These human-made beaver dams increase the surface area of the water to make a bigger fire break while providing some habitat to wildlife. 'A beautiful experience' After an injury prevented him from climbing during a summer, Eric Jones decided to try a Wildlands Restoration Volunteers beaver dam restoration project up in the Cameron Peak burn area. Eric Jones shows a beaver tattoo during a volunteering reforestation project on Sept. 15, 2024. For probably a decade now, I've just had a general sense of environmental anxiety surrounding climate change and our effect on the natural world, Jones said. And (I) have never really felt a good way to act on it and to feel like that was making a difference. After that beaver dam project, Jones, whos a physicist at a startup where theyre trying to figure out how to use quantum computers to solve renewable energy science challenges, said he instantly fell in love with the people, the landscape, being able to see what your own hands had done at the end of the day it was kind of a beautiful experience. Through these volunteering projects, he met Juliet Jimenez, whod also gotten more involved in environmental causes when she moved to Colorado. Eric Jones (left) and Juliet Jimenez (right) volunteer, on Sept. 15, 2024, to plant trees on a property impacted by the Cameron Peak Fire. I wanted to build more community, but also make an impact on restoration efforts because it felt like things were not going great in that regard, especially after seeing the fires in California where everything was orange, and then the fires here, Jimenez said. I wanted to do something to help out. While both worked together to find suitable places to plant the Ponderosa saplings, an activity similar to their first dates in the outdoors, they said it's surprisingly fun (and better than a dating app). Reestablishing that sense of community and connection to place and the natural world, I think, is very healing both for humans and the environment. Jones said. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Cameron Peak Fire burn scar reforestation: how and why people volunteer GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Advocates gathered at Riverside Park Sunday to raise awareness about Michigans no-fault auto law and the impact it has on car crash survivors. The Walk and Roll A Thon was hosted by Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN), an organization that advocates for survivors and medical providers. The walk began at 10 a.m. Organizers said the legislation, which passed in 2019, has caused an ongoing care crisis for survivors, making some of them lose access to care. They said the law removed unlimited access to personal injury protection which means there is a cap to your coverage. If you go over the cap, you pay the rest out of pocket. Wesley Bush attended the walk and regularly advocates for lawmakers to change this law. His daughter was in a car crash 30 years ago that caused her to need life-long care. He said if the current law were in effect then they would have not been able to afford to help her. Those benefits were taken away and people who have been involved in accidents since 2019 do not have, even though theyre buying insurance that says unlimited, theyre not getting unlimited coverage, Bush said. Its very very limited. CPAN has been advocating for bills in the state legislature. The bills have passed through the Senate but are currently stalled in the House. Kimberley Pazkowski, the program director at Neural Restorative of Grand Rapids, said the goal of the walk was to make sure people were aware of the law and push for change. Pay attention to whats going on in your insurances and also make sure that your PIP limits are maximized, Pazkowski said. CPAN has been influential in making sure that persons who have been involved in an accident are being heard at the level of Lansing and above and that were doing what we can to help make and foster change for them. The walk in Grand Rapids was the last stop on CPANs walks across the state. There was an event in Kalamazoo on Friday. All proceeds from the walk go to the organization. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. - Washington County deputies arrested a man after a cross-county stolen pickup truck pursuit late Thursday night. The sheriff's office said the truck was reported stolen in the town of Wayne around 11 p.m. that night. The truck's owner used GPS tracking to direct deputies to an area several miles away on State Highway 28, where the suspect allegedly tried to steal another vehicle. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Authorities coordinated efforts to track the suspect through West Bend and into Slinger as the chase unfolded. It stretched more than 40 miles through Washington and Dodge counties. Washington County deputies ultimately used tire deflation devices to end the chase at Interstate 41 and County Highway D. The suspect, identified as a 34-year-old man from Waupaca County, was taken into custody without further incident. The sheriff's office said the man is suspected of stealing multiple vehicles in the Fox Valley area before the pursuit. The West Bend Police Department, Slinger Police Department and Wisconsin State Patrol assisted with the pursuit. Statement from Sheriff Martin Schulteis: "Chasing a suspect in a stolen vehicle is incredibly risky, not only for law enforcement but for the public as well. It is the policy of this office to ensure that emergency operation of police vehicles is done in a manner that provides a reasonable amount of safety to all. It is also an incredibly careful balance for law enforcement. We owe the public we serve to be as cautious as possible, while also keeping in mind that the community justifiably expects that criminal behavior is held accountable. This individual will now face the legal consequences of this policy." Watch: Defence lawyer in France rape trial dances to Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go A lawyer defending two of the 50 men accused of raping French woman Gisele Pelicot while she was drugged unconscious by her husband has sparked public outrage after posting a video of herself dancing to the Wham song Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. Published to her nearly 52,000 Instagram followers, the video shows Nadia El Bouroumi, 45, dancing to the 1980s pop song in the front seat of her car, pointing to her biceps, and giving two thumbs up under a caption that reads: To all extremists in thought who are trying to muzzle me, this is for you. Since the start of the trial earlier this month, Ms El Bouroumi has become one of the most outspoken and visible members of the defence team. She regularly posts updates on Instagram that have sparked public fury for what has been described as her glib, unprofessional treatment of a mass rape trial that has rocked France, in the manner of a wannabe influencer. Im out of the Pelicot trial, whew, she shouts to the camera in one Instagram video. During the trial, she raised her voice in anger against Mrs Pelicot in the courtroom and implied that the victim may have played sex games, drawing controversy among followers of the case. Fifty men are accused of raping Gisele Pelicot - Antony Paone/Reuters Her dancing video has been interpreted as a mockery and affront to Mrs Pelicot, 72, whose husband, Dominique, 71, is accused of drugging her over the span of nearly 10 years and and enlisted 50 men to rape her while she was unconscious. The couples daughter Caroline Peyronnet, who used the penname Caroline Darian, had also founded an association called Dont Fall Asleep: Stop Chemical Submission to raise awareness of the use of date rape drugs in France. Accompanying the dance post, Ms El Bouroumi wrote: Never will you shut me up because you feel my opinion or position doesnt suit you! But the videos intent backfired, attracting an avalanche of hate mail and threats, prompting her to issue a follow-up post and to announce that she has filed a complaint of harassment. I want to clarify that the recently shared and commented on video has been hijacked. Im deeply sorry if my words were misunderstood. At no point have I tried to make fun of Gisele Pellicot, who I consider to be a fragile person and victim in this case, the post reads. A mural in support of Gisele Pelicot in Gentilly, south of Paris - Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/AFP In the post, the lawyer continues to frame herself as a victim and complain that she and her family are constantly harassed. She said that the incessant public and media pressure is preventing her from defending her clients in an impartial manner. Fellow lawyers have spoken out against their colleague. To go on social networks and sing a verse from this song seems to me to be unworthy and not in keeping with the demands we make as lawyers, Alain Lothe, a criminal lawyer in Marseille, told the local French newspaper La Provence. Nadia El Bouroumi has filed a complaint of harassment in response to the backlash to her video - Instagram According to a 2012 profile published by the local paper Dauphine Libere, Ms El Bouroumi is the ninth of 10 children, and was forced into marriage at the age of 16 to an abusive man. She escaped with her daughter to Avignon, where she went to law school and worked as a hairdresser on weekends. She received her diploma in two years and has been practising since 2008. 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. Israeli forces raided Al Jazeeras Ramallah TV bureau in the West Bank on Sunday morning, with the broadcaster capturing the moment live. The Qatar-based channel aired live footage of the Israeli troops storming the channels office, handing over a military closure order to one of the Al Jazeera TV staff, before the broadcast was disrupted. The military order demanded the broadcaster close for 45 days, a move decried by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate as arbitrary. There is a court ruling for closing down Al Jazeera for 45 days, an Israeli soldier told Al Jazeeras local bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, in the live footage. I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment. # #_ # pic.twitter.com/EyAx3GTrt2 (@AJArabic) September 22, 2024 Video showed what appeared to be Israel troops tearing down a banner on a balcony used by the Al Jazeera office. Al Jazeera said it bore an image of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist shot dead by Israeli forces in May 2022. Mr Al-Omari later said that Israeli troops began confiscating documents and equipment in the bureau, as tear gas and gunshots could be seen and heard in the area. A military vehicle moves down a street outside the building where the Al Jazeera office is located - Reuters It follows an extraordinary order issued in May that saw Israeli police raid Al Jazeeras broadcast position in East Jerusalem, seizing equipment there, preventing its broadcasts in Israel and blocking its websites. The move marked the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country. There was no immediate acknowledgement of the shutdown on Sunday by Israeli forces. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. In a statement, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said: This arbitrary military decision is considered a new violation against journalistic and media works, which has been exposing the occupations crimes against the Palestinian people. Hezbollah fires missiles at military base Meanwhile, Hezbollah fired a barrage of missiles at a military base deep inside Israel early on Sunday, following an Israeli airstrike that killed at least 37 people, including one of the militant groups senior leaders, as well as women and children. Hezbollah said it had launched dozens of Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 missiles - a new type of weapon the group had not used before - at the Ramat David airbase, southeast of Haifa, in response to the repeated Israeli attacks that targeted various Lebanese regions and led to the fall of many civilian martyrs. Over 100 rockets were fired into Israel from Lebanon overnight, with some landing near the northern city of Haifa. Israeli first responders said the strikes wounded at least three people near Haifa, damaged buildings and set cars on fire. 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. President Biden will host a joint meeting and dinner with the leaders of Australia, Japan and India Saturday evening, after inviting the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) members to his Delaware home. Biden will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The four nations make up the Quad alliance, which has been a major focus for Biden in his efforts to combat Chinas influence. The president is also expected to make an announcement related to the Biden administrations Cancer Moonshot initiative, aimed at reducing cancer deaths. The presidents son, Beau Biden, died in 2015 from brain cancer. The event, hosted at his former high school, is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Watch the live video above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Two people were killed and one was wounded Sunday morning in back-to-back shootings Sacramento police said were connected to sideshows. The latest deaths were the fourth and fifth shooting fatalities in the capital city in 26 hours. The first of Sundays incidents unfolded when police responded about 2 a.m. to the 2400 block of Seamist Drive at Sandcastle Way in South Natomas for reports of a shooting. Sacramento Police Department spokeswoman Officer Allison Smith said police found a man with at least one gunshot wound. Smith said despite life-saving efforts, the man was pronounced dead by firefighters. Less than an hour later, officers were called to the area of Kelton Way and Main Avenue in the Northpointe section of North Sacramento for another shooting report. Smith said two male victims were later found by officers at hospitals after they were transported privately. One of the men was later pronounced dead, Smith said; the other victim was listed in stable condition. There were no suspect descriptions in either shooting but Smith said while the incidents were not connected, they were related to various sideshow activities from the evening/early morning. The incidents capped a deadly weekend in the city of Sacramento that began with two men being shot along the J Street corridor at 24th Street about 1 a.m. Saturday. One of the men died from his injuries and the other remains hospitalized, according to police. Several hours passed before a woman was shot and killed about 5 p.m. in the College/Glen neighborhood in eastern Sacramento while a 12-year-old boy was gunned down in a south Sacramento residential neighborhood near 22nd Street near Meadowview Road. The identities of each of the five shooting victims was expected to be released by the Sacramento County Coroners Office in the coming days. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance addressed a few hundred people at a rally in Raleigh on Sept. 18, 2024. Lt. Governor Mark Robinson did not attend the Raleigh event.(Christine Zhu/NC Newsline) Trump makes no mention of Robinson during Wilmington rally Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Donald Trump, and lt. gubernatorial candidate Hal Weatherman By Rob Schofield Former President Donald Trump made no mention of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson during his appearance at a rally in Wilmington on Saturday, but the controversy surrounding CNNs Thursday bombshell report on Robinson continued to dominate political discussions across the state. [Read more] Bonus reads in the governors race: New billboards remind North Carolinians of Donald Trumps past praise for Mark Robinson DNC billboard By Lynn Bonner Less than 24 hours after CNNs searing report on Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, North Carolina residents are being reminded of his connections to former President Donald Trump through digital billboard displays in Charlotte, Greensboro, and locations near Raleigh. The Democratic National Committee had the messages up Friday in time for Trumps campaign event in Wilmington on Saturday. [Read more] Cooper vetoes bill to fund private school vouchers, require sheriffs to cooperate with ICE Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at a podium By Christine Zhu North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a bill Friday that would dramatically expand funding for the states controversial private school voucher program. The Republican-dominated state legislature approved the measure last week. House Bill 10, which GOP legislative leaders spent months negotiating, allocates $5 billion over the next decade to the voucher program. The plan would eliminate a waitlist of around 54,000 students seeking vouchers to attend private schools.[Read more] NC judge okays UNC-Chapel Hills digital IDs as voter identification a sign read "please shoe ID" next stickers that read "I voted" By Lynn Bonner State law does not prevent UNC-Chapel Hill students from using their university-issued mobile identification cards as voter ID, a Wake County judge ruled Thursday. State and national Republicans sued the state Board of Elections over its party-line approval of UNC-Chapel Hills mobileOne cards as acceptable identification for use at the polls. [Read more] Gov. Tim Walz tells NC crowd to ditch Trump, fight for democracy Gov. Tim Walz, By Clayton Henkel Six days after Kamala Harris drew large, enthusiastic crowds in Charlotte and Greensboro, Governor Tim Walz brought the campaign to Asheville in hopes of keeping the momentum high in the final 49 days of the 2024 presidential campaign. The Democratic nominee for vice president told the audience while many people were impressed by Harris debate performance over Donald Trump, they should not be surprised that a woman who was an attorney general of the largest state in the country, a United States senator, and vice president of the United States was prepared for this moment in history. [Read more...] Residents forced to move from Raleigh homeless encampment see few options By 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. [Read more] Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said the escalating tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Hezbollah are quite serious. I see the state of play as quite serious, she said Sunday on NewsNations The Hill Sunday. Shermans appearance follows the uptick in violence between groups in the Middle East. Last week, Israel was responsible for an attack on handheld pagers of Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria. The group has responded with airstrikes. There are concerns that Israels activity in Gaza as they fight the militant group Hamas and the attacks against Hezbollah will escalate into a larger regional war. Sherman said Sunday she believes Vice President Harris is more fit to handle a cease-fire agreement and two-state solution to rebuild the Middle East than former President Trump. We need a leader who is prepared and strategic, who understands that we are in very difficult times in the world, she said. And we need someone who is going to be steady and clear. The American public does not want to send our sons and daughters to war. Hezbollah is not going to stop attacking Israel until there is a cease-fire agreement, Sherman said. Im really, really confident that a President Harris will continue to support Israels right to defend itself, push for a two-state solution and try to enlarge the Abraham Accords and create peace overall in the region, but it is a tough road ahead, she said. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declined to take sides in a debate between Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) over almost a dozen University of Michigan students charged for pro-Palestinian protests. I'm not going to get in the middle of this argument that they're having, Whitmer said on Sunday in an interview with Jake Tapper on CNNs State of the Union. I can just say this. We do want to make sure that students are safe on our campuses and we recognize that every person has the right to make their statement about how they feel about an issue, a right to speak out, Whitmer added. And I'm going to use every every lever of mine to ensure that both are true. Nessel, Michigans first Jewish Attorney General, recently charged 11 University of Michigan students for pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Most were charged for refusing to vacate the encampments on campus in May, according to the Detroit Metro Times. Nessel defended the states decision to charge these students saying, Conviction in your ideals is not an excuse for violations of the law and what is a crime anywhere else in the city remains a crime on university property. Tlaib the only Palestinian American in Congress and a strong critic of Israel criticized Nessel for this decision in an interview with the Detroit Metro Times. She said: It seems that the attorney general decided if the issue was Palestine, she was going to treat it differently, and that alone speaks volumes about possible biases within the agency she runs. Weve had the right to dissent, the right to protest, Tlaib said. Weve done it for climate, the immigrant rights movement, for Black lives, and even around issues of injustice among water shutoffs. The Attorney General responded to these claims that she treated this situation differently in a post on X: Rashida should not use my religion to imply I cannot perform my job fairly as Attorney General. Its anti-Semitic and wrong. When CNNs Jake Tapper initially asked about the back and forth between Nessel and Tlaib, Whitmer declined to directly defend or criticize the states attorney general, responding that all she could say was our Jewish community is in pain, as is our Palestinian and Muslim and Arab communities in Michigan." "I know that seeing the incredible toll that this war has taken on both communities has been really, really challenging and difficult. And my heart breaks for so many, Whitmer said. But as governor, my job is to make sure that both these communities are protected and respected under the law in Michigan. And that's exactly what I'm going to stay focused on." As the death of an EY employee allegedly due to 'overwork' has sparked a debate in the corporate world, senior executives from various companies have opened up about workload and stress in the corporate sector and the manner in which it can be handled. Corporate Outbound Expert Tanmay Pendse appealed to the government to frame "specific policies" that will help in tackling such situations. "We are training people for the last 15-16 years and through the management activities, we make sure that such sessions are included which helps in reducing the stress...After employees reach home they should spend good time with their family and stay away from mobile phones...I appeal to the government to come up with a specific policy so that these kind of situations can be tackled. Yoga sessions should be started in every organization...," Pendse said. Speaking on the incident, Associate Consultant at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Nikhil Badgujar, stressed how one should manage stress as it always remains an "unavoidable factor". "Whatever happened is very unfortunate. People need to understand how to react to stress. Stress is relative, as, the stress I am feeling is not the same for the other person. People to understand how to react. I can easily understand this as these things are very common nowadays. We need to think about how we can reduce the impact. This is the only thing we can manage. Stress cannot be avoided but it can be managed. In the corporate world stress is a part of our life...We need to understand how to react to that...We are the solution makers itself..." Badgujar said. Sharing his experience, Process Specialist at Infosys, Anand Kulkarni, agreed with the existence of stress in the workplace but said that one should know how to handle stress. Reacting to the EY employee death allegedly due to 'overwork', Process Specialist at Infosys, Anand Kulkarni said, "Being in the corporate for more than ten years, I have been experiencing and observing a lot of work stress...I handle stress by enjoying the work...Stress does exist in the corporate world but it is all about how you handle it..." Pointing out factors, including "compulsive obsession for certain desires," that make individuals work more, author and educator Pushkar Aurangabadkar said that compassion and the longing for spiritual wisdom can help people to drill down the compulsion and loneliness they are facing in the corporate world. "The incident is very painful and it has a lot to do with the kind of aspirations that we have these days. The majority of which comes from the compulsive obsession for owning a lot of things. It is not just the trap of corporate but we also need to consider what makes people get into these traps in the first place where they get social pressure to buy necessary certain commodities which pushes them to be in certain domains and profiles in the first place. Also, the corporate system, which is again driven a lot by the tangibles of the industry and all these things come together to create pressure. It's definitely painful," Aurangabadkar told ANI. "But there are means and ways in which this can be handled in a better way and as a society, we should be taking care of it. It depends on corporate culture and as everyone might be aware every company has a different culture. It depends from company to company what kind of culture they have that defines how much pressure is getting instituted in that organisation. But beyond that what I believe is compassion and the longing for spiritual wisdom need to be promoted in society because it can possibly reduce the possibility of such incident. The reason is that beyond the pressure people are facing in corporate, it drills down the compulsion and loneliness that we are facing and the answers to which may lie in the compassion..." Aurangabadkar said. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Saturday took suo motu cognizance of the death of a chartered accountant girl from Kerala in Pune reportedly due to excessive workload in her company. The Commission has also issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. The Commission has also called businesses to review their work culture, employment policies and regulations to ensure alignment with global human rights standards. "The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a 26-year-old chartered accountant girl from Kerala died in Pune, Maharashtra, on 20th July 2024, allegedly, due to excessive workload in the Ernst & Young that she joined four months back," as per an official press release. The mother of the young professional had written a letter to the employer claiming that long hours of work had taken a heavy toll on her daughter's physical, emotional and mental health, a charge denied by the company. The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment is investigating the matter. (ANI) Why a Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Is the Only Way to Protect Future Generations Climate activist Vanessa Nakate attends the 2021 COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Credit - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Earlier this year, President Aliyev of Azerbaijan stood up at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin and told ministers, fossil fuels are a gift from the gods. Having oil and gas deposits is not our fault he went on, laying out further plans to increase natural gas production by more than a third. But as leader of the host country for the upcoming annual climate talks in November, President Aliyev has an opportunity. He can be bold and make clear that fossil fuels are no longer part of our collective futureand neither should they be a part of our present. We are standing at the precipice of a rapidly warming world, perilously close to crossing irreversible tipping points. Wildfires blaze across the globe, floods engulf towns and homes, and droughts cause starvation, leaving once fertile land barren. As U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly said, any new investment in fossil fuels would be economic and moral madness. The U.N.s Summit of the Future taking place on Sept. 22-23 is about protecting future generations. We must ensure they are safe and secure, instead of vulnerable to climate shocks. What does that look like? A total fossil fuel phase out, a renewed commitment by developed countries to deliver climate financeas well as loss and damage paymentsand a green, just transition that puts people and jobs first, especially those in the Global South. In Sub-Saharan Africa, we are on the front lines of the crisis every day, through no fault of our own. Polluters must pay. Oil corrupts politics, empowers dictators, and erodes democracy, making wars more common. Its enmeshed in a web of military deals and undermines global cooperation on the shared common threat to all life on earth: climate change. Oil is also one of the world's most volatile commodities, especially now that the renewable market is booming and the price of wind and solar is falling. As we have seen, a lack of energy security breeds geopolitical tensionjust look at Russias war against Ukraine and the chaos that ensued due to the reliance of European countries on Russian natural gas. Climate-fuelled conflict has triggered greater population displacement, which leads to more demand for food in places where there is already a shortage. So we say this to leaders: stop investing in fossil fuels, stop digging up and burning fossil fuels, and stop forcing fossil fuels back into the ground where we grow the food that sustains us. We cannot eat coal. We cannot drink oil. If we decarbonise the economy, powerful countries will have fewer reasons to send their militaries halfway around the world to secure the flow of oil. Ministers will be meeting at the U.N. General Assembly in New York City next week, to sign The Pact for the Future, which calls for sustainable development and international peace. This is a pivotal moment to strengthen global cooperation in an increasingly fractured worldand an important precursor for the outcome of COP29 in Baku. Last year, at COP28 in Dubai, countries applauded themselves for agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels. Since then this conversation has fallen off their radars. As COP29 president-designate, Mukhtar Babayevs recent letter makes clear, we will need "all hands on deck" to effectively advance the events two key pillars: raising ambition and enabling action. The technology and finance are largely available, but countries are not moving fast enough. Last year it was urgent. This year its criticalwe must be dogged in our determination and demand that our leaders listen. The longer we delay, the worse it will be. Contact us at letters@time.com. He wished to see his brother released from captivity: story of boy killed in Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih video Maksym Shaulskyi. The destroyed house of his family. Photos: Svoi. Kryvyi Rih; Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Facebook The Russian forces launched a missile attack on the centre of Kryvyi Rih on the night of 21 September, killing 12-year-old Maksym Shaulskyi and his grandmother Valentyna in their home. Friends and acquaintances say that the boy's greatest dream was to hug his brother, who is now in Russian captivity. The deaths of Maksym and Valentyna were reported in the local newspaper Svoi. Kryvyi Rih. "Our mother was irreplaceable. Family came first for her. She learned how to use the internet and sent greetings every morning and evening. Now everyone will wake up and there is no message from mum," Natalia, Maksym's aunt and Valentyna's daughter, shares her grief. It is known that Maksym's mother used to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and his older brother, Mykyta, defended Mariupol and is still in Russian captivity. In the words of a family friend, Oksana Latanska, the boy dreamed of seeing his older brother again and hugging him. "I did not have the honour of knowing Mrs Valentina personally, but I know her children and grandchildren well. Maksym Shaulskyi is the bright sunshine of our large family community, a blue-eyed, bright child, a boy who dreamed of hugging his older brother who has been in enemy (Russian ed.) captivity for three years. I cannot believe it, despite the fact that at dawn I saw the mutilated bodies firsthand, despite the fact that I had been accompanying the orphaned family throughout this terrible day," Oksana wrote in her post. The 12-year-old boy took an active part in the Free Azov campaigns in support of captured Ukrainian soldiers, said Olena Patiak from Zaporizhzhia. Maksym believed in Ukraine's victory and was worried about every defender captured by Russia, said Liubov Riabko, founder of the charity foundation. "This is incredibly painful and unfair... Maksym Shaulskyi is just a 12-year-old boy who dreamed of hugging his older brother Mykyta, waiting for him to be released from captivity and being together again as a family. His heart was beating to the rhythm of hope and faith that the day would come when he would see his brother. Maksym was a little fighter who believed in victory," the woman wrote. Ukraines Air Force reported that the Russians attacked the oblast with four Iskander-M ballistic missiles. The house of the family of the deceased was completely destroyed. A total of three people were killed. In early September, Yevhenia Bazylevych and her three daughters, the youngest of whom was 7 years old, were killed in a Russian attack on Lviv. Support UP or become our patron! Woman dies after shooting in College/Glen neighborhood of Sacramento, police say A woman was shot and killed in eastern Sacramento, according to police, one of three fatal shootings in the city on Saturday. According to Sacramento Police Department spokesman Officer Anthony Gamble, officers were called just before 5 p.m. to the 3100 block of Occidental Drive in the College/Glen neighborhood for reports of a shooting. Officers and Sacramento Fire Department personnel arrived to find a woman with at least one gunshot wound; she was pronounced dead at the scene. The womans identity was expected to be released by the Sacramento County Coroners Office. Gamble said that officers detained a man at the scene, though they were working to determine his involvement in the shooting. We do believe this incident to be contained to the residence, Gamble said. The shooting happened about an hour before a 12-year-old was gunned down in a south Sacramento neighborhood; another shooting along a busy commercial corridor in midtown about 1 a.m. left one man dead and another man wounded. Woman killed in Russian attack on Kherson Oblast The territories in green are controlled by Ukraine; those in red are occupied by Russia. Map: DeepState A civilian woman has been killed in a Russian attack on the village of Lvove in Kherson Oblast. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast State Administration, on Telegram Quote: "A local woman was killed in the village of Lvove in the Beryslav district. A 61-year-old woman came under fire. Sadly, she received a fatal injury." Support UP or become our patron! UNITED NATIONS (AP) Facing a swirl of conflicts and crises across a fragmented world, leaders attending this weeks annual U.N. gathering are being challenged: Work together not only on front-burner issues but on modernizing the international institutions born after World War II so they can tackle the threats and problems of the future. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued the challenge a year ago after sounding a global alarm about the survival of humanity and the planet: Come to a Summit of the Future and make a new commitment to multilateralism the foundation of the United Nations and many other global bodies and start fixing the aging global architecture to meet the rapidly changing world. The U.N. chief told reporters last week that the summit was born out of a cold, hard fact: international challenges are moving faster than our ability to solve them. He pointed to out-of-control geopolitical divisions and runaway conflicts, climate change, inequalities, debt and new technologies like artificial intelligence which have no guardrails. The two-day summit started Sunday, two days before the high-level meeting of world leaders begins at the sprawling U.N. compound in New York City. The General Assembly approved the summit's main outcome document a 42-page Pact of the Future on Sunday morning with a bang of the gavel by Assembly President Philemon Yang signifying consensus, after the body voted 143-7 with 15 abstentions against considering Russian-proposed amendments to significantly water it down. The pact is a blueprint to address global challenges from conflicts and climate change to artificial intelligence and reforming the U.N. and global institutions. Its impact will depend on its implementation by the assembly's 193 member nations. Leaders must ask themselves whether this will be yet another meeting where they simply talk about greater cooperation and consensus, or whether they will show the imagination and conviction to actually forge it, said Agnes Callamard, the secretary-general of Amnesty International. If they miss this opportunity, I shudder to think of the consequences. Our collective future is at stake. This is the UN's biggest week of the year The summit is the prelude to this years high-level meeting, held every September. More than 130 presidents, prime ministers and monarchs are slated to speak along with dozens of ministers, and the issues from the summit are expected to dominate their speeches and private meetings, especially the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan and the growing possibility of a wider Mideast war. There is going to be a rather obvious gap between the Summit of the Future, with its focus on expanding international cooperation, and the reality that the U.N. is failing in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, said Richard Gowan, U.N. director for the International Crisis Group. Those three wars will be top topics of attention for most of the week. One notable moment at Tuesdays opening assembly meeting: U.S. President Joe Bidens likely final major appearance on the world stage, a platform he has tread upon and reveled in for decades. At the upcoming meetings, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters this week: The most vulnerable around the world are counting on us to make progress, to make change, to bring about a sense of hope for them. To meet the many global challenges, she said, the U.S. focus at the U.N. meetings will be on ending the scourge of war. Roughly 2 billion people live in conflict-affected areas, she said. Last September, the war in Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, took center stage at the U.N. global gathering. But as the first anniversary of Hamas deadly attack in southern Israel approaches on Oct. 7, the spotlight is certain to be on the war in Gaza and escalating violence across the Israeli-Lebanon border, which is now threatening to spread to the wider Middle East. Iran supports both Hamas in Gaza and Lebanons Hezbollah militants. Its new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, will address world leaders on Tuesday afternoon. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to speak Thursday morning and Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday afternoon. Zelenskyy will get the spotlight twice. He will speak Tuesday at a high-level meeting of the U.N. Security Council called by the United States, France, Japan, Malta, South Korea and Britain and will address the General Assembly on Wednesday morning. They're trying to counter a world of grim statistics Slovenia, which holds the councils rotating presidency this month, chose the topic Leadership for Peace for its high-level meeting Wednesday, challenging its 15 member nations to address why the U.N. body charged with maintaining international peace and security is failing and how it can do better. The event follows our observation that we live in a world of grim statistics, with the highest number of ongoing conflicts, with record high casualties among civilians, among humanitarians, among medical workers, among journalist," Slovenian U.N. Ambassador Samuel Zbogar told reporters. He cited a record-high 100 million people driven from their homes by conflict. The world is becoming less stable, less peaceful, and with erosion of the respect for the rules, it is sliding into the state of disorder, Zbogar said. We have not seen this high need to rebuild trust to secure the future ever before. A key reason for the Security Councils dysfunction is the deep division among its five veto-wielding permanent members. The United States, Israels closest ally, is a supporter of Ukraine alongside Britain and France. Russia invaded Ukraine and has a military and economic partnership with China, though Beijing reasserted its longstanding support for every countrys sovereignty without criticizing Russia in a recent briefing paper for the U.N. meetings. French President Emmanuel Macron and Britains new prime minister, Keir Starmer, will be at the United Nations this week along with Biden. But Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinas President Xi Jinping are sending their foreign ministers instead. Neither Putin nor Xi attended last year, either. Guterres, who will preside over the whole affair this week, warned that the world is seeing "a multiplication of conflicts and the sense of impunity a landscape where, he said, any country or any military entity, militias, whatever, feel that they can do whatever they want because nothing will happen to them. And the fact that nobody takes even seriously the capacity of the powers to solve problems on the ground," he said, makes the level of impunity (on) an enormous level. ___ Edith M. Lederer, chief U.N. correspondent for The Associated Press, has covered foreign affairs for more than 50 years. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the U.N. General Assembly at https://apnews.com/hub/united-nations HONOLULU (KHON2) The Wounded Warrior Ohana hosted its annual MG Frank Tate Memorial Paddle and Lunch, welcoming 100 wounded warriors and their families for a day of outrigger canoe paddling and community engagement. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Participants headed to Elks Lodge 616 in Waikiki for a day of canoe rides, live music, ono food, prizes and other activities. Aloha Market attracts more than 7,000 Los Angeles visitors The paddle and lunch event, first held three years ago, provided a therapeutic and exhilarating experience for wounded warriors and their families. Many participants have expressed that they had never been on an outrigger canoe before, making this outing particularly special. Last year, the event was renamed in honor of former WWO Board Member MG Frank Tate, who passed away in 2022. MG Tate served in the U.S. Army for 34 years, earning numerous awards for his distinguished service across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. WWOs mission is to offer enriching activities for wounded warriors and their families. In addition to the annual paddle, the organization hosts a variety of monthly events, including whale-watching cruises, luaus, and sporting events. WWO also provides monetary grants and scholarships for Gold Star families and children of wounded warriors. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news For more information about Wounded Warrior Ohana, visit their website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. (KRON) A wrong-way driver has been arrested for driving under the influence after crashing into a Tesla on the Bay Bridge early Sunday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. At 2:02 a.m., CHP received a call regarding a white Honda driving in the wrong direction westbound on Interstate 80 near Treasure Island. A few minutes later, the Honda crashed into a Tesla on the Alameda/San Francisco county line near east of Main Tower. Stolen identifications, meth found in car illegally parked in disabled parking The Tesla driver was taken to the hospital for precaution, according to CHP. CHP said the Honda driver sustained major injuries and was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. New York City's interim police commissioner says federal authorities seized materials from his homes NEW YORK (AP) Federal authorities searched the homes of New York City's newly named interim police commissioner and seized materials unrelated to his police work, he said. The unexplained and unexpected search comes as the administration of Mayor Eric Adams reels from other federal law enforcement investigations. Thomas Donlon, who became the interim commissioner just one week ago after the resignation of his predecessor, issued a statement late Saturday through the police department. On Friday, September 20, federal authorities executed search warrants at my residences. They took materials that came into my possession approximately 20 years ago and are unrelated to my work with the New York City Police Department, the statement said. This is not a department matter, and the department will not be commenting, he added. The statement did not address what the investigation was about, which federal authorities were involved or what materials had been seized. Fabien Levy, the citys deputy mayor for communications, said: As we have repeatedly said, we expect all team members to fully comply with any law enforcement inquiry. Just a week ago, the previous police commissioner, Edward Caban, resigned after federal authorities seized his electronic devices as part of an investigation that also involved his brother, a former police officer. Federal agents also have seized phones in recent weeks from the head of the city's public schools, a top deputy mayor, Adams' top public safety adviser and others. Previously, investigators searched homes connected to Adams' top campaign fundraiser and the Democrat's Asian affairs director. Last autumn, federal agents also seized Adams' phone as he left an event. Charges have not been brought in connection with any of those searches, and it was unclear whether there was any connection to the search involving Donlon, who wasn't part of the Adams administration until a few days ago. An FBI spokesperson declined to comment. An email seeking comment from a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney in Manhattan was not immediately returned. A text sent to Adams' top spokesperson late Saturday night also wasn't immediately returned. Donlon spent decades with the FBI, where he worked on terrorism cases including the investigation into the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and a 2000 attack on a U.S. Navy destroyer. Roughly 20 years ago he was a top counterterrorism official for the FBI in New York. From 2009 to 2010, Donlon led New York state's Office of Homeland Security before going into the private sector security industry. Adams appointed Donlon as his commissioner last week and he assumed the post on Sept. 13, one week ago Friday. The choice of an outsider with a long career in federal law enforcement but no history of working with the NYPD appeared at the time to be a potentially stabilizing move for the police department after Caban's resignation. Caban and his brother, James Caban, who runs a nightlife security business, had both denied any wrongdoing through their lawyers. Through it all, Adams, who is in his first term, has said he won't be distracted by the investigations and will continue to serve the city. Some liberal Gen Z and millennial people of color told a gender studies professor that their concerns about race and climate change are preventing them from having children. The Los Angeles Times highlighted research from UC Riverside associate professor in the department of gender and sexuality studies, Jade S. Sasser. Sasser also hosts the "Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question" podcast. One 26-year-old Native American woman named Melanie told the professor she "struggles with whether its morally OK to have children." "With climate change, were the driving force of things breaking down, but then also, the planets going to do what the planets going to do So it almost feels, like, kind of shameful to want to have children," she told the academic who wrote the piece. Some respondents to the survey argued that environmental concerns make them wary of creating more humans, and might opt to adopt or foster children instead. SCIENTIST CALLS FOR AMERICANS TO CUT OFF AIR CONDITIONING IN SUMMER, CLAIMING IT CAUSES GLOBAL WARMING The piece also highlighted the plight of a 23-year-old Mexican American woman named Juliana, whose friend circle "is mainly composed of queer and transgender, anti-establishment artists." "Her friends cite environmental and mental health concerns. Their anxiety tells them that they cant properly take care of themselves, much less a child," Sasser wrote. "They also struggle, as trans and nonbinary people, with the issues of access to fertility centers and the need to use reproductive technologies that feel out of reach." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Nonetheless, she is reportedly questioning what the future might be like for her hypothetical child of mixed-race with her White husband. The professor wrote, "In 2021 and 2022, I conducted a series of interviews on this topic with millennials and members of Generation Z, all of them people of color. Some grew up in low-income families and neighborhoods while others were from the middle- or upper-middle class. Some of them identify as queer, or their close family members and friends do, which shapes their sensitivity to discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people." "These interviewees have more climate change knowledge than most people do. All of them are college-educated; most of them either grew up or have lived for some time in Southern California; and most have taken environmental studies classes, either as undergrads or in graduate school." Sasser also spoke to a woman named Elena, who is from a Salvadoran immigrant family. While her mother was one of 12 children, her wariness of having her own children was reportedly "sparked by environmental studies classes." "[I] started feeling like having kids is definitely not a sustainable thing to do I dont want them to grow up and have to leave their home because of sea level rise. Or be worried because of really weird weather patterns," she said. Other respondents argued that racism makes them wary of having offspring, arguing they would grow up dealing with oppression. BIDEN-HARRIS ADMIN REQUIRES 'CORRUPT' DEI 'IDEOLOGICAL LITMUS TEST' ON NASA INNOVATION FUNDING, SCIENTISTS SAY She later added, "I know that things arent going to get better. So why would I want to put a child through that? Even when my sister gave birth to my nephew, I was like, Why? Theyre going to go through so much." Rosalind, 38, a Black woman of Caribbean origin living in Southern California and working as a scientific researcher said that racism is her primary concern when it comes to having kids. "With all of the anti-Black violence, and the police violence against us, it just seems so unsafe. And I see so many of my friends who do have children that are constantly stressed because of this, especially the ones who have teenage boys who are taller than average," she said. "They send their kids out there and then just spend their time worrying about whether their child is going to be targeted or harassed in some way, or potentially killed. I just dont think I have the disposition to put up with that kind of stress." Original article source: Young adults say race, climate fears prevent them from starting families: 'Shameful to want to have children' Zelenskiy seeks 'truly just peace' for Ukraine during US visit By Elaine Monaghan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in the United States on Sunday to attend sessions at the U.N. General Assembly and urged his partners to help achieve "a shared victory for a truly just peace." "This fall will determine the future of this war," he said in a post on X alongside his nightly video address, delivered from his plane. Zelenskiy made an unannounced stop in President Joe Biden's hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania to visit a munitions plant which he said was ramping up manufacture of crucial 155-millimeter artillery shells to help the Ukraine war effort. "It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail," Zelenskiy said in a post on X, alongside photographs of him thanking plant workers. The Ukrainian leader's concerns about a shortage of such munitions have taken on added urgency as Russia pummels Ukraine's energy grid ahead of the critical winter months. In his video address, Zelenskiy said Ukraine was doing everything it could, by acquiring weapons and through diplomacy, "to consolidate our partners' support and force Russia into peace." Zelenskiy flew on to New York, where he was expected to meet heads of U.S. companies to discuss his country's energy needs as well as leaders of states and international organizations. Zelenskiy's visit coincides with U.S. efforts to prepare a $375 million military aid package for Ukraine, breaking a months-long trend toward smaller packages for Kyiv's military operations. Zelenskiy said he would present a "victory plan" in Ukraine's war against Russia first to Biden. He is also expected to discuss the plan with Vice President Kamala Harris in a separate meeting on Thursday, as well as with other world leaders. Zelenskiy also hopes to meet Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has called U.S. aid to its eastern European ally a waste of money and has declined to say he wants Ukraine to win. Trump has said he will probably meet with Zelenskiy this week but no date has been announced. Trump faces Harris in the Nov. 5 U.S. election. Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday that an aid package, expected to be announced this week, includes patrol boats, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), 155- and 105-millimeter artillery ammunition, spare parts and other weapons. The officials said the contents and size of the package could change in the coming days ahead of Biden's expected signature. Ukrinform said Zelenskiy would speak at a UN summit on Monday, participate in Security Council meetings on Ukraine on Tuesday, and speak during the General Assembly on Wednesday. (Additional reporting by Bogdan Kochubey in Kyiv; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Stephen Coates) The Tripura Chakma Students' Association (TCSA) has condemned the alleged attack on minorities in Bangladesh and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter to ensure their protection. TCSA on Saturday stated that "such atrocities are increasingly common in Bangladesh," particularly against tribal communities, and demand immediate action from both the Government of India and the international community. Speaking to ANI, Amitab Chakma, a social activist, said, "In Bangladesh, there have been attacks on minorities, particularly Buddhists and Hindus. Indiscriminate fire has resulted in the deaths of 79 people, and over a hundred houses have been burned. Many women and children are still hiding in the jungles. The new government in Bangladesh has been completely ineffective, leading to this violence and arson. I request India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay attention to this issue and take measures to protect minorities in Bangladesh." Additionally, TCSA has made several urgent appeals, including immediate inclusion of the Chittagong Hill Tracts into India, an immediate halt to the persecution of tribal and minority Hindu communities in Bangladesh, accountability for soldiers involved in the massacre, demanding capital punishment for those guilty of genocide, and reconstruction of the destroyed Buddhist and Hindu temples by the Bangladesh government. Earlier, the Bangladesh Army issued an appeal to the public, urging them to maintain peace and harmony. "The ongoing tension may turn into violent riots in the three hill districts. Leading individuals are urgently requested to assist the law enforcement agencies in de-escalating the ongoing tension. Necessary legal action will be taken after identifying the real culprits by conducting a proper investigation. The people are specially requested to maintain peace and harmony in the three hill districts," the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said in a statement. (ANI) Zelensky in US to explain war plan to Biden, Harris, Trump Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in the US to present his plan on how to end the war with Russia (Leon Neal) (Leon Neal/POOL/AFP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday arrived in the United States for a crucial visit to present Kyiv's plan to end two and a half years of war with Russia. Zelensky will present his proposals -- which he calls a "victory plan" -- to President Joe Biden, as well as presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The visit comes after a summer of intense fighting: with Moscow advancing fast in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv holding on to swathes of Russia's Kursk region. It also comes as Kyiv has for weeks pressed the West to allow it to use long-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia -- so far to no avail. When they meet at the White House on Thursday, Zelensky is expected to try to convince Biden to change his mind. On the first leg of his US visit, Ukraine's president visited a factory in Pennsylvania on Sunday that produces badly needed 155mm artillery shells. "I began my visit to the United States by expressing my gratitude to all the employees at the plant," Zelensky said Sunday in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The post included photos of him shaking hands with workers at the plant, where he said production had been ramped up. "It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail," he wrote. He will next travel to New York and Washington. Zelensky said the coming weeks would decide how more than 30 months of fighting that has killed thousands would end. "It is now being determined what the legacy of the current generation of states leaders will be. Those in the highest offices," he said. In comments before his trip, Zelensky said the United States and UK have not given Ukraine permission to use the long-range weapons as they fear escalation, but hinted he had not given up hope. "We have had some decisions in the history of our relationship with Biden -- very interesting and difficult dialogues," Zelensky said earlier this week, adding: "He later changed his point of view." Moscow has said it considers such a go-ahead as NATO countries being "at war" with Russia. - 'Fair and stable peace' - A close adviser to Biden said this month that the US leader would use his remaining time in office to "put Ukraine in the best possible position to prevail." No details on Ukraine's plan have been made public. Zelensky said Biden would be the first foreign leader to see the plan "in full" -- saying it will then also be presented to "all leaders of our partner countries." Zelensky plans to present the proposals to the US Congress, Harris and Trump. The White House has said he will meet with Democratic Vice President Harris separately from Biden, and Zelensky has said he expects to meet with Republican Trump on Thursday or Friday. Harris has indicated she would continue Biden's policies on Ukraine, while Trump has been hugely critical of Washington's massive aid packages for Kyiv. Zelensky said earlier this week that the plan envisages that "war will not return to us again in an even bigger wave" in years to come. He has said Kyiv plans to hold meetings throughout autumn and that the "entire plan" will be ready by "early November." The proposals, he told the media Friday, envisage "quick and concrete steps by our strategic partners." - 'Clear place for Ukraine' - One of those steps, he said, is "related to strengthening Ukraine's weapons capabilities" while another demands a "clear place for Ukraine in the world's security architecture". Zelensky has also said he plans to invite Russia to a possible second international peace summit in November. But Moscow this weekend said it would not attend and referred to President Vladimir Putin's conditions to enter talks: that Ukraine surrender four of its regions. "I think both are still betting on the possibility of a military victory," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told CNN Sunday. Russian attacks on Ukraine killed six people -- including two children -- this weekend, while a strike on the city of Kharkiv wounded 21 people in a residential neighbourhood. Ukraine said it struck two arms depots in Russia, with Kyiv's army saying it hit a key ammunition storage base important to the Russian army's logistics for its invasion. bur-st/des President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his Sept. 22 evening video address to the nation that he begins his official visit to the U.S., where he will share his much-anticipated victory plan with foreign leaders. Ukraine will present the victory plan to the United States. U.S. President (Joe Biden) will be the first to see it in its entirety, Zelensky said, while talking aboard a plane. Of course, I will present the victory plan to all the leaders of the partner countries, who, like President Biden, are world leaders who can become leaders of peace by helping us, he added. As part of Zelensky's "victory plan," Ukraine would ask for NATO membership within the months, not years, according to the information obtained by the Kyiv Independent. Read also: Zelensky says it would be horrible if Biden didnt support Ukraines victory plan, which includes NATO membership Zelensky is expected to present the "victory plan" to Biden at the White House on Sept. 26. He also plans to discuss it with presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and members of Congress. Ukraine said it is open to suggestions from the U.S. to strengthen the plan. U.S. officials said they had been acquainted with elements of Zelensky's strategy and voiced belief "that (it) can work." After that, Zelensky promises to make the "victory plan" public. Zelensky said that the plan was designed to end the war with the backing of international partners without relying on Russia's cooperation. However, he did not specify how it would achieve this. According to Zelensky, he will visit an unspecified location in Pennsylvania and then travel to New York City and Washington, D.C. It is this fall that will decide what will happen next in this war. Together with our partners, we can strengthen our positions as necessary for our victory, joint victory for a truly just peace, the president added. During his nearly week-long trip to the U.S., Zelensky will attend the U.N. General Assembly, speak with Biden at the White House, and meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, according to media reports. Other meetings have not been announced at this time. Read also: Zelensky comes to US in attempt to boost firepower, pitch victory Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to be the latest world leader to nudge his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden in a face-to-face meeting into providing Kyiv with more firepower key to a potential Ukrainian victory and the crucial right to use it against Russias invading forces without restrictions. The pitch, packaged as part of Zelenskys victory plan, will be made during the Ukrainian leaders visit to the U.S. this week for the UN General Assembly and his meeting with Biden. Zelensky also hopes to share his proposal with the two contenders for the November presidential elections: Vice President Kamala Harris from the Democratic party and Republican candidate Donald Trump. The visit comes at a pivotal moment in Russias full-scale invasion launched in early 2022, with both sides scrambling for resources. Zelenskys in-person plea, which will be made later this week to his most powerful ally and leader of the free world comes as a group of European countries has been pressuring Washington, specifically outgoing President Biden, to boost weaponry for Kyiv and greenlight its strikes deeper into Russia using Western missiles. Our clear strategy will be on the table for our partners, for the President of the United States, Zelensky said in his Sept. 21 evening address to the nation on the eve of his visit. He is expected to arrive on Sept. 22 and will reportedly kick off the trip with a visit to a Scranton, Pennsylvania factory producing artillery for his armed forces. The next week can be decisive in many ways for stopping the Russian terror, this aggression, and restoring normal security. For this to happen, the determination of our partners must match the courage of Ukrainians, Zelensky said. Zelensky also praised Ukraines forces for conducting a long-range drone strike on Sept. 21 that severely damaged yet another Russian weapons depot in the past days, adding: I want to emphasize that we are doing this thanks to our capabilities, our weapons without the means that can be provided by our partners and that can significantly accelerate the end of this war by destroying Russia's offensive potential. The answer to the question of when this war will end lies in the question of when our partners' determination will keep pace with what we can do for our defense, for our independence, for our victory, he added Read also: Russia must feel its going to lose Zelenskys victory plan, explained Some European officials have shown frustration over Washingtons apparent unwillingness to take the lead in strengthening Ukraines hand on the battlefield. While it was the U.S. three years ago warning its allies of the wars imminent threat and urging them to back Ukraine, now it is the U.K. and some small European nations neighboring Russia, such as the Baltic states, that have been Kyivs strongest allies nudging Washington in offering Ukraine a wild card. The hope is to boost chances of a Ukrainian victory, with an upper hand in future peace negotiations instead of bleeding out in a drawn-out war in which it is outgunned and outmanned as Russian forces are increasingly being armed with ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran. Polands foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski told Bloomberg on Sept. 21 that Ukraines success hangs on whether the Biden administration will be braver during this autumns presidential election by boosting support for Ukraine before he leaves office. Zelenskys visit comes days after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Biden urging permission for Ukraine to conduct strikes deep into Russia using Western missiles, including the British-supplied Storm Shadows, which have U.S. components. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy (R) pose with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, on Sept. 11, 2024. U.S. and British top diplomats came to Ukraine to discuss further easing rules on firing Western weapons into Russia. (Mark Schiefelbein/AFP via Getty Images) Late last week, Biden said he looks forward to reassuring Americas commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence. But in repeating such general assurances that Biden has delivered many times while drip-feeding weaponry to Ukraine, he sparked only further criticism. John Sipher, a former clandestine senior CIA officer who served in Moscow, hammered Biden in a reply to his post on X. You risk a strategic failure, Sipher wrote. Create a policy of Ukrainian victory and Putins defeat. We are not acting like a superpower, Sipher added. The warning to the U.S. president came after earlier hopes he would use his lame-duck days to boost support for Ukraine's chances of victory and avoid another tarnish on his presidency on top of the disastrous pullout from Afghanistan. Read also: Ukraines victory delayed by Wests fears of Russian defeat, Canadian-Ukrainian lawyer turned soldier says "Whatever we see of Joe Biden during those two lame duck months is whoever the real Joe Biden is, said Doug Klain, a policy analyst at Razom for Ukraine, a pro-Ukrainian lobbying group based in Washington, D.C., and a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center. Will he be truly unburdened by political calculus and with a sole focus on legacy, and what does he want to leave behind? Klain asked. If he wants to leave behind a Ukraine that is set up for victory, then I think that is the time to really go all in," he added. The Ukrainian president, speaking at a press conference during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's visit to Kyiv on Sept. 20, said he hoped for a quick decision from all Western allies to support his victory plan. He stressed the importance of the U.S. leadership role, which diplomats have told the Kyiv Independent recently has not been felt strongly. U.S. President Joe Biden holds a news conference at the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, DC, US on July 11, 2024. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden attend the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council during the 75th NATO Summit in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, US on July 11, 2024. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) "Most of the decisions from the plan depend specifically on him (Biden). On other allies too, but there are certain points which depend on the goodwill and support of the United States," Zelensky said. The entire plan is predicated upon quick decisions from our partners. The plan is predicated upon decisions which should take place from October to December, and not delaying these processes," Zelensky added. Biden is not ruling out lifting restrictions on Ukraines use of long-range weapons to strike Russian territory, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Sky News in a September interview. Long-range strikes into Russia top priority Ukrainian officials have long pleaded for the right to conduct deep strikes into Russia using Western missiles already provided and those they are hoping the U.S. will supply soon. The Biden administration has weighed the decision for more than three months after allowing Ukraine to counterfire in neighboring Russian territory using some of its smaller caliber weaponry, such as multiple-launch rocket systems. Ukraines hope in gaining permission to also fire Western missiles deep into Russia is that it could, like a slingshot tactic in this David vs. Goliath war, grind down Russias combat capabilities from afar and affect its ability to conduct attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian drone strikes are already targeting Russian airfields, ammunition depots, and oil refineries, but Western long-range weapons such as British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles or U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles would be a game changer allowing Ukraine to strike more targets more effectively. Ukraine is also hoping the Biden administration will soon approve the supply of the larger stocked JASSM cruise missiles. Photo for illustrative purposes: In this handout image released by the South Korean Defense Ministry, an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is fired during a joint training of the United States and South Korea, on Oct. 5, 2022, at an undisclosed location. (South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images) Ukraines call to lift the restrictions on long-range strikes comes as some independent analysts say Moscows troops could be slowly exhausting their enormous Soviet-era stocks in the upcoming year. This offers hope that Ukraine could, with double-downed Western armaments, gain a window of opportunity to hit Russia hard. Ukraine said that it had already shown the U.S. a list of targets that its armed forces seek to strike with ATACMS missiles deep inside Russia, trying to show the decisions potential impact. The U.K. has already privately approved the Ukrainian use of Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes, the Guardian reported on Sept. 11, citing anonymous U.K. officials. However, London is reportedly waiting for Washingtons approval rather than unilaterally committing to it. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that allowing Ukraine to conduct long-range strikes using Western weapons would mean that NATO countries the U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia. Read also: The Russian targets that could be on Ukraines long-range missile strike list Officials in Ukraine and some leaders of some Western allies have described Russias warnings and red lines as empty scare tactics to intimidate and deter Ukraines backers from approving such strikes and providing the weaponry. We probably realize now that we have to cross all of these red lines and then start forcing Russia out of Ukraine, Estonian President Alar Karis told the Kyiv Independent in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 20th annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) Conference in Kyiv. We should lift the restrictions on the use of weapons that Ukraine gets, he said, adding: We want to defeat Russia, that's for sure As far as defense (goes), the U.S. should be number one (leading) in this case. Ukraine understands that Western allies must reach a major decision together and that there needs to be a collective will and support for it, but time is costly as every day means lost lives, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi. We cannot sit and wait for decisions for weeks and months because here, lives depend on some of the decisions (made by Western allies), Tykhyi said at a briefing in Kyiv. U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) shake hands after signing a bilateral security agreement during a press conference at the Masseria San Domenico on the sidelines of the G7 Summit hosted by Italy in Apulia region, on June 13, 2024 in Savelletri. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) Ukraines Defense Ministry told the Kyiv Independent that the negotiations are ongoing after Kyiv explained the logistics behind the long-range campaign and we are hoping for a positive result. Citing a threefold increase in the Russian use of the powerful KAB guided aerial bombs to about 3,600 in August from the beginning of the year, the Defense Ministry stressed that it is crucial to destroy the bombers since the guided bombs they launch are nearly impossible to shoot down. Its not enough to have long-range capabilities; we need to be able to use them to the full extent, the Defense Ministry said. Our defenders cannot be restricted in their weapons when Russia deploys its entire arsenal, including Shaheds and ballistic missiles from Iran and North Korea. Additional reporting by Oleksiy Sorokin and Owen Racer. Introducing official merch from the Kyiv Independent Shop now Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Zelensky says it would be horrible if Biden didn't support Ukraine's victory plan, which includes NATO membership As part of President Volodymyr Zelensky's "victory plan," Ukraine would ask for NATO membership within the months, not years, according to the information obtained by the Kyiv Independent. A similar estimate was shared by The New Yorker in an interview with Zelensky, published on Sept. 22. When asked what would happen if U.S. President Joe Biden rejected Ukraine's "victory plan," Zelensky told The New Yorker, "That's a horrible thought." "It would mean that Biden doesn't want to end the war in any way that denies Russia a victory," the president added. Read also: Zelensky to push Biden to bolster Ukraines firepower as allies await US leadership "And we would end up with a very long waran impossible, exhausting situation that would kill a tremendous number of people. Having said that, I can't blame Biden for anything," Zelensky said. Zelensky is expected to present the "victory plan" to Biden at the White House on Sept. 26. He also plans to discuss it with presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and members of Congress. Ukraine said it is open to suggestions from the U.S. to strengthen the plan. U.S. officials said they had been acquainted with elements of Zelensky's strategy and voiced belief "that (it) can work." After that, Zelensky promises to make the "victory plan" public. Zelensky said that the plan was designed to end the war with the backing of international partners without relying on Russia's cooperation. However, he did not specify how it would achieve this. Read also: Russia must feel its going to lose Zelenskys victory plan, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, a factory producing critically-need 155 mm shells for Ukraine, during his visit to the United States on Sept. 22. Zelensky will visit the U.S. in the coming week to present the details of his victory plan to U.S. President Joe Biden and other leaders on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. The visit will start with a tour of the Scranton ammunition plant, located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, officials familiar with Zelensky's schedule told the Associated Press (AP) on Sept. 21. Zelensky will thank factory workers for producing artillery shells desperately needed on Ukraine's front lines. The Pennsylvania factory announced in August that it was boosting production of 155 mm artillery shells from 24,000 rounds per month to 36,000. The plant, which employs about 300 people, highlights the local economic benefits of U.S. support for Ukraine. The factory is also located in President Biden's birthplace, and could prove to be a pivotal talking point amid the heated campaign for the battleground state of Pennsylvania in the upcoming presidential election. The Scranton facility is one of the few plants in the U.S. that produces 155 mm shells. The U.S. military in May 2024 opened a new factory in Texas that will reportedly be able to produce 30,000 shells each month once it reaches its full capacity. The U.S. has sent Ukraine more than 3 million 155 mm shells since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, according to government records. Ukraine's European allies have scrambled to up their production of the 155 mm shells but fell far short of its promise to deliver 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine between March 2023 and 2024. After supplying only about half of the promised rounds, Brussels shifted the deadline to the end of 2024. Read also: Russia must feel its going to lose Zelenskys victory plan, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has arrived in New York to participate in the events of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. Source: a correspondent of the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform in New York Details: Starting 22 September, Zelenskyy will attend a range of bilateral meetings with state leaders and international organisations, as well as meeting with American business leaders to discuss Ukraines energy needs. On 23 September, Zelenskyy will speak at the Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters, on 24 September he will attend a meeting of the UN Security Council focusing on Ukraine, and on 25 September he is expected to make a speech at the General Debate in the UN General Assembly. Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the possibility of US President Joe Biden not supporting Ukraines Victory Plan is "a horrible thought", because that would lead to a very long war with a huge number of casualties. Source: President Zelenskyy in an interview with The New Yorker Details: Zelenskyy said the Victory Plan was designed with President Bidens support in mind. "If he doesnt want to support it, I cannot force him," Zelenskyy said. "If he refuses well, then we must continue to live inside Plan B [the war as Ukraine has experienced it so far ed.]. And thats unfortunate." Joshua Yaffa, the journalist conducting the interview, asked Zelenskyy what would happen if Biden does not support his Victory Plan. "Thats a horrible thought. It would mean that Biden doesnt want to end the war in any way that denies Russia a victory. And we would end up with a very long war an impossible, exhausting situation that would kill a tremendous number of people," Zelenskyy replied. "Having said that," he continued, "I cant blame Biden for anything. At the end of the day, he took a powerful, historic step when he chose to support us at the start of the war, an action that pushed our other partners to do the same. We recognise Bidens great achievement in this respect. That step of his already constituted a historic victory." Zelenskyy stressed that the objective of the Victory Plan is to swiftly strengthen Ukraine. "A strong Ukraine will force Putin to the negotiating table. Im convinced of that. Its just that, before, I was only saying it and now Ive put it all on paper, with specific arguments and specific steps to strengthen Ukraine during the months of October, November and December, and to enable a diplomatic end of the war," Zelenskyy said. "The difference this time will be that Putin will have grasped the depth of this plan and of our partners commitment to strengthening us, and he will realise an important fact: that if he is not ready to end this war in a way that is fair and just, and instead wishes to continue to try to destroy us, then a strengthened Ukraine will not let him do so. Not only that but continuing to pursue that goal would also considerably weaken Russia, which would threaten Putins own position," the Ukrainian president said. Background: Zelenskyy is expected to present his Victory Plan to Biden during a meeting in Washington, DC, on 26 September. He also hopes to explain the plan to presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Bloomberg has reported that the Victory Plan envisages an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO and a commitment from the US to provide constant supplies of modern weapons. Zelenskyy previously revealed that the Victory Plan outlines decisions that are expected to be made between October and December 2024. On 18 September, President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraines Victory Plan was ready. Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described a so-called plan for ending the war in Ukraine put forward by Donald Trumps running mate JD Vance as an "awful idea" that could lead to a global conflict. Source: Zelenskyy in an interview for The New Yorker Details: Zelenskyy said Vance is "too radical" and his plan is an awful idea. Quote: "His message seems to be that Ukraine must make a sacrifice. This brings us back to the question of the cost and who shoulders it. The idea that the world should end this war at Ukraines expense is unacceptable. But I do not consider this concept of his a plan, in any formal sense. This would be an awful idea, if a person were actually going to carry it out, to make Ukraine shoulder the costs of stopping the war by giving up its territories. But theres certainly no way this could ever happen. This kind of scenario would have no basis in international norms, in UN statute, in justice. And it wouldnt necessarily end the war, either. Its just sloganeering." Details: Zelenskyy noted that Vances initiative is a "dangerous signal" for Ukraine. "I should say that it hasnt been like this with Trump. He and I talked on the phone, and his message was as positive as it could be, from my point of view. I understand, I will lend support, and so on," Zelenskyy added. Quote: "[Vance and others who share his views] should clearly understand that the moment they start trading on our territory is the moment they start pawning Americas interests elsewhere: the Middle East, for example, as well as Taiwan and the US relations with China. Whichever President or Vice-President raises this prospect that ending the war hinges on cementing the status quo, with Ukraine simply giving up its land should be held responsible for potentially starting a global war. Because such a person would be implying that this kind of behaviour is acceptable. I dont take Vances words seriously, because, if this were a plan, then America is headed for global conflict. It will involve Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Taiwan, China, as well as many African countries. That approach would broadcast to the world the following implicit rule: I came, I conquered, now this is mine." Background: On 13 September, Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance outlined the Trump administration's prospective plan to end the war in Ukraine, saying that it could include creating a "demilitarised zone" on Ukrainian territory and denying Ukraine NATO membership. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan heavily criticised Vances peace plan at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference. Mike Pompeo, a former US Secretary of State in Trumps administration, believes that JD Vances proposals go against US interests. Support UP or become our patron! WASHINGTON Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday will visit the Pennsylvania ammunition factory that is producing one of the most critically needed munitions for his countrys fight to fend off Russian ground forces. He is expected to go to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant to kick off a busy week in the United States shoring up support for Ukraine in the war, according to two U.S. officials and a third familiar with Zelenskyys schedule who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that were not yet public. He also will address the U.N. General Assembly annual gathering in New York and travel to Washington for talks on Thursday with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The Scranton plant is one of the few facilities in the country to manufacture 155 mm artillery shells. They are used in howitzer systems, which are towed large guns with long barrels that can fire at various angles. Howitzers can strike targets up to 15 miles to 20 miles away and are highly valued by ground forces to take out enemy targets from a protected distance. Ukraine has already received more than 3 million of the 155 mm shells from the U.S. With the war now well into its third year, Zelenskyy has been pushing the U.S. for permission to use longer range missile systems to fire deeper inside of Russia. So far he has not persuaded the Pentagon or White House to loosen those restrictions. The Defense Department has emphasized that Ukraine can already hit Moscow with Ukrainian-produced drones, and there is hesitation on the strategic implications of a U.S.-made missile potentially striking the Russian capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin has 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. At one point in the war, Ukraine was firing between 6,000 and 8,000 of the 155 mm shells per day. That rate started to deplete U.S. stockpiles and drew concern that the level on hand was not enough to sustain U.S. military needs if another major conventional war broke out, such as in a potential conflict over Taiwan. In response the U.S. has invested in restarting production lines and is now manufacturing more than 40,000 155 mm rounds a month, with plans to hit 100,000 rounds a month. During his visit, Zelenskyy is expected meet and thank workers who have increased production of the 155 mm rounds over the past year. Two of the Pentagon leaders who have pushed that increased production through Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology and Bill LaPlante, the Pentagons top weapons buyer are also expected to join Zelenskyy at the plant, as is Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa. The 155 mm rounds are just one of the scores of ammunition, missile, air defense and advanced weapons systems the U.S. has provided Ukraine everything from small arms bullets to advanced F-16 fighter jets. The U.S. has been the largest donor to Ukraine, providing more than $56 billion of the more than $106 billion NATO and partner countries have collected to aid in its defense. Even though Ukraine is not a member of NATO, commitment to its defense is seen by many of the European nations as a must to keep Putin from further military aggression that could threaten bordering NATO-member countries and result in a much larger conflict. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit a 155mm artillery shell plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Sunday and thank the workers who have increased production of 155mm shells over the past year. Source: AP with reference to informants Details: The Scranton plant is one of the few in the United States that produces 155mm artillery shells. Ukraine has already received over 3 million 155mm shells from the US. At a certain point in the war, Ukraine was using between 6,000 and 8,000 155mm shells per day. This rate began to deplete US stockpiles and raised concerns that the stockpile would be insufficient to meet US military needs if another major war broke out, such as a potential conflict over Taiwan. In response, the US has invested in restarting production lines and is now producing over 40,000 155mm rounds per month, with plans to reach 100,000 rounds per month. Zelenskyy is also expected to be joined at the plant by two Pentagon executives who have helped boost production Douglas Bush, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and Bill LaPlante, the Pentagon's top arms buyer as well as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Zelenskyy will also address the UN General Assembly's annual meeting in New York and travel to Washington for talks on Thursday with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Support UP or become our patron! West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote another letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, expressing concern over the flooding in South Bengal, which she attributed to "abnormally heavy releases of water from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) reservoirs in Jharkhand." In her letter dated September 21, CM Banerjee voiced her disagreement with the central government's handling of the situation. She claimed that the water release from the DVC reservoirs was done unilaterally, without sufficient input from her government. She said that "decisions related to water management were made by the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Jal Shakti without a consensus being reached with West Bengal authorities." Banerjee highlighted that a peak water release, lasting for nine hours, was initiated with only 3.5 hours' notice, which she deemed inadequate for effective disaster management. "The peak water releases from the reservoirs lasting for a prolonged period of 9 hours, were conducted with only 3.5 hours of notice, which proved insufficient for effective disaster management," she wrote. "In light of these concerns, I reiterate the demands mentioned in my perious letter dated 20.09.2024 and I request your kind personal intervention to address these issues urgently," she added. Banerjee posted a copy of the letter on X on Sunday, saying, "This is my second letter to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India regarding the devastating MAN-MADE flood in South Bengal caused by unprecedented release of water by DVC." In her previous letter, Banerjee had noted that the floods had affected five million people and urged the central government to release emergency funds to support recovery efforts. "The floods have led to significant loss of crops, damage to public infrastructure, and destruction of homes and livestock," she wrote, adding the state government is working hard to provide relief, with operations underway to evacuate people to safer shelters. Banerjee urged the Prime Minister to seriously consider her concerns and requested the release of funds for flood management efforts to help the affected population. (ANI) HARARE, Zimbabwe A climate crisis in southern Africa has triggered the government of Zimbabwe to allow for the mass slaughter of elephants, according to a locally based conservation group. The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) said the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has authorized for the killing of 200 elephants in order to reduce the burden on the drought-stricken landscape and feed starving citizens. According to the United Nations, the crisis was brought on by a strong El Nino, which produced warm temperatures and a lack of precipitation. Relief groups said the driest February in over 100 years led to pastures drying up and the deaths of over 9,000 cattle in the region of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. "Compared to the El-Nino event of 2015/16, the 2023/2024 phenomenon affected more countries and its impacts in southern Africa were more intense. El Nino as a climate event was stronger in 2015/16 than in 2023/24. However, the impacts of El Nino 2023/24 are more significant as they were exacerbated by various factors, including climate change, deforestation, and economic constraints," the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. Florida Alligator Finds Break In Rainy Weather To Sunbathe On A Beach Over the last 180 days, satellite estimates show large swaths of the continent have seen less than 25% of their typical rainfall, leading to poor vegetation and increased risks of famine. The 202324 El Nino formed in June 2023 and lasted nearly a year before dissipating, resulting in a neutral status of the El NinoSouthern Oscillation in the Pacific. The global event was estimated by the World Meteorological Organization to be the fifth-strongest El Nino in history and led to widespread droughts, flooding and record sea surface temperatures. Six countries in southern Africa declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions which was thought to be more than 50% more impactful than the previous El Nino cycle. The map indicates the percentage shift in GDP as a result of the 1997-98 El Nino. What Are El Nino And La Nina Climate Patterns? "Although we acknowledge the devastating effects of one of the worst droughts in decades, we do not believe the meat of 200 elephants will fill that food deficit. According to the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZIMLAC) about 6 million people in rural areas and 1.7 million in urban areas more than half the countrys population will need food assistance between now and the next harvest. A robust, well-thought-out and sustainable strategy to feed the hungry population is required," the CNRG said in a statement. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority previously estimated the country has more than 82,000 elephants, which is more than twice the target population set during the 1980s. The government did not publicly state how many residents were expected to be fed from the elephant culling. "We fear this is a major policy reversal that defeats excellent conservation work championed by the government and private players over the past four decades. The move has the potential to open floodgates for poaching, especially bearing in mind that the poisoning of elephants and smuggling of ivory has been a continuous challenge over the years. CNRG is aware of a thriving illicit ivory market in Asia operated by a web of transnational organized crime actors," preservationists stated. In nearby Namibia, the government approved the killing of more than 700 animals, including 30 hippos, 60 buffalo, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeest, 300 zebras, 83 elephants and 100 elands, as part of its drought relief program. The measure is intended to alleviate pressure on grazing land and water availability while providing nutrients to the local population. "This exercise in necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens. This is also a prime example that conservation of game is really beneficial. We are happy that we can assist the country in this very difficult time and when its absolutely needed," Namibian officials stated. TOPSHOT - Elephants cross a road early morning, outside the Hwange National Park, Hwange, Zimbabwe, on May 26, 2022. - Zimbabwe will finalise a drive to legalise the ivory trade, inviting officials from 15 nations to meet in a national park that's a beacon of success in protecting elephants. Original article source: Zimbabwe criticized for allowing mass killing of elephants amid El Nino-produced drought On todays episode of You Asked: Panasonic is back so, what comes next? Rtings.com weighs in on the LG C4 and shows us what respect and integrity looks like. And remember that Samsung and Google partnership designed to take on Dolby Atmos? Whats up with that? What is IAMF? Digital Trends Lets kick things off with an email from Norman, who wants more info on the Samsung and Google partnership that aims to take on Dolby Atmos with what has been called IAMF, or Immersive Audio Model and Formats. Norman wants to buy a new TV and soundbar, but he doesnt want to do so until he knows some existing devices will support it or that its coming to products in 2025. To catch everyone up, Samsung announced in November 2023 that it had teamed up with Google to develop IAMF. (Which I really, really, really hope is just a working name, because I just dont see that working great on the side of boxes.) Since that announcement, it was shown at CES in January 2024, though I admittedly did not get to experience the demo. IAMF is meant to be an open-source 3D audio format. Another way of putting it is that it is meant to provide a Dolby Atmos-like surround sound experience without relying on Dolby at all including having to pay Dolbys licensing fees. To date, Samsung does not support Dolby Atmos at all. Creating Dolby Atmos audio requires a bunch of steps in the Dolby pipeline. Audio needs needs to be mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos and encoded in Dolbys format, then decoded using Dolby decoders. IAMF would be an open-source standard that anyone could adopt, delivering 3D audio with no payments made to Dolby. At least, thats one way of looking at it. Digging deeper, it appears that IAMF could offer more. When I say that IAMF would take on Dolby Atmos, its important to clarify that it looks like Samsung, at least for now, is more interested in providing 3D audio from TV speakers and simpler soundbars offering height effects and virtual surround without having speakers all over your room. Dolby Atmos can be used in the same way. But, again, you have to play in Dolbys playground and pay for the privilege. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends IAMF would allow all kinds of content creators even smaller independent creators to create 3D audio. And that 3D audio could be played on a wide range of devices and platforms, in a wide range of environments. Well, last we heard, it was hoped that IAMF would make its debut late in 2024 which, by my watch is right now? Or at least right around the corner. That doesnt mean that your Samsung TV or soundbar will necessarily be able to take advantage of IAMF later this year, though. I imagine a big firmware and software update theoretically could allow existing Samsung devices to accept it soon. But without firm confirmation from Samsung that is the case, I wouldnt put money on that idea. I do think, however, that if IAMF has been progressing well behind the scenes, Samsung will launch it and make a very big deal about it at CES 2025 in just a few months. But I have a lot of concerns. Thats not going to stop me from speculating, though. Repeat: This is speculation. Once IAMF launches, how long will we have to wait until theres content to enjoy? I just dont see Netflix, Disney+, or Max adopting it right away. Maybe Amazon? Amazon was quick to jump on the HDR+ train, so I can see Amazon being a launch partner with Samsung on IAMF. Heres another concern: Dolby Atmos is ubiquitous. A lot of big industry players are heavily invested in Dolby Atmos production, and maybe they will add on IAMF to their workflow. But I dont think they will ditch Dolby Atmos at least not anytime soon. Where IAMF could grab the greatest foothold is through content providers that dont currently do Dolby Atmos at all. Im thinking YouTube, Pluto streaming services that just support basic stereo sound. So maybe thats what it looks like when it comes out? I would not let IAMF in any way shape a purchase decision right now. This is one area in which I just dont see FOMO coming into play. And Im talking about actual FOMO. Rtings responds to LG C4 issues Douglas Murray / Digital Trends This next one is more of a shout-out to Rtings.com, which responded to a call-out I made in a previous episode of You Asked in which I addressed some questions about an issue of green tint on the LG C4 OLED when viewed at an angle. I detailed my experience with the LG C4 I reviewed, contrasted that with Rtings narrative, and because I wasnt sure what the tenor and tone around Rtings narrative actually was, I asked that they help clarify things. Thats exactly what they did. Heres what Rtings said: Hey folks! Sorry for the delay on our end, but we just came across this video and wanted to jump in to try and clear things up! One thing we can confirm remains unchanged is that theres a noticeable green tint on the C4 we bought and tested. This is a widespread issue that impacts almost all LG OLED panels, but this is also something that can vary widely from unit-to-unit. LG Electronics has confirmed to us that our unit is about as bad as it gets, and anything worse wouldnt pass LGs quality control checks. Although it varies between units, most people shouldnt see this issue on their TV. This issue also isnt new or exclusive to the C4, as its been an issue on LG TVs for a few years now. That said, weve actually gone ahead and updated our review to echo this sentiment properly, as we never want our reviews to be misleading to users. Caleb, we really appreciate you bringing this up and starting this dialogue, since its helped us improve the quality of our review. Thanks a bunch! And if you or anyone in the comments have any follow-up questions or concerns, were happy to further discuss things! So, first off, thanks to Rtings for taking the time to comment. Second, thanks to Rtings for being truly classy about it. This is what collaboration should look like. Fewer assumptions, more questions that seek to understand. In a YouTube world where character assaults thinly veiled as reaction videos are so common, this is a super-big breath of fresh air. Also, I think it is great to know that we all collectively have the right read on the green-tint issue. Rtings is correct, and Ive written a lot about it. W-OLED panels from LG displays tend to have a slight green tint, and QD-OLEDs from Samsung tend to have a more magenta or pink-ish tint. In most cases it is a difference you only see in side by side comparisons where you have a point of reference. Furthermore, there are levels of severity to this. It sounds like the unit Rtings got was on the stronger side, while mine was on the weaker side. And now we all know more than we did before, and we can all make better decisions. I love it. Thanks again to Rtings for taking the time. And heres to more collaboration in the future! Panasonics return to the U.S. market Panasonic W95 Series Panasonic Gree7964 wrote: Could you review the new Panasonic W95 Series Mini LED TV soon? I have been a Panasonic fan for professional video products, so Im interested to see how their newest consumer TV is compared to the other top brands you regularly review. And Johnnyice428 wrote: I was going to upgrade to LGs 65-inch G4. But with the announcement of Panasonics return to the U.S. market I want to wait for a review of the U.S. release. Will you be reviewing the flagship version of the three being released? First things first: Nobody is snubbing Panasonic here. Had I been able to make an event held in California a few weeks back, I might have gotten the TVs two weeks earlier. Unfortunately, I could not attend. Just wasnt in the cards, Im afraid. Second, I havent published a video around Panasonics return not because I dont think it is a big deal, but because we have a long line of televisions that are going to be reviewed. In other words, I have to prioritize. And while I am stoked about Panasonics return, I had to wait to talk about it until it fit which is right now. I have two of those new Panasonic TVs on the way. Im getting the Z95A OLED and the W95A mini-LED. Panasonic coming back is super exciting. Ive been looking forward to this day for years. And now that it is finally here, Im kind of geeking out. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Credit: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images The CEO of Rivian, one of the few electric-only car manufacturers in the US, recognizes that the industry has an affordability problem, and he doesnt expect you to solve that problem by making more money. I do believe there's an extreme lack of choice in the market, Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said in a Friday talk at the Atlantic Festival in Washington. He suggested EV shoppers with a budget of no more than $50,000 only have one compelling choice, the Tesla Model 3. (Youre not actually limited to a Tesla in that price bracket, but many of the non-Tesla options require compromising on range or charging speeds.) That read on the EV market followed a question from Scaringes onstage interviewer, Atlantic staff writer Derek Thompson, about how much EV sales are struggling. The CEO allowed that this growth, while continuing, is just not as fast as what people had anticipated. Rivians current lineup is part of the affordability issue, with prices starting at about $70,000 for its R1T pickup and $77,000 for its R1S SUV. The fact that we started with a flagship product at a high price point shouldn't be any surprise, Scaringe explained. Help is on the way with Rivians R2 SUV, a more compact vehicle that will go for $45,000 and up when it ships in 2026. Later on, the four-door hatchback R3 will have a still-lower starting price, which Scaringe says will benefit from significant learnings about manufacturing EVs. The EV industrys slower-than-expected transition to the Tesla-designed North American Charging Standard (NACS) might also explain EV sales growth falling short of hopes, but that did not come up in the conversation. Rivian was among the first automakers to announce a switch to NACS and gain access to Teslas Supercharger network, but it wont sell vehicles with NACS ports built in until 2025. Scaringe suggested that regulations could accelerate EV adoption, using California as an example: In about 10 years, in the state of California you will not be able to buy a car with an engine in it. Thats not correct: While the state will require that all new light-duty vehicles sold in 2035 to qualify as zero emission, the California Air Resources Boards rules implementing that mandate allow for up 20% of a carmakers sales to be plug-in hybrids with at least a 50-mile battery range. Long-term, Scaringe predicted that declining costs for batteries will combine with the mechanical simplicity of electric carsin which entire categories of gas-vehicle maintenance dont existto make the triumph of EVs inevitable. I do believe we're going to see the cost curve get to the point that the most economic decision you can make is to buy an electric vehicle, he forecast. Scaringe spoke before a supportive audience that did not seem to need much of a sales pitch for EVs now, but he told Thompson that he faced much more skepticism when he started Rivian in 2009. I would get asked silly questions, like can they handle the bumps, can they go off road, can they get wet? he said. Customers weren't yet even thinking about electrification. Rivian continues to struggle relative to Tesla, with a 2023 production total of 57,232 vehicles versus 1,845,985 at Tesla, and its yet to turn a profit. Rivian, however, has a fleet customer that Tesla cant match: Amazon, which has signed up for 100,000 Rivian electric vans. Scaringe said that order will essentially electrify their entire delivery fleet, drawing applause. Thompson also asked about the power sources for the electricity going into the batteries of EVs, asking if they still made environmental sense for people living in states that rely heavily on coal power plants. It's such a point of confusion around electrification, Scaringe said, explaining that a gas engine functions as a micro power plant that cant generate power to turn the wheels at nearly the same efficiency as even a coal power plant. And those fossil-fuel power plants continue to exit the market as renewable energy rises. The smokestacks of one such retired facility stand about a mile to the southwest of the Atlantic Festivals waterfront venue, with two other ex-coal plants shuttered within a five-mile radius. Scaringe noted that the upcoming ability of Rivian vehicles to serve as whole-home batteries can help increase the efficiency and reliability of a renewable-centric electric grid. More than once in the talk, Scaringe pronounced himself fascinated by how fast clean-energy change is coming to both his own industry and to society as a whole. As he put it at the end of the talk: "The inflection point that we're living in is really cool." Reacting to National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah's statement questioning whether the central government has eliminated terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey on Sunday labelled it as a sign of frustration among NC, PDP, and Congress leaders, saying that the BJP will form the government in the region. "Has terrorism not ended? Could you ever roam around downtown (Srinagar) or was there 60-70 per cent polling? So what is Farooq Sahib talking about? I once told him that I have seen more areas of Kashmir than he has. I know the pulse of Kashmir. This is the frustration of NC, PDP, and Congress leaders... I think BJP will make government in J-K," Dubey said. Earlier, Farooq Abdullah criticized the central government's development performance in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in comparison to the progress made during the period of Article 370. He referenced Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's remarks in the Rajya Sabha, which compared Jammu and Kashmir's development to that of Gujarat, emphasizing that significant progress was made while Article 370 was in effect. "When Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad compared two states in the Rajya Sabha the numbers showed that J&K was much above Gujarat...The governments here did it and they did it when Article 370 was in effect. We made progress. But what development did they give us in these years? Were prices reduced, and unemployment reduced?...Don't wait till the last bullet is off. Take the bull by the horns. I want to ask the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, did they remove terrorism?" Abdullah said. Jammu and Kashmir is voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases. The first phase of voting took place on September 18 Notably, a voter turnout of 61.13 pc was registered in the first phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, which were held on 24 constituencies in seven districts on September 18. Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively. Votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI) Daughters Day, celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September, is a day dedicated to appreciating the love, happiness, and pride that daughters bring into our lives. In 2024, this special occasion falls on September 22nd, offering a perfect opportunity for families to express their gratitude and admiration for their daughters. The Significance of Daughters Day Daughters Day is a celebration of the role daughters play in shaping families and society. It acknowledges their uniqueness, strength, and contributions. Historically, daughters were often undervalued, but today, this day stands as a symbol of gender equality and empowerment, reminding us that every daughter holds infinite potential. Celebrating this day not only strengthens family bonds but also promotes the importance of providing daughters with equal opportunities for growth, education, and success. How to Celebrate Daughters Day There are many meaningful ways to celebrate Daughters Day 2024, depending on family traditions and individual preferences. Here are some ideas: 1. Quality Time: Whether its a family picnic, dinner, or an outing, spending time together makes daughters feel valued. 2. Personalized Gifts: From jewelry to custom-made keepsakes, a thoughtful gift that reflects her personality is a great way to show appreciation. 3. Handwritten Letters or Cards: Expressing your love and pride in a heartfelt note can leave a lasting emotional impact. 4. Acts of Kindness: Encourage daughters to engage in acts of kindness, teaching values of empathy and responsibility while celebrating the joy of giving. 5. Celebrating Her Achievements: Highlight your daughters accomplishments, whether in academics, career, or personal growth, and encourage her to dream big. Daughters Day Wishes: Here are some thoughtful wishes to share with your daughter this Daughters Day: 1. "Happy Daughters Day, my dear! You are the sunshine in our lives, and we are so proud of the person youve become. Keep shining bright!" 2. "To my amazing daughter, thank you for filling our lives with love, laughter, and endless joy. Happy Daughters Day 2024!" 3. "You have a heart full of dreams and a soul full of kindness. Happy Daughters Day to the best daughter ever!" 4. "Watching you grow has been the greatest blessing of our lives. May you continue to chase your dreams and light up the world. Happy Daughters Day!" 5. "Happy Daughters Day, sweetheart! You inspire us every day with your strength, compassion, and courage. We love you more than words can say." 6. "To our precious daughter, thank you for being such a beautiful part of our lives. May you always be surrounded by love and happiness. Happy Daughters Day!" The Role Of Social Media In Daughters Day In the digital age, social media plays a significant role in celebrating Daughters Day. Families, celebrities, and influencers post heartfelt messages, pictures, and videos, expressing their pride and love. Daughters Day: A Global Celebration Daughters Day is celebrated across the globe in countries such as India, the United States, and Canada. This universal celebration sends a message of gender equality, love, and empowerment, advocating for a world where every daughter is given the freedom and opportunity to fulfill her dreams. Daughters Day 2024 is a day to cherish the love, joy, and pride that daughters bring into our lives. Lets take this moment to appreciate them, not just on this special day, but every day. As we celebrate, lets also continue to strive for a world where all daughters are empowered, educated, and treated with the respect and equality they deserve. New Delhi: Netflix India is facing an investigation over alleged visa violations, racial discrimination, tax evasion and questionable business practices, according to a government email reviewed by Reuters. This marks the latest challenge for the streaming giant in India. Details of the Investigation The investigation was revealed through a July 20 email from Deepak Yadav, an official with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of India's Home Ministry, addressed to Nandini Mehta, Netflix's former director of business and legal affairs for India. In the email, Yadav stated: "This is regarding visa and tax violations concerns regarding the business practices of Netflix in India. We have received certain details in this regard w.r.t (with respect to) the stated company's conduct, visa violation, illegal structures, tax evasion and other malpractices including incidents of racial discrimination that company has been engaged in while conducting its business in India." Netflix's Response A Netflix spokesperson informed Reuters that the company was "unaware of any investigation being conducted by the Indian government." Nandini Mehta's Lawsuit Nandini Mehta, departed from Netflix in 2020 and she is currently suing the company in the US for alleged wrongful termination and racial and gender discriminationclaims that Netflix denies. Mehta has voiced her support for the Indian government's investigation and hopes that the findings will be made public. She declined to share additional details regarding the specific allegations. Growing Scrutiny in India Netflix has been under growing scrutiny in India. They found around 10 million subscribers. While the company has made significant investments in producing local content, including projects with Bollywood stars, it has also faced criticism over content considered offensive by some viewers and officials. Alongside the ongoing investigation, Netflix has been contesting a tax demand from the Indian government since 2023. Scope of the Investigation The email from the FRRO did not detail which agencies are participating in the investigation. The FRRO, which collaborates closely with Indias Intelligence Bureau, mainly oversees visa compliance for foreigners and permissions for visiting restricted areas. However, it also works alongside other government agencies on issues concerning foreigners. Nandini Mehta's Involvement Mehta was employed at Netflix's offices in Los Angeles and Mumbai from 2018 to 2020. The Indian government's email asked her to provide "details/documents" pertinent to the investigation, given her previous position as a legal executive at the company. In a move aimed at strengthening the research ecosystem of the country, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education has partnered with Springer Nature India for the second edition of the National Research Tour. The tour aims to enhance research capabilities and empower academic institutions and researchers across the country by bringing world-class resources and knowledge to their doorsteps. Research Integrity, Open Access, SDGs and Equity in Research will be the central theme of the 30-day tour of 17 cities across 9 states in India. Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Chairman (Officiating) ICSSR oversaw the first research summit, of the 26 summits planned through the tour, held at the Jawahar Lal Nehru University on the topic Research Integrity and its role in strengthening Indian research output. The tour bus will now traverse key cities and educational institutions across India, providing hands-on workshops, training sessions, and access to the latest tools and insights. The tour will also cover different facets of academia and research, with a special focus on Research Integrity, Open Access and Transformative Agreements. Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, Springer Nature India, said "The tour is aimed at nurturing and supporting the research ecosystem in India. It aims to foster greater collaboration, innovation, and access to world-class knowledge." Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, added, This initiative brings vital resources, knowledge, and global best practices directly to researchers across the country, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to both national and international academic dialogues." India Research Tour 2024 flagged off from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, proudly partners with Springer Nature for the 2nd edition of pic.twitter.com/X3012F8FKw Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) (@icssr) September 19, 2024 The key objectives of the National Research Tour include strengthening the research ecosystem within universities and research institutes specifically at NITs, IIMs, prominent medical schools, CSIR labs and, DST institutes, government universities, as well some leading private universities, promoting research integrity, strengthening connects with women researchers via Her Research, Our Future campaign, SDG alignment by improving visibility of SDG centric research across India on a global platform and recruiting more Editorial Board Members (EBM) for Springer Nature journals from India(currently the percentage of EBMs from India is 4.8). The next stop for the National Research Tour will be at BITS Pilani, Rajasthan on 23rd September 2024. Another shocking incident attempted train derailment was discovered and prevented on Sunday after a gas cylinder was discovered on the tracks in Kanpur Dehat district, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred at 5:50 am on Sunday at Prempur Station. The goods train travelling from Kanpur to Prayagraj was halted using the emergency brakes after the driver spotted the gas cylinder lying on the tracks. The Chief Public Relations Officer of North Central Railway reported that the Railway Inspector of Works (IOW), along with security and other teams, examined the gas cylinder and safely removed it from the tracks. Uttar Pradesh: A goods train going from Kanpur towards Prayagraj was stopped using the emergency brakes after the driver spotted a gas cylinder lying on the tracks, at Prempur Station at 5:50 am today (September 22). Railway IOW (Inspector of work), security and other teams pic.twitter.com/0zwohXABdt ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 Upon inspection, it was found that the 5-litre cylinder was empty, CPRO North Central Railway said adding Directions have been given to investigate the matter. Similar incidents On Saturday, train accident prevented after unknown miscreants tampered with a railway track near Kim Railway Station in Surat, Gujarat. Reportedly, unknown individuals removed the fishplate and some keys from the UP line track and placed them back on the same track near Kim railway station. The flood-like situation in Bihar was grim with 12.67 lakh people remaining affected in 12 districts, although water level has started receding in some places in the state, an official statement said on Sunday. While the water level of Ganga River has started decreasing in Patna and its surrounding areas, the rising trend of water levels in several rivers in other districts is affecting low-lying areas. A statement issued by the state Disaster Management Department (DMD) said, "Twelve districts along the Ganga are experiencing a flood-like situation and around 12.67 lakh people living in low-lying areas have been affected by rising water levels." "A total of 361 panchayats in these districts have been impacted. Around 1,400 boats are being used by the district administrations in rescue and relief operations. The government is running eight relief camps in the 12 districts. A large number of people from low-lying areas have been evacuated and brought to the camps," it added. The 12 affected districts are Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Katihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Saturday visited a relief camp for flood-hit people in Hajipur, and instructed officials to "take all-out efforts to provide assistance and relief". Meanwhile, several trains were cancelled and many diverted as floodwaters touched the girder of a bridge in Bhagalpur district on Sunday. In a statement, the East Central Railway said that due to floodwaters touching the girder of bridge 195 between Sultanganj and Ratanpur stations, many trains have been cancelled and routes of several others passing through Jamalpur-Bhagalpur division diverted. "The floodwaters touched the girder of the bridge at 11.45 pm on Saturday. Besides, at certain places in Jamalpur-Bhagalpur division, several rivers are flowing above the danger mark," it said. The trains that have been cancelled are Patna-Dumka Express, Saraigarh Deoghar Special, Jamalpur- Kiul Memu Special, and Bhagalpur-Danapur Intercity Express, it added. Among the diverted trains were Ajmer-Bhagalpur Express, Vikramshila Express, Howrah-Gaya Express, Surat-Bhagalpur SF Express, Anand Vihar-Malda Town Express and Brahmaputra Mail. At least four trains were short-terminated, the statement added. Police have registered an FIR and arrested three persons in connection with Saturday's roadblock and attack on a BMC vehicle that had gone to demolish an alleged illegal section of a mosque in Dharavi, the police said. "Dharavi Police registered an FIR and arrested 3 persons in yesterday's roadblock and attack on a BMC vehicle that had come for encroachment demolition," Mumbai Police said in an official statement. As per the Mumbai Police, FIR has been registered under sections 132, 189(1), 189(2), 189(4), 190, 191(2), 324(3), 191(3) of BNS 2023 and Sections 37(1)(C), 135 of MP Act 1951 and a few other sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, and Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013. On Saturday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) cancelled its drive to demolish an alleged illegal section of a mosque in Dharavi, Asia's largest slum, after huge numbers of locals gathered on the streets. Speaking on the case, Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad said, "Action scheduled for today has been cancelled. We met the Chief Minister last night. We had urged him for this. Everyone kept forth their views here peacefully. It has been cancelled and everyone has gone home. I appeal to the people to maintain peace." Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 5, Mumbai, Tejaswi Satpute, said that the environment is peaceful in Dharavi. "A huge crowd had gathered in Dharavi on 90-foot road and after they were requested, they left the area. The environment is peaceful in Dharavi. There are a lot of messages that are misleading on social media. I appeal to everyone not to trust any such messages," she said. According to the BMC, it had issued a notice to the concerned to remove the construction of the encroached mosque on the 90-foot road in Dharavi. "Also action was taken according to this notice. However, the BMC administration should give a deadline of 4-5 days to remove the encroached construction from the said place. The trustees of the mosque have submitted a written request to the Deputy Commissioner of Circle 2 of the BMC and the Assistant Commissioner of G North Division that the construction will be removed on its own during this period," the BMC said. "The BMC has accepted the request after the concerned have written a request to remove the construction on their own. It is clarified by the municipal administration that the trustees have also been instructed to remove the encroached construction within the stipulated time," it added. New Delhi: Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he would move out of his official residence during the upcoming Navratri festival that begins on October 3. In his first public address after tendering his resignation on September 17, the AAP chief also hit out at the BJP for allegedly implicating him in a false case and asserted that he cannot live with the "stain of dishonesty". "I cannot even live, let alone work, with the stigma of being dishonest. If I were dishonest, would I have made electricity and bus travel free for women? Would I have improved government schools and hospitals?" he asked the gathering at Jantar Mantar here. Released on bail from Tihar jail on September 13 after over five months in prison in connection with the excise policy case, Kejriwal said that he joined politics to serve the country and not for any greed for power or post. Asserting that for the last 10 years, the AAP ran government in Delhi with utmost honesty and gave facilities to people like free water and electricity, he claimed this irked the BJP. "Troubled by this, Modi ji thought that if they have to win elections and defeat Aam Aadmi Party, they should attack our honesty and hence implicated us in a false case and sent us to jail," he alleged. The former chief minister also said that he resigned because he was hurt by the corruption allegations against him and added that he had only earned respect, not money, during the past 10 years. The AAP supremo said that leaders do not care about allegations made against them as they have thick skin. "I am not a leader, I do not have thick skin. It makes a difference to me. When BJP people indulges in mudslinging and levels false allegations against me, it hurts me. "I have only earned respect in my life. Today when they accused me (of corruption), I resigned keeping my dignity in mind and now I will also leave my government accommodation," he added. The AAP supremo further said he would move out of the chief minister's official residence after the "shraddh" period. "I will move out of the residence during Navratri and go to live among the people, who have been offering me accommodation. "Today I do not even have a house to live in. I have earned love and blessings of the public in 10 years and because of this love, many people are inviting me to stay at their homes," he said. The AAP national convener said he, along with other party leaders, was charged under the stringent law, PMLA, in which even bail is not available. "But the case was fake. I thank the Supreme Court; they gave bail to all of us because they also knew that the case was frivolous. When I came out of jail, I decided that until the court does not honourably acquit me, I will not sit on the CM's chair again. "But my lawyers told me that this case can drag on for a very long time, maybe for 10 to 15 years," he said, adding that he decided to come in the "court of people". Kejriwal said the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls are an "agni pariksha" (trial by fire) for him and urged people not to vote for him if they think he is dishonest. Waving a broom, he asserted it is not only the election symbol of the AAP, but also a symbol of faith. "When a person goes to cast his vote and presses the broom button, they first close their eyes and take the name of God. "When they press the broom button, they think that they are pressing the button of honesty. They are pressing the button to form an honest government. Press this broom button only if you think Kejriwal is honest," he added. Speaking about his former deputy Manish Sisodia, who spent nearly 17 months in jail in connection with the excise policy case, the AAP chief said had he (Sisodia) been out, he would have worked to improve educational facilities. "Prime Minister Modi kept him in jail for two years. Had he been out, many more schools would have been built," he said. "Modi ji has wasted these two years not of Manish Sisodia but of the country. Manish's life belongs to the nation," he added. The former chief minister recalled the India Against Corruption movement which had originated from Jantar Mantar here as he began his address. "Standing here at Jantar Mantar, I am taken back to the days of the India Against Corruption movement, which was independent India's biggest movement. It started from here on April 4, 2011. "At that time also, there was an arrogant government at the Centre. We were challenged to jump into electoral politics. We took the challenge and formed government for 49 days in the very first attempt despite not having money or muscle power," he recalled. At that time, various political parties used to say that AAP candidates, except Kejriwal, would lose their security deposits, he added. The AAP leader said they had proved that elections could be fought and won on the basis of honesty. Sisodia, who also addressed the gathering, accused the BJP of trying to separate him from Kejriwal by implicating them in false cases. "No Ravan in the world can separate Lakshaman from Ram," he added. Sisodia revealed attempts were made to sway him against Kejriwal. Like Kejriwal, Sisodia also vowed to return to public office only when the people validate his integrity. On his three-day visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) summit. During the meeting, he exaggerated that QUAD focuses on Global good and it is here to stay, partner, and contribute. "We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues," Modi said, PTI reported. "Our message is clear -- Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement," Modi added. At the QUAD summit meeting, He said, "Together we have taken many positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, capacity building." The Quad leaders praised Prime Minister Modi and India for their leadership in the Indian Ocean region. President Biden noted that the U.S. has much to learn from Indias experience and leadership in this area. In addition, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his support for Modis initiative to organize the Voice of the Global South Summits, according to sources. In response to a request from the US to host this year's QUAD Summit, India agreed to host the next summit in 2025, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Although India was originally slated to host this years summit, scheduling conflicts among the leaders prevented it. (With ANI, PTI inputs) Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on September 23 to address election rallies in support of Congress and alliance candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. Rahul is scheduled to arrive in the Surankote area of Poonch around 11 a.m. and will address a public rally in support of Congress candidate Shahnawaz Choudhary, who is the All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and co-in-charge of Odisha. He is the joint candidate of the Congress and National Conference. With the BJP-led NDA government at the center granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Pahari people, enabling them to contest ST-reserved seats, the Surankote Assembly constituency is witnessing a major contest between the Congress's Gujjar candidate and the BJP's Pahari candidate. Gandhi will fly from Surankote to Srinagar, where he will address another rally in the Shalteng area, seeking votes for JKPCI president Tariq Hamid Qarra. Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, who are Congress alliance partners in Jammu and Kashmir, have also been invited to the rally. Rahul is expected to reach the venue around 1:30 p.m. Earlier, Rahul addressed two rallies in Jammu and Kashmir, one in the Sangaldan area of Banihal and another in the Dooru area of South Kashmir, for the first phase of elections. With the assembly elections being held in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of 10 years, both BJP and Congress leaders have been actively campaigning in the Union Territory. The Prime Minister himself has visited twice, addressing three rallies. Tomorrow marks the final day of campaigning for the second phase of the assembly elections, in which voters in two districts of JammuRajouri and Poonchand three districts of KashmirSrinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbalwill head to the polls. Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the RSS about whether it supports the BJP's strategy of using central agencies to dismantle parties and overthrow opposition governments, as well as bringing in "corrupt" leaders. During his first 'Janta ki Adalat' public meeting at Jantar Mantar since stepping down as Delhi chief minister, Kejriwal posed five questions to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. One of his queries was whether the BJP's retirement age rule also applied to Modi, similar to what it did for LK Advani. He also challenged Bhagwat on the BJP's practice of labeling politicians as "corrupt" while simultaneously welcoming them into the party. In another question, Kejriwal asked Bhagwat how he felt about BJP chief JP Nadda's statement that the party did not require the RSS, which serves as the saffron party's ideological backbone. Having been released on bail from Tihar jail on September 13 after spending over five months in custody due to the excise policy case, Kejriwal emphasized that he entered politics to serve the nation and not out of any desire for power or position. The former chief minister mentioned that he resigned because he was hurt by corruption allegations against him, asserting that he had gained only respectnot wealthover the past decade. He described the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections as an "agni pariksha" for himself and urged voters to refrain from supporting him if they believed he was dishonest. Kejriwal added that he planned to vacate the chief minister's official residence after the "shraddh" period during Navratri and live among the people who had been offering him shelter. Mahamandaleshwar 1008 Mahant Amar Das Ji Maharaj of Ram Mandir, Dausa, Rajasthan, on Sunday demanded a CBI inquiry into the alleged use of 'animal fat' in the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam, distributed at the Tirumala Temple in Tirupati. Amar Das Ji Maharaj expressed that the Tirupati Balaji temple incident deeply "hurts" the faith of Hindus. "The leaders who betray God--how will they spare the people of our country? This is a major betrayal of Hindus, and it affects all our Hindu brothers across the world. Their souls have been wounded, torn to pieces by such leaders who claim to believe in our Tirupati Balaji," he said. "Tirupati Balaji resides in the hearts of every Sanatani across the world. The presence of fat or fish oil in such a sacred temple is extremely unfortunate. It is an affront to Hindus, and yet many of our Hindu brothers remain asleep. We urge Hindus to wake up and raise their voices against such unrighteous individuals. We also request the government to initiate a CBI inquiry into all members of the committee involved and the government in power at the time," he added. Amar Das Ji Maharaj further called for strict action against those responsible. "The harshest and most severe punishment should be given to these people, and such leaders should never be forgiven. This is not just a betrayal of us, or our future, but of Sanatan Dharma itself," he said. Earlier, spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, called for the formation of a committee of spiritual leaders to oversee temple matters. In a video message, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged for action against those involved in food adulteration. "We have read in history books how the sepoy mutiny of 1857 occurred. Now, we see how deeply Hindus are hurt by this laddoo incident. This cannot be pardoned or forgiven. It is malicious and driven by the greed of those involved. They must be severely punished. All their assets should be seized, and they should be jailed, whoever is remotely involved in this process. We must check not just the laddoo, but every food product. What about the ghee sold in the market? Is anyone checking what's being put in it? All those who adulterate food and falsely label it as vegetarian, while adding any non-vegetarian substance, should be very strictly punished," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said. On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu sparked a political controversy by alleging that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati Laddu Prasadam during the previous YSRCP government contained animal fat. (ANI) Haryana And Jammu & Kashmir Election 2024: As Haryana gears up for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for October 5, key political figures are making strategic moves. BJP's Babita Phogat, a former wrestler, has voiced her confidence that the party will secure a third term. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a rally to connect with the public. On the other hand, Jammu and Kashmir are gearing up for the phase 2 polls following the completion of phase 1 voting on September 18. In light of the elections, security has been enhanced in sensitive areas, especially ahead of rallies in the region. This marks the first time the party is contesting elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Kerala Lottery Results Sunday 22-09-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "AKSHAYA AK-669" Lucky Draw Result today Akshaya AK-669, September 22, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Akshaya AK-669" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Akshaya AK-669 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-669 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 22-09-2024 September: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-669 Draw LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: AM 637750 LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: AC 322346 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: AA 189913 AB 155462 AC 800783 AD 200550 AE 393947 AF 984545 AG 322019 AH 253900 AJ 613696 AK 317264 AL 820586 AM 608768 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: AA 637750 AB 637750 AC 637750 AD 637750 AE 637750 AF 637750 AG 637750 AH 637750 AJ 637750 AK 637750 AL 637750 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0123 0619 0974 1738 2243 2467 3136 4068 5329 5655 6253 6365 7093 7862 8419 8957 8968 9017 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 1101 1804 5692 6417 6516 7858 9930 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0209 1029 1189 1378 1849 1859 1860 2772 2963 3940 4281 4652 4655 4941 5486 6201 6461 6470 7257 7375 8019 8398 8473 8542 9753 9786 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0107 0202 0286 0369 0663 0767 0825 0914 0960 1001 1023 1328 1424 1651 1741 1910 2393 2425 2440 2714 2889 2992 3175 3212 3274 3480 3488 3589 3615 3817 3952 4004 4252 4330 4358 4611 5086 5399 5417 5538 5543 5862 5995 6125 6265 6268 6535 6618 6733 6755 6899 7000 7036 7045 7077 7222 7880 8002 8057 8226 8238 8349 8684 8725 8973 9379 9507 9673 9715 9819 9967 9995 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0063 0139 0192 0254 0356 0472 0478 0521 0529 0681 0772 0809 0936 1059 1095 1097 1201 1210 1329 1391 1401 1502 1699 1778 1916 1938 1979 1986 2054 2646 2703 2803 2955 3005 3046 3142 3260 3343 3431 3439 3551 3590 3624 3813 3933 4013 4151 4248 4289 4299 4305 4364 4455 4469 4487 4561 4756 4767 4780 4788 4850 4866 4907 4940 5006 5087 5285 5411 5504 5556 5560 5633 5666 5684 5868 5891 5917 5933 5980 6074 6313 6529 6737 6801 6847 6849 6852 6865 6992 7056 7057 7122 7168 7351 7379 7410 7529 7544 7548 7632 7678 7745 7753 7838 7960 8023 8033 8096 8176 8220 8232 8663 8697 8787 9032 9139 9250 9279 9419 9721 9865 9873 9945 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 22-09-2024 September TODAY: AKSHAYA AK-669 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 2,000 6th Prize: Rs. 1,000 7th Prize: Rs. 500 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday took a tough stance on terror at an election rally in Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday. Shah said no stone pelter or terrorist will be released in Jammu and Kashmir, and there will be no talks with Pakistan till terrorism is wiped out. At the rally in support of J-K BJP president Ravinder Raina, Shah addressed the youth of Jammu and Kashmir as "lions." He criticized the NC-Congress alliance for promising to release stone pelters and terrorists in their manifesto. "They (NC-Congress alliance) want to release stone pelters and terrorists (after formation of their government as promised in their manifesto). Farooq Abdullah is talking about revival of terrorism in Jammu hills, but I want to tell them that this is Modi government and we will bury terrorism in patal (deep inside earth). No terrorist or stone pelter will be released," he said. Shah accused the NC and Congress of advocating for talks with Pakistan. "I want to tell Farooq Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi that there will be no dialogue with Pakistan till terrorism is wiped out. I will talk with my lions (youth of J-K) and not with Pakistan." Referring to underground bunkers constructed for border residents' safety, Shah said they won't be needed. "Nobody has the power to open fire from across the border. If they fire a bullet, we will respond with a shell." Shah also slammed NC-Congress leaders' remarks on reservation. "Rahul Gandhi is saying in America that there is no need for reservation. I want to tell him that you will not be allowed to finish reservation for the deserving communities," including Paharis, Gujjars, Dalits, and other backward classes. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called for a six-hour bandh in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, September 24. The party announced the shutdown in response to growing outrage over the assault of an Army Major and his fiancee, which has sparked widespread criticism of the Odisha police. The controversy revolves around the alleged harassment of an Army Major and his fiancee, who had visited the Bharatpur police station to file a complaint regarding a road rage incident. Both were allegedly detained, with claims of physical assault against the officer and sexual abuse of the woman while in police custody. BJD leader Arun Kumar Sahoo, during a press briefing on Sunday, stated that the bandh would last from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday. The party intends to highlight what it describes as police brutality and demand justice for the victims. BJD President Shocked by Incident BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra revealed that the party's decision for a bandh came after consultations with party president and Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik. According to Mishra, Patnaik is deeply disturbed by the incident and the way it has tarnished the states image. "Our party president, Naveen Patnaik, is shocked over the incident. The custodial torture and sexual assault have shamed Odisha," Mishra said. He added that the bandh is a way to intensify the protest and press for accountability from the police. Demand for Judicial Probe Patnaik has also called for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and a judicial inquiry into the matter. The BJD has submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention in the case. The party is demanding strict action against those responsible for the alleged mistreatment of the Army officer and his fiancee. Allegations of Police Misconduct The Army officers fiancee has alleged that she was sexually assaulted after being taken into custody. She also claims that the officer was illegally detained and subjected to physical abuse. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, leading to calls for an independent investigation to ensure justice. The bandh is expected to disrupt daily life in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, as the BJD continues to press for answers and action over what they describe as an appalling case of police misconduct. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States for a three-day official visit, during which he participated in the QUAD leaders' Summit. At the meeting, PM Modi exaggerated that QUAD focuses on Global good and it is here to stay, partner, and contribute. He also highlights Indias commitment to QUAD cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Quad, comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, aims to function as a force for global good while promoting a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Here Are Key Updates From PM Modi's US Visit -Prime Minister Modi describes Quad as a force of Global Good. PM says that Quad is here to stay, partner and contribute. - At the Cancer Moonshot event, Prime Minister Modi announced India's commitment to cooperate in radiotherapy and capacity building. He highlighted the contribution of 40 million vaccine doses for Indo-Pacific countries under GAVI and QUAD initiatives, emphasizing a human-centric approach to global health. - At the Cancer Moonshot event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized Indias leadership in global health, highlighting the world's largest health insurance scheme and initiatives for affordable medicines. - As per ANI reports, PM Modi announced India's own cervical cancer vaccine, new AI-driven treatment protocols, and pledged $7.5 million in support for sampling and detection kits, aligning with the vision of "One Earth, One Health." - Prime Minister Modi thanked President Biden for promoting affordable healthcare. He highlighted the Quad's commitment to addressing cervical cancer and emphasised the need for an integrated approach to prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment to reduce cancer's burden. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, for a bilateral discussion on in Wilmington, Delaware. "They reviewed the various facets of the relationship, and exchanged views to deepen the cooperation further. PM thanked PM Kishida for his leadership in advancing the Special Strategic & Global Partnership over the years, and wished him success and happiness," the MEA said. (With ANI Inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday (local time) on the sidelines of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) Leaders' Summit 2024. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit as well as for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. "PM Narendra Modi met PM Anthony Albanese of Australia today in Wilmington, Delaware. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit as well as for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region," the MEA said on X. Australian PM Anthony Albanese said it was great to talk with PM Modi and discuss ways to strengthen India-Australia partnership. "Great to talk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at the Quad Leaders Summit about ways to strengthen our partnership," PM Albanese said on X. This was the sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit, a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. As President Biden hosted a quadrilateral meeting on Saturday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, he also announced a series of initiatives to deliver a real positive impact for the Indo-Pacific, including providing new maritime technologies to Quad partners. In his opening remarks at the Quad Leaders' summit, Albanese stated that the Quad security grouping is about practical and meaningful outcomes in strategic areas and emphasised the need to work for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. "It is absolutely delightful to be here. I thank you, Mr President, for hosting us in your home state, home school and giving us an insight into what made you such an extraordinary world leader," PM Albanese said in his opening remarks. "It's fantastic to be with Prime Minister Kishida; we met earlier... Prime Minister Modi would be hosting us the next year and I look forward to that as well," he added. PM Albanese further said that Quad is about practical, meaningful outcomes in strategic areas such as clean energy, critical and emerging technologies and counter-terrorism. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the 55-year-old Marxist leader of the People's Liberation Front (JVP), has emerged victorious in Sri Lanka's presidential election, securing 42.31% of the vote, as confirmed by official results on Sunday. Dissanayake, a prominent figure within the JVP, a left-wing coalition, declared victory before the full results were released, sharing a celebratory message on X, where he stated, This victory belongs to all of us. He is expected to be sworn in on Monday at Colombo's Presidential Secretariat, a symbol of the countrys colonial heritage. His rise to power is seen as a rejection of the entrenched political establishment, which many blame for Sri Lanka's ongoing economic turmoil. The JVPs strong performance represents a significant turnaround for the party, which had secured only 3% of the vote in the 2019 presidential election. High Voter Turnout Signals Demand for Change Saturdays election witnessed a 76% voter turnout, with 17 million eligible Sri Lankans casting their ballots. The results indicate a clear desire for a shift in leadership, with Dissanayake's message of economic reform and anti-establishment rhetoric resonating with a population weary of the country's financial challenges. Premadasa Takes Second Place, Wickremesinghe Falls to Third Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa secured second place in the race, garnering 32.76% of the vote. Meanwhile, outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had been in charge during Sri Lanka's economic collapse in 2022, came in third with 17.27%. While Wickremesinghe has not yet officially conceded, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry acknowledged Dissanayake's win, signaling the end of Wickremesinghe's tenure. Wickremesinghes administration, which came to power following a nationwide uprising in 2022, was tasked with managing Sri Lankas recovery, including securing a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, his governments implementation of strict austerity measuressuch as tax increases and cuts to social programsfaced widespread backlash as living costs soared and poverty levels doubled. Dissanayake Promises to Renegotiate IMF Deal Dissanayake's campaign focused heavily on addressing the economic strain felt by ordinary citizens. He has vowed to renegotiate the terms of the IMF agreement to alleviate the financial burden, especially in areas like food and medicine, where taxes have been raised under Wickremesinghe's austerity policies. Senior JVP member Bimal Ratnayake stated, We will not tear up the IMF deal, but we can renegotiate it to ease the hardships, emphasizing that while the agreement is binding, there is room to renegotiate the terms. Countrywide Curfew and Security Measures Ensured Peaceful Election Despite the peaceful nature of the election, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew as a precaution until Sunday afternoon. Thousands of police officers were deployed to ensure security throughout the election process. No major incidents were reported, and the Election Commission has implemented a ban on victory rallies or public celebrations for a week following the announcement of the final results. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States, the U.S. government facilitated the return of 297 antiquities to India. Since 2016, the U.S. has played a significant role in the repatriation of numerous trafficked or stolen antiquities. Earlier, during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the USA in 2016, 10 antiquities were returned, followed by 157 antiquities during his visit in September 2021, and an additional 105 antiquities during his visit last June. Consequently, the total number of cultural artifacts returned from the U.S. to India since 2016 is 578. In July 2024, the US State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, signed a Cultural Property Agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting greater cultural understanding. All these antiquities belong to a period spanning almost 4000 years, from 2000 BCE 1900 CE and have origins in different parts of India. Here are some of the notable antiquities that were handed over: * Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to 10-11th century CE; * Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to 15-16th century CE; * Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE; * Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE; * Lord Ganesh in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE; * Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE; * Lord Vishnu in Bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE; * Anthropomorphic figure in copper from North India belonging to 2000-1800 BCE; * Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE, * Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE. Chennai: Actress Parvathy Nair, who starred alongside Thalapathy Vijay in 'GOAT', is under investigation for allegedly assaulting and confining a worker named Subash Chandra Bose. A case has been registered against the actress and five others under sections 296(b), 115(2), and 351(2) BNS following a complaint by Bose. According to DSR copy, Bose, who worked as a helper at KJR Studios, was also asked to do domestic work at Parvathy Nair's residence in 2022. During that time, several items, including a laptop, watch, camera, and mobile phone, went missing from Nair's house, after which the actress filed a complaint against Bose over suspected theft allegations. However, Bose has now come forward to share his side of the story. Bose alleges that after his release, when he returned to work at KJR Studios, Parvathy Nair came to the studio and slapped him, while the other five verbally abused him. Bose filed a complaint at Teynampet Police Station; however, when no action was taken, he approached the Saidapet 19th MM Court. Based on Saidapet Magistrate Court orders, an FIR has been registered against Parvathy Nair and others, and investigations in this matter are underway. Meanwhile, on the work front, Nair was last seen in 'GOAT' opposite Vijay. Mumbai: Filmmaker Atlee on Saturday turned a year older. Marking his birthday, members from the film industry took to social media to extend their best wishes to him. Varun Dhawan, who has worked with Atlee in 'Baby John', penned a heartfelt note for him, calling him the "hardest worker." "With the man who always keeps his promises. The hardest worker in the room, but above all a leader who stands with his people. Happy birthday sir," Varun wrote, adding a picture with Atlee, who has also directed 'Jawan'. Earlier this month, Varun, Atlee, and Murad Khetani were spotted visiting the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai to seek auspicious blessings during the festive period. Coming to the film 'Baby John', Atlee is presenting the project in association with Jio Studios and Cine1 Studios. The film is set to release in theatres this Christmas December 25, adding to the festive cheer. The film also stars Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff and Rajpal Yadav in key roles. A Kaleeswaran has directed 'Baby John'. A Delhi-based music producer alleged that he received an extortion call of Rs 5 crore from a caller who identified himself as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldi Brar Gang, said the police on Sunday. The victim, identified as Amandeep Batra (39) a resident of Greater Kailash, said that he received a call in which the caller identified himself as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldi Brar group and demanded the amount. The victim said that he received a voice call on his mobile number from a number that starts with +351, after which the caller introduced himself as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldi Brar Gang. The victim in his FIR alleged that the caller threatened him to provide Rs 5 crore rupees and also gave death threats, stating that if he failed to do so, he would send goons to his residence to get him killed. Amandeep further stated that he made a PCR call on 112 and informed about the incident. The victim has also alleged in the FIR that he has strong doubt that these threat calls are being given on the instructions of his ex-wife's boyfriend, who was close to Lawrence Bishnoi. He alleged that his ex-wife's boyfriend always tortures him by putting the photographs of his son and ex-wife. Based on the complaint, the Delhi Police has registered a case under Section 308(4) BNS at Greater Kailash Police station and is investigating the matter. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) highlighted the relationship between India and the US in terms of artificial intelligence and gave a new meaning to it, describing it as the America-India spirit. Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island at Modi&US Event, he said, "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here." PM Modi said that Indian Diaspora has always been the country's strongest brand ambassadors. "I have always understood your potential... the potential of the Indian diaspora. You have always been India's strongest band ambassador for me. That's why I call all of you 'Rashtradoot'." "Now Apna Namaste has also become multinational. It has gone from local to global and you have done all this. Every Indian who keeps India in his heart has done this. You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched. Despite being overseas, no ocean can separate you from India," PM Modi added. He also praised the Indian community for keeping up the tradition of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" that means "the world is one family." "Wherever we go, we treat everyone as family and mingle with them. Understanding diversity, living it, implementing it in our lives... it is in our values. Someone speaks Tamil... someone Telugu, someone Malayalam, someone Kannada... someone Punjabi, someone Marathi, someone Gujarati... There are many languages, but the feeling is one... and that feeling is - Indianness," said PM Modi. Speaking on the diversity of India, PM Modi said, "We are residents of a country where there are hundreds of languages and dialects, all the religions and sects of the world. Still, we are moving ahead united and noble. This is our biggest strength to connect with the world. These values naturally bind us to the world." Praising the Indian diaspora for their talent and skill, he said that they connect India to America. "You have connected India to America and America to India. Your skill, talent, and commitment have no competition. You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins," said PM Modi. America and India are poised to become AI powerhouses in the new world, and Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to the US has strengthened this partnership. During his address at the Quad Leaders' Summit, PM Modi emphasized that the group is a "force of Global Good" that will contribute to the betterment of the world. The US-India partnership has made significant strides in AI research and development. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) has facilitated cooperation in key areas like space, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications. The two nations are also collaborating on the development of small modular reactor technologies and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in solar, wind, and nuclear energy. The diaspora crowd gave a standing ovation to PM Modi, as he entered the event venue, and took the stage. Talented artists from the Indian community took the stage, setting the perfect tone for PM Modi's imminent address to the Indian diaspora in the US. PM Modi's address at "Modi and US" program is a historic event which is unfolding at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, as 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora gather from 42 different states to welcome the Prime Minister. Later in the day, PM Modi will chair key bilateral meetings in New York and attend a CEO Roundtable in addition he will also address the Summit of the Future on September 23. In a shocking incident, a Scandinavian Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger found a mouse in his in-flight meal on Wednesday. The flight was flying from Norway's capital Oslo to Malaga in Spain. It made an emergency landing in Copenhagen, Denmark, following the incident. Speaking about the incident, the airline said that one of its flights had to make an emergency landing after a mouse scampered out of a passenger's in-flight meal on Wednesday. A spokesperson of the airline told news agency AFP that the diversion was in line with company procedures as the furry stowaway posed a safety risk. After the flight landed, the onboard passengers were later flown to Malaga on a different aircraft. "This is something that happens extremely rarely," the spokesperson said. "We have established procedures for such situations, which also include a review with our suppliers to ensure this does not happen again," he said. Jarle Borrestad, who witnessed the incident firsthand, told the BBC that the mouse escaped from the box of food that the woman sat next to him on the flight was opening. He said the situation was very calm and that people "were not stressed at all". He admitted that he did put his socks over his trousers to ensure that the mouse did not crawl up his legs. Borrestad said that while the flight was diverted, it only added a few extra hours to the journey. The latest incident was the second rodent-related travel incident in a week, the BBC reported. A train service in southern England had to be terminated in the middle of the journey after two squirrels boarded a carriage and one refused to get off. (With AFP Inputs) PM Modi In US: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to the United States, addressed an Indian community event in New York. Members of the Indian diaspora welcomed the Prime Minister with chants of 'Modi, Modi' at the Long Island event titled 'Modi and US'. During his speech, PM Modi hailed the people of the Indian diaspora, saying that people of the Indian community have connected India to America and America to India, and the skill, talent, and commitment of the people have no competition. He also said that the love of the Indian community in the US is his good fortune. Ahead of the event, the Nassau Coliseum was abuzz as people of the Indian community were seen holding 'Welcome Modi' posters in several languages. Groups of artists also performed traditional Indian dance forms at the venue. As the event unfolded, more than 500 artists showcased their talents. PM Modi's New York Speech: Key Highlights Iran just showed off its newest homegrown long-range ballistic missile and kamikaze drone during a major parade held by the countrys armed forces, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. This parade took place at the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic, in southern Tehran. It marked the kickoff of Sacred Defense Week, which honors the eight-year Iran-Iraq war from the 1980s. The ballistic missile, named Jahad, and the drone, called Shahed-136B, made their debut at the event. The Jahad missile is a one-stage weapon powered by solid fuel, capable of hitting targets up to 1,000 km away with impressive precision. The Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) developed this missile, as reported by Xinhua. On the other hand, the Shahed 136B drone, which runs on a turbojet engine, can take out targets located over 2,500 km away. Like the missile, it was also designed and built by the IRGC's Aerospace Force. During the parade, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran stands ready to defend itself and promote peace and security in the West Asia region by fostering unity and cooperation with other Muslim nations. He stated, "Today, Iran's defense and deterrence power has increased to such a level that no devil dares to perpetrate any act of aggression against the country, or even thinks of it," as noted in a statement from his office. India has signed three Key agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Delaware, USA. These agreements, focusing on the pillars of Clean Economy, Fair Economy, and an overarching IPEF administrative framework, were finalized on Saturday in the presence of the Prime Minister, who is on a three-day trip to the US for the Quad Summit, according to a statement from the Commerce Ministry. Framework of IPEF Launched on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo, the IPEF is an initiative aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and engagement among its 14 member countries. The framework is structured around four key pillars: Trade (Pillar I), Supply Chain Resilience (Pillar II), Clean Economy (Pillar III), and Fair Economy (Pillar IV). India's recent signing builds upon its earlier ratification of the Supply Chain Resilience agreement (Pillar II) in February 2024. With this, India remains an observer in Pillar I but is now fully engaged in the Clean and Fair Economy agreements. Clean Economy Agreement According to the Commerce Ministry, the Clean Economy agreement, a major component of Indias IPEF commitments, seeks to foster technical cooperation, capacity building, workforce development, and research collaborations. The goal is to accelerate clean energy transitions, enhance climate resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions among IPEF partners. This agreement also facilitates investments and project financing, including concessional financing for joint collaborative projects, particularly targeting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The agreement will help integrate Indian companies into global value chains, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Activities under this framework will include Cooperative Work Programmes, an IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund, and the IPEF Accelerator to catalyze clean energy investments. Fair Economy Agreement India also signed the Fair Economy agreement, which aims to create a more transparent and predictable trade and investment environment across the Indo-Pacific. The agreement promotes collaboration to combat corruption, enhance tax transparency, and improve tax administration across member states. This pact focuses on strengthening cross-border investigations, facilitating asset recovery, and sharing information to fight bribery, money laundering, and terror financing. The Commerce Ministry highlighted that the agreement supports Indias ongoing efforts in these areas, including domestic resource mobilization. The agreement also emphasizes the importance of technical assistance and capacity building (TACB) initiatives to bolster anti-corruption measures and improve tax systems. Overarching IPEF Agreement An additional overarching agreement was signed to establish a high-level political oversight mechanism at the ministerial level. This agreement aims to ensure the effective implementation of various IPEF commitments by providing general guidance and establishing forums for ongoing ministerial discussions on emerging issues. The agreement is expected to help India enhance its productive capacity, integrate further into global supply chains, and encourage innovation, aligning with the countrys vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Furthermore, the inaugural IPEF Investor Forum, held in Singapore in June 2024, identified priority infrastructure projects worth USD 23 billion, with India accounting for USD 4 billion of potential investments in renewable energy companies. Additionally, the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) committed USD 1.5 billion to support India's energy transition, climate investments, and digital inclusion efforts. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reiterated India's commitment to fostering peaceful relations with its neighbours, including Pakistan, but emphasised that dialogue with Pakistan would depend on its commitment to halting terrorist activities targeting India. Addressing a public rally, Rajnath Singh remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting his focus on humanity, democracy, and Kashmiriyat. "Our former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, emphasized humanity, democracy, and Kashmiriyat. However, the political houses here gave importance to only politics, politics, and politics. We have a principle: if we want to live peacefully, we should maintain good relations with our neighbours. We want good relations with all our neighbouring countries, even with Pakistan. But they are encouraging terrorism. How can we maintain good relations when they continue to promote terrorism? If they guarantee they will not launch terrorism on Indian soil, we are ready to engage in dialogue with them," Singh said. In response to Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif backing the Congress-NC alliance's stance on Article 370, Singh said that the government would not allow Pakistan's "evil agenda" to succeed in Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Congress and its ally National Conference want the return of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan also wants the same. The question arises whether Congress and National Conference are working as Pakistan's proxy. Why do the Congress and its broken INDI Alliance raise the same issues again and again, which come from Pakistan? These are the people who raised questions about Pulwama. Proofs of surgical strike and air strike were demanded. All these things are clearly indicate that efforts are being made to run Pakistan's agenda. But I want to tell both sides that we will not allow Pakistan's evil agenda to work in Jammu and Kashmir," he added. Singh also pointed to the high voter turnout in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections as a sign of the positive changes in the region. "The first phase of voting ended on September 18. More than 61 per cent of votes were cast in 24 seats here. People came out of their homes and voted without any fear and have given a message to the whole world that this Jammu and Kashmir has changed for the better after the abolition of Article 370," he noted. The Defence Minister praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for upholding the values of democracy. "The people of Jammu and Kashmir valley have raised the prestige of democracy. That is why I congratulate all of you. Pakistan has started feeling pain in its stomach after seeing the flag of democracy fly high in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. On the issue of restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, Singh accused the Congress party of "misleading" the people by claiming they would restore statehood if they came to power. "First of all, Congress is nowhere to form a government in J-K. Prime Minister Modiji has already said in the Parliament, before the elections, that Jammu and Kashmir will be granted statehood status," he said. Taking a jab at Pakistan's interference in India's internal matters, Singh said that Pakistan is currently pleading for a USD 7 billion bailout package from the IMF. "The amount of bailout package that Pakistan is asking for is almost ten times more than that given in the PM package for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan, which has become the international brand ambassador of poverty and misery, is not able to manage its own country and it is worried about India. While speaking in Poonch, Singh highlighted the significance of the ongoing elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which are being held after a decade. "Elections are being held after 10 years in J-K and everybody's eyes are on this election. More than 58 per cent voting has happened in J-K, while in Ladakh, over 82 per cent voting took place...This is a big sign of change for J-K," Singh said. Singh addressed three public meetings in Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu during his election campaign in the Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir is voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases. The first phase of voting took place on September 18. Notably, a voter turnout of 61.13 pc was registered in the first phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, which were held on 24 constituencies in seven districts on September 18. Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively. Votes will be counted on October 8. Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an interesting contest with several political parties and independents in the fray. NCP and Congress have forged a pre poll alliance in the UT. These elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, are being held after nearly a decade in the Union Territory. (ANI) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 500 million U.S. dollars loan for Indonesia to help the Southeast Asian country accelerate its energy transition agenda, the bank's official said on Saturday. ADB Country Director for Indonesia Jiro Tominaga said in a statement that the loan would support the development of Indonesia's basic and collaborative policy that would be formulated to identify and address the complex challenges it faces in speeding up the transition into sustainable and clean energy. "Indonesia is at a very important junction in its energy transition journey. It has rapid growth of power generation capacity that helps it overcome most of its electricity supply constraints. However, it has also made the country heavily dependent on fossil fuel-based power sources such as coal, gas and diesel," Tominaga said. Therefore, he said, the loan would be mainly used in efforts to build a strong policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the transition to clean energy, strengthen sector governance and financial sustainability, and ensure an equitable and inclusive transition. Indonesia, one of the world's largest producers and exporters of coal, is currently pursuing a reduction of carbon emissions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey on Sunday opposed the release of Pakistani stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan's starrer 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' and questioned the need to release a Pakistani film in India. "What is the need to release a Pakistani film in India? Do we not have artists in our country? Do we not make films here?... Why should we spend our hard-earned money on Pakistani films so that they earn money and use that money to sponsor terrorism against India... How can the government allow the release of a Pakistani film? When it is decided that Pakistan is a terrorist country and it doesn't want India to progress, then why do we have anything to do with them?" the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said in a self-made video on Sunday. Earlier, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) said that they will not allow the movie to be screened in the country. President of the MNS Cinema Wing, Ameya Khopkar, while speaking to ANI stated that they "will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India," and also urged people in other states to oppose the release as well. "This movie will not be released. Not just this movie, we will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India... If this happens, there will be a strong agitation," Khopkar told ANI. "I also call the people and parties of other states to oppose it in their states. Our soldiers are dying at the borders and our cities are being attacked... Why do we need Pakistani actors here, don't we have enough talent here?" he added. Warning cinema owners about the potential consequences, Khopkar said, "The owners of cinemas know very well that the glass in their theatres is very expensive... We will beat any Pakistan actor who dares to come to India... Art and politics are different but we don't want the art at the cost of our soldiers... We will not let them come." "This should be taken as a threat... There have been attacks till last week and will watch movies of Pakistan actors? How can one even think something like this?... We will not let them land their feet, we will break it," he added. Pakistani stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan-starrer 'The Legend of Maula Jatt', which was released in 2022, is now all set to be released in Indian theatres. A ban on Pakistani artists working in India was put into effect after the Uri terror attack in 2016. In November 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking a complete ban on artists from Pakistan to perform or work in India. Both Fawad and Mahira have earlier worked in Indian cinema. Fawad was a part of films like 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and 'Khoobsurat'. Mahira made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the film 'Raees'. (ANI) Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav hit out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and said that he was forced to resign as the CM as the court has restricted him from working and people wanted to know what happened to the promise of ending corruption. Devender Yadav said, "In the last 10 years the Chief Minister used to say that I will take all decisions after asking the people. If he had to resign to prove his innocence before the people, he should have done it when there were charges against him. Arvind Kejriwal is forced to resign (as the Delhi CM) as the court has restricted him from working. The public wants to know what happened to the promise of ending corruption. Many leaders of AAP have been in jail on charges of corruption. They should think about the concerns of the public. They have been exposed in front of the public." He further said that people want to know what happened to his promises of development and building 500 schools. "Where are the hospitals? He assured that people would get free water. People are drinking dirty water. Tanker mafias are getting the encouragement. He is the same person who used to say long ago that if I become the CM I would run my activities from a small house. Ever since he resigned his leaders are asking the government house for him. Former CM Sheila Dikshit had worked to make Delhi a world-class city," Yadav said. Former Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he resigned because he has no greed for CM's chair and had joined the politics for the country. Arvind Kejriwal asserted that he is not a politician and the allegations have affected him. Addressing 'Janta ki Adalat' at Jantar Mantar , Kejriwal said, "I resigned because I did not come here (in politics) to do corruption. I don't have any greed for CM's chair. I did not come here to earn money. I used the work in Income Tax, I could've earned crores if I wanted to earn money. I came in politics for country, for Bharat Mata, to change country's politics." Kejriwal announced his resignation after he was released from the Tihar jail after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday slammed the Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal, saying that when they were in power in Haryana, there were open loots in the state. The Chief Minister alleged that the "loot" was such that even the money from Hindu temples was taken away. "Congress will come to you and give slogans. INLD will also come to you and give casteist and divisive slogans... I want to ask Congress and INLD what they did when they were in power. There was open loot. They took money from Hindu temples," CM Adityanath said while addressing an election rally at Narwana in Haryana's Jind district. Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini took a dig at the Congress over apparent internal differences and reports in sections of the media about its senior leader Kumari Selja not being visible in the assembly poll campaign for a few days and alleged that the main opposition party "does not respect Dalits." He said Kumari Selja, who is an MP from Sirsa, is a leader and if she wanted to become the Chief Minister, what crime has she committed. He alleged that she has been insulted. "Congress is anti-Dalit, Congress does not respect Dalits. If any Dalit leader wants to move forward in Congress, Congress crushes that leader. Kumari Selja is not a small leader, she is a very big leader of Congress, a big leader of Dalits... She is a leader, if she wanted to become the Chief Minister, what crime did she commit? Congress party is stuck in nepotism, they do not think beyond nepotism," the Chief Minister said on speculation that Kumari Selja may join the BJP. However, Congress candidate from Uchana Kalan assembly constituency Brijendra Singh dismissed any speculation of Kumari Selja leaving the party. He alleged that the BJP is "facing frustration" in the Haryana elections. "Kumari Selja is one of the very senior leaders, there is no point in saying such things about her. She will contribute fully to Congress in this election... BJP is a shop of lies," Brijendra Singh said. Former Haryana Chief Minister and BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar earlier did not rule out the possibility of senior leaders leaving Congress in the run-up to the Haryana polls. On being asked if Congress MPs Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala join the BJP, he said, "It is a world of possibilities, and possibilities cannot be ruled out. You will know everything when the right time comes." Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5. Votes will be counted on October 8 along with that in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) Advocate K. Karuna Sagar has alleged that the previous YSRCP government used 'animal fat' in the Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirumala Temple in Tirupati, calling it an attack on Hindu sentiments and a "conspiracy." Advocate Karuna Sagar expressed his shock, stating, "The Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirupati is world-famous for its divinity, sanctity, and quality. I was shocked and surprised after seeing the lab reports confirming that low-quality ghee used in making the Laddu Prasadam contained beef, pork, and fish oil. This is an attack on Hindu sentiments... This is a conspiracy." Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan had claimed that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board was "altered for political gain" by the previous government. "Prasadam distribution has been ongoing for over 100 years. But under YSRCP's rule, the TTD board was altered for political purposes. The Sri Venkateswara Trust was established, leading to various scams. Worship protocols were changed, and over 300 temples were desecrated," Kalyan said. He further alleged that Ayodhya received 'contaminated' laddus from the TTD during the YSRCP regime. "I question whether authorities are following protocols in all temples. Fish oil, beef tallow, and pork fat have been found in prasadam. Even Ayodhya received contaminated laddus from TTD during the YSRCP regime," Kalyan said. "During the YSRCP regime, 219 temples were destroyed. I raised concerns about the vandalism of these temples. We will not tolerate this, and strict action will be taken. What has the TTD board done in the past five years? Hindu devotees must speak out. What was once sacred has been desecrated. The guilty must face punishment," Kalyan added. The controversy follows recent claims by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. (ANI) Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Sunday visited the Ram Rai Kuti Border Outpost of Dhubri district and interacted with the BSF Jawans in Sainik Sammelan at the BOP centre. During his visit, the Governor was received by Makrand Deuoskar, Inspector General, BSF Guwahati Frontier. They held discussions on the operational preparedness and functioning of the BSF along the International Border. The Governor was honored with a Guard of Honor on this occasion. The Assam Governor interacted with field commanders, Seema Praharis, and representatives of the local border population. As part of his visit, he planted a sapling to encourage environmental protection and promote greenery in the region. During this visit, a courtesy meeting was held with the staff officer of the 22 Bn Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), where there was an exchange of bouquets. The Governor lauded the BSF personnel for their unwavering dedication and commitment to duty, stating that the Nation is indebted to these bravehearts whose service instills confidence and pride among the people of India. He assured the full support of the state government in coordinating efforts to prevent border crimes and facilitate cooperation with the local police. The Assam Governor along with District Commissioner of Dhubri Dibakar Nath visited the Ram Rai Kuti Border Outpost. The Assam Governor visited the Border fencing, border pillars, old Mahamaya Mandir situated at the Indo -Bangla border and also participated in a plantation programme and then further entered the BOP centre for a brief interaction with the BSF Jawans which he first initiated with his valuable speech. The Assam Governor also visited the Ram Rai Kuti village field to interact with the villagers. In his speech, he said that Ram Rai Kuti village is the final vilage of the state but in due time it will be awarded the dignity of the first village of the state. He further added that the idea came up to him when he visited villages and the local villagers assured that if any problem arises the villagers will be the first one to face it. He further stated that all the facilities like education, electricity etc and all the basic facilities will be made available in the village and that by his next visit he will inspect and try to be cognizant of the needs of the villagers. The Assam Governor was facilitated with Phulam Gamocha, Seleng Sadar and Japi and then he interacted with the representatives of the various SHG groups and offered them gifts. (ANI) Congress has appointed former Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib as president of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC). "Hon'ble Congress President has appointed Shri Uday Bhanu Chib, currently General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress and former President of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Youth Congress, as the President of the Indian Youth Congress, with immediate effect," announced Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal. "Hearty congratulations to Uday Bhanu Chib on his appointment as the new president of Indian Youth Congress. A huge thank you to the outgoing president BV Srinivas for his exceptional leadership and successful tenure," the IYC said on its handle on X. On Friday, the Congress leader posted a picture with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and wrote, "A Memorable meet with My LEADER @RahulGandhi ji! Your struggle and perseverance for social justice is an inspiration to all of us." Earlier this month, Uday Bhanu Chib participated in a road show of National Congress candidate Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, who has filed his nomination papers for the Jammu North assembly seat. Jammu and Kashmir is voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases. The first phase of voting took place on September 18. Notably, a voter turnout of 61.13 pc was registered in the first phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, which were held on 24 constituencies in seven districts on September 18. Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively. Votes will be counted on October 8. Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an interesting contest with several political parties and independents in the fray. NCP and Congress have forged a pre poll alliance in the UT. These elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, are being held after nearly a decade in the Union Territory. (ANI) Rescue forces ensured the safe movement of pilgrims through an alternate route that was created after the Kedarnath trek route at the Jungle Chatti area was damaged due to a landslide in the Kedar Valley. Visuals show the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the police assisting the pilgrims at the alternative route. A temporary alternative route was created after the pilgrimage footpath near Jungle Chatti on the way to Shri Kedarnath Dham was damaged. The Uttarakhand Police had earlier posted an advisory on X, "The Shri Kedarnath Dham foot journey route has been damaged near Jungle Chatti. An appeal to the devotees is to wait safely at the place where they are. Once the route is restored, devotees returning after visiting Kedarnath from Jungle Chatti will be evacuated on a priority basis." The footpath leading to Kedarnath Dham was damaged by a landslide near Jungle Chatti, about one km ahead of Gaurikund, due to which the movement here was completely stopped. The passengers returning from Kedarnath after Darshan were evacuated throughout the day with the help of police, NDRF, and DDRF teams. The District Magistrate of Rudraprayag, Saurabh Gaharwar, earlier inspected the damaged road and landslide-affected area between Sonprayag and Gaurikund by conducting a ground inspection of the Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra route. During this, DM Saurabh Gaharwar instructed the Sector Magistrate and other employees deployed in the Yatra arrangements along with the Police Administration to take special care of the safety of the pilgrims. The death toll in the landslide that occurred near the Sonprayag area on September 9 was five. Three people were found injured. The landslide occurred due to torrential rains in the area. According to Uttarakhand Police, information was received about some travellers reportedly buried under the debris, following which a joint operation was carried out by the police, administration, state disaster response forces, and national disaster response forces. (ANI) According to the Kerala Health Minister, "Three more people tested negative for Nipah virus, bringing the total number of negative results to 78." A high-level meeting led by Minister Veena George today evaluated the current situation During the review meeting led by the Minister, the current situation was assessed, and new individuals have been added to the contact list today, which still stands at 267. "One person showing symptoms has been admitted to Manjeri Medical College today. Including this individual, a total of four people are currently receiving treatment at Manjeri Medical College, while 28 are admitted at MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna," the Those in the contact list continue to receive psychological support, with 276 individuals, including two today, receiving assistance through the call center, the Kerala Health Minister office said. Earlier on September 17, Veena George met Union Health Minister JP Nadda in Delhi regarding the Nipah outbreak in Malappuram. 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) Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Sunday termed the reports of Tirupati Prasadam adulteration as a betrayal to the faith of crores of Hindus and called for a high-level committee to investigate the matter. Speaking to ANI, Acharya Pramod Krishnam said, "This is a betrayal of the faith of crores of Hindus. This is a conspiracy to end and corrupt Sanatana Dharma. This has been happening for centuries but this is an international conspiracy and some Indian political parties are also involved in this." The Acharya also linked the issue with the previous controversial remarks by Priyanka Kharge on 'Sanatana Dharma' and said, "The son of Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Kharge, says Sanatana is a dirty word. DMK leaders are saying that Sanatan should be abolished. This conspiracy should be unearthed. Foreign powers want to weaken India and they cannot do that if Sanatana is strong. So they are attacking the Sanatana first. What the Mughals did centuries ago is being done again." "It is time that the administration of temples and trusts be handed over to Sanatana... I demand to PM Modi that a high-level committee be constituted and the truth should come out," said the Acharya. Earlier in the day, Mahamandaleshwar 1008 Mahant Amar Das Ji Maharaj of Ram Mandir, Dausa, Rajasthan, on Sunday demanded a CBI inquiry into the alleged use of 'animal fat' in the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam, distributed at the Tirumala Temple in Tirupati. Amar Das Ji Maharaj expressed that the Tirupati Balaji temple incident deeply "hurts" the faith of Hindus. "The leaders who betray God--how will they spare the people of our country? This is a major betrayal of Hindus, and it affects all our Hindu brothers across the world. Their souls have been wounded, torn to pieces by such leaders who claim to believe in our Tirupati Balaji," he said. "Tirupati Balaji resides in the hearts of every Sanatani across the world. The presence of fat or fish oil in such a sacred temple is extremely unfortunate. It is an insult to Hindus, and yet many of our Hindu brothers remain asleep. We urge Hindus to wake up and raise their voices against such unrighteous individuals. We also request the government to initiate a CBI inquiry into all members of the committee involved and the government in power at the time," he added. Amar Das Ji Maharaj further called for strict action against those responsible."The harshest and most severe punishment should be given to these people, and such leaders should never be forgiven. This is not just a betrayal of us, or our future, but of Sanatan Dharma itself," he said. Earlier, spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, called for the formation of a committee of spiritual leaders to oversee temple matters. In a video message, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged for action against those involved in food adulteration."We have read in history books how the sepoy mutiny of 1857 occurred. Now, we see how deeply Hindus are hurt by this laddoo incident. This cannot be pardoned or forgiven. It is malicious and driven by the greed of those involved. They must be severely punished. All their assets should be seized, and they should be jailed, whoever is remotely involved in this process." "We must check not just the laddoo, but every food product. What about the ghee sold in the market? Is anyone checking what's being put in it? All those who adulterate food and falsely label it as vegetarian, while adding any non-vegetarian substance, should be very strictly punished," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said. On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu sparked a political controversy by alleging that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati Laddu Prasadam during the previous YSRCP government contained animal fat. (ANI) Amid the controversy over Tirupati Prasadam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday criticised former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of allowing non-sacred activities in Tirumala during his five-year tenure. Addressing the media at his residence in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu said, "During the last 5 years, many not sacred things were done in Tirumala. Many times, even devotees protested against it. The laddu prasad and the food given at Tirumala are made with pure materials and have a very special taste. When I was CM, I had called Ramdev Baba and we planted many ayurvedic plants all around the temple." Naidu also accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of appointing people close to him as Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board members and using TTD for political gains. "The trust board appointment was like gambling. The tickets to the temple were sold as per their wish. Once we went to Tirupati and had to protest and get arrested. They appointed their close people as the board members and even gave prominence to non-Hindus. They used TTD for their political gains," CM Naidu said. He accused Jagan Mohan Reddy as the main reason behind adulterated ghee in Tirupati Prasadam, saying, "They (YSRCP) removed all the conditions and opened floodgates such that all amateur suppliers can supply. As a result of this, adulterated ghee was supplied." "When I came to power, immediately the Chief Secretary went on leave. The first thought I had was Thirumala and then I appointed Shyamala Rao as TTD EO. I briefed him that un-sacred things have happened there and you have to cleanse it all," he said. On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stirred a political controversy after he claimed that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoo prasadam, offered at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati, contained animal fat during the previous YSRCP government. Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district. (ANI) Visitors learn about a BYD Yangwang U9 at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Eyeing opportunities emerging from the opening-up and upgrading of China's manufacturing sector, multinational companies gathered at a conference on Friday that was held as part of the ongoing 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, the capital of east China's Anhui Province. Their discussions focused on how the country's advancements in manufacturing are opening doors for enhanced global cooperation and investment, signaling the industry's growing appeal to international investors. The conference was a key event at the convention, attracting 178 political and business leaders from 19 countries and regions, including representatives of 92 Fortune 500 and multinational companies. "The coordinated digital and green transformation of traditional manufacturing is an inherent requirement for the development of new quality productive forces, and it has created new advantages for China's high-quality economic growth. This new model aligns closely with Honeywell's strategic objectives," William Yu, president of Honeywell China, said at the conference. With over 50 years of expertise in industrial automation, the U.S. multinational has steadily increased its investment in China in recent years. Its focus spans key sectors such as automation, energy transformation and aviation. In July, Honeywell China signed a strategic cooperation agreement with BBCA Group to develop sustainable aviation fuel and other initiatives in the city of Bengbu in Anhui, aiming to support green and low-carbon development. Honeywell is among a growing number of foreign companies expanding their investment in the world's second-largest economy, driven by rising optimism about China's economic outlook and recognition of the high-level opening-up of its manufacturing sector. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, a total of 36,968 new foreign-invested firms were established across China in the first eight months of 2024 -- an increase of 11.5 percent year on year. During the period, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, totaled 580.2 billion yuan (about 82.1 billion U.S. dollars). The high-tech manufacturing sector attracted 12.4 percent, or 72.1 billion yuan, of the total FDI inflow, which was up 1.9 percentage points from the same period last year. Additionally, China's top economic planner announced earlier this month that restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector would be lifted. "This policy not only demonstrates China's positive willingness to expand international cooperation but also boosts the confidence of foreign-funded enterprises in continuously deepening their presence in the Chinese market," said Tamai Takeshi, deputy general manager of Mitsubishi Electric (China) Co., Ltd. As China accelerates its development of new quality productive forces and sustainable manufacturing, foreign enterprises are increasingly viewing these advancements as tangible opportunities. And integrating into China's manufacturing upgrade has become a trend among international investors. "The Chinese market is developing at its own drumbeat. With a strong focus on the needs of the Chinese customers, Volkswagen is going for 100 percent 'in China for China' through a fully fledged local R&D center and strong local partnerships," said Thomas Ulbrich, chief technology officer of Volkswagen Group China. By streamlining its R&D processes and granting more local decision-making authority, Volkswagen aims to reduce its time-to-market by 30 percent, Ulbrich said, speaking about the company's development plans for the Chinese market over the next few years at the conference. According to the German Chamber's Innovation Report 2024, which was released this month, German companies in China are doubling down on their localization of innovation to increase competitiveness and utilize China as an innovation hub for global markets to a greater extent. "German companies are investing in local innovation and strategic partnerships with customers and suppliers to stay competitive in an intense and dynamic market environment," said Martin Klose, executive director and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in South & Southwest China. "Foreign investment in China's emerging industries will promote the cross-border flow of capital, talent and technology, as well as international exchange in science and technology. This will help foster deeper open and innovative ecosystems in China, unlocking the country's economic development potential further," said Liu Qiao, dean of the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University. Former West Bengal Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Sunday demanded justice for the victim of the RG Kar hospital rape and murder, stating that all of West Bengal wants the culprits to be punished. "We want justice. We are doing everything within our power. The people of Bengal want the culprits arrested and punished as soon as possible. The Chief Minister of Bengal could have done more, but she is not interested in pursuing this. On the other hand, the CBI is involved, but I don't know when they will reach a conclusion," Chowdhury told reporters. Residents and doctors in West Bengal have been protesting the brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The victim was found dead in the seminar hall of the college on August 9. The incident has led to a war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state government, with the BJP calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. On September 10, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court remanded Sandip Ghosh and three others to judicial custody until September 23 in connection with financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch arrested Sandip Ghosh on September 2 as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and financial misconduct at the institution, following a directive from a single bench of the Calcutta High Court. On August 26, the CBI conducted a second round of polygraph tests on Dr Ghosh as part of their investigation into the rape and murder of the woman doctor. (ANI) According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence, "It is part of the government's vision to set-up 100 new Sainik schools across the country in partnership with NGOs, state governments and private schools." These new schools will be apart from the existing 33 Sainik schools already functioning under the erstwhile pattern. The Ministry of Defence has accorded approval to 45 new Sainik schools under the partnership mode. These new schools, besides their affiliation to respective education boards, will function under the aegis of the Sainik Schools Society and follow the Rules and Regulations. In addition to their regular affiliated board curriculum, they will impart education of the 'Academic PLUS' curriculum to the students of Sainik School pattern. In September 2023, the Sainik Schools Society had signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Bhawani Niketan Shiksha Samiti for the establishment of a new Sainik School at Bhawani Niketan Public School, Jaipur. The school commenced functioning in the present academic year. (ANI) The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Sunday criticised the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP government over the Tirupati Prasadam controversy, accusing it of playing with people's emotions and disregarding their sentiments. In an official statement, the TDP said, "Every religion has certain traditions and commitments, and the government needs to respect all of them, Chandrababu Naidu stated while interacting with the media at the TDP central office, where he received appeals from visitors. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister claimed that the previous government had played with people's sentiments and failed to honour their feelings. He further remarked that the Lord himself had led him to reveal these facts about the Laddu." Earlier today, Congress leader Pawan Khera also called for a fast-track inquiry into the alleged use of 'animal fat' in the prasadam at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati. "It is surprising that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer, appointed by Chandrababu Naidu's government, contradicts the claims of adulteration in the prasadam. Such an atmosphere is detrimental to the faith of crores of devotees. A fast-track inquiry must be conducted, and the guilty should face the strictest punishment," Khera told ANI. Earlier, Advocate K Karuna Sagar alleged that the previous YSRCP government had used 'animal fat' in the Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirumala Temple in Tirupati, calling it an attack on Hindu sentiments and a "conspiracy." Advocate Karuna Sagar expressed his shock, stating, "The Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirupati is world-famous for its divinity, sanctity, and quality. I was shocked and surprised to see lab reports confirming that the low-quality ghee used in making the Laddu Prasadam contained beef, pork, and fish oil. This is an attack on Hindu sentiments... This is a conspiracy." Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan claimed that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board was "altered for political gain" by the previous government. "Prasadam distribution has been ongoing for over 100 years. But under YSRCP's rule, the TTD board was altered for political purposes. The Sri Venkateswara Trust was established, leading to various scams. Worship protocols were changed, and over 300 temples were desecrated," Kalyan said. On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu sparked a political controversy by claiming that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati Laddu Prasadam, offered at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati, contained animal fat during the previous YSRCP government. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district. (ANI) Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Sunday said that he has been communicating with each worker and understands the problems faced by each constituency. Launching an attack against Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), he said that despite being in power for 25 years, they achieved nothing. Speaking on Jan Samvad Yatra and South Mumbai and North East Mumbai Lok Sabha constituencies, he said, "I held review meetings today in the assembly constituencies of Shivadi and Byculla... The meetings for Malad West, Magathane, Jogeshwari, Dindoshi, and Andheri East were held yesterday. I am trying to communicate with each worker and understand the problems faced by each constituency. In Mumbai, the issues of SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) and redevelopment are significant." "The issue of Ramabai Nagar has been pending for many years, but this government has resolved it by taking responsibility and sidelining the developer. Families in the Ramabai Nagar will now receive their rightful homes. The meeting also reviewed the organisational strength and the benefits of the Ladki Bahini Yojana," he added. Slamming Shiv Sena (UBT), he said that they did nothing for the welfare of the people. "It is well-known how the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) won their seats and whose support they received. Despite being in power for 25 years, they achieved nothing, but in the last two years, CM Eknath Shinde has accomplished record-breaking work to ensure Mumbaikars receive their rightful homes," he said. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said that Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have the potential to become a 1.5 trillion dollar economy. Addressing a conference at the Thane Vikas Parishad, Shinde said that this was the first time such a big conference was being held in Thane. He further stated that a meeting was held with the CEO of NITI Aayog, BVR Subrahmanyam, and that they have suggested eight sectors to work on by which they can achieve the goal of a 1.5 trillion dollar economy. (ANI) The DRI stated, "Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Mumbai Zonal Unit intercepted the Brazilian national on September 18 at Mumbai Airport. Upon questioning, the individual admitted to ingesting capsules containing drugs and carrying them internally for smuggling purposes. Following a court order, the passenger was admitted to Sir JJ Hospital, Mumbai." Officials reported that the accused expelled a total of 124 capsules containing 973 grams of cocaine, worth Rs. 9.73 crores. The press release further noted, "The 124 capsules containing cocaine, based on field test reports, were seized on September 21, 2024, under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The passenger has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to trace other members of the international drug smuggling syndicate." The DRI emphasised that this operation reinforces their commitment to combating the drug menace. In a separate operation in July, the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit seized 5.34 kg of contraband worth Rs. 5 crores at Mumbai International Airport and arrested one individual, the release added. (ANI) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday called for a law that would ensure representation for poor Muslim women and Pasmanda communities in the Waqf Board, while also condemning the misuse of waqf properties. "A law should be made in the Waqf Board, and poor Muslim women and Pasmanda should get a place in it. Waqf should not go on a land-grabbing spree. The Congress gave so many rights to the Waqf Board, 'Na Khaata na Bahi, jo Waqf kahe wahi sahi,'" Singh said while speaking to reporters in Bihar's Patna on Sunday. The ongoing efforts by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) are part of a broader national initiative to reform the Waqf Act and ensure that waqf properties are used for the greater good of the community. The JPC is discussing key aspects of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, including digitisation of records, stricter audits, better legal recourse for encroachments, and the decentralisation of waqf management. Notably, the Waqf Act, 1995, was created to regulate waqf properties, but it has long faced allegations of mismanagement, corruption and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to bring sweeping reforms, introducing digitisation, stricter audits, transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The JPC is holding a series of meetings to gather input from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members and community representatives across six states and two Union Territories, aiming for the most comprehensive reform possible. These consultations will play a vital role in ensuring that the amendments to the Waqf Act are practical, effective and aligned with the needs of the community. The committee has to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the last day of the first week of the next parliament session. (ANI) Ahead of the second phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer of the Union Territory PK Pole participated in an electoral awareness programme organised under Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) and expressed hope that a large number of people would participate in the state Assembly elections. PK Pole said, "This (Lal Chowk) is a very historic place having significant meaning. Today under SVEEP, an electoral awareness programme was organised here. This was done to aware the voters. A large number of people participated in the polling here during the Lok Sabha polls. We hope that a large number of people will participate in the J&K Assembly elections also. Assembly elections are going to be held on September 25 in Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal." He appealed to people to come in large numbers to vote on September 25. "For a better polling experience, all kinds of basic facilities have been provided at polling stations. The Election Commission of India has always tried to make the polls inclusive and so we conduct awareness programme," he added. Earlier intensifying the National Conference's campaign for the second phase of Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir scheduled for September 25th, the party's vice president and former CM Omar Abdullah on Sunday held a Shikara rally in the iconic 'Dal Lake' to support the NC's candidate. Zadibal Assembly Constituency, Tanvir Sadiq. Aga Ruhullah MP from Srinagar also joined the Shikara Rally. Started from Nehru Park Ghat No. 7, the rally moved across Dal Lake, Omar Abdullah between the campaign posed with the Party's flag and also took a ride on Jet Ski. Speaking to ANI, Omar Abdullah said, "There are very few places in the world with such beauty and serenity. We are fortunate to live in this beauty, but there are many issues here. Through this campaign, we aim to showcase some of this beauty, but the pain and dissatisfaction felt by the people over the last decade may not be expressed in today's gathering, but it will be evident through their votes." The first phase of voting was completed in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 with a voter turnout of 61.13 per cent registered across 24 constituencies in seven districts, as per the Election Commission. The second and third phases will be held on September 25 and October 5, respectively. Vote counting will be conducted on October 8 along with the counting of votes in Haryana. (ANI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday, ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged violence against an Army Captain and his fiancee in police custody at Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar. The Chief Minister's Office informed that the inquiry will be conducted by Judge Justice Chittaranjan Das, and the Commission has been requested to submit the report within 60 days. "Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bharatpur police station incident. The said inquiry will be conducted by Judge Justice Chittaranjan Das. The Commission has been requested to submit its report within 60 days," the Odisha CMO stated in a post on X. "Along with this, the High Court has been requested to speed up the criminal investigation under the direct supervision of the High Court. It is worth noting that the Chief Minister has laid maximum emphasis on the rule of law. Along with this, the state government also has respect for the Indian Army," the post added. It further said that the concerned police officers have been suspended and a case has also been registered against them. "The state government is fully concerned about the dignity, safety and rights of women. The police officers concerned have been suspended and a case has also been registered against them. Action has been taken against the youth involved in the incident," the CMO said. The incident reportedly took place on September 15 when the Army Major and the woman went to the Bharatpur police station to complain against some miscreants, who had harassed them while returning from a hotel late at night. Instead of addressing their concerns, the police allegedly tortured the Major and the woman, even sending her to jail without any justification. Earlier on Sunday, the District Court granted bail to all seven accused in the alleged assault case of the Army officer and his fiancee. Krushna Prasad Dash, Additional DCP, Bhubaneswar, said that they have registered a case under several sections of the BNS. The seven arrested were namely; Rakesh Naik, Abhilash Sawant, Aman Kumar, Aditya Ranjan Behra, Akash Padhiyari, Harish Manta, and Ashish Kumar. (ANI) US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed a watershed arrangement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next generation telecommunications, and green energy applications. The fab, which will be established with the objective of manufacturing infrared, gallium nitride and silicon carbide semiconductors, will be enabled by support from the India Semiconductor Mission as well as a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the U.S. Space Force. The 'Joint Fact Sheet: The United States and India Continue to Expand Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership' released by White House after a meeting between PM Modi and US President noted the launch of a new US-India Advanced Materials R&D Forum to expand collaboration between American and Indian universities, national laboratories, and private sector researchers. The Leaders also highlighted additional cooperation being built across artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, and other critical technology areas. They praised combined efforts to facilitate resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains including through GlobalFoundries' (GF) creation of the GF Kolkata Power Center in Kolkata, India that will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in research and development in chip manufacturing and enable game-changing advances for zero and low emission as well as connected vehicles, internet of things devices, AI, and data centers. They noted GF's plans to explore longer term, cross-border manufacturing and technology partnerships with India which will deliver high-quality jobs in both of our countries. They also celebrated the new strategic partnership between the US Department of State and the India Semiconductor Mission, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in connection with the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund. "The Leaders welcomed steps our industry is taking to build safe, secure, and resilient supply chains for US, Indian, and international automotive markets, including through Ford Motor Company's submission of a Letter of Intent to utilize its Chennai plant to manufacture for export to global markets," the Fact Sheet said. The Leaders welcomed progress toward the first joint effort by NASA and ISRO to conduct scientific research onboard the International Space Station in 2025. They appreciated the initiatives and exchange of ideas under the Civil Space Joint Working Group and expressed hope that its next meeting in early 2025 will open additional avenues of cooperation. "They pledged to pursue opportunities to deepen joint innovation and strategic collaborations, including by exploring new platforms in civil and commercial space domains," it said. PM Modi and President Biden welcomed efforts to enhance collaboration between research and development ecosystems of the two countries. "They plan to mobilize up to over USD 90 million in US and Indian government funding over the next five years for the U.S.-India Global Challenges Institute to support high-impact R&D partnerships between U.S. and Indian universities and research institutions, including through identifying options to implement the Statement of Intent signed at the June 2024 iCET meeting." The Leaders also welcomed the launch of a new U.S.-India Advanced Materials R&D Forum to expand collaboration between American and Indian universities, national laboratories, and private sector researchers. The two leaders announced the selection of 11 funding awards between the National Science Foundation and India's Department of Science and Technology, supported by a combined over USD 5 million grant to enable joint US-India research projects in areas such as next-generation telecommunications, connected vehicles, machine learning. The Leaders announced the award of 12 funding awards under the National Science Foundation and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, research collaboration with a combined outlay of nearly USD 10 million to enable joint U.S.-India basic and applied research in the areas of semiconductors, next generation communication systems, sustainability & green technologies and intelligent transportation systems. NSF and MeitY are exploring new opportunities for research collaboration to enhance and synergize the basic and applied research ecosystem on both sides. The Leaders celebrated that India's Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with National Science Foundation of the United States announced the first joint call for collaborative research projects in February 2024 to address complex scientific challenges and innovate novel solutions that leverage advances in synthetic and engineering biology, systems and computational biology, and other associated fields that are foundational to developing future biomanufacturing solutions and advance the bioeconomy. Under the first call for proposals, joint research teams responded enthusiastically and results are likely to be announced by the end of 2024, the Fact Sheet said. The two leaders highlighted the second convening of the U.S.-India Quantum Coordination Mechanism in Washington in August and welcomed the announcement of seventeen new awards for binational research and development cooperation on artificial intelligence and quantum via the U.S.-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund (IUSSTF). "They welcomed new private sector cooperation on emerging technologies, such as through IBM's recent conclusion of memoranda of understanding with the Government of India, which will enable IBM's watsonx platform on India's Airawat supercomputer and drive new AI innovation opportunities, enhance R&D collaboration on advanced semiconductor processors, and increase support for India's National Quantum Mission," the Fact Sheet said. "The Leaders commended ongoing efforts to build more expansive cooperation around 5G deployment and next-generation telecommunications; this includes the US Agency for International Development's plans to expand the Asia Open RAN Academy with an initial USD 7 million investment to grow this workforce training initiative worldwide, including in South Asia with Indian institutions," it added. The Leaders welcomed progress since the November 2023 signing of an MOU between the Commerce Department and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to enhance the two countries' innovation ecosystems under the "Innovation Handshake" agenda. "Since then, the two sides have convened two industry roundtables in the U.S. and India to bring together startups, private equity and venture capital firms, corporate investment departments, and government officials to forge connections and to accelerate investment in innovation," the Fact Sheet said. (ANI) US President Joe Biden on Saturday (local time) commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine. "President Biden commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter," read the White House statement. President Biden expressed his immense appreciation for India's leadership on the world stage, particularly Prime Minister Modi's leadership in the G-20 and in the Global South and his commitment to strengthen the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. India is at the forefront of efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world. Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office said that Prime Minister Modi briefed Biden on his recent visit to Ukraine and reiterated India's consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy. "While discussing the situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister briefed President Biden on his recent visit to Ukraine. He reiterated India's consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed full support for early return of peace and stability," the statement read. The conversation took place days after PM Modi's visit to Poland and Ukraine. PM Modi visited Ukraine in September, 2024, the first by an Indian PM to the European nation. During the bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi emphasised India's position of peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. "India was never neutral, we have always been on the side of peace," PM Modi told Zelenskyy. He said that India was ready to play an active role in the path to peace and progress. Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in war since 2022. India has always advocated "peace and diplomacy" for resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. India gifted four Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) cubes to Ukraine, designed to provide emergency medical care through mobile hospitals as part of Project Aarogya Maitri. PM Modi's visit to Poland was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years. As India and Poland celebrated the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the two nations have agreed to upgrade their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership," reflecting their strong connections and mutual dedication to deepening cooperation. With the elevation of bilateral relations to strategic partnership both countries can collaborate in fields like, food processing, science and technology, defense and security, e-vehicle, artificial intelligence(AI), green energy, cultural cooperation. As a rising economy in Central Europe, Poland offers significant opportunities for India in trade, investment, and technology, potentially opening new avenues for economic collaboration and correcting previously imbalanced trade relations. (ANI) Flash This photo taken on Sept. 21, 2024 shows a military parade in Tehran, capital of Iran. [Photo/Xinhua] Iran on Saturday unveiled its latest homegrown precision strike long-range ballistic missile and kamikaze drone at a grand parade staged by the country's armed forces, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. The ballistic missile, dubbed Jahad, and the drone, named Shahed-136B, were displayed for the first time during the parade at the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic, in southern Tehran. The event marked the beginning of Sacred Defense Week, commemorating the eight-year Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, according to the report. The one-stage Jahad ballistic missile, powered by solid fuel, can strike targets up to 1,000 km away with pinpoint accuracy. It has been designed and developed by the Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), according to Fars. The Shahed 136B drone, powered by a turbojet engine, can destroy targets over 2,500 km away, Fars said, adding the unmanned aerial vehicle has also been designed and manufactured by the IRGC's Aerospace Force. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a military parade in Tehran, capital of Iran, Sept. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Speaking at the parade, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that Iran can defend itself and ensure peace and security in the West Asia region through unity, solidarity and cooperation with other Muslim states. "Today, Iran's defense and deterrence power has increased to such a level that no devil dares perpetrate any act of aggression against the country, or even thinks of it," he was quoted as saying in a statement published on the website of his office. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, during their bilateral meeting in Delaware, recognized the 'remarkable progress' made under the US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap. The two leaders welcomed the ongoing efforts to deepen India-US military partnership and interoperability to maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific." PM Modi and President Biden also commended the work for advancing cooperation in advanced domains, including space and cyber. President Biden welcomed the progress towards India concluding procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment, which will enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of India's armed forces across all domains. "The Leaders recognized the remarkable progress under the US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, including ongoing collaboration to advance priority co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems," the Joint Fact Sheet released by the White House read. The bilateral meet was held on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders' Summit. In a special gesture, President Biden hosted the meeting with PM Modi at his home in Wilmington, Delaware. The US delegation comprised of Antony Blinken, Secretary of State; Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and Eric Garcetti, Ambassador of the United States to India. The Indian delegation consisted of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Ambassador of India to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. They also welcomed efforts to expand defence industrial partnerships, including the teaming of Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering for the co-development and co-production of unmanned surface vehicle systems that strengthen undersea and maritime domain awareness. The leaders applauded the recent conclusion of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), enhancing the mutual supply of defense goods and services. Both Leaders committed to advance ongoing discussions on aligning their respective defense procurement systems to further enable the reciprocal supply of defense goods and services. "President Biden also welcomed India's decision to set a uniform Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5 percent on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, including on all aircraft and aircraft engine parts thereby simplifying the tax structure and paving the way for building a strong ecosystem for MRO services in India," the statement added. The leaders also encouraged the defence industry to foster collaboration and drive innovation to support India's efforts to become a leading aviation hub. The leaders welcomed commitments from US industry to further increase India's MRO capabilities, including for the repair of aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. PM Modi and President Biden hailed the teaming agreement on the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft recently signed between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the two companies that co-chair the US-India CEO Forum. "Building on longstanding industry cooperation, this agreement will establish a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the readiness of the Indian fleet and global partners who operate the C-130 Super Hercules aircraft. This marks a significant step in U.S.-India defence and aerospace cooperation and reflects the two sides' deepening strategic and technology partnership ties," the joint fact sheet read. The leaders lauded the growing defence innovation collaboration between India and US governments, businesses, and academic institutions fostered by the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) initiative launched in 2023, and noted progress achieved during the third INDUS-X Summit in Silicon Valley earlier this month. They also welcomed the enhanced collaboration between the Indian Ministry of Defence's Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and US Department of Defence's Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) through the Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Silicon Valley Summit. The efforts via the INDUSWERX consortium to facilitate pathways for defence and dual-use companies in the INDUS-X network to access premier testing ranges in both countries, were appreciated. PM Modi and President Biden welcomed the ongoing efforts to deepen India-US military partnership and interoperability to maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific." They also noted that that India hosted their "most complex, largest bilateral, tri-service exercise to date" during the March 2024 TIGER TRIUMPH exercise. They also welcomed the inclusion of new technologies and capabilities, including a first-ever demonstration of the Javelin and Stryker systems in India, on the margins of the ongoing bilateral Army YUDH ABHYAS exercise. The Leaders commended the work to advance cooperation in advanced domains, including space and cyber, and looked forward towards the November 2024 bilateral cyber engagement to enhance the US-India cyber cooperation framework. Areas of new cooperation will include threat information sharing, cybersecurity training, and collaboration on vulnerability mitigation in energy and telecommunications networks. The Leaders also noted the second US-India Advanced Domains Defence Dialogue in May 2024, which included the first-ever bilateral defence space table-top exercise. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three day visit to the United States, participated in the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) summit on Saturday (local time0. At the meeting the PM described the grouping as a "force of Global Good", and added that "it is here to stay, partner and contribute", said sources. "The PM further described Quad as Quick Unified Assistance Delivery," the sources said. The Quad leaders appreciated PM Modia and India for its leadership role in the Indian Ocean. PM Biden said that the US has things to learn from India's experience and leadership in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Japan Prime Minister Fumion Kishida, in appreciation of Prime Minister Modi, extended support to his initiative for organising Voice of Global South Summits, the sources added. The Australian Prime Minister, described India as the predominant power in the Indian Ocean under PM Modi, thus lauding his leadership. "Quad - a force for global good. PM Narendra Modi participated in the Quad Leaders' Summit along with President Joe Biden of USA, PM Fumio Kishida and Australia PM Anthony Albanese today. PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to the Quad cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Quad will continue to assist the region's development priorities and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals," said the MEA in a post on X. Following the request of the US to host the Quad Summit this year, India had agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. India was expected to host the summit this year but the schedules of the leaders attending the summit did not permit so. President Biden hosted the quadrilateral meeting and also announced a series of initiatives to deliver a real positive impact for the Indo-Pacific, including providing new maritime technologies to Quad partners. Earlier ahead of the Quad summit, President Biden and PM Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting. President Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership, the defining partnership of the 21st century, is decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good. The Leaders reflected on a historic period that has seen the United States and India reach unprecedented levels of trust and collaboration. The Leaders affirmed that the U.S.-India partnership must be anchored in upholding democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all as our countries strive to become more perfect unions and meet our shared destiny. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. (ANI) Following the conclusion of the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) leader's summit 2024 on Saturday (local time), US President Joe Biden expressed his confidence in the dialogue and said that despite challenges and changing worlds, the "Quad is here to stay." Taking to social media platform X, Biden said that after four years subsequent to his proposal to elevate the Quad, the four countries--India, the US, Australia and Japan--are strategically more aligned and have more positive impacts across the Indo-Pacific than earlier. "Four years after my proposal to elevate the Quad, the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan are more strategically aligned and delivering more positive impact across the Indo-Pacific than ever before. While challenges will come and the world will change--the Quad is here to stay," he said. Earlier, President Biden announced the launch of cooperation among the Quad Coast Guards during his opening remarks ahead of the summit. Biden hosted a quadrilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In his opening remarks, Biden said, "We're democracies who know how to get things done. That's why, within the first days of my presidency, I reached out to each of you, each of your nations, to propose we elevate the Quad. Making it even more consequential. 4 years later, our four countries are more strategically aligned than ever before." President Biden announced a series of initiatives to deliver a real positive impact for the Indo-Pacific, including providing new maritime technologies to Quad partners, as well as, expanding the Quad fellowship to include students from southeast Asia. "Today we're announcing a series of initiatives to deliver a real positive impact for the Indo-Pacific that includes providing new maritime technologies to our regional partners so they know what's happening in their waters. Launching cooperation between Coast Guards for the first time and expanding the Quad fellowship to include students from southeast Asia. So I want to thank you all again for being here. While challenges will come, the world will change because the Quad is here to stay, I believe...," said Biden. This is the sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit, a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. The first Quad Leaders' Summit was held in virtual format in 2021. The second Quad Leaders' Summit (first in person) was held in Washington, DC, on September 24, 2021. The third Quad Leaders' Summit was held virtually on March 3, 2022. The fourth Quad Leaders' Summit (second in-person) was hosted by Japan on May 24, 2022. The fifth Quad Leaders' Summit (third in person) was held in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 20, 2023. The summit focused on bolstering strategic convergence among our countries, advancing a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (ANI) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday that Japan has supported the deployment of medical equipment and facilities, and also offered technical cooperation. Addressing the Quad leaders' Cancer Moonshot event in Wilmington, Delaware, Kishida said that such "endeavours will continue going forward." "Regarding our support for measures against cancers in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan has offered support such as the deployment of equipment and technical cooperation, or support through international organisations and initiatives," the Japanese PM said in his remarks. He underlined that Japan is also collaborating with research institutions working on cancers in the United States, Australia, and India. "Regarding the measures against cervical cancers, we have supported the deployment of medical equipment and facilities, offered technical cooperation...and such endeavours will continue going forward," Kishida added. Speaking at the event, PM Narendra Modi said the event reflects the countries' shared determination to provide affordable and accessible health care.. "This reflects our shared determination to provide affordable, accessible and quality health care. During the COVID pandemic, we had taken the Quad Vaccine initiative for the Indo-Pacific and I am glad that in the Quad, we have decided to jointly tackle challenges like cervical cancer. In cancer care, collaboration is essential for cure. An integrated approach of prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment is necessary to reduce the burden of cancer. A very cost-effective cervical cancer screening program is underway in India at a mass scale," The Cancer Moonshot is a White House initiative to bring renewed leadership to the fight against cancer, facilitate new collaborations, and drive progress across the cancer journey utilising all facets of the oncology community--federal agencies and departments, private companies, healthcare providers, patient groups, philanthropies, and all Americans. The Cancer Moonshot has spurred tremendous action across the US government and from the public and private sectors, building a strong foundation for the work ahead. To date, the Cancer Moonshot has announced more than 95 new programs, policies, and resources to address five priority actions. 170 private companies, nonprofits, academic institutions, and patient groups have also stepped up with new actions and collaborations. The US Embassy in New Delhi facilitated the first ever US-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue on August 5-6 at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, and was hosted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The dialogue focused attention on cancer, strengthening US-India biomedical research cooperation, and jointly developing solutions to improve the health and well-being of the global community. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, on Saturday in Wilmington, Delaware. "PM Narendra Modi met PM Fumio Kishida of Japan on the sidelines of Quad Summit in Delaware. They reviewed the various facets of the relationship, and exchanged views to deepen the cooperation further. PM thanked PM Kishida for his leadership in advancing the Special Strategic & Global Partnership over the years, and wished him success and happiness," the MEA said in a post on X. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. As President Biden hosted a quadrilateral meeting on Saturday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, he also announced a series of initiatives to deliver a real positive impact for the Indo-Pacific, including providing new maritime technologies to Quad partners. Fumio Kishida said on Saturday that the Quad Leaders Summit taking place in Wilmington, Delaware "could not have been better suited" for his last foreign visit as the Prime Minister of Japan. Kishida said that he consistently emphasised and underscored the efforts by the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) during his tenure, as he recalled the last meeting, which was held in Japan's Hiroshima. "It is a pleasure to get together with the leaders of the Quad at the Alma Mater of Joe to discuss the future of the Indo-Pacific...I express my gratitude to Joe's friendship for ourselves and for our leadership and hostility, which demonstrate your emphasis on the Quad," the Japanese PM in his opening remarks at the Quad Summit. "During my tenure, I have consistently emphasised and underscored the efforts by the Quad. Following the last meeting, which was held in my hometown of Hiroshima, this meeting, I believe, could not have been better suited for my last foreign visit as the Prime Minister," Kishida added. He underscored the need for concrete actions by the Quad grouping, adding that the security environment has been becoming increasingly severe. Kishida said, "The security environment surrounding ourselves has been becoming increasingly severe, and a free and open international order-based on the rule of law is under threat. Under this backdrop, it is ever more important for us and the Quad, who share values such as freedom and democracy, to continue to demonstrate our firm commitment to our common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific to the international community." The Quad summit's focus lies on bolstering strategic convergence among the four countries, advancing a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday met for the 4th in-person Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, and expressed serious concern about the coercive and intimidating manoeuvres in the South China Sea. In the joint declaration, the leaders from the US, India, Australia, and Japan opposed efforts to disrupt other countries' offshore resource exploitation activities, and reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. "We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We continue to express our serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating manoeuvres in the South China Sea. We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including the increasing use of dangerous manoeuvres. We also oppose efforts to disrupt other countries' offshore resource exploitation activities.We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS," the Quad Wilmington Declaration said. The leaders asserted that they are of strong conviction that international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with the maintenance of peace, safety, security, and stability in the maritime domain, should be kept at the topmost priority. "We emphasize 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," the declaration read. "We re-emphasize the universal and unified character of UNCLOS and reaffirm that UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and the seas must be carried out. We underscore that the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties," it further added. The Quad leaders added that they recommit to working in partnership with Pacific island countries to achieve shared aspirations and address shared challenges. "We remain committed to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. We strongly support IORA as the Indian Ocean region's premier forum for addressing the region's challenges. We recognize India's leadership in finalizing the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (IOIP) and express our support for its implementation. We thank Sri Lanka for its continued leadership as IORA Chair through this year and look forward to India's assuming the IORA Chair in 2025," the declaration said. The Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting joint statement issued on July 29 this year said that the countries of the bloc were collectively advancing a positive and practical agenda to support the Indo-Pacific region's sustainable development, stability, and prosperity, responding to the region's needs. Amid China's coercive pressure on Taiwan in the wake of the Lai Ching-te winning the presidential polls of the self-governed island and following tensions between China and the Philippines, the Quad foreign ministers had previously said they were "seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas" and reiterated their "strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion." Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. As President Biden hosted a quadrilateral meeting on Saturday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, he also announced a series of initiatives to deliver a real positive impact for the Indo-Pacific, including providing new maritime technologies to Quad partners. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. The first Quad Leaders Summit was held in virtual format in 2021. The second Quad Leaders' Summit (first in-person) was held in Washington, DC, on September 24, 2021. The third Quad Leaders' Summit was held virtually on March 3, 2022. The fourth Quad Leaders' Summit (second in-person) was hosted by Japan on May 24, 2022. The fifth Quad Leaders' Summit (third in-person) was held in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 20, 2023. (ANI) The Quad nations during the Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) affirmed support for the reform of the United Nations Security Council through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership. India, Australia, Japan and the United States, in the 'Wilmington Declaration', emphasised the urgent need to make UNSC more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable. They stated that the expanded version of the UNSC should have representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. "Together, with our global and regional partners, we continue to support international institutions and initiatives that underpin global peace, prosperity and sustainable development. We reiterate our unwavering support for the UN Charter and the three pillars of the UN system," the joint declaration read. The Quad nations affirmed that in consultation with partners, they will work collectively to address attempts to unilaterally undermine the integrity of the UN, its Charter, and its agencies. "We will reform the UN Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council. This expansion of permanent seats should include representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean in a reformed Security Council," the declaration added. Earlier, US President Joe Biden, during his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, affirmed support for initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India's important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council. "President Biden shared with Prime Minister Modi that the United States supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India's important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council," the joint fact-sheet released by the White House read. President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. The Quad nations, in their declaration expressed an 'unequivocal condemnation' against terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and affirmed committed for international cooperation. They also reiterated the condemnation of terrorist attacks including the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and the 2016 terror attacks in Pathankot. "We are committed to international cooperation and will work with our regional partners in a comprehensive and sustained manner to strengthen their capability to prevent, detect and respond to threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism, including threats posed by the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, consistent with international law. We are committed to working together to promote accountability for the perpetrators of such terrorist attacks," the statement read. "We reiterate our condemnation of terrorist attacks including the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and in Pathankot, and our commitment to pursuing designations, as appropriate, by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. We welcome the constructive discussions held at the first Quad Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and the fourth tabletop exercise in Honolulu last year, and look forward to Japan hosting the next meeting and tabletop exercise in November 2024," it added. The Quad countries condemned North Korea's "destabilizing ballistic missile launches" citing the "grave threat" it poses and urged Pyongyang to abide by its obligations under the UN Security Council Resolution. "We condemn North Korea's destabilizing ballistic missile launches and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). These launches pose a grave threat to international peace and stability. We urge North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs, refrain from further provocations and engage in substantive dialogue," the declaration stated. The Quad nations also expressed concerns over the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, including in the Rakhine State and called for an immediate cessation of violence. "We remain deeply concerned by the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, and again call for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of all those unjustly and arbitrarily detained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, resolution of the crisis through constructive and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, and a return to the path of inclusive democracy," the statement added. (ANI) The two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders' Summit 2024 in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday (local time). "The leaders discussed their respective diplomacy with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and their shared concerns about the PRC's coercive and destabilising activities, including in the South China Sea," the White House statement read. During their meeting, both leaders emphasised their country's progress in strengthening bilateral ties since PM Albanese's official visit to Washington, DC, back in October 2023. Both leaders held talks on their support for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and their continued assistance to Ukraine. They also discussed their support for a sustainable ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Biden and Albanese underscored that the US-Australia Alliance remains the "core of the bilateral relationship" and welcomed the "depth of cooperation across its three pillars," which are "defence and security," "economic," and "climate and clean energy." Notably, the leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) Joint Leaders Statement to advance their "trilateral partnership and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable." Biden further welcomed Albanese's contributions to the Quad and its growing partnership with Japan, as well as their active engagement in the Pacific region. The leaders also reflected on the strength of their "economic relationship" and further discussed the progress over the past two years to modernise the Alliance in the face of new challenges, including addressing climate change and the clean energy transition. The leaders also committed to continuing their bilateral partnership to advance their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplaned for New York from Philadelphia airport on Saturday night (local time) after attending the Quad Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations on Sunday. The Prime Minister will chair some key bilateral meetings in New York during the visit. President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1837674328113996063 Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. PM Modi said the discussions with Quad leaders were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. He added that the member states will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity building. "Glad to have met Quad Leaders during today's Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The discussions were fruitful, focusing on how Quad can keep working to further global good. We will keep working together in key sectors like healthcare, technology, climate change and capacity building," Prime Minister Modi posted on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1837662672772378626 On the sidelines of the event, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. "Had a very good meeting with PM Kishida. Discussed cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductors, defence, green energy and more. Strong India-Japan ties are great for global prosperity," PM Modi stated. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1837662981536014598 "Held extensive discussions with PM Albanese. We seek to add even more momentum in areas like trade, security, space and culture. India greatly cherishes the time tested friendship with Australia," he said in a subsequent post. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1837663213887832254 The PM is headed to New York where he will address a diaspora event today. He will also engage with CEO's in a roundtable discussion. On September 23, PM Modi will address the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. PM Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest, on the sidelines of the summit. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called the Summit a 'once in a generation UN Summit'. 'Summit of the Future' is an important milestone in the history of the UN as it enters the 80th year of its establishment in 2025.A large number of global leaders are expected to participate in the summit. (ANI) The Quad countries expressed deep concerns over the "raging war" in Ukraine and the "humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, while affirming support for adherence to international law and respect for principles of the UN Charter, including territorial integrity, sovereignty of all states, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Expressing "deepest concern" over the war in Ukraine, the four countries underscored the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter. "We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences," the declaration read. They reiterated that "all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state." The four countries also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least developed countries. "In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable." The Quad nations stated that they share great interest in achieving peace and stability in West Asia. They expressed 'unequivocal condemnation' of the October 7 terror attacks, while also stating that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the 'humanitarian crisis' in Gaza is "unacceptable." They affirmed the imperative of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and emphasized that the deal to release hostages would bring an "immediate and prolonged ceasefire" in Gaza. They also underscored the urgent need to significantly increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza as well as the crucial need to prevent regional escalation. "We urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable," the joint statement read. Welcoming the UNSC resolution, the Quad nations urged all parties concerned to work "immediately and steadily" toward the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire. "We call on all parties to take every feasible step to protect the lives of civilians including aid workers, and facilitate the rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief to civilians. We also encourage other countries, including those in the Indo-Pacific, to increase their support in order to address the dire humanitarian need on the ground. We underscore that the future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza should be supported by the international community," the statement added. The Quad leaders expressed their commitment to two-state solution, which ensures a sovereign, viable and independent Palestinian while also taking into account Israel's "legitimate security concerns." While underscoring the need to prevent the conflict from escalating, they also voiced against Israeli expansion of settlements and "violent extremisms on all sides." "We remain committed to a sovereign, viable and independent Palestinian state taking into account Israel's legitimate security concerns as part of a two-state solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace. Any unilateral actions that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, including Israeli expansion of settlements and violent extremism on all sides, must end. We underscore the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region," the joint statement added. President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. (ANI) You are here: World Flash Palestinians mourn for the victims after an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people in the Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza City, on Sept. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] At least 22 Palestinians were killed and 30 others wounded on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people in southern Gaza City, Gaza-based health authorities said. The school was in the Zeitoun neighborhood and most of the casualties were children and women, the health authorities said in a brief statement. An Israeli warplane bombed the school with at least one missile, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua. In a press statement, the Hamas-run government media office in Gaza accused the Israeli army of committing a "horrific massacre" by bombing a school housing thousands of displaced people south of Gaza City. The statement held the Israeli army and the U.S. administration fully responsible for the continuation of the crime, and called on the international community to compel Israel to stop its crime. A Palestinian girl sits outside a destroyed building after an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people in the Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza City, on Sept. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Meanwhile, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a press statement that Air Force warplanes, with intelligence guidance, struck Hamas militants operating in a command and control complex in a school in Gaza City. The complex was used by Hamas militants to plan and carry out "terrorist" operations against Israel and its forces, according to Adraee. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 41,391, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement Saturday. The Quad countries expressed their dedication to fostering people-to-people connections and strategic partnerships, strengthening the bonds between the nations. In view of this, India launched a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth USD 500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific. This initiative will enable recipients to pursue a four-year undergraduate engineering programme at a Government of India-funded technical institution. Notably, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and President Joe Biden of the United States--met for the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. Wilmington is Biden's home town. "The Quad is committed to strengthening the deep and enduring ties between our people, and among our partners. Through the Quad Fellowship, we are building a network of the next generation of science, technology, and policy leaders," read the Wilmington Declaration. The declaration further said, "India is pleased to announce a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth USD500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a four-year undergraduate engineering program at a Government of India-funded technical institution.." The Quad governments also welcomed the second cohort of Quad Fellows through the Institute of International Education, which leads the implementation of the Quad Fellowship. The Quad government also welcomed the expansion of the programme to include students from ASEAN countries for the first time. "The Government of Japan is supporting the program to enable Quad Fellows to study in Japan. The Quad welcomes the generous support of private sector partners for the next cohort of fellows, including Google, the Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital," the declaration said. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora after he arrived at Hotel Lotte Palace in New York. In a post on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora and wrote, "After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes." PM Modi also met artists performing here. The members of the Indian community expressed their excitement to meet the PM as they chanted slogans-- 'Modi! Modi!'. Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said. The Prime Minister will chair key bilateral meetings in New York during the visit. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "PM Narendra Modi arrives in New York, the second leg of his 3-day visit to the USA. PM will address the UN Summit of the Future, interact with the community and attend other programs." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1837690764488261946 Several people of the Indian diaspora were seen holding Indian flags and chanting slogans -- 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' with palpable excitement before the PM arrived. "We are here to welcome our PM Narendra Modi. We are very excited to meet & greet him personally," a member of the Indian Diaspora in New York said. "I have specially come from India to welcome PM Modi. This is a handmade portrait made by a Type 1 diabetes child, thanking PM Modi for the insulin that is being provided to him," said another woman from Indian diaspora. President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. (ANI) The Quad nations highlighted Digital Public Infrastructure's (DPI) critical role in creating a secure, reliable, and interoperable digital ecosystem. They affirmed the principles of inclusivity; interoperability; modularity and extensibility; scalability; security and privacy; collaboration; governance for public benefit, trust, and transparency; grievance redress; sustainability; human rights; intellectual property protection; and sustainable development for the development and deployment of DPI, according to a statement by Ministry of External Affairs. The Quad nations also recognised the potential of digital technologies in shaping the future of societies worldwide and offering opportunities to accelerate the realisation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals. "While leveraging the potential of digitalisation, we also underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, reliable and secure digital future in furtherance of our shared prosperity and sustainable development," the release added. The release further stated that DPI is an evolving concept described as a set of shared digital systems that are secure, reliable and interoperable; built and leveraged by the public and private sector to provide equitable access and improve public service delivery at scale; governed by applicable legal frameworks and enabling rules that provide for a level playing field and fair competition to drive development, inclusion, innovation, trust, and competition, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Both safeguards for fundamental freedoms and robust cybersecurity measures are necessary for DPI to be implemented in a way that respects human rights and upholds our democratic principles. Governments deploying DPI should engage in concerted efforts to close all digital divides. The Quad countries expressed their affirmation to follow the principles of Inclusivity which include eliminating or reducing economic, technical, or social barriers to enable inclusion, empowerment of end-users, last-mile access, and avoiding erroneous algorithmic bias; Interoperability by using and building on open standards and specifications with a technology-neutral approach, wherever possible, while accounting for appropriate safeguards and keeping in view the legal considerations and technical constraints. Modularity and Extensibility imply a building block or modular architecture to accommodate changes/modifications without undue disruption, the release said. Scalability by using flexible design to easily accommodate any unexpected increase in demand and/or to meet expansion requirements without changing existing systems. Security and Privacy by adopting an approach that embeds key privacy-enhancing technologies and security features within the core design to ensure individual privacy, data protection, and resilience based on standards offering appropriate levels of protection, it added. Collaboration by encouraging the participation of community actors at different stages of planning, designing, building, and operating to facilitate and promote a culture of openness and collaboration. Governance for Public Benefit, Trust, and Transparency by maximising public benefit, trust, and transparency while respecting applicable frameworks. This means that laws, regulations, policies, and capabilities should seek to ensure that these systems are safe, secure, trusted and transparently governed, and also promote competition, and inclusion, and adhere to principles of data protection and privacy, the MEA release added. Grievance redress by defining accessible and transparent mechanisms for grievance redress, i.e., user touchpoints, processes, responsible entities, with a strong focus on actions for resolution. Ensuring sustainability through adequate financing and technological support and enhancements to facilitate uninterrupted operations and seamless user-focused service delivery. Human rights by adopting an approach that respects human rights at every stage of the planning, designing, building, and operating. Intellectual Property Protection by providing adequate and effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights for the rights-holders of technologies and other materials used based on existing legal frameworks. Sustainable Development by seeking to develop and deploy these systems that contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Notably, President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. (ANI) After Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Quad summit in US, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that prime minister emphasised India's commitment to cooperation, contact, and engagement for growth with various partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The remarks by Misri came while he addressed a press briefing in New York. Elaborating about the plurilateral meetings, Misri said, "In the plurilateral meetings today, PM Modi underlined India's approach to cooperation, contact and engagement for growth with a variety of partners in the Indo-Pacific." He further said, "It was striking to hear the other Quad leaders acknowledge India's actions and also at the same time, hear the expectations of India which reallly underlines the need to continue to work, and sustain this enourmous trust that India has earned from its partners..." Misri further said that during his meeting with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Biden for hosting the Quad Summit and for his leadership in strengthening the Quad partnership in recent times. He said, "In the bilateral meeting with President Biden and also in the Quad summit, PM Modi thanked President Biden profusely for hosting the summit and for his leadership for the Quad in recent times, and his personal committment to strengthen the Quad." Misri also said that PM Modi also coined a description of the Quad, terming it "quick, unified assistance delivery. "PM Modi referred to the Quad in a very evocative way- he called it quick, unified assistance delivery and the other members of the Quad said that they finally understood what the Quad really signified and stood for. The PM also mentioned that at a time when world is ridden with tensions and conflict, the coming together of these four Quad partners which share democratic values is important for humanity," he said. Meanwhile, PM Modi on Sunday interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora after he arrived at Hotel Lotte Palace in New York. In a post on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora and wrote, "After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes." Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said. The Prime Minister will chair key bilateral meetings in New York during the visit. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "PM Narendra Modi arrives in New York, the second leg of his 3-day visit to the USA. PM will address the UN Summit of the Future, interact with the community and attend other programs." Notably, President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden with gifts reflecting India's rich cultural heritage. President Biden received an antique silver hand-engraved train model with 'Delhi-Delaware' inscribed on the sides of the main carriage. First Lady Jill Biden was gifted a Pashmina Shawl in an intricately designed Papier Mache Box. Notably, the vintage silver hand-engraved train model is a rare and extraordinary piece and masterfully crafted by artisans from Maharashtra - renowned for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship. Made of 92.5 per cent silver, the model showcases the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry, with elaborate details achieved through traditional techniques such as engraving, repousse (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs), and intricate filigree work. It is interesting to note that this creation is a tribute to the steam locomotive era, with artistic brilliance merging with historical significance. Signifying the robust linkages between India and the US, the model has been customised by inscribing "DELHI - DELAWARE" on the sides of the main carriage and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India. PM Modi also presented the First Lady of USA Jill Biden with a Pashmina Shawl in Papier Mache Box. Pashmina shawl of exceptional quality and unparalleled beauty come from the Jammu and Kashmir. This incredibly fine and soft fibre is hand-combed. Skilled artisans spin the Pashm into yarn, often by hand using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The palette of a Pashmina shawl is as diverse as the land it hails from. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals infuse the fabric with vibrant hues. Pashmina shawls are heirlooms passed down through generations, carrying memories and emotions within their threads. Pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mache boxes from Jammu and Kashmir, which are renowned for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. These boxes are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue, and other natural materials. Each box is a unique work of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. These boxes are not only functional but also serve as decorative items in their own right. Meanwhile, PM Modi on Sunday interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora after he arrived at Hotel Lotte Palace in New York. In a post on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora and wrote, "After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes." Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said. The Prime Minister will chair key bilateral meetings in New York during the visit. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "PM Narendra Modi arrives in New York, the second leg of his 3-day visit to the USA. PM will address the UN Summit of the Future, interact with the community and attend other programs." Notably, President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. (ANI) The Quad grouping has announced that they had formed the Quad Cancer Moonshot partnership to combat cervical cancer, a joint statement by the leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States said. The programme that will focus on expanding cervical cancer screening; increasing vaccinations against the human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that is the primary cause of cervical cancer; and treating patients. Prime Minister Modi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event hosted by President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. "I'm proud to announce the Quad Cancer Moonshot to end cancer around the world, starting with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet every year 150,000 women in the Indo-Pacific die from it. We cannot and will not let that continue," US President Joe Biden said in a statement that was posted on his X account. PM Modi retweeted Biden's post and said, "India fully supports this initiative. Let's collectively work to strengthen the fight against cancer!" Building on the Quad's successful partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, their collective investments to address cancer in the region, scientific and medical capabilities, and contributions from private and non-profit sectors, the leaders said they will collaborate with partner nations to reduce the burden of cancer in the region, the Quad statement released on Saturday said. "Today we are proud to announce the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region," it read. The Quad Cancer Moonshot will focus initially on combatting cervical cancer--a preventable cancer that continues to claim too many lives--in the Indo-Pacific region, while laying the groundwork to address other forms of cancer as well. The US intends to support this initiative, including through US Navy medical training and professional exchanges around cervical cancer prevention in the region starting in 2025, and through US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) openness to finance eligible private sector-driven projects to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, including cervical cancer, the statement said. As per the statement, Australia is announcing the expansion of the Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer Program (EPICC) with support of the Australian Government and the Minderoo Foundation to Australian Dollar (AUD) 29.6 million, to cover up to eleven countries in the Indo-Pacific in helping advance the elimination of cervical cancer and support complementary initiatives focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. India said it will share technical expertise in digital health through its National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) portal. As part of its USD 10 million commitment to support the World Health Organization (WHO) led Global Initiative on Digital Health, India will provide technical assistance to the Indo-Pacific region. This includes offering technical support for the use of its National Non-Communicable Disease portal, which tracks long-term data on cancer screening and care. "I heartily congratulate President Biden for organizing this important event. This reflects our shared commitment to affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare. During the Covid pandemic, we had launched the "QUAD Vaccine Initiative" for the Indo-Pacific. And, I am pleased that in QUAD, we have collectively decided to tackle a challenge like cervical cancer, PM Modi said. He said in Cancer Care, Collaboration is essential for Cure. "An integrated approach encompassing prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment is essential to reduce the burden of cancer. India has a very cost-effective ongoing cervical cancer screening program on a mass scale. Additionally, India also runs the world's largest health insurance scheme. And, special centres have also been created to make medicines available to everyone at an affordable cost. India has also developed its own vaccine for cervical cancer. And new treatment protocols are being launched with the assistance of AI." "India is ready to share its experience and expertise. Today, many experts from India working in cancer care have joined us for this event. India's vision is "One Earth, One Health." In this spirit, I am pleased to announce our contribution of USD 7.5 million for sampling kits, detection kits, and vaccines under the Quad Moonshot Initiative. India will also offer support in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building" PM Modi said at the QUAD Leaders' Cancer Moonshot Event, a statement by the MEA read. "I am delighted to share that, through the initiatives of GAVI and the QUAD, India will contribute 40 million vaccine doses for Indo-Pacific countries. These 40 million vaccine doses will become rays of hope in the lives of crores of people. As you can see, when the QUAD acts, it is not just for nations - it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach," PM Modi stated. India committed to providing HPV sampling kits, detection tools and cervical cancer vaccines worth USD 7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. This significant contribution aims to strengthen local efforts to prevent and detect cervical cancer and empower communities with affordable, accessible tools for early detection and prevention, while supporting vaccination programs to reduce the disease burden across the region. India is scaling up population-based screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers through its National Progamme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. In particular, India uses the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method for cervical cancer screening, which is simple, cost effective and efficient and allows healthcare workers to detect early signs of cervical cancer without the need for advanced laboratory infrastructure, making it a model for other regions in the Indo-Pacific. India is expanding access to specialized cancer treatment centers under its "Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Centres" program. The Government of India is supporting both states and union territories to improve treatment capacity across the county, ensuring that people from all parts of the country, including underserved areas, can receive high-quality care. India is committed to affordable cancer treatment through Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). As part of its broader health coverage efforts, PMJAY, India is committed to providing affordable cancer treatments to its citizens, ensuring financial protection for those most in need. India's commitment to cervical cancer elimination is further supported by implementation research led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The research is focused on enhancing cervical cancer screening, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The results and findings will be shared with the Indo-Pacific countries in the coming years, to strengthen regional collaboration. Japan is providing medical equipment, including CT and MRI scanners, and other assistance worth approximately USD 27 million, including in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, and is contributing to international organizations such as the Gavi Vaccine Alliance. Quad partners also intend to work, within respective national contexts, to collaborate in advancing research and development in the area of cancer and to increase private sector and non-governmental sector activities in support of reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the region. "We welcome a number of new, ambitious commitments from non-governmental institutions, including the Serum Institute of India, in partnership with Gavi, which will support orders of up to 40 million HPV vaccine doses, subject to necessary approvals, for the Indo-Pacific region, and which may be increased consistent with demand. We also welcome a new USD 100 million commitment from the Women's Health and Empowerment Network to address cervical cancer in Southeast Asia," the Quad statement said. The statement added that the scientific experts assess that the Quad Cancer Moonshot will save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 22 (ANI/WAM): The UAE will join Saudi Arabia in celebrating the Kingdom's 94th National Day on 23rd September. The fraternal relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are a unique model, given their depth, complementarity, and a rich history of collaboration across all fields. The UAE's participation in the Kingdom's celebrations emphasises the special and strong ties between the leadership and people of both fraternal nations. These relations have become a genuine foundation for Gulf, Arab, and regional cooperation, and a key pillar for stability, growth, and prosperity in the region. The bilateral relations between the two countries were enhanced by the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and expanded to a comprehensive partnership under the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The current leadership of the two countries, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, continues to enhance these relations to the highest levels. The fruitful ties between the two countries have positively impacted comprehensive and sustainable development in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, spanning various fields, including trade, economic cooperation, joint investments, coordination, and consultations. The economic and trade relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia represent an exceptional model of cooperation and solidarity. Over the past decade, non-oil trade between the two nations saw significant growth, increasing by approximately 69 per cent to around AED 135 billion in 2023, compared to AED 79.9 billion in 2013, according to data from the UAE Ministry of Economy. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2013 and 2023 reached 5.4 per cent, with the value of non-oil trade between the two countries reaching AED1.032 trillion over the last ten years (2014-2023). Over the past decade, the non-oil trade was distributed across imports AED 252.46 billion, exports AED 255.5 billion, and re-exports AED 524 billion. According to data from Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics, the trade volume between the UAE and Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2024 reached $17.53 billion, a growth rate of 22.50 per cent compared to $14.31 billion during the same period in 2023. The UAE's exports to Saudi Arabia increased by 10.26 percent to $6.80 billion in the first half of 2024, compared to AED 6.16 billion in the same period of 2023, while the UAE's imports from Saudi Arabia amounted to $10.73 billion in the first half of 2024, compared to $8.15 billion in the first half of 2023. In 2016, the two countries announced the establishment of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, which aims to create a shared vision for enhancing and sustaining bilateral relations and advancing the integrated economic system between the two countries. Tourism also supports the commercial and economic sectors of both countries and is considered one of the most promising sectors for investment and attracting more joint projects, contributing to the diversification of their economic and trade base between the two countries. The cultural ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia reflect the geographical and social connection between their peoples. These relations have been further enhanced through various channels, notably in education, where, in the past, Emirati students travelled to Saudi Arabia to join schools in Mecca, Al Ahsa, and Riyadh. Today, Emirati universities and institutes welcome many Saudi students. The cultural relations between the two countries are represented at various levels, including numerous joint agreements and programmes, as well as the cultural overlap between related institutions, and intellectuals in both countries. These efforts emphasise that the relations between the two countries are deeply rooted in their shared history, cultural heritage, and social, geographical, and economic ties. Today, the Saudi National Day comes amidst the Kingdom's comprehensive development renaissance, which has embarked on a new journey towards a prosperous future with the launch of "Saudi Vision 2030," one of the world's largest national transformation programmes. (ANI/WAM) Seoul [South Korea], September 22 (ANI/WAM): The Republic of Korea and the Czech Republic have agreed to set up a high-level dialogue channel to discuss ways of stronger cooperation on economic and financial issues, Seoul's finance ministry said on Sunday. According to Yonhap News, the agreement was made during a meeting between South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and his Czech counterpart, Zbynek Stanjura, held on Friday in Prague, as Choi visited the European nation to accompany President Yoon Suk Yeol on his four-day trip. The director-level economic dialogue channel will be launched for regular policy talks on macroeconomic, finance and fiscal issues, and the inaugural meeting is expected to take place in the first half of 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economy. On the sidelines of the meeting, the two nations signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) among their state financial institutions, which call for sharing information about major infrastructure projects and providing tailored financial support to companies that seek to take part in the projects and make an investment in the European country. The two ministries also signed the MOU for the Economic Innovation Partnership Programme, where they pledged to deepen policy cooperation on power systems, green energy and various other relevant fields. (ANI/WAM) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on the the sidelines of Quad Leaders' Summit in the US. The two leaders reviewed the India-Japan relationship and talked about ways to expand bilateral relations. "Had a very good meeting with PM Kishida. Discussed cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductors, defence, green energy and more. Strong India-Japan ties are great for global prosperity," PM Modi posted on X. During their September 21 meeting in Wilmington, Delaware the two leaders recalled their many interactions, especially since their first Annual Summit in March 2022. PM Modi thanked Kishida for his unwavering dedication and leadership in advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership over the last few years. In a post on X, Kishida said, "In the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, I noted that my first bilateral visit as PM was to India, and spoke to the various accomplishments to date. I conveyed that Japan and India will continue the coordination to advance global governance." https://x.com/JPN_PMO/status/1837704022306050378 "We confirmed that we would continue our work together on specific initiatives in a wide range of fields, taking into consideration that Japan will be welcoming Prime Minister Modi for the annual reciprocal visit," he added. https://x.com/JPN_PMO/status/1837704035706822895 As per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders noted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is in its 10th year and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the relationship. The two Prime Ministers reviewed the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries and exchanged views to deepen cooperation further, including defence and security ties and business to business and people-to-people collaborations. Prime Minister bid farewell to the outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, and wished him success and fulfilment in his future endeavours. Kishida is set to step down as prime minister after his LDP's leadership election on September 27. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the meeting between PM Modi with teh Japanese PM was mainly like a farewell meeting. "With Prime Minister Kishida...it was in the nature of a farewell meeting. Given the party elections that are scheduled later this month in Japan, the Prime Minister appreciated in a very fulsome fashion the contribution to the bilateral relationship that has been made by Prime Minister Kishida," the Foreign Secretary said in a special briefing in New York. Misri said that the leaders agreed that as next year would be the 10th anniversary of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, it should be marked appropriately. "Next year is also the 10th anniversary of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and it was agreed that this should be marked in an appropriate fashion. The two sides discussed economic cooperation and the progress of investment under the 5 trillion Yen investment program that Japan has announced. Cooperation on semiconductors and the setting up of Japanese industrial centers in India was discussed," he said. Misri added that the Quad is here to stay and India will host the 2025 Quad summit. "The Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner, and to complement the efforts of the Indo-Pacific countries. The leaders took stock of the progress that had been achieved by the Quad over the last one year and set forth an ambitious agenda for the next year. And as you all know, India will be hosting the Quad summit in 2025," the Foreign Secretary said. (ANI) Terming the Quad as a "force of Global Good" the Quad leaders made a number of announcements to address the development priorities of the Indo-Pacific region and of the global community as a whole. US President Joe Biden on September 21 hosted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wilmington, Delaware, for the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit. To take the Quad agenda forward, the Quad Leaders adopted the Quad Wilmington Declaration. This year, the Quad announced executing tangible projects that benefit partner countries across the Indo-Pacific--including in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region. These include 'Quad Cancer Moonshot', a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region by combating cervical cancer. Another initiative announced was the 'Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific' (MAITRI) to enable Indo-Pacific partners to maximise tools provided through IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness). It aims to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact. The leaders pledged a collective Quad effort to boost energy efficiency, including the deployment and manufacturing of high-efficiency, affordable cooling systems in the Indo-Pacific region. An announcement was made for the first 'Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission' in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety and the 'Quad Ports of the Future Partnership,' which will harness the Quad's collective expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific. Quad leaders also announced 'Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure' in the region and beyond. The leaders also announced a "Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation" to enhance the resilience of Quad's semiconductor supply chains. India also announced the establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact. It announced a new sub-category under the Quad STEM Fellowship for students of the Indo-Pacific region to pursue a four-year bachelor's level engineering programme at a Government of India-funded technical institute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 5 lakh scholarship for Indo-Pacific students at the Quad leaders summit. This initiative will enable 50 recipients to pursue a four-year undergraduate engineering programme at a Government of India-funded technical institution. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). During PM Modi's address to the Quad Leaders' Summit held in Delaware, he described the grouping comprising of Australia, India, US and Japan as "Quick Unified Assistance Delivery," and said that the regional body "is here to stay". During his three-day visit to the United States, PM Modi held bilateral talks with the Quad leaders- President of the US Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida. While Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida extended support to PM Modi for his initiative to organise Voice of Global South Summits, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese termed India a "predominant power in the Indian Ocean". The Quad governments said they intend to work with their respective legislatures to deepen interparliamentary exchanges, and encourage other stakeholders to deepen engagement with Quad counterparts. US Members of Congress announced the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Quad Caucus. In the coming months, Quad Commerce and Industry ministers will meet for the first time. Quad Leaders also welcomed the leaders of the Quad Development Finance Institutions and Agencies deciding to meet to explore future investments by the four countries in the Indo-Pacific, including in health security, food security, clean energy, and quality infrastructure. This builds on a previous meeting in 2022 between the heads of the Export Finance Australia, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, India Export-Import Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). In response to the current clade I mpox outbreak, as well as the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak, the Quad said it plans to coordinate efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries. In 2023, Quad partners announced the first-ever Open RAN deployment in the Pacific, in Palau, to support a secure, resilient, and interconnected telecommunications ecosystem. Since then, the Quad has committed approximately USD 20 million to this effort. Building on this initiative, the Quad announces an expansion of Open RAN collaboration to deliver trusted technology solutions. The Quad plans to expand support for ongoing Open RAN field trials and the Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA) in the Philippines, building on the initial USD 8 million in support that the United States and Japan pledged earlier this year. In addition, the United States plans to invest over USD 7 million to support the global expansion of AORA, including through establishing a first-of-its-kind Open RAN workforce training initiative at scale in South Asia, in partnership with Indian institutions. Quad partners also welcome the opportunity to explore additional Open RAN projects in Southeast Asia. Quad partners will also explore collaborating with the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation to ensure the country's readiness for nationwide 5G deployment. (ANI) Flash Houthi followers take part in the parade to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the group's seizure of the capital Sanaa at Al Sabeen Square in Sanaa, Yemen, Sept. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Hundreds of followers of the Yemeni Houthi group took part in a parade on Saturday commemorating the tenth anniversary of the group's seizure of the capital Sanaa. The event, organized by the Houthis, comes as Yemen's conflict enters its second decade since the Houthis stormed Sanaa on Sept. 21, 2014, forcing the internationally recognized government into exile. Participants of the parade, wearing uniforms, carrying weapons and placards, and waving flags of Yemen and Palestine, gathered at Al Sabeen Square in central Sanaa. The Houthis now control most of the northern areas, including Sanaa and the strategic Red Sea port of Hodeidah. The internationally recognized Yemeni government, led by the Presidential Leadership Council since April 2022, mainly controls the southern and eastern regions, with Aden serving as the temporary capital. The decade-long civil war has taken a catastrophic toll on the Arab country. UN agencies estimate that by the end of 2021, the conflict had directly and indirectly caused 377,000 deaths. The UN has declared the Yemen situation "the largest humanitarian crisis in the world." Currently, about 21.6 million people -- two-thirds of Yemen's population -- rely on humanitarian aid. Over the past decade, multiple international efforts to promote peace in Yemen have yielded limited success. A notable ceasefire agreement in April 2022 lasted six months before expiring, though both sides have largely maintained a "de facto ceasefire" since then. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese met on the sidelines of the 6th Quad Leaders' Summit at Wilmington in the US. The September 21 meeting was their ninth in-person interaction since May 2022, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs stated. The statement said that the two leaders on Saturday (local time) discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas such as political and strategic, defence and security, trade and investments, education and research, climate change and renewable energy, and people-to-people ties. The Prime Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They acknowledged that the frequency of high-level contacts has imparted a strong momentum to bilateral relations. Both leaders renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the multilateral fora and reiterated their commitment to take the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to even greater heights, the statement said. Following the meeting PM Modi tool to X to post, "Held extensive discussions with PM Albanese. We seek to add even more momentum in areas like trade, security, space and culture. India greatly cherishes the time tested friendship with Australia." Meanwhile Albanese tweeted, "Great to talk with Prime Minister @narendramodi today at the Quad Leaders Summit about ways to strengthen our partnership." Albanese during his speech at the Quad Leaders' Summit opening remarks said, "Can I also say how much I'm looking forward to my good friend Prime Minister Modi hosting next year's Quad Leaders' Summit in India." https://x.com/AlboMP/status/1837662127798235446 Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in a special briefing to the press that Albanese and PM Modi discussed about the ECTA and its impact on the ambitious agreement, CECA. "2025 also happens to be the fifth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Australia. There was a reference to the progress made under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and the impact that it was already having on trade between the two countries and the steps that the two sides were taking to conclude even more ambitious economic cooperation agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)," Misri said. The foreign secretary added that the two leaders also discussed about cooperation in defence and security-related issues. "There was discussion on cooperation in defence and security-related issues and the potential for cooperation in space and critical minerals," Misri said. "Along with the upcoming elections in Australia where Prime Minister Albanese will be contesting... all leaders were emphasizing that the work they have started and their achievements so far should continue, there is a need to keep working on these and intensify them. The momentum should not decrease, and will not decrease due to one leader's retirement or his taking a break. In fact, the Prime Minister himself expressed full commitment to ensuring that the work initiated by these four leaders continues with great enthusiasm," Misri said. PM Modi had also held bilateral meetings with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden Meanwhile, Quad leaders appreciate PM Modi and India for its leadership role in the Indian Ocean. Japanese PM Kishida appreciated PM Modi and extended support to his initiative for organising Voice of Global South Summits. Australian PM Albanese said that India is the predominant power in the Indian Ocean under PM Modi while President Biden said that the US has things to learn from India's experience and leadership in the Indian Ocean. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 22 (ANI/WAM): The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has launched the first live radio programme about sustainability in the UAE, titled "Sustainable Awareness," coinciding with the country's initiative to continue making 2024 a "Year of Sustainability''. The programme aims to raise awareness about environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues and highlights the UAE's strong track record of quality sustainable practices. The programme also sheds light on the efforts of national institutions and their active role in fostering strategic partnerships with countries worldwide to address sustainability challenges and seek innovative solutions to support sustainable development goals, and accelerate the global transition to a green economy for a better future for all. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said, "We express our happiness about launching the first live radio programme on sustainability in the UAE, aligning with the country's efforts to preserve its development legacy and in line with the Fund's strategic objectives in building a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come." He added that "Sustainable Awareness" Programme is aimed at raising the local community's understanding of sustainability concepts and requirements while highlighting the UAE's heritage in this field. "The educational programme aims to present best practices, quality initiatives, and developmental projects that support sustainable development goals, enriching Arabic studies and research with relevant information and knowledge about sustainability.'' The programme will be broadcast on Noor Dubai Radio, featuring a series of 13 episodes. Each episode will cover various topics related to sustainability through inspiring dialogues and constructive discussions with officials, experts, and speakers in the field. The programme will also include a variety of cultural competitions related to sustainability, with valuable prizes provided by the Fund. Through the programme, discussions will encompass the concept of sustainability across all sectors, the developmental legacy of ADFD, and its sustainable impact on community prosperity. It will also address the role of national industries in supporting UAE export development policies and diversifying the local economy. The programme will tackle climate change issues by reviewing global practices to mitigate its effects and transitioning to clean energy, focusing on the outcomes of the historic UAE Consensus and the success of COP28 in balancing development and climate action requirements. A range of other topics will be also discussed in the programme. (ANI/WAM) China has been yet again alleged of orchestrating 'government-backed attacks' on a news organisation from Britain being run by Hong Kong journalists. Although Chinese authorities have denied any association with the event, analysts believe this case highlights that Hong Kong journalism professionals are facing severe difficulties at home and overseas. The Chaser, a news website by Hong Kong journalists in Britain on Tuesday, reported that Google had recently informed the diaspora-run media outlet of its company email being targeted by "government-backed attacks." Presumably, China is behind these attacks. Analysts over the matter say that the case highlights the rising difficulties of Hong Kong journalists at home and overseas, Voice of America reported. 'The Chaser' reported about the incident relating to the website, and also included a screenshot of the email from Google about the attack, highlighting the severity of the attack in a high-risk category. According to Google, only 0.1 per cent of users worldwide have been subjected to similar attacks orchestrated on Chaser. These attacks could include attempts to steal passwords or personal information of users via emails, which could contain harmful attachments, harmful software download links or links to fake websites. According to the VOA report, The Chaser claimed that it immediately reviewed all its online security measures after receiving such a notice from Google and had taken adequate countermeasures. Further, the Chaser said in a statement, "At a time when Hong Kong's press is mired in the White Terror, the invisible black hand has unscrupulously reached out to the diaspora media overseas. Our team members are from Hong Kong and came to the UK three years ago, hoping to continue chasing news on free soil. In today's turbulent world of press freedom in Hong Kong, there is no way out. Our team strongly condemns all threats to press freedom and pledges to remain at our posts." The VOA claimed that their efforts to get a response from the Chinese Embassy in Britain were unsuccessful, but the Chinese Embassy in Washington denied that China was involved in the cyberattack. The VOA report also revealed that the same news organisation had last month released an investigative report claiming that the Chinese Embassy in Britain had pressured Dragons Teaching, a British publishing house, in 2018 to remove the phrase "Republic of China" from chapters about Taiwan in Chinese textbooks. The Republic of China is Taiwan's official name. The publishing house over time surrendered to Beijing, according to the report published by The Chaser. These textbooks are being used in exams for secondary school courses in Britain. The Chinese Embassy in Britain had also declined to comment on the questioned incident and the published report, even though other British media organisations had picked up the story. Beijing is relentless in its global campaign to quash any recognition of the democratically ruled island -- no matter how small, the report added. This cyberattack on The Chaser comes at a time when journalists in Hong Kong continue to remain under increasing pressure from the Chinese authorities. Previously, the Hong Kong Journalists association, in a statement, claimed that from June to August this year, several journalists, their families, employers, landlords or neighbours have been harassed and intimidated using different ways on the internet in their daily lives. VOA quoted Benson Wong, a Hong Kong political scholar residing in Britain, who believes that the attacks on The Chaser who claimed that the attack is meant to send a signal that Hong Kong journalists who make critical remarks about China cannot expect to be safe from interference or even attacks just because they move overseas. (ANI) A historic event is unfolding at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, as 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora gather from 42 different states to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi is set to address the "Modi and US" program around noon local time in New York. While speaking to ANI, a member of the event organising committee, Jagdish Sewhani, said, "It is a historical event in Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York. It looks like we are celebrating Diwali here... 15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states. "More than 500 artists are going to perform, and we all are awaiting PM Modi. It is the first time ever, that an Indian PM is coming to Long Island in 75 years. The mayor of Nassau County is so excited that he said that he is going to welcome the most popular leader, not only in India but in the world," he added. Preparations are in the final stage at the venue where PM Modi will address the Indian diaspora as the Modi-US event to commence around noon. Indian chef and restaurateur, Vikas Khanna said, "When a leader of your country comes, it's our job, our duty to honour and respect him. It is important as the leaders don't represent a party, but the country. They represent our family, our heritage our ancestors. Anyone residing outside the country represents one's culture. When Donald Trump visited India, I received a letter from PMO, I was invited there along with AR Rahman. What can be a b better honour to a chef than this? This is how you elevate a profession when you see that at one side there is an Oscar winner and at the other side, you have a chef standing there to welcome the American President...We are differently built people, our DNA is different, and we have so much respect towards our motherland. The PM is the elder of our family, he represents us, in totality." Artists from different groups are preparing to showcase traditional music for the big show once the PM's arrival. Artists will perform 'Yakshagana', a form of traditional folk dance popular in the coastal districts of Karnataka and parts of Kerala, at the venue. Members of the Indian diaspora belonging to Tamil Nadu will play the traditional musical instrument 'Parai' at the event ahead of PM Modi's address to the diaspora. Ahead of the event, a member of the Indian diaspora performing with the 'Parai' said, " I am very happy to take part in this event. We are proud of the 'Parai' instrument and happy to perform here." A group was seen performing Mallakhamb - an acrobatic activity originated in Maharashtra, outside Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island. Jaydev Anata of Mallakhamb Federation US, said, "We are promoting Mallakhamb in the USA as an acrobatic and gymnastic sport with an objective of getting it into the Olympics. We are using every opportunity to present this to the public..." Earlier in a post on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora and wrote, "After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes." PM Modi will chair key bilateral meetings in New York and attend a CEO Roundtable in addition to addressing the Summit of the Future on September 23. (ANI) Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, the 55-year-old leader of the leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna party, has been declared the winner of the election, according to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka. He will be the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka, beating Sajith Premadasa after the country's first ever Presidential Election run-off, reported Daily Mirror. The election commission made the announcement after a second vote count, the first in the country's history. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe came third and eliminated after the first round, reported Al Jazeera. Saturday's election marked the third time that Ranil Wickremesinghe - unsuccessfully - ran for president. His previous two bids for the top job were in 1999 and 2005. The president-elect in a post on X called for the unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans for a new beginning. "The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. This achievement is not the result of any single person's work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us. Our journey here has been paved by the sacrifices of so many who gave their sweat, tears, and even their lives for this cause. Their sacrifices are not forgotten. We hold the scepter of their hopes and struggles, knowing the responsibility it carries. The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history. This dream can only be realized with a fresh start. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision. Let us join hands and shape this future together!" said Dissanayaka. The president-elect is expected to be sworn in on Monday, according to initial information.Rauff Hakeem, a parliamentarian with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, has congratulated Dissanayake for his apparent election victory, calling it a "feat". "The people of Sri Lanka have expressed their sincere determination in the 9th Presidential election of the country," he wrote on X. This was the first presidential election of Sri Lanka after the 2022 economic crisis caused from excessive borrowing on projects that did not generate revenue. Economic mismanagement by successive governments also weakened Sri Lanka's public finances. The situation was exacerbated by deep tax cuts enacted by the Rajapaksa government soon after it took office in 2019. Months later, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, wiping out much of Sri Lanka's revenue base, mainly from tourism. Remittances from nationals working abroad dropped, forcing the government to draw from foreign exchange reserves. Fuel shortages led to long queues at filling stations as well as frequent blackouts, while hospitals ran short of medicine. The economic collapse led to persistent antigovernment protests, with demonstrators taking over key buildings and forcing then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign. Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected by a parliamentary vote in July 2022 to cover the remainder of Rajapaksa's five-year term. (ANI) The Indian Diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum is counting down to the address of PM Narendra Modi. Last minute performance practice rounds were conducted as the big moment drew closer. Ajay Bhutoria an Indian-American businessman and politician who serves as the Deputy National Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) says that together India and US can build a brighter future. "Excited to join Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji in Long Island New York. Strong people-to-people connections of the two Great Nations are vital for enhancing US-India relations. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for both nations," Bhutoria said on X. With 44 days left until the United States elections, Ajay Bhutoria, also expressed optimism about Vice President Kamala Harris's chances, adding that there is a lot more work to do. While speaking to ANI, Bhutoria stated, "Almost 44 days are left for the election now. Vice President Harris is leading nationally and in battleground states. There is a lot more work to do. We will continue to work hard to get every vote out to make Kamala Harris the first Indian American to be president of the United States. "The major issues dominating the elections are immigration, abortion, and wars in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. For Indians, the issues are immigration, the Green Card backlog, in addition to economy and others," he added. Recently, Bhutoria shared a picture of Harris on X and wrote, "47 days to make Kamala Harris the 47th President of the United States." Harris was nominated as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden quit the presidential race amid mounting concerns over his age, particularly after his poor show in the debate with Donald Trump in June. If elected president, Harris, 59, would become the first woman in history to become the US president. The vice president is only the second woman ever nominated for the presidency by a major political party. Meanwhile, Harris shared a post on X, in which she said that Trump intends to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations, gut Social Security and Medicare and repeal the Affordable Care Act. In a post on X, she said, "If reelected, Donald Trump intends to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations, gut Social Security and Medicare, and repeal the Affordable Care Act. We are not going back." The US presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 5. The CNN debate accepted by Harris on October 23, if happens, will come right in the climax of the presidential campaign. (ANI) US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, said on Sunday (local time) that he is thrilled to see the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) countries coming together to announce new initiatives, adding that he is looking forward to the QUAD Leaders Summit in India, taking place in 2025. Sharing a post on X, alongside a picture of the Quad leaders (US, India, Australia, and Japan) attending the summit in Delaware on Saturday, Garcetti wrote, "Thrilled to see the QUAD coming together to announce new initiatives and upcoming meetings to explore investments in the Indo-Pacific to include health security, food security, clean energy, and quality infrastructure." "Looking forward to the 2025 QUAD Leaders Summit in India!" he added. https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/1837837856645304371 President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday (local time) in Wilmington, Delaware. The Quad leaders added that they recommit to working in partnership with Pacific island countries to achieve shared aspirations and address shared challenges. The Quad nations also affirmed that, in consultation with partners, they will work collectively to address attempts to unilaterally undermine the integrity of the UN, its Charter, and its agencies. Earlier, US President Joe Biden, during his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, affirmed support for initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India's important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council. The sixth edition of the Quad Leaders' Summit is a 'farewell' summit for both US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. US President Joe Biden is the host of the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Nassau Coliseum, where he will address the enthusiastic Indian diaspora. PM Modi's address at "Modi and US" program is a historic event which is unfolding at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, as 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora gather from 42 different states to welcome the Prime Minister. While speaking to ANI, a member of the event organising committee, Jagdish Sewhani, said, "It is a historical event in Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York. It looks like we are celebrating Diwali here... 15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states." "More than 500 artists are going to perform, and we all are awaiting PM Modi. It is the first time ever, that an Indian PM is coming to Long Island in 75 years. The mayor of Nassau County is so excited that he said that he is going to welcome the most popular leader, not only in India but in the world," he added. Artists from different groups have been preparing since days to showcase traditional music for the big show once the PM's arrival. The artists will perform 'Yakshagana', a form of traditional folk dance popular in the coastal districts of Karnataka and parts of Kerala, at the venue. Members of the Indian diaspora belonging to Tamil Nadu will play the traditional musical instrument 'Parai' at the event ahead of PM Modi's address to the diaspora. A group was seen performing Mallakhamb earlier today - an acrobatic activity originated in Maharashtra, outside Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island. Jaydev Anata of Mallakhamb Federation US, said, "We are promoting Mallakhamb in the USA as an acrobatic and gymnastic sport with an objective of getting it into the Olympics. We are using every opportunity to present this to the public..." Earlier in a post on X, PM Modi shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora and wrote, "After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes." PM Modi will chair key bilateral meetings in New York and attend a CEO Roundtable in addition to addressing the Summit of the Future on September 23. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to United States President Joe Biden for his warm hospitality during a visit to his home in Delaware, stating that it "touched my heart." Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM Modi emphasised that the honour bestowed upon him is not just his own, but also belongs to 1.4 billion Indians and the millions of Indians living abroad "I salute you all, the Indian diaspora. Wherever I go in the world, I hear praise for the Indian community from every leader. Yesterday, President Biden took me to his home in Delaware, and his warmth and hospitality touched my heart. This honour belongs to 1.4 billion Indians, it's your honour, your achievement, and the honour of the millions of Indians living here. I express my gratitude to President Biden and to all of you," said PM Modi. Further, PM Modi also spoke on India's general elections held earlier this year and stated that "the recent elections in India were the largest in human history." "Friends, 2024 is a crucial year for the world. On one hand, there's conflict and tension between nations, while on the other hand, many countries are celebrating democracy. India and the US stand together in this celebration of democracy, with elections happening in America and having taken place in India. The recent elections in India were the largest in human history. Just imagine, more voters than the total population of America, and even more than the entire population of Europe. So many people cast their votes in India," said PM Modi. Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day visit to the US from September 21-23. As PM Modi entered the Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island today, he greeted the Indian diaspora, with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai PM Modi arrived in New York in the second leg of his three-day visit to the United States. On Saturday, PM Modi took part in the Quad Summit and held bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Quad has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) highlighted the relationship between India and the US in terms of artificial intelligence and gave a new meaning to it, describing it as the America-India spirit. Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island at Modi&US Event, he said, "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here." PM Modi said that Indian Diaspora has always been the country's strongest brand ambassadors. "I have always understood your potential... the potential of the Indian diaspora. You have always been India's strongest band ambassador for me. That's why I call all of you 'Rashtradoot'." "Now Apna Namaste has also become multinational. It has gone from local to global and you have done all this. Every Indian who keeps India in his heart has done this. You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched. Despite being overseas, no ocean can separate you from India," PM Modi added. He also praised the Indian community for keeping up the tradition of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" that means "the world is one family." "Wherever we go, we treat everyone as family and mingle with them. Understanding diversity, living it, implementing it in our lives... it is in our values. Someone speaks Tamil... someone Telugu, someone Malayalam, someone Kannada... someone Punjabi, someone Marathi, someone Gujarati... There are many languages, but the feeling is one... and that feeling is - Indianness," said PM Modi. Speaking on the diversity of India, PM Modi said, "We are residents of a country where there are hundreds of languages and dialects, all the religions and sects of the world. Still, we are moving ahead united and noble. This is our biggest strength to connect with the world. These values naturally bind us to the world." Praising the Indian diaspora for their talent and skill, he said that they connect India to America. "You have connected India to America and America to India. Your skill, talent, and commitment have no competition. You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins," said PM Modi. America and India are poised to become AI powerhouses in the new world, and Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to the US has strengthened this partnership. During his address at the Quad Leaders' Summit, PM Modi emphasized that the group is a "force of Global Good" that will contribute to the betterment of the world. The US-India partnership has made significant strides in AI research and development. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) has facilitated cooperation in key areas like space, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications. The two nations are also collaborating on the development of small modular reactor technologies and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in solar, wind, and nuclear energy. The diaspora crowd gave a standing ovation to PM Modi, as he entered the event venue, and took the stage. Talented artists from the Indian community took the stage, setting the perfect tone for PM Modi's imminent address to the Indian diaspora in the US. PM Modi's address at "Modi and US" program is a historic event which is unfolding at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, as 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora gather from 42 different states to welcome the Prime Minister. Later in the day, PM Modi will chair key bilateral meetings in New York and attend a CEO Roundtable in addition he will also address the Summit of the Future on September 23. (ANI) Flash Russia will not participate in a possible second peace summit on Ukraine, as it is unrelated to resolving the conflict, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Saturday. Zakharova made the remarks in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's plan for a second peace summit in November, where he intended to invite Russian representatives. "Russian representatives have not participated in any meetings under the so-called Burgenstock Process and do not plan to do so. This process has nothing to do with genuine conflict resolution," she said on the ministry's website. The summit aims to promote the unworkable Zelensky formula as the sole basis for resolving the conflict, seeking international support and using it as a platform to issue Russia an ultimatum for surrender, she added. Zakharova reiterated that Russia does not reject a diplomatic resolution to the crisis and remains open to discussions on serious proposals that reflect the situation on the ground, evolving geopolitical realities and the initiative proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 14. "Without Russia and without taking its interests into account, achieving a fair and sustainable resolution is impossible," she said. Zakharova criticized Kiev and Western nations for focusing on war rather than peace, citing recent Ukrainian attacks on the Kursk region and requests for long-range NATO weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his address to the Indian community at the historic event in New York on Sunday, the diaspora members said that they were very happy to be at the event, and are proud to be Indians. After addressing the gathering at Nassau Coliseum Arena in New York, US, Prime Minister Modi greeted members of the Indian diaspora. At Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island to attend PM Modi's address, an Indian diaspora member dressed as Goddess Yellamma Devi said,"...I am so proud to be an Indian, and I am very happy to be here. Wherever we go, we should be proud of our country." "I am so happy to be here...We respect him. They are going to take such happy memories... I am so proud to be an Indian," another diaspora member told ANI. In his address, PM Modi said that the Indian Diaspora has always been the country's strongest brand ambassadors. "I have always understood your potential... the potential of the Indian diaspora. You have always been India's strongest band ambassador for me. That's why I call all of you 'Rashtradoot'." "Now Apna Namaste has also become multinational. It has gone from local to global and you have done all this. Every Indian who keeps India in his heart has done this. You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched. Despite being overseas, no ocean can separate you from India," PM Modi added. He also praised the Indian community for keeping up the tradition of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" that means "the world is one family." As PM Modi entered the Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island, he greeted the Indian diaspora, with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. The diaspora crowd gave a standing ovation to PM Modi, as he entered the event venue, and took the stage. Talented artists from the Indian community took the stage, setting the perfect tone for PM Modi's address to the Indian diaspora in the US. "We are here to see Modi ji. We have many expectations from him like on the issue of immigration," a member of the Indian community, who is in Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island, said prior to his diaspora event. "I am super excited to listen to Modi ji. We have come from Connecticut," another member, Jaideep Shah, had said. On Saturday, PM Modi took part in the Quad Summit and held bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Quad has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI) The former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Meera Shankar, on Sunday, appreciated the decision of Quad leaders to expand the maritime domain awareness program to the Indian Ocean amid concerns over the Chinese military's increased forays into the region. Speaking to ANI, Shankar also asserted that Quad is not just a temporary phenomenon, and "is here to stay." "It (Quad Leaders' Summit) was also to assert that Quad is here to stay, that it is not just a temporary phenomenon, but it is here to stay, and it is going to its activities in the areas of maritime domain awareness," she said. The former diplomat further said that the development is significant from India's point of view as earlier as Chinese incursions have been on rise in the Indian Ocean close to the Indian territory. "They (Quad leaders) have taken the decision to expand the maritime domain awareness programs to the Indian Ocean. Hitherto it was confined to the Pacific and the South China Sea and so on, but now it is being expanded to the Indian Ocean, and India will be making its own contributions in this process," Shankar said. "So that's very important from India's point of view because we've had concerns that Chinese military presence has not just been limited to the East China Sea or South China Sea. Increasingly, they have been making forays into the Indian Ocean in areas very close to India, including Sri Lanka. And this is obviously something of concern to us. So we are happy that the maritime domain awareness program is being extended to the Indian Ocean," she added. The Quad leader, during the Leaders' Summit on Saturday, announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable its partners in the region to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad partner initiatives, to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior. "We look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025," the joint statement read. The Quad leaders also welcomed the launch of a Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. The former Indian envoy also praised the initiative on critical and emerging technologies, that the Quad is looking to create for a "reliable and resilient supply chain" so that these don't get disrupted as it happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. "One more aspect that I should stress is the whole critical and emerging technologies initiative, which is a very important element of Quad where they are looking to create, you know, reliable and resilient supply chains so that they don't get disrupted as happened during COVID where all these supply chains get disrupted. And then you've seen countries squeezing exports, particularly China, for strategic reasons," she said. Shankar also said that the trajectory of the US-India relationship would hopefully continue towards an upward trend irrespective of the results of the US presidential elections in November. "It's a kind of reassurance in the sense that the strategic partnership is on course. Hopefully, whatever administration comes in the United States after the presidential election, the upward trajectory of the India-US strategic partnership will continue," she said. The former diplomat also said that India and the US have a win-win situation in terms of technological partnerships, with the US being a leading technological country and India providing technological capability that is competitive at reduced costs. "There are a whole lot of new tech areas where the two countries want to work together. And of course, the US being the leading part in these technologies would be an important partner for India in terms of getting this initiative going. For the US, India provides a partner with the kind of technical capability that is competitive and can reduce costs and also help create diversified supply chains. So I think it's a win-win situation for both countries and getting business leaders interested in it is the way to actually materialise this very ambitious project for cooperation, which if not actually concretised can remain," she said. Speaking on Sustainable Development Goals, she said that there is "very little time" to achieve those goals and stressed on improving life expectancy and reducing child mortality. "There's very little time left to achieve those sustainable development goals, be it with regard to climate change, be it with regard to sustainable development, be it with regard to affordable education and health being available to all countries. Improving life expectancy and reducing child mortality--we are very far from achieving the goals that we had agreed to achieve. And in many cases, it is the question of a lack of adequate finance for developing countries," she said.(ANI) Pakistan's former Member of the National Assembly and Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir's detention was extended by 15 days on Sunday. He was forcefully arrested by the police last month after an alleged road accident and currently faces terrorism charges. The local administration of Pakistan's Rawalpindi district on Sunday ordered the extension of MNA and PTM's top leader, Ali Wazir. According to the authorities, the order extended Wazir's imprisonment by 15 days; he will now be released on October 4, Geo News reported. The current order issued against Wazir grants power to the administration to arrest and detain the suspected person. Currently, he is being imprisoned in the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. Earlier, the district administration had issued orders to keep Wazir under custody from September 4 to 19, claimed by Geo News. Wazir was earlier detained by the police from outside the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. The leader at that time had brought an individual to the PIMS hospital after suffering a minor accident with Wazir's car. Wazir's arrest at that time was an ongoing, severe crackdown on PTM members after the death of senior leader and activist Gilaman Wazir. Videos of Wazir were floating on social media last month, claiming that the accident was a mere sham to detain the leader. In a post on X, PTM said, "Ali Wazir, the strong voice of human rights and Pashtuns, is kidnapped and arrested in Islamabad without any reason. While the killers of Pashtuns have been protected by Islamabad, the clear proof of which is the free movement of the killers of Gilaman Pashtun." https://x.com/ptmkhyber/status/1819616970104340811 Similarly, in a viral video that surfaced on social media platforms recently, Wazir, while being arrested by the police, can be witnessed mentioning, "Now they are forcibly arresting me without any reason. Yes, there was a small accident and I had brought this kid to the hospital and now he is fine. But even then they arrest me, which is not right." At the end of the video, a policeman can be seen allegedly snatching the phone of Wazir's companion. The US chapter of PTM had also condemned the matter via a post on X stating, "The forceful pickup of Ali Wazir from PIMS Hospital by Islamabad Secretariat Police, under orders from their superiors, is a vile and unconscionable act. The police even stopped the video recording where he was explaining the reason for his arrest and snatched the phone from his friend." Wazir, who heads the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), has become the icon of the non-violent movement in Pakistan. However, Wazir spends most of his time fighting court battles because of a number of cases filed against him allegedly to tarnish his image. While one court after another has acquitted Ali Wazir, legal proceedings against him keep coming, showing the malafide intent of the Pakistani state, as the International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS) had mentioned in a previous statement. He was imprisoned in 2019 on sedition charges in connection with a controversial speech he made at a Karachi rally. Several cases along the same lines have been filed against him and continue to be filed. He continues to be stifled politically by the Pakistani state, which signals the weakness of Pakistan's polity, reported The International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS). Wazir has been consistently targeted for his unequivocal criticism of the Pakistani Army and the human rights abuses that the Pashtun ethnic minority face in Waziristan and neighbouring border areas in the former Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA), now a part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reported IFFRAS. (ANI) As part of his engagements on the Day 2 of his three-day US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met a host of industry leaders, ranging from semiconductors to electronics to biotechnology, where they discussed the potential and opportunities India has to offer. Among those who took part at the CEO roundtable were Chairman President and CEO Adobe Shantanu Narayen; CEO Google Sundar Pichai; CEO IBM Arvind Krishna; Lisa Su-Chair and CEO AMD; Noubar Afeyan-Chairman Moderna. With the CEOs of leading US-based companies, Prime Minister Modi was to discuss fostering greater collaborations between the two countries in the cutting-edge areas of AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology. During the India US bilateral meeting on Saturday, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised combined efforts to facilitate resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains including through GlobalFoundries' (GF) creation of the GF Kolkata Power Center in Kolkata, India that will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in research and development in chip manufacturing. According to a joint fact sheet released by the White House, the leaders welcomed new private sector cooperation on emerging technologies, such as through IBM's recent conclusion of memoranda of understanding with the Indian government, which will enable IBM's Watsonx platform on India's Airawat supercomputer and drive new AI innovation opportunities, enhance R&D collaboration on advanced semiconductor processors, and increase support for India's National Quantum Mission. Both the leaders welcomed progress since the November 2023 signing of an MoU between the Commerce Department and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to enhance the two countries' innovation ecosystems under the "Innovation Handshake" agenda. Since then, the two sides have convened two industry roundtables in the US and India to bring together startups, private equity and venture capital firms, corporate investment departments, and government officials to forge connections and to accelerate investment in innovation. While in New York, Prime Minister Modi on Sunday also addressed a huge gathering of the Indian community who converged in thousands from various parts of the country. On Day 1, Saturday, Prime Minister Modi took part in the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, which is being hosted by US President Joe Biden. 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. The forum has emerged as a key group of the like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. On Day 3, Monday, Prime Minister Modi will address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, before he departs for India. The theme of the Summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. A large number of global leaders are expected to participate in the Summit. On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister would be holding bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest. (ANI) A Houthi ballistic missile reached Israel from Yemen, disintegrating after air defenses activated. The attack highlights the threat posed by Houthi rebels and offers Iran insights on Israel's defenses. Israel's Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems intercepted the missile, questioning its hypersonic claim. A Houthi ballistic missile reached Israel from Yemen for the first time on Sunday, disintegrating in the air after Israel activated its air defenses. While the attack failed to cause any casualties or significant damage, it shows the heightened threat the Houthi rebels can pose and likely offers their Iranian backers insights about Israel's missile defenses. "I believe Iran will view the attack as having symbolic value, but still reflecting the limited capabilities of Iranian-produced ballistic missiles in actually threatening Israel," Sim Tack, a military and geopolitical analyst, told Business Insider. The Israeli military confirmed Tuesday that it had launched several interceptor missiles at the Houthi projectile on Sunday morning. These include Arrow 2, part of the upper tier of Israel's multilayered air defenses. "It has become known now that at least one Arrow interceptor managed to hit but only damaged the incoming missile, but this was still sufficient to prevent the missile from reaching its target," Tack said. "On the part of Israel, the attack will likely spur additional thought on procedures to address these recurring threats and the possibility of large ballistic missiles falling on Israeli soil in case interceptions are not entirely successful." The Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 both made their first-ever combat intercepts against Houthis missiles on October 31 and November 9, 2023, respectively. The Arrow 3 fires an intercept missile that strikes an incoming ballistic missile outside the Earth's atmosphere, and boasts superior range and speed over its Arrow 2 predecessor. It is also a hit-to-kill missile, while the Arrow 2 destroys incoming targets by exploding nearby. The Israeli military, which said it would probe why the Arrow failed to destroy the incoming threat on Sunday, also disputed the Houthis dubious claim that the missile is hypersonic the group even painted the word "hypersonic" in English on it. The missile the Houthis fired Sunday at Israel appears to be an Iranian-made weapon with solid fuel. Handout/Houthi Media Center via Getty Images Hypersonic missiles are a class of developing weapons that can maneuver at speeds faster than Mach 5 to evade intercept missiles; there's no evidence the Houthi-fired missile is in the class beyond its paint job. The Houthis dubbed the missile Palestine 2, which analysts believe might be a "hybrid" of the short-range Iranian Fateh-110 and Kheibar Shekan medium-range ballistic missiles. The group has previously paraded mockups of both the Fateh-110 and Kheibar Shaken. The first Palestine missile, which closely resembles the one used in Sunday's attack, was unveiled in June, with the Houthis claiming it was used for an attack against the southern Israeli port city of Eilat. The Palestine missiles are solid-propellent, making them more advanced than the liquid-propellent ballistic missiles hitherto used by the group. "I assume that the Houthis are always hopeful that their missiles may break through the Israeli air and missile defenses, but this missile was not fundamentally different from previous types that were launched at Israel," Tack said. "So at best it would appear this was a repeat attempt, and of course a source for propaganda statements regardless of the outcome of such attacks." Sunday's missile went on a straight trajectory, traveling approximately 1,200 miles from Yemen and reaching Israeli airspace in under 12 minutes. In July, the Houthis managed to hit Tel Aviv with an extended-range Samad drone for the first time, killing one. The drone flew on a less direct and predictable 16-hour route of 1,600 miles, approaching Israel from the west and catching its air defenses off guard. "At least at the moment, it seems more probable that the isolated nature of the attack one missile may not have been seen as a threat by Israel's air defense network to spur a sustained response," Ryan Bohl, a senior Middle East and North Africa analyst at the risk intelligence company RANE, told BI. "Israel does claim to have intercepted the missile, so I don't think anyone can conclude that it slipped by on its own accord," Bohl said. "Rather, its geographic range from Yemen is probably the most notable part, as it indicates that Yemen is a viable pathway for such long-range attacks by Iran and its allies and proxies." Most Houthi missiles and drones are based on Iranian designs. Iran attacked Israel directly for the first time in April 2024, launching an enormous ballistic missile and drone barrage in retaliation for Israel's assassination of Iranian officers in Syria. Iran telegraphed that unprecedented attack in advance, and Israel, with help from its allies, intercepted the vast majority of the incoming munitions successfully. The few Iranian Emad missiles that did reach their target, a large airbase in southern Israel, also proved significantly less accurate than previously estimated. "When it comes to large-scale drone and missile attacks, Iran has to rely on large volumes to try and overwhelm Israeli air and missile defenses," Tack said. "If Tehran could achieve strategic surprise in such an overwhelming attack, it is possible that even more missiles would make it through the Israeli defenses, but the recent attacks hardly impact that reasoning or knowledge," Tack added. Unless the Houthis are capable of firing more advanced missiles simultaneously, it's doubtful they can achieve anything more than an "occasional lucky hit" against their distant enemy, Tack said. "For the Houthis, the attack successful or not is a political achievement that serves their domestic goals. It will drive recruitment and allow them to deploy this as propaganda," Bohl said. "They certainly have learned that Israel's air defenses are robust, but they probably didn't glean much more from the incident than they already knew from the April 2024 incident with Iran." For Israel, the RANE analyst pointed out that using other, less expensive systems than the Arrow 3 makes sense for attacks with singular or small numbers of missiles. By doing so, Israel can preserve the Arrow 3 for combating larger, more challenging, and technologically sophisticated attacks. In addition to Arrow and the short-range Iron Dome, Israel operates the David's Sling system, which covers the mid-tier of its air defense. It decided to begin retiring its older, American-made Patriot PAC-2 systems earlier this year. Given their geographical distance from Israel, the Houthis are unlikely to become a priority over other Iran-backed militias in the current conflict, especially Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has a vast arsenal of surface-to-surface missiles. "The Houthis are growing as a threat against Israel, and if there is a sustained supply of such missiles from Iran, it could rival Hezbollah in terms of threat with major attacks," Bohl said. "But that requires a sustained build-up that I think is still far-off," Bohl added. "For now, Iran, followed by Hezbollah, are the most direct threats to Israel via rockets and missiles." Steven Horrell, a senior fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, believes Sunday's attack was "very illustrative of the overall positions" in both Iran and Israel. "For Iran, the Houthi proxies and others remain a cost-effective and consequence-free way to disrupt the international rules-based order and to hit at Israel," Horrell told BI. "For Israel, there is a high level of confidence in the multi-layer missile defense but this is a reminder that it is not perfect; the risk is never brought down to zero," Horrell said. While the US Navy has intercepted numerous Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea, the CEPA fellow argued these measures equate to "shooting down arrows and not taking out the archer." Read the original article on Business Insider ORLANDO, Fla. The National Hurricane Center on Saturday is tracking three systems in the Atlantic and one Gulf-bound system. As of the NHCs 2 p.m. tropical outlook, the most likely would come from a system expected to form in the northwestern Caribbean and move into the Gulf of Mexico. The broad area of low pressure is likely to form by the early to middle part of next week over the far northwestern Caribbean Sea and adjacent portions of Central America. Thereafter, gradual development of this system is possible, and a tropical depression could form as the system moves slowly to the north or northwest over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and across the Gulf of Mexico through the end of next week, forecasters said. Regardless of development, this system is expected to produce heavy rains over portions of Central America during the next several days. The NHC gives the system a 60% chance of development over the next seven days. The NHC is also tracking three other systems in the Atlantic. One is an area of low pressure associated with remnants of what had been Tropical Storm Gordon that continued to produce disorganized showers and thunderstorms sheared away from the lows center by upper-level winds located more than 1,000 miles southwest of the Azores. Development of this system is not expected while it moves slowly northwestward over the central subtropical Atlantic during the next couple of days, forecasters said. The NHC gives it a 0% chance to develop in the next two to seven days. Farther east in the central and western subtropical Atlantic was another area of low pressure about 700 miles southeast of Bermuda with disorganized showers and a few thunderstorms. Development is not expected while it moves generally northward at 5 to 10 mph over the central subtropical Atlantic forecasters said. The NHC gives it a 10% chance to develop in the next two to seven days. A tropical wave is expected to move westward from the coast of Africa on Sunday or Monday. Gradual development of this system is possible next week as it moves west-northwestward over the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. The NHC gives it a 40% chance to develop in the next seven days. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has produced seven named storms with Helene next on the list. Forecasters at Colorado State University, that have been putting together two-week outlooks this season, expect more activity at the end of the month. Hurricane season runs from June 1-Nov. 30, but the height of storm production runs from mid-August into October. ______ A Scandinavian Airlines flight makes an emergency landing after a rodent booked their flight to Spain on Wednesday. This story was updated to add new information. Imagine finding an uninvited four-legged rodent passenger onboard your plane. That's what happened on a Scandinavian Airlines flight. The flight had to be diverted after a mouse booked a trip to Malaga, Spain from Oslo, Norway. On Wednesday the flight headed to Spain had to make a landing in Copenhagen, Denmark after discovering the furry traveler. "We made a very normal landing (not an emergency landing which has been wrongly stated in some media) in Copenhagen in order to change aircraft and catering which is a fully normal procedure when a rodent is found onboard," Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, a Scandinavian Airlines spokesperson, said in a statement to USA TODAY. According to protocol and procedures, the plane had to make the diversion for an "inspection and fumigation" process and to transport the passengers onboard to another aircraft, Lindgren Kaoukji said. "In these cases, we have very clear procedures to follow, including full inspection of the aircraft and of all our suppliers processes to see what needs to be improved or changed in order to avoid scenarios like these in the future," she said. Lindgren Kaoukji said after landing in Denmark, the furry flyer reached their departure. Other passengers had a two-and-a-half-hour delay but continued their journey to Spain. Alaska Airlines flight diverted: 4 flight attendants ill after odor detected in cabin Mouse climbed out of woman's in-flight meal Jarle Borrestad, a passenger on the flight to Malaga, Spain, told the BBC about the rodents itinerary while on board the flight. Borrestad told the news outlet that the rodent made its debut from the box of food that the woman sat next to him on the flight was opening. Borrestad told the news outlet that the situation was very calm and that people "were not stressed at all." He even joked about the incident in a Facebook post filled with laughing emojis. Believe it or not. A lady next to me here at SAS Plus opened the food and jumped out a mouse, the post read. Now we have turned around and landed at CPH for flight changes. Nonetheless, Borrestad admitted to the BBC that he put his socks over his trousers so the mouse would not crawl up his legs. Ahjane Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjane covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com . Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mouse found in airplane meal causes flight to be diverted McBEE, S.C. (AP) State police in South Carolina said they found a man who shot and wounded a small town police officer during a traffic stop. The statement from the State Law Enforcement Division gave the name and description of the 27-year-old man and his vehicle, but did not say if he has been arrested or charged. The officer in McBee was shot at more than 60 times Thursday night, Police Chief Tim Knight told WPDE-TV. Three of the bullets hit the officer and he was treated and released from the hospital, McBee Mayor Glenn Odom said. Hes home resting, Odom told the TV station. Hes got to have some surgery on his forearm where the bullet lodged. But, other than that he appears to be ok. Its a miracle sent to us by the Lord.' The man police were looking for was found in Darlington County Friday morning after state police issued a Blue Alert to let the public know they are seeking someone who has killed, injured or kidnapped a police officer. McBee is a town of around 750 people about 55 miles (89 kilometers) northeast of Columbia. SPD searching for missing man Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tiny rainforest lizards leap into water and dont come up when expected. Scientists now know why Editors note: A version of this story appeared in CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. Komodo dragons with iron-tipped teeth. Thirteen-foot-long pythons. Attacking crocs. Of the five main classes of vertebrate animals, reptiles often inspire the most fear. But reptiles deserve our sympathy and conservation dollars just as much as mammals, which may seem more charismatic. One in five reptile species are under threat. Im trying to replace my own unease of these creatures with wonder. Reptiles are astonishingly diverse, with extraordinary adaptations such as a tiny lizard in Costa Rica that has evolved a way to scuba dive, according to new research. Fantastic creatures Using the air bubble helps the anole to stay underwater longer, and the technique may help the tiny lizard hide from predators, researchers say. - Dr. Lindsey Swierk The diving anole lives in Costa Ricas rainforest, where its able to form small air bubbles atop its head as a source of oxygen when submerged. This ability allows the lizard to stay underwater for a prolonged period of time. The unusual and specialized behavior, filmed by researchers as part of a new study, could help anoles hide from predators on land. The wee anole relies mostly on camouflage to hide from predators such as birds, snakes, mammals and other lizards. And when camouflage fails, waiting out a threat underwater is an effective survival strategy. Explorations Kaspar Hauser, an enigmatic man thought by some to be a lost prince, died in 1833. Much less is known about his origin story. Hauser appeared seemingly out of nowhere in what is now Nuremberg, Germany, on May 26, 1828, when he was about 16 years old. He was found wandering the town square with no identification and with an unsigned letter clutched in his hand. Nearly 200 years later, scientists have used a new DNA analysis to solve a longstanding mystery about Hausers suspected ties to royalty. Across the universe An artist's concept depicts NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft entering interstellar space, or the space between stars. - NASA/JPL-Caltech Since 1977, NASAs Voyager 1 spacecraft has been exploring the solar system and beyond. The probe was the first spacecraft to cross the heliosphere the suns bubble of magnetic fields and particles that extends beyond planetary orbits and venture into interstellar space, or space between stars. Along the way, Voyager 1 found a thin ring around Jupiter and two new Jovian moons as well as five new moons orbiting Saturn. Now, the space agency may have found a way to keep the 47-year-old probe communicating with Earth from billions of miles away. NASA engineers successfully fired up a set of thrusters Voyager 1 hasnt used in decades, which could help keep its antenna pointed at Earth. In other space news, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will be able to vote via absentee ballot from low-Earth orbit in Novembers election. The duos stay aboard the International Space Station was extended until 2025 after arriving in June on a test flight of Boeings troubled Starliner spacecraft. The trip was initially expected to last about eight days. Trailblazers A flooded quarry near Bristol, England, is a testing ground for a bold plan to develop an underwater habitat. The goal of DEEP, a UK-based ocean technology company, is to build interconnected modules that would allow people to live and work at a depth of 656 feet (200 meters) for up to a month. A 40-by-25-foot (12-by-7.5-meter) habitat with enough space for three people to stay underwater for up to a week will be ready to go into the water at DEEPs UK campus in early 2025. The company hopes that its habitats can achieve a permanent human presence underwater, akin to the International Space Station which has allowed humans to live and work in space since 2000 but for the ocean. The wonder A new analysis suggests Vincent van Gogh showed a deep, intuitive understanding of the mathematical structure of turbulent flow in his 1889 painting The Starry Night. - Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Vincent van Goghs masterpiece The Starry Night is a beguiling work of art. Its also surprisingly scientifically accurate. A new analysis of the painting by physicists based in China and France suggests the artist had a deep, intuitive understanding of the mathematical structure of turbulent flow, a common natural phenomenon observed in fluids such as moving water, ocean currents and billowing storm clouds. The scientists determined that the sizes of the 14 whorls 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. The physics hidden in Van Goghs depiction of the night sky may be one reason why people are so drawn to the painting. Curiosities A still-shiny bronze sword engraved with the name of King Ramses II in hieroglyphics has been unearthed in Egypt. Helga and Zohar, two mannequins that flew aboard the Orion space capsule during the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022, are revealing how much radiation astronauts may experience on future Artemis missions. The full harvest supermoon shone brightly in the night sky earlier this week. A partial lunar eclipse, with a bite taken from the moon, was also visible to sky-gazers. Earth will soon gain a new mini-moon, a recently discovered asteroid named 2024 PT5. The space rock will temporarily be captured by Earths gravity and orbit our world for a few weeks, according to astronomers. Like what youve read? Oh, but theres more. Sign up here to receive in your inbox the next edition of Wonder Theory, brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt. They find wonder in planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An aerial view of the International-Matex Tank Terminals 216-tank bulk liquid facility in St. Rose shows a tanker at its dock on the Mississippi River The International-Matex Tank Terminals 216-tank bulk liquid facility in St. Rose stores products including ethanol, diesel and petroleum products. The company is partnering with the Louisiana Environmental Action Network to install four air monitoring sensors in the surrounding predominantly Black neighborhood after being fined for violating the federal Clean Air Act. (Jeffrey Dubinsky/Louisiana Environmental Action Network) A bulk liquid storage facility in southeast Louisiana and a local environmental group are partnering to create a neighborhood air quality monitoring system. International-Matex Tank Terminals announced plans Thursday 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 Louisianas 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 CEO 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. 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. St. Rose 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) 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. 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Floodlight is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates the powerful interests stalling climate action. Sep 22 (NHK) - Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and US President Joe Biden have touted each other's contributions to their countries' bilateral ties. Kishida is leaving office soon, just months ahead of Biden's end of term. Biden invited Kishida to his private residence in his home state of Delaware on Saturday, where they talked for about an hour. According to Japan's Prime Minister's Office, Kishida said the Japan-US alliance and cooperation are becoming increasingly important as the international order is at a historic turning point and faces new challenges. The Japanese prime minister said Biden has made the bilateral alliance stronger than ever under his leadership. Biden expressed his appreciation for what he called a special friendship with Kishida. The US president commended the prime minister's contributions to developing the two countries' relations, and addressing the challenges faced by the international community. Both leaders agreed on the importance of continuing to enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance. They also reaffirmed their commitment to steadily advancing bilateral security cooperation, based on the joint statement they issued in April. Kishida and Biden confirmed that both countries would oppose and resolutely respond to any unilateral attempts by China to change the status quo by force in the East and South China seas. They also confirmed the importance of continuing dialogue and cooperation with China on shared challenges. The two leaders agreed to strengthen three-way cooperation by Japan, the US and South Korea. They said Japan and the United States will continue to closely cooperate with each other in support of Ukraine, and to stabilize the current situation in the Middle East. At the end of the meeting, Kishida and Biden, apparently looking beyond their terms in office, confirmed that their countries will continue to serve as global partners at the core of a free and open international order. Nagano, Sep 22 (News On Japan) - A man in his 30s was stabbed in the chest at an anime song event in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture on Sunday, leaving the victim serious injured. According to police, at around 1:20 p.m., a 32-year-old man was stabbed in the chest by another man with a knife at an anime song event held in a park. The victim was immediately transported to the hospital and, though conscious at the time, is reported to be in serious condition. The police arrested 38-year-old Tsukasa Yoshida from Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on suspicion of attempted murder. The relationship between the two men remains unclear. Yoshida has admitted to the allegations, and police are currently investigating the details of the incident. Source: ANN Poverty remains one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today, affecting millions of people across the world. Homelessness, poor living conditions, and lack of stable shelter are central aspects of this crisis. One way to tackle these issues is by donating houses and real estate to charitable organizations. This powerful, often overlooked, form of giving can transform lives, communities, and entire regions. In this article, well explore the ways to help the poor through charitable donations of houses and property, the processes involved, and the potential long-term impact. The Urgent Need for Housing At the heart of global poverty is the housing crisis. In many countries, there are large populations who are either homeless or living in inadequate, unsafe conditions. These housing challenges perpetuate the cycle of poverty, limiting access to education, employment, and basic healthcare. For families struggling to make ends meet, stable housing is often the first step toward breaking the poverty cycle. Housing insecurity affects people in both developed and developing nations. In the United States, for example, homelessness is prevalent, with around 580,000 people living without a home as of recent estimates. Globally, nearly 1.6 billion people live in substandard housing. A donated house or piece of charity real estate could provide much-needed shelter, stability, and hope. Donating Houses to Charity: How It Works Donating houses to charity is a unique, impactful form of philanthropy. Real estate donations come in different forms, from single-family homes to commercial properties and vacant lots. Charitable organizations, particularly those focused on housing, can use these properties to provide housing to those in need, sell them to raise funds, or repurpose them for community development projects. Heres a step-by-step guide on how to donate real estate to charity: Choose a Charitable Organization Not every charity accepts real estate donations, so its important to find a reputable organization that specializes in or welcomes such contributions. Charities like Habitat for Humanity, the National Association of Realtors charitable branch, or local housing nonprofits may be interested in real estate donations. Get a Property Appraisal To maximize the benefit of your donation, you need to know the fair market value of the property. This ensures the charity receives a valuable asset and that you can claim a charitable deduction on your taxes. Work with a Legal Professional The donation of real estate involves paperwork, including deeds and transfer documents. Its essential to work with a lawyer who specializes in real estate transactions to ensure everything is handled properly. Tax Benefits Donating real estate offers substantial tax advantages. The fair market value of the property can be deducted from your taxes, potentially reducing your liability for the year. However, you should consult with a tax professional to ensure you are maximizing the benefits while adhering to IRS rules. Why Donating Real Estate Is Effective Real estate donations are one of the most effective ways to help the poor. When you donate a house or property, the positive impact ripples outward. Heres why: Immediate Shelter for Those in Need When charities use the donated property for housing, families who were previously homeless or living in unstable conditions immediately gain a safe place to live. This sense of stability helps them focus on other areas of life, such as employment, education, and health. Sustainable Community Development Charities can also sell the property and use the proceeds to invest in larger-scale community programs. This might include building affordable housing complexes, funding job training programs, or providing resources to underserved communities. Transforming Lives Through Ownership Some organizations allow recipients of donated homes to take ownership after living in them for a certain period. Homeownership creates long-term security for families, breaking the cycle of poverty by giving them a tangible asset. Environmental Benefits Real estate donations can have an environmental impact as well. Instead of building new homes from scratch, repurposing existing properties reduces waste, construction emissions, and the consumption of raw materials. Notable Success Stories Many charitable organizations have successfully used real estate donations to fight poverty. Take Habitat for Humanity, for example, an international nonprofit that builds homes for low-income families. They have received numerous donations of property over the years, enabling them to build more homes and provide shelter for more people. Another example is The National Association of Realtors charitable branch, which has worked with property donors to create affordable housing in underserved areas. These donations have led to entire communities being revitalized. In some instances, donors have given away properties that they no longer need or were burdensome to maintain, such as inherited homes. These properties, once donated, became vital housing or financial resources for nonprofits working to combat poverty. How You Can Make a Difference If youre considering how to make a lasting impact on the world, donating real estate is one of the most powerful ways to help the poor. Unlike cash donations, real estate holds the potential for long-term, sustainable change. Here are some additional reasons to consider real estate donation: A Unique Legacy By donating real estate, you leave behind a tangible legacy that has the power to change lives for generations. Its a gift that keeps giving long after the initial transaction. Personal and Financial Benefits Aside from the tax benefits, donating real estate can also be personally fulfilling. Knowing that your contribution provides shelter or financial resources to those in need can give you a deep sense of satisfaction. Supporting a Cause You Believe In When you choose a charity that aligns with your values, your donation becomes even more meaningful. Whether youre passionate about housing, education, or social justice, you can find an organization that will put your property to good use. The Path Forward: Ending Poverty Through Real Estate Donations Ending poverty is a complex, multifaceted challenge that requires long-term solutions. However, housing is one of the most critical components of this effort. By donating houses and charity real estate, you help solve one of the biggest problems faced by those in poverty: a lack of safe, stable housing. Real estate donations provide an immediate solution for those in need, while also offering long-term benefits to the community. Whether through providing direct shelter, raising funds for nonprofit organizations, or revitalizing neighborhoods, real estate philanthropy is a powerful tool for change. So, if youre looking for impactful ways to help the poor, consider donating real estate. Your contribution can be the key to unlocking a better future for families and communities across the globe. The Salty Dog Bar & Grill in Council Bluffs is facing a lot of scrutiny after allegedly refusing service Friday to a service dog and his carrier. Kevin Doncaster, founder of WarHawk PTSD Service Dogs and a former veteran, took to Facebook on Tuesday afternoon to share his experience with the restaurant. The post said that Doncaster was told by a manager that dogs were not allowed within the establishment. Doncaster proceeded to ask about service dogs, as his dog was certified and was wearing vest. The post reads that (the manager) then accused me of pretending to have a service dog and insinuated that all dog owners call their dogs service dogs, Doncaster wrote. Since then, Doncaster's post has been shared more than 6,900 times. The Americans with Disabilities Act states that state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go. Service animals are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. This does not include emotional support animals. Under the ADA, if an establishment desires to question a carrier of a service dog, it is only allowed to ask two questions: is the dog a service animal required because of a disability and what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Establishments may not demand further proof. Brian Kev Wallader, owner of the Salty Dog Bar & Grill, posted a video on Facebook addressing the incident on Wednesday afternoon. In the video, Wallader said, I have a saying in my business that perception is reality and (Doncasters) perception of the experience was that he was unwelcome at the Salty Dog with his service dog. That couldn't be further from the case. We do support vets, we do support service dogs. Unfortunately, there is a lot of gray area when it comes to service dogs and dogs in restaurants, Wallader said in the video. Wallader went on to issue an apology to Doncaster. The pair will be meeting on Monday for further discussion. Doncaster has since taken to Facebook to express gratitude for the support he has received and also to write that he does not want hate speech to be spread regarding any aspect of the incident. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate halt to attacks by Sudans paramilitary force RSF on Al Fashir in Sudan, amid a severely deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country. Guterres called on Lt. General Mohamed Hamdan Hemedti Dagalo to act responsibly and immediately order a halt to the RSF attack, his spokesman Dujarric said in a statement. It is unconscionable that the warring parties have repeatedly ignored calls for a cessation of hostilities, he said. Any further escalation will also threaten to spread the conflict along intercommunal lines throughout Darfur. He said the continued full-scale fighting takes place amid an already catastrophic humanitarian situation in the area. Earlier this month, the UNs Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan urged sending peacekeepers to the country and imposing an arms embargo there due to the surge of attacks on civilians by both warring sides. The Sudanese army rejected this call. In Darfur, in particular, the situation verges on genocide as residents say they watched militiamen go door-to-door hunting down civilian men in non-Arab neighborhoods, as the towns army barracks were captured. The conflict, which has spread to 14 of the 18 states in Sudan, has killed and wounded tens of thousands of civilians, displaced nearly 8 million people and forced two million more to flee to neighboring countries. The warring parties have exacerbated the crisis by obstructing humanitarian access, the report said. Japan has granted Morocco a $180 million loan to support the kingdoms development policy program aimed at achieving universal health coverage. The loan is destined to accelerate progress toward universal health access, with focus on improving maternal and child healthcare services in rural areas. It also marks a significant boost to Moroccos efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, particularly through resilience, inclusion, and solidarity, as the Kingdom moves towards its 2035 social protection goal. The initiative is expected to enhance healthcare services, including nutrition programs for vulnerable populations, while aligning with the countrys 2025 Health Plan and its New Development Model, targeting improved health services and social protection by 2035. Fouzi Lekjaa, Moroccos Minister Delegate for the Budget, who initialed the loan agreement, along with Japanese Ambassador Kuramitsu Hideaki, and Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kawabata Tomoyuki, said this loan exemplifies the strong and historic relationship between Morocco and Japan, as well as JICAs long-standing commitment to Moroccos development efforts. He emphasized that over 40 joint development projects have already been implemented across sectors like infrastructure and agriculture. Ambassador Kuramitsu noted that JICA and Moroccos Health Ministry have collaborated on a health policy matrix focused on the expansion of universal health coverage and improving healthcare quality, especially for mothers and children. JICAs Kawabata Tomoyuki reaffirmed the agencys support for the program, which is part of Moroccos ambitious health reform agenda under King Mohammed VIs vision. 3 years on, China-proposed Global Development Initiative gathers momentum for speeding up modernization Xinhua) 09:35, September 22, 2024 A Chinese expert introduces desert plants to people from central Asian countries at a desert research station in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhou Shengbin) As the world's largest developing country, China always considers its growth in the context of the common development of all humanity. The country has provided development assistance to over 160 countries. BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Three years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, calling for building a consensus on pursuing development, promoting shared growth and helping accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The initiative has since been continuously substantialized, its implementation mechanisms increasingly refined, and practical cooperation under its framework has gradually taken shape, thereby offering China's solution to bridging the development gap in Global South countries as well as building a better world together. DEVELOPMENT AS PRIORITY "The international community must pursue the larger interests of all countries, respond to people's concerns, and restore development to the center of the international agenda," said Xi at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023, once again urging countries to seek development together. The GDI lists "prioritizing development" at the top of its six core concepts and principles, which aligns with the needs of the times and has received widespread recognition and active support from the international community. More than 100 countries and many international organizations including the UN have supported and participated in the GDI. Additionally, more than 80 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. As the world's largest developing country, China always considers its growth in the context of the common development of all humanity. The country has provided development assistance to over 160 countries. At the opening ceremony of the second High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development held in July in Beijing, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai hailed his country's joining the Group of Friends of the GDI in early this year as another milestone in China-Vanuatu relations, referring to Vanuatu as a beneficiary of this initiative. A demonstration center for the China-Africa (Ethiopia)-United Nations (UNIDO) Cooperation was established during this conference. UNIDO Director-General Gerd Muller said that the demonstration center, which focuses on industrialization, agricultural modernization and talent development, plays a significant role in sharing China's development experience, promoting advanced Chinese technologies and attracting investment. Abu Bakr al-Deeb, an advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies, said the GDI "seeks to enhance world partnerships to be more just and balanced" and protects more people from the impacts of hunger, poverty, and conflict, which is particularly important when the world is facing many challenges and tensions. Participants of the 2nd Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture try local produce while visiting an agricultural science and technology innovation center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT The GDI has created a global open platform focused on poverty reduction, food security, development financing, climate change, green development and the digital economy, among other key areas. These key areas "all speak to the development aspirations of emerging economies, most of which are based in Africa," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan specialist on international relations. From providing food assistance and nutritional meals for impoverished women and children to promoting Juncao planting technology in over 100 countries, the initiative embodies the Chinese proverb that it "not only gives people fish but also teaches them how to fish." "This initiative has not only enhanced global awareness of development issues but has also offered innovative solutions to address complex challenges such as poverty, infrastructure development, and climate change," Benjamin Mgana, chief editor of Foreign News of the Guardian in Tanzania, told Xinhua. China has also promoted a large number of "small-scale yet impactful" projects under the framework of the GDI to create education and employment opportunities worldwide, such as teaching technical skills to Tajikistani youth through the Luban Workshop and helping Ethiopian women start businesses with the "replace plastic with bamboo" initiative. Selcuk Colakoglu, director of the Ankara-based Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, said the GDI offers a model of high-quality growth for developing countries. In Cuba, the three solar photovoltaic power stations built with Chinese assistance, each with a capacity of 4 megawatts, shine brightly under the Caribbean sun. Deborah Rivas, deputy minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba, said the project holds great significance to Cuba's national economy and its people. The GDI also provides opportunities for many companies in fields such as green energy and artificial intelligence, where China is playing an increasingly important role, said Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. People attend a seminar themed "Strengthening Sino-African Relations: Reflections on Two Decades of FOCAC" at the University of Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 13, 2024. The seminar was held to assess milestones achieved since the inception of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) more than two decades ago. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held earlier this month in Beijing, development was a keyword that resonated throughout the three-day event, with participating countries expressing their unified support for the GDI. The GDI is highly compatible with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the development strategies of African countries, and "has injected strong impetus into common development across the world," said a joint statement on deepening cooperation between China and Africa within the framework of the GDI released during the summit. Under the initiative, China has upgraded the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, increasing its capital to 4 billion U.S. dollars. The total number of global development projects established has surpassed 1,000, with over 500 projects completed or currently in implementation. In South-South cooperation, China never attaches any political conditions and consistently offers sincere support for developing countries to enhance their self-development capabilities, while continually exploring new fields and methods for collaboration. China was the first to explicitly support the African Union's membership in the Group of 20, calling for greater representation of developing countries in global decision-making bodies. It also remains committed to developing and improving multilateral cooperation frameworks such as the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to amplify the voice of developing countries in international affairs. Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina told Xinhua in a recent interview that China has demonstrated a "constant commitment" to Africa's development and opened up new prospects for countries including Madagascar in key areas such as infrastructure and industrialization. With the joint efforts of the Global South, "we can not only accelerate our own development but also make a significant contribution to building a fairer, more multipolar world," he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty When J.D. Vance converted to Catholicism five years ago, he came into contact with what the Associated Press recently called a Catholic intellectual movement, viewed by some critics as having reactionary or authoritarian leanings. Vance has called himself a postliberal Catholic in the past and has endorsed policies and tactics favored by adherents of the label, such as purging the administrative state and his rhetorical promotion of pro-family policy. (His actual legislative record on this subject leaves much to be desired.) His rise as a national figure has carried relatively obscure ideologies closer to political power, including what the AP called a subset of postliberalism, known as integralism. What is integralism, then, and could it influence our would-be vice-president? As held by prominent thinkers like Adrian Vermeule of Harvard Law School, integralism imagines a future when the state may punish the baptized for violations of ecclesiastical law. Kevin Vallier, a professor at philosophy at the University of Toledos Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership, and the author of All The Kingdoms of the World, spoke with me about Vance, integralism and the political order that integralists seek to create. I wanted to start by defining our terms. Briefly, could you tell me what is integralism and how it differs from views held by prominent conservative Catholics like J.D. Vance or someone like Leonard Leo? J.D. Vance is friends with many of the leading integralists, so its not entirely clear to me how far away he is from thinking that this would be the best system of government. Its just unknown. Hes called himself a Catholic postliberal, which, in my view, is less radical than a Catholic integralist. But hes been to one of their conferences as a speaker. Integralists think church and state should be integrated for the entire common good of the people, not just in this life but also the next. But the way that it works is that the Church is the primary mode of social organization thats guiding people into the next life. In certain cases, the Church can deputize the state to help enforce some of its spiritual policies. An integralist regime doesnt necessarily have to be at all violent or super oppressive. It just depends on what the Church directs the state to do. Still, were looking at heresy laws. Were looking at apostasy laws. If someone leaves the faith, theres some kind of penalty. If you teach heresy, and youre condemned by the Church and so by the state, something happens to you. You distribute banned and heretical books, something happens. Can we fit integralism under the broad rubric of Christian nationalism, or is it somewhat distinct? Christian nationalism is usually very Protestant, and also, integralism is not nationalist. Christian nationalism to me is like bargain-basement integralism. Integralists are very intellectually sophisticated. Christian nationalism, frankly, I think it began as a way for the right to troll the left four or five years ago. It was kind of to scare Democrats. So it doesnt really cohere intellectually very much, which is why you hear Marjorie Taylor Greene talking about Christian nationalism, but you have Catholic theologians talking about integralism. Obviously, integralism is not a new idea, so when did its resurgence begin, and why did it begin? The storys pretty interesting. There was an informal group of American intellectuals who were thinking of these things before Trump some of whom considered themselves on the left, and some of them considered themselves on the right. They opposed everything they thought of as liberal. They opposed theological liberalism, any kind of looser, more ecumenical or less miraculous understanding of religious texts, political liberalism in terms of stressing the dignity of the individual and sharply limited government, along with the market economy and the separation of church and state. The right-wing people wanted to bring Catholicism back to public life and even some control on the grounds that it would have better family policy in many cases. When Trump was elected, though, it really divided them because the Catholic left were less extreme on church/state stuff, but they really just thought Trump was as un-Catholic as a leader could be. The right-wing integralists thought that Trump was a way of destroying liberal elites and hoped that is what he would do. They just didnt see much social progress unless there was a new elite. Ive been told that by 2020 any semblance of left-wing integralism was gone. The right-wing integralists spent a large amount of time building connections with Viktor Orban, whom theyre very big fans of. Hes a Calvinist, but because hes enforcing cultural Christianity in some way, they think thats better than nothing. Hes trying to grow families. So the history, like any early radical sect, is full of strong, crazy personalities and weird fights and stuff. Its a small community, as you note in your book. Yes, it is. Its weird because you would think it would have no influence at all. Catholics over 50 tell me that this is a joke. Theres nothing to it. But then I meet all these Catholic graduate students at different universities, and theyre super excited about it. Maybe theyre not fully integralists, but their friends are, and theyre like, Oh, I dont know what to think. Its in the air. I had a blast last year just going to different students all over the place and talking to them about it. But the biggest thing I think that will change things is that there are lots of priests that are becoming integralist and that can really matter because people go to their priests. A lot of these younger Catholic priests, if they say Latin Mass, theyve got growing churches. This isnt a dwindling church somewhere. So theyre influencing people. Theyre shaping minds and spirits and so on. So that could matter, but its very hard to know how much it matters. It ebbs and flows. I thought last year, the only way that integralism was going to have a future after all the infighting was if J.D. Vance became VP nominee, and then he did. You go over this at length in your book, but could we discuss how integralists propose capturing the state and enforcing their agenda? What Vermeule gets is that youre not going to be able to do this with a small government. Youre going to need a very powerful executive branch, and youre going to need a very powerful administrative state. Then the question is just going to be how you prepare a large pluralistic society to submit to a religion that they dont all share. So the first thing you have to do is you have to think you know that liberalism will collapse. While liberalism is collapsing of its own weight, you get the right reflective, deeply committed Catholic people into those bureaucracies, into the judiciary, into the executive. Its like, history will hand you this opportunity. You have your small group. Theyre training their own people. Theyre ready to go. So getting there requires a large state. It requires the intellectual discrediting and collapse of liberalism and having the right place and the right time for a new elite to take things in as integralist direction as possible as they can, hopefully with relatively little bloodshed. It doesnt seem like theyre necessarily planning some civil war where they take over and crush dissent violently in the streets. But is it possible to do what they want to do without engendering violence in some way? Well, the engendering is the key because it depends on who controls the levers of government. If its still controlled by the left, or however you want to think about it, yeah, its going to require bloodshed. So theyre not going to say, Yeah, lets do that. I dont think these are bloodthirsty people. I think some of them are mostly nerdy intellectuals, then some of them are really politically obsessed nerdy intellectuals. There are two groups of people. There are people who want to argue theology all day. I like them. Theyre weird, but I like them. Then there are people who are obsessed with politics and are hanging out in Hungary, making sure Orban has an audience with DeSantis and all this kind of stuff. Theyre the first ones to really grease those wheels. They like Orban because they can see him as destroying the elite power of the Hungarian left, although Orbans benefited tremendously from the left being completely fragmented there, and so he can create a coalition that wins fair and square. So I dont think theyre eager to hurt people. I just think they believe todays society, and liberal society generally, is just so profoundly corrupt that youre just not going to make life better for people without what they call a postliberal order. Youd have to fundamentally change the terms on which a modern society operates. Theyve told us almost nothing about how that is, as opposed to banning some stuff. What would religious freedom look like under an integralist regime? Thats actually one of the most complicated questions, and its one of the ones that got integralism started in the first place. The quick answer is you have to have religious freedom for the unbaptized. You cant force them into the Church. But if they are baptized, if theyre members of the Church, then theyre subject to the Churchs jurisdiction, which means that in an integralist state, of which all the baptized were members, the Church could direct the state to control but usually to punish the baptized for culpable sins. Thomas Pink, a philosopher emeritus at Kings College London whos its chief intellectual but perhaps rejects its politics, has said integralism isnt going to happen. People disagree too much now. You cant get the kind of uniformity that you would need for this kind of ideal society. But you can imagine a very Catholic society. Then people know a lot more about Catholicism, and they know whats bad about defecting from it. In those cases, you could punish them. The same way that in some Muslim countries, where Christians and Jews are people of the book, and so theyre to be tolerated. At least in principle. But if youre Muslim, then the policies can apply to you. Now, there are modern Muslim societies. There are much more conservative ones. So Im not talking about a general tendency of Islam. Im just saying if youre trying to get a sense for this, with integralism youre going to use coercion against your co-religionists to keep them on the straight and narrow. Thats the main kind of coercion that would be introduced. Im curious about their view of racial and gender equality. Theyre fine with racial equality. Most of the time theyre trying to deflect worries about antisemitism, which is complicated. Gender, on the other hand, is completely different. They reject LGBT equality in every way that one can. Theyll say, Look, there are certain gender roles that are appropriate. Most of the new right factions have this masculinist component. They would definitely get rid of same-sex marriage. They would ban pornography of every kind. In many cases, they are associated with very patriarchal views of marriage. They dont talk about that a lot, but its there. 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We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Namibia is attracting investment left, right and centre thanks to some promising oil discoveries in recent years, accelerating the growth of its burgeoning fossil fuels sector. In addition to plans for oil and gas exploration, Namibia has also attracted millions in funding from the EU to develop its renewable energy industry, particularly green hydrogen. The rapid rise in investments in Namibias energy sector could propel the southwest African country to become a major fossil fuel and renewable energy hub, although, contrary to the hopes of environmentalists, Namibias energy minister has said the country will not be rushed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Several oil and gas majors are investing in exploration activities in Namibia following numerous crude discoveries in recent years. TotalEnergies and Shell have made discoveries of an estimated 2.6 billion barrelsof crude and hope to launch the countrys first production operations by the end of the decade. Discoveries have been made in the Orange Basin as well as the Luderitz, Kavango and Walvis basins, which have attracted more oil companies to the southwest African country. Chevron is expected to commence exploration this year after signing a development deal in the spring for it to take an 80 percent operating working interest in an offshore block in the Walvis Basin. Italys oil major Eni and BPs joint venture Azule Energy, based in Angola, will work with Rhino Resources Namibia to carry out exploration activities in the Orange Basin. The Portuguese energy firm Galp has already completed the first phase of exploration on its Mopane-1X and Mopane-2X wells and estimates the Mopane field could hold 10 billion barrels of crude or more. In total, 12 oil majors have shown interest in Namibias oil assets to date. At the beginning of the year, TotalEnergies agreed to purchase an additional 10.5 percent interest in Block 2913B and a 9.39 percent interest in Block 2912 of the Orange Basin. It announced it would be spending around 30 percent of its $1 billion exploration and appraisal budget in Namibia this year. Total has operated in Namibia since 1964 and plans to finally start producing crude from the Venus 1-X well in Block 2913B, which is estimated to hold 5.2 billion barrels of oil, by around 2029. Namibia currently has a debt of over 60 percent of its GDP. However, based on recent oil discoveries and the accelerated development of its energy sector, analysts view the countrys economy as stable and expect the debt to stabilise in the medium term. Namibia already has a strong mineral export industry, earning revenues from the export of diamonds and rare earths. However, as greater investment is being designated to explore the countrys crude reserves, Namibias energy sector could overtake mining as its main economic driver. Charlie Robertson, the head of macro strategy at FIM Partners, explained, Oil exports per capita out of Namibia will look like a Gulf state in the 2040s, provided they are competitive globally... which should be a positive for debt to GDP ratios in the country. In addition to developing its fossil fuel industry, Namibia has also attracted investment to grow its renewable energy capacity. This September, the European Commission announced it would be providing significant funding to support the development of Namibias clean hydrogen and renewable power. The EU has pledged $55.1 million to support Namibia and South Africas green hydrogen industries, to invest in the production, transportation, and storage of the clean fuel. The EU and Germany also plan to provide $3 million in funding to Namibias Mines and Energy Ministry to help Namibia to expand its renewable generation capacity and increase access, by creating opportunities for decentralised renewable energy solutions in remote areas, according to the European Commissions Energy Minister Kadri Simson. A third deal from Germany and the Netherlands will contribute $1.3 million in grants to the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme. This is aimed at ensuring the green hydrogen sector is steered and regulated by an effective support mechanism, according to Simson. The recent agreements follow the creation of a roadmap on an EU-Namibia partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains and renewable hydrogen last year. Despite the promise of funding from the EU to help expand Namibias renewable energy capacity, Namibias Energy Minister Tom Alweendo has criticised calls from the Global North for Namibia to undergo a green transition. Alweendo emphasises the need for oil and gas revenues to support industrialisation and tackle poverty in the southwest African country. This sentiment has been echoed by many other African states, such as Ghana, who see the exploitation of their oil and gas assets as a means of achieving economic development in an unequal world. Nevertheless, greater investment in Namibias green energy sector will help the country develop its renewable energy capacity and will allow the African state to diversify its energy mix to boost its energy security in the coming decades. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Hundreds gathered for a celebration of the diversity of Native American cultures Saturday at Metropolitan Community Colleges Fort Omaha Campus. The 33rd annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow featured traditional dance performances by people of all ages in tribal regalia, traditional music performed by drum circles and vendors selling handmade items. More than 100 tribes were expected to be represented at the powwow, according to Steve Tamayo, a founding member of the powwows committee and an Indigenous artist and educator. While the event is typically held on the campuss parade ground, it was moved indoors due to the chance of rain. Some years, the powwow can have several thousand attend, but moving the event indoors limited the capacity to around 600 at any given time, Tamayo said. Weve got to keep everybody safe and weve got to keep everybodys regalia safe, Tamayo said. Tamayo said the powwow is education-focused and aims to showcase the cultures of the tribes of the Great Plains region and beyond. Tribes that remain headquartered in Nebraska today, including the Omaha, Winnebago, Santee Sioux and Ponca, were well-represented at the powwow, though many others came from out of state. The theme of this years event was One heartbeat, many nations, which ties into the powwows mission of bringing together Indigenous cultures, Tamayo said. Were trying to pull in all these different nations to come in and represent, tell the story, to sing, and just showcase who they are as cultural people, he said. Tamayo said he thinks the powwows location at Fort Omaha is also significant, as the site was once a fort that aided in the United States governments westward expansion at the detriment of the tribes native to the area. They built the fort to be established and protected so that they could bring all these supplies westward, he said. Every time they built a fort, they were expanding their territories. Pam WhiteBear, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota who lives in Omaha, was a flag bearer during the powwows grand entry. Were in an urban setting and were from South Dakota, so its nice to bring a little bit of home back here, she said of the powwow. Gwen Packard, also of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, said she enjoys hearing the drums, watching the dancers, browsing the vendors and reconnecting with friends and relatives. Packard said she and WhiteBear recently discovered they are cousins. I just moved here not quite two years ago from Albuquerque because I wanted to be closer to home, she said. And now I have relatives here. Photos: Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow The Omaha Public Power District recently celebrated adding two new renewable energy sources to its lineup that are expected to help the utility meet surging demand for electricity and reach its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The utility announced Tuesday it had reached an agreement with developer EDF Renewables, effective Sept. 1, to purchase the power produced by an existing 300-megawatt wind farm near Milligan in Saline County. On Thursday, officials reported a new deal with Google to share generation from a planned 420-megawatt solar array with a 170-megawatt battery storage system in Pierce County. Thats expected to begin operation in 2027. Not counting the Pierce County project, the utility is slated to bring approximately 1,600 megawatts of nameplate capacity, or maximum output, online this year, Javier Fernandez, OPPDs president and CEO, said during a utility board meeting. That includes 600 megawatts from the High Banks wind farm in northern Kansas through another partnership with Google, the Milligan wind farm, the recently opened 81-megawatt Platteview Solar array in Saunders County and 600 megawatts from two new natural gas plants the Turtle Creek and Standing Bear Lake Stations expected to fire up in the metro area yet this year. It is incredibly satisfying to see ... the hard work that were doing so that we can keep Nebraska open for business, Fernandez said Thursday. But that hard work isnt done, he said, and its coming in the face of three major challenges: demand growth thats coming even faster than experts had forecast; climate change and the shifts in the utilitys portfolio driven by its commitment to addressing it; and the aging of generating and transmission systems. To address the biggest spike in electricity demand in the utilitys 78-year history, OPPDs board a year ago approved a historic $2 billion expansion that will nearly double the utilitys electric generating capacity over the next decade. At that time, the board revised a strategic directive on system planning to add incremental timelines for when the utility needed to get new generating sources under contract. Last week, utility officials reported that additional generation targeted for 2024 through 2028 had been completed, the latest addition being the electricity from the Milligan wind facility. In addition, several other projects laid out in the plan are on track for completion. Utility board members praised the staffs efforts. They voted to acknowledge the utility was in compliance with the planning directive. We were all quite pleased to see that in many cases, were either ahead of schedule or right on schedule, said board member Craig Moody, and in this industry, especially at this time ... its getting harder and harder to do. Progress toward net zero but debate on goals The utility board also has had discussions over the summer about adding interim goals for reducing greenhouse gases between now and 2050. The utilitys goal of reaching net zero means that it would find offsets for any remaining carbon it is still emitting by that time. But setting them is proving complicated, given that the industry is so much in flux. An initial draft of the revised goals, which fall under another strategic directive, called for net reductions of between 41% and 51% by 2027 and 74% to 84% by 2040 from a 2013 baseline. As of a year ago, the utility already had cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4 million tons. Utility officials have said the final conversion of the remaining coal-fired units at the utilitys North Omaha power station to natural gas will result in an additional reduction of approximately 3.5 million tons by the end of 2027. But during committee meetings earlier in the week, utility officials and some board members noted the challenges of balancing rapid emissions reductions with adding new and replacing aging infrastructure. The process is complicated by factors such as lingering supply-chain issues, longer time frames for bringing projects onto the grid, increases in power reserves required by regulators, as well as the need to keep the system reliable and electric rates affordable. OPPD officials last year projected its expansion plan would require rate increases totaling roughly 10%, which would be phased in over four years beginning in 2027. How individual classes of ratepayers would be affected is not yet known. A consultant OPPD hired is in the first phase of studying future rate structures, which will include new, interactive meters. On the generating front, the utility currently is required to maintain enough capacity to meet its peak demand plus a 15% margin in both summer and winter. But with winter becoming more of challenge for all utilities, OPPDs regional power pool has approved increasing the margin to 16% in the summer and 36% in the winter by 2026-27. Federal regulators are reviewing the proposed change. Officials also noted that a number of new and emerging technologies, such as small modular nuclear plants, could offer future solutions but may take years to deploy. Eric Williams, the OPPD boards chairman, noted that the Platteview Solar plant more than doubled the amount of solar generation in the state when it connected this summer. The Pierce County project would more than double that. He said he expects similar increases in battery storage capacity and reductions in its price in the coming years. On Thursday, the utility posted a new version of the emissions directive, which the board will consider in October. It retains the 2027 target but calls for future interim metrics to be determined after the completion of the utilitys 2026 integrated resource plan. The utility is required to file a new plan outlining generation changes needed to meet customer demand with the Western Area Power Administration every five years as part of its long-term contract to receive hydroelectric power from the organization. The public can comment on the proposed revisions, available at https://www.oppdcommunityconnect.com/strategic-directive-7-environmental-stewardship-2024, through Oct. 13. Fernandez said he is still confident the utility can reach its net zero goal by 2050. The utility developed models to map out its system planning directive. Letting the next phase of planning play out will inform future environmental goals as well as systems plans. That doesnt mean were not committed to getting there, he said of the net zero goal. The proposed environmental policy revision also calls for recognizing the importance of environmental justice in OPPDs decision-making. Thats defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, income and other factors when developing, enforcing and implementing environmental laws, regulations and policies. Environmental group representatives praised the addition of that language. But they questioned why the utility isnt doing more to help residents and businesses become more energy efficient or generate their own energy. Both could help the utility avoid the need for more generation and emissions. David Corbin, representing the Sierra Clubs Missouri Valley Group, noted that other utilities have included energy efficiency and distributed generation in their plans. OPPD officials have said they have a variety of energy reduction programs for business and residential customers. Fernandez said the utility is enhancing incentives and making renters eligible for its smart thermostat program, which allows the utility to manage air conditioning during peak periods. OPPD recorded a new system peak at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, when the Omaha temperatures reached 100 degrees. That was a Sunday, a day neither that program nor another that allows the utility to curtail customer use was in operation. Utility officials believe the system would have hit another record peak the following Monday, another super-heated day, if those programs hadnt been in place, he said, which demonstrates their value. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2024 More seasonable temperatures in the coming week are heralding the arrival of autumn in Omaha and eastern Nebraska. If people have been looking forward to sitting next to their fire pits in hoodies, their time has come, Taylor Nicolaisen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, said Sunday. It looks like were done with (temperatures in) the 90s this year. Autumn arrived in Omaha on Sunday at 7:44 a.m., bringing with it cooler weather following some overnight rain. About half-an-inch of rain fell in Valley, Nicolaisen said, while Eppley Airfield in Omaha received about one-tenth of an inch. High temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-70s this week in Omaha. The average high temperature for this time of year is 78 degrees, with a typical low of 54. Were basically going to stick in the 70s all week long, Nicolaisen said. Were looking at a small chance for rain on Tuesday, maybe 15 to 20%, but its not looking particularly great. Generally dry conditions are also expected Wednesday through Saturday. Temperatures are expected to remain seasonable with highs in the 70s and lows in the upper 40s to middle 50s. We are looking at a pretty quiet week ahead, Nicolaisen said. It should be perfect for those wanting to head out to the area pumpkin patches. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2024 A lot has been said about the Nigerian music Industry being male-dominated which is rightly so. Again, some top female acts like Tiwa Savage have mentioned that theyre not on exactly on the same pedestal with the male colleagues in a lot of ways, especially talking about the paychecks. The men earn higher even when the ladies work twice as hard to level up the gap. That being said, female Nigerian music stars are nevertheless doing really great for themselves. Yemi Alade once said she could sell out shows outside Nigeria just like any of her male counterparts. Going my Yemi Alades assertion we want to list out some of the top female earners in the music industry. This list is a round up of what the female music stars are worth. Estimates are made from their performance/appearance fees, endorsements and music sales and tours. Here Are The Top 8 RICHEST Female Nigerian Artistes And Their Net Worth 2018 below: 8. NINIOLA Niniola Apata aka Niniola is a singer, songwriter and performer who hails from Ekiti State. Her rise in the music industry has been that of hard work, focus and great guts. She pioneered the Afro-house genre where she holds sway as queen with a debut album to her name. In a short while Niniola has been one of the top four female artists in Nigeria. Here music lately had fetched her lots of international attention especially from South Africa. She has been performing at top shows within the country and beyond. Her price has gone up in the last 16 months. Her estimated net worth is put at $600,000. Share this: The Lagos State Police Command has disclosed the arrest of over 33 suspects armed with dangerous weapons. The arrested suspects are being investigated on gang crimes relating to cultism, murder and others. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bala Elkana, in a statement indicated that the Command has deployed more resources to the affected areas for manhunt of other fleeing members of the gangs. DSP Elkana narrated: On 10th April, 2019 at about 1130hrs, Onipanu Police Station received a distress call that members of rival cult groups from Alakara, Mushin and Onipanu, Shomolu, armed with dangerous weapons and engaged themselves in a fierce supremacy fight at Fadeyi, Onipanu, along Ikorodu Road. During the scuffle, one Tobi Kuti m, suspected to be one of the hoodlums and one Samuel Geofrey m of DTD Services, Apapa who was caught up in the web, were killed by the hoodlums. Patrol teams and Operatives of Tactical Units were promptly deployed to the scene, containing the situation and restored normalcy to the area. Thirty three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and two locally made short guns with 10 live cartridges and other dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, knives, etc, were recovered. The Command has deployed more resources to the affected areas for manhunt of other fleeing members of the gangs. Investigation is ongoing. CP Zubairu Muazu called on Parents to monitor the activities of their children, especially, those who engage themselves in cult activities and gangsterism, as the command is duty bound to deal decisively with criminal elements in line with the law and protect the lives of the good people of Lagos State. An explosion suspected to be a bomb early in the morning rocked Dumez street off Benin Auchi Road, Edo State. Naija News gathered that over six houses were affected by the explosion which occurred at No 4, Dumez Street while its impacts were visible in about six houses in the area. Operatives of the Nigeria Police were already on ground to ascertain the cause of the explosion. When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Lawal Jimeta said an investigation was already on the matter. One of the landlords whose house was affected, Pastor David Iginua told Vanguard that he heard a very loud sound that early morning of Friday and he decided to go out to find out what it was all about. He said: I am Pastor David Iginua and my house is 42, Arete Street, off Benin Auchi road, Eyean, which is just behind where the explosion took place . As I sat there, all of a sudden, I heard a terrific sound. I looked, ran inside, I didnt see what happened. So I have to come outside and I started discovering things. So I started looking for where the sound came from but just to discover that a cloud of heavy smoke was coming out from the Muslim man compound. From the rumours, we are hearing is that the man use to manufacture bombs. And it is like he tested it inside his well. Assuming he brought it out, it would have finished the community. The way this house shook, everybody came out to say how their houses shook, he said. Share this post with your Friends on We need to be keenly aware of what God is doing in the present panorama of world missions. Today missionaries from the Majority World (non-West) increasingly join the global workforce, and it is not difficult to meet a Nigerian, Kenyan, or Ghanaian from Africa, a Korean from Asia, or a Brazilian from South America among foreign missionaries. However, some of the missionary strategies they use are merely carbon copies of Western methodologies rather than methods formed in their own contexts that express their cultural attributes. Today, missionaries from the Majority World would naturally find it easier to connect with those of similar backgrounds in other Majority World nations where they are sent to minister. Western methods and models may sit like Saul's armor, uncomfortable and unnatural on young missionary "Davids". Every culture possesses a valuable heritage to contribute to God's purposes whether local or cross cultural. The Western church possesses an incomparable experience and a rich missions legacy, with much to offer to the global body of Christ. In previous generations, Western missions strategy focused mainly on reaching an under-developed Majority World. Missionaries of the historic modern missionary movement zealously devoted themselves to exploring deep and toiling long to pioneer missionary stations among people without the gospel in remote jungles and villages. The seeds sown were dispersed into the world, established churches, and now those churches are sending missionaries of their own. Missionaries are moving in and from Asia, South America, and Africa, inspired by the sacrificial example of Western missionaries of the past. With the modern missionary movement that began with William Carey in our rear-view, in my opinion the new era of missions demands a much more focused approachmore attention should be given to reaching smaller tribes and groups that remain under-reached rather than to the masses that already have ready access to the gospel. Different generations minister to different contexts, which call for different assignments in the grand missio Dei (mission of God). Paul said, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow" (1 Corinthians 3:6). God has raised different ethnicities for missions at different times in history for a specific purpose. God chooses them and their ethnic backgrounds in fulfillment of God's covenant to Abraham, that his offspring (including his children by faith) would be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:23). Korean/Asian distinctives For instance, Koreans have developed over the centuries three cultural distinctives that are evident in their concepts of communication: chae-myun, kibun, and nunchi. Similar to other Asian cultures, Koreans emphasize the importance of chae-myun (commonly translated as face-saving) which highly values reputation, influence, dignity, and honor. They would consider disguising ones true feelings and putting on a stoic face to be respectable. Kibun and nunchi concepts are rather unique to Koreans. Kibun can be vaguely translated as mood, while nunchi points out ones sense of assessing others moods (kibun). Because Korean cultural heritage has a strong honor-orientation, its collectivist and face-saving elements can shorten the process of cultural adaptation in surrounding nations and Asia at large, where parallel cultural notions are upheld. What is considered honorable (or dishonorable) varies by ethnic group, area, and generation. So, because honor codes may be diverse and often personal, Korean missionaries still have fewer cultural adjustments to make in order to adapt to another honor-oriented culture. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Indigenous cultural practices could be interpreted as deceitful if they are implemented with wrong motives. On the other hand, they can positively serve as tools to increase sensitivity to the needs of the host culture. It is a great intercultural feature for Koreans to be keenly observant of the local people and their behaviors on the mission field. Sensitively understanding and caring for the needs of others through the eyes of kibun and nunchi can demonstrate Christlike humility in serving others. Korean and other Asian missionaries should consider applying the concept of chae-myun to motivate and encourage local Christians with similar cultural traits to grow in their spiritual maturity and independence from missionaries. With these cultural connections and natural benefits, new workers from Korea, and Asia in general, should engage in missions with more confidence. Brazilian/South American distinctives Samba dance and the Brazilian carnival festival symbolize the passionate and fun-loving cultural traits of Latin Americans. Brazilians enthusiastic preparation and investment in the annual carnival event attracts attention worldwide. Excitement and passion for the kingdom life, rather than indulging in carnal desires, can be also be born out of these same cultural traits. When this passion is channeled to gospel sharing and relationship building, it serves as a witness of a joyous kingdom lifestyle. To South American Christians, undivided devotion to worship is paramount. Their worship portrays and creates an atmosphere of heaven on earth. Our God, an expert in turning ashes into a crown of beauty (Isaiah 61:3), has been using this cultural trait to raise Brazilian cross-cultural workers to bring the gospel to the nations, as evidenced by Brazil being listed as the second runner-up in the number of missionaries sent in in 2010. Kenyan/African distinctives In our era of missions history, missionaries from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Africa in general are increasingly found reaching out to fellow Africans and evangelizing post-Christendom Europe. We have seen this in operation at the Evangelical Alliance for Preacher Training/Commission (EAPTC) where we are raising Kenyan missionaries to reach their own continent with fewer cultural hurdles to overcome. At the dawn of the 21st century, when we opened our missions training school in Nairobi, it was still a rare event. However, it seemed the Lord was pleased by our mere obedience and the resilient spirit of our Kenyan missionaries, and blessed us with fruit in the years that followed. It was through the efforts of those Kenyan cross-cultural gospel workers that our work expanded into scores of Bible training centers and hundreds of new church plants in numerous African nations. Implications for contemporary world missions One of the most strategic things the global body of Christ can be doing in our current era of global missions is to develop missionaries who will cultivate their own cultural uniqueness. One of the most strategic things the global body of Christ can be doing in our current era of global missions is to develop missionaries who will cultivate their own cultural uniqueness, utilize it for God's purposes in the world, and take it to reach under-reached groups with similar cultural backgrounds. We must not merely replicate the standardized methods of Western missions of the past, but find and facilitate our own cultural approaches that are suitable for missions today among people with similar cultural traits. We need to be open to the multifaceted nature of missions, which is not just a one-dimensional model of reaching the world driven by traditional missions history. As the world is expected to become more diverse and complex in the future, it is now time to consider multi-directional methodologies. Handpicked missionary candidates who are not afraid of healthy analysis of their own cultures, who learn to understand cross-cultural contextualization of the gospel, and who willingly go to near-culture under-reached people, will accelerate God's mission. Missionary screening processes and pre-departure training should also include guidance to help candidates discover and understand their cultural strengths more deeply. Those cultural strengths can be tailored and contextualized into personalized missionary clothing better suited to them than the uncomfortable suit of the traditional missionary. We all go out in the name of the Lord Almighty (1 Samuel 17:45), but we ought to go out with the "stones" we are familiar with, not with "Sauls armor". Every national church should advance with a missionary strategy that is conversant with its home culture and at the same time tailored relevantly to the field culture. Considering the statistics that the remaining under-reached areas of the world are found in Creative Access Regions (CAR), where anti-Western sentiment is high and mass evangelism hardly takes place, this strategy can help missionaries and missions leaders find ways to access. I believe that is why God has been raising more Majority World missionaries over the past forty years, those who are accustomed to a less prosperous and often developing world. Majority World missionaries possess cultural attributes that can be advantageous for the gospel if they are adequately utilized. They are God-given resources (grace) that every global Christian can use from their cultural background, to cultivate for Christs service. A version of this article originally appeared in the March 2024 issue of the Lausanne Global Analysis and is published here with permission. Paul Sungro Lee is the international director of the Evangelical Alliance for Preacher Training/Commission (EAPTC), a ministry that trains Christian leaders and facilitates church planting worldwide. He holds a PhD from Omega Graduate School (ACRSS) and is an adjunct faculty member at Bakke Graduate School. A scholar-practitioner of world mission, Dr Lee is the author of several books, including Doing Missions in Difficult Contexts. He is married to Eunice, and they have two adult children. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced a bold solution to end the age-old problems with premix fuel for fisher-folks. Speaking at Saltpond in the Mfantseman constituency during his on-going campaign tour of the Central Region, Dr. Bawumia said, after many attempts to deal with the issue of premix fuel including setting up automated dispensing machines at various landing beaches and fishing communities which have not completely dealt with the issue, he has come up with a new solution by introducing solar-powered outboard motors before the end of this year. He stressed the solar-powered outboard motors will permanently address this challenge. "When we came into office, we brought premix automation and in Mfantseman here and other places, we have premix automation machines. But when you look at the premix problems, we have not addressed all. We still have problems with the premix, so I have been thinking a lot and discussing how we are going to solve the problem permanently. "We need a permanent solution to this problem because every time we move, we don't solve the problem permanently. So, I have finished some discussions and by God's grace, I believe we have a permanent solution to this problem, Dr. Bawumia said. He continued; "I want us to move away from the dependence on premix fuel to solar power for the boats. Let's go for solar power to power the boats. So, before the end of this year, we are going to pilot the solar power outboard motors." "With this, we will make the outboard motors available to the fishermen and they don't need to buy premix anymore. Once the sun is shining, their batteries will be charging and they can go across." The piloting of the solar-powered outboard motors, Dr. Bawumia stated, will hopefully start next month. Dr. Bawumia added the solar-powered outboard motors will ensure fishers no longer buy premix fuel to power their outboard motors. We will have meetings with the fishermen on this in the next few weeks and the pilot programme will take place next month and we will start a whole new regime for fisher-folks because there is too much 'kululu' (fraud) in the premix matterWe will take them out of the way and we will give the fisher-folk outboard motors powered by solar and then we will solve the problem." Dr. Bawumia's announcement attracted wild cheers from the crowd which included members of the fishing community in Saltpond and its environs. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Some members of the Democracy Hub group who were seen engaging in violent acts around the 37 Roundabout where they are picketing have been arrested by the Police. It comes after police cautioned them not to converge at the same spot today since it was impeding traffic flow and inconveniencing the public. The arrested demonstrators were seen pushing down police crash barriers, blocking the main 37 road and harassing commuters. Statement The Ghana Police Service today arrested some of the Democracy Hub demonstrators who engaged in acts of lawlessness including blocking the road, pushing down Police crash barriers and obstructing traffic. The Police are on manhunt to arrest one of their leaders Oliver Vormawor and others who engaged in some acts of lawlessness at the 37 Intersection. We would like to assure the public that the Police will arrest all the perpetrators involved and bring them to face justice. 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 Vice presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has emphasized the crucial role students play in shaping Ghana's future. Addressing the 58th National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) Annual Residential Congress under the theme "Depoliticising Education and Upholding Integrity: The Role of Students and Stakeholders for National Developments", Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, stressed NUGS leadership should prioritize serving members over personal or partisan interests. "NUGS is not and must not be seen as a vehicle for self-aggrandizement or the furthering of personal or partisan ambitions, he noted. The former local NUGS President at KNUST, NAPO commended the student movement's history of vocal participation in national issues. He encouraged students to engage in constructive criticism of government policies and support beneficial initiatives. The former Education Minister also highlighted the importance of student involvement in the 2024 general elections, citing the impact of the election's outcome on their future. "I am fully convinced that the NPP, under a Dr. Bawumia presidency, offers the students of this country the best opportunities to realize their fullest potential in the 21st century." Furthermore, the Manhyia South MP urged NUGS leaders to promote critical thinking and engagement among Gen Z voters, ensuring their voices are heard and help shape the country. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, H.E Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has appointed the Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to spearhead the nationwide activities of the newly formed campaign group dubbed B24. According to operatives and activists of the party, Dr. Adutwum is chosen to lead the group due to his commitment to the activities of the grassroots. The B24 campaign group which will be launched on Friday, 27th September, 2024, at Kumasi Rattary Park Dome, is formed to initiate a strategic nationwide grassroots campaign for the ruling party ahead of the December elections. As a result, a new variant of grassroots campaign group has been formed to execute this task. The group with a huge membership in the thousands (1000) is designed to work at the nook and cranny of the various constituencies. Day and overnight campaign activities including dawn broadcasts will characterize the campaign which will be under the strict direction and instructions of the respective Members of Parliament till the NPP wins the general elections. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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: Hell crossed buns: called offensive and blasphemous but complaints not upheld. Credit: Hell Pizza Controversial advertising holds a mirror up to society. It can unite us in laughter or outrage, spark debates that shape our beliefsand sometimes expose our political differences. But where do lines of acceptability or offensiveness get drawn? Earlier this year the New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) announced the most complained about ads ever. Categories ranged from political advocacy to household products. And the most complained about spot belonged to Hell Pizza's "Lust condom" mailers. The brand's "Hell Crossed Buns" billboard came in third. This is not surprising, given the brand is often in the headlines for its provocative campaigns. Controversy is clearly part of the marketing strategy. But while multiple complaints might suggest widespread public criticism, our research wanted to test the changing relationship between religious belief and advertising standards: what offends New Zealanders, what pushes the boundaries, and when does an ad cross the line of "acceptable" controversy? Religious offense vs. artistic freedom Of the 79 ASA rulings between 2005 and 2021 regarding Hell Pizza, only six were upheld in full, and two were partially upheld. This suggests that while Hell's ads generate strong public reactions, the majority of its advertising follows established guidelines. About 40% of the rulings responded to complaints containing religious objections, but no complaints were upheld on religious grounds. The complainants often identified as Christian, or said they were commenting on behalf of a religious audience. They described Hell's ads variously as "nothing short of emotional and spiritual abuse," "grossly offensive," "sickening," "distasteful," "discriminatory and insensitive" and "blasphemous." The ASA acknowledged Hell's ads would naturally weave religious puns and references into their narrative, as humor is part of the company's branding. But it ruled these "align within the boundaries of acceptable humor and satire in a tolerant society." The "Hell Crossed Buns" billboards racked up 178 complaints. The inclusion of a pentagram was described as "extremely offensive," with the use of a Satanic symbol combined with the ad copy called "blasphemous"particularly in the lead up to Easter. The ASA responded that it was "a satirical play on commonly recognized religious imagery, which helped it stay within the bounds of artistic freedom." The complaints were not upheld. Hell Pizza's 2014 Easter-themed billboard covered in rabbit skin (promoting its "rabbit pizza") also received complaints for being disrespectful to religious groups and vegans. While acknowledging the billboard might upset children, the ASA said it was "unlikely to cause serious and widespread offense to most people," as rabbits are considered a pest and the skins were sourced from a local meat processor. The complaints were not upheld. Crossing the line The ASA has upheld complaints about eight Hell Pizza ads between 2005 and 2021, primarily those focused on profanity, graphic violence, racism or sexual themes, rather than religion. The "most hated New Zealand campaign in history" was Hell's "Lust" campaign from 2006, when the company delivered condoms to 170,000 homes to promote their Lust pizza. The outrage mainly centered around the potential for children to be exposed to the unsolicited delivery of a condom. The ASA said that despite the message of safe sex having some merit, the campaign was "likely to offend a number of communities." The complaints were upheld. But while religion has been the main focus of the complaints against Hell's ads, those that were upheld were not because of religious factors. In fact, it was the "religious identity" of the pizza franchise that was often cited by the ASA as the reason why the controversial ads weren't breaching advertising standards. That is, people should expect Hell Pizza campaigns to be dark, edgy and shocking. Although the brand frequently walks the line between provocative humor and possible offense, the ASA rulings indicate a shift towards supporting artistic freedomeven when religious themes are involved, and especially for brands with a strong, established identity. Shifting trends and boundaries This shift reflects changes in New Zealand society: a decline in people self-identifying as Christian, an increasing number self-identifying as agnostic or not religious, and those who do identify as religious belonging to a more diverse range of faiths. Hell Pizza has successfully tapped into this cultural trend by pushing boundaries that previously might have sparked even more outrage. The brand has also mastered the art of grabbing attention and media coverage that would have been impossible with only traditional paid-advertising techniques. By inciting public debate, generating complaints and making headlines, it has built a brand identity that thrives on the backlash, using it to fuel further visibility and discussion. How the strategy works when applied to social issues in an increasingly polarized world remains to be seen. But Hell's recent "Go to Hell Greta" billboards in Stockholm, as well as its blood-based "to-meat-o sauce" and "AfterLife Pay" offerings, suggest the company will continue to push boundaries. How religious complaints compare to ones concerned with other social issues, and what this tells us about changing moral and ethical attitudes, will be the focus of our next research project. 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: DNA double helix. Credit: public domain Researchers have reconstructed the oldest human genomes ever found in South Africa from two people who lived around 10,000 years ago, allowing a better understanding of how the region was populated, an author of the study said Sunday. The genetic sequences were from a man and a woman whose remains were found at a rock shelter near the southern coastal town of George, about 370 kilometers (230 miles) east of Cape Town, said University of Cape Town (UCT) biological anthropology professor Victoria Gibbon. They were among 13 sequences reconstructed from people whose remains were found at the Oakhurst shelter and lived 1,300-10,000 years ago. Prior to these discoveries, the oldest genomes reconstructed from the region dated back around 2,000 years. A surprise finding from the Oakhurst study was that the oldest genomes were genetically similar to those from San and Khoekhoe groups living in the same region today, UCT said in a statement. "Similar studies from Europe have revealed a history of large-scale genetic changes due to human movements over the last 10,000 years," said lead author of the study, Joscha Gretzinger, in the statement. "These new results from southernmost Africa are quite different, and suggest a long history of relative genetic stability," said Gretzinger, from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, which participated in the study. DNA data currently show this only changed around 1,200 years ago when newcomers arrived and introduced pastoralism, agriculture and new languages to the region, and began interacting with local hunter-gatherer groups. Even though some of the world's earliest evidence of modern humans can be traced to southern Africa, it tends to be poorly preserved, Gibbon told AFP. Newer technology made it possible to obtain this DNA, she said. Unlike in Europe and Asia where the genomes of thousands of people have been reconstructed, fewer than two dozen ancient genomes have been recovered from southern Africa, specifically Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. "Sites like this are rare in South Africa, and Oakhurst has allowed for a better understanding of local population movements and relationships across the landscape over nearly 9,000 years," Gibbon said. More information: Joscha Gretzinger et al, 9,000 years of genetic continuity in southernmost Africa demonstrated at Oakhurst rockshelter, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02532-3 Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution 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: An elderly patient receives an intravenous drip while using a ventilator in the hallway of the emergency ward in Beijing, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong, File 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 study's 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. Registered nurse Rachel Chamberlin, of Cornish, N.H., right, steps out of an isolation room where where Fred Rutherford, of Claremont, N.H., left, recovers from COVID-19 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, N.H., Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne, File 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. "It's 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. People check their rapid COVID-19 test results outside of a testing site on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, on Dec. 21, 2021, in New York. Credit: AP Photo/Brittainy Newman, File 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. Shopping mall workers undergo a COVID-19 swab test during the opening at the Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File 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." 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 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: Debris from flooding piles up at a bridge in Wajima city, which has recorded more than 540 mm of rainfall in the 72 hours to Sunday morning. Floods and landslides killed one person and left at least 11 missing in central Japan, with recovery teams at work on Sunday in a remote peninsula already devastated by a major earthquake this year. "Unprecedented" heavy rains that lashed the area from Saturday began to subside, leaving muddy scenes of destruction as the national weather agency urged people to stay vigilant for loose ground and other dangers. In the city of Wajima, splintered branches and a huge uprooted tree piled up at a bridge over a river whose raging brown waters almost reached ground level. People were seen wading into the mud to try to dig out half-buried cars, while elsewhere flood waters inundated emergency housing built for those who had lost their homes in the New Year's Day earthquake that killed at least 318 people. Akemi Yamashita, a 54-year-old resident, told AFP she had been driving on Saturday when "within only 30 minutes or so, water gushed into the street and quickly rose to half the height of my car". "I was talking to other residents of Wajima yesterday, and they said, 'it's so heart-breaking to live in this city'. I got teary when I heard that," she said, describing the earthquake and floods as "like something from a movie". Eight temporary housing complexes were affected in Wajima and Suzu, two of the cities on the Noto Peninsula ravaged by the magnitude-7.5 quake, which toppled buildings, triggered tsunami waves and sparked a major fire. More than 540 millimeters (21 inches) of rainfall was recorded in Wajima in the 72 hours to Sunday morningthe heaviest continuous rain since comparative data became available in 1976. The floods hit Wajima as the city was still recovering from a major earthquake that struck on New Year's Day. Landslides blocked roads, complicating rescue efforts, and tens of thousands of people in the wider region were urged to evacuate. Muddy rivers ran high in Anamizu, south of Wajima, where more rain fell on Sunday morning onto quake-damaged houses and the shattered stone columns of a shrine still lying on the ground months after they were toppled. A message blared from the city's loudspeaker disaster prevention system warning residents that the rain could flood the sewer system and dirty water could rise up. Hideaki Sato, 74, stood on a bridge holding a blue umbrella, anxiously looking at the swollen water in a small canal. "My house was flattened completely in the quake," he told AFP. "I now live in a small apartment room right there," he said, pointing at a wooden structure behind him. "If this floods, it would be a real problem." 'Secure your safety' Military personnel have been sent to the Ishikawa region on the Sea of Japan coast to join rescue workers, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Saturday. Flood waters inundate temporary housing complexes built for people who lost their homes during the January 1 earthquake. Some 5,000 households were without power and at least 1,700 households were without running water, the Ishikawa regional government said. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) downgraded its top warning to the second-highest alert on Sunday. The areas under the emergency warning saw "heavy rain of unprecedented levels", JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto said Saturday, adding "it is a situation in which you have to secure your safety immediately". Scientists say human-driven climate change is intensifying the risk posed by heavy rains because a warmer atmosphere holds more water. One person had been killed, eight were missing or unaccounted for, and one was seriously injured in Ishikawa by Sunday afternoon, the regional government said. At least a dozen rivers burst their banks and two of the missing were reportedly carried away by strong currents. Another three people were missing who had been working for the land ministry to restore a road in Wajima, local ministry official Yoshiyuki Tokuhashi told AFP. Municipalities in Ishikawa told 110,000 residents in the regionincluding in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, as well as Noto townto evacuate, officials said. Another 17,300 residents were also told to evacuate in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, north of Ishikawa, the fire and disaster management agency said. 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: In 2024 alone, between 50,000 and 60,000 pigs were slaughtered across Italy in efforts to contain swine fever. Pig farmer Alberto Cavagnini has slaughtered 1,600 of his hogs due to swine fever, a virus threatening the 20-billion-euro pork industry in Italy, including its world-famous prosciutto. The disease, which is fatal for pigs and disastrous for the economy, has particularly affected the northern regions of Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguriaand its spread is spooking neighbor France. Italy recorded cases of the virus in just under 25,000 pigs in 50 farms, and in nearly 2,500 wild boars, between January 2022 and September this year, official figures show. Cavagnini is lucky: the breeder from Brescia in northern Italy owns several farms, softening the blow from the cull, "but many breeders only have one farm", so lose all their livestock, he told AFP. In 2024 alone, between 50,000 and 60,000 pigs were slaughtered across Italy. EU experts criticized Rome's management of the crisis after a visit to the Mediterranean country in July. "The overall disease control strategy in northern Italy needs to be improved. Each region carries out its own measures, with minimum coordination with its neighbors," they said in a report. Brussels recommended adopting a single strategy for the whole of northern Italy and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government appointed a special commissioner to lay down the rules. The movement of pigs within infected and neighboring areas is bannedexcept towards slaughterhouseswhile access to farms is limited to the bare minimum. "At the moment... we are building barriers" to create zones to limit the movement of wild boars, Francesco Feliziani from the National Reference Center for Swine Fever (CEREP) told AFP. 'Very worried' France has been on high alert in areas that border northern Italyparticularly in the Hautes-Alpes, Alpes de Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimessince January 2022. And in June, an Italian-French technical group was set up to strengthen "cross-border cooperation for more effective management" of what is "a major threat", according to the French government. Those working in the Italian pork sector, which generates an annual turnover of 20 billion euros ($22 billion) and employs 100,000 people, are "very worried", Ettore Prandini, head of Italy's biggest agricultural association Coldiretti, told AFP. Italian farms have around 10 million pigs and income losses are estimated at around 25 million euros, farmer Cavagnini said. Affected farmers will receive compensation from the state, which arrives on average two years later. But the virus also affects hundreds of breeders, who cannot transport pigs between farms, suffering losses worth "hundreds of millions" of euros which are not covered, Cavagnini said. Commissioner Giovanni Filippini said Thursday the government had "adopted all measures to prevent the transmission of the virus" and there "have not been any new outbreaks in recent days". But Prandini from Coldiretti said farmers should be receiving greater financial assistancesuch as a moratorium on loan repaymentsand warned the virus may be curtailed, but not gone. "If we do not manage to completely eradicate the presence of wild boars in these areas, the risk is that... the crisis passes but then returns," he said. 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 rhino and its calf, on the Red List of Threatened Species according to IUCN (International Union Conservation Of Nature), are seen at Nairobi National Park, on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku The rhino population across the world has increased slightly but so have the killings, mostly in South Africa, as poaching fed by huge demand for rhino horns remains a top threat, conservationists said in a new report. The number of white rhinos increased from 15,942 in 2022 to 17,464 in 2023, but the black and greater one-horned rhino stayed the same, according to the report published by the International Rhino Foundation ahead of Sunday's World Rhino Day. Another subspecies, the northern white rhino, is technically extinct with only two females being kept in a secure private conservancy in Kenya, known as Ol Pejeta. A trial is ongoing to develop embryos in the lab from an egg and sperm previously collected from white rhinos and transferring it into a surrogate female black rhino. A total of 586 rhinos were killed in Africa in 2023, most of them in South Africawhich has the highest population of rhinos at an estimated 16,056. The killings increased from 551 reported in 2022, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. With all five subspecies combined, there are just under 28,000 rhinos left in the world, from 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century. Rhinos face various environmental threats like habitat loss due to development and climate change but poaching, based on the belief that their horns have medicinal uses, remains the top threat. A black rhino, on the Red List of Threatened Species according to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), eats grass at Nairobi National Park, on the outskirts of Nairobi, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga, File Philip Muruthi, the vice president for species conservation at the Africa Wildlife Foundation, said protection has played a big role in increasing rhino population. In Kenya, their numbers rose from 380 in 1986 to 1,000 last year, he said. "Why has that happened? Because the rhinos were brought into sanctuaries and were protected." Muruthi advocates for a campaign that will end the demand for rhino horn as well as adoption of new technology in tracking and monitoring rhinos for their protection while also educating communities where they live on the benefits of rhinos to the ecosystem and the economy. Known as mega herbivores that mow the parks and create inroads for other herbivores, rhinos are also good for establishing forests by ingesting seeds and spreading them across the parks in their dung. Murithi lamented that the northern white rhinowhose only two females are left in the worldshould have never gotten so close to the brink of extinction. "Don't get the numbers to where it's very expensive to recover and we are not even sure that it will happen," he said. National Museums of Kenya research scientist Bernard Agwanda, inspects the taxidermy of last male northern white rhino, known as 'Sudan' at National Museums of Kenya, on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku The body of the last male northern white rhinonamed Sudanthat died in 2018 has been preserved and displayed at the Museums of Kenya in Nairobi. A research scientist and curator of mammals at the museum, Bernard Agwanda, said preserving Sudan will tell the story of how the species lived among humans and why conservation is important. "So we expect that the northern white rhino behind us here is going to live for one or two centuries to be able to tell its story for generations to come," he said. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Kurgan hypothesis argues that the Yamnaya people spread their culture widely across Eurasia, including through the building of burial mounds, or "kurgans," such as this one on the Mongolian steppe. Credit: William Taylor As anyone who's spent time in the saddle knows, riding a horse can be hard on your body. But can it change the way your skeleton looks? The answer, according to archaeologists from the University of Colorado Boulder: It's complicated. In a new study, the team drew on a wide range of evidencefrom medical studies of modern equestrians to records of human remains across thousands of years. The researchers concluded that horseback riding can, in fact, leave a mark on human skeletons, such as by subtly altering the shape of the hip joint. But those sorts of changes on their own can't definitively reveal whether people have ridden horses during their lives. Many other activities, even sitting for long periods of time, can also transform human bones. "In archaeology, there are vanishingly few instances in which we can tie a particular activity unequivocally to skeletal changes," said Lauren Hosek, lead author of the study and an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at CU Boulder. She and her colleagues reported their findings Sept. 20 in the journal Science Advances. The results may have implications for researchers who study the origins of when humans first domesticated horsesand also cast doubt on a long-standing theory in archaeology known as the Kurgan hypothesis. The first equestrians The research lies at the center of what is among the old debates in archaeology, said William Taylor, a co-author of the new study and curator of archaeology at the CU Museum of Natural History. He explained that the earliest, incontrovertible evidence of humans using horses for transport comes from the region around the Ural Mountains of Russia. There, scientists have uncovered horses, bridles and chariots dating back to around 4,000 years ago. But the Kurgan hypothesis, which emerged in the early 20th century, argues that the close relationship between humans and horses began much earlier. Proponents believe that around the fourth millennium B.C., ancient humans living near the Black Sea called the Yamnaya first began galloping on horseback across Eurasia. In the process, the story goes, they may have spread a primordial version of the languages that would later evolve into English, French and more. "A lot of our understanding of both the ancient and modern worlds hinges on when people started using horses for transportation," Taylor said. "For decades, there's been this idea that the distribution of Indo-European languages is, in some way, related to the domestication of the horse." Recently, scientists have pointed to human remains from the Yamnaya culture dating back to about 3500 B.C. as a key piece of evidence supporting the Kurgan hypothesis. These ancient peoples, the group argued, showed evidence of wear and tear in their skeletons that likely came from riding horses. Hips can lie But, in the new study, Hosek and Taylor argue that the story isn't so simple. Hosek has spent a lot of time poring over human bones to learn lessons about the past. She explained that the skeleton isn't static but can shift and change shape over an individual's lifetime. If you pull a muscle, for example, a reaction can emerge at the site where the muscle attaches to the underlying bone. In some cases, the bone can become more porous or raised ridges may form. Reading those sorts of clues, however, can be murky at best. The hip joint is one example. Hosek noted that when you flex your legs at the hip for long periods of time, including during long horse rides, the ball and socket of the hip joint may rub together along one edge. Over time, that rubbing can cause the round socket of the hip bone to become more elongated, or oval in shape. But, she said, other activities can cause the same kind of elongation. Archaeological evidence shows that humans used cattle, donkeys and even wild asses for transport in some areas of western Asia centuries before they first tamed horses. Ancient peoples likely yoked these beasts of burden to pull carts or even smaller, two-wheeled vehicles that looked something like a chariot. "Over time, this repetitive, intense pressure from that kind of jostling in a flexed position could cause skeletal changes," Hosek said. She's seen similar changes, for example, in the skeletons of Catholic nuns from the 20th century. They never rode horses, but did take long carriage rides across the American West. Ultimately, Hosek and Taylor say that human remains on their own can't be used to put a date on when people first started riding horsesat least not with currently available science. "Human skeletons alone are not going to be enough evidence," Hosek said. "We need to couple that data with evidence coming out of genetics and archaeology and by looking at horse remains, too." Taylor added that the picture doesn't look good for the Kurgan hypothesis: "At least for now, none of these lines of evidence suggest that the Yamnaya people had domestic horses." More information: Lauren Hosek et al, Tracing horseback riding and transport in the human skeleton, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado9774 Journal information: Science Advances CAMBRIDGE Family-owned Morcon Tissue has partnered with Community Work and Independence (CWI) to provide jobs for people with disabilities, filling a major gap after the sudden closure of Essity Paper Mill in South Glens Falls last summer. Through the Preferred Source Program managed by the non-profit New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc., (NYSID), Morcon will be able to sell their tissue and paper towel products to various state agencies due to hiring members of a disabled workforce. To provide employment opportunities for disabled individuals and help them grow as people and play an active role in our community really means a lot to us. We are honored to be a part of such a progressive initiative, Morcon President Joe Raccuia said in a statement. CWI has been a NYSID member for over 20 years, creating jobs and selling a variety of commodities to New York State agencies, most of which have been commercial paper products, said April Boucher, CWI COO/Vice President. After the Essity mill closed, workers were displaced and CWI was left without a manufacturing partner, which disrupted tissue and towel product lines for the state. When our previous tissue supplier closed, the biggest concern was the loss of jobs particularly for those with disabilities and our need to develop a new source for the product, said Maureen OBrien, NYSID President and CEO. The Preferred Source Program is so impactful and strong that it can achieve its goals despite actions as dramatic as corporate shutdowns, OBrien added. A fated connection with Morcon President Joe Raccuia made the company an obvious partner to fill the void left open by Essity. 25 years earlier, Essity was owned by Encore Paper, and Raccuia was the companys president. At the time, Raccuia recognized the benefits of the Preferred Source Program and made Essity an integral tissue supplier for the state. Now Raccuia has achieved the same status for Morcon. In collaboration with Montgomery County-based product distribution partner Hill & Markes, Raccuia and Morcon Tissue signed up for the NYSID-Preferred Source Program seamlessly. When we learned that the Essity plant was abruptly closing, and individuals with disabilities would be losing jobs, we asked how we could help, said Chris Traver, Director of Business Development at Hill & Markes. We had a strong relationship with Morcon Tissue for over a decade. When we approached Morcon, they immediately asked, How can we help and get this done quickly? Traver said. Thus far, Morcon Tissue has fully integrated five people with disabilities at their plant in Cambridge, with plans to continue that growth into the future, Raccuia said. The workers from CWI contribute to the Morcon team by conducting several tasks around the manufacture of tissue products including wrapping and stacking pallets, tailing machines and running bailers, OBrien added. One of those CWI/Morcon employees is Alexei Studenka. At an event on Thursday, Sept. 19 to showcase Morcons new employment opportunities, Studenka expressed his appreciation for the job and what it has meant to him. Working makes me feel awesome! Studenka said. Earning a paycheck and budgeting my money makes me self-reliant. They bring a great work ethic and skill to the team and they appreciate earning wages that enhance their personal security, OBrien said. Individuals with disabilities are unemployed at a rate of 67% in New York State, according to OBrien, which she calls staggering. We have a saying at NYSID that a job can change everything, and that is why we engage with community employers who champion the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their workforce, OBrien concluded. As previously reported, there is strong evidence of a manufacturing decline in not only Warren County but across New York State with the 2023 closures of the aforementioned Essity in South Glens Falls, Lehigh Cement in Glens Falls, and the news that AngioDynamics will be shutting down their manufacturing facilities in late 2025. However, Morcon Tissue appears to be the exception. Not only has Morcon doubled down on their investment in the state, but the company has also experienced exponential growth with a record-breaking year with sales up more than 30% from last year, according to the companys website. ATLANTIC CITY To make the citys midtown more attractive, cleaner and safer, the Midtown Atlantic City Community Development Corp. is hosting monthly cleanups to address the blight. The organizations Adopt-A-Block program provides support and resources for those who want to rid the neighborhoods public spaces of trash. This is done in partnership with the city, neighbors and business owners, said Kacey Wilkins, director of community health investment and development for the corporation. The Midtown CDC is the second youngest economic development group. Weve been organized for a little over two years, and weve been involved in other community cleanups, but we sort of formalized the Adopt-A-Block this year and hosted our first cleanup in July, she said Saturday. Other economic development groups in the city seek to beautify the Chelsea and Ducktown neighborhoods. The midtown cleanups typically attract 15 to 20 volunteers. A majority of those volunteers are with faith-based or local organizations, such as the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. The cleanups happen monthly from spring to fall throughout seven midtown blocks. They target areas that have the greatest need for cleanup, including areas on Atlantic and Baltic avenues. Block captains maintain their positions as community leaders for two years. During this time, they organize the two- to three-hour cleanups, providing bags and gloves for the event. They also motivate others to volunteer, report any issues and educate neighbors about what the volunteers are doing. The midtown neighborhood is the heart of Atlantic City, said Samantha Kiley, vice president of community health and social impact for Midtown CDC, about the neighborhood that includes Tanger Outlets The Walk, casinos and Stanley Holmes Village. By focusing on the trash pickup first, which is one of the areas main issues, and getting our volunteers, our block captains doing regular cleanup, we can then focus on community enhancement. Keeping the community clean does have a substantial economic benefit. 'Road diet' settlement passes Atlantic City Council vote Without any comment or public discussion, Atlantic City Council passed a settlement agreement Wednesday night that allows repaving of Atlantic Avenue and other improvements while holding off on trimming the road to two travel lanes through much of the city. The corporation works with the citys Public Works Department to weigh the trash collected by volunteers to track the organizations impact. Volunteers such as Pleasantville resident Sonndy Exantus, 25, said most of the litter they find scattered throughout the neighborhood is chip bags, papers and random articles of clothing. Other interesting finds include balloons, plastic utensils and shoes. Egg Harbor Township resident Rae-Anne Brown, 45, said since she began volunteering in July, shes gone from filling six or seven black trash bags in two hours of cleaning with her group to two or three bags. She hopes more residents will get involved once they see the newly formed initiative is here to stay. Brown noted residents occasionally pop out of their homes during the cleanups to thank the volunteers. I like seeing the progress, Brown said while picking up trash at Virginia and Baltic avenues. Being able to support the neighborhood you work in is nice. Everyone deserves to feel safe, protected and have a clean community to live in, and if I can be a part of that, then I will. For more information on the Adopt-A-Block program, visit midtownacnj.org. PHOTOS Midtown CDC's Adopt-A-Block cleanup Elmore Avenue Shoppes in Davenport has sold for more than $2 million Marcus & Millichap, a commercial real estate brokerage firm, announced the sale of six-unit retail center earlier this week. The property sold for $2,357,500. The prime location and strong historical occupancy of this center generated quite a bit of buyer interest, said Jeff Rowlett, senior managing director investments. The listing went under contract quickly and closed within 50 days. Rowlett had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, GPH Davenport Retail, LLC. Jon Ruzicka, Broker of Record in Iowa, assisted in closing the transaction. The property was bought by Elmore Plaza, LLC, on Sept. 4, according to online property records. The LLC was formed earlier this year, according to its records with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office. The LLC's filings list the retail center as its principal office. Property records also reference an address in Johnston, Iowa. Elmore Avenue Shoppes are located at 4810 Elmore Ave. just off Interstate 74. Tenants of the 9,835-square-foot retail strip include GameStop, Hungry Hobo, Computer Repair Center, Indy Smoke Time, Novel Nail Time and 100% Chiropractic. Liz Teitz covers environmental news and the Hill Country for the San Antonio Express-News. She writes about the San Antonio Water System, news in New Braunfels and Comal County and water issues around Central Texas. She can be reached at liz.teitz@express-news.net. Liz joined the Express-News in June 2023. She has been a reporter for eight years, covering housing, government, education and other topics for the Ouray County Plaindealer, Hearst Connecticut Media Group and the Beaumont Enterprise. Liz grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from Georgetown University. Chetumal suspect in Yucatan home robbery returned to face charges Chetumal, Q.R. A Chetumal native has been arrested by local authorities on an outstanding warrant in Yucatan. On Saturday, SSP Yucatan reported on the arrest of Jhon Smith D. V., 26, for the theft of 15,000 pesos from a private Yucatan home. According to SSC Yucatan, on August 22, a man stole 15,000 pesos in cash from a private home in the port of Las Coloradas in the municipality of Rio Lagartos, after entering during the early morning without the consent of the owner. The fisherman Jhon Smith D. V., 26 years old, is probably responsible for these events, according to evidence collected by elements of the State Investigation Police (PEI) of the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) and ministerial agents of the State Attorney Generals Office (FGE). This individual is originally from Chetumal, Quintana Roo, the state in which he was arrested Saturday, they reported. The theft was committed against citizen A. G. A., who filed the corresponding complaint, which led to an investigation to find the whereabouts of the person likely responsible, they added. Jhon Smith D has since been transferred from Quintana Roo back to the state of Yucatan where he will face charges. Mexicana de Aviacion lands new demo flight at Tulum International Tulum, Q.R. Mexicana de Aviacion landed their new plane at the Tulum International Airport Friday. The companys new E-195 E2 aircraft landed as a demonstration flight for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology. The plane landed Friday on the runway of the private terminal Fixed Base Operator (FBO) within the Tulum International Airport. The demo flight is part of the preparations for the start of air activities of this new model in Mexico, which is scheduled for 2025. Mexicana de Aviacions new Embraer E-195 E2 arrived in Tulum with around 50 passengers on board, all of whom were Mexicana de Aviacion employees. The recently presented Embraer E-195 E2 aircraft is one of the latest generation aircraft acquired by Mexicana de Aviacion. The aircraft has the capacity to transport 132 passengers, has a range of 4,615 kilometers and a cruising speed of 963 kilometers per hour. The initial presentation of the new aircraft took place Friday morning at the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) outside Mexico City. In the afternoon, it made its first flight to Tulum where it landed at 5:20 p.m. Suspect in recent Playa del Carmen hotel murder captured in Yucatan Playa del Carmen, Q.R. The main suspect in a recent Playa del Carmen hotel murder has been arrested in Yucatan. Agents of the State Investigation Police (PEI) of the Public Security Secretariat (SSP) and ministerial agents of the State Attorney Generals Office (FGE) made the arrest Saturday. According to SSP Yucatan, the arrest of Alfonso E. V. was made in collaboration with FGE counterparts. He was taken into custody accused of aggravated homicide committed in Playa del Carmen. In their official statement, SSP Yucatan said Alfonso E. V., alias Diantre, 26 years old, originally from Villahermosa, Tabasco and a truck driver by trade, is accused of killing Jorge Enrique U. L., on the 13th of this month in a hotel room in Playa del Carmen. According to the investigations, this individual would have hit his victim with a blunt object and against the floor of the room in which they drank alcoholic beverages. Authorities reported locating Alfonso E.V. in the neighboring state of Yucatan where he is accused of trying to evade justice in Quintana Roo by taking refuge in Yucatan. He was located and arrested by local Yucatan authorities, who handed him over to the FGE of Quintana Roo Saturday. On September 13, a bloodied hotel guest was found in a Playa del Carmen room. The man, of Mexican nationality, was at the hotel attending an event at the time of his murder. On a hill next to the campus of Stanford University, a large radio telescope is gazing at the sky. Located even further away from the main campus, behind the telescope, was the first home of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL). Given its slightly exotic and remote status, SAIL could also host a new department that was concerned with using computers for generating musical sound: In 1964, with the help of Max Mathews of Bell Telephone Laboratories and David Poole of Stanford University, composer and percussionist John Chowning set up a computer music program using SAILS mainframe computer system. Having access to a computer was a big deal at that time. Computers did not fit on a desktop and did cost as much as a big house. Chowning became interested in the topic after reading an article by Max Mathews and subsequently he took a course in computer programming and went to Bell Labs in New Jersey to meet with him. When coming back to Stanford, where he studied, he was looking for a place to continue working on his ideas, and SAIL offered an opportunity. This later led to the foundation of Stanford's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA). Chowning was exploring sound spatialisation and worked on computer-generated quadrophonic music. His research led to the first generalised surround sound localisation algorithm. He soon figured out that more complex, alive sounds with vibrato are easier to localise and was looking for ways to create them with the computer. "One evening in the autumn of 1967, Chowning was using the mainframe computer in the Stanford AI laboratory to model the sound of two sine wave oscillators in a simple modulation configuration, one altering the pitch of the other to produce vibrato. Curious as to what would occur if he increased the rate and/or depth beyond what was possible with the human touch on an acoustic instrument, he issued instructions to the computer to try some basic multiples, doubling and tripling some of the numbers. And thats when a curious thing happened: At the point when the rate of the vibrato increased to where it could no longer be perceived as a cyclical change, the sound changed from simple pitch fluctuation into a timbral change a change in tonality. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. A former Beaufort Marine pleaded guilty to five counts of animal cruelty after neglecting to care for five pets she had been hired to watch by a Hilton Head Island couple. One dog to die of starvation and another was 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 offer varying timelines her defense attorney said a two-day absence while investigators at the time said the animals were left for five days. Returning to the home on Sept. 14, 2023, the owners 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 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. 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. 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 neglect, 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 were instrumental in saving Roxies life. In an statement, 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 neglect 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. SIOUX CITY Local faith leaders are hoping the power of prayer will bring a divine answer to the announced Oct. 1 closure of The Warming Shelter in downtown Sioux City. Faith leaders have been holding noon prayer services at the shelter at 910-916 Nebraska St. for about a week. Warming Shelter prayer group The Rev. Mark Bedford, second from left, leads a prayer Thursday at The Warming Shelter. Noon-time prayers happen almost daily daily at the ho Bless our neighbors, those people who may not have a place to lay their head at night. We lift up these prayers dear God. We ask your spirit to move us and guide us and show us the way for our neighbors, said Mark Bedford, pastor of First Presbyterian Church at Sixth and Nebraska streets. Dear God, we ask for your blessings on everything this institution tries to accomplish and for those we pray all these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. The Warming Shelter's board voted in late August to close the shelter due to a lack of financial support from the community. It costs approximately $725,000 per year to operate the shelter. Travis Vanfossen, shelter direct care coordinator, is worried about what's going to happen when winter weather hits Sioux City. Last year we housed over 175 residents, that is 75 over our capacity. We just make sure we dont turn anybody away because it gets bitter cold in the winter, Vanfossen said. There is no other emergency shelter where can come as you are. Like me I am a recovering addict, but a lot of the people are still struggling with mental illness and addiction. Warming Shelter prayer group Tears stream down the face of Travis Blackman, Warming Shelter warehouse manager and volunteer coordinator, while speaking after a prayer gath The Warming Shelter acts as a clearinghouse providing the needy with referrals for employment, housing, rides to appointments assistance with registering children for school. Vanfossen believes the public was unaware of the shelters financial challenges. Joshua Baker has been coming to the shelter for the past two years. This place has really helped me ever since my recovery. I am a recovering addict of three years. This is a place that has helped me with a warm place to sleep with nutrition and all the assistance I need, Baker said. Baker was born in Oregon but raised in Sioux City. He worries about the shelter closing its doors. Warming Shelter prayer group A person holds their hat while in group prayer at The Warming Shelter on Thursday. The group meets almost daily at the shelter, 910-916 Nebras It really saddens me. I am also concerned for the other people that come here, he said. This place gives everything that people need especially as place to lay their head because the cold weather is coming up. And theres not really a place for those people to go. Criminal activity will pick up if theres not a place like this. Pastor Bedford said his parishioners want to support their neighbors in need. I am a big believer in the quote that says you pray for the hungry and then you feed them. We do want to lift up prayers to God to help out those with less than what we have. But we also recognize this as a chance to tell people that this is whats going on in our community this is why this situation means so much to so many people, Pastor Bedford said. Travis Blackman, the shelters warehouse operations and volunteer coordinator, has worked at the shelter for a little over a year. For people that are going through whatever they are going through in life this was like their safety net, thats what I dont understand about the city. You cant have a continuum of care which they get funding for if you dont have a shelter. You need a starting point, a point from which to regain your footing in life. Wiping away tears, Blackman said, Its the first time Ive ever had a job where I felt like I was part of the solution and not part of the problem. Everybody deserves dignity and respect. The shelters operations manager Larry Banks credits the shelter with helping him get his life back on track. Its meant everything. I was stuck in addiction for over 20 years, and I went to treatment and then I came to the halfway house. While I was still living there, I started working here. I attribute a large chunk of my being able to stay sober to this place, Banks said. He said the shelter offers help and direction to individuals who dont have anybody else and feel discarded by society. Pastor Bedford hopes the prayer services will shine a light on the plight of the shelter and a head to a solution. This is what they need right now, and we are hoping by these prayers that will help people recognize that, Pastor Bedford said. The staff and those who utilize shelter services are hoping those prayers get answered. Prayer goes a long way; in my heart I feel it does, Vanfossen said. Warming Shelter prayer group The Warming Shelter clients and staff unload a van of items picked up from the Food Bank of Siouxland on Thursday. The homeless shelter, 910-9 The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is searching for a "male prowler" who approached two children on their way to school Thursday in far West Bexar County. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is urging the community to stay alert after receiving reports of a "male prowler" who approached two children walking to school Thursday morning in far West Bexar County. The man, who was driving a black or dark-colored Mercedes-Benz GLA or GLC sedan, called out to one of the children walking on Coal Mine Rise, according to BCSO. "The children recognized the danger, ran to safety, and were assisted by a neighbor," the sheriff's office said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The sheriff's office is trying to identify the man and is requesting surveillance footage that could provide information about the driver or his vehicle. Those with information can send tips to BCSOTIPS@bexar.org or call 210-335-6000. BCSO said it has increased its presence in the immediate area of Thursday's incident. "We want to remind parents, guardians, and community members to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of our children," the sheriff's office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad BCSO offers the following safety tips: OMAHA The next generation of Buffetts Howard, Susie and Peter is poised to become one of the most powerful forces in philanthropy when their 94-year-old father, the legendary businessman and leader of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, eventually passes away. But it wasn't always going to be that way. Buffett announced in June that he would donate his fortune, now valued at nearly $144 billion, to a charitable trust managed by his three children when he dies, instead of giving it to the Gates Foundation, as he indicated 18 years ago. The next generation of Buffetts will then have 10 years to give the money away, Warren Buffett said. In the meantime, the elder Buffett continues to make huge annual donations to the Gates Foundation and his four family foundations, which will continue throughout his lifetime. He first mentioned plans for a new charitable trust in November. Howard Buffett told The Associated Press he's learned what his father told him and his siblings about philanthropy was true: Its not so easy to give away money if you want to do it smart, if you want to be intelligent about it. The middle Buffett child, Howard said his father is as sharp as ever and that he hopes he lives a long time, adding: "Its pretty amazing that hes giving us this opportunity. Buffett has entrusted Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates with significant annual gifts to their foundation since 2006 a remarkable $43 billion to date . Wealthy people dont tend to give their money to other people to give away, said James Ferris, founding director of The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at the University of Southern California. But many of the wealthiest people are also hesitant to hand over their fortunes to the next generation over concerns that it hampers their ingenuity, he said. Ferris thinks the story of Buffetts changing philanthropic intentions is a positive one. It shows how a donor is making choices and is adapting to circumstances, he said. The Gates Foundation did not say when it learned of Buffetts decision or what the impact will be on its budget. It previously said in a statement that Warren Buffett has been exceedingly generous, and that he has played an invaluable role in championing and shaping the foundations work to create a world where every person can live a healthy, productive life. Over the years, Buffett gave the Gates Foundation large annual donations, but also donated billions to foundations run by his three children and a fourth family foundation. Their work offers some insight into the priorities of the next generation of Buffetts. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after Warren Buffett's first wife, is the largest in terms of donations. It supports organizations that provide reproductive health care and access to contraception and abortion around the world. Susie Buffett, 71, is its board chair and Peter Buffett, 66, is a board member. Susie Buffett also leads The Sherwood Foundation, a major supporter of early childhood development nationally that gives grants to organizations and projects within Omaha, Nebraska, the Buffetts' hometown. Peter Buffett's NoVo Foundation has been an important funder of organizations advocating for the autonomy of girls and women and against gender-based violence. In 2020, Peter and his wife, Jennifer, decided to reorient their focus, expanding their support for Native American communities and projects to build sustainable, local communities with a focus on agriculture and food access. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation has focused on conflict mitigation and agriculture around the world. Since 2022, it has donated some $800 million more than most countries to humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine during the country's war with Russia. These include supporting food distribution at schools, demining activities, and the rebuilding of a major publishing company and a key bridge transporting grain. In a relatively rare interview for a family that seldom makes time to speak with the media, Howard Buffett, 69, said he couldnt predict exactly how he and his siblings would give away their father's fortune. However, he said they would continue to take risks and find ways to make the biggest difference as their father recommended. I can tell you, well sit down in a room when the time comes, and well get it figured out pretty quickly, he said, acknowledging that the directive to donate all the money within 10 years was a challenge. The siblings different ways of thinking and approaches to giving are assets, he said. What this is going to do is were going to bring all of our collective experience together, he said. But dont expect to find the family name on a lot of buildings, which the siblings have largely avoid even as they've given away more than $15 billion of their father's money since 2006. Kathleen Enright, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, said the Buffetts have effectively made philanthropy a family business, with the next generation now seasoned donors who have built enduring institutions in their foundations. It is a big deal, she said, of the amount of money that the Buffetts are poised to give away, noting that because the fortune will likely continue to grow, they will have to give away highly visible sums to spend it down. The tight timeframe to give away his fortune after his death reflects one of Warren Buffett's longstanding conditions for receiving charitable funding. He has instructed the Gates Foundation and his family's foundations to grant out the full amount they received within a year. The next generation of Buffetts have run their foundations with tiny staffs much like how Warren Buffett oversees his massive Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate with only about two dozen people at its headquarters in Omaha. Howard Buffett said his foundation employs just 22 staff members. It granted $458.1 million in 2023, according to tax documents. He acknowledged that his lean staff puts some limits on their capacity, but said the way theyve scaled their work is through creating strong and enduring relationships with other organizations to help implement their ideas. In contrast, the Gates Foundation has one of the largest endowments at $75.2 billion, funded by donations from Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. It employs more than 2,000 people, many of them technical experts all over the world, and is known for making highly directed grants with rigorous reporting requirements. The foundation has said it will wind down its operations within 25 years after its founders' deaths. Howard Buffett said he likes a challenge and thinks that in general, wealthy people should give their money away within their lifetimes, rather than holding it in perpetual foundations. Somebody is going to spend that money. Somebody is going to give that money away, he said. So, I would rather do that with my brother and sister and do it together, as a partnership, than see it done any other way. Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/estonia-nurturing-atrocious-legacy-of-nazi-collaborators-in-neocon-driven-rewrite-of-wwii------1120247475.html Estonia: Nurturing Atrocious Legacy of Nazi Collaborators in Neocon-Driven Rewrite of WWII Estonia: Nurturing Atrocious Legacy of Nazi Collaborators in Neocon-Driven Rewrite of WWII Sputnik International How Estonia nurtures the legacy of Nazi collaborators in a neocon-driven rewrite of WWII. 2024-09-22T15:39+0000 2024-09-22T15:39+0000 2024-09-22T15:39+0000 world estonia tallinn ussr nazi soviet red army nazis jews nazism wwii https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/16/1120246751_0:160:3075:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_bae0b2223ea87a11d38eff3d11b38c87.jpg 80 years ago, the Soviet Red Army liberated Estonias capital Tallinn. By November, the Red Army's successful Baltic operation had driven the Nazi German invaders out of all Estonian territory. Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, and in July the battles of World War II reached Estonia. German troops unleashed genocide and terror on civilians with the help of Estonian collaborators. Over 5,000 volunteers signed up to join the Estonian SS Legion, while close to 7,000 joined the ranks of the Wehrmacht. Mass murder of civilians, especially Russians, Jews, and Roma, was carried out by the Nazis together with so-called self-defense units, such as the Omakaitse. After Nazi troops occupied Tallinn on December 19, 1941, the Estonian Political Police arrested 4,365 people in the capital and its suburbs. Days before the Soviet liberation of the capital, around 1,000 prisoners were executed. Practically all of Tallinns male Jews over the age of 16 were arrested and executed by the so-called self-defense squads. Estonian police units also executed Jews deported from Nazi-created ghettos in Europe. During the Baltic operation from September 14 to November 24, 1944, Soviet losses in terms of killed, wounded, and missing amounted to 218,000. More than 6,000 Soviet soldiers and officers were killed and 24,000 wounded during the liberation of Tallinn by the Red Army. The criminality of the SS (including the Estonian SS Legion) was recognized by the Nuremberg International Military Tribunal. However, eager to march in lockstep with American neocons rewriting the history of WWII, Estonian officials have glorified Nazi criminals. For more than 60 years, September 22 was marked as the Day of Tallinn's Liberation from Nazi Occupation, only to be rebranded in 2007 by Estonian policymakers as Resistance Day against occupying Soviet forces. Todays Estonian leaders nurture the atrocious legacy of the countrys SS legionnaires, have no scruples over demolishing tombs of Soviet soldiers, and sacrilegiously digging up for relocation mass graves of those who fell while defending their country from Nazism. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240915/wwii-baltic-offensive-how-soviet-red-army-dealt-a-stinging-blow-to-third-reich-1120161021.html estonia tallinn ussr Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko world war ii history, attempts to rewrite history of wwii, world war 2, red army operation, red army offensive, liberation of baltics during wwii, liberation of estonia during wwii, how many nazi collaborators were there in estonia in wwii, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/israeli-army-says-detected-over-100-projectiles-fired-from-territory-of-lebanon-overnight-1120244273.html Israeli Army Says Detected Over 100 Projectiles Fired From Territory of Lebanon Overnight Israeli Army Says Detected Over 100 Projectiles Fired From Territory of Lebanon Overnight Sputnik International Northern territories of Israel have been attacked with over 100 projectiles launched from the Lebanese territory overnight, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday, adding that no injuries have been reported yet. 2024-09-22T06:09+0000 2024-09-22T06:09+0000 2024-09-22T12:40+0000 world lebanon gaza strip israel defense forces (idf) hezbollah haifa middle east israel-lebanon tensions https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/07/1119665454_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_9162ae7591909998c532f4f905d06cf7.jpg Following the sirens that sounded between 6:24 07:00 in numerous areas in northern Israel, approximately 85 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Some of the projectiles were intercepted, and fallen projectiles were identified in the areas of Kiryat Bialik, Tsur Shalom and Moreshet, the army wrote on Telegram. The Israeli rescue services are currently engaged in firefighting operations in the areas exposed to the attacks, the IDF added. Earlier in the day, Israeli TV broadcaster Channel 12 reported that in the past few hours large areas of northern Israel were subject to shelling by Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah. Alarm sirens sounded 11 times overnight in various areas in the north of the country while at least three massive shillings were recorded. Hezbollah fighters responded to communications device explosions in Lebanon by launching a rocket attack on the Rafael military-industrial complex north of the Israeli city of Haifa, the movement's press office said in a statement on Sunday. According to the press service, the complex develops electronic equipment for military use.Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have escalated after Israel started a military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The Israeli military and Hezbollah have been exchanging cross-border fire almost daily. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240921/israeli-military-striking-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-1120236548.html lebanon gaza strip haifa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israeli army, projectiles fired from territory of lebanon, israel defense forces, israel have been attacked https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/lebanon-pager-attacks-timing-not-tied-to-plot-being-uncovered-israeli-media-says-1120250434.html Lebanon Pager Attack's Timing Not Tied to Plot Being Uncovered, Israeli Media Says Lebanon Pager Attack's Timing Not Tied to Plot Being Uncovered, Israeli Media Says Sputnik International Up to 5,000 pagers plus walkie talkies and an array of other electronic devices detonated simultaneously across Lebanon September 17-18. Hezbollah, the attack's main target, accused Israel, saying the attack constituted an "act of terror, a massacre" and a "declaration of war." Israel's president denied that Tel Aviv was responsible on Sunday. 2024-09-22T19:21+0000 2024-09-22T19:21+0000 2024-09-22T19:21+0000 world middle east lebanon yoav gallant joe biden israel jerusalem hezbollah israel defense forces (idf) white house https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/16/1120251665_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a3ac4fe79da897a1b32564b4fbce6bd7.jpg The timing of last week's pager blasts was not connected to any fears by "whoever caused" them that the terror plot had been discovered by Hezbollah, sources told the Jerusalem Post on Sunday.The report challenges earlier reports citing US officials suggesting that Israel may have decided to move forward with the pager attack out of fears that the operation may have been uncovered by Hezbollah. "It was a use it or lose it moment," one anonymous US official told Axios on Wednesday.The sources further indicated that the attack was made possible by tinkering with devices' lithium batteries, and that the tactics involved 'have existed for a long time' (although nothing of a comparable scale was ever attempted).US officials told US media on Saturday that while the Biden White House is "extremely concerned" about the escalating violence on the Israeli-Lebanese border, Washington "agrees" with Tel Aviv's rationale of inflicting violence for the goal of trying to "pressure" Hezbollah into a diplomatic deal.The pager terror has sparked a dramatic escalation of cross border missile, rocket and artillery attacks between the IDF and Hezbollah in recent days. On Sunday, the Lebanese Shia militia group announced that its campaign against Israel had entered a "new phase." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/hezbollah-announces-new-phase-of-confrontation-with-israel-1120250570.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/president-herzog-denies-israels-role-in-lebanon-pager-attack-1120245821.html lebanon israel jerusalem Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov did israel carry out lebanon pager attack, who carried out lebanon pager attack, why was lebanon pager attack carried out https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/long-overdue-us-military-apologizes-for-destruction-of-native-alaskan-villages-1120241277.html Long Overdue: US Military Apologizes for Destruction of Native Alaskan Villages Long Overdue: US Military Apologizes for Destruction of Native Alaskan Villages Sputnik International The US military has undertaken the process of issuing formal apologies to a Native Alaskan tribe more than a century after its shelling of two villages led to mass deaths. 2024-09-22T03:39+0000 2024-09-22T03:39+0000 2024-09-22T03:39+0000 native american us alaska us navy native americans americans analysis genocide ethnic cleansing war crimes https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/16/1120241588_0:195:2400:1545_1920x0_80_0_0_3fcceeed0ecc9158e2b0e001f4b25dad.jpg The US military has undertaken the process of issuing formal apologies to a Native Alaskan tribe more than a century after its shelling of two villages led to mass deaths.A representative from the US Navy expressed remorse for the burning of the settlement of Kake Saturday afternoon, while a separate apology is planned next month on the 142nd anniversary of the destruction of the village of Angoon.This has been 155 years in the making, Jackson said.The pain and suffering inflicted upon the Tlingit people warrants these long overdue apologies, said Navy spokeswoman Julianne Leinenveber, referring to the tribe also commonly known at the Lingit. Navy officials conceded the wrongful nature of the attacks that inflicted multigenerational trauma as the tribes oral history has passed down the memory of the devastating events.Relations between the US and Native Americans were frequently tumultuous after the United States purchase Alaska from Russia in 1867. A treaty between Russia and indigenous peoples signed in the early 19th century maintained peace across the territory, but the US military maintained a policy condoning the use of lethal force to maintain American dominance.Misunderstandings owing to disparate languages, worldviews and legal systems often led the United States to respond through violent bombardments of native settlements.In 1869, a US military sentry killed two unarmed Lingit men in a canoe. After American commanders refused to offer restitution for the act in line with native customs, the Lingit killed two fur traders in response.The United States sent the USS Saginaw to shell the native village of Kake. US troops descended upon the village and razed it to the ground, burning housing, canoes, and food stores the natives depended upon to survive the harsh winter months. Multiple people would die in the weeks ahead of exposure and starvation.Years later, the native village of Angoon would face similar destruction after the US military refused to offer compensation for the death of a Lingit medicine man.The attacks form part of a grisly history of Western treatment of indigenous Americans dating back centuries. Earlier this year, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued an apology for the churchs role in establishing Indian boarding schools across the continent, which led to the deaths of hundreds of native children. In February, an Alaska lawmaker apologized for comments that appeared to downplay the prevalence of sexual assault of Native Alaskans; indigenous people are still significantly more likely to be victims of rape and other violent crimes.Indigenous activists continue to press for reparations and other forms of material compensation to make amends for centuries of genocide and displacement. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/deeply-troubling-us-pledges-billions-of-dollars-for-foreign-nations---navajo-tribe--1115739583.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220922/equality-for-native-americans-means-diplomatic-relations-not-full-representation---activist-1101105293.html alaska Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg native alaskans, native americans, native tribes, genocide, ethnic cleansing, killings of civilians, killings of natives, american culture, american history, tribal life, american values, us history, us values, indian reservation, indian tribe, indian people, native people, human cannibalism, cannibals, wild people https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/macrons-disapproval-rating-rises-to-75-for-first-time-since-2018-yellow-vest-riots---poll-1120245253.html Macrons Disapproval Rating Rises to 75% for First Time Since 2018 Yellow Vest Riots - Poll Macrons Disapproval Rating Rises to 75% for First Time Since 2018 Yellow Vest Riots - Poll Sputnik International Three-quarters of the French are disappointed in President Emmanuel Macron, an Ifop survey found, which is his worst showing in a public poll since yellow vest protests rocked France in 2018. 2024-09-22T10:00+0000 2024-09-22T10:00+0000 2024-09-22T10:00+0000 world emmanuel macron michel barnier france paris european union (eu) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/05/1120026339_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_777b416f92fecf7a6d8bf12483e1724d.jpg Never since protesters vandalized Paris' iconic Arc de Triomphe in December 2018 has Macron's approval rating fallen as low as 25%, while the disapproval rating has risen to 75%, the survey published by French newspaper Journal du Dimanche on Saturday showed. Respondents accused the president of having a "disproportional ego that ruined everything" and making France ungovernable by dissolving the parliament and calling a snap election that turned into a fiasco, the poll found. Over half of 2,098 French adults surveyed in the September 11-20 poll said they disapproved of Macron's pick for prime minister, Michel Barnier, saying the president had disregarded the will of the people who had voted for change. Thousands of people took to the streets of Paris on Saturday to protest against Barnier's nomination. Macron appointed the EU's chief Brexit negotiator to the leading position in the French cabinet after weeks of difficult coalition talks. Barnier is widely seen as a conservative. He has advocated limiting migration to the EU and even proposed an entry moratorium of 3-5 years for all migrants, except asylum seekers and foreign students. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240917/macrons-impeachment-clears-first-hurdle-in-left-dominated-national-assembly-1120175645.html france paris Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International president emmanuel macron, disapproval rating, protests rocked france https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/president-herzog-denies-israels-role-in-lebanon-pager-attack-1120245821.html President Herzog Denies Israel's Role in Lebanon Pager Attack President Herzog Denies Israel's Role in Lebanon Pager Attack Sputnik International Israeli President Isaac Herzog denied on Sunday Israel's responsibility for this week's deadly attacks in Lebanon caused by exploding pagers and walkie-talkies. 2024-09-22T11:19+0000 2024-09-22T11:19+0000 2024-09-22T12:40+0000 world middle east isaac herzog israel lebanon hezbollah attack israel-lebanon tensions https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/11/1120178758_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_b02b212096b47de25fc99d65268f1d30.jpg "I reject out of hand any connection to this or that source of operation," Herzog told Sky News, adding that "there are many enemies of Hezbollah out there, quite a few these days." US media reported on Friday, citing a US intelligence source, that Israel had a hand in the manufacturing of the pagers that exploded across Lebanon on Tuesday and that the operation took it at least 15 years to prepare. Pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in various parts of Lebanon over 48 hours on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Lebanese Health Ministry estimates that the explosions killed 45 people and injured more than 3,000 others. The Lebanese government and the Hezbollah movement blamed Israel for the attack. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240919/israel-created-shell-company-to-produce-explosive-pagers-shipped-to-lebanon---reports-1120200857.html israel lebanon Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International president herzog, lebanon pager attack, deadly attacks https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/russia-has-no-alternative-to-victory-in-ukraine-conflict---kremlin-1120245072.html Russia Has No Alternative to Victory in Ukraine Conflict - Kremlin Russia Has No Alternative to Victory in Ukraine Conflict - Kremlin Sputnik International Russia has no alternative to achieving victory in its military operation in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. 2024-09-22T09:20+0000 2024-09-22T09:20+0000 2024-09-22T09:47+0000 world russia ukraine kremlin victory alternative dmitry peskov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/16/1119457055_0:134:3164:1914_1920x0_80_0_0_7b2f35448965997caa45c66599b18eaf.jpg "For Russia, there have been no other alternatives in history, and there is no alternative to our victory now," Peskov said in an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin published on his Telegram channel. Russia should regard the West's stance seriously, given its intentions to defeat the country both "strategically and tactically," the spokesman added. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkmen counterpart, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the strategic partnership between the two countries during a phone conversation, Peskov said.The two presidents discussed preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in Moscow and the BRICS summit in Kazan, the statement said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240920/russian-forces-advance-in-kurakhov-donbass-handing-major-losses-to-ukrainian-army-1120221784.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International military operation in ukraine, kremlin spokesman dmitry peskov, achieving victory https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/scramble-to-tighten-europes-borders-shows-politicians-are-playing-catch-up-with-public-concern-1120244427.html Scramble to Tighten Europes Borders Shows Politicians are Playing Catch Up With Public Concern Scramble to Tighten Europes Borders Shows Politicians are Playing Catch Up With Public Concern Sputnik International The scramble to tighten border policies in some EU countries is a sign that politicians are desperately trying to play catch up with public concern, Dr. George Szamuely told Sputnik. 2024-09-22T08:05+0000 2024-09-22T08:05+0000 2024-09-22T08:05+0000 analysis germany netherlands hungary european union (eu) eu migrants migrants europe's refugee and migrant crisis migrant crisis geert wilders https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/16/1120244069_0:0:3640:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_f5af9ec505e013f35f1aa91ce6667272.jpg The scramble to tighten border policies in some EU countries is a sign that politicians are desperately trying to play catch up with public concern, Dr. George Szamuely, a senior research fellow at the Global Policy Institute, told Sputnik.Europes migrant crisis was imposed by the elites on their own population, he stressed. It was part of a fateful alliance among the big corporations that want cheap labor and the kind of multicultural advocates who think that that's a good thing for Europe to be more diverse, Szamuely noted, stressing that this is what's causing this intense political feeling because people don't really want it. This is something that the elites had desired. After Germany instituted sweeping checks at its borders and stronger deportation laws, the new Dutch government announced it was aiming to set in place the strictest admission rules in the EU. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on Friday that the government would officially ask the European Commission for an opt-out on EU asylum and migration policies.We cannot continue to bear the large influx of migrants to our country. People are experiencing an asylum crisis, Schoof said.Geert Wilders, the right-wing leader of the PVV (PfE) the party that came out on top in the last national elections in the Netherlands - described the Dutch official request to opt out of EU migration policy as a mini-Nexit in a nod to Brexit.Europe is witnessing complete abuse of the asylum seeker scheme, said the researcher, adding: Regarding the opt-out of EU rules, the expert noted that such an outcome is very difficult to achieve, as it requires renegotiating the treaty and that's not something that's easily doable, and could take a long time [] because EU rules are supposed to be binding on all member states.The issue of immigration is besetting one country after another, and results of elections in European countries are starkly reflecting this. The issue of unrestrained immigration helped Wilders and his populist right Freedom Party win a plurality of seats in the Netherlands House of Representatives last November. In Germany, the success of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in regional elections piled pressure on the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz to tackle the migrant issue and close its borders, temporarily ending the Schengen-Visiting Zone. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240904/anxiety-within-germany-about-its-future-afd--bsw-take-east-germany-by-storm-1120004676.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/germanys-new-border-crackdown-wins-cheers--jeers-amid-eu-rifts-over-immigration-1120134399.html germany netherlands hungary Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko what are the netherkands' new anti-immigration measures, how is europe tackling migrant crisis, why is there a migrant crisis in the eu, will the netherlands opt out of eu asylum policies, which countries want to opt out of eu asylum policies, which eu countries are fighting migration, why is germany tightening its borders, what kind of border checks will germany implement, germany's new border crackdown, germany's new border checks, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/state-department-advises-us-citizens-to-leave-lebanon-amid-escalation-in-region-1120242867.html State Department Advises US Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Escalation in Region State Department Advises US Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Escalation in Region Sputnik International The US State Department has issued a notice to American citizens advising them to leave Lebanon due to recent events in the country and the unpredictable nature of the conflict between Israel and Lebanese movement Hezbollah. 2024-09-22T04:42+0000 2024-09-22T04:42+0000 2024-09-22T12:41+0000 world middle east lebanon israel beirut state department us embassy hezbollah israel-lebanon tensions https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/08/1105176360_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_039fec54da894c61a95ff832c0ec29e3.jpg "Due to the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflict between Hizballah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the US Embassy urges US citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available," the notice says. The department warned that the number of commercial flights out of Lebanon had already been reduced, and if the security situation continued to deteriorate, departure options might not be available at all. On September 17 and 18, communication equipment, including pagers and radios, detonated in various areas of Lebanon. According to official data, 37 people were killed and more than 3,000 were wounded. Among the victims was Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani. It is not yet known what caused the simultaneous explosion of thousands of devices. Hezbollah, the Lebanese government and Iran have blamed the incident on Israel. The Israeli authorities have neither confirmed nor denied their involvement. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called what happened in Lebanon a monstrous act of terrorism and an attempt to ignite a major conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240921/israeli-military-striking-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-1120236548.html lebanon israel beirut Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International state department, us citizens, escalation in region, leave lebanon Student Maybelline Herrera uses her cellphone as she steps outside the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts High School in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Damian Dovarganes/AP Labeled cell phone pouches were in use by students during rehearsal for The Outsiders at Reagan High School theater on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath said next year lawmakers should ban the use of cellphones in public schools across the state. Moraths endorsement of a statewide ban came during his testimony last week at a Senate Education Committee hearing, where he called the use of cellular devices extremely harmful to student progress. If it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state, Morath said. So I would encourage you to consider that as a matter of public policy going forward for our students and our teachers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Moraths comments fall directly in line with a debate taking place in school systems across the country, a contentious subject that doesnt divide neatly along party lines. The commissioner brought up the topic of cellphones while testifying about student outcomes on national and state exams. On the most recent state exam, only 41% of Texas students demonstrated an adequate understanding of math, a significant cause for concern among lawmakers Wednesday. People supporting universal cellphone bans note that the devices distract students from learning and are harmful to childrens mental health. Others worry that banning cellphones prevents young people from exercising personal responsibility and communicating with their parents during emergencies a growing concern as mass shootings have become more common throughout the United States. During the Uvalde school shooting, where a gunman massacred 19 students and two teachers, children trapped inside the school used phones to call police for help. Still, some committee lawmakers on Wednesday responded to Moraths testimony with an openness to the idea. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mental health is becoming a bigger and bigger issue, said Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio. I like what you said about if we could get rid of the cellphones, you know. I mean, it would help all of us if we could do that. But we cant. I mean how would it look? Morath pointed out that many Texas school districts already ban cellphones in schools, some outright and others only allowing limited use during times like lunch or traveling in between classes. Administratively, this is a very doable thing, he said. Northside Independent School District recently became the latest in a handful of public school systems in the San Antonio area to prohibit the use of phones during class time, requiring they be kept in backpacks. Even in districts that have no blanket policy, a few teachers and principals require students to surrender them during class. Most allow cell phone use during lunch and some in the hallways between class periods. Sen. Donna Campbell, a New Braunfels Republican, said last week that while we will make an attempt to ban cellphones from class during the next legislative session, it is ultimately the responsibility of school districts to take action. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Everything doesnt take legislation, said Campbell, who proposed a bill during the last legislative session that sought to prohibit smartphone use during instructional time. It takes leadership. Seventy-two percent of high school teachers across the country say that cellphone distractions are a major problem in their classroom, compared with 33% of middle school teachers and 6% of elementary school teachers, according to Pew Research. Seven states thus far have passed laws that ban or restrict cellphone use in schools, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Legislators in California, which has the most students enrolled in public schools in the country, recently approved a bill requiring school districts to develop a policy restricting the use of cellphones by 2026. But it is unclear whether Texas, where more than 5.5 million children go to school, will soon follow suit. During the Texas Tribune Festival earlier this month, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a Democratic member of the Public Education Committee from Austin, said she doesnt like the use of cellphones in the classroom, but it may be that we should leave it to school districts to decide that on their own. I dont know, Hinojosa said. Well have to hear the debate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, who also serves on the Public Education Committee, said most of the schools he represents have already restricted cellphones. I dont think we need law for everything, he said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/ukraine-negotiating-with-west-on-deliveries-of-gripen-and-eurofighter-jets-1120245967.html Ukraine Begs West For Delivery of Gripen and Eurofighter Jets Ukraine Begs West For Delivery of Gripen and Eurofighter Jets Sputnik International Ukraine expects to receive two more types of fighter jets Gripen and Eurofighter from its Western allies, negotiations are underway, said Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. 2024-09-22T11:56+0000 2024-09-22T11:56+0000 2024-09-22T12:30+0000 military sergey lavrov volodymyr zelensky ukraine russia eurofighter nato gripen us air force kiev https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106702/71/1067027138_0:0:3135:1763_1920x0_80_0_0_9dc40101cf094cbdaa948fc8c7ac11ed.jpg "Consultations are underway for the Gripen and Eurofighter," Umerov said, adding that Ukraine would soon be able to report on the results of these negotiations.Umerov recalled that Ukraine's Western partners promised to supply the country's armed forces with US-made F-16s and French Mirage-2000s.The possibility of transferring Swedish Gripen planes to Ukraine back in the summer of 2022 was announced by US Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Brown Jr. However, in 2023, the Swedish authorities noted that they needed the aircraft themselves before the country joined NATO.This summer, Sweden's then-Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that as long as the F-16 delivery program was in effect, Stockholm would not transfer its fighter jets to Ukraine, as according to the Ukrainian side, using two systems at the same time would be "too much."Former Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat noted that it is difficult to maintain different types of aircraft at the same time, and that it is therefore necessary to focus on one. According to Ignat, before receiving the F-16, Ukraine had four types of aircraft in service. At the same time, in August 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky's office said that Ukrainian pilots had begun testing the Gripen.Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russia. According to Lavrov, the US and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, not only by supplying weapons, but also by training personnel. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240831/f-16-crash-in-ukraine-not-surprising-ukrainian-pilots-trained-sloppily---expert-1119969538.html ukraine russia kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine negotiates, fighter jets gripen and eurofighter, western allies, defense minister rustem umerov https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/zelensky-asked-constantinople-to-make-ukraines-schismatic-church-patriarchate---reports-1120242992.html Zelensky Asked Constantinople to Make Ukraine's Schismatic 'Church' Patriarchate - Reports Zelensky Asked Constantinople to Make Ukraine's Schismatic 'Church' Patriarchate - Reports Sputnik International In August, Volodymyr Zelensky asked the ambassadors of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to upgrade the status of the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) to a patriarchate, Ukrainian media reported. 2024-09-22T04:46+0000 2024-09-22T04:46+0000 2024-09-22T04:46+0000 world ukraine volodymyr zelensky ukrainian orthodox church (uoc) ecumenical patriarchate kiev church https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/02/1118220626_0:0:3073:1730_1920x0_80_0_0_4db197785e59147d07caa9f31adf6c48.jpg Zelensky made this call back in late August during a meeting with the ambassadors of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who came to Kiev. He claimed that the exarchs had accepted the information and would convey it to the patriarch, after which the issue will be discussed. Since 2022, the Ukrainian authorities have been waging the largest wave of persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the country's modern history: the authorities are imposing state sanctions against members of the clergy, organizing searches in churches, arresting clergy, initiating criminal cases, banning the activities of the UOC in various regions of the country, seizing monasteries and churches, trying to take the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra away from the canonical Church and banning the UOC itself by law. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240903/ohchr-sounds-alarm-over-ukraines-uoc-ban-and-its-compliance-with-international-law-1119998634.html ukraine kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International volodymyr zelensky, orthodox church of ukraine, ecumenical patriarchate Maryland powered home to take all the spoils in the Mohawk Million, putting an exclamation point on a stellar Saturday stakes night at Woodbine Mohawk Park for driver Dexter Dunn. After taking the inside track, literally, to impressive victories in the $347,000 Elegantimage (with three-year-old trotting filly French Champagne) and $713,000 Canadian Trotting Classic (with three-year-old trotting colt Amazing Catch), Dunn engineered a different trip, but produced the same result, in the $1 million Mohawk Million for two-year-old trotters. Meshuggah (Scott Zeron) blasted off the wings and took the lead heading into the first turn, followed by Lookatmegoamigo (Jody Jamieson), Go Ahead Makemyday (David Miller) and Lasting Dream (Bob McClure), while Maryland sat an unfettered sixth through an opening panel in :27.1. It was status quo on the front end through a half in a tepid :56.2, as Dunn continued to hold a patient hand on the 4-5 choice, positioned seventh at that point. Meshuggah was still on top through three-quarters in 1:24.3, as Lasting Dream looked to ratchet up the pressure. Monalishi (James MacDonald) arrived on the scene in third, while Maryland, improving to fourth, was five lengths off the leader, but full of trot and rolling to the outside. Maryland, whose slot owner for the Million was Hunterton Farm, began to methodically pick off his rivals down the lane, blasting to the front with ease en route to a sharp 3-1/2-length score after a :27.1 final quarter. Lasting Dream was second, Meshuggah third, Onajetplane (Andrew McCarthy) fourth and Emoticon Legacy (Louis-Philippe Roy) fifth. The final time was a stakes, track and Canadian record of 1:52.3. Maryland bested the former track and Canadian record for two-year-old male trotters set by 2017 William Wellwood Memorial winner Alarm Detector by one-fifth of a second. He was pretty aggressive tonight, said Dunn when asked about gapping the gate tonight. He hasn't really been like that before and the horse outside was pretty fired up on the gate too and there was a bit going on, but we had a little bobble there before the gate left, but he luckily kept his gait. We still got away in a pretty decent position, and just around the last turn, I nearly lost him there for a bit, but he got himself up. I was still confident, especially coming off the last turn, and he was close enough that he's fast enough. For the son of Chapter Seven-Crucial, who won the $575,000 William Wellwood Stakes on Aug. 24 and the $527,027 Peter Haughton Memorial on Sept. 13, it was the third straight command performance and biggest payday of his career. Hes probably the smartest colt I've been around, said trainer Marcus Melander, who also won the 2022 Mohawk Million with Oh Well. He wants to do his work. Then, you never know how much the other horses have left, but if he has the position to win when they're turning from home, hell win. With Saturdays win, Maryland is now 4-1-1 from seven starts, to go along with nearly $1.1 million in lifetime earnings. I think pretty much when he was racing at the Meadowlands early, he just showed so much talent, said Steve Stewart of Hunterton Farm. And that last sixteenth [of a mile], he always just seems to accelerate. There was one race early that I think a horse came up on him and it looked like he was going to go right by him, and he just wouldn't let him go, and it seems like he's very versatile. Marcus has been saying that the one thing that separates him from a lot of horses is he's so intelligent. Maryland, owned by Courant Inc., PCW Racing, Holly Lane Stud East and Sstewartrthorn Stable, will head home to the Garden State the newly minted Million champion. "We will ship him back home to New Jersey and prepare him for the Breeders Crown, since he won last week and he's already eligible for the finals, noted Melander. So, that will be his next race, probably. Maybe, we'll do a qualifier in between, but that's what we're waiting for right now. Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, the bay colt, who won his debut at The Meadowlands on June 28, was a $475,000 purchase at the 2023 Lexington Select Yearling Sale. Maryland paid $3.90 for the win. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (With files from Woodbine) Despite a post 10 draw, Amazing Catch barrelled forward and sat a snug pocket trip to burst through an inside seam and win at double-digit odds in the $713,000 Canadian Trotting Classic for three-year-olds on Saturday night, Sept. 21 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. With Dexter Dunn in the bike, Amazing Catch crossed from the grandstand to the pylons alongside Myretirementdream (Scott Young) to a :27 first quarter while Sir Pinocchio (Jason Bartlett) promptly pulled outside in anticipation of Highland Kismet (Bob McClure), the 3-5 favourite, steamrolling down the wide path. Sir Pinocchio powered past Amazing Catch to the lead in the backstretch as Highland Kismet followed the cover, but then bobbled stride into a gallop and out of contention before the :56.2 half-mile mark. Once Highland Kismet broke stride, Security Protected (Scott Zeron) sprung out of fifth to march forward and press Sir Pinocchio into the final turn. Sir Pinocchio maintained control by three-quarters in 1:24 but wavered off the pylons in the sprint for home, parting the sea for Amazing Catch to sail through. Amazing Catch punched to the lead and outfooted fast-closing 21-1 shot Private Access (Louis-Philippe Roy) to win by more than a length in a 1:51.4 mile, equalling the stakes record. Flying Kronos S (Yannick Gingras), at 65-1, rallied for third and Security Protected faded to fourth with Paquet (Jody Jamieson) grabbing fifth. He's had two 10-hole draws in classic races and put in two great efforts, said Dunn, referring to tonight's victory and a third-place finish in the Hambletonian last month. Obviously tonight was different; [in] the Hambo, we just went back to last and rode the inside. But [tonight], he had to work out there pretty hard, and we got a good helmet after that and he really sprinted through. But you know, he just felt fantastic tonight. He's a lovely horse, added Dunn. He was racing some heavy hitters, so it's not easy out there all the time. But you know, he hasn't put too many bad efforts in. Ake Svanstedt trains Amazing Catch, a colt by Walner out of Mets Life who has now won three races from 15 starts and earned $887,530 for owners Al Libfeld of Pickering, Ont., Marvin & Lynn Katz and Sam Goldband of Toronto. He's been in all the big races, and in fact, there in the Hambletonian, if he hadn't gotten interfered, I think he could have won it, said Katz. He was that close. And I think Dexter felt the same way. He raced well in the Poconos [finishing third in the Beal] and hasn't raced for a month. It was the same with [tonight's Elegantimage winner] French Champagne. So when they both came here last week, they just needed the race. But clearly both of them were ready. I said to Sarah [Svanstedt], their plans and their organization for these horses are incomparable, and they deserve all the credit. Sent off at odds of 19-1, Amazing Catch paid $41.30 to win. Dunn, Svanstedt and co-owners Libfeld and Katz also celebrated victory three races earlier in the filly companion stakes event with Elegantimage winner French Champagne. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (With files from Woodbine) BCs Capela lit up the toteboard with an 84-1 upset victory in the $81,081 Renaissance Stakes for two-year-old colts and geldings on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Freehold Raceway. After the 1-5 favourite Dandy Ideal broke in the first turn and scattered the field, it left opportunity for an underdog to score. When the dust settled, driver Troy Beyer and BCs Capela found themselves fourth on the rail. The field tightened up and the pair sat patiently until the third turn where they pulled to begin the trek to the front first-over. They captured the lead at the three-quarter pole in 1:27.2. Though tiring, the leading Floor It Freddie didnt back down and left them parked through the final turn. BCs Capela paced forward from there and held off a late-charging Xpert to win it in 1:55.3 by half a length. Floor It Freddie held on for third more than three lengths behind. The winning Wayne Givens trainee was the longest shot on the board and bettors who saw his potential with two previous wins on half-mile tracks cashed $171.40 for a $2 win ticket. Xpert, at long odds of 44-1, completed a $1 exacta worth a whopping $963. A son of Lazarus N out of the Sportswriter mare Capela, BCs Capela is owned and was bred by Legacy Racing Of De Inc. and Reginald Hazzard II. The victory boosted his bankroll to $55,694 and improved his lifetime record to 3-1-0 from five starts. The same connections teamed up earlier in the day to win the first $40,541 split of the Homegrown for three-year-old colt pacers with another son of Lazarus N as Mr Three O Five scored in 1:54.3 at 8-1 odds, returning $19 to his backers. New Jersey Sires Stakes and New Jersey Classic champion Arbitrage Hanover was a popular winner in the other division in 1:55 flat with Jim Marohn Jr. driving the Bettors Wish gelding for trainer Brett Pelling and owners Pelling Racing, Rojan Stables and Bridle Path Stables. (With files from Freehold Raceway) Elimination winner Fallout forged first-over glory in the $1 million final of the Metro Pace, delivering as the 8-5 second choice to equal the 1:49.1 stakes and track record for two-year-old pacing colts on Saturday night, Sept. 21 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Blue Onyx (Doug McNair) blasted out of post nine for the front and cleared after the first eighth, though he quickly faced attacks from Prince Hal Hanover (Todd McCarthy) and then Captain Optimistic (Yannick Gingras) through a :26.2 first quarter. Prince Hal Hanover swept to the lead and Captain Optimistic, the 6-5 favourite, soon shot forward and seized the helm as the field began to stretch to a :54.4 half. Driver Tim Tetrick had Fallout off the pylons moving up the backstretch, but never flushed a helmet to follow. So Tetrick sent Fallout forward on the rim and came looming after battle-weary leaders as they scurried by three-quarters in 1:22.1. Captain Optimistic clung to a diminishing lead once Prince Hal Hanover pulled pocket to assault, all the while Fallout continued to gain to the center of the track. Fallout reached the wheels of Prince Hal Hanover nearing the final eighth and sprung into another gear to slide by Prince Hal Hanover and win by a length. Captain Optimistic settled for third and Swingtown (Chris Page) rallied from third-over for fourth with Banderas (James MacDonald) completing the top five. Fallout, besting his 1:49.3 lifetime-best performance in his Metro Pace elimination, equalled the 1:49.1 stakes record established by Tall Dark Stranger in 2019 as well as the divisional track record co-held by A Rocknroll Dance, who set the mark in his 2011 Metro elim. The time of the mile was one-fifth of a second off the Canadian record set by 2011 Breeders Crown champion Sweet Lou at Woodbine Racetrack. I was just kind of playing the race, and then I could see they were gonna play some chess early, said Tetrick after the race. Yannick still got a pretty easy first half. But you know, this colt just kept coming and digging, and we kept having a helmet to follow. When it mattered, he got to the wire first. A colt by 2012 Metro Pace winner Captaintreacherous out of the Aria Hanover, Fallout earned his third win from eight starts and has now banked $590,783 for owners Robert LeBlanc, Pryde Stables Inc., and Caviart Farms. Tony Alagna trains the Brittany Farms-bred colt to add a fourth Metro Pace trophy to his mantel. He won with Captaintreacherous and then in 2014 with Artspeak and in 2020 with Exploit. This horse showed that he had the ability. It just looked like he was going to take a couple starts for him to get really fit and really into it, said Alagna. "We took him to Kentucky, we raced him down there [a few times] and it looked like he was going to be [in] tough down there so we thought, You know what? We have good luck in Canada. Let's take him to Metro and see what happens. And he just exploded up here. You know, he's been lights out both weeks. I thought the way Timmy raced him was going to get the miles in him that he needed to come up here, said Alagna. I think probably one of the biggest changes coming up here, we changed his bridal from Lexington to here, and we changed him to aluminum shoes. And, you know, aluminum shoes on the Lexington surface is kind of a 50/50 thing. But we know what they can do to a horse up here in Canada, and we made a decision to come up here. I said, Okay, it's time to switch him to aluminum, so that really cleaned up his gate and I think that's kind of what put him over the top. Fallout paid $5.30 to win. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (With files from Woodbine) Stone Hanover made perfect use of the famed Pocono Pike on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 21 to take the $25,000 fast-class pacing feature in a lifetime best 1:49.2 at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Stone Hanover, a son of Art Major trained by Joe Pavia Jr. for Steven Held, John Whitig, Joe Pavia Jr. Stable Inc., and Bridgette Jablonsky, stepped around Big Skewy N leaving, but yielded command to that retaking rival, the slight 2-1 favourite, nearing a :27 quarter, with the Enzed pacer going to the lead with his head skewed slightly to the right. Big Skewy N continued past a :54.4 half, then encountered pressure from fellow 2-1 shot Soaring Now before going to the 1:22.2 three-quarters. Big Skewy N turned for home with the lead, with his head still slightly to the right and with the last pylon before the Pocono Pike, dislodged by someone in the backfield the first time around, directly in front of him. The leader went over the fallen stanchion and paced on (no interference mark was given), with Stone Hanover (third choice at 5-2) ducking inside him to the passing lane, and gradually forging a half-length lead in the late "Nap-Nap" battle: Anthony Napolitano driving the winner, and George Napolitano behind Big Skewy N. Stone Hanovers career bankroll went over $400,000. There were a trio of $22,973 events for developing horses supporting the feature class. In the one of the three on the pace, De La Hoya Hanover, winner of the Pennsylvania Stallion Series final at 5-2, battled with Rush In, second at 84-1 in the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes final (after Captain Albano, the Little Brown Jug winner, made a break). This contest went to the Stay Hungry gelding De La Hoya Hanover (9-1 off the win), coming from the pocket after stinging an onrushing Rush In (8-5) most of the second quarter, then catching the pacesetter by a nose in a lifetime mark of 1:49.4. Simon Allard sulkysat behind the Joe Bongiorno trainee for Jennifer Bongiorno Stable, Robert Weinstein and Barbara Bongiorno Stable. The International Moni sophomore gelding Dejerate Hanover boosted his winning streak to six while taking a new mark of 1:53.1 in the faster of the two trotting divisions. The tracks leading driver, Matt Kakaley, and trainer, Ron Burke, collaborated on this success for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, FAC Racing and Yannick Gingras. The other section went to the Father Patrick gelding Missile, whose win credentials might not have been quite as lofty (two wins and 14 seconds in 2023-2024), but who also gave an effort that sent him home with a new speed standard, 1:54.2, for driver Ridge Warren, trainer Bruce Lauer and Its All Good Racing. Faster yet on the trot was Kinnder Thinktwice, who took a new mark of 1:52.2 in a supporting race. The fastest miles of the day were a pair of 1:48.3 pacing scores by $500,000+ earners Nicholas Beach and South Beach Star. All the honours for the days horsemen went to those connected with feature race winners: Matt Kakaley succeeded in the sulky four times, while a pair of Joes, Bongiorno and Pavia Jr., each sent out three victorious charges. Racing resumes at Pocono at 1 p.m. on Monday, with a carryover into the fifth race Pick 5 pool. (With files from PHHA / Pocono) Trainer Darryl Laver's homebred trotting mare Petro Angel closed out the 2024 harness racing meet at Hiawatha Horse Park with a victory in the co-featured $6,000 Preferred 3 Handicap Trot on Saturday, Sept. 21. Leaving from the inside post in rein to Scott Wray, Petro Angel protected her pocket position behind Classy Guy (Daryl Thiessen) with outside leaver Spun From Magic (Lorne House) taking a brief tuck behind until company came as Scene A Magician (Nick Steward) moved underway from the backfield. Petro Angel rode the pocket through fractions clocked in :27.3, :58.4 and 1:28.2 with rivals stacking three-wide to her outside as they turned for home, but the mare shot through in the drive to the wire to prevail by half a length in 1:58.3. Classy Guy held on for second with Scene A Magician third and the late-closing favourite, Wrap And A Hooey (Andy Moore), making it a four-across finish. Petro Angel paid $9.70 to win as the 7-2 third choice in the 10th and final race of the meet. The six-year-old daughter of Archangel out of Sassy Dreamer matched her career-high win count from last season and has put together a record reading 7-8-5 from 33 starts this year while competing at nine different tracks across Ontario. She now has 23 career wins and more than $145,000 in purse earnings. The $6,000 Preferred 3 Pace also ended in a close call, with Cheddar Bay ($8.40) and trainer/driver Peter Core prevailing by a neck in 1:53.4. After a contested :26.4 opening quarter, Donald and Heather McGregor's homebred Betterthancheddar-Mystical Seelster gelding landed in the pocket for mid-splits of :56.4 and 1:25.1 then defeated the duelling co-favourites, Punchesinbunches (Garrett Rooney) and It Takes Two (Lorne House), getting up in the final strides to earn his second straight win at the Sarnia, Ont. oval. Hiawatha's 2024 leading driver Garrett Rooney picked up one more victory on the closing card to bring his final win count to 57. His nearest competitors were Andy Moore (30 wins) and Scott Wray (20 wins), each ending the meet with a driving triple. While Rooney secured the driving title long ago, the race for top training honours went right to the wire and ended in a dead heat. With one of her six Saturday starters making it to the winner's circle, Cassidy Schneider tied with Lindsey Kerr atop the leaderboard as each horsewoman ended the meet with 20 wins. Laver's victory in the last race was the 13th for his stable at the Hiawatha meet and moved him into a tie for third-place with Cameron McQueen. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Hiawatha Horse Park. (Standardbred Canada) San Antonio Police are searching for the person who fatally shot a man Saturday night at a Taco Cabana on the city's Northeast Side. Police said an unknown person walked onto the patio of the restaurant where the man was standing and shot him. Theo Esquivel San Antonio Police are searching for the person who fatally shot a man Saturday night on the city's Northeast Side. Police found a 52-year-old man dead from a gunshot wound around 9 p.m. in the 4600 block of Rittiman Road after responding to calls about a shooting in progress, according to a preliminary police report. Police said an unknown person approached the man as he stood on the patio of a Taco Cabana restaurant, shot him and fled. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The report did not include a description of the gunman or how the person fled the scene. It is not known what motivated the shooting, police said. The incident remains an ongoing investigation and police continue searching for the shooter, the report states. 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 Last month, OpenAI came out against a yet-to-be enacted Californian law that aims to set basic safety standards for developers of large artificial intelligence (AI) models. This was a change of posture for the company, whose chief executive Sam Altman has previously spoken in support of AI regulation. The former nonprofit organization, which shot to prominence in 2022 with the release of ChatGPT, is now valued at up to US$150 billion. It remains at the forefront of AI development, with the release last week of a new "reasoning" model designed to tackle more complex tasks. The company has made several moves in recent months suggesting a growing appetite for data acquisition. This isn't just the text or images used for training current generative AI tools, but may also include intimate data related to online behavior, personal interactions and health. There is no evidence OpenAI plans to bring these different streams of data together, but doing so would offer strong commercial benefits. Even the possibility of access to such wide-ranging information raises significant questions about privacy and the ethical implications of centralized data control. Media deals This year, OpenAI has signed multiple partnerships with media companies including Time magazine, the Financial Times, Axel Springer, Le Monde, Prisa Media, and most recently Conde Nast, owner of the likes of Vogue, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and Wired. The partnerships grant OpenAI access to large amounts of content. OpenAI's products may also be used to analyze user behavior and interaction metrics such as reading habits, preferences, and engagement patterns across platforms. If OpenAI gained access to this data, the company could gain a comprehensive understanding of how users engage with various types of content, which could be used for in-depth user profiling and tracking. Video, biometrics and health OpenAI has also invested in a webcam startup called Opal. The aim is to enhance the cameras with advanced AI capabilities. Video footage collected by AI-powered webcams could translate to more sensitive biometric data, such as facial expressions and inferred psychological states. In July, OpenAI and Thrive Global launched Thrive AI Health. The company says it will use AI to "hyper-personalize and scale behavior change" in health. While Thrive AI Health says it will have "robust privacy and security guardrails," it is unclear what these will look like. Previous AI health projects have involved extensive sharing of personal data, such as a partnership between Microsoft and Providence Health in the United States and another between Google DeepMind and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom. In the latter case, DeepMind faced legal action for its use of private health data. Sam Altman's eyeball-scanning side project Altman also has investments in other data-hungry ventures, most notably a controversial cryptocurrency project called WorldCoin (which he cofounded). WorldCoin aims to create a global financial network and identification system using biometric identification, specifically iris scans. The company claims it has already scanned the eyeballs of more than 6.5 million people across almost 40 countries. Meanwhile, more than a dozen jurisdictions have either suspended its operations or scrutinized its data processing. Bavarian authorities are currently deliberating on whether Worldcoin complies with European data privacy regulations. A negative ruling could see the company barred from operating in Europe. The main concerns being investigated include the collection and storage of sensitive biometric data. Why does this matter? Existing AI models such as OpenAI's flagship GPT-4o have largely been trained on publicly available data from the internet. However, future models will need more dataand it's getting harder to come by. Last year, the company said it wanted AI models "to deeply understand all subject matters, industries, cultures, and languages," which would require "as broad a training dataset as possible." In this context, OpenAI's pursuit of media partnerships, investments in biometric and health data collection technologies, and the CEO's links to controversial projects such as Worldcoin, begin to paint a concerning picture. By gaining access to vast amounts of user data, OpenAI is positioning itself to build the next wave of AI modelsbut privacy may be a casualty. The risks are multifaceted. Large collections of personal data are vulnerable to breaches and misuse, such as the Medisecure data breach in which almost half of Australians had their personal and medical data stolen. The potential for large-scale data consolidation also raises concerns about profiling and surveillance. Again, there is no evidence that OpenAI currently plans to engage in such practices. However, OpenAI's privacy policies have been less than perfect in the past. Tech companies more broadly also have a long history of questionable data practices. It is not difficult to imagine a scenario in which centralized control over many kinds of data would let OpenAI exert significant influence over people, in both personal and public domains. Will safety take a back seat? OpenAI's recent history does little to assuage safety and privacy concerns. In November 2023, Altman was temporarily ousted as chief executive, reportedly due to internal conflicts over the company's strategic direction. Altman has been a strong advocate for the rapid commercialization and deployment of AI technologies. He has reportedly often prioritized growth and market penetration over safety measures. Altman's removal from the role was brief, followed by a swift reinstatement and a significant shakeup of OpenAI's board. This suggests the company's leadership now endorses his aggressive approach to AI deployment, despite potential risks. Against this backdrop, the implications of OpenAI's recent opposition to the California bill extend beyond a single policy disagreement. The anti-regulation stance suggests a troubling trend. OpenAI did not respond to The Conversation's request for comment before deadline. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of China Pharma (NYSE:CPHI Free Report) in a research report released on Thursday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock. China Pharma Price Performance CPHI opened at $0.22 on Thursday. China Pharma has a twelve month low of $0.17 and a twelve month high of $1.21. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The company has a fifty day moving average of $0.21 and a 200-day moving average of $0.28. Get China Pharma alerts: China Pharma (NYSE:CPHI Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported ($0.09) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $0.93 million for the quarter. China Pharma had a negative return on equity of 60.19% and a negative net margin of 70.47%. China Pharma Company Profile China Pharma Holdings, Inc develops, manufactures, and markets generic and branded pharmaceutical, and biochemical products to hospitals and private retailers in the People's Republic of China. The company provides products in the form of dry powder injectables, liquid injectables, tablets, capsules, and cephalosporin oral solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for China Pharma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Pharma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW Get Free Report) Director Elizabeth N. Pitman bought 8,087 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 18th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $6.01 per share, for a total transaction of $48,602.87. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 76,740 shares in the company, valued at $461,207.40. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Medical Properties Trust Stock Down 0.2 % NYSE:MPW opened at $5.76 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $4.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $4.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.59, a PEG ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a current ratio of 2.93, a quick ratio of 2.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. has a 1-year low of $2.92 and a 1-year high of $6.55. Get Medical Properties Trust alerts: Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.54) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by ($0.75). The firm had revenue of $266.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $259.53 million. Medical Properties Trusts revenue for the quarter was down 21.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.48 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Medical Properties Trust, Inc. will post 0.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Medical Properties Trust Cuts Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 9th. Medical Properties Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -14.41%. MPW has been the topic of several research reports. Truist Financial upped their price target on Medical Properties Trust from $5.00 to $6.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 13th. Colliers Securities raised Medical Properties Trust from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $6.50 target price on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 13th. Finally, BNP Paribas lowered Medical Properties Trust from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the company from $6.00 to $4.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $5.22. Get Our Latest Analysis on Medical Properties Trust Hedge Funds Weigh In On Medical Properties Trust A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Wolverine Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Medical Properties Trust by 0.6% in the second quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 405,145 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,746,000 after buying an additional 2,246 shares during the last quarter. Keynote Financial Services LLC increased its stake in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Keynote Financial Services LLC now owns 59,188 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $255,000 after purchasing an additional 2,715 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 167,722 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $723,000 after purchasing an additional 3,103 shares in the last quarter. Collective Family Office LLC lifted its stake in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 16.8% in the 1st quarter. Collective Family Office LLC now owns 21,720 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $102,000 after purchasing an additional 3,120 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Panagora Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Medical Properties Trust by 23.6% in the second quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 19,591 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $84,000 after purchasing an additional 3,735 shares in the last quarter. 71.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Medical Properties Trust (Get Free Report) Medical Properties Trust, Inc is a self-advised real estate investment trust formed in 2003 to acquire and develop net-leased hospital facilities. From its inception in Birmingham, Alabama, the Company has grown to become one of the world's largest owners of hospital real estate with 441 facilities and approximately 44,000 licensed beds as of September 30, 2023. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Medical Properties Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medical Properties Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Needham & Company LLC reiterated their buy rating on shares of Reddit (NYSE:RDDT Free Report) in a research note published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Needham & Company LLC currently has a $75.00 price objective on the stock. Several other research firms have also issued reports on RDDT. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Reddit from $67.00 to $59.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of Reddit from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and issued a $84.00 price target on shares of Reddit in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price target on shares of Reddit from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Reddit from $57.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $66.12. Get Reddit alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on RDDT Reddit Trading Up 2.5 % NYSE RDDT opened at $66.17 on Wednesday. Reddit has a 12 month low of $37.35 and a 12 month high of $78.08. The companys 50 day moving average is $59.47. Reddit (NYSE:RDDT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.31) by $0.25. The company had revenue of $281.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $253.86 million. Reddits revenue was up 53.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.70) EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Reddit will post -4.17 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, CFO Andrew Vollero sold 11,287 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.00, for a total transaction of $722,368.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 840,379 shares in the company, valued at approximately $53,784,256. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director Mary Porter Gale sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.73, for a total value of $790,950.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 101,459 shares in the company, valued at $5,349,933.07. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Andrew Vollero sold 11,287 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.00, for a total transaction of $722,368.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 840,379 shares of the companys stock, valued at $53,784,256. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 262,993 shares of company stock worth $14,618,959 in the last ninety days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Reddit A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of RDDT. Inclusive Capital Partners L.P. bought a new stake in Reddit in the first quarter worth $103,051,000. Vanguard Group Inc. bought a new stake in Reddit in the first quarter worth $82,167,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD bought a new stake in Reddit in the first quarter worth $37,015,000. Blackstone Inc. bought a new stake in Reddit during the first quarter valued at about $36,990,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in Reddit by 117.2% during the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 847,929 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,174,000 after acquiring an additional 457,588 shares during the period. Reddit Company Profile (Get Free Report) Reddit, Inc operates a website that organizes digital communities. It organizes communities based on specific interests that enable users to engage in conversations by sharing experiences, submitting links, uploading images and videos, and replying to one another. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Reddit Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reddit and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating reissued by Royal Bank of Canada in a research report issued on Friday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $767.00 target price on the medical research companys stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective suggests a potential upside of 24.98% from the stocks current price. Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Barclays dropped their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $615.00 to $600.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, June 28th. Bank of America upped their price objective on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $600.00 to $675.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 16th. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. They set an overweight rating and a $670.00 price objective for the company. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $600.00 to $615.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Raymond James upped their price objective on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $650.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $647.78. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock Performance Shares of TMO opened at $613.69 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $599.56 and its two-hundred day moving average is $581.45. Thermo Fisher Scientific has a 52-week low of $415.60 and a 52-week high of $627.88. The firm has a market cap of $234.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.36, a PEG ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $5.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.13 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $10.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.50 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 18.22% and a net margin of 14.69%. Thermo Fisher Scientifics quarterly revenue was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $5.15 EPS. Analysts forecast that Thermo Fisher Scientific will post 21.72 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Thermo Fisher Scientific In related news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $600.85, for a total transaction of $180,255.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,887 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,747,403.95. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $600.85, for a total transaction of $180,255.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,887 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,747,403.95. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO Joseph R. Holmes sold 860 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $611.03, for a total value of $525,485.80. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,814 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,108,408.42. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 23,084 shares of company stock valued at $14,094,292 over the last 90 days. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Thermo Fisher Scientific Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Beaumont Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Beaumont Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,199 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,278,000 after acquiring an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Cedar Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 14.5% during the 1st quarter. Cedar Wealth Management LLC now owns 134 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $78,000 after acquiring an additional 17 shares during the period. Lafayette Investments Inc. boosted its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Lafayette Investments Inc. now owns 830 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $459,000 after acquiring an additional 17 shares during the period. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. boosted its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. now owns 1,031 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $570,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the period. Finally, Drive Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,123 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,175,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the period. 89.23% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Thermo Fisher Scientific (Get Free Report) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, and bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Friday. Several other equities analysts also recently commented on TRV. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $225.00 price objective on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. TD Cowen downgraded Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $252.00 to $230.00 in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Barclays began coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set an overweight rating and a $286.00 price objective for the company. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $202.00 to $223.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $220.00 to $242.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Travelers Companies currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $227.05. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Travelers Companies Travelers Companies Stock Up 0.4 % TRV stock opened at $238.53 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $221.42 and its 200-day moving average price is $217.56. The stock has a market cap of $54.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.72, a PEG ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Travelers Companies has a twelve month low of $157.33 and a twelve month high of $243.48. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 19th. The insurance provider reported $2.51 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.23 by ($0.72). The firm had revenue of $11.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.35 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 15.90% and a net margin of 8.37%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.06 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Travelers Companies will post 17.19 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at Travelers Companies In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.44, for a total value of $2,114,400.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 22,798 shares in the company, valued at $4,820,409.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.33% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Travelers Companies A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter worth $94,000. Prio Wealth Limited Partnership boosted its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 2.4% during the second quarter. Prio Wealth Limited Partnership now owns 2,973 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $605,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the second quarter valued at approximately $470,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Travelers Companies during the 2nd quarter valued at $9,798,000. Finally, Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new position in shares of Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at $67,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock. Travelers Companies Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vietnam's top leader arrives in New York for UN General Assembly session By The Investor/Vietnam News Agency Sun, September 22, 2024 | 8:03 am GMT+7 Party chief and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnan arrived in New York on Saturday afternoon (local time) for the United Nations Summit of the Future, the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), and working sessions in the U.S. Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse are greeted at John F. Kennedy International Airport by Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung and Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency. The United Nations General Assembly is an annual gathering where global leaders meet to discuss the worlds critical issues. This will be To Lams second overseas trip as Vietnams highest leader, after a visit to China last month. The top leader and his entourage were greeted at the airport by Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung and his spouse, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, and the staff of the embassy. The trip to the UN is of significance since it continues to demonstrate Vietnams contributions to the worlds largest multilateral organization, as well as the countrys proactive and active engagement in the settlement of regional and international issues. The leader will bring forward important messages in strong support of multilateralism, with the UN playing the central role in promoting global peace, cooperation, and development. This is an opportunity for Vietnam to once again affirm its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations; proactive and active international integration; being a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community; and always actively contributing to peace, friendship, cooperation and development in the region and the world. The working visit to the US coincides with the first anniversary of the Vietnam-U.S comprehensive strategic partnership and their preparations for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2025. This is an important occasion for both sides to look back on the achievements that their new partnership framework has generated and, at the same time, discuss major orientations and measures for sustaining the trend of positive, stable, and substantive development of their relations in many years to come. Lam is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with U.S. leaders, attend and deliver remarks at events towards the 30th anniversary, and the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership, and have other meetings with the participation of US officials, businesspeople, experts, and academics. According to Reuters, the Vietnamese leader will meet with representatives from several U.S. corporations, including Google and Meta. After his stay in the U.S., Lam will visit Cuba at the invitation of First Secretary of Cuba's Party Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and his spouse. The U.S. is now Vietnams second-largest trade partner, with trade turnover reaching nearly $111 billion last year. Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations in December 1960 during the Vietnam War. Cuban leader Fidel Castro visited the liberated zone in South Vietnam in 1973. Vietnam is helping Cuba ensure food security, sending some 300,000 tons of rice per year to the island state and experts to assist the latter in several agricultural plantation projects. Some Vietnamese companies are investing in six projects in Cuba, focusing on construction materials, renewable energy, detergent, and diapers. San Antonio Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after a man and woman were found dead Thursday afternoon at a residence near Balcones Heights. Ken Branca San Antonio Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after a man and woman were found dead Thursday afternoon at a residence near Balcones Heights. Officers were called to the 200 block of One Oak Drive for reports of a shooting and the discovery of two bodies. Police arrived at the scene at 4:13 p.m., and an initial investigation showed the man shot the woman while she was in bed before shooting himself with the same gun, according to a preliminary police report. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office later identified the pair as Manuel Limon, 64, and Azucena Limon, 64. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The medical examiner said the woman died from a shotgun wound to the chest, and the man died from a shotgun wound to the abdomen. Police did not provide information about the relationship between the deceased. A family member discovered the dead bodies before calling authorities, police said, and it appears the shooting happened earlier in the day. It was Azucena Limons's 64th birthday on Thursday, KENS-TV reported. Police said an investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This case marks the fourth murder-suicide investigation in the San Antonio area in the last six weeks. On Sept. 15, police found Kenya Joy Bland, 28, and Tevin Marquis Hall, 30, dead inside an apartment in Stone Oak. The woman died from a gunshot wound to the head. Hall shot himself in the head, authorities said. On Aug. 18, a prominent San Antonio attorney and his wife died in a murder-suicide in their $1.3 million Shavano Park home. Jerry Hernandez, 61, was killed as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. Sonia Hernandez, 52, killed herself, Shavano Park police said. Bexar County Sheriff's Office deputies responded on Aug. 14 to a murder-suicide in Converse. Yeqin Huang, 62, and Qing Xing, 59, were found dead inside a home in the 7100 block of Quarter Moon following 911 reports about loud noises inside the residence. (TBTCO) - Gia cao su hom nay (8/10) tren cac san giao dich chu chot tang nhe. Cu the, gia cao su RSS 3 hop ong cao su giao thang 10 tren san giao dich Osaka (OSE) - Nhat Ban tang 1,2%, len muc 431,4 Yen/kg; hop ong giao thang 3 cung tang 1,2%, at 404,5 Yen/kg. Trong khi o, gia cao su tai thi truong trong nuoc van duy tri on inh. Beyon Money, a part of the Beyon Group, has announced a strategic partnership with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to enhance financial services available for the expatriate employees in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through the partnership, new expatriate employees arriving at Bahrain International Airport will have the opportunity to be onboarded to Beyon Money and be provided with an International Bank Account Number (IBAN), with immediate access to a digital bank card. Furthermore, through their new Beyon Money accounts they will have access to great benefits which include low-cost remittance, cashback on purchases, special offers, and much more. Additionally, the employees salaries will be paid directly to their Beyon Money account enabling them to meet their financial requirements. Nibras Talib, the CEO of LMRA and Chairman of the National Committee for Combatting Trafficking in Persons (NCCTIP), emphasized the critical role of private sector partnerships in enhancing the well-being of expatriate employees. He highlighted how collaborations, such as the strategic partnership with Beyon Money, are key to providing secure and reliable financial services that contribute to a safe and stable work environment in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The partnership with Beyon Money, in particular, will streamline the onboarding process for newly arriving expatriate employees, granting them immediate access to digital banking services and facilitating efficient wage payment transactions and documentation. Beyon Digital Growth CEO Shaikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said: "We are delighted to have Beyon Money partner with the LMRA to support their initiative in facilitating the expatriate employees financial solutions." "The range of benefits and services available through the Beyon Money app are ideal for newly arriving employees, enabling them to benefit from excellent financial services and in addition receive their salaries directly to their Beyon Money app," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Oman-based Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP) has announced that leading utility project developers including Saudi-based Acwa Power, Japan's Sumitomo and Itochu, French experts TotalEnergies and EDF as well as UAE-based Masdar have emerged as top qualifiers for the development of five large-scale wind energy projects. The exclusive procurer of power and water in Oman, Nama PWP said these projects, located across key governorates, represent a significant milestone in sultanates journey towards achieving its renewable energy goals and transitioning to a low-carbon future. The wind Independent Power Projects (IPPs) will contribute to the sultanates broader strategy to generate 30% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, thereby reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. Nama PWP has been actively working to diversify Sultanate of Omans energy mix by facilitating competitive tenders for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind initiatives. These five large-scale wind energy projects are: In the Main Interconnection System (MIS): *Jalan Bani bu Ali Wind IPP - Located in the South Sharqiyah Governate, the key facility with 91-105MW capacity is due for commercial operation in Q1 2027. *Duqm Wind IPP: Located at Ras Madrakah in Duqm, the key facility with 234-270 MW capacity is due for commercial operation in Q4 2027. *Mahoot Wind I IPP: The project, which boasts a capacity of 342-400MW, will be developed in Al Wusta Governate aand is due for commercial operation in Q4 2027. In the Dhofar Power System (DPS): *Dhofar Wind II IPP: The project will be adjacent to the existing Dhofar Wind I IPP in Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governate with a capacity of 114-132 MW. It is due to be operational in Q2 2027. *Sadah Wind IPP: The project, with a capacity of 81-99MW, will be developed at a site located in Dhofar Governate. It is due for commercial operations in Q4 2027. Nama said it was overwhelmed by the strong response for the five wind energy projects with a total of 16 statements of qualification (SOQs) submitted for the Jaalan Bani Bu Ali Wind IPP; 15 for the Dhofar II Wind IPP; 15 for the Duqm and Sadah Wind IPPs as well as 15 for the Mahoot I Wind IPP. Following a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation process, 11 applicants were qualified for Jaalan Bani Bu Ali Wind IPP, while 12 each were qualified for the Dhofar II Wind IPP and Mahoot I Wind IPP as well as the Duqm and Sadah Wind IPPs. The qualified applicants are Acwa Power; Sembcorp; Sumitomo; Itochu; TotalEnergies; Masdar; Al Fanar; EDF Renouvelables; Elecnor; Goldwind; GED and Marafiq; Hero Asia Investment. According to Nama, these projects mark a major step in sultanates efforts to meet its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. Once operational, they will collectively reduce tOmans carbon emissions by more than 978,000 tonnes per year and contribute significantly to the overall renewable energy output, it added.-TradeArabia News Service In a transformative move for international investment and economic collaboration, the UAE-India Business Council - UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) and the Department of Industries and Commerce (DoIC) of Rajasthan have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing took place during the Rajasthan official delegations visit to Dubai, led by Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, the Indian Minister for Industry and Commerce. The move is mainly aimed at bolstering investment and business collaboration in the Indian state. Accompanied by senior officers, including Sidharth Sihag, Joint Secretary to Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Sourabh Swami, Additional Commissioner, Bureau of Investment Promotion, along with Atul Sharma, Director, FICCI, Rajasthan State Council, the delegation was in Dubai to promote the upcoming Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to be held from December 9 to 11 in capital Jaipur. The Rising Rajasthan Summit represents a critical platform for attracting global investments across diverse sectors such as Agri & Food Processing, Auto Components, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, and Education & Skill Development. The MoU outlines key objectives such as promoting Rajasthans investment potential to UAE-based businesses, supporting joint events and workshops, and facilitating the exchange of vital market intelligence. By creating robust networking opportunities, the agreement seeks to connect UAE investors with Rajasthan-based enterprises and government entities, thereby stimulating greater investment interest and business partnerships. To ensure effective implementation, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established with representatives from both parties, each designated as primary points of contact for streamlined communication and coordination. The MoU was signed when the delegation met with UIBC-UC Founding members in a group closed-door roundtable, which was attended by Satish Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai & Northern Emirates. The roundtable was led by UIBC-UC and KEF Holdings Chairman Faizal Kottikollon, in the presence of prominent members including Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director - Middle East, North Africa & India Subcontinent of DP World and UIBC-UC Co-Chair; Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Lulu Financial Holdings and UIBC-UC Board Member; Shyam Kapur, Group President & CEO of Sharaf Group; Pankaj Khandelwal, CFO - UAE & India of EFS Facilities Services; and Kshitij Korde, Head of Corporate Affairs, UIBC-UC. "This MoU is a critical step in enhancing economic relations and uncovering new collaborative opportunities across key sectors including skills development, logistics, tourism, healthcare, renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and research," said Kottikollon. "By synchronizing the signing with the Dubai visit, the Rajasthan government has underscored its commitment to attracting global investors and showcasing the state's dynamic business environment. The establishment of the Joint Working Group further ensures that this ambitious agreement will be effectively implemented, paving the way for a dynamic and mutually beneficial future," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Hezbollah supporters carry pictures of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, during his funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Hezbollah members salute near the coffin of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil during the funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Hezbollah supporters march behind the hearse carrying the coffins of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil and militant Mahmoud Hamad during their funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Hezbollah supporters carry pictures of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during Akil's funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP An emergency worker speaks on the phone during rescue efforts at the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Emergency workers clear the rubble at the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Emergency workers clear the rubble at the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Lebanese soldiers stand guard near the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP A man walks with a suitcase as Lebanese soldiers drive near the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Lebanese soldiers drive near the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Lebanese soldiers stand guard near the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Emergency workers clear the rubble at the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP Hezbollah members carry the coffin of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil during the funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP A Hezbollah supporter carries a Palestinian flag near a picture of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, during Akil's funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) Lebanons Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets into northern Israel early Sunday in response to ramped-up Israeli attacks that killed dozens of people in Beirut, including a veteran leader of the militant group. During the funeral Sunday of that Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Akil, Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Kassem declared that the group is now in an open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel, and he vowed to prolong the misery of those displaced from the country's north. The Hezbollah rocket barrage overnight sent thousands of people scrambling into shelters. The Israeli military said rockets had been fired toward civilian areas, pointing to a possible escalation. Hezbollah says its attacks have been aimed at military targets. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The barrage came after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday killed at least 45 people, including one of Hezbollahs top leaders as well as women and children. The militant group was already reeling from a sophisticated attack that caused thousands of personal devices to explode just days earlier. Heres the latest: A new crisis for displaced Palestinians: flooding MUWASI, Gaza Strip As the first rain of the cool season starts to fall in the Gaza Strip, displaced Palestinians living in the sprawling Muwasi tent camp are struggling to cope with flooding that is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Some children are entertained by the novelty of walking barefoot in the ankle-deep water, but their parents are less amused. The adults try to save what they can from their family's tents. One mother tries to dry her temporary home with a mop. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We woke up in the morning to find the tents with rainwater pouring on us, and water from the streets entering on us, said Rana Gozat, a displaced person from Gaza City. This is the beginning of winter. What will happen in the coming days? Suhail Al-Barawi, a displaced person from Beit Lahiya, was helping to build sand barriers to prevent more flooding in the camp. People wish for rain," he said, "and we say, Oh God, do not give us rain. The nearly yearlong war between Israel and Hamas has displaced 90% of Palestinians in Gaza, according to the United Nations. Israel defense minister praises air strikes in Beirut Israels defense minister says recent attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon are a step toward facilitating the return of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north of the country. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Speaking Sunday evening after visiting the militarys Northern Command headquarters, Yoav Gallant described the recent air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut as significant, important and powerful. He says Israel will take all necessary measures to ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes. Israeli attacks since Friday have killed dozens in Lebanon, including a veteran Hezbollah commander. Hezbollah responded with more than 100 missile attacks in northern Israel early Sunday, sending hundreds of thousands of Israelis into air raid shelters. Gallant says: The past week has been the most difficult in the history of Hezbollahs existence especially over the past day. Two Israeli strikes in central Gaza kill at least seven people DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Two Israeli strikes in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah have killed at least seven people, according to hospital officials. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The first strike hit an apartment building early Sunday killing four people, including two women, followed by a second one in the afternoon that killed at least three more people. The bodies were rushed to the Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the city. Not long after funeral prayers were held for them outside the hospital, three more bloodied bodies arrived at the hospital, including one that appeared to be missing a leg. Israel is ready to take new steps against Hezbollah, military chief says JERUSALEM Israels military chief says the army is prepared to step up pressure on Hezbollah in the coming days. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi told reporters Sunday that Israel is committed to returning tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by nearly a year of fighting to their homes. He said Israel has inflicted heavy damage against Hezbollah in recent weeks, and if the Lebanese militant group hasnt learned its lesson, it will receive another blow and another blow. Halevi says the army is on a high level of readiness and prepared to take additional steps in the coming days. We have many capabilities that we have not yet activated, he said. Funeral takes place for seven killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut MAYS AL-JABAL, Lebanon A funeral has taken place in the southern Lebanese border town of Mays al-Jabal for seven people killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut, among them three women and two girls. Men in black wearing yellow scarves with the Hezbollah logo stood quietly Sunday, as women wept and threw rice and rose petals over the coffins five draped in Lebanese flags, and two in flags of Hezbollahs Imam Mahdi Scouts. Mourners waved flags representing Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, a Lebanese Shia political party, and expressed their rage over Israels conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Tell our brothers in this country, you must realize that this enemy and America and all these countries behind it are traitors to us, and have betrayed us and sold us out and do not believe our words, said Sheikh Bassam Karout, a local imam who officiated the funeral. The Israeli strike Friday in a crowded suburb south of the Lebanese capital killed several members of the militant Hezbollah group, including the head of its elite Radwan Force Ibrahim Akil. Civilians were among the dozens killed. Batoul Nasrallah, mourning the loss of several relatives at the funeral, called the Israelis cowards. (Israel) relies on the laws of the jungle instead of international conventions, especially with protecting civilians, Melhem Khalaf, a Christian Lebanese parliamentarian from Beirut, told The Associated Press. U.K. foreign secretary calls for immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah LONDON The U.K.s top diplomat is calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Sunday that the fighting is in nobodys interest. In recent days, we have seen worrying escalation between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, Lammy said. Our message to all parties is clear: We need an immediate ceasefire from both sides so that we can get to a political settlement. He also advised British nationals to leave now for their safety, repeating a message the Foreign Office has delivered several times recently. U.S. says is pushing for a diplomatic solution to end Israel-Hezbollah attacks WASHINGTON The Biden administration is pushing for a diplomatic solution to end the attacks between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, which have killed dozens of people in Beirut and pushed hundreds of thousands into underground shelters in Israel's north. Speaking Sunday on ABC's This Week, national security spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. has been involved in extensive and quite assertive diplomacy in the region. He says: "We still believe that there can be time and space for a diplomatic solution here" According to a statement from the Pentagon, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Saturday about the Hezbollah rocket attacks and stressed the need for a diplomatic solution. As concerns bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza, Kirby says they have not achieved any progress here in the last week to two weeks. Not for lack of trying. He says the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, doesn't appear to be negotiating in good faith, citing the recent killing of six Israeli hostages in tunnels under Gaza. "But it doesnt mean that were not trying. Palestinians worry about heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah MUWASI, Gaza Strip Palestinians in the Gaza Strip fear the war and worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory might be forgotten as tensions boil between Hezbollah and Israel. The militant group launched more than 100 rockets into northern Israel early Sunday in response to an Israeli attack last week that killed dozens in Beirut, including a top Hezbollah commander. All focus of the news and media is on Lebanon. Gaza is forgotten, Nezar Zaqout, who is living in a tent camp in Muwasi in southern Gaza, told The Associated Press. Every day we heard that there was hope for negotiations, or new news that they were trying to solve the issue of the displaced but we have become completely forgotten. In the sprawl of camps along Gaza's coast that Israel has designated a humanitarian zone and where Zaqout and other displaced Palestinians are sheltering, children walk on dirt roads muddied by overnight rainstorms to wait in line for bread. Saadi Abu Mustafa says he was hopeful for a ceasefire deal through Qatari, Egyptian, and American mediation, but he fears that the escalation in fighting and the focus on Lebanon will affect us negatively. Hezbollah has said it is confronting Israel in support of its ally Hamas in Gaza. He says: They leave Gaza without negotiations, without a prisoner, and without a ceasefire. Hezbollah is in an open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel, deputy leader says BEIRUT Hezbollahs deputy leader says his group is now in an open-ended battle of reckoning with Israel, and he is threatening to displace more people in the country's north. Speaking Sunday during the funeral of top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, Naim Kassem warned: We admit that we are pained. We are humans. But as we are pained, you will also be pained. His comments follow days of surprise Israeli attacks that have wounded thousands of people in Lebanon and killed members of Hezbollah, and hours after the militant group responded by launching rockets deep into northern Israel, including near the city of Haifa. He vows the ongoing conflict will destroy Israel's economy and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will not achieve your goals. Hezbollah has said it is confronting Israel in support of its ally Hamas in Gaza. Kassem says Hezbollah, which has lost several senior military leaders in recent months, has returned stronger, and the frontline will witness this. He has said Hezbollah will stop attacking northern Israel only if the country can reach a ceasefire in Gaza with Hamas, and that a military solution will not allow the tens of thousands of people displaced from northern Israel to return. Hundreds attend the funeral of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil BEIRUT Hundreds of people gathered in southern Beirut Sunday for the funeral of top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, killed in an Israeli airstrike on Friday alongside other members of the powerful militant group. Akils coffin was draped in a yellow Hezbollah flag with his portrait. Senior Hezbollah members attended the funeral, including deputy leader Sheikh Naim Kassem and senior parliamentarian Mohammad Raad. Killed Hezbollah militant Mahmoud Hamad was also honored at the funeral. Hezbollah legislator says the group is ready for any scenario BEIRUT, Lebanon Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah says the war with Israel has entered a new phase, saying the group is ready for any scenario, war, or confrontation. Attending the funeral of a member of the Lebanese militant group who was killed among dozens of others in an Israeli strike on a Beirut neighborhood Friday, Fadlallah said the southern front has played a crucial role in pressuring Israel to stop its war on Gaza. He also said that Israel won't be able to achieve its main goal ... to return settlers in the north," as he praised the abilities of Hezbollah. We have a strong and capable resistance that possesses the capabilities, competencies, and numerous fighters and equipment that enable it to absorb any loss or blow, and to adapt to any new situation," he said. Netanyahu says Hezbollah has been dealt unimaginable blows JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has dealt Hezbollah blows that it did not imagine after days of intense strikes on Lebanon. In a video statement released by his office, Netanyahu said that if the militant group did not get the message, I promise you, it will get the message. UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) held key discussions with Beta Technologies agreed on boosting co-operation as well as exchanging experiences in the field of advanced electric aircraft. This came during a high-level visit by a delegation from the GCAA led by its Director General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General along with representatives from other government entities in the UAE aviation sector to Betas factory in Vermont, US. The visitors held talks with Kyle Clark, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Beta Technologies, and discussed ways to boost mutual ties as well as share best practices in the field of advanced electric aircraft. Al Suwaidi pointed out that electric aircraft technology was currently witnessing tremendous advancements, particularly in light of future visions and plans to integrate air transport into the urban mobility system. This visit comes as part of efforts to explore the latest developments in advanced air mobility, in line with the UAE's strategic vision to strengthen its global partnerships in advanced air transport technologies and reinforce its leadership in sustainable aviation, he noted. "UAE is a pioneer in this field, working in collaboration with several leading global companies to enhance supportive regulations and policies, and to develop an advanced infrastructure for vertical take-off and landing networks, in preparation for the commercial launch of air taxis in 2026," he stated. The GCAA, he stated, was keen to stay updated on the latest global technologies in this area, praising the advanced technologies and precise engineering for the development of a safe and sustainable advanced air mobility system. During the visit, Clark underlined Betas significant achievements in revolutionising aviation through their development of Alia CTOL (Conventional Takeoff and Landing) followed by Alia VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft. The tour showcased Beta production facilitys advanced assembly tooling and critical systems production lines including batteries and charging units, demonstrating substantial progress in delivering an all-electric aircraft to both the Military and Civil sectors. The facility highlighted Betas commitment to aviation sustainability and innovation.-TradeArabia News Service The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with Saudi Arabias Ministry of Tourism, has launched a new report revealing the stark impact of the pandemic on woman and youth employment within the global travel and tourism sector. Almost 70 million people working in the travel and tourism sector lost their jobs during the pandemic, but women and young people were disproportionately impacted because their roles were more likely to be in the worst affected areas such as hospitality and food services, stated the report. While the sector has broadly seen a strong recovery, the Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment report found it employed 42 million women and just over 16 million young people in 2022, notably lower than the 48.4 million women (-13%) and nearly 19 million young workers (15%) supported by the sector in 2019. While the sector remains a vital source of jobs for underrepresented groups, the report makes clear that more must be done to ensure an inclusive and equitable recovery. The report, which examines employment trends across 185 economies from 2019 to 2022, underscores the sectors potential as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and social progress. "It is critical that we learn from these hardships and implement measures to protect these groups from being disproportionately affected in future crises," said the report. According to the latest EIR data, in 2023, the Travel & Tourism sectors GDP contribution rose by 29.1% above pre-pandemic levels, outpacing the global average, which remained 4.1% below. Yet despite this economic rebound, the social recovery continued to lag, particularly for women and young people who remain more likely to be stuck in informal, part-time, or low-wage roles without security or growth potential. Julia Simpson, the WTTC President & CEO, said: "This report highlights the extraordinary potential of Travel & Tourism to drive inclusive growth, but it also underscores the urgent need for action. Women and young people are the backbone of our sector, yet they continue to face significant barriers." "By investing in skills, promoting inclusive policies, and fostering entrepreneurship, we can unlock the full potential of these groups and ensure that our sector leads the way in creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities," she stated. The report also highlights that women remain underrepresented in high-wage and leadership roles, with the gender split in Travel & Tourism employment nearly mirroring that of the wider economy. Young workers, who make up a greater share of the Travel & Tourism workforce compared to the wider economy, face particular challenges in accessing stable employment. Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb, welcomed the joint report findings and emphasised the kingdoms commitment to supporting youth and female employment in the sector. "Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 underscores the kingdoms commitment to ensuring Travel & Tourism is a key driver of social change," he said. "Our substantial investments in 2024, includes SAR375 million for skills development training local tour guides who acquire deep knowledge of our nation's rich history and landscapes. Others are becoming entrepreneurs, focusing on creativity, leadership, and digital skills," stated Al Khateeb. "In 2022, Saudi women's employment in tourism was the fifth fastest growing among G20 countries. The focus on localising services, in areas like AlUla and Diriyah, has created new opportunities for women in heritage tourism jobs," he noted. Key areas of focus for governments and the Travel & Tourism sector include: *Develop policies for skills training and gender equality *Enhance job opportunities for women and youth *Invest in education and leadership programmes *Implement inclusive hiring practices and equal pay *Support flexible work arrangements and childcare *Promote entrepreneurship through support for start-ups and small businesses Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment serves as a clarion call to governments and businesses worldwide: to prioritise the inclusion of women and youth in the workforce, to invest in their skills and future, and to ensure that the benefits of Travel & Tourism are shared by all. "Through stronger partnerships, tourism can transform into a vehicle for inclusive development, creating a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone," remraked Al Khateeb. This joint report calls for urgent action to address these disparities and maximise the sectors potential as a driver of inclusive growth, he added.-TradeArabia News Service OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has called on Finance Minister Colm Imbert to provide a comprehensive report on Colonial Life Insurance Company Ltd (CLICO), stressing that there should be no more secrecy surrounding the matter. Persad-Bissessar made the statements in Parliament on Friday as she kicked off the debate on the 2025 national budget, which was presented by Imbert on Monday. 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. The continuing decline in tertiary education enrolment is cause for concern, but no reason to panic. According to the 2025 Social Sector Investment Programme (SSIP), student enrolment in 2024 dropped by 5.3%, while in 2023 the decline was 8.3% compared to 2022. In interviews published in yesterdays Sunday Express, chief executive of The UWI Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, Mariano Browne, and former education minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh identified some common factors that could account for this decline. These included less funding for the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) programme, lower confidence in the countrys economic prospects, and bad policies by tertiary institutions. 2024 China Film Week kicks off in Myanmar Xinhua) 09:47, September 22, 2024 Zheng Zhihong, minister counselor of the Chinese embassy in Myanmar, delivers a speech at the 2024 China Film Week at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 20, 2024. The 2024 China Film Week commenced in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday, with more than 100 representatives from Myanmar's film, literature, education and media sectors as well as overseas Chinese communities attending the event. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) YANGON, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 China Film Week commenced in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday, with more than 100 representatives from Myanmar's film, literature, education and media sectors as well as overseas Chinese communities attending the event. Zheng Zhihong, minister counselor of the Chinese embassy in Myanmar, said at the event that holding the China Film Week in Myanmar is an important initiative to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and promote people-to-people exchanges between China and Myanmar. In recent years, China's film and television industry has flourished, and exchanges between China and Myanmar in this field have become closer. China is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Myanmar in relevant fields, he said. U Zeyar, deputy director general of the media development department under Myanmar's Ministry of Information, said cultural exchanges between Myanmar and China have a long history, and that Myanmar audiences are enthusiastic about the China Film Week, which contributes to deepening the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between the two countries. The five-day 2024 China Film Week is hosted by the Chinese embassy in Myanmar and co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Yangon. The event will screen Chinese films including "The Wandering Earth," "The Wandering Earth II," "Chang'an," "Song of the Phoenix," and "Paths of the Soul." U Zeyar, deputy director general of the media development department under Myanmar's Ministry of Information, delivers a speech at the 2024 China Film Week at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 20, 2024. The 2024 China Film Week commenced in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday, with more than 100 representatives from Myanmar's film, literature, education and media sectors as well as overseas Chinese communities attending the event. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Participants attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 China Film Week at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 20, 2024. The 2024 China Film Week commenced in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday, with more than 100 representatives from Myanmar's film, literature, education and media sectors as well as overseas Chinese communities attending the event. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) 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. North Dakota is a lot different than Arizona. The Grand Canyon is replaced with Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Our sunny winters are replaced with snow and freezing temperatures. But where North Dakota might reign superior is its 70-degree summers. Thats where my thrifting journey started because they have a lot of markets out there, says Shannyn Wilson, a Sierra Vista native who lived in the northern state for four years while her husband Kenneth was stationed there. The couple made their way back to Tucson in 2019, eagerly diving into our vibrant maker scene. I loved antiquing and thrifting and I really wanted to support small businesses, so I started going to markets, Wilson says. But it started to get really hot for us, and we have a toddler, too. It was hard to look around and complete (the whole market) because it was so hot outside. With that in mind, the Wilsons set off to create an indoor consignment space where local makers could showcase their handmade items. Just three months after thinking it through (and building a mockup store on The Sims 4 video game), Saguaro Square opened its doors on Aug. 25 at 50 S. Houghton Road, near Broadway. There wasnt anything like this on the east side, Wilson says. I live on the east side and I personally dont have enough time to go downtown or hit every market on the weekends. The shop is currently home to 125 local vendors with space for even more. You can find everything from stickers of your favorite Gilmore Girls characters to sugar cookies, 3D-printed mystical creatures, earrings in the shape of smiling ghosts, crocheted plushies and lots more. The shop is intentionally not curated because everyone has their own style, Wilson says and dedicates a shelf or two to every vendor. She chose to use shelves to organize the store as a way to keep prices affordable for artists spaces cost as low as $20 per month, plus a 10% commission fee. The cool thing about having so many vendors is youre always going to find something, Wilson says. Theres so much talent in Tucson and I want to showcase as much as we can. Word of mouth has made the biggest difference. Back in July, the Wilsons handed out Saguaro Square flyers to vendors at the last Tucson Trades market. Someone posted about the shop on Nextdoor and countless people have been walking in because of it. Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up We get a lot of people being like, We cant buy anything but Ill spread the word, and thats just as helpful, Wilson says, adding that Saguaro Square has made more than 660 transactions since opening in August. Saguaro Square is also a good space for shoppers and vendors alike who may share a bit of anxiety. Shoppers dont have to feel guilty for walking away empty-handed in front of an artist. Vendors dont have to stand at a market in front of strangers, pitching their artwork to hundreds of potential shoppers. Its a great space for (vendors) to drop their items and go, Wilson says. It gives them a good opportunity to earn money passively. Sometimes just starting out can be really daunting, so we take that out and do that for them marketing their items and selling their items. Staff will even take the time to learn small snippets about each of the vendors. They can tell shoppers about a tiny feature on the back of an art piece or what kind of material was used to make a certain item. My biggest goal is helping support other small businesses, Wilson says. When you come in here, you know youre getting something from a small business. Its a good feeling getting something from someone just getting started or a seasoned artist theyre all gaining something. The idea for Saguaro Square was partially inspired by the Wilsons first business Candy World, a candy shop in Rita Ranch that they purchased from Kenneths mom. In addition to candy, the shop carried art again lined up on shelves made by eight to nine vendors. So many people were interested in consignment at Candy World and we were like, Lets just make it bigger, Wilson says. We started looking (for a space) and we just went all in. I love Candy World, but it was always my dream to open up something like this, she says of Saguaro Square. During COVID was when I started diving into other peoples small businesses and I saw where people struggled and where there was a gap and how we could help. In the future, the Wilsons plan to host events for the community. The shop is right next to Galaxy Theatres, so theyre hoping to keep Saguaro Square open late on days when new movies premiere. They also would like to host markets in their adjacent courtyard for artists who might be on the Saguaro Square waitlist. Live music is also in the works. I think small businesses are pretty much the bread and butter of the economy, Wilson says. (Your money) is not going to an overall large company. Its putting food on the table and paying for a birthday party. James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow James D. Watts Jr. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The Signature Symphony at Tulsa Community College will open its 2024-2025 season by convincing its audience that Threes a Party, the title of the concert it will present at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the VanTrease PACE, 10300 E. 81st St. Joining the symphony will be the chamber ensemble Project Trio, made up of flautist Greg Pattillo, saxophonist Daniel Berkey and bassist Peter Seymour. The group has earned fame for its blending of classical, jazz, hip-hop and world music. Gramophone Magazine praised Project Trio as an ensemble willing and able to touch on the gamut of musical bases ranging from Baroque to nu-metal and taking in pretty much every stylism in between. Signature Symphony Artistic Director Scott Seaton said Project Trio is one of his favorite groups with which to work and said the concert will reflect a broad array of musical styles. The first half of the program with the trio will include works ranging from Mozart to Bach, but also a few works that have deep grooves and improvisatory elements, like Bodega and Winter in June, both Project Trio originals, Seaton said. The trio will also be featured in a piece title Djangish, which Seaton characterized as a jazzy homage to (legendary guitarist) Django Reinhardt. In the second half, we will present Brahms and his exuberant Second Symphony, ripe with soaring melodies and complex rhythmic layering, he said. The tangents this symphony has to Brahms and his immensely chaotic and confusing personal life makes it immediately relatable to the modern world (and what an odd triangle it was!). Tickets for the concert are $39-$85. 918-595-7777, signaturesymphony.org. Formosa Quartet Chamber Music Tulsa will present the Formosa Quartet in concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Tulsa PAC, 110 E. Second St. Winners of the First Prize and Amadeus Prize at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, the Formosa Quartet has during its 20-year history has explored uncharted musical terrains, as its founding members interest in championing Taiwanese music and Indigenous cultures has since expanded to include the exploration of the rich folk traditions and heritages found in America today. The ensemble serves as the Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Houstons Moores School of Music, and Faculty Quartet-in-Residence at the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, in addition to its extensive concertizing. The quartets Tulsa performance will feature quartets by Haydn (G Major, Op. 77, No. 1) and Beethoven (F Major, Op. 18, No. 1), along with contemporary pieces by Jessie Montgomery, Rhiannon Giddens and Charlton Singleton. The concert will also include a Formosa Quartet Set, drawn from the ensembles collection of folk, pop, jazz and poetry arrangements. Tickets are $30. 918-596-7111, tulsapac.com. Modern Day Hatred The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, 2021 E. 71st St., has opened Modern Day Hatred, a new exhibit that traces how hatred that led to the Holocaust was not unique, but which has persisted throughout history and continues to manifest itself in increasingly diverse and dangerous ways today. The exhibit focuses on the historic events of Kristallnacht, the Tulsa Race Massacre and the Osage murders of the 1920s, and how the world continues to respond to them. It also addresses current statistics of hate in Oklahoma and what Oklahoma organizations are doing to combat this hate, so that the promise of Never Again will be the response to any sort of oppression. It will feature objects from the Sherwin Miller collection, images from the Tulsa Historical Society and objects that survived the Tulsa Race Massacre. Modern Day Hatred was inspired by the opening display in the museums acclaimed Sanditen/Kaiser Holocaust Center, which draws startling visual parallels between the uniforms of Nazi SS officers, the white hood and robes of the Ku Klux Klan, and the polo shirt, khakis and tiki torches worn and carried by the white supremacists at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 27, 2025. jewishmuseumtulsa.org. Music for Royalty Tulsa Chorale will begin its 33rd season with Music for Royalty, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at First Baptist Church Tulsa, 420 S. Detroit Ave. The program will include two Coronation Anthems by Handel, Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice, along with the Coronation Mass, K. 317, by Mozart. As the title suggests, our first concert features choral classics that became prominently featured at historical coronations past and present, said Zachary Malavolti, the chorales artistic director. This music features powerful choral declamations and regal orchestral flourishes. The concert will feature the 100-member chorale alongside local soloists and members of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $10-$25, and available at tulsachorale.org or at the door. Patrimony Eli has grown up the son of a single mother, but as he turns 17, he becomes determined to learn the truth about his father a secret that his mother, Samantha, has struggled to keep hidden. Elis efforts ranging from seeking guidance from an imaginary friend named Elbert, and undergoing DNA testing to see if he has any extant siblings. But when his test results come back, what they reveal upends everything Eli thought he knew about his identity and ethnicity. American Theatre Company is presenting the Oklahoma premiere of Duane Kellys drama Patrimony, with performances 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 4-5, 2 p.m. Sunday Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, at the Tulsa PAC, 110 E. Second St. The production stars Tomas Ferrell, Patricia Pineda, Noah Barnes and Charles Kevin Smith and is directed by Michelle Cullom. Tickets are $25-$30. 918-596-7111, tulsapac.com. The Tulsa World is where your story lives Michael Dekker Tulsa World Business Writer Follow Michael Dekker Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Longtime Tulsa residents may remember Ray Miller Jr., and his mentor Lloyd Fleming, or their company name across the roof of a large building at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa that still bears their mark: Fleming. Fleming, which is now known as Fleming Construction Group, constructed most of the buildings at the nations farthest inland port. Lloyd Fleming founded the company and passed it along to his longtime employee, Miller. Through a multitude of changes since 1946, the company for the first time has been listed in Inc. 5000s fastest-growing companies in the U.S. Justin Willett has been with the company since 2016 and has been president of Fleming since 2020. In construction you do so much early and then a project takes forever for it to become real and then you have to built it, ... theres a long gestation period, Willett said. So the work that came with that award started a long time ago. To finally see these things come to fruition, and the pride that people take around here is really, really cool. Fleming is known for industrial and commercial buildings, but it has also diversified. A lot of construction companies ... they are family-run businesses, Willett said. Sometimes that next generation doesnt want to be in or isnt capable of taking it over. Our strategy we want to be in places that are growing. That was our growth strategy. Flemings mark on Tulsas landscape Fleming has grown by 176% over the past three years, in part organically, and in part by acquisitions of other smaller family-owned companies. We wanted to build upon the legacy that had already been created, and this is how we wanted to branch out, Willett said. Historically, Fleming typically focused on facilities for manufacturing, industrial and transportation with a little bit of retail. But Fleming has in recent years also built many other structures, including the former Spirit Bank Center in Bixby, which was purchased by Transformation Church in 2020. Fleming also constructed Tulsas BMX headquarters downtown and many other area car dealership buildings. Weve got a pretty decent mix, if you see all the buildings, Willett said. The company culture with acquisitions Flemings motto is Building trust, talent and passion. In addition to Tulsa, it now has offices in Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Kansas City and Phoenix. Willett said that when he joined the company in 2016, he was attracted to the family atmosphere of it, in addition to Tulsas dynamic growth. A lot of us came over from larger, more corporate environments, and (we) felt like we could serve clients a little bit better if we were kind of unshackled from some of those big-company bureaucracies, he said. So thats our challenge now. Can we keep that client interface and can we serve people with being a larger company spread across multiple states? To help with that, Willett said the company has some young leaders who they are trying to develop. We call ourselves a hiring and training organization that also does construction. We just have to be, he said. In a recent acquisition for Fleming, the average tenure of the 50 employees was almost 19 years. So what were all about right now is getting our young leaders that we identify, in with the senior folks, and how can we mentor and how can we help motivate across offices, across divisions, he said. Im kind of a servant leader, in that sense, and weve got professionals that know their area of influence way better than I do. And so how can I help them be more successful? What do we need from an investment or technology standpoint? Inc. 5000 companies in Oklahoma Below is a list of Oklahoma companies, ranked in order of growth over the past three years, according to Inc. 5000, which produces an annual ranking for the top 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the U.S.: 1,262%, Larken (retail, ranked 343 nationally), Oklahoma City 914%, T&T Industrial (manufacturing, ranked 480), Oklahoma City 546%, Chloeta (security, ranked 925), Oklahoma City 412%, Philtek Services (human resources, ranked 1,257), Marlow 410%, Infinity Restoration and Construction (construction, ranked 1,267), Oklahoma City 369%, Freestyle Creative (advertising and marketing, ranked 1,389), Oklahoma City 357%, Medefy Health (software, ranked 1,447), Tulsa 316%, Peak Behavioral Health (health services, ranked 1,645), Norman 294%, NetFabric (IT services, ranked 1,780), Oklahoma City 268%, Waterfield Tech (business products and services, ranked 1,943), Tulsa 265%, VINCIT (construction, ranked 1,973), Oklahoma City 247%, Jones Pubic Relations (advertising and marketing, ranked 2,128), Oklahoma City 229%, Arrival 3D (engineering, ranked 2,276), Oklahoma City 226%, Alltech Air Conditioning (consumer services, ranked 2,303), Lawton 211%, StratusGreen (business products and services, ranked 2,469), Moore 210%, Thompson Construction (construction, ranked 2,473), Tulsa 192%, Lumio Dental (health services, ranked 2,650), Jenks 176%, Fleming Construction Group (construction, ranked 2,877), Tulsa 170%, Vesta Foundation Solutions (construction, ranked 2,954), Oklahoma City 164%, Elite Lawn Care (environmental services, ranked 3,040), Oklahoma City 148%, Certified Source (human resources, ranked 3,294), Tulsa 145%, Momentum3 (software, ranked 3,349), Tulsa 140%, NeoInsulation (manufacturing, ranked 3,447), Kingfisher 134%, IXOPAY (software, ranked 3,557), Tulsa 102%, Crytzer England (human resources, ranked 4,276), Edmond 75%, Sawyer Manufacturing Company (manufacturing, ranked 4,927), Tulsa Source: Inc. 5000 The Tulsa World is where your story lives Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY While business leaders in Oklahoma favor reducing or even eliminating the states income tax, they wouldnt support any cut if it came at the expense of public education or other core services. An annual poll of leaders undertaken this summer by the State Chamber, the State Chamber Research Foundation and Oklahoma Business Roundtable revealed support for tax cuts and things like state incentives and promotional campaigns to attract business investment and skilled workers to the state, but even stronger interest in improving what many view as a failing public education system. Weaknesses in the states education system were cited as serious concerns in the context of many young people entering their working years unprepared to hold down jobs. While 67% of the 325 survey respondents expressed views that Oklahomas economy is headed in the right direction, an even higher percentage indicated that the state needs to turn things around when it comes to education and workforce preparation. Business leaders see a need for across-the-board improvements in Oklahomas public education system, from K-12 through Higher Education. A stunning 80% of business leaders say students graduating from Oklahoma public high schools are not well prepared for success in the workplace. Only 19% of business leaders give Oklahoma public schools even passing marks on this front, the report states. Some 83% of respondents said Oklahomas higher education system needs to do a better job of incentivizing students to pursue careers in fields with greater workforce demand. Out of those who took part in the 2024 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll, 10% represented businesses in the Tulsa metro. While about three-quarters of the poll takers said they would favor either a gradual elimination or outright elimination of the states income tax, they also expressed that cuts should be made only if theyre supported by growth in state revenues. When they were asked either-or questions, 73% of the leaders said they would choose an increase in spending on infrastructure over 24% who favored an income tax cut; 71% said they would prefer more spending on education over 28% who said they would prefer a tax cut; and 61% said they would rather see more investment in mental health over 38% who said theyd rather have a tax cut. Notably, 64% responded that they would prefer to see a cut in the states income tax, over 32% who said they would prefer an increase in spending on social programs. Other survey findings included: Forty-three percent of business leaders said they expect to increase their workforce over the next year, while 50% said they expect to keep things about the same. About 7% anticipate moderate to substantial decreases. Regarding state taxes on business, 38% said they believe they pay too much; 54% said they pay about the right amount; 4% believe they do not pay enough. Regarding business regulations, 84% said federal regulations are most burdensome, but 80% describe state regulations as burdensome and 61% said the same about local regulations. While 50% responded that that have employees who work remotely and expect that to continue, 37% said they do not and will not have remote employees. While 73% expressed views that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies have gone too far and have become counterproductive, 70% said the Legislature should leave companies alone in setting policies related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Only 12% said the Legislature should prohibit or discourage ESG policies. Business leaders were split in views when it comes to culture war issues and education. While 45% said it has become necessary for state leaders to intervene in schools, 52% said they believe state leaders have exploited isolated controversies simply to score political points. As weve seen in the last few years, workforce and education continue to be a top priority for business leaders. Theyre struggling to find the workers that they need that have the skills that they need for their business to grow and succeed, State Chamber Research Foundation Executive Director Ben Lepak said. On top of that, there was strong support among business leaders for pro-growth tax reform, particularly looking at Oklahomas individual income tax and trying to move forward on that item as well. At the Oklahoma Business Roundtable, President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Funke said the poll results reveal encouraging signs about the states direction and overall business climate. However, it also highlights critical areas requiring attention specifically taxes, workforce and education. The feedback from business leaders is clear and presents a roadmap for the work that needs to be done. The Tulsa World is where your story lives A Taiwan court decided on Friday to retain capital punishment, but ruled its application should be "limited to special and exceptional circumstances". Democratic Taiwan has carried out 35 executions since a moratorium on capital punishment was lifted in 2010, with the latest -- that of a 53-year-old man convicted for setting a fire that killed his family -- occurring in April 2020. Campaigners against the death penalty have long argued that the practice, carried out by shooting an inmate in the heart from behind as they lie face-down on the ground, is an inhumane method of punishment. The case was brought by the 37 inmates currently on death row in Taiwan to the Constitutional Court, which ruled Friday that it would retain the death penalty. "However, the death penalty is a capital punishment after all, and its scope of application should still be limited to special and exceptional circumstances," said chief justice Hsu Tzong-li during a lengthy readout of the court's decision. In a statement, the court said while the right to life will be protected under Taiwan's constitution, "such protection is not absolute". "The (Taiwan Constitutional Court) emphasized that because death penalty was the most severe punishment and irreversible in nature, its application and procedural safeguard (from investigation to execution) should be reviewed under strict scrutiny," it said in reference to the crime of murder. However, "the judgement did not address the constitutionality of death penalty in general or imposed on other offences", like treason or drug-related offences. The court also ruled that imposing the death sentence be "prohibited" for "defendants with mental conditions". Additionally, death row inmates "should not be executed if they had mental conditions to the extent that have impeded their competency for execution". Presidential spokeswoman Karen Kuo called the ruling "an important milestone for Taiwan's judiciary". "The President (Lai Ching-te)... looks forward to the relevant agencies to amend the supporting regulations in accordance with the judgment to meet the values of procedural justice and human rights." There are about 50 provisions in Taiwan's criminal laws that stipulate capital punishment to be the maximum sentence, and executions are carried out without notice once all appeals have been exhausted. Capital punishment remains popular in Taiwan, with a recent survey by the Chinese Association for Human Rights showing that 80 percent were in favour of keeping it. But a lawyer with Judicial Reform Foundation -- which campaigns for the abolition of the death penalty -- said they "regret the ruling". "From our culture and education, we think there will be better law and order with the death penalty but crime rates didn't increase -- actually it decreased instead -- in recent years when we carried out relatively fewer executions," said Lin Yong-song Friday. "We regret that the court didn't rule it to be unconstitutional... We will work hard to help people understand the importance of respecting life." Taiwan is internationally regarded as a bastion of progressive values, as it was the first in Asia in 2019 to legalise marriage equality. But it remains a "post-Confucian society," said death penalty scholar Jimmy Hsu. "Revenge as a form of justice in ancient Chinese society -- like avenging the deaths of your father or close relatives -- has been in the centre and strongly supported by the Confucian elite in the old days," he told AFP. "There are some remnants from the past that still play big roles in the society's self-understanding." Jason Collington Tulsa World Editor Follow Jason Collington Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today They said his compassionate way of telling stories helps challenge and inspire other Tulsans to be compassionate, as well. What an amazing way to describe Tulsa World Staff Photographer Mike Simons. Its very true of him and the other journalists in our newsroom. Simons was presented with the Compassionate Tulsan Award at the September meeting of the Tulsa Human Rights Commission. Since 2015, a committee of the commission called Compassionate Tulsa has worked to partner with public and private entities to enhance positive change, civic engagement and establish the city as a model Compassionate Community. At the time, Tulsa was the first city in Oklahoma to be formally called one. Simons is the 20th person to receive the award. I joined him at City Hall last week when he accepted it. I argue that compassion is a word we arent able to use enough in todays world. I liked how Gary Peluso-Verdend, a member of Compassionate Tulsa, defined it in a Tulsa World op-ed a couple of years ago: to be compassionate means to be present with and to persons who are suffering, to see them, to hear them and to see if there is anything in our power that can be done to ameliorate their pain. Peluso-Verdend, the executive director of the Center for Religion in Public Life at Phillips Theological Seminary, points out that human brains are wired to show compassion for those we deem to be like us. And there is the rub, especially in a large, pluralistic society that will soon be a no-majority culture. Showing compassion for those who are like us is insufficient for a thriving society, he wrote. When Simons accepted the award, he was given a chance to speak. In seconds, he had everyone laughing. I found out about this three weeks ago, so every time someone has cut me off or honked at me, I had to remember, No, no. Im a compassionate Tulsan, he said. In his 25-year career, Simons has walked the full lengths of streets in our city to document what he found along those many miles, and hes prioritized photographing people experiencing homelessness. Thats how hes been able to find the people he says are some of the real heroes in our community. Im amazed at the social workers and the case workers, he told the committee members. They do it every day, and they have patience and compassion. They are amazing. I applaud them. Simons was also nice to mention the compassion we have to have here at the Tulsa World. It goes to a question that Julie Skye of Compassionate Tulsa asked me later over coffee: What is the role of the Tulsa World in our city? I talked about the idea that sometimes were holding up a mirror, showing people a reality they cant see themselves. Other times its opening a door that others want to keep shut. Every time, its about empowering the local journalists to produce local journalism that cant be ignored. Mikes pictures can change hearts and minds, Skye told me. When someone sees a photo, it can trigger things. Positive things. Simons is one of the three staff photographers we have at the Tulsa World. I like to call Simons, Stephen Pingry and Daniel Shular the eyes of Tulsa. They dont tell. They show. They spend all of their time embedded in this community, crystalizing in photos what is and what isnt happening so you can see it for yourself in the pages of the print edition and on our website. This is where I thank our loyal subscribers: Your support of local journalism at the Tulsa World gives Mike Simons, Stephen Pingry and Daniel Shular the chance to do amazing work that no one else is doing. After accepting his award, Simons left the group with this: Photographers of a certain age, we have this running joke, he said. If you take pictures long enough, you will win awards. So we are all, quote, award-winning photographers. You will win awards. But this award is my favorite. If you want to nominate someone for the Compassionate Tulsan Award, go to compassionatetulsa.com and click on programs to complete a nomination form. With the rapid growth of renewable energy in recent years, industry experts are urging Vietnam to increase the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) within its national power grid. Pham Dang An, deputy general director of Vu Phong Energy Group, emphasized that BESS is becoming increasingly vital for ensuring energy security and fostering sustainable growth. He explained that the reliable and optimal performance of renewable energy sources heavily depends on effective energy storage systems. Moreover, developing these devices will relieve pressure on the national power grid and ensure a consistent electricity supply. Given such benefits, An suggested that the government establish a comprehensive policy framework that will include financial support and future technical standards to ensure the quality and safety of storage systems. This would help increase the proportion of storage batteries in Vietnams energy infrastructure. Sunita Dubey, regional lead and Vietnam country representative at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), noted that Vietnam's share of renewable energy continues to grow. She encouraged the incorporation of advanced technologies into Vietnam's energy development and recovery plans. Dubey highlighted that major global companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Nike, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Nestle, and Unilever, have been committed to using 100 percent renewable energy. This trend underscores the need for Vietnam to evolve its energy strategies accordingly. Currently, GEAPP is testing a battery energy storage system that integrates with the national grid for the first time, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the Vietnam Energy Institute (VEI). The goal is to increase battery capacity to 300 MW and support a financial policy that facilitates the implementation and growth of this pilot BESS project. Dubey believed integrating BESS into Vietnam's energy infrastructure presents a promising opportunity for the nations energy transformation. She explained that by storing energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak times, BESS can enhance the flexibility of the grid system, reduce carbon emissions, and lower electricity costs. According to data from leading battery suppliers, Dubey pointed out that technological innovations are making BESS more accessible, while the cost of manufacturing lithium batteries has steadily decreased. She recommended that Vietnam seize this opportunity to attract investments, create more 'green' jobs, and improve energy security. Assessing storage battery ratio As policymakers confer on the pivotal role of BESS in advancing renewable energy initiatives and bolstering domestic battery production, collaborative efforts are already underway to seamlessly integrate storage into the nation's electric grid. The Power Development Plan for the 2021-30 period envisions developments through 2050 (PDP VIII), with Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade aiming to establish a power capacity of 300 MW from BESS by 2030. The ministry asserted that incorporating storage batteries into the grid would ensure safe operation and enhance the power system's capacity to absorb renewable energy. VEI has been tasked by the ministry with developing this project. The institute will provide technical consultations to review and refine the project, which will be submitted to the prime minister as part of the ongoing revision of PDP VIII. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has requested that the ministry evaluate proposals for establishing power storage systems to allow for the purchase of 100 percent surplus electricity from rooftop solar energy systems at varying rates and times. Addressing potential risks Pham Phuoc Binh, director of Bincon Joint Stock Company, argued that integrating solar energy systems with power storage solutions will get ahead of the instability shadowing renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. Binh explained that fluctuations in renewable energy can disrupt the electricity distribution system managed by state utility EVN, but with an energy storage system in place, many of these issues will be mitigated. He also stated that several technological challenges must be addressed to ensure the electricity system operates effectively and investments are made wisely. For instance, when constructing a solar power system with storage capabilities, an inverter combined with a charging system will be necessary. This system is designed to operate optimally with both solar radiation and the electric grid. In cases where existing grid-tied solar energy systems are already in operation, adding battery energy storage systems may incur higher integration costs than new project investments. Furthermore, it is crucial to determine the appropriate space for backup batteries, especially to ensure fire safety. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is actively researching policies to incorporate energy storage batteries into Vietnam's energy landscape. As the country strives to enhance its renewable energy capacity, battery energy storage systems will play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future. By addressing the challenges and leveraging technological advancements, Vietnam can position itself as a leader in the renewable energy sector. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam has set a target of some US$25 billion a year in revenue from the semiconductor industry by 2030, according to the country's semiconductor development strategy until 2030, with a vision for 2050, issued by the prime minister. The figure will soar to $50 billion a year during the 2030-40 period and $100 billion between 2040 and 2050. To fulfill the target, Vietnam will deploy the strategy in three phases, with the first from 2024 to 2030 focusing on foreign investment attraction. Accordingly, the Southeast Asian nation will leverage its advantages of geopolitical stability and human resources to attract foreign investors, moving toward turning it into one of the worlds chip workforce hubs. It will also enhance its semiconductor research, design, manufacturing, packaging, and testing capabilities during the period. The first phase is expected to see at least 100 chip design firms, one semiconductor manufacturing factory, and 10 chip packaging and testing plants come into being. The semiconductor industry is set to generate some $25 billion yearly during the period, with its added value in the country ranging from 10 to 15 percent and a workforce of 50,000 engineers. Samsungs research and development center in Hanoi. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Vietnam will strive to become one of the global electronics and semiconductor hubs during the second phase of the strategy from 2030 to 2040. The country will form a network of at least 200 chip design firms, two semiconductor production factories, and 15 chip packaging and testing plants to boost its semiconductor growth, fostering its autonomy in chip design technology and production. The second phase is intended to see Vietnam obtain $50 billion per year in turnover from the chip industry with its added value at up to 20 percent and a workforce of 100,000 tech workers. During the last phase of the strategy, Vietnam would like to be among the worlds leading nations with a developed electronics and semiconductor industry. The government aims to equip the semiconductor industry with at least 300 design companies, three chip manufacturing plants, and 20 packaging and testing factories during the 2040-50 period. Mastering semiconductor research and development, Vietnam will achieve $100 billion in revenue from the industry a year, with its added value ranging from 20 to 25 percent, according to the strategy. The phase will witness a complete autonomous semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam. A semiconductor engineering training course at the Vietnam National Innovation Center in Hanoi. Photo: B. Ngoc / Tuoi Tre To achieve this ambitious goal, the government has outlined a series of missions and solutions aimed at expanding the chip industry in the coming years. The country will concentrate on specialized chip, electronics, and tech workforce development, while attracting talents and foreign investors. The government will set up a national steering board for semiconductor development led by the prime minister, along with a specialist team for the chip industry led by the information and communications minister. Besides, the national government will also add funds for electronic item and chip manufacturing and research activities. In addition, the country will strengthen international partnerships in the semiconductor industry. Other initiatives include implementing regulations on toxic waste treatment during the extraction of resources and the manufacturing of chips, bolstering environmental protection capabilities, and prioritizing green projects. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! NAGYMAROS, Hungary -- Hungarian farmer Laszlo Batki was close to harvesting his crops of organic tomatoes, peppers, radishes and lettuce when the swollen River Danube flooded most of his small plot just north of Budapest this week. Batki's vegetables needed carefully nurturing during a summer plagued by drought, and then the floods struck. With little left to salvage, he said he would make a big loss this year. "This means a loss of income ... also, we can't sow new crops as previously planned, and we can't start preparing the soil for next year," the 36-year-old said, standing in water up to his knees as he surveyed the partially submerged crops. Apples float in water at a partially flooded organic farm near Nagymaros, Hungary, September 20, 2024. Photo: Reuters 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. Days of torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks in several parts of the region. In Budapest, the Danube peaked in the early hours of Saturday, authorities told state news agency MTI, adding that the flooding peaked at a lower level than a record seen in 2013. Batki, who bought the one-hectare (2.47-acre) smallholding two years ago, said he had been using sustainable farming techniques with the aim of becoming a model for local farmers who could learn and adapt their methods. Laszlo Batki walks on his partially flooded organic farm near Nagymaros, Hungary, September 21, 2024. Photo: Reuters Despite the damage, he said he thinks he can take steps - such as switching to more traditional crops - to adapt to more frequent floods in the years to come, and was philosophical about his losses. "This is a bad thing. But on the other hand, it is also good. The Danube arrives, and it fills up the dried-up land with water and brings nutrients as well," he said. Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, accompanied by his spouse and an entourage, arrived in the U.S. late on Saturday afternoon (local time) to attend the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), and engage in other working sessions in the North American country. Welcoming the top Vietnamese leader and his wife at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York were Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung and his wife, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, and other officials. Lams participation in the two UN events holds great significance, spotlighting Vietnam's ongoing contributions to the worlds largest multilateral organization and its active role in tackling regional and global challenges, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The Vietnamese leader has been scheduled to attend the two-day Summit of the Future on September 22-23, themed Multilateral Solutions for a Better Future, and the UNGA 79, centered on Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations, which lasts from Tuesday through Saturday next week. The two events focus on boosting international cooperation and reinforcing multilateralism, with the United Nations playing a key role in advancing shared objectives, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals. During the events, the Vietnamese Party and state leader will deliver to participants a major message of strengthening multilateralism and collaborating to create a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all people worldwide. This is the first multilateral diplomatic engagement by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam at the UN, a global forum, where he will re-affirm Vietnams policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of foreign relations, said Ambassador Giang. He will also reiterate that Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community, and that the Southeast Asian country consistently contributes to peace, friendship, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. Lams working trip is taking place as Vietnam and the U.S. are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership and looking forward to welcoming 30 years of the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2025, Ambassador Dung commented. Given that the U.S. is preparing for the presidential election due in November and the following leadership transition, the outcomes of this trip will help maintain and consolidate the momentum of progress in the Vietnam-U.S. relationship in the coming years, Dung stated. In addition to the two UN events, the Vietnamese leader will have a series of meetings and contacts with U.S. leaders, business representatives and scholars, as well as representatives of the Vietnamese communities in the U.S.. Lam is set to preside over a significant event commemorating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. He will also deliver an important policy speech at Columbia University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the U.S.. Along with Lams activities, many other members of the Vietnamese delegation will also conduct bilateral activities with their American partners. Vietnam and the U.S. normalized their diplomatic relations in July 1995 and entered a comprehensive partnership in July 2013. Over ten years later, the two sides lifted their ties directly to a comprehensive strategic partnership on September 10, 2023, skipping the strategic partnership level, during U.S. President Joe Bidens official visit to Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Joyce Msuya, United Nations (UN) Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, allocated US$2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to kickstart the humanitarian response in support of the Vietnamese governments post-Yagi efforts, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced at a press briefing on Friday. Typhoon Yagi made landfall in northern Vietnam earlier this month, killing more than 290 people and damaging 237,000 homes. Some three million people in total have been affected, according to a transcript of the briefing released by the UN the same day. The funding will go to the IOM [International Organization for Migration], the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Childrens Fund [UNICEF] to meet immediate needs in the most impacted areas of Yen Bai and Lao Cai, he stated, referring to two heavily-impacted provinces in northern Vietnam. The CERF-funded response will focus on emergency shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance, concentrating on communities with high levels of pre-existing vulnerabilities, according to the transcript. Yagi is the most powerful storm to have entered the East Vietnam Sea over the past 30 years, and the worst typhoon to have hit Vietnam in the past 70 years, reported the Vietnam News Agency. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The mayor of the French town where a man for over a decade brought strangers to rape his wife apologised on Friday for remarks that were criticised for playing down the ordeal of the victim. Louis Bonnet, 74, mayor of Mazan in southern France, told broadcaster BBC in an interview that "after all, no one died" about the mass rape for which dozens of men are on trial. They are accused of raping Gisele Pelicot at the invitation of her then-husband Dominique Pelicot who drugged her first. "It could have been far more serious," Bonnet told the BBC. "There were no kids involved. No women were killed." Bonnet's remark caused a storm of indignation on social media in France and beyond. "People say I minimised the serious nature of the abject crimes of which the defendants are accused," Bonnet said in a statement posted on Facebook. "I understand that people are shocked by these remarks and I am truly sorry." The mayor said his apologies were addressed "notably to women who were hurt by the clumsy words that were pronounced under the pressure felt in front of the microphone of a foreign media". Mazan and its 6,000 residents had been under "constant media pressure" since the start of the mass rape trial this month, he said. Dominique Pelicot has admitted to drugging Gisele Pelicot into unconsciousness and inviting strangers to rape her. She has become a feminist icon since demanding a public trial. The trial has horrified France, partly because 71-year-old Dominique Pelicot's co-defendants include apparently ordinary men such as a fireman, a nurse and a journalist, many of them with families. Forty-nine co-defendants are accused of raping or attempting to rape Gisele Pelicot, and one is accused of imitating Dominique Pelicot to sexually assault his own wife. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested what newly-appointed North Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Ri Sung Guk should do to contribute to fostering bilateral cooperation between Hanoi and Pyongyang at their meeting on Saturday. PM Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on Saturday for Ambassador Ri, who came to greet the government chief on the occasion of starting his term in Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chinh congratulated Ri on his appointment and lauding North Korea for sending an experienced diplomat to work in Vietnam, which shows the importance the Northeast Asian country attaches to its relationship with Vietnam. The prime minister expressed confidence that Ambassador Ri, with his extensive experience, would play a key role in strengthening and advancing the traditional friendship between the two countries. Chinh also highlighted the longstanding relationship, originally fostered by Vietnams President Ho Chi Minh and North Korean President Kim Il Sung, and recalled how it has been preserved, inherited, and promoted by successive generations of leaders and citizens from both nations. In that spirit, the Vietnamese government leader expressed his expectation that Ambassador Ri would closely coordinate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to continue bolstering political trust and mutual understanding through delegation exchanges, and launch activities toward celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025. The diplomat is also expected to contribute to enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries and help revive the meeting mechanism of the Vietnam-North Korea Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation, which is co-chaired by Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade and North Koreas Ministry of External Economic Relations. In addition, Ri should engage in expanding cooperation in culture, arts, sports, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations, the PM stated. Ambassador Ri told the host that he was deeply impressed with Vietnam's important achievements in many fields and its expansion of external relations with various countries in the world, all helping enhance the Southeast Asian countrys position in the international arena. The diplomat expressed his belief that Vietnam, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, will achieve the goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045. He affirmed North Koreas consistent stance on beefing up its bilateral cooperation with Vietnam, promising to do his best to contribute to further promoting the development of the traditional friendship relations between the two countries. Ris appointment was announced by the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 30, after years of delay due to North Korea's COVID-19-related border shutdown, according to The Gioi & Viet Nam (World & Vietnam) newspaper under the Vietnamese foreign ministry. The position had remained vacant since Ris predecessor, Kim Myong Gil, returned to North Korea in April 2019. From that time until Ris appointment, all activities of the North Korean Embassy in Vietnam were overseen by Ri Ho Jun, who served as charge d'affaires ad interim. Vietnam and North Korea established diplomatic relations on January 31, 1950. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Hanoi in late February 2019 to attend the U.S.-North Korea summit and pay a two-day official visit to Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! A reader from Singapore has offered heartfelt support for victims of typhoon Yagi in Vietnam, answering Tuoi Tre News' call for contributions to its relief fund. Everyone deserves to live in a peaceful and safe environment, to be with their loved ones, family and friends, Chow Ee Huey wrote to Tuoi Tre News from Singapore. The typhoon has wiped out not only the homes of these victims, but many have also lost their loved ones grandchildren, a father, a grandmother, an aunt. It is just heart wrenching to watch as people mourn for the loss of their family members. There will never be a complete home again. As a foreigner who loves Vietnam, the culture and its people, I [thought I] had to do something. "It takes very little to contribute, not buying that extra dress, sacrificing an expensive dinner, drinking a less premium beverage. These small inconveniences can help save lives. I am not just helping to rebuild their home, but I hope my actions can also give the Vietnamese people hope, faith and strength to pull through these difficult times. [I hope that Vietnamese people know] that we are supporting them. I believe with the unity, tenacity and kindness of Vietnamese people, they will overcome this disaster very soon. I wish Vietnam and its people peace and prosperity. Chow donated a total of SGD1,000 for the victims through Tuoi Tres donation program. (US$1 = S$1.29) This is not the first time she has made a donation to help people in Vietnam. In April, after Tuoi Tre News published the story 'Siblings live in pigpen following family tragedy in northern Vietnam,' Chow contacted the newspaper and donated S$500 to support the children. It is also known that the expat community in Vietnam as well as foreign tourists traveling to the Southeast Asian country are supporting people here through the storm's wake. Images of dozens of foreigners joining local authorities in mid-September to clean up the streets in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District after typhoon Yagi have made headlines across Vietnam in recent times. Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre Whilst my heart is breaking for the victims in the north, I also have seen entire communities come together to help others, literally, weather the storm," Ray Ksuchert, an Australian who has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for over ten years, wrote to Tuoi Tre News. "People working side by side, communities stopping work to stand beside their fellow citizens, and people risking their lives to save a stranger are what I admire about Vietnamese culture. I dont have the ability to be there but I hope this message is read and shared amongst the thousands of people currently going through never-before seen challenges in some of these communities: every expat living in Vietnam admires your spirit and tenacity not to let this storm defeat you. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Many volunteers have joined hands to tidy up the Tuan Chau Beach in Ha Long City, a famed tourist destination in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam as the beach was still like a mess two weeks after being hit by typhoon Yagi. Typhoon Yagi made landfall in northern Vietnam earlier this month, killing more than 290 people and damaging 237,000 homes. It is the most powerful storm to have entered the East Vietnam Sea over the past 30 years and the worst typhoon to have hit Vietnam in the past 70 years. After the typhoon, the two-kilometer beach was full of garbage. Hoa, a local resident who helped clean the beach, said more than 100 people were mobilized to clean the beaches in Ha Long City in the wake of typhoon Yagi. They mainly did the job in the early morning and on weekends. Volunteers tidy up broken components of floating cages on Tuan Chau Island in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre Given the extensive damage caused by the typhoon, local authorities have had to prioritize other recovery efforts, Hoa said. She expressed hope that she could help restore Ha Long and attract tourists back to the city. Meanwhile, Tien, another resident, reported that equipment used for local oyster farming had been damaged and washed ashore. After local authorities urged residents to join the effort to clean up the beaches, Tien and his friends headed to the shore after work to collect debris. Despite their efforts, Tuan Chau Beach remains littered with waste, primarily farming equipment and styrofoam boxes. On weekends, volunteers -- including students and employees from Hanoi-based travel companies -- also pitched in to help clean the beach. The beach is full of trash, mainly styrofoam pieces and bamboo sticks. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre La Thi Thanh Phuong, a student from local Thuongmai University, said she was shocked to see the aftermath of typhoon Yagi in Ha Long. Joining hands to clean the beaches in Ha Long, home to the world-renowned Ha Long Bay, is crucial in helping the city welcome tourists again and recover its tourism. Pham Ha, chairman of Lux Group, a travel service provider, expressed concern over the state of the areas surrounding Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, which remain in disarray two weeks after typhoon Yagi. With Vietnam's peak inbound tourism season approaching, the situation is particularly worrisome. Lux Group has dispatched nearly 40 employees to Ha Long to assist in the citys clean-up efforts. According to Ha, many sunken ships have yet to be fished out, damaging Ha Longs cityscape and posing danger to ships operating in the local waters. Clean-up efforts by local authorities and residents are needed to clean the beaches as fast as possible, Ha added. Residents move spongy blocks ashore at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre Garbage covers the Tuan Chau Beach in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre Residents clean the beach in Ha Long City, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre A resident fishes out garbage out of a body of water at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Da Nang Union of Friendship Organizations (DAFO) and the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association, in collaboration with Thuan Nhi Co. Ltd., held a press conference on Friday to unveil details of the upcoming German Beer Festival and cultural culinary exchange event. This celebration is meant to mark 49 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany (September 23, 1975 September 23, 2024) and 13 years of the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership, established in October 2011. Germany, the largest economy in the European Union, shares a robust trade relationship with Vietnam, with bilateral trade surpassing US$11 billion annually. The festival is particularly significant as Da Nang, the capital of central Vietnam, continues to strengthen its ties with Germany across various sectors. In May, Da Nang and the German state of Thuringia signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in human resource development, trade, science, and cultural exchange. Currently, Da Nangs trade with Germany nears $50 million, and the Vietnamese city has 11 active German investment projects worth a total of $10.3 million. The German Beer Festival, first launched in 2019, was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year marks its return on a larger scale, promising to be a key highlight on the city's cultural calendar. Nguyen Huu Lai, chairman of the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association, makes the opening statement at the German Beer Festival and cultural culinary exchange press conference in Da Nang, central Vietnam, September 20, 2024. Photo: Thu Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News The event is slated to take place on September 27 and 28 at 83-85-87 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities celebrating Germanys cultural heritage, including international music performances, a traditional German costume contest, and competitions like Best German Beer Drinker and Most Beer Glasses Carried. The event will also feature a lucky draw with valuable prizes and live electronic dance music (EDM) performances by popular local and international artists. The festival provides a platform for Vietnamese who have lived, studied, and worked in Germany to reconnect and share their experiences with the German community in Da Nang, fostering future collaborations, said Nguyen Ngoc Binh, chairman of DAFO. He added that the event also aims to boost tourism, positioning Da Nang as a destination for cultural events, festivals, and hospitality. This fest not only strengthens the bond between Vietnam and Germany but also paves the way for next years 50th-anniversary commemorations of their diplomatic ties. In 2025, Da Nang plans to host even grander celebrations, with an expanded beer festival, along with additional cultural exchange events in collaboration with German diplomatic agencies in Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Michael Coombes has departed Seven Brisbane after 28 years with the network. A Seven spokesman told The Australian, After 28 great years with Seven, including the past 18 months as Director of News for Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Michael Coombes leaves with our sincere thanks and the very best wishes for the future. He took leave from September 6 but on Friday he wrote to staff, Officially, I finish up on October 31. But, thankfully, I have a staggering leave balance and will remain on leave until then, he told Seven staffers in the email. I am sure there will be speculation, but I want you all to know that, despite what you may read, my decision is in no way connected with any negative inferences which may be thrown about. Quite simply, its time. The newsroom of late has seen the departure of Sharyn Ghidella (given notice by Coombes) and weatherman Paul Burt. Interstate news directors Shaun Menegola (Melbourne) and Neil Warren (Sydney) have also gone. Coombes successor is yet to announced. Daily Mail reports Sevens Perth news director Ray Kuka jetted into Brisbane on Tuesday. Courier Mail speculates on overtures to 10 News First Brissy boss Erin Edwards, who just lured Sharyn Ghidella to the network, as well as 7News Spotlight reporter Sarah Greenhalgh. Such turmoil just weeks out from the Queensland state election Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net Srinagar: Out on bail and ready to make waves, Engineer Rasheed hit the campaign trail with a powerful rallying cry echoing across the Kashmir valley: Jail Ka Badla Vote se (the avenge of jail with the vote). His emotional return electrified supporters as he vowed to challenge mainstream political parties and combat the BJPs influence in the region. Support TwoCircles Rasheeds campaign has gained quick momentum, drawing massive crowds with his defiance and determination. His commitment to fighting for Kashmirs dignity and rights has attracted thousands, especially the youth, making him a formidable force against established political parties in the ongoing assembly elections. In rallies attended by thousands across the valley, Rasheed promised that if elected, his top priorities would be to repeal the PSA and UAPA and bring home Kashmiri prisoners held outside the valley. His words resonated deeply with the people, particularly those frustrated with the political status quo in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing its first assembly elections after five years of direct rule following the abrogation of its special status. The election will occur in three phases, with the first phase completed on September 18, which saw a voter turnout of approximately 61%. While mainstream political parties like the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are in the race, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) is emerging as a significant contender, expanding its candidate base for the first time and targeting 40 assembly seats. Backed by Sheikh Abdul Rasheed, popularly known as Engineer Rasheed, a former legislator from Langate in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has quickly gained popularity among the Kashmiri people, particularly in northern regions. Born in 1967 in Langate, Kupwara district, Rasheed completed his Bachelors of Science in 1978, followed by a diploma in civil engineering. He worked for the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation for several years before entering politics in 2008. He won his first election from Langate as an independent candidate, and in 2013, he founded the AIP. Retaining his seat in 2014, Rasheed served the people of Langate until 2019, when he was jailed; he is now released on bail until October 1. In April this year, despite being in jail, Rasheed achieved a significant political victory by winning parliamentary elections from Baramulla, defeating former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by a significant margin. His release and the return of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Kashmir, to politics have reshaped the political landscape in the valley, positioning him as a strong force against parties often viewed as BJP agents. Upon his release, Rasheed arrived in Srinagar, kissed the ground and launched his first campaign for the assembly polls, declaring his intent to fight against the BJPs agenda in Kashmir. He pledged to resolve the Kashmir issue if elected, a sentiment echoed by many in the valley who deem it crucial. He emphasised that the votes in the recent parliamentary election were against the BJP, not fuelled by mere emotion. Allegations of Being a BJP Agent Addressing a rally in Sopore, Rasheed recounted his 16 years in politics, stating he has faced violence for the people. I spent five years in Tihar Jail, but throughout, I had one dream: to one day speak to my people again, he said. He continued, The people of Kashmir now understand that Er. Rasheed is one of them and that he has been risking his life for their sake. He remarked, The Sopore people have taken revenge for burying Syed Ali Shah Geelani at night, believing it would suppress the truth, but the voices of truth cannot be silenced. He emphasised, The people of north Sopore have taken a stand. We are not stone pelters or terrorists; we simply want justice for our people. We want the killings to stop and the Kashmir issue resolved. He added that his battle is not to exploit peoples emotions but to challenge the mindset of mainstream political parties that have overlooked the Kashmir issue. Rasheeds Rise in Kashmir Politics With political parties vying for influence, youth like Waseem Ahmad have expressed their support for Engineer Rasheed. He is the only person who understands the pain of Kashmiri youths detained in jails, he shared. His family had seldom cast votes in the past, but now they will, believing Rasheed will better represent the Kashmiri people than traditional political parties. In the last parliamentary election, north Kashmir recorded the second-highest voter turnout since 1967, with 61% in May this year. Many parties allege that the votes were cast out of emotional sentiment rather than a desire for development. We have given our votes to the NC and the PDP for decades; they did some development. Now we want change, and people see that in the AIP. What is wrong with that? said young voter Zeeshan. He hopes the people will engage in the democratic process and choose candidates who will genuinely address their issues once elected. AIPs Decision to Expand In South Kashmir, the AIP supports JeI leaders, while in North Kashmir, they are contesting against the Jamaat. The Awami Ittehad Party has fielded 42 candidates in the assembly elections out of 47 seats in the Kashmir valley. We are receiving a good response in our rallies across Kashmir. We hope the peoples love and support remain with us, said AIP General Secretary Prince Parvaiz. It was essential for a Kashmiri to expand the AIP. The people are fed up with the hollow promises of traditional politicians. They want change as evidenced by our victory against the ex-chief minister in North Kashmir, he said. He believes Engineer Rasheed represents a viable alternative in Kashmiri politics and hopes the people will choose them for the regions development. In our manifesto, we promise to release Kashmiri prisoners held outside the state and repeal PSA and UAPA; these will be our priorities if we come to power, he stated. When asked about AIPs selection of many first-time candidates, Parvaiz remarked that not everyone is trained from birth; those chosen by the AIP are educated and capable leaders for the Kashmiri people. Kashmiri people are now aware of whom to choose. They will select candidates based on their merits and support those without corruption charges, said Yasir Reshi, former MLC and AIP candidate from the Sumbal constituency. He added the AIP will reclaim Jammu and Kashmirs dignity and respect, promising not to sacrifice the peoples mandate for power if elected. We are hopeful that people will participate in large numbers in the assembly elections, just as they did in the parliamentary elections, he concluded. Can Haniyeh Assassination Deter Palestinian Resistance? The Resistance leaders unwavering commitment to continue sacrificing for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem and Palestine remains resolute Sunday September 22, 2024 12:12 PM , Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi Haniyeh: A Sincere Leader The Chairman of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Ismail Abdul Salam Ahmad Haniyeh, has been martyred. His martyrdom, I believe, will further strengthen the foundation of the Palestinian cause. As a reward for his martyrdom, he will be granted the reward of eternal life from his Lord, In Shaa Allah. Haniyeh's martyrdom took place far from his homeland but it is neither the first nor the last martyrdom for the noble cause of al-Aqsa Mosque and the liberation of Palestine. Countless Palestinian people and leaders have been martyred, both within Palestine and abroad. The Palestinian cause has lost a truly sincere leader, and the heart of every believer is filled with grief and sorrow. However, this doesnt mean that the line of leadership is broken. Many Palestinian leaders have been martyred in the past, yet the leadership has always remained intact. Palestine remains a very fertile land in this regard- when one leader departs, another rises to take the place. As a poet once said: "The land that is nourished by the blood of martyrs, Is rich and ever-green." Martyr Haniyeh: A Talented and Gifted Leader Martyr Haniyeh was a talented and gifted individual who articulated his thoughts effectively, listened carefully to others, and accommodated diverse perspectives while demonstrating flexibility according to the time and situation. He was the recognized face of the Palestinian groups international diplomacy, playing a crucial role in negotiations during the recent conflict. An expert in influencing adversaries, he skilfully negotiated the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single Israeli prisoner. Haniyeh declared Quds a red line and never compromised on the Palestinian cause. His dedication to the liberation of Al-Aqsa, Quds, and Palestine, as well as the freedom of the Palestinian people, was unwavering. Just two days before his martyrdom, on July 29, 2024, he called upon the people of Arab, Islamic, and other nations to take to the streets in support of the oppressed people of Gaza and those imprisoned in Israeli jails on August 3. Haniyeh believed that the Israeli occupation had been committing genocide against the people of Gaza for nearly ten months, with the number of prisoners dying in Israeli jails rising alarmingly. In light of these circumstances, he urged protests on August 3. Little did he know that even before this date, millions would gather to attend his funeral prayersfirst in Tehran on August 1, and then in Doha on August 2. Travel to Iran Martyr Haniyeh travelled to Iran to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian. He attended the event and met with the newly elected president and various world leaders. On the night of July 30, 2024, he went to retire to the guest house in the IRGC compound in Northern Tehran, where he typically stayed during his visits. Reports indicate that terrorists targeted his residence with a guided missile on July 31 at approximately 2 a.m. local time. Haniyeh and his bodyguard, Waseem Abu Shaban, were martyred in this attack . Iranian state TV reported the news early that morning, and the Hamas administration also confirmed the martyrdom of its esteemed leader. People around the world were left to grapple with the shocking reality of this news. Funeral Prayer in Tehran On August 1, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the funeral prayer for Martyr Haniyeh and his bodyguard at Tehran University grounds. The newly elected Iranian President, ministers, government officials, and a large number of people attended the funeral. Many attendees held pictures of Martyr Haniyeh and waved Palestinian flags. Iran declared three days of mourning in honour of the fallen leader. Funeral Prayer and Burial in Doha The bodies of Martyr Haniyeh and his bodyguard were flown from Tehran to Doha, Qatar, on the night of Friday, August 2, 2024. The second funeral prayer was performed at Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha after the Friday prayer, led by Khalil Al Hayyah, a senior member of the Hamas Politburo. Before the prayer, the mosque's Imam, Shaykh Hasan al-Marrikhi, delivered a deeply moving sermon on the topic of martyrdom, paying tribute to Martyr Haniyeh. In his sermon, he declared Palestine as the "mother of all issues" for the Muslim Ummah and praised Qatars steadfast position on this issue. I wish that other Arab and Islamic countries would have treated this cause with the same significance. From early morning, people began gathering at the mosque, with the streets of Doha soon flooded with mourners. Palestinian flags filled the air as people chanted Takbeer, shouting "Allahu Akbar." The flags waved everywhere, creating a powerful atmosphere of unity and defiance. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamd Al-Thani, his father, Sheikh Hamd bin Khalifa, the predecessor of the martyr, Mr. Khaled Mashal, as well as dignitaries from several countries, including Turkey, Afghanistan, and Iran, attended the funeral in large numbers alongside the public. Martyr Haniyeh was laid to rest in the Lusail Royal Cemetery in Doha. As his body was lowered into the grave, the air resounded with Takbeer and cries for the liberation of Palestine. Funeral prayers in absentia were also held across many countries around the world. Hamas Reaction Following the assassination of its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas issued a statement mourning the loss of a "brother, leader, martyr and Mujahid." The statement described the attack as a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran, after he had attended the inauguration of the new Iranian president. The statement further declared: The blood of our leader Ismail Haniyeh, mingling today with the blood of Gazas children, women, youth, and elders, alongside the blood of our fighters, underscores that the resistance and its leadership are at the heart of the battle with their people. This precious blood will not be shed in vain, but will light the path to liberation. The enemy will pay for its aggression in Gaza, the West Bank, and within its borders, wherever our fighters reach, by Allahs will. Prominent Hamas leader Musa Abu Marzouq condemned the assassination as a cowardly act that would not go unpunished, asserting that Israel will not achieve its goals by killing Haniyeh. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri, in an interview with Reuters, described the assassination as a "grave escalation" meant to break the will of Hamas and its people but insisted it would fail in achieving its objectives. Reaction of World Leaders The Palestinian state news agency WAFA reported that President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the assassination as a cowardly act and a serious escalation, calling for Palestinian unity and resilience in the face of Israeli occupation. Abdus Salam Haniyeh, son of Martyr Ismail Haniyeh, blamed Israel and the U.S. for his father's assassination. After surviving four previous attempts on his life, Abdus Salam noted that his father had finally achieved the martyrdom he always desired. He affirmed that the assassination would not deter the resistance from fighting for freedom. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly condemned the assassination on X, calling it a "despicable attempt" to undermine the Palestinian cause and resistance. He linked Haniyehs assassination to previous attacks on leaders like Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdul Aziz al-Rantisi, stressing that "Zionist barbarism will once again fail." Erdogan called for unity in the Islamic world to end the oppression in Gaza and reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to supporting a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Turkey declared a national day of mourning, and its flag was flown at half-mast, even at the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that the "occupiers will regret their cowardly act," stressing that the bond between Iran and Palestine would only grow stronger. He reaffirmed Irans commitment to defending the oppressed and ensuring that the "terrorist occupiers" would regret their actions. Qatar condemned the assassination, expressing concern that it would escalate chaos in the region and harm the prospects for peace. In a statement, Qatars Foreign Ministry called the assassination "a dangerous escalation" and a "flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law. Russia also condemned the assassination. Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Andrey Nastasyin warned that the act could have severe repercussions for the region, noting that it would disrupt ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza. China, through Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, echoed this sentiment, condemning the assassination and expressing concern about potential regional instability. Beijing pledged to closely monitor the situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's Statement US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States had no involvement in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. During an interview in Singapore, Blinken remarked, This is something we were not aware of or involved in. Its very hard to speculate. UN Security Council Emergency Session on Haniyehs Assassination On 31st July 2024, the UN Security Council convened an emergency session at the request of representatives from Iran, Russia, Algeria, and China, following the assassination of Haniyeh. During the session, council members condemned the assassination of the Hamas leader. Irans UN Representative Amir Saeid Iravani emphasised that while Tehran had exercised maximum restraint, it reserved the right to respond decisively to the assassination. He urged the UNSC to impose sanctions on Israel, describing the attack as part of a longstanding pattern of Israeli terrorism targeting Palestinians and their supporters. Algeria's envoy to the UN, Amar Bendjama, warned of looming catastrophe, stating that Israel's actions violated international law and Iranian sovereignty. This is not merely an attack on one man, Bendjama asserted. It is a vicious assault on the very foundations of diplomatic relations, state sovereignty, and the global order. Russia's Deputy Representative Dmitry Polyansky echoed these concerns, highlighting the potentially dangerous regional consequences of the assassination. OIC Emergency Meeting on Haniyehs Assassination On 7th August 2024, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an emergency meeting in Jeddah to address the assassination. The OIC concluded with merely a condemnation of Israeli actions and held Israel fully responsible for Haniyehs assassination. Ibrahim Taha, Secretary General of the OIC, condemned the war crimes of Israel. He called it a crime of aggression, a flagrant violation of international law and a serious infringement of the sovereignty of Iran. The OIC stressed that the assassination of Haniyeh during his stay in Tehran constituted a severe breach of international law, the UN Charter, and an attack on Iran's territorial integrity and national security. It also urged the UN Security Council to impose an immediate and comprehensive cease-fire on Israeli aggression and ensure adequate and sustainable access to humanitarian aid throughout Gaza Strip. New York Times Report on Haniyehs Assassination Lets consider how the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was reported in prominent newspapers, shedding light on how the enemy might have gained access to his residence. While the Iranian official statement claims Haniyeh was killed by a guided missile, The New York Times published a report on 1st August 2024, suggesting otherwise. According to its report: The explosion that killed Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard early on Wednesday (31st July) was caused by a sophisticated, remote-controlled bomb smuggled into Haniyehs room at the Tehran guesthouse two months prior." According to the NYT, this indicated the blast was unlikely to have been caused by a missile strike, as had been reported. A missile would also have difficulty breaching Irans air defenses, the newspaper said. Iran and Hamas clear have said that Israel is responsible for this assassination. The New York Times report also mentioned that several US officials had reached a similar assessment, with Israeli intelligence briefing the US and other Western governments on the details of the operation immediately after the attack. The Telegraph Report on Haniyehs Assassination British newspaper The Telegraph reported that Mossad agents were behind the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, planting an explosive device in his bedroom months in advance. The device was detonated remotely when it was confirmed that Haniyeh was inside the guesthouse, The Telegraph reported. The report highlighted that Haniyeh had stayed at the guesthouse multiple times before. Axios Report US-based outlet Axios echoed these findings, reporting that Mossad was responsible for planting the bomb, which was a "high-tech device that utilised artificial intelligence." The operation, which took months of planning, involved extensive surveillance of the compound before the assassination could be executed, the news outlet said. Internal Traitors and Haniyeh's Assassination The assassination of such a significant guest and prominent leader is no minor incident. There are varying opinions regarding how it happened. One theory suggests that internal traitors holding high-ranking positions were involved. Without their cooperation, it would have been difficult to carry out the assassination of Haniyeh. Media outlets such as The Telegraph and The New York Times have reported that the explosive device responsible for Martyr Haniyehs death was planted by agents within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), allegedly hired by Israels intelligence agency, Mossad. The Iranian investigative authorities now believe Mossad recruited members from the Ansar al-Mahdi security unit. An IRGC source told The Telegraph that an internal investigation is ongoing. According to a report by The New York Times, several Iranian intelligence and military officers have been detained in connection with the investigation, and staff from the guesthouse where Haniyeh was staying have also been arrested. Haniyehs martyrdom reveals the disturbing presence of corruption at the highest levels in Iran. Irans security system appears vulnerable. If the enemy could assassinate such an important guest in a military-controlled guesthouse, it signals that they could strike Iran at any time. This indeed is a wake-up call for the Iranian government. The enemy seems to have penetrated deep into Irans defences, and the country must now exercise heightened vigilance and reassess its internal security measures. The Iranian investigative agency must urgently address key questions: Who orchestrated Haniyehs assassination, and how did the perpetrators manage to succeed? In my view, the quicker these questions are answered, the better it will be for Irans security. Choosing Iran for Haniyeh's Assassination Martyr Haniyeh is not the first leader to be targeted by the Zionist enemy. Before him, many Palestinian leaders were assassinated both inside Palestine and in other countries. The choice of Iran as the location for this assassination seems strategic. The enemy may have intended to weaken the strong ties between Hamas and Iran, one of the few countries with which Hamas maintains a solid relationship. By orchestrating the assassination of its leader on Iranian soil, the enemy may hope to sever these relations. Additionally, the assassination may also be aimed at deepening the divide between Sunni and Shia factions, further destabilising unity in the region. Birth of Martyr Haniyeh Ismail Abdus Salam Ahmad Haniyeh was born on January 23, 1963 , in the Al-Shati refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. His family had fled from the village of Al-Jaurah in the occupied district of "Asqalan" (now called Ashkelon, after the name was changed by the Zionist state) due to persecution. Martyr Haniyeh married his cousin, Amal Haniyeh, at the age of 16. Together, they had 13 children, including eight sons and five daughters. Education Ismail Haniyeh received his primary education at a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees. He completed his secondary education at Azhar Institute and later enrolled at the Islamic University of Gaza in 1987, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Arabic Language and Literature. During his time at university, he was an active member of the Student Union Council. In 1993, he was appointed Dean of the Islamic Bloc at the Islamic University of Gaza, having previously held numerous other positions there. Haniyeh in Prison and Politics From the beginning of his involvement in the Palestinian cause, Haniyeh was a committed political activist and endured the hardships of imprisonment. The Israeli occupation authorities first arrested him in 1987, during the outbreak of the Palestinian Intifada, and he spent 18 days in jail. He was arrested again in 1988, spending six months in prison. In 1989, Haniyeh was arrested a third time for his association with Hamas, and this time he spent three years behind bars. Haniyeh was later exiled, along with other Hamas leaders, to Marj al-Zahoor in southern Lebanon, where they spent a year in exile. After the Oslo Accords in 1993, he returned to Gaza and was appointed head of Sheikh Ahmed Yasin's office in 1997. From that time onward, Haniyeh became deeply engaged in Palestinian political affairs. Following the death of Yasser Arafat , democratic elections were held in Palestine on January 25, 2006. Hamas won a majority in the elections and subsequently formed the government on March 25, 2006. Ismail Haniyeh was appointed as Prime Minister, serving for about a year. However, on June 14, 2007, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed Haniyeh's government and appointed Salam Fayyad as Prime Minister. Despite this, Hamas continued to govern the Gaza Strip under Haniyeh's leadership. On May 6, 2017, Haniyeh was elected Chairman of Hamas's Political Bureau, succeeding Khalid Mashal. Since 2023, Haniyeh had been residing in Doha, the capital of Qatar. On May 20, 2024, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he had submitted a request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yves Gallant, and Ismail Haniyeh. This move placed both the alleged perpetrator and the victim within the scope of the ICC's investigation. Martyrdom of Haniyeh's Family Members Before his own martyrdom, Ismail Haniyeh had already witnessed the loss of many family members in the struggle for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestine. On November 10, 2023, one of his granddaughters was martyred in an Israeli airstrike. Ten days later, his eldest grandson was also martyred. On April 10, 2024, during Eid-ul-Fitr, his three sons Hazam, Muhammad and Amir, were travelling by car with their five children to visit relatives. Israeli occupation forces bombed their car in Al-Shati camp, Gaza, killing all of them, including the children. Following the attack, the Israeli authorities claimed that the operation was planned by their Internal Security Agency. Shortly thereafter, Haniyeh's sister, Zehr Haniyeh, was also martyred in an airstrike. The Israeli forces didnt stop there; they bombed Haniyeh's house in Al-Shati refugee camp, reducing it to rubble. It was widely believed by the enemies that after the loss of his sister, sons, grandsons, and granddaughters, Haniyeh would be overwhelmed by grief, lose heart, and retreat from his stance. Many expected him to be defeated by these tragedies and forced to show leniency in his fight against the occupying forces. However, Haniyeh, a steadfast and brave leader, didnt waver. Despite these personal losses, he never compromised on the cause of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, and Palestine. Until his martyrdom, he remained firm in his resistance, refusing to betray the sacrifices of millions of martyrs who gave their lives for the noble cause of Palestine and Al-Aqsa. The Enemy's Failed Ploy The enemy's ploy and strategy to weaken Hamas by assassinating Haniyeh, hoping to halt its resistance, ultimately failed. Hamas is no stranger to such losses, having previously endured the martyrdom of many of its towering leaders. These include Sheikh Ahmed Yassin (March 22, 2004), Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Rantisi, known as the "Lion of Palestine" (April 17, 2004), Imad Hassan Ibrahim Aql (November 24, 1993), Jamal Mansour and Jamal Salim (January 20, 2001), Mahmoud Abu Hanoud (November 23, 2001), Salah Shahadah (July 22, 2002), Engineer Ismail Abu Shanb (August 21, 2003), Saeed Syam, Minister of Home Affairs in the Hamas government (January 15, 2009), Ahmed Jabari (November 16, 2012), and Raed Attar, Muhammad Abu Shamla, and Muhammad Barhoum (August 21, 2014), all of whom were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Despite these losses, the Israeli occupation forces have been unable to break Hamas psychologically or stifle its resistance. By electing Yahya Sinwar as the new Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau, the movement demonstrated its resilience and sent a strong message to the enemy: Hamas will not be defeated by the loss of one leader. Hamas' resistance cant bedeterred by the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. The resistance will not falter. Its members are prepared to face the enemy with even greater strength. Their unwavering commitment to continue sacrificing for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem and Palestine remains resolute. As the martyred leader Haniyeh once said: "We are a people who love death as much as our enemies love life." [The writer, Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi, is associated with Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia, Africa.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home International Press Freedom Award to Shrouq Al Aila for Gaza war coverage Palestinian Journalist Shrouq Al Aila, who has been covering Israels ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, has been selected for the 2024 International Press Freedom Award, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Sunday September 22, 2024 1:50 PM , ummid.com News Network [Image posted by Shrouq Al Aila on Instagram @shrouqaila.] London: Palestinian Journalist Shrouq Al Aila, who has been covering Israels ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, has been selected for the 2024 International Press Freedom Award, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said. The CPJ said the 2024 International Press Freedom Award will be conferred on 04 journalists, including Shrouq Al Aila. "The award ceremony will be held in November", the CPJ said. Alongside Al Aila, CPJs International Press Freedom Awards this year will also recognize journalists Quimy de Leon from Guatemala, Alsu Kurmasheva who was detained in Russia, and Samira Sabou from Niger. "The four journalists selected for the award have withstood extraordinary challenges to continue reporting on their communities while experiencing war, prison, government crackdowns, and the rising criminalization of their work, the CPJ said in a statement. About Shrouq Al Aila A journalist, producer and researcher, Al Aila assumed leadership of Ain Media, a Gaza-based independent production company, after Roshdi Sarraj - her husband and the firms co-founder, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in October. On Oct. 7, the Israeli military launched a bombing campaign across the Gaza Strip after Hamas carried out a surprise attack in southern Israel. The hostilities have so far killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, according to the enclaves health authority. The onslaught has displaced more than 90 percent of Gazas population at least once, devastated the health, sanitation and water services, and annihilated entire residential neighborhoods. Repeatedly displaced by the Israeli bombardment, Al Aila continues to cover the war and its devastating impact on Gazas residents. Al Aila and her late husband Sarraj were on a business trip in Saudi Arabia when the war started in their hometown Gaza, prompting them to quickly return to report on the developments. On Oct. 22, Sarraj was killed in an Israeli airstrike, and Al Aila swiftly assumed responsibility and headed their company, Ain Media. Earlier, Palestinian journalists covering Israels brutal war in Gaza, including Nasser Abu Baker, were as Laureates of the 2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize . In July 2024, Bisan Owda, a Palestinian Journalist, Filmmaker and Activist was nominated for News and Documentary Emmy Award . In another landmark moment for Palestine, 04 Palestinian Journalists , who reported from war-hit Gaza, were nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. The international awards conferred on Palestinian journalists is not going down well with the Zionist killers. In June this year, International Womens Media Foundation (IWMF) had conferred the 2024 Courage in Journalism Award on Maha Hussaini. The award was however rescinded after protest by neoconservatives and supporters of Israeli massacre of Palestinians. [With inputs from Arab News.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. NEW YORK - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, on September 21 afternoon (local time), for the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), and working sessions in the US. The top leader and his entourage were greeted at the airport by Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung and his spouse, Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN, and the staff of the embassy. The trip to the UN is of significance since it continues to demonstrate Viet Nams contributions to the worlds largest multilateral organisation, as well as the countrys proactive and active engagement in the settlement of regional and international issues. The leader will bring forward important messages in strong support of multilateralism, with the UN playing the central role in promoting global peace, cooperation, and development. This is an opportunity for Viet Nam to once again affirm its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations; proactive and active international integration; being a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community; and always actively contributing to peace, friendship, cooperation and development in the region and the world. On the other hand, the working visit to the US coincides with the first anniversary of the two countries comprehensive strategic partnership and their preparations for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2025. This is an important occasion for both sides to look back on the achievements that their new partnership framework has generated and, at the same time, discuss major orientations and measures for sustaining the trend of positive, stable, and substantive development of their relations in many years to come. Lam is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with US leaders, attend and deliver remarks at events towards the 30th anniversary, and the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership, and have other meetings with the participation of US officials, businesspeople, experts, and academics. VNA/VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lams upcoming state visit to Cuba aims to implement the foreign policy set forth at the 13th National Party Congress, reaffirming Viet Nam's high regard for and desire to strengthen relations with traditional friends. It would demonstrate the steadfast, loyal, and exemplary solidarity of the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam with their Cuban counterparts, said Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Chairman of the committees Commission for External Relations, in an interview granted to the press ahead of the visit. It would also affirm that the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam wish to accompany and cooperate with Cuba to continuously solidify, promote and advance their traditional solidarity and special friendship, he added. Trung held that this would be Lam's first visit to Cuba since he took office as Party General Secretary and State President, and Cuba would be among the first countries he would have been visiting in this role. The trip comes as both nations are preparing for the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year (19602025). Over the nearly 65 years, the traditional solidarity, support, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba have continuously been nurtured, strengthened, and expanded across various fields. During Viet Nam's resistance war for national liberation in the 1960s and 1970s, Cuba stood as a symbol and pioneer in the world movement of supporting Viet Nam's just struggle for independence, giving Viet Nam valuable and effective assistance. For its part, Viet Nam has always actively enhanced solidarity and promoted comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and nations. Leaders from both sides have repeatedly emphasised that the bilateral relationship is a "symbol of the times." Trung said that during the visit, the top leaders of the two Parties and States would exchange and review the achievements and cooperation results between Viet Nam and Cuba, while charting orientations to enhance collaboration in various areas, thereby bringing the comprehensive cooperation to a new phase of more substantial and sustainable development, benefiting the people of both nations. Lam will hold talks and meetings with key Cuban leaders and visit several economic establishments, including those where Vietnamese enterprises have investment cooperation projects. He will meet with younger generations of both countries and pay floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban leaders, further strengthening the bonds between the two nations. Through the visit, Viet Nam will affirm its wish to continue inheriting the precious legacies of bilateral relations, built on the strong foundations established by President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro. Bilateral meetings and exchanges between Party General Secretary and President To Lam and Cuban leaders will deepen mutual understanding and enhance coordination on major issues, further consolidating the traditional and special ties between the two nations. According to Trung, Viet Nam is currently Cuba's second-largest trade partner and largest investor from the Asia-Pacific region. The visit will provide both sides the opportunity to strengthen coordination in international issues for the benefit of both countries and their people. He expressed his belief that the visit would be a great success, making a significant contribution to enhancing the special friendship and fraternity between the two nations. VNA/VNS US President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic Saturday telling the leaders of Australia, India and Japan that an aggressive China is "testing us," in remarks that risked undercutting a summit declaration that carefully avoided mentioning Beijing by name. The comments came as Biden opened a farewell summit in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "China continues to behave aggressively, testing us all across the region," Biden was heard in what were supposed to be behind-closed-doors remarks to the so-called "Quad." Biden said that while Chinese President Xi Jinping was focusing on "domestic economic challenges" he was also "looking to buy himself some diplomatic space, in my view, to aggressively pursue China's interest." But he insisted that recent "intense efforts" by Washington to reduce tensions, including a call with Xi in April, were helping to prevent conflict. The hot mic blunder risked undermining careful diplomatic efforts by all four countries during the summit to insist that their grouping is about more than just providing a counterweight to China. In their joint statement after the summit, the four leaders made no direct mention of China, even as they expressed concern over tensions on its borders. "We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas," their declaration said. The leaders condemned "coercive and intimidating maneuvers" in the South China Sea -- where China has been at odds with the Philippines and other nations over its maritime claims -- but without saying whose maneuvers. Disputed islands in the East China Sea have meanwhile long been a source of tensions between Japan and China. Instead the leaders used veiled statements, as they have on previous occasions, about keeping the region "free and open" and talking about geopolitical "challenges." The other shadow hanging over the summit was November's US presidential election, with the isolationist former president Donald Trump in a tight race against Biden's political heir Kamala Harris. Biden insisted that the group would survive whatever the political situation. "While challenges will come, the world will change because the Quad is here to stay," Biden told the leaders in his public remarks before journalists were ushered out. Asked by reporters if the Quad would make it past the November 5 election, Biden replied: "Way beyond November. Way beyond November." India's Modi made a similar pledge -- in a commitment that will be welcomed by Washington, Canberra and Tokyo as they court the historically non-aligned New Delhi. "Our message is, the Quad is here to stay," said Modi, who is due to host next year's Quad summit in India. Biden, who bowed out of the US presidential election in July after concerns about his age, filled his farewell summit with personal touches. The four-way summit took place at his former high school in Wilmington and he earlier opened up his home in the city for private, one-on-one talks with each of the leaders. "I am really pleased that you were able to be in my home and see where I grew up," he said. The leaders also announced investment into fighting cervical cancer for Biden's "Cancer Moonshot" initiative -- again a deeply person project as his eldest son Beau died of brain cancer. The media were given no access to the private meetings at Biden's home. Biden posted pictures on social media of him with Albanese and then with Kishida in a wood-paneled drawing room in his house, and showing them the view of a lake from a veranda. The White House said the summit reflected the way Biden prioritized international alliances. There are growing questions about what would happen if Trump -- who has threatened to pull the United States out of groups like NATO while praising the leaders of Russia and North Korea -- returns to the Oval Office. NEW YORK Party General Secretary and State President To Lam had a meeting with Vietnamese intellectuals in Houston on Sunday morning (local time) in New York, as part of his visit to the United States to attend the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79). General Secretary and President To Lam expressed his joy at reconnecting with the familiar Vietnamese intellectuals and extended his best wishes and warm regards to the Vietnamese community in the United States. He emphasised that the Party and State of Viet Nam regarded overseas Vietnamese as an integral part of the nation. He acknowledged the increasing success of the Vietnamese diaspora, highlighting their valuable contributions to the development of the US and their important role in strengthening Viet Nam-US relations. The top leader expressed deep appreciation for the dedication, vision, and practical contributions of overseas Vietnamese intellectuals, which demonstrate their enduring ties to their homeland, no matter where they reside. He expressed hope that Vietnamese intellectuals in the US and around the world would continue to unite and contribute to Viet Nam's future, ushering in a new era of progress. On behalf of the group of Vietnamese intellectuals in Houston, Vu Van Le expressed his emotion at meeting General Secretary and President To Lam after many years. Le emphasised that despite living and working in the US for many years, he remained deeply proud of Viet Nam's heroic history and was pleased to see the countrys continued development. He said that Vietnamese blood runs through him, and generations of Vietnamese intellectuals had never stopped thinking about Viet Nam and contributing their knowledge and efforts for a prosperous future for the country. Le stressed that in every professional field, whether it is engineering, medicine, or technology, Vietnamese individuals excel. He expressed a desire to make meaningful contributions to the country's development, helping Viet Nam move into a new era of progress. He also hoped that the younger generation of Vietnamese intellectuals in the US and abroad would continue to look towards their homeland and make even more impactful contributions. On this occasion, the group of Vietnamese intellectuals donated US$10,000 to support localities recently affected by Typhoon Yagi. VNS VIENTIANE - A delegation of the Vietnamese community in Laos on September 19-20 visited Luang Namtha Province in northern Laos that suffered the heaviest devastation from Typhoon Yagi. The delegation included representatives of the Vietnamese Consulate General in Luang Prabang province, Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers, the Vietnam Business Association in Laos, and other Vietnamese organisations. During the visit, the delegation handed over to the victims LAK500 million (more than US$22,600) and hundreds of pieces of clothing. Deputy Secretary of Luang Namtha Province Party Committee Chanhthong Keopaseut thanked them for supporting Luang Namtha Province in this difficult time. He affirmed that the support not only demonstrated the solidarity, sentiments, and mutual assistance between the peoples, Parties, and States of Laos and Viet Nam, but would also greatly help people in the areas affected by Typhoon Yagi to soon stabilise their lives. From September 9-11, floods occurred in the province, affecting forty-two villages, 4,235 households, and 3,435 houses. Of those, one hundred and thirty houses were completely damaged. Floods also caused great damage to property, vehicles, cultivation areas, and livestock. VNS HA NOI - Vietnamese people in Japan and Canada have provided support to people at home who were affected by Typhoon Yagi. The Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan on September 20 announced that it and the Vietnamese Embassy there raised over VN3.6 billion (US$146,000) to support Yagi victims. Speaking at an event held on September 20 to review the campaign, Nguyen uc Minh - Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy - affirmed that the support shows the solidarity, tradition of sharing, sentiments, and responsibilities of overseas Vietnamese people. Nguyen Hong Son, Chairman of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan, said individuals and organisations paid much attention to the campaign. Representatives of some Vietnamese associations in Japan had been directly participating in relief activities in localities in Viet Nam, Son said. Meanwhile, on the occasion of the 79th National Day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada on September 20 launched a campaign to support Yagi victims. At the event, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Oliphant announced Canada's aid of CA$560,000 (over US$412,000) to support people in Viet Nam's northern localities to overcome the losses. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese community in Canada has raised CA$3,800 and VN193 million in support of the victims, while the Vietnam-Canada Business Association also pledged CA$10,000. The association's Vancouver chapter is also organising additional fundraising. VNS HA NOI Over the past few days, Vietnamese embassies and communities in Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Japan and Tanzania have launched donation drives to raise funds for people affected by Typhoon Yagi at home. As of September 20, the Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia had collected over EUR17,000 (US$19,000) just one week after the campaign was launched in response to the appeals of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, the Presidium of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. The Vietnamese Embassies in Poland and the Czech Republic have raised over VN1 billion ($40,642) and VN3.3 billion, respectively. The Vietnamese Embassy in Tanzania launched a fundraising campaign on Saturday during which ambassador Vu Thanh Huyen highlighted that the mutual love and support of those living far from the homeland would be a source of encouragement for compatriots suffering typhoon damage in the country. Meanwhile, the total amount of donations, both cash and kind, from the Vietnamese community in Japan hit over VN3.6 billion, which will be sent to competent agencies of Viet Nam to promptly deliver to people in need in the homeland. VNS WATERLOO A Waterloo man is facing prison time for distributing fentanyl after a federal court trial. A jury convicted Javoni Marcelius Butler, 43, for planning to distribute fentanyl as well as international money laundering last Friday. Evidence at the trial showed that from January 2022 to December 2023, Butler traveled to Mexico multiple times to buy fentanyl. During that time frame, he obtained more than 10,000 pills containing fentanyl and a significant quantity of fentanyl powder. After acquiring the fentanyl, he worked with several people in Waterloo to distribute the drug. He conducted an international wire transfer of drug proceeds at least once. Butler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison with a possible maximum sentence of 100 years imprisonment, a $10.5 million fine and a lifetime term of supervised release. The area Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations assisted on the case. Why does fentanyl exist? The history behind the substance driving record overdose deaths in the US A doctor's son and the father of more than 80 medicines The quest for the 'most potent' narcotic pain reliever Fentanyl sales boom Lollipops and patches hit the market The legacy of a medicine checkered with abuse Why does fentanyl exist? The history behind the substance driving record overdose deaths in the US Hurdles at the Food and Drug Administration WATERLOO Waterloo Catholic Hispanic Ministry and Queen of Peace Catholic Parish will host a prayer vigil Wednesday, the evening before the U.S. Court of Appeals hears challenges to Iowas so-called criminal re-entry law. The vigil will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in Queen of Peace Church, 320 Mulberry St. The public is welcome to participate. The vigil will be livestreamed on the parishs website at queenofpeaceparish.net/live-streaming and on the parishs Facebook and YouTube pages. Father Nils de Jesus Hernandez, pastor of Queen of Peace Parish and director of Waterloo Catholic Hispanic Ministry, said the vigil is an opportunity for the local community to gather in prayer on behalf of the states immigrant community. The Eighth District U.S. Court of Appeals in St. Louis will hear the state of Iowas appeal of a district court ruling that halted enforcement of the law passed by the legislature in April over objections from civil rights advocates, religious organizations and law enforcement officials. The Second District Federal Court granted a preliminary injunction against the law in June. The district court recognized that this law is unconstitutional and unnecessarily discriminates against Iowas immigrant population, Hernandez said in a news release. The court recognized that SF2043 is essentially a political statement, supported by politicians for their own benefit and not the welfare of Iowans. The bigger issue, Hernandez said, is that the law is rooted in an ideological narrative that claims immigrants are dangerous and undeserving. The law and its supporters ignore the fact that our countrys broken immigration system makes it almost impossible for immigrants to legally enter the country in a safe and timely manner he said. The fact is that whatever their legal status, todays immigrants are peaceful, hardworking and law-abiding people, and they want to be here legally. Like immigrants in the past, they make an important contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of Iowa. We should be finding ways to legalize their presence, not criminalize it, Hernandez said. The hearing will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 26 in St. Louis. The public can listen to the hearing (in English) by using the public access number: 1- 888-363-4749 (Access code: 5800357). The U.S. Department of Justice and various civil rights organizations challenged the legality of the law on the grounds that it violates the federal governments jurisdiction over immigration matters. In his ruling, which supported the challenge and blocked enforcement of the law, U.S. District Judge Stephen Locher said the Iowa law is preempted in its entirety by federal law. Locher wrote, As a matter of politics, the new legislation might be defensible. As a matter of constitutional law, it is not. Immigrant advocates say the law is so poorly written that it puts even immigrants with lawful status and people brought to this country as children at risk for arrest, deportation, family separation and incarceration. Iowa law enforcement officials have spoken out against the law, saying it would harm public safety by undermining relationships of trust with immigrants in their communities by preventing victims and witnesses from calling the police for help when needed or from assisting law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting crimes. The Catholic bishops of Iowa opposed the law on the grounds that it places a disproportionate emphasis on punitive sanctions, undermines family unity, reduces humanitarian protections and provides no viable solutions for long-time residents without legal status. Photos: March against new Iowa immigration law 070124jr-protest-rally-1 070124jr-protest-rally-2 070124jr-protest-rally-3 070124jr-protest-rally-4 070124jr-protest-rally-5 070124jr-protest-rally-6 Lentils may not have the most exciting reputation, but when cooked well and seasoned properly, they can be transformed into a comforting and rich supper in just half an hour. Journalism teacher Stephen Green talks assistant photo editor Hannah Marintez during class at Caney Creek High School in 2022. Six years after state legislators created a path for high-performing teachers to earn raises and in some cases six-figure salaries, Conroe ISD has expanded its program to include more than 200 educators and is looking to add more campuses and teachers. Jason Fochtman/Staff phaotographer College Park band teacher Akira Nakamura, right, get a high-five from Jolie Bolton has he makes his way toward College Park High Schools graduation ceremony in 2023. Six years after state legislators created a path for high-performing teachers to earn raises and in some cases six-figure salaries, Conroe ISD has expanded its program to include more than 200 educators and is looking to add more campuses and teachers. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Science teacher Stacey Bowden discusses utilizing various screens and other pieces of equipment as part of Conroe ISDs virtual campus at Hope Elementary School in 2022. Six years after state legislators created a path for high-performing teachers to earn raises and in some cases six-figure salaries, Conroe ISD has expanded its program to include more than 200 educators and is looking to add more campuses and teachers. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Conroe ISD Superintendent Curtis Null delivered his state of education speech in 2022. Six years after state legislators created a path for high-performing teachers to earn raises and in some cases six-figure salaries, Conroe ISD has expanded its program to include more than 200 educators and is looking to add more campuses and teachers. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Six years after state legislators created a path for high-performing teachers to earn raises and in some cases six-figure salaries, Conroe ISD has expanded its program to include more than 200 educators and is looking to add more campuses and teachers. Terral Jackson, Teacher Incentive Allotment Program coordinator for Conroe ISD, said the district has 26 campuses and 267 teachers participating in the incentive program designed to recruit and retain teachers at economically disadvantaged campuses The districts program began in 2019 as part of House Bill 3 to recruit, retain, and reward the highest-performing teachers at the highest-needs campuses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We want to be able to expand (the program), Jackson said. Bridging a gap in teacher pay The program is bridging a gap for teachers as state funding for districts lag. Last month, the board approved the districts new $711.97 million budget, which doesnt include any additional state funding or employee raises and has a $11.9 million shortfall. Jackson said there are two ways teachers can earn the designation for the program. One is national board certification, a voluntary, nationally recognized advanced professional certification for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The second is through the districts locally designated system, which is developed through required components from the Texas Education Agency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The process takes about two years to complete. Jackson said there are three levels of allotments which are based on the campus percentage of identified economically disadvantaged students annually. The amounts range from $3,000 to $9,000 for the first level; $6,000 to $18,000 for the second level; and for the master level, a teacher can earn between $12,000 and $32,000 more a year. Jackson said the state reimburses the district for those funds. Because of the lengthy certification process and the data needed to provide to the state, Jackson said teachers certified for the program have received the allotment twice since it was implemented. Once the designation is placed on a teachers certificate, its going to remain there for five consecutive years regardless of location, placement or assignment, Jackson said. DISTRIBUTION HUB: How a huge new logistics hub in Conroe is bucking a broader real estate trend in the Houston area Advertisement Article continues below this ad Program helps economically disadvantaged schools Jackson said the local requirements for the teachers in the program require them to stay at an economically disadvantaged campus. She said the districts retention rate of those teachers is 93%. Superintendent Curtis Null said the motivation for teachers to stay at campuses is while they may continue to receive an allotment if they change schools, they risk that allotment being reduced if the ration of economically disadvantaged students is lower. In a testimonial for the district, Glorian Vizcarrondo, a bilingual teacher at Armstrong Elementary, said being a part of the program is life-changing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad House Majority PAC, the Democrats congressional super PAC, announced Friday it is reserving an additional $1.1 million in TV and digital ads in Iowa. The super PAC linked to U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced it will make TV reservations to run in the Quad-Cities, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines media markets in the final weeks of the 2024 election cycle. The PAC announced earlier this month it was reserving $2.25 million worth of TV ads in those same markets to up the pressure on Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in hopes of flipping southeast Iowas 20-county 1st Congressional District, where Democratic Christina Bohannan is challenging Miller-Meeks reelection bid. The super PAC had reserved $350,000 in ads in the Quad-Cities market in July to boost Bohannan in that race. In the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Des Moines, Democrat Lanon Baccam is challenging first-term Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn. House Majority PAC also will place $400,000 in television reservations in the La Crosse and Wausau media markets in Wisconsin. Democrats across the country have never been more fired up and well positioned to retake the majority as we continue to see record-breaking enthusiasm and energy behind their campaigns, House Majority PAC President Mike Smith said in a statement. Additional reservations and changes may be made as campaigns and races develop, according to the announcement. IOWA HALEY CO-CHAIR ENDORSES HARRIS: Dawn Roberts, who served as a state co-chair of Republican Nikki Haleys presidential campaign, has endorsed Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris campaign for the White House. I think both parties let us down by selecting two 80-year-olds as candidates for President. I was at a loss, Roberts wrote in an endorsement letter published by Julie Gammack, founder of the Okoboji Writers Retreat and Iowa Writers Collaborative. A lifelong Republican, Roberts said she was impressed with how Harris has handled herself since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House after weeks of pressure from allies over concerns he would be unable to beat Trump. She showed a willingness to listen to a wider range of views to solve problems. So I am supporting Kamala Harris for President, Roberts wrote. Roberts was selected to be the first female chair of the Polk County Republican Party and was nominated by Republicans to run for secretary of state in 1986. She said Harris, if elected, has said she would consider having a Republican serve in her Cabinet. Roberts also praised her debate performance against Trump, where Harris emphasized bringing the country together rather than divide, to lift people up rather than tear people down. All of these statements lead me to believe that she truly has the skills needed to bring us together as a country and, hopefully, the world, Roberts wrote. I heard her articulate that she has always brought groups of diverse individuals and opinions together to solve problems. That is a healthier and wiser way to lead. Roberts said her late husband, Steve Roberts a former chair for the Republican Party of Iowa often questioned why the United States is one of the few countries that has never had a female president. I think the time is now and Kamala Harris is the person to lead our country into the future, Roberts wrote. CEDAR RAPIDS-BASED UNION ENDORSES HARRIS: Teamsters Local 238, based in Cedar Rapids, last week announced its endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign for the presidency. Vice President Kamala Harris has been an integral part of the most pro-union presidential administration since Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jesse Case, principal officer of Teamsters Local 238, said in a statement. Her steadfast support for labor has been evident in every step shes taken alongside President Biden, including their critical effort to save hundreds of thousands of Teamsters pensions, and their commitment to rebuild the National Labor Relations Board into an organization that consistently defends the rights of workers. We trust her leadership and vision to continue advancing the fight for working people from the White House. The union represents thousands of workers across varied industries. Harris was dealt a blow earlier this week when she became the first Democrat in almost three decades to not be endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters with the organizations own polling showing rank-and-file members overwhelmingly backing Trump. Which congressional campaigns are drawing the most donations from wealthy donors this election? Balance of power in Congress Deep pockets fuel campaigns across all states These key races attract millions in funding from the wealthy England, a nation renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity, has also emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of technology. At the forefront of this technological revolution is the burgeoning enterprise software industry. This sector plays a crucial role in empowering businesses of all sizes, from small startups to multinational corporations, to streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and gain a competitive edge. Britech Solutions, a prominent player in the england enterprise software landscape, is leading the charge towards digital transformation. Their innovative solutions are designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses across various industries. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and industry expertise, Britech Solutions helps organizations optimize their processes, improve decision-making, and drive sustainable growth. A Beacon of Innovation England has long been a hotbed for technological innovation, and the realm of enterprise software is no exception. At the heart of this revolution stands Britech Solutions, a company renowned for its cutting-edge solutions and forward-thinking approach. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing modern businesses, Britech Solutions is dedicated to crafting bespoke enterprise software that empowers organizations to thrive in the digital age. Englands reputation as a hub for enterprise software innovation is well-earned. The country boasts a thriving ecosystem of companies, ranging from startups pushing the boundaries of technology to established industry leaders shaping the future of enterprise software. This diverse landscape is fueled by a rich tapestry of talent, expertise, and a commitment to revolutionizing the way businesses operate. From world-class universities and research institutions to a vibrant tech community, England nurtures a pool of top-tier talent in software engineering, data analytics, and user experience design. This talent serves as the driving force behind the innovation and creativity that define Englands enterprise software landscape. Unleashing the Power of Technology In todays fast-paced digital world, businesses of all sizes are seeking innovative solutions to stay competitive. Thats where Britech Solutions comes in. As a leading provider of enterprise software in England, we specialize in harnessing the latest technological advancements to deliver powerful, tailored solutions. Imagine a world where your business operates seamlessly, with data-driven insights guiding every decision. Britech Solutions makes this a reality. Our team of experts leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics to develop software that automates tasks, optimizes workflows, and unlocks new opportunities for growth. Whether youre a small startup or a large corporation, we have the expertise to help you achieve your goals. Tailored Solutions for Every Need Looking for a customized enterprise software solution that perfectly fits your business, no matter its size or industry? Look no further than Britech Solutions. Based in England, we specialize in crafting tailored software solutions that address the unique challenges and needs of each client. From multinational giants to budding startups, we work closely with you to understand your goals, requirements, and constraints. Our team of experienced developers and industry experts will then design and implement a solution that not only meets your needs but also exceeds your expectations. Driving Innovation Across Industries Britech Solutions is a leading player in Englands bustling enterprise software scene. Theyve got a knack for crafting custom solutions that cater to a wide range of industries, from the bustling world of finance to the ever-evolving healthcare sector. Whether youre a manufacturer looking to streamline your operations or a retailer aiming to boost sales, Britech Solutions has the tools to help you stay ahead of the curve. Over at Innovatech Labs, theyre diving deep into the exciting world of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. With a team of brilliant data scientists and engineers, theyre helping businesses make sense of the vast amounts of data they generate. Think of them as your personal data detectives, uncovering hidden insights that can drive smarter decision-making. The Future of Enterprise Software in England As technology continues to evolve at lightning speed, businesses are turning to digital solutions more than ever. This means the demand for smart, cutting-edge enterprise software is skyrocketing. In England, Britech Solutions is a major player in this exciting field. With a strong focus on innovation, top-notch quality, and happy customers, theyre leading the way in creating the next generation of enterprise software. From small startups to big corporations, businesses across England are relying on Britech Solutions to help them stay ahead of the curve and succeed in todays fast-paced digital world. A Brighter Future for Businesses So, there you have it. Britech Solutions isnt just about selling software; its about empowering businesses to reach new heights. With their innovative solutions, expert team, and dedication to customer success, Britech is truly a game-changer. Want to learn more about how Britech can help your business thrive? Check out their website or reach out to their team directly. The future is bright for businesses in England, and Britech Solutions is leading the way. 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 A pipeline fire burns near Spencer Highway and Summerton on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 in La Porte. The fire caused road closures and shelter-in-place advisories Monday afternoon in the area, with evacuations to homes and businesses in the immediate area near the fire site. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Scorched ground is seen near the site of massive pipeline fire that burned for three days, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Emergency response personnel and vehicles are visible as a column of fire rises Tuesday, Sep. 17, 2024 where a pipeline exploded near Spencer Highway and Red Bluff Road in La Porte. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The pipeline that caught fire Monday in Deer Park and burned ferociously for more than 80 hours is one of many that snake under the Houston area carrying hazardous materials. While pipeline operators have said such incidents are rare, there are hundreds of pipeline explosions, leaks and fires across the country each year. Members of the public can learn about the lines running through their neighborhoods and report any incidents to the Texas Railroad Commission, the state's oil and gas regulator. Search this map with data from the Railroad Commission and U.S. Energy Information Administration to see which hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines run through your Harris County neighborhood: These industrial and distribution pipelines form an intricate web. They often follow roadways but can also cut across fields and under neighborhoods, invisible to the naked eye. Occasionally they loop up to the surface. This map doesn't include distribution lines to individual customers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Officials said the 20-inch wide Energy Transfer line that caught fire Monday exploded after an SUV struck an above-ground valve near Spencer Highway, apparently killing the driver. The line carried Y-grade natural gas liquids, a highly flammable mixture of petrochemicals used in plastic production. It ran side by side with a cluster of pipelines owned by different companies, several of which had valves in the same grassy field near strip malls and CenterPoint transmission lines. "As for pipelines underground, it's a bit of a sleeping threat, right? People don't see it," said Paige Powell, the senior policy manager of Commission Shift, a nonprofit that advocates reform for Texas' oil and gas regulations. Powell said she worried that dense groupings of pipelines in petrochemical-heavy neighborhoods near the Houston Ship Channel made those communities particularly vulnerable. "When you get an easement for a pipeline, there's incentive to lay additional pipelines in that same easement. So we often see lots of different pipelines carrying different commodities along the same corridor," Powell said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The network has valves like the one struck during Monday's crash because companies "need to regulate fluids in a piping system," according to the American National Standards Institute. This week's devastating collision and fire that appeared to kill the SUV driver raised questions about whether valves should be more protected from passers-by; but the full network of pipes is much more extensive than what is visible on the surface. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration maintains its own map of pipelines, and catalogs which operators run lines through each ZIP code. Search this map of the greater Houston area to see who operates pipelines in your neighborhood: Each operator may run multiple lines through a single ZIP code. Click on the name of an operator on the map to view their disclosures to the community. Along the side of the road in Pasadena, Deer Park and La Porte, the three municipalities nearest Monday's fire, the catchphrase "Know what's below. Call before you dig" painted on the side of containers reminds residents of the toxic, flammable materials funneled through pipe networks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The warning is a slogan for the national "811" hotline: Texas law requires residents to call the number before excavating, even in their own backyards, to avoid damage to buried infrastructure like pipelines or electrical wires. Pipelines also have warning signs marking their routes at ground level. They're often short stakes in the ground with red and orange discs noting what hydrocarbons each pipe is carrying. "They are found where a pipeline intersects a street, highway, railway or waterway, and at other prominent points along the route," the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said in its training materials. Near industrial plants and along some highways, crowds of these small signs cluster in a line like toy soldiers. Texas has the most pipeline infrastructure in the country: its 479,798 miles constitute about a sixth of the total mileage in the United States, according to the Railroad Commission. Significant advancements in pipeline safety technology allow these underground channels to be monitored remotely from control centers that gather pipeline pressure, volume and flow data. They can also monitor pumps and valves. Alarms warn operators when to go check on equipment in person, and valves along pipelines allow them to shut quickly and isolate sections. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They can even detect an underground pipeline's internal health using a "smart pig," a tool that travels through each line to detect corrosion, dents, cracks and gouges. These practices do not have a perfect record, though. While most pipeline issues are not as severe as the Energy Transfer fire, federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration data shows Texas still experiences over 200 pipeline incidents per year, more than a third of the nation's total. Texas pipeline incidents have killed at least 39 people in the past two decades. A collaboration between local law enforcement authorities, a 'Joining Forces' speed enforcement event took place on Friday, September 20. The events are made possible by a Joining Forces grant provided by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety. Reno Police Department teamed up with the Sparks Police Department, Washoe County School District Police Department, University Police Department - Northern Command and the Nevada State Police. Officers from the various squads made around 200 stops, issuing 185 tickets for violations like speeding, registrations, insurance and not wearing a seatbelt. Nevada state law requires that drivers follow the speed limit, or drive a speed safe for the current road conditions. You can follow the Reno Police Department on Facebook, Instagram and X to get up-to-date police information in Reno. A road rage incident was to blame for a crash involving at least four cars on westbound I80 in Sparks on Saturday. According to the Nevada State Police, there were more vehicles involved in the road rage incident, but they didn't get involved in the crash. Both Nevada State Police and REMSA responded to the report. There were some minor injuries, but no hospitalizations. The left lane of I80 westbound was closed for a brief time Saturday afternoon while crews cleared the crash. Other details about the crash are still under investigation. We will provide more information and updates as we receive them. 33-year old Timothy Rubenstein of Sparks was arrested today after an investigation led to probable cause for assault with a deadly weapon - domestic battery. At around 2:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon, officers met with the victim of a domestic battery where a gun was involved. The incident happened on Sullivan Lane, while two children were present. The children were unharmed. Sparks Police officers went to the house on Sullivan in an attempt to locate Rubenstein, when he left and tried to flee. Rubenstein was caught and arrested, where it was found he had a loaded gun in his waistband. Officers have booked Rubenstein at the Washoe County Detention Center, and he has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon - domestic battery, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, two counts of child endangerment, and obstruction. Big Tex towers over fairgoers at the 2021 State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Lola Gomez, MBR / The Dallas Morning News via AP It's only a few days left before the State Fair of Texas returns to Fair Park in Dallas. Here's what you need to know. When is the State Fair of Texas? The State Fair of Texas will kick of Sept. 27 and last through Oct. 20. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. the rest of the week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Where is the State Fair of Texas? The State Fair of Texas takes place at South Dallas' Fair Park located at 3809 Grand Avenue. How much is admission to the State Fair of Texas? According to the State Fair of Texas' website, tickets prices vary based on day of the week and discounts: Advertisement Article continues below this ad General admission: $25-$15 Child (ages 3 to 12): $18-$5 Child two and younger: Free Senior (ages 60 and older): $10-$18 Seniors price every Thursday: $5 How much is parking at the State Fair of Texas? It costs $30 to park in an official State Fair of Texas parking lot. What currency does the State Fair of Texas accept? The State Fair of Texas uses coupons valued at $1 each to purchase rides, food and games. Coupons from previous years remain valid any time. Israeli Troops Raid Al Jazeera Offices Amid Escalating Israel-Hamas Conflict 2 In a significant escalation, Israeli troops raided the offices of the Al Jazeera satellite news network in the West Bank early Sunday. The troops ordered the bureaus immediate closure for 45 days, intensifying Israels ongoing campaign against the Qatar-funded broadcaster amid its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. Al Jazeera aired live footage of the raid on its Arabic-language channel, showing Israeli troops shutting down the office and ordering staff to evacuate. This follows a similar raid in East Jerusalem in May, where Israeli police confiscated Al Jazeeras equipment, blocking broadcasts and restricting access to its websites within Israel. This marks the first instance of Israel closing a foreign news outlet within its territory. Despite the shutdown, Al Jazeera continues its operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the action, which Al Jazeera has condemned, while continuing its broadcasts from Jordan. Katherine Smith not only brought joy and happiness to those she met, but she was also a queen. Smith was a Mardi Gras queen crowned in 2017 by the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association. Her sudden death at age 37 has left the organization and her close friends devastated, according to Marcus Catchings, public relations officer with MAMGA. Katherine represented such a quality person, and a quality Mobilian, said Catchings about Smith, killed on Sept. 8 after a red-light runner slammed into her vehicle at the busy intersection of Airport Boulevard and McGregor Avenue. In the aftermath of the crash, Mobile is reviving a years-long debate over red-light cameras. That debate is likely to continue after a two-day police Red Light Blitz this past week resulted in 415 citations and warnings in two days. But in Alabama, the rollout of red-light camera technology has been uneven. Few cities have them. One city removed them. Birmingham and Huntsville do not have them, and prospects appear slim that the technology is coming to either city soon. In Mobile, state lawmakers are likely to oppose them despite calls from city officials for them. Nonetheless, the debate over red-light cameras now, well over a decade old since Montgomery first installed them isnt fading anytime soon. This has been discussed for years and years, said James Barber, the city of Mobiles chief of staff and former police chief. To me, having a public safety background, anything that improves the safety of the public, thats government functioning as government should. Mobile debate Mobile City Councilman Joel DavesJohn Sharp The prospects of installing red light cameras in Mobile emerged during last weeks council meeting amid a growing concern over red-light runners punctuated by the heartbreak over Smiths death. Its the second time in two years that Mobile officials have weighed in on the issue. In 2022, the council voted on a resolution urging the Legislature to allow the city to install cameras at intersections to primarily stop drivers from running red lights. The resolution got a mixed reception in Montgomery and went nowhere. We looked at doing something with respect to cameras and traffic lights several years ago, said Councilman Joel Daves. The problem, in my mind, has gotten successively worse. Daves said there were over 800 incidences of red-light citations this year, and more than 1,100 last year. And thats where the police seem to be, he said. So that actual number of people running red lights is far higher. The number of injuries and deaths has increased. How much easier would it be to have cameras at the red lights so we wouldnt have to divert police officers to sit there at their patrol cars at particular intersections? Other council members agreed that its time to give the cameras a try, whether its to curtail speeding or to monitor illegal trash dumping. The council is likely to discuss the issue during a 1 p.m. Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday. I believe cameras are the solution, especially at dump sites, Council President C.J. Small said. Alabama State Rp. Shane Stringer, R-Citronelle, (top left) speaks during an Alabama House Judiciary Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the State House in Montgomery, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). State lawmakers remain skeptics. Rep. Shane Stringer, R-Citronelle, who is a former law enforcement officer and is chair of the Mobile County legislative delegation, said the cameras often benefit the third-party, private vendors who install and operate them. Those third parties, he said, receive a cut of the tickets that are issued to red light scofflaws. In addition, he said the technology can be faulty and lead to inaccuracies. Whenever the redlight catches the car, its the car owner who gets the ticket in the mail, Stringer said. If you borrow the car and run a redlight the next thing you know, I get the ticket, but I didnt violate the law. As a police officer, when I pull someone over, I ticket the violator in the car. City versus state Birmingham District 1 City Councilor Clinton WoodsCourtesy Clinton Woods The conflict between city officials and state lawmakers isnt just a Mobile concern. Similar friction exists in Birmingham, where City Councilor Clinton Woods has lobbied for at least six years to get cameras installed to address speeding along Alabama State Route 75, and within school zones. For me, its a responsiveness issue to my constituency, Woods said. I have roads throughout my community that do turn into speedways. Having that 24/7 enforcement would be helpful. A lot of data would also be gleaned. Democratic and Republican lawmakers are skeptical that cameras will result with improved public safety. Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, and Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, both said they have concerns about the technology taking wrongful images of people who might be ticketed for running a redlight when, in fact, they were not the actual violator. The question becomes, when does a ticket kick in? said Givan, who calls the issue a toss up for her in that she sees the benefits but also has concerns. When I pull up to the stop sign, and then roll up and instead of immediately stopping, does that qualify me for not making a full stop and will I be penalized? That would be one of the biggest questions we have. Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Birmingham, said he would only be supportive of redlight cameras if a local law enforcement agency is in charge of calibrating them. There is data out there that shows they are beneficial for public safety, Treadaway said. Split issue Studies show mixed results over red light camera enforcement. Hundreds of cities across the U.S. utilize the cameras for enforcement, but some states -- like Mississippi -- ban them. Alabama state law does not address the cameras, leaving the matter up to cities and their legislative delegations. In Alabama, Montgomery is the largest city to use the cameras for traffic enforcement. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Studies appear split over the matter. A 2017 study of three large Texas cities over a 12-year period involving hundreds of thousands of accidents resulted in no evidence that red light cameras improved public safety. The studys authors argued that the presence of the cameras at red lights could increase the number of rear-end collisions. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) sees the benefit in the cameras. According to their analysis, cameras reduce the fatal red light running crash rates in large cities by 21%, and that the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections decreased by 14%. The cameras are effective in deterring a crime that affects thousands of people nationally, according to the IIHS. In 2022, 1,149 people were killed in crashes involving red light running. A whopping 107,000 people in the U.S. were injured by a red-light runner, according to IIHS statistics. Alabama is one of 24 states that has a city with a red-light camera program. Most of the largest cities in the U.S. have some kind of red-light surveillance program for police, and the technology was first rolled out by New York City in 1992. In Alabama, the only cities with red light cameras are Montgomery, Center Point, Midfield, Phenix City, Selma, and Tuscaloosa. Six states, including Mississippi and Texas, outright ban red light and speed cameras at intersections. Alabama state law does not address the cameras, and the issue is left up to city councils and the local legislative delegations to decide. The Alabama Department of Transportation has a 50-page guide for cities to follow and consider before pursuing red light cameras. Released in 2015, the guide assists local governments that are required to submit a detailed application for red light cameras at specific intersections, according to ALDOT spokesperson Amanda Deem. If the data is showing a high incident of wrecks and fatalities (at a specific site), you notify ALDOT and make sure studies are done, said Treadaway, who favors more law enforcement assigned to traffic patrols rather than using cameras to provide enforcement. On the law enforcement side, you need to deploy resources to it. There have been efforts to ban the cameras in Alabama, but bills doing so have not advanced through the legislative process. The Alabama State Supreme Court has taken the side of cities. In 2022, in a 6-1 ruling, the Supreme Court sided with the City of Montgomery allowing them to continue using the redlight cameras that were first allowed through a 2007 ordinance and embraced by the Montgomery legislative delegation in 2008. Positives, negatives Montgomery police, over the years, have said the redlight cameras are effective in reducing crashes. The city, on its website, says the cameras have helped decrease incidents of collisions at intersections where cameras are installed by more than 50 percent. In one location not specified on the citys website, the decrease in crashes was more than 80 percent. In Montgomery, drivers who are photographed running red lights receive a $60 citation. The city explains how the program works: The first image captured provides a view of the vehicle before crossing over the white stop line and provides a view of the traffic light that is red. A second image will show that the vehicle has continued through the intersection while the traffic light is red. A third image is then analyzed to show an up-close image of the license plate and the violators vehicle. Montgomery police, and not a third-party, review all citation images and verify violations. The camera system, according to the city, operates only when the traffic light is red capturing images of actual violations. As the first municipality in the state to implement traffic cameras, were now the 6th safest driving city in the U.S., the city claims on its website. In Opelika, city officials said the cameras were not worth the headache. The city, in 2018, removed the cameras at all five locations they were at in the city following the expiration of a five-year contract with American Traffic Solutions (ATS, now Verra Mobility out of Mesa, Ariz.). We thought red light cameras would improve traffic safety at our busiest intersections and thats what motivated us to do this, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said. Ultimately, we were not convinced that intersection safety was improved enough to justify keeping them. They were also very unpopular with our citizens. Fuller said the city was accused of installing them to raise revenue from traffic citations. He said that was simply not the case. In fact, I cannot tell you how much money was generated with these cameras, Fuller said. Regardless, it was always about making intersections safer for our motorists. Effective action Mobile council member Daves said hes aware of the criticism about the cameras, but notes that Montgomery and other cities in Alabama and elsewhere throughout the country are able to operate them without problems. In 2023, there were 337 U.S. communities operating red light safety camera programs, according to media sources and other public information tracked by IIHS. I think there is a way that addresses the legitimate concerns some folks have about these (cameras), Daves said. I dont think anyone can deny that we have an epidemic of people running red lights. It gets worse every year. No municipality has the resources to have a police officer at an intersection and to be there 24/7. He added, Will we take effective action or will continue to have people who run red lights and kill or injure people? King Elexis I, Olabode Oludayo Anise II, and Queen Katherine Ashley Smith toss goods to the crowd as the MAMGA Mammoth Parade rolls along Route B in Mobile, Ala., on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. Smith, 38, was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and McGregor Avenue on Sept. 8, 2024. Spencer Strickland, 37, allegedly ran a red traffic light and crashed her pickup truck into Smiths SUV, Mobile police said. Strickland was arrested and charged with manslaughter.file photo Catchings, who was close friends with Smith, said he supports any public effort that could lead to preventing a similar tragedy from happening. The driver who struck Smiths vehicle 38-year-old Spencer Strickland faces a manslaughter charge and is under investigation for possible DUI. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 14. It would be something good, and hopefully prevent anyone from feeling the pain and anguish we are still feeling in this present point in time, Catchings said. Urban farmer Henriette Ngangoula displays a pea pod at Plant It Forward farm in southwest Houston, Monday, Sep. 9, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The late-summer sun in Houston hasnt deterred urban farmers Sarment Louamba and Henriette Ngangoula. They knew this years crops were going to be much better than last years. Although the sun has sapped the moisture from the clay-like dirt on their plot, they didnt have any fear of watering the green beans, Egyptian spinach, okra and African eggplant this year. This year, they had much more water. After a nearly six-month drought, and the hottest year on record in 2023, this years rainfall already exceeded last years total annual rainfall of 41.75 inches by early June. Houstons year-to-date rainfall for 2024 51 inches is what the city normally gets in rainfall for the whole year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houstons 2023 cumulative rainfall had been almost 10 inches below normal, with barely an inch of rain between June and mid-September last year. Droughts tend to have cascading effects on regional agriculture, from livestock to grain production. But for Southeast Texas farmers who grow produce in urban settings, droughts can cause water bills to skyrocket, which limits their ability to adequately feed their crops. This years above-average rainfall is a relief to farmers like Louamba and Ngangoula who grow crops at Plant It Forward, a nonprofit based in Southwest Houston that supports refugee farmers. Louamba and Ngangoula are from the Republic of Congo and have lived in Houston since 2010. Urban farmer Henriette Ngangoula holds a wilted stem as she describes the difficulty in growing crops in late-summer Texas heat in southwest Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Last year, a lot of the things that the farmers tried to plant died. It was the correct time of year, but everything just did not work well, said Rachel Lockhart Folkerts, the farm program director for Plant It Forward. This year, it seems like the conditions are right. It will be fine. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Folkerts said last years drought caused the programs summer water bills to rise to $4,000 a month. Plant It Forward leases land to farmers, provides training, and helps sell their produce through a food hub. The farmers usually pay the water bills, but the nonprofit had to cover at least half of the bills for them last summer. It seems like the conditions are right this year, Folkerts said. It will be fine. The 2024 accumulative rainfall for Houston to date, compared to 2023. Roberto Villalpando/ Source: National Weather Service Rainfall and Texas agriculture Mark Welch, a grain marketing economist and professor at Texas A&M University, said growing seasons in Texas are separated: South Texas farmers plant grain crops in January; Central Texas farmers plant in February and March; and Panhandle farmers plant grain when South Texas farmers begin to harvest in May. When and where a drought hits can do significant damage to grain production in Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last year, most of the grain crops in Southeast Texas were harvested by the time the drought began, resulting in an above-average grain yield. This year, even though the region has had above-average rainfall in total, it has had below-average rainfall through February, March, April and May, which will mean lower grain crop yields. Last years rainfall had the opposite effect on livestock production in the region. According to David Anderson, a Texas A&M professor of livestock and food product marketing, a drought can cause less grass to grow, which can force farmers to sell cattle because feed becomes too expensive. Drought isnt always the leading cause of declining cattle numbers, but it can be a significant factor in rising cattle prices and urban sprawl. The cows that are out on the range and pastures that you see when youre driving around, it all starts with rainfall, Anderson said. When it rains, the grass grows, and the cows have something to eat. When we go through a drought, theres not enough food for the cows and it typically becomes very expensive to buy feed to keep the cows, so we end up selling the cows because theres nothing for them to eat. Wilted African eggplant fruits hang from dried stems as Rachel Lockhart Folkerts with Plant It Forward farms describes how using city water is expensive and can place a heavy financial burden on small urban farmers in southwest Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Rachel Lockhart Folkerts with Plant It Forward farms in southwest Houston, feels the moisture content of the soil. She says drip irrigation is an important part of an urban community farm's water conservation strategy. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Urban farmer Sarment Louamband clears a row as he prepares for planting at Plant It Forward farm in southwest Houston, Monday, Sep. 9, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Urban farmer Henriette Ngangoula clears a row as she prepares for planting at Plant It Forward farm in southwest Houston, Monday, Sep. 9, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Is hydroponics a solution for smaller farmers? Some local farms choose hydroponics as an alternative to traditional agricultural techniques. In most hydroponics systems, farmers dissolve soluble fertilizers into water and recycle the water back into the plants using a closed circuit. By using a constant cycle of fertilized water, hydroponics avoids disgorging any water and fertilizer into the environment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With traditional agriculture, you basically water the plants and provide the fertilizers and food the plants need, but youre essentially deciding not to care about where that fertilizer or water goes once its done feeding the crops, said Billy Trainer, a partner at Verde Greens, a 2-acre hydroponic farm in Houstons Acres Homes neighborhood that grows leafy greens, herbs and microgreens and sells them to farmers markets and restaurants. Trainor said that using a hydroponic system means their farm doesnt have to worry about expensive water bills during drought because they are constantly reusing the same water. Weve always been proud of the fact that we pay for our water, so therefore theres an incentive for us to use it wisely and use it efficiently, and thats what hydroponics does, Trainor said. We are a lot less dependent on the natural cycles of weather. Trainor said in the middle of summer, Verde Greens water bill would be around $500 a month and use a fraction of water compared to a traditional farm. One of the major drawbacks of hydroponic systems is their initial startup cost, which includes the costs of renting and renovating spaces to accommodate hydroponic systems, the initial costs for materials, electricity costs and the high level of technical aptitude. Hydroponics also are not immune to natural disasters if a hurricane knocks out power, then the hydroponic systems will shut off and the plants will die. Advertisement Article continues below this ad New year, new challenges In farming, each year presents its own sets of challenges, Folkerts said. Theres always going to be those weather challenges, she said, but I do think that each year the organization and the farmers know better how to respond to the kinds of situations that we see. Folkerts held up a hose with small holes cut into it that limited the amount of water to the plants. A seedling was sprouting from the dry earth. Even in nondrought times, city water is expensive, Folkerts said. Were already trying to do everything we can to reduce water costs. The main thing would be drip irrigation. This provides water directly to the plant roots. Its the lowest water use option that we have. Folkerts said last year the nonprofit had to be stricter with the farmers, requiring them to only use drip irrigation and not allowing them to water during the daytime. Rachel Lockhart Folkerts with Plant It Forward farm in southwest Houston stands in the background as a seedling emerges from the soil earlier this month in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer One of the benefits of having a farm in the middle of an urban area is that people can see produce grown in their neighborhood. Vice President Kamala Harris is a Baptist who was influenced by religious traditions in her mothers home country of India. Former President Donald Trump grew up a mainline Presbyterian but began identifying as a nondenominational Christian near the end of his presidency. Despite that, few Americans see the presidential candidates as particularly Christian, according to a new survey conducted Sept. 12-16 by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs. Only 14% of U.S. adults say the word Christian describes Harris or Trump extremely or very well. Strikingly, that appears to matter little to part of Trumps loyal base: white evangelical Protestants. About 7 in 10 members of this group view him favorably. But only about half say Trump best represents their beliefs around 1 in 10 say this about Harris, and one-third say neither candidate represents their religious beliefs and around 2 in 10 say Christian describes him extremely or very well. They really dont care about, is he religious or not, said R. Marie Griffith, a religion and politics professor at Washington University in St. Louis. The survey results represent the shift in how white evangelicals now talk about morality and religion in politics, said Griffith. She pointed to a white evangelical culture that takes care of its own, but sees liberal outsiders as evil, and therefore, support for a Democrat is unimaginable to many. Evangelical leaders, she said, are pushing this idea that, this is Gods man, and we cant ask why. We dont have to ask why. It doesnt matter if hes moral, it doesnt matter if hes religious. It doesnt matter if he lies compulsively. Its for the greater good that we get him re-elected. At the Republican National Convention, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a conservative Christian and Trumps former White House press secretary, invoked God when she addressed the first assassination attempt against him. God Almighty intervened because America is one nation under God, and he is certainly not finished with President Trump, she said. And our country is better for it. Anthea Butler, professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania, said white evangelicals likely see him as instrumental to their goals, such as his appointment of conservative, anti-abortion justices to the Supreme Court. Hes their guy no matter what, said Butler. For the head of the Democratic ticket, a large majority three-quarters of Harris fellow Black Protestants view her favorably and 6 in 10 say she best represents their religious beliefs. But only around 4 in 10 say Christian describes her very or extremely well. Thats still higher than the share of Democrats overall who think this about Harris, at around one-quarter. Butler is not surprised that esteem for Trump is low among Black Protestants, and that they are more likely to see Harris, a Baptist with influences from the spiritual tradition of her mothers native India, as Christian. I think African Americans have a better understanding about interfaith families, because it happens a lot with us, she said. Overall, about half of Americans surveyed said that Christian at least somewhat described Harris, while about one-third said so about Trump. Griffith questioned if one reason so few Americans see Harris as particularly Christian, is because they just dont know much about her yet. Harris joined the race late, becoming the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden was pressured to step away in July. The Black Church PAC, a progressive group, is now trying to mobilize voters for Harris. On a recent online discussion hosted by the PAC, the Rev. Traci Blackmon, a Missouri-based United Church of Christ minister, encouraged pastors to ask every Sunday for congregants to pull out their phones and check their voter registration status, and to prepare to use the church bus to give rides to the polls. Kamala Harris is not perfect no one is perfect. But what she is, is competent. What she is, is prepared. What she is, is qualified. What she is, is shes faithful to the things she says she will do and courageous enough to say what she wont do, said Blackmon. Neither candidate fared particularly well when Americans were asked if theyd use the words honest or moral to describe them. Around one-third say those words describe Harris extremely or very well, and about 15% say the same for Trump. Adding in those who say the words somewhat describe the candidates raises the levels to more than half for Harris and about one-third for Trump. I wonder if speaks to just a deep cynicism about politics that people are really so convinced that all politicians are liars, said Griffith. ___ The poll of 2,028 adults was conducted September 12-16, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. Local and federal agents are searching for people with information about a deadly mass shooting that left four people dead and at least 17 others injured outside a Birmingham club Saturday night. The shooting happened just after 11 p.m. in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue South, as people were standing in line to get into Hush, a hookah and cigar lounge. Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said the shooting may have been a murder-for-hire and that more than 100 shell casings were collected at the scene. Heres what we know so far about the deadly shooting. This story will be updated as more information is available. How can people help? Police and Mayor Randall Woodfin are urging anyone with any information to speak with officers. Businesses in the area are being urged to share surveillance video. You can submit information to police here. You can also call investigators at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Who was killed? Police identified the four people killed as Antria Holloman, 21, Tahj Booker, 27, Carlos McCain, 27, and Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., 26. Who was injured? Police estimate that 17 people were hurt in the shooting and ensuing chaos. Gabriel Eslami, 24, of Trussville, was among the many injured. Its just gun smoke and peoples bodies laid out on the pavement, he said. Physically, its hard to walk, but by the Grace of God, it didnt hit anything major. Gabriel Eslami, 24, was one of 21 people shot Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Birmingham. Four people died and 17 others were wounded.(Special to AL.com) University of Alabama at Birmingham spokesperson Alicia Rohan said on Sunday evening that UAB Hospital has treated 12 victims, total. This included one deceased victim brought to UAB Hospital from the scene, per the Birmingham Police Department, she said. We are currently treating 4 victims with conditions ranging from good to critical. How did the shooting occur? Multiple shooters pulled up in a car, Thurmond said, got out and fired shots and then drove away. The targeted victim in the murder-for-hire was likely found at the scene by the shooters. Wherever that (targeted) person was is where it was going to take place, Thurmond said. Who are suspects in the shooting? As of Sunday morning, police have not identified the suspects or people of interest. A related shooting? On Sunday night, three people were shot in the South East Lake community, specifically the 700 block of 81st Place South. A man injured in that shooting died. One of our personnel received intel that this may be related (to the Five Points South shootings), said Officer Truman Fitzgerald. So anytime we have a community member willing to step up and give information, were going to investigate that the best we can. Was the Hush Lounge involved? Ryan Pryor, who opened Hush in 2019 and retired after 20 years as a Birmingham police officer in March, was at his club when shots rang out. I would like to stress that this had nothing to do with Hush itself. My heart goes out to the families, and I stand with Birmingham on correcting this violence. This gun violence has to stop, Pryor said. On Sunday morning, Pryor was preparing to reopen the business. We need to try to get back to some kind of normalcy, he said. Hush, at 2012 Magnolia Ave., is a speakeasy-style lounge located in the underground space at Pickwick Place retail center. The club often features bottle service, parties, DJs and recently celebrated its fifth-year anniversary in June. What are officials saying? Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin asked Sunday morning for help from state officials to regulate conversion devices that turn guns into automatic weapons. Converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon that discharges all bullets within seconds doesnt belong on our domestic streets, Woodfin said in a Facebook post Sunday morning. This shouldnt be up for debate. This morning, too many families have to pick up the pieces of an unfair new normal that doesnt include their love one. How many people have died in homicides in Birmingham in 2024? After weekend violence, there have been 12 h3omicides thus far this year. Birminghams homicide total in 2023 dropped 6.25%. It was the first time in five years the number of killings in the city had dropped after years of steady increases. The city ended 2023 with 135 homicides, a 6.25% drop over 2022 which had 144 homicides. Birminghams 2022 homicide total was the deadliest year in recentcity history. Birminghams all-time record for homicides was in 1933 with 148 slayings. The citys population in 1933 was nearly 260,000. Birminghams population in 2023 was nearly 197,000, according to Census data. The hail of gunfire in Birminghams Five Points South that shattered the lives of dozens likely started with a murder-for-hire targeting one man and left a carnage of four collateral deaths and injuries in its wake. More than 100 shots from at least one fully automatic weapon left four people dead and 17 others wounded Saturday night. Two men and woman died on the scene, and another man died a short time later at UAB Hospital. Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond on Sunday morning said the suspected target of the shooting was among the dead outside the Hush hookah and cigar lounge on Magnolia Avenue. It wasnt the location, it was the person, so wherever the person was was where it was going to take place, Thurmond said. Wherever they can catch that individual. Thats just where they happened to catch them. Multiple shooters pulled up in a car, exited, opened fire, and then fled. We believe there was a hit, if you will, on that particular person, where someone was willing to pay money to have that person killed, the chief said. The shooting was the second mass shooting in Birmingham in just two months and the third quadruple homicide in the city this year. This is a very tragic situation. There were individuals there who were just trying to enjoy themselves who just wanted to have a nice evening and now this occurred, Thurmond said. Theyve got injuries theyll have to live with the rest of their live. The trauma. The mental anguish. " It was just after 11 p.m. when Birminghams 911 dispatchers received multiple calls of shots fired. While police were en route, officers learned multiple people were shot and the scene was quickly deemed a mass casualty incident. Officers found two men and a woman unresponsive on the sidewalk. They were pronounced dead moments later. Officers from the citys other precincts were brought in to help control the chaos, and at least 50 Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel 15 units also responded. Police quickly cordoned off a blocks-wide perimeter as hundreds stood among the chaos, many crying and trying to find their loved ones and friends. Witnesses said many of the victims were standing in line outside Hush, when the bullets were unleashed. BFRS transported eight people to the hospital, and the other victims began showing up at multiple hospitals throughout the city UAB Hospital, Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Brookwood Medical Center, and St. Vincents East. We did triage, treatment and transport of mass casualties, said Birmingham Fire Chief Cory Moon. It affects police and fire, Moon said. This is something obviously we never want to see in our community so to have that many people injured and that many people shot and that many people dead in one incident is not only draining on the resources, but its draining on our personnel and their mental health. Thurmond agreed. Even though were a large city, when something of this magnitude occurs, its very taxing on all of our city services and medical facilities, the chief said. To the victims and their families, our heartfelt condolences go out to them, Thurmond said. Thats 21 people whose lives were forever changed. Thats 21 families that were some destroyed, and some altered. Our hearts go out to them. Last night what happened in our community was extremely unfortunate,' Mayor Randall Woodfin said. The priority is to find these shooters and get them off our streets. That will require the assistance of community members. I also want to acknowledge the toll of this, the heaviness of this for many, many people involved the mayor said. First, the victims who lived, who have to wake up and face a new, unfortunate normal related to the emotional as well as physical trauma that they will have to live with. Two are actually those who lost their lives,' he said. To their families, there are no words for their loss. Investigators collected more than 100 shell casings, as well as other evidence. They are also pouring over surveillance cameras and other footage from the scene. Its going to take some time to work through this, Thurmond said. Its going to take everyone to work together to get these individuals off the streets who inflicted this carnage, and no one in the city wants these people on our streets. Though there were believed to have been multiple shooters, Thurmond said they dont yet know if anyone returned fire. Authorities strongly believe switches, devices that convert a gun to fully automatic, were among the weapons fired. Glock switches are the number one public safety issue in our city and state, Mayor Randall Woodfin said Sunday. Though illegal under federal law, there is no state law that makes Glock switches illegal. Every mayor, police chief, sheriff, and District Attorney I know wants Glock switches outlawed, Woodfin said. Converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon that discharges all bullets within seconds doesnt belong on our domestic streets. Police and city officials said the public can, and must, play a crucial role in the investigation. They have implemented a QR code where videos can be submitted. The communitys help has helped detectives crack several high-profile cases this year, police said. The men and women of the Birmingham Police Department work tirelessly day and night to get those cases solved and get those individuals off the street which weve proven multiple times in 2024, Thurmond said. As quickly as we get information, we act swiftly, we pull whatever resources we need from our partners and we get those individuals off the streets of Birmingham, he said. The public is the ears and eyes of this city and the police department, he said. Weve got men and women who will run through brick walls to vet that information. Thats not an issue. ATF and FBI agents were on the scene Saturday night and are working with Birmingham police investigators. The mayor has spoken with Washington, D.C. and they have asked him what the City of Birmingham needs to work through this, and he has advised them of that, Thurmond said. Woodfin said the public needs to provide information to police and the state and nation needs to address what he described as lax gun laws. This is a solvable problem, Woodfin said. Gun violence is an epidemic crisis in our country ... It requires everyone to come together. The Birmingham City Council also Sunday morning reacted to the deadly shooting. Last night was another tragic example of a complete disregard for human life in our city. The situation that unfolded in Five Points South is hard to even comprehendall in a matter of seconds, a statement from the council read. We as a community are left with a deep well of grief from these four lives being stolen in an instant. They were someones child, a coworker, a friend and a relative. Their potential was taken from them -- who they were and who they could have become, all because the people who did this clearly dont value human life. Its easy to feel hopeless in moments like this, but we cannot allow ourselves to let fear win the day. It is our hope that law enforcement can continue their investigation and bring some form of justice for the families and friends of those who lost their lives, according to the statement. Thoughts and prayers are no longer enough. We need action. Were all tired. Were angry. But most importantly, were committed to enforcing the laws we currently have to make Birmingham the city we all desire it to be, the statement read. The Birmingham City Council will continue working with the mayor, county officials, along with our state and federal partners to offer every bit of support available to ensure our law enforcement officials can get these illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals. Thurmond said officers and detectives will continue to work around the clock until the suspect or suspects are caught. This touches everyone, Thurmond said. I wish I had answers or something I could say to make it butter but I just dont unfortunately. Donald Trump said its too late to hold another debate after Vice President Kamala Harris campaign said she had accepted an invitation for a face-off on CNN in October and challenged the Republican nominee to take the stage with her. The problem with another debate is that its too late, the former president said at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina on Saturday, noting that early voting has already started in some states and questioning the fairness of CNN as a moderator. Shes done one debate. Ive done two, Trump said. The voting is cast. The voters are out there. Harris campaign earlier Saturday said it had agreed to participate in a debate on CNN for Oct. 23, less than two weeks before Election Day, saying voters deserve another opportunity to hear from the candidates. Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate. It is the same format and setup as the CNN debate he attended and said he won in June, when he praised CNNs moderators, rules, and ratings, Harris campaign chairwoman Jen OMalley Dillon said in a statement. Trump clashed with President Joe Biden at a June debate moderated by CNN a forum that saw the sitting president deliver a calamitous performance that led him to eventually decide to end his campaign and endorse Harris for the party nomination. Harris and Trump took the stage for their only debate so far on Sept. 10, a showdown moderated by ABC News that had originally been agreed to by the Republican presidential nominee and Bidens campaign. That debate saw Trump deliver an uneven performance and a CNN snap poll showed voters viewed Harris as the clear winner. Harris campaign immediately challenged Trump to a second televised contest and she has repeatedly said at rallies that she is eager to take the stage again. Im trying to get another debate but well see, Harris said on Friday during a campaign event in Georgia. Trump has previously said he won their showdown and didnt need to debate again. On Saturday, he questioned whether CNN would be a neutral moderator, saying that while they were fair during his debate against Biden the network might not be so again. And he cited a past offer to debate Harris in a forum moderated by Fox News, an outlet that would be more favorable to Trump, saying the Democratic candidate turned it down. Trump and allies have also assailed ABC News over its moderators, saying they were biased in favor of Harris. The moderators corrected on-air the former presidents false claims that Haitian immigrants were eating their neighbors dogs and cats in the town of Springfield, Ohio, and that some states allow babies to be killed after birth. Trump and Harris running mates, Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are slated to hold their own debate on Oct. 1 with CBS News. ___ 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Is your mother Mary Lane Alexander? Yes, replied Richard Lane, a Detroit minister and son of the late Dick (Night Train) Lane and a woman who hailed from tiny Ballplay, Alabama (pop. 1,114 today) in Etowah County. A woman who was the baby of Hurley and Electa Cowsers 10 children raised on their farm. A woman who left Ballplay as fast as she could, following her older sister to Clark College in the mid-1950s. A woman who became. Who became the first Black female model to appear in an advertisement for Coca-Cola. That happened in 1955 when the venerable brand decided to launch a campaign aimed at Negro consumersa radical strategy for the time. Who became the first African American teacher for the Mount Clemens School District just north of Detroit. Who became the first African American female school administrator for the state of Michigan, and the first female principal at Highland Park High School. Who became a corporate recruiter, of a sortencouraging myriad high-school students to apply for jobs with major employers, particularly the many auto plants. Among them was the afore-quoted man who approached Lane. I was preaching somewhere years ago in California, and this couple that came up to me and asked if she was my mother, Lane recalled. The guy said, Your mother in 1980 sent me on a job interview when I was in high school. I got that job and worked at that job for 35 years. When I got there, I met my wife, we got married, and weve been married for almost 40 years. Your mother was responsible for not only me having a great job but also meeting my wife. Ill never forget that. Mary Cowser Alexander died last Thursday from a heart attack, her son said, after years of suffering from scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease. Its a slow, painful killer, and theres no cure for it, Lane shared. But shes got to be the strongest woman Ive ever known. She suffered gracefully. She rarely complained. She was a woman of faith. She loved her husband and loved her family, and just was an inspiration to so many. Alexander is widely lauded for being a trailblazing model for Coca-Cola, something she was initially reluctant to pursue. Indeed, she had to be persuaded to apply because she was already busy studying to be a teacher and participating in other activities, including sports. Moreover, Mary didnt believe her strict father back in Ballplay would allow her to model anyway after learning she might be required to wear a swimsuit. Daddy came around upon learning the winner would be paid $600 for the initial ad, an amount that would cover a full years tuition. And was more than her father earned in several months of farming. Mary was chosen from among 75 girls representing cities from Atlanta, where Mary was a college student, to New York, and went on to appear in several Coca-Cola ads. In a statement to AL.com, the company said: We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mary Alexander, an extraordinary woman who has left a positive impact on our company and those lucky enough to have known her. In 1955, Mary was the first female African-American model to be featured in a Coca-Cola ad. Her historic advertisement marked a significant moment not just for The Coca-Cola Company, but for the future of inclusive advertising, and helped to dismantle racial barriers. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and sincere condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Lane recalled a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the historic advertisement hosted by Coca-Cola in Atlanta. It was a gala affair, he said. They did it up. They invited all the family. Steve Harvey was the host. She got a chance not only to meet him, but they spent a lot of time together and she was on the Steve Harvey Morning Show the next day. It was a big thing, and it was all to honor her. Despite the historic significance of Alexanders role at Coca-Cola, Lane hopes his mother is additionally remembered for the significant impact she had on so many young lives in Detroit. She was responsible for getting hundreds, if not thousands, of African American kids jobs with major employers in the Detroit metropolitan area, he said, and many of them went on to have productive careers and retired from those positions. Lane paused. Im sad my mother is gone, he continued, but Im really grateful right now because God took her pain away. She doesnt have to suffer anymore. She is rejoicing in her eternal reward. Thats what makes me feel good. Alexander lived in Ocala, Florida with her husband, Lanes stepfather. She was 90. This is an opinion column Click here to sign up for the Comeback Town newsletter. Todays guest columnist is Don Erwin. If the Birmingham metro is to grow and prosper, it must help new companies start up, help existing companies expand, and it must attract new companies to the metro area. Two accepted measures of economic development success are the jobs companies bring and the money they invest in places they locate. The seven-county Birmingham metro accounted for over 23% of the states population in 2023, but it generated only 12.1% of the states new jobs and 15.55% of its new capital investment, according to the Alabama Department of Commerces 2023 annual report. During the 2019-2023 five-year period, Birmingham metro counties generated 15.9% of the states new jobs and 11.22% of its capital investment. If we want the Birmingham metro to prosper, we must do better. The Birmingham Business Alliance is the lead agency responsible for generating new jobs and investment. They have fine people and do a good job with the resources they have available, but in my opinion, they need far greater resources to help accelerate Birminghams growth. Consider the staffing of three Birmingham regional organizations responsible for planning, tourism, and economic development: Planning: The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham has sixty-seven people on its staff. Tourism: The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau has thirty-three people on its staff. Economic development: The Birmingham Business Alliance has just seventeen people on its staff. Judging from the staffing numbers, it appears we place a much greater priority on planning and tourism than we do on generating new jobs and capital investment. Most local and regional economic development organizations in Alabamalike the Birmingham Business Alliancedepend heavily on the Alabama Department of Commerce to bring them projects. The Alabama Department of Commerce does a fine job with economic development, but its primary orientation is filling industrial parks with traditional manufacturing companies. The Birmingham metro has industrial parks, but its economy is more oriented toward white collar operations typically located in office buildings. For instance, Hoover, the second-largest city in the Birmingham Metro, doesnt have a single industrial park. According to the EDPAs buildings and sites database, there are more than two million square feet of vacant and available office space in Jefferson and Shelby counties. That space, if filled with companies, could employ more than 8,000 workers, generating prosperity and tax revenue for the Birmingham Metro. To fill that office space, we cant rely on the Alabama Department of Commerce to bring us prospects. The Birmingham Business Alliance will have to identify and recruit suitable prospective companies largely independent of the Alabama Department of Commerce. That takes resources to identify the appropriate companies and to build, train, and support a sales force to pound the pavement and knock on doors. Birmingham also has rare and valuable assetssuch as UABs and Southern Researchs life sciences researchwhich require specialized economic development expertise to transform into companies and jobs. Comparing the Birmingham Business Alliance to other regional economic development organizations, we see that Charlotte has twenty-seven people, Louisville has twenty-nine people, Memphis has thirty-two people, and Atlanta has sixty people. Obtaining the necessary resources for the Birmingham Business Alliance will not be easy. Unlike the Regional Planning Commission and the Visitors & Convention Bureauwhich have guaranteed or largely-guaranteed funding sourcesthe Birmingham Business Alliance is almost totally funded by contributions from Birmingham-area businesses. Unfortunately, we no longer have many of the Fortune 500 headquarters and large companies we once had that could make hefty donations to business recruitment. Also, while many businesses are willing to contribute to the greater good, some businesses decline to contribute because theyre not interested in attracting companies who might be competition or who might lure their employees away. For multiple reasons, it is unrealistic to expect Birmingham-area businesses to double or triple the contributions they make to the Birmingham Business Alliance. An economic development organization funded largely by local businesses also has an additional weakness; it must spend some of its labor and resources doing fundraising to continue operating. Thats resources not available for business recruitment and development. Im not making a funding pitch on behalf of the Birmingham Business Alliance. They may not even agree with my conclusions. Im simply going where the data leads me. If we are to grow the Birmingham area, we need to step up economic development efforts by at least a magnitude or two. The current funding mechanism is sorely lacking. If we want results, we must devote the resources to make results possible. Don Erwin was an economic developer for twelve years. He is the author of Buffalo Hunting in Alabama, a novel about the competition among cities and states to attract economic development projects. He lives in the Birmingham metro. David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. Hes past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP). Click here to sign up for our newsletter. Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@comebacktown.com Its still too soon to say if a tropical disturbance expected to form in the Gulf of Mexico this week could affect Alabama. One of the reasons is it hasnt even formed yet. But forecasters have reasonable confidence that it will develop, and it could become a tropical depression, or stronger, and head generally northward in the next few days. We will continue to monitor trends closely and we urge residents and visitors across the entire Gulf Coast to continue to monitor the forecast over the coming days, the National Weather Service in Mobile said in its Sunday morning forecast discussion. The National Hurricane Center warned those along the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast to keep a close eye on it. Could it become a hurricane? A tropical storm? Will it organize at all? And where could it go? These are all still unanswered questions as of Sunday, according to the weather service. Unfortunately, there still remains a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the strength, timing, and trajectory of this system, forecasters at the weather service in Mobile said in their forecast discussion on Sunday morning. Why all the attention on something that hasnt even happened yet? Anytime a tropical disturbance moves into the Gulf of Mexico its worth watching. And its near the climatological peak of the hurricane season. And conditions in the Gulf would seem to support anything forming there to intensify, with an abundance of very warm water for fuel and lighter wind shear. The National Hurricane Center was keeping a close eye on the northwestern Caribbean and southern Gulf on Sunday. Forecasters said there is a high probability (80 percent) of a tropical depression -- or tropical storm -- forming in the next few days. A system has to have a defined center and winds of at least 39 mph to be considered a tropical storm and get a name. The next name on the 2024 Atlantic storm list is Helene. Forecasters were seeing a broad area of low pressure and disorganized rain and storms on Sunday afternoon, and the weather service indicated that something trackable could form by late Monday or Tuesday. And it could move into the southern Gulf by Wednesday. Effects from the storm could affect parts of the Gulf Coast by later this week. The weather service is also seeing hints that whatever forms could be a large system, which means more areas could be subject to wind, rain and surge from it. Weather watchers have been circulating various model tracks for days showing various areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast facing a landfalling storm later this week. But all those possible tracks are merely speculation at this point. Although we are starting to see the signs that a trackable feature may soon be forming, as of right now models are still unsure of what to latch onto, the weather service said. " when this lack of data gets inputted into the various models and then we look out at the solutions 5-7 days out, this leads to a plethora of inaccuracies within each model run that ultimately affects the model runs overall output. This is why there continues to be so much run-to-run and model-vs-model variability in the overall strength, trajectory, and timing of this storm. Once the disturbance establishes itself, it will provide a lot more data to be fed into computer forecast models to formulate track and intensity forecasts. Forecasters will be watching the evolution of the disturbance, but also will have eyes on weather systems in the United States that could help steer the tropical systems track. One of those is an area of high pressure that is expected to be situated over the Southeast U.S. Forecasters will also be watching a trough of low pressure that will be moving into the Midwest. Models also had been forecasting an area of low pressure to become cut off from that trough, but as of Sunday that seemed less likely to happen. That cutoff low would be important, according to the weather service, because it could have steered the tropical disturbance more toward the west. But instead, models (as of today, that is) are leaning toward a stronger trough of low pressure, which could indicate a more eastward path for the yet-to-develop disturbance. But dont take that to the bank yet. With that being said, these sudden changes in model guidance tells me that the upper features at play are extremely complex and fickle and, at this time, any one model run should not be taken at face value, especially since we still do not have a trackable feature, the weather service said Sunday. Expect models tracks to continue to shift back and forth a bit longer until guidance has a better handle of the system and the upper features at play, and by that time, we can begin focusing on our local impacts. Weather forecasters continue to eye a broad area of low pressure near Central America that could develop into a tropical storm or a hurricane and affect Florida late this week. But exactly where the storm goes and how strong it will be remains unclear as rains and thunderstorms related to the system were disorganized Sunday. There is still a lot of uncertainty, said Rodney Wynn, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. There is going to be shifts in this storm when it does form up. Were telling everybody from the west coast (of Florida) to the northern gulf coast to plan for this. It could impact a very large area. The National Hurricane Center reported Sunday afternoon that the system, which sat near Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, had an 80% chance of development in the next seven days and a 40% chance of forming in the next two days. It is likely to form into a tropical depression or a tropical storm in the next few days as it moves north into the Gulf of Mexico. Once a storm develops, forecasters will have a better idea of where it will go. Most current models show possible storm tracks toward the Florida panhandle and Alabama, while some show tracks closer to Tampa Bay. Any storm system could impact the Tampa Bay area regardless of where it tracks. Rain chances will increase midweek, Wynn said. A storm would bring deteriorating marine conditions, possible water spouts and tornadoes, gusty winds and threat of storm surge. People should prepare hurricane kits with essential supplies, develop an emergency plan for their families, determine if they live in a flood zone and pay attention to the latest weather forecasts, Wynn said. Forecasters are also eyeing another swath of the map in the eastern Atlantic, where they say a tropical wave could develop over the coming week and move west. The Hurricane Center gave that system a 50% chance of forming over the next 7 days. _____ 2024 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. It is customary to romanticize ones youth, nostalgia being a common reflection on a life lived. In a related look back, the following focuses on a special era that of 1960s Israel. I will not recount the wars, since the early 1960s in Israel was relatively peaceful, and by the time the Six-Day War began, I became a soldier, but that is another story. As I look at todays Israel, I marvel at the countrys progress, particularly in the economic and the defense spheres, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) being bigger and stronger, but not as resourceful and innovative as it was in the 1960s. It is, more pointedly, in the cultural arena that Israel in the 1960s was especially attractive with idealism and patriotism typifying Israeli society. Although the Altalena Affair, which almost caused a civil war in 1948, had not been forgotten, by the 1960s, it had been put into historical storage. Soon after Ben-Gurion formally declared Israels statehood in May 1948, Menachem Begins Irgun underground secured much needed arms in Europe for Israels defense against five invading Arab armies. Begin sought to share the arms with the newly formed IDF but insisted that 20% of the arms purchased by the Irgun go to units of the Irgun, which had been incorporated into the IDF. Ben-Gurion ordered the bombing of the Altalena. Several Holocaust survivors on the boat were killed, including two of my uncles, and many were wounded. Menachem Begin, to his eternal credit, warned against a civil war, resisting the demand of some of his Irgun comrades to fight back. By the 1960s, veterans of the Irgun had been incorporated into the IDF, although not allowed to advance beyond the rank of lieutenant colonel. This situation did not change until several years later, when a change in leadership, in 1977, brought Begins Herut party to power. Mapai, the socialist workers party, led by Ben-Gurion since Israels independence, was defeated and unseated. Begins Herut (Freedom Party, later to become the Likud) brought welcome change to those who were not Mapainiks and who had been denied positions in the public sector. While Israels nemesis, Egypts dictator Gamal Abdel Nasser, was busy killing royal Yemenite soldiers throughout the early and mid-1960s, Israel was enjoying immense progress, particularly in agriculture. Drip irrigation, invented by Israelis, allowed for the flowering of the desert. Although there were occasional provocations from Syria, and later in the 1960s from Palestinians in Jordan, they were relatively minor disturbances. The youth in Israel were divided between the urban Salon kids and the Kibbutzniks. On Friday nights, the Salon groupies were going to parties and dancing slow dances to the sounds of Elvis, the Beatles, Cliff Richards, Paul Anka, The Platters, and Nat King Cole. But on a Saturday night, the Kibbutzniks and Salon kids shared the street and strolled on Tel Avivs Dizengoff Street. With its sidewalk cafes and steakhouses, it felt like little Paris. We were still a small and intimate society, and as you passed everyone on the street, you greeted him with the familiar Ma Chadash Whats doing? The country in the 1960s was a model for development and progress. Although the Arab nations boycotted Israel and tried to choke Israel economically, the developing states in black Africa and Asia sought out Israeli experts for assistance in developing some of their institutions in particular, agriculture and government. Israel was flooded with black African trainees who came to learn Israeli methods. My family hosted a number of African trainees from Kenya, who would share Shabbat meals with us. As we neared the drafting age of 18, whether you were a Salon kid or a Kibbutznik, you dreamed of enlisting into a combat unit. To shirk military service was a terrible stigma, and even the sick and medically impaired demanded that they be drafted. The IDF became the real integrator into Israeli society. Whether your family came from Arab counties or Eastern Europe, the IDF was the societys melting pot. The Kibbutznik in the early years of the state symbolized patriotism and sacrifice. They were the ones who manned the elite combat units in the IDF. In later decades, however, they were replaced by the patriotism of the National Religious knitted kippot youth, who were raised in Judea and Samaria, and who became leaders of elite IDF units. Small Israel, or in Hebrew Israel Haktanna, was the Israel before the Six-Day War of June 1967. Israel was focused on nation-building. Israelis did not tear one another apart as they do today. The Mapai elites, though imbued with a socialist (economic) orientation, were, nevertheless, patriotic unlike much of the Israeli political left today. Those were the years before television, computers, and cell phones. Israelis read more; discussed the topics of day civilly; and socialized in a variety of ways, especially with concerts from European artists, the Israeli Philharmonic (founded in 1936, prior to independence), and foreign movies. There were always long lines of those waiting to buy tickets. In Tel Avivs Dizengoff Square, we had the popular movie palaces of Esther and Chen. It was the beginning of the Americanization of Israel. Hollywoods movies predominated. The movies and actors we saw made us love America. They were idealistic and patriotic, and it reinforced our idealism and patriotism. A decade earlier, In the 1950s, we were Francophiles, with French culture having dominated the country. As grade-school children we knew about French Mirage and Mystere jet fighters, and AMX tanks, and we heard on the radio the French Les Compagnons de la Chanson, and the songs of Jacques Brel, Edith Piaf, and Charles Aznavour. But all that changed when Charles de Gaulle became Frances president and the war in Algeria ended. Reparations paid by the German government for the Nazi Holocaust, which included stealing the property of millions of murdered Jews in Europe, brought relative prosperity to the country but weakened our egalitarian society. In the Israel of my youth, most people did not own a private car. We relied on public transportation, mostly buses. Then, suddenly, we were inundated with Mercedes cars, albeit mostly used by taxi drivers. In the mid-1960s, we had our first high-rise tower in Tel Aviv, called the Shalom Tower. Today, Tel Avivs skyline is replete with high-rise offices and apartment buildings, and to tourists, it appears as little Manhattan. Yes, Israel has changed. Gone is the intimacy of the past. The uncompromising patriotism of the 1960s, although not altogether gone, has diminished, and national solidarity reappears only in times of war and tragedy. We must bring back the unity of purpose that allowed for the building of a flourishing Israel. Image via Raw Pixel. Is there a Satan Club in your childs public school? There very well could be. Heres a little background and advice on how to be an active parent in protecting both the souls and constitutional rights of your children. Child Evangelism Fellowship at the Supreme Court Back in 2001, the United States Supreme Court heard a case by the name of Good News Club v. Milford Central School District. This case was brought because a school district refused to allow Child Evangelism Fellowship to hold their Good News Club in schools in its district. The school district mistakenly thought that having religious clubs on school property was some sort of violation of the separation of church and state or an endorsement of that religion by the school. The Ruling The Supreme Court ruled that the school district must give the same accommodations to a Good News Club as to any other club. For example, if a chess club gets to use a classroom and meet immediately after the last bell, the school couldnt restrict a Good News Club from having that same access just because the Good News Club has a religious perspective. That would amount to discrimination based on a religious viewpoint and would be a violation of First Amendment rights to free speech and free practice of religion. The First Amendment says the government may not prohibit the exercise of these freedoms. Now, the First Amendment also says the government may not establish a particular religion and force people to practice it. So, the school districts attorneys argued that having a religious club on public school property could lead children to believe that the school or government was somehow endorsing a particular religion. SCOTUS considered that argument and concluded that there is a greater danger that children will get the idea that they may not speak about God on public property than there is a danger that kids will think the school is endorsing a particular religion. With parents permission, children are allowed to attend a variety of clubs that are held at the school, including religious clubs. Child Evangelism Fellowship was pleased with the victory and has been able to help many school districts around the United States understand that they must allow the Good News Club to have the same access as other clubs. This SCOTUS ruling also helped to win another District Court ruling which clarified that teachers may also volunteer in Good News Club (Wigg v. Sioux City School District). The Satanic Temples Pushback Now, heres where it gets sticky. The Satanic Temple was upset to see the Good News Club having less resistance, so to make a point, they decided to start their own Satan Clubs in public schools. Choosing a school with a Good News Club, the Satanic Temple would insist that permission slips for a Satan Club be made available to the children under that same freedom of religion umbrella. Of course, when an active parent sees that a Satan Club is being hosted at the school, they get upset and go to the school board. The board cant allow one and not the other, so the Satanic Temple hopes that this will force the school to shut down all clubs and thus get rid of the Good News Club. Or even, to put pressure on the Good News Club to leave in exchange for the Satan Club to leave also, thus solving the schools problem of angry parents. How to Be an Active Parent Against This Ploy So, heres the advice. What can you do as an active parent to combat strategies like this when it comes to protecting your freedom of religion in school? 1. Call Their Bluff The best strategy as an active parent is to call the bluff of those who would oppose you. Sure, start a Satan Club. Its a free country. See how many other active parents give permission for kids to attend or see how well its run and how long it lasts. It wont take long for people to realize that their track record is dismal and what the club really stands for. They will say that they dont teach kids about Satan; that its more about humanism and so-called tolerance, but their actions and underhanded tactics only expose them to be deeply intolerant of the beliefs of others when it aligns with Biblical truth. 2. Dont Let Your Guard Down While a Satan Club in your childs school likely wont do well, its still no reason to dismiss concern as an active parent. Besides this overt attempt to win the hearts of kids over to the dark side, there are many more insidious attempts of corruption that can happen beneath the surface. Kids may feel that going to a Satan Club has a cool, naughty, rebellious novelty about it. And even if the content taught, itself, seems innocuous, attending as a child will wear down inhibition towards attending a truly Satanic event or organization when older. The Satanic Temple may claim to be a religion of irony -- one created solely to mock hypervigilant Christians, while preaching a message of humanism. But the Satanic Temple also had an 8,000-pound statue made of Satan with two elementary-aged children looking up adoringly. So, judge for yourself whether their clear attempt to appeal to children is one born from truly good intentions, or to weaponize and manipulate children against Christian values. 3. Get Involved Deceit is the calling card of Satan, and the best defense is a good offense -- one thats steeped in positive support for the values you do want to uphold as an active parent! Even if you dont have children of your own in public school, I encourage you to help out in a Good News Club. The best way you can help support a Good News Club is to encourage your church to adopt one. By banding together as active parents and teachers in our communities, we can help protect the right for kids to learn about Jesus in public schools -- regardless of the ploys others might throw at us. Fred Pry is the Acting Vice President of Administration at Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), the most impactful child evangelism ministry in the world, reaching over 25 million children with its face-to-face ministry in 2023. Fred joined CEF in 2003 as director of a local chapter in Pennsylvania before being appointed state director of Virginia. Later, he was invited to lead USA Ministries, and since 2024 he has been serving in the role of Acting Vice President of Administration and providing further leadership to the organization as one of CEFs executive staff. Image: Good News Club In 2002, Robert Roberson was the single father of a Nikki, a chronically ill child. He's now on Texas death row, though much of the evidence in his trial is now in doubt including what those around him interpreted as his lack of emotion. The Innocence Project Robert Roberson was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder years after his trial. His execution is currently scheduled for October 17. Texas Department of Criminal Justice Millions of Americans live with autism, but this developmental disability remains widely misunderstood. This is particularly true when autistic people come into contact with the criminal justice system. In the case of Robert Roberson, whos scheduled to be executed in Texas on Oct. 17, this lack of understanding of autism has proven catastrophic. As a psychologist, Ive worked with autistic people for more than 20 years. And like many other people including legislators from both parties in the Texas House I believe that Roberson is innocent, accused of a crime that never happened. As Robersons clemency petition explains, he is an autistic person. He was a devoted single father to 2-year-old Nikki Curtis, a chronically ill child. In 2002, in the last week of Nikkis life, Roberson was concerned about her respiratory issues and a high fever. He brought Nikki to the local emergency room in Palestine, Texas and to her pediatrician. Doctors prescribed medication and sent them home. Today, new analysis by other doctors has made clear that those medications suppress breathing and are otherwise inappropriate for a toddler in Nikkis condition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When Roberson woke up to find Nikki unconscious and turning blue, he again brought her to the emergency room. Hospital staff did not investigate Nikkis illnesses. They interpreted Robersons behaviors characteristic of an autistic person as cold and unemotional and rushed to judge him; the police were called. Prosecutors then pursued a capital murder charge even before an autopsy. At trial, the prosecution highlighted Robersons flat affect, a symptom of his autism. An imagined scene of how he had violently shaken his daughter was provided to the jury as the way to understand Nikkis death, despite the absence of any evidence that her father had previously abused her or anyone else. The tragic combination of misunderstanding of Roberson's autism and the prosecution's now-discredited Shaken Baby narrative culminated in his conviction and death sentence. Before his 2003 trial, Roberson had never received any evaluation, diagnosis or services for autism. No one told the jury that his lack of emotional display and labored stammer were products of his disability. Jurors were encouraged to judge him as a callous liar. Similar misconceptions have contributed to other wrongful convictions and excessive punishment for autistic people who become entangled with the criminal justice system. In fact, autistic people are far more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators. But because of their disability, autistic people are seven times as likely to become involved in the criminal justice system as are people who are neurotypical. As a psychologist who works with autistic people and their families, I never intended to become involved in legal proceedings. As I began to see so many of my clients drawn into the criminal justice system as both victims and accused perpetrators, however, I realized the system was ill-equipped to serve them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Autism is not a mental illness, a personality disorder or a behavioral problem. Rather, autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects ones ability to communicate and relate to others. Because autism produces deficits in social and emotional processing, people who are on the autism spectrum may seem odd, calm, nonchalant, unemotional, detached or uncaring to the neurotypical public, particularly in times of stress. These are all terms trial witnesses used to describe Robersons response to Nikkis death. The trial testimony of medical professionals and detectives who interacted with Roberson shows how the symptoms of his autism were misconstrued as odd or worse, an indication of guilt. The lead detective in the case who testified against him for the state, Brian Wharton, now believes Roberson is innocent and should be given a new trial. Tragically, the jury was unaware of Robersons autism and did not hear from any qualified expert witness who could explain that his emotionally flat outward appearance masked intense distress that he could not express. Only years after the trial was Roberson evaluated by a qualified neuropsychologist and finally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Yet evidence of his pronounced impairments have been evident his whole life. Its all too common for people to slip through the cracks this way particularly people who grow up in poverty and with unstable family circumstances, as Roberson did. Even so, his autism diagnosis is consistent with records showing he was identified as a special needs child and received treatment for delayed speech and related impairments through Medicaid. His misdiagnosis also illuminates why he struggled in school and left after the ninth grade. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Through the work of organizations such as the Autism Society and its Texas branch, public awareness and understanding of autism has improved considerably since Robersons trial two decades ago. Gov. Greg Abbott also has shown a commitment to the dignity and humanity of people with disabilities in Texas, including those with autism. The governor and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles now have an opportunity to take Robersons autism into account, along with the wealth of new medical evidence that was not available to the jury demonstrating that Nikkis death was not a crime. Texas should not tolerate a process that criminalizes the symptoms of a disability and that elevates prejudice and misunderstanding over scientific advances. And we shouldnt put an innocent man to death. Dr. Natalie Montfort is a clinical psychologist in Houston with more than two decades of experience specializing in children and adults with autism. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lying has always been part of politics. Politicians lie about what they supported in years past or what they would do if elected. But because of the magnitude of the frauds promoted by Democrats in recent years and because they are assisted by the MSM and our intelligence services, the Democrats have taken lying to a new level. Elections are democracys lifeblood. Lying to voters threatens the very underpinnings of our democracy. A review of lies the Democrats and their allies have foisted on voters in recent presidential elections demonstrates that something must be done. In 2016, the Democrats fabricated the Trump-Russian collusion hoax. Thats far more serious than lying about how a politician voted years ago. The CIA furthered this lie by enlisting foreign security agencies to generate contacts between Russians and peripheral Trump campaign members to create suspicion against Trump. After the election, the Democrats used the same fabrication to hamstring Trumps administration and try to drive him from office. The CIA issued false leaks to the MSM, claiming growing evidence of Trump-Russian collusion. The MSM eagerly published stories day after day claiming the walls were closing in on Trump. But the walls were not closing in. The claim was a lie. The MSM is so brazen that when New York Times and Washington Post reporters were awarded Pulitzers for their falsehoods, they proudly kept them even as their falsehoods were exposed. Image by Grok. Early in his administration, the Democrats and the MSM promoted the lie that Trump had said the Nazis at Charlottesville were very fine people. Biden frequently repeated this. Obama repeated it at the recent Democrat convention. It was widely covered in the MSM and never retracted. If you ask someone why they believe Trump is a racist, they are likely to respond that it is because of that comment. It took more than six years before a few members of the media and the fact-checkers finally admitted Trump never said the Nazis were good people. In fact, he said the opposite. In the 2020 election, the Democrats and their supporters, aided by the MSM and the intelligence services, fabricated the story that Hunter Bidens laptop was Russian disinformation. And they promoted the lie that there was no evidence Biden participated in or benefited from Hunters corrupt activities. The FBI had authenticated the laptop in 2019, but hid that truth until long after the election. Despite promoting this falsehood, the MSM never tested the laptops authenticity until 18 months after the election and then continued to hide the truth. Ironically, the DOJ recently relied on the laptops authenticity in prosecuting Hunter. The Democrats and their allies also deceived voters about Bidens mental condition. It is difficult to think of a lie more impactful than deceiving voters into electing a president with seriously diminished mental capacities. When special prosecutor Robert Hur reported on Bidens mental deficiencies, the MSM joined the Democrats in attacking him. When videos showing Bidens confusion aired, the MSM and the Democrats engaged in a coordinated deception, saying the videos were cheap fakes. Consider this: You cant sell securities to the public by making statements knowingly false or made with reckless disregard for the truth. You cant sell your house based on falsehoods; thats fraud. You cant even sell banana bread without actual bananas without disclosing that fact. But the Democrats and their allies have engaged in major lies to win elections and gotten away scot-free. These political lies are frauds and far more important than banana bread. The Democrats claimed concern about voter suppression is sheer hypocrisy because lying to voters is the worst kind of voter suppression. When the Democrats lie to voters, they steal their votes in attempting to steal elections by shifting the votes to themselves. While there are laws against other frauds, there are no laws against political frauds. So, Democrats and their allies freely lie to steal elections. The Democrats compound their lies by demanding the censorship of opposing views, including political views. (See, e.g., A Harris-Walz administration would be a nightmare for free speech.) In fact, the Biden-Harris administration has created a vast censorship program. This blocks the administrations political opponents from refuting its lies and prevents experts opposed to administration policies from legitimate debate. The MSM often fails to report news unfavorable to the Democrat party, so most people are unaware of the administrations censorship program. The MSMs refusal to report such news results in Americans having vastly different views depending on their media sources, greatly inflaming our divisions. When reporting on January 6, the MSM always excludes Trumps admonition to his supporters to march to the Capitol peacefully and patriotically and make your voices heard. Trump never mentioned violence, nor did he call on his supporters to enter the Capitol building. The MSM hides that others, who were never punished, were the ones who exhorted the protestors to enter the Capitol. The MSM also claims Trump said he was going to be a dictator starting on day one. In fact, he said he was going to be a dictator only on day one to start closing the border and commence oil drilling. They have repeatedly distorted Trumps bloodbath statement. He clearly spoke to a bloodbath in the automobile industry, not violence. The MSM and the Democrats also promote the falsehood that Trump has adopted Project 2025 and wants to limit social security. Instead of serving the purposes of a free press, the MSM functions as the propaganda arm of the Democrat party. The Democrats claim to be our protectors against the supposed anti-democratic onslaught of their political opponents. But if were going to preserve our democracy, something must be done about their election frauds and their censorship program. Something must also be done about their MSM and intelligence service allies. It is the presss responsibility to inform voters so they can make educated election choices. It is the intelligence services responsibility to protect the country. Their lies are inimical to their proper functions and threaten our democracy. Courts are extremely reluctant to intervene in presidential elections. I do not know of a single instance in our nations history when courts have overturned a presidential election because of cheating. But thats not because there has never been cheating. Cheating occurs in every walk of life. The greater the stakes, the more likely the cheating, and there are no greater stakes than in a presidential election. Furthermore, litigation required to resolve factual disputes to determine cheating takes years, not days, and the time between the election and the inauguration is far too short. We need procedures to thoroughly and objectively examine the integrity of our elections with sufficient time to do the job. Specific legal remedies are beyond the scope of this article, but we need laws to protect against this behavior. At a minimum, we need criminal penalties for election fraud, just as we have criminal penalties for other fraud. Political fraud is certainly no less important than fraudulently selling public securities. So, a federal law might be enacted similar to securities fraud laws including laws against publishing false statements material to any federal election or policy debate made knowingly or with reckless disregard for the truth. These laws could apply to politicians, federal government officials, or members of a political party. The law should also apply to the media. In promoting these frauds, the media is not serving a legitimate purpose. The slogans of the Washington Post and the New York Times, democracy dies in darkness and all the news thats fit to print, have become risible. The same remedies could be those applicable to other criminal frauds, excepting monetary damages. If a fraud material to a presidential election is sufficiently serious, it might be appropriate to shorten the term of a fraudulently elected president and replace them with the defrauded candidate. The reason that no such laws exist is that they would apply to politicians and politicians enact laws. Law is normative. Its proscriptions tell society what activities are wrongful. Its punishments inform of the wrongs seriousness. Because there are no laws against and no sanctions for political frauds, many politicians and voters believe them acceptable. In fact, many believe them desirable. If our democracy is to endure, this cannot continue. In 1953, I was 30 miles from Nagasaki, in the port city of Sasebo, Japan, on the way to Korea during the war there to keep communism from trampling every corner of Asia. I did not know it at the time, but Nagasaki, the second city to be A-bombed in 1945, the last year of World War II, had a significant Christian population. It was a legacy of Japans 16th century opening of ports to foreign explorers and missionaries. Significantly, Nagasaki was once known as the Capital of Christianity in Japan. And so it was that on August 9, 1945 tens of thousands of men, women, boys, girls and babies vanished instantly from the face of the earth in one burst of an atomic bomb. I bring these facts of history up to highlight the inevitable inhumanity of global warfare and to underline the importance of Christianity to people anywhere on earth. That importance evidently reflects something deep in the human spirit that overrides cultural and political considerations. Fast-forwarding to present times, the importance of Christianity in political affairs may be sensed from the fact that faithful followers have been branded as terrorists by officials of government in this nation. Plainly this faith touches something much deeper than politics. In view of the freedom of religion wisely instituted in the Constitution, we must wonder why such extreme carelessness of duty on the job has not been grounds for official censure, at the least. But thats another story . . . Ill continue by asking, what is it that could make a U.S. government official regard Christians as a threat to America? The idea occurs to me that anyone who thinks that way is behaving as though he/she has been drugged somehow. A silly notion? Well, Karl Marx famously remarked that religion is the opium of the people, suggesting that it keeps people ignorant and in bondage. Not like communism, right? It seems to me that Marx overlooked an opiate of his own: the guaranty of equity. Equal shares of the products of labor for everyone is a goal that cannot pass the test of reality. Pursuing it has in fact been a source of misery for everyone, which every honest fact check will bear out. But the hooking addiction of perfect equity expecting equality for everybody is needed to make people swallow state communism. Tranquilizing people for political purposes is well demonstrated in two famous novels. In Aldous Huxleys Brave New World the drug used in its technocratic dictatorship is soma, which makes people euphoric and pleased to follow instructions. In George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four the tranquilizing agent used in its Big Brother dictatorship is double-think, which makes people forget who or what they are, ready to follow Big Brothers commands. And I will add a nonfictional political tranquilizer, an opiate called wokeness that is being tested in America. It is being used by leftist radicals to make people swallow totalitarian government. But in whatever scenario, fictional or nonfictional, communist or corrupted democracy, the motivating drive is to help establish state dictatorship over the people. Returning to the importance of Christianity in America, it is now beyond guessing that this countrys domestic enemies have made Christianity a target of annihilation. They dont regard Christianity as just another dismissible cult but as an intolerable block to the transformation of America into an authoritarian state, which it cannot be as constituted. Something needs to be made clear about the domestic enemies of America who call themselves liberal. It will shock many to learn that true liberals can be Christian. In his run for president as the Democrat candidate in 1952, Adlai Stevenson, governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953, stated publicly: I would say to any Americans who cling to illusions about communism and its fake Utopia: wake up to the fact that you are in allegiance with the devil and you must act soon if you hope to save your soul. (Speech in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sept. 12, 1952). And: Our deepest convictions and hopes [involve] our ... future as a Christian nation. (Speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 1, 1952.) [From excerpts I recorded in 1952 from Adlai Stevensons book of speeches.] As to the importance of politics in America, those awake since midcentury have been aware of the declining regard for America among Democrats and many Republicans in congress, as well as the declining opposition between the two parties. Although their cooperation has at times been one of bipartisanship, it has also been one of collusion to defy the interests of America. Its an association that has earned the name Uniparty. Explaining how America got a virtual one-party government uncritical of communist ideology and unconcerned about it is way beyond the reach of an essay. I can, however, draw attention to a way of making minds accept authoritarian (i.e., communist) state rule. The change in attitude concerning the threat of communism among some of our elected officials makes me think of having been drugged into buying it. Its an outlandish idea, I know, but I think its worth a spin . . . Karl Marx famously claimed that religion is the opium of the people. Was he perhaps overlooking an opiate of his own to win the hearts and minds of the people? Im pointing to the promise of equal shares of the products of labor for everyone. That this total equity is unattainable is proved by the fact that it has never worked where implemented worked for the people, I mean. Their end of the bargain turns out to be subsistence at best, more likely some form of misery. In practice, the carrot dangled in front of the people for accepting total equity is a sugar-coated lie, effective as any drug. Moving to a bottom line, the bad news is that dictatorship in America has been steadily advancing and accelerating since Barack Obama took office. Who hasnt noticed? The woke, most likely. The good news is that the complicit leftist media has gotten its comeuppance since Trump took office, and fewer and fewer people are buying its lies. I think Ive said enough to validate the growing belief that we are in a global war without troops, physical weapons, locations, and political strategies a fight for hearts and minds that can rightly be called a spiritual war. Finally, I have two most important questions to ask. How did we get from fighting communism overseas to fighting it here at home? And how clear must it be that weve been invaded by domestic as well as foreign enemies? Anthony J. DeBlasi is a lifelong defender of Western culture and civilization. Image: Anthony J. DeBlasi, by permission I watched Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator. (Yeah, Im a nerd!) It was made in 2023 by (the very objective) BBC Studios Specialist Factual Productions for the (equally objective) BBC and PBS. Its the story of a power-grab that saw Julius Caesar consolidate the vast Roman Empire into his own hands, of how he overthrew nearly five centuries of Roman democracy in just 16 years. The documentary begins with a hint of whats to come political power: Historians and experts who understand the nature of political power will chart his [Caesars] rise. Rome is portrayed as a tinderbox ready to explode because the wealth gulf between the rich and the ordinary people had grown (sound familiar?). Rome was therefore set for a new type of politics, one where populism clashed with establishment, where threatening political enemies with violence became the norm (sound familiar?). As Caesar consolidated his grip over the Republic, his ambitions turned to dictatorship. A handful of senators plotted to end his rule in the only way they could: by taking his life. Why should we care? Because it is a transparent attempt to link the actions of one of historys worst tyrants to what the historians interviewed view as the actions of a current tyrant: Donald Trump. With the making of the landmark documentary, its producer, Emma Frank, appeared desperate to turn Julius Caesars actions into a warning for current times: if we dont heed the lessons of Caesars wanton iconoclasm and populism, then any current or future Caesar is a threat to democracy. The documentary was made in England, but it has found its way to this side of the pond. From a TLS article: After many months struggling for an ancient parallel for Donald Trump, the American press seems to have latched onto Julius Caesar. The documentary, though historically accurate, neither presents new information nor provides a fresh perspective. Instead, it fashions Caesars actions into a parable for modern times. Caesar took advantage of Romes (unwritten) constitution and changed the entire fabric of the empire. As Donald Trumps populism increases, Caesars story should, according to Democrats, remind us how fragile our own democracy is. If Rome, they insist, could be overthrown by the ambitions of one man, it could again happen. Our modern democracy could collapse if the U.S. elects a bellicose demagogue. Caesar is compared to Donald Trump. Labour lord Baroness Chakrabarti says, I think the Caesar story really is a wake-up call. If we take democracy for granted, a new Caesar will come. Caesars story, says Tory M.P. turned podcast host Rory Stewart, reminds us of our own times. According to Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, professor of Roman Studies at the University of Cambridge, when the Roman Senate was burned in 52 B.C. by an angry horde, it was like the January 6 riots in the U.S. It was an episode as terrifying as the spectacle of the Capitol being invaded by an angry mob under Trump. Stewart says the echoes with Trump are obvious. Both men basically whip up a mob to achieve their aims. The fundamental lesson of Caesars rise and fall is to be very, very suspicious of populism. It is: Im standing for the people against the elite. The people who are trying to defend the old way of doing things are out of touch. Things need to change, and Im going to break it all. The roots of dictatorship are very seductive. According to historian Tom Holland, part of the attraction of populist politicians is the adrenaline rush of seeing traditional orders trampled down and humiliated. People want someone who they feel speaks for them. Caesars story is one of ambition, recklessness, hubris, gore, rapacious violence, wit, and cunning. That stands on its own, without the need for constant Trump analogies. Attempts to equate the Roman Republic with the modern day make for lazy history. Remonstrations by the January 6 Committee notwithstanding, political power has been transferred peacefully. Respect for law and order has basically persisted; no symbolic Rubicon has been crossed. To suggest that a modern Caesar is biding his time in the wings, ready to strike at any moment, is a Democrat scare tactic. To argue that he might actually succeed, in spite of all the checks and balances in place, is ridiculous. The documentary occasionally leans too heavily into its parallels between Caesar and modern-day populism. The portrayal of Caesar as a populist and the comparisons made between him and Donald Trump seem heavy-handed. Caesar endures, said Holland, in the imagination either as an exemplar to be emulated or as a warning from history. Rory Stewart described Caesar as a disgrace in every single way. Hes immoral, irreligious, and a political tyrant. I cant imagine Trump disagreeing with this description of himself. However, it does a disservice to the process of learning from specific and/or cherry-picked historical events to suggest that they can be understood only through a modern lens, that the story of a faltering and vulnerable republic is interesting only if it can be remembered in light of January 6. There are parallels, but they should, as Stewart suggests, cease there. However, Politico couldnt stop making parallels with this hit piece. Julius Caesar, the Donald Trump of his day, promised to return Rome to an imagined ancient glory but instead constructed himself a throne, bulldozing democratic norms, ignoring checks on his power and eroding political debate. Rome chose to follow Caesar, putting the famed Republic on a path to destruction. Like Trump, Julius Caesar was already a celebrity when he took the highest office in Rome and despised by much of the ruling class. Questions were constantly raised about his fitness for office; more than simply unconventional, he operated within an entirely new set of rules, overturning procedure and bending the law whenever it was expedient. He was regularly derided for his personal foibles. Time magazine got in on the act: Roman emperors could not have suppressed charismatic challengers without the (sometimes) hidden threat of force. The legal battle over the 2024 U.S. presidential election may threaten our democratic tradition, but so long as the army remains in its barracks, the country is unlikely to adopt a monarchy. A die may be cast, but it is not destined to land on the same side as Caesars. Julius Caesar was stabbed to death on the Ides of March in 44 B.C. in order to end his tyranny. Perhaps thats what the Democrats and the MSM are hoping will happen to Trump as they spew their calls for his death. The final days of the Roman republic bear little resemblance to todays world, with NATO, a European Union, a United Nations, an internet, and new values and anxieties. Therefore, parallels between Caesar and Trump are, at best, self-serving. Image via Raw Pixel. Now infamously, ABCs David Muir, during the Trump/Harris debate, fact checked Donald Trumps assertion that crime rates had increased under the Harris/Biden Administration, arrogantly sniffing they were decreasing. That was only one of several ludicrously false fact checks against Trump, as opposed to no fact checks at all against Harris. What a surprise. It was only a few days later that the truth came out, but first, lets explore some of the reasons why statistics, particularly those of the FBI, are blatantly false. Graphic: Chris Muir, Day by Day Cartoon, used with permission At one time, the FBIs annual Uniform Crime Report (UCR) was the gold standard of crime statistics, but that hasnt been true for a very long time, and during the Harris/Biden years, the FBIs reporting has become purposely inaccurate. Part of the reason for this is the success of Defund the Police lunacy. Particularly in blue cities, cutting police budgets has created a crime doom loop. Wages comprise most of any police budget. Cut the budget, and officers are fired. Firing officers for political reasons makes recruiting qualified candidates virtually impossible. It also causes officers who can retire to pull the pin, and forces others to flee to states where police officers are allowed to do their jobs. Stuck with DEI mandates and few or no qualified candidates, blue city police forces dramatically reduce hiring standards, accepting even people with drug and alcohol abuse histories and criminal records. The officers that remain are grossly overworked and have high incidences of illness and stress. Overtime goes through the roof, depleting city coffers. Those blue cities also tend to harass and prosecute officers for doing their jobs, while simultaneously denying them necessary and constitutional tools like stop and frisk, so in self-defense remaining officers tend to do as little as possible, and particularly avoid contact with black criminals, who tend to commit the most crimes, largely against honest black people. Citizens quickly learn the police arent going to respond to calls for service, even 911 calls, and even if they do, theyre not going to solve any crimes, so they quit making reports. Criminals, knowing the police are pretty much going to ignore them and people arent going to report their crimes are delighted, and do things they wouldnt think of doing in communities with fully functional criminal justice systems. Ending bail and refusing to prosecute criminals doesnt help. Those same blue cities, knowing crime rates are at obscene, politically deadly, levels do all they can to cover up, and have long since stopped reporting to the FBI. The politicians of any city with out-of-control crime rates tend to avoid talking about them, but blue cities, unable to admit their beliefs and policies are insane and encourage crime, are particularly unwilling to admit the truth. As the FBIs statistics more and more obfuscate crime rates in America, even red states and cities lose confidence, and many dont report to the FBI, suspecting theyll lie about them. Thats where America is today, thanks to George Floyd worship and woke virtual signaling. Graphic: X Screenshot Enter the Department of Justices Bureau of Justice Statistics, which includes self-reported crimes not reported to the FBI. How bad are things? This bad: The annual National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) showed total instances of reported violent crime including rape, robbery and aggravated assault is up from 5.6 per 1,000 in 2020 to 8.7 per 1,000 in 2023. The highest recent rate of violent crime was in 2022, when the survey tracked 9.8 instances per 1,000 people over the age of 12. The rate of rape increased from 1.2 per 1,000 in 2020 to 1.7 in 2023, while robbery went from 1.6 per 1,000 in 2020 to 2.6 per 1,000 in 2023, and aggravated assault rose from 2.9 per 1,000 in 2020 to 4.5 per 1,000 in 2023. It gets worse: The NCVS also showed other forms of crime were up from 2019, including stranger violence (8.1 per 1,000 compared to 11.4 per 1,000 in 2023) and violent crime with a weapon (4.0 per 1,000 vs 5.3 per 1,000 in 2023.) Motor car theft has also increased from 3.9 per 1,000 in 2019 to 6.1 per 1,000 in 2023. Those are significant, enormous increases in crime. Americans, particularly those living in blue cities, could have told the FBI, who should have appreciated their lived experience. Friday afternoon, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called on Muir, the anchor of ABCs World News Tonight to issue an immediate public apology to President Trump for wrongly and rudely fact checking him on the debate stage. Crime rates are on the ballot in November. Donald Trump wont be holding his breath while waiting for Muirs apology. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Although it seemed to be just more hypocrisy and colossal fakery of Komrade Kamala, laughing off the severe issue of the use of deadly force, there is something far more sinister beneath the surface in her little quip on Oprahs Un-Democratic infomercial. And it was echoed in a report in the Wall Street Journal on a surprising new group of gun owners: lefties who want to impose strict restrictions on our freedoms. Consider these two data points in a dangerous trend that you need to pay attention to, and vote accordingly. Your life and your liberty will depend on it. Ominously, the article talks about the people arming up that Mike McDaniel correctly refers to as anti-liberty/gun cracktivists: Michael Ciemnoczolowski, a lifelong Democrat, supports stricter gun laws and contributes to Sandy Hook Promise, a gun-violence-prevention nonprofit. But this summer, the liquor store clerk in Iowa City, Iowa, for the first time in his life bought a gun. Apprehension about street crime, armed right-wing extremists, and whatever else the world could possibly throw at us, drove his decision. Domestic politics have grown increasingly acrimonious, says Ciemnoczolowski, 43. [snip] Ciemnoczolowski, in Iowa, said he mostly talks about guns with other liberal or progressive gun owners, many of whom welcome gun restrictions. He sees no reason to own a military-style, semiautomatic rifle like the AR-15, and supports universal background checks. But the countrys sharp partisan divide renders compromise on guns extremely unlikely, he believes. He visits the range to practice with his Springfield 1911, arriving early, he said, before the yahoos show up. This is why we said you should be concerned over these developments. You also need to consider how the pro-freedom community has mistakenly framed the debate as gun rights versus gun control. This has given the lefties ample opportunities to exploit the language and somehow claim to be for freedom. Thus, its important to understand why we should use certain words and phrases to the exclusion of others. Do guns have rights? That is clearly an absurd question, but how does that sound in our world, where people just read headlines or get their news in tiny bites from socialist media, where phrases take on alternative meanings? This is what you have to keep in mind when selecting the phrases youre going to use. The problem with phrases such as gun rights is that they convey an entirely incorrect impression, almost on a subliminal level. Pro-freedom people know its a shorthand referral to the myriad issues surrounding the commonsense human right of self-defense and the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. This is all well and good, but to everyone else, the underlying implication is very different and is easily misconstrued as making the ridiculous claim that inanimate objects somehow have rights. The problem is that the authoritarian left can easily exploit this implication, completing the thought, while making us look ridiculous at the same time. The result is that youll see people with signs that say protect people, not guns or similar nonsense. This also lets them sneak in under the cover of the national socialist media and declare themselves to be for the freedom to be safe from gun violence or similarly phrased nonsense. Never mind that by definition, criminals never obey the law and there are plenty of other threats that would be present even if every gun could be eliminated overnight see the number of stabbing attacks overseas. Consider the word from NPR (National Propaganda Radio) in this gloating portrayal: This is part of a trend. These days you dont often hear Democrats talk about gun control the phrase you hear is freedom from violence. And for Whitmer, these language choices matter and could be a way Democrats shift views. I think that it is important to use the language, whether it is talking about abortion as abortion and health care, or it is being very clear about what we're talking about when it comes to common sense gun safety laws, Whitmer said. Were not talking about taking away every persons gun in this country. Were talking about making our communities, our schools, our places of worship and education safer places. See how they are trying to exploit the language to destroy...protect our freedoms? We focus on one phrase, gun rights, and make the colossal mistake of portraying the fascist far left as anti-gun or the insanely ridiculous term anti-gunner while they are following the old leftist playbook of just restricting the rights of their political enemies. Anti-liberty/gun cracktivists arent out to confiscate all guns just those in the hands of the pro-freedom right. Just as far-left fascists arent out to censor everyone and fact-check every media outlet they only want to silence conservative and true liberal voices and shut down our media. They arent out to suppress human rights across the board only those in opposition to them. This is why over the past few years, there has been a shift in how the fascist far left has attacked our commonsense human right of self-defense. They used to attack our basic liberties with calls for blanket prohibitions, incremental moves to gun registration, and outright calls for gun confiscation. Their latest moves are markedly different leftists like the Nazis tend to push for selective enforcement of the law to punish their enemies and disarm them: Unconstitutional universal background checks to assert government control over private property, and set up a gun registration system. Unconstitutional red flag gun confiscation orders can be used to take guns from political enemies. Safe storage laws, for harassing and persecuting political enemies as well as registering what they have for eventual confiscation. Assault weapons bans, admittedly a throwback, would give the anti-liberty/gun cracktivists a vague pretext for taking guns from political enemies. Again, the far-left fascists are simply following in the footsteps of their fellow leftists the Nazis in a scheme to incrementally deprive the people of their human rights. The falsehood is that Nazis and other leftists confiscated guns across the board. Even the Harcourt paper on Nazi Gun Laws showed that the Nazis confiscated guns only from their political enemies. Tim Walz should be proud of following in their footsteps. Some on the pro-freedom right consider it a good thing that the lefties are taking up arms. Everyone should always remember that they were never against guns, only guns in the hands of their political enemies the pro-freedom right. Komrade Kamala and the WSJ piece show they love them in their hands, just as they love their speech and their national socialist media. The people who want to deprive you of your freedoms and individual rights are perfectly happy to keep them for themselves. That is why they should never be in control of anything. D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, former director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack. Image via Pexels. "Once you taste purpose, the taste of simply existing is completely unsatisfying. In 2018, I was working on a full feature documentary on the second man on the moon, Gen. Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin. Ive known Dr. Aldrin for 30 years, we have become good friends through the decades, and hes always been one of my heroes, as when I was nine years old, I watched him come out of the lunar module, and step onto the surface of the moon. It would be close to 30 years later, until I would finally meet him, and we would meet for coffee and speak about worldly, and out of this world things! He lived in the Los Angeles area at the time and I would often take him to the LAX airport. He would point at the moon and give me the coordinates where he landed! That was always an unbelievable joy, heading down the 405 freeway, knowing that I was the only one on the planet getting a coordinate by coordinate tour of the moon by a man who had been there. Fast forward to 2017, and the documentary I was working on about my hero fell apart for many reasons, so I decided to take a very long bike ride into the Santa Monica Mountains that would change my life. On that bike ride, I had a "field of dreams" moment, where I started thinking about monuments to build for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. I reached out to NASA, found a location at the Kennedy Space Center , and found $750,000 to build the Apollo 11 monument, celebrating the greatest story in the history of the world just in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. If you think about the fact that nobody had ever been able to build the monument to the greatest story in the history of the advancement of mankind until I was able to envision it, and I was able to build it with the greatest sculptors in the world, the Lundeen brothers, of Loveland, Colorado, you have to wonder why? I have been wondering why for the last five years. The best that I can come up with is that we all have a destiny, and we all have a purpose, and it seems that mine, was that of envisioning this incredible monument, and getting built, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. It would be easy to pat myself on the back and tell myself how brilliant I am, but none of that is true, and none of that is something I need to do. What is true is that I had a really, really, good idea at the perfect time to have that idea, and magic happened, at a level, that I never, ever thought could exist. Once I came through the unveiling of the monuments of Apollo 11, this greatest story the world had ever known, doors started opening in my mind that had never been opened before, and I started moving through them. I was then able to envision the Apollo 13 monument, and reached out to Capt. Jim Lovell, the commander of that incredible mission and he become my cheerleader. We had an unveiling for that monument after I raised another $750,000 at the Houston Space Flight Center, which happened in the middle of the pandemic. Although the unveiling was a bit underwhelming because of all the restrictions and the rules, the monument was anything, but underwhelming and it turned out to be another magnificent day, shining the light on American exceptionalism in monument form. I kept thinking about this, and pressed forward with new ideas. Now its occurred to me that 75 women have flown into space and 25,000+ women have worked at NASA. Yet there was not one monument to any of them. I immediately thought of the first American woman in space, astronaut Sally Ride, and I found a location at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Long Island, New York. I was able to raise $300,000 for this monument and build it. We had an incredible unveiling on the 39th anniversary of her mission. Then it occurred to me that we had to bring Sally home, for the 40th anniversary of her mission. As she is a daughter of California, I reached out to the Reagan Library to build this second Sally Ride monument, and the CEO of the Reagan Library, who knew Sally, said this was a great idea because Ronald Reagan had been the president when she went up into space for the final time. The Reagan library had just started a Reagan defense forum section of the library which contained an Abrams tank, a Stealth fighter and an F-14 Tomcat. Sally Ride would be at the entrance of that new section, greeting the 400,000 guests it would see each year. I was able to put together an unveiling on July 4 in front of 4,000 patriots for this unveiling, and Sally Rides 99-year-old mother and family, as well as major news outlets such as the CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, and Fox News, along with 55 affiliates across the country covered it. Once again, Id love to say that I am some kind of brilliant auteur, but thats simply is not the case. What I am, however, is a man who believes in America. I am like the man who gets up every single morning and swings the bat as hard as he can; a man who believes in his heart that if you have an idea and you have a vision, and you focus in on that vision, in America, you cannot fail! God bless America, and God bless the crew of Apollo 11, the crew of the Apollo 13, Dr. Sally Ride, and the 600 astronauts and explorers who have all launched on very, very, dangerous rockets, and gone into the 0G and the vacuum of the universe, and done what man does best which is to explore. Steven C. Barber is a filmmaker and the project manager of the Dr. Sally Ride monument at the Ronald Reagan Library,as well as the Dr. Sally Ride monument at the Cradle Of Aviation museum, the Apollo 11 monument at the Kennedy Space Center, and the Apollo 13 monument at the Houston space flight center. His 53-minute documentary on the building at the Apollo 11 monument is narrated by Patrick Wharburton and can be viewed on Vimeo here. Is the pope a religious leader or a partisan politician? Well, you can decide. On Friday, the pope said he viewed a Sept. 12 video of the Argentinian authorities chasing out protestors against President Javier Milei's budget cuts with pepper spray. He stepped right up to criticize them like an opposition socialist pol. According to Insider Paper: Pope Francis on Friday criticised the recent crackdown on protesters by Argentine President Javier Mileis government, in a rare statement about the social tensions in his home country. They showed me a repression filmed a week ago Workers. People demanding their rights in the streets, the pope said in Spanish at an event with social movements from across the world. The police pushed them back. With the most expensive thing there is: top-quality pepper spray, Francis said, according to a video of the event published by the Vatican. He did not name Argentina or its president by name, but appeared to be referring to a September 12 Buenos Aires protest over a pension increase veto, during which police used tear gas and plastic bullets. Franciss comments made headlines in Argentina on Friday. Why didnt they have the right to claim whats theirs? Because they were undisciplined? Communists? No, not at all, the pope said during the meeting at the Holy Sees department for economic, labour and social justice issues in Rome. The government did not budge. Instead of paying for social justice, it paid for pepper spray, Francis said. What's theirs? The government is out of money. Whatever was "theirs" was spent by the Peronists a long time ago. Argentina's protestors are famously entitled, with some protesting as a lifestyle choice, and in the past they have been subsidized by the Peronist governments. As a result, they can be very aggressive, often shutting down the entire country until their demands are met. Milei's government clearly can't give them what they don't have, but they do have an obligation to maintain order for the rest of the country. Oh, and nobody died. The pope's complaint about Argentinian goverment "repression" was particularly galling because of his near-complete silence on what's going on elsewhere in South America, in Venezuela, where in the wake of a nakedly stolen election which really was "theirs" as Venezuelans, many Venezuelans have been gunned down by government thugs as well as hunted down, beaten, tortured, and imprisoned. The actual man who won the Venezuelan election, Edmundo Gonzalez, has been forced to flee the country. Pretty much every leader in the hemisphere and Europe, including Milei's Peronist predecessors, has weighed in on the horrible specter of Venezuela in the wake of the stolen election. Only the communist dictatorships (and Mexico, which is getting there) have stayed silent. As I noted here three weeks ago: In fact, the pope was one of the few leaders who refused to take a stand on Venezuela, unlike virtually all of Latin America, save for the other socialist hellholes of Cuba, and Nicaragua, plus increasingly dictatorial socialist Mexico. Even the weakling U.S. under Joe Biden generally made it clear that Maduro's electoral theft was unacceptable ... So the pope effectively joined Russia's Vlad Putin, China's Xi Jinping, and the mullahs of Iran in sticking up for, and propping up Maduro. He did come out with a days-late statement on Venezuela, which was astonishingly mealy-mouthed, leaving observers, "perplexed" as the National Catholic Reporter put it: A few days after that statement, Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal to all parties to seek the truth, to exercise restraint, to avoid any kind of violence, to settle disputes through dialogue. That kind of all parties Vatican response, which has marked the Holy Fathers Venezuela policy for more than a decade, causes deep upset in Venezuela. It is not the opposition that is causing violence, and dialogue with a repressive regime looks to many like appeasement. The Vatican has repeatedly chosen not to reinforce, or even echo, the strong statements of the Venezuelan bishops. Indeed, at many times Maduro himself has taunted the Venezuelan bishops that they should be more like Pope Francis and ease off their criticism. I wrote this on August 4: goes into "dialogue" as if Maduro and the opposition have not been dialoguing, and intensely dialoguing for the past 20 years. The dialogue ended with the election, and the voters delivered their dialogue to the government through the ballot box and their votes were stolen. Thou shalt not steal. It also goes into the need for "both sides" to avoid violence, as if the guns were on both sides, which they were not. It calls on "both sides" to seek the truth, as if the actas, or vote tallies, gathered showing that the opposition won don't tell us anything. After that, nothing, even as the situation got worse and worse. Prompted by a reporter a few weeks ago, he added this: I have not been following the situation in Venezuela, but the message I would give to authorities is to dialogue and make peace. Dictatorships are useless and sooner or later, they end poorly. Read the history of the Church. I would say that the government and the people should do everything to find a path of peace, for Venezuela. I can't give a political opinion because I don't know the details. I know that the bishops have spoken and the message of the bishops must be better. Dictatorships are useless? That's a philosophical argument. Compare and contrast with his claims about "repression" in Argentina over protestors who refused to stop blocking highways? As for the bishops, I believe he defers to them in this statement as having made better statements than he could -- the local bishops issued utter thunderbolts against the Maduroite electoral theft. But he must have known that or he wouldn't have brought it up. Why didn't he cite the bishops outright or at least paraphrase the contents of their statements condemning the electoral fraud? It just goes to show a double standard. Milei is a libertarian and ferocious budget cutter who's determined to rake his country out of its Peronist mire and restore its rightful place as one of the world's richest nations. The pope can't stand that, because it's so necessarily anti-socialist. The pope also ventured into partisan politics this week, when he called for a "universal basic income," a bad idea that rewards non-work and penalizes work and which is inherently "unsustainable" as the lefties like to say. Maduro on the other hand, who's a naked socialist-communist election cheat, gets nothing but indirect and infrequent criticism as well as kid-glove treatment. No outright condemnations from the pope, which puts him in the same league as Putin, the Castroite oligarchs, and Kim Jong-il. Does he get condemned as "repressive," too? So far, have not seen it. That looks pretty partisan. And it's terrible to see that in a pope, who is expected to identify evil and stay out of politics. If Maduro isn't evil to him, he has no business criticizing Milei. Image: Zebra48bo, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed If it were not for the Jews, Jerusalem would be just another ancient city buried under the sand and forgotten. However, ever since King Davids time, around 1000 B.C., the Jewish Bible has kept alive the Jewish commitment to that city, especially the area around the Western Wall, for 3,000 years. Christianity, too, has a tie to the ancient city that cannot be erased by time, for it was there that the corporeal Jesus walked, preached, suffered, was buried, and was resurrected. Mohammed, by contrast, was never in Jerusalem. He just dreamed about it. That was enough, though, for a huge majority of the UNs member states to agree that Jerusalems old city must become a Jew-free Muslim enclave. (And of course, as Bethlehem and Nazareth show, once the Muslims take over, the Christians go, too.) Image made using a public domain picture. Thanks to the fact that the UN recently accorded a seat in the General Assembly to a representative from the imaginary State of Palestine, the UN has voted that Jews must be removed from Old Jerusalem: Jerusalems Old City, in addition to Judea and Samaria, must be Judenrein within a year, according to a Palestinian-drafted resolution, which the U.N. General Assembly passed on Wednesday. The resolution, which passed by a 124-14 margin with 43 abstentions, is meant to give force to a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which declared Israeli presence to be illegal in any area over the 1949 armistice line. [snip] The resolution calls on the Israel Defense Forces to withdraw completely from Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip within 12 months, which means evacuating all Jewish communities beyond the armistice line, including Jerusalems Old City. It also bans arms sales to the IDF of any equipment that would be expected reasonably to be used in the territory over the 1949 lines and calls for a boycott of all products produced by Jews in those areas. BREAKING The UN General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution requiring Israel to withdraw from Judea and Samaria territories and impose sanctions on Israeli officials, along with a weapons embargo. In favor: 124 Against: 14 Abstention: 43 pic.twitter.com/ecCta0m0ag Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 18, 2024 Germany, the UK, Canada, Italy, Ukraine, and Australia, quislings all, abstained from the vote. The U.S. did vote no, but you may have noticed that neither Biden nor Kamala denounced the vote. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is aggressively reaching out to Jewish voters rather than ignoring and abandoning them. He appeared before an enthusiastic audience at the Israeli American Council Summit, during which he promised that he will be the best friend American Jews have ever hadand given his past record (moving the embassy to Jerusalem, keeping funds from Iran, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority (all genocidally anti-Israel, anti-Christian, and anti-American organizations), and initiating the Abraham Accords), its a very believable promise: Trump: "My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House."pic.twitter.com/LribF5cyo4 Awesome Jew (@JewsAreTheGOAT) September 20, 2024 The UN is a disgusting organization. UNRWA members were part of the attack on October 7 and the subsequent abuse and murder of kidnapped victims after the attack. The UN has expended enormous energy for decades now attacking the worlds only tiny Jewish state while ignoring slaughters around the world, especially when it was Muslims doing the slaughtering. The only reason I can think of to keep the UN functioning and in New York is to spy on it. Otherwise, America should defund it (we provide the largest share of its operating expenses), hand it an eviction notice for the building in New York, and turn that same building into housing for veterans or something else that is defiantly pro-American. Meanwhile, I can assure you that Israel is not going anywhere. According to a previous report, Google AI will process unemployment claims in Nevada. In the latest news, Google CEO Sundar Pichai shares his thoughts on the possibility of AI replacing entry-level programmers. According to the CEO, its not the most likely scenario. Sundar Pichai has launched the 2024-25 Presidents Lecture Series at Carnegie Mellon. He traveled to Carnegie Mellon University to tour research labs, talk with faculty and students about emerging technologies, and officially inaugurate the first Presidents Lecture Series event of the new academic year. The company has already taken steps towards transparency in the Gen AI era. Googles CEO believes even entry-level programmers can view AI as a collaborative tool According to Googles CEO, AI should be viewed more as a collaborative tool instead of something to compete against. Upon being asked by students whether AI would replace entry-level programmers, Pichai started out by stating that theres a version of this question which can be asked across many disciplines. He added that the most likely scenario in all of these things is, it will help people. Itll both help existing programmers do their jobs, where most of their energy and time is going into, you know, higher aspects of the task. Rather than you know fixing a bug over and over again or something like that, right. The CEO says that he has already experienced the efficiency gains at Google. Citing the AI-powered code editor Cursor AI, he said, It is just lowering the barriers for who can program, right, like how can you, more, in a natural language medium, interact. So, programming becomes more like a creative tool. I think thats gonna enable and make it accessible to more people. For those unfamiliar, Cursor AI is an AI-powered code editor that helps developers write better code more efficiently. It offers a variety of features to help with coding, including intelligent code suggestions, code generation, and bug identification. There is a free Hobby tier, a Pro tier for $20 per month, and a Business tier for $40 per user per month. Google is also prioritizing the use of clean energy for AI development He not didnt only talk about his views on the use of AI but also about the role of clean energy in its development. It involves powering massive data centers. He acknowledged the growing interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) for nuclear energy. Capital investment was reportedly flowing into developing alternate energy sources to cleanly power computing facilities. He joined Google in 2004 and helped lead the development of Google Toolbar. Later he led the development of Google Chrome, which would become the worlds most popular internet browser. Back in August 2015, he became the CEO of Google, and in December 2019, the CEO of Alphabet. YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that comes with several perks including YouTube Music. With YouTube Premium, you can enjoy ad-free video streaming on the platform, enjoy background/offline playback, and YouTube Originals. While these are all good features, Google has been increasing the price of YouTube Premium in different countries occasionally. YouTube Premium price increased yet again in several countries with most from Europe It seems the price of YouTube Premium is increasing yet again, leaving paid customers affected from at least sixteen countries. The latest increase in the price of YouTube Premium mostly affects users based in Europe. Notably, both Individual and Family plans have seen significant price hikes. According to a Reddit post, some of the prices have spiked by over 40%. Per the thread, Individual plans in countries like Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium have increased by 2 and now cost 13.99. Whereas, the Family plan which previously cost 17.99 in these regions is seeing an increase of 8. Additionally, you can check out this Reddit post to get an idea of YouTube Premiums revised price in other countries. If you are living in any of the affected countries, Google may have sent you an email to communicate the price hike. The company reportedly says that this decision will allow it continue to deliver great service and features and support the creators and artists you watch on YouTube. Last summer, users in the US saw a similar email when Google increased the price of YouTube Premium in the region. Users who signed up through Apple are seeing an even higher price increase Whats more surprising is that users who have signed up for YouTube Premium through Apple on its streaming devices are seeing an even higher increase in price. One Redditor from Sweden claimed to have seen a 60% price increase. However, it appears to be a tax for paying through Apple rather than Google. Well, the sad part is that even if you cancel your subscription through Apple and try to resubscribe via Google, it wont affect the pricing. Youll still have to pay the higher price. On the other hand, those who signed up through Google are seeing a much lower price increase. Several Reddit users residing in the affected countries have announced that they have canceled their YouTube Premium subscriptions. In July when YouTube started cracking down on premium plans purchased using VPNs, many did a similar thing. Time will tell if Google revises the price of YouTube Premium to remain more aligned with the users expectations. Abbas Bjorn Ulvaeus has married his partner Christina Sas in a ceremony officiated by QI host Sandi Toksvig. The 79-year-old Swedish singer, who has been married twice before, met Sas in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2021 in connection with the release of Abbas last album Voyage. A post to his Instagram page said: Today on the 21st of September 2024, Bjorn Ulvaeus married Christina Sas from Herning, Denmark. They met in Nurnberg in 2021 in connection with the release of Abbas last album Voyage and started dating in the spring of 2022. The wedding took place in Copenhagen in the presence of close friends and family. Sandi Toksvig, Anne Linnet and Kaya Bruel generously performed and made the evening extra special. Ulvaeus posted photos from the day, one of which shows former Great British Bake Off host Toksvig dressed in a red robe. The presenter is standing next to Ulvaeus, wearing a suit, and his wife, wearing a muted green wrap dress. Representatives for Ulvaeus confirmed to the PA news agency that Toksvig had held the ceremony. Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson at the Abba Voyage digital concert launch (Ian West/PA) Ulvaeus is known for being one quarter of Swedish pop group Abba, who this year celebrated 50 years since they won the Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo. The group was comprised of two couples Ulvaeus and Agnetha Faltskog, and Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Faltskog and Ulvaeus, who married in 1971, divorced in 1980, while Andersson and Lyngstad divorced in 1981 a year before the band split. The quartet did not reform to perform at Eurovision this year despite the event being held in Sweden after Loreen won the competition in 2023 with her hit single Tattoo. Ulvaeus was also previously married to Lena Kallersjo. Green industrialist Dale Vince will join campaigners calling on Labour to introduce stronger environmental protections. Mr Vince is among those urging the new Government to back the Climate and Nature Bill, a proposed law which would require the UK to meet its environmental targets. The Bill, which has been introduced in successive parliaments without progressing into law, has previously garnered widespread support across the Labour movement. At a Labour Party fringe event on Sunday night, Ecotricity founder and Labour donor Mr Vince will call on Sir Keir Starmer to support the essential Bill, alongside former Tory minister Chris Skidmore. Energy minister Alex Sobel, who while in opposition was the Bills most recent champion in the previous Parliament, is also expected to attend. Speaking ahead of the fringe event, Mr Vince said: If were serious about tackling the biggest threat we face, climate breakdown and natures destruction, we need the right laws to guide us, and we need them fast. Lets be real, weve got a small window left and the next five years are make or break. Thats where the Climate and Nature Bill comes in. Its the only thing out there that tackles the twin crises of climate and biodiversity at the same time. Mr Skidmore, who was the energy minister who signed net zero into law, said the new Government should be demonstrating how to raise climate and nature ambition now as we approach the 10th anniversary of the Paris accords. He described the Bill as the Climate Change Act 2 for the new generation to carry forward. Its the legislation Britain needs, he added. Former economic journalist and diplomat Peter Jay has died at the age of 87, his family has announced. Tributes have been paid to him by colleagues in both the political and media world following the news of his death. His family said he died peacefully at home on Sunday. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and colleague, they added in a statement. Jay had been one of the countrys foremost economics commentators, with time spent as the economics editor for both the BBC and The Times. He was controversially appointed as the UKs ambassador to Washington in 1977 by his then father-in-law James Callaghan, who was prime minister, amid Tory protests of nepotism. Lord Owen, who was foreign secretary at the time, said in tribute: Jim Callaghan did not get on well with the sitting ambassador in Washington so it was obvious there should be a change. I was free to appoint someone better suited to the new Carter administration and particularly (Zbigniew) Bzezinski, his national security adviser. I chose on merit Peter Jay and never had any cause to regret it, though I warned the prime minister the charge of nepotism would arise. Before long he was playing tennis regularly with Bzezinski, getting on well with the young Georgians close to the president and in every respect proved to be an excellent ambassador. Mr Carter was from Georgia and had been governor of the state before his presidency. Sad to say my predecessor Peter Jay has passed away Famously told colleague one of his complex pieces was written for an audience of 3, & he wasnt one of them in room with LBJ and Okun when they came up with the definition of recession. Criticised the bias against Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) September 22, 2024 Current economics editor at the BBC, Faisal Islam, paid tribute to his predecessor in a post on social media, saying he was sad to say Jay had passed away. The journalist posted on X, formerly Twitter: Famously told colleague one of his complex pieces was written for an audience of 3, & he wasnt one of them in room with LBJ and Okun when they came up with the definition of recession. Criticised the bias against understanding. Diplomat. Broadcaster. RIP. Jay was born in February 1937 and was the son of Baron Jay who as Douglas Jay was president of the Board of Trade under Harold Wilson. His mother, Peggy Jay, was a member of the Labour Party and was elected to London County Council and then served on Greater London Council. According to the Churchill Archives Centre, Jay attended the Dragon School in Oxford before moving to Winchester College. He studied at Christ Church College in Oxford for university. Jay married Margaret Callaghan in 1961 (PA) He served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and worked in the Treasury. In 1961, he married Margaret Callaghan in a ceremony at the Crypt Chapel of the House of Commons. The couple stayed in Washington between 1977 and 1979. They had a son and two daughters together and separated in 1986. Jay was involved in TV journalism at several points in his career, presenting the ITV series Weekend World, launching breakfast station TV-am after returning to Britain from the US, and becoming economics editor at the BBC. After his time at the corporation, he became a non-executive director of the Bank of England in the 2000s. The Labour Partys first annual conference since it swept to power will begin on Sunday after Sir Keir Starmer promised he would protect public services from future austerity. The Liverpool gathering was originally expected to be a victory lap for the party after its landslide success at the general election. But Labour is now braced for a clash with the unions over its plans to limit winter fuel payments to only the poorest pensioners. The embattled Prime Minister is meanwhile seeking to move on from rows about internal strife at No 10 and donors. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, arriving ahead of the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday, September 21, 2024. Speaking to Labour-friendly newspapers ahead of the conference, Sir Keir vowed his administration was not going down the road of austerity like that pursued by the Cameron-era government, in a move that may signal future investment in public services. The Prime Minister was keen to counter suggestions he had only offered doom and gloom since coming to power, instead stressing Labour would deliver for voters. I want to answer the why question as well as the what question. We do need to say why and explain and set out and describe the better Britain that this ladders up to, he told the Observer newspaper. An early signal of this optimistic intent came as he told a Saturday night reception in Liverpool that he wanted his Government to be compared with Clement Attlees transformational post-war administration. In other news as the conference kicks off: The Prime Minister has announced new planning passports, aimed at densifying urban areas by giving default approval to building works if they meet high standards for design and quality. Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary will vow to build homes fit for the future in her speech, including by introducing new protections for tenants against mould, damp and fire safety defects. Defence Secretary John Healey has urged gamers to sign up to the military as he signalled there would be a relaxation in army recruitment rules amid efforts to counter foreign cyber threats. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has said she wants children to have a wider range of job opportunities, including in skilled trades, as she claimed snobbery often drove them towards university. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said in an interview with the Sunday Times her priorities for the autumn Budget include protecting living standards, as she ruled out proposals for a wealth tax. With the conference taking place against a backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters have gathered in Liverpool to urge Labour to change its approach to the conflict. People take part in a march for Palestine in Liverpool to coincide with the Labour Party Conference. Picture date: Saturday, September 21, 2024. There is also consternation within the Labour movement about the Prime Minister and his wife Lady Victoria Starmers acceptance of gifts, including clothing, from prominent Labour donor and peer Lord Alli. Sir Keir, Ms Reeves, and Ms Rayner have said they will not accept such donations in the future. The leaked disclosure that No 10 chief of staff Sue Gray is paid 170,000, some 3,000 more than the Prime Minister, has meanwhile contributed to reports of a fractious atmosphere at the heart of the new Government only three months into its tenure. Speaking to The Observer, Sir Keir said leaks damage everybody and it was his responsibility to solve the problem. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were both pulled from their planned media commitments following the Singapore Grand Prix with borderline heatstroke. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Hamilton, who complained about his teams strategy after he started third and finished sixth, fell ill in the immediate aftermath of the 62-lap race. Russell was also deemed not well enough to conduct his media duties. A tough evening under the lights here in Singapore pic.twitter.com/fxqu3rjyoe Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) September 22, 2024 The 26-year-old, on a different strategy to Hamilton, started one place behind his team-mate, but crossed the line ahead in fourth. The media duties are obligatory for all of the drivers. However, Mercedes contacted the FIA in the immediate aftermath of the race to request a medical exemption for both of their drivers on the advice of the teams doctors. The race in the city state is considered one of the most demanding on the calendar such is the humidity, but the grids 18 other drivers all managed to fulfil their press calls. Lando Norris, who won from pole position, did complain about feeling dizzy after he emerged from his McLaren cockpit. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton finished sixth in the Singapore Grand Prix (Mohd Rasfan/Pool Photo via AP) They did not feel well, borderline heatstroke or something like that but they have had water, said Wolff as he explained his drivers absences. They would not have been able to go to the (television/print) pen. There were no bad feelings or any annoyance. It is just that we had the doctors with them. But they are all good. A Mercedes spokesperson added: Unfortunately neither George or Lewis will be attending the media pen this evening as they recover from the exertions of this evenings race. Hamilton was later quoted in a Mercedes press release. It is hard to describe the range of emotions you feel when we have a difficult race like that, he said. This year continues to be a testing one for everyone, but we are all pushing as hard as we can. We dont always get things right and that was the case today with our strategy. We all head into the weekend, and every decision we take, with the right intentions and sometimes it doesnt work out. It can be frustrating, but we are all in this together. Hamilton, who has six races remaining at Mercedes before he heads to Ferrari, was the only leading contender to start on the soft tyre, and the seven-time world champion, in his 350th appearance, made the switch to the hard compound on lap 17, dropping him to 13th. But the 39-year-old, who bumped the wall on his way into the pit-lane, was quickly on the radio to express his frustration at the decision. We will be in trouble later, he said over the radio. I am already struggling with this tyre you are killing me with this offset (strategy), mate. Moments later, Hamilton ran off the road as he attempted to pass Yuki Tsunoda. Hamilton was back on the radio. LAP 41/62 Piastri on fresh rubber after finally pitting is past Hamilton and now hunting down a podium #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/KS4UaDrxBh Formula 1 (@F1) September 22, 2024 Something is definitely wrong with the car, he said. Wolff was seen holding his head in his hand at the back of the garage. To make matters worse for Hamilton, Russell emerged ahead of him after he made his sole tyre change on lap 30. Hamilton was then gazumped by Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc in the closing stages. Hamilton finished 85 seconds behind Norris and 21 sec adrift of Russell. He is sixth in the standings, 19 points clear of his British team-mate ahead of the next round in Austin, Texas on October 20. Angela Rayner has attempted to deflect attention away from Labours donations row by telling delegates at the partys conference to remind voters of partygate. The Deputy Prime Minister has denied she broke any rules over the donated use of a New York apartment owned by Lord Alli, the Labour peer who has also donated thousands of pounds towards clothes for Sir Keir Starmer. In her keynote speech on the first day of the conference in Liverpool, Ms Rayner told party members: Dont forget what they did. We won because we had the courage to change our party, the discipline to make hard decisions, and the determination to remain united. And now, change begins. Even now, especially now, there will be no complacency. Dont forget partygate, Covid contracts, lies, division, scapegoating and the unfunded tax cuts for the rich that crashed our economy. Dont forget any of it. The Tories failed Britain and tried to cover it up. A crater in the heart of Britains economy, a puncture in the pocket of every working family and a 22 billion black hole and not as much an apology, let alone an acceptance, from the Tories. The Deputy Prime Minister has denied she broke any rules over the donated use of a New York apartment owned by Lord Alli - Peter Byrne/PA Earlier on Sunday, she denied breaking any rules over the use of the New York apartment. It has emerged that a former Labour MP, Sam Tarry, joined her for parts of her stay at the flat but was not named in the parliamentary declaration. Ms Rayner told BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: I followed the rules. She also rejected the idea that Lord Alli was given anything in return for the donations, saying: I promised nothing and gave him nothing in return. The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Housing Secretary, unveiled an extension to her devolution plans. Today, Im proud to announce the next step in our devolution revolution, she said. This Government will change the future of the north of England so northerners will no longer be dictated to from Whitehall. We will be the Government to complete devolution in the North. Change will be irreversible, and I will get it done. And as a proud northerner, this milestone is personal to me. Ms Rayner also said she could be trusted with any cuts she has to make in her department because she had to live on 60 a week when she had a child. The Tories have left us facing tough choices, and even tougher ones face families across Britain, struggling to make ends meet, she said. Look, I get it balancing my own departments budgets brought me back to the old days when I had 60 to get me and my son through the week. I know more than most that every pound counts. So let me be blunt we cant wish our problems away. We have to face them. Online delivery transforms small town life in NW China Xinhua) 10:43, September 22, 2024 YINCHUAN, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- At a fish rice noodle diner in Minning Town in Yongning County, located in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sha Yinfang, a local in her 30s, was busy preparing meals for delivery. Last year, Sha and her husband quit their city jobs and returned to Minning. Counting on her experience in urban food services, they opened the diner with an online delivery service. To her surprise, the diner quickly became popular among local residents. It currently handles about 500 delivery orders a month, accounting for over 20 percent of its total revenue. Minning's food delivery market boomed last year with the arrival of a major Chinese food delivery platform. Seizing the opportunity, 21-year-old Zhang Jianyong became the manager of the town's online delivery station, helping local businesses with online applications and overseeing deliveries. After leaving the army, Zhang teamed up with others to expand the rural delivery market. "Whether in cities or villages, the demand for convenience is the same," he said. Besides takeaways, delivery riders in Minning also handle everyday items like household goods, flowers and medicine. "We see small spikes in demand during holidays," Zhang said. "The spread of food delivery to towns and villages has made life easier for residents and given me a stable job with a monthly income of around 5,000 yuan (about 708 U.S. dollars) to 6,000 yuan." There are now over 100 restaurants and retail stores in Minning, with more than 70 percent offering delivery services, according to Zhang. Local convenience stores, flower shops and pharmacies provide 30-minute delivery services. The town's delivery station has a dedicated team, handling over 100 orders daily, with peak days exceeding 300. With instant retail and delivery services becoming as essential in towns as in cities, the rural consumer market has grown more vibrant. In Ningdong Town under Lingwu City, Li Pengjun has been running his retail store for nearly a decade. About six years ago, he was one of the first to take his business online, now offering over 1,000 items for delivery. "Running an online business allows us to offer a wider range of products, but we can't keep too much inventory," Li said, noting that his online sales now account for half of the store's total revenue, which has helped reduce overhead costs and attract new customers. Returning entrepreneurs like Sha and Zhang are driving change in the local market with new business models. Their efforts are transforming how businesses operate in these towns and gradually reshaping consumer habits. Wang Yongfeng, who has run a store in Yongning County for over 20 years, moved nearly 2,000 products online and introduced a 30-minute delivery service in 2018. "When nearby restaurant owners need supplies but can't leave their shops, they simply place an order online. On scorching summer days, customers can have what they need delivered right to their door," Wang said. According to the online platform data, in July, transaction volume in Ningxia's county-level markets for life services increased by 18.56 percent, accompanied by a 31.5 percent month-on-month rise in the number of new businesses. This growth has positioned Ningxia among the top six regions in the country. "Online services have made life easier for rural folks and boosted our small store's earnings. It's a win-win situation," Wang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The Governments of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States have expressed deep concern about the announcement by South Sudans leaders of an extension of the countrys transitional period by two years The house in Easey Street, Collingwood, where the bodies of two young women were found in January 1977. Photograph: The AGE/Fairfax Media/Getty Images The brother of a man accused of the 1977 Easey Street killings in Melbourne says he is 100% sure that there has been a mistake and his brother is innocent of the double murder. Perry Kouroumblis, 65, was arrested at Rome airport on Thursday Australian time and held for the murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett. Police plan to apply to Italy for extradition for the man to face charges in Australia. The pair were found dead in their home on Easey Street, Collingwood in January 1977, and their killing has long been one of Victorias most well-known unsolved cases. Kouroumbliss brother, Tony Kouroumblis, told Guardian Australia that he had yet to receive official confirmation from police or his brother that the force would seek to extradite him for the double murder. But he said there was no question his brother, whom he said he spoke with regularly, was innocent. Ive just been numb, you know what I mean, Tony Kouroumblis said. Im 100% sure its all a big mistake. 100% sure. Thats my feeling I know my brother. I dont think hes capable of doing anything like that. Related: Man arrested in Italy nearly 50 years after two Melbourne women found dead in their home The Kouroumblis family lived on Bendigo Street, Collingwood, less than 300 metres away from the house where the two women were killed. Perry was 17 when the killings occurred, and Tony was a year younger. Every now and then you hear about it on the TV and youd say I hope they catch somebody, Tony said. So it always stayed on my mind. In the weeks after the 1977 killings, Perry was allegedly stopped by Ron Iddles, who was then a junior police officer but went on to be one of the most respected homicide squad detectives in Victoria police history. Perry was said to have an alibi for the murders. Iddles, who later examined the murders as part of a cold case investigation, could not be reached for comment. Tony Kouroumblis said his brother had been in trouble as a youth, but had not done anything as serious as police were alleging. Perry left Melbourne in 2017 for Greece. He is a dual Greek-Australian citizen. Nine Newspapers reported that he left Australia after police asked him for a DNA sample in relation to the case, a process it underwent for several persons of interest. Police also announced a $1m reward in the case in 2017. Tony said Perry, who was known by the nickname Dingo, was a metalworker. Company records show that he operated a business, AAA Victorian Wrought Iron, from the eastern suburb of Bulleen, and then from Dandenong, since 2003. Tony said it made no sense to him that Perry would stay in Melbourne for 40 years after the murders if he had been involved. If he did something as bad as that he would have moved, he said. If I did that, I would have moved six days, six hours, I would have got a ticket and been out of there. Tony said his brother did not have a partner or children. He also did not appear to be particularly concerned about his privacy, even after leaving Australia; Perrys Facebook profile featured photos taken outside his former business address in Dandenong, and he shared his mobile number as recently as 2021. On Saturday, the Victoria police chief commissioner, Shane Patton, described the case as an absolutely gruesome, horrific, frenzied homicide. Police had been looking for years for the arrested man, having identified him as a person of interest, Patton said. Due to Greeces 20-year statute bar on initiation of murder charges and the time that had elapsed before there was sufficient evidence to bring them, Kouroumblis could not be charged while he was in Greece. An Interpol red notice was issued for him instead, and Italian authorities acted on that when taking him into custody at Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino airport in Rome. While the investigation is ongoing, Patton said that the arrest of the man was an important breakthrough. For over 47 years, detectives from the homicide squad have worked tirelessly to determine who was responsible for the deaths of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, Patton said. An enormous amount of work has been done by many, many people to bring us to the position we are in today This was a crime that struck at the heart of our community two women in their own home, where they should have felt their safest. Patton also recognised the enduring resilience of both the Armstrong and Bartlett families, who have grieved for over four decades and no doubt this will be a very emotional time for them. Patton said the timeline for extradition would depend on the Italian authorities, but that he expected it would be at least a month before police would travel to Italy to give evidence to justify the extradition. The families of Armstrong and Bartlett requested privacy in a joint statement on Saturday afternoon. For two quiet families from country Victoria it has always been impossible to comprehend the needless and violent manner in which Suzanne and Susan died. The gravity of the circumstances surrounding their deaths changed our lives irrevocably, the statement said. We will be forever grateful for the support and understanding shown to us by our friends and family over the past 47 years. It is difficult to sufficiently express our appreciation to Victoria police and the many investigators who have tirelessly pursued answers and justice for us over such a long period of time. The perseverance and dedication required to achieve the result today is something to truly behold. For always giving us hope and never giving up, we simply say, thank you. Hatun Tash was filmed as police arrested her in Hyde Park A Christian preacher paid 10,000 damages by the Met for a second time has accused the force of two-tier policing. Hatun Tash was preparing to make a speech about the Koran at Speakers Corner when she was frog-marched away by officers as a mob surrounded them jeering and shouting Allah Akbar. The evangelist, whose own team had called the police after her Koran was stolen, accused the force of wrongfully arresting her for criminal damage and wearing a T-shirt depicting one of the Charlie Hebdo cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad . The Metropolitan Police has now paid 10,000 in damages and costs to Miss Tash, almost two years after it paid the preacher 10,000 for arresting her at the same spot in Londons Hyde Park which is known as the home of free speech. Miss Tash said after her payout that she had been dealing with two-tiered policing for years and that a Muslim mob who gather at Hyde Park seemed to be above the law. I have been treated appallingly by the police and have been repeatedly humiliated when I had not done anything wrong, she said. The police, as usual, just did exactly what the Muslim mob wanted them to do. They even sided with the men who had stolen my property and to this day have taken no action. The police have repeatedly taken away my rights and told me that they cannot protect me because they do not want to offend a certain group of people. Regularly criticises Islam On June 22 Miss Tash, who regularly criticises Islam, was preparing to film a speech at Speakers Corner. A Koran she had brought with her, which she said had holes in it to depict the holes in religious teaching, was snatched from her and her colleague called the police. Soon after a group of officers arrived and tried to lead Miss Tash away from the scene where she was surrounded by an angry group, video shows. Miss Tash is led away by police When she refused she was physically led away by officers and taken to the police van. At the time Miss Tash was wearing a T-shirt with a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad, which is seen as blasphemous in Islamic teaching. The Charlie Hebdo cartoons sparked terrorist attacks on the offices of the French satirical weekly magazine in 2015. Miss Tash, director of the ministry Defend Christ Critique Islam, was arrested for criminal damage, a charge her lawyers say remains unclear, and for stirring up racial hatred. She was taken to the police station, strip searched and interviewed at 4am the following day before being released at 9am with a letter informing her there would be no further action. Miss Tash began legal proceedings alleging wrongful arrest and breach of her human rights, including her right to free speech. Lawyers claimed that the police did not reasonably believe that [Miss Tash] was involved in the commission of a criminal offence and believed that the easiest solution to the problem was get rid of our client. The Met is understood to have settled the case out of court and Miss Tash has donated the money to an organisation supporting individuals who decide to leave the Islamic faith and face persecution. Protesters were harassing her The force paid her the same amount in October 2022 after she threatened legal action over two arrests at Speakers Corner in 2020 and 2021. On both of those occasions Miss Tash, who says she is a Muslim convert to Christianity, claims she told officers that Islamic protesters were harassing and threatening her. In July 2021 she was stabbed at Speakers Corner but her attacker has never been caught. In September 2022 she was the subject of a murder plot by Muslim convert Edward Little, who is now serving 24 years in jail. Miss Tash said: More must be done to properly deal with Islamic violence and intimidation at Speakers Corner. I am Christian and by default I believe that Muhammad is a false prophet. I should be allowed to say that in the UK without being stabbed or repeatedly arrested. I am concerned that power has been handed over to Muslim mobs on Britains streets, and that there is no coming back from this. The British public urgently need and deserve better policing. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre which has supported Miss Tash, said: There is a two-tier approach to anyone questioning the nature of Islam. Scotland Yard has been contacted for comment. Margaret Thatcher Received wisdom says it should not be like this. France, with its strikes, crazy labour laws and taxes, is as rich per capita as Britain, with our restrictive union laws, flexible labour markets and relatively speaking lower taxes. So why are the French, who break every rule in our Treasurys book, more productive than we are? Why, if they worked the hours we do, would they be richer than us? The explanation is given in a report just published by three thinkers on the centre-Right. Ben Southwood, Samuel Hughes and Sam Bowman argue that France is prosperous because it succeeds where we fail: building housing, infrastructure and energy supply. It is not often that a document of this kind cuts through in Westminster, but after its launch a consensus grew. From the deepest thinkers to the weather vanes who move with the moment, all agreed that Foundations was vital reading. For some time now thoughtful Conservatives have discussed the need for a project like that pursued by Keith Joseph, Alfred Sherman, John Hoskyns and others in the 1970s. The Thatcher governments owed much to those years of intellectual graft and practical planning. Perhaps this and papers that follow could be our Stepping Stones, the 1977 document that planned to face down the unions, reform taxes and free the economy. Of course the comparison is limited. Foundations is a public document, making an opening argument, and seeks to persuade, while Stepping Stones was an internal memo setting out a plan of action. But Conservatives seek clarity of purpose. Southwood, Hughes and Bowman say we can return to growth and prosperity if we build again: housing, infrastructure and energy. The central diagnosis is that we need supply side reforms to get these things built. Without these reforms, our investment in infrastructure will continue to be insufficient, leaving us with high energy costs, workers disconnected, and our most productive cities unable to expand. The evidence it provides is relentless. In the decade and a half before Russias invasion of Ukraine, our industrial energy prices tripled. We generate less electricity per capita than rich industrial countries like Germany and Japan, resembling instead developing countries like Brazil and South Africa. We last built a nuclear power plant between 1987 and 1995, and Hinkley Point a cash machine for the French and Chinese firms awarded the contract is four times more expensive than the plant built by KEPCO, a South Korean company, in Czechia. Each mile of HS2 costs us 396 million, more than eight times the cost of the high speed line between Tours and Bordeaux in France. With no third runway at Heathrow built in the decades we have known it was necessary, annual flight numbers have remained flat, while rival airports in Europe have expanded. The application process for a new tunnel under the Thames connecting Kent and Essex has already cost 297 million more than twice as much as it cost to build the worlds longest road tunnel in Norway. The causes of these costs and blockages are regulation and bureaucracy, excessive rounds of consultation, and the armies of lawyers, consultants, lobbyists and PR firms needed to navigate local councils and administrative law. And what is true for infrastructure is as true for our dysfunctional housing sector, which Foundations calls the largest cause of British stagnation. While Brits could once move to where the jobs and opportunities were, now this flexibility is impossible. There are no incentives for local communities and councils to accept new development only cost. Strikingly, for the authors are not considered to be interventionists, the report argues that there are good reasons to want the UK to have a large, productive industrial base. This is a welcome development, and reflects the central argument of A Conservative Economy, which Gavin Rice and I co-authored earlier this year, and which made the case for reindustrialisation and the reduction of Britains trade deficit. As Foundations rightly argues, any industrial strategy aimed at doing this must first reckon with the enormous rises in energy prices for UK businesses since the mid-2000s. Of course, the nature and extent of any industrial strategy implemented by Conservatives is open to debate. Nobody on the centre-Right wants to see the kind of corporatism advanced by Labour with unions and big business determining policy through a statutory industrial strategy council but how far from their ideological comfort zone many on the centre-Right are prepared to go is a live question. Foundations repeatedly cites 2008 as an economic turning point, when Britain started to under-perform other rich economies in productivity, competitiveness and wages. This is correct, but the under-investment the authors cite was not only caused by specific tax rules and supply-side costs, but the broader fiscal and monetary policies and hands-off approach to mergers and acquisitions that discouraged it. Similarly, British energy prices have not only risen because of building costs, but because of choices. As the report acknowledges, renewable energy sources are intermittent and expensive, and climate policies have deliberately layered costs onto households and industry. And countries like France have advantages over Britain, such as its superior health service. Perhaps French interventionism is a cause of its success with infrastructure and industry, not a drag. And of course since 2008, other challenges have emerged. The world economy has become more dysfunctional as China has grown more powerful, and subsidies, tariffs and other barriers to trade have grown more contentious. How the centre-Right deals with these challenges from keeping life sciences in Britain to stopping Chinese EVs destroying Western car manufacturing all while seeking to reindustrialise and rebalance our economy, will determine what kind of country we will be in the decades to come. For now, Foundations has taken conservative economic thinking several steps forward, and reminded us that decline is not inevitable. Our prosperity depends on our own decisions. A former advanced neonatal nurse practitioner at the Countess of Chester says the blood gas machine is a vital piece of kit - Anthony Devlin/Getty Images A critical machine to monitor babies in the neonatal unit at Lucy Letbys hospital was broken during the time when infant deaths spiked, a leaked document shows. The Telegraph has seen a risk register report from the Countess of Chester which shows that between March 2015 and until at least June 2016, the blood gas analyser was faulty. The machine is used to monitor the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and was the first port of call for measuring blood glucose levels, according to the hospital risk register. However, the document warns that readings were not accurate and that they were having to use heel prick blood tests to provide temporary readings while waiting for laboratory tests to come back with true results. The report warned it was a potential patient safety issue. The jury at Letbys trial was told about faulty equipment. In her evidence on 2 May 2023 Letby told the court that occasionally if the blood gas machine in the neonatal unit was broken, an alternative machine on the labour ward would be used. Letby was convicted of the murders of seven newborns and the attempted murders of six infants. A retrial also found her guilty of the attempted murder of another child - South West News Service Commenting on the revelation, Michele Worden, a former advanced neonatal nurse practitioner at the Countess of Chester neonatal unit, said: The blood gas machine is a vital piece of kit. A blood gas result will enable a clinician to make decisions about increasing/changing respiratory support and oxygen levels. If it is a resuscitation situation it will help clinicians make difficult decisions such as whether to continue etc. Most intensive care units, whether it is adult paediatric or neonatal, will have their own machine. If no machine is available then the blood gas has to be packed in ice and rushed to a biochemistry lab to be processed. The longer this takes the more the sample degrades so you can get incorrect results which may undermine or increase risk of wrong clinical decisions being made, according to experts. The machine is often used when babies are receiving respiratory support to help doctors know when to vary oxygen levels. It is also used to monitor blood sugar and if the results are wrong experts said that it could lead to the wrong clinical decisions or treatments. Issues of faulty equipment and infections at the neonatal unit set to be raised at Thirlwall Inquiry During the Letby trial, the jury heard how babies would often collapse unexpectedly or without warning. But experts said that warning signs may have been harder to pick up with faulty equipment. Several of the deaths in the Letby case involved babies whose blood oxygen levels had suddenly dropped. One Cambridge professor told The Telegraph that any trained medical doctor would know that a broken blood gas analyser would be of considerable concern. A drop in blood oxygen is a critical sign of deterioration, the expert warned. In August 2023, Letby was convicted of the murders of seven newborns and the attempted murders of six other infants. A retrial in July also found her guilty of the attempted murder of another child. Since the conviction, numerous scientists, statisticians and doctors have expressed concern about the evidence presented to the jury regarding shift patterns, medical conclusions and the standard of care at the Countess of Chester. The Telegraph has previously disclosed how at the time when infant mortality rates spiked at the Countess of Chester hospital between 2015 and 2016 the years in which Letby was convicted of killing the infants the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa had colonised a tap in the nursery of the neonatal unit. Pseudomonas is known to be lethal to vulnerable babies. In 2012, a premature baby died and 12 others needed treatment at Southmead Hospital in Bristol after an outbreak of a water-borne bacterium. David Livermore, professor of medical microbiology at the University of East Anglia, said: The monitor, along with sewage leaks and a Pseudomonas-colonised tap, is more evidence of malfunction in this sub-optimal unit. Issues of faulty equipment and infections on the ward are expected to be raised at the ongoing Thirlwall Inquiry, which is looking into how the deaths at the hospital could have been prevented. A spokesman for the Countess of Chester said: Due to the ongoing Thirlwall Inquiry and police investigations, it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time. CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this article it was incorrectly stated that the jury at Letbys trial was not told about faulty equipment. In fact, in her evidence on 2 May 2023 Letby told the court that occasionally if the blood gas machine in the neonatal unit was broken, an alternative machine on the labour ward would be used. We are happy to correct the record Donald Trump speaks behind glass during a campaign rally at the Aero Centre in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Saturday - Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images Donald Trump said it was just too late for another presidential debate against Kamala Harris, hours after she accepted an invitation from CNN to appear on stage with him on October 23. The former president told a crowd in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Saturday that he would not take part in a second debate because voting has already started in some states, and the CNN event was planned for less than two weeks before polling day. The problem with another debate is that its just too late, voting has already started, he said, adding: Now she wants to do a debate right before the election with CNN because shes losing badly. It came just hours after Ms Harriss campaign formally accepted an invitation to appear at a debate on CNN the same network that broadcast Trumps debate against Joe Biden in June. Trump is guarded as he arrives for the Wilmington rally - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images North America Ms Harriss campaign manager, Jen OMalley Dillon, announced earlier on Saturday that the Vice President had agreed to the debate on October 23. The American people deserve another opportunity to see Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debate before they cast their ballots, she said. It would be unprecedented in modern history for there to just be one general election debate. Debates offer a unique chance for voters to see the candidates side by side and take stock of their competing visions for America. Trump had previously expressed doubt that he would take part in a second debate against Harris, after his lacklustre performance in their first head-to-head on September 10 in Philadelphia. It came as he launched a new $100 Trump coin to catch up with Ms Harriss fundraising boom. Trump announced he would begin selling incredible new silver medallions, which are available to his supporters online. The coins have been added to an increasingly bizarre collection of Trump merchandise, including gold trainers, cologne to commemorate the assassination attempt against him, digital trading cards that depict him as a superhero, and Taylor Swift spoof t-shirts. The latest fundraising figures for his campaign, released on Saturday, show Kamala Harris raised four times more money than him in August. In the first full month of her presidential campaign, Ms Harris raised almost $190m, compared with his $45 million. Her campaign war chest was valued at $235m at the end of the month, while his campaign had $134m. Donald Trumps $100 coin The reverse side of Trumps $100 coin Trumps campaign sends daily texts to supporters, urging them to give to his campaign. His team has organised a lottery, the winners of which will be flown to Mar-a-Lago to meet the candidate himself. Ms Harris has erased Trumps fundraising advantage, which was built up in the months before Joe Biden left the presidential race on July 21. The figures show donors flocked to Ms Harris in the days after she announced she would run to replace him in the White House. After the presidential debate on September 10, Ms Harriss team said $47m was donated to her campaign, which was not included in the latest filings. Trump is now unlikely to catch up with Ms Harriss fundraising lead before election day on November 5. The latest financial filings show a closer race between Trumps main super PAC, MAGA Inc, and Ms Harriss Future Forward. Trumps body raised $25m in August, to Future Forwards $37m. The Democratic National Committee also out-raised the Republican National Committee in the same period. The silver coin comes with a pouch Trumps new coin is a 1oz silver medallion featuring an etching of his face on the obverse and the White House and his signature on the reverse. A new website to market the coin describes it as the highest quality struck medallion using a process to create a mirror-like finish. This finish is primarily made for collectors, not for general circulation, it notes. Announcing its launch on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: Good morning everyoneI have something incredible to share today, as we are introducing the launch of our Official Trump Coins! The ONLY OFFICIAL coin designed by meand proudly minted here in the USA. Donald Trump holds gold Trump sneakers in February - AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta Trump has capitalised on some of the most dramatic moments of the presidential campaign in his merchandise, and already sells t-shirts, mugs and beer coolers printed with his mugshot from the Georgia election interference court case. He sells trainers and mens cologne emblazoned with the words Fight! Fight Fight!, which has become his unofficial slogan since he called it out to supporters in the moments after an assassination attempt against him on July 13. Another t-shirt is printed with a graph of illegal migration statistics that Trump was gesturing towards on a screen as Thomas Crooks shot at him from a nearby rooftop. The campaign is also selling digital trading cards with various photos of Trump, including one that depicts him as a superhero. Some supporters who bought several digital cards have received a physical card containing a fragment of the suit he wore to debate Mr Biden. The use of the sites has been highlighted by a US firm, Sarn, which is working in Ukraine in the energy and military hardware sectors. Photograph: Tim Goode/PA Fake news websites registered in the UK and made to resemble trusted British outlets are allegedly spreading disinformation about western companies operating in Ukraine. The suspected Russian propaganda operation has prompted calls by parliamentarians for a change in the law to force UK-registered news websites to reveal their ownership, as happens in the EU. While the sites londoninsider.co.uk and talk-finance.co.uk are in English and have been registered in the UK, their output has been picked up and disseminated in Ukraine, where the UKs media has a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness. Related: Real news v fake news: Is AI a threat to democracy? The use of the sites has been highlighted by a US firm, Sarn, which is working in Ukraine in the energy and military hardware sectors. It said articles on the two sites had falsely accused it of arms trafficking, judicial fraud and embezzlement. Content on the sites appears to be AI-generated, while an analysis by a linguist engaged by Sarn suggested that the original text had been created by a Russian speaker. The name of a real US financial commentator appeared as a byline on one of the stories, but he said in an affidavit that he did not know anything about the story he was supposed to have written for talk-finance.co.uk. The same story was published word for word by londoninsider.co.uk under the byline of Mary Davenport, whose bona fides as a journalist could not be independently verified. A Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Wallace of Saltaire, said: It is extremely concerning that Londons reputation as a media and financial hub is being used by the Russian propaganda machine to damage western companies operating in Ukraine. Related: Elon Musk shares fake news about England rioters being sent to Falklands Lord Wallace added that transparency of ownership to enable the public to know who controls the media was more important than ever before and said all news outlets, regardless of their size, should have to publish information about their owners in a national database. This important move to protect the media from political or economic interference was brought into law across the European Union in March and its high time it was introduced here. Armen Agas, Sarns deputy chair, said the company categorically rejected baseless and entirely fake news that it said was propagated by the sites under the headline: Weapons, Money and Sarn: How the Czech-American Group Embezzled Ukraine. We believe weve been targeted because of our economic development work in Ukraine during the conflict, they added. Sarn said it had engaged cybersecurity experts and lawyers and that one of the sites talk-finance.co.uk responded to a legal cease-and-desist letter by demanding money. The other site continues to publish the article. A request for comment was sent by the Guardian to the only contact details provided by talk-finance.co.uk, a Hotmail address. There was a swift reply from an unnamed person, who said they were ready to meet in Calais tent city, the name given to an area where asylum seekers and immigrants planning to cross the channel to the UK have been living. A request for comment was also sent to an email address on the londoninsider.co.uk website, where the site is described as a leading digital magazine covering the latest political, business, sport and showbiz news. There was a response from a person named Thomas Henwell, who said the site published fact-based news and suggested Sarn was attempting to intimidate it. Henwell said London Insider had published many other stories that were not positive for the Russian government. But Henwell declined to say who owned the site and, in a further email, described it as a private owned enterprise relying on advertising revenue. They declined to speak on the phone or by Zoom. The cases of the fake UK news websites come amid an explosion in online disinformation campaigns from Russia, before and after its invasion of Ukraine. NewsGuard, a company that aims to counter misinformation by studying and rating news websites, has found that false narratives about Ukraine and its allies were already proliferating online before the February 2022 invasion. The company said it had debunked more than 250 false narratives related to the Russia-Ukraine war, and identified 627 sites spreading those myths. The false narratives have ranged from propaganda claims that reports of massacres by Russian forces in locations such as Bucha were staged to assertions that Nazi ideology is driving Ukraines political leadership. This article was amended on 27 September 2024. A previous version said that the byline of an actual UK journalist appeared on one of the allegedly fake news articles published by London Insider. This verified financial commentator is from the US, not the UK, and the byline appeared on talkfinance.co.uk; however, an identical article was published by London Insider under the byline of Mary Davenport. Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner outside the venue of the Labour party's annual conference in Liverpool. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters An unlikely mood has descended on Labour MPs, officials and ministers as they head to Liverpool for the first party conference of an incoming Labour government since 1997. They secured a 174-seat landslide majority little more than two months ago, but the words being used to describe the atmosphere are not like they were 27 years ago. Some characterise it as surreal; others are more despairing that a series of unforced errors have robbed Keir Starmer and his team of their political honeymoon. What should have been a victory parade, and the height of the administrations powers, has already stalled, said one MP. Hardly the most auspicious of starts for the next five years. Gripes over Starmers odd predilection for free trips and trousers a habit now jettisoned in the wake of stories about the freebies he, his wife and his top team have taken have collided with complaints about the power and pay of his chief of staff, Sue Gray. The complaints are gnawing away at the prime ministers self-styled reputation as the person to clean up politics after years of Tory sleaze. Its just further confirmation of how politically naive Starmer is, said an MP. I have no doubt whatsoever that people like [New Labour architect Peter] Mandelson understand this and would probably have advised him not to go down the white knight in anti-sleaze armour route. Yet there is a suspicion that these complaints have been driven by a bigger question that many MPs hope Starmer will begin to answer this week on Merseyside: having secured power, what is it actually for? For many, the rows over freebies and the pay of his team are a symptom of the fact that he has not yet articulated a political narrative big enough to fill the vacuum. It wasnt meant to be this way. Labour aides have been telling people that there will be record numbers at conference this year, with about 20,000 people, delegates and others, descending on Liverpool. For months, Starmers officials had been planning how to strike the balance between celebration and getting on with the job of mending the country after 14 years of the Tories. I dont think its very happy in there, said one insider, referring to Downing Street. [Starmer] will be being pushed to lean into something more positive. There are plans to make clear all the things that the government has already achieved in its short time in office a manoeuvre also used by the party in 1997. But the sense that the prime minister needs to set a stronger sense of direction will be underlined by the worrying polling data now emerging. Following the complaints about freebies, the latest Opinium polling for the Observer shows cause for concern. Apart from a staggering fall in Starmers personal approval ratings down 45 points since July Labour has declined on other polling measures. It has fallen 17 points when voters are asked if Labour has similar views to my own; 20 points on whether it has the nations best interests at heart, and 29 points on whether it is in touch with ordinary people. For some, this is the inevitable noise that comes with taking power at such a difficult moment for the public finances, with a tax-raising budget on the horizon. Others, however, see it as an early warning that Labours support in the country started at a low base, despite the huge win, and that a stronger sense of direction is needed. However, it is a pressure Starmer understands. We had to make it clear what the inheritance was, he says in his interview this week with the Observer. But I think we do need to say why, and explain and set out and describe the better Britain that this ladders up to, if we get the original decisions right. The problem for Starmer this week is that if he fails to take a strong lead in showing his governments next steps, there are a few powerful figures in the union movement itching to give him a shove in a direction of their choosing. While the major Labour-affiliated unions have been incredibly obedient both during the election campaign and in the new governments early months kept onside with the promise of a workers rights overhaul and the end of anti-strike legislation some, such as Unite, are now beginning to campaign in earnest against Labours cut to winter fuel payments for most pensioners. It is also working with others on a major conference confrontation on austerity. Its motion will condemn the winter fuel payment policy and call for a U-turn, and demand a wealth tax on top earners and changes to the fiscal rules to allow more borrowing and investment. Union sources said they were confident it would reach a vote in some form on Monday. Even allies of Starmer have become critical of what they fear is the Osborne playbook being deployed by the Treasury team. Much more important to them is prioritising the missions Starmer set out before the election, aimed at restoring the NHS, boosting economic growth and pursuing clean power. The left of the party is diminished, but some of its senior figures are setting out a narrative that chimes with a wider audience. John McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor who was suspended from the party for voting against the government on an amendment calling on it to scrap the two-child limit on benefits, is among them. He believes that without more optimism and ambition from Labour, the beneficiary will be Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Its one of the shortest honeymoons Ive ever seen in politics, he said. It was a toxic inheritance and people understand that. People want us to say how bad it is, of course, but then tell us how were going to get through it give us a bit of hope. I was worried that if we didnt deliver by midterm, people would become disillusioned and it would be the far right that benefits from it, as weve seen in France and Germany. If were threatened with an austerity budget, it just feeds Reform and Farage and all the rest. Thats my worry. An MP still inside the parliamentary fold agrees. Reform thrives in chaos, they said. Goldies, Carnaby Street: They wanted a restaurant that did grills and frites, the latter being the goldies of the name. Photograph: Sophia Evans/The Observer Goldies London, 10 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London W1B 5PW. Small plates 4.50-11, big plates 14-22, dessert 7, wines from 29 Here is a profound, if grossly oversimplified observation: the more rudimentary a restaurants cooking process becomes, the bigger the bill. At its pinnacle you get to the plutocrat excesses of the high-end sushi counter where no cooking may be involved at all, but prices can be scorching deep, smoking holes in any hopes you had for your familys future. It doesnt take massive insight to understand why this might be. If you are doing very little to an ingredient, it has to be the best possible, because there is nowhere to hide. The raw bar is the cult of produce, complete with its own acutely delineated rituals. Admire the pearlescence of the scallop; swoon over the marbling of the tuna belly. The same often applies to the next stage down in simplicity: the live fire grill. If all you are bringing to bear is a lick of flame or a whisper of smoke, then the things being given the treatment must be impeccable: a perfectly aged slab of retired Spanish dairy cow, with a thick, nicotine-yellow ribbon of fat at its back, or a glistening turbot the size of a 1990s domestic satellite dish. When I think of the cult of the live fire grill, I think of Tomos Parrys restaurants Brat and Mountain, of Lita in Marylebone and the recently opened Basque grill Ibai. Ive already eaten at the first three of these and each time quickly become a slathering devotee of the cult. The carefully managed indirect heat of the live fire grill really does all the right things to a whole fish. Each time, Ive blanched at the bill, paid it, told myself it was worth it. This is a classic case of culinary action and reaction. Led by Heston Blumenthals advances at the Fat Duck, the early noughties were all about luxe restaurant ultra-high processing: sauces foamed or spherified courtesy of a few toys from the food science lab; tranches of fish seasoned, bagged up and cooked under pressure; sponge mixes aerated, then microwaved to create lacy matrices. It was complex and skilled stuff, which took the ingredient as mere starting point. (A lot of this intense processing still goes on in ambitious tasting menu-based restaurants; they just dont talk about it so much). But, eventually, something was bound to rise up in opposition. And so it came to pass that any kitchen worth its pink Himalayan salt fitted a microgauged live fire grill, bought good things to cook on it and then charged the earth for doing so. Which is why we should celebrate the arrival of Goldies, a new live-fire restaurant from the Normandy-born team behind the French bistro Blanchette. Goldies does not charge a premium for doing mostly simple things to your food. It is located in a sweet, peach-coloured space in Kingly Court, a fancy restaurant village just behind Londons Carnaby Street, where the open-walled dining rooms expand out into a chatter-frosted central courtyard. According to Yannis and Maxime Alary, the brothers responsible, they wanted a restaurant that did grills and frites, the latter being the goldies of the name. Hence no apostrophe, because its a plural rather than a name. Accordingly, the grill menu includes a slab of aged sirloin for 22 and half a spiced and blackened chicken with smoked yoghurt for a reasonable 15. But there are lots of other things to be cheered by. Curling batons of corn cob come singed and spice-pelted, and thickly brushed with a green speckled parsley butter that pools beneath. Fat prawns complete with their heads are skewered with hunks of taut-skinned chorizo and grilled until smoky, so that their various bodily juices combine. There are chunks of beef short-rib, tender enough to be carved with a spoon, but with a crisp char from that grill, alongside a fat whorl of a smoked onion mayo. Its as if some of the smouldering wood has come along for the ride. Theres also a rustic hunk of Normandy in the shape of a rugged ground-pork sausage filled with boudin noir. Its grilled and generously slathered in a sticky, sweet-sour apple cider sauce. This is flame and smoke used less to prove authentic caveman credentials and more just because it makes things taste nice. The only dud is leeks vinaigrette, the allium cut into cylinders, skewered and grilled before being dressed. The leeks are simply undercooked. They need to be properly boiled before going over the embers. As the pork dish arrives, I suggest to our friendly waiter that what might go really well with all this is some chips. This is light sarcasm. We had ordered both the beef dripping and the vegetable oil version, which come with multiple sauces. Regard their late arrival either as a teething issue, or an opportunity to focus on them. They are crisp and salty and indeed golden. While I admire the decision to offer them fried in both animal and non-animal fats, it seems like a lot of trouble for not a vast advantage. Sure, the beef dripping frites do have the ripe, rendered tang of a Yorkshire chippie, but I wouldnt have missed its absence. The mayonnaise-adjacent sauces have names like Samurai, Andalusia and Brazil BBQ and varying hits of spice, sweetness and smoke. My favourite is the pepper sauce, a thick, wobbly version of the steak classic. That deep-fat fryer is also put to good work on courgette flowers stuffed with salty, crumbly ricotta, and chewy tangles of baby squid with a rough-cut sauce tartare. Do get a big bowlful of their sharp, green salad. While Goldies might be a place you would like to visit, it is not claiming to be a destination. Its not some culinary station of the cross where smoke billows and every one genuflects at that aged slab of cow. Its more louche than that, more elbows on the table and can I nick a chip please? The short wine list has a lot of options available by both glass and 500ml carafe. Whatever volume you order, you will find it is mostly natural, possibly cloudy and so on. Lets assume thats part of the Northern French rustic charm. There is just one dessert, but theyve put their back into it: a well-made choux bun, filled with vanilla soft serve, then drenched in hot chocolate sauce and showered with crushed nuts. So thats grills, chips, dips and something messy made with chocolate all at a reasonable price. As propositions go its not a bad one, is it? News bites The Edinburgh-born sommelier James Clarke, who has worked across the city, including at the Palmerston and Divino Enoteca, will open his own place next month in the citys Stockbridge. Sotto will have a downstairs Trattoria, overseen by chef Francesco Ascrizzi. It will seat 36 and serve a changing menu of classic seasonal Italian dishes. Upstairs will be the wine bar, with a significant number of the 200-plus wines available by the glass, as well as a selection of bottles to buy retail. It opens 4 October (sottoedinburgh.com). And on the subject of Italian food, Calabrian-born chef Francesco Mazzei, who departed D&D Londons Sartoria last year, has announced his new home. He is going to Londons Corinthia Hotel, where he will take over the space which is now the Northall brasserie. Mazzei, who describes his style as mammas cooking with chefs hands, currently has a restaurant at the Corinthias sister hotel on the island of Malta. The new restaurant will open next summer. Tommy Banks of Roots in York and the Black Swan at Oldstead is to join forces with Adam Maddock, former head chef of the Fife Arms in Braemer, to oversee a mammoth food and drink offering at Saltmoore, a self-described wellness resort in North Yorkshire. There will be four restaurants, including a wellness cafe serving salads, smoothies and bone broth, otherwise known as stock. There will also be a brasserie, a pizzeria and a formal dining room called Calluna. The hotel will open later in the autumn (saltmoore.co.uk) Jay Rayners cookbook, Nights Out at Home: Recipes and Stories from 25 Years as a Restaurant Critic (Penguin, 22), is available from guardianbookshop.com at 18.70 Email Jay at jay.rayner@observer.co.uk or follow him on X @jayrayner1 Gretchen Whitmer: This guy just doesnt understand what the average woman is confronting in her life. Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, called Donald Trump just deranged on Sunday after he said women would no longer be thinking about abortion if he is elected as president in November. This guy just doesnt understand what the average woman is confronting in her life in this country, and how could he? Hes not lived a normal life, Whitmer said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union. Whitmer also reaffirmed her support for Kamala Harris, describing her as a person who has worked hourly jobs, who knows how important it is that women have healthcare and access to the medical care that they need. Whitmer was asked to comment about a speech the former president delivered on Saturday, saying women will be happy, healthy, confident, and free if he is elected president. Hes just deranged, the governor of Michigan said. On Friday, Trump made similar comments about women on his Truth Social platform. WOMEN ARE POORER THAN THEY WERE FOUR YEARS AGO, ARE LESS HEALTHY THAN THEY WERE FOUR YEARS AGO AND ARE LESS OPTIMISTIC AND CONFIDENT IN THE FUTURE THAN THEY WERE FOUR YEARS AGO! Trump said. Harris is a staunch supporter of abortion rights. The vice-president delivered two speeches on Friday, first in Georgia and then Wisconsin, highlighting the case of Amber Thurman, who died in Georgia due to a strict abortion ban. Whitmers comments on Sunday come a week after participating in an online campaign event with TV host, producer and author Oprah Winfrey, which was livestreamed nationally from Michigan. The Michigan governor was previously named as a possible candidate for the Democratic nomination for president before ruling herself out in July. Michigan is a must-win prize for candidates, a state that has voted for the presidential winner in the last four national elections. Joe Biden took Michigan by 154,000 votes in 2020. Two years later, Whitmer defeated a Trump-backed candidate and Democrats took full control for the first time in 45 years. Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The US on Sunday congratulated the people of Mali on the 64th anniversary of their independence and pledged to stand with them in their efforts to achieve democracy, durable peace, and prosperity Footage of the moment Andell Goulbourne was hit by Kashif Khan in 2020 - West Midlands Police/SWNS A driver fled Britain after killing a cyclist in a hit-and-run and moved to Pakistan where he got married, fathered two children and worked as a taxi driver. Harrowing CCTV footage shows Andell Goulbourne, 59, being flung 100ft through the air after being mowed down by Kashif Khan in Saltley, Birmingham. The father-of-three was struck by the grey BMW M135i which was coming in the opposite direction on Washwood Heath Road at around twice the 30 mph speed limit at 11pm on July 30, 2020. Mr Goulbourne was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. Meanwhile while Khan had slipped away. An investigation found that the driver was doing 61 to 64 mph at the time of the crash. Andel Goulbourne was treasured by his family - West Midlands Police/SWNS Within 20 hours Khan had bought a one-way flight to Dubai and then went on to Pakistan, where he remained on the run for four years. During that time he started a new life, getting married and having children and even working as a taxi driver. Crimestoppers later issued an appeal with a 5,000 reward for information on his whereabouts. Detectives established Khan had been driving the car using fingerprints from a drinks can in the vehicle and a receipt. Mr Goulbournes family previously released footage showing how he was sent flying along the street by the impact of the crash. Kashif Khan flew out to Dubai four hours after the crash - West Midlands Police/SWNS Khan, 28, of Erdington, Birmingham, was arrested when he returned to the UK on July 2 2024. He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for six years at Birmingham Crown Court. He was also banned from driving for almost 13 years. In victim statements read to the court, Mr Goulbournes family described how his death had left a huge void in many peoples lives, especially ours. They said: Our lives changed forever upon hearing the news that our dad had passed away, and losing such a significant loved one left us in total disbelief with feelings of unbearable grief. We will always feel the pain of losing someone so treasured as our dad. However, here we are today when despite our anguish we stand to be given some sort of justice and closure. Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes of West Midlands Police said afterwards: We can only hope that this sentence brings some comfort to Mr Goulbournes family. Mr Goulbourne was callously left in the road fatally injured by this driver, who was more concerned about trying to evade responsibility for his actions than try to help man hed hit. He went so far as to leave the country within hours of this awful collision and remained away for years, but as soon as he tried to come back we were ready and able to bring him before the courts and see him admit the charge. Heather Iqbal stood unsuccessfully to be the Labour MP for Dewsbury and Batley in this years general election A Labour candidate was told that she was not a proper Muslim because she had a Western first name, she has revealed. Heather Iqbal was heavily defeated in Dewsbury and Batley by Iqbal Mohamed, after a campaign she said was characterised by intimidation. Ms Iqbal said Mr Mohameds supporters chased her down the street and shouted that she was a child murderer and a genocide agent, while a loudspeaker van blared out the message that Labour was a Zionist party. In an interview with The Telegraph, Ms Iqbal revealed she had to stop taking her baby son out with her when she knocked on doors because of the heated nature of the campaign. She said Muslim Labour members in Dewsbury were under huge pressure to quit the party because of its stance on Gaza, with their children bullied at school for having a parent in Labour. Iqbal Mohamed MP, who represents Dewsbury and Batley as an independent Her testimony provides a worrying insight into the kind of sectarian politics apparently on the rise in parts of the UK in the wake of Hamass October 7 attack on Israel. The news came as Labour gathered for its annual conference. On Sunday, delegates had to pass a large and noisy group of pro-Palestinian activists to enter the venue. Criticism of my name Ms Iqbal said: Whether I was Muslim or not was constantly questioned, with constant criticism of my first name, including in open community meetings held by the independent MP. Activists and some of my family members were chased down the street. In polling week, I had a van that would follow me and different activists. We would gather to door-knock, the van would appear 15 minutes later, and it would be shouting genocide agent, child killer. Who can canvass in a calm manner when thats happening behind you in the street? Its really upsetting, and it means you cant democratically set out your stall because wherever you are you feel like someone is going to aggressively object to you. It felt like every day you had to look over your shoulder because the language was set from the top. Ms Iqbal enjoyed a visit from Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, during her campaign At the start of the campaign, she took her baby son out door knocking. But I got shouted at about being a child killer, she said. That was just on a door, but thats the point about the language filtering down. I was shouted down and I just felt I cant really bring the baby out campaigning. Thats not a situation youd put yourself and a child in. Ms Iqbal said Mr Mohamed who sits in a new independent alliance in the Commons with Jeremy Corbyn, the hard-Left former Labour leader never called on his activists to tone down their behaviour. If the independent MP is confident in his views, he should not need to get his campaign to do stuff like that, she said. I was the only woman running and I just felt it was completely tone deaf of the independent MP to not make a point about that [to his supporters]. She added: We were speaking to the police pretty much every day because of what happened in the local election where there were 40 or 50 men outside of key polling stations, shouting at people. The week leading up to the general election, I really did feel really intimidated. Large Muslim community Dewsbury, a West Yorkshire textile town with a proud history of pioneering radicalism, has had a Labour MP for most of the past century. At the last boundary review it was joined together with Batley, another Labour stronghold. But in the Batley and Spen by-election in 2021 George Galloway almost won the seat from Kim Leadbeater of Labour by focusing on Muslim feelings on the Middle East, a sign of problems ahead. Since the 1960s, Dewsbury has had a large Muslim community concentrated in the districts of Savile Town, Thornhill Lees and Ravensthorpe. Batley has a similarly large Muslim population. Mr Mohamed, the pro-Gaza candidate, attracted 15,641 votes to Labours 8,707 in the 2024 general election. Ms Iqbal said there were a number of Labour members who felt silenced. They felt they needed to leave the party in a public way because their children were getting bullied at school, or they were getting abused when they would go to the mosque, she said. And I think thats a really sad state of affairs. Since the election I have seen a number of social media posts that talked about how any Labour supporter should be marginalised, should be ostracised; that they were traitors, hypocrites. They shouldnt be given positions in charities or mosques. I would like to see Iqbal Mohamed publicly denounce those kinds of social media posts and actively push against them, and make people feel like there could be a diversity of political views and opposition as in any healthy democracy. Jackie Ramsay, Ms Iqbals election agent, said the canvassing team had been much depleted because Labour members had felt bullied into leaving. As people are going to the mosque, people in the community are saying to them: Why are you still in that genocidal party? she recalled. Police involvement Ms Ramsay said she reported independent supporters to the police on three occasions. On one occasion, while a small group was canvassing in a Muslim area of Batley, an independent supporter ran up and very aggressively shouted at us that we werent welcome in that area. He collected leaflets from some of the doors that we had delivered to. He said it was an independent area; if we didnt get out he would be calling people so that they would remove us. We were the genocidal party, we were responsible for the death of women and children. We were supporting the killing of babies, we were Zionist. The police were called, but did not come. Elsewhere in Batley, she said, Ms Iqbal was campaigning with members of her family and some other Muslim activists who had stuck with Labour. There was a man who was saying to them that theyre not good Muslims, said Ms Ramsay. If theyre Muslims they need to re-look at their faith because of the genocide. It is a proper mantra. The canvassers were very upset, obviously, because they are Muslim and they were being attacked around their faith. At the door you dont mind having a discussion with people, what you mind is it being shouted all over the street. Later, in the Ravensthorpe area of Dewsbury, Labour activists delivering leaflets were followed by a car with a tape spewing out how you wouldnt vote for Labour, really loudly, coming around the crescent with us. A few days later, a big white van started to follow us with Iqbal Mohamed posters on each side. This is three days before polling day, she said. It felt that everywhere we appeared the van appeared after us, saying Labour are the genocidal party, were the independents, you dont want to be voting for Labour who support the killing of women and children. In Ravensthorpe one night, there were three teams out and it did a loop round each of the teams. Heather was in one of those teams, and they told her that they were going to tell people at the polling stations not to vote for you because youve supported genocide. Local elections also affected Ms Ramsay stood as a councillor in Mays local election but lost out to an independent in Dewsbury South, which includes largely Muslim Savile Town as well as largely white Thornhill. A few months before, she said, councillors had been called in to be interviewed by the leaders of local mosques about their views on the conflict in the Middle East. But it soon became clear that nothing they could say would undo the effect of a disastrous interview Sir Keir Starmer gave to LBC in which he said Israel had the right to withhold power and water from Gaza. The expectation really was that we would resign from the Labour Party and then they could give us support as councillors, said Ms Ramsay. Clearly, I didnt resign. In the local election campaign, it was pretty obvious that things were going against us. Labour Party members started to leave. There was intimidation going on. People were expected if they were from the Muslim faith to leave the genocidal party or the party that supports the killing of babies. Ms Ramsay added: Polling day was very difficult for us in the local elections. A lot of people with big independent rosettes were outside polling stations. I witnessed it at Thornhill Lees and Savile Town where people were being told what box to vote for. You had to run a bit of a gauntlet [to get in]. Ms Iqbal said: I think that there is a group of people who are exploiting the emotions that Gaza brings. Not only do they intimidate people into feeling like they couldnt vote Labour because of their religion. That emotion overwhelms how you might feel about your local services or public policy generally. The independents tapped into something which people feel really raw about. I dont think that means all Muslims think the same or vote the same. Mr Mohamed was approached for comment. David Lammy made his comments at a Labour party conference fringe event that Ukraines ambassador to the UK also attended. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, has indicated that delicate negotiations with the White House to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia are ongoing, arguing it was a time for nerve and guts. The apparent encouragement to Joe Biden comes just over a week after Lammy and Keir Starmer visited the US president in the White House but failed to resolve the sticking point between two countries. Speaking at a fringe event at the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Lammy said the hardship and challenges of the war in Ukraine would get deeper and harsher, particularly heading into the back end of 2025 into 2026 and beyond. So this is a critical time for nerve and guts and patience and for fortitude on behalf of allies who stand with Ukraine, he said in comments that appeared directed at a hesitant White House, concerned about the risks of allowing Storm Shadow missiles to be used to attack Russia. Lammy emphasised that Ukraine and its western allies were discussing what more might be necessary to help Kyiv on the battlefield beyond trying to hold the frontline, which is under acute pressure in the east. I am not going to as foreign secretary, of course, comment on operational details, because that can only aid Putin, Lammy said, in an apparent reference to Storm Shadow missiles. But there is a very real-time discussion across allies about how we can support Ukraine as we head into winter. Ukraines President Voldymyr Zelenskyy called on Biden again on Saturday to allow Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes inside Russia. His plea came before a critical meeting between the two on Thursday at the UN general assembly in New York. The issue, he added, remained unresolved despite Starmer lobbying Biden in person nine days ago. Zelenskyy wants to be able to use British, French and Italian Storm Shadow missiles, as well as US-made Atacms to hit airbases and other military targets inside Russia. He has argued that the Kremlin could be motivated to seek peace if it was clear that Ukraine could strike targets closer to Moscow. The UK has donated Storm Shadow missiles from its stocks, but its European partners and the US need to give their permission for Ukraine use them on Russian soil. The weapons also rely on a US guidance system to evade Russian jamming, without which they risk being ineffective if launched. Starmers White House meeting with Biden, where they discussed the issue, the wider Ukraine war, the Middle East and China, was deliberately low key. No announcement about Storm Shadow had been expected, but the absence of a briefing after the summit suggested no breakthrough had been achieved. Related: Storm Shadow missiles: what are they and why are they important for Ukraine? Ukraines ambassador to the UK and the countrys former top military commander, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, was also present at the Labour conference fringe event, which was organised by the Tony Blair Institute. Zaluzhnyi said Ukraine was still serious about winning this war and listed a series of requests to help it do so. First of all we need to have enough modern weapons, he said. Long-range air and ground facilities are critically important. Lifting restrictions of using the weapons military targets in Russia is critical. These would help protect civilians from Russian missiles and glide bombs. The ambassador also called for further tightening of sanctions against Russia, future Nato membership for Kyiv, and notably a political decision to allow western allies to shoot down drones and missiles above western Ukraine with their own fighter jets and air-defence systems. The US, UK and other countries in the Middle East came to Israels aid in April when Iran launched a major missile and drone attack against it. That prompted Zelenskyy to ask why such support could not be provided to Kyiv, which would free up some of the countrys military to fight on the frontlines in the south and east. George W Bush at the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants game in November 2023 in Arlington, Texas. Photograph: Cooper Neill/Getty Images The MSNBC host Lawrence ODonnell this week hit out at George W Bush, the Republican former president, for refusing to weigh in on Americas looming presidential election. All any decent person wants him to do is to say, Dont vote for Donald Trump, and heres why, and he wont even do that, ODonnell told the Fast Politics podcast, of the Republican president who was in office from 2001 to 2009. Increasingly, Bush and some other top Republicans from his political era are looking lonely in their ongoing refusal to take a side in an election in which many have warned that US democracy is under threat from Trumps open sympathies with autocracy. Bushs vice-president Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz Cheney, whose January 6 committee role cost her a US House seat in Wyoming, have endorsed Kamala Harris. So have other senior Republicans, including more than 100 who this week signed a letter declaring that Trump, their partys nominee for a third election running, must never return to the White House. Related: Trumps threats to go after opponents will subvert rule of law, experts warn We believe that the president of the United States must be a principled, serious and steady leader, the officials said. 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. Big-name signatories included Chuck Hagel, a former senator and defense secretary; Gen Michael Hayden, a former CIA and NSA chief; and John Negroponte, once ambassador to the UN. Robert Zoellick, a longtime aide to both presidents Bush and a deputy to James Baker, secretary of state to the elder Bush, was on the list too. Missing from the list, however, were Baker, the younger Bush and his own secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice. As perhaps the three most senior Republicans who have not come out against Trump in this election cycle, Bush, Rice and Bakers lack of comment excites growing comment itself. Bushs office recently said he would not endorse, having retired from presidential politics years ago, perhaps ensuring that his most lasting comment on his successor will be the one he reportedly delivered on the dais at the Capitol after Trumps inaugural speech in 2017, American carnage and all: That was some weird shit. Rice did oppose Trump in 2016. Amid the Access Hollywood scandal, over Trumps boasts about sexual assault, Rice said he should withdraw as the Republican candidate, in favor of someone who has the dignity and stature to run for the highest office in the greatest democracy on earth. She has commented on Trumps presidency too. In 2021, she said his appeal to people who felt let down by establishment politicians was something that we probably still really need to pay attention to. Earlier this year, Rice spoke out against isolationism, another central tenet of Trumpism. But that drew a rebuke from Adam Kinzinger, the former congressman from Illinois who sat with Cheney on the January 6 committee and who endorsed Harris at the Democratic national convention. Its time to speak up and do more, Kinzinger said. Youre not fighting against isolationism. Youre fighting against Trump and you need to say this out loud. No more straddling the fence, Republicans. Youre for Trump or against him. Pick a side. Baker has not taken a public position on Trump but in 2020, his biographers reported that though the myriad ethical scandals surrounding Trump were head-spinning, Baker kept telling himself it was worth it to get conservative judges, tax cuts and deregulation. I will vote for the Republican, Baker was quoted as saying. I really will. Now 94 but still active in the public realm, Baker has not publicly indicated how he will vote this year. A source close to him said he had been sharply critical of Trumps attempt to overturn the election in 2020. Nonetheless, the former secretary of states words in his biography ring loud. I wont leave my party. You can say my party has left me because the leader of it has. But I think its important, the big picture. Related: Republican grandee James Baker will vote for Trump to get conservative judges, book reveals In most eyes, though, the big picture has only grown more alarming. Trump has incited a deadly attack on Congress; beaten a second impeachment arising from that attack; been convicted on 34 criminal charges with more than 50 pending; been ordered to pay hundreds of millions in civil cases regarding business fraud and a defamation suit arising from a rape allegation a judge called substantially true; and launched an election campaign of breathtaking racist invective and lies. *** Taxes go up, taxes go down. Regulations are imposed, they are withdrawn. But a democracy? You cant squander that. Our reputation in the world, the Nato alliance at a time of extreme danger once those things are gone, they would be exceptionally hard to rebuild. That was the view of one Washington Republican, a White House official under both Bushes whose job now precludes public endorsements but who was granted anonymity to speak frankly and said they would vote for Harris. With a laugh, the former official suggested George W Bush may write in Condi Rice again, a reference to the protest vote Bush said he lodged in 2020, rather than support Joe Biden. As for Baker, the former official said: Dont forget, hes from Houston. I think if you spend 50 years around Houston, you just absorb the oil and gas view of the world. Many people in the oil and gas industry are very anti-Biden, very anti-Harris, largely because of the perception that Biden was for the Green New Deal, which is false, and then the natural gas export review. For Republicans, the former official said, it is easier to come out against Trump in the national security space and what might be called the democracy space, given the enormity of Trumps election subversion and January 6 and anxious questions about his relationships with autocrats including Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jinping of China and Kim Jong-un of North Korea. There are the Dick Cheneys of the world, who basically say: This is about democracy. This is about January 6. Donald Trump cannot be trusted with power. I would also suspect that in Cheneys case, this goes back to his tenure in the defense department [under George HW Bush], and if you recall the op-ed that all the living secretaries of defense wrote on 3 January 2021, its all coming out of that. That column, for the Washington Post, urged all Americans to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Three days later, Trump ensured that did not happen. The former official continued: While there have been a number of more moderate Republicans who have endorsed Harris, I do not see this as ideological. I see it as, principally, first stop Trump, then attempt to rebuild the party. Such ambitions may also motivate establishment Republicans who have chosen to back Trump, among them the New Hampshire governor, Chris Sununu, and Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who fought Trump in the primary. All may have eyes on a post-Trump world either in 2024 if he loses or 2028 if he wins. If so, the former White House official suggested, it may not prove a wise course. I think it would be hugely, hugely difficult to rebuild the party, largely because the Trumpers just have control of pretty much everything in the states, in the state parties. But I think that is the task of a generation, and even more moderate figures are going to have to make nods in the direction of Trumpism for the foreseeable future. More migrants crossed the Channel to the UK over the weekend, bringing the total for 2024 so far to more than 24,000 - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images More than 30 people-smugglers have been arrested after attempting to sneak illegal migrants into the UK through the back door by exploiting the softer border controls with Ireland. A three-day operation by Home Office immigration enforcement officers saw 31 people held after trying to smuggle migrants with fake IDs through airports and ports by using the common travel area between Britain and Ireland. On the same day it was announced that migrants crossing the Channel had passed 24,000 since the start of 2024 after 707 people reached the UK on small boats on Saturday. It brings the total for 2024 so far to 24,335, which is up one per cent on the number of people who made the crossing by this time in 2023, but 20 per cent down on 2022. The common travel area allows UK and Irish citizens to travel freely between the two countries without the need for visas that would be required for a migrant entering Britain from the EU or other countries. The officers seized 400,000 cash and 10 fake ID documents during the operation at ports, airports and road networks. Locations included Belfast, Liverpool, Luton and addresses in Scotland. Angela Eagle, the border security minister, said: This Government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people, risking their lives and giving them false hopes of a better life in the UK. Driven by greed, these gangs have no regard for human life or safety, charging outrageous fees, preying on those desperate to escape hardship and forcing them into illegal and dangerous situations. We are taking the fight to them on all fronts under the leadership of our new Border Security Commander. Dismantling the business models of these gangs does not just apply to the small boats trade we are also stamping out other routes into the UK to bring them to justice and slash their profits. Soft border controls The multi-agency operation was led by Immigration Enforcements Criminal and Financial Investigations team in Northern Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the National Crime Agency, other UK police forces and international partners. The Telegraph revealed in 2023 how the soft border controls between Ireland and the UK were being exploited by Albanians to smuggle migrants into Britain in taxis for up to 2,500 less than the cost of Channel crossings. The investigation found the Albanians worked with Irish criminal gangs to fly migrants into Dublin often with fake EU papers before providing them with an Irish taxi driver to sneak into Britain on ferries. The back door route cost the migrants around 2,500 per person with a further 300 to 400 for fake ID bought in Albania. One gang organiser told an undercover reporter the trips were staged every day. You must get to Dublin. We have the price of 2,500 from Dublin to England. Its 100 per cent secure. You need to get a European fake ID so you can get easily to Dublin, he said. Jonathan Evans, home office immigration enforcement inspector, said the three-day crackdown had been a huge success and sent a clear message that the smuggling gangs who break our laws will face serious consequences. He added: We are taking action day in, day out to ensure we stay a step ahead of these criminal groups, disrupting them at the earliest possible stage. We will continue working relentlessly to ensure no one abuses the Common Travel Area or the UKs borders. The clips used in the training are based on the transcripts of 133 interviews with NHS employees. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PA In one scene, a black nurse called Tunde is told by his manager that personal protective equipment (PPE) was being locked away at night to prevent its theft during night shifts, during the pandemic when ethnic minorities were more likely to work these hours. In another, an Asian female doctor called Jasmine is dismissed by an HR manager after raising a double standard regarding requests for shift changes during the pandemic over childcare, something which her white colleagues were granted. These are some of the scenarios of discrimination depicted in a new form of training for NHS staff that has been designed to create better understanding of the experiences of colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds. The training, called Walking in the shoes of , involves participants wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset and watching videos depicting instances of racism and discrimination by actors within an NHS setting. The clips are based on the transcripts of 133 interviews with NHS employees describing their own experiences of racism while working, collected during the Tides study, a project by academics at Kings College London that researches how instances of discrimination within the NHS are related to existing health inequalities. The training was developed after warnings that the NHS faces a mass exodus of black, Asian and minority ethnic doctors due to persistent and intolerable levels of racism in the workplace, while research shows that white nurses are twice as likely than their black and Asian colleagues to be promoted. Prof Stephani Hatch, a professor of sociology and epidemiology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at Kings College London, said the VR training being trialled was an incredibly creative way of delivering immersive training to help experiences be better understood by staff across the NHS. The VR allows for the user in some cases to experience discrimination, but also to be in a position to witness instances of discrimination too and VR gave us an opportunity to use creative methodologies. So far, the training has been completed by 270 staff members at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The academics behind the project believe it should be rolled out across the health service, with Hatch saying: Its really important for us that this training hits management and leadership. I would love to see a room full of middle-level managers undertaking the training because they can often be the gatekeepers. Dr Rebecca Rhead, a lecturer in society and mental health at Kings, said that during the creation of the VR videos it was important to speak directly to frontline NHS staff to understand their experiences. Our research really gave us an insight into the toll their experiences in the workplace had taken on their mental health and the impact it has had on their ability to provide care and continue to work in the NHS, Rhead said. This is partly why virtual reality in this form is so powerful because it alleviates the burden of reliving their trauma and spares them the exhausting emotional labour of having to tell people about their sometimes harrowing experiences. Helen Welsh, a media and VR producer at Maudsley Learning who helped to develop and implement the training, said the new training had helped to address some of the underlying issues that are not often talked about by giving people a voice, and making sure others also listen to that voice. She added that the training could also directly address the discomfort felt by bystanders when confronted by instances of racism. She said: I hope that the training that we will be delivering will help to address some of the inequalities which exist within workplaces like the NHS. The video training showed that a lot of people were bystanders in situations like these, and in these training scenarios you are actually forced to be a bystander as youre not able to take part. NHS England was approached for comment. Mourners carry the coffin of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, who died in an Israeli strike, during the funeral procession in Beirut, Lebanon. Photograph: Wael Hamzeh/EPA So serious were the exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah this weekend, it is hard to be sure that the two sides have not already crossed the threshold of all-out war. Israels air force said it had struck 290 targets in southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing at least three. Hezbollah responded by launching 150 missiles, rockets and drones into Israel overnight, the deepest attack since violent hostilities broke out when the Iran-aligned group began launching rocket attacks in support of Hamas after 7 October. Missiles reached the suburbs of Israels northern city of Haifa, and while casualties were modest rescue teams treated a number of wounded residential buildings were hit in Kiryat Bialik. Thousands of civilians were forced to seek shelter. Related: Israel strikes targets in Lebanon as Hezbollah launches deepest rocket attacks since start of Gaza war Hezbollah said it had used short-range Fadi 1 and 2 missiles for the first time, weapons said to have a range of 50 and 65 miles respectively. They were aimed, the militant group said, at Israels Ramat David airbase, 15 miles south-east of Haifa, though their impact on military operations appears slight. Though the number of missiles fired was said to be small, and mostly intercepted, images of the damage to homes suggest that some nevertheless breached Israels much-vaunted air defences a troubling sign. Related: Were not safe any more: Lebanon reels from week of attacks that have intensified war with Israel It has been five long days since the extraordinary plot to blow up pagers and then walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, killing 42 and wounding more than 3,000, an attack for which Israel is widely believed to have been responsible. On Friday, an Israeli airstrike killed the veteran Hezbollah leader Ibrahim Aqil in Beirut and 37 others. The growing intensity of the Israeli attacks appears to suggest that Benjamin Netanyahus government is willing to accept whatever Hezbollah does in response. If Hezbollah didnt get the message, I promise you it will get the message, the prime minister said on Sunday after the latest exchanges. It is dangerous thinking to rely on the belief that Israel will decisively come out on top if the fighting escalates. But it also comes as Israels leaders have decided that months of tit-for-tat responses to Hezbollah attacks across the northern border have not brought about peace. About 65,000 Israeli civilians remain displaced from their homes (similar numbers are also displaced from southern Lebanon) as Hezbollah attacks have continued on a daily basis. An escalation of some sort from Hezbollah in response to the pager plot and the Beirut strike was inevitable, and was always likely to see the group reach into its arsenal of anywhere between 120,000 and 200,000 unguided missiles and rockets. On Sunday, Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy secretary-general, said that the group had entered a new phase in its struggle with Israel ominously described by him as an open-ended battle of reckoning. Related: Israeli military shuts down Al Jazeera bureau in West Bank raid If the rhetoric is anything to go by, neither side appears willing to back down, raising the question of where the higher tempo of cross-border bombing will lead. A Hezbollah missile that causes a significant number of civilian casualties in Israel, whether deliberately or through a miscalculation, would probably prompt an even more intense Israeli response, and risks more civilian casualties in Lebanon in return. The hope is that both sides want to avoid an even more deadly ground war, though such is the environment that even that cannot be certain. Israels president, Isaac Herzog, said on Sunday that when Aqil was killed, he and other leaders from Hezbollahs elite Radwan unit were discussing a surprise cross-border attack into Israel the same horrific, horrendous attack that we had on 7 October by Hamas. Though the Israel Defense Forces has been engaged in nearly a year of constant fighting against Hamas in Gaza, the conflict is not as intense as it once was. Last week Israel redeployed its 98th Division from Gaza to the north, and the countrys leaders may yet reach the conclusion the only way to halt the missile and rocket attacks is to enter southern Lebanon, though that is fraught with risk. Even allowing for the exploding pager attack, Hezbollah is estimated to have between 30,000 and 50,000 fighters available and a similar number in reserve. It is a larger and more capable military force than Hamas, which is still fighting on despite nearly a year of bombardment in response to the assault of 7 October. If theres one thing that did politicise me, it was the process of being rejected from university and having to fight so bitterly hard and persist to ridiculous levels, says Peter Kyle - Matt Writtle The doors to the orphanage opened and a wave of nausea swept over the British teenager as the stench hit his nostrils. It was the dead of the night and a 19-year-old Peter Kyle was getting his first experience of life as a volunteer aid worker in the war-torn Balkans. More than 500 children, including babies, were crammed into the building in Romania as the region teetered on the brink of a bloody civil war. As we sit in a sun-kissed central London park 24 years later, the Science Secretary says the conditions he witnessed that night are still indescribable. But he also credits the trip with changing my life and giving him a sense of perspective that armoured him for the rough and tumble of life in Westminster. Kyle, who in his aid worker days sported a long, shaggy hairstyle and wore baggy T-shirts, is today neatly clipped in jeans, a shirt and a blazer. But his casual style belies his importance after he was handed one of the most influential roles in Whitehall by the Prime Minister. It is no coincidence that, at a time of great technological change, Sir Keir Starmer has handed the Science Secretary job to one of his most trusted lieutenants. Kyle will be responsible for shepherding in the Artificial Intelligence revolution, spearheading the battle against social media hate, and perhaps even introducing driverless cars to our roads and lab-grown meat to our supermarket shelves. If some might be daunted and even frightened by the pace of the digital revolution, then Kyle is not one of them, though he is sympathetic to those with reservations. I dont accept that theres a choice between optimism and pessimism, he says when asked whether such technological change will be good or bad for Britain. The last government fell into the trap of making a choice between safety and opportunity. I want to safely explore every opportunity and take the public with us on it. Because at the moment were not touching the sides of what we can do as a country. Were underperforming economically, and thats painful for me to say as somebody who loves our country as much as I do. A major part of his job will be negotiating with the tech companies and especially Americas big five of Amazon, Google owner Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta, which runs Facebook and Instagram. Each has a bigger annual research and development budget bigger than the entire UK Governments, meaning these companies wield extraordinary economic and political power. They all also come with their own individual dose of controversy, whether it is the tiny amounts of tax they pay in Britain or their role in the spread of hate and misinformation. Kyle is deeply resistant to the idea that the problems with the public finances can simply be solved by taxing them more, or that ever more burdensome regulation is the way to bring them to heel on important social issues. But he has also warned them that access to the UK market is a privilege that must be earned with significant investment, creating jobs and wealth that extend far beyond London and the South East. These big five companies, they have foreign policies, he explains. They have the ability to re-headquarter in a heartbeat. My aim is for these companies to see Britain as a desirable place to invest, a great place to design and develop products and services, and the best country in the world to do business. I want it to be a relationship, but they are under no illusion that this Government has expectations of long-term investment into the future of our country in positive ways, in return for the access they have. Kyle is particularly passionate about the development of technology because he believes that it could have saved his mother by spotting her lung cancer earlier - Matt Writtle Kyle, who was a vociferous and passionate advocate for staying in the EU, can also see how Brexit has benefited Britain in the race to develop new technology. Brussels was warned this week by Nick Clegg, the former deputy prime minister turned Meta executive, that it is falling behind on AI because of its incoherent red tape. The Science Secretary is reluctant to put the boot in, describing Brexit as a debate of the past, but does say that he thinks the EU has missed Britains guiding hand. We have outstanding AI potential and the EU has missed out on it in the way that theyre legislating, he says. We are legislating for things like AI and regulating in a very different way than the EU is. Kyle is irrepressibly upbeat as we meet against the backdrop of a Government in turmoil, riven from the inside with internal briefings and besieged from the outside by a cronyism scandal. Many of the headlines of the week have been dominated by questions surrounding Sue Gray, the Prime Ministers divisive chief of staff, and her role in the fledgling administrations rocky start. So fevered was the speculation around her that Sir Keir was even forced to intervene and insist that he is still the one running Downing Street. Kyle is unimpressed by suggestions that she is too powerful and dismissive of the briefings against her. Sue is an outstanding public servant and nobody is accusing her of breaking rules, he says. Im not sure why its a surprise to anyone that the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister is powerful. I think it would be far more worrying for our country if the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister was weak. Kyle, 54, took one of the more unconventional routes into politics after leaving school with what he himself describes as no usable qualifications. Equipped with a single pass in theatre studies, he set his sights on a job at the Body Shop, whose Littlehampton headquarters were just down the Sussex coast from where he grew up. One day, aged 18, he hung around the entrance to the office until someone from human resources came down and spoke to him. His persistence paid off with a job offer and he quickly became a protege of the companys founder, Anita Roddick, who recruited him to her charity work. A year later he arrived in Romania with a mission to close an overcrowded orphanage and rescue hundreds of children from the most miserable conditions. I was with a team of 20 to 25 people and 10 odd people threw up from walking into the building itself, he recalls. When we arrived in the middle of the night we hadnt seen a single child, but the smell was making people vomit. Kyle spent five years working for the charity, Children on the Edge, making multiple trips to the region during the Balkans war. During that time he befriended Alan Rickman, the late actor, who was a key fundraiser and who once accompanied him on a trip to Romania. He also says that his time in the Balkans equipped him with much of the mental resilience that is required to succeed at the top of Government. I know that Ive been tested to breaking point. I know what Im like under extreme stress, I know how I react and I know what the signs are, he says. I have a sense of perspective that I think perhaps other people might benefit from. Kyle knows that he will need some of that resilience as he prepares to face down opponents to new technology, including AI, that he sees as key to delivering transformational change. And he insists that, accompanied by the right protections, AI can improve the care provided by the NHS, boost the economy, and give workers more free time. The development of the technology is especially poignant for Kyle, who believes that it could have saved his mother by spotting her Stage 4 lung cancer earlier. She was scanned three times for chest pain but the disease went unspotted for 18 months before she collapsed and died 12 years ago. When you put digital technology into that kind of perspective it suddenly moves from being distant and digital to being human, because its about the bond between a mother and child and the sadness of an unnecessary loss. His remarks come as Sir Keir prepares to grant MPs a vote on legalising assisted dying, with speculation growing that one could even take place before Christmas. The last time the Commons had its say on this most divisive of issues, Kyle voted in favour. Would he do so again? If there was a free vote, Id vote in favour, he replies: We have, for hundreds of years, striven to give rights to individuals. Yet at that crucial point, at the end of life, we have very, very few rights that we can exercise over our own self. For me, it became a human rights issue. As long as the technology is intuitive, it contributes, it makes life better, it is demonstrably progress, then it will be normalised, says Kyle - PA Kyle was born in Bognor Regis, Sussex, in a terraced house near the towns dump. His father was a door-to-door salesman and his mother a dental assistant. He has described his upbringing as happy and the family soon moved as his father got a job working for a glass company in Portsmouth, working his way up until he owned it. But he faced challenges at school because of his dyslexia, which means that, even as an adult, he has been assessed as having a reading age of just eight. It was Anita Roddick who spotted his academic potential. While working at the Body Shop, Roddick noticed him working long hours and urged him to apply to university. Kyle applied twice to Sussex University and was rejected each time, so, aged 25, he returned to secondary school for a year to get the required A-levels, only to be rejected all over again. Eventually, at the fourth time of asking he was accepted by Sussex, where he studied geography, international development, and environmental studies. Kyle says his battle to gain a place was the single biggest thing that motivated him to run for Parliament, so he could help other young people in the same position. I never thought Id go into politics, he says. If theres one thing that did politicise me, it was the process of being rejected from university and having to fight so bitterly hard and persist to ridiculous levels. Once I got in I realised how extraordinary the experience was and that so few people like me were going to university. The repeated rejections left their mark, however and, when the university later approached him about doing a doctorate, he was sceptical. It was his old friend, Alan Rickman, who talked him into accepting the offer with a typically withering dressing down. Kyle recalled: I laughingly said, Oh the university has suggested I do a doctorate. He asked why I was laughing. When I said that people like me dont do PhDs and, anyway, Im not bright enough, he rounded on me. He literally tore strips from me for underestimating my own potential, for taking the easy way out by not taking something tough but achievable seriously. Three years later he graduated with a doctorate in community development. But for all the highs, Kyles life has also been tinged with tragedy. Shortly after leaving university, and in his mid-30s, he got his first job in politics in 2006 as an adviser to Hilary Armstrong, the then Cabinet Office Secretary. It was at this time that Kyle, who is gay, met the man who was to become his long-term partner, Czech-born Vlas (Vlastimil Tiser), while he was out at a bar with friends. The couple were together for eight years before, in 2012, he was woken by an early morning phone call from the police to tell him that Vlas was dead. A suspect was investigated by the police in connection with his death, but they did not take any action against them because of insufficient evidence. Kyle, who has never been able to discuss the circumstances for legal reasons, has said that the person was later caught for another offence. The following day he received a phone call from the hospice in Exeter, where his mother was living, telling him that he needed to come and say goodbye. Throughout his adult life, his relationship with his mother had been complicated. When he was 18 he returned home one day to find that she had left a note and run off to Spain with his fathers best friend, splitting up his family. Kyle has also spoken about how, while his father was instantly accepting, his mother struggled to come to terms with the fact that he is gay. He has credited Vlas, who lost his own mother to cancer when he was young, with helping to reconcile him with his mother in the later years of her life. Although he was only a special adviser for a year before returning to the voluntary sector, Kyle had been picked out by senior Labour figures as a potential star. And when the selection came up for his home constituency of Hove in 2013, just six months after Vlass death, he had a decision to make. The party had approached him about becoming an MP back in 2006 but he had turned down the offer, declaring himself not ready to enter Parliament. I dont think you should go into politics until youve thought deeply about who you are, have been tested in different ways and got a breadth of skills, he explains. And I didnt feel equipped. Also, you really need to know who you are and I didnt quite know who I was back then in some ways. This time it was not a lack of experience that held him back, but questions over whether it was fair for him to stand while still stricken with grief. The seat was eminently winnable, having been held by Labour throughout the Blair years before being narrowly snatched by the Tories in 2010. In the end he decided to go for it and at the 2015 election he entered Parliament for the first time after beating the Conservatives with a slender 1,200 majority. His first five years in the Commons were spent on the backbenches as his fierce criticism of Jeremy Corbyns leadership meant he was overlooked for the frontbench. But his rise since Sir Keir became leader in April 2020 has been meteoric. He was immediately made shadow victims minister, then shadow schools minister. Promotion to Sir Keirs top team was inevitable and swiftly followed in November 2021, when he was made the shadow Northern Ireland secretary. At the time the post was a significant one, as Labour attacked the Tory government over its handling of negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol. When that dispute was ended by the signing of the Windsor Framework, he was promoted again by Sir Keir to the shadow science secretary role. With Labour now in power, he is approaching it with an optimistic tone which is at odds with some of the more pessimistic noises coming from his Cabinet colleagues. While Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, talks of the dire economic inheritance she took on, Kyle speaks of the opportunities for great technological breakthroughs. He points out that Britons spend 10 days every year, on average, form filling and bogged down in the red tape of dealing with government. Artificial intelligence has the potential to exponentially speed up government services, meaning people get more of that time back for leisure. Technology could change the way we work, we sleep, and even how we eat. This summer Britain became the first country in Europe to approve the use of laboratory-grown meat, which can now be sold in pet food. Could we soon see such meat on our supermarket shelves for human consumption? Yeah, why not? he replies with a smile. I think its an exciting area of science. Britain is leading the way on its development. The market would tell were not going to force anyone to eat it. But lets see whether this can contribute to the health of our nation, and help with the challenges of climate change. And for those people who have concerns about animal rights, then they may well offer something for them as well. He adds with genuine enthusiasm: Discovery in science is so amazing and it just goes in such extraordinary directions. Does that mean we will all soon be zooming around in driverless cars? He thinks so: The first mobile phones, the clunky ones. I remember thinking, I dont want to be seen with that because people will think Im an idiot. I think with driverless cars well see somebody pull up and get out, and youll think urgh, God and then within a heartbeat it will be normalised. Thats how technology works as long as the technology is intuitive, it contributes, it makes life better, it is demonstrably progress, then it will be normalised. He adds: We will adopt it despite how many people are going to be against it in certain ways, whether its culturally or whether its technically. We cant fight this tsunami of technology that is engulfing the globe. But we can shape and steer it and thats what Im in this business to do. The 12.12m sausage symbolises the 1,212km distance between Munich, the home of Oktoberfest, and The Castle pub - Anthony Upton/PA A pub has cooked up what is believed to be Britains biggest bratwurst at 40ft long. The 12.12m sausage was unveiled at The Castle pub in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, to celebrate its new Oktoberfest menu. The length is meant to symbolise the 1,212km distance between Munich, which is the home of Oktoberfest, and The Castle, which is part of Seared Pubs. Patrons get ready to tuck into the bratwurst topped with crispy onions, mustard, and curry ketchup - Anthony Upton/PA Oktoberfest is an annual festival and celebration of German culture often associated with drinking Bavarian beer. Dozens of patrons were given the chance to try the bratwurst topped with crispy onions, mustard, and curry ketchup. The pub celebrated the occasion with an oompah band and stein-holding competition. Joe Burnett samples the authentic bratwurst along with a beer in true Oktoberfest style - Anthony Upton/PA Rebecca Hall, general manager at The Castle, said: Droitwich Spa is a long way from Munich, so we wanted to give our customers a taste of Oktoberfest in their local pub and make history with the longest bratwurst in the Midlands. Our team had a lot of fun grilling this authentic bratwurst and will be delighted to serve customers German bratwurst from the same recipe and other Oktoberfest favourites until the end of October. Marc Razzell, The Sausage Man, who supplies the bratwurst for Seared Pubs, added: When Seared Pubs approached us, we were keen to take on this challenge. Weve been making bratwursts for decades using a recipe thats been handed down from generation to generation in Germany its as traditional as you can get. Its exciting to know that there will be enough of this authentic bratwurst for everyone to try, alongside other Oktoberfest staples like schnitzel and Bavarian beer. Officials had previously refused to say whether the single person council tax discount would be scrapped - Stephen French/Alamy Stock Photo Rachel Reeves will not scrap the single person council tax discount, Treasury officials have said. The measure means people get 25 per cent off their council tax bill if they live alone, reflecting the fact that they benefit from fewer council services than couples or families. Downing Street officials had previously refused to say whether or not the discount would be scrapped at the Budget next month. But on Sunday the Treasury confirmed that the Budget will not contain measures to scrap the tax break, which is claimed by millions of households including four million pensioners. Analysis from the TaxPayers Alliance previously found that scrapping the discount would have raised 5.4 billion, 1.9 billion of which would have been taken from single pensioners. That is is much higher than the 1.5 billion the winter fuel allowance cut is expected to raise. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, will not scrap the single person council tax discount in her Budget - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Although the Treasury has ruled out scrapping the single person council tax discount, there could be other means by which the Government could launch a council tax raid in the Budget. An overhaul of council tax bands, last evaluated in 1991, could affect millions of households. In 2020, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that properties in band H, the highest cband, produced three times as much tax as those in the lowest, despite being worth at least eight times their value. Changes suggested by the think tank could affect 17 per cent of households in England 4.2 million and see them lose an average of 1,230 a year, while up to 10 million would gain more than 200 a year. In March, a spokesman for Ms Reeves, the then shadow chancellor, said Labour has no plans to introduce this in government. Bespoke wealth tax ruled out Ms Reeves also ruled out a bespoke wealth tax in the upcoming Budget, telling The Sunday Times ahead of the Labour conference: Im not looking at creating some new tax or a wealth tax. Her confirmation comes despite Unite, one of Labours major union backers, being expected to bring forward a motion at the conference to demand a one per cent tax on the wealthiest Erkan Ersoy, the national coordinator for the union, told a fringe event on Sunday: The myth of trickle-down economics has to be challenged. It has never trickled down. Demand for a one per cent tax for the richest is a tactical step that my general is pushing. At the same event, Richard Burgon, the MP for Leeds East who was suspended from Labour after voting against the Government over the two-child benefit cap, called for a wealth tax of two per cent. We really need a fresh start under this new Labour Government when it comes to the issue of living standards and the funding of public services, he said. We need to steer clear of the siren voices on the political Right, in the media, for austerity and for cuts to living standards. The winter fuel allowance is an example of that. Of course there are alternatives a two per cent wealth tax on assets over 10 million, for example, that would raise up to 24 billion a year, and that affects less than 0.1 per cent of the population, 20,000 people. 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Photograph: Paul Hackett/Reuters A BBC documentary into the sexual predation of Mohamed Al Fayed, owner of Harrods from 1985 to 2010, found more than 20 women who testified to abuse by Fayed and five who were raped by him. Since the programme was aired last Thursday, lawyers representing the victims have said there are probably many more out there. That seems highly likely. As the former UK editor of Vanity Fair responsible for defending a libel case brought by Fayed in the mid-90s, I know of three who couldnt be included in the documentary and the anecdotal evidence from that period suggested that Fayed treated Harrods as a mini fiefdom where he had the right over any female employee he spotted on CCTV or met walking the floors of the department store. His abuse and the fear he instilled were open secrets. He never suffered the consequences of his crimes, the scale of which is mapped by the BBC film Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods and puts him on a level with Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. While they ended up in jail, Fayed died peacefully, aged 94, in London last year, untroubled by the law or any remorse, his fortune still intact. That says much about the power he wielded as the Harrods boss, about the period in the UK before the #MeToo awakening, and the teams of publicists, lawyers, security guards, HR bosses and even doctors who smoothed his way and cleaned up after him, allowing the assaults and rapes to continue well into this century. Fayed did not prey upon and terrorise more than 20 young women without a lot of support. So much evidence was available and yet he was only seriously questioned once about sex abuse, after a teenage assistant at Harrods complained to the police of an assault in his office. At the time, she was 15 and he was nearly 80. The story was leaked by the police to the press (many police officers and journalists benefited from the distribution of Harrods hampers at Christmas time) and that placed the girl and her family under great pressure. Charges were dropped because she was confused about the day the attack took place. Why this one tiny error was a basis for not pursuing an assault on a minor in a workplace is anyones guess, but it smells bad. That episode rings bells with me. From 1995 to 1997, I and the lawyer David Hooper, of Biddle & Co, investigated Fayed, who had sued Vanity Fair and our reporter Maureen Orth over a profile that alleged he was a serial abuser and a racist, and that he spied on his staff, bugging their phones and using hidden cameras. Hooper and I are not professional investigators, so its significant that by the summer of 1997 we had gathered enough evidence in those three areas, particularly on the sex abuse, to be confident of a good outcome at trial. Fayed was, indeed, an out-and-out racist in one instance, reported by his former security head John Loftus, asking about a respected Harrods cleaner, Whats a fucking Black woman who is too fat to clean doing here? He used ex-policemen to plant bugs in the homes and on the phones of his targets: we had a list of some 45 individuals whose phones were bugged, including Fayeds deputy chairman Christoph Bettermann. And Fayed used CCTV to spot likely victims on the floors of Harrods and to snoop on his closest colleagues. According to the ex-military policeman Bob Loftus, who was once on the inside of this creepy operation, he watched a well-known member of his staff who was having an affair with his secretary and showed the video around. The evidence came thick and fast, but along the way we had to contend with skulduggery and threats dreamed up by Fayeds security force of ex-policemen. We were constantly worried about our witnesses and, unusually in a libel case, were compelled to write to Fayeds lawyers on 21 May 1997 that pressure is being put on witnesses not to testify in a fashion which we will not tolerate and which we reserve the right to draw to the attention of the trial judge. There were telephoned threats and visits from ex-cops that warned young women theyd never work again, and much worse. There were attempts to fit Hooper and me up with criminal charges. This was all standard for Fayed, which explains why so many of the women in the BBC documentary are still, one year after his death, nervous of speaking and why they required such sensitivity by the BBC director Erica Gornall and producer Cassie Cornish-Trestrail to draw out their stories. It is impossible to watch the film without seeing the lasting pain of their experiences. As with Weinstein, Fayeds sex attacks were gross, inept in their crudeness and very frightening. In 2022, I was contacted by a middle-aged British-born woman who had made a successful life in the US but was still haunted, three decades later, by the abuse and sadism she experienced at the hands of the Fayed family. In 1996 I learned of a case of a young US woman being interviewed as a designer for Fayed who had been briefly held prisoner and propositioned with an act so revolting that she couldnt bring herself to swear an affidavit. However, we learned that a cease and desist letter had been sent to Fayed by a well-connected relation, and we were able to request it in discovery, which meant he knew that we knew all about that appalling incident. The humiliation of others was the thing that drove Fayed, whether it was Tory MPs whom he bribed to ask parliamentary questions on his behalf then gleefully exposed, the senior managers of his businesses who were sacked and had their reputations trashed by Fayeds PR operation or the society beauty who had happened to float into his orbit and was mortified for life by the disgusting nature of his demand. To him, the humiliation of another person was confirmation of his own power, a point dismayingly missed in Peter Morgans Netflix series The Crown, where a serial rapist in a silk dressing gown who demanded his victims call him Papa was rendered an affable and harmless rogue. By the summer of 1997, Fayed began to make moves to settle the case, principally in the person of Michael Cole, the ex-BBC journalist, so important in his defence in repeated scandals. A meeting between Cole and the then chief executive of Conde Nast UK, Sir Nicholas Coleridge, took place in a Turkish bath. Wearing only towels, they discussed terms without the risk of being bugged. No agreement was reached, but Cole felt able to declare in a letter in late June: You already have my confirmation of Mr Fayeds willingness to see matters moved on Blessed are the peacemakers, as I hope you would agree. As the journalist responsible for gathering evidence, I did not. At that time, our investigation was focused on the doctors used by Fayed to test the sexual health of young, white, female Harrods employees who were told that they were being given a medical at the companys expense. The medical included invasive examinations, which they werent warned about, and the deeply private reports were sent straight to Fayed. Those employees he suspected of being gay were told they must have an Aids test, the results of which were sent to him. At least five West End doctors were involved in these medically questionable examinations. Three were women, one of whom has moved to Australia and has, surprisingly, set up a womens health and wellbeing clinic that specialises in the menopause. All of them refused to help with the case, although their examinations could, in effect, be seen as a precursor to sexual abuse by Fayed. I felt very strongly that their work for Fayed and refusal to contribute evidence should be exposed in open court. That was one reason I wanted to continue. The other was Diana, Princess of Wales, who had a developing relationship with Fayeds son Dodi. Our concern was that if we settled, the evidence about his abuse and surveillance would never be available to her. So it was vital that she understood that all Fayeds properties were wired for audio and video, and that she could never be sure of having a private conversation on his premises, let alone being able to undress without being watched. Through intermediaries, we made our fears known. Dianas friend Rosa Monckton and her husband Dominic Lawson also repeatedly warned Diana. I have no idea whether she paid attention. Related: Mohamed Al Fayed: a gilded life full of controversy By the end of July 1997, no agreement was reached. The holidays were upon us and things were closing down, but on 4 August we learned that George Carman, the celebrated QC of the time who was acting for Fayed, had blanched when reading our re-re-amended defence, which included the evidence of security head Bob Loftus and Fayeds former secretary. The judge delayed the trial by a year to autumn 1998 and commented that even without the latest 800 pages of evidence: you would win this case if you proved only 75% of what you already have. He described the new allegations as very serious, including conspiracy to commit several serious offences. It is a matter of public interest. That had been my line in a four-page memo to my bosses in New York when I listed the main findings of our investigation, some involving serious criminality. But the crucial point, which I made less well, was that we owed so much to the seven women who had agreed to testify, arguably a bigger step then than the one taken by the women who appeared in the BBCs documentary, although that, too, required extraordinary courage. In his prime, Fayed was a remorseless enemy to anyone who crossed him, and our witnesses had good reason to be fearful. Related: Fayeds predatory behaviour was an open secret when I worked at Harrods. His victims deserve to be heard | Fiona Sturges Everything was swept away by the death of Diana and Dodi in Paris on 31 August. Si Newhouse, the owner of Conde Nast, decided to shut down the case immediately out of respect for the grieving father. Both sides absorbed their own costs, no damages were paid, and we agreed to place all evidence in locked storage. It seemed the right and humane decision in the immediate aftermath of the shocking deaths. But it wasnt, because of the countless women who have suffered since our case was settled, including many who were raped by a man who appeared unaffected by grief or regret. I argued we should act like a publication, not a business, and write another story revealing what we had discovered, but there was understandably no appetite to return to the subject of Mohamed Al Fayed. In one respect, I didnt go along with the settlement. All the boxes of evidence in my possession in September 1997 were placed in a secure setting, one that I controlled. Much of the material was generated by me and was my copyright. I have since allowed it to be consulted by journalists, including the makers of this important documentary that finally, after 27 years, nails Mohamed Al Fayed and gives his victims the voice they deserve. Sir Mark Lowcock, formerly the top civil servant at the DfID has made a damning assessment of the Conservatives spending on asylum. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters The billions of pounds spent on housing asylum seekers is ripe for the kind of scam and scandal that emerged in the contracts awarded during the Covid pandemic, the Observer has been told. A crippling collapse of the systems and expertise monitoring the use of Britains aid budget over several years means that there has been a dangerous lack of oversight of the 4.3bn spent annually on asylum seekers in the UK, according to a damning assessment of Whitehalls control over the spending. Related: Home Office criticised over woefully understated Tory asylum budgets Oversight of some spending has become so bad that the Foreign Offices own internal auditors are said to have raised warning flags over the number of core systems that are now either not fit for purpose or that are being systematically ignored. The alarm has been raised by Sir Mark Lowcock, the ex-UN official who was the most senior civil servant in the former Department for International Development (DfID). In an interview with the Observer, he warned about a damaging combination of a decline of spending controls on aid since the DfID was folded into the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), together with a massive and rapid expansion of spending on refugees within the UK. Lowcock said that he had concerns about spending both on housing asylum seekers and on wider aid projects. While government spending on asylum is audited, he said the issue required an urgent investigation. That budget has gone from 500m a year to about 4bn a year in a very short period, he said. When I see things like that, my scam and scandal antennae start flashing red. Who is the Home Office giving all that money to? This is redolent, for me, of the kinds of things we saw during the disastrous, pretty obviously corrupt scams during Covid. Throwing money at [asylum costs] willy-nilly, with no proper process or control or understanding whether youre getting value for money thats a really serious thing that the Treasury, the Cabinet Office and National Audit Office ought to be all over. Some people are making a killing from that massive increase to 4bn a year That should all be subject to an urgent independent forensic audit. I think the results would not be pretty. Earlier this month, a study by Transparency International UK uncovered corruption red flags in government Covid contracts worth more than 15bn. The amount of official development assistance spent on supporting refugees in the UK ballooned from 500m in 2019 to 4.3bn last year amid a backlog in asylum cases. The vast majority of the cash has been spent by the Home Office. The levels are thought to be similar this year. Lowcock has worked with Ranil Dissanayake, a senior adviser to the DfID until its closure in 2020, to document the state of UK aid spending. Senior Whitehall staff still in post revealed to them that attempts to recruit people with the necessary technical skills were still failing in early 2024. They found management staff who lacked the skills needed to carry out their roles properly. They also learned that only 60% of officials accountable for large-scale investments had received the necessary training. Basic processes, like the requirement to get an independent annual review done of every major programme to assess whether it is on track, are simply not being carried out, they write in a new book to be published next month, The Rise and Fall of the Department for International Development. They state that expertise on spending and monitoring aid has been dismantled periodically since 2020, when the DfID was placed inside the Foreign Office by Boris Johnson. The result was, as intended, a comprehensive destruction of the structure, skills, accountability system and processes which had been fundamental to DfIDs ability to spend a large budget well to achieve the development outcomes ministers had decided to prioritise, they write. Their damning assessment comes with aid groups warning last week that UK aid spending will fall to its lowest level since 2007 unless the government takes urgent action in the budget. While the previous government provided an extra 2.5bn over two years for the UK aid budget, the additional funding ends in April. Lowcock and Dissanayake calculate that for the 18 countries in which DfID had focused much of its anti-poverty effort, the volume of direct aid fell in real terms from 3.4bn in 2013-14 to 642m a decade later a cut of more than 80%. However, they warn against injecting more money into a system that is unable to spend and monitor it properly. A review of the governments approach to international development is already under way, ordered by the foreign secretary, David Lammy. The current machine is not capable of spending a lot more money well enough, they write. The first period of the new governments tenure would be better spent remedying that just as was done from 1997 to 2000, when DfIDs capabilities were strengthened to equip it to spend the budget that then grew rapidly. That does not mean there is nothing to be done on resources now. The funding system for the aid budget needs cleaning up by the Treasury In addition, the government should return to the system that prevailed for 50 years up to 2010, where the bulk of the aid budget is managed by a single department, rather than being sprayed across Whitehall. A government spokesperson said: The foreign secretary has launched three strategic reviews aimed at bolstering the UKs global impact, enhancing the use of economic diplomacy to strengthen UK growth and modernising our approach to international development. The international development review will examine how we maximise the impact of [the FCDO]s integrated development and diplomacy model and how we can improve development capability and assurance within the department. Banknotes Benefit claimants in Scotland are being paid up to 1,400 per month more than those in England thanks to the SNPs runaway welfare system. Figures obtained by The Telegraph show there are more than 2,000 low-income families receiving the Scottish Child Payment, the flagship SNP welfare benefit created by Nicola Sturgeon, for five children or more. At the end of March 2024 seven families were claiming the benefit, worth 1,388.40 per child annually, for 10 or more children, which at current rates would boost their incomes by almost 14,000 per year. One household was handed an extraordinary 16,763 in only 12 months, over and above any benefits they claimed from the UK Government such as Universal Credit, in Scottish Child Payment and other devolved family payouts. The SNP has repeatedly argued that the UKs two-child benefit cap is inhumane and has refused to place any limit on the numbers eligible for benefits. But a senior Tory MSP accused SNP ministers of creating the ultimate poverty trap by making their system so generous that there is no incentive for claimants to increase their earnings and risk losing the lucrative handouts. Low-income cliff edge Eligibility for the Scottish payouts is tied to receipt of UK benefits such as Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, meaning low-income Scots with children face a cliff edge that could cost them thousands if they increase their earnings to a level that would see them miss out. Stephen Kerr, the Central Scotland MSP, said hard-working Scots were being forced to fund the system with higher taxes, with those on salaries of 50,000 paying 1,542 more in income tax than if they lived elsewhere in the UK. Scots will be incredulous to learn that one family has pocketed over 16,000 in a single year, without even counting UK-wide benefits, Mr Kerr said. The SNP has created a benefit system that costs the taxpayer an absolute fortune and leaves claimants on the scrapheap. It is the ultimate poverty trap. It actively discourages people from taking jobs or extending their working hours. Hard-working Scots are being forced to pay higher taxes than the rest of the UK to fund this runaway welfare system. Its time to rein in this reckless SNP spending and stand up for honest, hard-working Scottish families. There were 1,550 applicants claiming the child payment for five children, with a further 538 receiving it for between six and nine on March 31, according to Social Security Scotland. At current rates, the bill to taxpayers for those claiming the Scottish Child Payment for five or more children would be 15.6 million per year. Unlike the Scottish payouts, UK benefits such as Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit are designed to encourage work by gradually tapering off as earnings increase. Ballooning welfare Social security spending by Holyrood is expected to rise from 5.3 billion in 2023-24 to 8 billion annually by 2028, with Scottish ministers having to find 1.5 billion extra every year beyond UK government funding. Ballooning devolved welfare spending has been cited by independent forecasters as a factor behind a budget crisis at Holyrood, which has left ministers facing a near 1 billion black hole this year. Mr Kerr added: There is little that is more corrosive on people, their mental and physical wellbeing, than worklessness. We need to help people into work, not leave them languishing dependent on benefits. A Scottish government report, released in July, admitted that claimants would face an effective tax rate that would exceed 100 per cent if they earned just enough that they no longer qualified for the child payment. The 1,550 families claiming for five children would miss out on almost 7,000 per year in Scottish Child Payment if they lost eligibility. Other benefits for low-income families created by the SNP Government include up to 754.65 during pregnancy, two 314.45 one-off payments for those with pre-school children, and up to 10.60 per week for food. The highest amount paid to a single family in Scotlands five family payments was 16,763, or 1,397 per month, over 2023-24. In April, the benefits rose by 6.7 per cent, meaning in the current financial year the equivalent payment would have been worth 17,886. The figure is roughly equivalent to what a minimum wage employee would make a year for working 30 hours a week. Scottish government ministers have claimed that the child payment could keep 60,000 children out of relative poverty this year. However, experts have pointed to a lack of evidence that SNP policies to tackle poverty or health inequalities were working. A Scottish government spokesman said: Social security is an essential collective investment in the wellbeing of our country, and a basic human right that offers vital support which any one of us could need at any time in our lives. We will continue to invest in it and will not have a cap on the number of children that a family can receive payments for. Our recently published analysis of how Scottish Child Payment interacts with the labour market concludes that it is not negatively affecting work incentives at scale in the economy. The remains of a livestock market area in al-Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur state, after fighting last month. Photograph: AFP via Getty Images The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, is gravely alarmed at reports of a full-scale assault on the Sudanese city of al-Fashir by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and has called on its leader to halt the attack immediately, according to Guterres spokesperson. It is unconscionable that the warring parties have repeatedly ignored calls for a cessation of hostilities, Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. In a sign that the crisis is belatedly rising up the diplomatic agenda at the UN general assembly in New York, similar fears were expressed by Josep Borrell, the EU foreign affairs chief, who said the 27-member bloc would not bear witness to another genocide. Belligerent parties, their affiliated militias and their regional supporters must adhere to international humanitarian law, by protecting civilians from conflict, provide unhindered humanitarian access and allow civilians to move in and out of Zamzam camp, said Borrell, referring to the camp for internally displaced people in North Darfur, the region of which al-Fashir is capital. The assault by the RSF in North Darfur comes amid fresh evidence that RSF is being armed by the United Arab Emirates. The attack also threatens to derail an economic cooperation summit between Joe Biden and his UAE counterpart, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the White House on Monday. The meeting had previously been billed as the culmination of efforts to restore relations between the two countries. In advance of the meeting, however, US national security officials leaked details, which were published in the New York Times, claiming the UEA was playing a double game by using airbases in neighbouring Chad not only to fly in aid but also to launch drones that passed on battlefield information and to escort weapons shipments to the RSF. The UAE denies it is providing weapons or any other form of support to the RSF, which is accused of numerous war crimes and evolved from the Janjaweed militias. Lana Nusseibeh, the countrys assistant minister for political affairs, recently wrote in a letter to the Economist magazine: The UAE is not providing weapons or any other support to the Rapid Support Forces or any of the warring parties in Sudan. We believe that the only way to achieve peace is through effective diplomacy where the warring parties must reach a full nationwide ceasefire. The growing diplomatic attention is belated for a war that has displaced 10 million people and left as many as 25 million, half the population, facing acute hunger. There is a recognition that the issue has been neglected by top diplomats as they have focused on Gaza and Ukraine. The UN imposed an arms embargo on Sudan two decades ago, but it has been widely flouted by both sides. The UAE insists it has played a constructive role in helping to establish a mediation format it says has unlocked critical routes for aid deliveries, secured further commitments to protect civilians and developed a proposal for a compliance mechanism to ensure implementation of the Jeddah declaration, with the objective to secure a ceasefire. In his statement on Saturday, Guterres called on the head of the RSF, Lt Gen Mohamed Hamdan Hemedti Dagalo, to act responsibly and immediately order a halt to the RSF attack. Israeli troops raid the Al Jazeera bureau in Ramallah - Al Jazeera Israeli forces raided Al Jazeeras Ramallah TV bureau in the West Bank on Sunday morning, with the broadcaster capturing the moment live. The Qatar-based channel aired live footage of the Israeli troops storming the channels office, handing over a military closure order to one of the Al Jazeera TV staff, before the broadcast was disrupted. The military order demanded the broadcaster close for 45 days, a move decried by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate as arbitrary. There is a court ruling for closing down Al Jazeera for 45 days, an Israeli soldier told Al Jazeeras local bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, in the live footage. I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment. # #_ # pic.twitter.com/EyAx3GTrt2 (@AJArabic) September 22, 2024 Video showed what appeared to be Israel troops tearing down a banner on a balcony used by the Al Jazeera office. Al Jazeera said it bore an image of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist shot dead by Israeli forces in May 2022. Mr Al-Omari later said that Israeli troops began confiscating documents and equipment in the bureau, as tear gas and gunshots could be seen and heard in the area. A military vehicle moves down a street outside the building where the Al Jazeera office is located - Reuters It follows an extraordinary order issued in May that saw Israeli police raid Al Jazeeras broadcast position in East Jerusalem, seizing equipment there, preventing its broadcasts in Israel and blocking its websites. The move marked the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country. There was no immediate acknowledgement of the shutdown on Sunday by Israeli forces. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. In a statement, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said: This arbitrary military decision is considered a new violation against journalistic and media works, which has been exposing the occupations crimes against the Palestinian people. Hezbollah fires missiles at military base Meanwhile, Hezbollah fired a barrage of missiles at a military base deep inside Israel early on Sunday, following an Israeli airstrike that killed at least 37 people, including one of the militant groups senior leaders, as well as women and children. Hezbollah said it had launched dozens of Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 missiles - a new type of weapon the group had not used before - at the Ramat David airbase, southeast of Haifa, in response to the repeated Israeli attacks that targeted various Lebanese regions and led to the fall of many civilian martyrs. Over 100 rockets were fired into Israel from Lebanon overnight, with some landing near the northern city of Haifa. Israeli first responders said the strikes wounded at least three people near Haifa, damaged buildings and set cars on fire. Max Verstappen has threatened to turn his back on Formula One in the wake of his community service order for swearing. Verstappen was sanctioned by the sports governing body after he described his Red Bull as f***** in a televised press conference prior to Sundays Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen effectively boycotted the FIAs mandatory post-qualifying media call on Saturday, in response to his punishment, and then kept his answers to a minimum after he finished second in the race. Max Verstappen finished second in Singapore (Vincent Thian/AP) Away from the FIAs official press conference, the triple world champion, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, was asked if the punishment the finer details of which are yet to be determined have left him considering his future. These kind of things definitely decide my future, if you cant be yourself or you have to deal with these silly things, Verstappen, 26, said. Im now at the stage of my career that you dont want to be dealing with this all the time. Its really tiring. Of course its great to have success and win races, but once youve accomplished all of that, then you want to just have a good time as well. Everyone is pushing to the limit, everyone in this paddock, even at the back of the grid. But if you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me that is not a way of continuing in this sport, thats for sure. Verstappen stated at last months Dutch Grand Prix that he is already halfway through his career, and has previously questioned the demands of the ever-expanding calendar. Verstappen, who holds a 52-point lead over Lando Norris with six rounds remaining, continued: I will always be myself. I will not change how I am in my life. At one point when its enough its enough. Racing will go on, and F1 will go on without me. If you cant really be yourself to the fullest, then its better not to speak. But thats not what anyone wants, because then you become a robot, and thats not how you should be going about it in this sport. Verstappen, bidding to win a fourth consecutive title, will return to action at the next round in Austin, Texas on October 20. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will promise to unleash the UKs economic potential by reforming planning, changing business rates and tackling Brexit red tape as she commits to a new industrial strategy. She will use her Labour Party conference speech to promise that after years of instability and uncertainty, Britain is open for business. The Government will set out its initial plans for a new industrial strategy alongside the Budget on October 30. The announcement comes ahead of the new Governments first international investment summit on October 14, to be hosted in London with hundreds of business leaders from around the world. Ms Reeves will tell Labour activists in Liverpool: Before the election, I travelled all over Britain. From historic brands seizing the opportunities of the future. To innovative start-ups at the cutting edge. To high street businesses breathing life into their local communities. I am so optimistic about Britains potential. But for every success story, there is potential held back. Entrepreneurs struggling to access the finance they need to realise their ambitions. High street businesses punished by a system of business rates which tilts the scales in favour of online giants. Builders frustrated by a planning system which hands power to the blockers. Exporters and touring artists tied up in red tape by a failed Brexit deal. The Governments industrial strategy will be published in Green Paper form at the time of the Budget, with the formal plan set to be launched in spring 2025 following a consultation with businesses and the trade unions. Ms Reeves will stress Labours commitment to be proudly pro-worker, and proudly pro-business. She will say: I want small business owners to know that they can plan ahead, invest, expand, confident that they have a government that has their back and a tax system that will support not punish them. And I want investors to see Britain as a stable place to invest and yes, to make a profit. Next month, this Government will be hosting a major international investment summit, bringing together hundreds of business leaders, to send a simple message: That after years of instability and uncertainty, Britain is open for business. And around the time of the Budget we will publish a Green Paper on a new industrial strategy focused on driving and shaping long-term growth so we can make every part of our country better off. A strategy that can help unlock investment, create jobs and deliver prosperity. A strategy that can make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the industrial strategy will ensure we win a greater share of investment in the UK of the industries that will contribute the most to our future growth. He added: And that strategy will explicitly target sectors and areas of our country and be focused on growing our economy in a way that working people can see and feel. Allies must show guts and nerve in their support for Ukraine, David Lammy has said after the countrys ambassador to Britain warned permission to use western missiles within Russia was critical for Kyivs success. The Foreign Secretary said international partners were engaged in a very real-time discussion about how to help, hinting at further developments with crunch talks on the conflict expected at a UN summit next week. Speaking at a Labour Party fringe event alongside Ukraines ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, he warned it was a critical time for allies to show fortitude and patience in bolstering Ukraines defence. This is a critical time for nerve and for guts and for patience and for fortitude on behalf of allies who stand with Ukraine, Mr Lammy said. I am not going to, as Foreign Secretary, of course, comment on operational detail, because that can only aid Putin. But there is a very real-time discussion across allies about how we can support Ukraine as we head into the winter. The UK and US have stopped short of explicitly giving Kyiv permission to fire western long-range missiles such as Britains Storm Shadow weapons at targets within Russia despite repeated pleas from the countrys government. Western concerns include the risk of escalation, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning such a move would mean that Nato countries were at war with Moscow in the wake of speculation that a change of position could be imminent. But speaking on Sunday, Mr Lammy said: I think we have to recognise Putins bullying bluster and rhetoric for what it is: a sort of deliberate psychological warfare that is usually indicative of his own fears about losing this ridiculous and horrendous bloody escapade of his. He tends to throw dust up in the eyes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to Kyiv (Leon Neal/PA) He added: Now, look, there is a challenge. The challenge is that obviously in a democracy with a free press that, of course, underpins our democracy, and is important in our democracy, there is a sort of public debate and discussion, and sometimes that discussion becomes quite detailed in terms of tactics and how you prosecute a war in a way that the tactics of Russia, Iran and North Korea are not public. That relies on the intelligence capability of us and our Five Eyes partners particularly, in sometimes revealing what we know what is happening. So, there is this imbalance between democracies where obviously there is a healthy discussion, and autocracies and weve just got to get that balance right. I have to err on the side of not going into too much detail about how we are assisting Ukraine and are going to continue assisting Ukraine. Earlier in the event, Mr Zaluzhnyi insisted that lifting restrictions on the weapons would be crucial to Kyivs defence. He said: Modern weapons with long-range air and ground abilities are critically important. Lifting restrictions on use of weapons against military targets in Russia is critical. This would help protect civilians from Russian missiles and bombs. This winter in Ukraine will be the most difficult. As we know, I believe in the resilience of the Ukrainian people, but without additional help the price will be very, very high. Sir Keir Starmer travelled to Washington earlier this month to discuss the issue with US President Joe Biden but no decision was made, with both leaders continuing to resist green-lighting use of the missiles. It is likely to come up again when Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Biden and Mr Zelensky all attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week. The Ukrainian president has heightened his appeal for permission in recent weeks, insisting decisiveness most effectively protects against terror and urging leaders to overcome the fear of making the choice. Angelina Jolie and daughter Vivienne worked together on The Outsiders Broadway musical (AFP via Getty Images) Angelina Jolie has a matching tattoo with one of her children. The actor and director recently spoke with CR Fashion Book about her store, Atelier Jolie, which sells sustainable designer clothing and has a cafe run by refugees and immigrant chefs. At one point during the interview, she also spoke about her most recent inking. I got Stay Gold with my daughter Viv during our time with The Outsiders, she said. It means so much to us separately and together. There is also a bird that I share with some of my children that is personal to us. Jolie has six kids with ex-husband Brad Pitt: Maddox, 23, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 16. The Outsiders is a book written by SE Hinton and published in 1967. It details a coming-of-age story about two rival gangs called the Greasers and the Socs divided by their socioeconomic status. The book was made into a movie in 1983 and then a Broadway musical which opened in April. Both Jolie and Vivienne worked on the Broadway production together with Jolie as a lead producer and her youngest daughter being an assistant. The words stay gold are both one characters last words, and also a song title in the musical. The Mr & Mrs Smith actor has previously spoken about working with her daughter, explaining that she was the one who introduced her to the new musical to begin with. She saw an early workshop a few times and then invited me to it, Jolie told People. She has been there to assist in any way she can and has learned so much from [score and co-book writer] Justin Levine and the whole creative team, the actress added. In another interview, Jolie mentioned that Vivienne is a tough assistant. Shell correct me, she said. Shell say, Didnt you read the memo? We have to do this. We have to go through this. Shes been a really tough assistant, she added. She takes it very, very seriously. Although Vivienne and her twin brother Knox are still in high school, Jolie recently revealed where she plans to move after her twins turn 18. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last month, the 49-year-old Oscar winner spoke about her family dynamics amid her ongoing, contentious divorce from Pitt. Despite having grown up in Los Angeles, Jolie admitted she has only stayed in the city because of the divorce proceedings. I have to be here from a divorce, she revealed to the outlet. But as soon as theyre 18, Ill be able to leave. She plans on being a globetrotter, starting with traveling to Cambodia, where she adopted her son Maddox in 2002. Ill spend a lot of time in Cambodia, she said. Ill spend time visiting my family members wherever they may be in the world. When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety, Jolie added, noting that she yearns for the connection and experiences she encountered in her early travels. I have a house now to raise my children, but sometimes this place can be that humanity that I found across the world is not what I grew up with here. Individuals around New York City shared their favorite hidden-gem travel destinations. Amy Lombard for BI Summer may be over, but that isn't stopping people from dreaming about their next vacation abroad. As more young people prioritize travel, we took to the streets of NYC to learn where they're going. From a beach town in Turkey to a natural cave in Vietnam, here are hidden gems they love to visit. Depending on where you're reading this, you might have noticed a chill in the morning air or leaves turning a golden shade of brown. But while summer is coming to an end, people's travel plans are not and that's especially true for younger generations. In May, consulting giant McKinsey reported that 41% of Gen Zers and 37% of millennials are more interested in travel now than they were before 2020, compared to just 28% of Gen Xers and 22% of baby boomers. And while some Americans are choosing to cut down on expenses, an increasing number of Gen-Zers and millennials in the US are willing to sacrifice savings in favor of booking their next big trip abroad some are electing to fund trips through "buy now, pay later" schemes, while others are turning to travel agents to plan their holiday adventures. Fall travel costs have skyrocketed 36% compared to last year, according to travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth. But for those who missed splurging on a summer vacation, now may actually be the perfect time to book Expedia reports plane tickets usually drop 10% in autumn. BI took to the streets of New York City to meet members of these travel-obsessed generations and learn their favorite hidden-gem destinations. Here are their recommendations. Kilby Bronstein, 32, entrepreneur Bronstein told BI Alacat, Turkey, is a hidden gem. Amy Lombard for BI "Alacat, it's a hidden gem for Americans, not for people from Turkey. But it's incredible," Bronstein said of the coastal town by the Aegean Sea that she visited on a trip to Turkey this summer. Winding cobblestone streets of cafes and restaurants, buildings laden with flowers, and beaches lined with crystal clear waters are just a few reasons she considers it one of the most beautiful places she's ever visited. J.J. Martinez, 42, state worker Martinez recently traveled to Estonia. Amy Lombard for BI Martinez credits his travel-obsessed partner with being behind their recent visit to Eastern Europe, where he fell in love with Estonia's capital city, Tallinn, a cultural hub known for its medieval churches, palaces, and castles. "When you go to Estonia, it looks very similar to Ukraine, Russia that type of architecture. It's a hidden gem," Martinez said. As a Puerto Rican, he also noted that while the locals aren't as "outspoken" or "lively" as the people he grew up with, they were warm. "Even though at first glance, they may look very stoic and not as friendly if you need something, and if you ask them, they will help you," he said. Gregory Bratone, 33, teacher Bratone enjoyed the beaches and food in Ko Lanta, an island off the coast of Thailand. Amy Lombard for BI Bratone couldn't get enough of Ko Lanta, an island off the west coast of Thailand dotted with palm trees and golden sand beaches. "Super peaceful, beautiful beaches, very friendly people, and the best Thai food, as you'd imagine," he said. "Also very cheap. It was like $3 for a full meal," Bratone added. "That's like the streetside cafes, not a fancy place, but it was still very good." Alice Wolf, 23, government worker Wolf loved her time in Copenhagen. Amy Lombard for BI Though Wolf concedes that "it's not really hidden," Copenhagen was her favorite place she visited last summer. "I think it's very clean," she said. "Also, the people are very attractive, but not in a physical way only. They are just the kindest people ever to everyone. It makes you just feel so uplifted." Wolf added,"I went in May, so it was beginning to warm up." Tess Nguyen, 33, construction export executive Nguyen recommended visiting Son oong Cave in Thailand. Amy Lombard for BI Nguyen is from Vietnam and recommended Son oong Cave, nestled at the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the Quang Binh Province. "It's the biggest cave in the world," she added of Son oong, which stretches over 5 miles, encompassing vast caverns, underground rivers, and a plethora of stalagmites and stalactites. Matthew Gutierrez, 30, city planner Gutierrez told BI Berlin has a "messy-haired elegance to it." Amy Lombard for BI Gutierrez spent 11 days in Berlin, prefacing that some people may consider the city to be "a very obvious answer, but for others maybe not." "It's been a long time since I've gone to a new city, and I felt so immediately infatuated by it," he said. "I just feel like culturally, it's so interesting. The history is amazing. It's so international, amazing museums. It kind of has this messy-haired elegance to it. It's rough around the edges, but there's so much beauty." He added that while the city is often associated with club culture "that's definitely there, and that's a cool thing to tap into" there's "so much more than just that." Fania Muthia, 23, interior designer Muthia said Labuan Bajo in Indonesia is "really gorgeous." Amy Lombard for BI "It's really gorgeous," Muthia said of her time in Labuan Bajo, a city on the Island of Flores in Indonesia. "I really love it there." The port city is known for its natural attractions, like the marine cave Gua Rangko, as well as boutiques, hotels, and beach clubs. It's also considered a jump-off point for those wanting to visit Komodo National Park, a collection of islands and coral reefs home to a wide variety of species, from sea turtles and dolphins, to yes Komodo Dragons. Luis Minano, 20, student Minano visited the Black Lake in Slovenia last April. Amy Lombard for BI During a trip to Slovenia last April, Minano who's from Spain visited the Black Lake, one of 10 bodies of water nestled throughout the Triglav Lakes Valley. At the time, he remembers the mountains surrounding the lake being capped with powder-white snow. "There is a church in the middle of the lake, and it's so beautiful," he said. "Not many people know it, I think at least here in America." Read the original article on Business Insider FirstBank Southwest annouces Skylar Geist as Vice President Commercial Lender FirstBank Southwest (FBSW) recently announced the appointment of Skylar Geist as Vice President, Commercial Lender at its Downtown Banking Center. Geist, a dedicated and skilled professional with a strong connection to the community, has been with the bank for three years, specializing in commercial credit and lending, according to a news release. Geist will be responsible for the marketing, preparation, and servicing of loans to businesses and professionals. Geist was born in Amarillo and later moved to Mustang, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school. He returned to the Texas Panhandle to attend West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 2021. Skylars passion for finance and his commitment to helping businesses succeed made him a natural fit for the commercial lending team at FirstBank Southwest. Skylar Geist has been named Vice President, Commercial Lender at FirstBank Southwest's Downtown Banking Center. Geist's promotion reflects his dedication to providing exceptional service and his deep-rooted connection to the community. His grandparents were small business owners in Amarillo for nearly 30 years, and FirstBank Southwest was instrumental in their success. This personal connection drives Skylars commitment to helping local businesses thrive. In his personal life, Geist enjoys spending time with his wife, Jami, their son, MJ, and their two dogs. An avid cyclist, guitarist, and camper, he embraces an active and family-oriented lifestyle. We are thrilled to promote Skylar to our commercial banking team, said Matt Mathias, Amarillo Market President at FirstBank Southwest. His exceptional skills and unique perspectives will undoubtedly enhance our culture and drive our mission forward. We believe he will play a pivotal role in our continued success, and we look forward to the innovative contributions he will bring. Officials with Bell Textron made a special visit to the future site of the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial to present a $5,000 check to organizers of the effort. Bell representatives on hand for the check presentation included Sonja Clark, Amarillo Site Leader, and Megan Reed, Communications and Public Affairs Manager. In addition, Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas, Amarillo Fire Chief Jason Mays, several representatives from the Amarillo Fire Marshals Office and Amarillo Medical Services, and members of the non-profit raising funds to build the Memorial, Friends of AJ Swope, were present to receive Bells donation. Bell Textron presents gift to honor local fallen first responders Officials with Bell Textron made a special visit to the future site of the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial to present a $5,000 check to organizers of the effort this week. Bell representatives on hand for the check presentation included Sonja Clark, Amarillo Site Leader, and Megan Reed, Communications and Public Affairs Manager. In addition, Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas, Amarillo Fire Chief Jason Mays, several representatives from the Amarillo Fire Marshals Office and Amarillo Medical Services, and members of the non-profit raising funds to build the Memorial, Friends of AJ Swope, were present to receive Bells donation. Bells leadership in this effort is invaluable, said Gary Pitner, a member of the Friends of AJ Swope board, in a news release. Having a respected corporate citizen step up for our fallen first responders demonstrates Bells continued commitment to the Texas Panhandle. Were grateful to have them on board. Friends of AJ Swope is working in partnership with regional first responding agencies to raise funds and build the memorial, which will honor Texas Panhandle law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel who have died in the line of duty over the past 141 years. The memorial is planned for the northwest corner of South Polk Street and 11th Avenue, just south of the historic Bivins Home that houses the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and Center City of Amarillo. Friends of AJ Swope is working toward a $1.5 million fundraising goal. More information on the project including honorees, renderings and a secure payment portal for donations can be found at FirstRespondersMemorial.org. HTeaO hosts sweepstakes for a trip to meet Cole Hauser in Montana HTeaO has announced a sweepstakes opportunity in partnership with Free Rein Coffee Company. Now through Oct. 4, 2024, HTeaO guests have the chance to enter to win a trip to meet Cole Hauser, actor and co-founder of Free Rein Coffee Company, in Bozeman, Montana. Starting this week, guests have been able to enter the Free Rein Sweepstakes by visiting any HTeaO location and scanning the QR code displayed in-store. Entries will be accepted until October 4, 2024, and the winner will be announced on October 5, 2024. . The prize includes round-trip flights for two to Montana, a three-night stay at the Yellowstone Valley Lodge, $500 in spending money and a lunch at Sage Lodge on Oct. 21 with a private meet and greet with Cole Hauser, celebrating the natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park. For more on the iced tea franchise, visit www.HTeaO.com. Panhandle PBS launches new family membership Panhandle PBS is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new Family Membership, designed to bring families across the Texas Panhandle even closer to the high-quality educational content and experiences that the station has to offer. The new membership option offers unique benefits and exclusive opportunities for families, including a welcome gift, birthday card and shoutout on PBS KIDS, quarterly kids mail, early/private access to events, free educational family resources and more. Individuals with Panhandle PBS Family Memberships will also receive some of the benefits of traditional memberships, including access to Panhandle PBS Passport and a monthly program guide. Pricing varies, but Family Memberships start at $10 per month or $120 per year. For more information or to sign up, visit panhandlePBS.org/Family or call our office at (806) 371-5479. Since 1988, Panhandle PBS has served as the Panhandles PBS member station. Licensed to Amarillo College, the station extents the community college philosophy of improving the quality of life for all residents. Panhandle PBS operates digital channels 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area business news and developments for Sept. 22, 2024 With just a few months to go before a key deadline, TikTok risks being banned in the U.S. because of its resistance to selling itself, according to a member of the U.S.-China Commission. At a court hearing on Monday, TikTok challenged a law that requires the U.S. unit to be sold to a non-Chinese owner by Jan. 19, or else it will be banned. The government has warned of national security risks and Beijing's potential to influence content on the social media platform. TikTok's lawyers told a panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. that a sale would be impossible and that the law violates the right to free speech. The judges, however, seemed skeptical about whether the platform is entitled to display and moderate content with the same freedom as a U.S. company while its parent company is based in China. The impasse could mean that TikTok's 170 million U.S. users will be shut out, though a ban would likely be held up amid subsequent legal challenges. "TikTok is barreling toward an outright federal ban as a direct result of its failure to pursue an orderly divestiture," Jacob Helberg, a commissioner on the U.S.-China Commission, wrote on X on Friday. He later posted, "All they have to do is divest and all of their legal problems goes [sic] away." When asked for a comment, a TikTok spokesperson pointed to its court filing, which argues that the law doesn't actually offer a choice of divestment or a ban. "The 'qualified divestiture' demanded by the Act to allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally," it said. "And certainly not on the 270-day timeline required by the Act." For now, TikTok appears to be digging in for more legal wrangling. According to the New York Post on Friday, the company has brought onto its government relations department a legal expert from NetChoice, a right-leaning tech lobbying group. TikTok has maintained it cut most ties to its parent company, but some former employees told Fortune earlier this year that they did in fact work closely with ByteDance. Meanwhile, Beijing is increasingly using so-called golden shares in Chinese tech companies to expand its oversight over the countrys large tech firms. In 2021, the Chinese government took a small stake in ByteDances China-based subsidiary, which also gave it the right to appoint one of its board members. Despite some interest from potential U.S. buyers, TikTok has said that even if a sale was possible, a U.S.-only version wouldn't be the same. Even if divestiture were feasible, TikTok in the United States would still be reduced to a shell of its former self, stripped of the innovative and expressive technology that tailors content to each user, TikTok wrote in a June court filing challenging the law. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com By Krisztina Fenyo NAGYMAROS, Hungary (Reuters) - Hungarian farmer Laszlo Batki was close to harvesting his crops of organic tomatoes, peppers, radishes and lettuce when the swollen River Danube flooded most of his small plot just north of Budapest this week. Batki's vegetables needed carefully nurturing during a summer plagued by drought, and then the floods struck. With little left to salvage, he said he would make a big loss this year. "This means a loss of income ... also, we can't sow new crops as previously planned, and we can't start preparing the soil for next year," the 36-year-old said, standing in water up to his knees as he surveyed the partially submerged crops. 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. Days of torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks in several parts of the region. In Budapest, the Danube peaked in the early hours of Saturday, authorities told state news agency MTI, adding that the flooding peaked at a lower level than a record seen in 2013. Batki, who bought the one-hectare (2.47-acre) smallholding two years ago, said he had been using sustainable farming techniques with the aim of becoming a model for local farmers who could learn and adapt their methods. Despite the damage, he said he thinks he can take steps - such as switching to more traditional crops - to adapt to more frequent floods in the years to come, and was philosophical about his losses. "This is a bad thing. But on the other hand, it is also good. The Danube arrives, and it fills up the dried-up land with water and brings nutrients as well," he said. (Writing by Anita Komuves; Editing by Helen Popper) Forensic Services vehicles from the Ocala Police Department are parked in front of home on Friday where a fatal shooting happened Thursday night in the 300 block of Southeast 32nd Avenue in Ocala. A Marion County Sheriff deputy was arrested on manslaughter charges in connection to the apparent accidental shooting of his girlfriend. A Florida sheriff deputy was arrested Friday after he told investigators that he accidentally shot his girlfriend. Ocala Police said in a press release posted on Facebook that they responded to the home of 32-year-old Leslie Boileau, a Marion County Sheriff's deputy late Thursday, where they found Boileau's girlfriend with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Boileau told officers that he had accidentally fired a loaded round from a rifle while he and his girlfriend were cleaning and dry firing their guns. The girlfriend was not named in the press release, but was identified as Polina Wright, 25, in an arrest report obtained by the Ocala Star-Banner a part of the USA TODAY Network. Boileau was fired from the department after the arrest, according to the Banner. "The Ocala Police Department is working with the State Attorney's Office to ensure justice is served," Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said in the release. 'Grieving-type screaming': 4 dead in shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, called a 'hit' Former deputy accidentally shoots girlfriend during "sloppy" training Boileau told investigators that he and Wright had eaten dinner and drank margaritas Thursday night at a local restaurant and found that firearm cleaning supplies had been delivered when they returned. The couple went inside, where Boileau provided Wright some training that included pointing guns at each other. Boileau told the detective he knew what he was doing was wrong, according to the report. Boileau said he and Wright have "done similar types of training in the past but described his behaviors as 'sloppy,'" the report said. During one scenario, Boileau said he pointed the rifle at Wright and when he pulled the trigger, a round came out and hit the woman in the head. Boileau said he had forgotten that the rifle was loaded and had dry fired it once, according to the Banner. "I know this looks really bad," Boileau told officers, according to the report. "I told her I did not want this to happen, I did not want to train her in the f****** house like this." Former deputy fired after manslaughter arrest Boileau was arrested on a manslaughter charge, according to the press release. Marion County Jail records did not reflect the booking as of Sunday morning. In a statement to the Banner, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said that his department supports the investigation. "Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers do their job commendably every day," Woods said. "But unfortunately, the tragic actions of just one are felt through the entire law enforcement community. The Marion County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY Sunday. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marion sheriff deputy arrested after accidentally shooting girlfriend Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Mateusz Wlodarczyk/NurPhoto via Getty Images Google CEO Sundar Pichai talked about AI's potential at the UN's Summit of the Future. Pichai argued that AI would help sustainable development, scientific discovery, and climate action. Google's AI initiatives include a Translate expansion, AlphaFold, and disaster-prediction systems. Big Tech companies like Google are betting that AI technology will help them earn billions of dollars in profits, and they're funneling tons of resources toward the technology. But this rush to cash in on AI raises questions about who will take the spoils: Are we moving toward a future where everyone thrives, or one where the rich get richer and the poor remain stagnant? Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, thinks we're headed to a better, more equitable world. At the Summit of the Future on Saturday, when world leaders gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York to discuss AI and other topics, Pichai made a powerful case for AI's benefits. He described four key areas where AI could further the UN's sustainable-development goals, 17 goals that the UN says constitute a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet." Accessing knowledge in a person's native language Pichai said that over the past year Google had added 110 languages to Google Translate and that it was working toward having 1,000 commonly spoken languages. Accelerating scientific discovery In May, Google announced AlphaFold 3, a model developed by Google DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs that it said could accurately predict the structure of proteins, DNA, RNA, and ligands and that it described as a breakthrough in drug discovery. Since then, Google has made AlphaFold free to use. Pichai said it had been accessed by over 2 million researchers in over 190 countries, 30% of which are in the developing world. "Globally," he said, "AlphaFold is being used in research that could help make crops more resistant to disease, discover new drugs in areas like malaria vaccines, and cancer treatments, and much more." Mitigating climate disaster Pichai said Google's Flood Hub system is designed to warn of climate disasters up to seven days in advance in 80 countries that together have more than 460 million people. Google says 22 countries use its boundary-tracking systems for wildfires. And this month it announced FireSat, which it described as "a new global satellite constellation designed specifically to detect and track wildfires the size of a classroom within 20 minutes." Pichai said AI gave these technologies "a boost in accuracy, speed, and scale." Contributing to economic progress Pichai described studies as suggesting that AI could boost global labor productivity by 1.4 percentage points and increase global GDP by 7 points within the next decade. Read the original article on Business Insider Hillary Clinton has criticized Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance for suggesting that families could ease the financial burden of child care by tapping grandparents for more help, saying that the Ohio senator is just not in touch with what goes on in the lives and the working careers of the vast majority of Americans. Its almost impossible to understand his worldview. Where is he coming from? Where does he get these ideas? the former secretary of state said in an interview with CNNs Fareed Zakaria that aired Sunday as she promotes her new book, Something Lost, Something Gained. Clinton described the comments Vance made about child care in a recent interview with conservative pundit Charlie Kirk, as well as his recently unearthed 2021 remark about the United States being led by childless cat ladies, as the latest example of decades of opposition from Republicans in Washington to child care policy proposals that would provide government assistance to working families. It sounds to me like these are maybe personally connected to his own background, but also, its feeding into that same ideology: Stand on your own. Youre a rugged individualist, she said. But families need support, and relatives arent always nearby and available, Clinton said. Im a grandparent. Im also a very active person. I love being with my grandchildren, but I also have interests of my own, she said. And so, its not either-or. Obviously, I want to help my daughter and son-in-law with these three wonderful little kids. But theyre very active. They go to work. They need child care support, especially when the children were very young. Harris and the relay race Clinton said that when President Joe Biden exited the 2024 race and Vice President Kamala Harris took over the Democratic ticket, she wasnt sure how she would feel, because obviously it was a huge disappointment not to win in 2016. However, Clinton said, she found it felt exciting, exhilarating, when Harris emerged as the partys new standard-bearer and the next woman with a chance to shatter what the former New York senator called the glass ceiling of American politics and become the first to win the presidency. Its a relay race, Clinton said. People do their part. They try to open doors or break through ceilings in order to make it possible for somebody to come after them. She said Harris has brought a level of energy, even joy, to the 2024 presidential race. The contrast is the Trump campaign its dark. Its dystopian. Its filled with attacks on different kinds of people, finger-pointing and scapegoating. Thats a very different view of who we are as a people and what we should aspire to, she said. Rosalynn Carters funeral Clinton recalled being surprised that former first lady Melania Trump attended the funeral of another former first lady, Rosalynn Carter, last year. She said presidential grandson Jason Carter had told her it was important to former President Jimmy Carters widow that all of the first ladies part of what he described to Clinton as a sisterhood be invited. Im not sure thats exactly the right word, but I understood exactly what he meant, and I knew the motive behind Rosalynns wishes that we cross party lines, everybody be there, Clinton said. She said she flew to the memorial service with Joe and Jill Biden, as well as Michelle Obama. There, they met Melania Trump and former first lady Laura Bush. We had no idea she was coming, but our sort of first lady protocol kicked in and, you know, Michelle gave her one of her Michelle hugs, and Jill touched her cheek, and I shook her hand, asked her how she was, Clinton said. She added: I thought it was an important gesture, that she actually came. She looked a little nervous, obviously. But she was embraced. We all went into the service together. It was just one of those moments that is unique to being a sitting or former first lady. Campus protests Clinton, who teaches an undergraduate class called Inside the Situation Room at Columbia Universitys School of International and Public Affairs, said shed led a class immediately in the wake of Hamas October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, and the questions were really raw. It was a respectful, informative, open dialogue, she said. And literally at the end of it, the students applauded. However, she said, days later, campus protests had erupted including at Columbia, where Clinton said she was screamed at and called all kinds of names. She said she was frustrated as protests morphed into something that was not student-led, even though students participated, but which had outside funding, outside direction, and I still to this day am not quite sure of all that was going on with it. And a lot of students were caught up in that. Clinton said those protests were distressing because she couldnt engage in conversations with students whose opinions lacked historical grounding. I would be met with slogans. I would be met with attacks, and very inflammatory language, she said. And when I would ask, Well what about, do you know what happened in 2000 at Camp David? No. Do you know what happened in 1947? No. Do you know how difficult the relationships have been? No. Do you know that there are Arab Israelis and some of them are serving in the IDF? None of that. And this whole chanting of, From the river to the sea, well, what is that? What river, what sea? Thats what bothered me, she said. This year has been, you know, much quieter, much more educational environment, where people can have these conversations. Marriage to Bill Clinton In her interview with Zakaria, Clinton also discussed her marriage to former President Bill Clinton, including surviving the dark periods when her husbands affairs became public and he was impeached by the US House. Nobody really knows what happens in a marriage except the two people in it, and every marriage Im aware of has ups and downs not public, she said. Clinton said she would never tell anyone else to stay in a marriage or leave it. For me and for us, I think its fair to say we are so grateful that at this stage of our life, we have our grandchildren, we have our time together. I write about how we start the morning playing Spelling Bee in bed, and, you know, Bill is such a great player, she said. We just have a good time. We have a good time sharing this life that weve lived together for now nearly 50 years of marriage, Clinton said. Thats what is right for us, and thats really my message. Its a stark contrast to a period in the 1990s when Clinton said she was deeply hurt and confused but also opposed to the Republicans who were seeking to remove her husband from office. I had a different kind of set of challenges. I mean, its always hard if theres a problem in your marriage. You feel like its the entire world, but in my case, it was the world, she said. I had to go through it at my own pace, on my own terms, according to my own values, and Im very grateful that we are where we are. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israel and the Hezbollah militant group exchanged heavy fire across Lebanons border on Sunday, fueling fears of a wider conflict in the region as the monthslong war in Gaza continues to rage. Dozens of rockets hit Israel which destroyed homes, cars and communities, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said on X. In a separate development, Israeli soldiers shut down Al Jazeeras bureau in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, on Sunday morning, a moved condemned by several journalist organizations. The IDF said Hezbollah launched roughly 150 rockets, cruise missiles and drones at Israel. While many were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, there were a small number of cases of hits and interception debris falling on Israeli territory, it said. Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said on X that three people were wounded by shrapnel in the barrage. Another rescue service, United Hatzalah, said it treated 20 people who were injured while heading for shelter. Later, the IDF said its fighter jets had struck dozens of Hezbollah terror targets, including launchers and military structures in dozens of areas in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah meanwhile, said it had launched dozens of rockets as part of its initial response to Fridays airstrike on a densely populated suburb of Beirut that killed 45 people including senior leaders of the group. That attack followed the coordinated detonation of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members across Lebanon. Speaking Sunday at the funeral procession for senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil, who was killed in Fridays strike, Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy secretary general, said that the group would not disclose how it would respond to the attack but that we have entered a new phase defined by an open reckoning. Separately, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iraqi militias backed by Iran, said it had also launched drones at Israel on Sunday. In a video statement Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military had inflicted on Hezbollah a sequence of blows that they did not imagine. Reiterating his governments intention to return displaced residents in northern Israel, he said, No country can tolerate shooting at its residents, shooting at its cities and we, the state of Israel, will not tolerate it either. We will do everything necessary to restore security. A member of the Israeli security forces stands guard inside a cordoned-off area in the Haifa district of Israel. Israel and Hezbollah, which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization, have traded fire since the outbreak of the war in Gaza that began with Hamas Oct. 7 terror attacks, in which about 1,200 people were killed and Palestinian militants took around 250 hostages. Around 100 people remain in captivity, although a third are believed to be dead. Israels offensive in Gaza since then has killed more than 41,000 people, according to health officials in the enclave. Those figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Hezbollah said it began firing rockets in solidarity with the Palestinians and its fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas, and since then the low-level tit-for-tat attacks have killed dozens of people in Israel, hundreds in Lebanon, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border. The United Nations warned that the region was on the brink of an imminent catastrophe. In a statement posted on X, the United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis, said it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "reaffirmed the United States commitment to Israels right to defend itself" in a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a Pentagon spokesperson said in a statement. During a visit to the IDFs Northern Command, Gallant said the events of the past week were "the most difficult in the history of Hezbollahs existence." "We will continue to use all the means at our disposal to achieve our goal ensuring the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes, he said Sunday. Further south in the Gaza Strip, Israels air force killed seven people wounded several others in a strike on a compound that housed a former school, Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Saber Basal said in a Telegram post Sunday. He added that the compound housed hundreds of displaced people. The IDF said in a statement that Hamas was operating from the compound and that numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to uninvolved civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence information. Elsewhere, Israeli soldiers shut down Al Jazeeras bureau in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, on Sunday morning. In an exchange broadcast live on Al Jazeeras Arabic-language news channel, Israeli troops handed the networks bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, an order shutting down the office for 45 days. The IDF said in a statement that the order was signed following a legal opinion and an up-to-date intelligence assessment that determined that the offices were being used to incite terror, to support terrorist activities and that the channels broadcasts endanger the security and public order in both the area and the State of Israel as a whole. Calling the allegations unfounded, the network said in a statement that the raid was an affront to press freedom. These oppressive measures are clearly intended to prevent the world from witnessing the reality of the situation in the occupied territories and the ongoing war on Gaza and the devastating impact on innocent civilians, the statement added. The move was condemned by the Foreign Press Association, which said in a statement that it was deeply concerned by this escalation in threats to press freedom. Urging the Israeli government to reconsider the measures, it added that the restriction of foreign correspondents and the closure of news outlets signals a shift away from democratic values. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement that the raid was deeply concerning. It added that journalists must be protected and allowed to work freely. Israel banned Al Jazeera from broadcasting within Israeli territory, but it had continued to broadcast from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Last week, Israels government announced it was revoking the press credentials of Al Jazeera journalists in the country, four months after banning the channel from operating inside Israel. The last documented New Britain Goshawk sighting was in 1969 WWF-Pacific / Tom Vierus New Britain Goshawk Over half a century after its last sighting, a "lost species" of bird has been foundand this time, there is photographic evidence. On Sept. 13, the World Wildlife Fund reported that a New Britain Goshawk was photographed in Papua New Guinea. Tom Vierus, a photographer from Fiji, captured the rare bird with his camera in the Nakanai Mountains. "I was on a scoping trip with WWF in Pomio [eastern New Britain], with three members of the local community guiding us through the forest, so we could better understand the presence of species," Vierus shared in a WWF release. He had been on a trip with WWF in March when he documented the New Britain Goshawk. "I photographed several bird species, including the New Britain Goshawk, but wasn't aware of the significance at the time," the photographer added. The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species categorizes the bird as vulnerable, a step above endangered. As of 2016, there are an estimated 2,500-9,999 "mature individuals." WWF-Pacific / Tom Vierus New Britain Goshawk Related: Rare Bright Pink Bird Spotted in Wisconsin for the First Time in 178 Years John Mittermeier, the director of the Search for Lost Birds at American Bird Conservancy, told WWF that the last time someone documented an observation of the New Britain Goshawk was in 1969. This documentation, which doesn't include photos, is kept at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Otherwise, Mittermeier noted that the bird has "eluded photo, sound, and specimen documentation for 55 years. " 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. After the 2024 New Britain Goshawk sighting, the local government asked the WWF to expand its conservation efforts for Papua New Guinea wildlife to Pomio in East New Britain. "It was such a great surprise to hear that this photo seems to be the first-ever of this 'lost species!' It is wonderful to see how conservation photography can help in safeguarding areas by documenting the existing biodiversity and also a good reminder of how important visual storytelling is," Vierus said of his New Britain Goshawk photo. Related: Texas State Park Uncovers Identity of 'Mystery Animal' After Asking Internet for Help Martha Eimba, the Pomio landscape manager of WWF-Papua New Guinea, said that the WWF has "begun a process of collaboration to understand the threats, livelihood opportunities, and social contexts" to protect Papua New Guinea's rare species and create a conservation program. This isn't the first time a species has been rediscovered in Papua New Guinea, which has the "third-largest intact tropical rainforest in the world." In 2022, a rare pigeon species was photographed, marking the first time a human documented the bird in 140 years. Mittermeier called the documentation of the black-naped pheasant pigeon "the kind of moment you dream about your entire life as a conservationist and birdwatcher." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Nestled the rolling hills of rural Massachusetts. swathed by manicured grounds, sits the Norman Rockwell Museum. And there, side-by-side with the wholesome works of America's most beloved illustrator, is the world's dumbest cover boy: Alfred E. Neuman. "It's sacrilegious! It's an outrage!" laughed political cartoonist Steve Brodner. "But I do think if Norman Rockwell were here, he'd laugh his head off. He'd think this was fantastic." These hallowed halls are now home to the world's largest exhibit of artwork from Mad Magazine, co-curated by Brodner. "I was formed by Mad," he said. "My idea of comedy, humor, irreverent drawing comes from this." A view of the exhibition, Mad began in 1952 as a comic book that made fun of other comic books. But if you came of age during Mad's peak - the sixties, seventies and eighties you know what it became: A hilarious guide to the hypocrisy of the authority figures in your life, whom Mad kept characterizing as idiots. "I know! Isn't that marvelous?" said Brodner. Mad made fun of dumb ads, and dumb politicians, and dumb trends: From Mad Magazine's And, of course, dumb movies. / Credit: and TM E.C. Publications, courtesy of DC They made fun of the government, corporations, and even parents. "That's why parents were really not too pleased with Mad," said John Ficarra, who was the editor of Mad for 33 years Writer Dick DeBartolo was around even longer: "I have been in every issue for about 55 years, and I got paid for about half of them," he laughed. DeBartolo wrote hundreds of movie parodies, including "The Da Vinci Coma," "Star Bores: The Empire Strikes Out," and "TryPanic." From the Mad Magazine parody Pogue said, "I remember, as one of those readers, not understanding all the jokes. Sometimes you were making fun of stuff that were over my head." "Well, that was sort of the charm," said Ficarra. "And we figured, either kids'll get it or they won't, and they'll look it up and find out. Or, five years later they're looking at old Mads and, Oh, now I get that joke." Mad's artists and writers called themselves "the usual gang of idiots." And when they said usual, they meant it; they tended to work for Mad for decades, including Al Jaffee, whose art appeared in every issue but one for 65 years. He died last year at 102. In 1978 Jaffe told CBS' "30 Minutes," "People have been doing satire one way or another throughout the ages. The only difference is, most of them wound up in dungeons, and we wind up on the newsstand." Brodner called Jaffee one of the geniuses of Mad, who concocted the interior back page, which turned into a "fold-in." This Mad Magazine But one Mad artist gets a whole museum room: Mort Drucker, who died in 2020. "Everything is experimentation," Drucker once said. "And that's the fun of it all, once you get a handle on what a good artist is supposed to be and do." Mort Drucker's caricatures of the cast of "He really loved people, and I think that's why he was such a successful caricaturist," said Mort Drucker's daughter, Laurie Drucker Bachner. "Because he, like, inhaled the persona of somebody, and wanted them to be realized in the best way possible." Oddly enough, Drucker did not have professional training. "He did go to Parsons for three months, and they told him he really was 'not cut out to be an artist,'" said his daughter. "He was pretty devastated, you know, 'cause he always thought of himself as an artist." Drucker went on to draw for Mad for over 50 years. At its peak in 1974, Mad sold 2.1 million copies. It was wildly profitable, even though Bill Gaines (its publisher from the magazine's founding until his death in 1992) refused to accept advertising. "This is just a thing with me: I've always been against ads," Gaines told "30 Minutes." "It's a good thing to publish, if you can, without any outside help, so you're not beholden to anybody." But eventually, readership began to decline. People have all kinds of theories as to why: magazines began dying off, the 'usual gang of idiots' began dying off, the internet happened. And then, there was the ownership problem, according to Ficarra: "Bill sold it to a guy who owned another magazine that was losing money. They sold it to, I think, a holding company. We became part of Warner Publishing. And then, just as I was leaving, AT&T bought the company, really screwed it up (please don't cut that out!), and sold it again now to Discovery." DeBartolo said, "For a very brief time, I think it was just a month, it was Smucker's Jams and Jellies! We thought, 'How did we get there?'" Mad's last regular issue came out in April 2018; the Mad exhibition runs through the end of October. But the Mad influence still runs strong, its impact acknowledged by "The Simpsons," Weird All Yankovic, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart. Laurie Drucker Bachner said, had there been no Mad, "You think there would have been 'SNL'? Or any of the standups?" Brodner said, "Mad actually created a revolution in the United States. People are still saying, 'I don't believe that. I'm gonna investigate this and see what the truth of it is.' And I think that's what Mad is saying: Don't buy the con, you know?" EDITOR'S NOTE: We originally stated that Mad's last regular issue was published in April 2018. Mad has continued to release new issues at regular intervals, consisting almost entirely of recycled content from past issues. (The April 2018 issue marked the final edition produced by Mad's New York City-based staff, before the magazine's reboot and move to the West Coast.) Beginning in October 2024, new issues of Mad will have roughly 20 pages of original content. For more info: Mad MagazineExhibition: "What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of Mad Magazine," at the Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, Mass. (though October 27) | Exhibition magazineCartoonist Steve BrodnerMAD and all related elements and TM E.C. Publications. Courtesy of DCNorman Rockwell images courtesy of Norman Rockwell Museum. SEPS, Curtis Licensing and/or Norman Rockwell Family AgencyNorman Rockwell Museum video footage Norman Rockwell Museum; all rights reserved. Used with permission.Drone & aerial footage by Richard Sands & Terry Holland Story produced by Robert Marston. Editor: George Pozderec. Prosecutors outline charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams Eric Adams denies federal charges alleging bribery, other crimes Eric Adams sought illegal contributions for campaign, indictment alleges WARNING: This article contains graphic details British officials recently determined the shocking and tragic way that a Welsh man died last year. The Western Telegraph reported that Barry Griffiths, 57, died after accidentally knifing himself while separating frozen burgers in June 2023. Officials announced the results of the investigation at a coroner's court hearing on Monday. Griffiths, a resident of Llandrindod Wells, had been trying to separate the frozen burgers with a knife when he stabbed himself in the stomach. During Monday's hearing, coroner Patricia Morgan said Griffiths had reduced mobility in one of his arms after a stroke, which likely led to the freak accident. Tragically, Griffiths' body remained in his apartment for several days after his death. Morgan noted that Griffiths "[had a] relatively private life with limited contact with others," which was why it took over a week for police to conduct a wellness check. Woman Left With Kidney Damage After Visiting Hair Salon Read On The Fox News App A Welsh man died in a freak accident involving frozen burgers, officials say. Griffiths' body was found in his bed on July 4, 2023. According to the Western Telegraph, his phone was last active on June 23, and his laptop was used on June 24. Griffiths also suffered from atherosclerosis, which meant that his arteries were clogged with plaque. That condition, which restricted blood flow to his heart, also contributed to his death, according to Morgan. Officials initially thought that his death might be a suicide or murder. According to Deputy Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees, officials eventually came to the conclusion that the cause of death was "an accident solely involving Mr. Griffiths." 3-Year-old Boy Found Dead After Falling Into Septic Tank While Playing Outside: Police "The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward in a position to access food items," Rees explained, per the Western Telegraph. "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," he added. "My hypothesis at that stage was that Mr Griffiths was attempting to separate frozen burgers using a knife." During the hearing, Morgan told Griffiths' family members that she understood that the "evidence is difficult to hear and traumatic." "Thank you for your patience while the investigation was ongoing," Morgan was quoted as saying. "I express my condolences at this difficult time." Welsh officials said that defrosted burgers were found on Griffiths' counter. Fox News Digital reached out to the South Wales Central Coroner's Office for additional information. Original article source: Man dies in freak accident involving frozen hamburgers: 'Difficult to hear' By SA Commercial Prop News Dube TradePort, situated 30km north of central Durban and home to King Shaka International Airport, has attracted private sector investment totalling R560 million to date. Durban-based Shree Property Holdings, a property development and logistics business, has bought 22 sites - totalling 125,000m - in phase one at Dube TradePort for R350m. It has also staked a claim to 250,000m in phase two, which is launching in 2014. The deal will result in a huge air freight logistics warehouse, cold storage and distribution facility being built adjacent to the Dube Cargo Terminal. This will be an expansion of its existing property in Sydney Road close to the Durban harbour. By the end of 2013, six small warehouses of 2000m each will be completed and the first 25,000m warehouse will be ready for a roof wetting. Shree Property is responsible for cold storage for between 65% and 70% of SA's commercial fruit exports that go to 38 countries worldwide. It is also the largest fruit storage company in the southern hemisphere, based on pallet position and warehouse area that totals 50,000m. Its two main clients are Capespan, SA's largest fruit exporter, and California-based Dole, the single largest exporter of fruit and flowers in the world. Logistics Effective logistics are going to be vital in the future and for Shree Property Holdings this investment is for the long-term, with a horizon of between 50 and 60 years. "As an SA logistics company operating internationally we use sea, air and land to connect to the world and Dube TradePort is ideally situated. It has easy access to the King Shaka International Airport, the two harbours - Durban and Richards Bay - and there are plans for a rail connection all the way to the airport and further north to Ballito," says Shree Property Holdings director Pran Shree. The expansion into warehouse development started as a hobby to fill the off-season period of the citrus export business. Shree has developed a reputation in the market for picking the right place, something he puts down to understanding that for logistics companies accessibility is more important than position. He says while companies were paying cheaper prices to be in outlying areas, he looked in premium areas like the Port of Durban, with excellent accessibility, for run-down buildings to demolish and rebuild. Initially, the new food grade AAA warehousing catered for the growing needs of the company's fruit storage business and then grew into the rental property portfolio. Fruit export storage occupied the premises for only six months a year, so in the off-season they leased the premises to food and food related companies. "It became difficult to ask these tenants to leave, especially as long-term relationships with these 'off-season' clients in SA's top 10 food companies were developed. So we found more premises to demolish and rebuild and we now own and let 49 properties to blue-chip clients that include Tongaat Hulett Sugar, Illovo and Selati Sugar as well as Olam Chanrai fertilisers," says Shree. Durban going nowhere He had already bought prime office space in Umhlanga's Ridgeside office park. Due to the development at Dube TradePort, he decided to expand his operations and take office space in the new environmentally friendly 29 South office complex in Dube City. His reasons for this are its accessibility, inter-modal connectivity, its information technology infrastructure and security. He says that after Umhlanga, Durban itself has nowhere to expand. "The people we are talking to in terms of leasing space are the world's top 10 logistics firms, such as UPS," he says. This is in keeping with the company's philosophy of dealing only with blue-chip companies and building the best properties that they themselves could use. Shree Property Holdings offers a turnkey operation from logistics to clearing and forwarding. Clients walk into ready-to-operate specialist facilities that live up to the GlobalGap Programme (formerly EuroGap), which sets standards for the certification for Good Agricultural Practices of agricultural and aquaculture products, meet the hazard analysis critical control point food safety compliance and certification and world environmental conditions. In 2002 the company was the first to install a hi-tech CCTV system in its operations, giving clients constant visual access to their operations. Being ahead of his competitors, in 2004 Shree even purchased his own locomotive to expedite the movement of fruit to and from the warehouses and not depend on Transnet. However, moving goods into Africa is difficult by rail because of theft of the railway lines and road freight too has many challenges. So air freight is the solution, he says. I am stocking up while I can. Simply Recipes / Getty Images Growing up, our tiny New York City kitchen was always busiest on the days leading up to Lunar New Year. The fridge would be bursting with ingredients for our reunion dinner, while bags of chocolates and clementines sat on shelves waiting to be gifted to family and friends. It was also one of the few occasions when my parents would deep fry at home. It was needed to make gok jai, crispy ingot-shaped dumplings filled with sugar, coconut, and crushed peanuts. And since there was already a wok of sizzling hot oil ready, they would also pull out a bag of shrimp chips. Also known as prawn crackers, shrimp chips are a colorful, puffy snack popular in several Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Theyre made with tapioca flour and dehydrated shrimp and sold dried as translucent pastel-hued rounds that more closely resemble a childrens craft supply than food. To turn them into light and airy chips requires deep frying and watching the process as a kid always felt so magical. My mom or dad would toss a handful into the wok and theyd go from thin poker chips to puffy, curled clouds in mere seconds. As an adult, I began trying supermarket versions, but none were particularly impressive. That is until my in-laws returned from Costco one day with a massive bag of SoKusa Happy Shrimp Chips. Simply Recipes / Patty Lee Why I Love Costcos SoKusa Happy Shrimp Chips I was initially skeptical, but as soon as I popped one into my mouth, I was proven wrong. Theyre still smaller and not quite as airy as fresh ones, but these were by far the lightest packaged shrimp chips Ive tried. The white chips are made with wild shrimp and fried in sustainable palm oil. They come in a garlic butter flavor with a touch of sugar that keeps it from venturing into vampire breath terroritory. It didnt take us long to get through that initial bag, which is no small feat considering its sizeeach 16-ounce package is nearly half the size of my five-year-old. Other Costco shoppers have been just as thrilled to finally find shrimp chips that resemble the ones they grew up eating. For Vietnamese people, if anyone like "banh phong tom," this is the closest one or I might say the one that you definitely have to buy, said Emi Ng on Costcos website. Like so many Costco products, Happy Shrimp Chips are not always available, but I spotted them recently and immediately stocked up since theyre much cheaper in store ($8.99 each) than online ($27.99 for two). To make the bag last just a bit longer, I usually snack on a small bowlful at a time. Theyre so good plain, Ive never thought to add anything else, but other fans have shared some delicious-sounding ideas. A few recommend sprinkling on furikake or togarashi for a kick of heat, while user whyarenttheserandom share this in a Reddit thread: Try it with Thai peanut dip (easy to make), it's absolutely incredible! I warm up the chips in the oven too. Ill definitely be giving that combo a try before my bag runs out again. Read the original article on Simply Recipes. By Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung TAIPEI (Reuters) -Authorities in Taiwan and Bulgaria on Friday denied involvement in the supply chain of thousands of pagers that detonated on Tuesday in Lebanon in a deadly blow to Hezbollah. Tuesday's attack, and another on Wednesday involving exploding hand-held radios used by Hezbollah, together killed 37 people and wounded about 3,000 in Lebanon. How or when the pagers were weaponised and remotely detonated remains a public mystery and the hunt for answers has involved Taiwan, Bulgaria, Norway and Romania. Security sources said Israel was responsible for the pager explosions that raised the stakes in a growing conflict between the two sides. Israel has not directly commented on the attacks. Taiwan-based Gold Apollo said this week it did not manufacture the devices used in the attack, and that Budapest-based company BAC to which the pagers were traced has a license to use its brand. "The components are (mainly) low-end IC (integrated circuits) and batteries," Taiwan's Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei told reporters. When pressed on whether the parts in the pagers that exploded were made in Taiwan, he said, "I can say with certainty they were not made in Taiwan," adding the case is being investigated by judicial authorities. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, also speaking to reporters at parliament, answered "no" when asked if he had met with the de facto Israeli ambassador to express concern about the case. "We are asking our missions abroad to raise their security awareness and will exchange relevant information with other countries." Bulgaria also became a focal point for investigations on Thursday after local media reported that Sofia-based Norta Global Ltd was involved in selling the pagers. But Bulgaria's state security agency DANS said on Friday it had "indisputably established" that no pagers used in the Lebanon attack were imported to, exported from, or made in Bulgaria. It also said that neither Norta nor its Norwegian owner had traded, sold or bought the pagers within Bulgaria's jurisdiction. TAIWAN PROBE As Taiwanese authorities look into any potential link between its sprawling global tech supply chains and the devices used in the attacks in Lebanon, Gold Apollo's president and founder, Hsu Ching-kuang, was questioned by prosecutors late into the night on Thursday, then released. Another person also at the prosecutors office was Teresa Wu, the sole employee of a company called Apollo System, who did not speak to reporters as she left late on Thursday. Hsu said this week a person called Teresa had been one of his contacts for the deal with BAC. A spokesperson for the Shilin District Prosecutors Office in Taipei told Reuters that it had questioned two people as witnesses and was given consent to conduct searches of their firms' four locations in Taiwan as part of its investigation. "We'll seek to determine if there was any possible involvement of these Taiwanese companies as soon as possible, to ensure the safety of the country and its people," the spokesperson said. Iran-aligned Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel, which has not claimed responsibility for the detonations. The two sides have been engaged in cross-border warfare since conflict in Gaza erupted last October. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung in Taipei and Georgi Slavov in Sofia; Writing by Miyoung Kim and Edward McAllister; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Christopher Cushing and Gareth Jones) A flight from Norway to Spain had to make an emergency landing in Denmark after a mouse scampered out of an in-flight meal that was served to a passenger. The Scandinavian Airlines flight was traveling from Oslo, Norway to Malaga, Spain, CBS News partner BBC News reported. Passenger Jarle Borrestad told the BBC that he was seated next to the woman whose food the mouse was in. As she opened the boxed meal, the mouse scurried out, he said. He said he pulled his socks over his pant legs so that the mouse did not crawl up, but stressed that people stayed very calm and "were not stressed at all." Airline spokesperson Oystein Schmidt told AFP that the emergency landing in Copenhagen, Denmark was in line with company procedures, since mice and other rodents can pose a safety risk. Airlines usually have strict restrictions about rodents on board, since they can chew through electrical wiring, the BBC reported. "This is something that happens extremely rarely," Schmidt told the AFP. Schmidt also said suppliers of in-flight meals will be reviewed "to ensure this does not happen again." Passengers were transferred to a different aircraft to resume their journey to Spain. Borrestad told the BBC that the delay added only a few hours to the trip. Sneak peek: The Life and Death of Blaze Bernstein Saturday Sessions: Jesse Malin performs Argentina" Saturday Sessions: Jesse Malin performs Meet Me at the End of the World" I am starting to think about the future for the first time in this whole year, and it seems very new still, said Thalita Teixeira Padilla CBS Boston Thalita Teixeira Padilla being transferred from Boston Medical Center to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Last fall, Thalita Teixeira Padilla was struck by lightning while walking her dog. After more than a year spent in hospitals, she is getting back to her life and feels like shes been born again. Padilla who was struck on a Boston beach, thrown into the air and aided by a nurse living nearby on Sept. 9, 2023 was discharged from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 19, according to ABC 10. Formerly a nurse herself, Padilla was first admitted to Boston Medical Center in critical condition she suffered burns, nerve damage and an injury to her spinal cord and spent several weeks on the edge of life, a hospital official previously told ABC 10. "I was crying so much because I don't want to lose my daughter, but she is strong, Padillas mother, Marcia Teixeira, recalled to the Boston outlet. gofundme Thalita Teixeira Padilla In October, Padilla was later transferred to Spaulding, where she continued her recovery and slowly learned to walk again. It was amazing to watch, she was incredible to work with, Norah Sweeney, a physical therapist at Spaulding, told ABC 10, adding that Padilla works really hard. "She was not able to walk independently when she came from in-patient and now she is out walking, going places by herself, Sweeney added. Padillas recovery reached a turning point about two months ago, she told ABC 10, when all of a sudden she started to feel less pain in her body. "Something went off like a lightbulb in my head, she said of the moment. 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. Now experiencing less pain and able to move with the help of a walker, Padilla was discharged on Thursday, and told ABC 10 she hopes to return to work as soon as possible. I am starting to think about the future for the first time in this whole year, and it seems very new still, said the former nurse, who plans to move to Connecticut. It feels like I was born again, it feels like starting a whole new life, she added. Padillas dog, Bruce, meanwhile, went missing after she was struck last fall, but was later found and returned to her family. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. "He will recover. He will be happy again," Etty Lau Farrell said of her musician husband Suzi Pratt/Getty; Aaron Parsons/Getty Etty Lau and Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction Perry Farrell's wife Etty Lau Farrell is sharing an update on her husband following his onstage altercation with guitarist Dave Navarro during a Jane's Addiction concert. Etty Lau shared in an Instagram post on Saturday, Sept. 21, that Perry, 65, is taking time to reflect and heal and is seeing an otolaryngologist and neurologist after the cancellation of the bands tour following his public outburst onstage towards Navarro, 57, on Sept. 13. First noting that she and her husband are beyond grateful for the support theyve received, Etta Lau next thanked supporters for "checking in over and over again to make sure we are well taken care of. Offering love and compassion and even your homes for us to escape to." She then described Perry as the gentlest of souls" and told fans that we are equally astonished at Perrys physical outburst as you are." "But you must know that Perry must had been pushed to his absolute limit ... to that end we apologize," Etty Lau said. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Perry's wife Etty has given a health update on the singer after his onstage outburst Related: Perry Farrell's Wife Etty Lau Defends Janes Addiction Singer After Altercation: He Was Screaming Just to Be Heard Speaking about the band's tour cancellation, Etty Lau then wrote, We are taking a bit of time to ourselves to reflect and to heal. Perry already has appointments with a otolaryngologist and a neurologist." An otolaryngologist is a medical professional who treats conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat, while a neurologist treats conditions in the brain and nervous system. "If you know and love Perry well, you know theres no need for me to address the other false narratives. Our souls know," Etty Lau continued. With all of your love, kindness, compassion and support, you know, Perry will persevere. He will recover. He will be happy again. He will once again be able to share his music, vision and artistry unbridled. Make no mistake when hes ready he will take another giant leap over obstacles to make us laugh, think, while changing the world together, Etty Lau concluded before she thanked fans again for their support. Representatives for Perry did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the health update his wife shared. Jeff Hahne/Getty I Perry threw a punch at guitarist Dave Navarro onstage on Sept. 13 Related: Janes Addiction Cancels Reunion Tour, Announces Hiatus After Onstage Band Fight: 'Difficult Decision' The update on Perry's condition comes after his wife shared in a social media post on Sept. 14 that he had been suffering from tinnitus and a sore throat every night while performing on tour. Janes Addiction issued a heartfelt apology to fans in a separate statement at the time, shortly after the incident. Announcing the early end of their tour, the group wrote, "To all the fans, the band have made the difficult decision to take some time away as a group. As such, they will be canceling the remainder of the tour." Perry was not directly acknowledged in the message. Aaron Parsons/Getty Perry, meanwhile, apologized for his outburst in a statement on his Instagram Stories. "This weekend has been incredibly difficult and after having the time and space to reflect, it is only right that I apologize to my bandmates, especially Dave Navarro, fans, family and friends for my actions during Fridays show," he wrote at the time. "Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation," Perry continued. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. A cat who got lost in Yellowstone National Park somehow traveled more than 900 miles to return home after two months, with help from the pets microchip, an animal welfare organization said. Rayne Beau is a 2-and-a-half-year-old seal point mitted siamese. His owners, Susanne and Benny Anguiano from Salinas, California, were visiting the park in Wyoming when he wandered off, Susanne told CNN. The recently relocated cat, whose name is pronounced as rainbow, went missing on the first day of their trip to Fishing Bridge RV Park on June 4, Anguiano said. My husband is my hero because he went every day into the forest for hours looking for him, Anguiano told CNN affiliate KSBW this week. Rayne Beau ran off into the forest after getting startled, and the couples attempts to lure him back with his favorite treats and toys were unsuccessful, KSBW reported. We had to leave without him, Anguiano told KSBW. That was the hardest day because I felt like I was abandoning him. Rayne Beau is pictured reunited with his sibling. - Courtesy Susanne Anguiano The heartbroken pet owner said she never lost hope of finding her missing pet, according to KSBW. However, they adopted another cat a month after Rayne Beau went missing to keep his sister company, Anguiano told CNN. The couple had rescued Rayne Beau and his twin sister Starr when they were 11 weeks old, according to Anguiano. Then, 61 days after Rayne Beau went missing, the couple received a notification about a cat with Rayne Beaus identification number being located, KSBW reported. Rayne Beau was found in Roseville, California, around 190 miles away from his home in Salinas. He was then taken to the Placer Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Roseville, the societys CEO, Leilani Fratis, confirmed in an email to CNN. We hope everyone will see the benefits to microchipping their pets, Fratis said. The cat was found in poor health by the woman who turned him in, KSBW reported. We have been in contact with the woman who found him in Roseville and took him in for a couple of nights before she could get him to the SPCA, Anguiano told CNN. In total, the cat somehow traveled more than 1,000 miles from Wyoming, to Roseville and onward home to Salinas, California. The couple said theyre not sure how Rayne Beau made it all the way back to California, but they are thankful hes back home. We are ecstatic to have him back, Anguiano said. I look at him every day and am so grateful and tell him, Do you know how many weeks I had been praying to see that face again? For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (This story was updated to add new information.) Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday defended the deadly escalation in violence against Hezbollah, blaming the militant group's almost daily rocket attacks from across the Lebanese border for forcing 100,000 Israelis from their homes for months. Hezbollah has been attacking us on a daily basis, demolishing Israeli villages and towns, Herzog said on CBS Face the Nation. Life has been shattered in our northern border. I don't think any American would have accepted it as a kind of a status quo situation in the United States. On Friday, Israel carried out a strike in Beirut that killed senior commanders of Hezbollah. Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said at the funeral Sunday that the militants were "ready to face all military possibilities" in battle with Israel. Earlier last week, Israel was linked to the high-tech attack on Hezbollah militants in Lebanon that killed at least 37 people and injured more than 2,700. Israel has not commented on the attack, which involved sending a signal to Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies that caused them to explode. Multiple reports have said the carnage was planned and executed by Israel. The attack heightened tensions in the region that already were soaring. Still, Herzog dismissed claims that Israel was trying to escalate the clash into a full-blown war, saying Israeli forces are hoping to reach a diplomatic agreement. He reiterated previous Israeli claims that leaders from Hezbollah and Hamas are refusing to engage. This is jihadism at its best, and that's what we are fighting, Herzog said. I wish, truly, and I say it as the president of Israel officially, and I say it outright, because I know we don't want war, but if it's waged against us, we go all the way." Israeli forces raid Al Jazeera: Shut down bureau in West Bank Developments: The U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis, said the region was on the "brink of catastrophe" and warned both sides to seek a diplomatic settlement. It cannot be overstated enough: There is NO military solution that will make either side safer," she said on X. Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who was wounded Friday in Israeli bombings of Beirut, wrote on social media Sunday that his injury "is an honor for me, as I stand with the oppressed Lebanese people in this act of war." Mourners gather in Beirut during the funeral of Hezbollah senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and Hezbollah member Mahmoud Hamad, who were killed in Friday's Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs. Lebanon on edge: Unease after wave of Hezbollah blasts and as Israel vows 'new phase' in war Hezbollah strikes deep into Israel Israeli warplanes pounded Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on Sunday after some of the militant group's rockets targeted the northern Israeli city of Haifa and the Jezreel Valley, reaching deeper into Israel than any since the start of the war in Gaza almost a year ago. About 150 rockets, cruise missiles and UAVs were launched toward Israel, the Israeli military said in a statement, adding that air defense systems "prevented significant damage." Israel closed schools, restricted gatherings in the north and ordered hospitals to move patients and staff to protected areas. Israel has countered with some of the most fierce aerial assaults of the war. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said his military hit almost 300 targets over the weekend and that the strikes would continue until it was safe for evacuated people in the north to return. Hezbollah has vowed to fight on until a cease-fire in the Gaza war. "We have inflicted a series of blows on Hezbollah (more severe) than it ever imagined," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement. "If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message." Israel shuts down Al Jazeera TV in West Bank Qatari Al Jazeera TV aired live footage Sunday of Israeli forces storming into its bureau in the West Bank city of Ramallah with a military order to close it for 45 days. Moments later the broadcast was disrupted. The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate condemned the Israeli action as a "new violation against journalistic and media works, which has been exposing the occupations crimes against the Palestinian people." In May, Israeli authorities raided a Jerusalem hotel room used by Al Jazeera as its office after the government decided to shut down the Al Jazeera TV station's local operations, saying it threatened national security. Report: Half of hostages still held by Hamas are dead Netanyahu reportedly told lawmakers that only half of 97 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza are alive, Army Radio reported. Netanyahu made the comments in a closed meeting of the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Army Radio reported. Netanyahu once again also denied standing in the way of a hostage deal, blaming Hamas for demanding numerous revisions to the proposed cease-fire outline, according to the report. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel war updates: Cross border strikes with Hezbollah intensify Migrants intercepted at sea aboard U.S.-bound voyages are being kept in inhumane and prison-like conditions at a federal facility at Guantanamo Bay, according to a report released Wednesday by a legal-aid and advocacy group that has represented migrants at the center. The International Refugee Assistance Project said that migrants waiting to be resettled in a third country or returned back home at the Migrant Operations Center in the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay had inadequate healthcare, lived in deteriorated quarters with mold and sewage issues and were denied confidential phone calls with attorneys. The group collected the testimony of migrants and former staff as part of its investigation, and conducted independent research. It is asking that the federal government shut the facility down. This is in clear violation of the United States legal commitments and a violation of core values that anyone should have and the U.S. purports to have, said Jose Miranda, a senior staff attorney at the organization who represented a Cuban family featured in the report. READ MORE: Miami-Dade celebrates immigrants, connects them to resources amid harsh political climate Many of those kept at the facility are Haitian and Cuban migrants, who use makeshift boats to try to reach the United States by sea. The migrant processing facility is separate from the operations of the naval base. A spokesperson from the Department of State, which oversees the processing and care of migrants held there with the Department of Homeland Security and the International Organization for Migration, denied the reports findings to the Miami Herald. The claim that migrants housed at the Migrant Operations Center (MOC) are detainees and they lived there in prison-like conditions and had their rights violated are false, said the spokesperson. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Trumps crew interdicts a Haitian Sail Freighter, April. 6, 2022, approximately 18 miles north of Sagua La Grande, Cuba. William Trumps crew embarked 88 people due to safety of life at sea concerns. (U.S. Coast Guard by Lt. David Allen) The spokesperson said the facilitys operations were consistent with the Department of Homeland Securitys housing policies, and that migrants received food and healthcare and had access to learning and recreational activities as well as laundry, gym and kitchen facilities. They also said that protected migrants could go to work, shop for groceries at the bases store and attend social and religious activities. READ MORE: As political rhetoric escalates, Heat condemns false narrative about Haitian community The spokesperson emphasized that the facility is humanitarian in nature and that people can return to their country of origin at any time, while eligible migrants can wait to be resettled. But Miranda said that the migrants were presented with a false choice. People are faced with the choice to wait indefinitely to be resettled somewhere they will be safe or return somewhere where they face persecution, he told the Herald. The New York Times first reported the reports findings, as well as the results of an investigation from the Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, a watchdog agency that urged the government to not house children in the Migrant Operation in Guantanamo Bay. The advocacy organization said in its report that children were kept in the same facilities as single adults, contrary to U.S. detention standards. RELATED CONTENT: Federal government restarts parole program for Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua The migrant population at the facility is low, with no more than a few dozen people waiting to be resettled at a time, according to statistics the New York Times and Dropsite news compiled through documents and interviews. Miranda represented a couple and their two young children who fled Cuba by boat because they feared political persecution on the island. The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted the family at sea and sent them to Guantanamo. The paternal grandparents of the children, who were traveling with them, were paroled into the United States to seek medical treatment. They lived for over a year at Guantanamo, where the report says they spent weeks at a time in their rooms and had limited access to confidential attorney calls. The children could not continue their schooling or seek adequate medical treatment, the organization said. IRAP shared a letter the group attributed to a Navy doctor who wrote about the couples son, which said that his diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder and inguinal hernia exceeded the treatment capabilities of the Naval Hospital in Guantanamo Bay. The organization said that its clients were finally resettled to a third country after they threatened to sue on their behalf. The report also features the stories of a pair of journalists who escaped Cuba with their children and other relatives. Guantanamo Bay is famously known for holding suspected terrorists after the 9/11 attacks. But during the 80s and 90s, it held thousands of Haitians, including HIV-positive patients from the Caribbean country. When Cubans started leaving their island en masse during the 1994 rafter crisis, the federal government also held them in custody at Guantanamo. The Biden administration anticipating a mass exodus also considered using it to process Haitian migrants after gang violence in the spring led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the creation of a presidential transitional council. For several immigrants-rights advocates, the facility is a symbol of the mistreatment that Haitians have historically faced navigating the U.S. immigration system. The administration should be working to close the Guantanamo Migrant Operations Center and to process all asylum seekers in a manner consistent with its human rights obligations, including those interdicted in the Florida Straits or Caribbean Sea, said Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance. In its report, IRAP said that everyone who is currently in the facility should be paroled into the United States. It also called on Congress to investigate the Migrant Operations Center. Miranda told the Herald that while the family was settling in the third country, their preference was to be with their grandparents and other relatives in the United States. Overall, there is little transparency and accountability for what happens, said Miranda. You can read the report here in Spanish, English, or Haitian Creole. House Speaker Mike Johnson at a news conference Wednesday. Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday the House will vote this week on a three-month stopgap funding bill to keep the federal government open through Dec. 20. If the measure goes into effect, the government would avert a shutdown that is set to begin at the start of next month without congressional action. In a letter to colleagues, Johnson, R-La., said the "legislation will be a very narrow, bare-bones CR including only the extensions that are absolutely necessary." "While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances," he continued. "As history has taught and current polling affirms, shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice." Congress has just over a week to pass a short-term funding bill, also known as a continuing resolution, or CR, to avert a government shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1. If the House passes the bill, it will move on to the Senate. The plan promoted by Johnson does not include any part of the SAVE Act, legislation to require proof of citizenship to register to vote. Johnson previously tried to link the act to a six-month continuing resolution, but the House rejected the plan last week. The bill includes an additional $231 million for the Secret Service for operations necessary to carry out protective operations including the 2024 Presidential Campaign and National Special Security Events. It requires the Secret Service director to provide an expenditure plan to the House and Senate appropriations committees. The Rules Committee is scheduled to review the CR at a meeting Monday afternoon. The bill is likely to be considered on the House floor Wednesday, according to a House Republican leadership aide. In a statement, a spokesperson for the White House's Office of Management and Budget said that "the Administration urges swift passage" of the bipartisan measure. "This short-term CR will keep the government open and give Congress more time to complete full-year funding bills that deliver for our national defense, veterans, seniors, children, and working families, and address urgent needs for the American people including communities recovering from disasters," the spokesperson continued. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement that while he was "pleased" about the result of the bipartisan negotiations, he criticized Johnson's handling of the situation. "While I am pleased bipartisan negotiations quickly led to a government funding agreement free of cuts and poison pills, this same agreement could have been done two weeks ago," Schumer said in a statement. "Instead, Speaker Johnson chose to follow the MAGA way and wasted precious time." Earlier Sunday, Schumer had told reporters that theres a really good chance the government will not shut down at the end of the month. We really now have some good news: Theres a really good chance we can avoid the government shutdown with all the pain it would cause for New York and America this week, Schumer said. Last week, House Republicans voted down their own plan to avert a shutdown, dealing an embarrassing blow to Johnson and imperiling efforts to fund the government for six months.Discussions about keeping the government open are particularly tense now, with less than 50 days left before the presidential election. On Sunday, Schumer said he is coming closer to an agreement with Johnson. I am ready to sit down and I have been sitting down for the last four days with Speaker Johnson, his staff and my staff, and were coming closer to an agreement, Schumer told reporters. We can get this done, but we cant have any delays, he said, adding: We cant have any people on either side of the aisle, Democrats or Republicans, standing up and saying unless I get my way, Im going to shut down the government. We cant have that. Theres too great a consequence for the American people. Schumers comments come after he called Johnsons previous strategy that involved passing both a CR and the SAVE Act unworkable and encouraged him to abandon it in a floor speech last Tuesday. Johnson has struggled to bring his caucus into consensus on a spending plan over the last few weeks, especially after former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to shut down the government if they cant tie a bill to the SAVE Act, a bill related to voting and elections. If Republicans in the House, and Senate, dont get absolute assurances on Election Security, THEY SHOULD, IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, GO FORWARD WITH A CONTINUING RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET. ... CLOSE IT DOWN!!! Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social, earlier this month. Last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., lambasted the idea of shutting down the government, especially so close to the election. It would be politically beyond stupid for us to do that right before the election because certainly we get the blame, McConnell said, adding: Weve been here before. Im for whatever avoids a government shutdown, and thatll ultimately end up obviously being a discussion between the Democratic leader and the speaker of the House as to how to process avoiding a government shutdown. Janet Jackson has falsely claimed that Kamala Harris is not Black and has a white father, echoing words from Harriss electoral opponent Donald Trump. The singer, 58, whose brother Tito passed away aged 70 last week, made the surprising comments about the vice-president when asked how she felt about the US having its first female Black president. In response, Jackson called into question Harriss heritage, evoking comments questioning the Democratic candidates race previously made by Trump in July. The All for You singer claimed: Shes not Black. Thats what I heard. That shes Indian. Her fathers white. Thats what I was told. Jackson then admitted she hadnt watched the news in a few days but was told somebody had discovered Harris father was white. Harris is both Black and Indian. She was born to Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian cancer researcher and Donald Harris, a Black economics professor from Jamaica in 1964. Gopalan died of cancer aged 70 in 2009. Meanwhile, Donald Harris, 86, is a professor emeritus of economics at Stanford University. Jacksons comments echo those made by Trump during a speech at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago in July. Janet Jackson has claimed Kamala Harris is not Black (Getty) The former president claimed: [Harris] was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. He questioned: So I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black? Trump added: I respect either one, but she obviously doesnt, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went she became a Black person. I think somebody should look into that too. Harris has spoken openly about her Indian and Black heritage throughout her political career (EPA) Harris has spoken openly about how she grew up appreciating both of her cultures. She attended Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, DC, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, one of the first Black sororities in the nation. In 2021, she recalled her father taking her and her sister to see Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1978 her first concert ever. We sat up top in the back of the theater and, as I watched the performance, I was in complete awe, Harris told the Washington Post at the time. To this day, I know the lyrics to nearly every Bob Marley song. My father, like so many Jamaicans, has immense pride in our Jamaican heritage and instilled that same pride in my sister and me, Harris told the outlet. We love Jamaica. He taught us the history of where were from, the struggles and beauty of the Jamaican people, and the richness of the culture. Donald Trump delivering a speech at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in July (REUTERS) Harris has also emphasised the influence of her mother in her life. She wrote in her memoir, The Truths We Hold, about how her mother cooked her daughters Indian food, gave them Indian jewellery and took them on visits to India, where she spent time with her grandfather. Harris described her grandfather in a 2009 interview as one of the most influential people in my life as well as one of the original Independence fighters in India. In her memoir, Harris begins by explaining the meaning behind her first name. It means lotus flower, which is a symbol of significance in Indian culture, she says. A lotus grows underwater, its flower rising above the surface while its roots are planted firmly in the river bottom. By SA Commercial Prop News President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday, delivered the 2021 State of the Nation Address (SONA) as he faces the tough task of tackling economic recovery, corruption, electricity shortages, and Covid-19 pandemic issues. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday, delivered the 2021 State of the Nation Address (SONA) as he faces the tough task of tackling economic recovery, corruption, electricity shortages, and Covid-19 pandemic issues. A humble 2021 State of the Nation (Sona) address took place on Thursday evening as President Cyril Ramaphosa discusses the countrys present and future in the midst of a devastating pandemic. Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout The government intended to start providing shots developed by AstraZeneca Plc and the University of Oxford to health-care workers this month. Its plans were thrown into disarray this week when a study showed the vaccine had little impact on mild infections caused by a variant of the virus first identified in South Africa. Ramaphosa noted the findings of Astra-Zenecas low efficacy against the 501-Y variant prevalent in South Africa and applauded our scientists for their research. He said rolling out the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is now governments immediate contingency plan. "We have secured 9 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The first batch, of 80,000 doses, will arrive in the country next week. The success of the vaccination programme will rely on active collaboration between all sectors of society, Ramaphosa said. A further 12 million jabs will be supplied by COVAX, and Pfizer are set to give us 20 million doses. These two inoculations will start arriving in this country from March onwards. "We are greatly encouraged by the active involvement of business, labour, the health industry and medical schemes in particular, in preparing for this mass vaccination drive, he added. The President also said we have decided to extend the period for the Special COVID-19 Grant of R350 by a further three months. Economic Recovery The central bank estimates that Africas most-industrialized economy shrank 7.1% in 2020 because of the pandemic and accompanying lockdowns. Ramaphosa unveiled a recovery plan in October last year that targets an average annual economic growth rate of 3% over the next decade, and focuses on job creation and increased infrastructure investment. In his speech, Ramaphosa said a priority intervention of the Recovery Plan is to support a massive increase in local production and to make South African exports globally competitive. "They have identified 42 products ranging from edible oils to furniture, fruit concentrates, personal protective equipment, steel products and green economy inputs that can be sourced locally." "If we achieve our target, we will significantly expand our productive economy, potentially returning more than R200 billion to the countrys annual output." Last year, we undertook to create a larger market for small businesses and designate 1,000 locally produced products that must be procured from SMMEs, said Ramaphosa. "Through the implementation of the poultry master plan, the industry has invested R800 million to upgrade production. South Africa now produces an additional one million chickens every week. "The sugar master plan was signed during the lockdown, with a commitment from large users of sugar to procure at least 80% of their sugar needs from local growers." Eskom / Measures to address Electricity shortages South Africa has been plagued by rolling blackouts since 2005 because state power utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. has been unable to meet demand for electricity from its old, poorly maintained plants. Power utility Eskom estimates that, without additional capacity, there will be an electricity supply shortfall of between 4,000 and 6,000 megawatts over the next five years, as old coal-fired power stations reach their end of life. To address this shortfall, Ramaphosa said that government will in the coming weeks issue a request for proposals for 2,600 megawatts from wind and solar energy as part of a bid window. He said restoring Eskom to operational and financial health and accelerating its restructuring process is central to this objective. Eskom has been restructured into three separate entities for generation, transmission and distribution. "Over the last year, we have taken action to urgently and substantially increase generation capacity in addition to what Eskom generates." "Eskom has already started work to expedite its commercial and technical processes to allow this additional capacity onto the grid without undue delay." The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will also soon be announcing the successful bids for 2,000 megawatts of emergency power. In the coming weeks a request for proposals for 2,600 megawatts from wind and solar energy as part of Bid Window 5 will be issued, followed by another bid window in August 2021. Eskom will be looking to partner with investors to repurpose and repower part of its coal fleet, Ramaphosa said. Smart Cities The President announced that government is currently conceptualising a number of post-apartheid smart cities in provinces around the country. He said that these infrastructure projects form a key part of the governments Covid-19 recovery plan. Lanseria Smart City, will become the first new city to be built in a democratic South Africa. "The draft masterplan for this smart city which will become home to between 350,000 to 500,000 people within the next decade was completed in November 2020 and is now out for public comment." "In the State of the Nation Address last year, I said that our vision for industrialisation is underpinned by sector master plans to rejuvenate and grow key industries. President Ramaphosa says we have launched "two major human settlements projects that will provide homes to almost 68 000 households in the Gauteng province", since the announcement of the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. Infrastructure Ramaphosa added that governments R100 billion infrastructure fund is now in operation and that the country has billions of rands in planned infrastructure development, including upgraded highways. We have now developed an infrastructure investment project pipeline worth R340 billion in network industries such as energy, water, transport and telecommunications, he said. This includes the rehabilitation of the N1, N2 and N3 highways, the student housing infrastructure programme, and the Mokolo and Crocodile River water project. Land and Agrarian Reform Agency coming soon During the course of the next financial year, government will establish a Land and Agrarian Reform Agency to fast-track land reform. To date, government has redistributed over 5 million hectares of land, totalling around 5,500 farms, to more than 300,000 beneficiaries. This is in addition to the land restitution process, which has benefited over two million land claimants and resulted in the transfer of around 2.7 million hectares. Jobs Ramaphosa said an the intervention of an employment stimulus to create jobs and support livelihoods was one of four of his government's priority interventions. "Over the past year, South Africa has experienced a sharp decline in growth and a significant increase in unemployment. Poverty is on the rise. Inequality is deepening. In the third quarter of 2020, our economy was 6% percent smaller than it was in the last quarter of 2019. There were 1.7 million fewer people employed in the third quarter of 2020 than there were in the first quarter, before the pandemic struck. Our unemployment rate now stands at a staggering 30.8%," "The Presidential Employment Stimulus is one of the most significant expansions of public and social employment in South Africas history. By the end of January 2021, over 430 000 opportunities have already been supported through the stimulus. A further 180 000 opportunities are currently in the recruitment process. These opportunities are in areas like education, arts and culture, global business services, early childhood development, and small-scale and subsistence farming," Ramaphosa said. He announced that the National Youth Development Agency and Department of Small Business Development would provide grant funding and business support to 1 000 young entrepreneurs within 100 days. "While the programme had to be put on hold due to the coronavirus restrictions, it nevertheless managed to reach its target of 1 000 businesses by International Youth Day on August, 12, 2020. This provides a firm foundation for our efforts to support 15,000 start-ups by 2024," he said. Fighting Corruption Ramaphosa was frank in his assessment of corruption among government officials. Corruption is one of the greatest impediments to the countrys growth and development, Ramaphosa said. The revelations from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry lay bare the extent of state capture and related corruption.Testimony at the Commission has shown how the criminal justice system was compromised and weakened. We will shortly be appointing the members of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which is a multi-sectoral body that will oversee the initial implementation of the strategy and the establishment of an independent statutory anti-corruption body that reports to Parliament, he said. [EPA] Travis King, the US soldier who fled from South to North Korea last year before being returned home, has been sentenced to one year of confinement and dishonourably discharged from the military. He faced charges including desertion in July 2023 and assault of a non-commissioned officer. But with time already served and credit for good behaviour, the 24-year-old Army private walked free, his legal team told the BBC. At Friday's hearing at Fort Bliss, Texas, he pleaded guilty to five of the original 14 military charges that had been filed against him. The other counts were dismissed. King joined the army in January 2021 and was in South Korea as part of a unit rotation when he crossed into North Korea. At the hearing, King told military judge Lt Col Rick Mathew that he had decided to flee the US Army because he was dissatisfied with work and had been thinking about leaving for about a year before he bolted into North Korea. I wanted to desert from the US Army and never come back, King said, according to reporters inside the courtroom. He also said he had been diagnosed with mental health conditions, though he maintained he was fit to stand trial and understood the charges. King's lawyer, Franklin Rosenblatt, said in a statement that his client accepts full responsibility for what happened and added that King "faced significant challenges in his life, including a difficult upbringing, exposure to criminal environments, and struggles with mental health". "All these factors have compounded the hardships he faced in the military," Mr Rosenblatt said. King illegally crossed into North Korea while on a civilian tour of the village of Panmunjom, located on the heavily guarded Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. He joined the civilian tour after he was released from a South Korean prison where he had served nearly two months on charges that he assaulted two people and kicked a police car. After his release, he was taken to the airport so he could return to the Fort Bliss base to face disciplinary action. But instead of getting on the plane, King joined the civilian tour and ultimately bolted into North Korea, where he was detained by local authorities. At the time, North Korean media reported that he had fled because of inhuman treatment and racism within the US military. He became the first American to be detained in North Korea in nearly five years. King was released two months later after intense diplomacy, US officials said at the time. He was taken by a state department aircraft to a US airbase in South Korea. On 28 September 2023, he was flown back to Texas and had been in custody there since. The following month, he was charged by the US military with desertion, kicking and punching other officers, unlawfully possessing alcohol, making a false statement and possessing a video of a child engaged in sexual activity. King pleaded guilty to charges including desertion, three counts of disobeying an officer and assault on a non-commissioned officer. The other charges, however, were dismissed after the government made a motion to do so, which was granted by the judge. The Associated Press reported in July that Kings lawyers were in talks with military prosecutors to work out a plea deal. A preliminary hearing was scheduled that month, but was postponed so both sides could negotiate. In his statement, Mr Rosenblatt said he believes that despite his client walking away free on Friday, "the negative public perception" and the time King has spent in custody "represents an ongoing punishment that he will endure for the rest of his life". More on this story "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Leave it to Zendaya and Law Roach to deliver looks fresh off the runway. For a Dune: Part Two screening in New York City last night, the actor showed off several leg-baring styles, each more exclusive than the last. Her first ensemble, from Louis Vuittons Resort 2025 collection, saw her step into a voluminous, teal minidress with a bubble hem. The playful silhouette included an off-the-shoulder neckline and billowing long sleeves, concealing Zendayas figure while simultaneously flaunting her toned legs. She complemented the outfit with black stilettos and small diamond earrings, slicking back her blonde locks for a runway-worthy look. Later in the night, she traded in the flouncy frock for a more structured ensemble from Burberrys Spring/Summer 2025 collection, which debuted exactly a week ago. As one of the first to wear the pieces, Zendaya made the look count (arguably giving the model a run for her money). Up top, the Challengers actor wore a tailored white jacket, which was divided into three buttoned-up sections. She opted to fasten all of the outerwears buttons for a more put-together look, allowing its high collar and crisp long sleeves to shine. A small strap, decorated with Burberrys signature plaid pattern, dangled out of the garment as well. Below, she paired the straightjacket-esque top with a transparent black maxi skirt, as it had been presented on the runway. Underneath, opaque black shorts gave her a bit of coverage, while the translucent fabric of the skirt allowed a peek at her figure through its flowing pleats. Meanwhile, a thigh-high split truly highlighted her legs once more, as well as a pair of knotted thong heels. The ivory footwear laced up Zendayas legs, adding a touch of sultriness to her otherwise refined look. And while Z was undoubtedly the best-dressed Dune star of the night, she was joined later by her co-stars Timothee Chalamet and Austin Butler. Both actors went casual in black jeans, and while Butler paired his with black boots, a white tee, and a Carhartt work jacket, Chalamet leaned into the effortless look with a black tee, a striped button-down, and a black backwards cap. You Might Also Like His statement came on the 33rd anniversary of a referendum in which the vast majority of Armenians voted for their republics secession from the crumbling Soviet Union. The Armenian government again opted for a low-key celebration of the public holiday. It only held an awards ceremony in the presidential palace in Yerevan on the occasion. I apologize for all the obvious and possible mistakes that we have made and, speaking between us, will continue to make because man is fallible, Pashinian said in his statement. He did not specify his mistakes. He claimed instead that the level of our countrys independence is increasing day by day due to democracy, balancing and balanced foreign policy. Pashinians critics shrugged off the claim, saying that he has left Armenia fighting for its territorial integrity and very survival during his more than six-year rule. They blame him for Armenias defeat in the 2020 war with Azerbaijan and last years Azerbaijani takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh, saying those event dramatically increased security threats to the country. Independence is spoken by a person who has deprived us of Artsakh and also created conditions in which they are forcing us to have very weak independence, very weak sovereignty, said Seyran Ohanian, the parliamentary leader of the main opposition Hayastan alliance. Ohanian spoke to journalists at Yerevans Yerablur Military Pantheon where many of the Armenian soldiers killed in action were laid to rest. Armenian leaders had for decades laid flowers there on Independence Day. Pashinian and members of his government and political team again did not visit the military cemetery on Saturday. They were clearly anxious to avoid being confronted by angry parents of fallen soldiers holding them responsible for the deaths of their sons. For a third consecutive year, dozens of such parents gathered at Yerablur on Friday evening and stayed there until the next afternoon in a bid to prevent Pashinians possible presence there. Pashinian also posted on social media a short video purportedly describing Armenias path to independence. It made no mention of the 1988 popular movement for Armenias unification with Karabakh which generated the then Soviet republics subsequent independence drive. Pashinian publicly recognized Azerbaijani sovereignty over Karabakh several months before Azerbaijan launched on September 19, 2023 a military offensive that forced the regions ethnic Armenian population to flee its homeland. Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan, who is also the deputy chairman of Pashinians Civil Contract party, declared recently that Armenia saved itself by not trying to stop the Azerbaijani assault and the resulting fall of Karabakh. September 19 is therefore Armenias real independence day, he said. 22 September 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) By Farman Aydin, AzerNEWS On September 21, 11 weeks of political uncertainty finally, ended in France following the parliamentary elections that almost shook Macron's rule. The incumbent president of the country, Emmanuel Macron, has appointed a new government, and this time he did not rule out preparing a surprise for Armenia. Recall that after the resignation of the 34-year-old former Prime Minister of France, Gabriel Attal, the post of prime minister was taken by Michel Barnier. He was appointed to his new post on September 5, made a series of appointments, mainly composed of young ministers, and most importantly, took full control of the budget for 2025. Being a conservative heavyweight in the right-wing Republicans party, Barnier also tried to keep the whole government under his purview with his new tactic. Now the toughest job of submitting a budget plan to parliament next month awaits the 33-year-old Antoine Armand, Barniers new finance minister, who has previously served as head of parliament's Economic Affairs Committee. And lets see what other ministers Michel Barnier, a 73-year-old premier who failed in his early career as a Brexit negotiator, gathered around himself. The Conservative French PM says the major task is to submit a 2025 budget plan addressing France's financial situation, which has been a serious public concern in France since Macron came to power. Barniers gift to Armenians It is no coincidence that the day of the appointment of the new government in France coincides with the independence day celebrated in Armenia. Even on that day, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan planned to solemnly welcome French President Emmanuel Macron in Yerevan. But for some reason, the event did not go according to plan. The protests that have shaken the country for weeks seem to have plunged the 46-year-old president into a serious crisis. It should be recalled that before the new Barnier government was revealed on Saturday, the streets of Paris were crowded with protests by left-wing parties against Emmanuel Macron. Despite this, Michel Barnier, who has special sympathy for Armenians, unveiled his special gift to Armenians on the occasion of their independence days on behalf of Macron. Michel Barnier, who once made an illegal visit to Garabagh to meet with the separatist regime, added two personnel of Armenian origin to the ranks of his ministers. Now, those two ministers - Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Guillaume Kasparian as Minister of Civil Service, Simplification and Transformation of State Activity appeared in the government of France. It can be thought that there could not be a better gift for not only Pashinyan, but also for the Armenian society, and Barnier, who once made promises to the separatist Armenians in Azerbaijans liberated Garabagh, kept this promise. Who knows, maybe the next president of France who will replace Macron in the near future will gift France as a whole to Armenians. Actually, this is not a bad idea. Perhaps such a noble step of Paris will satisfy the thirst of Armenians all over the world who are thirsty for territorial claims. However, many issues are still pending - the next steps France will take in the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. For example, Sebastien Lecornuil was reappointed Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs who is passionate about arming Armenia and strengthening its military arsenal against its "most hostile" neighbour. It means that the newly appointed ministers of the French government do not promise positive results in the peace talks for official Baku. In particular, it is not excluded that the new Armenian ministers who will manage the government will continue in their biased positions against Baku. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 September 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) The Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a warning to citizens regarding fraud cases, Azernews reports. Statement from the Ministry mentions: "Calls are being made to citizens, especially elderly individuals, claiming that their close relatives are ill and urgently need money for treatment. These calls, sometimes using artificial intelligence to mimic voices, inform them that a tragedy has occurred involving a family member and request financial assistance. Police investigations have been conducted into cases of funds being fraudulently obtained, resulting in several successful operations that led to the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved." The Ministry urges citizens to be vigilant, verify information regarding incoming calls, and refrain from giving money to unknown individuals. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 September 2024 13:22 (UTC+04:00) Ammunition is scheduled to be destroyed at the Seifali landfill, Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Defense. The statement noted that "the planned destruction of obsolete and unusable ammunition by units of the Azerbaijan Army is continuing in compliance with safety regulations. This process will take place from September 23 to 27, 2024, at the Seifali training ground." The ministry emphasized that the public will be continuously informed about the blasting activities. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 September 2024 12:14 (UTC+04:00) On September 22, 2024, Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, departed for a business trip to New York, USA, to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UN), Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. It was noted that during the visit, Minister Bayramov will speak at the 79th session of the General Assembly, participate in several other international events, and hold bilateral meetings with foreign officials and heads of international organizations during the high-level week of the session. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 September 2024 18:24 (UTC+04:00) Two people were killed and three others, including two girls, were injured in a shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, Azernews reports citing the Associated Press. Police officers who arrived at the scene found two men, aged 20 and 21, and three girls, aged 16, 17, and 21, injured. Two of the wounded men later died in the hospital. Police are investigating the incident, but details of the shooting have not yet been released. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 September 2024 18:39 (UTC+04:00) The new composition of the French government has been approved after several weeks of intense consultations, Azernews reports citing foreign media. Alexi Kohler, head of the French presidential administration, announced the list of ministers. Jean-Noel Barrot from the Democratic Movement Party has been appointed the new foreign minister, replacing Stephane Sejourne of the Renaissance party, who has been named vice president of the European Commission responsible for the EU's prosperity and industrial strategy at the suggestion of French President Emmanuel Macron. The position of Minister of Defense has been entrusted to Sebastien Lecornu. French media note that candidates proposed by the president are typically appointed to the posts of defense and foreign ministers. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 22 September 2024 16:27 (UTC+04:00) The official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, stated that it is impossible to resolve the Ukrainian crisis without considering Moscow's interests. Azernews reports that the text of her statement was posted on the official website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Zakharova noted that Russia will not participate in the "peace summit" proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting that such a process has no relevance to a resolution. "At the same time, Russia does not refuse to address the crisis through political and diplomatic channels and is ready to discuss serious proposals that take into account the current situation, geopolitical realities, and the initiative outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin." 22 September 2024 22:29 (UTC+04:00) At the meeting of the foreign ministers of the G20 countries on September 25, they will emphasize the urgent need for reforms in the UN and the World Trade Organization, Azernews reports citing Bloomberg. The same call for reform will extend to the Bretton Woods institutions, which include the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. These institutions were established in July 1944 following an international conference held in Bretton Woods, USA. The document notes that the ministers will demand an increase in the number of permanent members of the UN Security Council, which currently consists of five countries: Great Britain, China, Russia, the USA, and France. Leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Australia, India, the USA, and Japan) have also supported the inclusion of representatives from African, Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean countries in the Security Council. Additionally, the G20 foreign ministers will propose expanding financing for developing countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Earth Gets a New 'Mini-Moon' for About 59 Days: Washington, Oregon Coast Astronomy Published 9/23/24 at 7:15 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Oregon Coast) It gives the term new moon a whole other, second meaning. (Photo courtesy ISS in 2015: the Pacific Northwest and Oregon / Washington coast seen from space.) Earth will get a second mini moon next week but only temporarily as it floats away back to an asteroid belt in a little less than 60 days. Asteroid 2024 PT5 will get hooked by Earth's gravity and hang out near the planet for a time, although it won't be visible to the average person on the Oregon coast, Washington coast or anywhere else on Earth. Seeing it will require actual professional astronomy equipment. Even they need at least a 30-inch telescope and some very specific tech. It is too dim and too small, say the two Madrid-based astronomers who discovered it: Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raul de la Fuente Marcos. PT5 measures only about 10 meters. Near-Earth objects (NEOs) that follow horseshoe paths, and approach our planet at close range and low relative velocity, may undergo mini-moon events in which their geocentric energy becomes negative for hours, days or months, but without completing one revolution around Earth while bound, said the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in the introduction to the Marcos' paper. The object will enter the space territory of Earth on September 29 and be around until November 25, when gravitational disturbances from the sun will shoot it back out into the asteroid belt it came from. It's not going to even achieve a full orbit but will instead wander a horseshoe path around the Earth for those 50-some days. While you can't see the mini-moon from the Oregon coast, you will likely again be able to see the aurora borealis from the coastline this year, like this shot from Port Orford. Courtesy Discover Port Orford. In order to become considered a mini-moon of Earth, it has to approach within 2.8 million miles and at low velocities of around 2,200 miles per hour. Asteroid 2024 PT5 was discovered just last month, on August 7, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System via instruments in South Africa. Above: the transition of Venus a decade ago as seen from Portland, Oregon / Oregon Coast Beach Connection. This is considered a short capture, and there have been several discovered over recent decades. There are also long captures around Earth, which are much rarer, happening every decade or less, according to Space.com. PT5 comes from the Arjuna asteroid belt, which lies about 93 million miles from the sun (on average). It sends asteroids and comets our way on occasion. See Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather - Inland Oregon Weather Yet this won't be the last we'll hear of this strange little mini-moon event (an actual phrase scientists use for this sort of thing). While again it won't be visible to those on Earth, much less to those on the Washington / Oregon coastlines, scientists expect it back in 30 years. Our regular moon, seen from Manzanita - Oregon Coast Beach Connection 2024 PT5 is currently following a horseshoe path and that its geocentric energy will remain negative for 56.6 days due to a temporarily captured flyby, the AAS said. After completing the mini-moon episode, it will approach Earth at approximately 1 km s1, reaching a minimum distance of 0.012 au on 2025 January 9, leaving the neighborhood of Earth shortly afterwards, until its next return in 2055. Then again, in 30 years maybe we'll have that particular gear available to the general populace in our cellphones? What you can see from the Oregon coast and Washington coast soon and towns like Lincoln City, Yachats, Manzanita, Coos Bay or Ocean Park - is the Orionid meteor showers, which peak October 20. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Garibaldi Roadwork Continues as Oregon Coast Railroad Moves Depot Building Published 9/18/24 at 5:45 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Garibaldi, Oregon) It's been a busy week in Garibaldi and it's going to continue to be so for awhile as the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad just moved an entire building - and roadwork in the town will be interrupting traffic a bit more. (Photos OCSR) Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said that work began last month on the northern side of Highway 101 between 6th and 10th street as crews move large areas of sidewalk to install underground utilities. ODOT said you can expect some traffic delays to keep happening as lane closures with flaggers will occasionally have to shift traffic. Crews will be working Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and some nighttime work may happen, along with sidewalk closures that detour pedestrians. Businesses remain fully open, but expect some noise. Meanwhile, there's more big redo's happening at the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OCSR) headquarters in Garibaldi, where something truly mammoth took place on September 12. They moved an entire building there. The Garibaldi Depot is undergoing a variety of upgrades, and that included moving the historic Garibaldi Telegraph Office. It had been in that spot since the '60s, after spending 30 years in another location in the area. When it was placed back then, it was set on uneven concrete blocks. So the first this year was to shore up the building and repair its frame. Then came the elation of finally moving the entire structure. Also see Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Celebrates Oktoberfest, Halloween, More with Special Rides - Ever wanted to attempt the Chicken Dance on a moving train? Additional temporary sheeting was then added, along with a pair of 2x12 timbers to ensure the 6200lb structure remained square during the process, said OCSR. The operation was a complete success with the telegraph office being first craned onto a truck, before being craned off onto its custom-build concrete foundation. Moving the building back in the '60s After that was complete, OCSR said damp-proof material was set down beneath it and temporary sheeting was built around it to protect the project as they did more. The telegraph office had been brought to Garibaldi in the mid-30s by Southern Pacific, enabling crews to access bulletins on train operations away from the main terminals. OCSR said that after World War II, radio made telegraphs obsolete. It was a historic display at Lumberman's Park for a time. MORE PHOTOS BELOW Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted SOLVE's Beach and Riverside Cleanup Needs Volunteers on Oregon Coast, Around the State Published 9/17/24 at 6:35 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Oregon Coast) From September 20 through September 28, SOLVE holds its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup along the Oregon coast and elsewhere in the state, covering not just beaches as it has before but also in the Portland area, southern Oregon and essentially all regions. (Above: near Cannon Beach / Oregon Coast Beach Connection) There's also a special cleanup in Netarts and Oceanside with its own specific details. Now, SOLVE is asking volunteers to help in the cause, calling on families, community members, student groups, and nature enthusiasts from all stages of life to gather across Oregon and Southwest Washington for a 10-day event series. There's a huge variety of projects to choose from, digging into the state's coastlines, rivers, and public lands. As September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, SOLVE joins in on the battle to scour the world, at least in this little corner called Oregon. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments, said SOLVE. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup wraps up on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting. SOLVE hosts over 50 project sites across Oregon and SW Washington, from the Oregon coast to the Willamette Valley and beyond. In 2023, more than 1,500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash. However, since the entire program started back '86 (when the group was called SOLV), it has cleared over 2.5 million pounds of litter from Oregon's nature spots. The group is asking for help from the public as it does each year. Registration is open on the SOLVE site. This year, SOLVE is making it easier on event leaders by creating five different supply hubs on the Oregon coast - located at Fort Stevens near Astoria, Newport's South Beach, Cape Lookout near Oceanside, Port Orford's Cape Blanco, and Sunset Bay near Coos Bay. These hubs are equipped with reusable supplies like litter grabbers, vests, and buckets sponsored by Knife River. This partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation strengthens SOLVE's mission to provide even more volunteers with reusable supplies and host cleanup events with sustainability in mind. The Oregon coast features various projects along its length, happening on the two different weekends. In Seaside it's on the 28th, in Cannon Beach on the 21st and in Rockaway Beach there are pickup gigs on both dates. Oceanside and Netarts are both on the 21st, with Pacific City having both dates going. In Lincoln City, there are two on the 28th and one on the 21st. In and around Newport, there are a few on the 21st, as well as at Brian Boothe State Park and at Waldport. Just south of Yachats, there's the Strawberry Hill cleanup on the 21st, while Florence is on the 28th. On the southern Oregon coast, Gold Beach has theirs on the 21st. To see the full schedule and times, click on the SOLVE site. Most times are 10 a.m., however. 971-319-4503 In Netarts and Oceanside, Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS hosts a specific cleanup for those two areas on Saturday, September 21st, from 10 AM - 1 PM. It's a partnership with SOLVE to host cleanups in the area from Cape Lookout to Cape Meares to Bay Ocean for over a decade. This beach cleanup is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and volunteers of all ages will find the event fun and rewarding. Remember, ocean shores can be dangerous, WEB said. Avoid logs in the water. Keep your distance from marine mammals, and never turn your back on the ocean. If you find any hazardous material, please alert the Beach Cleanup Captain. And remember, its more fun to work as part of a team. Bring a buddy, stay safe, and have fun! Advanced registration saves time but is not required. See the link to register at Beach + Bayside Cleanup Check-in for this event at any of the following locations: Netarts Boat Basin 2065 Netarts Basin Boat Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141 Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted State Parks Taking Comments on Beach Camping Ban at South Oregon Coast's Brookings Published 9/15/24 at 5:25 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Brookings, Oregon) Oregon coast officials are examining a possible ban on beach camping at Brookings, and now Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking comment on the issue from the public. It would ban all camping on the beach within city limits (but not affect recreational, controlled camping in nearby campgrounds). (Photo courtesy Jim Choate / FlickR) The proposed rule change comes about after various local residents from the Mill Beach area of Brookings filed a petition because of battling a growing homelessness problem on the beach. The group has concerns about how these issues may affect the marine ecosystem along this part of the south Oregon coast, as well as public health and safety. They also cited having to haul away large amounts of garbage and dealing with seeing people defecate on the beach. Many have no trespassing signs on their property because of these issues, especially those residents with a beach access next to them. Another problem there is that the restrooms at the beach have been closed for years. The city council in Brookings has looked at a possible ban on beach camping before but never enacted one. Brookings' Harris Beach State Park, courtesy OPRD Meanwhile, local homeless advocates note the city has not invested in other ways to deal with the problem and is leaving the houseless with no choices. They also fear more violence as homeless people are crammed into smaller and smaller areas after they are kicked out of other sections of town. Many towns along the Oregon coast have already banned camping on beaches through OPRD or their own legislation, but not all. Currently, overnight camping is prohibited on the ocean shore within the city limits of Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Bandon and Gold Beach, OPRD said. OPRD Camping is currently prohibited on the ocean shore in Clatsop and Tillamook counties, under different rules within OPRD's division 30, which are Special Regulations Affecting Ocean Shores Adjacent to Coastal Cities within Oregon Revised Statutes. These also include special regulations affecting ocean shores adjacent to coastal cities. See Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules. Public comments on this rule change will be accepted through October 15, 2024, and can be submitted online at this link. Other means of submission exist as well, including a public hearing at Southwestern Oregon Community College on October 9. (5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Southwestern Oregon Community College- Community Room, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings). Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301 Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov After the period of comment ends, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will then consider the issue at a meeting in the fall or winter. There are about a dozen reasons you should not camp on the beach anywhere along the Oregon coast, mostly safety issues regarding tidal action. Falling asleep in a beach environment in this region is asking for trouble, and chances for disaster are higher in the dark when it's difficult to see what the tides are doing. Brookings Hotels - Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Sunday's Fall Equinox and the Bizarre to Sad Science of Sunset on Washington / Oregon Coast Published 9/21/24 at 5:55 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Depoe Bay, Oregon) If you're out on the beaches on Sunday you may want to note exactly what time the sun goes down. And if you're up just before 6 a.m., you may want to take note of 5:43 a.m. right on the dot. (Above: Cape Foulweather, near Depoe Bay / Oregon Coast Beach Connection) Why? Both are related in the region of Oregon / Washington, and especially out on the Oregon coast or Washington coastline. That sunset on Sunday is the first sundown of fall. This also means Saturday's sunset if you're out in places like Westport, Bandon, Newport or Seaside is the last one of summer. It also marks another milestone for sunsets that's rather sad, and it opens up a whole kind of science that may be new to you: how sunset is actually a projection from below the horizon. Sunday, September 22 is the fall equinox, the morning that summer calls it quits. It officially changes season at 5:43 a.m., according to Jim Todd, astronomy expert with Portland's OMSI. In the Northern Hemisphere, the date marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn when the days will start getting shorter and the nights longer, Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. This is the moment in time when the Suns rays are directly over the equator and the days are nights are nearly equal in length. The Suns rays continue to make their journey south, so hours of darkness will be longer than daylight. This is why it's called an 'equinox,' a Latin word meaning 'equal.' Yet there's a weird little trick happening here. The sun's rays may be directly overhead, and they hit the Portland / Oregon / Washington area with an equal 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of nighttime. But thanks to a freaky little quirk of our atmosphere that's not what we see. Exact sunset times will differ along the Washington coast and Oregon coast as you go north or south, and they'll be different a ways inland in areas like Seattle or Bend. Yet for example, Todd used Portland's sunrise and sunset times. Those two don't happen exactly 12 hours apart here on the 22nd and that's true of many locales around the world. See Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather - Inland Oregon Weather In reality, September 25 day and night are both very close to 12 hours from Portland, Oregon sunrise at 7:01 a.m. and sunset at 7:02 p.m., he said. At the 45th latitude North, the time it takes for the sun to fully rise and set, which is several minutes, is added to the day and subtracted from the night, and therefore the equinox day lasts a little longer than 12 hours. Another reason why the day is longer than 12 hours on an equinox is that the Earth's atmosphere refracts sunlight. Indeed, the 45th latitude runs very close to Cascade Head on the central Oregon coast, and close to Neskowin. That last factor of refraction is a big one, and it's doing something very strange to those sunsets you see on the Oregon and Washington coastlines. It turns out, sunset is an actual projection: it does not happen when you see it. Because of the Earth's curvature and the atmosphere the light must travel through, we're seeing it two whole minutes after it went down. Ilwaco, Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Beach Connection photo Astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson went into this on his podcast / video series Star Talk. See the video The light through the vacuum of space moves at the speed of light, Tyson said. When it goes through Earth's atmosphere it's no longer moving at the speed of light. It slows down. Anytime time light slows down, coming at an angle into a medium, the path of light bends. The physics term for that is refraction. Refraction is obvious in everyday things like a straw in liquid, he explains. Look down into the straw and you can see light is bent because the liquid is denser than air. The straw will appear to be bent as you look inside. Our atmosphere does the same thing with sunsets. Then, the curvature of the Earth actually allows more bending. That sun you see at Cannon Beach, Long Beach, Port Orford or Manzanita went down at least a couple of minutes earlier before you see it happen. As the sun approaches the horizon to set, it's actually moving faster than you see it to be, Tyson said in the video. So refraction is taking the sun lower than the actual position in the sky you think the sun is. When the glowing sun is on the horizon, the sun has already set. Bandon's Elephant Rock - courtesy Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts Add to that the fact sunlight takes 8 minutes to reach us from the sun and you've opened up yet another can of astronomical worms. A sad aspect of Sunday's sunset is that it's the last one after 7 p.m. until spring. From here on out, as days get shorter, sundown keeps dropping farther and farther towards the earliest sunset of the year: the winter solstice. That number is for the Portland area, however. Some parts of the Oregon coast and Washington coast will still get sunset past 7 p.m. for a couple of more days because sunsets happen later out there than they do inland. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Oregon's Tillamook Coast Now 'Destination Verified' for Accessibility Published 9/17/24 at 5:55 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Tillamook, Oregon) Roving and roaming around the north coast of Oregon is officially a little easier. The Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) has just announced a proud achievement: the Tillamook Coast has been awarded the prestigious "Destination Verified" status by Wheel the World - a groundbreaking travel-tech start-up committed to enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities and seniors. This accolade follows an extensive survey of 30 sites along the Tillamook Coast, spotlighting the region's unwavering dedication to providing inclusive and accessible experiences for all travelers. Areas like the Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk are a stellar example, where the 1.2 miles of trail around a primeval Oregon coast forest are accessible to all. Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Netarts and Pacific City all have motorized beach chairs to lend out, enabling those with walking difficulties to actually hit the beach as never before. Rockaway Beach recently installed some 4,400 feet of all-weather walkway, some of which goes over a creek near the main beach access downtown. It not only beautifies the area but enables wheelchairs to move more easily over a larger area. Coming soon will be a beach wheelchair that allows greater accessibility to these sands; its home near the access was recently built. Garibaldi will soon be installing ADA sidewalks in the area, and the depot at the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad will get some handicap-accessible improvements. There is already a wheelchair lift at the railroad's Garibaldi station, allowing wheelchairs onto the train ride. Dan Haag, Director of Trails, Outdoor Recreation, and Accessibility, shares his enthusiasm: "Achieving the 'Destination Verified' status from Wheel the World is a significant milestone for the Tillamook Coast. We're resolute in our mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of their mobility needs, can explore and fully enjoy all the wonders our region has to offer." So, what exactly does this status signify? It's a seal of approval - a beacon for destinations that actively prioritize accessibility. For travelers with disabilities, it means peace of mind and a guarantee that seamless, worry-free experiences are going to be part of your trip to the coast. By joining the ranks of global destinations that champion inclusive travel, the Tillamook Coast has solidifies its reputation as not just being a welcoming haven but also forward-thinking. Behind the scenes, Wheel the World's proprietary Accessibility Mapping System (AMS) app, wielded by trained mappers, meticulously collected detailed accessibility information from various sites across the Tillamook Coast. Curious travelers can now explore personalized travel options tailored to their specific requirements via Tillamook Coast's dedicated accessible travel web page at wheeltheworld.com/accessible-travel/usa/oregon/tillamook-coast. For more information on Tillamook Coasts Wheel the World partnership, visit www.tillamookcoast.com/wheel-the-world. Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Rockaway Beach - Where to eat - Rockaway Beach Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW Cape Meares More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Three teenagers have been charged after allegedly stealing three safes full of drugs from Twin Cities Orthopedics in Edina, Minn., according to a Sept. 13 report from the Minnesota Star-Tribune. The three suspects, Brandon Wayne Schopper, 18, and two juveniles, age 17 and now 18, have been charged with two counts of felony burglary and one count of fifth-degree drug possession. In addition to robbing TCO, the three also ransacked a Panda Express and attempted to break into several cars before they were caught. The felony robbery charges stem from the theft at TCO, where the suspects allegedly grabbed a fob key from the front desk and stole the safes, eventually cracking them open with an ax. The suspects were caught Sept. 2 after police responded to a call of suspicious activity. The suspects were found in possession of fentanyl citrate, Dilaudid and midazolam, all taken from TCO's orthopedic urgent care facility. When searching the suspects, police also found black ski masks, headlamps, flashlights, two Apple iPads with stickers on the back indicating they belonged to a medical facility, three pried-open safes and a narcotics log for TCO Crosstown Surgery. A spokesperson for TCO confirmed to Becker's that the patient log was blank, and no patient data was compromised. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visiting PsiQuantum, the worlds largest quantum company, in Daresbury near Liverpool (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Chancellor Rachel Reeves will promise to unleash the UKs economic potential by reforming planning, changing business rates and tackling Brexit red tape as she commits to a new industrial strategy. She will use her Labour Party conference speech to promise that after years of instability and uncertainty, Britain is open for business. Phil Wang believes he would not be doing stand-up comedy if he was not mixed British-Malaysian heritage (Jonathan Brady/PA) Comedian Phil Wang has said his mixed British and Malaysian heritage is central to his comedy and believes he would not have chosen a career in stand-up without having dual-cultures. The month of September marks East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month, during which the 34-year-old comedian discussed his book Sidesplitter: How To Be From Two Worlds At Once at the ESEA Lit Fest, believed to be the UKs first ESEA literary festival, on Saturday. The stand-up comic released his Netflix special, Wang In There, Baby! on September 3, which highlights his observations about the differences between Malaysian and British culture while he opens his show on the subject of reheating leftover rice. I opened with a routine about reheating rice and how white people, Western people, are terrified of reheating rice, but Asian people do it all the time, he told the PA news agency. Comedian Phil Wang released his Netflix special Wang In There, Baby! and opens the show about British and Asian peoples differing views on reheating rice (James Manning/PA) He added the trifecta of my material is Asianness, food, and some kind of smut. Wang, who has mixed Malaysian and English heritage and grew up in Malaysia but moved to the UK in 2006, said he pursued comedy as a way to feel less alien. When I got into comedy at 17, 18 when I first did stand up, for me it was a way of dealing with my alienness, of owning it, of putting it front and centre in front of everyone, in front of this new country I was trying to assimilate into, he explained. Without that point of difference, if I felt like I fitted in, if I felt like I was just like most other people, I dont think I would have done that. So I think my heritage is central to my being a comedian. I think it is why I am a comedian. He said there remains a sense of foreignness about East and Southeast Asians (ESEAs) in comedy, despite his feelings the industry is becoming increasingly diverse. From an audience point of view, the preconceptions an audience brings to a comedy show are just the same preconceptions they have in general life, so if they have preconceptions about an ESEA performer, theyll probably just match up with their preconceptions of them in real life, Wang said. I would think they may expect ESEA performers to be meeker, maybe quieter, and probably a more foreign feeling. I feel like a South Asian or black British performer, especially in the cities, doesnt feel very foreign, but I think an ESEA performer would still feel quite foreign. He added ESEAs lack role models in the the comedy scene in the same way other ethnic minority groups have been represented in the UK. Black comedians talk so much about seeing Lenny Henry on screen the first time and the South Asian British community talks so much about the Kumars at No 42 and Goodness Gracious Me. There is no equivalent for East Asians in the UK really, he said. However, a pan-Asian comedy and improvisation (improv) group based in London called Comediasians and Friends hopes to amplify Asians in comedy and create a space for ESEA performers to showcase their work. Every month, the group, created in 2019, hosts two-hour long shows consisting of improv performances, guest performers and a segment known as an audience jam which encourages the audience to take part in improv to champion Asian talent. Kelsey Yuhara, 36, a co-founder of the Comediasians, told PA: I think it was always important for me and for us to be a champion for Asian talent on stage and giving a platform for that. Stephen Lee, 40, also a co-founder of the group told PA: Its about telling stories from a specific perspective that we can do and are really proud of doing. Comediasians and Friends is a pan-Asian comedy and improv group aiming to amplify Asian voices in comedy and improv (Comediasians) To celebrate ESEA Heritage Month, Wang joined a panel to discuss his book which examines different aspects of life where being mixed race has come into play. Wang, who has embraced his Malaysian and British cultures, has advised people with dual-heritage: Dont let people tell you cant reheat your rice. Its good for at least two days in the fridge. The Victoria Square shopping centre was evacuated on Sunday afternoon. Firefighters attended the shopping centre on Victoria Street in Belfast City Centre. Several fire appliances were seen parked at the back of the centre. Police said the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) made them aware of an incident but police were not required to respond and believe it was nothing major. A staff member at Victoria Square explained that the issue was specifically linked to the House of Fraser store. A spokesperson for NIFRS said: At 2.10pm today the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended a minor incident at Victoria Square shopping centre. "The nature of the incident was determined as an accidental electrical fault in an escalator control panel. "NIFRS isolated the electric supply and used a thermal imagery camera to inspect and ensure the system was safe. "NIFRS left the scene with Victoria Square management who have tasked an engineer to inspect and repair as necessary. NIFRS left the scene at 3pm. The fire service has dealt with the issue and the centre has now reopened as normal. Weekend News Catch Up Tesco bosses are making use of the robotic security guards which shout at intruders in a menacing Northern Irish accent in a bid to cut down on the amount of break-ins. Some shoppers have remarked that the accent is similar to that of an iconic Peaky Blinders character Inspector Chester Campbell, played by Sam Neill, who was born in Omagh. Previous reports said the robots sounded like the late Rev Ian Paisley. Store chiefs have installed PID360 devices made by security boffins Deter Tech at a series of at-risk locations across Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle according to employees. Dubbed the Ultimate Deterrent, the anti-robbery solution triggers alerts to store managers in just 47 seconds and helps to prevent 80 per cent of intrusions. Promotion material states: With its striking design, audio alerts, and LED illuminators, the PID 360 serves as a powerful deterrent against intruders on your site. It captures every activation with precision, and our dedicated team promptly reviews footage and escalates any unauthorised presence detected. On detecting an intruder the video guard device used mainly on construction sites and by retailers omits a 114 decibel Star Wars-style warning siren accompanied by flashing lights. Seconds later a male voice with a heavy Northern Irish accent barks the following message: Warning, this is security, your presence has been detected, the owner and police have been informed. A message including a video clip image of the intruder is then sent to a central control room manned by ex-police and military staff who will decide whether to call on-site security, the police or a mobile response team. Commenting online, people quickly pointed out the threatening Northern Irish accent used on the devices is almost identical to that deployed by actor Sam Neill in the hit BBC gangster series Peaky Blinders. In the show Chief Inspector Campbell was said to have built his reputation in Belfast where he was tasked with ridding the city of crime and corruption. He is a detective chief inspector in the Royal Irish Constabulary, charged in the series with bringing Peaky Blinders feared gang boss Tommy Shelby and his crew to justice. Writing on a blog for Tesco staff, one employee said: Thats a rather ominous Northern Irish accent. With another replying: Mister Shelby. Another person said: Wee Northern Irish man in the box to deter criminals of course! Im from NI, never seen one of these until I lived in England lmao surprised ones in Tesco. Others added: Im from NI and never seen one of these things, but Im not surprised theyd get a guy from here to do the voice, supposed to be one of most aggressive accents in the English speaking world. A Scottish-based staff member said: And Im saying it as a guy from near Glasgow. Almost s*** it first time I heard it go off. What I find odd is seeing them in shops. Usually seen them on building sites and such. Always outdoors. Another added: Thats an Armadillo, its a mobile CCTV system with motion sensors and audible warnings to scare off people in places you dont want them to be. When you set these off an angry Northern Irish man shouts at you through the speaker. The links to NI kept coming: My favourite thing about these is that they have Northern Irish accents. I never thought of our accent to be unsettling but I guess they can be to some people lol. Would love to see one (in Ireland) just for a nosy at it. Some 14 people have been arrested in Northern Ireland as part of a UK-wide operation aimed at cracking down on people-smuggling gangs and those exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA). Under the CTA, UK and Irish citizens are able to travel freely between and reside in either jurisdiction without restriction. The recent operation which took place from September 16 to 18 involved the Home Offices Immigration Enforcement teams, UK police forces and international partners. They descended on locations across the UK, including Belfast, Liverpool and Scotland, over the course of the three days. PSNI officers were involved in the tactical and operational support side, including officers from the PSNIs Organised Crime Branch and Road Policing Teams. The operation was targeting criminal gangs who often exploit vulnerable migrants, charging them thousands of pounds to enter the UK illegally. Checks were conducted at major ports, airports and road networks in a bid to disrupt smuggling routes. The 14 people arrested in Northern Ireland, including seven Albanian nationals, were detained at Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, Belfast Docks, Belfast city centre and in the vicinity of the A1 dual carriageway. Across the UK a total of 31 arrests were made. Some 400,000 in criminal cash and 10 fraudulent identity documents which allow criminals to evade immigration controls were seized. Police and Border Force make arrests in Belfast The operation was led by Immigration Enforcements criminal and financial Investigations team in Northern Ireland, the PSNI, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and other police forces and international partners. Dame Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said the Government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people, risking their lives and giving them false hopes of a better life in the UK. Driven by greed, these gangs have no regard for human life or safety, charging outrageous fees, preying on those desperate to escape hardship, and forcing them into illegal and dangerous situations, she said. Home Office Immigration Enforcement Inspector Jonathan Evans said: This operation has been a huge success and sends a clear message that the smuggling gangs who break our laws will face serious consequences. We are taking action day in, day out to ensure we stay a step ahead of these criminal groups, disrupting them at the earliest possible stage. We will continue working relentlessly to ensure no one abuses the Common Travel Area or the UK's borders. Im incredibly proud of our teams across the country, as well as our partners from the police, the National Crime Agency, and international counterparts, for their hard work and collaboration in carrying out this important operation. A 2023 Westminster report examined how the CTA operates, and its potential pitfalls when it comes to illegal immigration. The lack of routine border controls on the land frontier means that there is potential for abuse of the CTA for unauthorised migration, it said. The British and Irish governments cooperate closely to guard against this, including through data sharing and the joint Operation Gull, but do not disclose the details of how this works. The immigration authorities of both countries conduct occasional checks within their own territory. Operation Gull is a joint exercise by the UK and Irish authorities aimed at tackling the movement of undocumented migrants across the CTA. A former elite Irish soldier has been killed in action in Ukraine. The man, aged in his late 20s, was killed in combat on Thursday, September 19. It is understood the man, who was a highly skilled and experienced soldier had been a member of the Defence Forces Army Ranger wing. It is understood the deceased joined the Ukrainian army at the outbreak of war but suffered significant injuries in late 2022. However, he returned to Ukraine earlier this year and was killed fighting on the front line. The deceased is believed to be from the East of the Country. President Michael D Higgins extended his condolences to the family of the former Irish solider who died in Ukraine, describing it as a terrible tragedy. (left to right) Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Micheal Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris during a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in Dublin Castle (PA) Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin are to focus on conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Mr Harris and Mr Martin are travelling to New York on Sunday for several days of engagements at the high-level week. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins is to address the UN Summit of the Future on Sunday at the UNs headquarters. In his address, Mr Higgins will emphasise again the importance of food security for Africa and how to achieve a new, invigorated United Nations. Mr Higgins will also join Mr Harris and Mr Martin, as well as other heads of state and government, in attending the first day of the annual high-level general debate on Tuesday. Mr Harris will attend the Summit of the Future, will co-chair one of four interactive dialogues, and attend high-level events related to the situation in the Middle East and in Ukraine. The Taoiseach will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with other leaders, including with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Mr Harris said ahead of the events that his focus would be on the grave situation in the Middle East. The immediate priority of the international community must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. A dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance is urgently needed. The safety of UN and other humanitarian workers must be adequately protected. All efforts must be made to prevent escalation in the region and I call on all sides to practise restraint. The Taoiseach, who recently returned from a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, said that Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine would also be raised, as would the devastating conflict in Sudan. Mr Martin said ahead of the trip that the UN event was a key international moment for Ireland and indeed the world. I look forward to working with like-minded partners and, vitally, those with whom we may not agree, to seek solutions and find a way forward to build a more peaceful, prosperous, just and sustainable world. I also look forward to engaging with a wide range of counterparts to discuss the urgent need to address the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. On Sunday, Mr Martin will attend a working dinner meeting with other ministers on the Middle East hosted by the International Peace Institute. On Tuesday, he will attend the opening ceremony of the UN General Assembly and hold a range of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers. Mr Mehrtens, centre, who was held hostage for more than a year in Papua (Endy Langobelen/AP) A New Zealand pilot held hostage for more than a year in the restive Papua region of Indonesia was freed on Saturday by separatist rebels. Phillip Mark Mehrtens, a 38-year-old pilot from Christchurch, was working for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air when he was abducted by rebels from a remote airport on February 7, 2023. Today I finally got out. I am so happy to be back home with my family soon, Mr Mehrtens told reporters in a news conference in the mining town of Timika. Thank you to everyone who helped me get out safely and healthy. Mr Mehrtens in Timika, Papua province after his release (Satgas Damai Cartenz via AP) Television news earlier showed an emaciated, long-haired Mr Mehrtens, wearing a dark green shirt and black shorts, sitting in a room surrounded by police officers and local officials. He sobbed while talking to his family via video and an officer tried to calm him down by patting his back. He was later flown to Jakarta to be reunited with his family. Rebels have used violence to try to achieve independence as the security situation deteriorates in Indonesias easternmost region of Papua, a former Dutch colony in the western part of New Guinea that is ethnically and culturally distinct from much of Indonesia. Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 under a United Nations-sponsored ballot that was widely seen as a sham. Since then, a low-level insurgency has simmered. The conflict spiked in the past year, with dozens of rebels, security forces and civilians killed. Egianus Kogoya, a regional commander in the Free Papua Movement, initially said the rebels would not release Mr Mehrtens unless Indonesias government allows Papua to become a sovereign country. Then on Tuesday, leaders of the West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement known as TPNPB, issued a proposal for freeing Mr Mehrtens that outlined terms including news media involvement in his release. A taskforce spokesperson, Bayu Suseno, said that Mr Mehrtens release was the result of hard work from a small task force team that had been communicating with the separatists led by Mr Kogoya through the local church and community leaders as well as youth figures. This is incredibly good news, said Mr Suseno. Effort to free the pilot by soft approach resulted in a hostage release without any casualties both from security forces, civilians or the pilot himself. Mr Mehrtens family said in a statement on Sunday they were extremely grateful to the Indonesian government including the police and military for prioritising peaceful negotiations in order to keep Phil safe. We are also grateful to General Kogoya and his army for keeping Phil as safe and healthy as their means allowed, and for allowing Phil to get several messages out during this period to let us know that he was alive and okay, the statement said. Those messages filled our souls and gave us hope and that we would eventually see Phil again. New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters said that a wide range of government agencies had been working with Indonesian authorities and others to secure the release for the past 19-and-a-half months. Officials were also supporting Mr Mehrtens family, Mr Peters said. Mr Mehrtens, left, with police in Papua (Satgas Damai Cartenz via AP) Many news outlets showed cooperation and restraint in reporting the story, he added. The case has taken a toll on the Mehrtens family, who have asked for privacy, Mr Peters said. New Zealand news outlets reported during Mr Mehrtens captivity that he was one of a number of expatriate pilots employed by Susi Air and in recent years lived in Bali with his family. Mr Peters had not spoken to Mr Mehrtens since his release. The news was one of the better stories Ive had in his 45 years in politics, the three-time foreign minister added. He declined to give details about how the pilot was freed. It was a tricky environment and building trust had been the most difficult aspect, Mr Peters said. It was quite nerve-wracking, holding our nerve and not getting too carried away, not doing anything that might imperil the chances, he said. Because there was always a concern of ours that we might not succeed. President of the Indonesian Republic Joko Widodo at the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022 (Leon Neal/PA) Indonesian President Joko Widodo congratulated the military and police for prioritising persuasion and safety. This was through a very long negotiation process and our patience not to do it repressively, Mr Widodo said. Mr Mehrtens arrived at Jakartas Air Force base Halim Perdanakusumah just before midnight on Saturday. He was escorted by police and military personnel as he descended the planes steps and was greeted by Indonesian officials and New Zealand diplomats on the tarmac. The coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs Hadi Tjahjanto told a news conference after the arrival that the Indonesian government officially handed Mr Mehrtens over to New Zealands ambassador to Jakarta, Kevin Burnett, who will oversee his safety. He emphasised that the separatist rebels had not demanded anything in return for Mr Mehrtens release and hostage safety is a top priority. Former US president Donald Trump has said he does not think he would run again for president in 2028 if he falls short in his bid to return to the White House in 2024. No, I dont. I think that will be, that will be it, Mr Trump said when journalist Sharyl Attkisson asked him if he would run again. The comment was notable both because the Republican presidential nominee seemed to rule out a fourth bid for the White House and because he rarely admits the possibility he could legitimately lose an election. Mr Trump normally insists that could only happen if there were widespread cheating, a false allegation he made in 2020 and he has pre-emptively made again during his 2024 presidential campaign. He would be 82 in 2028, a year older than President Joe Biden is now. Mr Biden bowed out of the race in July following his disastrous debate performance and months of being hammered by Mr Trump and other conservatives as being too old and erratic for the job. Attkisson interviewed Mr Trump for her show Full Measure. Also during the 22-minute interview, Mr Trump defended his record on the coronavirus pandemic. He took credit for the development of the Covid-19 vaccines developed during his presidency while also saying theyre doing studies on the vaccines and were going to find out if they are safe. Mr Trump said Republicans have become sceptical about the vaccines even as Democrats trust them. Donald Trump at a campaign event at Wilmington International Airport in North Carolina (Chris Seward/AP) The statement about 2028 came at the very end of the interview, which also included a question about how Mr Trump stays in good health. I try and eat properly, the former president said, drawing an incredulous reaction from Attkisson, who noted that Mr Trump has become infamous for his fondness for hamburgers. Proper hamburgers, Mr Trump said. My NI hubby allows me to talk about our sex life on stage Belfast-bound comedian plans to visit Lisburn relatives while touring here Laura Smyth performs at the Boulevard Theatre in London David O'Dornan Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 09:17 Comedy queen Laura Smyth has said she has her understanding Lisburn-born husband to thank for allowing her to talk about their sex life as part of her stand-up routine. Stand-up comedian Ciaran Bartlett on mend after health setbacks and looking forward to Grand Opera House gigs Sunday Life columnist promises filthy songs and caustic jokes in new run of shows Ciaran Bartlett in the Grand Opera House David O'Donrnan Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 09:19 The show must go on for stand-up comedian Ciaran Bartlett as he gets ready for a string of performances despite a number of health setbacks. Drug dealer blamed for murder of IRA chief Jock Davison facing jail over 100k heroin haul Career criminal heading to prison years after denying involvement in notorious shooting Scott McHugh Sunday Life Reporter Sun 22 Sep 2024 at 08:08 A notorious criminal who went public to deny involvement in the murder of IRA boss Jock Davison is facing prison after admitting dealing 100,000 of heroin. Crackdown could see community group chiefs appearing before powerful committee to account for huge handouts The Irish government could be set to call time on the shocking level of funding for loyalist paramilitary-linked community groups in Belfast. Bosses from the International Fund for Ireland, which in the past two years has provided 1.6m in donations to four UVF and UDA-backed charities in the city, are being asked to appear before a powerful committee to account for the huge handouts. How will engineers remove the 'high hazard' Bel Air Dam in Pittsfield? Residents will get answers at this meeting Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter CLARKSBURG As his last official act for the town, Clarksburg Police Chief Michael Williams led the processional carrying World War II veteran Erwin S. Kings remains from Bradley International Airport Friday to Clarksburg and North Adams. Williams, 58, who has served the town for 39 years, said he was honored. "Bringing somebody back from the battlefield of World War II doesnt happen all the time," he said. Williams isnt sure exactly what hell do in retirement. He'll be the town's last police chief the Select Board has decided to suspend the department after Friday to coincide with his retirement. It will instead rely entirely on the state police for coverage, whose closest barracks in Cheshire are about 10 miles away. A TOWN WITHOUT A POLICE DEPARTMENT Other options were explored but none panned out. Qualified candidates applied for the position of chief, but Clarksburgs remote location proved chilling, according to Town Administrator Carl McKinney. In addition, Our salary is really not competitive in the market that is so short in academy-trained police officers, Williams said, referring to Massachusetts 2020 police reform, which mandates a full year of training for all police officers. Clarksburg tried negotiating with North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey about extending police protection from the city to Clarksburg. Unfortunately, our finances were in no manner, way, shape or form to absorb $300,000, McKinney said. So, while North Adams and Clarksburg police used to respond to one anothers calls, that mutual aid pattern is now broken, since Clarksburg can no longer reciprocate. POLICE REFORM STRAINS TOWN Clarksburg police have handled about 300 calls a year for the town with 1,652 people, but that number doesnt represent the total calls placed to police. We didnt have 24/7 coverage as it is, McKinney said. As weve had some of our part-timers age out and retire, we havent been able to replace them. Clarksburg used to have five or six part-time officers in addition to the full time chief. Then it had just one, in addition to Williams. I think the Legislature could have provided money for training because that is a huge bill on top of sending an officer to training, to the academy, for a year, McKinney said. He said hes spoken with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll about offering money for training. There doesnt seem to be an appetite for adjusting anything at this point, he said. He described the towns dilemma. If we spend the money to get an officer trained, and for the academy, and then bring him back to Clarksburg and can only afford to offer them maybe eight hours a week, well you know darn well theyre in demand, and clearly nobody would blame them for seeking to better themselves, McKinney said. That kind of leaves us with no good alternatives. Clarksburg is the second smallest town in Berkshire County by geographic size. Its budget of about $3 million pays for public water, sewer and an elementary school. And with about half the town owned by the state, there's a limited amount of taxable land. Will running a town without a police department save the town much money? Not really, McKinney said. We ran it on a shoestring as it is, $105,000, all inclusive, salaries and everything. We run a pretty lean operation in Clarksburg because we have to. WILLIAMS REMINISCES Williams was born in North Adams and graduated from McCann Technical School with a major in plant maintenance. He did carpentry at first and was hired a year out of high school as a police officer. He worked for 18 years as a part-time officer in Clarksburg, moving up through the ranks. He went through basic training for police officers from the state Criminal Justice Training Council in 2003. He was appointed Clarksburg's second full time chief 21 years ago, replacing Mark Denault. Williams said hell miss working with people. Its always got its good points and bad points, he said. Some people you cant please, but then theres days you please them. What wont he miss? The late nights, the long hours, getting called out of bed for 2 in the morning, he said, adding he won't miss having to clean off the truck and drive in the snow either. Williams isn't disappearing from town service. He will work part-time issuing Firearms Identification Cards. AN EMOTIONAL SEND-OFF FOR THE LAST CHIEF On Saturday, Williams wife and two adult children joined him for a picnic, as did extended family and townspeople. His daughter, Adrian Norcross, compiled quotations about her father as well as photographs of him in uniform, creating a poster. Memorabilia was set out on tables. Williams received cards and gifts from well wishers. His wife, Terri Williams, said she has a to-do list waiting for him at home. Norcross and her brother, Aaron Williams, both grew up in the police department. Today Norcross is a legal assistant, and she is planning to go to law school to become a prosecutor. He specifically said I wasnt allowed to go to the dark side, Norcross said, meaning criminal defense. Aaron Williams said he had a unique childhood getting a more personal look at what police work was like. He now works as an inventory associate at a marijuana facility. What does his father think? My dads always been kind of a black and white kind of guy with law, and since its legal, he doesnt really care, he said. SORRY TO SEE HIM GO McKinney, the town administrator, said hes sorry to see Williams retire. Were a small town and he served us well as emergency management director, as the animal control officer, and during the grand resignation post-COVID when we were down to a selectman and him, he said. Williams has also served as the towns assistant treasurer since 2016. That kind of versatility is not common in todays world, McKinney said. Hes been an asset. You dont appreciate what you have until you lose it. McKinney said Williams final act as chief was a fitting one. I think Mikes participation in the return of Marine Pfc. Erwin King was probably the best capstone for his career, he said. What a helluva nice way for him to end his service. Leading industry experts convene at Lindstrom Indias Bio-Pharma Roundtable to explore innovations and challenges Every person in the pharma industry has to take accountability for quality production of what they are producing- from the Chairman to the MD, the owner of the company or the board of directors down to the lowest person from whose hands the last product comes said Shyam Khante, President of Shyam Khante & Associates. He was speaking at the exclusive Bio-Pharma Roundtable organised by Lindstrom India, in association with TiE Chandigarh and BioSpectrum, held on 20th September in Baddi, that aimed to explore transformative innovations within the Indian bio-pharma sector including advancements in bio-pharma manufacturing, quality control, sustainability, and compliance with global standards. If medicine is produced with the same intent that what we consume will benefit ourselves, we will see the change continued Dr Sanjit Singh Lamba from Trillyum Consulting. Until we make people understand this, until we engage people, and until unless we motivate people to do work in the right way, things will never change from the pharma quality perspective said Avtar Singh from RQual Solutions. The discussion was well be moderated by Dr Manbeena Chawla, Executive Editor at BioSpectrum India, who persuaded the speakers to delve on topics such as USFDA observations, strategies to enhance workwear hygiene standards, and the implementation of quality assurance measures in response to recent global health concerns. The discussions also emphasised the adoption of technological advancements and ensuring compliance with global standards, all while supporting employee well-being. Speaking about the roundtable, Manas Kumar, Global Director of Pharma, Strategic Marketing and Business Development APAC, Lindstrom, said, "we plan to offer a unique opportunity for industry professionals to collaborate, share critical insights, and discuss solutions that will shape the future of the bio-pharma sector. We are committed to driving meaningful conversations that will help elevate industry practices to a global standard. This pivotal event delved into the transformative changes shaping the Indian bio-pharma industry, with a spotlight on advancements in manufacturing, sustainability, and workplace hygiene. The Bio-Pharma Roundtable brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of bio-pharma manufacturing, focusing on sustainability, quality assurance, and technological advancements. As India continues to strengthen its position in the global bio-pharmaceutical arena, the event with a very interactive audience from leading companies in the pharma industry, addressed critical issues facing the sector. Switzerland is voting on the Biodiversity Initiative today. dpa This Sunday, the people and cantons will vote on the Biodiversity Initiative. An overview. SDA No time? blue News summarizes for you The biodiversity initiative calls on the federal government and cantons to do more to protect biodiversity and the landscape. Supporters emphasize the importance of biodiversity for agriculture, health and the economy. Opponents warn that the initiative could severely restrict food production and other economic sectors. Show more Switzerland is voting on the biodiversity initiative today. The initiative, supported by environmental and landscape conservation organizations, calls on the federal government and cantons to do more for biodiversity. The most important points in brief: The initial situation Biodiversity in Switzerland has declined since 1900. Science and administration, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and also the European Environment Agency consider the current Swiss means for preserving biodiversity to be partially successful, as the Confederation writes. But they are not enough. According to the Confederation, it currently spends around CHF 600 million per year on biodiversity. Most of this money goes to farmers who promote biodiversity. The Confederation is currently working on a second Biodiversity Action Plan. The Federal Council would have liked to see an indirect counter-proposal to the biodiversity initiative. Among other things, this would have made 17 percent of land available for animals and plants instead of the current 13.4 percent. Cities and municipalities would have had to do more to protect biodiversity. However, the counter-proposal failed in parliament. The Federal Council and Parliament recommended that the initiative itself be rejected. What the initiative wants The initiative "For the future of our nature and landscape (biodiversity initiative)" was submitted at the beginning of September 2020 by the supporting association "Yes to more nature, landscape and building culture". The supporting association would have been prepared to withdraw its petition if Parliament had adopted the Federal Council's indirect counter-proposal. The initiative aims to oblige the federal government and cantons to better protect biodiversity, the landscape and architectural heritage. It calls for more land and more public funding for the preservation of biodiversity. It does not specify figures. Protected areas of national importance should be defined by the federal government and cantonal protected areas by the cantons. The initiative also calls for nature, diverse landscapes and beautiful sites to be protected outside protected areas. What the supporters say "Protect what we need": The Yes committee argues that biodiversity is the basis of life and is important for the economy and people's health. Agriculture, for example, is dependent on pollinating insects and fertile soil thanks to living creatures in the soil. And many tourists come to Switzerland because of the beautiful landscapes and villages. Protection and benefit could go hand in hand. The initiative committee argues that Switzerland is currently doing too little for its nature and landscapes and that there is an urgent need for action. It does not want to set numerical targets. After all, the preservation of biodiversity does not depend on a specific area, but on the quality of care and protection. The popular initiative is backed by seven supporting organizations, over sixty partner organizations, 24 cantonal committees and over 150 local groups. The SP and the Greens recommend a Yes vote. What the opponents say According to the No committee, the biodiversity initiative would severely restrict food production. The No Committee argues that 30 percent of the land area would become practically untouchable. Although this figure is not mentioned in the initiative, it is clearly the target figure of the initiators. The opposing committee also points out that, in addition to agriculture, electricity production using renewable energies would also be restricted, as would the forestry and timber industry and the use of mountain areas for tourism. The opposing committee consists of representatives from agriculture, the energy and construction industries, the forestry and timber industries, business associations and representatives from the SVP, FDP and the Center Party. The Federal Council finds the initiative too rigid. In the words of Environment Minister Albert Rosti, the text lacks a balance between biodiversity and the protection of the townscape on the one hand and the interests of the national economy on the other. SDA China remains top source of scientific "hot papers": report Xinhua) 10:53, September 22, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- China remains the top source of scientific "hot papers," contributing 48.4 percent of the global total, according to a think tank report released on Friday. Hot papers are scientific studies published within two years of their classification that have received a significant number of citations over the most recent two months and have been cited in the top 0.1 percent of their respective disciplines. China had published 2,071 hot papers as of July 2024, with the United States coming in second with 1,625, according to the report, which was released by the Ministry of Science and Technology's Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China. China ranked second in the number of highly cited papers, which are studies whose citations over the past decade rank in the top 1 percent of their respective fields. According to the report, China had 65,700 highly cited papers as of July this year, accounting for 33.8 percent of the global total and securing its second-place rank. The United States had produced 76,500 highly cited papers, or 39.3 percent of the global total and ranking first. The report also highlighted that in 2023, China published a total of 395 papers in the three most widely recognized scientific journals -- Cell, Nature and Science -- which led to its global ranking rise from fourth place in 2022 to second place last year. The number of China's scientific research papers has ranked first for many years, and the country will continue striving to fill the void in the production of top-quality papers, the report said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) A fresh row has erupted between the Irish Government and the contractor of the National Childrens Hospital over the projects spiralling cost and drawn-out timeline. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly sent a letter to the Taoiseach and senior ministers on Friday to outline concerns about a further delay. Advertisement It set out the latest updates from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) on the snagging and nish phase for the hospitals 5,500 rooms. Advertisement It is understood that the letter said the board views construction firm BAMs approach as based on extracting as much money from the Irish taxpayer as possible and that this is partly responsible for the delays. It also said the government must be clear and consistent in its response to this and any other contractor who might seek to attempt to hold the state to ransom. In a statement, BAM rejected the misleading, ill-informed and incorrect allegations. It in particular rejects the irresponsible claims by the minister that BAM is in any way seeking to extract as much money from the Irish taxpayer as possible and is holding the state to ransom. Advertisement It said the unhelpful claims have absolutely no basis in fact and described the disagreement as a highly complex construction dispute. In a statement on Sunday, the Department of Health said BAM had attempted to push a previous completion date of February 2025 back further and that according to the development board, BAM had shifted its completion date 14 times since it began work in early 2019. Stephen Donnelly (Brian Lawless/PA) Advertisement The board accused BAM of continued insistence that rooms and areas within the hospital were complete, when they were not, and said the firm was unwilling to resource the project appropriately. BAM said the project has always been fully resourced and it is fully confident in the quality of construction for the world-class hospital. It claimed that a key driver of delays were extensive changes to the building after a compliance audit, which required BAM to revisit the vast majority of ceilings in the hospital and remove and reinstall more than 2,200 devices such as smoke detectors and sprinkler heads. This level of change comes at an enormous financial and time cost which the minister has failed to recognise or present in his correspondence to the Taoiseach, it said. Advertisement BAM has complied at all stages with all requirements and provisions set out in the contract and has not been sanctioned by the NPHDB. Any application by the board to withhold money will be assessed by the employers representative and the standing conciliator. The boards previous attempt to take this action, alluded to by the minister, was overturned by an independent adjudicator and no money was withheld from BAM following this decision. The Department of Health said the board and the minister would not accept an inferior standard of completion on the largest health investment in the history of the state. This Government has been very clear that no further budget increases will be sanctioned, the department said. The total spent on the hospital is 2.2 billion after the government approved more than 500 million in additional spending in February. The amount includes millions for an expected payout to the contractor over ongoing disputes, as well as other contingency funding. The ministers expectation is that the contractor will meet its contractual commitments: produce a compliant programme, resource the project appropriately, and meet its own milestones to secure substantial completion as soon as possible, the department said. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has accused the Israeli embassy of leaking a letter in which he sent his best wishes to the new president of Iran. Mr Higgins is in New York where he addressed the UN Summit of the Future at the organisations headquarters. Advertisement Speaking to journalists after his address, Mr Higgins was asked about criticism he received for sending a courtesy letter to Masoud Pezeshkian, who became Irans president after his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May. Advertisement The Israeli embassy in Dublin criticised the letter to Mr Pezeshkian at the time, saying it sent the wrong message to the people of Iran living in fear under this brutal regime. Mr Higgins said on Sunday that the correspondence to Mr Pezeshkian was standard for when someone is a newly elected head of state. He added that the letter, which was leaked online in August, emphasised peace in the Middle East and the importance of diplomacy. When asked about the letter, Mr Higgins said: Why dont you ask where it came from? Where the criticism came from and how the letter was circulated and by whom and for what purpose? Advertisement When pushed on the matter, Mr Higgins said: It was circulated from the Israeli embassy. He added that he did not know how Israeli authorities would have obtained the letter and noted that Israels ambassador to Ireland was not in residence to consult. Israel recalled its ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, in May in response to Irelands recognition of a Palestinian state. Ms Erlich has not returned to Ireland since, a decision which the Israeli embassy said followed the troubling rise in anti-Israel discourse in Ireland and claimed that accusations against Israel crossed the line into vilification, incitement and libels. Advertisement It said these accusations created an inhospitable environment for the Jewish and Israeli communities in Ireland. We do hope that under different, more friendly conditions, Ambassador Erlich will resume her duties in Dublin and continue the important work ahead of her, the embassy said earlier this month. The Israeli Embassy in Dublin rejected President Michael D Higgins' accusation, Newstalk have reported. In a statement, it said the fact remains the letter was written, and therefore it is the burden of the author to defend its content, which did not mention the threat Iran poses in the region. Advertisement It said unfortunately, in Ireland, since the October 7th invasion by Hamas and massacre in Israel, Israel has been subjected to a high level of malicious statements and accusations that have often manifested as incitement to hatred. It described the accusation as baseless and highly inflammatory. Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin are to focus on conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Mr Harris and Mr Martin are travelling to New York on Sunday for several days of engagements at the high-level week. Advertisement President Michael D Higgins is to address the UN Summit of the Future on Sunday at the UNs headquarters. In his address, Mr Higgins will emphasise again the importance of food security for Africa and how to achieve a new, invigorated United Nations. Mr Higgins will also join Mr Harris and Mr Martin, as well as other heads of state and government, in attending the first day of the annual high-level general debate on Tuesday. Mr Harris will attend the Summit of the Future, will co-chair one of four interactive dialogues, and attend high-level events related to the situation in the Middle East and in Ukraine. Advertisement The Taoiseach will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with other leaders, including with the UN secretary general Antonio Guterres. Mr Harris said ahead of the events that his focus would be on the grave situation in the Middle East. The immediate priority of the international community must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Advertisement A dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance is urgently needed. The safety of UN and other humanitarian workers must be adequately protected. All efforts must be made to prevent escalation in the region and I call on all sides to practise restraint. The Taoiseach, who recently returned from a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv, said that Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine would also be raised, as would the devastating conflict in Sudan. Advertisement Mr Martin said ahead of the trip that the UN event was a key international moment for Ireland and indeed the world. I look forward to working with like-minded partners and, vitally, those with whom we may not agree, to seek solutions and find a way forward to build a more peaceful, prosperous, just and sustainable world. I also look forward to engaging with a wide range of counterparts to discuss the urgent need to address the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. On Sunday, Mr Martin will attend a working dinner meeting with other ministers on the Middle East hosted by the International Peace Institute. Advertisement On Tuesday, he will attend the opening ceremony of the UN General Assembly and hold a range of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers. The timing of the next general election and delays in construction of the National Children's Hospital are among the stories that feature on Sunday's front pages. The Sunday Times leads with an interview with Taoiseach Simon Harris, in which he insists he will only discuss a date for the general election with coalition colleagues after the October 1st budget. Advertisement The Sunday Independent leads with a story on the snag list from the National Children's Hospital. Gardai attempted to seize RTE footage of the Dublin riots, the Irish Mail on Sunday reports. Advertisement In todays paper: - Gardai tried to seize RTE riot footage - SF: Well abolish USE below 45k - Rhasidats on track to break the bank And lots more pic.twitter.com/RGnLDj8B6s Irish Mail on Sunday (@IrishMailSunday) September 21, 2024 Businesssman Paddy McKillen jr is preparing to move to LA, the Business Post reports. Advertisement Our front page today. Pick up a copy in stores or subscribe at https://t.co/LyVcHklEWC for these stories plus: Minister calls for cut on alcohol duty and hospitality Vat Flipdish shelves US expansion plans PTSB boss on fintech lending pic.twitter.com/duI0WRfSRS Advertisement Business Post (@businessposthq) September 22, 2024 The Sunday World leads with a story on a gangland crackdown. Advertisement The Sunday Life leads with a story on a criminal linked to a large heroin seizure. Sunday's UK papers are led by further developments in the alleged misconduct by Mohamed Al Fayed. The Sunday Times reports the Crown Prosecution Service twice failed to bring charges against the late billionaire, who has been accused of rape and sexual misconduct. The Sunday Times: Fayed escaped charges twice over sex abuse#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/OiO2LofDYD Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) September 21, 2024 The Sunday People says the charity Cancer Research UK is reviewing whether it will continue taking funds from Mr Al Fayeds estate. Elsewhere, The Observer and Sunday Mirror both lead with the UK prime minister vowing not to go down the road of austerity. The Observer: Starmer: I will protect public services from fresh austerity#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WjKOhHOSWr Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) September 21, 2024 The Mail on Sunday dubs Mr Starmer Sir Shameless after he was pictured in a corporate box at a Tottenham Hotspur game. The Mail on Sunday: Sir Shameless is at it again!#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/vFu0EsHtK8 Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) September 21, 2024 The Sunday Express says the prime minister has been urged by allies to ditch chief-of-staff Sue Gray amid a row with the Cabinet Secretary. Sunday Express: Ditch 'toxic' aide ton end chaos#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/IcKnMO9OcW Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) September 21, 2024 The Sunday Telegraph carries comments from Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick, who says terror suspects waltz in on small boats. The Sunday Telegraph: Terror suspects 'waltz in' on small boats, says Jenrick#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WXFsVH4w63 Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) September 21, 2024 The Sun on Sunday leads with former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Zara McDermott returning to the show as a ballroom guest following the exit of her dance partner Graziano Di Prima. In July, the Italian dancer revealed his departure from the BBC One dancing competition following reports about his treatment of reality star McDermott, whom he danced with in 2023. The Sun on Sunday: Strictly bounces back with Zara #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/bpVjbZovQm Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) September 21, 2024 And the Daily Star Sunday says a fifth of people would elect to save their pet over their mother-in-law if there was an alien invasion. Daily Star Sunday: Close encounters of the fur kind#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/N5d0OGRph5 Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) September 21, 2024 The New York Times leads with a story on investigations into Donald Trump's political rivals when he was the US president. Marxist-leaning politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake leads early official results in Sri Lankas presidential election, according to tallies released on Sunday by the Election Commission. However, he is still short of the 50% needed for victory. Advertisement The election held on Saturday is crucial as the country seeks to recover from the worst economic crisis in its history and the resulting political upheaval. The election, contested by 38 candidates, was largely a three-way race among Mr Dissanayake, incumbent liberal president Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Mr Dissanayake was leading with 47% of total votes counted, followed by Mr Premadasa with nearly 28% and Mr Wickremesinghe with 15%. Mr Wickremesinghes foreign minister Ali Sabry congratulated Mr Dissanayake on the social platform X and said he hopes Mr Dissanayake will lead with a commitment to transparency, integrity, and the long-term good of the country. Advertisement After a long and arduous campaign, the results of the election are now clear. Though I heavily campaigned for President Ranil Wickremasinghe, the people of Sri Lanka have made their decision, and I fully respect their mandate for Anura Kumara Dissanayake. In a democracy, it is M U M Ali Sabry (@alisabrypc) September 21, 2024 Advertisement I wish Mr. Dissanayake and his team every success in their efforts to lead Sri Lanka forward, Mr Sabry added. However, neither Mr Wickremesinghe nor Mr Premadasa has conceded defeat. If no candidate secures at least 50% of the total votes there will not be a separate runoff. Advertisement The Sri Lankan election system allows voters to select three candidates on their ballots in the order of their preference. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two will be retained and the ballots of the eliminated candidates will be checked for preferences given to either of the top two candidates, and those votes will be added to their respective tallies. The candidate with the highest number of votes after that will be declared the winner. The election was a virtual referendum on Mr Wickremesinghes leadership of a fragile recovery, including restructuring Sri Lankas debt under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme after it defaulted in 2022. No major incidents were reported during the vote but authorities declared a countrywide curfew until midday on Sunday as a precaution, police said. Advertisement There were 17 million eligible voters and final results are expected on Sunday evening. Sri Lankas president Ranil Wickremesinghe (Eranga Jayawardena/AP) The government announced on Thursday that it passed the final hurdle in debt restructuring by reaching an agreement in principle with private bond holders. At the time of its default, Sri Lankas local and foreign debt totalled 83 billion dollars (62.3 billion). The government says it has now restructured more than 17 billion dollars (12.8 billion). Despite a significant improvement in key economic figures, Sri Lankans are struggling with high taxes and living costs. Both Mr Premadasa and Mr Dissanayake say they will renegotiate the IMF deal to make austerity measures more bearable. Mr Wickremesinghe has warned that any move to alter the basics of the agreement could delay the release of a fourth tranche of nearly 3 billion dollars (2.2 billion) that is crucial to maintaining stability. An intimate crowd gathered around a blue bus and listened intently while Hadley Duvall, an abortion rights advocate and a supporter of Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, told how she was raped and impregnated by her stepfather at age 12. Ms Duvall ultimately had a miscarriage but said that under new abortion laws in her home state of Kentucky, she would have been forced to carry the pregnancy to term. Advertisement Aleyda Garcia, 53, held a Harris campaign sign in Spanish and teared up. Her son Brandon Rodriguez, 18, wiped a drop from his mother's cheek. A first-time voter, he had yet to decide between Ms Harris, a Democrat, and the Republican Donald Trump. Ms Duvall's story, part of the Harris campaign's "Reproductive Freedom" bus tour, made Ms Garcia think of her granddaughters. "You never know when something can happen like that," Ms Garcia said. "I want them to have a choice." Reuters followed the bus tour for two days in Pennsylvania. Most who showed up support Ms Harris while a few, like Mr Rodriguez, came to hear more about her. Voters like him make up the small group who could swing the November 5th election. Advertisement Democrats see abortion rights as a popular issue for Ms Harris to use against Mr Trump, a Republican who, while president, appointed three Supreme Court justices who in 2022 helped overturn the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling that had legalised abortion nationwide. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from August 21st-28th found a majority of voters, including 34 per cent of Republicans, want the next president to protect or increase abortion access. Mr Trump says he backs abortion rights in circumstances of rape, incest or when a mother's life is in danger, but says it's up to each state to decide for itself, and some allow no exceptions. He denies Democrats' assertions he plans to sign into law a national ban on abortions. Battleground states The bus will make at least 50 stops that began with a few laps around Mr Trump's Florida home in West Palm Beach. It will hit all seven battleground states expected to decide the election. The aim is to take the fight to small-town and neighbourhood voters that big rallies will not reach. Advertisement Spokespeople hop off and on the bus and include Ms Harris' husband Doug Emhoff, actors, influencers, local radio hosts, podcasters and senators. Stops include colleges, health centres and beer halls in places like Allentown, population 126,000. "You can get into communities that you dont get to as easily with principals flying in and out," said Morgan Mohr, senior campaign adviser for reproductive rights who rode the bus through the battleground states of Florida, Georgia and North Carolina before arriving in Pennsylvania. Ms Harris has vowed to bring back Roe's protections, although to do so she would likely need a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress - a long shot in the 2024 election. In Allentown, a left-leaning city that is more than 50 per cent Latino, the campaign gave out empanadas to appeal to a demographic group that Democrats have been losing ground with in recent years. Advertisement Honduran-born Garcia, a Democratic voter since she became a citizen, heard about the event that morning on a local Spanish-language radio station. One of the featured speakers was radio host Victor Martinez, whose first political endorsement in a three-decade career was for Ms Harris. Ms Garcia said she brought her son, who works at an amusement park, so he could hear from the campaign and make an informed voting decision. "I think Ill probably vote for Harris," Mr Rodriguez said, after the programme ended. He said he still found Mr Trump funny, but didn't want him to be president again. Israeli troops raided the offices of the satellite news network Al Jazeera in the Israeli-occupied West Bank early on Sunday. Israel has also ordered the bureau to shut down amid a widening campaign by Israel targeting the Qatar-funded broadcaster as it covers the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Al Jazeera aired footage of Israeli troops live on its Arabic-language channel ordering the office to be shut for 45 days. It follows an extraordinary order issued in May that saw Israeli police raid Al Jazeeras broadcast position in East Jerusalem, seizing equipment there, preventing its broadcasts in Israel and blocking its websites. The move marked the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country. However, Al Jazeera has continued operating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories that the Palestinians hope to have for their future state. Advertisement Israeli soldiers take up position next to buildings destroyed by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip (Leo Correa/AP) There was no immediate acknowledgement of the shutdown by Israeli forces. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Al Jazeera denounced the move as it continued broadcasting live from Amman in neighbouring Jordan. Advertisement Israeli troops entered the office and told a reporter live on air it would be shut for 45 days, saying that staff needed to leave immediately. The network later aired what appeared to be Israeli troops tearing down a banner on a balcony used by the Al Jazeera office. Al Jazeera said it bore an image of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist shot dead by Israeli forces in May 2022. The network has reported on the Israeli-Hamas war nonstop since the militants initial cross-border attack on October 7 and has maintained 24-hour coverage in the Gaza Strip amid Israels grinding ground offensive that has killed and wounded members of its staff. Advertisement Israeli soldiers following Israeli strikes during an attack in the Gaza Strip (Leo Correa/AP) While including on-the-ground reporting of the wars casualties, its Arabic arm often publishes verbatim video statements from Hamas and other regional militant groups. That has led to Israeli claims by officials up to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the network has harmed Israels security and incited against soldiers. Advertisement Those claims have been vehemently denied by Al Jazeera, whose main funder, Qatar, has been key in negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire to end the war. An order closing Al Jazeera in Israel has been repeatedly renewed in the time since, but it had not yet ordered the Ramallah offices closed. Britain's Princess of Wales has been seen in public for the first time since her cancer treatment ended. Kate, with her husband Prince William, joined Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla at church in Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday. Advertisement It comes after the princess confirmed in a deeply personal video shared earlier this month that she will return to public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy course. Advertisement In the video, Kate said: I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. She had been receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer since late February, with Charles beginning his cancer care earlier that month following his diagnosis after treatment for an enlarged prostate. While receiving treatment, Kate had been undertaking some work behind the scenes, meeting with her staff and representatives from the centre but these were not officially recorded. Advertisement On Tuesday, she was listed in the official record of royal events for the first time since her cancer treatment ended. Kate made her first public appearance after announcing her diagnosis at Trooping the Colour (Jonathan Brady/PA) Kate was featured in the Court Circular after holding a meeting at Windsor Castle about an issue that aides in the past have described as her lifes work the early years development of children. Advertisement Kate took some time away from public engagements after being diagnosed with cancer. She attended Charles' birthday parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, in June and the following month presented the winning trophy in the mens Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz. She was also seen joining William, Charles and Camilla at Crathie Church, near Balmoral Castle, in August. The UN General Assembly has approved a blueprint to bring the worlds increasingly divided nations together to tackle 21st-century challenges from climate change and artificial intelligence to escalating conflicts and increasing inequality and poverty. The 42-page Pact for the Future challenges leaders of the 193 UN member nations to turn promises into real actions that make a difference to the lives of the worlds more than eight billion people. Advertisement The pact was adopted at the opening of the two-day Summit of the Future called by UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, who thanked leaders and diplomats for taking the first steps and unlocking the door to a better future. Advertisement We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink, he said. Now it is our common destiny to walk through it. That demands not just agreement, but action. The UN chief challenged the leaders: Implement the pact. Prioritise dialogue and negotiations. End wars tearing our world apart from the Middle East to Ukraine and Sudan. Reform the powerful UN Security Council. Accelerate reforms of the international financial system. Ramp up a transition from fossil fuels. Listen to young people and include them in decision-making. The pacts fate was in question until the last moment. Advertisement There was so much suspense that Mr Guterres had three prepared speeches, one for approval, one for rejection, and one if things were not clear, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. No-one is happy with this pact, said Russias deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin. The summit opened with him proposing amendments that would have significantly watered down the pact. Speaking on behalf of Africas 54 nations which opposed Russias amendments the Republic of Congo countered with a motion not to vote on the amendments. Advertisement I welcome the adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact & the Declaration on Future Generations - a step-change towards more effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism. I've been fighting for the ideas in these documents since the first day of my pic.twitter.com/zF1b29D5d1 Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 22, 2024 Advertisement That motion was approved to applause. Russia only got support from Iran, Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua, Sudan and Syria. Assembly president Philemon Yang then put the pact to a vote and banged his gavel, signifying the consensus of all 193 UN member nations that was required for approval. Russia has made significant inroads in Africa in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Central African Republic and the continents rejection of its amendments along with Mexico, a major Latin American power, was seen as a blow to Moscow by some diplomats and observers. Mr Yang announced ahead of speeches by world leaders that they would be muted after five minutes a rare occurrence at the United Nations, where words are the backbone. Among those who kept talking after their mics were silenced were Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Kuwaits Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah and Irish President Michael Higgins. The Pact for the Future says world leaders are gathering at a time of profound global transformation, and it warns of rising catastrophic and existential risks that could tip people everywhere into a future of persistent crisis and breakdown. Yet, it says, leaders are coming to the UN at a time of hope and opportunity to protect the needs and interests of present and future generations through actions in the Pact for the Future. NEWS: The Pact for the Future has been adopted by member countries by consensus at UN Headquarters in New York. The adoption will help pave the way for greater international cooperation for #OurCommonFuture. pic.twitter.com/JnennVi2Jb United Nations (@UN) September 22, 2024 The pact includes 56 actions on issues including eradicating poverty, mitigating climate change, achieving gender equality, promoting peace and protecting civilians, and reinvigorating the multilateral system to seize the opportunities of today and tomorrow. Mr Guterres singled out a number of key provisions in the Pact for the Future and two accompanying annexes, a Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. The pact commits world leaders to reform the 15-member Security Council, to make it more reflective of todays world and redress the historical injustice against Africa, which has no permanent seat, and to address the under-representation of the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America. It also represents the first agreed multilateral support for nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, Mr Guterres said, and it commits to steps to prevent an arms race in outer space and to govern the use of lethal autonomous weapons. The Global Digital Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence, the UN chief said. The compact commits leaders to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel in the United Nations to promote scientific understanding of AI, and its risks and opportunities. It also commits the UN to initiate a global dialogue on AI governance with all key players. The pacts actions also include measures to mount an immediate and co-ordinated response to complex shocks including pandemics, Mr Guterres said. And it includes a groundbreaking commitment by governments to listen to young people and include them in decision-making. As for human rights, Mr Guterres said: In the face of a surge in misogyny and a rollback of womens reproductive rights, governments have explicitly committed to removing the legal, social and economic barriers that prevent women and girls from fulfilling their potential in every sphere. What the business press didnt seem to know is that Keltys big issues are hardly likely to have much in common with big businesss big issues. And I very much doubt that Albaneses industrial relations changes would have been among them. There are plenty of good reasons for being disappointed with this governments performance. Also last week, former Labor heavy Gareth Evans has accused the Albanese government of political timidity, condemning its instinct to move into cautious, defensive, wedge-avoiding mode. Former Labor minister Gareth Evans. Evans said in a speech: One cant avoid the impression that more and more people are asking: what exactly is this Labor government for? Just so. Now thats a criticism many of us could share, without bearing the government any ill-will and, unlike the business lobby groups, without our disappointment concealing some purely self-interested barrow were pushing. Loading I think its past time voters were told more about the major role the many lobby groups play in federal politics. Its as though lobbying has become Canberras second-biggest industry. The business, employer and industry lobby groups engage in three main activities. First, they lobby the government, top bureaucrats and key senators in private, without any of us noticing. They press for policy changes that would make it easier for their businesses to increase their profits, and press against policy changes that would make it harder for their businesses to increase profits. After just about every proposal to change a government policy, Treasury or some other department opens a consultation, inviting interested parties to say (in private) what they think about the merits and practicality of the proposed changes. This is when the Canberra-based lobby groups, and private firms of lobbyists (many of them former politicians or ministerial staffers from the party that happens to be in power) swing into action. Responding to these offers of private consultation with the bureaucracy is the main way they earn their living. Their objective is always to persuade the bureaucrats to persuade the government to tone down the change, making it less restrictive and costly to the businesses theyre representing. Often their argument will be that its a nice idea but, unfortunately, hugely impractical. Would cost them millions to comply. A second role of the lobby groups is to respond publicly to changes their clients dont like with exaggerated claims about the death and destruction the changes will cause. Just about any increase in the minimum wage will lead to thousands of Australians losing their jobs, were told. The latest changes to industrial relations rules will bring conflict to every workplace in every industry. Loading They exaggerate to ensure their press releases are picked up by the media. Their purpose is partly to put pressure on the government (or the Fair Work Commission), but mainly to use the media to send a signal back to their fee-paying member businesses around the country: Dont worry, youre getting good value for having us here in Canberra fighting tirelessly to protect your interests against the wicked government. The lobby groups third role is the one we saw last week. Once all your private lobbying has failed to deter the government from doing something your clients really hate, take the fight public. You try to pressure the government via the voters, by cooking up an argument that the people wholl suffer most from the changes you dont like arent the shareholders and bosses of the businesses you represent, but the countrys ordinary workers and consumers. Well be forced to pass all the new tax on to our customers. So well be right, but were really worried about what the governments doing to our poor customers. (In which case, why are you fighting the tax so hard?) As for all the industrial relations changes designed to reduce the insecurity of so many workers and to give workers in smaller businesses the ability to gain some bargaining power by uniting with workers in other businesses, this wont improve workers job security, pay or conditions, but will stifle investment and productivity, make Australian businesses less competitive against the sweat shops of Asia, and cause many people to be unemployed, were told. Some of these arguments contain a grain of truth, but theyre attempts to use concocted, pseudo-economic arguments to con ordinary voters into believing their interests coincide with the interests of big business, and so get them to pressure the government to stop doing things that business objects to. As soon as news first surfaced of a possible royal visit in October, the jostling began for a piece of King Charles III. Yes, there was horsey jostling between Neil Wilson, chair of the Victoria Racing Club, and Peter Vlandys, chief executive of Racing NSW, to land King Charles and Queen Camilla on their respective pieces of racing turf, an issue decided when the Kings cancer diagnosis left no room in the royal program for Melbourne, or anything not deemed a worthy royal cause (e.g. the nags). Cheers to that: King Charles and Queen Camilla will seize opportunities to meet and greet Australians, but not to walkabout. Credit: PA But CBD can reveal theres been a bit of vice-regal bickering over the question of where Rex will lay his royal head each night. The CFMEU always do that, but not with me. You do that for everybody [else] but you dont do it for my blokes my blokes are untouchable, Alex says. Loading They cant do it with our guys, cant. F--- em, they they need their kicker, they need money, the union, they (indistinct) they they come to us so they need us to make money. Alex was previously found by a 2015 royal commission to have given regular kickbacks to senior union officials in return for their support of his firms, including those who not only ripped off the ATO, but also union members. In the recording, Alex can also be heard describing how he would use a manager of his Queensland firm Global HR, Jamie McHugh, a former Builders Labourers Federation organiser, to settle any union issues. Jamie is the son of Alexs tax fraud co-conspirator, Kevin McHugh, but was not charged with any wrongdoing, and this masthead does not suggest he engaged in wrongdoing. I would never let that happen, that thatll never happen, Alex tells Bryers regarding a blue with the union. I go what are you doing Jamie, you got you ne need help bro, just gotta ask (indistinct) were milking the f--- out of it cause we pay the extra f---in consultant your um uh sponsorship your victim fund. Mark Bryers was a key architect in the George Alex tax fraud. Credit: Wolter Peeters Alex says he advised Jamie to let the CFMEU put pressure on the builder but not him: You gotta get the union to go in and go listen were gonna f--- ya over here but make sure all the boys be there but wont touch ya. In separate wiretaps, Bryers who was also convicted for his role in Alexs tax fraud scheme is recorded talking to another accused conspirator in early 2020 about Sydney firm Eastside Formwork, which he claimed owed him a tonne of money, including for getting it a CFMEU enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA). The accused co-conspirator tells Bryers and again you know the EBA and stuff didnt come for free, to which Bryers replies: I know that too, mate I was at the forefront of having to deal with that shit. Bryers was enlisted to assist Eastside Formwork from 2018 after the ATO pursued its boss Dane Stojics previous company, Rediform, for significant tax debts. Bryers used Inestimable Holdings a company I set up to take the fall to pay Eastside workers wages but not their taxes, which totalled $3 million in less than a year. But Bryers also claimed he handled Stojics union issues: I had to go in and save his [Stojics] arse with the unions and while he was away overseas, and he was bloody all over the place psychologically, to pay up all of his entitlements for nine months to save his company, he is recorded saying. Despite the pay issues, Bryers says then-CFMEU NSW assistant secretary Rob Kera whom Stojic had once provided with a character reference offered Eastside a new CFMEU EBA. Four months later, in July 2020, Eastside went into receivership owing $6 million in PAYG taxes and about $1 million in wages and entitlements to 260 workers. Loading The CFMEU successfully pressured builders, including Hutchinson and Parkview, to pay Eastsides unpaid wages, even as it granted another agreement to a new Eastside company that same month. That firm would collapse six months later owing the ATO $1.6 million. Westburn Advisory liquidator Shumit Banerjee is currently pursuing Stojic for almost $9 million in a lawsuit that alleges he was part of a scheme to avoid PAYG tax over a decade. Stojic has denied any wrongdoing. Eastside and Stojic were not part of the George Alex tax fraud scheme. However, Bryers is recorded on wiretaps saying he wanted Eastside to be part of the broader Alex syndicate and to use the franchise structure that Bryers developed on Eastside to legitimately avoid paying taxes. Stojic said through his lawyers that he had no knowledge of any dealings that Mr Bryers had with the union involving any purported payment for an EBA. Mr Stojic also denies any suggested, or implied, involvement in Mr Bryers dealings with George Alex, or any scheme that may have been developed by Mr Bryers for the avoidance of the payment of tax, his lawyer said. Bryers dealings on Eastside appeared to help him net a rare labour hire agreement from the CFMEU NSW, in the name of Andrew Hegedus a straw director whom Bryers had recruited and whom he used for Alexs companies. Hegedus, who wasnt charged and gave evidence for the prosecution in the Alex trial, had two companies, Bryers claims in a wiretap recorded in May 2020 one of which has got a labour hire for NSW [laughs] from CFMEU done as a favour for Eastside. The CFMEU signed a greenfields agreement for Hegedus Formwork Consolidated Labour in March 2020. The firm was deregistered after Australian Federal Police arrested Alex, Bryers and others over the tax fraud in July that year. Wilmington, North Carolina: Donald Trump has returned to North Carolina, stumping in the southern battleground state with direct appeals to women, claiming he would be a better champion for them than Vice President Kamala Harris, who is vying to become the first female president. Trump campaigned in Wilmington, along the states southern coast, without Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, the GOP gubernatorial nominee and one of the former presidents top surrogates in the state, following a CNN report about his alleged posts on a pornography websites message board. He did not mention Robinson during a speech that lasted just over an hour. Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at North Carolina Aviation Museum. Credit: AP CNN reported that Robinson posted sexually explicit and derogatory content on an adult website, including describing himself as a Black Nazi, condoning slavery, using antisemitic language and discussing watching young women shower. Robinson has denied writing the posts, which include lewd and racist comments, saying that he wouldnt be forced out of the race by salacious tabloid lies. Trumps campaign has appeared to distance itself from Robinson in the wake of the CNN reporting, which the AP has not independently verified, saying in a statement that Trump is focused on winning the White House and saving this country and calling North Carolina a vital part of that plan, without mentioning Robinson. His scholarly work includes his formidable and harrowing book Bloodlands, which describes the hideous period in the 1930s and 1940s when as many as 14 million people perished one way or another at the hands of Hitler and Stalin, with Ukraine a particularly awful mass grave. When he published that book 14 years ago, he must have hoped didnt we all? that such large-scale bloodshed wouldnt be seen there again. He has also written political and polemical journalism and books, notably On Tyranny (2017). Inspired by the numb horror he and so many Americans like him felt at the election of Donald Trump, the book looked back at the way fascism had so widely succeeded in 20th-century Europe, not least by using democratic means to destroy democracy. Snyder sought lessons which might help guard against any such American disaster, even if in my view the suggested historical comparison doesnt really work. There may be an American people, but there is no American Volk, and the objective conditions for anything that could be called fascism dont exist in the United States, although there might yet well be something very nasty. Now, as another election approaches, Snyder has returned with On Freedom. A longer antithetical companion to the earlier book, it is part memoir, part meditation and part manifesto. Between descriptions of his time in Eastern Europe and reflections on the events there in recent decades, there are invocations of his personal heroes, from European thinkers who lived and died in the Bloodlands days such as the philosophers Simone Weil and Edith Stein, to more recent rebels against despotism such as the former Czech president Vaclav Havel and the Polish historian Adam Michnik. And there are plenty of sharp phrases: Donald Trump proved to be a compelling sadopopulist; Oligarchs do not just have the biggest piece of the pie. They often have the pie cutter; Freedom justifies government. For a very long time now, from Aristotle and Kant to John Stuart Mill and Isaiah Berlin, philosophers have discussed the question of freedom and unfreedom. Snyders episodic and discursive book doesnt really belong in that company or make a sustained argument, but he does follow Berlins Two Concepts of Liberty. Indeed, Snyder is more scathing than Berlin about negative freedom. This is merely the absence of restraint or coercion, but it can also mean the freedom to starve to death or die of untreated disease. It is, he writes, a necessary condition for freedom, not the thing itself. The positive or substantive freedom in which a good life can be led, Snyder argues, is the kind that might take collective action. With all his deep absorption in Eastern Europe, Snyder has no illusions about the dilemma of freedom in his own country. Apart from his work as a professor, he teaches prisoners, which gives him a keener appreciation of the unique horrors of American mass incarceration. Again and again, his book returns as Snyder has done himself to Ukraine, where he sees the conflict between freedom and unfreedom in brutally vivid form. He begins in Posad Pokrovske, a village in southern Ukraine, which was completely destroyed by the first Russian advance but whose inhabitants have now returned to live as best they can among the ruins. From here forward the book is haunted by Ukrainian suffering and Russian violence. Then what? We can all agree that Vladimir Putin is a bloodthirsty brute, whose invasion of Ukraine was a shameful act of aggression. Having said that, I personally would wish this horrible war to end as soon as possible, which will almost certainly mean with some degree of compromise. When Snyder writes that, for America to remain the land of the free half a century from now, Ukraine must win its war against Russia, does he really believe thats possible? Does winning mean a Russian capitulation comparable to the German generals unconditional surrender in May 1945? The only way anything of the kind could conceivably happen would be following a coup to overthrow Putin, a most desirable outcome but improbable at present. And when Snyder writes that if Ukraines allies fail it, tyrants will be encouraged around the world, and other such wars will follow, some of us are old enough to feel that weve seen this movie before. It was called the domino theory, and it was invoked to justify the Vietnam War fought in the name of freedom, but bringing much unfreedom in its wake. This may seem a gloomy and unhelpful way to end a review of a stimulating and well-intentioned book. Of course Snyder is right, in the sense that his hearts in the right place. I share his horror at crimes past and present. I only wish I could share his optimism about the future. The reviewer is the author, most recently, of Bloody Panico!: or, Whatever Happened to the Tory Party 2024 The New York Times News Service IPEF is a 14-member group launched by US President Joe Biden over two years ago. | File Photo India on Sunday signed key agreements focused on clean and fair economy, as well as an overarching arrangement under the US-initiated Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for prosperity. The pacts were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis three-day visit to the US for the Quad Summit. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp IPEF is a 14-member group launched by US President Joe Biden over two years ago with an aim to enhance the economic competitiveness and prosperity among the member countries. The framework is structured around four pillars trade (pillar I), supply chain resilience (pillar II), clean economy (pillar III), and fair economy (pillar IV). India ratified the supply chain resilience agreement earlier this year in February and has maintained an observer status in the case of trade pillar. Apart from India, the 13 other members of the IPEF are Australia, Brunei, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, US and Vietnam. OVERARCHING AGREEMENT The overarching agreement is an administrative agreement towards establishing an oversight ministerial-level mechanism. It aims to facilitate the effective implementation of pillars II, III and IV. The three pillars have the potential to enhance India's productive capacity, integration into supply chains, and promote innovation, in line with its focus on being self-reliant. This Agreement seeks to establish a high-level political oversight framework at the ministerial level over the various individual IPEF agreements, while setting general guidance and goals, and guiding leaders' vision and mandate for IPEF. This agreement primarily includes administrative and institutional provisions, the department of commerce said in a statement on Sunday. This agreement would provide identity to the group and longevity to the IPEF partnership, by creating a formal mechanism and establishing a forum for ministerial discussions on emerging issues, etc, the statement said. While the rest of the IPEF members had signed the overarching agreement during the groupings ministerial meeting in June, India could not formally sign the pact since the domestic approval process was still underway. The Union Cabinet gave approval for signing and ratification of the agreementsclean economy, fair economy, and the overarching IPEF agreement earlier this month. PILLAR III and IV The clean economy pact aims to facilitate investments, project financing, including concessional financing, joint collaborative projects, workforce development and capacity building for industries, in particular for the small business, and facilitate further integration of Indian companies in the global value chains, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement on clean economy aims to promote technical cooperation, workforce development, capacity building, and research collaborations; and collaborate to facilitate development, access, and deployment of clean energy and climate-friendly technologies with the aim to collectively accelerate efforts of IPEF partners towards energy security and transition, climate resilience and adaptation and GHG emissions mitigation, the statement said. The pact on fair economy aims to create a more transparent and predictable trade and investment environment across the Indo-Pacific regions. To achieve these goals, the IPEF partners will collaborate to enhance their efforts in preventing and combating corruption, including bribery, and supporting initiatives to improve tax transparency, the exchange of information, domestic resource mobilisation, and tax administration. It focuses on enhancing information sharing among partners, facilitating asset recovery, and strengthening cross-border investigations and prosecutions. This will also support India's efforts in fighting corruption, money laundering, and terror financing, the statement said. Delhi-based think tank GTRI said now that India has formalised its commitments, it is crucial that the government provides detailed briefings to industry stakeholders about the agreements signed. Sharing the legal text alone will not be enough, as businesses require clear insights into how these commitments will impact sectors, compliance needs, and long-term policy goals, GTRI said in a report. Additionally, there is concern that India might have committed to minimum standards for clean energy technologies in the domestic market, which could force reliance on imports and negatively impact local producers. India needs to ensure it can support its own industries during the clean energy transition, the report said. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi said Quad was not against anyone and was here to stay. "Free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our priority," Modi said in his opening remarks on Saturday at the summit hosted by President Joe Biden and also attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Four years since elevating the Quad to a leader-level format, the grouping is more strategically aligned than ever before and is a force for good that delivers real, positive, and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific, a joint declaration by the four nations said after the Leaders Summit in Delaware, United States. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity. Anchored by shared values, we seek to uphold the international order based on the rule of law, the Wilmington Declaration by the nations read. Wilmington is the hometown of the US President. Quad announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable the partners in the region Indo-Pacific partners to maximise tools to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior. India will host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. The grouping also unveiled a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, to pursue shared airlift capacity among the four nations and leverage collective logistics strengths during natural disasters. The coast guards of all four nations will have a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 in the Indo-Pacific to improve interoperability. Biden was caught on a hot mic telling leaders of the Quad nations that China was testing them. We believe Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimise the turbulence in China, Biden told the leaders at the Summit. He added that China continued to "behave aggressively, testing us all across the region on several fronts, including on economic and technology issues". Officially, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, (Quad) was conceived in 2017 by the United States, India, Japan and Australia as a space to cooperate for safeguarding shared security and other interests in the Indo-Pacific region. However, observers have pointed out that the forum's main objective is to counter Chinas military and economic rise in the same waters. On the sidelines, the Indian PM had a bilateral meeting with Biden at his home in Wilmington. Biden commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, according to a joint bilateral statement released by both nations after the meeting. Bangladesh also figured in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral and multilateral meetings. There was an exchange of views with regard to the situation there, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. India and US were both working to unlock $1 billion in new multilateral finance through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for clean energy projects, including in India. "The funding could support supply-side manufacturing capacity expansion for key technology verticals, focusing on solar, wind, battery, energy grid systems, and high-efficiency air conditioner and ceiling fan supply chains," it said. The Leaders also announced the selection of 11 funding awards between the National Science Foundation and Indias Department of Science and Technology, supported by a combined $5 million-plus grant to enable joint US-India research projects in areas such as next-generation telecommunications, connected vehicles and machine learning. The San Francisco Fire Department and the city Department of Public Works are mopping up a large diesel spill caused by a leaking big rig on Friday at 28th an Noe Streets in Noe Valley. Bill Hutchinson Firefighters in San Francisco put out a small fire on the rooftop of a downtown building that officials said was caused by a discarded cigarette. Crews were dispatched at about 4:20 p.m. Saturday to a mixed-use building at 46 6th St. Residents were evacuated while firefighters knocked down the blaze, extinguishing it before 5:30 p.m. Nobody was injured in the fire, said fire department spokesperson Lt. Mariana Elias. None of the homes in the building were damaged, he added, though part of the attic was burned. He said that residents would be allowed to return to their homes shortly. Advertisement Article continues below this ad India has announced a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth $500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific. These scholarships will enable students to pursue a four-year undergraduate engineering programme at a Government of India-funded technical institution, said the Wilmington Declaration issued after the fourth in-person Quad Summit. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Hosted by President Joe Biden, the Quad Leaders' Summit took place on Saturday in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware. It was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. "India is pleased to announce a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth $500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a 4-year undergraduate engineering programme at a Government of India-funded technical institution," the declaration read. According to the declaration, the Quad is committed to strengthening the deep and enduring ties between our people, and among our partners. Through the Quad Fellowship, we are building a network of the next generation of science, technology, and policy leaders. The Quad governments also welcomed the second cohort of Quad Fellows through the Institute of International Education, which leads the implementation of the Quad Fellowship. Students from students Asean countries will also be included for the first time, it said. The Government of Japan is supporting the programme to enable Quad Fellows to study in Japan. The Quad welcomes the generous support of private sector partners for the next cohort of fellows, including Google, the Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital, the declaration read. The Quad Leaders' Summit this year was earlier supposed to be held in India, but President Biden was keen to hold the event in his hometown. The US, Japan, India, and Australia had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. The four-member Quad, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, advocates upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. China claims that the grouping aims to contain its rise. The summit this year is a farewell event for both US President Biden and Japan Prime Minister Kishida before they step down from their respective offices. On space, the Quad leaders "recognise the essential contribution of space-related applications and technologies in the Indo-Pacific." "Our four countries intend to continue delivering Earth Observation data and other space-related applications to assist nations across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate early warning systems and better manage the impacts of extreme weather events," the declaration said. Also, India's establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius, to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact was welcomed by the Quad leaders, the declaration said. Chawla mentioned that last November's Naples Conference on Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century explored the synergies between the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 2003 ICH Convention | Credits: @MinOfCultureGoI Ahead of the UN Summit of the Future, India on Saturday told a key global meeting of culture ministers in Italy that it is "incumbent upon us to advocate vociferously" for the inclusion of culture as an autonomous goal within the Pact for the Future. The summit in New York, to be held on September 22 and 23, will produce an inter-governmentally negotiated, action-oriented Pact for the Future with chapters on issues ranging from sustainable development and financing for development to international peace and security. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp An Indian delegation led by Arunish Chawla, the secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture, along with Lily Pandeya, the joint secretary in the ministry, took part in the Special Session of G7 Ministers meeting on Culture in Italy's Naples, the ministry said in a statement. In his address, Chawla emphasised recognising culture not as a "static relic of our collective past, but as a dynamic catalyst for growth", it said. He advocated that the recognition of culture as a standalone goal within the post-2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is "not merely a diplomatic triumph". It is a "paradigm shift in our conceptualisation of development itself", Chawla said. "As we stand on the cusp of the United Nations Summit of the Future, it is incumbent upon us to advocate vociferously for the inclusion of culture as an autonomous goal within the Pact for the Future," he was quoted as saying in the statement. Chawla mentioned that last November's Naples Conference on Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century explored the synergies between the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 2003 ICH Convention. "It was during India's G20 presidency, that one of our expert-driven Global Thematic Webinars spotlighted the necessity of this synergy on a global platform for the first time," the statement said. The meeting was also attended by culture leaders of the African Union, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the US along with the heads of UNESCO, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the African Development Bank. The Naples Statement was signed on 'Culture for the Sustainable Development of Africa and the World'. It is aimed at working with African governments to leverage culture as a driver of sustainable development, the Culture Ministry's statement said. The Naples Statement seeks to foster "reciprocal knowledge sharing" with African governments and cultural institutions to support efforts to boost cultural and creative sectors and industries; protect cultural property from illicit trafficking; promote, safeguard and sustainably manage cultural heritage and strengthen the presence of Africa on the UNESCO heritage lists, it said. Considering the importance of culture as a transformative driver and an enabler for the achievement of SDGs set out in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the full recognition and integration of culture and the creative economy into the development processes and policies has been underscored while promoting the inclusion of culture as a standalone goal in future discussions on how to advance sustainable development beyond 2030. It was also agreed to support culture and sustainable development in Africa by fostering partnerships and policies that align with African governments' development priorities, and respect the cultural diversity of African countries, the ministry said. On the sidelines of the G7 outreach session, Chawla held bilateral meetings with the Italian minister of culture; director general of ICCROM, and the US delegation. Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao attended the bilateral meetings. Important issues related to cultural cooperation were discussed during the meetings, the statement by the Culture Ministry said. In the talks, Modi and Biden welcomed the teaming of Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering for the co-development and co-production of unmanned surface vehicle systems that will strengthen undersea and maritime domain awareness (Photo: PTI) US President Joe Biden welcomed the progress towards India concluding the procurement of 31 long-endurance MQ-9B armed drones from American defence major General Atomics as he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to boost two-way reciprocal supply of defence hardware amid common concerns over China's growing military might. The US President hosted Modi at his personal home in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday afternoon and the two leaders held wide-ranging talks covering various key aspects of India-US ties including ways to further ramp up bilateral defence and military engagement. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp A joint fact-sheet on Modi-Biden talks said the two leaders recognised the remarkable progress achieved under the US-India defence industrial cooperation roadmap, including ongoing collaboration to advance priority co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems. "President Biden welcomed the progress towards India concluding procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment, which will enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of India's armed forces across all domains," it said. India is procuring the 'hunter-killer' drones (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) from US Defence major General Atomics at a cost of over $ 3 billion primarily to crank up its surveillance apparatus along the frontier with China as well as in the Indian Ocean region. It is learnt that the price negotiations for the procurement have been sealed and both sides are likely to formally conclude the deal by next month. The remotely piloted drones are capable of remaining airborne for around 35 hours and can be deployed on a range of missions. However, there was no specific mention of the ambitious plan to co-produce F-414 fighter jet engines in India. In June last year, GE Aerospace inked a pact with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to co-produce the engines. In the talks, Modi and Biden welcomed teaming of Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering for the co-development and co-production of unmanned surface vehicle systems that will strengthen undersea and maritime domain awareness. The two leaders also applauded the recent conclusion of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), enhancing the mutual supply of defence goods and services, according to the fact-sheet. "Both Leaders committed to advance ongoing discussions on aligning their respective defense procurement systems to further enable the reciprocal supply of defence goods and services," it said. President Biden also welcomed India's decision to set a uniform Goods and Services Tax (GST) of five percent on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, including on all aircraft and aircraft engine parts. The appreciation came as the simplified tax regime will pave the way for building a strong ecosystem for MRO services in India. The leaders also encouraged the industry to foster collaboration and drive innovation to support India's efforts to become a leading aviation hub. Modi and Biden also lauded commitments from the US industry to further increase India's MRO capabilities, including for the repair of aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. The two leaders also hailed the recent teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd on the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft programme. Eyeing India's requirement of military transport planes, Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd announced on September 10 a "teaming agreement" to expand engagement through the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter project. The announcement was seen as a significant step in enhancing India's defence and aerospace capabilities. "Building on longstanding industry cooperation, this agreement will establish a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the readiness of the Indian fleet and global partners who operate the C-130 Super Hercules aircraft," the joint document said. "This marks a significant step in US-India defense and aerospace cooperation and reflects the two sides' deepening strategic and technology partnership ties," it said. Delving into futuristic collaborations, Modi and Biden commended work to advance cooperation in advanced domains, including space and cyber. Areas of new cooperation will include threat information sharing, cybersecurity training, and collaboration on vulnerability mitigation in energy and telecommunications networks. The prime minister and the president also complimented the growing defence innovation collaboration between the two governments, businesses, and academic institutions fostered by the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) initiative launched in 2023. "They welcomed the enhanced collaboration between the Indian Ministry of Defence's Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and US Department of Defence's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) through the Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Silicon Valley Summit," the fact-sheet said. Jordan Monroe, who works in the housekeeping department at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square, protests outside his workplace on Sept. 1 during a Labor Day weekend strike. Workers returned to the picket lines Sunday. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Irom Thockchom of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, left, joins a protest outside the Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square in support of hotel workers on strike on Sept. 1. About 1,500 San Francisco hotel workers walked off the job again Sunday. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle About 1,500 San Francisco hotel workers walked off their jobs Sunday to protest what they say are painful workloads and inadequate wages for the cost of living and health care in the Bay Area. Organized by Unite Here Local 2, the strike comes after months of contract negotiations with the Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square, Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Westin St. Francis as well as a three-day strike over the Labor Day weekend. Workers on strike included housekeepers, bellhops, cooks, dishwashers, servers, bartenders and others, whose previous contract in San Francisco expired on Aug. 14. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Labor Day weekend action, in which nearly 2,500 Bay Area hotel workers struck at seven hotels, was the biggest walkout since 2018. The strike underscores the difficulty that many service and hospitality workers have had in recovering from a pandemic economic slump that has left downtown San Francisco with fewer shoppers, visitors and tourists. Daly City City Council member Pamela DiGiovanni, right, rallies alongside hotel employees, local officials and members of Unite Here Local 2 union outside of the Grand Hyatt SFO in South San Francisco on Sept. 2. Workers returned to the picket lines Sunday. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Michael DAngelo, Hyatts Americas head of labor relations, had said during the Labor Day strike that the hotel operator was disappointed and remains willing to negotiate. He pointed to that statement when asked for comment Sunday. Our colleagues are the heart of our business, and Hyatt has a long history of cooperation with the unions that represent our employees, including Unite Here, he said in a statement. We look forward to continuing to negotiate fair contracts and recognize the contributions of Hyatt employees. Hyatt hotels have contingency plans in place to minimize impact on hotel operations related to potential strike activity. The Westin St. Francis hotel will remain open through the strike, spokespeople said. We have well-established protocols in place to operate our properties and take care of guests in the event of any impact to staffing, the Marriott News Center told the Chronicle in a statement. We remain available to meet with the local union negotiating committee to reach an agreement that is fair to all parties. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For the hotel industry, labor unrest is an unwelcome disruption as they try to weather the post-pandemic recovery, the effects of remote work and a lag in the return of high-spending Chinese tourists and public safety concerns. In August, contracts expired at 55 Bay Area hotels that collectively employ around 10,000 workers, including San Franciscos biggest properties: the Fairmont, St. Regis, Marriott Marquis, Westin St. Francis and Palace Hotel, as well as Hilton Union Square and Parc 55, which were given up by owner Park Hotels & Resorts last year after business struggles. Striking workers chose not to walk out during last weeks Salesforces Dreamforce 2024 conference, according to a news release. Salesforce made a commitment to keep Dreamforce in San Francisco for three more years. They stepped up and did the right thing, so we did too, said Lizzy Tapia, president of Unite Here Local 2. San Francisco cant recover without a strong hotel industry, and the hotels cant recover unless were cleaning the rooms, cooking the meals, and helping travelers with their bags. We need the hotels to make our jobs sustainable so we can keep doing that work. Tapia said that while the hotel industry is recovering, workers are being left behind as they try to fight for affordable health care and raises to support their families. Many workers have said their jobs are harder and more painful than ever, said Tapia, who called on the hotels to do the right thing for their guests and workers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The union also said workers have reported having to work two or three jobs to make ends meet and that too many hotels took advantage of the pandemic to cut staffing and suspend guest services that were never restored. Thats led to workers losing jobs and income, creating increased workloads for others. Hotel employees, local officials and members of Unite Here Local 2 union picket outside of the Grand Hyatt at SFO in South San Francisco on Sept. 2. Hotel workers returned to the picket lines Sunday. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Jin Ling Zie, a housekeeper at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square for 10 years, said she joined the strike because she has to work two jobs to support her family. I love my job, and going on strike wasnt an easy decision, but its what I have to do for my family, Ling Xie said. My job at the Hilton isnt enough to pay all the bills, so Im always worried about the family budget. My kids are in high school, and I dont know how I will pay for their college. Things are hard right now, but I know that when we fight together, we can win a better future. The San Francisco strike comes amid other strikes across the country. Thousands of hotel workers are striking at Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Omni hotel properties in 12 destinations across the U.S. More than 10,000 workers are on strike in Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu, San Jose, Seattle, Oakland and other cities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep appreciation for US President Joe Biden for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. Prime Minister Modi is in the US for a three-day visit to further strengthen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp He attended the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday hosted by President Biden in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware. "Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. @POTUS @JoeBiden," Prime Minister Modi posted on X. In July, India and the US signed their first agreement to prevent illegal trafficking of cultural property and return of antiquarian objects to their place of origin. "Preserving heritage and culture: restituting antiquities. The US side has facilitated the return of 297 stolen or trafficked antiquities during the visit of PM @narendramodi to US," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. "PM @narendramodi and @POTUS @JoeBiden witnessed a few antiquities on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting as a symbolic handing over of the artefacts. India and USA recently signed the first ever Cultural Property Agreement to prevent illegal trafficking of cultural property and retrieval of antiquities," Jaiswal posted. After wrapping up the Quad Leaders' meeting in Wilmington, Modi has left for New York to address a key conclave at the United Nations. In New York, Modi will 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. The prime minister's other engagements include participating in a round table with CEOs of American firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors. Urging the fishing community to avail the benefits offered through the Kisan credit card, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said it would help boost their trade. At a BJP membership drive here, Sitharaman said members of the fishing community who's applications were rejected by banks and financial institutions, may approach her for redressal. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Prime Minister Narendra Modi felt the need for a separate department to address the issues related to fisheries and therefore, a dedicated department has been set up, she said in her address. "There are a lot of schemes for the welfare of the fishermen and they can avail term loan facilities to grow their businesses." Pointing out that a dedicated Kisan Credit Card was launched by the Centre to serve farmers' community, PM Modi suggested that a similar mechanism be developed to serve those who have been traditionally engaged in ocean farming along India's coastline for several years, Sitharaman said. "It is not only to serve the Tamil Nadu fishing community but also those who are living along India's coastline for thousands of years." She observed that women hailing from the community are also eligible to take term loans from banks and financial institutions by producing the Kisan credit card. "Normally, to take loan from banks one has to provide security like furnishing his or her house document or jewellery. But to avail loan under the KCC, the government will give you guarantee on your behalf, so that you may get the services from banks and financial institutions," she said. Sitharaman appealed to the fisherfolks to make use of the Kisan Credit card to get cheap loans from banks. "If any of the banks or financial institutions reject your application forms seeking loans, you may please contact me through the BJP representatives present in the dias her for redressal," she said amid thunderous applause. In her brief address to the gathering, Sitharaman suggested the fishermen to export their products as overseas consignment of prawns, shrimps bring in better revenues than the sales made in the domestic market. "You have to look for exports to boost your businesses." Another scheme - the Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) -- has also been introduced by the government which facilitates collateral free working capital loans to street vendors, Sitharaman noted. On the membership drive, the Minister said, "We are the single largest party in the country. The word 'largest' is measured based on the membership of the people. Not by a physical structure. It is only in the BJP that any one hailing from varied backgrounds can become a leader, unlike some parties which are focused on developing their own family," she said without naming any party. She further said that BJP supports and encourages anyone to become a leader in the party. "... I am here to encourage you all to join the party, to strengthen it by conducting this membership drive." Later, she posed for photographs with people who joined the party at the function. According to the UK-based SWA data, the equivalent of 167 million bottles were exported to India in 2023, up 27 per cent from 2019. | Photo: Bloomberg India's rising affluent class is fuelling a surge in high-end spirits sales, with Scotch whisky and fine wines registering double-digit growth, outpacing consumption rates in the US and China, according to a Switzerland-based researcher. "One subcategory where India surpasses China and is growing at double the rate of the USA over a five-year CAGR is Scotch luxury whisky," Simon Joseph, a senior luxury brand builder and consumer experience expert based in Zurich, said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Joseph, a researcher with Glion Institute of Higher Education, said according to various data forecasts, the luxury Scotch whisky market is also growing at 16 per cent CAGR up to 2024-end. Scotch whisky exports to India grew at a compound annual growth rate of 66 per cent up to 2022, outpacing the US, China, and other significant markets, Joseph said, citing data from the UK-based Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). According to the UK-based SWA data, the equivalent of 167 million bottles were exported to India in 2023, up 27 per cent from 2019. "The US, in value, is still dominant in the consumption of Scotch whisky; India now is the biggest consumption in terms of volume, just overtaking France. Scotland remains the biggest exporter of Scotch whisky," Joseph said. Joseph helps companies in the luxury sector scale their brands and brand strategies for emerging and developing luxury markets. He recently completed an Executive Master's in Luxury Management at Glion Institute of Higher Education (GIHE), based in Montreux. The findings were part of his "India as the Next Frontier for Personal Luxury" thesis submitted during his education programme. GIHE is an institute under Sommet Education, known for luxury and hospitality education, which is becoming popular among Indian students seeking a global education in these sectors. Joseph said though a late entrant in the luxury spirits landscape, India is rapidly gaining prominence in the sector, emerging as the fifth-largest market for Scotch luxury whisky. "In luxury Scotch whisky, India remains the fifth largest market behind the USA in first position, followed by France, Singapore, and Taiwan. But India has seen the fastest CAGR of all five countries at 16 per cent. India also showed the most buoyant Scotch whisky consumption growth during and after the COVID pandemic," he said. Experts attribute this unexpected penchant for luxury Scotch whisky and fine wine to India's expanding economy and a growing number of high- and ultra-high-net-worth Indians seeking premium products, even in liquor consumption. "Whisky drinking has become a social ritual in India. It is mostly enjoyed with friends and family during celebrations and functions," Joseph said. Regarding rare and fine wines, although China is currently larger than India by USD value, fine wine sales soared 22.8 per cent CAGR in India, eclipsing China's single-digit growth, the researcher said in his thesis submitted to the Institute. Joseph noted that this trend is growing and will persist, especially with India's expanding economy and increasingly discerning consumer base eager to indulge in premium products that reflect their aspirations and lifestyles. According to the 2024 Hurun India Rich List, India has 334 billionaires, up 75 from last year. The UBS and Credit Suisse joint wealth report for 2023 also pegs HNWI growth at 69 per cent. Personal luxury in India is valued at Rs 256,176 million (EUR 2,821 million), and according to Euromonitor International, the Indian personal luxury market is set to grow over the next five years to Rs 347,355 million (EUR 3,823 million) at constant prices, Joseph said. Autumn Brown Garibay, parent-teacher association president of Leonard R. Flynn Elementary School in San Francisco, speaks Sunday during a public comment session at the Board of Education building. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Supporters and opponents of keeping San Francisco schools open prepare for public comment at the Board of Education office Sunday. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle San Franciscos embattled superintendent will remain on the job, the school board decided Sunday, but will be under pressure to prove himself while a team of top city officials will descend on the district to help address dysfunction and lapses in leadership. The outcome is a stunning admission that the district cannot handle the crisis alone. The problems are so serious that Mayor London Breed felt the need to intercede by sending her top administration officials into the district to analyze district finances and support operations and board members willingly accepted. The mayor is also allocating $8.5 million to be used by her staff sent to the district, or what she is calling the School Stabilization Team, to pay for emergency needs and programs to alleviate the chaos. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The school boards decision to retain Superintendent Matt Wayne came during an emergency closed-door meeting Sunday. The meeting was preceded by emotional public comment, with some parents and educators urging the board to keep current leadership and others supporting a clean slate at the top. Its clear the parents and school staff want stability, school board President Matt Alexander told the Chronicle after the decision. The board is going to rigorously monitor progress, and I think the support from the city will be real and significant. Matt Wayne will remain as superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, but he faces pressure to prove himself while a team of city officials seeks to address dysfunction and lapses in leadership. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle 2022 The weekend session to decide the fate of the districts leadership came as the the city schools face one of the most difficult and tumultuous years in memory, including a fiscal crisis that is edging toward a state takeover as well as a plan to close schools to address decades of declining enrollment, leaving 14,000 empty seats across 102 San Francisco Unified sites. Alexander said at the start of the meeting that he called the unusual if not unprecedented emergency session because several issues have come to light in the past couple of weeks that have been very concerning regarding the leadership in the district. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That includes a delay in the announcement of the school consolidation plan, he said, because Wayne wasnt ready to release the list of sites recommended for closure on Sept. 18. The release has been delayed to sometime in October. In addition, Alexander referred to two stories in the Chronicle in recent days that brought to light significant hiring issues, including a significant $20 million budgeting error that resulted in the failure to create teacher and teacher aide positions for special education classrooms, leaving students without their legally required educators weeks into the school year. Supporters of keeping San Francisco schools open prepare for public comment at the Board of Education building Sunday. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Alexander also said the superintendent has not fully explained a second hiring fiasco that resulted in social workers and others who were offered jobs in the spring and then strung along for months while the district determined whether the positions were necessary given a state-enforced hiring freeze. There are a number of significant and very concerning issues, he said. The board has not received full information on what plan is for our district on these issues and how to move forward. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wayne did not attend the meeting. Alexander and the superintendent issued a joint statement later in the afternoon, vowing to chart a path forward. Our public schools should be places where we harness the power of education to unlock each and every students potential, they said. We recognize that the last few months have been filled with uncertainty and doubt. There have been instances when SFUSD has fallen short and this is not acceptable. The letter shared next steps, which will require Wayne to focus on four priorities: balancing the budget and eliminating the deficit; fixing fiscal and operation systems; passing the facilities bond on the November ballot; and rightsizing the district with fewer but better schools. School board President Matt Alexander and the superintendent issued a joint statement pledging to chart a path forward for the beleaguered school district. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle While Wayne cant campaign to pass the $790 million bond, which would upgrade facilities and invest in healthy meals, Alexander clarified his role in the effort is to restore public trust. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As Superintendent I agree that these priorities are critical to our success, and I am ready to demonstrate effective leadership and make progress in these areas, Wayne said in a statement cosigned by Alexander. I will be accountable to the Board of Education, which represents the vision and values of our community. The letter did not address the concerning issues Alexander cited that led to the emergency meeting, but he acknowledged separately that they remained a concern. We recognize that actionable steps need to be taken and we have discussed and are creating a plan with the superintendent, he told the Chronicle. Its imperative that our leaders deliver results. We will be revisiting his evaluation in December. Maria Su, left, and Phil Ginsburg, shown during a 2020 visit to the Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center, will lead the mayors team overseeing the S.F. school district. Su is executive director of the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, and Ginsburg is general manager of the Recreation and Park Department. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle 2020 The mayors team will be led by Maria Su, executive director of the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, as well as Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the Recreation and Park Department. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The group will also include top officials from the Citys Controllers office, the Human Services Agency, the mayors office and the Department of Human Resources. The team will also include an education adviser, Carl Cohn, who is a former superintendent in Long Beach and San Diego, as well as a former state Board of Education member, a federal court monitor for Los Angeles Unified and a senior research fellow at Claremont Graduate University. With so many questions around SFUSDs fiscal situation, potential school closures, and outlook for families, Im deploying top city leaders and expert staff to help the School Board and District leadership navigate the coming months, Breed said in a statement. I wouldnt be where I am today without San Franciscos public schools and I will do whatever it takes to make sure our current students have the support today that I had growing up here. Breed noted that Su and Ginsburg have experience supporting children and families, while also overseeing facilities, logistics and balanced budgets. The mayor also sent a letter to district families Sunday explaining what actions she is taking and why she is sending staff into the district. I know this is a very difficult time for families in our public schools in this City, she said in the letter. There are more questions than answers. Questions around financial stability, school closures, and the long-term outlook for our students, educators, and families. Her team of subject-matter experts, she said, will provide independent analysis and support, so that students, parents and educators can have confidence that the decisions being made are based on sound information, best practices, and rigorous analysis. Trust is essential if we are going to get through the difficult choices ahead, Breed said. And we will help build back that trust. Supryia Ray, parent and school board candidate, calls for stability during a public comment session before the Board of Educations private meeting. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Earlier in the day, public opinion was split on whether to keep Wayne on the job. What we need in this moment is stability, parent Supryia Ray, a candidate for the school board, said during public comment Sunday before the private meeting. Stop this dysfunction. Enough emergencies. Some who attended the emergency session defended Wayne, saying he inherited many problems, including a payroll fiasco and a budget shortfall. There are no simple solutions, said Helen Parker Leigh, principal of Sherman Elementary. Mistakes will be made along the way. (Firing him) will increase anxiety and uncertainty at a time when we need stability the most. A few parents and teachers, however, urged the board to start over with a new leader. My problem with Matt Wayne is it doesnt feel like he listens to the parents, said Anna Gracia, a parent at San Francisco Community School. I understand people dont want the tumult. If you have a leader who isnt leading well, what is the point in keeping him? Others criticized the districts plan to close schools whether Wayne stays or goes. The polls were held on Saturday from 7 am to 4 pm local time at over 13,400 polling stations in 22 electoral districts in the election which had the highest number of candidates, 38, but no female aspirant for the top post (Photo: Wikipedia) Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the Marxist JVP's broader front National People's Power (NPP), has consolidated his lead to be declared the winner in just concluded Sri Lanka's crucial presidential election. On Saturday, Sri Lankans voted to elect a new president for the first election since the economic meltdown in 2022. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The voter turnout in the presidential election was around 75 per cent. Lower than the 83 per cent polled in the previous presidential election held in November 2019. In the cumulative vote count declared by 7 am on Sunday, 56-year-old Dissanayake amassed 727,000 votes or 52 per cent against his nearest rival 57-year-old Sajith Premadasa, the main opposition leader who received 333,000 votes at 23 per cent. The incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe, 75, was trailing way behind with 235,000 votes at 16 per cent. Dissanayake won 21 of the 22 postal district votes while bagging several results declared thus far from the 168 geographical parliamentary seats from different districts. Wickremesinghe is yet to concede defeat but his Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on X congratulated Dissanayake for his win. "After a long and arduous campaign, the results of the election are now clear. Though I heavily campaigned for President Ranil Wickremasinghe, the people of Sri Lanka have made their decision, and I fully respect their mandate for Anura Kumara Dissanayake. In a democracy, it is crucial to honour the will of the people, and I do so without hesitation," Sabry wrote on X. "I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Dissanayake and his team," he added. Premadasa camp senior Harsha de Silva too congratulated Dissanayake. NPP sources said they would be visiting the presidential secretariat on Sunday to discuss the formalities of the transition in the morning hours. The swing Dissanayake garnered was of unbelievable proportions despite pre-poll expectations of his victory which was considered foregone, analysts said. Dissanayake's NPP had only garnered 3 per cent of the vote in the previous election - the 2020 August parliamentary election. Sri Lanka's crisis has proven an opportunity for Dissanayake, who has seen a surge of support due to his pledge to change the island's "corrupt" political culture. This time, the minority Tamil issue is not on the agenda. Instead, the nation's battered economy and its recovery have taken centre stage with all three front runners vowing to stick with the IMF bail-out reforms. Dissanayake and Premadasa want to tinker with the IMF programme to give more economic relief to the public. The polls were held on Saturday from 7 am to 4 pm local time at over 13,400 polling stations in 22 electoral districts in the election which had the highest number of candidates, 38, but no female aspirant for the top post. Voters in Sri Lanka elect a single winner by ranking up to three candidates in order of preference. If a candidate receives an absolute majority, they will be declared the winner. If not, a second round of counting will commence, with second and third-choice votes then taken into account. For the October debate, CNN has offered both campaigns a format similar to the June debate, in which Trump and Harris would field moderators' questions for 90 minutes without a live studio audience (Photo: PTI) US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has accepted the invitation for a presidential debate hosted by CNN against her Republican rival Donald Trump and challenged the former president to accept the same. "I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23. I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me," Harris posted on X. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Notably, Harris and Trump debated earlier this month in a debate moderated by ABC News, in which the Vice President appeared to dominate against the former president with targeted barbs. "Vice President Harris is ready for another opportunity to share a stage with Donald Trump," campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon said in a statement. "Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate." The first presidential debate took place between Trump and President Joe Biden, in which the latter's poor show mounted concerns over his age leading him to bow out of the campaign. The President then endorsed Kamala Harris for the race, who soon got the party's official nomination. For the October debate, CNN has offered both campaigns a format similar to the June debate, in which Trump and Harris would field moderators' questions for 90 minutes without a live studio audience. Following the debate with Harris, Trump has taken contrasting stands on having a third debate. Initially, he posted on Truth Social, "THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" But last week, he suggested that he might be open to participating in a third presidential debate following his September 10 face-off with Harris hosted by ABC in Philadelphia. "Maybe if I got in the right mood," he told reporters during a stop in California. Harris' campaign last week dismissed Trump's announcement that there would not be another debate, with one senior adviser saying the former president "changes his position every day." The vice president, meanwhile, immediately called for another debate, saying, "I believe we owe it to the voters," CNN reported. The US presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 5. The CNN debate accepted by Harris on October 23, if happens, will come right in the climax of the presidential campaign. Police arrested a 61-year-old Santa Rosa man for allegedly starting fires near an elementary school. Rafe Swan / Getty Image Santa Rosa police arrested a man suspected of starting a series of fires near an elementary school last week, officials said. From last Monday through Friday, firefighters responded to and extinguished four small brush fires in the area of Southwest Community Park at 1698 Hearn Ave., adjacent to Meadow View Elementary School, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department. The fires all burned less than an acre of land and were put out without any damage to structures, police said. The most recent fire, set on the elementary schools property around 1 p.m. Friday, burned one-quarter acre and prompted the school to shelter-in-place due to heavy smoke. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A fire inspector noticed a suspicious man near the scene of the fire, but he left before police contacted him, police said. Officers later found his vehicle parked at a hotel on the 2600 block of Corby Avenue. Police identified a suspect and obtained a search warrant for his hotel room later that day. At approximately 9:50 p.m., police served the warrant and arrested James Conforti, 61, of Santa Rosa. Detectives found clothing that matched witness descriptions, digital evidence placing Conforti near the scene of the fires, and several lighters, police said. Conforti was booked into the Sonoma County jail on four counts of arson, as well as an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for a hit-and-run collision in Santa Clara County. Jail records show he remained in custody as of Saturday evening. The United Nations will support Bangladesh in its reform initiatives, including police and election reforms, undertaken by the interim government, a top official of the world body said on Sunday. The chief of the UN in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus here and discussed a wide range of issues, including reforms, corruption, floods, the Rohingya crisis, and the UN-led investigation into the July-August violence, The Daily Star newspaper reported. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Lewis expressed her support for the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government and thanked Yunus for taking up the extraordinary role, the paper said. Yunus, 84, recently announced the formation of six commissions to reform the judiciary, election system, administration, police, anti-corruption commission and the constitution. The Nobel laureate took oath as the head of the interim government on August 8, three days after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India following widespread protests against her government. Yunus said this was the "most unifying moment" for the whole nation and the main job of his government was to "set an example" for everyone. "This is a great opportunity for the country to reform the economy and fix almost every institution," he said. The chief adviser said the government has made police reform a top priority and added that the government was also committed to setting up an integrated national IT system, which will ease hassles and cut corruption in the country. Yunus said the government has also formed a commission to make major reforms in the electoral system so that free and fair voting can be held. The resident coordinator said that the UN-led team had already started investigating the violence and murders that took place in July and August when Bangladesh was rocked by massive student protests over quota reforms for government jobs. Lewis said the UN has provided USD 4 million for the post-flood rehabilitation in the country's eastern and southern regions which affected 18 million people since the beginning of the monsoon. She said the UN was coordinating aid from the agencies and charities for the flood victims. The chief adviser sought the UN's help in instituting an early warning system for floods in South Asia. They also discussed environmental, climate change, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts issues, the paper said. Live music was back as Jack L took to the stage in Visual during Culture Night Carlow IT SEEMS like a lifetime ago since Hollywood actress Saoirse Ronan casually sat quietly on the concrete bench outside the front of Visual in Carlow. Rebecca Storm as Frau Breitner performs the opening song during Letters from the Front in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre Back then, the superstar, who grew up in Ardattin, Co Carlow, was the most sophisticated 16-year-old you could imagine. Dressed in an 'I love New York' vest, black t-shirt, a light pink blazer and flat shoes, she looked every inch a movie star, even at such a young age. At this stage, Visual had not yet celebrated its first birthday. Molly McLoughlin. performing with Spotlight Stage School. Fast forward to today, and Saoirses stardom shines even brighter than it did on that balmy September evening in 2010, when she popped into the George Bernard Shaw Theatre to present awards for Carlow Regional Youth Services volunteer celebration. Music generations trad group performing at the official opening of the Pan Celtic Festival in Visual, Carlow last year The actress is one of many celebrities who have visited Visual over the past decade-and-a-half and been photographed by The Nationalists Michael ORourke. However, its the excited young people who have been involved in pantomimes, school plays and workshops who stand out most for the photographer. It always brings a smile to my face when Im in the wings watching the performances, said Michael, who is always impressed by the production qualities of musicals staged there by local companies. Kayla Kehoe along with the cast of Striking Productions panto Jack and the Beanstalk in Visual, Carlow last Christmas The children are so talented from Spotlight and Striking Productions. Take young Emmy Nolan, for example, Ive known her since her mum Shauna Ray Lacey was crowned Carlow Rose. You can spot young people who are destined for the stage. Molly McLoughlin is a teenager who stands out, but there have been so many, addes Michael. Junior members of Spotlight Stage School Ella Lilly Hyland is another actress who started out as a member of Carlow Youth Theatre, based at Visual, but was destined for bigger things. She starred opposite Poldark actor Aidan Turner in Fifteen-Love and will be performing in the Abbey Theatre as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival later this month. Keelin McDonald as Juno Boyle and Zoe Hayden as Mary Boyle on stage during the Carlow Little Theatre Societys presentation of Juno and the Paycock in Visual Michael ORourke says he enjoys getting a glimpse into the worlds of acting, contemporary dance and visual arts. Members of Carlow's Balley Barn performing in their show back in 2018 The atmosphere behind the scenes at Visual is something else before a show whatever it is, you can feel the buzz. You also get exposure to art you wouldnt otherwise experience in Carlow. Ive always been made to feel so welcome at Visual by all of the staff, from those at the front of house to the bar staff and even all the way up to Brian in the sound box. Theyre a super-helpful team. Former minister Martin Cullen with Majella Swan and members of Cralow Youth Orchestra at the official opening of Visual 15 years ago Last Friday 20 September, the contemporary arts centre marked its 15th birthday with a party on Culture Night. Renowned author Colm Toibin joined in the festivities with art, music, theatre, cinema and more. Nobody could deny President Joe Bidens decline after his faltering and unintelligible performance in the June 27 debate against Donald Trump. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The energy and momentum of Kamala Harris presidential campaign have diverted attention from the crippling handicap it was born with, for which we can thank a stupendous press failure that has yet to be acknowledged, let alone explained. Despite the enthusiasm around Harris candidacy, lets be clear: Launching a national campaign from a standing start 15 weeks before the vote and she was a low-profile No. 2 in an unpopular administration, as standing a start as a presidential hopeful gets is a longshot. Its something nobody else ever tried, so history is no guide to how futile it will be. Forcing Joe Biden out, no matter how admiringly it is being portrayed, was a feat of 11th-hour improvisation, a makeshift response to a historic political calamity that now seems to have been inevitable, but which somehow, inexplicably, had gone largely unreported. If Harris loses, explanations will be abundant. But one reason of incalculable importance will undoubtedly be the haste with which her candidacy was spackled together after Biden stepped aside July 21. The shortened runway denied her the months of nonstop exposure any largely unknown candidate needs to woo the following that victory demands. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So what took Biden so long? And to the point: How could the decline in capacity and fitness that nobody bothers to deny anymore remain invisible to the public until his faltering and at times unintelligible performance during the June 27 debate with the former president, Donald Trump? For that, we have the cream of the nations news media to thank. Indeed, if the medias reticence about Bidens fitness only delayed the inevitable, leaving his successor with an impossible task and clearing the path for Trumps return to the Oval Office, it would be the most serious press failure in a generation. Not since 2003, when the countrys top media bought the Bush administrations fiction that Iraq was developing nuclear weapons and enabled a catastrophic war, would journalists have failed in their principal duty to the public with such consequence. To be sure, Bidens candidacy had been understood as problematic for months. As early as April 2023 some 70% of voters including half of Democrats polled didnt want him to run again. But his unpopularity was blamed on a widespread but vaporous impression among people who saw him as too old. Was he? True, Biden looked bad; always slender, he increasingly seemed frail. But his public appearances seemed reasonable, sometimes stellar, his administration was going great guns, and the impression that he was aging poorly might have just been a perception. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Besides, if there was more to the impressions, wouldnt the media be telling us? Wouldnt the press be reporting solid evidence of slipping cognitive capacities, of flagging job performance, sharing accounts from people emerging from meetings slowly shaking their heads about some embarrassing and consequential lapse, running credible reports of fumbles, miscues, mistakes of substance? Understandably, the story of a president in decline isnt an easy one to get. Those in the best position to know are the least inclined to say. Reporters are ever mindful that the people who would be most furious to read about it control access to matters of greatest significance to their jobs. But, wait, the media werent deterred under Bidens predecessor. The spate of harsh and critical coverage of the Trump White House suggested a press corps eager and fully able to report with rich detail about a chief executive who was unfit for office. When Trump was president, readers feasted on tough, book-length accounts Bob Woodward, the dean of U.S. investigative reporters, wrote two himself portraying a president who was crude, ignorant of policy, out of touch with his government, consumed with his own personal standing, even dangerous. So such reporting is possible. And even if the suspicions of Bidens decrepitude were vague and even if they were stoked by his adversaries, wasnt it the job of the White House reporters to get the facts either to confirm the fears or put them to rest? Instead, there was silence, broken only by the Wall Street Journal, which ran a story on June 4, Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping. Unfortunately, the story was thinly sourced, based largely on the word of leading Republicans on Capitol Hill and those they confided in, the kind of political hit a reader would expect from the crown jewel of the Rupert Murdoch media empire. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Only after Biden stepped aside did the Journal follow up on July 21 with the story we should have seen months earlier, an amply detailed portrait of a faltering president whose unflagging support by Democratic leadership was an epic miscalculation. And the Journal has yet to be joined by comparable coverage from other elite news organizations. About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies The reasons Bidens fitness went unreported until 51 million viewers saw it for themselves on June 27 will surface in the fullness of time. The difficulty of nailing down the story, since evidence of cognitive slippage is rarely definitive, is one factor. So was the perception that the administration was successful and well-run. Beyond that, despite his incumbency, Biden was the underdog, and weakening his prospects would not appeal to a press corps that, like most of the media people I know, views a Trump restoration with dread. This is word the Duke of Sussex thought of the moment Prince William and Kate tied the knot. Weddings are supposed to be joyful occasions not only for the two people getting married but for all those gathered who are just as happy for them. However, there may be a few people at the ceremony who arent as elated for the couple saying I do. You can file Prince Harry under the latter. While the duke said he was happy for Prince William when he married the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton), he also admitted that he felt a sense of loss that day. Heres more on that in Harrys heartbreaking words. Prince Harry revealed what was going through his mind when William and Kate tied the knot William and Kates nuptials took place on April 29, 2011, in front of 2,000 guests at Westminster Abbey. In his explosive memoir Spare Harry, who stood by his brothers side that day, did not mince words when revealing why he had a problem with that particular venue. Prince William and Prince Harry arrive together at Westminster Abbey ahead of Williams royal wedding to Kate Middleton | Samir Hussein/WireImage During the drive from Clarence House that day as the Abbey came into view, Harry wrote, I peered out of the window: Westminster Abbey. As always, my stomach lurched. I thought: Nothing like getting married in the same place where you did your mums funeral. I shot a glance at Willy. Was he thinking the same thing? Harry went on to describe Williams royal wedding as yet another farewell under this horrid roof and another sundering. He wrote: The brother Id escorted into Westminster Abbey that morning was gone forever. Who could deny it? Hed never again be first and foremost Willy. Wed never again ride together across the Lesotho countryside with capes blowing behind us. Wed never again share a horsey-smelling cottage while learning to fly. Who shall separate us? Life, thats who. I recall Kate walking down the aisle, looking incredible, and I recall Willy walking her back up the aisle, and as they disappeared through the door, into the carriage that would convey them to Buckingham Palace, into the eternal partnership theyd pledged. The Duke of Sussex then revealed a one-word heartbreaking sendoff to his only sibling writing, I recall thinking: Goodbye. Prince Harry leaving Westminster Abbey along with his brother, Prince William, and Kate Middleton following their royal wedding | CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images Harrys best man speech made his sister-in-law shed a tear Despite how the prince said he was feeling that day, he did what a best man is expected to do at most weddings and gave a speech. According to royal author and commentator Katie Nicholl, Harrys words cued a few tears from some in attendance, including the bride. In the biography Harry: Life, Loss and Love, Nicholl shared just how touching Harrys best man speech was. It was affectionate, warm, and funny, and touched William deeply, she wrote (per Express). And when [Harry] said the couples decade-long romance was his inspiration Kate shed a tear. Home News Evangelical leaders huddle in DC to discuss how to best stand with the Jewish state Nearly 100 Evangelical leaders have decided to launch a new organization called the Conference of Presidents of Christian Organizations in Support of Israel. Among them are: Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe former Rep. Michele Bachmann, who serves as the Dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University Luke Moon, the new executive director of The Philos Project; and Pastor Mario Bramnick, president of the Latino Coalition for Israel. Together, these four helped organize the strategy meetings on September 17 and 18. They want the group to serve as an umbrella organization for dozens of like-minded groups to come together and magnify their influence by working more closely together. That, says the organization, would be patterned after the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations which for decades was run by Malcolm Hoenlein. Enthusiastically supporting this new Evangelical version of the conference are prominent Jewish leaders who attended the opening session on Tuesday evening. Among those speaking were: David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel Elan Carr, who served as the U.S. special envoy for Combating Anti-Semitism, who is now president of the Israeli American Council Brooke Rollins, the president of America First Policy Institute Caroline Glick, an Israeli American columnist for the Jewish News Service and a longtime ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Is the Conference the right model? Every Evangelical leader who attended the two days of strategy meetings agreed that a far more focused and unified effort to support Israel must be made. But not everyone was convinced that the Conference of Jewish presidents was the right model. I found a great deal of respect for Hoenlein, his decades of leadership of the Conference, and his many years of faith diplomacy, organizing and leading delegations of major Jewish leaders to meet privately with Netanyahu and other senior Israeli leaders as well as with a wide range of Arab and Muslim leaders. Yet both in the meeting and among private conversations, many Evangelicals raised concerns about the divided and unwieldy nature of the Conference. They noted that many Jewish organizations involved are quite left-of-center, often having major disagreements with each other on policy, as well as profound disagreements with Netanyahu on how best to advance and navigate U.S.-Israeli relations. What's the right way to expand the influence of 'American Christian Leaders for Israel'? Several other important questions were raised early and dominated much of the strategy meeting. One was this: Why would a Christian version of the Conference be necessary when an excellent pro-Israel umbrella organization already exists? American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) an initiative of the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem (ICEJ) was established more than a decade ago and is supported by more than 3,000 Evangelical and other pastors and ministry leaders. ACLI is coordinated by Dr. Susan Michael, a highly respected faith leader who is the U.S. Director of ICEJ and has been active in mobilizing Christian support for Israel in the United States for more than 35 years. She attended the strategy meetings and expressed her agreement that much more needs to be done and that shes always happy to help advance the cause in unity with a wide range of leaders and organizations. But Michael was not alone in trying to understand what the benefits would be of starting a new coalition from scratch. Both in the meetings and afterward, Perkins, Bachmann, Bramnick and Moon agreed that it was vital to talk more with ACLI and find ways to coordinate closely and not duplicate efforts. Some of those present suggested that perhaps the new Evangelical Conference should create a Cabinet or steering committee of a dozen or so of the most influential pro-Israel leaders in the Evangelical community that would be responsible for shaping policy, mobilizing the grassroots, and speaking in the media and in Washington for the broader Evangelical community on Israel and Middle East issues. Where are Rev. John Hagee and Christians United for Israel? Another important question was discussed: Where is Christians United For Israel (CUFI), the organization founded by the Rev. John Hagee that boasts that it is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States, with over 10 million members. Since Oct. 7, Hagee has appeared on Fox News to talk about Israel. Hagee also spoke at a pro-Israel rally in Washington last November organized by the Jewish Federation. Last month, CUFI launched a campaign to combat antisemitism. Yet numerous Evangelical leaders who attended the strategy meetings said they have been baffled that Hagee and CUFI have not been much higher profile and much more aggressive in wielding their political muscle in defense of Israel over the past year. Senior CUFI leaders were invited to attend the Washington gathering but did not attend or send a representative. Im not sure where CUFI is these days, but they seem strangely quiet in the greatest fight of Israels modern existence, one Evangelical, who asked not to be named to be able to speak candidly, told me. None of us understand whats going on but their absence has created a vacuum of leadership. What is the best and right way forward for pro-Israel Christians? It is this very vacuum of leadership among pro-Israel Evangelicals that prompted these strategy meetings in Washington in the first place. Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of The Congress of Christian Leaders, attended the meetings and participated in the discussions as an observer. Though at this point he hasnt chosen to become officially involved in the new Evangelical Conference, Moore expressed his commitment to help any like-minded group working to fight the grave resurgence of antisemitism, including those who mask their antisemitism in anti-Zionism. Moore told me he was grateful that Perkins, Bachmann, Bramnick and Moon organized these meetings and he agreed that Christian Zionists urgently need to up their game. However, he noted that there was not yet a unified consensus among those he spoke with on the best path forward. This is one of a number of similar initiatives being organized all over the world where the leaders of millions of Evangelicals are asking, What more can we do? Moore told me. Each initiative is slightly different, involving slightly different priorities and groups, but they are all united in one clear conviction: its time for hundreds of millions of Evangelicals to get organized, he said. Its time to make it clear to their elected representatives and also to antisemites from the street corners to the UN General Assembly that picking a fight with Israel or the Jewish community is picking a fight with hundreds of millions of Christians and we wont stand for it. You have to get through us to get to our Jewish neighbors. Home News Hezbollah strikes Nazareth in rocket attacks; fires break out: 'Threatening countless holy places' In a series of coordinated attacks, Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel's Jezreel Valley early Sunday, targeting multiple locations, including Haifa, Ramat David air base, Nazareth, Afula and the lower Galilee. "Another barrage of Hezbollah rockets at Nazareth. The hometown of Jesus, a town which is 70% Muslim & 30% Christian and almost entirely Arab," noted American Evangelical leader Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, on social media. "For months Hezbollah has been targeting the Galilee, the geographic heart of Jesus' ministry." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Hezbollah just hit Nazareth. The hometown of Jesus. Hezbollahs rockets continue to also target the Christian heartland of Israel, threatening countless holy places. pic.twitter.com/LUuIIwy46N Rev. Johnnie Moore ? (@JohnnieM) September 21, 2024 The barrages occurred at about 1:10 a.m., 4:48 a.m. and 5:10 a.m., with social media and local reports confirming impacts and subsequent fires across the region, The Jerusalem Post reported. Army Radio described the attack on the Ramat David base near Haifa as unprecedented, a first in the ongoing conflict, and reported that the Israeli Defense Forces retaliated by striking targets in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, via a message on Telegram, admitted to specifically targeting the Ramat David base and airport as a reprisal for recent Israeli Air Force operations in Beirut that resulted in the deaths of several of its top commanders and several others. In July, Hezbollah published drone footage of the Ramat David base, detailing the layout and capabilities of what Hezbollah described as one of Israel's most crucial air force bases. According to IDF sources, the early morning offensive resulted in about 40 rockets being fired over four barrages. Reports from Moshav Sde Ya'akov indicated rocket impacts, and a significant fire was reported in Kfar Baruch, later confirmed by various Israeli media outlets. The Emek Jezreel regional council noted minor property damage due to one of the rocket impacts in the area. Further reports by the independent public broadcaster KAN revealed a rocket impact in Nazareth, which led to a large fire elsewhere within the city limits. The Magen David Adom service reported that a 60-year-old man sustained minor shrapnel injuries in the Lower Galilee during the attacks. In a separate incident, a barn in Beit She'arim was hit during the third rocket barrage, resulting in the deaths of several cows, as reported by both KAN and GLZ Radio. In light of the ongoing rocket threat, Israel Police have issued a public warning to avoid handling rocket debris, which may contain unexploded ordnance. Meanwhile, residents of Kiryat Tivon faced additional challenges as they found public shelters locked and inaccessible during the attacks. Discrepancies in the reported scale of the attack emerged as Al Hadath, a Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese outlet, claimed that 100 rockets were fired towards Haifa and the Upper Galilee. In contrast, the IDF maintained that the number was significantly lower, estimating around 10 rockets. The Home Front Command noted that the sirens activated during the attack were the first in over nine months for Afula. Newly issued restrictions in response to the attacks limited public gatherings to 30 people outdoors and 300 indoors from Haifa northward, with the possibility of further restrictions based on Hezbollah's actions. Strong reactions emerged on social media. Moore noted the cultural and religious significance of Nazareth. In a tweet, the Evangelical leader underlined that these attacks "also target the Christian heartland of Israel, threatening countless holy places." "Many of Hezbollahs rockets are flying into Arab areas of Israel, threatening as many Muslims and Christians as Jews," he wrote. Former journalist and writer Miha Schwartzenberg also commented on the situation, lamenting the ongoing threat to civilian lives and commending Israel's efforts to protect its populace amid the conflict. "Almost 80 000 people live there. Families, children. As we speak, they are all in shelters. A situation that NO COUNTRY in the world would find it acceptable," she wrote on X. "God bless the IDF and Israel for fighting to protect the Muslim, the Christians, the Jews and everyone else living in Israel, in Gaza, in Lebanon." "Don't be surprised that I mention the enemies too - NOBODY is protecting their lives more than ISRAEL. Any single casualty in any of these countries is on the terrorists hands, sick minds and military capabilities supported entirely by the most dangerous regime in the Middle East - Iran." Home News Pastors twice as likely to support Trump over Harris but many are undecided Twice as many pastors say they plan to support former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, although many are reluctant to share their preferences, according to a new survey. Lifeway Research released a report Tuesday based on responses collected from 1,003 Protestant pastors in the United States between Aug. 8 and Sept. 3. With an error margin of +3.3 percentage points, the survey examines pastors' views on the upcoming presidential election, finding that 50% of respondents plan to support Trump while 24% intend to vote for Harris. A significant share of pastors (23%) indicated they were undecided on who they planned to vote for in the election. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "We ask pastors about many things going on in the culture today and they are willing to provide their opinion," Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell said in a statement. "However, the growing number of pastors unwilling to respond with their voting intentions shows how sensitive or divisive politics has become in some churches." The report found that exactly one-half of those surveyed identified as Republicans, while 25% characterized themselves as independents and 18% described themselves as Democrats. "Out of all the descriptors of pastors, their own political party preference is the best predictor of how they will vote," McConnell maintained. "Denominational groups often lean one way politically, but pastors must minister alongside many clergy who don't share their political views." "The same is true within their own congregations. In a culture that increasingly doesn't want to tolerate people with different political views, pastors lead churches that strive for unity centered on faith." The findings are similar to Lifeway's 2020 survey, which found 53% of Protestant pastors planned to vote for Trump in that year's election, while 21% planned to support Joe Biden and 22% were undecided. In 2016, four in 10 pastors said they were still undecided as of September of that year, while nearly a third (32%) planned to vote for Trump and 19% planned to vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton. In 2024, Pentecostals had the highest share of respondents who planned to support Trump (65%), followed by Baptists (64%), non-denominational Christians (64%), members of the Church of Christ (55%), Lutherans (48%), Methodists (26%) and Presbyterians (24%). A much higher share of self-described Evangelical pastors (61%) signaled their intention to support Trump than their mainline Protestant counterparts (30%). In addition to asking pastors which candidate they prefer in the election, the survey also asked respondents to identify "which characteristics of the candidate are important to you in deciding how to cast your vote." Eighty-five percent of those surveyed listed the "ability to maintain national security" as a significant determinant behind their decision on who to support in the election. Other characteristics more than 80% of pastors see as essential qualities in a candidate are their "ability to protect religious freedom" (84%), their "position on foreign policy" (83%), their "ability to improve the economy" (83%), their "position on immigration" (81%) and their "position on abortion" (80%). Large majorities of respondents also pointed to a candidate's "personal character" (79%) and "likely Supreme Court nominees" (75%) as factors that influenced their decision. While 71% of those surveyed view a candidate's "ability to address racial injustice" as important and 70% of respondents feel the same way about a candidate's "position on [the] size and role of government," less than half (38%) placed a similar level of weight on a candidate's "ability to address climate change." When asked what they thought was the most important single factor influencing their vote, a plurality (24%) said they consider a candidate's "personal character" especially crucial. Other popular choices for the most important characteristic in a presidential candidate include their views on abortion (18%), "ability to protect religious freedom" (16%) and "ability to improve the economy" (12%). Less than 5% of respondents listed all other candidate characteristics as the most important factor in determining their vote in the 2024 election. "Pastors are not single-issue voters. They care deeply about where presidential candidates stand on many issues," McConnell stated. "There are moral dimensions to all of the characteristics that could be selected, and pastors did not all pick the same characteristic as most important." Home Opinion 8 humanistic errors that crept into the modern church In my opinion, humanistic values frame much of the teaching and theology of the contemporary church. By humanism, I mean anything people refer to as self-empowering that does not originate from the Scriptures worldview or depend upon our identification with the cross of Christ for existence and essence. It is also any concept that glorifies the self instead of glorifying God. 1. You could do anything you dream you can do I remember hearing many people say that they can do anything they desire or dream to do. Some even quote the Scripture (out of context, of course!) in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, regarding their success in fulfilling their dreams. However, despite all this wishful thinking, we cannot be anything we desire, and we cannot make something happen merely because we dream about it. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe God has apportioned to each one of us only a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) based upon our particular assignment (Ephesians 4:7) according to His will, not our will (1 Corinthians 12: 5-7). Hence, no matter how hard one tries, wishes, or dreams, God gives us assignments that limit our capacity based on the natural and supernatural abilities we have received at birth by Gods design. Those who teach that people can do or be anything they want to do or be have taken their cue from secular humanism rather than from the Bible. 2. Cut out toxic people from your life I have read numerous posts on social media related to people advising their followers to cut toxic people out of their lives. Of course, we have to define what they mean by toxic. If they are referring merely to people who are challenging to get along with or may not always agree with them then said posts are misleading since the word of God instructs us to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves (Romans 15:1). Furthermore, disagreements are sometimes a healthy way to come to proper conclusions regarding right and wrong (1 Corinthians 11:19). Paul tells us that love is patient and kind and bears everything with others (1 Corinthians 13). I would agree with the proposition to cut toxic people out of ones life if it were referring to people who are a bad influence and who lead a person to fall into sin or away from following the Lord. However, attempting to live an insular life without conflict is unreasonable. It arises from an erroneous, self-focused, humanist ideology that nurtures weak-minded people with a victim spirit rather than those who can handle dissonance and still function at high capacity. 3. Only do what you have a passion for Although passion at times can depict what we are called to do for God, it can also become a distraction since its possible to have a passion for hobbies that have nothing to do with our assignment. Furthermore, this teaching arises out of the context of secular humanistic success literature that is narcissistic since we are called to do many things we do not have a passion for! Do you think Jesus was excited about going to the cross? He did not die on the cross because He was following His bliss (a la Joseph Cambell). He did it out of obedience to the Father (Matthew 26:36-46). For the mature Christ follower, when passion fails, stewardship takes over. 4. The empowerment of individual identity People living in todays secular humanistic culture are obsessed with being unique and being known for the identity they carved out for themselves. Whether it be by identifying themselves with tattoos, gender, sexual lifestyle, attire, or a cause, people are spinning their wheels trying to make a name for themselves (not that everything mentioned in this list is always evil or wrong). This has crept into the Church with rampant individualism, as illustrated by people and churches competing with others to win their communitys attention by being different and better than others. Consequently, the humanistic concept of individual identity is opposed to participating in the Body of Christ for the glory of His Kingdom and honor. 5. Individual autonomy is worshiped Even as Lucifer attempted to lift himself above God and His heavenly council (Isaiah 14:12-14) so he could do his own thing and receive worship (Matthew 4:10), human autonomy is honored most in contemporary culture. Christians and churches who are unaccountable to anyone else and who place more priority upon actualizing the self than fearing God have fallen into the erroneous trap of secular humanism. 6. Spirituality without Community Millions of Christians think they can follow God without connecting to a community of Jesus followers. Consequently, many who call themselves spiritual define themselves as isolated from others because they value their private faith. This concept of spirituality is more akin to humanistic New Age religions (such as Hinduism and Buddhism) than to biblical Christianity, which describes Christs followers as belonging to His family (1 Corinthians 12). 7. Happiness without holiness Some practice humanistic techniques such as mindfulness and desire to control their atmosphere and be tranquil and happy amid lifes turmoil. (I am not saying that there is anything wrong with using a technique to be fully present.) However, any believer who attempts to prioritize happiness over holiness (which involves being set apart for Gods purposes) has been sucked into the vortex of secular humanism. 8. The enlightenment concept of knowledge and truth The launch of the secular humanistic Enlightenment (1685-1815) resulted in humanitys attempt to define truth merely as that which can be empirically proven through the sciences. Whenever a Christ follower, Church, or denomination collapses Christianity down simply to that which can be rationally understood while rejecting supernaturalism, they have fallen into the trap of secular humanism. To summarize what should we do to avoid the trap of secular humanism in the church: Embrace Gods will, not our dreams. Practice endurance, not avoidance: Cutting toxic people from our lives, as often advised, contradicts the biblical call to bear with others weaknesses and practice patience (Romans 15:1, 1 Corinthians 13). Practice obedience over passion: Jesus example on the cross shows that true discipleship often requires sacrifice and obedience, even when passion fades (Matthew 26:36-46). Ground your identity in Christ, not individualism: Humanism promotes self-created identities, but in Christianity, we are called to find our identity in Christ and function as part of His body, the Church, not in isolation (1 Corinthians 12). Celebrate holiness over happiness: Prioritizing personal happiness over holiness is a humanistic error. True Christian life focuses on holiness and being set apart for Gods purposes, even in difficulty (1 Peter 1:16). Home Opinion Book of Ruth 3 things that help us persevere in hope (part 1) The book of Ruth shows that even amid a dark period of unthinkable wickedness and rebellion, God is still working to accomplish His purpose of redemption. This book is also a reminder that even when it seems an entire nation has rejected the Lord, His faithful remnant remains. With everything we face in our world today, it is a great relief to look at Gods faithful, covenant love in the first two chapters of this book. Gods covenant love triumphs over everything against His people so that we persevere in hope. Paul writes in Romans 8:35: Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? In Ruth 1-2, we see a number of these things trying to separate Gods people from His love. Yet, these chapters are a living illustration of the truth of Romans 8:35-39 and Gods enduring, unbreakable love for His people. There are three things from Ruth 1-2 that enable us to persevere in hope on the firm foundation of Gods covenant love. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe First, to persevere in hope, we need to recognize the reality of adversity. The story of redemption in Ruth is born in the cradle of adversity. In just this chapter, Naomi undergoes five severe experiences of difficulty. As the story opens, we meet a family of four, who are confronted with famine in Israel. This famine was such a severe trial that it prompted Elimelech, Ruths future father-in-law, to uproot his family to Moab. This family then faces the adversity of living among unfriendly foreigners outside the land that God gave to Israel. Moab had long opposed Israel and its military conquests. Naomis third trial occurs when her husband dies, and she now was burdened by being a widow in a foreign land. Her sons were probably not very old, so they would have been of limited help. After Naomis sons married foreign women, they died as well, extinguishing Naomis family line. She is bereft not only of her family but also of any legal help or protection. Naomi eventually learns that the Lord has brought the famine to an end and decides to move back home. It was extremely dangerous for a woman to travel alone, but Naomis options at this point were to remain in Moab as an unprotected widow or to take a chance on the journey and hope some distant relative back home might assist her. When Naomi arrives home, the intensity of the adversity she has faced is not lost on her. She recognizes the difficulties she has experienced, and she has been, at least in her understanding, irrevocably changed because of her trials. Naomi left a woman who was full of joy, with a family and high hopes. She came back destitute and hopeless. The language of this opening chapter is reminiscent of the book of Job. Naomi loses everything she values in her life. Her trials seem to happen in rapid succession, without a respite from the adversity. Also, like Job, she recognizes everything comes from the Lords hand and providence. Whether Naomi is proven right about what God is doing is yet to be seen, but the reality is that God is the one who has moved her through it all. If were encountering adversity, remember God is working in and through our lives. Our trials have not taken God by surprise. Adversity is providence. Second, to persevere with hope, we need to respond to adversity in faith. When Naomi decided to leave Moab, her two daughters-in-law desired to follow. She encouraged them to return to their mothers house. Eventually, Orpah was persuaded to go home, but Ruth would not be persuaded. Ruth is determined to follow Naomi, wanting to convert to become an Israelite. In doing so, she understands she must forsake her gods and worship only the God of Israel; unexpectedly, especially given the context of Judges, she freely volunteers her unwavering loyalty to Israels God! Here we have this foreigner, excluded from the Lords assembly by her nationality, committing herself to the Lord until death. What a picture: Ruth the Moabitess is utterly loyal to the God of Israel, while Israel itself continually forsakes Him. This conversion appears to be genuine. Ruth does not say Naomis gods will be her gods; instead, she specifically names Israels God. Moreover, Boaz later recognizes Ruth came to take refuge under the Lords protection. Through Ruths relationship with her Israelite family, she saw the futility of the Moabite gods and the glory of the God of Israel and she would not be parted from Him. What was it about the God of Israel that Ruth found so attractive? Ruths first exposure to Him was a God whose people were suffering from famine. Then, her father-in-law died, and her husband and brother-in-law passed away. She was a barren widow. She and her mother-in-law became embittered and impoverished. Despite all that had happened, Ruth wanted to follow the Lord because she had found the truth. Once Ruth had recognized the truth, it didnt matter the cost or the external trappings, nor did it matter that the lie looked more promising in the short run. The God of Israel was the true God, and she would not relinquish Him. Most importantly, though, this woman responds to adversity with faith. She doesnt make her decision based on emotion or external circumstances. Instead, she makes her decision based on Gods truth. Ruths response is so instructive. When we struggle with adversity, does truth drive our response? Or does the flesh lead to despair rather than hope? When we tell others the Gospel of Christ, are we confident that the power is in the truth, not in our presentation? We need to remind ourselves repeatedly that Scripture is the truth, and our God is the true God against all the worlds lies. Third, to persevere with hope, rest in Gods faithfulness through adversity. Chapter two of Ruth shows Gods faithfulness to Ruth and Naomi. When she settles in her new home, Ruth takes the initiative to provide food. The field that Ruth discovers to glean belongs to a man named Boaz, who was related to Naomis late husband. When Boaz finds out Ruths identity, he instructs his workers to ensure she is provided for and protected. Boaz also tells Ruth he has provided for her because of her godly reputation. In the end, Gods provision to Naomi and Ruth is more than abundant not only of food but also of physical protection, something two widows would have severely needed in their culture. Moreover, it appears that a budding romance is beginning between Boaz and Ruth. As we look at this chapter, Gods provision for Naomi and Ruth is unmistakable. God provides for the ladies in their distress in more ways than initially Ruth even was seeking. This is how God works. He regularly provides for His people even during adversity. We can rest in His care and love even if the entire world around us has been turned upside down. Here we see two women who were able to persevere in hope because of Gods faithfulness. Without God, they would have had no hope and neither does anyone apart from faith in Christ. Its amazing to consider that Ruth was part of a population that God said was never allowed in His people. And yet Ruth was received by God because she trusted in Him. Jesus turns away no one who comes to Him in faith. What a marvelous and reassuring promise of hope and salvation! Home Opinion 'Reagan' film: Why critics hate it, but regular folks love it I recently saw the movie Reagan. It features a positive portrayal of our 40th presidents laser-like focus to end the Cold War and the nuclear arms race. Reagans philosophy: We win, they lose. Critics seem to hate this movie, but regular folks love it. In fact, the movie review website, Rotten Tomatoes notes this discrepancy. Only 18% of the critics (based on 61 reviews) like the film, while 98% of the movie-going public (based on 5000+ verified ratings) actually like it. I was delighted to see at the very opening of the film that it was based on a book by Dr. Paul Kengor of Grove City College, The Crusader. I whispered to my wife, Hey. I know that guy! Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism is one of eight books Kengor has written on Ronald Reagan. Im a fan of Kengors and have interviewed him probably more than 50 times mostly on radio. Kengor wrote an article in the American Spectator, responding to critics of the movie, such as The Daily Beast, who called it the worst movie of the year. They said: You may have suspected that this MAGA-tinged hagiography would be absolute trash, but it turns out you didnt think low enough. Well, in Reagans day, there was the same type of discrepancy: The intelligentsia hated him and what he stood for, while the common people loved him and his policies. Professor Kengor writes about a recent encounter: One of my students asked how a man so vilified managed to win 49 of 50 states, nearly 60% of the vote, and the Electoral College 525 to 13, receiving millions of votes from Democrats. The answer is [those who vilified him were] always a small percentage filled with rage toward Ronald Reagan and any conservative Republican. The movie reminded me of why I appreciated Ronald Reagan and his substantial presidency so much. Consider some of Reagans accomplishments: In one day, just by getting sworn in, he ended the Iranian hostage crisis (the Iranians knew enough not to fool around with Reagan at the helm). He played a critical role in ending the Cold War He was the key architect of the longest peacetime expansion of the economy in our nations history, which lasted about two decades. Above all, he inspired hope especially at a time when we sorely needed it. President Reagan managed to successfully pull together various factions. Leaders since his time have not done so well. Reagan was: Conservative on defense. Conservative on the economy. Conservative on social issues. He combined these values in one man and an articulate man at that. Reagan knew what he believed and why he believed it. Therefore, he was able to inspire members of diverse groups to claim him as their own, thus, creating a great coalition. As to the social issues, consider his pro-life stance. I remember to this day what Reagan said during a 1980 debate on abortion. A reporter asked him in a hostile way, as I recall, why he wasnt pro-choice? He responded, Well, first of all, I happen to notice that everyone whos pro-choice has already been born. Furthermore, as president, in 1984, Ronald Reagan even penned a short book on the whole issue of the sanctity of life. It was entitled, Abortion and the Conscience of a Nation. When I first interviewed Kengor, we discussed another of the professors books, God and Ronald Reagan. Kengor mentioned how the great communicators first role in leadership was at his church as a teenager in Dixon, Illinois. Another thing I learned from Dr. Kengor is that when Reagan was a young man and was baptized, his mother gave him a book that helped set the direction of his life. The book was That Printer of Udells by Harold Bell Wright, a heavily religious novel, dated 1903. That book is shown in the movie as a key influence in the life of Reagan. For those who have seen the movie, this is the supposedly nefarious (to the Soviets) book that the Jon Voight character (as a Russian leader, worried about Reagan) keeps bringing up. To understand Reagan, understand that book. Its essentially the story of a man who comes to have strong faith and who then sees himself called by the Lord to do something important for the world. So, he runs for public office and eventually ends up in Washington, DC, as a successful statesman. This now-forgotten Christian book helped set the trajectory for one of our greatest presidents. I highly recommend Reagan the movie. As I wrote to Paul Kengor: Paul, what a great film. Thanks for your role in helping create it. This is a movie I plan to see again, and hope others will too. Flyers about gun violence disinformation lay near Jinxia Niu, one of three people operating the Chinese-language fact-checking website Piyaoba at the Chinese for Affirmative Action headquarters in San Francisco. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Chinese for Affirmative Action, a progressive advocacy organization in San Francisco, runs Piyaoba, believed to be the first-of-its-kind fact-checking website for Chinese Americans in Chinese. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Kennis Chen was sitting at her desk at her nonprofits Chinatown office on May 30 when a colleague rushed in, exclaiming, Trump is guilty on all counts! Former President Donald Trump had been convicted of 34 felonies related to hush money paid to cover up a sex scandal. Chen swiveled to her monitor and began trawling social media through a specialized software called Junkipedia. A post popped up on X, formerly Twitter, by a user with more than 15,000 followers. Todays trial outcome is by no means a good thing: it is the beginning of the end of American democracy, the user wrote in Chinese. Chen took note and scrolled past. Three similar posts appeared. It was a typical day for Chen, who is part of a three-person team at Chinese for Affirmative Action, a San Francisco-based progressive nonprofit, which identifies, monitors and responds to Chinese-language misinformation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Launched in 2022, the team runs a website called Piyaoba, which they say is the first site of its kind, written in Chinese for a Chinese-speaking audience. The name means Lets fact check it! The team does its work by searching for key terms, such as 2024 U.S. election, and by keeping tabs on about 270 accounts that they have identified as prominent sources of Chinese-language misinformation across social media and instant messaging platforms, including X, YouTube, Telegram, WeChat and Weibo, often described as the Chinese Twitter. In the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election, in which Trump will face his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, the small operation has been waging an uphill battle against a growing number of falsehoods. From June 10, 2023, to Sept. 20, 2024, Piyaoba identified 773 pieces of misinformation, collectively amassing about 12.5 million views. The misinformation ranges from flat-out conspiracy theories to distorted half-truths, weaponizes anti-communist language that resonates with many Chinese American immigrants, plays on anti-Black and sexist stereotypes, and is often directly translated from or inspired by English-language misinformation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As the fastest growing group of eligible U.S. voters, Asian Americans are poised to play a pivotal role in battleground states. This has also made them a prime target for bad actors looking to manipulate their views through false narratives, say Piyaobas researchers, who specifically seek out right-wing misinformation, they say, because of their umbrella organizations progressive mission and because such content is more widespread. The Chinese American community is really suffering from disinformation from so many complex and powerful processes, said Jinxia Niu, program manager for the nonprofits Chinese Digital Engagement Team and the Piyaoba team leader. How Chinese misinformation spreads San Francisco nonprofit Chinese for Affirmative Actions Chinatown headquarters is also the home base for three full-time and about 12 part-time fact checkers who have been combating Chinese-language misinformation, particularly about U.S. politics. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Chinese-language misinformation often mirrors the kind seen in English-speaking circles, but with culturally-specific twists. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For example, one Chinese American influencer with 337,000 X followers and 60,000 YouTube subscribers called pro-Palestine student protesters, in Chinese, Hamas guards, drawing a parallel to the Red Guards, a Maoist student paramilitary group that conducted mass killings in the 1960s. Chinese disinformation also originates from the media empire of the conservative Falun Gong movement, researchers have found, while the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a U.K.-headquartered nonprofit, this year discovered that fake English-language social media accounts linked to the Chinese Communist Party have been spreading right-wing misinformation. The content from varied sources is then spread on social media by what Jane Pyo, a disinformation researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, called radicalized aunties and uncles, or older relatives. Disinformation gets conveyed in very intimate ways that may impact you in a deeper way, Pyo said. Because you might think they have wisdom and there are family dynamics you cant easily escape. Much of the misinformation originates from WeChat, a popular Chinese messaging app used by millions in the U.S, because of the low barrier for users to create Official Accounts, or public content channels, communications researcher Chi Zhang wrote in a 2017 report for the Columbia Journalism Review. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Despite the absence of fact-checking features on WeChat, many users treat it as a news source and share unverified or false content within private chat groups, which then become echo chambers for conservative-leaning doomsday narratives. If you only get your information about the U.S. from WeChat, youd think the U.S. is done for, Chen said in Mandarin. But since Elon Musk bought Twitter in October 2022, Piyaoba researchers said they have noticed an uptick in Chinese-language misinformation on the platform because of Musks paring back of content moderation and his reinstatement of previously banned accounts, including those that spread misinformation. They said Musks policies have attracted right-wing users who were leaving WeChat due to Chinese government censorship on the platform. An Aug. 10 post on X with more than 77,000 views accused the Harris campaign of using fake photos to make rally crowds appear larger, a false claim made by Trump. An Aug 18 post on Telegram, an app that has come under fire for allegedly failing to moderate content, falsely claimed the Democratic Party had a plan to make Michelle Obama president, and that Harris was just a screen for a power play. It has almost 3,000 views. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The user called Obama Big Mike in Chinese, a pejorative used among right-wing internet users based on false claims that she is transgender. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who was arrested and charged in France for allegedly allowing the platform to be used for criminal activity, has maintained that the apps content moderation is within industry standards. Mismatched in power Chinese proverbs and encouraging words are displayed on the white board at the Chinese for Affirmative Action office in San Francisco, where disinformation researchers run the Chinese-language website Piyaoba. One note reads, The heavens are watching what you do. Another reads, The boat will naturally straighten when it reaches the bridge, which is akin to the English expression, Well cross that bridge when we get there. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle On an April afternoon, Niu convened the Piyaoba teams weekly meeting on Zoom. Everyone can share what narratives are most concerning, said Niu, who started monitoring disinformation with Chinese for Affirmative Action in 2020. June Zhan, a Piyaoba researcher based in Houston, flagged a post on Weibo that claimed Columbia University students were asking for tuition refunds due to the ongoing pro-Palestine protests on campuses. The claim was untrue, Zhan would later write in a fact-check article. The group discussed a graphic that had resurfaced after circulating in right-wing WeChat groups since at least 2022. It is a side-by-side comparison between the Democratic and Republican parties. Under a blue donkey were Chinese words for killing babies, political correctness and tyrannical government. Under a red elephant, the words, protecting babies, free speech and free republic. It seems simple, but the harm is big, Niu told the group. Its very hard for us to debunk this with one or two sentences. Chen said the fact-checkers are up against a stronger adversary, internet users who can write whatever they want. For example, a single WeChat post that falsely claimed Trump was convicted by a kangaroo court in New York received more than 100,000 views. By comparison, Piyaoba has seen about 107,000 unique site visits to date, said Niu. I feel we are mismatched in power, Chen said. Chen, 30, understands why some people believe in misinformation. Her mother, whos in her late 50s, is one of them. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Chens mom, living under a government-imposed lockdown in Guangdong, a southern province of China, would call Chen, frustrated. Freedom is important, Chen recalled her mom saying. The experience led her mom to adopt Trumpian politics, Chen said, becoming an anti-vaxxer. Chens mother recently sent Chen a video clip on WeChat, captioned in Chinese, of Elon Musks interview with Jordan Peterson, in which Musk said that his transgender daughter, who he referred to as his son, was killed by the woke mind virus. Chen said she felt sad to see her mom spreading the very misinformation that Chen works daily to combat. She didnt respond. Counselling group to appeal after being refused accreditation An international group of therapists that supports people with unwanted same-sex attraction is to appeal after its application for accreditation was refused by a UK regulatory body. The International Foundation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC) is formed of professional therapists who provide help to individuals struggling with unwanted relational and sexual behaviours, attractions and patterns. They work to a Judaeo-Christian understanding of gender and sexuality, and advocate for therapeutic choice in contrast to the increasingly affirming approach being practised across Western nations. The IFTCC's application for accreditation was rejected last month by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), which regulates health and social care workers across the UK. The PSA claimed that the organisation had failed the "public interest test". The IFTCC has accused the PSA of "blatant discrimination" and of "imposing political ideology [and] conversion therapy definitions" before Parliament has even debated a ban on conversion therapy. It said that the PSA "uncritically promotes LGBT-identity ideology, and has no regard for people who are former, or non-LGBT-identified", leaving such individuals without the means to determine their own sexual identities or behaviours". The group also accused the PSA of refusing to consider evidence from clients and patients of positive experiences, despite taking this into consideration with other applicants. Dr Mike Davidson, Chairman of the IFTCC, said the PSA's decision was "harmful and unjust" both for individuals seeking help with unwanted LGBT identities, and practitioners trying to help them achieve their personal goals for change. "We applied for accreditation because our therapists want to give the professional assurance to clients, and potential clients, that the external accountability and oversight that accreditation demonstrates," he said. "There should be no need for private therapy in this field as the NHS should operate from an a-political and non-ideological base, but clients report that the NHS fails to provide appropriate care and support to patients with unwanted same-sex attraction. They tell us that NHS GPs and counsellors only provide help if the person wants to live out those unwanted desires, nothing else." He continued, "We have appealed their decision as we believe the PSA is failing to ensure that former and non-LGBT-identified persons have access to publicly professional care consistent with their own values and goals, on the same basis as LGBT-identified persons, and because we believe that limiting their access only to non-registered counsellors from IFTCC is discriminatory." Dr Davidson denied any suggestion that the IFTCC endorses conversion therapy, saying that it was "fundamentally against therapist-imposed therapy goals, aversive and coercive counselling methods, and/or guarantees of therapy outcomes - wherever they may exist". "Our therapists do not, in any way, attempt to change people, rather, through exploratory work, they help clients who at the start of therapy, and during it, state that they want to bring about change 'in themselves'. Ours is therefore a classic 'client-centered approach'," he said. A decision on their appeal is expected next week. Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization opens in Korea with call to repentance and action for world mission Over 5,000 Christians have gathered in South Korea for the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization to strategise about how to fulfil the Great Commission. The once in a generation congress is taking place across seven days at the Songdo Convensia in Incheon, a city bordering the capital of Seoul. Thousands more are participating in the congress virtually. Delegates from over 200 countries will hear from over 50 speakers and contributors on key issues affecting the global church and missions today, including intergenerational ministry, emerging technology, and God's mission in cities, areas of conflict and persecution, and the workplace. Other sessions will reflect on the state of Korean Christianity and the situation in neighbouring North Korea. Speakers include Dr Patrick Fung, Global Ambassador of OMF International, Purpose Driven Life author and pastor Rick Warren, Dr Billy Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University, and Egyptian professor Anne Zaki. Lausanne 4 is taking place under the banner of 'Let the Church declare and display Christ together', with an emphasis on collaborative reflection and action. Commenting on the Congress theme, Dr Fung, said, "A divided church has no message for a divided world. God has called us to a unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Sharing the vision for the congress at the opening ceremony on Sunday evening, Lausanne global executive director, Dr Michael Oh, said that as evil becomes "more vocal and visible in the world", now is not the time for the Church to "cower" or retreat but rather to declare and display Christ in faith. "Not arrogantly but humbly. Not in competition but in collaboration," he said. Dr Oh laid bare the scale of the challenge as he told delegates that the task of sharing the Gospel with the whole world remains "challenging" despite "an incredible amount of good Gospel work" in the half century since the first Lausanne Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1974. He said, "In the last 50 years, over 9,000 unreached people groups have been reached with the Gospel. We've seen incredible growth in the Church in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We've seen new evangelistic strategies and theologies and methodologies developed. "But with the explosion of population growth in many of these same areas of the world, the trajectory is not an acceleration of the sharing of the Gospel but a deceleration." Later he added, "Eighty-six per cent of every Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu in the world do not know a single Christian." This Lausanne congress differs from previous ones in its emphasis on training and equipping Christians to be witnesses to the Gospel in their places of work. Dr Oh said that the global Church would be "ninety-nine times more effective" if Christians were properly supported for workplace ministry and evangelism. "There are gloriously beautiful and effective parts of the body that have been marvellously equipped and strategically sent to every sphere of society in every nation of the world. They are the ninety-nine per cent of the body [of Christ] who are artists, technologists, athletes, lawyers, baristas and more," he said. "We have for too long neglected to commission and train and bless and equip the ninety-nine per cent of the Church who are actually side by side with the people in the world we are trying to reach." He continued, "Too many workplace Christians have been told implicitly or even explicitly 'we don't need you'. But we do. "Can God really do His work through lawyers? Oh yes He can. Can God really do His work through domestic workers? Oh yes He can - and He is, through hundreds of Filipino believers in the Muslim world. And can God really do His work through a mere carpenter? Oh yes, I think we all know he can." He cited a number of other challenges leading to "ineffectiveness and ugliness" in the body of Christ, including a sense of "isolation" and competition between ministries, "fighting" over financial resources, and highly publicised scandals involving Christians. "The reputation of the bride of Christ in many places around the world is not good. Rather than people stumbling over the message of the Gospel as we see in Romans 9, too many are stumbling over the messengers," he said. "Too many scandals of pride, power and impurity have robbed the Church and compromised our witness." He called for repentance and humility over the Church's "flawed witness in the world" and "flawed mission to the world". "This is not a moment of triumphalism but sober repentance and fresh resolve," he said. Elsewhere in his address, Dr Oh paid tribute to Korean Christianity, noting that the country is home to some of the largest churches in the world and that it is the second biggest missionary-sending nation in the world. Also addressing delegates during the opening ceremony was Rev Jaehoon Lee, senior pastor of Onnuri Church and chair of the Lausanne movement's Asia Co-Host Committee that helped to organise the congress. He said that in an increasingly polarised world, the congress offered an important moment to think critically about some of the changes affecting the Church, like technology, the shift in the centre of Christianity to the Global South and East, and the challenges of raising up a new generation of young leaders. "The world seems like it is getting more torn apart than ever before ... Can it be that God can deliver peace and healing through our prayers? Could it be that God can bring about hope and transformation through our partnerships?" he said. The city of Incheon is significant to the spread of Christianity in Korea as the first foreign missionaries to the country arrived at its port in the 19th century to spread the Gospel. Congress delegates were welcomed to Korea by the Mayor of Incheon, who paid tribute to the Lausanne Movement's "50-year legacy of world evangelisation". Underpinning the congress are two documents, The Seoul Statement and The State of the Great Commission report, both published to coincide with the gathering. The Seoul Statement is the work of the Lausanne Theological Working Group and draws on feedback from regional gatherings over the last 18 months. Co-author Dr David Bennett called the document an "exciting milestone" that will build on previous Lausanne statements, notably the 1974 Lausanne Covenant, the 1989 Manila Manifesto, and the 2010 Cape Town Commitment. The Seoul Statement identifies seven key areas that the global Church must collaborate on in order to fulfil the Great Commission: the Gospel, the Bible, the Church, the human person, discipleship, technology, and the 'family of nations', which focuses on people living in areas of conflict. It rejoices in what God has already done through the Church to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, but says that the task of evangelisation "remains urgent as billions remain outside the reach of the message of God's love and grace in Christ". "Moreover, in the face of this expansive growth, the church in many parts of the world has struggled to effectively nurture the faith and discipleship of millions of first-generation Christians," it reads. The statement expresses "regret" that "during the last 50 years of evangelistic harvest, the global church has not adequately provided the teaching necessary to help new believers develop a truly biblical worldview". "The church has often failed to nurture new believers to obey Christ's call to radical discipleship at home, at school, in the church, in our neighbourhoods, and in the marketplace," it reads. "It has also struggled to equip its leaders to respond to trending social values and to distortions of the gospel, which have threatened to erode the sincere faith of Christians and to destroy the unity and fellowship of the church of the Lord Jesus." The statement expresses alarm at the "rise of false teachings and pseudo-Christian lifestyles", both of which it says are "leading numerous believers away from the essential values of the gospel". The statement calls Christians to renew their commitment to the centrality of the Gospel and the faithful reading of Scripture. "Only in this way can we meet the specific challenges that now face the global church as we seek to bear faithful witness to our crucified and risen Lord from everywhere, to everywhere, for the sake of generations to come," it says. Dr Bennett said the document was both "strategic" and "action-oriented", and would address key theological "gaps" identified as necessary for strengthening global mission today. "What do we need to do together? ... Are there areas of the fulness of God's desire for the nations [and] His desire for His Church where we have not listened carefully enough or where our changing world is raising new questions that were not answered fully enough in our three foundational documents?" he said. The State of the Great Commission report considers 10 key questions that the global Church must consider as it looks ahead to the year 2050. These include questions around the impact of artificial intelligence, changing societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality, the world's aging population, radical politics, Islam and secularism, and the growth of Christianity across the Majority World. "Sub-Saharan Africa's youthful Christian population ensures the region's centrality to global Christian growth for decades to come," the report says. "Christianity will increasingly be a religion of the aged in Europe and North America," it reads, adding that "mission is now from every continent to every continent". "With the exception of Europe, every region in the world both sends and receives more missionaries than fifty years ago. Mission is increasingly decoupled from its Western colonial legacy, with more missionaries coming from countries that lack Christian majorities." The report further notes that "with the exception of Africa, all regions will witness an increase in the proportion of the population that is unevangelized in the coming decades". "This is a stark reversal of a century of growing gospel access around the world," it states. During Lausanne 4, group sessions will be held to discuss 25 of the most pressing issues raised by the report. The congress is being held in close partnership with hundreds of Korean churches. Some 4,000 Christians across the country have committed to praying for its success. 'Keep the gate open': Latin American leader shares hopes, expectations for Lausanne 4 "Will there be room for new voices, will there be space for surprise?" asked Valdir Steuernagel in a speech he gave at a meeting of Latin American leaders in the lead-up to Lausanne's Fourth Global Congress (Lausanne 4) in Seoul-Incheon, South Korea, that begins Sunday. Calling for a renewed affirmation of the Evangelical identity and encouraging new conversations involving Evangelical leaders from every part of the world, Steuernagel traced the history of the movement back to its beginnings in 1974. He recalled significant breakthroughs and ongoing tensions, offered new and timeless perspectives on global missions, recognizing that the task of the Great Commission is still unfinished. He concluded with his prayer for what is expected to be a significant event in Church history. Back in September 2023, the Lausanne Movement's regional leaders in Latin America convened a consultation in Montevideo, Uruguay, that featured keynote speakers Valdir Steuernagel, Norberto Saracco (Argentina), Karen Bomilcar (Brazil) and Jaime Memory (United Kingdom). It was part of the lead-up to Lausanne 4 where each region would guide participants through a process that would prepare them for the global event where some 5,000 Christian leaders from every corner of the world will strategize about world missions. Steuernagel's speech captured the region's perspective so well that World Vision Latin America, together with the regional Lausanne leadership, published an edited version in English that would provide a conversation starter not only for Latin Americans but also for participants from around the world. A prominent theologian and esteemed Brazilian Evangelical leader, Steuernagel served on the Lausanne Central Committee for several years and has intimate knowledge of the movement. He was also president of World Vision's International Board as well as a member of the World Evangelical Alliance's International Council, among various other roles he held over the decades of his ministry. The history and 'Spirit' of Lausanne "For decades, the Lausanne Movement has been a part of my life. I am a kind of 'child of Lausanne,' although a belated one," Steuernagel said, noting that he wasn't present at the International Congress on World Evangelization held in the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1974, nowadays referred to as Lausanne 1. The global event convened by Billy Graham and Jack Dyan brought together 2,300 participants from 150 nations, and under the guidance of theologian John Stott produced the landmark Lausanne Covenant that remains influential to this day. "Lausanne 1 was indeed a breath of the Spirit that surprised the broader Christian family and left its mark on the Evangelical world, which was already emerging as a significant stream within the global Christian community," Steuernagel said. The event "catapulted the Evangelical world, both internally and externally, into a new self-perception, into a visibility hitherto unknown, and into the need to become a dialogue partner with other Christian groups and with the contemporary world itself." It came at a time of increased missionary activity, growth in the Church, expanding resource mobilization and the emergence of international leaders and respected personalities, such as the late Graham. "Evangelicals now filled stadiums, captivated large audiences, and used television as they had previously done with radio," Steuernagel said, noting that the Gallup report marked 1966 as the 'Year of the Evangelicals' in North America. But as 1974 came around, it became evident that it was indeed a global phenomenon "as there was an Evangelical church flourishing in many other places, notably in various African countries, many Latin American countries, and some Asian countries." Lausanne 1 recognized this change at the event and adapted to the contemporary world, as was expressed in the Lausanne Covenant. Steuernagel emphasized that it was done "in an Evangelical style. A style that never considered giving up its identity, affirming, therefore, the centrality of Jesus, the authority of Scriptures, human sinfulness, the missionary calling of the Church, and the hope for a new Heaven and a new Earth." But what also happened at the event is that "the gate was open for new conversations" and "open to accentuate identity and mission," he said, as North American missionary and evangelistic organizations increasingly became international, while national churches brought new perspectives to the conversations. "It is worth noting that Lausanne 1 was a pioneer in allowing the growing Evangelical diversity, with a strong ethnic-geographic aroma, to take the stage, without forgetting how much this diversity was already present in the audience." According to Steuernagel, the development brought "an element of shock and surprise" to Evangelical culture that historically struggled with diversity. And he added that "[this] shock and surprise manifested as a latent and continuous tension in the Movement." It is important for participants of the upcoming Congress to understand these historical dynamics as they continue to this day and will likely be felt at Lausanne 4 once again, he asserts. 'Evangelization' versus 'total mission of the church': Emerging voices from the Global South It became clear early on that Lausanne 1 would be followed by a Continuation Committee, which then met for the first time in January 1975 in Mexico City. It was there that "tension emerged with significant visibility," Steuernagel said. In seeking to define Lausanne's mandate, the question arose whether it should be specifically focused on evangelizing the unreached, i.e. proclamation, or whether it should emphasize the "total mission of the church," i.e. a more holistic approach, which the Lausanne Covenant already affirmed. The committee struck a balance, saying they understood that "'the advance of the church's mission' means encouraging all the people of God to go into the world as Christ was sent into the world, giving themselves to others in a spirit of sacrificial service, with evangelism being primary in this mission." Tensions persisted, however, as leaders from what then became known as the "Global South" continued to speak up. "These voices reflected the journey of young churches and emerging Christian leaders in search of a relevant Christian experience for their context and in pursuit of a dialogue with their respective realities, questions, cries, and experiences," he said. "Voices that raised critical questions about an evangelistic practice that emphasized soul salvation at the expense of living an incarnate faith." These concerns had been raised at Lausanne 1 by Latin American leaders Rene Padilla and Samuel Escobar, with Padilla addressing the theme of "Evangelization and the World," and Escobar discussing "Evangelization and the Quest for Freedom, Justice and Fulfillment by Man." They advocated for an evangelistic practice with cultural sensitivity, a missional experience expressed in social responsibility and the pursuit of justice, and a life marked by simplicity and sacrifice, as found and modeled by Jesus, Steuernagel said. Global South leaders celebrated the Lausanne Covenant's emphasis on mission "that encompasses all areas of life throughout one's life." Leaders mainly from North America, however, raised concerns "about the need to maintain a focus on the verbal proclamation of the Gospel and on spiritual and personal conversion." Steuernagel recounted that in 1975, John Stott responded to some of these concerns by noting the lack of Global South representation at the Mexico meeting and the "insensitivity with which some North Americans" emphasized the need to "restrict to evangelism" and not focus on broader concerns as expressed in the Covenant. And in an article titled "The Meaning of Lausanne," Stott later wrote that he believed regional groups would find their way according to their own discernment. Lausanne 1 'opened the gate.' Will Lausanne 4 keep it open? Steuernagel went on to highlight Lausanne 1 as a historic moment, "a kind of opening of the gate" that articulated "an Evangelical identity and stance that represented all Evangelicals and proved relevant to the lived reality." The Gospel of Jesus Christ as the good news was affirmed, and it was highlighted that the Gospel should be proclaimed everywhere and at all times as universal and sufficient, and "in such a way that people can recognize Christ in us." In addition to these foundational truths, however, Steuernagel highlighted that the Lausanne Covenant also emphasized that the Scriptures "must be embraced in their entirety. Hence the expression 'the whole Gospel,' necessitating a departure from any reductionism, segregation or dilution of the Scriptures." It also affirmed Jesus as the center determining all areas of life. "Hence the expression 'the whole Gospel for the whole person.' Therefore, any separation between body and soul, individual and community, present and future is rejected, as it would be a denial of both the Gospel and humanity." These and other affirmations led to joy and expectations but also tensions, Steuernagel said. The presence of God and the breath of the Spirit was felt, which "led the Church to a new moment of fellowship, integration and assimilation of new leadership and voices." There was anticipation of the Church waking up to its true calling. At the same time, there was tension because the "more customary leaders were no longer the only ones" who could express their perspectives. Certain biblical interpretations as well as some of the mission and strategic agendas seemed less relevant or in need of reassessment. And "new leaders, especially from the Global South, were emerging and wanting to sit at the table and have access to the microphone." Despite fluctuations over the years and changes in Lausanne's leadership, Steuernagel said the gate that Lausanne 1 opened "did not (completely) close again." Padilla and Escobar are illustrations of the tension as they represented the "new and surprising voices at Lausanne 1" but then "did not have the same space, neither personally nor in terms of the proposed agenda, at Lausanne 2." At Lausanne 3, however, the iconic figures returned and were "recognized and affirmed," Steuernagel said, adding: "The 'gate' remained lifted." Looking ahead at Lausanne 4 considering these past dynamics, "the question is whether it remains open," Steuernagel said. He wonders if there will be room for new voices, emphasizing that "there are new voices" to be heard. And he asks if there will be space for surprise. "Surprise that bears the mark of the Spirit and leads the Church to rethink its missional experience based on a new encounter with the scriptures, a necessary conversation among churches from everywhere and in every place, and a new reading and appropriation of the context we live in," Steuernagel said. "If the Spirit blows, there will be surprise and there will be tension, and this is something we should know and accept." Lausanne 4 must reaffirm the Evangelical identity in today's context Steuernagel emphasized that a key outcome of Lausanne 4 must be the reaffirmation of the Evangelical identity in consideration of today's context so that the Church's testimony will be relevant and effective. "Christian faith gives birth to identity," he said, but cautioned that this identity is "never abstract, conceptual or theoretically doctrinal." Instead, it is "always communal and relational." Furthermore, while the Christian identity does not depend on the context, it does not assert itself without a context either. It is "nourished and inspired by the identity of the God of revelation and incarnation." And He is "the only God who makes Himself known." "He is the God with a name the God of our fathers and mothers, the God of Jesus Christ; has a presence the Jesus of Nazareth; and has an address Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the ends of the Earth," Steuernagel said. "Each of these places needs to be identified, encountered, named, respected, loved, and established in common coexistence." He adds that the Christian faith identity "takes shape in the experience of vocation through which God calls us to Himself and sends us in His name." "Identity is always missional because God is always missional; He is the God who goes out of Himself, meets the other, and reveals Himself as the God of love. He is the incarnate God who calls us to sit around Him, as He did with the disciples (Mark 3:14-15), and from this place shows us the way: 'go'; indicates what must be lived and what must be done: proclaim the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15, Matthew 10:1)." Steuernagel believes one of the most significant affirmations of Lausanne 1 was that identity and context go hand in hand. But the identity that was formulated was clearly Evangelical and therefore clearly distinguished itself from the ecumenical Christian world that was marked by "a tendency towards a more liberal and political theology." "In Lausanne 1, the Evangelical identity was affirmed, and that was the direction Lausanne wanted to take," he said. "By the time Lausanne 3 took place in Cape Town, South Africa, the context had changed, but the Evangelical identity would be reaffirmed." Steuernagel felt that Lausanne 3 affirmed an identity and mission paradigm that was marked by the language of love. This was a noticeable shift from the previous language that focused on discerning tasks, programs and resources. Lausanne 3 and the resulting Cape Town Commitment recognized "that many times in the past, our attitudes and missionary practices were marked by a divisive spirit, a belligerent attitude, and conquest goals, sometimes enveloped in colonialist and civilizing practices," he said. "Now, we were saying that it was necessary to convert to the language and attitude of love and the practice of welcoming and caring, so that new generations and communities may believe, and with them, we become an expression of the Body of Christ. Believing in a loving God. A caring and trustworthy God. A God of shalom." Fourteen years after the Cape Town gathering, Steuernagel said it is necessary to reaffirm the Christian identity again at Lausanne 4. "And we need to do it in harmony with the breath of the Spirit that leads us to listen to the voice of God anew and to do so prophetically in the time and context in which we live." Doing so is important because identity is not something that is inherited, rather it comes "as the fruit of conversion." "Identity needs to find its space for testimonial gestation in each generation and in each context because our identity is not disconnected from our mission. Identity is a missional affirmation," Steuernagel stated. He described how the process leading to Lausanne 3 included a season of listening and discerning the challenges of mission in the first decade of the new millennium. Similarly, participants in Lausanne 4 must "once again discern the time and context, as well as internal and external challenges and opportunities that require us to affirm our identity in firm and loving testimonial conversations." A Latin American perspective on today's issues the Church needs to address Steuernagel himself highlighted a number of today's key issues, some of which he says are not new, including the "superficialization and syncretism of faith" due to the rapid growth that Church experienced. "Faced with this reality, it is necessary to reiterate and emphasize the Scriptures, reacting to biblical illiteracy." However, he also cautioned that "this emphasis on the Scriptures needs to strike the tone of enchantment, acceptance, and grace, overcoming the harsh, dry, separatist, and authoritarian language by which we have characterized ourselves many times and for a long time. The Scriptures need and want to be encountered as the Word of a caring God." A second concern revolves around the widespread divisions within the Church. "Our identity needs to lead us to speak with one voice and express a common sentiment," Steuernagel said. "In the day-to-day of our history, we have specialized in divisions that, in many cases, represent conflicts of egos and interests and have nothing to do with the breath of the Spirit and the call to unity by the voice of the Scriptures. We need to overcome our separatist and individualistic culture to generate a unity that becomes a testimony, even if it may find different organizational paths. Our identity needs to make outsiders say about us: 'See how they love each other!'" As a third concern, Steuernagel emphasized that "our identity needs to be multifaceted and inclusive." The growth of churches in various places and among different cultures signals the transformation of the 'face of the Church' into a multifaceted and multicolored one, "bringing honor to the Gospel and value to God's invitation to all people everywhere." He laments that "for a long time, in modern times, the Christian faith was perceived as something associated with the white, fueled by white male leadership, and sustained by the green money of the white empire." He goes on to emphasize the urgency of addressing other pressing issues, such as the need to care for God's creation, to recognize the reality and significance of migration and the importance of welcoming refugees, and to emphasize affirming life amid a culture of death that celebrates abortion and euthanasia, among others. Open conversations could lead to new paradigm shifts in missions at Lausanne 4 Looking back at the first gathering in Lausanne, Switzerland, Steuernagel highlighted how mission perspectives and the understanding of the "task" shifted as Evangelicals encountered new frontiers and contexts. "When Lausanne 1 was conceived and organized, what was desired was very clear," Steuernagel said. "This was expressed in the event's name 'International Congress on World Evangelization,' in the event's theme 'Let the Earth Hear His Voice,' and in its purpose, which stated: 'Mobilize the whole Church to proclaim the whole Gospel to the whole world.' The focus was on global evangelization, and there was a reading regarding this possibility and necessity." The historic understanding of mission that formed the backdrop to Lausanne 1 was rooted in the modern missions movement that was marked by William Carey. However, new perspectives came to the fore when Donald McGavran began to speak about evangelizing human groups rather than only individuals. "He argued that individual evangelism would not complete the task of world evangelization and that it should take into account realities in which conversion could and even should be collective, aiming to encounter human groups with the Gospel and their possible conversion," Steuernagel highlighted. Similarly, Ralph D. Winter's concept of Unreached People Group's (UPGs) contributed to a paradigm shift in mission strategy. "Winter played a significant role in Lausanne 1, where he was one of the speakers," according to Steuernagel. "[He planted] the seed of the movement around identifying these unreached people groups and pointing to the need to reach them and establish a church among each of them. This movement marked the history of world evangelization and energized the mobilization toward a missionary effort through which these people groups could be mapped and reached." At the same time, people like Billy Graham successfully used mass media, filled stadiums and brought a lot of visibility to Evangelicals. Thus, Lausanne became a movement that emphasized open and public evangelization, while also nurturing next-level mission strategies like Winter's UPGs and considering the growth of the Church outside the Western world. Lausanne "created space for new and emerging churches, especially from the Global South, to be seen and even, in some cases, invited to occupy a seat on the platform and use the microphone," Steuernagel said. This led to richer and simultaneously more demanding and challenging conversations because as these churches found their vital space and discerned their vocation amid the construction of new partnerships, they began asking questions. "Questions about the nature of the evangelization being operationalized, the mission being carried out, and the churches being established vis-a-vis their transformative or accommodating impact on society," he said. The resulting conversations were marked by a "simultaneous tone of gratitude and criticism" and broadened and enriched the Evangelical Church, which continued to "grow and manifest itself as a living force in many of our societies." Steuernagel said that in the lead-up to Lausanne 4 and during the Congress, "there are certainly new conversations that need to happen, recognizing that the task is unfinished." "The strong mobilization of new generations, the reconfiguration of missionary vocations marked by an entrepreneurial bias, the growing perception of mission as multifaceted these are some signs of life in a missionary journey toward a new and continuous obedience. Obedience to the mandate of Jesus," he said. Considering new Bible passages for missions that go beyond Matthew 28 and Acts 1 Following his own reflection on biblical passages that speak to missions, Steuernagel suggests considering the relevance of Luke 10:1-20 for today's world. He noted that historically, Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8 had been "key in the hermeneutics of the missionary vocation as expressed and experienced by the Evangelical community in its various traditions and expressions." It was John Stott who later drew attention to a different aspect of missions by pointing to John 17:18 and 20:21. "By saying, on two occasions, 'As the Father sent me, so I send you,' it becomes clear and crucial that Jesus himself models the mission of the Church," Steuernagel said, adding: "Our mission, therefore, is to follow Jesus and, in following Him, be sent into the world; to be like Him incarnate and to do the mission the way he did it." "The mission is not something of ours that can be done in our way," he emphasized. Steuernagel notes that each Bible passage that was highlighted was specifically relevant to its time. Carey pointed to Matthew 28 "at a time when the Church was hesitant and even denied its missionary vocation beyond borders." Stott, on the other hand, spoke about the verses in the Gospel of John "at a time when the experience and practice of missions had gained traction, expanded, and even risked losing focus and being enchanted with its own projects and strategies." "Thus, we discover that biblical texts inspire us, mobilize us, warn us, correct us, and put us in tune with our time, acquiring a mobilizing force for obedience that bears the mark of Jesus," Steuernagel said. While keeping these historic perspectives and relevant passages in mind in moving toward Lausanne 4, he said he felt God leading him to meditate on the meaning of Luke 10:1-20 and "found in it a paradigmatic text for this mission in the model of Jesus in our time." The text echoes the sending explicitly stated in Matthew, takes steps toward the mission outlined in the model of Jesus, and points to important dimensions in these days, according to Steuernagel. "Days in which we need to focus on a mission that expresses itself as incarnation, reflects the totality of the Gospel, reconciles life well with verbal testimony, discerns the need for mission with spiritual authority and its origin, and is lived in a movement of sending and rediscovery of the Jesus who reminds us of what is fundamental to be known by the Father," he said. He considers Luke 10 an important addition to today's missional hermeneutics "in light of the tensions we experience in our own Evangelical community with its programmatic outbursts and illusory certainties, as well as in light of challenges that have become as complex as the world in which we live." While admitting that a fuller treatment would require more space than what was available in his address, he pointed to a few "clues" that stood out to him. These include the announcement and experience of peace and "peace as the culmination of the mission." This appears especially relevant amid today's climate of division, polarization and anger. He also highlighted the transformation through sharing the Gospel, healing the sick, and liberating from demonic oppression. "This mission seeks the unreached, the forgotten, and the discriminated against." Other themes include prayer, readiness for sacrifice and persecution, the centrality of accepting the message proclaimed as the Kingdom of God, and the return to the one "who sponsored the sending." "Returning is necessary because, upon returning, we are reminded of our priority and our identity," he said. Approaching Lausanne 4 with repentance, a dream and a prayer Steuernagel concluded by highlighting what he hopes to see at Lausanne 4: repentance and a dream, and he offered a prayer for the right atmosphere at the event. He first pointed to Chris Wright's presentation at Lausanne 3 about the acronym HIS: humility, integrity and simplicity, in which he called participants to an attitude of "repentance and renewal of commitment." The same was reflected in the Cape Town Commitment, which states: "Since there is no biblical mission without biblical life, we urgently renew our commitment and challenge all those who profess the name of Christ to live radically differently from the ways of the world, to 'put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness'" (Ephesians 4:14). Secondly, Steuernagel spoke about the dream that should inspire participants, saying "the word dream is meant to resonate on the journey to Seoul, Korea, in 2024." "A dream marked by the love and grace of God. A dream that envisions churches marked by restoration, hospitality and care. A dream of communities without borders that takes us as far as the unreached borders. A dream in which there is a place for everyone and for all of nature. A dream and not a program, for a program is always imposing and excluding. A dream that opens the doors to surprise," he said. According to Steuernagel, "Lausanne I was a surprise, and Lausanne 3 was a dream." And he encouraged participants, "Let us move towards Lausanne 4 in prayer that finds its fertile ground between this and that." He finished his speech by reciting a famous prayer of Francis of Assisi that he hopes will inspire and challenge those who will be in Korea this time: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace Where there is hatred, let me bring love Where there is injury, let me bring pardon Where there is discord, let me bring unity Where there is doubt, let me bring faith Where there is error, let me bring truth Where there is despair, let me bring hope Where there is sadness, let me bring joy Where there is darkness, let me bring light O Master, grant that I may seek To console rather than to be consoled To understand, rather than to be understood To love, rather than to be loved For it is in giving that we receive It is in pardoning that we are pardoned And it is in dying that we are born To eternal life. Amen Christian Daily International Seminaries prompt students to ask: Can AI write a sermon? This summer, Mark Andrew Jefferson, who was leading a teaching workshop at Princeton Theological Seminary, prompted ChatGPT to write a homily based on the Gospel of Luke's parable of the good Samaritan. For good measure, he ordered the artificial intelligence engine to mimic the style of the late, legendary evangelist Billy Graham. When Jefferson showed the results to the students in his workshop, they were split on the possibilities of AI-generated sermons. Some were enthusiastic, others ambivalent but curious. Yet others were concerned about what it might spell for their future livelihood as preachers: As do many people in any number of vocations, they feared that AI will render humans dispensable. "Students were excited because we helped them to do some of the work necessary, but also some of them were dismayed because some of them felt like technology was going to do their job for them," said Jefferson, who teaches homiletics the art of preaching at Howard University's School of Divinity and is CEO of a preaching and leadership consultancy called Maleko Global. Across the United States, seminaries are contending with the possibilities of AI for clergy and churches. Many, such as United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia and Howard's School of Divinity, are in the beginning stages of discussing how AI will factor into their curricula and crafting policies for their students' educations. From divinity school hallways to organized seminars to governing bodies such as the Association of Theological Schools and the Academy of Homiletics, professors are chatting about what AI means their students. AI's success in religious contexts so far has been mixed. In April of this year, Catholic Answers, an advocacy group, launched "Father Justin," an AI-driven chatbot designed to explain church doctrine to curious users. The bot has since been "defrocked" after suggesting that babies could be baptized in Gatorade, among other gaffes. AskCathy, created by the Episcopal Church in partnership with TryTank Research Institute, sticks to basic questions about that denomination and helps users find digital resources. But most seminary professors acknowledge that their students' toolboxes will inevitably include AI. The Rev. Shauna Hannan, a professor at the graduate school of California Lutheran University, dismisses "the fear is that technology will sort of take over the need for humans," pointing out that there are many duties of clergy that can't be replicated by AI. "I don't think, in a kind of relationship-centered vocation like ministry, that technology will replace the human-to-human interaction," she said. Hannan looks at AI as "a tool, in the way that you might mention Gutenberg printing press in the 16th century that Martin Luther used." In that spirit, she said, "I would love to hear from my students ways that they would like to use ChatGPT to help that creative process as a kind of collaborative one." At the Academy for Jewish Religion, in Yonkers, New York, rabbinical students taking a required Jewish law and science course will discuss AI and other new technologies, according to Rabbi Matthew Goldstone. However, Goldstone said, "While the productive use of AI for sermon writing (and) locating answers to Jewish questions can enhance what students are able to achieve, the fundamentally personal nature of translating the teachings for those communities is still really essential," said Goldstone. When it comes to sitting down to write a sermon, said the Rev. Karyn Wiseman, who is on the education and technology committee at United Lutheran Seminary, generative AI can be a brainstorming partner, but beyond that, the nuances get tricky. Since the source of AI's output is the work of other authors, she noted, plagiarism is a major concern. "Do I cut and paste? Is it an inspiration? It all gets so fuzzy," Wiseman said. "How do we say that the integrity of your work is your own? It's an amazing resource, but it can't be the bulk of your work." Students of Frederick Ware, at Howard's School of Divinity, will be reading a textbook this semester that will help them think through the capabilities of AI from a theological perspective. Then, Ware said, they will experiment with AI for themselves. "What does it produce? What are its capabilities?" said Ware. Other professors also seem to think the best route is to give students experience with AI programs, along with guidance on how it can be helpful and how it can get facts wrong. Tisa Wenger, a professor of American religious history at Yale Divinity School, had her students prompt ChatGPT to write a sermon in the language of Joranna Lee, a 19th-century preacher in the AME Church, then critique the output. Wenger found the exercise was good for teaching the limitations of ChatGPT more than its benefits, and for testing the students' knowledge of the material for all the details ChatGPT did not include or got wrong. "Students really loved that exercise, and they really did a great job of unpacking them. In fact, we felt like their resulting papers were more creative," said Wenger. "We've now done that for three years in a row." In many traditions, clergy are already considered to have a writing partner in the Holy Spirit. If AI is helping out, is there still space for the Spirit to move the preacher as it pleases? Yes, said several homiletics professors. "I think the Spirit can move through the sermon crafting process. If AI is one conversation partner among many (and not used simply to spit out a sermon), I suspect the Spirit can move through preachers who are engaging the tool," said Hannan. Whether the Spirit can inspire AI directly, she said, is questionable. Jefferson believes that while the Spirit may move through AI, preachers must consider the biases of AI's source material as they engage with it. "The literature around AI and race, gender and the criminal justice system attests that these tools are not neutral. So I recommend the preacher examine themselves as they engage these tools." As AI makes its way into all corners of society, including the church, "I think we want to be cautious," said Hannan. "But I don't fear using whatever is out there for good, as long as it is for good, and it's not a good for a small group of people. But how is it good for all living beings?" Religion News Service Unlikely alliance forms in Australia over fears misinformation bill puts free speech at stake A proposal for legislation designed to tackle online misinformation has seen Australia's Federal Government come under fire from an unlikely alliance of critics, who have warned it constitutes a "chilling assault" on free speech in Australia. The Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024, which was introduced to Parliament last week by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, would give the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) wide-ranging new powers to impose massive fines - up to 5% of global revenues - on social media platforms that allow the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation on their services. Claiming that misinformation and disinformation pose a "serious threat" to social cohesion and democracy, the legislation shifts responsibility for enforcing compliance onto the platforms hosting it, running the risk that corporations would put the protection of their bottom line above free speech and religious expression. Already in its second draft after an earlier version was universally condemned, including by the Australian Human Rights Commission, the updated legislation immediately came under ferocious attack by groups from all sides of public discourse. Minister Rowland offered strong assurances that the revisions had taken great care to "carefully balance the public interest in combatting seriously harmful misinformation and disinformation with the freedom of expression that is so fundamental to our democracy", but many are warning it could potentially be used to silence beliefs and opinions that go against the mainstream opinions of the day. Claiming the bill poses a dire threat to religious, political, and civic freedom, lobby groups say its definitions of misinformation and disinformation are far too broad, and would allow the government to silence legitimate beliefs and opinions that are not aligned with its own positions. "The big tech companies will become the censorship and enforcement arm of the federal government to shut down debate and speech that it disagrees with," said John Storey, Director of Law and Policy at the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA). "If a citizen were to disseminate information which was factually true, but ACMA or a fact checker labelled it 'misleading' or 'deceptive' because it 'lacked context', then that information would fall within the scope of these laws." Faith groups also warned that genuine religious beliefs could be deemed 'misleading' and 'reasonably likely' to 'contribute to serious harm' for disagreeing with the government's positions on such issues as LGBTQI+ and reproductive rights. "Digital platforms can be penalised for non-compliance with government expectations, but not for over-censorship," Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) CEO Michelle Pearse said. "There's no knowing where this will end. Instead of safeguarding the free speech of Australians ... ACMA becomes an Orwellian Ministry for Truth. From public health to politics to the economy and ideology, ACMA will determine what Australians are, and are not, allowed to say online." Free speech advocates were also alarmed by the revised legislation, with the Co-Director of The Free Speech Union of Australia, Dr Reuben Kirkham, calling the legislation an "attack on our freedoms." "Despite the outpouring of public concern last time around, the government has still failed to address the key issues with it," he told Sky New Australia. "How does anyone decide if the content contains information that is 'reasonably verifiable as false, misleading or deceptive' it is as clear as mud." The unveiling of the legislation saw Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese engage in a war of words with the billionaire owner of social media platform X, Elon Musk, who labelled the Albanese government "fascist" over its plans. Albanese hit back at Musk's remarks in an opinion piece published by major media outlets across the nation, while Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones dismissed them as "crackpot stuff". "For the life of me, I can't see how Elon Musk or anyone else, in the name of free speech, thinks it is OK to have social media platforms publishing scam content, which is robbing Australians of billions of dollars every year," he said. The legislation faces a difficult battle ahead, with the Federal Opposition likely to throw its support behind the bill's opponents, who see it as putting too much power in the hands of the governmentundermining the very foundations vital to a free society. "It's dangerous to allow government bureaucracies to make decisions about which types of information are true, safe and reasonable and to ban the rest," columnist Monica Doumit wrote in The Catholic Weekly. "One of the key things that protects a society from tyranny is the free flow of information and the ability of anyone to speak their mind. "Once that is taken away, it won't be easier to distinguish truth from lies, but it will be harder to distinguish truth from the 'approved narrative'." CLEVELAND On Oct. 8, when the early voting period opens in Ohio, voters will be able to cast ballots on State Issue 1, the citizen-initiated anti-gerrymandering amendment to Ohios Constitution. The amendments sponsor, Citizens Not Politicians, and most Ohio major media outlets are getting their shorts bunched over Republican state officials attempts to confuse the ballot language, hoping to defeat the issue. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has also teased his own redistricting plan if Issue 1 should fail in November. Relax, folks. Its going to pass and its not going to be close. Even though Ohio is considered a politically red state, recent statewide votes show our citizenry is also majority pro-choice, like our weed, favor term limits and oppose gerrymandering. Even with casino gambling, Ohioans didnt care if the ballot language made it part of the states constitution. Most voters dont even read the ballot language and maybe not even read the full heading. They wanted to make gambling legal and they voted for it. Still, I cant help but wonder if the gerrymandering issue would be as big if the Democrats had run Ohio for most of the past three decades. When I point out that Democrats also abuse gerrymandering, the usual rebuttal I get is about those horrible Republicans who run Ohio. Many Democratic-controlled states also gerrymander to retain political majorities and power. New York U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadlers current congressional district is even more ridiculously gerrymandered than Rep. Jim Jordans 4th Ohio Congressional District that Issue 1 proponents use as an anti-gerrymandering poster child. Nadler, the 77-year-old, 31-year congressional veteran, benefits from a district that now runs from Manhattans Upper West Side south through the Financial District before making a sharp right turn into Bensonhurst in Brooklyn. The New York Times has even called it jerrymandering. Issue 1 proponents oppose Republican-controlled gerrymandered districts that have created legislative supermajorities. They either dont know or have forgotten that some of the states urban Democratic districts have essentially been gerrymandered since the late 1960s. In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that all congressional districts should be as equivalent in population as possible. The late Louis Stokes then successfully argued that a potential Black majority urban district should not be divided in order to dilute minority voting power. That led to a reconfigured 21st Ohio Congressional district in 1967. Then-incumbent Democrat Charles Vanik opted to run in a different district, resulting in Stokes election to Congress, where he served for 15 terms. The late Stephanie Tubbs Jones, followed by Marcia Fudge and now Shontel Brown, followed in his footsteps. Ohio has consistently lost congressional seats to rapidly growing southern states. Our state went from a modern-day high of 24 representatives to the current 15. Because of Clevelands population loss, it became almost impossible to retain a Black majority district in Cuyahoga County. This forced the now 11th District to take on snakelike boundaries. From 2012 to 2022, it began at Lake Erie then shot south through a thin silver of the county into Summit County. The 2022 redistricting redrew the entire district back into Cuyahoga County but expanded to the county border to include many eastern suburbs, to add more population. Though not designated a Black majority district, the 3rd Ohio Congressional District in Franklin County was carved out over a decade ago to include a 35% minority population, giving the Democratic candidate a decided edge. U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty has held the seat since. So, after Issue 1 passes, how is Ohios 15-member Citizens Redistricting Commission going to redraw Ohios other 13 congressional districts, if they still have to protect minority representation in the 3rd and 11th congressional districts? Ohios strongest blue areas are in most of its urban centers and always-reliable Athens County. In recent years, the rest of Ohio has become redder. Because of this, Ohio is no longer considered a swing state, and both presidential candidates are committing most of their time and resources elsewhere. So, is it realistically possible to create fair and equitable districts without drawing even more serpentine district boundaries? I envision the end result will be, perhaps, making a few congressional and Statehouse districts slightly more competitive but I dont foresee the sweeping changes idealistic Issue 1 sponsors are hoping to achieve. Some of the politically driven constitutional amendments approved in the past didnt work out as planned, either. In 1992, Statehouse Republicans were weary of the 17-year reign of Democratic House Speaker for Life Vernal Riffe from tiny New Boston along the Ohio River. Concurrently that year, national conservative and libertarian organizations sponsored citizen-initiated term-limit amendments in 20 states to include both members of the Statehouse and Congress. Ohios three constitutional amendment proposals limited Ohio House members to four two-year terms and state senators to two four-year terms. All statewide elected officials could serve only two four-year terms. In Congress, the term limits meant U.S. House members could serve four two-year terms and U.S. senators two six-year terms. Ohio voters overwhelming approved these Throw the Bums Out amendments by a margin of two-thirds or more -- although a federal court ruling overturned the amendment that applied to Congress. Bob Paulson, the former Republican mayor of Solon, writes an occasional Plain Dealer/cleveland.com column from the political middle. (Photo by David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com) Passage of these constitutional amendments begat another set of problems and workarounds that I will address in my next column. So, if Issue 1 passes, which it will, I look forward to seeing how the Citizens Redistricting Commission is going to create fair and equal non-gerrymandered districts in most of Ohio, given its demographics. Or how any yeah-but caveats or exceptions to this constitutional amendment might factor in when the new fair districts are drawn. Bob Paulson, the former Republican mayor of Solon who last fall announced he was switching his party affiliation to independent, writes an occasional column from the middle. To share ideas and feedback with Bob Paulson: bobpaulsonPD@gmail.com Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. The attacks by Sen. JD Vance on Haitian-born people who now live in the United States notably, in Clark Countys Springfield are among the slimiest political maneuvers undertaken in living memory by an Ohio officeholder. Theyre rivaled only by the demonization in 1986 of HIV-positive Ohioans by four-term Republican former Gov. James A. Rhodes in a failed comeback bid. (Voters instead overwhelmingly re-elected Democratic Gov. Richard F. Celeste.) Maybe trashing refuges is a long-game bet by Vance, the Cincinnati Republican who is trotting on the campaign trail alongside GOP presidential nominee Donald J. Trump as Trumps vice-presidential running mate. Its a decent gamble: If Trump, now 78, wins in November but dies mid-term (or is officially ruled mentally incompetent to serve as president by the 25th Amendments provisions), then James David Vance, now 40, a self-defined hillbilly from McKinley Street, in Butler Countys Middletown, could become taxpayers White House guest at Washingtons 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. With Americas highest office at stake, defaming Haitian migrants, and disrupting (thanks to haters threats) the lives of the 58,000 people who live in Springfield, are easy wagers to place, with the presidency in play as the grand prize. Meanwhile, though, perhaps Catholic convert Vance will ponder these words in the book of Leviticus, in Catholics traditional Douay-Rheims translation of the Bible: If a stranger dwell in your land, and abide among you, do not upbraid him: But let him be among you as one of the same country: and you shall love him as yourselves: for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. JD Vances life story is remarkable, as are his notable achievements since he left Middletown Marine Corps service, an Ohio State undergraduate degree and Yale law degree, best-selling authorship, and election to the U.S. Senate as a first-time candidate for any office. But Vances vice-presidential campaign antics wont have aged well when biographers and historians look back at 2024s Trump-Vance ticket and Vances increasingly demagogic claims. With a slight tweak, Vances campaigning calls to mind words, used by playwright Robert Bolt, in A Man for All Seasons, that Sir Thomas More (portrayed by Paul Scofield on stage), the Catholic officeholder martyred by Henry VIII, says to an ally of the king: Why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world ... but for [Trump]? Hypocrisy isnt confined to the presidential campaign. All those lie-believing ignoramuses, inside and outside Ohio, shrieking about the purported slaughter of companion animals by Haitians who reside legally in Ohio, ought to take a good look at Ohios weak laws on the humane treatment of animals, especially companion animals. The Humane Society of the United States recently released its Horrible Hundred 2024 a report on 100 problem puppy mills and puppy-sellers in the United States. The society reported that for the 12th year in a row, Missouri has the highest number of dealers in the report (23), followed this year by Ohio (20), Iowa (15) and Wisconsin (10). Thats right, the Buckeye State is proving once again to be a national example of how a state refuses or neglects to police dog-breeding and dog sales. The specific details that the Humane Society musters for its report make for nauseating reading. And the Ohio General Assembly has made matters worse. Late in 2016, amid the hurly-burly of a lame-duck, post-election session, Ohios House and state Senate, by passing Senate Bill 331, yet again violated the Ohio Constitutions 112-year-old guarantee of home rule to the states cities and villages. That measure, according to the National Humane Education Society, subsequently signed by Republican then-Gov. John R. Kasich, voided [anti-puppy-mill] ordinances passed in Grove City and Toledo, [and] also made it illegal for any [Ohio] city to ban puppy sales from their communities, even if there is reason to believe the puppies were bred in a puppy mill. Result: Ohio, the heart of it all, is in fact heartless in forbidding communities to regulate puppy sales. That is one of Ohios many real animal-welfare challenges not the brazen lies promoted by Donald Trump and JD Vance about Ohio newcomers eating companion animals in Springfield. Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens. To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com, 216-408-9474 Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions, comments or corrections regarding this opinion article to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. The Brazilian Supreme Court on Saturday asked Elon Musk-owned social platform X to present documents validating its new legal representative in the country, as the firm's lawyers now say it will comply with court demands to be allowed to resume operations in Brazil. X was shut down in Brazil in late August after it did not comply with orders from the top court related to hate speech moderation in the social platform. But in the last few days, X representatives have started to publicly vocalize intentions to address the court demands, even though the firm had previously said it would not meet them. X lawyers said late on Friday that the platform had named a legal representative in Brazil, addressing a key demand imposed by the court. In a Saturday decision, Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes gave five days for X to provide commercial registries and other documents proving that X formally signed Rachel de Oliveira Conceicao as its Brazil legal representative. Brazilian law requires foreign companies to have a legal representative to operate in the country. The representative would assume the legal responsibilities for the firm locally. X had a legal representative in Brazil until mid-August, when it decided to close its offices and fire its staff in the country. The move followed a months-long dispute between Musk and Moraes over the firm's non-compliance with court orders demanding the platform to take action against the spread of hate speech, which the billionaire denounced as censorship. Besides the indication of a legal representative, Brazil's top court also required X to block certain accounts investigated in a hate speech and misinformation probe, and to pay fines amounting over $3 million as conditions to lift the ban. At first X had said it would not comply with the "illegal" orders, but now its lawyers said the platform will pay the fines it owes, and that it has also started to block the ordered accounts. It was not immediately clear which were the accounts X has been ordered to block, as the probe is confidential. Despite the ban, X became accessible to many users in Brazil on Wednesday for a limited period of time after an update to its communications network bypassed the court-ordered block. 15th Cross-Strait Children's Fine Art Exhibition kicks off Taiwan tour Xinhua) 10:54, September 22, 2024 TAIPEI, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- A giant panda munches on bamboo while a Formosan black bear, sitting closely next to it, enjoys an apple, a warm scene beautifully captured by several children from Tainan in southern Taiwan in a painting. The painting is exhibited at the 15th Cross-Strait Children's Fine Art Exhibition. Following stops in Fuzhou and Xiamen in Fujian Province across the Taiwan Strait, the exhibition kicked off its Taiwan tour Friday in New Taipei. The exhibition features approximately 400 artworks, including around 160 from Taiwan. It will run in New Taipei until Sept. 24, before moving to Hualien from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4. Over the past 15 years, the exhibition has been held on the two sides of the Strait, fostering a cultural bridge through the participation of young people and art professionals, said Cherry Zhou, curator of the exhibition. The theme of this year's exhibition, "Together," symbolizes the connection between adults and children, as well as a dialogue between the past, present and future, Zhou explained. "It also represents friends across the Strait joining hands and walking together toward a brighter future," she added. The displayed artworks cover a wide range of topics, from the craftsmanship of red lantern making to unique traditional weddings in Taiwan and lively temple fairs. With vibrant and innocent strokes, children from both sides of the Strait have illustrated their perspectives on the world through various forms and dimensions. "The exhibition provides a great opportunity for children across the Strait to engage in artistic and spiritual exchanges through their imaginative and hopeful expressions," said Hu Hong-ren, a senior local journalist. The exhibition will be held in Hualien in eastern Taiwan for the first time. "When we previously held an exhibition in Taitung, children from Hualien dressed in their finest and traveled eight hours by bus to attend. They were thrilled to have their works showcased for peers from across the Strait," Zhou said. The Hualien exhibition will feature a ceramic tile art piece created by 16 children from ethnic minority groups in Kaohsiung. The exhibition will also tour Beijing and Kaohsiung. With the next edition themed on "Life," organizers have begun accepting submissions for artworks. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) The U.S. Commerce Department is expected on Monday to propose prohibiting Chinese software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles on U.S. roads due to national security concerns, sources told Reuters. The Biden administration has raised serious concerns about the collection of data by Chinese companies on U.S. drivers and infrastructure as well as the potential foreign manipulation of connected vehicles. The proposed regulation would ban the import and sale of vehicles from China with key communications or automated driving system software or hardware. The department plans to give the public 30 days to comment before any finalization of the rules, the sources said, adding that the department plans to propose making the prohibitions on software effective in the 2027 model year and the prohibitions on hardware would take effect in January 2029. The Commerce Department declined to comment on Saturday. Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike hit the Tyre, in southern Lebanon on September 19, 2024. Hezbollah and Israel exchanged heavy fire into Sunday, as the Lebanese militant group sent rockets deep into northern Israeli territory after facing some of the most intense bombardment in almost a year of conflict. Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem told mourners at the funeral of one of the group's commanders killed last week in Beirut: "We have entered a new phase, the title of which is the open-ended battle of reckoning." Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said operations would continue until it was safe for evacuated people on his side of the border to return - also setting the stage for a long conflict as Hezbollah has vowed to fight on until a ceasefire in the parallel Gaza war. The conflict - which sharply escalated over the past week - has raged since Iran-backed Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel, saying it was acting in solidarity with Palestinians facing an Israeli offensive further south in Gaza. On Tuesday and Wednesday, thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded in an attack widely blamed on Israel but which it has not confirmed or denied responsibility for. The next day, Israel launched its heaviest bombardment of Lebanon yet. Friday saw Hezbollah's senior commander and founder of the elite Radwan forces, Ibrahim Aqil, killed along with several other senior military figures in a strike on Beirut's southern suburb. Saturday again saw unprecedented bombardment that the Israeli military said struck around 290 targets, including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels. "In recent days we have inflicted a series of blows on Hezbollah that it never imagined," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Sunday. "If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message." A picture shows a view of the Al Jazeera television network offices in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on May 5, 2024. Israeli troops raided the offices of the satellite news network Al Jazeera in the Israeli-occupied West Bank early Sunday, ordering the bureau to shut down amid a widening campaign by Israel targeting the Qatar-funded broadcaster as it covers the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Al Jazeera aired footage of Israeli troops live on its Arabic-language channel ordering the office to be shut for 45 days. It follows an extraordinary order issued in May that saw Israeli police raid Al Jazeera's broadcast position in East Jerusalem, seizing equipment there, preventing its broadcasts in Israel and blocking its websites. The move marked the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country. However, Al Jazeera has continued operating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, territories that the Palestinians hope to have for their future state. There was no immediate acknowledgement of the shutdown by Israeli forces. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Al Jazeera denounced the move as it continued broadcasting live from Amman in neighboring Jordan. Armed Israeli troops entered the office and told a reporter live on air it would be shut for 45 days, saying that staff needed to leave immediately. The network later aired what appeared to be Israel troops tearing down a banner on a balcony used by the Al Jazeera office. Al Jazeera said it bore an image of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist shot dead by Israeli forces in May 2022. "There is a court ruling for closing down Al Jazeera for 45 days," an Israeli soldier told Al Jazeera's local bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, in the live footage. "I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment." Al-Omari later said that Israeli troops began confiscating documents and equipment in the bureau, as tear gas and gunshots could be seen and heard in the area. The Palestinians secured limited self-rule in Gaza and parts of the occupied West Bank through the 1993 Oslo agreements. While Israel occupies and controls vast areas of the West Bank, Ramallah is under full Palestinian political and security control, making the Israeli raid on the Al Jazeera office that much more surprising. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate denounced the Israeli raid and order. "This arbitrary military decision is a new aggression against journalistic work and media outlets," it said. The Palestinian Authority administers parts of the West Bank. Its forces were driven from Gaza when Hamas seized power in 2007, and it has no power there. The network has reported on the Israeli-Hamas war nonstop since the militants' initial cross-border attack on Oct. 7 and has maintained 24-hour coverage in the Gaza Strip amid Israel's grinding ground offensive that has killed and wounded members of its staff. It remains unclear whether the Israeli military would target Al Jazeera's operation in Gaza as well. While including on-the-ground reporting of the war's casualties, Al Jazeera's Arabic arm often publishes verbatim video statements from Hamas and other regional militant groups. That has led to Israeli claims by officials up to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the network has "harmed Israel's security and incited against soldiers." Those claims have been vehemently denied by Al Jazeera, whose main funder, Qatar, has been key in negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire to end the war. An order closing Al Jazeera in Israel has been repeatedly renewed in the time since, but it hadn't as of yet ordered the Ramallah offices closed. The war began when Hamas-led fighters killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in an Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. They abducted another 250 people and are still holding around 100 hostages. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed at least 41,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn't differentiate between fighters and civilians. The closure of Al Jazeera's Ramallah office also comes as tensions continue to rise over a possible expansion of the war to Lebanon, where electronic devices exploded last week in a likely sabotage campaign by Israel targeting the Shiite militia Hezbollah. The explosions Tuesday and Wednesday killed at least 37 people including two children and wounded around 3,000 others. Smart glasses, many with components made in China, are emerging as an up-and-coming category as the fall consumer technology product season gets underway. The glasses are a simpler version of Apple's pricey Vision Pro, not to mention the high-end tech required for virtual reality headsets. Snap has revealed augmented reality glasses ; Meta is expected to do so at its own event starting Sept. 25. The Facebook-parent's Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are already seeing traction, HSBC's Frank He, head of technology hardware research for mainland Chinese stocks, pointed out in a report earlier this month. Based on HSBC research, He said the second generation of those smart glasses sold more than 1 million units in the first half of this year, versus 300,000 for the first generation from Sept. 2021 to Feb. 2023. Acceptance struggle Similar wearables, such as Google Glass (discontinued in early 2023) have struggled to gain wide acceptance beyond a niche audience. "We think the inflection point may be around the corner, triggered by the upcoming proliferation of AI assistants/agents," He said, noting one of HSBC's buy-rated picks to play the trend is Hong Kong-listed Sunny Optical. "We also like Sunny due to its leading knowhow in optics for wearable devices," the analyst said, "and we believe it will benefit from higher-than-expected demand for Ray-Ban smart glasses over the next two years." "In our base case, we estimate Sunny's smart glasses [nonsmartphone camera module] shipments will reach 2m units and 5m units in 2024-25e (with a circa USD$8-10 content value), respectively, with more potential upside from the engagement with other OEMs, such as Xiaomi," the HSBC report said. Sunny Optical is a China-based supplier for products from cars to microscopes. The company also has factories in Vietnam and India , according to an investor presentation. Low profile Sunny has otherwise kept a low profile. But CMB International analysts said in August that fiscal first-half revenue in Europe and the U.S. grew by 32% and 15%, respectively, "implying strong sales from ... European automakers and U.S.'s Apple/Meta VR." The roughly $300 Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses allow users to take pictures, short video clips, listen to music and interact with Meta's AI features, according to promotional materials. For the year through July, the optical company's non-smartphone camera module shipments surged about 61%, which HSBC attributes to "brisk sales" of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. HSBC has a price target of 58.90 Hong Kong dollars ($7.56) on Sunny Optical, implying upside of about 30% from Friday's close. The bank upgraded Sunny to a buy in late August. That said, Sunny Optical remains sensitive to highly competitive smartphone and car markets. JPMorgan analysts were less optimistic in mid-August, following Sunny Optical's first-half earnings call. "Though we also think the worst for [Sunny Optical's] fundamentals has passed and its recovery is on track, we maintain Neutral," JPMorgan said, citing slower growth than peers in high-end smartphone products and less growth in the vehicle business. JPMorgan has a price target of HK$55. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. September 21, 2024: After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Russia was subject to international economic sanctions. This had some unfortunate side effects for other nations, like India, which has long been a major customer for Russian weapons. That trading relationship is another casualty of the Ukraine War. India dramatically increased its purchases of Russian oil after the Ukraine war started because Western sanctions made it much more difficult for Russia to sell to its usual customers. That made Russia willing to significantly reduce the price of oil to customers willing to accept covertly delivered oil (smuggling). India was happy to do so and reduced its purchases of higher-priced Persian Gulf oil. This had drawbacks in paying Russia but India and Russia got around that by using Chinas currency (yuan). India had few products which Russia wanted, but sometimes barter deals could be worked out. The Russians were happy to accept Chinese yuan from India because they needed it to buy Chinese products, notably goods capable of being used for peaceful or warlike goods which were not subject to sanctions. These improvisations are now much less useful because Chinese banks have stopped supplying Russian banks with yuan on credit, though yuan paid by India for smuggled Russian oil are still getting through. The Chinese fear that economic sanctions imposed on Russia will also be applied to China because of its continued trade with Russia. The Chinese trade has indirectly helped the Russian war effort and nations that support Ukraine, especially the United States, wanted to cut off all external trade with Russia that it could. China was the only remaining major trading partner Russia had and the loss of Chinese yuan means Russia now must barter for goods it needs. Without dollars or yuan, Russia cannot pay for imports or receive cash payments for the oil exports. Smuggling is still an option, but that means much less Russian oil is exported and far fewer foreign goods are getting in. Since the 1950s until the end of the Cold War in 1991, Russia was a major supplier of weapons for India. This trade began to fade after 2014 when India decided to develop its own weapons industries and import more weapons from the United States and European suppliers. Indias unhappiness with increasingly shoddy Russian weapons and spare parts was involved too. 2022 economic sanctions imposed on Russia accelerated this process. China withdrawing access to the yuan was the last straw for an increasingly desperate Russia. With the Indian business gone and access to yuan on credit gone, Russian arms exports and imports have been reduced to not much at all. This is fine with India, which has found their western supplied weapons superior and the western suppliers easier to do business with, especially when it came to co-production deals where western forms set up factories inside India. We're an independent student-run newspaper, and need your support to maintain our coverage. Donate It wasn't meant to happen that way. Nick Clegg had swept into government two years earlier on a wave of optimism and change, his party finally ending its decades in the political wilderness. Yet there he stood, that day in September 2012, a forlorn figure, begging his conference and the nation for forgiveness. We made a pledge, we did not stick to it, and for that I am sorry, he admitted tersely. His election promise not to raise university tuition fees endorsed in blood by every Liberal Democrat candidate was a pledge made with the best of intentions, but we should not have made a promise we were not absolutely sure we could deliver. I shouldnt have committed to a policy that was so expensive when there was no money around. Nick Clegg delivers his tuition fees apology to the Liberal Democrats in 2012 We are unlikely to see a similar mea culpa from Sir Keir Starmer at his partys conference in Liverpool this week. Perhaps wisely. Cleggs desperate act of contrition was turned into a pop song that surged up the charts and helped cement his place in national infamy. But Sir Keir should be under no illusion. As he prepares for what should have been a triumphant and validatory address to his own party, the political warning lights are no longer flashing amber but red. This was supposed to be the good bit the moment for Starmer to kick back, breathe out and enjoy a brief political honeymoon. Yet he could hardly have put a bigger dampener on his nuptials if hed booked a cruise to Krakatoa on the Titanic in the teeth of Hurricane Katrina. His fledgling administration is already riven by infighting. He is being assailed over a series of optically disastrous policy decisions that have seen him framed as prioritising the release from jail of wife-beaters and condemning pensioners to freeze in the winter. His first major foreign policy announcement led to a violent public rebuke from one of Britains most important strategic allies. And having pledged to bring an end to sleaze and cronyism, he has become embroiled in his very own cash-for-couture scandal. Until the past week, this simply looked like the teething problems of a new and relatively inexperienced administration. His allies were reassured by private polling showing grudging public admiration for his tough approach to decision-making. The row over Downing Street access for a major donor was dismissed as Westminster froth. The infighting described to me as a silly turf war. But over the past seven days something has shifted. As one minister told me: We cant go on like this. No 10 have got till the end of October to get on top of it or well be in real trouble. That may seem a hyperbolic assertion from a member of a government that has been in office for less than 100 days, and luxuriates in a Commons majority of 170. But it reflects a general perception among Labour MPs that Starmer is already losing his grip on the centre. The war between his chief of staff Sue Gray and just about every other minister, aide and official in government has now been allowed to spiral completely out of control, with some insiders even discussing the possibility of strike action if she is not removed. As has Wardrobegate. Over the weekend it emerged Starmers team had failed to correctly register donations of dresses his wife had received from donor Lord Alli. This error was then inexplicably compounded by allowing her to appear at London Fashion week sporting a 615 blouse and 715 trousers. At the same time, the first early-release prisoners began to be returned to jail after reoffending, it was revealed a number had been freed without tags, and confusion continued to reign over whether ministers had bothered to conduct an impact assessment over the winter fuel allowance cut. Within No 10, there is frustration at how a string of increasingly bad headlines are overshadowing what they see as a series of initial successes. I could be here until next week listing all our early achievements, one Starmer ally fumed. Irritation which has a degree of legitimacy. The PMs robust response to the riots, his decision to finally pick up and hurl the prisons hand-grenade left to him by Rishi Sunak, and his willingness to break bread with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, that bete noire of the Left, in a bid to tackle the small-boats crisis, shows there is some substance beneath the lend-leased two-piece suits. Those unfavourably contrasting Starmers tumultuous and tortured transition to government with the supposedly slick and seamless manner Tony Blair eased into power also have short memories. It was roughly at this stage of his premiership that Blair became ensnared in the Bernie Ecclestone crisis personally intervening to secure an exemption for Formula One from a tobacco advertising ban just hours after meeting the Labour donor. Within No 10, there is frustration at how a string of increasingly bad headlines are overshadowing what they see as a series of initial successes, writes Dan Hodges. Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer But while comparisons with Blair are misplaced, the parallels with Clegg, and his political toxification, are becoming eerily and from the Prime Ministers perspective dangerously apparent. The way hope and change were so quickly replaced by cynicism and disillusionment. The failure to appreciate the scale and speed of a growing estrangement from the electorate. And the ultimately terminal disconnect between the promises that were made in Opposition and what was delivered in government. One Tory MP last week described the winter fuel policy as Keir Starmers poll tax. It isnt. But tuition fees didnt turn out to be Nick Cleggs poll tax either. Predictions that that row would lead to the premature fracture of the coalition government proved misplaced. As did those that foresaw Clegg being ousted by his party. Yet the damage was done. The poison injected in those first fateful months in office by deputy prime minister Cleggs tuition fees perfidy was slow acting, but fatal. And that is why this is becoming such a perilous moment for Starmer. The British people didnt really get to know him while he was Leader of the Opposition. Which was just how he liked it. His whole strategy rested on slipping into No 10 as unobtrusively as possible. But the people are getting to know him now. And they dontt like what theyre seeing. Cronyism. Lies. A seeming disregard for the impact of his decisions on the most vulnerable. All the things, in other words, they thought theyd cast aside when they threw out the Tories. Yes, he is only three months into office. But these are the months that can define a Prime Minister. If images of champagne-swigging lags, freezing pensioners and Premier League hospitality boxes become burned into the consciousness of the electorate, the Labour Party and their leader will find themselves entering a shallow but remorseless death spiral. By which point it will be too late. Because, as Nick Clegg found to his cost, when the British people recognise youve betrayed them, sorry really does become the hardest word. As Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner is understandably conscious of her image. Which perhaps explains why she helped to burnish it with thousands of pounds worth of free clothes from wealthy donors. Along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, she has been forced by the Wardrobegate scandal besieging Labour to concede she will no longer accept any further donations for clothing. As to whether she will take any more free holidays following her five-day stay in New York courtesy of Labour donor Lord Alli, we will have to wait and see. Over Christmas and New Year, she luxuriated in the media tycoons magnificent 56th-floor Manhattan apartment a break which might have seen her breach Parliaments rules by failing to disclose she stayed there with Sam Tarry, who was also a Labour MP at the time. Now I can disclose that Rayner has been enhancing her profile at public expense as well as private. She turns out to be the first Deputy PM to have her own chief photographer paid for from the public purse. Angela Rayner chats with Simon Walker who has been given the title of Chief Photographer to the Deputy PM and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on August 27 Rayner visiting the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience in Edinburgh last month. The photograph was taken by the new photographer Angela Rayner pictured with Sam Tarry in June 2022. She has been involved in a row for taking a break with him in a luxury Manhattan apartment owned by millionaire donor Lord Alli Sam Tarry (pictured in June 2022) flew out to join her for the festive stay in the 56th floor Manhattan apartment, with a gym, jacuzzi and pool His role is to create Brand Ange. The photographer, Simon Walker, also works for the housing department where she is the Secretary of State. Walker, who used to work for Rishi Sunak when he was Prime Minister, is paid around 68,000 by the taxpayer for doing the two jobs. His official title is Chief Photographer to the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. He has already released a series of photographs of Rayner. In some shes hosting high-powered conferences, in others shes on housing sites. But the snaps all have one aim: to show the Deputy PM and housing minister in the most positive light. The Tories seized on the latest disclosures. One source said: What a large sum of money to improve the image of our Deputy Prime Minister. They pointed out that Rayner was one of the most vociferous critics of Boris Johnson in No 10, after it emerged that a Conservative donor was paying for Downing Street wallpaper. How Angela Rayner used to condemn us for squandering public money on vanity projects, the source said. Is there any greater vanity project than a Deputy Prime Minister with her thousands of pounds of free clothes, a luxury free holiday, and now a publicly paid photographer? Rayner was given the free holiday in New York courtesy of Labour donor Lord Alli (pictured) Rayner arrives for the Labour Party Conference 2024 in Liverpool on September 22 Keir Starmer congratulates the deputy PM after her speech at conference on Sunday A supporter of Rayner countered: You have to understand shes the Deputy PM but she is always overshadowed by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who got the Dorneywood grace-and-favour country mansion she thought might be coming her way. 'She also often feels marginalised by No 10. This is her way of making her mark on government. Walker was Sunaks digital content editor when he was Chancellor, hired as part of a team to help improve his social media output. He became official photographer to the Prime Minister when Sunak was in No 10, before quietly switching to working for Rayner last month. The tradition of senior ministers having an official photographer is comparatively new. In 1997, Tony Blair requested that an official photographer be employed by the Civil Service after he moved into No 10. But this was blocked by the then Cabinet Secretary Sir Richard Wilson who said it was an unjustifiable use of taxpayers money. David Cameron had one when he became Prime Minister in 2010. But after his government introduced austerity measures, he announced he was taking photographer Andrew Parsons off the public purse because he thought it sent out the wrong signal, and Parsons was employed instead by the Conservative Party at no cost to the taxpayer. Following the decision, Ed Miliband, Labour leader at the time, pompously declared: It was a wise judgment when the Prime Minister is telling everyone else to tighten their belts. Whether Miliband will upbraid the Deputy Prime Minister for using taxpayers money in this way during a cost of living crisis remains to be seen. Scientists have been baffled for years over how the pyramids were actually built, and the exact method Egyptians used is still unknown. However TikToker @taistar42, from Arkansas, US, has claimed he's 'proven' how the ancient structures were built, floating the odd theory that they may have used sound to move the large stones - but providing little further explanation. In a clip, which has racked up over 16 million views, he gave a simple demonstration using a didgeridoo and a small plastic bag. He captioned the video: 'Ancient Egyptians used Advanced Technology' and alleged 'pyramids were built with sound' in the bizarre clip. The TikToker played his instrument and used it to pick up what looked to be a plastic bag and move it through the air. TikToker @taistar42, from Arkansas , US, has claimed he's 'proven' how the ancient structures were built, saying they used sound to move the large stones He carried the bag using the sound from the didgeridoo and placed it at another side of the room. The digeridoo player didn't explain his theory in detail, however he appeared to suggest that a frequency on a much larger scale was used to move the heavy pieces of stone into place to build the pyramids. However not everyone was convinced in the comment section, with some saying it would be much harder to pick up large rocks. One person said: 'Ok. That might work for lightweight plastic but how does it work for weighing over 1 ton?' Another said: 'The amount of sound to do that to a rock weighing hundreds of tons would destroy the earth.' Someone else said: 'Debunking this theory in this comment: No they didn't, the amount of vibration needed to lift a rock would have killed all the nearest humans.' Another sceptic added: 'Pick up 20k lbs concrete block with it and I might believe you.' However others were on board with the theory, with some saying it makes a lot of sense. One person said: 'This is the coolest thing Ive ever seen and makes as much sense as anything else tbh. maybe more.' Another said: 'Vibrations and frequencies are our whole existence.' How exactly the pyramids were built by the civilized world's first engineers has long been a subject of debate, with many theories floated over the years. One popular theory suggests they used a system of ropes and sledges to haul stones to the top as the pyramid was built from the ground up, layer by layer. In a clip, which has racked up over 16 million views, he gave a simple demonstration using a didgeridoo and a small plastic bag However not everyone was convinced in the comment section, with some saying it would be much harder to pick up large rocks However others were on board with the theory, with some saying it makes a lot of sense But a new study suggests that the oldest pyramid in Egypt, the Pyramid of Djoser, was built 4,700 years ago using an even more ingenious 'hydraulic lift'. 'Ancient Egyptians are famous for their pioneering and mastery of hydraulics through canals for irrigation purposes and barges to transport huge stones,' the team explained. 'This work opens a new line of research the use of hydraulic force to erect the massive structures built by Pharaohs.' The new theory is presented in a new study led by Xavier Landreau, president of Paleotechnic, an archaeological research institute in Paris, France. The researchers studied historical records and satellite photos of the area to interpret the features that support their argument. 'We identified that the step pyramids internal architecture is consistent with a hydraulic elevation mechanism never reported before,' Landreau and colleagues say. A new study suggests that the oldest pyramid in Egypt, the Pyramid of Djoser, was built using an ingenious 'hydraulic lift'. A huge jet of water was blasted through the centre of the pyramid 'like a volcano', pushing the stones to the top, researchers believe The step pyramid of Djoser measures 200ft high (60m) and is believed to be the first pyramid in Egypt Gisr el-Mudir is one of the oldest known stone structures in Egypt, only a few hundred metres west of the Pyramid of Djoser. The function of the space has long been unclear. Pictured, Egyptian archaeologists at Gisr el-Mudir in January 2023 'Ancient architects likely raised the stones from the pyramid centre in a volcano fashion using the sediment-free water.' The Pyramid of Djoser, about 200 feet high, is a 'step pyramid' meaning its sides are a series of flat platforms or steps, unlike the comparatively level sides of the famous Pyramid of Giza. While Giza is the largest of Egypt's pyramids, Djoser is the oldest, having been constructed at some point between 2667 and 2648 BC. The stunning structure was built entirely out of stone by the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep in the vast Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo. It's believed to be the final resting place of King Djoser, ancient Egyptian pharaoh and founder of the Old Kingdom. While a huge shaft at the centre of the pyramid was already known about, researchers now present a new theory regarding its purpose. Firstly, they point to Gisr el-Mudir, an ancient stone structure less than a mile to the west of the Pyramid of Djoser. The function of Gisr el-Mudir has never been certain, but the researchers say it may have acted as a dam, collecting rainfall and directing it towards the pyramid through a system of pipes. Once the underground water reached the centre of the pyramid, it flushed upwards through the central shaft like magma in a volcano. This powerful jet of water would have pushed up a floating elevator a level platform likely made of wood that could carry up to 100 tonnes of stone at a time thanks to the force of the water. According to the experts, the jet of water could be controlled so that the shaft could be emptied, ready to be reused for another load of stone. Potentially the water could be blocked at the base of the pyramid's shaft like some kind of plug before being unleashed when the next load was in place. While this newly-posited system sounds especially complex for 4,700 years ago, the pyramids themselves are evidence that the ancient Egyptians were perhaps more skilled engineers than we give them credit. Gisr el-Mudir has previously been thought to be a cattle enclosure, a ceremonial site to worship the gods or even an unfinished pyramid. But the theory that it was a dam provides a compelling link to the central shaft of Pyramid of Djoser, which reopened for visitors in 2020 after a 14-year restoration. September 21, 2024: This month construction of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) natural gas pipeline finally began. There have been several false starts for TAPI. For example, in 2018 ten Afghan tribesmen surrendered to the government and said they had just returned from Iran after several weeks of training on how to carry out an attack on the ceremony celebrating the start of construction of TAPI pipeline in Afghanistan. After years of negotiations over transit fees and natural gas prices Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan agreed and construction of TAPI will move natural gas from Turkmenistan natural gas fields to the Afghan border. Pipeline construction originally began in 2015. Back then it was believed that, if construction is not interfered with, the pipeline would be operational in Afghanistan by the end of 2019. Troublesome tribal militias and some Islamic terrorist groups disrupted construction efforts to the point where work was abandoned. Five years later work resumed. In Afghanistan you cant depend on extended periods of peace. Thats why Afghanistan has so little infrastructure. For example, there are no railroads, which are difficult to build and operate here. Many local tribal militias, organized for self-defense, could quickly transform into armed train robbery gangs. This is Afghanistan, where anything can happen, especially if it involves unexpected violence and attacks on industrial efforts, like building railroads or pipelines. After passing through Afghanistan, TAPI goes into Pakistan and to the Indian border. Initially the Afghan Taliban agreed to leave TAPI alone. That was because the pipeline was a popular project with most Afghans as it would bring cheap natural gas to many Afghans. Some Taliban factions near the Iranian border who work for the Iranian IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) were told to attack pipeline construction efforts. Officially Iran does not oppose TAPI, even though Iran also wants to build a gas pipeline into Pakistan and to India. Inside Iran the attitude is that TAPI is not good for Iran and that something should be done. Inside Afghanistan the Taliban promised not to harm the 800 kilometer long Afghan portion of the pipeline. This assurance turned out to be the opening round of negotiations about how much the Taliban will be paid to ensure the pipeline is unharmed. About a quarter of the pipeline runs through or near areas dominated by Taliban activity. In August 2021 the elected IRA (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) collapsed and was replaced by the Pakistan backed IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan). The new IEA declared a great victory but found that few people, not even most Afghans, saw this as a win. Foreign aid ceased. Nearly $10 billion of IRA cash held in foreign banks, to reduce corruption, was frozen and no one would recognize the IEA as the successor to the IRA. Countries in the region expect the IEA to collapse in a few years, which will leave the country a narco-state without any central government. Drug production in Afghanistan depends on the Pakistan military for support. The drugs are winning as they usually do wherever they get established. There are not too many narco-states because they all follow the same script. Eventually locals get fed up with the local violence and the growing number of addicts. That leads to more violence and the drug gangs are crushed, although usually not completely eliminated. Eventually can take a long time and such is the case with Afghanistan. Compare that to how it worked in Colombia from 2000 on, and Burma after World War II and Iran in the 1950s. The only thing that nearly everyone in Afghanistan can agree on is that opium and heroin are bad. Nearly ten percent of the population is addicted to drugs, mostly opiates and another ten percent make a better living or get rich from the drug trade. Most Afghans consider drug gangs the biggest threat and these are largely run and staffed, like the Taliban, by Pushtun tribesmen from four southern provinces. The Pakistan-backed Afghan Taliban want to create a heroin-producing Islamic terrorist and gangster sanctuary in Afghanistan. If you want to know how that works, look at Chechnya in the late 1990s and Somalia or Yemen in the early 21st century. No one has come up with any cheap, fast or easy solution for that. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's core problem is that there is no Afghanistan, merely a collection of tribes more concerned with tribal issues than anything else. Naturally the TAPI efforts in Afghanistan ran afoul of local politics and terrorism. There is no central authority for all the troublesome tribal militias and Islamic terrorist groups in Afghanistan. With no one in charge, anything can happen and that is the obstacle the TAPI construction effort is up against. So far, all those armed opponents to TAPI are winning. The IEA government is unable to control the armed groups disrupting work on TAPI. The IEA is also having a hard time ruling Afghanistan. The overthrow of the IR A meant an end to the billions in foreign aid that the presence of the IRA justified. Since the IEA took over, the situation in Afghanistan has gotten much worse. The once more stalled TAPI project is one of many victims of the upsurge in violence and anarchy throughout the country. A Canadian woman has become an inspiration on TikTok after documenting her solo honeymoon following the sudden death of her fiance a month before their wedding. Laura Murphy's life was shattered when her partner Devon O'Grady, 31, passed away in May following a cardiac event. She was immediately flooded with support from friends and family, but felt isolated in her grief. Fed up of being at home and 'feeling guilty' for not living her life, she decided to continue with the honeymoon they had booked to England, 'to see if life is still worth living'. What began as a way to process her grief and encourage her to head out each day became an overnight sensation as other widows and those touched by her situation began to tune in. Laura Murphy has become an internet star after documenting her solo honeymoon following the sudden death of her fiance Devon O'Grady a month before their wedding 'It's very lonely and isolating because I knew no one my age who had lost a partner,' she told The Washington Post. 'I needed to find people who could relate because I wanted to know how to go on.' 'I also felt I needed to remove myself from my hometown and our house. I was just sort of sitting there for months not knowing what to do with myself. Her account is filled with scenes from her travels across London and most recently France. But among the solo dinners and lone concerts, Murphy includes moments of her raw unfiltered grief - admitting there are times where she has to crawl into bed or just needs a 'good cry'. Her decision to document her experiences has come as a surprise to those that know her, but especially Murphy who describes herself as a 'private' person. 'It's very out of character for me to be traveling alone, and it's even more out of character to be documenting it for the world,' she said. Before his death, she and O'Grady lived a full life together in Newfoundland with their Bernedoodles Leni and Chewy. The couple met at work after Murphy, a lawyer, interviewed for a position but got stuck in the stairwell on her way to meet her boss. Murphy's fiance died following a cardiac event in May O'Grady came to her aid after hearing 'banging' from the other side of a door and the two struck up a friendship which blossomed into romance. He died in May in the office across from Murphy's, a fact which still haunts her. In one video, Murphy describes being 'triggered' by the sound of an ambulance siren. Her decision to travel was born from the belief that her fiance would want her to go and enjoy life, even if all she wants is to be with him she explains in one clip. Murphy was motivated to travel after coming across and being 'inspired' by other young widows in similar circumstances who had done the same. But it has not been without its challenges. In one TikTok, Murphy explains how she has met up with her best friend and maid of honor and her fiance in Nice, France not long after she and O'Grady had been away with the couple. 'The parallels between that trip and this one were not lost on me, so it was really hard,' Murphy admitted. But since posting about her experience, Murphy has found a huge online community which has been supporting her journey. 'I have truly been so overwhelmed with all of the love and I wish I could respond to everyone and hang out with you all,' she said through tears in one TikTok addressing her new-found fame. 'I remember saying to my dad, "I need you to find me someone who has been through this" because I needed evidence that it was possible to survive it.' I once asked cool hairdresser, Andreas Wild, who works at Londons Larry King salons, what I could do to have better-looking tresses. He replied: Brush them? For years, hairstyles have required a sort of undone insouciance to appear youthful. Well, no more. With the French leading the charge, the fashion-forward hair tool this autumn is not a hot brush, but an haute brush. For consummate scalp and hair health, and a shiny, shapely mane, using a good brush every day is a cunning move our great grandmothers would definitely approve of. Exquisitely-groomed midlifers are investing in cult Parisian brand La Bonne Brosse, established in 2021 and newly arrived at Liberty (from 85, libertylondon.com). La Bonne Brosse research revealed that 40 per cent of women experience significant hair loss issues, particularly in middle age. Brushing with a haute hairbrush is a way to correct this: encouraging good scalp circulation; stimulating stronger roots; your hairs natural oil distributed throughout the hair shaft so that the entire length looks lustrous; while relieving stress in a manner that should also boost growth. For years, hairstyles have required a sort of undone insouciance to appear youthful. Well, no more. With the French leading the charge, the fashion-forward hair tool this autumn is not a hot brush, but an haute brush The theory is: less washing, more brushing; prescription tools according to hair type; and rituals, including at least two minutes rhythmic stroking first thing and before bed. Work from underneath, ends to roots (which prevents frizz and overloading the cuticles). Progress up the sides to the top of your head. Gently brush the roots. Next, go nape to forehead to lend volume then tip your head back and smooth over. Brush soft and/or straight hair with their boar-bristle brush rich in fortifying keratin when dry to avoid weakening it. Brush curly hair when wet with their vegan hair brush, as its soft, yet firm spikes will detangle without destroying your coils. My fine, flat hair prescription is La Bonne Brosse N.01 Universal Brush (138). Mini-versions are from 95. A fortune, I know, but these tools last a lifetime. And I am besotted with mine. Even when simply deploying a rushed, top-to-bottom swoop, it gives style and sheen to my limp locks. My fiftysomething friend, Venetia, who has the tresses of a teenager, tells me that her La Bonne Brosse feels like a brush thats been to French finishing school. I couldnt put it better myself. Altesse Studio, the other modish Gallic brush brand, has been manufacturing since 1875. So highly-regarded are its wares that they are often mentioned in French wills, to be handed down to the next generation. The brushes are carved from olive wood, naturally anti-static, combating fly-away strands and first-cut boar bristles for gleam. While the handle design is said to produce the perfect grip and brushing pressure. Altesse advocates a positively Victorian 100 strokes morning and night. Tip your hair upside down and brush 25 times from nape to ends; flip your hair back up and brush 25 times from your forehead to the back of your head; tilt to the left and brush 25 times from right ear to left; repeat on the other side. Hannah Betts (pictured) recommends La Bonne Brosse N.01 Universal Brush (138) for fine, flat hair The effects take a few weeks to show. However, 92 per cent of users report hair is glossier after use, 78 per cent that its more beautiful overall. Prices start at 210 (beautyeditmayfair.com), Altesse arguing that youll spend less on product for the rest of your and your descendants days. Hair genius Josh Wood endorses these Parisian practices, telling me: Im a great believer in lots of brushing, it removes any naturally-shedding hairs, dust and debris, spreading natural oils to strengthen and defrizz. I love a three-minute brush ritual it really works. He recommends the award-winning, 100 million-sold Tangle Teezer (from 9.33, Boots.com), the brilliant Wet Brush (from 7.11, Amazon.co.uk), and Y.S. Park Luster Aerozaurus Eco Styler (36.91, amazon.co.uk), all of which are good at smoothing without tearing or tugging. Whatever these French fancies, I cherish the Mason & Pearson brushes (from 81.80, masonpearson.com) my mother gave me, their design barely changed since the 1920s. These are as much treasures, as they are tools. RACE YOU TO IT! Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin (members 29, non-members, 115, beautypie.com) is an update for this much-loved anti-ageing bestseller (launched in 2017), adding a hit of Vitamins B and C to its already retinol-charged mix. It sold out on its first day online, but is now back in stock. Act fast! Shop MY ICON OF THE WEEK Eva Herzigova Model Eva Herzigova (pictured), 51, has been using Dior Capture Totale Firming & Wrinkle-Corrective Eye Cream since she was 18 Back on the catwalk at 51, Eva has been using her beloved Dior Capture Totale Firming & Wrinkle-Corrective Eye Cream (68, boots.com) since she was 18, and considers Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin 1-Minute Youth Perfecting Mask (62) her secret weapon. She moisturises her body with Nuxes summer-scented Huile Prodigieuse (from 22). CRANBERYY LIPS COSMETIC CRAVING Parents will do anything to get a baby to sleep - but experts are warning against the popular trend that uses 'white noise'. The noise sounds similar to television or radio static, and whether it's from a machine or phone app, it's boomed in popularity, with up to a third of parents using some kind of background noise as a sleep aid for their infants Sleep professionals and parenting influencers have claimed a steady background sound helps the brain focus less on sudden, disruptive noises that could break concentration or wake them up. But recently, experts are realizing white noise, and similar pink or brown noise, may do more harm than good when it comes to kids' language development. It could even lead to a 'public health issue', according to Dr April Benasich, a world-leading sleep expert at Rutgers University. Dr April Benasich's work with infants raises concerns over the effect white noise could have on their language development A survey by The Sleep Doctor found 37 percent of parents said their children needed some type of background noise to fall asleep. The most popular method (45 percent) was white noise. Dr Benasich, who is also director of Rutgers's Infancy Studies Laboratory, told DailyMail.com using the sound for babies may disrupt the formation of their language skills, which begins even before they are born. White noises monotonous tone can interfere with a childs acoustic mapping, the brain's network that helps babies understand and learn language. Babies' brains are constantly interpreting every sound to set up language networks, and they take in which sounds are repeated to determine what is important to listen to and develop their native language. An infants brain can differentiate variations in sounds that occur in a tenth of a millisecond, which helps the brain focus on the smallest unit of language and promotes brain connections to process sounds. Dr Benasich, who has worked with 5,000 families in her lab, told DailyMail.com: [The brain] isnt sure what its going to be listening to, but it is listening to sounds acoustically. 'Young infants can hear the differences between every single sound in the world sounds that are teeny tiny changes. While hearing these acoustic variations is important while a child is awake, it is especially vital while babies are asleep, Dr Benasich said, because that is when most of the brains neuroplasticity the ability to evolve and adapt by creating new neurons and networks occurs. But if parents are using white noise, infants, who sleep 12 to 18 hours per day, are being exposed to it for hours on end. And because it has zero variation, Dr Benasich said its telling the brain you don't need to listen to this because theres nothing going on, and so the brain isnt setting up networks, missing out on crucial time to establish language skills. Gabriella, a 35-year-old from New Jersey, used white noise with her first son and began using it with her second until her pediatrician recommended she switch to something with variation. Now, her youngest falls and stays asleep to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She told DailyMail.com: It drives us a little insane, listening to that song over and over again all night, but its better for him to listen to that than to white noise. Dr Benasich told this website she wasnt a big social media person, but a few years ago she began seeing influencers and parents posting about white noise. She said: When I found out that all parents were using white noise I was like, oh my God. What are people doing to their kids? I think its going to be a public health issue. Infants need exposure to variations in noises to help their language development, Dr April Benasich told DailyMail.com Dr Benasich and her team began collaborating with influencers and sleep consultants and discovered they had been taught the benefits of white noise or seen articles touting the sound, but hadnt actually read studies which have been poorly conducted and reached insignificant conclusions. She thought: Oh my goodness, where are [people] getting this information from. However, when Dr Benasich tried to raise awareness of the issue, she was met with criticism: The pushback was amazing. We asked, why are people so crazy about this? Theyre so invested and they dont want to hear the science. Theres no evidence that you particularly harmed your child. We would say theres no hard evidence that this is going to cause lasting problems, but we dont know.' White noise can come from a phone app or a sound machine (stock photo) Sarah, a 37-year-old mother from New York, told this website she had been using white noise for her infant until a friend told her about the dangers. I changed the sound on his machine right then and there from my phone while he was napping, the mom said. Dr Benasich, who created her own neuroscience-backed sound machine called Smarter Sleep, recommends soundscapes with any kind of variation even small ones like ocean waves or a heartbeat. She told DailyMail.com: You want every child to be able to have the advantage of having everything they can to support them... It's just that parents don't really understand what's going on when the brain is getting set up and that's sad because we should have gotten that message out a long time ago. There's some information out there but people don't understand how important the acoustic environment is. Dr Benasich also said it's hard to educate families because they can't actually see the changes occurring. She told this website: They cant see that their [child's] brain is changing or that the trajectory is better but we know it is because weve seen it. And while she is often met with parents who say: Well, I used white noise with all my children and they're all fine and their vocabularies are really good,' she asks them: 'But how much harder did you make the brain work to compensate for [using white noise]? A council worker narrowly missed death after doctors mistook life-threatening sepsis for flu. Denise Devoto, 52, developed what she believed to be a terrible cough and cold in December 2022, and suffered coughing fits that made her feel like she'd 'broken a rib'. Despite feeling so weak she couldn't stand up and suffering extreme chest pain, doctors concluded she had a common flu infection, and advised her to go home to recover. Yet, within days her lips began to turn blue and she struggled to breathe. Her husband, Mark, 62, rang an ambulance, and paramedics rushed her to hospital where doctors discovered she was suffering sepsis when the body over-reacts to infection. Denise Devoto, 52, from Sheffield, was sent home by doctors who missed life-threatening sepsis and instead believed she was suffering a cold. Her condition quickly spiralled, resulting in an admission to intensive care where she spent six days fighting for her life. Thankfully Ms Devoto, from Sheffield, survived, but faced an uphill journey of recovery, including rehab on a thoracic ward, in order to learn how to breathe and walk unaided. She felt unable to leave the house for four months for fear of contracting another infection. 'My recovery was really hard,' she said. 'I struggled to walk up the stairs and I slept 18 hours per day. 'I also suffered problems with my mental health and after three months, I even started losing my hair. 'I couldn't have gotten through it without Mark and our cats.' Ms Devoto's ordeal began on 9th December 2022, when she woke up in the night with a sharp pain in her ribcage. It took five weeks of hospital treatment before Ms Devoto was discharged and tasked with learning to use her lungs independently again. She describes the agony of sepsis as feeling as though she was 'going to die'. Pictured here with husband Mark She thought little of it, but began to feel unwell as the days went by. Within a week she'd developed a full-blown cough and cold. Two nights later, she suffered an awful coughing fit that made her feel like shed broken a rib. 'The next morning, my husband took me to the walk-in centre where a doctor thought I had a blood clot on my lungs. 'I was told to go to hospital, where the pain only worsened. I couldnt even stand.' In A&E at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, a doctor diagnosed her with flu, and she was sent home with pain relief. But the next day, she started vomiting phlegm. 'I thought Id developed a chest infection as well, so I rang my GP, who prescribed me with antibiotics. Ms Devoto has suffered many low moments since her ordeal began, but credits her husband and her cats for getting her through. 'But by that afternoon, I started to feel breathless, my lips had turned blue, and I was having really bad diarrhoea. 'I rang my GP again and they told me to call an ambulance.' Paramedics arrived within ten minutes and took Ms Devoto to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, where she was put on oxygen before being transferred to the Infectious Diseases Unit. There, she was given antibiotics, fluids and pain relief. Doctors explained that the 'flu' was in fact the deadly lung infection pneumonia, which had triggered sepsis. Her organs had been struggling to get enough oxygen. 'I didnt understand the severity of what that meant,' said Ms Devoto. 'But I remember feeling like I was going to die.' By Christmas, she was feeling a little better. But it wasnt long before she went downhill again. Her breathing worsened along with the pain in her lungs and ribs. The following week, CT scan and X-ray showed a large bilateral pleural effusion a collection of fluid in her lungs. 'That was why I was struggling to breathe,' she said. 'Id also fractured three ribs from coughing and had a partially collapsed right lung.' She transferred back to Northern General Hospital, where she had a drain fitted to remove four litres of liquid from her lungs. But the infection still hadnt cleared, so she was sent for another CT scan which showed that the infected fluid had solidified in her lungs. Four days later, Ms Devoto underwent an operation in which surgeons collapsed her lung in order to remove the infection. Ms Devoto now wants to dedicate time to helping those affected by sepsis, and volunteers for the UK Sepsis Trust. Afterwards, she had a blood transfusion and was intubated for a day to help her body recover. She spent six days in intensive care, after which she had to 'relearn' how to use her lungs. In January 2023, she was finally discharged. However, it wasn't until April that she felt well enough to leave the house. In the 18-months since her illness, Ms Devoto has endeavoured to help others who have been through a similar experience with support from the UK Sepsis Trust. 'I now have a completely different outlook on life,' she said. 'Im a lot better at listening to my body and Ive learnt to not sweat the small stuff. 'I count myself lucky.' The main treatment for people suffering from agonising restless leg syndrome could make the symptoms permanently worse, campaigners are warning. The condition, which affects up to 10 per cent of the population and is more common in women, causes an unpleasant crawling sensation in the legs, mostly at night, and an almost irresistible urge to move. In those worst affected, it can interrupt sleep, damage mental health, ruin relationships and careers. But drugs called dopamine agonists commonly prescribed by doctors to ease the symptoms may actually exacerbate problems in up to half of patients, studies have found. In some cases the effects cant be reversed. Describing the situation as an appalling medical scandal, the charity RLS-UK says many people have been left with unbearable symptoms, even after upping their dose of the drugs to the maximum level to end their suffering. Others develop bizarre addictive behaviours such as gambling or compulsive shopping, it says. In one shocking example, Joeli Brearley (pictured), 45, became suicidal after being forced to repeatedly increase her dose of a dopamine agonist called ropinirole which worsened her symptoms so that she was unable to sleep for days Ms Brearley, a mother-of-two from York, who launched the campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed which campaigns for mothers rights in the workplace, first sought help from her GP three years ago after her restless leg symptoms became severe following two pregnancies In one shocking example, Joeli Brearley, 45, became suicidal after being forced to repeatedly increase her dose of a dopamine agonist called ropinirole which worsened her symptoms so that she was unable to sleep for days. Ms Brearley, a mother-of-two from York, who launched the campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed which campaigns for mothers rights in the workplace, first sought help from her GP three years ago after her restless leg symptoms became severe following two pregnancies. Initially it was a miracle cure, she says. Before, I was having to jog on the spot watching TV in the evenings, and was regularly up pacing around or doing squats in the middle of the night as this crawling feeling in my legs kept me awake. After taking ropinirole the symptoms vanished and I started sleeping like a baby. It was amazing. But they started slowly creeping back, and the GP kept advising me to increase the dose. Eventually I was on the maximum dose and it was as if I wasnt taking them at all. It was awful I wasnt sleeping, and I was desperate. I was a mess. So she decided to go cold turkey to come off the drugs but her symptoms escalated rapidly. It felt like her knees were being stabbed repeatedly and she was up every few minutes to pace the floor. She was getting so little sleep that she began hallucinating and having intrusive thoughts. Initially the drug was a 'miracle cure' but soon Ms Brearley said she later struggled to sleep while taking the drug It was torture, she recalls. My partner kept finding me on the floor, sobbing. I was getting knives out of the drawers and thinking about stabbing my legs. Id think about taking an overdose just so it would be over. I was so close to doing something harmful. But when I called the GP to say I didnt think I could survive it, they told me to go back on the drugs. While the cause of restless leg syndrome is unclear, it is thought to be linked to a malfunction in how a chemical called dopamine, which helps control muscle movement, is transported in the brain. Low levels of iron, which has a role in creating dopamine, may be a factor, which is why one in four women develop RLS during pregnancy. In fact, people with RLS might need higher levels of iron in the body than others, experts say. Dopamine agonists work by tricking the brain into thinking it is getting the dopamine it needs. They are also prescribed to control symptoms of Parkinsons disease. According to a survey by RLS-UK of over 3,000 people with RLS, 65 per cent who had taken dopamine agonists have switched medications because symptoms worsened. That worsening is known as augmentation. Ms Brearley, who is taking codeine to manage her symptoms, paid 600 for an iron infusion at a private clinic earlier this month, although it is too soon to say what difference it has made Dr Julian Spinks, a GP in Kent and a trustee of RLS-UK, says: Dopamine agonists are absolutely brilliant at treating the condition initially. But they seem to be particularly associated with augmentation. Most clinicians dont understand that by increasing the dose they are feeding this process. Tackling it often means coming off the drug, which means some degree of withdrawal and much worse RLS symptoms. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is set to update its guidelines to no longer recommend dopamine agonists for RLS. Other treatments for RLS include epilepsy drugs gabapentin and pregabalin. But these often dont work if given after dopamine agonists, the charity says. Ms Brearley, who is taking codeine to manage her symptoms, paid 600 for an iron infusion at a private clinic earlier this month, although it is too soon to say what difference it has made. Julie Gould, from RLS-UK, said: We want GPs to be better trained to understand RLS and the problems associated with dopamine agonists and for much more research into this condition. The grieving parents of a young actress who died after being misdiagnosed by a physicians associate are joining an unprecedented legal action by senior doctors against the General Medical Council. They say they feel hoodwinked by the regulators chief executive who, they claim, has reneged on a promise to make sure such tragedies do not happen again. Marion and Brendan Chestertons much-adored daughter Emily, 30, died in 2022 from a clot on the lung which a physician associate (PA) a healthcare worker with just two years training incorrectly diagnosed as anxiety and a sprain. Amid growing concerns nationally about the use of cut price medics to plug staffing shortages, the couple met with General Medical Council boss Charlie Massey in July. He assured them there would be no more Emilys when the body begins regulating PAs in December, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Emily Chesterton died in 2022 from a clot on the lung which a physician associate incorrectly diagnosed as anxiety and a sprain The Chestertons left the meeting reassured that there would be limits set on what PAs could and could not do. They believed the GMC would ensure PAs would be properly supervised by qualified doctors rather than working with little or no oversight, as they all-too-often have been and required to be clear with patients that they were not doctors. These points, and particularly the last, were crucial in Emilys case: she was not told she was seeing a PA otherwise, her mother Marion says, the family would have sought a doctors opinion and they believe she would not have died. But they now feel let down by the General Medical Council after it emerged in legal documents that the regulator has no plans to limit the scope of PAs or anaesthesia associates and claims it has no power to do so. The documents, seen by this newspaper, have emerged as part of a judicial review being launched by campaign group Anaesthetists United. They also suggest the regulator will not require associates to outline their skills and experience to patients, nor will it define how they should be supervised. The revelations have led the Chestertons and other grieving families whose loved ones have fallen victim to PA errors to join in the Anaesthetists United legal action. Their aim is to force the council to clearly define the limits of PA roles to stop them performing doctors tasks. The NHS plans to recruit 10,000 physician and anaesthesia associates abbreviated to AAs by 2038 to relieve strain on the service. But over the past year, The Mail on Sunday has uncovered repeated incidents of PAs overstepping their intended role: for basic tasks such as filling in forms and performing basic health checks to free up doctors time. We have uncovered evidence of PAs diagnosing patients, carrying out operations, prescribing drugs and covering doctors shifts. As part of our campaign to Rein In The Physician Associates we have also reported a number of deaths and even a baby left disabled due to PA blunders. Doctors are also concerned. On Friday, the Royal College of GPs voted overwhelmingly to ban PAs from working in GP surgeries. Speaking to the MoS, retired languages teacher Mrs Chesterton said: During our meeting, Mr Massey agreed with more or less everything I said we wanted to achieve and the fact that patient safety should be paramount. At the end, he looked at me and said: I promise you, no more Emilys. We came away very reassured that the kind of regulation we wanted would be in place. I even sent him a photo of Emily afterwards, asking him to keep her at the forefront of his mind when he was planning how regulation would go. It was one of her with Paul McCartney, taken at her 2017 graduation from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts she was beaming and we were so proud of her. But now, having seen from legal letters that proper regulation isnt going to be sorted, I wonder whether we were being a bit placated, a bit hoodwinked. Were getting involved in the legal action to prevent any other families going through the same hell. The General Medical Council need to live up to their responsibilities. We need absolute clarity on what PAs and AAs can and cannot do. In a letter sent by the General Medical Council to lawyers representing Anaesthetists United in August, the regulator insists the Government does not require it to limit PAs tasks just set standards for their training and skills. It says the Department of Health could have ordered the regulator to impose such limits, however it chose not to. Emily beaming in a photo with Paul McCartney, taken at her 2017 graduation from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts In addition, while the General Medical Councils website says PAs should have some degree of supervision this should be determined by employers in other words, hospital trusts or GP surgeries. The letter also says there is no requirement for associates to inform patients of their experience or qualifications before treating them although the regulator has insisted to the MoS they would still be required to introduce themselves to patients and explain their role. Mrs Chesterton said the tone of the letter is completely different to her meeting with Mr Massey. Its so arrogant and passing down responsibility yet again. Families whove lost loved ones dont care about the distinction between standards or limits, we just want to know that regulation will be robust. The letter adds that medical Royal Colleges would be the appropriate bodies to provide guidance on their scope of practice. However, Royal Colleges have no regulatory powers and the General Medical Council has not said if it will enforce any guidance they produce. Solicitor John Halford from Bindmans, acting for Anaesthetists United, said: Guidance from Royal Colleges has no teeth. Without clear limits from the General Medical Council, AAs and PAs can do what they believe theyre capable of, or what their Trust tells them to do. There is no limit thats the sort of Wild West we have at the moment and what led to Emily Chestertons death. Its a regulatory cop-out. Evidence suggests existing guidance from the Royal College of Anaesthetists on the use of AAs with updated draft guidance due soon is already being flouted by hospitals and is open to interpretation. Documents retrieved by Anaesthetists United under Freedom of Information laws reveal really quite shocking policies at a local level, according to Mr Halford. They show AAs are being allowed to sedate patients, including children, without direct supervision from a doctor. In some cases, supervising doctors dont have to be in the same room or hospital building but should be able to get there within a few minutes. Others say doctors just need to be contactable by phone. In some cases, AAs are being allowed to decide what drugs to give patients. In a recent study of patients who suffered a cardiac arrest during surgery, 47 per cent died when an AA was in charge of their anaesthesia, which fell to 30 per cent if they were not. As for PAs scope, there is no guidance at all by the Royal College of Physicians. It is embroiled in a separate controversy, accused of deliberately misleading Parliament by suggesting in a Government consultation its members were in favour of the General Medical Council regulating PAs. In fact, many object to it overseeing PAs as it further blurs the lines between PAs and doctors. Doctors wrote an open letter to the British Medical Journal (BMJ) last week condemning the RCP leadership. Further FoI documents reveal the General Medical Council was paid 8.1million over three years by the Department of Health to put together the regulation package, with a further pay-out of 2.2million anticipated as being necessary by this year. Dr David Nicholl, a neurologist in Birmingham and one of the signatories of the letter sent to the BMJ, said this indicated the regulator was acting as an arm of government rather than putting patient safety first. Another case included in the legal action is that of Susan Pollitt, who died last year following an unnecessary medical procedure carried out by a PA. Emily graduating in 2017. Concerns are growing nationally about the use of 'cut price medics' to plug staffing shortages Emily, front right, as a young girl with her mother Marion, father Brendan and sister Jasmine Susan, 77, went to the Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester after falling and breaking her arm in July 2023. She died of a bacterial infection from the procedure. Coroner Joanne Kearsley said there was no adequate procedure for ensuring PAs were capable of carrying out such operations at the Northern Care Alliance, which runs the hospital. She took the unusual step of writing to the General Medical Council and now Health Secretary Wes Streeting, warning of a risk of further deaths unless action was taken to better regulate PAs. A General Medical Council spokesman said: We have been consistent in saying that we will expect PAs and AAs to always work under some degree of supervisionand to practise within their competence. They will have a responsibility to clearly communicate who they are and their role in the team. To register with us, PAs and AAs will also need to show that they have the knowledge, skills, and experience to treat patients safely, and that there are no outstanding concerns about their fitness to practise. Bringing PAs and AAs into regulation will help to assure patients, colleagues and employers that they are safe to practise and can be held to account if serious concerns are raised. I was on the bus to work recently and must have been bored because I decided to answer, rather than ignore, one of those online questionnaires about adult ADHD. It was on Facebook, I think. Question 1) Am I easily distracted? Well, yes. 2) Am I often late? 3) Do I regularly forget appointments? Yes and yes. By the time I had arrived I had signed up to something called Impulse brain training. And in a few days I was quite sure that Id been bravely suffering with undiagnosed ADHD for decades. I was half-caught in the adult ADHD trap though I didnt know it yet. I asked my brother and some friends what they thought and instead of laughing, they nodded sadly. They, too, had seen the online tests and it all made sense. Mark Wakefield read enticing accounts of the soothing effect of the stimulant Ritalin and the amphetamine Adderall on the ADHD brain In fact, they were reasonably sure they all had ADHD. All brave sufferers together, it turned out. I read enticing accounts of the soothing effect of the stimulant Ritalin and the amphetamine Adderall on the ADHD brain, and began to wonder, given the great and growing demand and the national shortage of medication, how I might get my mitts on some. The trap didnt close on me only because of a news story I saw last Friday: ADHD drugs significantly raise the risk of heart disease in adults. It was as if Id woken up on a surgeons table to find myself about to undergo an unnecessary op. How did I get here? Why was I even considering the nasty drugs? Why have so very many other adults done just the same? Not so long ago ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, to give it its full name) was a childhood disorder something gone a touch awry in the brains of those boys in class who couldnt focus and bounced about on their chairs. Now theres a great crush of perfectly normal adults bullying meds out of their GPs, with none left for the poor bouncing boys. And theres suddenly a great clamour of charities all raising awareness of adult ADHD and a boom town of clinics in the W1 area of London offering private Ritalin prescriptions with (almost) no questions asked. But its nonsense, all of it, isnt it? Yes, some adults are disorganised and distracted. We work, we have children, some of us are scatty, but thats character, not disease. Our short-term memories have been boiled alive by Apple Inc, but that doesnt mean we have ADHD. In fact, its precisely because we dont have adult ADHD that its become such a horrifyingly successful industry. The worried well have cash to burn on meds and personalised brain training plans. Just enter the letters ADHD into a search box and youll see for yourself. Its like spilling blood into the water around Amity Island. The sharks begin to circle almost instantly. For younger generations, its online influencers. The ADHD hashtag on TikTok has more than 20billion views; and #adhdawareness has nearly a billion. And views, of course, mean money. #ADHD delivers clips and survival tips hot girls in a hot mess, and not just an explanation for your unreliability but a blanket excuse. Are you always late? Do you let your friends and family down? Dont worry! Dont sweat it! Thats just your ADHD. Nothing to be done. Only a fascist would hold you accountable. For older adults, the sharks come in the form of tests and then tailored life plans delivered to your inbox thanks Impulse! and all for just (let me check) $39.98 (30) a week. (Argh! What was I thinking?) The tests pop up everywhere now, on every internet page I visit. And I marvel at the speed with which they convert self-pitying curiosity into an established diagnosis in a few quick tick-box stages. 1) Find out if you have ADHD. 2) Whats your ADHD type? 3) Heres how to manage your unique ADHD type. A little begging the question, a little sunk cost fallacy and Bobs your direct debit. The NHS has been so overwhelmed by the rise in adult ADHD that it has launched a new taskforce, writes Mary Wakefield All the age-old huckster tricks are deployed in the adult ADHD grift. A Time magazine piece, while of course not sceptical, did at least note that approximately half the ADHD TikToks made assertions so vague almost everyone could feel they applied to them. If you dont like doing homework, you have ADHD. Or if you zone out during meetings, you probably have ADHD. These are known as Barnum statements, named after the showman P.T. Barnum whose catchphrase was: A sucker is born every minute. The NHS has been so overwhelmed by the rise in adult ADHD that it has launched a new taskforce and just as I read about it, up popped an ad for yet another clinic: The letter you see here defines your ADHD type! Only adults with ADHD can solve this problem! But even once youve seen through the racket, its surprisingly hard to leave adult ADHD behind. Mary, were sorry to see you go! Why did you cancel? Did you forget your personalised plan? Regain control of your life! Dont let ADHD hold you back. Claim your plan and get up to 20 per cent off! Make that 50 per cent... 75 per cent! Among the countless charities set up to combat the stigma around the condition is ADHD UK, whose chief executive, one Henry Shelford, sounds almost as if hes threatening any adults who may be in denial. Its chilling to see so many forced into hiding their neurodiversity because of fear of stigma and discrimination, he says. Chilling? Forced into hiding? How can it be chilling when its very uncertain that adult-onset ADHD exists at all, and when tests done on adults with self-reported ADHD have for the most part shown them to be perfectly neurotypical with none of the distinctive mental patterns found in children diagnosed with the condition? Another charity, ADDitude, suggests that if adults with ADHD have family members who mistakenly believe only children can have ADHD, it might be better not to engage but simply to cut them from your life. Cling tight to these family members, I say, because theyre almost certainly right. Could you stump up 43,100 a year for the rest of your life without earning another penny? No, neither could I. Yet, the pensions industry estimates that this is how much someone typically needs to achieve a comfortable lifestyle in retirement (couples need 59,000). And those figures are after tax, by the way. Before tax, you'd need 50,887 coming in or 67,464 for couples. If you think that's a stretch, you're not alone. Fewer than one in ten households are on track to achieve a comfortable retirement of weekends away, treating loved ones to occasional slap-up meals and replacing a tired bathroom and kitchen every ten to 15 years. The pensions industry estimates that 43,100 a year is how much someone typically needs to achieve a comfortable lifestyle in retirement But more worryingly, a new study last week revealed that around five million people a third of workers who are saving into a defined contribution pensions are not even on track for a minimum standard of retirement. For those on low earnings, this figure rises to two thirds, according to the report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). Just to give you a sense, a minimum standard of living costs around 14,400 a year (22,400 for couples) according to industry figures from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association. That would get you about 95 a week to spend on groceries, 100 a year for rail fares but no car, and a week-long UK holiday every year. Rather than despairing, the IFS is on a mission to improve the picture and has come up with a list of ways to help get everyone up to a minimum standard of retirement. Before you dismiss them as coming from just another report from yet another think tank, here is why the IFS ideas are worth paying attention to. They have attracted one very avid and influential listener: the pensions minister. At an event in Westminster to launch the report last week, Emma Reynolds MP couldn't have been keener to emphasise the incredibly high level of esteem with which she held the IFS and its work on pensions. 'We very much value the IFS expertise, the strength of your research and the contribution you make to the public debate about pensions policy,' she gushed. 'And I look forward to working with the IFS on your own pension review and our own pension review.' And if you need further evidence that the IFS ideas could become government policy, it is this: Emma Reynolds didn't leave. When ministers attend industry events, they typically make a short speech, soak up the applause and then disappear off in a flurry of urgency and importance. An event in Westminster last week to launch an Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report saw Emma Reynolds MP speak briefly... before sitting down to watch the remaining presentations Instead, Reynolds spoke, offered to answer questions (although she shirked the one asking what she thought about pension tax relief), and then sat in the front row listening intently to presentations for the next hour. So what is the IFS proposing? The most radical suggestion was workers should receive payments into their pension from their employer even if they choose to opt out of paying in themselves. At the moment, under auto enrolment rules, employers must pay in the equivalent of a minimum of 3 per cent of a worker's salary into their pension and the employee must pay a minimum of 5 per cent. But, if the worker opts out of paying in, the employer pays nothing. Jeff's best in class Our own Jeff Prestridge was awarded Best National Journalist 2024 by the Association of Investment Companies at their annual Media Awards last week. The association supports and promotes the long-term benefits of investment trusts and companies and singled out Jeff, our Group Wealth & Personal Finance Editor, for his unrivalled coverage of investment companies, especially in his weekly Fund Focus feature in The Mail on Sunday. Jeff Prestridge with his award last week This one tweak to the rules could boost workers' pensions by 4 billion a year, says Mubin Haq, chief executive of the Abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, which partnered with the IFS on the report. The danger is that workers would be more likely to opt out themselves (rarely a good idea) if they were still getting contributions from their employer. It also suggested that auto-enrolment should be open to everyone from age 16 to 74 a massive widening from the current range of age 22 to state pension age. And if the IFS gets its way, workers earning 35,000 or more would automatically pay more into their pensions. For example, they could pay 12 per cent on earnings above 35,000 with the extra cost being borne by them and not their employer. At the moment, auto-enrolment only kicks in on earnings above 6,240, but the IFS proposes to bring this down to zero. That would clearly be good for people's pensions, but difficult for those on low incomes. But to make things easier, the IFS suggests putting these additional contributions into a savings account that could be accessed if needed or saved for retirement if not. The IFS also proposed rolling out a form of auto-enrolment to the self-employed. As few as 20 per cent of self-employed workers with profits above 18,000 a year are saving into a pension. If you think the retirement outlook is worrying for employees, it's nothing on what millions of self-employed workers may face. The most radical IFS suggestion was for workers to receive payments into their pension from their employer - even if they choose to opt out of paying in themselves So, are they good ideas? Well, they add complexity to the auto-enrolment system which has been successful precisely because of its simplicity. The current system is easy to understand, requires no engagement from workers and just ticks along in the background. We'll have to see if tweaks and changes upset the balance. But, the IFS thinks they could boost retirements of those on track for low and middle incomes in retirement by 1,400 to 2,100 a year and would reduce take home pay of lower earners by less than 1 per cent. Not bad. It might not get us to a comfortable retirement, but could make a difference. Your tip to save 5,000 on a facelift... How do you decide when to save and when to splurge? I received some true pearls of wisdom from readers when I posed this question last month. Molly G responded to my comment that I had dithered over whether to treat myself to a jacket. She emailed: 'My answer to you is, please stop worrying and allow yourself to let go. 60 on a jacket is sod-all!' DollyGirl1 gave this advice: 'My old school godmother taught me 60 years ago that when I have some money, I should 'Spend a little, save a little and give a little away', which I still think is a great philosophy. I still work to that after all these years.' But the last word must go to Gina from Hampshire. 'In 1988 I found myself coveting a 100 bottle of face treatment, which was marketed as a stop-the-years dream come true,' she writes. 'It was gloopy, pale pink iridescent liquid and I just 'had' to have it. 'My husband incredulously asked: 'Did you just spend 100 on a face lotion?!' 'I answered: 'No. I have just saved 5,000 on a facelift!' Do you agree with their advice and strategies? Let me know. Labour is facing growing calls to block handouts for Drax after the 'green' energy firm was hit with an air pollution fine in Mississippi. Drax which has been given more than 6billion of subsidies for its power station in North Yorkshire is currently waiting for ministers to decide whether to extend subsidies beyond 2027. One campaigner said it is 'ludicrous' that the Government is even considering the move given the FTSE 250 company's environmental record. The latest fury comes after Drax was fined more than 170,000 by Mississippi regulators earlier this month for 'repeated instances of hazardous air pollutants'. The group's facility in Mississippi produces wood pellets from trees sourced from southern states, which are then burned as fuel in Drax's power station in Selby, North Yorkshire. But the plant has previously come under fire, breaching air pollution rules in 2020 when Drax was slapped with a 1.9m fine. Handouts: Drax has been given more than 6billion of subsidies The US campaign group Dogwood Alliance has now taken aim at the British Government for its approach. 'The fact that the UK Government is even considering more subsidies for Drax is ludicrous. The company has done nothing but destroy forests, pollute communities and the atmosphere in the southern US since it began operations here ten years ago,' a spokesman said. 'Labour needs to stop this madness and stop wasting taxpayer money on this dirty, destructive industry,' he added. And Almuth Ernsting, from the campaign group Biofuelwatch, said it would be 'unconscionable' for ministers to approve more grants for Drax. Last week the Government insisted that no decision had been made. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman told the Mail: 'We expect full compliance with all regulatory obligations on biomass. The subsidies for large-scale biomass generators will end in 2027 and we are reviewing evidence on potential support beyond this.' Drax posted profits of 515m for the six months to the end of June, up from 417m in the first half of last year. Drivers insist they are being unfairly targeted by drunk and deceitful passengers EXCLUSIVE Dodgy Uber drivers are being allowed to remain behind the wheel despite clocking up scores of serious complaints about their bad behaviour and unwanted sexual advances. Daily Mail Australia can reveal that in extreme cases rogue drivers are being reported to the service as many as 20 times before finally being booted from the platform. The complaints cover everything from dangerous driving and foul-mouthed tirades to unashamedly hitting on passengers and demanding oral sex from riders. Despite attracting a litany of grave concerns about their alleged misconduct, repeat offenders' disturbing records are shielded from passengers by the firm's faulty status system that allows them to boast gold and diamond star ratings. Even after being punted, unsavoury Uber drivers continue to cash in after being awarded handsome compo payouts of up to $10,000 from the company for 'breach of contract'. It comes amid growing frustration the global ride-hailing service - which boasts about four million active users in Australia - is not doing enough to keep passengers safe. But unrepentant drivers claim they are the real victims - and that they are being unfairly targeted by drunk, deceitful and racist passengers making false allegations in the hope of rorting a free trip or refund. And they have in turn accused Uber of violating their contracts by 'deactivating' their accounts - the equivalent of sacking them from the service - following 'unprovable' complaints from passengers. Uber is the world's largest ride-hailing service with about four million active users in Australia Sacked drivers claim passengers are lodging fake complaints to rort free trips from the firm An escalating stand-off between drivers and their passengers has resulted in a spate of legal proceedings in Australia over what constitutes a 'sackable' offence. One driver tried to sue Uber for $10,000 and demanded he have his profile restored when he was booted from the platform after a shocking 20 complaints were lodged about his driving and personal conduct. The concerns against Arif Najafi culminated in an allegation he requested oral sex from a male passenger after dropping him home in the early hours of February 4, 2023. Mr Najafi launched legal action against Uber in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming the company had not afforded him a fair opportunity to properly explain the situation and refused to give him 'a second chance'. The driver boasted a 4.82 star rating at the time he was banned, having amassed more than 13,000 trips during his three-and-a-half year career with service. His run came to an ended after his final passenger complained the driver had inappropriately propositioned him, asking 'if I would like to give him sexual oral favour as I was his last drop off home' and whether 'I would like to suck his penis'. Mr Najafi denied making any advances and instead insisted it had been him who had been 'sexually harassed' and on the receiving end of the indecent proposal. Some dodgy drivers are clocking up dozens of serious complaints before being banned The app has transformed the nation's taxi industry since it launched in Australia in 2012 'At 1.30am I picked up a man...first he asked me what time do you finish. I said maybe you are (the) last trip,' Mr Najafi said in an explanation heard by the Tribunal. At the corner he said, "Stop here." I stopped, he asked me, "Do you like to have sex with me?" I said, "Sorry, I don't." Then he gets out from my car.' It was the latest in a plethora of complaints that claimed Mr Najafi was 'intimidating, abusive', 'aggressive and rude' and repeatedly used his phone or checked social media accounts while driving. One passenger claimed Mr Najafi asked 'about my love life and... he stated he was married but wasn't happy'. 'Then, when I was getting out, he put down his window and asked me for my number,' the passenger complaint read. Another said he made inappropriate remarks about their weight and asked 'why they are the size they were'. The father-of-three denied any wrongdoing, blamed some of the complaints on racism, and claimed it was unfair to ban him on the basis on untested accusations. However, the Tribunal found Uber was within its rights to deactivate Mr Najafi's profile given the 'weight, volume and nature' of the complaints against him and dismissed his claim in February. It came little more than a week after the Tribunal dismissed a similar claim from fellow former Uber driver Muhammad Zie Ur Rehman, after he clocked up 18 complaints about his conduct. Consumers have complained the Uber app's 'star rating' system offers little protection He accused the service - which has transformed Australia's taxi industry since it launched in 2012 - of 'wrongfully deactivating' his account and also sought reinstatement, along with $4,000 in damages for loss of income. Mr Rehman told the Tribunal he had an exceptionally high star rating of 4.91, and boasted a '92% satisfaction rate', after making 11,194 trips as a driver via the app. The ride-hailing business booted him from the service for breaching its 'community guidelines' last August - even though he insisted the allegations against him were all false. The Tribunal agreed the vast majority could not be verified or relied on to justify banning Mr Rehman from the app. One discounted complaint about the driver was made by a female passenger who claimed he propositioned her for a dinner date during an early-morning trip. She claimed she was startled by the suggestion given she had just told him she was heading to her boyfriend's place for dinner. Mr Rehman said it was all a misunderstanding. '(The) rider was very talkative and asked me since when I am driving,' he explained. 'I replied to her that, "I am driving for a few hours and I have not had a chance to do diner." It did not mean what she thought...who does diner at 4am in the morning? 'This was an error of communication.' Drivers are making more than $130,000 a year as demand for the Uber drivers soars Another complainant - who claimed he was was told to 'get the f*** out' Mr Rehman's car after his girlfriend fell ill - was also discounted after the driver explained the couple had been drunk and aggressive. 'A man and his girlfriend hired Uber to go to McDonalds, and the girl, she vomited in the car,' Mr Rehman explained in a version of events accepted by the Tribunal. 'I stopped the car at the petrol station and she vomited the rest outside the car. I requested the rider that I have to end the trip and, "you do another Uber". 'The rider was very drunk and he stated abusing me and passing racial comments. I ended to ride and asked him to leave.' In total, the Tribunal found four of the 18 complaints against Mr Rehman could not be proved while a further seven were 'unreasonable to hold against the driver'. But it found there was sufficient evidence to support the final seven complaints. And while none of them justified the deactivation of his account in isolation, the Tribunal found that together they established a pattern of behaviour and subsequently dismissed the driver's claim against Uber. One banned Uber driver was awarded $10,000 for breach of contract after he was booted from the platform following a string of unproven complaints about his alleged behaviour However, it hasn't been all one-way traffic. In June, Uber was ordered to pay a former driver, Ranjit Singh, $10,000 in damages 'on the basis that he was wrongfully terminated from the Uber platform'. Mr Singh held a 'gold diamond' star rating of 4.98, and a satisfaction rate of 87%, after making more than 19,950 Uber trips during a three-year career with the service. He was punted from the platform last August after being accused of 'sexually inappropriate behaviour / commenting upon a rider's appearance'. 'The driver was asking me if I have children and if I am single or married,' the complainant said in a report tendered to the Tribunal. 'He proceeded to tell me I look like a Bollywood actress which he has met and showed me a photo of them together. 'He continued to tell me I am very beautiful. I felt highly uncomfortable.' His account was deactivated the following day and later permanently deleted. It followed a string of earlier concerns raised about Mr Singh. In March last year, a passenger complained he had made them uncomfortable after asking 'intrusive inappropriate private questions'. One passenger claims her Uber driver repeatedly looked her 'up and down' while driving He was also accused of asking another passenger, in October 2022, about her 'ethnicity', whether she was 'free on weekends' and 'looking (her) up and down while driving'. And in March 2021, a fourth complaint was lodged by a passenger who claimed 'he made comments about how attractive I was and described me as "exotic," "chocolate," "sexy.' It's a hell no from me.' Mr Singh denied all the allegations and said it was well-known within the Uber-driving industry that drunk and dishonest passengers tried to rort free trips from the company by making fake complaints. 'The allegations are absolutely false and very inaccurate,' he told the Tribunal. 'I have always treated my passengers with the utmost respect and integrity and have followed Uber's community guidelines and policies. 'I would frequently encounter intoxicated riders who would complain about the surge pricing and lodge a report in order to get a refund and a free trip. 'This is a common, ongoing practice amongst riders as this has occurred to many of my fellow driver partners who are also innocent.' Mr Singh revealed he pulled in more than $130,000 a year driving for Uber after expenses, with an average weekly net income of about $2560. Banned drivers claim its widely known within the industry that passengers file fake complaints The Tribunal found in his favour, citing his denials, a lack of evidence and the infrequency of the complaints. 'The number of complaints is very small in comparison to the amount of trips (he) performed and his overall passenger rating,' it found. '(Mr Singh) performed almost 20,000 trips...the four complaints also occured over a two-and-a-half year period.' Although it awarded him $10,000, it did not order Singh's profile be reinstated, noting he had not made a request for it be reactivated. The Tribunal also found in favour of former Uber driver Salahadeen Suliman Hussaen Abdalla in June. However, it stopped short of awarding him the $10,000 in damages he was seeking or ordering his profile to be restored. Mr Abdulla was kicked off the app in February 2022 after attracting just two complaints about his behaviour. The first dated back to March 2020, when a passenger claimed Adbulla was 'adamant about being friends and insisted I give him my number'. The second complaint, made the day he was banned, saw him accused of asking a passenger, 'Where is your boyfriend? I can give you good friendship.' The Tribunal found there was not enough evidence - nor complaints - to establish a pattern of behaviour and ordered the company to pay Mr Abdulla $1000 for breach of contract. Uber has defended its star rating system and said it encouraged both drivers and passengers to report any inappropriate behaviour by either party during trips. 'Nothing is more important than the safety of all users on the Uber platform,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'Unlike other modes of transportation, Uber prompts driver-partners and riders for feedback after every trip. 'We encourage people to report, which we believe is crucial to keeping the Uber community safe.' September 22, 2024: When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, they caused more problems for themselves than they expected. The invasion was supposed to be over quickly. Ukrainian resistance was more than the Russians expected, and more than they could handle. Russian losses in Ukraine were devastating for Russia. Most of the Russian tank forces were destroyed and some of these tanks were abandoned by their demoralized Russian crews. The Ukrainians kept the abandoned Russian tanks because both sides were using Russian-designed tanks, many of them built in the Ukraine before the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine has so far received over a hundred Western tanks, mainly German Leopards and American M1s. These tanks had superior sensors that enabled them to detect Russian tanks at night and destroy them from a safe distance. When the Western tanks attacked in daylight, they suffered some losses, but not nearly as many as the Russians were losing. China was Russias only ally but had to limit its support lest it be hit with economic sanctions for supplying Russia with weapons. To avoid that, China limits its support to items Russia needs though no Chinese weapons are sent. The Chinese provide lots of electronic and other components Russia needs to build its own tanks and other weapons. When Ukrainians examine the debris left by detonated Russian bombs and missiles, they often find Chinese components. Complaints to China are answered with claims that Russia smuggled in those components that were provided by third parties that China has no control over. That sort of thing does occur, but there is no way for the Ukrainians to prove the Chinese are lying. It is no secret that China and Russia still cooperate with each other. Chinese and Russian warships have been seen operating together in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Meanwhile, Russias long relationship with India as a major weapons supplier is unraveling. Increased economic sanctions have made it impossible for Russia to pay for weapons using rubles, dollars or Chinese yuan. The Chinese have never been charitable with their arms customers. This is unlike Western suppliers, who will allow purchases on credit and take a lenient attitude toward late payments. The Chinese expect to be paid on time with a currency they can use. Russia can no longer meet those terms and that has disrupted their sales to India, a customer for over 70 years. China doesnt sell to India because the countries are embroiled in a sometimes violent border dispute with India. China claims substantial Indian territory, including the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh along with smaller territories on border areas high in the Himalayan mountains. So far, the violence has been restricted to battles between Chinese and Indian troops using fists and clubs. There have been a few deaths and lots of injuries. Russia does not openly support India or China. The current reality is that Russia supports China, which still has trade relationships with Russia. India is mad at Russia for not dealing with defective weapons Russia sold them and not being able to accept payment from India because of the sanctions. China and Russia are another matter. Despite the payment problems, China still supports Russia, at least diplomatically and in terms of joint military exercises. China expects Russia to remember that China did not abandon them during the Ukraine War, even though Russian Chinese trade was disrupted. Sandwiched between the San Joaquin River and a trio of stunning national parks, the California city of Antioch seems like a peaceful part of the state's East Bay region, but in reality, it harbors an enormous underground criminal enterprise. You'd never know it based on the wealth of the neighborhood. In fact, residents fork out 93 percent more than the national average to live in the upscale area, with the median house costing $588,000, while renters pay a median $2,850 per month, according to Fly Homes. But the Golden State city's sunny exterior belies the shady underground weed trade that operates behind the walls of hundreds of the city's cookie-cutter homes. Antioch Police raided around 60 alleged illegal marijuana dens over the past two years, according to NBC - and officers believe there could be hundreds more in operation. Despite the high number of busts, only two people have been arrested and charged - and both got away with misdemeanors, thanks to California's lax laws. Sandwiched between the San Joaquin River and a trio of stunning national parks, the California city of Antioch (pictured from above) seems like peaceful part of the state's East Bay region Oakland Police officer Samson Liu, 38, of Antioch, was placed on administrative leave on April 30 after the farm was found on the property (pictured) While the median household income in Antioch is $90,709, some residents are making a great deal more through the shady trade. An April drugs bust at a fancy five-bedroom, two-story Antioch home uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal cannabis in the one residence alone. Officials revealed the property belonged to an Oakland police officer - Samson Liu, 38 - who has since been placed on administrative leave. It's unclear whether Liu lived in the home or rented it out to tenants, and no arrests have yet been made. In another raid this spring, authorities uncovered around $1 million worth of illegal marijuana in another five-bedroom home on the affluent Shell Ridge Way. An April drugs bust at a fancy five-bedroom, two-story Antioch home uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal cannabis in the one residence alone (pictured) Bill Jones, chief of law enforcement at the California Department of Cannabis Control, told CNN the illicit weed operation in Antioch is largely run by 'the Chinese criminal syndicate'. In fact, the operation is so extensive that law enforcement believes there are more Chinese nationals within the illegal marijuana trade than gang members from Mexican cartels. However, Vanda Felbab-Brown, a Brookings Institute expert on international crime, told CNN that Chinese and Mexican criminal groups also often work together to traffic Chinese migrants into the US for work in the illegal weed trade. She told CNN the US government urgently needs to increase its surveillance of the issue. 'We have been prioritizing China military decision-making, but Chinese organized crime and organized crime more broadly has not been a high priority in intelligence collection,' Felbab-Brown said. Antioch's sunny exterior belies the shady underground weed trade which operates behind the walls of hundreds of the city's cookie-cutter homes Pictured: Historic buildings in downtown Antioch, East Bay, California 'That needs to change.' The underground marijuana trade in Antioch is just the tip of the iceberg representing a state-wide problem across California. Golden State criminals found guilty of dealing any amount of illegal weed will only face misdemeanor charges, apart from in extreme cases. Exceptions include if the illicit marijuana was sold to a child, or if the culprit was already a registered sex offender. Antioch has grown a reputation for developing plenty of high-yield, indoor grow operations (Pictured: Cannabis from a raid last week) Despite the high number of busts in Antioch over the past two years, only two people have been arrested and charged - and both got away with misdemeanors, thanks to California's lax laws. (Pictured: California Governor Gavin Newsom) Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue, whose northern California district is crawling with the illegal trade, told CNN: 'You can have seven plants or 70,000 plants and it still is that same misdemeanor violation. 'It's actually just a joke.' In fact, the state is responsible for producing around 40 percent of the nation's weed, according to economist Beau Whitney, and 75 percent of this economy is illegal. California legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, but sellers who skirt the rules, fees and taxes involved in operating within the highly-regulated legal trade have proliferated since. She was whisked away before they could hold her All Michelle McCranor wanted to do was hold the body of her baby daughter Celeste in her arms. Instead, her stillborn baby was whisked away by doctors and nurses, never to be seen again - taken straight from the hospital to the grave. Michelle and husband Tim still bear the mental scars of the ordeal which took place 23 years ago - and they are desperate to prevent others from suffering in the same way they did. The Adelaide couple had always dreamed of having a child and were delighted to fall pregnant within a month of their wedding. Ms McCranor said the pregnancy with Celeste was 'perfectly normal' with complications only arising in the final 10 weeks. 'I had a blood clotting condition that was picked up. It only seems to appear when I'm pregnant,' Ms McCranor said. 'The clotting was causing a blood flow issue and the baby wasn't getting enough nutrients. 'But there was never any alarm. We were in this pregnancy bliss, there was no mention of our baby not making it.' The couple (pictured on their wedding day) were shocked to learn an average of six Australian babies are stillborn every day with 20 to 30 per cent of those deaths considered preventable Ms McCranor (pictured during her pregnancy) remembered having to leave her daughter 'behind' at the hospital without ever getting the chance to hold her The McCranors remembered feeling as though they had 'never been pregnant' when people stopped asking about Celeste because of their own discomfort (pictured: Celeste's funeral) Ms McCranor later suffered from preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder affecting pregnant women, and was placed on bed rest in hospital. During her stay, doctors noticed Celeste's heart rate had slowed and decided to induce her birth at 32 weeks. The couple talked to a counsellor about potential issues with a premature baby but they say there was no preparation for what would happen if Celeste died. 'It's hard to explain, it was sort of like I had no fear. I thought, "Well, I'm in the hospital now. If there's a problem, they'll fix it",' Ms McCranor said. 'We were in this little bubble of excitement because we were going to have a baby.' Mr McCranor added: 'No one mentioned the word stillbirth. We didn't even know what it was at the time.' The day of Celeste's birth was a complete blur for Ms McCranor. She had been placed on a self-administered morphine drip, meaning she felt dazed from both the overwhelming emotions of giving birth and the effects of the opioid. However, she clearly remembers the eerily quiet moment Celeste was placed in a cot next to her bed. 'Everything felt like it went in slow motion, yet it all happened so quickly,' Ms McCranor said. 'We had an older midwife and I remember her putting Celeste on her bed. 'I was thinking, "What do we do now? Are we allowed to touch her?" 'Nobody ever handed me my baby. I never got to hold her, ever.' As the realisation their daughter had died began to dawn on them, the couple went into a state of shock. 'We were just looking at her on the bed, not knowing what we were meant to be doing,' Ms McCranor said. 'Nobody led us, no one said if it was okay to pick her up - like they do these days. 'Now they have a whole healing process, some people even take their babies home for a few days. 'Sometimes I feel almost angry that we missed out on that.' The heartbroken parents remember feeling lost after the birth of their daughter and, with no one to guide them, never got to hold her (pictured, the family's memorial to Celeste) Ms McCranor (pictured) first began running after the birth of her son in late 2002 as a way to cope with her feelings of grief and guilt The moment that jarred the parents out of their shock was when they were discharged from hospital just one day after Celeste's birth. 'I remember walking out of the hospital and I was frightened to leave,' Ms McCranor recalled. 'I was leaving my baby behind.' Mr McCranor said: 'The expectation is, like most people, you're going to come out happy with a new baby. 'Instead, we came out, had to arrange a funeral and tell everyone what happened - which is pretty confronting.' Ms McCranor was left feeling as though the only proof she had that she'd ever been pregnant was the stack of hospital pamphlets she'd received about coping with grief. 'It was almost like we walked out the door of the hospital and everybody forgot we'd ever been pregnant,' Ms McCranor said. 'Tim and I are the sort of people who think we need to just chin up and get on with life, but it hurt that we couldn't talk with people about our baby. 'Back then, people would be uncomfortable if you mentioned it. It's almost like they think the baby just evaporates. 'When you're pregnant everyone asks how you're going and so on. Then you go back to your daily life and no one wants to ask anymore.' As much as they tried to 'soldier through' their grief, the couple was constantly confronted with the loss of their daughter through the carefree words of those around them. People at their shared workplace would quiz them about their maternity leave and the following year when they welcomed their son Luke, other parents would question why they chose to have just one child. Following Celeste's birth in 2001, Ms McCranor went into a deep depression due to the heartbreak of losing her daughter and the misplaced guilt she felt for 'failing' her. 'Our son was born and I was distracted for a while but I still wasn't in a great place,' she said. 'I had what I called the "sads" but obviously it was depression. 'I kept brushing it off but one day I was at my chiropractor and I saw a business card for a personal trainer. 'I'd never liked the gym or anything like that but something just clicked and I thought, "This is what I need".' Mr McCranor called on his wife's behalf and booked her first session. 'The trainer was this really lovely young girl and she made me feel so comfortable,' Ms McCranor said. The McCranors hope Michelle's (pictured) run will raise $1million to assist in sharing awareness programs that could save one baby's life every day 'She soon learnt our story and genuinely wanted to help. She understood I was there just as much for my mental health as physical. 'She was the one that eventually got me running. She entered us in these off-road events and I discovered trail running. 'It started to make my head feel better. It became my medicine.' As Ms and Mr McCranor gradually started to heal over the years, they've become more open about their daughter's passing. Growing up, Luke always knew he had a sister and would include her in family drawings as a child. The family celebrate Celeste's birthday every year and keep a photo of her on display in their home. Along with that process came the desire to know more about stillbirth, and the couple were shocked by what they found. 'At the moment we've got an average of six babies that are stillborn every single day in Australia,' Mr McCranor said. 'The emotional and economic impacts are massive, not to mention the impact on the health system.' Ms McCranor, 53, is planning to run from Adelaide's Seacliff all the way to Port Melbourne over the span of just 20 days, finishing on November 20. She hopes to raise $1million for Stillbirth Foundation Australia, which is working to distribute a program called the Safer Baby Bundle. The bundle is an awareness program of the five key things expecting parents and doctors need to monitor to beware of their baby's health and when to intervene. Implementation of the Safer Baby Bundle has the opportunity to save at least one of the six babies whose lives are lost to stillbirth every day in Australia. Ms McCranor felt as though she was being called to action by all the babies, like Celeste, whose deaths had been kept 'hidden' because of their uncomfortable nature. 'It was annoying me that stillbirth was still being overlooked. I felt like we're not giving a voice to all these babies that, unfortunately, aren't making it out alive,' she said. 'Between 20 and 30 per cent of these babies could be saved through simple awareness program, like the Safer Baby Bundle. 'These programs cost nothing, it would only cost the government, and their effectiveness have been proven in the UK.' Mr and Ms McCranor have invested themselves, and their money, into creating Stillrunning, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness about stillbirth. They are also working to produce a documentary with interviews from bereaved parents in an attempt to push the government into funding awareness campaigns. 'I've found my voice and I just feel like we're in a position where we can bring that voice out for all the other parents that haven't got their voice at the moment,' Ms McCranor said. Michelle and Tim McCranor (pictured with their son Luke) had a stillborn daughter, Celeste, in 2001 'I'd love to see an awareness campaign on TV. Like the quit smoking, Slip Slop Slap and road safety campaigns. 'We don't want to make expectant parents frightened, we're just trying to give them the best opportunity of having a healthy baby.' Mr McCranor, 62, added: 'We can start saving lives today. That's how important this is.' Ms McCranor currently spends 11 hours running and completes at least three strength sessions every week in preparation of her upcoming fundraiser run. The couple is accepting donations on the Stillrunning website with the goal of raising $1million by November 20 for Stillbirth Foundation Australia. A ritzy neighborhood in the Bay Area has descended into chaos as residents claim they are being targeted by firework bombs and feel like they are in a war. Jenifer Ehreth, 78, is so fed up after two months of destruction and sleepless nights that she has started a petition against the nightly explosions near her usually peaceful street in Richmond, San Francisco. Ehreth said DailyMail.com: 'They're big fireworks, the kind that cities put on. These aren't just little. They go way up in the air, and they land all over the place, like over my building'. She described the explosives as heavy 'bombs' that are big enough to fill the palm of her hand and cause buildings to shake. 'One of the fireworks hit a pylon in front of my building and it's kind of leaning. That's how strong they are,' she said. 'It's like being in war,' she added, raising concerns about the 'very big fire hazard' the fireworks pose when embers fall on and around the apartment complex. Jenifer Ehreth, 78, started a petition after two months of nightly disturbance kept her and her neighbors awake The fireworks, described by Jenifer Ehreth as being heavy and big enough to fill her palm, have caused endless disruption and destruction across the Richmond District in San Francisco The fireworks have reportedly caused damages and loss of sleep for two months, and are described by Ehreth as a 'very big fire hazard' Ehreth said her attempts at contacting the police have proven pointless. 'You'd have to wait 20 minutes for someone [on the phone], and they'd be polite and say they've gotten many calls about it,' she explained. She claimed she was told by one operator to contact the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department where a representative allegedly told her that they could not afford to send anyone out. Ehreth said the fireworks have been set off periodically through the night since July 4th, leaving her exhausted. 'They start at any time, it can be eight o'clock in the evening, it can start at two in the morning, sometimes they go clear until it starts getting light.' The Richmond District is located at the north of San Francisco and home to nearly 60,000 residents, some of which have shared frustrations about the ongoing fireworks The fireworks have been going off almost every night according to Ehreth who said it was like 'being in war' A crater in the sand was made due to the illegal fireworks in the Richmond District of San Francisco Neighbors in her building shared similar frustrations and she said some even had to resort to tranquilizers to calm their dogs during the fireworks. After her efforts to stop the nightly displays, she went to a Richmond District police department community meeting armed with photos and an unexploded firework in her hand. 'I brought photos and the bomb [I found in the sand] and tried to give it to the police chief. They had me go to the back and leave it with them,' she said. Ehreth said she discovered other residents had similar concerns after stumbling upon social media platform Nextdoor. After getting in touch with members who had shared their own experiences with the fireworks, Ehreth was convinced to set up a petition on Change.org. Ehreth's petition will be presented at the next Richmond District police department meeting on September 24 at the senior center on Fulton, where she hopes it will persuade her local law enforcement to act. She had collected 94 signatures of a 100 target as of earlier this week. She added: 'By the time that meeting's on, I will have that petition in hand. Definitely.' The Richmond District supervisor, Connie Chan, told Ocean Beach Homeowners Association President Natasha Coral: 'We have been working tirelessly to communicate these issues to the relevant departments, and the Government Audit & Oversight Committee will be holding a public hearing on this matter.' The City and County of San Francisco released a full report about the issue in May earlier this year detailing damage, pollution, and injuries. It found that 15 percent of illegal fireworks were set off at or into a person or crowd of people. It added: 'Another consistent comment was that since the issue does not generate large volumes of complaints throughout the year, and only becomes overwhelming around July 4th, taking further action about fireworks is not prioritized.' The same report claimed the reasoning for the continuation of illegal fireworks in the area was due to limited resources, difficulty dealing with explosives, lack of coordinated communication, and no official metric tracking. Reports of the fireworks across the Mission District were made last year with little success in resolving the issue. The Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco has been contacted by DailyMail.com for comment. Neighborhoods in the Outer Sunset area of San Francisco have also been affected. The fourth district's supervisor Joel Engardio said: 'I have asked SFPD to help with enforcing laws against fireworks, because I hear from parents and dog downers who have difficulty with the noise,' SFGate reported. DailyMail.com has contacted the San Francisco police department for comment. Ehreth's petition has reached 94 signatures toward her goal of 100, which she will be presenting at the next Richmond District police department community meeting 'They start at any time, it can be eight o'clock in the evening, it can start at two in the morning, sometimes they go clear until it starts getting light,' said Ehreth The usually quiet area of the Richmond District is situated in the northwest corner of the city, among the parks. The area is bordered by Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park and the Pacific Ocean, and is home to nearly 60,000 residents. The median home listing price in the Richmond District is $1,799,000 according to Kenneth Borgman an advisor for Realty Hop. San Francisco, as of 2023, had a population of almost 809,000 residents after a dramatic drop in numbers in 2021, according to the City and County of San Francisco. A real-life mercenary has lifted the lid on the outrageous excesses and sordid tactics of a modern gun for hire - and revealed how he ended up languishing for 18 months in a Serbian jail, fighting for his freedom. A former Navy SEAL, Daniel Corbett concedes that his career of choice is morally ambiguous - even if his targets are the 'bad guys': terrorists, bomb makers, rebel commanders, and other enemies of the US. But, after retiring from the military in 2012, the money on offer proved too tempting to resist. His first contract - guarding cargo ships against Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean - came with a pay packet of $20,000 per month, and in just three months, he'd made more than he earned in a year in the navy. That was enough to get him hooked. Working for an 'elite outfit of private contractors', what he does is, he says, legal, sanctioned by the US government, unofficially, and takes him all over the world - from Abu Dhabi to Washington, DC, Cairo to San Diego. Hollywood gets some aspects of the mercenary life bang on - and others very wrong Unlike Jason Bourne, Corbett says the modern mercenary can't travel with a fake passport 'in this era of biometrics, you enter countries as yourself,' he says And it involves more than just neutralizing (mercenaries prefer this term to killing for obvious reasons) enemy targets. Some jobs require finding kids who have been kidnapped by their father and returning them to their mom,' he says. 'Some jobs involve confronting card-carrying KKK members over debts they owe. Some mean recovering hostages from terrorists, or liberating children from the grip of warlords. Wherever he goes, though, money is king - and his uber-rich paymasters make sure he travels in style. In his new book, American Mercenary: The Riveting, High-Risk World of an Elite SEAL Team Operator Turned Hired Gun, Corbett - whose nickname is Dirty - describes a typical job, with an almost fatal outcome. After a call from his handler, asking him to meet in Abu Dhabi, Corbett flies - Etihad business class - direct to the UAE capital and checks into a luxurious suite at the Four Seasons. His handler, Malachi, is waiting for him in the lounge and, together, the pair head to the exclusive steak house Nusr-Et, to meet the client. He must remain anonymous, so lets just call him Al, writes Corbett. Hes a repeat client and by now were all friends - or at least very friendly.' What he does reveal is that 'Al' is a very wealthy Emirati, with a very particular request. Corbett's book has been reviewed - and certain parts redacted - by the Pentagon He entertains the client at the luxurious Four Seasons in Abu Dhabi A hostess leads us to our table - the best in the house, a private seat overlooking a blue inlet leading to the Persian Gulf.' Technically, the UAE is dry, but since they are westerners staying in a luxury hotel, and are being entertained by such a high-ranking host, the wine flows. They down a $1,200 bottle of French cabernet - then another - before they are presented with a wooden cutting board overflowing with steak and lamb. At one point Nusret himself, aka Salt Bae, stops by to ask if were satisfied. We are. He sends another small course of exceptional filets. I cant resist, forcing down a few more bites. At the end of all this wining and dining, Corbett is finally briefed on his target: a lead member of a group that finances Houthi militants in Yemen, but who is at that time living in the relative safety of Belgrade, Serbia. If the job were in France or Germany or the UK, says Corbett, we would reject it outright. But Serbia has a weak and corrupt law enforcement system, making it easier to get out of the place in a pinch. Our task - really my task, since this will be a solo mission - is to spend a couple of months gathering incriminating intel on the target. Anything Al can use as leverage "to compel him - Al's phrase - to stop financing the Houthis. Corbett retires to his suite, to research the target Peter - checking his LinkedIn, his social media, etc. He finds out that he's the owner of a PR business with nine employees, and in his spare time enjoys museums, fine dining, fashion shows, and nightclubs. Peter is also believed to frequent prostitutes, and if Corbett can get proof, it could be enough to cut off this source of the Houthis' funding. The job officially begins in five days, he writes, meaning we have time to kill. Its not a good idea to fly directly from a clients location to the place youll be working, so the next afternoon, Malachi and I fly to Cairo. Were not there on business, were tourists. We hire a guide, visit the Pyramids, take stupid tourist pictures, and have a ton of fun. We even ride camels, and the camels saunter past the Sphinx. Its the first time Ive done anything remotely normal in any Middle Eastern country. It feels good. This, says Corbett, is standard procedure for someone in his line of work - and is in stark contrast to the Hollywood portrayal. You cant pull a Jason Bourne with multiple passports and identities in this era of biometrics, he says. You enter countries as yourself, with your legitimate passport. Yes, someone from that country might follow you around to see what youre up to. So for jobs like that, you do touristy, boring things for a few days. Hang out at bars and clubs, see the sights, chat up people who have nothing to do with the job. Become uninteresting, and your watchers move on. Then you can do whatever it is youre there to do. He adds that he always travels with cash not credit cards - but never more than $10,000. If you need more, you get a trusted source to make a run. Only euros or American dollars, every other currency is trash. In The Expendables, a group of elite mercenaries carry out missions ranging from assassination to rescue (pictured, Eric Roberts and Steve Austin) Sometimes he's called to conceal his identity, and Hollywoods love of a good disguise is bang on the money, he says - from wigs, to make-up, and larger shoes all helping them cover their tracks. Hes even been known to stuff outsize clothes with newspaper to make himself look bigger. What about DNA? Hollywood loves working with this one, and filmmakers can get it right too, writes Corbett. To avoid leaving a trace of his presence, tactics can include wearing a shower cap, shaving, and putting Vaseline on his eyebrows and up his nose. But often a more effective ruse is what he calls 'DNA confusion'. Litter a scene with enough evidence, and pictures become blurry. Sometimes mercenaries will gather used cigarette butts and drinking glasses, even pubic hairs from the bottoms of urinals, and leave them here and there. As for weapons and gadgetry, the on-screen portrayal more often than not misses the mark. Often we see our protagonist open a suitcase with enough guns to arm a dozen men, GPS trackers, butterfly knives, lethal doses of poison, C-4, and so on. In the real world, youre responsible for getting what you need. You need a high-end SLR camera? Go buy one. You need a GPS tracker? Make one. You need weapons? Find a way. Unfortunately for Corbett, weaponry proved to be his downfall. Within a month of landing in Belgrade, he was arrested at gunpoint and thrown in a Serbian jail. His charge: possession of an illegal handgun. He claims never to have touched a gun in the country, and that Serbian cops planted his DNA on a weapon, hoping to charge him with plotting to kill the president, Aleksandar Vucic. He spent the next 18 months fighting the charges, going through a drawn-out legal process, and when he was eventually released without charge, he could hardly believe it. 'Often we see our protagonist open a suitcase with enough guns to arm a dozen men, GPS trackers, butterfly knives, lethal doses of poison, C-4, and so on' Corbett claims Serbian cops planted his DNA on a weapon, hoping to charge him with plotting to kill the president, Aleksandar Vucic On the day the verdict was read out, he writes: 'I catch a few words here and there, but thats it. The translator asks for clarification on something. The judge nods in my direction and speaks quickly. 'The translator turns to me and says, You can go, you can go.' Corbett asks: 'Im done? Im free? Under what conditions? I need to know exactly what the judge said.' After more discussion, the judge turns directly to him and says: 'You are innocent of all charges, Mr Corbett. The court is terribly sorry this has happened to you. On behalf of the Serbian government, I hope that your ordeal has not ruined your perception of Serbia. Our government will pay any and all legal fees, as well as restitution for missed wages and damages.' They then add: 'You must immediately leave Serbia, as your visa has expired.' Corbett stifles a laugh at what he calls 'this final absurdity'. 'But who am I to argue? I am free.' The whole thing sounds almost too wild to be true. Indeed, while the book has been reviewed - and heavily redacted in places - by the Pentagon, it includes this disclaimer: 'The public release clearance of this publication by the Department of Defense does not imply Department of Defense endorsement or factual accuracy of the material.' For his part, now based in San Diego, and despite his horrific experiences, Corbett says he has resisted the lure of a safe desk job. Instead, he continues to entertain phone calls and meetings with those who need unique solutions to unique problems. American Mercenary: The Riveting, High-Risk World of an Elite SEAL Team Operator Turned Hired Gun by Daniel Corbett is published by Center Street A mother has expressed her frustration at a raft of medical staff, including a specialist, who failed to diagnose her son's bone cancer 12 months ago. Yavuz Yalcin, nine, underwent multiple scans, MRIs and X-rays after complaining about pain in his right leg, knee and foot at the beginning of October, 2023. His parents' concerns were dismissed by medical practitioners who failed to discover the year four student's tumour on his spine. 'They made me feel crazy,' Yavuz's mother, Gulsum Buket Yalcin, told Daily Mail Australia. After Yavuz experienced pain in his right leg for about three months, his family, from Erskine Park in Sydney's west, took him to their local hospital. Yavuz was admitted and had X-rays on his hip, leg, knee and foot - but medical staff couldn't find anything wrong. 'They said to me they had ruled out "things like cancer and tumours",' Gulsum Buket said. The hospital staff gave referrals for MRIs on Yavuz's knee and foot and the hospital booked the family in for follow-up appointments. Despite undergoing multiple tests and seeing a specialist, medical staff failed to consider the pain Yavuz Yalcin, nine, (pictured) was experiencing could be referred pain from his spine The year-four student (pictured) missed weeks of school in 2023 because of tests to find out why he was having pain in his right leg, knee and foot. After only discovering a tumour on Yavuz's spine recently, the keen student now has a 12-month battle on his hands But all tests came back clear. By this stage the soon-to-be-ten-year-old was limping and using crutches. Yavuz then started seeing a physiotherapist at the same hospital, and was soon given a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon on December 6. But four days before the specialist's appointment, Yavuz's pain suddenly ceased and he stopped using his crutches. 'The doctor said, "He's walking OK, it's not painful anymore",' Gulsum Buket said. 'They said, "It's a bit of a mystery". 'The specialist told me, "Why are you here? Why did you bring him - he's fine". 'I said, "I'm trying to do the right thing as a mother - I want to know what's going on with him".' Gulsum Buket said she wanted answers because she knows her son better than anyone - and he would never complain of experiencing pain if he wasn't feeling it. 'I know my child, but unfortunately I was being treated like I was crazy,' she said. Yavuz (pictured when he was younger) is frustrated that it took a year to find out he had cancer The close family are going through a huge financial strain, with Yavuz's mother Gulsum Buket having to stop working. But the family still needs to pay for childcare so her husband can keep working (pictured L-R Yavuz, Gulsum Buket, Sevki and the family's two-year-old boy) 'We attended the appointment for five minutes and were charged a $300 consultation fee. 'I should have trusted my instinct. I thought I was getting a second opinion from the specialist.' In June this year, Yavuz's pain came back. 'We thought maybe he had an injury, maybe he had muscle pain, maybe he has growing pains.' The mother said they applied hot packs, gave him painkillers, massaged his leg and applied creams, as well as taking him to their GP again and having more X-rays. 'No-one ever said this could be a referred pain from his spine,' Buket said. After Yavuz complained of terrible pain one night in late July, Sevki took him back to their local hospital - but Buket knew they wouldn't get results. 'They did nothing. I saw we were repeating the same cycle,' she said. After taking her son to Westmead Children's Hospital, Yavuz was crucially given a referral for an MRI on his spine - which picked up a mass. The nine-year-old was soon diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Yavuz's mother described her 9-year-old son as a 'gentle' big brother and someone who 'loves his friends' (pictured Yavuz, right, with his brother) The family started fighting for a diagnosis a year ago and Yavuz's mum, Gulsum Buket, said she was treated by many medical professionals as 'crazy' 'Unfortunately we were diagnosed late - one year later,' Gulsum Buket said. 'Because there are no other scans to compare from a year ago, (the cancer's progress) is unfortunately uncertain. 'But he got metastatic on his lungs. There are four small tumours. 'Maybe he wouldn't have had that last year.' The 'gentle' and caring big brother to his two-year-old sibling was also frustrated at being diagnosed late. 'He said straight away if they would have diagnosed him last year he would have finished the treatment by now,' Gulsum Buket said. Yavuz is now undergoing twelve months of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but his prognosis remains uncertain. Buket said her son has an adventurous spirit, loves the beach and nature - and wants to be a YouTuber when he is older. Yavuz, who loves maths and science, misses his school friends. 'He loves chatting, he loves his friends a lot. Everyone's calling from his school,' she said. Gulsum Buket (left) with Yavuz (right) has exhausted all her leave because of the many medical appointments and has put her job on hold so she can be with her son as he fights his bone cancer One of the hardest moments since receiving Yavuz's diagnosis was the loss of his hair, which his mother said was 'long and gorgeous'. 'I promised him I am going to shave my hair off too.' Making their battle even harder is the family's financial situation. Buket stopped work in late July to be with her sick son, on top of paying for many private medical tests. And with her husband needing to work, the family pays for daycare for their two-year-old. Gulsum Buket said the one ray of light is that the chemo hasn't impacted Yavuz's appetite yet - and he is craving McDonald's. When McDonald's Australia licensee Alex Lee heard about Yavuz's appetite for his favourite meal, he was only too happy to bring joy to the nine-year-old and his family. Yavuz (pictured left with his younger sibling) has an adventurous spirit and is good at maths and science Mr Lee, whose restaurants in Western Sydney include the one closest to the family - McDonalds St Clair - told Daily Mail Australia he would love to donate $1,000 and Happy Meal vouchers to help support Yavuz and his family. Gulsum Buket's workplace have helped set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with their bills. 'Everyday is challenging for us at the moment. I don't know what is going to happen next,' she said. The family is urging the medical profession to listen to parents - and children - more. 'I think doctors have to take people more seriously - especially if a kid is in pain,' she said. A managing director with a major bank has revealed he will need help from his parents to buy a house in Sydney. Ash Frenken, the head of AMP subsidiary Citro, admitted he would struggle to buy a house where he wanted to live without support from the 'Bank of Mum and Dad'. The 34-year-old renter said his parents recently moved from Melbourne to regional Victoria. 'Investing in real estate is very challenging for people of my generation - I'm certainly requiring the help of mum and dad and that's not an uncommon thing of people my age,' Mr Frenken told Daily Mail Australia from Rio de Janeiro. 'Certainly purchasing in Sydney is a very challenging thing - if that's something I want to do, I'd likely require support from the folks. 'My preference is not to have to ask mum and dad for help but certainly if they can, or there's a way of them doing it that doesn't affect them and their retirement, then that's something that might be an option.' Mr Frenken lives at beachside Tamarama and works in Sydney's CBD as the head of Citro, a spending rewards program for Australians approaching retirement age. He is hoping to buy in Sydney's eastern suburbs so he can maintain his social connections. Ash Frenken, a managing director with a major bank, has revealed he will need help from his parents to buy a house in Sydney Ash Frenken (third from the right), the head of AMP subsidiary Citro, admitted he would struggle to buy a house where he wanted to live without support from his parents 'Ideally, that would be my preference to stay in the same community that I'm in because community's really important,' he said. 'That's currently where I live and I really enjoy it there - it is certainly one of the more expensive areas of Sydney to buy though.' Tamarama's median house price of $5million is more than triple greater Sydney's median house price of $1.5million. Even with a 20 per cent mortgage deposit, he would need to earn $769,230 - or more than double what the top 1 per cent make - to secure a loan on his own. 'Sydney is expensive, even the outer suburbs of Sydney are still more than a million dollars,' he said. 'Coming up with 20 per cent, saving more than a million dollars is a very challenging thing for anyone to do. 'It's certainly much more challenging on your own not only for the capital but the need for a deposit, then just also to afford the repayments on the loan.' Mr Frenken was reluctant to say what was salary was but he hinted it wasn't 'entry level'. As a high-flier in finance and technology circles, Mr Frenken doesn't want to commute from an outer suburb of Sydney. 'Certainly, could I buy in a less expensive area? Yes,' he said. Mr Frenken (in white polo shirt) is hoping to buy in Sydney's eastern suburbs so he can maintain his social connections, with his friendship group including actor Tim Draxl (far right) 'There's certainly an opportunity for me to get into property - there would need to be concessions made around where I live.' But is he continuing to rent so he can live where his friends are, because he can't yet afford to buy in Sydney's eastern suburbs. 'Unfortunately, I'm not able to do that and live where I want to live,' he said. 'Right now I'm renting - it gives me the option to live where I want to live. 'Right now, the community that I have around me and where I live, the lifestyle factor that I get out of that is more important so that's why I choose to rent.' When he eventually buys, he is resigned to having to ask him parents for help with things like a 20 per cent mortgage deposit and lender's mortgage insurance. 'If I was to pay in Sydney, that may be something that they may need to do,' he said. 'Help can be many different things.' The millennial achiever believes baby boomers had it much easier. 'It was a little bit easier for the generation before us,' he said. Top tourist destinations in Egypt are blighted by animal abuse, with horses and camels starved, beaten and left to die in squalor, an investigation has uncovered. MailOnline has seen exclusive footage revealing the extent of cruelty inflicted upon animals by guides offering visitors tours of historic sites, documented in harrowing detail by animal rights group PETA. Investigators said they found the bodies of animals dumped behind the great Pyramids of Giza on a daily basis, with horses and camels worked to the bone in miserable conditions. Horrific footage showed euthanised animals, broken by long hours in 35C heat, left out to rot as crows and stray dogs pick at their carcasses. Some - starved to the bone and exhausted - are visibly still breathing, but too weak to get up. More than 14 million people visit the Pyramids of Giza every year, bringing trade and tourism to Cairo. But with this number set to double by 2030, rights groups are calling for tourists to avoid exploitative traps that come at the expense of many lives. The limp body of a dead horse is seen on a cart on a road where carcasses are left to the birds A camel with its throat cut lies in its own blood in a public space in Egypt Crows pick at the carcass of a dead horse left out on the street in Cairo Horses, malnourished and surrounded by flies, eat from a skip in Cairo Unsettling video taken in Cairo between 2023 and 2024 showed horses eating rubbish from skips or the ground, not properly looked after by the tour operators Many appeared thin, struggling to stand on their own and struggling under the weight and heat of thick saddles and blinkered masks. Ribs protruded from animals with dirty manes and mottled skin, swarmed by flies in undisclosed areas around the city. Across from them, about a dozen animals lined up to take the next group of tourists around historic sites. Open wounds attracted midges, causing horses to squirm and writhe in pain with evidence of medicine or treatment. Those filmed still had saddles on their back, expected to continue working under the strain. Others twitched as they lay on the ground with ropes embedded in their skin, eyes half shut as they tried to brush off flies with limp gestures. Bloodied 'handles' made from twine appeared to have been poked through the bodies of abused animals for easier control and manipulation. PETA also documented how horses were whipped while being forced to pull carriages for tourists in Cairo. Thin horses baring their teeth are seen outside the famous pyramids being beaten as tourists watch on unmoved. Various draft animals are used to ferry visitors around the historic sites for a fee. Jason Baker, PETA Senior Vice President, told MailOnline: 'No decent person would dream of climbing onto a horse or camel if they knew that behind every ride is a disturbingly cruel industry that physically abuses these sensitive animals up until the moment their exhausted bodies give out.' He said that their investigation had shown how 'half-starved' animals at the Giza pyramids are 'literally worked to death'. If they collapse first, they are 'whipped mercilessly to force them to get up and pull carriages or carry tourists'. 'Most suffer from wounds, mange, and painful scarring and receive no treatment, then when they're no longer considered useful, they're dumped like rubbish or dragged to a slaughterhouse, where their throats are slit while they're fully conscious,' he assessed. 'PETA's shocking findings and the Egyptian government's shameful attempt to cover them up sends a clear message to all tourists: avoid all animal rides like the plague.' Animals, exhausted and collapsed in the road, are seen with string through their skin Bystanders are unmoved by a camel left to die on the ground in Cairo A camel is hit with sticks as men try to load it onto a truck Another, severely malnourished, struggles to get to its feet as men beat it with sticks PETA's investigation showed how camels, suffering from open wounds and infection, were also beaten in front of tourists. Animals are seen with ropes through their faces and chains around their bodies, with loose skin hanging from bloodied lacerations. The animal rights group said its investigators had come across dead camels with their throats 'slashed'. Footage showed camels limp or dead, some bleeding out, by the sides of roads as bystanders walked past reactionless. One live animal was left to sit next to the corpse of another slowly bleeding into the street with a large gash in its neck. Others, thin and weak from malnourishment, were seen being beaten with sticks to get up or dragged into trailers unwillingly on thick ropes. Camels face a dire existence in Cairo; when no longer deemed useful, many are sold on to slaughterhouses. Death in these abattoirs is a painful, grisly affair: footage showed live camels fully conscious as other working animals were slain, cut by the neck and left to bleed out on a cold, bare floor. In an instant, another is approached from the front and slashed. But death takes some time. The animal cries out what it can as it writhes on the floor in pain. One tries desperately to get up in its last act before collapsing and falling on its side. The chorus of screams continue around the building, bodies twitching for long, painful seconds before going limp. For many thousands of animals, this will be the only life they know. Tourism contributes some 10-15 per cent of the Egyptian economy, incentivising keen entrepreneurs to cater their businesses to tourists. But the scale and conditions of such abuse only exist due to lack of enforced regulation and the willingness of tourists to pay for such tours. Harrowing scenes showed animals dead or dying, lying in squalor in Egypt A camel cries out in pain as its throat is slit in an abattoir PETA revealed the lengths some guides will go to to stop the horrifying shadow of their operations coming out in their harrowing expose. Video showed how a man organising camel and horse rides called the police on a visitor after he began taking photographs. Police, along with a representative from the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism, detained the man for nearly an hour and a half, PETA reported. They allegedly 'intimidated' him, insisting he clear his memory card, before confiscating his camera. On camera, the man is questioned over his documentation of the abuses. Someone out of view says: 'When you take photos coming to the pyramids, you can take photos of the pyramids, of the second... of the sphinx. 'But it's not allowed for anybody to take photos of the policemen, of the cart, of the camel, of the horses.' The man apologises and is told: 'Whether you are sorry or not, you did something wrong. You broke the law.' They then tell him they are going to delete all of his photos 'for the whole visit' in a disturbing cover-up. Egypt does have special rules about taking photos of historic sites due to potential damage from flash photography. But the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism relaxed more general laws about street photography in 2022 after tourists and influencers complained about officials shutting down their photo opportunities. Taking photos of children is still not allowed, taking photos of adults requires written consent and taking photos of police or military is generally unadvised. There is no clear law pertaining to the photography of animals. The man is seen on camera asking where they are taking him. He is told he will be taken to the Ministry. Another off camera denies working for the government, claiming to be a tour operator. Animals dying or dead line the streets, just out of sight from the famed Pyramids of Giza Horses are beaten with sticks while attached to a cart ferrying tourists around A working horse is seen still visibly breathing, left out to die with others Millions travel to Egypt every year to enjoy a rich history today synonymous with the height of culture and civilisation. But behind the scenes, a sinister reality exists in stark antithesis to the wonders of human brilliance all around. New footage shows a pressing need for reform and awareness in a country where attempts to expose the truth are often repressed with force. But until Egypt shows willing to tackle the issue, the industry will be propped up by tourists bringing demand. A man spent his entire life savings to repurpose a retired cruise chip - but found renovating the 2,500-ton yacht to be not-so-smooth sailing. Planning on turning the boat built in 1955 into a museum, Chris Willson bought the vessel on Craigslist in 2008. Although he made renovations to make the boat livable - he called the boat home for more than 10 years - his efforts to see the boat become seaworthy was costly, he told CNN Wednesday. 'We absolutely loved our time with that ship,' Willson, who is originally from Utah, told the station of the past decade and a half working on the 293-foot boat with his girlfriend, Jin Li. '[Selling] was probably the hardest thing I've done in my life,' he said of the decision to sell the boat, after pumping in more than $1 million into its refurb. Chris Willson, seen here with partner Jin Li, bought the massive ship on Craigslist in 2008 The Aurora began to sink a few months after Willson eventually was forced to sell it 'It haunts me and I lose sleep over it. I'm not happy about it.' The 85-cabin originally named Wappen von Hamburg cruiser - the first significant passenger boat built by Germany in the wake of World War II - ended up moored in the California Delta with a new owner who eventually listed the boat for sale. Impressed by the ship's layout and 'magnificent' staircases, Willson took a trip to Northern California. 'I kind of posed as a potential buyer, even though I really didn't have any interest in purchasing a ship,' he told CNN back in 2022. 'It was a little out of my comfort level, to say the least.' Once he stepped aboard, he saw firsthand how badly the boat had been neglected over the years - a far cry from the photos he saw from its heyday. Willson made renovations to make it livable, and called the vessel his home for more than 10 years The 85-cabin originally named Wappen von Hamburg cruiser - the first significant passenger boat built by Germany in the wake of World War II - ended up moored in the California Delta before Willson bought it However, hidden beneath the 'junk' and mold was still 'one of the most spectacular layouts of just about any ship I've seen,' he said. 'It's almost the same as if you found an old '60s Corvette in the garage,' he said of the ship's potential. 'You can see the quality is there, but it's so neglected, you almost feel bad for it.' 'The next thing you know, I own a ship,' Willson said - adding how he was able to 'work out a really good deal with the owner of the vessel'. The ship's renovation, which took place in Rio Vista, included hundreds of bags worth of household trash and old mattresses, he recalled. When he found the boat in 2008, he saw firsthand how badly it had been neglected over the years But as he looked closer, he saw potential in the five-floor vessel 'The scale of it was massive,' he said of the undertaking that required volunteers. 'It's almost the same as redoing 15 houses all by yourself.' After a few months, Willson decided to move on board with his partner from their home in Santa Cruz to focus on the work at hand. 'When I first moved aboard many of my friends and family were in disbelief,' he told CNN. 'It was a rather large change in lifestyle. 'But I view it as more of an upgrade, although we are off grid and running on mainly generators and solar grids.' 'It's almost the same as if you found an old '60s Corvette in the garage,' Willson said. 'You can see the quality is there, but it's so neglected, you almost feel bad for it' 'The next thing you know, I own a ship,' Willson said - adding how he was able to 'work out a really good deal with the owner of the vessel' who went unnamed. As the two worked, Willson learned more about the boat's past. He found out that it not only served as the inspiration for popular '70s series 'The Love Boat,' but it was also the filming location for the villains' headquarters in the second-ever James Bond movie 'From Russia with Love.' It served as a cruise ship for around two decades, before changing hands multiple times. 'Nobody knew what the history of the vessel was,' he says. 'And over time, we exposed so much of its history. 'We turned it from just a big ship floating out on the Delta that was rusting away, to probably one of the most famous vintage cruise ships in the world. 'And I've got to be proud of that.' The boat not only served as the inspiration for popular '70s series 'The Love Boat,' but it was also the filming location for the villains' headquarters in the second-ever James Bond movie 'From Russia with Love' Willson would go on to funnel his entire life savings into the project, while christening the boat the Aurora after the sunrises he would regularly see on its decks Willson would go on to funnel his entire life savings into the project, while christening the boat the Aurora after the sunrises he would regularly see on its decks. However, Willson said he was regularly hit 'three-day notices' to leave the premises by the local government, but cops never 'followed through with an eviction.' Things went from bad to worse when a military tugboat sank next to the Aurora in January, creating, in his words, a 'pollution issue'. 'Everything kind of changed from that point on,' he explained, revealing how 'there was really no future for the Aurora' at the location. Moving it would be costly, he said - telling CNN it would have been 'million dollars worth of dredging for us [just] to get out.' Pictured: The Aurora's cameo in 'From Russia With Love' in 1963 Willson said he was regularly hit 'three-day notices' to leave the premises by the local government, but cops never 'followed through with an eviction' 'So we were kind of stuck there,' he said. Then, in October 2023, he and his partner made the painful decision to sell the vessel to an unnamed buyer. A mere five months later, the boat began to sank. The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office said at the time, '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. The US Coast Guard later removed an estimated 21,675 gallons of oil-contaminated water, 3,193 gallons of waste and five 25-yard bins of debris all from the vessel. Willson said he was shocked when he learned that the ship had partially sunk after his decision to sell the vessel Willson said he was shocked when he learned that the ship had partially sunk. I didnt see it sinking, he said on Wednesday. We had it for 15 years, and we had no problem with it. He added: 'I meticulously maintained that ship. I checked everything on it multiple times every day. We were on it all of the time It just saddens me like nothing else.' Despite the criticism he faced from locals, Willson said he still looks back on his time with the ship fondly. 'We absolutely loved our time with that ship,' Willson said. 'It [selling] was probably the hardest thing Ive done in my life. It haunts me and I lose sleep over it. Im not happy about it.' He is the notoriously strict pub boss who famously banned mobiles and once sacked landlords after overhearing a customer swear. Reclusive beer baron Humphrey Smith's vast empire is built on extreme rules - no dogs, TVs, music or laptops, let alone fruit machines, muddy boots or children. But now the 79-year-old millionaire is being accused of failing to abide by his very exacting standards by locals in his own home town. Critics claim Mr Smith is holding Tadcaster, North Yorks - of which he owns swathes - over a barrel by allowing his brewery's property portfolio to decay. They have accused the wealthy businessman of condemning their market town to the 'dark ages' by failing to refurbish his empty shops, unoccupied houses and derelict pubs. But as Mr Smith meanders to the local pool for a lunchtime dip, the unassuming 79-year-old appears a far cry from his formidable reputation as a fearsome beer baron. Pictured: Humphrey Smith, the reclusive owner of the Samuel Smith's brewery, going for a lunchtime swim in Tadcaster this week Pictured: A derelict former solicitors office owned by the Samuel Smith's brewery in Tadcaster Pictured: Critics say that buildings have fallen into disrepair near the Samuel Smith's brewery in North Yorkshire Pictured: The Angel and White Horse Pub, one of four owned by the Samuel Smith's brewery that remains closed in Tadcaster MailOnline spotted the elderly pub boss walking along the street with a tatty towel underarm with his head down - just like any other pensioner on their way to a leisure centre. In our pictures, it is safe to say, he does not deliver the impression of a man who heads up a multi-million pound family dynasty. His Samuel Smith brewery, which owns more than 200 pubs across the land, has been built on its chairman's extreme rules and uncompromising ideals. While many fear the wrath of speaking out publicly about their wealthy overlord, discontent in the small town, near York, appears to be growing. Patrick Tunney, 84, who has lived in Tadcaster for 31 years, said: 'He's the Laird of Tadcaster. That's what I've heard people describe him as. 'I've heard him described by people who admire him and I've heard him described by people who absolutely abhor him. 'It's split in the community - you love him or hate him. He's a Marmite man. 'Sadly, the town isn't the same as it was 30 years ago, and it's not the same as it was before Covid. 'We've lost the bank, the building society, the main post office and lots of the pubs. 'There doesn't appear to be any intention [by the brewery] to do anything about it. '[Mr Smith] lives and walks through Tadcaster every day and some people say they can't understand how he doesn't see what's happening around him.' Pictured: Mr Smith - described to MailOnline as a 'Dickensian figure' - is reported to own up to 70 per cent of the commercial buildings in Tadcaster town centre Mr Smith is said to be wholly against chains occupying his properties - similar to how his pubs do not stock any products made by big corporations. Pictured, he walks through Tadcaster Pictured: A derelict building on land owned by Samuel Smith's brewery in Tadcaster Pictured: A sign in the window of the The Angel and White Horse pub which is currently closed due to a management vacancy Pictured: A derelict building rots in the centre of Tadcaster near the Samuel Smith's brewery Pictured: A property in Tadcaster is boarded up. Mr Smith has been accused by some locals of stagnating property development in the town Mr Smith - described to MailOnline as a 'Dickensian figure' - is reported to own up to 70 per cent of the commercial buildings in Tadcaster town centre. We spotted the reclusive businessman make the short walk from brewery headquarters to the local swimming baths, past a string of run-down properties. After taking his short dip, he returned head down combing his wet hair to stop off at The Little Delicatessen. While some properties in Tadcaster have been restored by Smith's brewery to a high standard, many others have not - leaving some residents to brand them 'eyesores'. Land immediately behind Mr Tunney's home is owned by the Smith empire - Fircroft, a former retirement home, was purchased in the mid-1990s. For all but around two years, says Mr Tunney, the property has been boarded up, fenced-off and empty. Smith, descended from the brewery's founder, also owns nearby Nun Appleton Hall, a Georgian stately home, bought in the 1980s. Just a few people have set eyes on the listed manor over the past three decades, now lost to time hidden behind locked gates and barbed wire fences. Of eight Sam Smith's pubs in Tadcaster this week, four were closed for business. They include the brewery's own flagship taphouse, the Angel and White Horses, the nearby Fox and Horses and The Britannia, which last traded in 2016. But even Sam Smith's trading pubs in Tadcaster appear to suffer a lack of investment. Mr Smith is said to be wholly against chains occupying his properties - similar to how his pubs do not stock any products made by big corporations. When Costa Coffee opened directly opposite to the brewery's HQ in a building not owned by the businessman, Mr Smith was reported to be furious. Mr Tunney, a retired HR manager and town councillor, said: 'A number of people praise him for what he's done as a businessman, and I respect him as a businessman, because he is very, very adroit. 'His business model appears to be quite successful regardless of what the outward image is. 'He's a skilful businessman but my reservation is that the legacy he leaves for Tadcaster could be much more meaningful for the residents. Pictured is the Samuel Smith brewery in Tadcaster where Mr Smith runs his 200-pub strong chain Pictured: Local Derek Hawley told MailOnline: 'Tad[caster], because of Humphrey, it's in the dark ages.' Pictured: Punters enjoy a drink in the Princess Louise pub, run by the Samuel Smith brewery in Holborn, central London Pictured: Samuel Smith has become notorious for its strict rules and banned digital devices in all of its 200 pubs, in a bid to keep the art of conversation alive 'We've had just handfuls of houses built in the last 20 years because it's so hard to find non brewery-owned land to build on. 'He could leave a legacy that people would respect him for. 'I believe that rejuvenation is the way that we've got to go. 'There are many other small market towns faced with the same predicament that we've got. 'Here the major landowner exercises significant influence, which is quite unlike anywhere else, and which is getting us nowhere at the moment. 'It could be so much better.' At the Angel and White Horse, which sits next to the red brick HQ of Sam Smith's and behind which shire horses used to make local deliveries are stabled, an advert in the window reads: 'Reopening soon...under your new management? 'A live-in joint management couple is required to run this catering pub with wet & food sales, rear courtyard with brewery stable and shire horses. 'Good salary, flat provided, full training given. 1,000 bond required.' The A4 notice has been there in some form for more than three years, say locals. But perhaps it is no surprise that would-be landlords are not forthcoming. Mr Smith is renowned for turning up at his pubs - scattered across the UK - unannounced to check managers are maintaining his standards - and closing them if they fail to comply. He made headlines in 2019 after overhearing a drinker at his Fox & Goose pub in Droitwich Spa, Worcs, telling his wife a joke that contained a swear word. Landlords Eric and Tracey Lowery, who had managed the pub for just seven weeks, quickly found themselves out of work and out of the flat above. Pictured: Humphrey Smith who has been mockingly referred to by some Tadcaster locals as the 'Laird of Tadcaster' Pictured: The Fox and Hounds pub, a Samuel Smiths pub in Tadcaster, that is currently closed Pictured: The back of the Samuel Smith's brewery in Tadcaster. When Costa Coffee opened directly opposite, in a building not owned by the businessman, Mr Smith was reported to be furious Pictured: Chris Metcalfe, 77, who has lived in Tadcaster his entire life has met Mr Smith numerous times. He said: 'He may have a financial strategy, I don't know. But from the outside it looks rather bizarre.' At the Cow and Calf in Sheffield, South Yorks, Smith was said to be unimpressed when his favourite dessert was unavailable. Manager Louise Brownhill and husband Steve were fired, she claimed, despite explaining that they didn't have the pudding a chocolate fondant because they had not been provided with a freezer. After being closed in 2020, the pub finally reopened under new management this summer. At an employment tribunal which found the brewery had unfairly constructively dismissed two managers from a pub in Edinburgh, Smith was last year characterised by a judge as 'combative and argumentative'. Employment judge Murdo Macleod said of Mr Smith: 'He appeared to be very dismissive of the proceedings as a whole, and gave the impression that it was either a waste of his valuable time or beneath him. 'He constantly sought to lay off responsibility for decisions elsewhere, particularly upon the lawyers representing the company.' Of around 200 Samuel Smith's pubs across Britain, a beer blogger wrote in 2022 that no fewer than 120 stood closed through lack of people to run them. The company's website insists: 'We keep our pubs well maintained, being keen on conservation, and we don't close them down for other uses, even in the most deprived areas. 'It is the job of the managers to build up the trade by creating a friendly, social atmosphere with conversation, pub games and consistent high standards. 'We do not have music, TVs or fruit machines in any of our pubs, we do not allow swearing and have negligible trouble. 'We close all our pubs at 11 pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30 pm on a Sunday.' Mr Tunney said: 'The brewery is recruiting but it's very difficult for them to find people who are prepared to come and work for them, apparently. And it's such as shame. 'The flagship pub adjacent to the brewery being closed is indicative of some sort of arcane philosophy.' Or as another resident put it: 'Imagine going to the Guinness brewery in Dublin and the taphouse being shut down.' Mr Smith is perhaps rightfully described by those who have met him as an enigma. Many stories regaled by locals may be more entrenched in myth than reality: That he was caught rummaging in bins behind a pub to discover their food waste, that he lives in just three rooms of his 18th century mansion, or that he bought a converted barn with the sole intention of making it once again a barn. Pictured: Buildings which have fallen into disrepair near the Samuel Smith's brewery in Tadcaster Smith is renowned for turning up at his pubs - scattered across the UK - unannounced to check managers are maintaining his standards - and closing them if they fail to comply. Pictured, a building with boarded up windows in Tadcaster town centre Tadcaster locals say the brewery exercises significant influence 'which is getting us nowhere at the moment' He now no longer drives, according to residents, having given up not a flash Ferrari but a modest Austin Allegro. And despite soon turning 80, he walks the 1.2 miles to brewery headquarters clad in his accustomed tweed and wellies, stopping off most days for a swim at the local pool, which he helped fund. One resident said Smith is often spotted waiting at a bus stop a stone's throw from the brewery officers. They said: 'He jumps on the public transport and off he goes with his bus pass. And he will turn up at a pub in Rochdale with his portfolio underneath his arm.' In Tadcaster, opinions on Mr Smith vary. 'Evil? No. Eccentric? Yes. Too powerful. Probably,' said one. Another insisted he was 'cordial' and a 'nice man' who is wrongly blamed for the town's failings and 'misunderstood'. Derek Hawley, 70, said: 'We like Tadcaster but it is just stuck in time. 'Lots of the shops are empty because they're owned by Humphrey Smith. 'We'd like to see more happen here. A prime example is Boston Spa, four or five miles away, which is thriving, and Wetherby, too. 'Tad, because of Humphrey, it's in the dark ages.' Another, who like many asked not to be named, said: 'A lot of the buildings on the high street are falling apart and wouldn't be fit for any business to rent. 'But Humphrey is also very selective as to which businesses are allowed to rent from him. He won't have any big chains renting from him. 'We all agree that Tadcaster could be a lovely little town with nice bars and independent restaurants but he stands in the way. 'The few restaurants we have are nice but struggle as there's no reason to come to Tadcaster unless you live or work here. 'I don't think it can get much worse to be honest. The butcher does well and the cafes seem to do well but that's it. I'd hope we're at rock bottom but who knows. 'He has too much control and he shouldn't have the right to that. We live here too.' In 2015, a 300-year-old stone bridge linking two sides of Tadcaster collapsed when the River Wharfe dramatically flooded its banks. Pictured: The Britannia Inn, run by Samuel Smiths, in Tadcaster that has remained closed since 2016 Pictured: This is an aerial picture of the North Yorkshire town of Tadcaster Pictured: Tadcaster Bridge suffered severe damage during flooding in 2016. Humphrey Smith reportedly refused to allow his land to be used for a temporary footbridge unless he could have input on the replacement road bridge Mr Smith reportedly refused to allow his land to be used for a temporary footbridge unless he could have input on the replacement road bridge. The bridge collapse meant residents were left with a twelve mile diversion to get from one side of the town to the other. Eventually a temporary footbridge was built across the river on council-owned land. Smith eventually allowed a permanent widened bridge to be built on the original site, but only after an intervention from the then prime minister, David Cameron. But for many in Tadcaster, the damage was done. To this day, Smith has not been forgiven by all. Chris Metcalfe, 77, who has lived in Tadcaster his entire life has met Mr Smith numerous times. He said: 'Humphrey is extremely intelligent and astute and he's very clear on what he wants. And you can't fault him for that. 'When he does something, he does it well. You've only got to look at the properties he has refurbished in Tadcaster. Once they're refurbished he does maintain to a high standard. 'But having said that, they are only a very small proportion of his estate in Tadcaster. 'His argument for not being able to do any more is 'it's only a very small company and we're very highly geared'. They are the words he told me once. 'As an individual, he is probably not a very wealthy man in his own right. But everything that is in trust and what he controls probably makes him one of the wealthiest men in the United Kingdom.' He added: 'You've only got to look at the Britannia which was a well-used pub. It suffered badly when the bridge collapsed. 'We're nearly a decade on and it's never been opened, it's still neglected. It beggars belief. Anybody else who was in the private sector would want a return on that investment but he's quite prepared just to leave it. 'He may have a financial strategy, I don't know. But from the outside it looks rather bizarre.' Mr Smith's determined conservatism is, according to Mr Metcalfe, tied to a desire to 'recreate the Tadcaster of the turn of the 20th century'. He added: 'He is a man who has a vision for Tadcaster though nobody is very clear what that vision is. He keeps referring to this vision but nobody fully understands it. 'We believe that what he wants to do is recreate Tadcaster as it was in the 'good old' Edwardian times. 'People say that he was born a century too late. 'I would call him an enigma. I think deep down what he wants to achieve would be positive for Tadcaster but it has to be achieved on his terms. 'There's no give or take, no halfway house.' Describing buildings that had lain empty for two decades, Mr Metcalfe suggested Tadcaster was being left behind by nearby towns who have pressed on with home-building and new developments. He said: 'It's sad state of affair for Tadcaster. The town is so strategically well placed. It's equidistant from Leeds and York. Both of them have got mainline railway stations to London. We've got terrific connectively. Pictured: Samuel Smith owner Humphrey Smith is pictured when he was younger. He is now aged 79 Pictured: A coaster in one of the Sam Smith pub's which encourages people to talk - and bans devices Pictured: The Princess Louise pub on High Holborn in Central London - a Samuel Smith's pub 'Two miles down the road is the A1(M) which links to the M1 and M62 and we've got three national parks in striking distance of us. 'It's an extremely desirable area. House prices are artificially high because it's a case of supply and demand. 'People who were born and bred in Tadcaster who don't have well paid jobs find it very difficult to get on the housing ladder because there's no supply. 'We can't build houses because there's so little land that's not owned by the brewery. 'Unless Mr Smith is willing to release land there are very few other options to develop land in Tadcaster. 'We've built probably over the last 20 years on average less than double figures each year. For a market town that is not sustainable. It doesn't make the schools sustainable because there aren't the pupil numbers.' Rumours abound in the town that Mr Smith will retire when he turns 80 in December to spend more time with his wife of almost 40 years, Julia, 68. Their newly-engaged daughter Maude, 38, lives in south London and runs a successful homeware company. Younger brother, Samuel, 36, is widely seen as the company's heir apparent. Mr Tunney said: 'He is reportedly retiring when he turns 80 in December. I don't know if he's going to stay on the board but I don't expect that there will be any significant change. 'We are told that the local council are deep in conversation with the brewery to rejuvenate the town. So there are some signs of encouragement, if those conversations prove fruitful. 'I would hope that things change for the better but I don't feel confident.' Mr Metcalfe added: 'The Smith legacy at the moment is one of no change. The problem is that market forces do not play their part in Tadcaster. There's not a diverse mix of landlords, everything is dictated through one landlord. 'The problem is we live under a feudal system, we have a feudal landlord. The only thing is we don't do is doff our cap to him. 'It's tragic because this man could be the most philanthropic individual going. He could be revered by the community of Tadcaster.' The local council proposes its vision of Tadcaster in 2040 as 'transformed, revitalised and reinvigorated by 20 years' worth of positive development and change'. 'The currently down-at-heel, dispirited town centre will be a vibrant, visitor-friendly and attractive destination its many abandoned buildings again in productive use,' it ambitiously crows. But many of the local replies to a consultation poured cold water on its blue-sky proposals. One wrote: 'I agree with the vision overall but cannot see it being achieved until there is someone at Samuel Smiths Brewery who will not stand in the way of progress.' Another commented: 'The aims are good. I hope that the Samuel Smiths stranglehold on the property in Tadcaster will not frustrate progress.' And a third wrote: 'Good luck on that. We are back to the Smith family again!' Tadcaster is known for its three breweries. John Smith's was set up by members of the same Smith family in the 19th century, though it has long been separate from Sam Smith's and now part of Heineken. Molson Coors also has a plant in the town, where 'Spanish' beer Madri is brewed. Samuel Smith Brewery has been contacted for comment. A brother and sister are at war with their local council after erecting an illegal fence through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Urusa Ahmed and her brother Syed triggered a dispute in July 2021 when, without planning permission, they erected a fence around their two acre woodland plot that blocked public footpaths. The pair went on to illegally install large security gates and have erected several structures, including a large dwelling-type building with windows and a livestock shed, at the woodland site they own near Chesham, Bucks. One local, who did not wish to be named, told MailOnline: 'I was out walking one day and saw these fences and trespass warning signs, I couldn't believe it.' After missing Buckinghamshire Council's order to take the fence down by November 2022 , the case was upgraded to 'a criminal offence'. Urusa Ahmed (pictured) and her brother Syed triggered a dispute in July 2021 when, without planning permission, they erected a fence around their two acre woodland plot that blocked public footpaths Pictured: One furious local man allegedly smashed large sections of the fence down Pictured: The fence through the woodland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has enraged locals Pictured: The Ahmed family has also put up signs near their illegal fence warning locals they are on CCTV But the dispute has boiled over in recent months as locals, furious at what they claim is council inaction over the saga, have taken the law into their own hands and smashed large sections of the fence down. The attacks came to a head on Tuesday when police were called in after two men armed with a sledgehammer were caught hacking down the fence. The fury have seen Urusa, who lives 35 minutes away in Taplow, Bucks, install CCTV cameras which shout 'keep out' to passers-by. While an array of signs warning not to trespass and 'don't be a criminal' also feature, and another - since removed - warned the public the area was a 'shooting range', despite the family keeping goats and sheep on the land. Urusa told MailOnline: 'Everybody has the right, it is a human right, to fence off your land, especially when people are trespassing. 'The land is like everywhere else! There is a sheep farm next to it, it has fences, the farm behind us has fences, opposite us has fences, next to us has fences. 'Now tell me one good reason why the council will not allow us to have fences? What's the difference between us and the rest of the people here? 'Why can't people have livestock in agricultural land, and if you have livestock, how can you expect us to protect them. 'There are men coming in with dogs, big dogs, deliberately trying to intimidate me.' The Ahmeds purchased four of sixteen plots in July 2003 for around 20,000 each from a firm called Land For Investment, based in Ealing, West London. Urusa Ahmed said the council had no 'good reason' to stop them erecting the illegal fence (pictured) Pictured: A barn is erected on the Ahmed's farming land in Chesham, Buckinghamshire Pictured: A sign warning locals of cameras bordering the Ahmed's land - cameras they are not permitted to put up Pictured: A security camera set up by the Ahmeds to watch over their illegal border fence For years, the Ahmeds did nothing with the land but in 2021 Syed submitted an application to build a Kimchi farm on a section of the plot. Plans showed how he wanted to use the land for growing Chinese cabbage to supply to supermarkets, with a large barn, the size of a five bedroom house, used to store farming equipment and process Kimchi - a fermented vegetable dish popular in Korea. The plans triggered dozens of objections, with locals expressing concern over the true nature of the project given the impractical location for a commercial unit at the top of a steep hill off a narrow lane. The move was branded a 'ruse' to build a large family home - which would boast stunning views over the Chilterns - via backdoor planning loopholes. 'To illustrate how dishonest they are, on the plan that was submitted [for the barn], it included plots 15 and 16 which they didn't own, they own plot 14', one resident said. They added: 'They [the Ahmeds] are constantly deceiving and lying. 'She claims she's a farmer and being stopped from farming, she's not a farmer. If you were a farmer you wouldn't take sheep or goats in to those plots, there's nothing for them to eat. 'They are quite deliberately ignoring the rules and regulations.' Urusa disagreed, hitting back: 'Why can't we protect our land, why do these people think they have a god given right to walk through our land and claim it as their land. 'I am trying to keep this place as natural as possible, for me, this is where animals should be. Eventually it [the livestock] will be a business opportunity.' The Ahmeds claim it is their 'human right' to put up the fencing (pictured) bordering their land Pictured: A gate to the Ahmed's property in picturesque rural Buckinghamshire Urusa claims she and young people she brought to the woodland for activities were racially abused by locals. But this is fiercely denied by residents who say they have never seen any young people at the site and that it is not even equipped to host youngsters, with no water source or evidence of sanitation stations. Despite the ongoing disputes, one passer-by said Urusa 'was always polite'. The Ahmeds launched a retrospective planning application for the fence in July but this was thrown out by Buckingamshire Council. They have until January 1 to remove the fence unless an appeal is lodged against it in the meantime. Peter Strachan, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, said: 'In August 2024, we issued a planning enforcement notice requiring the removal of [an] unauthorised development at this site. 'That notice is required to be complied with by 1 January 2025, unless an appeal is lodged against it in the meantime. A copy of that notice can be found on our website. 'The application submitted under PL/24/1965/FA will be progressed to determination in the meantime, and we will consider the implications dependent on the outcome of that application.' On the police incident, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: 'We attended an incident of criminal damage on Pednor Road, Chesham yesterday (17/9). We are liaising with the council over the matter.' September 22, 2024: In the African country of Mali, Russian Wagner Group mercenaries went looking for some low-risk, high-paying work during July 2024. What they got was a massacre that left all the Wagner Group mercs murdered by an Islamic terrorist group called JNIM. Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers had been operating in northern Mali against various rebel groups. Initially their biggest problem was with a group called CSP. The Russian and Malian soldiers suffered heavy casualties fighting this group. CSP was formed in 2021 and mainly consists of Tuaregs, a North African Berber group that dominated the region for over two thousand years until European colonial forces showed up in the early 19th century. The Tuaregs put up a fierce resistance to the French colonial forces and were not defeated until 1905. The Tuaregs continued to feud with their North African and sub-Saharan African neighbors. The colonial powers left most of Africa in the 1960s. This was bad for the Tuaregs who were outnumbered by the people of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso, countries the Tuaregs used to dominate. The French colonial governments used the Tuaregs as their enforcers and this backfired on them when the French left and the newly independent governments of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso sought to suppress Tuareg power in the region. This effort is still underway as Tuareg power and influence continues to decline. An example of this continued resistance were the several clashes with Tuareg militias in northern Mali that have left hundreds of Malian troops and Russian mercenaries dead. In mid-2o24, the opposition political parties in the landlocked African nation of Mali finally received some cooperation from their transitional military government. On July 10, 2024, Assimi Goita, the interim president of Mali told opposition political parties they could resume operations after a three-month suspension imposed in April. The opposition parties were angry that Goita reneged on his promise to retire from government by March 2024. By allowing a revival of planning for national elections, Mali could finally look forward to the return of democratic government that would be elected and effective. Mali is in northwest Africa just south of the Sahara desert. Its northeastern neighbor Algeria is where drug smugglers move their cargoes to from ports in Guinea or Ivory Coast north via Mali and Algeria and then to markets in Europe and the Middle East. Islamic terrorist groups handle the smuggling that passes through Mali. In 2023 and 2024 the economic and political situation in Mali has gotten worse, with more Islamic terrorist violence and growing areas of northern and central Mali coming under the control of Islamic terrorist groups. The Mali army and a small number of Russian Wagner Group military contractors were unable or unwilling to carry on with that effort or prevent the Islamic terror groups from crossing the Niger border and advancing into Mali. The terrorists include groups affiliated with al Qaeda, an alliance called JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems), and the more violent groups like ISGS (Islamic States in Greater Sahara), which is one of the two ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) groups in the region. When they showed up in 2018, ISGS operated mainly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, especially the area where the three borders met. Until recently those Islamic terrorists were a problem but now, they are a real threat to the normally well defended capitals of all three countries. Islamic terrorist violence in northern Mali has left over a hundred dead each month the fighting continues as does the advance of the Islamic terrorists into Mali and its capital Bamako In central Mali, the Mopti region, thousands of civilians have been blockaded by Islamic terrorist groups angry over the way locals have cooperated with the army against Islamic terrorists. Back in September 2023 representatives from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso met in the Mali capital Bamako to work out details for forming AES (Alliance of Sahel States). The alliance was meant to improve security for all these nations. Currently Islamic terror groups are attacking all AES members. Burkina Faso is the worst hit, with about 40 percent of its territory controlled by Islamic terrorists. Mali and Niger fear the same fate will befall them. Recently, AES was formally established July 6th, 2024, as an anti-French and anti-ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). The Mali government forced the French and African G5 peacekeepers out by the end of 2021. In 2017 the prior Mali government, Chad, Niger, the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso agreed to form a new G5 counter-terrorism force that would work in cooperation with the similar but larger and better equipped French force that had been operating in the Sahel since 2014. The Sahel is the semi-desert area south of the Sahara Desert that covers much of northern Africa. Back then the French concluded that the Sahel was still troubled by thousands of Islamic terrorists and that this situation could not be taken care of quickly. In order to maintain pressure on the Islamic terrorists, France established a special force of 3,000 troops to fight Islamic terrorists throughout the Sahel. In practice this meant just part of the Sahel and included Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso. This French force grew to some 4,000 troops equipped with 200 armored vehicles, 20 transport and attack helicopters, six jet fighters and three large UAVs. There were also two twin-engine C-160 air transports available for use within the Sahel. Supplies and reinforcements were regularly flown in using long-range transports like the C-17 belonging to NATO allies, especially the U.S. and Britain. From the beginning the French force included a thousand French troops in Mali and the rest dispersed to other Sahel bases and ready to quickly move anywhere in the region where Islamic terrorist activity had been detected. The G5 nations already cooperated by sharing intelligence and providing quick access to their territory by the French force. In addition, the Americans provided satellite and UAV surveillance and other intel services, especially analysis and access to nearly all American data on Islamic terrorist activities in the region. Each of the G5 member countries contributed 500 to 2,000 personnel consisting largely of special operations troops. Many of these troops had already worked with their French counterparts or been trained by French or American special operations advisors. All this was meant to keep the Islamic terrorists in the Sahel weak and disorganized. That worked until the current Mali military regime ordered the French/G5 force out. AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), which has been around since 2007, was still in business as gangsters smuggling drugs and illegal migrants north and getting support from Islamic terrorists in Europe and the Persian Gulf. Islamic terrorists continued to carry out attacks in Mali, mainly the north and the G5 states to let the world know that Islamic terrorists are still present in the area. Another reminder has been the high casualty rate among peacekeepers in Mali. UN peacekeepers in Mali suffered 26 dead during 2016, the highest number of any UN peacekeeping operation and 90 percent of the UN peacekeeper deaths in 2016, even though the Mali force comprises less than 15 percent of all UN peacekeepers. The Mali peacekeepers had been in this situation three years in a row. Over a hundred peacekeepers (mostly UN, but some French) have died in Mali since they arrived in 2013. This was the highest casualty rate of all the UN peacekeeping operations going on at the time. The Mali population is now over 22 million and the economy is one of the worst in the world, with millions of Malians barely surviving on foreign aid. There is less foreign aid because Mali has not been able to prevent gangsters or Islamic terrorists from stealing the aid to sell on the market for cash to finance their operations. There are other armed groups like, like tribal militias and rebellions soldiers that interfere with foreign aid distribution. This chaotic situation has been going on since 2012, when a separatist rebellion in the north was defeated. Continued high levels of corruption, ethnic rivalries and Islamic terrorism kept Mali from achieving a lasting peace and much prosperity. In 2021 the situation got worse when there was another military coup. The Mali military staged three government takeovers since 2012. One, in May 2021, was an internal dispute within the military. Since the May coup foreign donors have warned that most of the foreign aid will stop coming if Mali does not carry out a significant reduction in corruption, government ineffectiveness and overall instability. None of these three military takeovers were about corruption, but rather anger at the corrupt politicians stealing money meant to finance operations against Islamic terrorist and separatist minorities in the north. The colonels running the military government are unwilling to step down and are trying to make it on their own, despite the large number of UN peacekeepers and French troops dealing with the Islamic terrorist problem up north. The May 2021 coup was led by the army colonel who had earlier been appointed deputy head of the CNT (National Transitional Council). The colonel replaced the civilian who originally held the job as CNT leader. After that the military-dominated CNT rapidly replaced many existing CNT officials with army officers or civilians known to be pro-military. When foreign donors, including France, criticized this, the army threatened to seek financial aid elsewhere. There was no elsewhere for the Mali coup leaders, at least not one they could afford. The Mali officers threats said a lot about their motives, which was mainly about maintaining their power and helping themselves to a portion of foreign aid. The coup leaders did have one source of wealth, the Mali gold mines. In late 2021 protestors tried to block access to one of the largest mines but that effort only lasted a few days before the security forces cleared the roads. As of 2024 the chaos remains the same even though some military training detachments from the European Union and Russia operate. Russia is also involved in several economic development projects, like a solar power plant The 15,000 UN peacekeepers were gone by the end of 2023. The Mali government, run by rebellious army officers, doesn't want any UN personnel in the country to witness and record the crimes the military government continues to commit. The only thing keeping the Mali military government operating is taxes from the gold mines. These were developed and continue to be operated by foreign firms and recruit their own security personnel to guard the mines and the convoys taking the gold out of the country. Despite always being curious about her roots, Pamela knew very little about her biological family's history until she started digging deeper during the pandemic. The adoptee and former journalist from Canada, who wishes to only be identified by her first name, approached her search like a puzzle, analysing documents, photographs, and DNA matches. It was in one newspaper clipping from 1940 that she made a shocking and unexpected discovery about her grandfather. Stefan 'Steve' Zakall was a Hungarian-born weightlifter - but to her disbelief he was also the man who, during a fateful clash, whipped Adolf Hitler with a belt. He had been part of a local home guard who travelled from town to town to act against the rising tide of fascism in Europe. And on January 30, 1927, Steve found himself in the middle of a violent brawl between Nazis and socialists in the small town of Schattendorf, Austria. Despite it being the only weapon available at the time, Steve said he hit Hitler so hard with his belt he ran away begging for mercy and hid in a wheat field. It was a skirmish the future Fuhrer would not forget and Steve was forced to flee for Canada two years later when a price was put on his head. An article published in The Vancouver Sun on January 20, 1940 Steve (Stefan) Zakall, third from the right, on his way to Schattendorf on January 30, 1927 Adolf Hitler pictured in Munich in the spring of 1932 Steve was born in an area of Hungary that later became Austria in 1904 and quickly developed a passion for weightlifting. As an athlete, he became a member of the Schutzbund, a paramilitary wing of the left-wing Social Workers' Democratic Party (SDAP). The group was formed in 1923 as a response to rising political violence, and as a counterweight to the well-funded military groups of the far-right. Pamela, a former journalist, described how her grandfather was directly engaged in the fight on January 30, 1927. 'He hit Hitler with a belt,' Pamela explained. 'It was a chaotic moment, but he made direct contact.' This incident, later known as 'The Shots of Schattendorf', became a defining moment in Austrian history. Two people were killed, including a young child during the clash, with the men responsible for their deaths later acquitted in a controversial trial. This verdict enraged the socialist movement and directly led to the July Revolt in Vienna later that year. Violence erupted across the city and the political fabric of Austria was irrevocably altered. The incident is remembered as a turning point that paved the way for the eventual rise of fascism in the country. Hiter (pictured) became the leader of Germany in 1933 and stayed in the position until his death by suicide in 1945 Steve Zakall in the centre of the front row wearing dark trousers, a white shirt and a white jacket on July 15, 1927 Steve's involvement in the Schutzbund made him a target and as soon as the fight was over, word spread quickly about his clash with Hitler. 'He had to flee,' Pamela explained. 'There was a price on his head because of that fight, and he had no choice but to leave the country.' With the help of two Allied war veterans, Steve was smuggled out of Austria and eventually made his way to Canada in 1929. His family followed shortly afterwards, and they settled in British Columbia, where Steve, started a new life as an orchardist in the heart of Canada's Okanagan Valley. But despite leaving Europe behind, the memory of the fight never left him and years later, while applying for Canadian citizenship, Steve's story came up again. During the process, he was asked by a judge if he would be willing to defend his newly adopted country. Without hesitation, Steve replied, 'I would welcome the opportunity to do it again,' referring to his earlier fight against the Nazis. Pamela explained: 'That bold statement caught the attention of a court reporter, and the story spread quickly.' It was picked up by newspapers across Canada, including The Montreal Gazette and The Vancouver Sun. One report in the Tacoma Times, dated January 18, 1940, read: 'A man who claims he whipped Adolf Hitler with a belt until he bled and begged for mercy has become a Canadian citizen here, it was learned today. 'He is Stephen Zakall, Hungarian born rancher.' A clipping of an article published in The Tacoma Times on January 18, 1940 The article also contained the following quote: 'I took of my belt, caught up with Hitler and believe me I sure soaked that guy until he was bleeding and ran away with the rest of the gang and hid in a wheat field.' Another story published in The Vancouver Sun on January 20 included a picture of Steve lifting weights. It said Stephen Zakall had gained an 'international reputation as the man who spanked Hitler'. It was through these reports, accessed through the MyHeritage OldNews collection, that Pamela discovered her grandfather's shocking story. 'It was surreal to read that and to think that this was my grandfather,' she said. Pamela was also surprised by how few of her relatives knew about Steve's incredible story and explained how it has brought them closer. 'They knew that he had been a strongman and weightlifter, a few family members did know that he had been involved in some form of resistance, but they didn't know with whom, to what extent, or the magnitude of it', she revealed. Steve was married three times and had 12 children, eight daughters and four sons. While he continued to pursue his love of weightlifting, he became an avid orchardist and worked hard at his craft until he died on January 19, 1986 of a heart attack at the age of 81. A Park Avenue doorman has laid bare scandalous insight into the lives of New York's wealthiest elite in a bombshell new memoir. Stephen Bruno's two-decade career began in 2004 when, aged 22 and living in the Bronx, he took a job in Manhattan that would transform his life. During his tenure at two prestigious Park Avenue buildings, Bruno, now 42, witnessed a parade of eccentric behavior from steamy affairs to surprising stinginess - and was even chased by a man with a hammer during one particularly terrifying night shift. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Bruno recalled once catching two male tenants sneaking into each other's apartments on different floors. 'During the overnight shifts, I noticed one gentleman would go from the 14th floor to the 7th floor during the night. The one gentleman was involved with another gentlemen,' he said. 'Another time, someone would meet a girl on the corner in a convertible. You see it all,' he added. Stephen Bruno, a Park Avenue doorman and now author, has revealed the scandalous secrets and terrifying encounters from his two decades of service to New York's elite Bruno's memoir offers a rare glimpse into the hidden world of New York's elite through the eyes of the man who held the door Bruno's memoir, 'Building Material,' is set to be published by Harper on September 24 Bruno's new memoir, 'Building Material,' is set to be published by Harper on September 24, 2024. It offers a rare glimpse into the hidden world of New York's elite through the eyes of the man who held the door. Ahead of its launch, Bruno has exclusively revealed some of his most memorable moments on the job to DailyMail.com. Before becoming a doorman at 22, Bruno described himself as an 'incredibly immature trouble-maker,' who had been expelled from college and kicked out of his church. Bruno's mom had begged his brother to put in a good word for him at work. And as a troubled young man with no motivation or direction at the time, he credits his new job for 'saving his life.' 'The job just saved me,' he admitted. 'I was totally apathetic about my future - I had no plans. I was just kind of breathing through life and I conveyed a general sense of really not caring.' 'Almost immediately that changed,' Bruno continued. 'As a doorman you have to care about everything - down to the color of your socks. The job immediately provided structure and got me to care about the small things and that got me to care about the big things - like schools.' During his tenure at two prestigious Park Avenue buildings, including 411 Park Avenue, Bruno witnessed a parade of eccentric behavior, steamy affairs, and surprising stinginess from some of the city's wealthiest residents He once caught two male tenants sneaking onto each other's floors, Bruno revealed to Dailymail.com But it wasn't all glamour and intrigue. Bruno said his most dangerous encounter during his time as a doorman was when he was chased by a hammer-wielding maniac after a night shift. 'There have been dangerous moments,' he recalled. 'One time, after a night shift, around 7am, a pickup truck drove over the corner so abruptly and fast that I thought it was a police officer.' 'Suddenly, a man pulls a hammer out of his jacket and just starts chasing me.' Eventually, the maniac drove off and did the same thing again to someone else on the street. 'I almost got impaled by that hammer. That was the most dangerous situation Ive ever encountered,' Bruno confessed. Bruno recounted his most dangerous encounter of his time as a doorman: being chased by a hammer-wielding maniac after a night shift He also revealed the stark contrast in generosity among tenants. While some showered Bruno with lavish tips - one tenant once gifted him $750 and never asked for a thing - others were shockingly frugal. One tenant just gave him a candy bar for Christmas - after asking for favors all year round. 'It's insulting,' Bruno said. 'I give more to my coffee guy.' The most demanding and difficult tenants were typically the cheapest, Bruno added. 'When you think about the disparity between how hard you work for them and how they live, and then how little you can get at Christmas - its insulting. At that point, I would rather get nothing.' Despite the few bad apples, Bruno said overall the tenants were great people who 'respect the working man'. The generous and kind people, you 'never forget,' he said. He also revealed the stark contrast in generosity among tenants. While some showered Bruno with lavish tips, including once a $750 tip, others were shockingly frugal with one giving him a candy bar for Christmas However, after decades of rubbing elbows with the upper echelon on New York City society - including hosting fundraisers for former President Bill Clinton - Bruno's perspective on wealth evolved over time. 'After 20 years, Im not so impressed by wealth anymore,' he stated. 'Ive been in their homes, met their families and friends, driven their cars - held their babies, even walked their dogs. Theyre people just like you and me.' 'Sure, they have more zeros in their bank accounts, but they have fears, aspirations, and failures too.' Bruno added that his days of idolizing the wealthy are over. 'You're told to worship them with their marble floors,' he said, 'but they're just marble floors to me now. However, after decades of rubbing elbows with the upper echelon on New York City society - including hosting fundraisers for former President Bill Clinton - Bruno's perspective on wealth evolved over time. Bruno said his days of idolizing the wealthy are over Now as he prepares to embark on his writing career, he reflected on the lessons learned. 'If I could speak to my 22-year-old self, Id tell him not to take the job for granted. This job has taken care of me so much' Bruno's journey from a directionless youth to a seasoned doorman wasn't without its challenges. He recalled the stern words of his first superintendent in his book: 'The residents are not your friends. They don't care about you. To them, you're just another guy working in the building.' Yet Bruno persevered - completing his education part-time and graduating with an English degree from John Jay College. Now as he prepares to embark on his writing career, he reflected on the lessons learned. 'If I could speak to my 22-year-old self, Id tell him not to take the job for granted,' he told Dailymail.com. 'I was lucky I didnt get fired. Now, Im a great worker and take a lot of pride in what I do, Bruno added. 'This job has taken care of me so much, and I wish I could have shaken myself back then and said, "This job will take care of you if you take care of it."' Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are in the fight of their lives with the presidential race neck-and-neck ahead of Election Day on November 5. Whoever wins the White House will be able to set the course of the country for a generation. But while millions of voters will head to the polls on or before Election Day, the presidential race is expected to come down to just a handful of states that will decide the outcome. The first presidential candidate to receive 270 electoral votes will become the next President of the United States. The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will come down to just a few states. The polls show them neck-and-neck with Harris up less than two points nationally in the Real Clear Politics average of polls There are seven swing states that could go either way, but depending on which candidate picks up some of the biggest battleground states, the path to victory dramatically narrows. The swing state with the most electoral votes up for grabs is Pennsylvania. Win that state and the path to victory is easier for either candidate. That's why both candidates have been aggressively campaigning in the states. The other two states that will decide the presidential race and who wins the White House from there are Georgia and North Carolina. Your browser does not support iframes. Seven states are considered swing states in the 2024 presidential race with 93 electoral votes up for grabs, but the path to the White House will come down to who wins Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina Harris' path to the White House If Harris wins Pennsylvania, she just needs to pick up two or three more battleground states at most to become president. But if she loses the Keystone State, her win becomes nearly impossible. Democrats have not won the White House without winning Pennsylvania since Harry Truman in 1948. The Real Clear Politics average of polls shows it is a razor-thin race in the state with Harris up just one point over Trump. The state went blue for President Biden in 2020 by just 80,000 votes, but the ex-president won it in 2016. Vice President Kamala Harris visited a Community College in Philadelphia to mark National Voter Registration Day on September 17 If Trump carries it in 2024, Harris needs to win at least four other states to pull off a victory and that path needs to include at least one of the swing states with sixteen electoral votes meaning the race runs directly through North Carolina or Georgia. Without one of those two southern states, the vice president cannot overcome the loss in Pennsylvania even if she wins Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin. The latest polling shows the races in both Georgia and North Carolina are also statistically tied. The Real Clear Politics average has Trump up just 0.1 percent in North Carolina. In Georgia, the average of polling has him up two points. Trump won North Carolina in both 2016 and 2020 while he lost Georgia by less than 12,000 votes to President Biden in 2020. Harris at a rally in Greensboro, NC on September 12. If the vice president does not win Pennsylvania in November, her path to victory must run through either North Carolina or Georgia Trump's path to the White House If Trump does not win Pennsylvania, his path to the White House is also much harder. Even if Trump locks in Arizona, Nevada, Michigan and Wisconsin, all of which have close races, he still comes up short of the necessary 270 electoral votes and cannot win the presidency without either Georgia or North Carolina. And even if he wins both the southern swing states, he would still need to pick up a combination of at least two other battleground states to overcome a loss in Pennsylvania. Donald Trump in Harrisburg, PA for a town hall event hosted by Fox News' Sean Hannity on September 4 It is not any wonder both Harris and Trump have made numerous appearances in the Keystone State in the final stretch of the campaign season. Pennsylvania is also seeing the most ad spending of any state in the presidential race with both Democrats and Republicans dropping tens of millions of dollars on on TV, radio and digital ads in the state as Election Day looms. Over the course of the final two months of the campaign Democrats are set to spend more than $75 million on ads in Pennsylvania. Republicans are sending more than $60 million in the state, according to tracking by AdImpact. Donald Trump shaking hands with the president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Charlotte, NC on September 6 When it comes to North Carolina and Georgia, Democrats are on track to outspend Republicans. Democrats are set to spend roughly $40 million while Republicans are et to spend roughly $30 million. In North Carolina, Democrats have more than $30 million in ad reservations for the final two months while Republicans have $20 million. As the life of Sean 'Diddy' Combs gets renewed scrutiny after an indictment accused him of sex trafficking and prostitution, wild theories have begun to swirl about the death of his long-time girlfriend Kim Porter. Porter's death caused shock when, as a seemingly healthy 47-year-old woman, she died from pneumonia on November 15, 2018, after suffering with flu-like symptoms in the days prior. Some doubt that ruling, including the eldest son of Donald Trump. The model and actress was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Combs, 54, from around 1994 until they split in 2007. Together they had a son, Christian 'King' Combs, now 26, and twin daughters D'Lila and Jessie, now 17. Porter spoke rarely about her relationship with Combs, who she found out was expecting a child with a woman named Sarah Chapman at the same time she was having twins. She claimed to still be friends with the music mogul after they broke up. However, wild theories about Porter's time with Combs began to intensify in April after allegations by Donald Trump Jr. And they reached fever pitch after the release of a book days before Combs' arrest containing what Porter's friends say are her damning diary entries. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' long-term girlfriend Kim Porter died in 2018 from pneumonia due to a lung infection, according to Los Angeles officials Donald Trump Jr has claimed that Diddy's late girlfriend Kim Porter was afraid of the rapper There is no evidence that the rapper was ever abusive to Porter (pictured) Don Jr, the eldest son of the GOP standard-bearer, went on the AKADEMIKS podcast in April and claimed Porter was afraid of Diddy. He said he does not believe she died from pneumonia. His views on the topic came from his ex-wife Vanessa Trump, who he said was good friends with Porter. He said that when Porter died, Vanessa called and told him, 'something is up with that.' '[Porter] was really afraid of [Diddy] ... this goes back years, and she was having these conversations with my ex... 'Not a lot of people die at 47 of pneumonia ... and I'm not trying to fuel any kind of rumor but that's a conversation I had with someone who knew her well,' Trump Jr. said. DailyMail.com has not confirmed any of Trump Jr's claims, and Los Angeles officials ruled that Porter died from pneumonia due to a lung infection. The short memoir, published on September 6, takes the accusations against Diddy a step further. Kim's Lost Words, the 60-page book published just days before Combs' arrest, says Combs first hit Porter when she refused to use a strap-on on him. The book also described him as 'a terrifying monster' when he allegedly threatened her with a gun in her own apartment. Much of the allegations contained in the book centered around hers and Diddy's sex life, as it claims the two had an open relationship. The Porter memoir claimed Combs first hit her after she refused to use a strap-on on to have sex with him The book says he taped himself having sex with 'young boys' he was managing and that he had underage girls attending the sex parties he threw. The final entry of the memoir has Porter falling fatefully ill, dramatically texting her friends 'he got me', and then calling 911. The book's Los Angeles-based publisher, producer Chris Todd claims Porter shared a thumb drive of her writing with close friends which he obtained and lightly edited into a book under the pseudonym Jamal T Millwood. Todd has not offered any documentary evidence to prove its authenticity but put hard copies up for sale on Amazon. The new focus on Porter's death comes as prosecutors with the Southern District of New York accuse Combs of orchestrating elaborate, often dayslong sex performances called 'freak-offs,' where he forced his victims to have sex with male prostitutes. Combs, who has been denied bail, denies the allegations. His lawyers claim the 'freak-offs' were consensual. Prosecutors also allege the rapper assaulted his victims to obtain their compliance, including by kicking and hitting them and also dragging them by their hair. After footage released by CNN in May showed Combs kicking and dragging his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura through the halls of a Los Angeles hotel, he admitted to what he did and apologized. Diddy faced outrage when footage was released showing him attacking his ex-girlfriend Cassie in Los Angeles' InterContinental Hotel in 2016 Diddy was seen throwing Cassie to the ground and kicking her furiously Porter (second from left) poses with her kids and Combs on October 30, 2018, about two weeks before her death 'I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses,' he said of the bombshell video. Aside from Porter's alleged diary entries, there is no firm evidence the rapper was ever abusive to Porter. In speaking to Rolling Stone in June, her father Jake Porter, 78, told the magazine he never saw Combs abuse his late daughter. But when he saw the video of him beating Cassie, he said, 'it made me wonder.' 'You can say I was disgusted with the video, and I wouldn't treat my enemy like that,' Jake Porter added. 'It was despicable.' Porter had been photographed with Combs and their kids in the months before her death. The two even spent Mother's Day together in 2018 and had remained functioning co-parents to their three children. 'We're committed to our children even if we couldn't commit to each other,' Porter once said. Porter did not give much insight into why her relationship with Combs ultimately faltered, though Combs did tell Essence in 2006 that he wasn't ready to marry her. 'In ending this relationship, I made a decision that was in the best interest of myself, Sean and our family. I look forward to moving on with my life and my career and wish him prosperity, health and happiness in life and in love. We will remain friends and committed parents to our children,' Porter said in a statement after the pair broke up for the final time. In the political year of the 'cat lady', retired Michigan teacher Carrol McElroy is one feline lover who is ready to pounce at the mere mention of Donald Trump. 'I wouldn't vote for him even for dog catcher. I just don't like him as a person. I think he's a liar and he's a crook and I don't trust him,' she tells DailyMail.com while stocking up for her 18-pound tiger cat. McElroy wears a pink T-shirt with a cat on it as she walks through the cat litter aisle at Magoo's pet outlet in Flint, Michigan, and is mindful of the recent campaign animal controversies, including a debunked theory fanned by Trump about migrants eating people's dogs and cats in neighboring Ohio. 'What a crock of bull,' she says. To campaigns parsing demographic data seeking an edge in battleground states, her aversion to Trump should come as no surprise. According to a new DailyMail.com poll, a near majority of female cat owners back Kamala Harris over Trump by 47 to 32 percent. And single cat ladies the group singled out by Trump running mate Sen. J.D. Vance are one of her most enthusiastic groups. They support her by a stunning 59-21 percent, according to the poll, conducted by J.L. Partners. Cat owner Carrol McElroy says she wouldn't vote for Donald Trump for dog catcher. Polls show female cat owners skew toward Kamala Harris 'Single women with cats look to be a deeply Democrat group: our data shows them backing Kamala Harris by a staggering 56 points. This is not some tiny minority, but a blue army: our data suggests that "single cat ladies" may make up as much as 18% of the electorate,' said pollster Joe Alder. 'That suggests there might be something deeper about choice of pet that also drives ones choice of politicians,' he added. Scratch beneath the surface of the poll of 1,000 likely voters, and there is even more animal data about who is in the hunt. Male dog owners back Trump by 54 to 38, while female dog owners support Harris 45 to 37. Trump's team is hammering Harris for past left-wing positions, but it his his own supporters who are ready for the Age of Aquarium. Male fish owners support Trump over Harris by a stunning 82 to 12 percent in the poll. The results are narrower for female fish owners: Trump beats her by only 37 to 34 percent. Trump runs up big margins among reptile owners and people who have fish as pets Single, never married women with cats back Kamala Harris by an overwhelming margin Birds of a feather: There are are distinctions by pet and by gender in the animal results Your browser does not support iframes. Fittingly for a candidate who repeatedly tells a parable about a snake at his rallies, reptile-owning men support Trump 67-22. Harris has the edge in reptile-owning women, 39 to 34. Trump, the first president in years not to own a pet, also beats her among owners of small mammals. In two pet stores in Genesee County, Michigan, a battleground state carried by Joe Biden in 2020, the data is all but confirmed. Mitch Ryan, from Grand Blanc, has a Boston Terrier-French Poodle mix, a high-end animal favored by some celebs. He likes Trump's candor. 'Maybe he doesn't think before he speaks. I can't say he's a liar, really. He's not just blowing smoke up your keister. 'I enjoy the honesty, and honestly I prefer somebody that's honest than somebody that's outright dishonest,' he says. Ryan wishes Trump and Vance didn't talk either about people eating pets or 'childless cat ladies,' which has become a breakout line of the campaign. 'I do wish she wouldn't have said anything about it,' he said, calling it 'low hanging fruit' that could be used against them. Not that he is willing to entirely write off the rumor. (Another DailyMail.com poll by J.L. Partners revealed a third of voters believe the rumor about Haitians eating cats and dogs). 'I know for a fact that there's been a lot of reports from people saying that this is happening. Is there proof? Currently, not so much.' Mitch Ryan, from Grand Blanc, Michigan, has a Boston Terrier-French Poodle mix, likes Trump's candor, but says he sometimes 'doesn't think before he speaks' Michigan cat owner Joanne Stevenson bucked the demographic trend and fervently backs Trump. 'I feel that he's still my president,' she said while shopping for her calico John Tomlin spends several thousand dollars each year stocking his 90-gallon tank. He's all in for shark skeptic Donald Trump Dog owner Donny Russo plans to cast his first vote for Trump in November. But he was only tempted by dog chews made to look like Trump or President Joe Biden Fish owner John Tomlin spends several thousand dollars each year stocking his 90-gallon tank, which makes him attuned to the business of government. He says Trump has some shortcomings, but he supports him anyway. 'Trump's a businessman. He's an idiot speaking, but he's a businessman.' His willingness to admit a perceived flaw drew support from a Harris supporter who overheard him. 'Thank you for saying that at least,' she said. 'He can't speak for nothing. He's the worst person to speak. But as of running the country, he knows what he's doing when he's running the business,' Tomlin continued. 'You can see that. Does he find loopholes and stuff? Sure he does.' Not every cat owner is in Harris's corner. One backing Trump is Joanne Stevenson, who came to buy a new collar for her diluted Calico cat a breed that has no black coloring. 'He did a lot for our country, and I don't believe he ever lost. I feel that he's still my president. I don't think Biden is,' she said, echoing Trump's false claims, which he repeated in Michigan this week, that he didn't lose the state in 2020. 'He's a pain in the butt,' she said of Biden. 'Look how we're living everything: you go in the grocery store, everything was always higher and higher and higher.' If Vance's comments about 'cat ladies' bothered her, Stevenson isn't saying. 'I like him. So I I'm not going to say nothing bad about him,' she said. Donny Russo is 22, and will be eligible to vote for the first time in November. His dogs, a Doberman Pinscher named Asia and a German Shepherd/Lab mix called Zoe, have a tough reputation, but his main concern is keeping the U.S. at peace. 'Whoever's going to not try to get us in another war or get us killed is who I support, he said. For Russo, that person is Trump, who repeatedly talks about being able to keep the country out of World War III. He said too many politicians are 'scared to tell the truth because of what the consequences would be. And it seems like Trump is not scared of that. You know, if he tells the truth, he could possibly get killed for it,' he said, invoking the latest assassination attempt. There is a metric in the store that isn't as scientific as the DailyMail poll, but could still give a clue about pet owners' political leanings in a critical battleground state. A box features squeaky dog chews in the shape of Trump and Biden that are for sale. Store clerks say the idea is for customers to purchase the candidate you despise so the animal can chew it up. There hasn't been time to stock any Kamala Harris chews. But as of Wednesday, there were 12 of Trump, and 13 of Biden. That gave the Democrat the edge, in this pet store at least. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been slammed over a major part of his promise about Australia's newest, and still not built, international airport. Mr Albanese and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced Singapore Airlines as the first international carrier to service Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) - but they did so before a deal had been signed. 'Rather than just make announcements about overseas flights that there are not even any contracts for, the Albanese Government should be taking actions now to put downward pressure on the cost of domestic air travel,' Shadow Transport Minister Bridget McKenzie told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday morning. Mr Albanese and Ms King announced last month that Singapore Airlines was 'confirming its intention' to operate at the airport, which is due to open in 2026. 'This new commercial arrangement allows Singapore Airlines to begin developing its future operations at WSI,' the Government said at the time. But no contract on landing and other fees, or the number of flights, had been finalised before that announcement was made on August 27. Critics say jumping the gun in that way meant the advantage in negotiations was handed to the foreign airline rather than the Australian airport. The Government's announcement made no mention of commercial agreements, but WSI, in its statement, said commercial discussions were 'continuing'. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) has been slammed over a major part of his promise about Australia's newest, and still not built, international airport 'Commercial discussions about the airline's future operations at Australia's first greenfield airport in more than fifty years continue,' a WSI spokeswoman said. Many airline industry experts, though, said new airlines were usually not announced until commercial agreements were signed and tickets were about to go on sale. One industry insider said usually 'there is a commercial agreement in the bank along with schedule information. 'If you say an airline will fly there and there is no agreement, who is going to lose more face if that doesn't work out? In this case you'd say it's probably the airport,' they told the Sunday Telegraph. The Singapore Airlines announcement followed the recent collapse of two domestic airlines, Rex and Bonza, which has led to soaring flight costs. 'Labor's inaction on competition has meant travellers are paying more than they should to fly,' Ms McKenzie said. 'Trying to cover up for this inaction with a press release without an inked agreement takes the public for mugs. 'There is no timetable, no time frames, and no date for take-off the Prime Minister issues a press release of a promise to fly without any of the necessary ground work being done.' But Ms King countered that 'The announcement made clear that the details of Singapore Airlines operations at the airport are still being discussed with further details to come. 'The announcement is an exciting milestone for WSI and an important vote of confidence in the future of this important piece of national infrastructure,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Flight Centre head Graham Turner said the Government is 'trying to put a positive light on it, but there is almost certainly no deals done in the sense of contracts or commitments'. 'It's a positive thing that Singapore says they will support the airport, but the devil will be in the details.' Mr Albanese announced last month that Singapore Airlines was 'confirming its intention' to operate at Western Sydney Airport (pictured), which is due to open in 2026 But no deal over fees and slots has yet been signed with Singapore Airlines (plane pictured) A spokesperson for WSI 'Singapore Airlines do have a commercial arrangement with WSI that has signatures from our CEO and the airline, and we are working together now as part of the commercial arrangement to prepare for operational testing and opening. 'Singapore Airlines will be flying at WSI when it opens. And there will be other airlines announced over the next year with commercial arrangements. 'The recent announcement was important to WSI, and it is critical to our strategic objectives to ensure we have premium airlines like Singapore Airlines and Qantas working with us, and flying from opening.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Albanese and Mr Turner for further comment. The 12-year-old girl who took her own life after school bullying drove her to despair left notes for her parents urging them to share her story to help others. 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. Her parents, Mat and Kelly, have now revealed the heartbreaking last notes left to them by their daughter including one that said: 'Mama, please share my story to raise awareness.' Charlotte's parents found the notes left in small pink handwriting after their daughter had taken her life in the upstairs bedroom of the family home. In other last messages, Charlotte told her parents to 'tell the school' about her suffering and that life was 'too hard'. Another note referred to her adored infant brother Will. 'Please, Mama, live for Will because I can't anymore,' it said. Charlotte learned she was going to be a big sister when her mother told her 17 months ago she was having a boy. 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 She didn't wish for anything for her birthday the following year because all she wanted was a sibling. Mat and Kelly are still trying to process the numb shock of what has happened. 'The other thing that is troubling for us is that we had such a great last day with her,' Mat told the Daily Telegraph. 'I hadn't seen her that happy coming home from school in a long time.' The parents said Charlotte was bubbling with happiness as she ate her favourite dish, creamy chicken pasta, for dinner and aced her maths homework getting every question right and doing 'little happy dances'. She also baked banana bread and took a piece to her father, still in a joyously good mood. After playing with her mum and little brother she said good night and 'literally skipped to the shower'. 'That's the last time we saw her alive and we could not understand what had happened,' Mat said. Police told the couple that a person sometimes projects happiness before taking their own life because they believe they have settled on a solution to their probelms. Charlotte's parents strongly reject that explanation. Mat said the family had discussed their upcoming holiday, where Charlotte wanted to do a road trip, and even about what she and him would work on as maths problems the next day. Charlotte's parents Mat and Kelly have revealed the last messages left to them by their daughter 'This is not a girl that was planning on doing this. Something happened when she went to her bedroom,' Mat said. Police are searching Charlotte's phone to see what messages she was receiving in her last hours. Kelly remains wracked with guilt and regret and asked why her daughter didn't just come 'and get me to give her a hug that night?' One thing that Kelly is adamant about is that she doesn't want people to say this had 'ruined their lives' because as devastating as the tragedy is 'she's what made us whole'. The devastated mother said her daughter always felt 'big emotion'. She described Charlotte as the 'sweetest, kindest, toughest, strongest little diva you've ever met in your life'. Mat and Kelly believe Santa Sabrina College could have done more to stop the bullying inflicted on Charlottoe received. Emails between Charlotte's mother and the school reveal Kelly believed the bullying was having 'severe ramifications' on her daughter's mental health. On the night that she died CHarlotte seemed to be joyously happy and making plans for the future Mat claimed other parents had also raised the 'toxic' culture of the school and that the school needed to just step in as adults and seperate children. The grieving parents said schools across the country needed to take a 'zero tolerance' to bullying. Kelly claimed after their GP called what was happening to Charlotte 'harassment' the school reject the term and said it was 'juvenile behaviour'. At one point towards the end of Year 6, Kelly was shocked to see Charlotte's arm covered in scratches. Charlotte claimed she was just itchy but her mother knew it was self-harm because she felt overwhelmed. Kelly said on some days Charlotte would burst into tears as they approached school drop-off wailing that she 'had no friends', that everyone hated her and she was 'a monster'. Santa Sabina College has defended its handling of bullying, saying their anti-bullying policy was available on their website. 'In the past week, I have been overwhelmed by the number of emails and messages from our families that talk about their children feeling safe and cared for at Santa Sabina College,' principal Paulina Skerman said. She said parents 'objected to the portrayal of our College as failing to deal with matters that cause distress among our students'. For confidential support call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Robert F. Kennedy Jr's alleged affair with much younger Olivia Nuzzi was exposed by the presidential candidate's boasts, a new report has revealed. Nuzzi, a 31-year-old Washington correspondent for New York Magazine, sent the 70-year-old scion nudes described as 'demure' by a source who spoke to Puck News - the outlet to first report the story Friday night. Nuzzi's editor-in-chief David Haskell then confronted Nuzzi about the affair 5:30pm on September 13 at the magazine's office in Manhattan, insiders told The Daily Beast, adding how Haskell had also told Nuzzi that he had been informed by a source about Kennedy bragging about his 'romantic' relationship with her as well. He mentioned the nude photos specifically, the source said, citing how Nuzzi had initially denied the relationship to her boss. But after being confronted, she allegedly came clean, the source said - as it's been revealed her engagement to Politico reporter Ryan Lizza has been called off. Robert F. Kennedy Jr's alleged affair with much younger Olivia Nuzzi was exposed by the presidential candidate's boasts, a new report from the Daily Beast has revealed Nuzzi, a 31-year-old correspondent for New York Magazine , sent the 70-year-old scion nudes described as 'demure' by a source who spoke to Puck News Kennedy's alleged bragging came as he remains married to Curb Your Enthusiasm star Cheryl Hines. He announced a suspension to his campaign August 23, and on Thursday denied ever meeting Nuzzi - aside from for a November profile piece. 'Mr. Kennedy only met Olivia Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece,' a Kennedy spokesperson told CNN Thursday, as reports of the pair's alleged relationship swirled. A source familiar with the matter told the Beast Saturday that the two had met multiple times, but also maintained the pair's relationship never got physical. Haskell, meanwhile, put the Forbes' 30 Under 30 alum on leave, with his magazine issuing a statement online Thursday acknowledging the situation. Acknowledging the relationship as well, it read: 'Recently our Washington Correspondent Olivia Nuzzi acknowledged to the magazines editors that she had engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign.' The statement asserted the relationship was occurring 'while [Nuzzi] was reporting on the campaign, a violation of the magazines standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures. 'Had the magazine been aware of this relationship, she would not have continued to cover the presidential campaign,' it continued. 'An internal review of her published work has found no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias.' The bulletin, issued just before reports of the sexts began to circulate, concluded with the revelation the staffer who has had stints at both the Daily Beast and the Daily News was currently on leave from the magazine. Nuzzi's editor-in-chief David Haskell (pictured) then confronted Nuzzi about the affair on September 13 at the magazine's office in Manhattan, insiders said. Haskell had also told Nozzi that he had been informed about Kennedy bragging about his relationship with her as well He mentioned the nude photos specifically, the source said, citing how Nuzzi had initially denied the relationship to her boss. After being confronted, she allegedly came clean, the source said - as it's been revealed her engagement to her longtime fiance has been called off Kennedy's alleged comments come as he remains married to Curb Your Enthusiasm star Cheryl Hines. The failed presidential candidate on Thursday denied ever meeting Nuzzi - aside from for a November profile piece. Hines has stayed silent about the alleged affair '[T]he magazine is conducting a more thorough third-party review,' it added. 'We regret this violation of our readers trust.' As indicated, Nuzzi reportedly met Kennedy Jr - the son of slain Attorney General Robert F Kennedy Sr - when doing a profile on him for a New York magazine piece published this past November. The source who spoke to the Beast said they have since met multiple times at public functions, contrasting claims from Kennedy Jr's camp. When contacted by the Beast this week, the politician reportedly did not respond, while Nuzzi reportedly declined to speak on the matter. The magazine where she's worked has yet to comment aside from the scathing statement. Back In November, the then-candidate tweeted out the same article - titled The Mind-bending politics of RFK Jr's Spoiler Campaign - calling it 'provocative.' Meanwhile, his denials come in the face of reports that he's already cheated on multiple lovers in the past. His second wife, Mary Richardson, died by suicide in 2012, and once told a friend her husband regularly used aliases during trysts across the globe. The environmental lawyer also documented his extramarital exploits in a series of diaries obtained by the New York Post in the wake of Richardson's death, writing hundreds of pages describing depraved sex acts in 2001. Kennedy's denials come in the face of reports that he's already cheated on multiple lovers in the past He later said the diaries were 'a tool for self-examination and for dealing with my spiritual struggles at the time.' On Friday, after being met with inquiries about the trysts from a Post reporter, he said after a brief period of silence: 'I dont think there is any way you could have a diary or journal of mine from 2001. 'I dont have any comment on it,' he added, before asserting: 'I have no diary from 2001.' Sources also told the Post that Kennedy Jr. and Nuzzi had been sexting at some point this year. She currently lives in Washington, DC, where former fiance Ryan Lizza lives as well. He works as Politico's chief Washington correspondent. The two, however, split last month - a revelation made by Lizza in a statement Friday explaining why the day's edition of the Politico 'Playbook' did not feature a story about the affair. 'Because of my connection to this story through my ex-fiancee, my editors and I have agreed that I won't be involved in any coverage of Kennedy in Playbook or elsewhere at POLITICO,' he said. The two had been engaged since September of 2022, but never tied the knot. Nuzzi lives in Washington, DC, along with former fiance Ryan Lizza. The two split last month - a revelation made by Lizza himself in a statement Friday explaining why the day's edition of the Politico 'Playbook' did not feature a story about the affair Some of Nuzzis associates have reportedly advanced the idea her former flame leaked news of his ex's extracurricular texts to RFK to Haskell and New York as a form of retribution. That remains to be seen. Nuzzi first gained notoriety as a 20-year-old intern for disgraced Rep. Anthony Weiner, whose sexting scandal forced him to resign from Congress in 2011. She spent a month working for Weiner before writing about her experience for the New York Daily News, and eventually taking a job with Daily Beast in 2014. She worked there for three years, before being named to Forbes' 2018 '30 Under 30.' The following year, she was awarded the American Society of Magazine Editors 'NEXT' award for breakthrough journalists under the age of 30, for her first year of work as New York's Washington correspondent. News of her inappropriate behavior, meanwhile, has caused ripples across the media industry - started Thursday when Status reporter Oliver Darcy first reported on the romantic relationship. The report, published days after the alleged meeting with Haskell, described a months-long affair that Nuzzi failed to disclose to her editors - leading to Nuzzi to admit the relationship to The Daily Beast, despite maintaining it was never physical. It said: 'Earlier this year, the nature of some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal. News of Nuzzi's inappropriate behavior has caused ripples across the media industry - started Thursday when Status reporter Oliver Darcy first reported on the romantic relationship. She has since confirmed the relationship, but denies that it ever got physical 'During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source. The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict. 'I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those Ive disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.' The internal investigation into the two's relationship, reportedly being carried out by New York's parent company Vox, remains ongoing. Hines, 59, has yet to issue a statement about her husband's alleged affair. A trappist monk on a remote Welsh island has confessed to sending naked photographs to a mother of two. Brother Titus Keet, 76, admitted to The Mail on Sunday that he has 200 pictures of himself posing nude on a beach, and that he had sent some of the images to Lisa Love, 56, a regular visitor to the holy island of Caldey, a three-mile ferry trip from the popular resort of Tenby. Brother Titus, who has lived on Caldey for 22 years, confirmed he is the man in the photographs and said he had been stupid and naive. Asked why he sent them, he claimed: It was art in the name of God. Last night, Ms Love said: Its not what you expect from a monk who is supposed to spend every day praying mostly in silence. The photographs are silhouettes but you can see his bits. He seems to be enjoying himself. The island is supposed to be a holy place and the monastery goes back centuries. Its not a nudist camp or a Playboy mansion. Ms Love met Brother Titus 15 years ago while staying with her elderly parents in a cottage on the island. Brother Titus Keet, 76 has admitted to sending some of his 200 photos of himself posing nude on a beach to mother-of-two Lisa Love After her mother died in 2011 she continued to holiday in the cottage with her teenage daughters, directly opposite the imposing abbey where the monks live. Ms Love said: I saw him as a friend giving me spiritual guidance after losing my mum. He started writing to me, then letters arrived with naked pictures inside them. I was startled, I didnt know what to make of it. Why was a monk sending me pictures of himself in the nude? Then there were books with passages about love highlighted in yellow marker pen. I didnt do anything about it, but I kept it all. Its still in my attic. Ms Love, a tour guide from Narberth, Pembrokeshire, was contacted by Brother Titus years later, this time by text message: I remember one message arrived after it had been very windy and he said, I hope the wind blows you in my direction. Last month, after wishing the monk a nice day, she was shocked to receive via text the same naked pictures he had sent more than 10 years earlier. One was captioned: Have a nice day too my dearest Lisa. Share with me the first rays of the sunrise. Last week the MoS confronted Brother Titus in the abbey, home to eight Trappist monks. Lisa Love with two pics sent by Brother Titus. She met the monk 15 years ago while staying with her elderly parents in a cottage on the island. He told our reporter: I have been stupid and naive. It is art. I was putting my body in the light. I wanted to share with her the body and the light. It is the human body, in its original state. Its not sexual. I have a whole collection of myself. It it is healthy for people to put their body in nature. The monk denied sending the pictures to anyone else. He said getting sexual gratification from sending them to Ms Love was not an option. He also claimed that his interest in taking naked pictures of himself comes from his liberal upbringing in Holland. Asked if he had heard of other monks posing nude for the camera he said: No, I am special. On Friday local police revealed a 76-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of harassment. An independent review was launched in April after claims that up to 50 children were sexually abused by monks at the abbey. A drunk driver who killed a mother and son blamed them for the accident in newly-obtained audio shared as the double-killer pleads for parole. Kesley Pope, 24, is begging to be freed just three years after she mowed down Season Dow, 43, and Dow's 16 year-old son Toby in Orem, Utah, on Halloween 2021. But earlier this week, it was revealed she'd agreed with her dad that the Dows were partly to blame for their own deaths by running out of gas on Interstate 15 on the evening of their deaths. Season and Toby had pulled off the road and onto the shoulder of the freeway when they were struck. Speaking 17 days after the smash, Pope's dad Jefferson could be heard blaming the deceased while on the phone with his daughter: They're some at fault already with them being on the freeway out of gas, thats against the law.' Kesley answered 'Yeah', according to KUTV. Kesley Pope, 24, was convicted and sent to prison for killing Season Dow, 43 and her son Toby, 16, in a deadly crash while driving her dads truck under the influence of alcohol on Halloween 2021 Jefferson Pope, can be heard blaming the deceased while on the phone with his daughter: They're some at fault already with them being on the freeway out of gas, thats against the law, - to which Kesley agreed The fatal wreck happened on Interstate 15 in Utah County as Season and Toby were headed home after attending a concert in Salt Lake City Kelsey struck a markedly more contrite tone during her hearing earlier this week. 'I cannot even put myself in your guys family position as I've tried so many times it's so impossible, it's so impossible,' she said 'And my heart hurts for you and your family so, so much. My selfish decision broke your innocent family, and I wish I could take it back every single day.' A request to turn around and face the Dows as she spoke was denied. The newly-unearthed call with the victim-blaming also reveals the intoxicated drivers relief as the deadly accident was her first offense. Im just so glad that its my first offense ever, she told her father. He replied: Oh yeah, youre so lucky there, I mean it's life changing. Kesley responded stating that shes only 22 years old to which her dad responds, Its your first offense, they always are nice to first offenders. The husband and father of the deceased, Christian Dow, spoke at the hearing, sharing he felt she wasnt at all remorseful or assuming accountability for her heinous wrongdoing. It doesn't seem like any accountability has been taken from the Pope family on this issue. They were blaming my family for that accident saying it was their fault and not taking any responsibility or accountability. The 16-year-old was driving when they ran out of gas before Kesley - who was two times over the legal limit - plowed into their car, which was off the road and on the shoulder of the freeway The impact then spun the car into the freeway immediately killing Season while Toby was taken by helicopter to a hospital where he later died In prison, Kesley has displayed several acts of disobedient behavior having been written-up enough times to fill an entire page, one of five parole board members, Blake Hills, stated at the hearing Kesley was charged with two counts of automobile homicide and second-degree felonies following the incident He added the fact that Kesley was drunk driving a vehicle with no insurance. Dow elaborated on how he feels Kesley needs to stay in prison for ten years and take accountability as his family is trying to put the pieces back together the best that we can. The fatal wreck happened on Interstate 15 in Utah County as Season and Toby were headed home after attending a concert in Salt Lake City. The 16-year-old was driving when they ran out of gas before Kesley - who was two times over the legal limit - plowed into their car. The impact then spun the car into the freeway, immediately killing Season while Toby was taken by helicopter to a hospital where he remained on life support before succumbing to his injuries. Kesley was charged with two counts of automobile homicide and second-degree felonies following the incident. In prison, Kesley has displayed several acts of disobedient behavior having been written-up enough times to fill an entire page, one of five parole board members, Blake Hills, stated at the hearing. Hills said it would likely take a month before a decision is made. All five parole board members will decide as to when the killer will be granted parole. 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 A slew of institutes at British universities have been stripped of UK government funding amid worries they are used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for propaganda. There are 30 Confucius Institutes active across UK campuses, which were set up to deliver culture and language classes to international students. But the bodies have been accused of acting as a front for the CCP to clamp down on dissidents and those with critical views of Beijing. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) said last year that Confucius Institutes are like 'Trojan horses' and are 'run and part-funded by the Hanban, an educational organisation that is ultimately controlled by the CCP's Central Propaganda Department'. It found that the organisations are used by the Chinese Government to steer universities from engaging in debates over contentious issues like Tibet and Taiwan. Confucius Institutes (one pictured at Troy University in the US) have been accused of acting as a front for the Chinese Communist Party to clamp down on dissidents and those with critical views of Beijing There are worries they are used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for propaganda. Pictured: A student of University College Dublin works at a Confucius Institute A similar blowback over Confucius Institutes at US universities and colleges has caused the number to plummet from about 100 in 2019 to fewer than five today after the White House raised over 'undue influence' Rishi Sunak previously pledged to ban them altogether, but watered down the proposal and promised to withdraw their funding after concluding that doing so would be 'disproportionate'. A Department for Education (DfE) source told the Telegraph that Confucius Institutes will no longer be subsidised or receive funding from the UK Government. In 2022 the Daily Mail reported freedom of information requests showed that vice-chancellors at 17 universities have accepted at least 24million from Beijing to run the institutes branches, which are shrouded in secrecy, with 12 refusing to regularly reveal their funding. The China Research Group of MPs estimated the true funding over the past decade to be 28million. A similar blowback over Confucius Institutes at US universities and colleges has caused the number to plummet from about 100 in 2019 to fewer than five today after the White House raised over 'undue influence'. In September the University of Cambridge (pictured) became the latest institution to host a private visit from the Chinese ambassador, during which he told Chinese students to 'serve the motherland' But the row in the UK has been made more complicated due to the high dependence UK universities have on lucrative Chinese students, who make up the second-largest intake among international students. Experts have previously warned that the situation has made some higher education leaders willing to stifle debate on China-critical subjects, and treat Chinese students differently than students from other nations. The Chinese embassy has persistently messaged some universities in recent months asking to arrange meetings with their Chinese student bodies on campus, according to the Telegraph. And in September the University of Cambridge became the latest institution to host a private visit from the Chinese ambassador, during which he told Chinese students to 'serve the motherland'. Zheng Zeguang also 'briefed the students on the achievements of China's development [and] inspired them to love the country', according to the Chinese government website. Lord Patten, the chancellor of Oxford University and the last governor of Hong Kong, said he was happy if they were just teaching Chinese, but he thinks it is difficult to guarantee that Lord Patten, the chancellor of Oxford University and the last governor of Hong Kong, told the Telegraph he was happy if they were just teaching Chinese, but he thinks it is difficult to guarantee that. He said he was happy for them to teach Chinese civilization but not at the expense of anybody trying to manipulate other aspects of the curriculum. A Government spokesperson said in a statement: 'The ongoing audit process on the UK's relationship with China as a bilateral and global actor will improve the UK's capability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses. 'Like any international body operating in the UK, Confucius Institutes need to operate transparently and within the law, and with a full commitment to our values of openness and freedom of expression. 'The Education Secretary has also made clear that international students will always be welcome, but we are also clear that migration needs to be managed carefully. We welcome international partnerships, including with China, where they add to the academic richness of our universities.' The Barefoot Investor has revealed the investment he regrets not making sooner claiming it is one of his most 'embarrassing confessions'. Scott Pape believes he could have been earning a 30 per cent return on his money for years if he had embraced solar power sooner. He revealed that he had installed solar panels on his 'shearing shed' and immediately saw the benefits. 'Well, upon reflection, it turns out that I had the same excuses people give me about not investing in the share market,' Mr Pape wrote in the Sunday Telegraph. He said he found the idea of getting the right solar quote quite boring, and a little complicated. Mr Pape said he had scared himself over the idea of 'cowboys' and con-artists in the solar trade. On top of that, he said life was just too busy with his four kids. 'Okay, so all my excuses were not only pathetic they were also costing me money,' he wrote. Scott Pape revealed he'd forgone solar panelling at his home for far too long, and it cost him He revealed he made his 11-year-old son read Finn Peacock's 'The Good Solar Guide: Seven Steps to Tiny Bills for Australian Homeowners', before searching the internet for solar providers near him. He used solarquotes.com.au to find his postcode and quotes from solar panel installers in his area. He then scrawled through reviews online for the three solar companies near him, liked two, and dropped one. He said both the companies called him in the same week and made a visit to his house. Within 30 minutes of poking around Mr Pape's home, taking some pictures, and looking at his latest electricity bill, they were gone again. Mr Pape said the quotes arrived via email later in the week and the companies had both designed similar systems for around the same price. 'Look, the numbers dont lie: in most cases youll get a better return from installing solar than you will from most other investments,' Mr Pape said. 'Learn from my mistakes, and get your kids onto it! Seriously, its childs play. Hello sunshine!' Prince Harry is set to follow in his mother's footsteps by attending a charity event to raise money for clearing landmines in Africa. The Duke of Sussex is expected to take to the stage on Monday during an event hosted by the Halo Trust, the charity which gained international prominence in 1997 after Princess Diana walked through an active minefield in Angola. It will be one of two events, taking place in New York during UN General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week, championing issues close to his mother's heart. Harry is also set to make an appearance on behalf of the Diana Award, which was set up to reflect the Princess of Wales' belief that young people have the power to change the world. The Duke is also expected at three other events over the next two days raising awareness for conservation and sustainable travel initiatives. Prince Harry walks through a minefield during a visit to see the work of landmine clearance charity the Halo Trust, on day five of the royal tour of Africa in 2019 The Duke Sussex is expected to take to the stage on Monday during an event hosted by the Halo Trust. Prince Harry is pictured with a deminer from The HALO Trust in 2010 The Halo trust gained international prominence in 1997 after Princess Diana walked through an active minefield in Angola (pictured) During his solo trip, Harry will 'participate in engagements with African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst,' a spokesperson for Prince Harry said last month. 'In addition, he will be furthering the work of The Archewell Foundation, the nonprofit organization he co-founded with his wife Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex.' Harry has always made an effort to continue his mother's 'unfinished' work, revealing in 2022 that he felt 'obligated' to live out her legacy 'as much as possible'. In a podcast interview, Harry told former rugby player Gareth Thomas: 'I think once you get to meet people and you see the suffering around the world, you can't turn, I certainly can't turn, my back on that. 'Then add in the fact that my mum's work was unfinished, I feel obligated to try and continue that as much as possible.' He added: 'I could never fill her shoes, especially in this particular space because of what she did and what she stood for and how vocal she was about this issue.' Harry pictured has always made an effort to continue his mother's 'unfinished' work, revealing in 2022 that he felt 'obligated' to live out her legacy 'as much as possible' Diana is seen talking to an amputee, 13-year-old Sandra Thijica, in Angola during a visit in an effort to create awareness about landmines in 1997 Harry's attendance had sparked speculation that he may be in the city at the same time as his brother Prince William who is thought to attending the third annual Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit at The Plaza Hotel on September 24. It's unknown if he will attend for sure, but he was present last year at the same event. If Prince William does come to New York when Harry is there, it's likely the brothers will steer clear from one another, as a source told The Sunday Times in August that the siblings hadn't spoken in 'two years.' It was said that the last time they talked was at their grandmother Queen Elizabeth's funeral in September 2022. The insider described the 'estrangement' as 'dreadfully sad,' adding that Prince William doesn't even want Harry at his coronation when the time comes. March 2023 Edwards announcing the news of Her Majesty's death to the nation in September 2022 Huw Edwards signs new three-year deal with the BBC after praise for the way he led coverage of the Queen's death. It came after he was seen at the offices of the BBC's biggest radio rival Global in August 2022. The News at Ten veteran admitted at the time he was 'thinking about my future'. In June that year he would pick up the best live event honour at the Tric Awards for being among those to cover the state funeral of the late Queen, and in February he received the Broadcast Awards' special recognition award. April 2023 Police were contacted but 'no criminality was identified'. May 6, 2023 Edwards hosts coverage of King Charles's coronation as he lead the BBC broadcast of the historic event. May 18, 2023 A family member of the young person, who was 17 at the time, made an in-person complaint about the behaviour of a BBC presenter. May 19, 2023 A complainant contacted the BBC in a 29-minute call to the BBC's audience services team, and the details were referred to the Corporate Investigations Team. The family member reportedly asked the broadcaster to stop sending their family member cash. The Corporate Investigations Team decided the complaint didn't include an allegation of criminality, but merited more investigation. The investigators email the complainant to get more information but they get no response. June 6, 2023 After getting no reply to the email, the Corporate Investigations Team tries to call the complainant but the call does not connect. However, the Sun reported later that the family said no one from the corporation phoned them for a proper interview after they complained. The BBC said no more attempts to contact the family were made after this date, but that the case 'remained open'. July 5, 2023 Edwards is seen on screen for what would be the last time before the scandal became public, when he covered King Charles's visit to Scotland Huw Edwards is seen for the last time on the BBC as he covered King Charles's visit to Scotland. July 6, 2023 The Sun informs BBC Press Office about allegations against the star presenter. The BBC launches an 'incident management group' of top executives after becoming aware of new allegations 'of a different nature' against the presenter. It is the first time Mr Davie or any executive directors were made aware of the case, according to the BBC. A senior manager holds the first conversation with the presenter concerned. It is agreed he should not appear on air while the allegations are investigated. July 7, 2023 The Sun published its exclusive which alleged that a BBC presenter, unnamed at the time, paid a total of 35,000 for sexual content to someone beginning when they were 17. But a lawyer acting on behalf of the young person told The Sun that evening there was 'no truth' to the claims. The BBC said it would investigate and it made contact with the Metropolitan Police. July 8, 2023 The complainant sends the BBC 'materials related to the complaint'. There is a frenzy of speculation about the identity of the star. Gary Lineker, Jeremy Vine, Rylan Clark and Nicky Campbell all feel obliged to deny that they were the man in question. July 9, 2023 A mocked up version of a reported Instagram message exchange between Edwards and a teenager The BBC confirms that a male presenter has been suspended from all duties. The Sun reports that the presenter allegedly made two phone calls to the young person and pleaded with them to call their mother to stop the investigation. July 10, 2023 BBC representatives and Metropolitan Police detectives meet in the morning to discover if any crimes have been committed. The young person claims through a lawyer that the allegations are 'rubbish'. In response, the Sun said it had 'reported a story about two very concerned parents who made a complaint to the BBC about the behaviour of a presenter and the welfare of their child'. The parents stood by their account to the Sun and the stepfather was quoted in a story saying the allegations were originally put the the BBC 'for an hour'. July 11, 2023 Director-general Tim Davie sends an internal email to staff reiterating that the BBC is taking the allegations 'incredibly seriously' Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie defends the delay in speaking to the BBC presenter. But the BBC admits there were 'lessons to be learned' prompting a boss to assess the protocols. In the afternoon, new claims emerged from the BBC that the presenter sent threatening messages to a second young person. It is claimed they met on a dating app, before the conversation moved to other platforms where the presenter revealed his identity. He then allegedly sent a number of 'threatening messages' to the youngster, which the BBC has seen. The Sun reported the star is also accused of breaking lockdown rules to meet a 23-year-old stranger from a dating site. July 12, 2023 Huw Edwards pictured with his wife Vicky Find in South London in 2018. She has since separated from the former broadcaster in the wake of his recent scandals Huw Edwards is revealed as the BBC presented by his wife Vicky Flind. She said he was 'suffering from serious mental health issues'. The bombshell revelation came just moments after the police said they were 'taking no further action' in the case. But BBC boss Mr Davie sent an email to staff informing them that an internal investigation would continue even though police were no longer involved. The BBC reported fresh allegations from two current junior members of staff and one former member of staff who claim they were sent messages that made them uncomfortable. July 12, 2023 Mr Davie asked for a second review of the BBC's complaints protocols after it was revealed the family were only contacted twice by the corporation - despite the seriousness of the allegations. November 8, 2023 Edwards is arrested, but tells noone. Later speaking to MailOnline, one shocked former colleague and friend said: 'Huw kept his arrest completely secret'. They added: 'It turns out he was arrested four months later and nobody knew. I had no idea until he was charged.' February 27, 2024 The BBC apologised to the young person's family, who'd complained about Edwards two months before he was suspended. An independent report by Deloitte is published into the BBC's complaints handling procedure The publicly-funded broadcaster acknowledged that there had been 'shortcomings' in the way it had dealt with the case as it reviewed its complaints procedures. April, 2024 Edwards took sanctuary in his beloved Wales and was being comforted in Carmarthenshire by his mother Aerona. April 22, 2024 Edwards resigns from the BBC. Broadcasting executive Stewart Purvis CBE said there is 'relief across the BBC' that the 'extraordinarily damaging saga' has been resolved. He added that Edwards having 'walked from the BBC' will be viewed as 'quite a successful outcome' for the corporation. June 26, 2024 Edwards is charged with the possession of indecent images of children. Interrupting coverage of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's statement in the House of Commons, the BBC announced the breaking news on July 29. According to the charge sheet, he was accused of having six category A images, 12 category B pictures and 19 category C photographs on WhatsApp. July 23, 2024 The BBC's annual report reveals Edwards was paid between 475,000 and 479,999 for the year 2023/24 for 160 presenting days, BBC One news specials, election specials and other television programming. This salary marked an increase from 2022/23, when he was paid between 435,000 and 439,999 for 180 days presenting on BBC One, as well as news specials. This was despite him being absent from screens from when the story first broke in July last year until his exit nine months later in April 2024. But he stayed on the payroll while suspended, which is normal BBC policy, and was suffering from serious mental health issues and received in-patient hospital care. The BBC confirmed at the time of his departure that he had not received a pay-off and was leaving 'on the basis of medical advice from his doctors'. Director general Tim Davie defended the pay and the rise, confirming there was 'no settlement payment.' He also said he was not going to 'get into who's spoken to who' when asked if he had spoken to Edwards since his resignation. July 31, 2024 Edwards remained silent as he left the court building surrounded by the press today Edwards pleads guilty to making 41 indecent images of children - and faces jail. The newscaster admitted he kept seven category 'A' images of the very worst kind on his phone after being sent them on WhatsApp by a paedophile. The sick child porn images showed youngsters aged between seven and 14, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. He remained emotionless as he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, between December 2020 and August 2022. His admission now leaves the former news star's glittering four-decade career in tatters. September 16, 2024 Edwards is due to be sentenced - and could face up to 10 years in jail. A Ukrainian kamikaze drone strike reportedly struck Vladimir Putin's Satan-2 nuclear missile, prompting an apocalyptic explosion yesterday morning. A secret ammunition silo facility at Toropets in Tver region that housed one of the Russian President's nuke missiles was hit by Ukrainian drone, it was claimed yesterday. It allegedly happened just ten miles from an 'indestructible' 30,000 ton munitions storage site that had been obliterated on Wednesday. A huge explosion was triggered when the 'Satan-2' missile was hit, causing locals to panic over fears of a Doomsday detonation. The claim that the missile was destroyed came from a Russian Telegram channel and a news blackout intensified the rumour. Apocalyptic explosions tore apart two massive Russian missile and ammunition storage depots early this morning Vladimir Putin's RS-28 Sarmat 'Satan-2' missile was allegedly hit by the Ukrainian drone strike, triggering a huge explosion It was also claimed that another site, which is reported to house North Korean missiles supplied to Putin by Kim Jong Un, was hit. Mushroom clouds and igniting shells lit up the night sky at this facility in the Russian town of Tikhoretsk in the Krasnodar region in a devastating pinpoint strike by Ukrainian kamikaze drones. An unconfirmed report suggested hundreds of Russian troops may have been based at the 23rd GRAU arsenal in the village of Oktyabrsky in Tver region. If so, their fate is unknown, but there were Russian fears of casualties at both exploded arms depots. NASA satellite imagery indicated ongoing fires at the Tver region site, and there was disruption on a main railway line and evacuation of Staraya Toropa station. 'The number of fires is increasing every minute,' reported the Crimean Wind Telegram channel. Mushroom clouds and igniting shells lit up the night sky at a facility in the Krasnodar region A secret ammunition silo facility at Toropets in Tver region which housed one of the Russian President's (pictured) nuke missiles was hit by Ukrainian drone, it was claimed yesterday Russia claimed to have downed 101 kamikaze drones from Ukraine in overnight work by air defences. The three hits in as many days are a significant blow to the Russian war effort. Russian sources maintained their usual line that the strikes leading to sky-high fireball explosions were from debris of shot down drones, while most experts - including pro-war Moscow analysts - suspect direct hits. Russian officials rarely disclose the full extent of damage inflicted by Ukrainian attacks. Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of Krasnodar region, wrote on his official Telegram channel that Tikhoretsk was 'subjected to a terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime. The detonation site is believed to be a base of military unit 57229-41. It was also claimed that another site, which is reported to house North Korean missiles supplied to Putin by Kim Jong Un, was hit The three hits in as many days are a significant blow to the Russian war effort 'Two drones were suppressed by air defence and electronic warfare forces. 'Due to the fall of debris from one of them, a fire broke out, which spread to explosive objects. Detonation began. 'Currently, for safety reasons, residents of the village located near the site of the fire are being temporarily evacuated to nearby settlements.' Western intelligence had pinpointed the Tikhoretsk missile and ammunition complex as being at the end of a 6,000-mile transit route across Siberia from North Korea for mountains of munitions sent by Kim to aid Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The North Korean firepower was stashed here before being sent to the frontline. Among supplies from Pyongyang are deadly KN-23 missiles and 122mm and 152mm artillery shells. Western secret services had already calculated significant consequences for Russia from the destruction of the first Toropets storage facility earlier this week. The blowing up today of two more arsenals - 1,000 miles apart - will have acute ramifications for dictator Putin. Pro-war Military Informant channel expressed concern at the number of Ukrainian strikes on ammunition facilities, and the reasons given by officials. 'Tikhoretsk is far from the first munitions arsenal hit recently and one can only wonder whether the statements about falling debris from downed drones play a role in this,' said the channel. 'It is one question if these are just statements for a population that is being treated as idiots. 'It is another matter if this is also reflected in the reports going to the top - we don't need more air defence systems, we have shot down everything, just debris falling, force majeure.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint press conference with European Commission President in Kyiv, on September 20 A video grab taken from handout footage released by Russian authorities of the Russian southwestern region of Krasnodar, shows volunteers assisting evacuees from an area targeted by a Ukrainian drone on September 21 Evacuees resting in an emergency shelter after their evacuation from an area targeted by a Ukrainian drone on September 21 Colonel Ants Kiviselg, head of the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre, estimated this week that Russia had lost 'two to three months' supply of ammunition' in the first strike in Tver region. Some 30,000 tons of explosive ordnance were detonated 'which means 750,000 shells'. 'As a result of this attack, Russia has suffered losses in ammunition and we will see the impact of these losses on the front in the coming weeks.' In Ukraine, A 12-year-old boy and two women aged 75 and 79 died in a Russian attack in Kryvyi Rih. As Ukraine has ramped up its domestic drone production over the past two years, it has increased attacks on Russian territory. Ukraine's biggest-ever drone attack struck the Russian capital in September, killing at least one, wrecking homes and disrupting flights at Moscow's airports. March 2023 Edwards announcing the news of Her Majesty's death to the nation in September 2022 Huw Edwards signs new three-year deal with the BBC after praise for the way he led coverage of the Queen's death. It came after he was seen at the offices of the BBC's biggest radio rival Global in August 2022. The News at Ten veteran admitted at the time he was 'thinking about my future'. In June that year he would pick up the best live event honour at the Tric Awards for being among those to cover the state funeral of the late Queen, and in February he received the Broadcast Awards' special recognition award. April 2023 Police were contacted but 'no criminality was identified'. May 6, 2023 Edwards hosts coverage of King Charles's coronation as he lead the BBC broadcast of the historic event. May 18, 2023 A family member of the young person, who was 17 at the time, made an in-person complaint about the behaviour of a BBC presenter. May 19, 2023 A complainant contacted the BBC in a 29-minute call to the BBC's audience services team, and the details were referred to the Corporate Investigations Team. The family member reportedly asked the broadcaster to stop sending their family member cash. The Corporate Investigations Team decided the complaint didn't include an allegation of criminality, but merited more investigation. The investigators email the complainant to get more information but they get no response. June 6, 2023 After getting no reply to the email, the Corporate Investigations Team tries to call the complainant but the call does not connect. However, the Sun reported later that the family said no one from the corporation phoned them for a proper interview after they complained. The BBC said no more attempts to contact the family were made after this date, but that the case 'remained open'. July 5, 2023 Edwards is seen on screen for what would be the last time before the scandal became public, when he covered King Charles's visit to Scotland Huw Edwards is seen for the last time on the BBC as he covered King Charles' visit to Scotland. July 6, 2023 The Sun informs BBC Press Office about allegations against the star presenter. The BBC launches an 'incident management group' of top executives after becoming aware of new allegations 'of a different nature' against the presenter. It is the first time Mr Davie or any executive directors were made aware of the case, according to the BBC. A senior manager holds the first conversation with the presenter concerned. It is agreed he should not appear on air while the allegations are investigated. July 7, 2023 The Sun published its exclusive which alleged that a BBC presenter, unnamed at the time, paid a total of 35,000 for sexual content to someone beginning when they were 17. But a lawyer acting on behalf of the young person told The Sun that evening there was 'no truth' to the claims. The BBC said it would investigate and it made contact with the Metropolitan Police. July 8, 2023 The complainant sends the BBC 'materials related to the complaint'. There is a frenzy of speculation about the identity of the star. Gary Lineker, Jeremy Vine, Rylan Clark and Nicky Campbell all feel obliged to deny that they were the man in question. July 9, 2023 A mocked up version of a reported Instagram message exchange between Edwards and a teenager The BBC confirms that a male presenter has been suspended from all duties. The Sun reports that the presenter allegedly made two phone calls to the young person and pleaded with them to call their mother to stop the investigation. July 10, 2023 BBC representatives and Metropolitan Police detectives meet in the morning to discover if any crimes have been committed. The young person claims through a lawyer that the allegations are 'rubbish'. In response, the Sun said it had 'reported a story about two very concerned parents who made a complaint to the BBC about the behaviour of a presenter and the welfare of their child'. The parents stood by their account to the Sun and the stepfather was quoted in a story saying the allegations were originally put the the BBC 'for an hour'. July 11, 2023 Director-general Tim Davie sends an internal email to staff reiterating that the BBC is taking the allegations 'incredibly seriously' Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie defends the delay in speaking to the BBC presenter. But the BBC admits there were 'lessons to be learned' prompting a boss to assess the protocols. In the afternoon, new claims emerged from the BBC that the presenter sent threatening messages to a second young person. It is claimed they met on a dating app, before the conversation moved to other platforms where the presenter revealed his identity. He then allegedly sent a number of 'threatening messages' to the youngster, which the BBC has seen. The Sun reported the star is also accused of breaking lockdown rules to meet a 23-year-old stranger from a dating site. July 12, 2023 Huw Edwards pictured with his wife Vicky Find in South London in 2018. She has since separated from the former broadcaster in the wake of his recent scandals Huw Edwards is revealed as the BBC presented by his wife Vicky Flind. She said he was 'suffering from serious mental health issues'. The bombshell revelation came just moments after the police said they were 'taking no further action' in the case. But BBC boss Mr Davie sent an email to staff informing them that an internal investigation would continue even though police were no longer involved. The BBC reported fresh allegations from two current junior members of staff and one former member of staff who claim they were sent messages that made them uncomfortable. July 12, 2023 Mr Davie asked for a second review of the BBC's complaints protocols after it was revealed the family were only contacted twice by the corporation - despite the seriousness of the allegations. November 8, 2023 Edwards is arrested, but tells noone. Later speaking to MailOnline, one shocked former colleague and friend said: 'Huw kept his arrest completely secret'. They added: 'It turns out he was arrested four months later and nobody knew. I had no idea until he was charged.' February 27, 2024 The BBC apologised to the young person's family, who'd complained about Edwards two months before he was suspended. An independent report by Deloitte is published into the BBC's complaints handling procedure The publicly-funded broadcaster acknowledged that there had been 'shortcomings' in the way it had dealt with the case as it reviewed its complaints procedures. April, 2024 Edwards took sanctuary in his beloved Wales and was being comforted in Carmarthenshire by his mother Aerona. April 22, 2024 Edwards resigns from the BBC. Broadcasting executive Stewart Purvis CBE said there is 'relief across the BBC' that the 'extraordinarily damaging saga' has been resolved. He added that Edwards having 'walked from the BBC' will be viewed as 'quite a successful outcome' for the corporation. June 26, 2024 Edwards is charged with the possession of indecent images of children. Interrupting coverage of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's statement in the House of Commons, the BBC announced the breaking news on July 29. According to the charge sheet, he was accused of having six category A images, 12 category B pictures and 19 category C photographs on WhatsApp. July 23, 2024 The BBC's annual report reveals Edwards was paid between 475,000 and 479,999 for the year 2023/24 for 160 presenting days, BBC One news specials, election specials and other television programming. This salary marked an increase from 2022/23, when he was paid between 435,000 and 439,999 for 180 days presenting on BBC One, as well as news specials. This was despite him being absent from screens from when the story first broke in July last year until his exit nine months later in April 2024. But he stayed on the payroll while suspended, which is normal BBC policy, and was suffering from serious mental health issues and received in-patient hospital care. The BBC confirmed at the time of his departure that he had not received a pay-off and was leaving 'on the basis of medical advice from his doctors'. Director general Tim Davie defended the pay and the rise, confirming there was 'no settlement payment.' He also said he was not going to 'get into who's spoken to who' when asked if he had spoken to Edwards since his resignation. July 31, 2024 Edwards remained silent as he left the court building surrounded by the press today Edwards pleads guilty to making 41 indecent images of children - and faces jail. The newscaster admitted he kept seven category 'A' images of the very worst kind on his phone after being sent them on WhatsApp by a paedophile. The sick child porn images showed youngsters aged between seven and 14, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. He remained emotionless as he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, between December 2020 and August 2022. His admission now leaves the former news star's glittering four-decade career in tatters. September 16, 2024 Edwards is due to be sentenced - and could face up to 10 years in jail. Speaking shortly after being acquitted of fraud in America in June, UK businessman Mike Lynch said the verdict the probability of which was purported to be just 0.5 per cent was so unexpected, he felt like he had jumped universes. If this had gone the wrong way, he said, it would have been the end of life as I have known it. In a different universe to this one, the tech billionaire, dubbed the British Bill Gates, would have spent this week on his 2,300-acre Suffolk estate, tending to his beloved Red Poll cattle, sheep and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs. Hed start each morning with a long, hot bath thinking time he called it before taking the familys two dachshunds and four sheepdogs for a walk in the autumn sunshine. This weekend, Mike and his wife, Angela, and their two daughters, Hannah, 18, and Esme, 21, would have been at Cliveden Literary Festival in Berkshire, where he was due to give an address on artificial intelligence and the future of technology. Mike Lynch's wife Angela Lynch, 57, faces a 3.02 billion damages claim from US technology giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) against her husbands estate Mike and Hannahs bodies have now been flown back to England by private jet, but as they plan funerals back home, this grieving familys pain has been compounded further Hannah, a luminous, intelligent young woman who won countless academic prizes at Latymer Upper School in west London, had worked so hard to get to Oxford He and Angela had attended the festival for many years, having taken Hannah a dazzling young woman with a passion for poetry to hear some of her favourite authors speak. In a few weeks time, they would be driving her to Trinity College, Oxford, where she had won a place to read English Literature, their hearts bursting with pride. But none of this was to be. Instead, Angela Lynch, 57, finds herself in this universe, a truly unbearable one, in which her husband and younger daughter are both dead. Just over a month has now passed since the pair were among seven people killed when the familys 30 million yacht, Bayesian, sank off the coast of Sicily after being struck by a powerful wind during a violent storm in the early hours of the morning. Myriad questions remain about how a vessel deemed unsinkable by its manufacturers could have gone down so quickly. Three crew members, including the captain, are under investigation for possible manslaughter, and divers are still painstakingly trawling the wreckage for clues. Horrifying details have also emerged about how Hannah and Mike, along with four others found below deck, spent their final moments. The storm hit hard, placing them in the melee of flying furniture, glass and other items, said Stephen Edwards, who captained the yacht for five years until 2020 and has spoken with traumatised crew members who like Angela survived the tragedy. Inside the cabins... people were lying in their beds one minute, and the next the room was on its side, totally dark, with the door now either in the floor or in the ceiling above. Angela and the Lynches elder daughter, Esme, who was not on the trip, have also had to confront shocking medical findings, which showed the six victims of the disaster whose bodies were recovered from the yacht (the seventh was found in the sea) had no water in their lungs, suggesting the cause of death was suffocation due to a lack of oxygen. Just over a month has now passed since the Mike and Angela were among seven people killed when the familys 30 million yacht, Bayesian, sank off the coast of Sicily after being struck by a powerful wind during a violent storm in the early hours of the morning Before his death aged 59, Mike had been embroiled in a transatlantic fraud case, the result of the 2011 sale of his tech group, Autonomy, in which the buyer, HPE, alleged accounting irregularities had led to Lynch and his associates fraudulently inflating the price Hannah had joined her parents aboard the yacht to celebrate getting top A-level grades on August 15, just four days before her death. A strong swimmer, she was overheard by crew members telling her parents that if they got into trouble on the water, shed save them Mike and Hannahs bodies have now been flown back to England by private jet, but as they plan funerals back home, this grieving familys pain has been compounded further. For hanging over Angela is a new $4 billion (3.02 billion) damages claim from US technology giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) against her husbands estate. Before his death aged 59, Mike had been embroiled in a transatlantic fraud case, the result of the 2011 sale of his tech group, Autonomy, in which the buyer, HPE, alleged accounting irregularities had led to Lynch and his associates fraudulently inflating the price. Although hed been cleared of wrongdoing in the US criminal trial, the opposite result was reached in civil proceedings in the UK: in 2022, a High Court judge had ruled he likely knew about impropriety in the company and was therefore liable for damages. There had been speculation HPE would not pursue the claim. But earlier this month, citing difficult decisions, the companys CEO, Antonio Neri, confirmed it would be going ahead. We are making decisions in the best interest of the shareholders, he said. The reality of what happened does not change what occurred in the past decade or so, where we believe wrongdoing was done. The news sent shockwaves through the business community, with Mikes former colleagues and friends slamming the company as heartless. Angela is said to be stunned. Divers searching the wreck of the yacht last month. Shocking medical findings showed the six victims of the disaster whose bodies were recovered from the yacht had no water in their lungs, suggesting the cause of death was suffocation due to a lack of oxygen A first-generation American, born to Colombian parents, Angela a shrewd businesswoman who works under her maiden name Bacares had assiduously stayed out of the limelight throughout her husbands legal ordeal The CEO of HPE talks about hard choices, said a very close friend of the family, speaking exclusively to The Mail on Sunday. Hard choices are deciding which coffins to bury your husband and 18-year-old daughter in. There are also easy choices, such as ending this relentless civil action with a settlement and ceasing to terrorise a grieving widow. Nearly five weeks on from that terrible night off the Sicilian coast, friends say Angela cannot stop crying. She returned to Loudham Hall, the 16th-century farmhouse in Suffolk where the family who also have a London home in Chelsea spend most of their time, two weeks after the disaster. Locals have seen her in the nearby village of Pettistree in a wheelchair, still recovering from deep gashes to her feet caused by shards of glass on the sinking yacht. Andrew Kanter, a technology industry veteran and long-time family friend who attended the Lynches wedding in 2001, has been spending as much time as possible with Angela and Esme. They are, he says, coping with the tragedy as well as anyone could hope for. I still struggle that my friend and colleague, who I spoke with almost every day for a quarter century, is not on the other end of a phone or a text, he told the MoS. Simone Finn, the former Tory deputy chief of staff who has known the Lynches for eight years, credits Angelas strength of character for enduring these dark times. A first-generation American, born to Colombian parents, Angela a shrewd businesswoman who works under her maiden name Bacares had assiduously stayed out of the limelight throughout her husbands legal ordeal. Mike told an interviewer in July that he planned to use his freedom to appeal the High Court decision, as well as funding an organisation to help individuals fight wrongful convictions Friends say Mike was through and through a man of magnetic warmth and humility, who never forgot his roots; all traits he instilled in Hannah Angela, like Mike, came from a working-class background, fought hard for what she had, and shes proud of that, says Baroness Finn. They were so proud of the girls successes, too. Esmes the scientist like her dad he would tell anyone whod listen: My daughter has gone to do physics at Imperial [College London]. And they were so thrilled about Hannah getting a place at Oxford. Hannah, a luminous, intelligent young woman who won countless academic prizes at Latymer Upper School in west London, had worked so hard to get to Oxford. She lit up the classroom, recalls Jon Mitropoulos-Monk, Latymers head of English. She loved literature, learning and life. Hannah had joined her parents aboard the yacht to celebrate getting top A-level grades on August 15, just four days before her death. A strong swimmer, she was overheard by crew members telling her parents that if they got into trouble on the water, shed save them. Patrick Jacob, managing director of Anthem Corporate Finance, and a family friend of some 15 years, says such selflessness came naturally to Hannah, whose loss is unbearable. Hannah and Esme, a keen member of her universitys sailing team, loved spending time aboard the familys 183ft-yacht, which Mike bought in 2014 and named after Thomas Bayes, the 18th-century mathematician whose work on probability influenced his professional thinking. Last months scenic tour of the Gulf of Naples was one theyd made before. Bayesian left the Sicilian port of Cefalu before dropping anchor at Porticello, a fishing hamlet further west, at 7.25pm on August 18. Hannah and Esme, a keen member of her universitys sailing team, loved spending time aboard the familys 183ft-yacht, which Mike bought in 2014 and named after Thomas Bayes, the 18th-century mathematician whose work on probability influenced his professional thinking Nobody knows exactly what occurred around 5am the following morning. Locals blame a downburst, a tornado-like wind a common occurrence but rarely one with fatal results. Various theories access hatches left open, a lightning strike destabilising the towering, 246ft mast, improper anchorage have been put forward, but investigators have not yet come to any conclusions. Divers are still searching the wreckage, 160ft underwater, for data-storage devices and video recordings that may shed some light. Superyacht builder 'preparing to sue Mike Lynch's widow' The Italian Sea Group, which built the Bayesian superyacht, is set to sue the crew and widow of Mike Lynch weeks after the ship went down in a storm. A lawyer for the company has reportedly filed papers signalling its intention to sue for damages to the boat of up to 186 million. The action suggests the boat's sinking will cause the firm reputational damage and loss of earnings, the Sunday Times reported. But, after details of the action were reported, the manufacturer said it had not 'authorised' its lawyer to pursue it. They added that the claim has ordered to be withdrawn. Advertisement Angela is believed to have escaped because, woken by a tilting of the yacht, she went on deck to find out what was going on. Ex-captain Stephen Edwards says this was typical: She is always the first person to come up to the bridge if she hears us scuttling about. That could explain why she was saved and Mike wasnt. Back home, friends say Angela remains racked with guilt that, somehow, she survived. This is a woman who spent more than a decade fiercely protecting her daughters aged just nine and six when fraud charges were first brought against Mike from the anguish of their fathers case. Shortly before he died, he messaged me, saying how wonderful it was to finally sleep peacefully, says Patrick Jacob. For all those years, he said he would wake up only to be overwhelmed by the crushing weight of what he faced. He was writing to describe the joy of... feeling his zest for life return. Mike told an interviewer in July that he planned to use his freedom to appeal the High Court decision, as well as funding an organisation to help individuals fight wrongful convictions. It wasnt so much the damages (the exact figure for which has yet to be determined) that bothered him, he said he and Angela had a combined fortune of 852million, after all but the principle of being found to have done wrong. Reputation mattered to him; so much so that he insisted on giving evidence at his trial in San Francisco, a rarity in white-collar fraud cases, and seemingly won jurors over simply by being himself. Such was his enthusiasm about his animals back home that at one point he was rebuked by the judge, who said the court had heard enough farm stories. As for the apparent villain in this story, sources in the business world say HPE, a publicly-listed company, is bound by fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of its shareholders. A decision not to pursue Mikes estate for damages, which have been sanctioned by a UK court, could be viewed as acting against those interests, leading the shareholders to sue. In Suffolk, the place where Mike who grew up in Essex felt most at home, talk is not of business but of the man behind it. Here, they will miss the biannual parties one in June and a dinner at Christmas at Loudham Hall, at which youd find everyone from local farmers to lords But to the Lynches friends and family, this is no excuse. HP[E] is a commercial enterprise, but if they pursue Mikes family after all his wife and elder daughter have had to endure, they are an utter disgrace and dont deserve any success, says Tony Quested, an old friend and chief executive of Cambridge-based news outlet Business Weekly. Patrick Jacob agrees. Before the bodies are even laid to rest, theyve already begun circling like vultures, demonstrating a complete lack of humanity. In Suffolk, the place where Mike who grew up in Essex felt most at home, talk is not of business but of the man behind it. Here, they will miss the biannual parties one in June and a dinner at Christmas at Loudham Hall, at which youd find everyone from local farmers to lords. It was always humbling to be invited... and find oneself sitting, for example, between the head of the BBC and a local potter, recalls Andrew Kanter. Locals remember Mike as a storyteller, music lover and ardent James Bond fan who liked a pint in the village pub. Dick Smith, 84, who lives in Pettistree, bonded with Mike over their shared love of Red Poll cattle. He did love his animals, he recalls. There were no airs and graces with him at all. This, say friends, was Mike through and through a man of magnetic warmth and humility, who never forgot his roots; all traits he instilled in Hannah. Answers about what happened on the yacht, or who is to blame, are likely to provide little comfort to Angela and Esme, who face milestone after agonising milestone not to mention the shadow of a multi-billion-pound lawsuit without their loved ones. The agony of this grieving mother and daughter truly knows no bounds. l Additional reporting by Silvia Marchetti and Stephanie Condron The BBC has been criticised for including disgraced presenter Huw Edwards in a flagship documentary series. The 63-year-old's voice can clearly be heard in a new three-part documentary series which charts the life of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It comes after director general Tim Davie said it was unlikely that archive BBC footage featuring Edwards would be used in future, although he ruled out a blanket ban. Episode two of The Zelensky Story, which charts events leading up to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, highlights Russia's claims to territory, including the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. It features an audio clip of Edwards reading the news and saying: 'The two regions in question are Donetsk and Luhansk and diplomats warn that recognising these as independent states would give Russia the justification it wants to send in troops.' Huw Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 16 BBC director-general Tim Davie said it was unlikely that archive BBC footage featuring Edwards would be used in future, although he ruled out a blanket ban The clip's inclusion in the BBC2 series has raised eyebrows within the corporation. One insider said: 'It's baffling how this slipped through the net. 'The producers would have known what happened to Edwards and the series would have been seen by senior BBC executives. Why didn't they just replace Edwards?' Last week the father of five was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. During an interview at the Royal Television Society last week, Davie said the use of archive footage featuring the presenter would be considered on a case-by-case basis. 'There may be a documentary, a contextual piece, where we're seeing images from people who are no longer working with us (who) have been, frankly, disgraced,' he said. 'That's how it operates, so we'll have the editorial control of that. Edwards (sketched in court) pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court after his sentencing to a crowd of protestors The former BBC broadcaster was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children In the second episode of a new three-part BBC documentary series which charts the life of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) an audio clip of Edwards is heard reading the news Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) meets Prime Minister Keir Starmer (right) on July 19, 2024 I'm not seeing a scenario in which any Huw Edwards material is used in day-to-day programming or anything else. 'But I think it's wrong of a media organisation or the BBC, with its archive, to say you will never see an image of an individual again.' Prior to Edwards's sentencing, the BBC had started removing content from iPlayer which featured him, including an episode of Doctor Who. A BBC spokesman declined to comment further. Sir Keir Starmer was last night accused of running scared of a TV interrogation after a torrid week for him and his Government. The Prime Minister faced claims he was dodging the BBCs time-honoured pre-Labour conference interview, broadcast this morning, after it emerged that his deputy Angela Rayner would be grilled by Laura Kuenssberg instead. Traditionally it is the party leader who is interviewed as the conference gets under way. And last night there were also reports the embattled PMs chief of staff Sue Gray would now not attend the Liverpool conference amid the controversy over her role at No 10 and donations to Sir Keir. Tory Party chairman Richard Fuller said: Who can blame the PM for running scared after a week where its been revealed he doesnt buy his own clothes, when his chief of staff got a bumper pay rise, and his poll rating has plummeted? Sir Keir Starmer was accused of 'running scared' of a TV interview after he dodged the BBC's time-honoured pre-Labour conference grilling The PM arriving with Angela Rayner at the Labour conference. His deputy will be questioned by the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg BBC sources denied suggestions that Sir Keir had pulled out of the Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show, saying it was known three days ago that Ms Rayner would do the interview. Labour denied any change of plan and pointed out Sir Keir had faced Ms Kuenssberg just two weeks ago. It comes as the Mail On Sunday revealed that the Prime Minister joined celebrity backers for a barbecue party in Downing Street - just hours after laying flowers for the children murdered in the Southport knife attack. The event was attended by Labour donor Lord Waheed Alli, who has given more than 900,000 to the party and its candidates since 2004. Last night there were reports that the PM's Chief of Staff Sue Gray would not attend the conference in Liverpool amid recent controversies Sir Keir Starmer being interviewed on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg in Downing Street on September 7. BBC sources denied he had pulled out of today's episode, saying it was known that Ms Rayner was doing the interview three days ago Other celebrity attendees included TV presenter June Sarpong, soap actress Michelle Collins, and Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson, who present the Scummy Mummies podcast. Sir Keir is understood to have arrived at the party at around 8pm, as violence erupted in Southport, with hundreds attacking a mosque. Meanwhile, Downing Street has confirmed that Sir Keir, Rachel Reeves and Ms Rayner will no longer accept donations for clothing in future, in a bid to draw a line on rows over gifts to senior cabinet members. The PM has come under scrutiny in recent weeks for taking over 100,000 worth of gifts and hospitality in the past five years, including donations to fund glasses as well as his and his wife's clothes. A cop praised for her brutal response to an argumentative man under arrest has been suspended with pay for an unrelated matter. The officer shut down the criminal as they refused to go down quietly after he was bundled into a police vehicle in Cessnock, in NSW's Hunter Valley, in February 2022. Footage showed the officer telling the man to 'stop being a f***wit' with her brutal response gaining the praise of Aussies around the country. The video has since resurfaced and went viral with more than 253,000 views and nearly 500 comments made on one Instagram account in the last two days. A NSW Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday the officer had been reminded of her 'professional responsibilities' at the time. It has since emerged that she has been suspended with pay for a matter unrelated to the foul-mouthed encounter. The 31-year-old man had been arrested for an outstanding warrant for property offences. Footage showed the man shouting in the back of the paddy wagon. The no-nonsense officer stood beside a police wagon and hushed the troublesome detainee 'You do what you have to do,' he said, apparently inviting the officer to Taser him. 'I'm not going to Taser you. (But) You're the one that stole s***. You're the one with a warrant. You're the one in the dog box,' she retorted. 'Yeah? Whoop-de-f***ing-do,' the man shouted. The officer quickly cut him off, visibly fed-up. 'Whoop-de-do? Stop being a f***wit,' she snapped. The man appeared to make a comment about the officer's ability to do her job. 'At least I've got a job,' she said. The arrested man mumbled something back to her prompting her to continue with her savage put down. 'What stealing s**t? Is that your job?' she said. The footage was captured by a local. Social media users were quick to praise the duty officer for her 'quality banter'. 'She's just telling some raw truth, he needs it,' one wrote. 'Maybe if more people were told the realities of life, they wouldn't need to be arrested,' another said. The cop was praised for telling the arrestee some 'raw truths' by viewers as the video went viral One viewer empathised with the officer's demanding day-to-day job. 'I can't stand it when professionals are expected to tip-toe around the truth with people that refuse to help themselves. She told it to him straight,' he wrote. 'Most Aussie cops are pretty laid back and cool... in my experience anyway,' another said. A number of commenters simply said 'good on her'. A NSW Police spokesman said the arrested man fronted Cessnock Local Court on March 23, 2022. 'The matter has since been finalised in the courts.' Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov-thought to be, for good reason, "Putin's foot soldier"-gave the world a shake on his latest claim: that Elon Musk somehow hacked his Tesla Cybertruck remotely, where he claimed to have sent to the front lines to fight against Ukraine. It's certainly an odd statement from him, especially after earlier statements from him boasting on social media about a new Cybertruck-much this time with a machine gun-but very defiantly gloating over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. If you had played Twisted Metal before, you would have already known that this weaponized pickup truck could pass as an official vehicle for a character in this game. How Did Kadyrov Get a Cybertruck? The report itself was controversial the moment it was published for several reasons. It is not clear how he got a Tesla Cybertruck, given the severe sanctions against Russia and Kadyrov personally. Such a high-tech device should have been blocked from being obtained by sanctions. However, Kadyrov has ruled the Chechen Republic for over a decade, and it seems that nothing is too big for him. Not even international sanctions are pretty in his way. According to CNN's report last month, Kadyrov also claimed that the Cybertruck was a gift from none other than Elon Musk himselfan accusation that the billionaire quickly rejected. The idea of this business tycoon giving one of the most high-tech vehicles to the infamous Kadyrov created a buzz on social media, and Musk was swift in rejecting the accusation. Read Also: [WATCH] Tesla Cybertruck Owner Breaks Finger After Sticking it in the Closing Trunk Why Cybertruck Was Sent to Ukraine? About two weeks later, Kadyrov restated his fabricated report. He claimed that the Cybertruck had been sent to the war front in Ukraine. According to him, Tesla's cybertruck served on the frontline of the war with Russia. However, this last twist to the saga happened when Kadyrov reported on Telegram that Musk had remotely disabled the Cybertruck, an action meant to shut it down from thousands of miles away. Kadyrov even repeated the lie that Musk had gifted him the car. Well, the Tesla CEO had already denied it. Truth or Propaganda? Of course, everything Kadyrov says is suspect. Media outlets like RT, which most people know because of their propagandistic status, are publishing the story. That is not exactly a stamp of approval. As always, such reports must be taken with a grain of salt, Electrek indicates in its latest report. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov loves his Cybertruck technical so much that he's sent two more to the front lines. But you know who isn't so pleased? Elon Musk. Kadyrov revealed via his Telegram channel that his viral first Cybertechnical the Cybertruck he had custom fitted with... pic.twitter.com/kyzFN1OIhL RT (@RT_com) September 20, 2024 Musk vs. Kadyrov: Who's Telling the Truth? Whom do we believe here Elon Musk or a notorious Chechen warlord? In this case, it is very hard to take anyone's word. Kadyrov has been known to tell very outrageous, unsubstantiated lies on occasion, and this was probably another fabrication in a long series. On the other hand, if one bases a verdict on Musk's capability to make a Tesla immobile, then it is vastly incredulous that he gifted Kadyrov a Tesla, let alone promised to become a political player in the conflict of Ukraine. Of course, Tesla cars have intrinsic remote capabilities, so the firm can shut them down if needed. That can occur when a car has been used or acquired illegally. Was that what happened here? Perhaps. Or maybe, as some have speculated, the Cybertruck broke down, and Kadyrov devised the story of the remote shutdown to save face. What Does This Say About the Russian Army? The curiously shutting Cybertruck aside, this situation raises another question: what does it tell about Russia's military if they're using Cybertrucks for combat? The optics on a high-tech electric pickup truck meant for geeky consumers taking part in a war zone are pretty bizarre, if not hilarious, at full stretch. This is a wild collection of unverified claims and questionable sources, with internet speculation galore. Whether or not Musk indeed disabled the Cybertruck of Kadyrov remotely, one thing is certain. This tale is doing little to help improve the credibility either of Kadyrov or Russia on the world stage. Related Article: Tesla Cybertruck Flips in Mississippi Crash: Low Center of Gravity Challenged A shamed minister has been booted out of the Church of Scotland after admitting he helped to defraud three elderly brothers of property and cash worth more than 1 million. For more than 20 years Reverend Ivan Warwick was a respected figure in the Kirk, serving in parishes around the country and even preaching to the future King Charles. But in one of the worst scandals to rock the Church in recent decades, he cynically abused his position to gain control of the finances of the vulnerable pensioners draining their bank accounts and selling off the farmhouse they lived in together. Now The Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal that, in a rare move, the Kirk has stripped him of his status as a minister. A disciplinary tribunal this month ruled Warwick, 70, was guilty of 'extreme and egregious' acts of 'dishonest and deceitful behaviour'. Kirk officials then decided he could no longer be a minister a move they described as 'the ultimate sanction'. Ivan Warwick with King Charles. The reverend has been kicked out of the Church of Scotland after he cynically abused his position to gain control of the finances of the vulnerable pensioners The scam began when Warwick, then minister of Fodderty and Strathpeffer Parish Church, befriended Hugh, Roddy and David McCulloch three unmarried, brothers who had lived at Logie Farm in Ross-shire for 30 years, looking after each other while raising cattle and sheep. In 2013, Warwick along with his friend, local businessman Douglas Stewart tricked the McCullochs, who were in their late 70s and 80s into giving them power of attorney, then duped the brothers into giving away their home and land. Warwick and Stewart then evicted the brothers two of whom suffered from dementia and sold the farmhouse for 390,000, as well as taking 800,000 from their bank accounts. The McCullochs are all now dead but the decision to kick Warwick out of the Church was last night welcomed by their cousin Helen Fraser. She said: 'He abused his position to defraud three vulnerable brothers. Now he's admitted to the Church what he did, it's about time he admitted it to the police as well. 'My cousins were victims of a dreadful crime which still needs to be properly investigated. I won't stop until I get justice.' In 2017, Mrs Fraser took two of the brothers to Dingwall police station to complain they were being 'ripped off' but no criminal action was taken after Warwick and Stewart told officers they were acting in the best interests of the brothers. An independent financial watchdog later discovered the fraud and launched a civil case at Inverness Sheriff Court. In her written judgment in 2022, Sheriff Sara Matheson ordered Warwick and Stewart to repay the money after concluding they 'took advantage of the brothers' and gained control of their finances 'by fraud or circumvention.' She slammed Warwick for using his position as a minister to add a 'veneer of respectability' to the scam. Meanwhile the Church of Scotland launched its investigations with the disciplinary tribunal ruling he should lose his status as minister with immediate effect. David, Hugh and Roddy McCulloch. The elderly brothers were duped by Warwick into giving away their home and land Ahead of the hearing, Warwick admitted a 'dishonest scheme' for his own 'personal gain' which had deprived the McCullochs of 'property and sums of money' amounting to 1.15 million. The Kirk tribunal said: 'Three vulnerable, elderly men were abused by Mr Warwick and his actions were entirely at odds with his obligations as a minister.' A Church of Scotland spokesman added: 'A decision was taken to remove his status as a minister. The tribunal reached the conclusion the ultimate sanction is the appropriate censure in this case.' This summer we reported that Police Scotland are reviewing the case after an official report criticised how officers handled the original investigation. The force last night confirmed investigations are still ongoing. Warnings have been issued as a megastorm will strike Britain today with six weeks' worth of rain set to lash down in just 12 hours. The 200-mile-wide storm will see large areas of the country battered by rain for the whole day. 45 flood warnings and alerts have been issued and up to three inches of rain could fall in some areas, according to weathermen. The Met Office said: 'Showers and thunderstorms are expected to merge into broader areas of heavy rain across parts of Wales, central and southern England during Sunday.' The Environment Agency said: 'Local flooding is possible from surface water and rivers.' Flooding in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire after a thunderstorm in the area on Friday A flooded car park in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire after a thunderstorm in the area on Friday Nick Finnis from Netweather said: 'All good things come to an end. After a summery run across the UK, it's turning a lot wetter.' Thunder and lightning, hail and rain struck various parts of the country on Saturday, including Luton, Bedfordshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Cornwall, with heavy downpours in London, Wales and Birmingham. More than 900 homes lost power across North Staffordshire yesterday as thundery conditions moved in. As the afternoon wore on skies turned grey across many places with thunder heard and lightning spotted in the skies. The autumn equinox takes place on Sunday, which marks the end of summer and the start of autumn. A weather warning for rain has come into force lasting all of Sunday for Wales and central south-west England, and another on Monday, stretching to cover areas further east and further north. Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: 'With Sunday marking the autumnal equinox summer has now officially come to an end, and it ended with a bang for some of us. 'We've seen some very heavy showers and thunderstorms spreading their way in across southern areas of England, into parts of Wales as well during the course of today. Traffic on the M3 motorway near Basingstoke during wet weather on Friday People sit on the flooded courtyard of the White Cross Pub on the River Thames at high tide in Richmond, London on September 20 Thunder and lightning, hail and rain struck various parts of the country on Saturday, including Luton, Bedfordshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Cornwall, with heavy downpours in London, Wales and Birmingham 'This evening, those will continue to rumble their way on a bit, spreading again into parts of Midlands, Wales, then maybe just clipping the far south of Northern Ireland as well. 'Into the early hours of tomorrow morning we'll also see our next batch of thundery rain moving its way into southern areas of England as well.' He continued: 'We do then have a rain warning in force throughout Sunday for this band of rain that's going to be moving across Wales, central southern areas of England. 'Some very heavy pulses are possible with some surface water issues, travel disruption, so it is worth taking care if you are out and about or travelling during the day.' A former personal assistant of Mohamed Al-Fayed has accused the disgraced businessman of groping her in front of his three children when she was only 19. Catherine first met the Harrods owner in 1990 during an interview for the role in his office inside the luxury department store and was immediately hired on the spot. While she thought she had landed her 'dream job', it soon turned into a nightmare as after just a few months into the role, when she was invited to Al-Fayed's country mansion in Oxted, Surrey. But while she was there, Catherine claims he 'put his hand right up my skirt and sort of groped me', all while three of his children were in the room. Catherine, who is now in her early 50s, is still haunted by her harrowing experience with 'monster' Al-Fayed, along with dozens of other women who have accused the late billionaire of sexual assault and, in some cases, rape. While Al-Fayed did not face justice for his alleged crimes, after his death last year at the age of 94, it has emerged that prosecutors they failed twice to bring charges against him while he was alive. Mohamed Al Fayed, who died last year aged 94, is accused of raping and assaulting multiple women during his time as Harrods owner from 1985 to 2010 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 A former personal assistant of Al-Fayed has accused the disgraced businessman of groping her in front of his three children at his Surrey mansion (pictured) when she was only 19 Al-Fayed acquired Harrods from House of Frasier in 1985 at a cost of 615million and retained ownership until 2010, when he sold the department store to Qatar Holdings for 1.5billion. Catherine said she was hired as his personal assistant at the department store in 1990, when she was 19-years-old. Within four or five months of working there, she was invited to Al-Fayed's country mansion in Oxted to help his daughter Camilla with piano lessons. She told The Sunday Telegraph: 'When I got there he introduced me to his children and his wife. He made you feel that if you worked for him, you were like family.' Catherine said he led her into a huge playroom with the piano inside as well as a children's ball pit. 'Out of nowhere he picked me up, put his hand right up my skirt and sort of groped, and threw me in,' she said. 'I remember being submerged and resurfacing and all of them were laughing at me.' Catherine recalled the sexual assault took place in front of three of Al-Fayed's children and just after his wife had left the room. Later that night, he again tried to assault her, but luckily she was able to fend him off before barricading her room with a chest of drawers, Catherine said. It was just a few months later after the alleged incident that Catherine was sacked from her role after pushing Al-Fayed away when 'he tried to go up my blouse'. Late billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed has been described as 'a monster' amid claims he raped multiple women working for him at Harrods Al Fayed unveils a memorial to his son Dodi and Britain's Diana Princess of Wales at Harrods in London in 2005 Lawyers representing women claiming they were sexually assaulted by Al Fayed say they have 'had over 150 new enquiries' since the airing of a damning BBC documentary earlier this week. Five women allege they were raped by Al Fayed, with dozens of others alleging sexual misconduct. The new enquiries relate to a 'mix of survivors and individuals with evidence about Al Fayed'. The Crown Prosecution Service has admitted that it was passed evidence from police about Al-Fayed's alleged crimes but decided not to bring charges against him, according to The Sunday Times. A CPS spokeswoman told the paper: 'We reviewed files of evidence presented by the police in 2009 and 2015. 'To bring a prosecution the CPS must be confident there is a realistic prospect of conviction. 'In each instance our prosecutors looked carefully at the evidence and concluded this was not the case.' Barrister Bruce Drummond, part of the legal team representing 37 alleged victims in a civil case against Harrods, told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday: 'This is the worst case of corporate sexual exploitation of young women that I have ever seen, and I think probably the world has ever seen.' Al Fayed has been accused of raping five women during his 25-year tenure at the luxury retail outlet (pictured), with at least 15 other women saying they were sexually assaulted by him Some of Fayed's assaults are said to have been carried out at his Park Lane property in London Mr Drummond added that his legal team was working 'very closely' with Gloria Allred, seen as a stalwart lawyer in women's rights cases in the US, because the assaults are also alleged to have taken place in America. He said some of the survivors come from Malaysia, Dubai, Canada and France, while the Ritz Hotel in Paris, which Al Fayed once owned, had also been the scene of alleged assaults. Mr Drummond said on the programme: 'It's very much a global case, it's not just the UK. It happened all over the world.' Harrods said earlier this week in a statement: '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 Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.' Harrods added that it had been a 'priority' to settle claims since 'new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Fayed'. In relation to that statement, Mr Drummond said it was 'absolutely inconceivable' the current owners of Harrods, the state of Qatar, could not have known about any 'outstanding claims or liabilities' against the business at the time of purchasing it in 2010. He added: 'If you buy a company then you take with it the responsibilities of that company.' A man arrested over a double murder in inner-city Melbourne almost 50 years ago has been identified. Perry Kouroumblis was just 17-years-old when Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, were found dead in their Easey St sharehouse in Collingwood on January 13, 1977. Now aged 65, Kouroumblis was arrested at Leonardo Da Vinci Airport on Thursday, in the Italian capital Rome, over the slayings that shocked Australia. It emerged on Sunday that Kouroumblis had been pulled over by the police, who then found a knife in the boot of his car, just two weeks after the killings. At the time, Kouroumblis lived in Bendigo St, Collingwood, close to the home where Ms Armstrong and Ms Bartlett were killed in what became know as the 'Easey Street murders'. Ron Iddles, who went on to become a homicide investigator but who in 1977 was just three years on the force, stopped Kouroumblis near the scene of the slayings. The now retired Mr Iddles found a knife in the boot of the car, which he later gave to detectives, he told the Herald Sun. He said Kouroumblis did not give him any trouble during the stop and search. Perry Kouroumblis (pictured) was arrested at Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, in the Italian capital Rome, over the slayings that shocked Australia Suzanne Armstrong (pictured) was murdered in the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood in 1977 'He was alright because I knew him. I never forgot it,' Mr Iddles said. 'I'd go so far as to say it was a '68 HK Holden.' The then teenaged Kouroumblis said he had found the weapon at nearby railway tracks under a pedestrian overpass. Decades later, Mr Iddles looked into the Easey St killings as a cold case, and said the arrest of Kouroumblis was a 'fantastic result for homicide and Victoria Police'. The suspect, who is a dual citizen of Australia and Greece, had been living in Greece for several years, but could not be detained there to due to a statute of limitations on murder charges. The police were forced to wait until Kouroumblis left Greece before he could be arrested, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said. 'There is a 20-year, as I understand, statute bar on initiation of murder charges (in Greece). 'Our warrant wasn't issued within that 20-year period and so it was a matter of waiting, if you like, until he was outside of Greece. 'I don't know the reason why the suspect was in Italy, or was transitioning through or to Rome. 'All I know is that through having the warrants in place, through working with Interpol, the red notice has worked.' The Interpol red notice, which triggered the suspect's arrest in Italy, included two charges of murder and one charge of rape. It's unclear why Kouroumblis flew to Rome, but he remains in custody there as Australia starts the legal process to bring him back. Mr Patton described the murders as 'an absolutely gruesome, horrific, frenzied homicide'. He said advances in technology, investigative techniques and retracing statements had contributed to the breakthrough. 'This is Victoria's most serious cold case and longest cold case that we have ever solved, and that's why it is such a significant achievement,' the Chief Commissioner said. 'There is simply no expiry date on crimes that are as brutal as this.' Ms Armstrong and Ms Bartlett were last seen alive on January 10, 1977, and their bodies were found three days later. Ms Bartlett's 16-month-old son Gregory was found unharmed in his cot. Their deaths shocked the nation, but no one has been arrested until now. Susan Bartlett (left) and Suzanne Armstrong (right) were murdered in their home on Easey Street in Collingwood in 1977 Victoria Police offered a $1million reward in 2017 to catch those responsible. The women's families said it was difficult to express their level of appreciation to investigators who tirelessly pursued answers and justice for so long. 'The perseverance and dedication required to achieve the result today is something to truly behold,' they said in a statement on Saturday. 'For always giving us hope and never giving up, we simply say, thank you.' The women had been at school together in Benalla, in Victoria's high country, and their families said their deaths changed many lives 'irrevocably'. 'We will be forever grateful for the support and understanding shown to us by our friends and family over the past 47 years,' they said. Mr Patton said though the arrest was an important breakthrough, it was 'just the start of the journey' as the investigation continued. He said the federal attorney-general would start the process of extraditing the man and Italian courts would set the timeline, but he doesn't expect Australian law enforcement officers to travel to Italy for at least a month. 'We'll need to provide some evidence and there will be detectives from Victoria going over (to) give that evidence to justify the extradition,' Mr Patton said. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton (pictured) described the murders as 'an absolutely gruesome, horrific, frenzied homicide' Kouroumblis' brother Tony told the Herald Sun the arrest was a 'big mistake'. 'I don't believe he has done anything, I can't believe it,' he said. 'I don't think he was capable of doing anything like that. I think it's a big mistake. We will see what happens.' Charges against the suspect reportedly cannot be laid until the suspect lands back in Australia. A white Utah woman's life changed forever after she made a remarkable discovery from submitting her DNA to learn more about her family's history. Deena Hill, a genealogist from Mount Pleasant, Utah submitted a DNA sample to Ancestry.com in 2016 only to find out her family's roots cross many waters, as the results revealed she once had roots in Igbo Land, Nigeria. She originally took the test hoping to dispel a long-running family rumor of Cherokee blood, only to discover she had several African-American cousins, one being Desi Campbell of North Carolina. Seeking more information on her familial history Hill contacted Campbell further unraveling the mystery of how an Italian-English woman from Utah and an African-American man from North Carolina could be related. 'I was shocked to find out that I had African-American blood, but was so excited by this new information,' Hill told The Pilot. Deena Hill, a genealogist from Mount Pleasant, Utah submitted a DNA sample to Ancestry.com in 2016 only to find out her family's roots cross many waters, as the results revealed she once had roots in Igbo Land, Nigeria She originally took the test hoping to dispel a long-running family rumor of Cherokee blood, only to discover she had several African-American cousins, one being Desi Campbell of North Carolina Hill already knew she had family roots in the Sicily region of Italy from her fathers side and an English heritage from her mothers side - but still sought to find her and Campbell's common ancestor Hill already knew she had family roots in the Sicily region of Italy from her fathers side and an English heritage from her mothers side - but still sought to find her and Campbell's common ancestor. After many phone calls and deep-dives into documents - wills, deeds and census data - the picture became clear for the newly discovered cousins. Hill is the third great granddaughter of a man named Nelson Holder Ritchie whose mother was a slave who would eventually become pregnant by a nephew of the Holder family. A neighbor then bought Jane and moved her to Missouri where she birthed Hill's great-great-great grandfather, Holder Ritchie, who would eventually settle in Utah later in his life. Janes parents are Sarah and Sherod McNeill, who had 13 children - one of them being daughter Jane and another a son by the name of Gabriel McNeill - who is the third great-grandfather of Desi Campbell. This is where Campbell and Hills life intersect: They are first cousins five times removed. Since their life-altering discovery Hill and Campbell have started contacting dozens of their Nigerian relatives. Some of the relatives contacted were Uzoma Kalu (left), from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Oliver Udemba (right) from Raleigh, North Carolina 'We started contacting them and finding out our heritage, and we could actually narrow it down to a town - its in Igbo Land. Igbo Land is just a little section of Nigeria,' Hill told KUTV Since their life-altering discovery Hill and Campbell have started contacting dozens of their Nigerian relatives. 'We started contacting them and finding out our heritage, and we could actually narrow it down to a town - its in Igbo Land. Igbo Land is just a little section of Nigeria,' Hill told KUTV. The research duo found that Igbo land consists of five states, Anambra, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu. One of the relatives Hill contacted was Uzoma Kalu, who lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 'Since that time, Deena has been in contact with me for information and also Mr. Campbell from North Carolina. I have relayed the information to my family in Nigeria in Ohaifia,' she said. Campbell made contact with Oliver Udemba, another cousin in Raleigh, North Carolina. 'I am 100% Igbo, so Im as African as it gets! Ive met a lot of groups, DNA test groups, that are connected to my family,' said Udemba. Hill's now very thorough investigation has lead to her realization that many African Americans have ancestors who were forced into the U.S. as slaves thus destroying their identities. Even with this reality, DNA technology is giving hope to families searching for answers and throwing in a few surprises. Udemba said on a regular basis he's getting calls from new relatives of a different ethnicity but still have DNA matches just like Hill just as eager to learn more about their Nigerian heritage. 'So even though their color, their pigment might look different from mine, but right inside what flows through their veins, theres a lot of Igbo there. Theres a lot of my family there,' said Udemba. Since Hill shared her story of researching her familys history with KUTV, she said shes received numerous questions from people interested in learning about their own familys ancestry. She mentioned seeking documents from the Freedman Bureau and other resources including DNA genealogy sites that have helped in piecing together missing parts of her ancestry. A boy is back home and on the mend after his father kidnapped him in May and set a car on fire with the child still inside. Bennett Dornellas, 3, suffered third-degree burns on 90 percent of his body, but was still pictured smiling in the days before his release Monday. His father, 32-year-old Joshua Bennett Dornellas, was arrested after leading deputies on a chase that began in South Caroline and ended in Georgia with the car engulfed in flames. It began with the violent assault of Bennett and his mother at the family's home in Anderson County, cops said - leading Dornellas to kidnap the boy and drive him down I-85 across state lines. Georgia State police soon became involved, and Dornellas eventually set the truck he was driving ablaze before jumping out at speeds of 55 mph. Bennett was left inside to burn, but deputies were miraculously able to save his life. Four months later, Bennett is back home, and his dad is being held without bond. Scroll down for video: Bennett Dornellas, 3, suffered third-degree burns on 90 percent of his body after his father kidnapped him in May and set a car on fire with him still inside. He is seen here at a burn center in Augusta, Georgia, from which he was released Tuesday His father, 32-year-old Joshua Bennett Dornellas, is in custody, after leading deputies on a chase that ended with the car fire in Georgia, after beginning in South Carolina 'Today was amazing! Lots of tears shed, happy tears,' Bennetts mother, Chelsea Oliver, said in a post to social media in celebration of Bennett's release. 'Thank you all,' said the woman, who recently split from the suspect and shares several other kids with him. 'We are forever grateful for you all! We will miss all our amazing nurses and doctors but we will be going back often for checkups and future surgeries.' In a follow-up, Oliver wrote: 'Bennett is sound asleep and so happy to be home!! 'He laughed so much at uncle Jeremy and ridge playing with [W]oodys hat,' she added, referencing Bennet's trusty Toy Story figure that's been by his side throughout his stay in the ICU. 'So happy all my babies are under one roof and we get to spend quality time together.' The post radiated positivity, despite the severe scarring and burns still visible on the boy's face. Photos showed him reunited with Oliver out front of the family residence, while another showed him flashing a heartwarming smile once inside. The boy is seen here outside his home with his mother, Chelsea Oliver, on Monday, as his road to recovery continues Pictured, the family home back in May after Bennett was kidnapped by his father, following an alleged incident of abuse involving the boy and his mother Bennet during better days. His family said he's happy to be home with his siblings and toys Similar scenes were recorded by Oliver during her son's four-month stay at the burn center in Augusta where he recovered, after his father allegedly kidnapped him and doused him with gasoline before setting him alight. First fleeing from the home where Bennet lives with his mother, Dornellas snatched the boy, drove him away in his truck, and threatened to kill the child when officers began to close in, Georgia State Patrol officials said. Troopers, at that point, attempted a box-in maneuver to stop the truck's progress, but were ultimately unsuccessful. The Georgia agency stated that's when the suspect - who has a history of violence that caused a split with his spouse - intentionally set his car on fire with the child still inside. He jumped out of the driver's window while traveling 55 mph, leaving the car to crash into an embankment fully engulfed in flames near mile marker 166, cops said. Officers were able to quickly retrieve the boy from the vehicle, but not before he was badly burned across almost his entire body. Medical professionals took over the rest, hooking him up to a ventilator and carrying out a series of surgeries to close up all of his skin. They were ultimately successful, though even his after his release last week, he will still have to undergo several more procedures during return visits to Augusta as he continues to recover. His trusty Woody figure has been by his side all the way, as he continues to put on a brave face amid his road to recovery. His dad, meanwhile, faces a laundry list of charges for his actions As for his father, he had a court appearance on September 9, where he was denied bond for a third time. He remains in custody amid an investigation being handled by the Georgia State Patrol, after the Anderson County Sheriff already said Dornellas was arrested at the family home in Belton on April 21 for leaving Bennet and four other children, all under the age of 11, alone at home. One of those children, a toddler, was later found wandering in the street, cops said. A few days later, police charged him with domestic violence after he assaulted the childs mother, prompting her to take an order of protection against Dornellas. This paved the way for the incident on May 8, which left Bennett with '3rd-degree burns throughout 90% of his little body,' the family said in an online fundraiser that has since raised more than $80,000. Dornellas - who drove a gold F-150 - is facing a long list of criminal charges, including criminal attempt to commit murder, kidnapping, aggravated battery, cruelty to children in the first degree, arson in the first degree, aggravated assault on a police officer, and endangering a child while driving under the influence. He faces a host of motor vehicle and traffic offenses as well, as well as more than 20 years in prison if found guilty. A trial date was not immediately set. Spot fires are still being worked on Firefighters have successfully 'knocked down' a dangerous 200m by 300m fire in Sydney's south, but crews are still on scene to 'mop up' spot fires. Several fire crews worked through Sunday to contain a fire that reignited near an equestrian centre in Sydney's Malabar Headlands, after firefighters had previously worked to stamp out two blazes ignited on early Sunday morning. Fire and Rescue received the alert of the fire near Malabar Headlands at about 12.18pm on Sunday, with reports flames were encroaching on the South East Equestrian Club located at Anzac Rifle Range. Six trucks were deployed both to the equestrian club and to surrounding area to battle the blaze. Superintendent Jim O'Carroll, speaking with NewsWire at 3.20pm, confirmed the fire had been knocked down but there were still seven fire trucks on scene. 'The area that was alight has been knocked out and now crews are now mopping up some hot spots,' he said. The fire was earlier marked by Fires Near Me as being 'out-of-control', and residents were told to monitor conditions in case the situation changes. Firefighters were previously called into the site overnight on Sunday, and extinguished a small grass fire in the area just after 2am, and again at about 10.30am on Sunday. Fire and Rescue received the alert of the fire near Malabar Headlands at about 12.18pm on Sunday (pictured crews at the scene) Spot fires are still being battled by firefighters on Sydney's northern beaches Superintendent O'Carroll said the 'extremely inaccessible' location of the fire made it difficult for firefighters to put out, leading to a several hours-long battle. There were no street hydrants available for a water source, he said, so the fire crews had set up a 'water relay' between trucks to get water to the fire. 'We couldn't get trucks up there,' he said, While the fires were considered low-level, they posed a risk to nearby horse stables. 'At its peak, it was a 300m by 200m fire, at its peak,' he said. - at its peak 'It started to impinge on the fence on the equestrian centre and so we placed a couple of fire trucks there for protection.' No property had been damaged in the fire, he said. Eight fire trucks were called in on Sunday morning, plus drones to help assess the extent of the fires. While the source has yet to be determined a Fire and Rescue spokesman said the windy conditions and high temperatures exacerbated fire-prone conditions. Firefighters were first called to a small grass fire about 2am on Sunday. Pictured is South East Equestrian Club under threat Fire and rescue crews are working to contain a grass fire in Sydney's south at Malabar Headland (Picture: Nine) On Saturday, residents in Sydney's northern beaches were warned to take shelter after out-of-control blazes from hazard reduction burns threatened nearby property. Rural Fire Service inspector Ben Shepherd said gusty winds carried the embers past their containment lines and pushed the fires east. No homes were believed to have been damaged by the fires, and the emergency warning was downgraded to advice in the afternoon. Superintendent O'Carroll said the situation would shortly be handed over to the National Parks service. She has launched her presidential campaign on a platform of taking on corporate wrongdoing and clamping down on billionaires. But in practice, Kamala Harris is seeking advice from the same big business leaders she claims to be raging against. The vice president has been attempting to woo captains of industry by inviting them to lunches and personally guided White House tours. Among those who have had Harris' ear of late is billionaire Mark Cuban, who has been involved in texts, calls and email chains providing his advice on pharmacy issues, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Shark Tank investor has been vocal in his opposition to 'pharmacy middlemen', a line which Harris has subsequently trotted out. Kamala Harris has been publicly critical of tax breaks for billionaires and pledged to tackle corporate greed but in private she has been wooing business leaders Cuban was among those present at a roundtable hosted by the vice president about the issue in March. In contrast to Joe Biden, the vice president has taken pains to cultivate a relationship with corporate America through more than just formal meetings. Sources told the Wall Street Journal she had lunch with JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. The two have since kept in contact according to insiders, who reported that Dimon told associates that she was 'reasonable' and open to a dialogue. Dimon's wife Judy was also in attendance at a dinner with Harris, hosted by Peter Scher, vice chairman of JPMorgan Chase, at his Maryland home, which took place just hours after Biden dropped out. Harris herself has also hosted executives at the Vice President's Naval Observatory residence. Among the attendees were Visa CEO and Democrat, Ryan McInerney, Motorola Solutions Greg Brown, who is a Republican, and CVS Healths Karen Lynch. The tactic has already paid off in terms of donations, with Harris' campaign raking in nearly $2 million from 5,000 CEO donors. Among those who have the Vice President's ear are Shark Tank investor and billionaire Mark Cuban This compares to just $91,000 from about 990 CEO's which Biden received in the final ten days before his withdrawal from the race. Harris has criticized rival Donald Trump for pledging to give tax breaks to billionaires. But she has recently supported a less steep increase in the top capital-gains tax rate, in a break with Biden's plans. A Harris adviser stated that while she supports a billionaire minimum income tax, she is open to revisiting tax structures in a different to the president. Her approach has reassured some business leaders, including Roger Hochschild, former CEO of Discover, who was among 100 CEOs who penned a letter endorsing Harris. However Harris' charm offensive has not been enough to quell fears among some billionaires. John Paulson, known for his lucrative bet against subprime mortgages in 2007, said on Tuesday that he would pull all his assets out of the stock market if the Democrat nominee wins. 'I think if Harris were elected, I would pull my money from the market,' he said on Fox Business' The Claman Countdown. JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has reportedly kept in touch with Harris since the two had lunch earlier this year. His wife Judy (pictured) is a Harris supporter 'I'd go into cash and I'd 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.' The founder of Paulson & Co. whose estimated net worth is $3.8 billion went on to describe how he thinks Harris' tax policies would scare investors, resulting in a 'pretty quick recession.' The vice president also raised eyebrows earlier this year when she claimed to have rejected a life of wealth in favor of public service - despite having a combined net worth of $8 million with her husband Doug Emhoff. The couple own a home in Los Angeles worth $4.4 million and she not only enjoys an annual salary of $235,100 as vice president but sold her San Francisco apartment for $860,000 and the couple's Washington, DC apartment for $1.85 million. They currently live at the vice president's residence at the Naval Observatory, a campus of 80 acres. The 9,150 square foot home has 33 rooms and a large pool. A rioter who suffered instant karma when he was struck in the head and the groin by bricks in Southport was arrested after being recognised by police at A&E. Painter and decorator Brian Spencer, 39, was injured while trying to goad police during a riot that followed the horrific knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance club that claimed the lives of three young girls on July 29. Footage later went viral of Spencer, wearing a grey tracksuit, approaching a line of police officers holding riot shields as they were pelted with missiles in the Merseyside town. But as he tried to provoke a reaction from the officers, he was nearly sent tumbling to the floor as a giant brick smashed into his face and the back of his head at the same time. One flying brick rebounded off a riot shield into his face, while another connected with the back of his head. The rioter was seen wearing a grey tracksuit, dancing and jumping around in the street as violence took over Southport Minutes later he is seen approaching a line of police officers protecting themselves with riot gear, swinging his hips and gyrating, before striking a pose The rioter was nearly sent flying to the floor, after a giant brick smashed into his face after rebounding off a police shield As he walked way from the group of officers rubbing the back in the head, he was hit by a third brick - this time in the crotch As he tried to walk away with blood coming from a head wound, he was then hit with a third brick in the crotch. It has now emerged that Merseyside Police officers recognised the man when he came for treatment at an A&E unit. A source told The Telegraph: 'The officers who were at the A&E had seen the footage, which had already gone viral, and immediately recognised the man who was waiting to be treated. 'It definitely was not his lucky day because, after he was seen by doctors, he was then arrested on suspicion of being involved in the disorder.' A spokesman for Merseyside Police added: 'I can confirm that the male was arrested and is currently on bail.' MailOnline previously revealed that Mr Spencer is a 'party animal' father-of-two from Southport. One Southport local said at the time: 'People are saying the protesters were outsiders who came here to cause trouble - but Brian came from just up the road. A police van was set on fire near a mosque in Southport as riots broke out following the deaths of three girls in a stabbing frenzy Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle after disorder broke out in Southport in July A street near a mosque goes up in flames as violent thugs took to the streets in Southport 'Everyone knows Brian. He's a bit of a party animal and I think he just got excited last night. His head will be hurting this morning.' Sir Keir Starmer's crackdown on the summer riots that followed the Southport attack has seen more than 1,500 people arrested and 960 charges brought for a range of offences. Yobs attacked strangers in the streets, targeted asylum hotels and assaulted police officers in disgraceful scenes fuelled by lies peddled online about the Southport attacker's background. An Anglican priest accused of attacking the Magna Carta with chisels during a Just Stop Oil stunt has been barred from preaching by the Church of England. Reverend Sue Parfitt, formerly of St Mary's Cotham, Bristol, had an application to renew her permission to officiate (PTO) in church rejected by her diocese earlier this week. The 82-year-old is awaiting trial alongside biology teacher Judith Bruce, 85, for the alleged damage of the 13th century royal charter at the British Library in central London on May 10. The Diocese of Bristol has confirmed that Rev Parfitt is not permitted to preach, conduct baptisms or preside at communion while she is facing charges of criminal damage, The Telegraph reports. The retired vicar, who became one of the first women to be ordained by the Church of England when female priests were introduced in 1994, had requested a new license to serve as an active priest, having not held one since December 2022. Reverend Sue Parfitt (pictured), formerly of St Mary's Cotham, Bristol, had an application to renew her permission to officiate (PTO) in church rejected by her diocese earlier this week Rev Parfitt and Judith Bruce appeared to knock a hammer and chisel into the glass casing protecting the historic document in the Library's Treasury Gallery Rev Parfitt claimed the Anglican church was trying to 'silence climate protest' after the Rt Rev Vivienne Faull, the Bishop of Bristol, rejected her bid to officiate in services. 'The bishop's action is all part of the effort to silence climate protest and I imagine she has been 'leant on' in some way,' she told The Telegraph. 'This is the church behaving like the courts, the judges, the [General] Medical Council (GMC) and other professional bodies, the press and the Government, all determined not to allow truth to be spoken to power, and prevented from doing so by the power of the fossil fuel and agri industries.' In a letter to the bishop, she fumed that there was a 'complete lack of understanding for the path I am on'. It continued: 'My court cases will probably never be completed as there will always be more arrestable actions that are called for if we are to bring down the power of the fossil fuel industry which is intent upon placing profit before the wellbeing of human and non-human life on Earth.' Along with the Magna Carta stunt, Rev Parfitt has been involved in a number of environmental protests, including an Exctinction Rebellion lock-on in central London in April 2019 and an Insulate Britain M25 road block in October 2021. She is also part of Christian Climate Action, who sparked fury in November 2023 when eco-activists crashed an Evensong service being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Rev Parfitt and fellow pensioner Judith Bruce have pleaded not guilty to a charge of damaging property in relation to the Magna Carta stunt. The elderly pair, who are awaiting trial, held up a sign reading 'the Government is breaking the law' The elderly pair entered the British Library at around 10.40am and were pictured appearing to knock the Magna Carta's protective casing with a hammer and chisel in what was branded 'reckless vandalism'. They were then seen holding a sign reading 'The government is breaking the law', while apparently gluing themselves to the casing. The Magna Carta is a revered legal document dating back more than 800 years. It established for the first time the principle that neither the government or the monarch is above the law and forms part of Britain's uncodified constitution. This famous royal charter of rights was agreed by King John at Runnymede, near Windsor, on June 15, 1215. Mohamed Al-Fayed allegedly had a Ghislaine Maxwell-style 'fixer' who would procure pretty, young women off the streets for him to have sex with. The glamorous blonde associate would frequent wealthy areas of west London dressed in designer clothes and driving a Porsche, a teenager who met the fixer has claimed. She would approach attractive young women and build a rapport with them by boasting of her wealth and success before offering to introduce them to her rich businessman 'friend'. In fact, the woman - who is now in her 40s and runs her own recruitment company - was a senior executive at Harrods at the time and one of the disgraced billionaire's closest allies. She would approach mostly attractive young women in the street and invite them out for coffee or cocktails at swanky locations in London, building their trust with promises to help their careers. She would then drive them to Fayed's Park Lane penthouse apartment and hand them over to the monster - even boasting she found him a different girl 'every couple of months' but only when she finds somebody she considered 'worth it'. Mohamed Al-Fayed (pictured) had a Ghislaine Maxwell-style 'fixer' who would procure pretty, young women off the streets for him to have sex with One woman (pictured) was warned by the fixer that Fayed may make inappropriate jokes or offer her cash but was advised to 'go with it' The woman (pictured) recalled meeting the fixer in 2013 - three years after Fayed sold Harrods It comes days after a BBC documentary showed the Egyptian-born businessman and TV star to be a prolific sexual predator who for more than three decades used wealth and status to abuse girls and women on his payroll. More than 20 told the Corporation how he'd assaulted them, with four saying they'd been raped. Some 13 were attacked at 60 Park Lane a block of flats adjacent to the Dorchester Hotel. But the key role played by the female exec in his crimes was not mentioned in the programme, prompting victims to bravely come forward to MailOnline to share their stories. One, a 19-year-old student, claims she met the woman in 2013 - three years after Fayed sold Harrods - and after striking up a bond she was taken for cocktails before being driven to Fayed's Park Lane penthouse. On the drive over she said she was warned he may make inappropriate jokes or offer her cash but was advised to 'go with it'. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the victim, who we are not naming, said: 'She told me all about her life and her fiance. I wasn't sure why we were gossiping like we were best friends when we were so different in age. 'Then she just stood up and said she wanted to go and see him so we drove through Knightsbridge. I remember arriving at 60 Park Lane and pulling into this garage. It was like alarm bells going off in my head because suddenly I was trapped.' After being escorted in a private lift up to a gold-lined boardroom with a long table in the centre and decorated with pictures of him meeting celebrities she believes were Bill Clinton and Michael Jackson the woman was then ushered alone by Fayed into his private apartment, which was decorated with family photos. The victim (pictured), who MailOnline are not naming, said that 'alarm bells were ringing' and she felt 'trapped' More than 20 Harrods staff have told the Corporation how Fayed assaulted them, with four saying they'd been raped She remembers feeling panic when the doors closed behind her - before he offered her fruit and champagne, which she declined, believing it could be spiked. The teen claims she was then cornered by the then 84-year-old who demanded sex in return for an allowance of 2,500 per month and a free designer handbag of her choice from Harrods. He also allegedly suggested she could spend some time on his yacht in St Tropez. She said she declined, telling him she was a virgin and had a boyfriend, to which Fayed told her: 'I can give you the guidance, I'm very experienced'. She claims the billionaire allowed her to leave without laying his hands on her but not before handing her 300 in 50 notes and writing his phone number on a piece of paper, urging her to 'call me when you get randy'. Outside the apartment, the teen burst into tears as she told the fixer - who she considered a friend - about the proposition. She said: 'In the apartment I just felt this fear and sense that it was wrong but I was young and naive and I thought maybe this is how people get jobs. 'When I got back downstairs I just burst into tears, it was just a visceral reaction. I couldn't believe he just propositioned me for sex. She [the fixer] started consoling me like a mum. She said 'I'm so sorry you're upset'. 'I had a million questions, I remember wondering why he doesn't just get prostitutes but she told me he likes smart, young pretty girls and is obsessed with not getting STDs so is tested every week by his personal doctor.' But the woman then steered the conversation back to his offer, implying that she had had sex with Fayed herself, without explicitly saying it, and urged the teen to do the same because 'It's not that bad, it won't take that long and after he will give you whatever you want.' She claimed Fayed had paid for her luxury car, designer outfit and even breast enlargement surgery. The billionaire allowed the woman (pictured) to leave without laying his hands on her but not before handing her 300 in 50 notes and writing his phone number on a piece of paper, urging her to 'call me when you get randy' After the teen declined and took a taxi home, the fixer is said to have continued to pursue her via text messages telling her to 'have a think about it and get back to me'. Her run in with the powerful tycoon left her feeling shaken and fearing she may be kidnapped. She added: 'I felt paranoid that he was really powerful and could come after me. 'I remember walking around London looking over my shoulder worrying about vans, like one would pull up, the door would open and I'd be gone. 'He never threatened me but he never needed to. I was in awe of his power and wealth.' Another source told MailOnline the woman was known for trafficking attractive Harrods employees to his various homes to be sexually assaulted - for which she was paid in expensive jewellery and cash in brown envelopes. Ghislaine Maxwell was a close associate of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein who was convicted in 2021 of recruiting and grooming women and girls for him. British socialite Maxwell - serving a 20-year prison sentence in the US - helped identify women and girls as young as 14, groom them, lure them to Epstein properties, and urge them into interactions with Epstein that turned into sexual abuse. Fayed, who died last year aged 94, sold Harrods in 2010 to Qatar Holdings for 1.5billion. The new owners could now face a bill for tens of millions of pounds from women who say he assaulted them. It resembles how Ghislaine Maxwell would recruit women and girls for paedophile Jeffrey Epstein (pictured together) In a press conference on Friday Dean Armstrong KC, who is representing 37 victims, said the case 'combines some of the most horrific elements' of those including Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. He added the change of ownership would not limit Harrods' liability but also made it clear that 'nothing was off the table' in terms of pursuing wider redress. He said: 'This is, and was, a systematic failure of corporate responsibility, and that systematic failure is on the shoulders of Harrods. 'We will not individualise those who we hold responsible. We are not going to get into the situation where there is any room for anyone to seek to avoid responsibility by saying, 'It was their fault'. 'So we pursue Harrods, and we are focused on Harrods at this stage, because of the collective corporate responsibility and vicarious liability that these acts and the evidence we have come across shows clearly.' 'We will not accept that argument and we are pretty confident the courts won't either.' Harrods said in a statement: '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.' Israel and Lebanon have exchanged heavy fire overnight as the IDF vowed to intensify its strikes against Hezbollah targets. The Israeli military said it struck around 290 targets on Saturday including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels, with the country closing down its schools and restricting gatherings in many northern areas of the country early on Sunday. Dozens of fighter jets started 'extensively' striking southern Lebanon 'following detection of Hezbollah preparing to fire toward Israeli territory', IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. Before the evening Israeli strikes began, the IDF said earlier it had destroyed 'about 180 sites and thousands of [rocket] launcher barrels' with strikes. Sirens sounded throughout the night as multiple rockets and missiles were fired from Lebanon and Iraq, most of which were intercepted by Israeli aerial defence systems, the military said. Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli strike that targeted the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Zibqin in the early hours of September 22, 2024 The Israeli army said that more than 100 projectiles were fired from Lebanon on September 22 and in response to the incoming fire from Hezbollah Israeli security forces work at the site hit by a rocket fired from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel, on Sunday Rescuers sift through the rubble at the scene of an Israeli strike that targets Beirut's southern suburbs, as search and rescue operations continue in Beirut, Lebanon Some of the shells were intercepted, and fallen projectiles were located in Kiryat Bialik, Tsur Shalom and Moreshet, igniting fires in the area, said the Israeli military Israeli men hang an Israeli flag over a damaged building that was hit by a rocket from Lebanon as emergency personnel work at a site of houses damaged following the attack, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel The Israeli army said more than 100 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early Sunday morning, adding fire services were working to put out blazes sparked by falling munitions. Israeli media reported that a number of buildings were hit directly or by falling missile debris, and ambulance services said they treated some lightly injured people - no serious casualties were reported. Hezbollah said it targeted the Israeli Ramat David Airbase with dozens of missiles in response to 'repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon', the group posted on its Telegram channel early on Sunday. In an initial response to the explosions of pagers and walkie talkies on Tuesday and Wednesday, Hezbollah also 'bombed the Rafael military industry complexes' in northern Israel with 'dozens' of Katyusha, Fadi-1 and Fadi-2 rockets, the group said. The successive barrages of rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah at Ramat David are the deepest strikes it has claimed since hostilities began. The air base and the Rafael site both appeared in drone footage Hezbollah released in recent months, in videos seen as a potential bank of targets for the group in case of widening conflict. Iran-backed Iraqi militants in a statement also claimed an explosive drone attack on Israel early on Sunday. Following the attacks, Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said it treated four people for shrapnel wounds, including a 76-year-old man who was moderately wounded near Haifa, where buildings were damaged and cars set on fire. It was not immediately clear if the damage was caused by a rocket or an Israeli interceptor. The escalating attacks come less than 48 hours after an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah commanders killed at least 37 people in a suburb of the Lebanese capital, according to authorities. Hezbollah said 16 members including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and another commander, Ahmed Wahbi, were among those killed on Friday in the deadliest strike in nearly a year of conflict with Israel. Smoke billowed over the Lebanese village of Zawtar overnight after a barrage of Israeli airstrikes An excavator clears away rubble from a heavily damaged house in Kiryat Bialik in the Haifa district of Israel Israeli security and rescue forces work at the site hit by a rocket fired from Lebanon, in Kiryat Bialik, northern Israel First responders and Israeli security forces gather amid debris and charred vehicles in Kiryat Bialik in the Haifa district of Israel Hezbollah said on September 22 that it targeted military production facilities and an air base near north Israel's Haifa after the Israeli military pounded south Lebanon and said it targeted thousands of rocket launcher barrels Israel's army said it hit an underground gathering of Aqil and leaders of Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces, and had almost completely dismantled its military chain of command. The attack levelled a multi-story residential building in the crowded suburb and damaged a nursery next door, a security source said. Three children and seven women were among those killed, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Friday's strike sharply escalated the conflict and inflicted another blow on Hezbollah after two days of attacks in which pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members exploded. The death toll in those attacks, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, has risen to 39 with more than 3,000 injured. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. In what it said was the initial retaliation for the attacks with the exploding devices, Hezbollah on Sunday posted on its Telegram channel that it had launched rockets at Israeli military-industry facilities. Israel quickly responded, striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, the military said in a statement. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said he was worried about escalation but that the Israeli killing of a top Hezbollah leader brought justice to the group, which Washington designates a terrorist organisation. 'While the risk of escalation is real, we actually believe there is also a distinct avenue to getting to a cessation of hostilities and a durable solution that makes people on both sides of the border feel secure,' Sullivan told reporters. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati cancelled a planned trip to the U.N. General Assembly in New York. As fears continue to rise that the conflict could break out into a full-scale war, the US State Department issued new travel advice for citizens currently in Lebanon. The US Embassy in Beirut has urged people to 'depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available', warning they were already running at 'reduced capacity'. The embassy added it 'may not be able to assist US citizens who choose to remain'. Keir Starmer is already facing a meltdown as he kicks off his first Labour conference in power less than three months after an historic election landslide. The PM has admitted he needs to stabilise his government as he struggles to contain fury over 'freebies', a wave of bitter briefing about his chief aide Sue Gray, and the backlash at axing winter fuel payments. Anglela Rayner was left to field questions on TV this morning, as Sir Keir shunned the traditional leader's slot on the BBC. She insisted it was a 'feature of our politics' that politicians take gifts. She denied breaking rules over a free holiday stay in New York at the apartment of a major Labour donor - after it emerged she did not declare that another MP stayed there at the same time. Ms Rayner also tried to play down the internal warfare over Ms Gray, saying she has a 'huge amount of respect in the Cabinet'. Asked by Laura Kuenssberg if the No10 chief of staff would still be in her job by Christmas, Ms Rayner said: 'I think so, absolutely.' Sir Keir is in Liverpool for the first day of the annual gathering, but hopes that it might be a victory lap after the extraordinary victory in July have been summarily dashed. A grim poll by Opinium found Sir Keir's personal ratings have plummeted by 45 points since the summer, with only 24 per cent of voters saying he is doing a good job. Half of the public viewed him negatively, taking his overall net rating to minus 26 - slightly worse than Rishi Sunak at minus 25. Sir Keir's first approval rating as PM was plus 19. In other developments at conference today: Ms Gray is expected to skip the Labour conference in Liverpool this week amid the backlash against her; Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said two 40th birthday celebrations funded with 14,000 in donations were held in a 'work context'; Sir Keir is facing fresh claims about accepting freebies after being pictured with Ms Gray at a Tottenham match; Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir have tried to play down fears about the amount of pain to come in the Budget; Ms Reeves has said she 'leads by example' by going into the office five days a week; Angela Rayner took the main slot on the BBC's flagship political programme this morning, insisting she had not broken rules over a freebie holiday stay in New York Ms Rayner arriving at the conference venue in Liverpool this morning Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner arrive at Labour conference in Liverpool yesterday Chancellor Rachel Reeves has suggested she accepted clothes donations because she does not like shopping much A shock poll shows Sir Keir's personal rating has plummeted by 45 points since July In an interview with the Observer, Sir Keir acknowledged that persistent infighting over Ms Gray's role and salary was damaging and he has to act. 'It is my job to do something about that and I accept that responsibility. And that just damages everybody,' he said. Sir Keir also tried to head off growing alarm about the threat of tax hikes and pubic spending cuts in the looming Budget on October 30. He suggested working Brits are already facing too high a burden, and dismissed the idea of a return to austerity. 'I'm acutely aware that our public services are on their knees, and there will always be some that say there's an argument for deep cuts. I ran a public service,' he said. 'I know what cuts feel like. And I know that a lot of them are cut to the bone. And therefore we have got to make sure that our public services are functioning properly.' In a nod to anxiety about his doom-laden warnings about the state of the country since July, Sir Keir indicated he would try to be more positive. 'I want to answer the 'why' question as well as the 'what' question,' he said. 'We do need to say why and explain and set out and describe the better Britain that this ladders up to.' Sir Keir, deputy leader Ms Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves are all facing questions over accepting thousands of pounds from donors for clothing - and even spectacles. Sir Keir's chief aide Sue Gray has been at the centre of a bitter Labour briefing war Downing Street desperately tried to draw a line under the furore on Friday evening by announcing that none of the three would accept donations for clothes in future. Ms Reeves used an interview in the Sunday Times to argue that she took gifts because she is 'not into shopping'. 'A friend wanted to help me in the election, as I am not massively into clothes and shopping,' she said. Ms Rayner said today: 'I get that people are frustrated, in particular the circumstances that we're in, but donations for gifts and hospitality and monetary donations have been a feature of our politics for a very long time. 'People can look it up and see what people have had donations for, and the transparency is really important.' She added: 'I get that people are angry, I get that people are upset. 'I think the transparency is there so people can see that. Now, if there is a national debate about how we fund politics and how we do that, and I hear that people are frustrated with that, but we have a system at the moment that says if you get donations, that has to be declared and the rules have to apply to everybody. 'I think that is correct so people can see where you've had donations and where that potential influence is so that people can see the transparency.' Meanwhile, Ms Rayner was under fresh scrutiny today over a free trip to a donor's 2million New York apartment at New Year, with claims she was accompanied by an MP friend. According to the Sunday Times, Sam Tarry, then the Ilford South MP, stayed with Ms Rayner at Lord Alli's flat in Manhattan but his presence was not declared. He reportedly paid for flights but benefited from free accommodation. The deputy PM's aides said advice was taken and Mr Tarry's stay did not need to be officially registered. Ms Rayner insisted she paid for the rest of her trip, suggesting she had gone beyond the obligations to be transparent about the gift. 'I don't believe I've broken any rules,' she said. In a separate interview on Sky News, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was grilled about having her 40th birthday party celebrations funded by a 14,000 donation from Lord Alli. Ms Phillipson said the events were held 'in a work context'. 'The reason that we can have this conversation is because colleagues have followed the rules. I followed the rules,' she said. 'I've set out in the register of interests what donations were for, who they were from, and that's there for the public to see. 'What I would say is that, of course, it is frustrating to be having this conversation with you this morning, not talking about the wider agenda that we're setting up here in Liverpool, because we have delivered an awful lot in the very short space of time that we have been in government. 'And of course, this is a distraction.' The row over the winter fuel allowance is still raging, with unions vowing a bid to force a rethink - and the potential for a showdown vote of delegates tomorrow. Shadow Commons leader Chris Philp told the BBC there was 'no possible justification' for Sir Keir accepting donations for designer clothes for his wife. 'He promised to be different but he hasn't been. He is not running a Government of service, he is running a Government of self-service,' the Tory frontbencher said. In a range of announcements at conference, the PM has unveiled new 'planning passports', aimed at densifying urban areas by giving default approval to building works if they meet high standards for design and quality. Ms Rayner will vow to build 'homes fit for the future' in her speech, including by introducing new protections for tenants against mould, damp and fire safety defects. Defence Secretary John Healey has urged gamers to sign up to the military as he signalled there would be a relaxation in army recruitment rules amid efforts to counter foreign cyber threats. Ms Reeves said her priorities for the autumn Budget include 'protecting living standards', as she ruled out proposals for a wealth tax. With the conference taking place against a backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters have gathered in Liverpool to urge Labour to change its approach to the conflict. Ever wanted to own a slice of classic Aussie beachside paradise without breaking the bank? You don't need to be a multi-millionaire, according to a shock new listing from property giant Domain. A 176 sqm beachside plot on Queensland's famous K'Gari Island, formerly known as Fraser Island, is on offer for just $40,000. The vacant land is Lot 28 Williams Ave in Eurong, a beachside community in K'Gari's central area. 'Don't miss out on a rare opportunity to secure one of the last remaining blocks at Eurong Beach on stunning K'gari,' the listing states. 'This is your chance to own a piece of paradise. 'Located in the sought-after K'gari Beach Houses complex, just 200m from the oceanfront or a short 300m walk, this block offers the ultimate coastal lifestyle. The vacant plot on Queensland's K'Gari Island is listed for $40,000. Picture: Property 4670 Real Estate The lot of land is a short stroll to 75 Mile Beach 'Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean and wake up to the melodies of native birds. The buyers will also enjoy easy access to 75 Mile Beach, renowned for its accessibility for 4WDs and excellent fishing. 'Spend your days exploring or relaxing as you wish,' the listing continued. 'The beach houses boast on-site management, a pool, spa area, BBQ facilities, and a kids' play area. You're also just a short stroll from Eurong Village, where you'll find a resort restaurant, fuel, convenience stores, and a bakery.' Buyers can choose from available plans for a lowset or double-storey beach house, the listing adds, or opt for their own design. The plot of land is located just minutes from the beach Body corporate fees include mowing, water and power, the ad states. Real estate agent Property4670 is handling the sale. Are YOU a passenger on the ship? A couple who met when their luxury three-year cruise experience was delayed in Belfast have told how they are engaged four months later. Passengers on the Villa Vie Odyssey paid as much as 27,000-a-month for the epic ship experience, which was due to set sail from Southampton on May 15 and then from Belfast on May 30. But after engine problems struck the ship four months ago, voyagers have been forced to entertain themselves in the Northern Irish capital while they wait to set sail again. Angie Harsanyi, 53, and Gian Perroni, 62, told MailOnline that after a whirlwind romance they are planning a wedding onboard the very ship that brought them together. Are YOU a passenger on the ship? Email your experince to katherine.lawton@mailonline.co.uk Gian Perroni, 62, (left) and Angela Harsanyi, 53, (right) are engaged after meeting in Belfast after the cruise ship got stuck four months ago The engagement took place last weekend under a supermoon as the couple walked over the Lagan Weir in Belfast The Odyssey, a US cruise liner operated by Villa Vie Residences, docked at Harland & Wolf ship repair facility in Belfast Harbour on August 30 The couple have gone for a pink engagement ring rather than a more traditional clear diamond The couple even got matching tattoos in Belfast, a trinity knot to symbolise their never-ending love The couple have enjoyed a whirlwind romance and are now happily engaged Captain the Cruising Kitty (pictured) is travelling on the ship with his owner For Angie, who had never left the US before, the voyage was an opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream. 'I wanted a chance to see the world, I wanted adventure,' she said, 'My sister and I actually got a room together, so this is a sister trip.' Despite being a cruise novice, Angie's brief experience sailing to Alaska left a lasting impression: 'I've only done one other cruise to Alaska. That was a blast - I loved it so much I ended up moving there for a year,' she said. For Gian, who had been living in Costa Rica, the decision to join the Odyssey came from a sense of restlessness: 'Although it is so beautiful, I found that it was just the same thing every day. 'Then I was watching CNN, and they were talking about the ship. I just knew I had to do it, it just struck a chord with me. And so I bought my cabin a week later without ever having been on a cruise ship before.' Despite the logistical challenges and months of delay in Belfast, neither Angie nor Gian regretted their decision. In fact, they credit the delay for bringing them together: 'We first met shortly after we got here in May. We were in a group of friends who started doing everything together' Gian, an online marketing director, recalled. However, the couple then ended up going on separate holidays for the next two months before rekindling back in Belfast. 'We have been together five weeks now - the best five weeks of my life,' said Gian, who added with a smile, 'And we even got matching tattoos here in Belfast, a trinity knot, symbolising our never-ending love.' The pair believe they are soulmates after meeting in Belfast when the cruise ship suffered engine problems The couple are happily engaged after meeting just weeks ago in Belfast Holly Hennessy, of Florida, (pictured) has enjoyed her stay in Belfast with her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty Captain the Cruising Kitty has his own Facebook page where his adventures are documented by his owner The engagement took place last weekend under a supermoon as the couple walked over the Lagan Weir in Belfast. Gian described the moment as magical: 'It just seemed like the right time. Everything was perfect.' Instead of a traditional diamond, Angie now proudly wears a pink germolene stone from a small shop in Belfast. 'Pink is one of our favorite colors,' she said, 'I prefer this much more than diamonds.' For Angie, who has never been married, and Gian, who has two children from a previous marriage in Canada, the engagement came as a pleasant surprise. 'God, no, we didn't expect this at all. Neither of us came looking for a relationship,' Angie said, reflecting on how their love blossomed amid the Odyssey's small and intimate community. 'We got to know each other as friends first, and once you do that without the romance, you really get to know someone.' Their wedding plans are already underway, with the couple set to tie the knot aboard the Odyssey in April next year, between Panama and Costa Rica. 'We want to do it at sea so we can get married by the captain,' Gian said, while Angie joked about the difficulty of finding a wedding dress on a ship. 'We're going with a tropical theme for the big day.' Ms Hennessy takes her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty on her travels with her Holly Hennessey, 67, from sunny Florida, is travelling with her cat Captain the Cruising Kitty Though the couple is excited about their future, they acknowledge that the extended delays in Belfast have caused some financial strain. 'We've had to spend a lot of money because of the delays, but no more than we would have if we had been stopping in ports.' The ship's passengers have been covering their own hotel and food expenses during the wait, but Gian is quick to point out the silver lining: 'The delay has been the biggest blessing to us. If we hadn't been stuck here, we might never have had the time to get to know each other.' As for their honeymoon, the couple plans to take a break from the Odyssey and return to Costa Rica, where Gian lived before boarding the ship. But for now, they're focused on enjoying their time together and planning a wedding that will undoubtedly be as unique as their love story. A few months later, Mr Perroni has proposed to Ms Harsanyi during a romantic stroll along the River Lagan under a supermoon on Tuesday. The couple, who both own cabins on the ship, plan to host an engagement party onboard when they finally take off again next week. Meanwhile, 68-year-old Holly Hennessy, of Florida, said she has stayed 'annoyingly positive', thoroughly enjoying the delay with her feline companion, Captain the Cruising Kitty. The cat, which has its own Facebook page, travels the world with its owner, who bought a balcony cabin on the ship for $329,000 (247,000). Ms Hennessy previously told The Mail: 'I love Belfast. Belfast people are wonderful. 'I just want to thank everybody in Belfast who's been so kind to us. And I mean, it's been really nice.' She added: 'I love the traditional music being played in the pubs. I had a blast.' The luxury cruise liner includes cabins that are worth between $92,000 and $920,000 Some passengers decided to visit all of Belfast's 131 pubs during their four-month stay in the city. Steve and Angela Theriac, of Nicaragua, had a pint of Guinness at every pub in the city centre. Others are more excited to leave Belfast, with one couple saying they are overjoyed at the news they will be sailing again next week. Johan Bodin, 54, said: 'We are hoping something will happen by mid-next week.' The Odyssey underwent its final 'sea trial' with DNV, a maritime safety assessment organisation, on Saturday. Managing director of Villa Vie Residences Mike Petterson confirmed they are hopeful to at last be under way as soon as next Wednesday. The vessel, which has an action-packed 425-port itinerary across 147 countries, has been plagued with mechanical issues since it was initially expected to launch in May. One dock worker confirmed to MailOnline: 'She sailed though her final test, and she should be off as soon as Wednesday. Everything is looking good. Four people have been killed in a mass shooting in Alabama overnight. Gunfire erupted in the Five Points South entertainment district outside Hush hookah and cigar lounge in Birmingham just after 11pm on Saturday night - injuring at least 22 people. Two men and a woman were killed at the scene in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue, near the University of Alabama, while a fourth male victim died in hospital. Detectives are investigating whether the gunmen - who is still on the loose - walked up to the victims or drove by, Officer Truman Fitzgerald said. Police believe there may be multiple gunmen responsible for the horrific mass shooting - but no suspects have been arrested as of Sunday morning. It is believed the shooting was not random and stemmed from an isolated incident where multiple victims were caught in the crossfire. Birmingham Police Department vehicles near the scene where multiple people were shot late Saturday Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald (pictured) said the gunman either walked up to the victims or drove by Witnesses described a chaotic scene as police worked to contain the area and aide victims 'Rest assured, we are going to do everything we possibly can to uncover, identify and hunt down whoever was responsible for preying on our people,' Fitzgerald added. An additional 18 gunshot victims with injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to life-threatening were identified and treated at local hospitals. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital is treating 11 of the victims, Hannah Echols, a hospital spokesperson told CNN. 'We have dozens of gunshot victims from this area,' Fitzgerald said. 'I'm told at least four of those gunshot victims are life-threatening, the others have various injuries.' Streets have been blocked off in the surrounding area as police continue their investigation into the incident. Fitzgerald revealed that local authorities have reached out to the FBI and ATF for assistance. Two men and a woman were killed at the scene in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue, near the University of Alabama, while a fourth victim died in hospital An additional 18 gunshot victims were identified and treated at local hospitals Birmingham police have asked that businesses in the local area provide any surveillance footage they might have, and requested that the public reach out to them with any relevant information. Five Points South is a popular area known for its nightlife venues near the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus. Fitzgerald said the mass shootings 'have more to do with culture than they do criminality,' adding that 'we're seeing far too many arguments being settled by bullets.' Witnesses described a chaotic scene as police worked to contain the area and aide victims. 'I walked up when it was just ending, because everybody was screaming, there was people crying,' Dajon Singleton told WVTM. Gunfire erupted outside Hush hookah and cigar lounge (pictured) in Birmingham as people waited to enter Two men and a woman were killed at the scene in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue in the Five Points South area (pictured) near the University of Alabama Police believe Glock switches were used in the shooting. These devices give the ability to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic when attached to the back of a Glock. The U.S. Attorney's Office and the ATF partnered with Birmingham's police chief and mayor to launch 'Operation Flip the Switch' - a program to get Glock switches off the streets, reported WVTM. 'Where we used to see a dozen or less shell casings on the scene, we're seeing 75 to 100 or even more than 100 on a crime scene, because, as you'll see after, shortly how quickly these rounds are fired from these weapons,' Chief Scott Thurmond. 'There's a lot of damage that can be done very quickly because of these weapons. As the ATF just said, there's no place for these things in our city or in our state or our country.' There have been more than 400 mass shootings across the US this year, according to Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are injured or killed. Enterprise High School and Enterprise Career & Technology Center in Alabama was placed on lockdown after ammunition was found on campus on September 5. The lockdown followed the bloodbath at Apalachee which left an additional nine people injured alongside the four fatalities. Students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14 and teachers Christina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39, were named as the victims. Suspected gunman Colt Gray, 14, has been charged with murder. Three people were killed and at least 12 were left injured in southwest Alabama after a May Day party turned violent. Andre Reid with the Baldwin County Investigation Division told WALA-TV that about 1,000 people were attending the celebration near Stockton on May 11 when an altercation started and gunfire erupted. Reid said most of the victims were 'younger people' but there was no immediate information available on whether any arrests had been made. 'According to witnesses, the event was peaceful until an argument took place, which led to at least one subject shooting multiple rounds into the large crowd,' said Reid. French President Emmanuel Macron named a new government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier Saturday, marked by a shift to the right just two months after an inconclusive parliamentary election. The first major task for Barnier, appointed just over two weeks ago, will be to submit a 2025 budget plan addressing France's financial situation, which the prime minister this week called 'very serious'. Conservative Barnier is best known internationally for leading the European Union's Brexit negotiations with the UK. More recently, he has had the difficult job of submitting a cabinet for Macron's approval that has the best chance of surviving a no-confidence motion in parliament. Tough talks on the distribution of the 39 cabinet posts continued right up to Saturday's official announcement, insiders said, with moments of high tension between the president and his prime minister. French President Emmanuel Macron (left) named a new government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier (right) on Saturday. Pictured: Macron poses with Barnier prior to their meeting at the Elysee palace in Paris, on January 31, 2020, a few hours before Britain officially left the European Union Macron was counting too, on a neutral stance from the far right - but the leader of the National Rally, Jordan Bardella, was quick to condemn the composition of the new government. Pictured: Macron visiting the Ateliers Lorin stained glass workshop, as part of the European Heritage Days in Chartres, on September 20, 2024 Opposition politicians from the left have already announced they will challenge his government with a confidence motion. In the July election, a left-wing bloc called the New Popular Front won the most parliamentary seats of any political bloc, but not enough for an overall majority. Macron argued that the left would be unable to muster enough support to form a government that would not immediately be brought down in parliament. He turned instead to Barnier to lead a government drawing mostly on parliamentary support from Macron's allies, as well as from the conservative Republicans and the centrists groups. Macron was counting too, on a neutral stance from the far right - but the leader of the National Rally, Jordan Bardella, was quick to condemn the composition of the new government. It marked 'a return to Macronism' and so had 'no future whatsoever', he said Saturday. At the other end of the political spectrum, far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon called the new lineup 'a government of the general election losers'. France, he said, should 'get rid' of the government 'as soon as possible', while his party threatened to 'increase popular pressure' on the government. Socialist party chairman Oliver Faure dismissed Barnier's cabinet as 'a reactionary government that gives democracy the finger'. Among the new faces in key cabinet posts are Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, a centrist, while conservative Bruno Retailleau takes over at the interior ministry. His portfolio covers immigration and his right-wing credentials have created unease even in Macron's own camp. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, a close Macron ally, has kept his job. The difficult job of submitting a budget plan to parliament next month falls to 33-year-old Antoine Armand, the new finance minister. The only left-of-centre politician is a little-known former Socialist Didier Migaud who was named justice minister. Even before the announcement, thousands of people with left-leaning sympathies took to the streets in Paris, the southern port city of Marseille and elsewhere on Saturday to protest. A protester throws a projectile near burning bicycles during clashes with police following partial results in the second round of the early French parliamentary elections, at the Place de la Republique in Paris, France, July 7, 2024 Anti-riot police officers pushed back protesters on Paris streets following the first round of voting on June 30 A barricade burned as protesters demonstrated against the French far-right National Rally party on July 1 Thousands of supporters of the Popular Front (Front Populaire, left coalition) marched in streets near Place de la Republique on June 30, 2024 in Paris, France Masked rioters clash with riot police near Place de la Republique during a protest over the legislative election results, on July 8, 2024 in Paris, France A vandalised bus stop as rioters clash with riot police at Place de la Republique during a protest over the legislative election results, on July 8, 2024 Members of the National Rally party and leftist organisations protested following the second round of France's parliamentary election in July Paris erupted in riots following the release of the final results of the election They were objecting to a cabinet they say does not reflect the outcome of the parliamentary election. The new government has nobody from inside the NFP bloc. 'I am here because this outcome does not correspond to how people voted,' said Violette Bourguignon, 21, demonstrating in Paris. 'I am worried and I'm angry. What is the point of having an election at all?' she said. Barnier is to address parliament with a key policy speech on October 1. He then has the urgent task of submitting a budget plan to the National Assembly aimed at controlling France's rising budget deficit and debt mountain - the first major test of his administration. France was placed on a formal procedure for violating European Union budgetary rules before Barnier was picked as head of government. France's public-sector deficit is projected to reach around 5.6 per cent of GDP this year and go over six percent in 2025, which compares with EU rules calling for a three-percent ceiling on deficits. 'I am discovering that the country's budgetary situation is very serious,' Barnier said in a statement to AFP on Wednesday, adding that the situation required 'more than just pretty statements'. The new cabinet's first meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon. An Aussie Tesla owner has shared footage of an elderly man keying his electric vehicle and sought help from the public in tracking him down so he can request he foot the repair bill. David Shannon shared the video online after the brazen vandal reportedly damaged his pride and joy at a Woolworths in Queanbeyan near Canberra on the NSW border on Thursday. The footage showed the man keying the vehicle as he walked past before stopping on the footpath to inspect his handiwork 'Is anyone familiar with this man? He keyed my car at Woolworths,' Mr Shannon captioned the footage on a community Facebook page. Some viewers were quick to assume he was parked in a disabled parking spot before Mr Shannon promptly shut that theory down. 'To clarify, Im not in a disabled park. The disabled parks are to the right, as the arrow on the sign indicates,' he added. 'This is not going to be a cheap fix and Id love the opportunity to ask him nicely what drove him to do this.' Mr Shannon told Daily Mail Australia the man is yet to be identified, leaving him to fork up to $3,000 of paint repairs. Car owner David Shannon has shared footage of a man keying his car in an attempt to find him and request he foot the repair bill He only had one possible explanation for why the man keyed his car, that he had a problem with EVs. Many viewers encouraged Mr Shannon to share the footage with police. 'This footage needs to be taken to the police and he needs to be held accountable and pay for the damage to the car,' one wrote. Another added: 'Take to the police they should be able to find this man.' A third wrote: 'I wonder what his problem is? Why is he intentionally damaging cars like this? I hope he is held accountable and charged.' A fourth wrote: 'This man should be ashamed of himself and be accountable for his actions.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police for comment. Mr Shannon told Daily Mail Australia the man has not yet been identified, leaving him to fork out to $3,000 of paint repairs It comes after Brisbane couple Raymond and Barbara Edwards were charged with wilful damage and fined after they were caught on camera keying cars, including a Tesla at Brookside Shopping Centre last October. They admitted to Daily Mail Australia earlier this year that they had let frustration get the better of them after they were 'cut off' and almost forced into a power pole by a white Tesla and white BMW 800m from the shops. 'I regret our actions, but the thing is, courtesy has been thrown out the window and stupidity has been thrown in,' Mr Edwards said. Mr Edwards was ordered to pay $2443.61 in restitution for the damage caused to the Tesla and the BMW, while Mrs Edwards was ordered to pay the remaining $897.25 for Tesla repair work. A sculpture of a nineteenth century icon has been condemned as 'absolutely hideous' by their grandson. The model of famous playwright Oscar Wilde is to be unveiled on Dovehouse Green, south-west London, near the writer's former home. Wilde's grandson Merlin Holland, an expert on his relative's life and works, has ridiculed the bronze sculpture by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, branding it 'unacceptable'. 'I'm all for any sort of innovations in modern art. But this does seem to me to be unacceptable. It looks absolutely hideous,' he told the Observer. Mr Holland added that the sculpture looks nothing like Wilde and does not portray the brilliance of one of the greatest playwrights in English literary history. The sculpture of Oscar Wilde is to be unveiled on Dovehouse Green, south-west London, in the next few weeks Oscar Wilde, who wrote The Importance of Being Earnest, died in poverty in 1900, aged 46 Wilde's death followed one of the most famous trials in British history and his imprisonment for homosexuality Wilde is one of the most famous playwright's in English literary history Wilde, who wrote The Importance of Being Earnest, died in poverty in 1900, aged 46. His death followed one of the most famous trials in British history and his imprisonment for homosexuality. Paolozzi, the British sculpture who passed away in 2005, is famous for his 1986 mosaics at Tottenham Court Road tube station and his 1995 bronze of Sir Isaac Newton next to the British Library. The sculptor submitted a design of the model to a committee in 1995. His argument was that the sculpture of Wilde should be conceptual, rather than representational. But the sculpture was rejected and a different model was selected. The Paolozzi Foundation said in a statement: 'The foundation takes the view that everyone is entitled to their opinion, including Oscar Wilde's grandson. We also note that the Oscar Wilde Society is fully supportive.' The Church of England is controversially advertising for a 'head of racial justice priority' vacancy on double the salary earned by vicars. Responsible for spearheading the creation of a 'racially just church' in the Diocese of London, the role comes with an annual wage of 66,646. It is more than double the salary of parish priests in the diocese, who earn 31,644, and appears to be the highest offered for the role in London so far. The CoE has rolled out a number of positions responsible for 'racial justice' in recent years as part of diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives. Reverend Marcus Walker, the rector of St Bartholomew the Great in the City of London, has criticised the move. He claims the annual contributions requested from parishes by the diocese which can top six-figures should not be spent on such high salaries. Responsible for spearheading the creation of a 'racially just church' in the Diocese of London , the role comes with an annual wage of 66,646 (file image) 'Dioceses can't wave deficit-riddled accounts at parishes, demanding over 100,000 in parish share, and then pull this kind of salary out of nowhere,' he told The Telegraph. It was estimated in a 2023 Church of England report that the total value of what vicars are given by the Church including their vicarages, council tax bills and expenses is between 47,000 and 62,000. The Rt Rev Anderson Jeremiah, the Bishop of Edmonton, said the Church of England's resources had to be used for 'tangible action' so that it would become 'more racially just'. Speaking in the advertisement for the position, he stated: 'We are at a pivotal moment to commit our resources into tangible action, prayerfully enabling the Church to become more racially just.' The successful candidate will 'foster a culture built on love, fairness, equity, justice, collaboration and integrity', the job advert says, and facilitate 'learning' on 'the injustice and impact of racism'. They will also 'break down mental, cultural and institutional barriers to engender true race equality' and help 'address the historical legacy of slavery and challenge systemic racism'. Rt Rev Mr Jeremiah said the issues of clergy pay and racial justice are 'entirely distinct' and stated the former was being looked at 'very carefully' by the Church of England. He added that conflating these two issues 'undermines each of their importance to the Church' and takes away from the 'work underway to address them both as challenges'. 'The Diocese makes no apologies for making racial justice a priority. Racial injustice is part of the history of this Diocese, and of the Church of England,' he said. Reverend Marcus Walker (pictured), the rector of St Bartholomew the Great in the City of London claims the annual contributions requested from parishes by the diocese which can top six-figures should not be spent on such high salaries 'If we want a safe and equitable church whether in ministry, vocation or administration credible change cannot be achieved in a vacuum. It requires concerted time, effort and resource. That is why this role is so important.' Following the establishment of the Archbishops' Commission for Racial Justice after the death of George Floyd in May 2020, employing individuals in racial justice positions has ramped up in the Church of England. With salaries ranging from 32,000 to 46,843 a year, roles have previously been advertised by the dioceses of York, Leeds, Chester, Birmingham and Sheffield. In February, the Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover, told the General Synod that Anglicans needed to 'further embed racial justice' in the Church. The church should be not afraid of being called 'woke', she told the governing body, after it approved a motion telling all parishes to draw up their own 'race action plans'. MailOnline have approached the Church of England for a comment. Ministers were today struggling to quell mounting panic over tax raids and pubic services cuts in the Budget. As Labour conference gets under way in Liverpool, Keir Starmer tried to cool fears by stressing that there is 'no much room for tax rises'. Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves ruled out creating a new 'wealth tax' or scrapping the single person council tax discount. The more emollient tone emerged as the PM effectively acknowledged the grim warnings about the state of the country had gone too far, suggesting that he wanted to talk about positive change. Not even three months after the historic election landslide, the party is being buffeted by rows over taking freebies, briefing against No10 chief aide Sue Gray, and the winter fuel allowance axe. Sir Keir and Ms Reeves have been warning of 'pain' to come in the fiscal package on October 30. As Labour conference gets under way in Liverpool, Keir Starmer tried to cool fears by stressing that there is 'no much room for tax rises' Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves ruled out creating a new 'wealth tax' or scrapping the single person council tax discount They have blamed a 22billion 'black hole' left in the books by the Tories - even though critics point out public sector workers have been handed huge pay rises. In an interview with the Observer, Sir Keir said: 'People have had a lot of tax rises and there's not much more room for tax rises. That's why I made the commitment in relation to working people.' He also tried to calm tensions with unions by insisting there will be no return to austerity. 'I'm acutely aware that our public services are on their knees, and there will always be some that say there's an argument for deep cuts,' he said. 'I ran a public service. I know what cuts feel like. And I know that a lot of them are cut to the bone. And therefore we have got to make sure that our public services are functioning properly.' Ms Reeves told the Sunday Times she was 'not looking at creating some new tax, or a wealth tax'. She is also believed to have abandoned the idea of ditching the council tax discount - amid concerns that would be branded a 'widow tax'. The Chancellor said she had to be 'honest' about the state of the finances. 'If you don't deal with the problem, you're not going to make Britain the best place to invest, which will help us to realise the prize,' she said. 'I know that if we can bring stability back, if we can create the environment where businesses invest, because investment is the biggest driver of economic growth, then we can realise this prize that has eluded us the last few years, which is a vibrant, successful economy creating good jobs [and] productivity growth in all parts of the country that actually makes people better off.' However, Ms Reeves tried to reassure businesses that workers' rights reforms and taxes. 'Businesses have got absolutely nothing to fear from our proposals. We have been, and will continue to, consult extensively with businesses on them. 'We said that we're going to be the most pro-growth government ever, but we believe being pro-business and pro-worker are two sides of the same coin,' she said. 'Businesses want well-trained workers, they want to reduce the economic inactivity rate so they've got access to staff. 'And working people need successful businesses willing to take a punt on them and to hire them in all parts of the country. So 'make work pay' is about ensuring that working people benefit from a growing economy.' More than 700 migrants crossed the Channel in 11 small boats yesterday, meaning a total of 24,335 people have been detected making the journey so far this year. Home Office figures show 707 people were detected coming across on Saturday one of the highest daily figures this year. It follows three days where no crossings were detected at all. Footage seen by MailOnline also shows a French warship passing an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants which was overcrowded and sat floating in the water. Eight men died earlier this month with six people including a 10-month-old baby being taken to hospital after a boat with 53 migrants on board crashed into rocks off the coast of Ambleteuse in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick alleged individuals linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda were among those who had arrived in the country. He said at least 1,000 people who arrived on small boats up until the end of 2022 were 'connected to criminality of all kinds' and had arrived claiming to be refugees. Writing for The Telegraph, Mr Jenrick said: 'In the year before I was immigration minister, more than a dozen known terror suspects crossed the Channel on small boats. By now, that figure is well into the dozens.' The total figure is up 1 per cent on the number of people who made the crossing by this time last year, but is down 20 per cent on 2022. Government sources previously dismissed Mr Jenrick's claims that those arriving were 'threats to our communities', who have 'waltzed in' with 'links to Islamic state and Al-Qaeda'. The Government also described the 700million Rwanda plan, which did nothing to cut migrant Channel crossings, as a 'gimmick'. British Border Force officials escort migrants into Dover Docks in Kent (pictured) Migrants wrapped in towels after they were picked up in the English Channel by British Border Force A French warship was spotted passing an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants (pictured) Migrants picked up in the English Channel were escorted by British Border Force into the UK yesterday Your browser does not support iframes. A No10 spokeswoman told reporters: 'The cost of sending four volunteers was 700million, so we are very clear that this is a gimmick which saw increases in crossing in the first months of this year.' The highest number of arrivals in one day this year has so far been 882 in 15 boats on June 18. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. 'As we have seen with so many recent devastating tragedies in the Channel, the people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay. We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced this month that 75 million would be used to boost the number of border security officers amid the Government's bid to crack down on people smugglers, using money redirected from the scrapped Rwanda deportation plan. The cash will also pay for hidden cameras and better monitoring technology as the Home Office sets up its new Border Security Command, led by a former police chief, as it aims to speed up investigations and increase the likelihood of successful prosecutions. Earlier this year, it was also announced that an extra 100 specialist investigators will be allocated to the National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of efforts to curb Channel crossings. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also said during a visit to Rome that he was 'very interested' in Italy's efforts to curb levels of irregular immigration. The 'dramatic reductions' in the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea into Italy is something the Government wants to understand, he added. Border Force arriving at Dover Docks after picking up over 700 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel Migrants are escorted off the Border Force vessel on Saturday, September 21 Migrants head to the processing station after being picked up by Border Force in the English Channel Large groups of migrants who were picked up in the English Channel by Border Force Your browser does not support iframes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to smash the criminal gangs that run the crossings, but dinghies have continued to enter British waters since his electoral victory on July 5. Just last week, eight migrants were killed attempting to make the crossing, while a ten-month old baby was rushed to hospital after being rescued at sea. French emergency services received a Mayday from a dinghy that got into difficulty off the coast at Ambleteuse, near Calais, in the early hours of Sunday morning. 'Several migrants lost their lives,' said Jacques Billant, the Pas de Calais prefect, as he confirmed eight unidentified migrants were declared dead at the scene. Some 53 migrants were attempting to reach the UK on the stricken small boat, with 45 surviving the disaster. Mr Billant said that six people were taken to hospital 'in relative emergency', including a ten-month-old baby with hypothermia. Following Labour's General Election victory, Sir Keir (pictured) and President Emmanuel Macron pledged to strengthen 'cooperation' in handling the surge in undocumented migrant numbers The PM's plan involves creating a new Border Security Command, bringing together existing immigration units given new 'counter-terrorism style' powers (File image) Survivors of the accident come from Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt and Iran, he added. At least 194 migrants died attempting to cross the English Channel between 2018 and September 2024, according to estimates from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is part of the UN. Many of these deaths occurred in the Channel during a crossing, including 80 people known to have drowned. Following Labour's General Election victory, Sir Keir and France's President Emmanuel Macron pledged to strengthen 'cooperation' in handling the surge in undocumented migrant numbers. The PM's plan involves creating a new Border Security Command, bringing together existing immigration units given new 'counter-terrorism style' powers. He has also denied that scrapping the Rwanda scheme had made the situation worse, previously saying there was 'no link' between ditching the plan and the number of arrivals. British travel bloggers have been blasted for sugarcoating China's Uyghur human rights problem while claiming they are exposing Western media lies about Xianjiang. The Chinese region, which currently holds over one million Uyghurs in re-education camps, has been seen receiving a positive reception from influencers, as they make their way through the province that is usually shut off from journalists. Foreign vloggers are welcomed with open arms by the Chinese government, to the the region where Western governments and rights groups have accused authorities of subjecting Uyghurs and members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic minority groups to alleged genocide, state-imposed forced labor, and crimes against humanity. Horrifying reports have included torture, sexual violence and sterilisation measures - Beijing denies all claims of human rights abuse. But China feeds off of the happy-go-lucky content, using it as a form of 'proof' that there are no human rights violations taking place in the region - in a method that bodes well with its own state propaganda machine. British travel vloggers have been slammed for sugarcoating China 's Uyghur human rights problem while claiming they are exposing Western media lies about Xianjiang Foreign influencers are visiting the Western region which has been accused of subjecting Uyghurs and members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic minority groups to alleged genocide, state-imposed forced labor, and crimes against humanity China feeds off of the happy-go-lucky content, using it as a form of 'proof' that there are no human rights violations taking place in the region Several clips are now floating around on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube which claim to not be pushing any particular narrative - but many appear to have political undertones These images show internment camp police security drills from 2018, taken by the detention center photographer One British travel blogger said while touring the streets of Xinjiang's capital Urumqi: 'It's like a normal city, so what's all the hype about? Negative hype as well. I don't understand that.' Mike Okay, another travel influencer who visited Xinjiang's told the MailOnline: 'Im an unbiased, non political, adventure traveler. 'My goal is not to disprove anything in my videos. My goal is to show people a world they would otherwise never see. 'What happens if you give a relatively uneducated 28 year old man in the middle of one of the worlds most debated regions?' A foreign ministry spokesperson in August revealed her delight at foreign influencers flooding the region and shedding a positive light on the area. 'I myself have watched a good number of videos by foreign vloggers sharing their trips in China. 'I'm happy to see more and more foreign friends come to China and fall in love with China,' said Lin Jian. As China witnesses an influx of YouTubers and travel bloggers to lesser-known regions including Xianjiang, more videos are emerging across social media with sensational titles claiming viewers are being shown the 'real' Xianjiang and exposing Western media 'lies' about the alleged human rights abuses taking place there. Several clips are now floating around on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube which claim to not be pushing any particular narrative - but many appear to have political undertones. In one video, a couple documented their journey while travelling through the Western region, commenting: 'If you relied on the Western media... then you wouldn't normally hear anything positive,' while using the oppression of Muslims as an example of popular accusations made about the area. They also capture a number of mosques and mention the high number of surveillance cameras in the capital but claim: 'If you haven't done anything wrong then there is nothing to be worried about'. Another vlogger said: 'A somewhat remote and mysterious region in China, Xinjiang is nonetheless a name constantly spotlighted in many Western media stories, which are usually filled with misinformation.' Although there is no evidence that suggests the vloggers are working for the Chinese government or receiving a payout, video titles about Western lies have an eerily similar tone to official state messages about the West's perceived anti-China narrative. Speaking to the Telegraph about this worrying trend, Daria Impiombato, a cyber analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said vloggers have a responsibility to be well-researched and sceptical before travelling. An image from inside the rarely seen confines of a detention centre, which appears to show Uyghurs being 're-educated' Repression: Police carry out an exercise at a Uyghur detention centre in Xinjiang 'There needs to be a reckoning with that type of platform,' she said. 'It's like influencers who are going to Syria, just doing travel vlogs from Syria without talking about years and years of war and devastation. You can't do that, and you can't do that in Xinjiang either.' The rise in the numbers of influencers taking the trips to Xianjiang is causing concern for human rights groups as Uyghurs detained in the camps are forced to work in factories and endure oppressive conditions. In one internment camp in Kashgar, Xinjiang, Uyghur detainees work as forced laborers to produce textiles and they receive little pay, are not allowed to leave, and have limited or no communication with family members, according to the US Department of Labor. If family communication and visits are allowed, they are heavily monitored and can be cut short. When not working, the Uyghur workers must also learn Mandarin and undergo ideological indoctrination, in a human rights catastrophe that has shaken the world. The US and several other foreign governments have described Chinas actions in Xinjiang as genocide, while the UN human rights office said that the violations could constitute crimes against humanity. Chinese officials have said that they have not infringed on Uyghurs rights and claimed that they closed the reeducation camps in 2019. However, international journalists and researchers have documented an ongoing system of mass detention throughout the region using satellite images, individual testimonies, and leaked Chinese government documents. Rachel Reeves believes she 'leads by example' by turning up to her Treasury office amid reports Labour is ditching efforts to force civil servants back to their workplaces. The Chancellor said that staff benefited from 'coming together' in an office to work 'collaboratively' as she put herself at odds with one of her Cabinet colleagues. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recently criticised a 'culture of presenteeism' in Britain's workplaces as he insisted a default right of flexible working will boost productivity. He also hit out at Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, one of his Tory predecessors, for the 'bizarre' approach of 'declaring war on people working from home'. Rachel Reeves (pictured out running today) said that staff benefited from coming together in an office to work collaboratively as she put herself at odds with one of her Cabinet colleagues. It has recently been reported that Labour ministers are quietly ignoring rules requiring civil servants to be in the office three days a week. But, speaking to the Sunday Times, Ms Reeves stressed the benefits of workers being in the same building. 'I think I lead by example,' the Chancellor - who lives in Downing Street above her office - told the newspaper. 'The first weekend after Labour won the election, I turned up in the Treasury straight after I was appointed by Keir as chancellor and worked through the evening. 'Then we were all in the office all day Saturday, all day Sunday. We weren't doing it on Zoom I do think people coming together and working together collaboratively promotes ideas.' Sir Jacob, when he was a Cabinet minister, led a government drive to get civil servants back to their Whitehall offices after the Covid pandemic. This included conducting personal headcounts of officials in some departments and also leaving 'sorry you were out when I visited' notes for staff not at their desks. Mr Reynolds recently blasted Sir Jacob for 'declaring war on people working from home'. 'That's pretty bizarre given the economic position the country was in and the real business agenda that needs to be pursued,' he told The Times. The Business Secretary also argued that flexible working contributes to productivity as he and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner look to introduce an overhaul of workers' rights in Britain. 'We've had flexible working laws for quite some time in the UK,' he added. 'I think where people reach agreement with their employer it does contribute to productivity, it does contribute to their resilience, their ability to stay working for an employer. 'The UK has very significant regional inequality. It could play a significant contribution to tackling that.' Ms Reeves at work in No11 Downing Street earlier this month A rule on civil servants attending the office three days a week has not been formally changed, but Labour ministers are reported to have made little attempt to enforce it. Tory leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch recently blasted the new Government's approach. She said: 'I find it extraordinary that Labour are scraping the policy barrel here to find more ways of flexible working when actually we need to get more people into the workplace. 'They are not learning, they're not getting the skills at the same rate they used to, which is one of the challenges of working from home.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Bridget Phillipson squirmed today as she defended taking 14,000 from a millionaire Labour peer to host 'work events' - after it was revealed how he bankrolled her 40th birthday bash. Amid a fierce row over senior Labour figures enjoying freebies at the start of the party's conference in Liverpool, the Cabinet minister was quizzed this morning over her own acceptance of donations from Lord Waheed Alli. The MPs' register of interests reveals the Education Secretary took a total of 14,000 from the businessman in November and December last year, which is described as being used to 'host a number of events'. It has since emerged how some of the money was used by Ms Phillipson to host a celebration of her 40th birthday last year. The Mail on Sunday revealed that more than 100 guests, including Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, attended the glittering event in London. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson squirmed today as she defended taking 14,000 from a millionaire Labour peer to host 'work events' The newspaper reported the event was held at the historic Hoare Memorial Hall in Westminster and the Prime Minister took to the venue's stage during the three-and-a-half-hour party and made a speech in which he hailed Ms Phillipson as 'a poster child for working-class aspiration'. But Ms Phillipson insisted the bash was 'in a work context' during a grilling on Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips show. 'I received that money from Waheed Alli, who is a longstanding Labour peer, it was used to fund two events - all of which was declared properly and thoroughly, that's why that information is in the public domain,' she said. 'The first event was ahead of my birthday - I was turning 40, I thought it was a good opportunity to get people together in a professional context. 'So it was journalists, trade unionists, education people, MPs and shadow cabinet. 'The second event was an event that I held, also again, for lobby journalists, for people in the education world, as part of a reception. It was in a work context.' Pressed on why politicians shouldn't pay to fund their own birthday parties, the Education Secretary added: 'My own family didn't come to that, it was in a work context. 'I celebrated my actual 40th birthday with my family - we went for a pizza, I celebrated with my kids. 'This was where I got together colleagues, journalists, trade unionists, education people. 'It was in a very different kind of context. 'Waheed is a Labour peer, he had been a Labour peer for over 25 years. This is fully transparent.' Ms Phillipson also insisted the 40th birthday bash did not represent a lobbying event. 'No, no, that's absolutely not what it was,' she added. 'This was an opportunity for people to come together to have a reception where we can talk about, for example, issues around education. 'These kinds of things happen regularly. It was all declared in line with the rules and fully transparent. 'This was two events in a work context, and the information is there for the public to see.' Sir Keir has accepted thousands of pounds worth of clothing and glasses from Lord Alli, who has also paid for high-end clothing for the Prime Minister's wife Victoria. Following Labour's general election victory in July, Lord Alli was handed a Downing Street security pass despite having no apparent Government role. Deputy PM Angela Rayner has also accepted gifts from the Labour peer, including a stay at a posh apartment in New York, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been revealed to have accepted thousands of pounds worth of clothing from another donor. Amid the fierce political row, they have all since agreed to stop accepting clothes as free gifts. Ms Phillipson admitted the row over donations was 'frustrating' and a 'distraction'. Ms Phillipson was quizzed this morning over her own acceptance of donations from Lord Waheed Alli (pictured) She said: 'The reason that we can have this conversation is because colleagues have followed the rules. I followed the rules. 'I've set out in the register of interests what donations were for, who they were from, and that's there for the public to see. 'What I would say is that, of course, it is frustrating to be having this conversation with you this morning, not talking about the wider agenda that we're setting up here in Liverpool, because we have delivered an awful lot in the very short space of time that we have been in government. 'And of course, this is a distraction.' Angela Rayner fought back tears of joy as she opened the Labour Party Conference today - despite a Labour freebie crisis and looming union battle over winter fuel payments for pensioners. The Deputy Prime Minister this morning opened the Labour conference in Liverpool, the first to take place with the party in power in 15 years. And she opened by thanking voters who backed the party at the July election, saying: 'You entrusted us with the task of change and we will not forget it. You kept faith with us and we will keep faith with you.' But it came amid a simmering row over clothing money from a top party donor accepted by Ms Rayner and other senior Labour figures including Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves. She is also facing questions over a New Year holiday to New York where she stayed at Lord Alli's 2m apartment, after it emerged her ex-boyfriend Sam Tarry stayed with her. The party conference is also set to be a difficult one, with trade unions demanding the reinstatement of universal winter fuel payments for pensioners, which the Government is making means-tested to save money. Ms Rayner told the conference: 'They thought our Party was history. But this year Conference we made history. Together. Not just a victory for our party but a victory of our values.' But shadow foreign minister Alicia Kearns said: 'Labour offered a government of service, but all they've shown is a government of self-service with blatant efforts to mislead: office costs turn out to be clothes, a holiday for one is a romantic getaway for two. 'The irony of Angela Rayner labelling herself as 'overly transparent' after failing to declare who was on her all-expenses paid holiday to New York won't be lost on the British people, not least pensioners who will suffer this winter as they're forced to choose between heating and eating because of Labour's cruel cuts to Winter Fuel Payments.' In other developments at conference today: Ms Gray is expected to skip the Labour conference in Liverpool this week amid the backlash against her; Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said two 40th birthday celebrations funded with 14,000 in donations were held in a 'work context'; Sir Keir is facing fresh claims about accepting freebies after being pictured with Ms Gray at a Tottenham match; Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir have tried to play down fears about the amount of pain to come in the Budget; Ms Reeves has said she 'leads by example' by going into the office five days a week; Angela wipes her eyes as she opens the Labour Party Conference The Deputy Prime Minister was emotional as she kick-stated the event in Liverpool, the first with her party in government since 2009. Referencing the row Ms Rayner joked: 'It was bad enough when they had to deal with Nigel Farage (at the election), now she is doing side-deals with the Daleks.' He paid for his own flights but shared the accommodation paid for by the Labour peer (pictured), who is at the centre of a row over donations he made to Sir Keir and Victoria Starmer for clothes, the Sunday Times reported. It came as Ms Rayner faced fresh questions over a freebie holiday to New York paid for by a Labour donor after it emerged that her ex-boyfriend joined her in the Big Apple. The Deputy Prime Minister is already facing questions over a five-night New Year stay in a 2million apartment owned by Lord Alli. Now it has emerged that married Sam Tarry flew out to join her for the festive stay in the 56th floor Manhattan apartment, with a gym, jacuzzi and pool. The leftwinger, who was sacked as a junior minister for supporting rail strikes, was MP for Ilford South at the time, but was deselected ahead of the July election. He paid for his own flights but shared the accommodation paid for by the Labour peer, who is at the centre of a row over donations he made to Sir Keir and Victoria Starmer for clothes, the Sunday Times reported. This morning Ms Rayner insisted that she had not broken any rules over what she said had been a 'private holiday'. She said Lord Alli was a 'friend' as well as a donor but she declared the break in any case because he was also a donor. She told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 'I don't believe I broke any rules. 'I had the use of the apartment and I disclosed that I had the use of the apartment. 'In fact, I think I was overly transparent because I think it was important despite it being a personal holiday because that person, as a friend, had already donated to me in the past for my deputy leadership.' A shock poll shows Sir Keir's personal rating has plummeted by 45 points since July Sir Keir is already facing a meltdown as he kicks off his first Labour conference in power less than three months after an historic election landslide. The PM has admitted he needs to stabilise his government as he struggles to contain fury over 'freebies', a wave of bitter briefing about his chief aide Sue Gray, and the backlash at axing winter fuel payments. Anglela Rayner was left to field questions on TV this morning, as Sir Keir shunned the traditional leader's slot on the BBC. Ms Rayner also tried to play down the internal warfare over Ms Gray, saying she has a 'huge amount of respect in the Cabinet'. Asked by Laura Kuenssberg if the No10 chief of staff would still be in her job by Christmas, Ms Rayner said: 'I think so, absolutely.' Sir Keir is in Liverpool for the first day of the annual gathering, but hopes that it might be a victory lap after the extraordinary victory in July have been summarily dashed. A grim poll by Opinium found Sir Keir's personal ratings have plummeted by 45 points since the summer, with only 24 per cent of voters saying he is doing a good job. Half of the public viewed him negatively, taking his overall net rating to minus 26 - slightly worse than Rishi Sunak at minus 25. Sir Keir's first approval rating as PM was plus 19. But as well as setting out Labour's plans for government, including a slew of new rights for workers, she also had a dig at Ms Badenoch, who is seen as the favorite to become new Tory leader . In June the then Tory women and equalities minister branded Mr Tennant a 'bigot' for using an LGBT award win to say he wished she did not exist and she should ' shut up'. Ms Rayner also used her speech to take a swing at gender-critical wannabe Tory leader Kemi Badenoch over her trans rights row with ex-Dr Who David Tennant. The Deputy Prime Minister was emotional as she kick-stated the event in Liverpool, the first with her party in government since 2009. But as well as setting out Labour's plans for government, including a slew of new rights for workers, she also had a dig at Ms Badenoch, who is seen as the favorite to become new Tory leader. In June the then Tory women and equalities minister branded Mr Tennant a 'bigot' for using an LGBT award win to say he wished she did not exist and she should 'shut up'. Referencing the row, and Mr Tennant's former role as the eccentric Timelord, Ms Rayner joked: 'It was bad enough when they had to deal with Nigel Farage (at the election), now she is doing side-deals with the Daleks.' Mr Tennant played Dr Who, whose arch enemies are the Daleks, between 2005 and 2010. Picking up an award for celebrity trans ally in June he told a cheering audience: 'I don't wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up.' It prompted the belligerent Tory to reply in a stinging tirade on X, vowing: 'I will not shut up. 'I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls. 'A rich, lefty, white male celebrity so blinded by ideology he can't see the optics of attacking the only black woman in government by calling publicly for my existence to end. 'Tennant is one of Labour's celebrity supporters. This is an early example of what life will be like if they win.' Addressing the row this morning, a jubilant Ms Rayner joked about the ongoing Tory leadership campaign, which Ms Badenoch is in. 'Next week they will gather in the wreckage of their defeat. Reduced to 10-minute auditions for wannabee leaders, beating each other to different shades of blue. On a show that no-one is watching,' she told the audience in Liverpool. 'Perhaps that's why Kemi launched her leadership campaign with an attack on Doctor Who. 'It was bad enough when they wanted to deal with Farage. Now she's doing side deals with the Daleks. 'But Conference, at least after three months as shadow housing secretary, she finally expressed concern about a tenant. It's just a pity it was David Tennant.' The BBC is probing how 'moonlighting payments' to Clive Myrie have not been declared on his register of external earnings. Myrie, one of the Beeb's highest-profile presenters, last week topped a ranking of BBC presenters who had earned the most money through corporate work, pocketing at least 66,000 in the year to the end of June. The 60-year-old, who already earns about 310,000 a year from hosting shows including BBC News at One, Six and Ten, made the extra income from 11 events, according to the figures. Myrie also earns money from presenting BBC Two quiz show Mastermind, which is now included in his published pay figure because it falls under the BBC's commercial arm. Since 2021, BBC presenters and senior leaders have been required to declare non-BBC events that they have received a fee for to 'promote the highest standards of impartiality'. The BBC is probing how 'moonlighting payments' to Clive Myrie (pictured) have not been declared on his register of external earnings Clive Myrie hosted the Inspire Justice Awards at the QEII Centre in London on September 12. The Sunday Times has asked the BBC to account for corporate events Myrie has appeared at this year which have not been included in the register. Clive Myrie's busy diary September 12 lunchtime: Myrie hosts the Inspire Justice awards at the QEII Centre in London September 12 evening: The BBC star hosts the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. September 17 morning: JLA breakfast on 'navigating risk and chaos - strategies for copying with an uncertain world'. September 17 evening: Myrie hosts the Legal Business magazine awards, returning to the Grosvenor House Hotel Advertisement Staff are meant to file disclosures monthly, which are published by the BBC every three months in a move introduced by director-general Tim Davie. Myrie declared six 'moonlighting' events for the first six months of the year, including making 10,000 for hosting the British Insurance Brokers' Association conference in Manchester. The Sunday Times has uncovered four other corporate events that Myrie did not declare between January and June. Myrie also earned between 5,000 and 10,000 for hosting an Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association lunch in March, but this was left out of disclosures due to a 'processing error'. It will be added in the next release. It is not yet clear whether the other three events - with law firm Allen & Overy, Dutch investment bank ING and the Association of Insurance and Risk Managers in Industry and Commerce - were voluntary or whether the money he made has simply not been registered. The newsreader does sometimes make unpaid appearances, including a Founders Forum event in June. A BBC spokesperson said: 'There appears to have been some administrative errors in relation to entries on the register. These will be reviewed and, where necessary, the register will be updated.' Even without these events, Myrie has topped the BBC's external events register for earnings. The BBC star hosted the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on September 12 On September 17, Myrie hosted the Legal Business magazine awards, returning to the Grosvenor House hotel On top of his extensive BBC duties, Myrie is often hosting and speaking at corporate events The news host, who also co-hosted the recent BBC1 election night coverage, took part in three events that paid 'over 10k', worth a minimum of 30,000. The real figure could be much higher. Myrie also made another seven appearances that each earned him between 5,000 and 10,000. The figures, revealed by industry publication Press Gazette, cover the year between the start of July 2023 and the end of June 2024. On top of his extensive BBC duties, Myrie is often hosting and speaking at corporate events. On September 12, he hosted the Inspire Justice Awards at lunchtime - before delivering a speech at the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association dinner at the Grosvenor House hotel. And last Tuesday, he appeared at a breakfast event with speakers' agency JLA and later hosted the Legal Business magazine awards, returning to Grosvenor House. Next week, he is set to host the Highways Awards at the Park Plaza in Westminster before making an appearance at the Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast for an Institute of Directors Northern Ireland dinner. Just behind Myrie on the list of top earners from outside work, were Today presenters Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, who according to the report both earned 45,000 from this type of work in the 12-month period. They were in joint first place for the highest number of 10,000 plus events that they took part in, both doing four each in the year. Myrie is the top earner based on the minimum amount people received for their speaking. The highest pay bracket the BBC lists events for is for 'over 10k' meaning that an upper limit is not possible to work out. The three top-paid gigs for Myrie were paid for by the Black Police Officers Association, the British Insurance Brokers Association, as well as Legal and General, the financial services company. He acted as an events host for two latter gigs. A former Australian Air Force and Qantas pilot with more than three decades of experience flying passenger aircraft has shared his theory on what happened aboard a fatal Singapore Airlines flight. Retired pilot Richard Woodward believes Singapore flight SQ321 from London to Singapore ran directly into a thunderstorm on May 21 this year. Flight radar images show other planes flying over Myanmar - where flight SQ321 ran into catastrophic turbulence, claiming the life of a British man Geoff Kitchen, 73, from a suspected heart attack and injuring 104 passengers and crew - avoided building storm activity. However, SQ321 stayed true to its intended path and headed straight into the thick of the storm. Mr Woodward called the decision 'a terrible miscalculation'. Looking at the radar images, he told 60 Minutes on Sunday: 'They're showing [storm] cells developing all over southern Myanmar, so a big area of thunderstorm activity. 'Of course, you'd either be going down the coast and swinging around or picking your way through the cells, but you certainly wouldn't try and fly downwind of the thing because that's where the weather's getting blown to.' As the plane went from 'massive updraft to a massive downdraft', the impact caused passengers and staff not wearing seatbelts to slam into overhead cabin lockers. Retired pilot Richard Woodward (pictured) on Sunday shared his theory that Singapore flight SQ321 from London to Singapore ran directly into a thunderstorm on May 21 Flight radar images (above) from the incident show other planes flying over Myanmar avoided building storm activity. However, SQ321 (shown in red) stayed true to its intended path and headed straight into the thick of the cell 'The airplane falls effectively falls 178ft, which puts everyone who's not strapped in on the roof in the back of the airplane and you pin there while the airplane's falling,' Mr Woodward explained. 'But within a couple of seconds it goes back to positive G-force and you bang back down to whatever's below you - seat backs, seats floor, you name it, whack - it's all over in 4.6 seconds. 'It's unheard of to get that sort of damage in that time.' Mr Woodward believes pilots may have misjudged the strength of the storm system and attempted to fly over it. 'I think in their view, this is benign area and they think they can just over fly it, keep going,' he said. Many media outlets initially reported the flight had been subject to 'clear air turbulence', a rare phenomenon which sees strong turbulence suddenly hit aircraft with little visual warning. However, Mr Woodward said clear air turbulence is 'very rare' in tropical areas such as Myanmar, and that the pilots on SQ321 should have been able to see lightning from the storm. Four months on, there's still no explanation as to why SQ321 would have flown into it without any deviation. 'That's the profound question and we don't know the answer to that,' Mr Woodward said. Kerry Jordan's spine was broken when she was thrust up from her seat, into an overhead cabin (pictured, Ms Jordan with her partner, Keith Davis) 'The crew would be seeing all these cells developing on the radar and weighing up whether they need to go around it or not, but it appears from the fact that they're not deviating, they think they can fit through. 'You don't get to sit in the front of a big airliner unless you've done years and years of training, but we don't know what was going on in the flight deck and we don't know what they were looking at.' Twelves Australians were among the 211 passengers onboard. The ill-fated flight changed South Australian Kerry Jordan's life forever, who was returning home from the 'best ever holiday' with her partner Keith Davis. She had just returned to her seat after a trip to the bathroom when the turbulence hit. The extreme turbulence on SQ321 injured more than 100 passengers and crew (pictured) Ms Jordan's spine was broken when she was thrust up from her seat, into an overhead cabin. The horrific injury saw Ms Jordan, a dance teacher, paralysed from the waist down and bound to a wheelchair, likely for the rest of her life. She has been in hospital since the ordeal and is currently unable to return to her home due to accessibility issues. 'The challenge of, you know, being able to actually get up and get ready for the day, thats huge, you know?' she said. Ms Jordan and her partner claim that they were offered $75,000 compensation from Singapore Airlines and that its lawyers have requested 'proof of hardship.' When asked what he believed the cause of the extreme turbulence was, Mr Davis said: 'Someone took their eyes off the dial... what else can I think? 'If you put yourself in a situation that could have been avoided by diverting... when you're hearing information that other flights that are in the air at the same time in the same region are doing exactly that, it just beggars belief. 'The data doesn't lie.' Ms Jordan (pictured), a dance teacher, was paralysed from the waist down and bound to a wheelchair, likely for the rest of her life A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said the carrier 'apologises to all passengers for the traumatic experience on board SQ321'. The added that the airline is fully cooperating with the Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau inquiry. 'We are discussing the compensation details directly with the affected passengers or their appointed representatives,' the spokesperson said. 'Singapore Airlines is committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to the passengers who were on board SQ321.' Millions of Aussies can get a free vaccination for painful and debilitating shingles. People who are classified as 'moderate to high risk' aged between 18- 64 now qualify for the immunisation. Those now eligible include patients who have underlying health conditions, such as HIV or stage five kidney disease, or those receiving certain treatments. Since November 1 last year, two doses of the vaccine were free for over-65s, and Indigenous Aussies over-50 under the National Immunisation Program. An extension of the federal government initiative means that immunocompromised, patients aged under-65 no longer have to fork out $560 to receive the jab. 'Making the shingles vaccine free for more Australians is not just good for their hip pocket, its also good for their health,' federal health minister Mark Butler said. The new eligibility is the result of medical experts pushing for the change. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus - which is the same childhood virus that causes chickenpox. 'Moderate to high risk' Aussies aged 18-64 and who have underlying health conditions can now get the shingles vaccine for free ( stock image of a young woman being vaccinated) Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Sufferers get rashes of blisters that are painful and can be itchy (stock image) The viral infection is often painful, with sufferers covered in a rash of blisters that typically appears on one side of their body The rash can also be itchy. Shingles can also be debilitating, as along with sharp, jabbing pain, patients also have the potential to develop post-disease complications. Most people suffering from shingles can expect symptoms to last two to three weeks. But they can also experience nerve pain for months. Almost all adults aged over-50 carry the inactive virus that can trigger shingles, while one in three will develop the viral infection. Those who are immunocompromised have a two times higher chance at developing the virus. Griffith University School of Medicine Professor Paul van Buynder said expanding who qualifies for the Shingrix NIP vaccination is welcome news for Aussies with other health concerns, Nine News reported. The expansion to include younger and immunocompromised patients onto the National Immunisation Program for the shingles vaccine will help people save up to $560 (stock image of a shingles rash on a man's back) 'Shingles can be a serious condition for adults who are considered to be highly immunocompromised,' he said. 'The shingles vaccine can help minimise the impact of this potentially debilitating disease and its complications, like post-herpetic neuralgia.' Patients are urged to speak to their GP to check if they are eligible. A settlement has finally been reached in the case against the marauding local surfer gang that have allegedly been terrorizing a Los Angeles County coastal paradise for six decades. Last week the city of Palos Verdes Estates agreed to take steps to not only improve public access to Luanda Bay, but also 'vigorously enforce' laws so all surfers can enjoy the waves in peace without the presence of the 'Bay Boys' group. The group has been known to verbally harass, flash, and throw rocks at visitors, as well as vandalize cars, all while hunkering down in a crudely built fort under the Luanda Bay cliffs which functioned as their base of operations, according to the lawsuit. The city and two surfers - Cory Spencer and Diana Milena Reed - reached an agreement after claiming in a 2016 lawsuit that Palos Verdes Estates has ignored the harsh tactics of the rowdy group who have made it their mission to push people away from enjoying the water. Of the 12 alleged members named in the legal filing, reviewed by LA Times, most of them have reached separate settlements with the plaintiffs and agreed to steer clear of the beach for a year or face hefty fines of $35,000- $90,000, or a combination of the two. The 'Bay Boys' surfer gang, known for terrorizing beachgoers and fellow surfers for decades, have finally learned their fate after allegedly bullying people out of Lunada Bay for decades. (pictured: The rock fort the group made on the base of the bluff) El Segundo police Officer Cory Spencer (pictured), described his ordeal with the beach bums, which he said consisted of him being bombarded with taunts from the group from their elaborate hangout The city has agreed to add signs that make it clear that everyone is welcome at the bay, install stone benches along the bluffs, and conduct regular sweeps of the area to make sure non-permitted activities aren't present - including the notorious surfer gang's fort. Their rock fort was previously demolished in 2016 after the California Coastal Commission received complaints about it. According to the consent decree, revised by the outlet, city workers will now be required to attend training on coastal access laws. In addition, all alleged bullying incidents have to be reported to the city manager, the chief of police, the Coastal Commissions chief and its Southern California enforcement supervisor/manager, the legal order detailed. If the new agreements are violated, it could result in fines up to $15,000 a day. The decade-long federal class-action claimed the surfers' alleged antics came in violation of the California Coastal Act. The law demands that members of the public have access to sites along the state's coast, which apparently has not been the case at the bottom of this bluff set along the cusp of the wealthy city of Palos Verdes Estates.' Diana Milena Reed (pictured) claimed she encountered the 'Bay Boys' when she visited the surf spot in 2016 at the age of 29. She returned there a second time and said she was 'flashed' by a man all while allegedly rubbing his private parts in a sexual manner The city has agreed to add signs that make it clear that everyone is welcome at the beach, install stone benches along the bluffs, and conduct regular sweeps of the area to make sure non-permitted activities are present - including the notorious surfer gang's fort In the lawsuit, one victim, Reed, claimed she encountered the 'Bay Boys' when she visited the surf spot in 2016 at the age of 29. 'They were screaming profanities at me, making fun of my wetsuit because it was purple - just treating me in a very rude and very threatening manner,' she previously told KTLA. 'I was really just frozen in fear, unable to do anything.' The Malibu resident went on to file a police report, before returning to the stretch of coast a second time, where she said she was met with an even worse reception - two of the men approaching her right off the bat. 'One of them rushed towards me immediately, with a can of beer, shook the can vigorously, and sprayed the can of beer on my arm and my camera,' she recalled. The other man, she said, went on to 'flash her' - all while allegedly rubbing his private parts in a sexual manner. 'They said they were filming me because they thought I was sexy and that I, you know, excite them,' she told the station, growing emotional. 'All kinds of vulgar things I'm trying to get past.' Another plaintiff, retired El Segundo police Officer Cory Spencer, described his ordeal with the beach bums, which he said consisted of him being bombarded with taunts from the group from their hangout built at the base of the cliffs. 'What the f**k are you doing here?' and 'why do you come to surf here?' were among the jabs he said he was met with upon arrival - with the harassment only worsening after he entered the water. At that point, he told Justice Laurence Rubin of the California Court of Appeal Second Appellate District, that one of the men, riding the next wave, steered his board directly at him while he was still paddling away. He recalled how he had to roll off his board to protect himself, and how the back of his wrist got cut by the other man's board as a result. Spencer also produced text messages sent by members of the Bay Boys in his portion of the lawsuit, in which the local surfers appeared to relish at the chance to bother him and an acquaintance as they learned the two would be visiting. 'There are two kooks,' one of the texts that referred to Spencer reportedly read. '[H]e's got a little bald headed white guy with them. '[H]e looks like a boogie board or to f**k [sic] what a joke!' One of the elitist group members went on to allegedly confront Spencer's friend by their car on the bluff where the pair had parked, asking why they kept coming back. 'We're going to make it hard on you every time,' the man, one of the defendants who have since settled, said, according to Spencer. 'This is what we do. It's not going to get better for you.' A lifelong surfer who also worked as a police officer in Los Angeles, Spencer felt the need to file the lawsuit, he said - paving the way for Reed to join as well. They both claimed Palos Verdes Estates, a city of about 13,000, has shied away from cracking down on the longstanding group, the lawsuit alleges. They said the city protects the band as locals, while also appreciating the fact they keep outsiders out of town. In the lawsuit, Spencer (pictured) also claimed the back of his wrist got cut after rolling off his surfboard when a member of the gang allegedly steered his board directly at him while he was still paddling away Palos Verdes Estates Mayor Dawn Murdock (pictured) stated that some residents will be pleased with the decision, while others won't be as happy because of how much money was spent on legal fees Following Friday's settlement, Kate Huckelbridge, executive director of the California Coastal Commission said: 'We are pleased and support any steps to make sure the public beach is clearly available to the public, and to ensure that Lunada Bay, like the rest of Californias coast and ocean, is safe and welcoming for visitors regardless of their ZIP Codes.' Palos Verdes Estates Mayor Dawn Murdock stated that some residents will be pleased with the decision, while others won't be as happy because of how much money was spent on legal fees. 'The City has been through a roller coaster of rulings on this lawsuit, and as we looked into the future, we simply saw nothing but more legal fees and uncertainty,' Murdock said. 'Our focus needs to be on resident priorities and its good to no longer have this matter consuming valuable resources.' The city has agreed to pay $1million-$4million for Spencer and Reed's legal fees, but it is unclear the exact amount they will receive, the LA Times reported. Christopher Pisano, the attorney who represented the wealthy city in the case, said that if Palos Verdes Estates lost the case, it would face an 'existential financial risk.' 'This settlement achieves certainty, taking the risk of tens of millions of dollars in liability off the table and avoiding the high costs of continued litigation,' he explained. The U.S. State Department is urging tourists to avoid visiting a Caribbean nation amid a state of emergency. A 'Level Four: Do Not Travel' advisory for Haiti has been in place since March due to the country's ongoing civil unrest, gang violence and riots. But on September 18, the U.S. State Department updated the advisory with details about the risk of traveling - including kidnapping, mob violence and armed robberies. They wrote: '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.' A 'Level Four: Do Not Travel' advisory for Haiti has been in place since March due to the country's ongoing civil unrest, gang violence and riots. But on September 18, the U.S. State Department updated the advisory with details on the risk of traveling. (Stock image) Crossing the border by land between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is extremely risky as travelers can face expensive immigration fines and threats of kidnapping and violence since the roads are where these instances will likely occur. Pictured: People trekking through the mountains to avoid gang violence in the Kenscoff neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti on September 10 A 'focal point' of carjackings and armed robberies are concentrated at the Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture in the commune of Port-Au-Prince - often targeting lone drivers and women. Pictured: People evacuated from Haiti by a U.S. helicopter that arrived at Las Americas airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on March 22 They also state that mob violence has escalated leading to an increase in deaths and assaults. A 'focal point' of these attacks are concentrated at the Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture in the commune of Port-Au-Prince. At the international airport, the department said armed robberies and carjackers are probable - often targeting lone drivers and women. Alarmingly, the warning said there's little the U.S. government can do for their citizens in Haiti due to a general lack of resources. Even the U.S. personnel are subjected to a 'nightly curfew' and are banned from using public transportation, visiting banks and ATMs, driving or traveling anywhere at night and venturing out without either prior approval and security measures in place. Crossing the border by land between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is extremely risky as travelers can face expensive immigration fines and threats of kidnapping and violence since the roads are where these instances will likely occur. The recent carnage came after Haiti's prime minister, Ariel Henry, flew to Kenya to persuade the African country to speed up its UN-approved donation of 1,000 police officers to help bring order to Haiti. Pictured: Ariel Henry at a public lecture at the U.S. International University is Nairobi, Kenya on March 1 Powerful gang leader Jimmy 'Barbeque' Cherizier began his campaign of terror on February 29 and claims responsibility for gangs storming two of the country's biggest prisons and freeing 4,000 prisoners. Pictured: Former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier (middle), leader of the 'G9' gang alliance, is flanked by gang members after a press conference in Delmas 6, Port-au-Prince, Haiti March 5 The recent carnage came after Haiti's prime minister, Ariel Henry, flew to Kenya to persuade the African country to speed up its UN-approved donation of 1,000 police officers to help bring order to Haiti and get rid of the gangs towards the end of February. Powerful gang leader Jimmy 'Barbeque' Cherizier began his campaign of terror on February 29 after he claimed responsibility for gangs storming two of the country's biggest prisons and freeing 4,000 prisoners before burning down government buildings and attacking a dozen police stations. Cherizier said his aim was to block Henry's return and capture police and government officials. Even after securing the 1,000 police officers from Kenya, Henry was still unable to return to Kenya. Weeks later he would step down from the position. Now the government has disintegrated. This warning was issued six months after social media star YourFellowArab was taken hostage in Haiti by one of the gangs who have become de-facto leaders in the midst of the violence that has ravaged the Caribbean island. YourFellowArab, whose real name is Addison Pierre Maalouf, was on the island to interview the man known popularly as Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cerisier, the most powerful gang leader in the country. On March 14, Maalouf was taken by a gang known as the 400 Mawozo, led by kingpin Lanmo 100 jou, who is on the FBI most wanted list. Maalouf was being held for a ransom of $600,000. Since the carnage began, 8,400 people have been killed, injured or kidnapped, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect reported. Five million Haitians are facing acute hunger, 1.6 million are at risk of starvation and more than 580,000 people are currently displaced. A stunning feature of Yellowstone National Park has fallen victim to vandalism - and concerned locals are pointing their fingers at tourists. The Morning Glory Pool had clear-blue waters until tourists became infatuated with the site's beauty. Now, the thermal pool in the Upper Geyser Basin near the famous Old Faithful has a totally different look. The crystal water now has distinctive shades of orange, yellow, green and blue. The colors are appealing to visitors - but they actually indicate the water's pollution. Tourists have thrown thousands of pounds of trash, coins, rocks and logs into the pool over the years, according to the National Park Service. The once crystal-blue water of the Morning Glory Pool in Yellowstone Park turned multi-colored from careless tourist habits The Morning Glory pool pictured in 1902, before human impact changed its color permanently Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, is home to 500 geysers Yellowstone National Park historian Alicia Murphy told the Cowboy State Daily: 'I think many people like to throw things into pools. Wishing wells are a time-honored tradition. 'There is something about a pool of water that gives humans a weird instinct to throw things into it.' But this contamination is nothing new. It began when the pool was first noticed by tourists in the 1800s and by the 1950s, it was unrecognizable. The geyser was informally dubbed the 'garbage can', according to National Parks Traveler. Yellowstone National Park, located mainly in Wyoming with parts in Idaho and Montana, is home to over 500 geysers. In 1991, a team was tasked with cleaning out the Morning Glory Pool in an attempt to restore it. Jeff Henry, who was a part of that team, told the Cowboy State Daily: 'We used a couple of fire trucks to pump down the pool's water level and shoot it into the Firehole River. 'A guy was hooked up to a climbing harness so that he wouldn't fall into the pool, and he was out there with a long-handled net, fishing things out of the water far down into the crater of the pool. Coins, rocks and other litter have been thrown in the Morning Glory geyser over the years The Morning Glory Pool was once bright blue and was named after its resemblance to the Morning Glory flower 'I remember joking about how we were practicing scald and release fishing that day.' The pool is about 23 feet deep and 160F. Henry said the clean-up led to the discovery of thousands of coins, metal car parts, rocks that 'didn't belong there' and hats that likely flew off tourists' heads. Newer trash was able to be removed, but older items tossed in the pool were already embedded in it, causing irreversible damage. Many nature-lovers and locals have been vocal with their outrage about yet another landmark being harmed by human touch. The careless tourist habits have caused a pool's temperature to decrease overtime, which is the main cause of the color changes, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientist Mike Poland told the Cowboy State Daily. He said to the outlet: 'Temperature is a huge factor. Hotter pools tend to be a brilliant blue, and cooler pools can be more colorful since bacteria can grow there. 'At Morning Glory, the temperature cooled because people throwing objects in caused the conduit to become partially blocked, and the temperature went down, allowing different types of bacteria to grow.' The geyser was once roughly 12F hotter than it is today. One Reddit user wrote: 'F*** sake. Probably the same f***ing idiots who are constantly building "cute" rock piles everywhere they go ripping rocks out the ground and hastening erosion.' The Morning Glory captured in 1993, just two years after a team tried to clean it out The Morning Glory is located near the famous Old Faithful Geyser Another Redditor offered some advice to tourists planning to visit the national park: 'So I live in Montana and have visited Yellowstone many times. Morning Glory Pool and Old Faithful among many others are an amazing sight! 'If you have the patience sit and wait for Old Faithful to erupt... takes roughly 90 minutes. You won't be disappointed! 'Also if you're a tourist please stay on the paths, and DO NOT attempt to get close to the geothermal events aka the extremely hot water holes.' In 1981, a 24-year-old California man named David Kirwan died after jumping into the scorching Morning Glory after a friend's dog and burned to death, according to Snopes. Yellowstone National Park has seen plenty of 'moron tourists' that ruin the experience for those trying to enjoy the park's natural beauty. An Instagram account called 'Tourons of Yellowstone' - 'Touron' combines 'tourist' and moron' - is dedicated to showing off the mindless and detrimental actions of obnoxious visitors. Another reason tourist may be tempted to throw things into the geyser is to try and make it erupt, but Murphy explained why this is unreasonable. This was especially common during the park's early days. She told the Cowboy State Daily: 'People didn't understand the plumbing and how geysers worked. There were lots of ideas about, "If we throw something into this pool, we might be able to make it erupt." An Instagram account called 'Tourons of Yellowstone' highlights the thoughtless actions of some tourists 'I think there was some trial and error and a misunderstanding of the damage they were doing.' The Morning Glory Pool was named after its resemblance to a Morning Glory Flower. But since its color shift, this comparison has become a stretch. Experts do think that there is hope for the park and its vibrant features, including the Morning Glory Pool. Henry told the Cowboy State Daily: 'I think people are much more respectful than they were in my early days.' Police are investigating a shocking attack on a cyclist who was throttled and thrown to the floor by a raging motorist in broad daylight. Disturbing footage showed the horrific assault taking place in Edinburgh's Old Town on Friday afternoon. The video shows the 34-year-old cyclist standing in front of a white car on High School Wynd, speaking to a female passenger while the furious driver is beeping his horn. The man on the bike appeared to be having a heated argument with the woman, who was wearing a blue hoodie and grey tracksuit bottoms. The male driver of the vehicle then angrily stepped out of the car and marched towards the cyclist. This was the shocking moment the male driver used both hands to throttle the cyclist After grabbing him by the neck, he then threw him to the ground in shocking scenes in Edinburgh The injured cyclist was left splayed out on the floor. He was taken to hospital to be checked over He then launched a terrifying assault on the cyclist, using both hands to grab his neck before throwing him to the ground. The cyclist was left splayed out on the floor as the driver and passenger returned to the vehicle, which had a learner plate on the windscreen. The man on the bike can be seen clutching his head after he was thrown onto the road. Parts of his bike also exploded across the road amid the violent road rage assault. Emergency services rushed to the cyclist's aid - and police have confirmed they are investigating the attack. Detectives also confirmed that he was taken to hospital to be checked over for his injuries. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 6.25pm on Friday, 20 September, 2024, we received a report of a male cyclist being assaulted during an altercation with the male driver of a car in High School Wynd, Edinburgh. 'The 34-year-old victim was taken to hospital to be checked over and officers are following positive lines of enquiry in relation to the incident.' A live-in nanny has been awarded a staggering sum of cash after her creepy fried chicken mogul boss filmed her in secret with cameras hidden in her bedroom. Michael Esposito, 35, owner of three LaRosa Grill franchises, was caught secretly filming 28-year-old Kelly Andrade in the nude . He secretly installed a camera in his young Colombian au pair's bedroom smoke detector, capturing 'hundreds' of explicit videos of the unsuspecting nanny. Esposito has now been ordered to cough up a whopping $2.78 million after the creepy chicken boss's perverted scheme came crashing down when Andrade discovered the camera's memory card packed with X-rated footage. A Manhattan Jury has now awarded $780,000 in emotional distress damages against both Michael and his wife Danielle Esposito, plus $2 million in punitive damages against Esposito. The live-in nanny sued her boss in 2021 for allegedly secretly filming her 'hundreds' of times in various stages of undress with a camera hidden in a smoke detector in her room. A former live-in nanny, Kelly Andrade, has been awarded a staggering sum of cash after her creepy fried chicken mogul boss filmed her in secret with cameras hidden in her bedroom Michael Esposito, 35, (pictured on the right next to his wife Danielle), owner of three LaRosa Grill franchises, was caught secretly filming 28-year-old Kelly Andrade in the nude Esposito, a father of four, was arrested on March 24, 2021, after Colombian-born Andrade claimed she found the camera at the home in New York's Staten Island. She alleged that her boss rushed home and tried to break her door down when he realized she had discovered the hidden camera. The then-25-year-old nanny claimed she jumped out of her bedroom window to escape the terrifying confrontation, believing Esposito might be armed with a gun. Esposito, who owns three LaRosa Grill franchises, was hit with a felony charge of unlawful surveillance. Andrade said in her lawsuit that she spent hundreds of hours training upon being hired by Cultural Care Au Pair, who sent her to work in the United States. She was placed with Esposito and his wife Danielle to look after his four children in the family's $800,000 waterfront Tottenville home, according to the Post. Through a translator, Andrade told the Post that she was initially thrilled for the chance to learn English and work in the US, and the Espositos gave her a private bedroom of her own while she watched their young children. But she says she became suspicious after finding Esposito frequently adjusting the smoke detector in her bedroom. Esposito has now been ordered to cough up a whopping $2.78 million after the creepy chicken boss's perverted scheme came crashing down when Andrade discovered the camera's memory card packed with X-rated footage Esposito, a father of four, (right) was arrested on March 24, 2021, after Colombian-born Andrade claimed she found the camera at the home in New York's Staten Island Three weeks into the job she inspected the device and discovered the camera. She says her boss arrived home 'within minutes' and 'seemed very worried when he arrived to the house'. The au pair claims that she tried to pretend to be asleep but that Esposito banged repeatedly on the locked door, and she jumped from a window out of fear. She then ran down the street and fled to a nearby police station, where she gave them the memory card she had found in the camera. The lawsuit claims it contained 'hundreds of recordings' showing her nude or partially dressed. An 86-year-old woman who had suffered a suspected heart attack waited 25 hours in a hospital corridor for a ward bed - before giving up and going home. Maria Bodea, 86, had a suspected heart attack failure at home and was taken to St Helier Hospital, Sutton, London, by ambulance. But there were no ward beds available and the gran-of-two was put on a trolley bed in a corridor with up to 20 others, her family say. Widow Maria and her daughter Sanda Ghiurcusor, 57, were stationed next to a door leading outside, forcing them to wear wooly hats to keep warm. Unable to face another night in a corridor with 'no privacy' Maria self-discharged herself 25 and a half hours after she arrived in hospital. Maria Bodea, 86, and daughter Sanda as they wait in hospital corridor after Maria was admitted to hospital after a suspected heart attack There were no ward beds available and the gran-of-two was put on a trolley bed in a corridor with up to 20 others, her family say Maria was stationed next to a door leading outside, forcing her to wear wooly hats to keep warm Sanda says others sleeping in the corridor said they'd been waiting there since September 15. She says 'embarrassed' staff said the situation was the same across every trust in the country. The medical PA from Banstead, Surrey, was keen to stress that her frustrations weren't with the staff. Sanda said: 'It was like a warzone - it was a big line of beds next to the wall. 'We were put straight in the corridor near the doors automatic doors so we had cold coming in - it was a really bad night. 'People could walk past, cleaners walk past, and there's no privacy. 'Someone else said they had been there since Sunday. 'My mum is very frail and confused now. 'The matron told me it's like this in every trust in the country. 'It's not like the staff is not nice, everyone does a brilliant job but the management doesn't seem to invest in what's needed. 'It's not the doctor's fault - you can see the staff are stressed and embarrassed.' Sanda and Maria arrived in hospital at around 6.30pm on September 17. Maria underwent a CT scan of the head and bladder tests and was referred to a consultant for further tests on September 19 but decided she couldn't stay another night in the corridor. Sanda - who is originally from Romania - said the situation in the hospital made her 'sad.' She added: 'They were swamped. It's just sad. I couldn't believe I was in England. 'Even in Romania, older people wouldn't be treated like this.' Maria had some medication changed beofre leaving the hospital and she's been referred to another consultant for further tests. A spokesperson for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said: 'While we always do our best for our patients, these are not the conditions we want to care for them in and we are really sorry that Mrs Bodea did not have a good experience. 'When our services are exceptionally busy, as they are at the moment, we sometimes have to care for people in other areas of the hospital until a suitable bed becomes available - this is always only a temporary measure and patients are supervised by clinical teams at all times.' Stressed British workers typically take less than 15 minutes for lunch - and three in ten grab the same food each day, a new study suggests while also revealing the nation's favourite sandwiches. The lunch break has steadily shrunk down the years in the UK from the traditional full hour to a 'micro lunch' averaging just 15 minutes, researchers found. The average break nationally was 33 minutes in 2012 but has since more than halved again as employees get ever busier in a tough economic climate. The time sacrificed due to the end of the traditional hour-long lunch break adds up to about an extra 175 hours of work per year - equivalent to 22 eight-hour days. Almost half of staff, or 44 per cent, wish they could have the full hour but in their rush to get back to business, 29 per cent are repetitive eaters who tuck into exactly the same lunch each day. British workers' favourite lunch break sandwiches have been revealed in a new poll Former Tory deputy prime minister Dominic Raab was apparently one such lunchtime creature of habit. His diary secretary once told an undercover reporter that Raab's identical daily Pret A Manger order was a chicken Caesar and bacon baguette, superfruit pot and vitamin volcano smoothie. And it seems chicken sandwiches are most popular among Britons, with 34 per cent preferring the filling with either bacon or salad. Next come cheese sandwiches (28 per cent), plain or with onion, followed by egg (26 per cent), either with bacon or cress. Other favourites include tuna mayo (20 per cent), ham (16 per cent), a BLT (13 per cent) and a sausage sandwich (eight per cent). The survey of 1,000 workers was carried out for Mexican-inspired restaurant chain Taco Bell. More than half of people - 56 per cent - admit that they are 'creatures of habit' who rarely venture outside their comfort zone when it comes to weekday lunches, while ne in ten even confess to eating the same meal for the past five years or more. And about a third, 34 per cent, say they are bored of sandwiches yet three out of ten grab them out of convenience due to not having enough time to explore other options. The lunch break has steadily shrunk down the years in the UK from the traditional full hour to a 'micro lunch' averaging just 15 minutes, according to a new study Former Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab was previously revealed to have a regular favourite lunch break choice, a chicken Caesar and bacon baguette Similarly, 44 per cent wish they had the time to eat something more substantial for lunch and would be happy to pay up to 6.40 for a filling, tasty meal. Despite their recurring, humdrum fare, 35 per cent start thinking about what they are going to eat for lunch by 11am. The average worker buys two 'meal deals' per week, with men most likely to consume a chicken and bacon sandwich, chocolate bar and full fat Coke. The most common choices for women, meanwhile, are a tuna mayo sandwich, yoghurt and still water. But the cost of meal deals has soared post-pandemic as supermarkets and popular high street chains hike prices. Rising food ingredient costs and energy bills have fuelled the surge in charges for a sandwich, snack and drink combo. Taco Bell has now launched a tongue-in-cheek campaign against what it calls 'Big Sandwich's grip on the nation's lunchtimes'. Protesters dressed as tacos descended on Westminster waving signs saying 'Scamwich' and 'Just Stop Sandwich' to 'poke fun at the UK's meal deal culture'. Fast food chain Taco Bell has launched a campaign against 'repetitive' lunchtime snacks The firm has also started a petition warning that 'Big Sandwich is eating your lunch' and calling for a Meal Deal Reform Act - suggesting legislation should force supermarkets to make meal deals more substantial and better value for money. The restaurant chain has launched its own 'Real Meal, Real Deal' combo of a burrito, fries and soft drink for 3.99 (3.49 via its app) that it claims is 'much more satisfying and flavourful' than a typical meal deal. Taco Bell's chief marketing officer Chet Patel said: 'Our research shows just how monotonous the nation's lunchtimes have become and how many Brits are suffering with sad sandwich woes. 'Big Sandwich has hoodwinked hard-working people for too long with their overpriced and disappointing lunchtime offerings.' One of Britain's best-loved cooks, Nadiya Hussain, has opened up about how difficult it was for her to adjust to fame ahead of the release of her new cooking series. The Great British Bake Off winner has said she was 'quite delusional', thinking she would finish the competition in 2015 and go straight back to finishing her degree. But instead, the 39-year-old baker and TV personality, shot to fame and in doing so, garnered attention wherever she went. Speaking to the BBC today, she recalled going to the supermarket when the series was airing and being recognised by fellow shoppers. She admitted it was 'scary and destabilising' to be approached by strangers wanting pictures, admitting, 'I went in for bread and milk, and two hours later I was still at the supermarket.' Nadia learned to cope with being recognised on the street, but subsequently faced a wave of racist abuse online. 'There was constant pressure to prove how British I was, how Bangladeshi, how Muslim,' She told the BBC. 'And then I realised that by trying to please all these different groups, I was just displeasing myself.' She added: 'People are going to say I'm not British enough to do a trifle, or not Bangladeshi enough to do certain curries, but I just don't really care. I'm quite happy in my grey area.' Nadiya Hussain (pictured on the Graham Norton Show) has opened up about how difficult it was for her to adjust to fame ahead of the release of her new cooking series Nadia (pictured) won the Great British Bake Off back in 2015 and has since then become a TV personality and best-selling author Fast forward nine years and Nadia is now a best-selling author who is never too far away from our screens. In her new series, Nadiya's Cook Once Eat Twice inspired by her early memories of cooking she looks at finding delicious solutions to food waste. Recipes include a carrot soup that transforms into a fish curry as well as a dish using banana peel. Nadia said people are much more conscious of food waste now and want to save money and 'even a few pennies' here and there 'makes a world of difference'. Her new show follows cooking series Nadiya's Fast Flavours, travel show The Chronicles of Nadiya, and Nadiya: Anxiety and Me, where she opened up about her mental health struggles. Nadiya has suffered from anxiety most of her adult life after bullies 'flushed her head down the toilet' at school. She previously revealed her episodes are so bad she feels as if she is 'going to die' and something as small as a supermarket substituting a delivery ingredient can set it off. In her new series, Nadiya's Cook Once Eat Twice inspired by her early memories of cooking she looks at finding delicious solutions to food waste Nadiya (pictured) looks at finding delicious solutions to food waste in her new series Before her documentary aired in 2019 she had never had a diagnosis. But after seeing a specialist GP, she was told she had high levels of anxiety and was possibly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after the incident at school. Now, Nadiya has revealed she has a 'different handle' on her mental health. She told the BBC: 'What I have accepted over the years is that its not something thats going to go away. What Ive done is really learn and understand what it is that triggers me.' Nadiya won the sixth series of the Channel 4 programme in 2015, when the competition was still on BBC One. The Great British Bake Off sees 12 amateur bakers battle it out over two months under a marquee and in the presence of professional bakers. Because of Nadiya's success on the show she was able to host cooking programmes of her own, write bestselling books, and bake the late Queen's 90th birthday cake. Since then, the show has moved to Channel 4 with all the central cast replaced bar Paul Hollywood. The presenting team has also changed two times, from Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas from 2020 to 2022 and now Noel and Alison. If Vice President Kamala Harris becomes president and is able to pass her tax plan, it may cost the US economy nearly 800,000 full-time equivalent jobs, a new analysis has found. The Harris plan is largely a continuation of President Joe Biden's 2025 budget, which would raise taxes on high earners, businesses and investors selling stocks. Harris departs from Biden in her desire to offer a $25,000 tax credit to first-time homebuyers and eliminate tax on tips. All told, think tank Tax Foundation believes this policy will cause a two percent decline in long-run GDP and a 1.2 percent dip in long-run wages, as well as a marked effect on employment. 'Similar to the president's proposals, we find that it would reduce the long-term growth of the economy, it would reduce American incomes relative to where they would otherwise be, and it would lose, rounding up, close to 800,000 jobs in the long-run,' Garrett Watson, senior policy analyst and modeling manager at the Tax Foundation, told FOX Business. Kamala Harris' tax plan could cost the economy nearly 800,000 jobs, according to an analysis from the Tax Foundation Garrett Watson (pictured) says the Harris tax plan creates 'disincentives for work' 'That's mostly from both disincentives for work under her plan and for investment, which produces higher incomes and creates jobs,' Watson added. The foundation claims that just one out of her 17 major policy proposals will actually create jobs, and that's eliminating income tax on tipped wages, an idea first popularized by former President Donald Trump. Raising the net investment income tax from 3.8 percent to 5 percent and hiking the additional Medicare tax from 0.9 percent to 2.1 percent will cost 177,000 jobs, according to the analysis. Harris wants to make the American Rescue Plan's expansion of the earned income tax credit permanent and revive that law's child tax credit, which offered families $3,600 per child under 6 before it expired in 2021. Additionally, Harris wants to hike the child tax credit to $6,000 for newborns. These tax breaks for families with children will cost 131,000 jobs, the analysis claims. The next biggest job killer, according to the foundation, is Harris' idea to raise the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent. That could subtract as many as 125,000 jobs from the economy, while also having the largest impact on the GDP. The Tax Foundation analyzed how the tax policy from a second Trump term could affect the economy, concluding that his plans would lead to a net loss of 387,000 jobs in the long term Raising the top marginal rate on personal income to 39.6 percent for people earning $400,000 as individual filers or $450,000 as joint filers would cost 86,000 jobs. Taxing unrealized capital gains of over $5 million at death (or $10 million for joint filers), and taxing capital gains over $1 million at a 28 percent rate would cost 75,000 jobs. The Tax Foundation also analyzed how the tax policy from a second Trump term could affect the economy. Overall, his stated plans would lead to a net loss of 387,000 jobs in the long term. If Trump succeeds in making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, the law he signed in 2017 that expires in 2025, that will create combined 911,000 jobs. However, Trump's plan to increase tariffs on China to 60 percent and imposing a universal tariff of 10 percent on all goods imported to the US would cost 674,000 jobs. Bridget Phillipson squirmed today as she admitted taking freebie tickets to a Taylor Swift concert because they were 'hard to turn down'. The Education Secretary said one of her children was 'keen to go along' to see the pop star live. She acknowledged there was 'big demand' for tickets and she was 'privileged' to have been offered complimentary entry - but stressed the gift had been 'declared'. The awkward moment came in interviews at Labour conference today, with Ms Phillipson also facing questions over a millionaire Labour peer bankrolling her lavish 40th birthday bash. Bridget Phillipson squirmed today as she admitted taking freebie tickets to a Taylor Swift concert because they were 'hard to turn down' Asked by ITV News about the two tickets to see Taylor Swift at Wembley on August 15 - declared as being worth 522.54 - Ms Phillipson said: 'I'll be honest it was a hard one to turn down.' Asked by ITV News about the two tickets to see Taylor Swift at Wembley on August 15 - declared as being worth 522.54 - Ms Phillipson said: 'I'll be honest it was a hard one to turn down. I appreciate there was big demand for tickets, it was a privilege to be there. 'One of my children was keen to go along it's hard to say no if you are offered tickets in those circumstances. 'But it was declared... but I do recognise that I'm in a fortunate position to be able to receive it.' Amid a fierce row over senior Labour figures enjoying freebies at the start of the party's conference in Liverpool, Ms Phillipson was quizzed separately about donations from Lord Waheed Alli. The MPs' register of interests reveals the Education Secretary took a total of 14,000 from the businessman in November and December last year, which is described as being used to 'host a number of events'. It has since emerged how some of the money was used by Ms Phillipson to host a celebration of her 40th birthday last year. The Mail on Sunday revealed that more than 100 guests, including Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, attended the glittering event in London. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson squirmed today as she defended taking 14,000 from a millionaire Labour peer to host 'work events' The newspaper reported the event was held at the historic Hoare Memorial Hall in Westminster and the Prime Minister took to the venue's stage during the three-and-a-half-hour party and made a speech in which he hailed Ms Phillipson as 'a poster child for working-class aspiration'. But Ms Phillipson insisted the bash was 'in a work context' during a grilling on Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips show. 'I received that money from Waheed Alli, who is a longstanding Labour peer, it was used to fund two events - all of which was declared properly and thoroughly, that's why that information is in the public domain,' she said. 'The first event was ahead of my birthday - I was turning 40, I thought it was a good opportunity to get people together in a professional context. 'So it was journalists, trade unionists, education people, MPs and shadow cabinet. 'The second event was an event that I held, also again, for lobby journalists, for people in the education world, as part of a reception. It was in a work context.' Pressed on why politicians shouldn't pay to fund their own birthday parties, the Education Secretary added: 'My own family didn't come to that, it was in a work context. 'I celebrated my actual 40th birthday with my family - we went for a pizza, I celebrated with my kids. 'This was where I got together colleagues, journalists, trade unionists, education people. 'It was in a very different kind of context. 'Waheed is a Labour peer, he had been a Labour peer for over 25 years. This is fully transparent.' Ms Phillipson also insisted the 40th birthday bash did not represent a lobbying event. 'No, no, that's absolutely not what it was,' she added. 'This was an opportunity for people to come together to have a reception where we can talk about, for example, issues around education. 'These kinds of things happen regularly. It was all declared in line with the rules and fully transparent. 'This was two events in a work context, and the information is there for the public to see.' Sir Keir has accepted thousands of pounds worth of clothing and glasses from Lord Alli, who has also paid for high-end clothing for the Prime Minister's wife Victoria. Following Labour's general election victory in July, Lord Alli was handed a Downing Street security pass despite having no apparent Government role. Deputy PM Angela Rayner has also accepted gifts from the Labour peer, including a stay at a posh apartment in New York, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been revealed to have accepted thousands of pounds worth of clothing from another donor. Amid the fierce political row, they have all since agreed to stop accepting clothes as free gifts. Ms Phillipson admitted the row over donations was 'frustrating' and a 'distraction'. Ms Phillipson was quizzed this morning over her own acceptance of donations from Lord Waheed Alli (pictured) She said: 'The reason that we can have this conversation is because colleagues have followed the rules. I followed the rules. 'I've set out in the register of interests what donations were for, who they were from, and that's there for the public to see. 'What I would say is that, of course, it is frustrating to be having this conversation with you this morning, not talking about the wider agenda that we're setting up here in Liverpool, because we have delivered an awful lot in the very short space of time that we have been in government. 'And of course, this is a distraction.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A distraught mother has recalled her teenage son final words to her before he was killed when the car he was travelling in slammed into a tree. Levi-Jackson Furnivall, 17, was in the backseat of a red Mitsubishi Magna sedan when the vehicle veered off the Tonkin Highway in Martin in Perth's south-east at about 1.40am last Thursday morning. The vehicle rolled before hitting a tree about 1.40am, trapping the teenager inside who couldn't be revived. Nine hours earlier, the last thing Levi-Jackson told his mum Atariki Simon-Whararapa was that he and a few friends were heading out to check on a mate. While she's grateful the driver, 19, and other passenger, 18, escaped with minor injuries, she's struggling with the loss of her son. 'I know he was with his mates . . . he hadnt heard from one of his best friends all day, and they wanted to go check on him,' she told The West Australian. 'The crash was at 1am, but he left at five in the afternoon, and he said he wasnt going to be long.' Ms Simon-Whararapa recalled how he hadn't heard from her son and 'couldn't get a hold of him' - so she texted one of his friends, who also didn't answer. Levi-Jackson Furnivall, 17, (pictured) was in a red Mitsubishi Magna sedan as a backseat passenger when he was killed after the vehicle left the Tonkin Highway near Gosnells Road East in Western Australia His mother described her 17-year-old (pictured) as always being energetic, and 'excited' to start his mechanical apprenticeship She had no idea what had happened to Levi-Jackson until she was in the shower later that morning. The teen's mother said her and her family 'are just broken' and can't believe how suddenly he had been taken from them. Ms Simon-Whararapa recalled how she'd been helping her son organise his tax file number ahead of starting a mechanics apprenticeship hours earlier. The family's beloved son and brother had been at the house with them before the accident, 'laughing with us and joking with his sister'. Levi-Jackson had a 13-year-old brother and seven-year-old sister and was described as someone who always had a lot of energy. The forgiving mother said even though she was 'hurting' she had no anger towards the young driver. The devastated mother revealed that none of her son's friends have been in touch since the tragedy. She wanted them to know that they shouldn't be 'scared' of her, saying she is 'angry at the situation' but not them. The car veered the highway before rolling and hitting a tree about 1.40am last Thursday Pictured is the scene of the accident Police are investigating the cause of the accident (pictured the scene of the accident) Ms Simon-Whararapa wanted people to celebrate her beloved son's life. There was an outpouring of grief online for the popular 17-year-old. 'Gone way too soon my brother, I never imagined losing a friend, it was just something I didnt think would happen,' one friend wrote. Parts of Tonkin Highway remained closed on Thursday morning as major crash officers examined the crash scene, Anyone with dashcam footage or who had witnessed the crash to contact WA Police. Chinese company donates relief supplies to flood-affected people in Myanmar Xinhua) 10:57, September 22, 2024 YANGON, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese company in Myanmar has donated relief supplies to people affected by floods in Myanmar, according to a statement released by the Chinese embassy in Myanmar on Thursday. The items donated by a company of the Myanmar-China Oil and Gas Pipeline project included cooking oil, instant noodles, and sacks of rice for residents of three villages affected by floods in Myanmar, the statement said. On Sept. 12, a rescue team from the company evacuated more than 20 villagers in Nay Pyi Taw as floods hit the region, it added. In Myanmar, a total of 293 people were killed and 89 others missing as of Thursday morning due to recent floods triggered by Typhoon Yagi and a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) A young man has been seriously injured at an abattoir in a horror workplace accident. The worker aged in his 20s was inside a cattle truck at the site in the Geelong suburb of Corio on Sunday afternoon when he was trampled by cows. Paramedics arrived on scene and managed to get inside the truck to treat the patient for serious injuries to his upper body. A worker has been rushed to hospital after he was trampled by cows inside a cattle truck The horror workplace accident happened at an abattoir in Geelong, south-west of Melbourne He was then rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital where he's understood to be in a serious but stable condition. WorkSafe Victoria has since been notified and launched an investigation into the incident to determine whether further action is required. A self-made millionaire has shared the shocking lifestyle change that helped him become effortlessly wealthy. Writer and entrepreneur Steve Adcock, 42, traveled the road to financial success in an RV. He and his wife Courtney quit their jobs and sold their 1,600-square-foot Arizona home and moved into a 200-square-foot Airstream RV with their two dogs. In a CNBC story, Steve wrote: 'Looking back, that was one of the key reasons why I was able to build wealth.' Steve grew tired of his mundane day-to-day working as a software developer, so he quit his job when he and Courtney made the big move in 2016. Courtney followed suit in 2017, leaving her days as a rocket scientist behind. Steve and Courtney Adcock quit their job and sold their house to live in an RV for three years, which is how Steve said he became a millionaire The couple had about $900,000 in savings at this point, giving them 'some breathing room' to explore their new life. They spent the next three years touring the country, documenting their journey on YouTube and writing about it. Steve wrote: 'Over that three year period, living cheaply in our Airstream allowed our net worth to climb while we drove, even though we no longer worked full-time jobs.' Steve said the hardest part of downsizing was sorting through all the stuff he and Courtney had. He wrote: 'We unloaded some things on friends and family members. We donated a lot to Goodwill, probably enough to fill an entire store. We held garage sales over several weekends and digitized thousands of photos onto CDs instead of keeping physical photographs. Only keeping what was absolutely necessary made Steve and Courtney realize how little they really needed to live a comfortable life. Steve described having fewer things as 'quite freeing.' Another downside was the lack of electricity, water and sewer hook-ups. They made a few hundred dollars each month from YouTube videos and about $1,000 per month from a blog Steve wrote about early retirement. They also had stocks that were mainly left alone. They're overall expenses each month were give or take $3,500. Overall, Steve said this was a much cheaper life than the one he was previously living. The only expense that increased was their grocery bill - by 25 percent - because they had to shop in local stores more often. They camped in about half of the states and kept living costs low by staying on Bureau of Land Management land, which is free for RVs for two weeks at a time. The couple traveled to about half the states and increased their net worth by about $150,000 during the three years Factoring in all the expenses that came along with on-the-road living, the adventurous pair walked away with a net worth $150,000 higher than when they started - officially making them millionaires. He wrote in the CNBC story: 'Not bad for never setting foot in an office!' Steve told GOBankingRates: 'The best part of being retired is being able to decide what I do with my time every single day.' His website is dedicated to sharing financial tips that can help anyone increase their net worth. Since their three exciting years seeing the country and saving money, it appears that the both have returned to the working world. Courtney is a realtor and software engineering consultant, according to her LinkedIn. Steve wrote a book called 'Millionaire Habits' that was published in January. Hezbollah leaders gathered for the funeral of a terror commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday. The funeral of Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollah's military operations and acting commander of the Radwan Force took place on Sunday after he was killed in a blast said to have left 37 dead, including three children and 15 other commanders. Images from the procession that was held in the southern suburb of Dahieh in Beirut, show hundreds of attendees, many wearing military uniforms and carrying the flag of the Iran-backed military group. The funeral of Hezbollah member Mahmoud Hamad was also taking place at the same time. Supporters could be seen carrying the assassinated leader's photo, as well as Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese flags while a song about 'being martyred on the way of Jerusalem' played in the background. A statement by the Israel Defence Forces said Aqil, who was in his early 60s, had died alongside other Radwan commanders during a meeting being held in an underground bunker. The funeral of Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollah's military operations and acting commander of the Radwan Force took place on Sunday Hezbollah members salute near the coffin of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil during the funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb The US greeted confirmation of the death of Ibrahim Aqil (pictured) by saying that nobody sheds a tear for the terror groups second-in-command and leader of its Radwan special forces Mourners gather during the funeral of Hezbollah senior leader Ibrahim Aqil who was killed in Friday's Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs Supporters raised Hezbollah flags and photos of Akil (left) and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (right) during Akil's funeral procession Aqil was initially injured in the pager explosions on Tuesday and had been discharged from hospital earlier on Friday, before being killed in the Friday strike. On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded simultaneously, killing 39 people and wounding thousands in Lebanon. That was before an air strike killed Aqil and other Hezbollah members, along with 32 civilians, on Friday. Israel has only taken responsibility for the air strike, but earlier today, Israeli President Isaac Herzog denied any involvement in the pager attacks. Speaking on Sky News on Sunday morning, Herzog warned that Israel is in a 'dangerous situation' and that there is 'clearly the potential of escalating dramatically'. Israel had made no comments regarding their involvement in the fatal attacks before this morning, where the president said he 'rejects out of hand any connection to this or that source of operation'. 'There are many enemies of Hezbollah out there, quite a few these days. Hezbollah has been choking Lebanon, destroying Lebanon, creating havoc in Lebanon again and again and again. We are here simply to defend ourselves. That's all we do,' he added. Aqil, the career terrorist and close confidant of Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, had a 5million bounty on his head for his role in the 1983 bomb attack on the US embassy in Beirut that killed 63. He was also involved in the twin bombing attacks on the US Marine barracks in Lebanon the same year that killed 241 US personnel and 307 people in total. Aqil was initially injured in the pager explosions on Tuesday and had been discharged from hospital earlier on Friday, before being killed in the Friday strike Naim Qassem (right), deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah, and Mohammed Raad (centre), head of Hezbollah's bloc in the Lebanese parliament, attend the funeral of Aqil Qassem leads funeral prayers during the funeral of Aqil and Hezbollah member Mahmoud Hamad A man gestures at the funeral of Hezbollah senior leader Ibrahim Aqil Mourners carry a coffin during the funeral of Hezbollah senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and Hezbollah member Mahmoud Hamad Members of Hezbollah killed in Israeli strikes. The air strike has almost completely dismantled the groups military chain of command, the Israeli army claimed Commenting at the Israeli-American Council's conference in Washington, US Middle East tsar Brett McGurk said: 'Ibrahim Aqil was responsible for the Beirut embassy bombing 40 years ago, so nobody sheds a tear for him.' During Aqil's funeral, Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, who was spotted sitting in the front row during the funeral said the force had entered a new phase of its battle with Israel, warning: 'But as we are pained, you will also be pained'. Qassem vowed the ongoing conflict will destroy Israel's economy and told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he will not achieve his goals. The deputy leader said Hezbollah, which has lost several senior military leaders in recent months, has 'returned stronger, and the frontline will witness this'. Qassem described Aqil as a commander of operations who founded the Radwan Unit, emphasizing that he was a martyr for Jerusalem and Palestine. He highlighted that 'Israel's attack on Radwan leaders aimed to cripple the resistance and incite hostility within its environment, seeking to halt support for Gaza and to return northern residents.' Hezbollah described him as one of its 'great jihadist leaders'. The funeral comes after Israel and Lebanon exchanged heavy fire overnight as the IDF vowed to intensify its strikes against Hezbollah targets. Some of the shells were intercepted, and fallen projectiles were located in Kiryat Bialik, Tsur Shalom and Moreshet, igniting fires in the area, said the Israeli military Speaking on Sky News on Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog denied any Israeli involvement in in this week's exploding pager and walkie talkie attacks and said the country is not interested in being at war with Lebanon Medical staff move a bed of a patient to an underground emergency hospital in a parking lot at Rambam Health Care Campus, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in Haifa, Israel, September 22, 2024 The Israeli military said it struck around 290 targets on Saturday including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels, with the country closing down its schools and restricting gatherings in many northern areas of the country early on Sunday. Dozens of fighter jets started 'extensively' striking southern Lebanon 'following detection of Hezbollah preparing to fire toward Israeli territory', IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. Before the evening Israeli strikes began, the IDF said earlier it had destroyed 'about 180 sites and thousands of [rocket] launcher barrels' with strikes. The Israeli army said more than 100 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early Sunday morning, adding fire services were working to put out blazes sparked by falling munitions. Israeli media reported that a number of buildings were hit directly or by falling missile debris, and ambulance services said they treated some lightly injured people - no serious casualties were reported. Hezbollah said it targeted the Israeli Ramat David Airbase with dozens of missiles in response to 'repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon', the group posted on its Telegram channel early on Sunday. A viral video is warning others to learn from the deadly mistake one man made while trying to separate two frozen burger patties. Barry Griffiths, 57, died in his apartment in Wales, United Kingdom, after stabbing himself in the stomach in July last year when preparing a burger meal. His body was found several days later - fully clothed, on his bed with a trail of blood in the hallway, bathroom and bedroom. A post-mortem examination released this month revealed Griffiths, who had restricted use of one arm after suffering a stroke, died of a stab wound. TikTok user @mr_DYK shared Griffiths' story in a video that has received over two million views and an outpour of sympathy. TikTok user @mr_DYK warned his followers to learn from the deadly mistake one man made while cooking Police determined a man stabbed himself to death with a knife while trying to separate two frozen burgers (stock image) 'What they assumed happened is old Barry tried to get himself a burger for the day, and he pulled out those patties,' the TikToker said. 'And we all know those patties always stick together, even if they got the paper in between them. 'You try to beat them on the side of your counter or something to get them apart, sometimes you gotta pull out the knife. That's what Barry did. 'He was trying to finagle these things apart and ended up accidentally stabbing himself in the stomach with the knife.' Detective chief inspector Jonathan Rees told the coroner's court that Griffiths would was the result of an accident he caused himself. 'The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward in a position to access food items,' Rees said. 'On the work surface in the kitchen adjacent to the fridge freezer were two uncooked burgers, a knife and a tea towel. Barry Griffiths (pictured), 57, died in his apartment in Wales, after stabbing himself in the stomach in July last year when preparing a burger meal '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.' Distraught commenters offered their condolences and advice for others to prevent a similar fate. 'That's so sad. For safety please use a butter knife to separate burgers,' one person said. 'If I want some frozen meat I put it in the fridge overnight or use warm water from the sink to help thaw em over a period of time. NEVER had a issue I cant even imagine why you would try n force it,' a second person said. 'I thought this was just an urban legend that my parents had told me,' another said. 'That's some Final Destination stuff,' said a fourth person. A leading women's rights activist who has campaigned against transgender women using female-only spaces has been doused with tomato soup again. Kellie-Jay Keen, who is also known as Posie Parker, was leading a Let Women Speak rally in the centre of Sheffield yesterday afternoon when a 6ft-plus man approached her from behind and poured a tin of Heinz soup over her head. The 34-year-old man then attempted to flee the scene but was chased by fellow women's rights campaigners and police later took him away in handcuffs. MailOnline can reveal that the man who targeted Ms Keen is Ben Lindsay, a graduate who boasts online about being Southampton Solent's first Student Equality & Diversity associate - despite not having been employed there since 2018. South Yorkshire Police have confirmed that Lindsay, from Barnsley, has been charged with two counts of assault by beating and will appear before Sheffield Magistrates' Court on November 25. Ms Keen, who was also targeted with soup during her Let Women Speak tour across Australia and New Zealand last year, told MailOnline: 'I felt quite defiant. It's so silly because it's just soup, but I just felt then it doesn't really matter what they do. 'They've just proven my point, and we have to get on with this and let women speak.' Kellie-Jay Keen (centre) is seen getting tomato soup poured over her head in Sheffield yesterday Ms Keen holding the tin of soup after it was poured over her head yesterday afternoon The man who targeted Ms Keen is Ben Lindsay (pictured), a university graduate who boasts online about being Southampton Solent's first Student Equality & Diversity associate Ms Keen told how she was leading a rally in Sheffield at around 1pm, but dozens of trans-activists were holding a counter-protest. She explained: 'In the middle of setting up the YouTube live stream, a man who was about 6ft came up behind me and poured a tin of tomato soup all over my head. 'I didn't really think about the quantity of soup but it was a lot of soup. It covered my arms and the front of my top and my back and my hair. Women all around came with water bottles to instantly get rid of it. 'He then ran off, chased by a couple of women, and the police got him. He was arrested, remanded in custody. I gave a statement, as did the other lady assaulted who helped with my tech, and he's been charged with assault by beating.' The attack is reminiscent of when Ms Keen was mobbed by counter protesters who opposed her gender critical views. They doused her in tomato soup during a rally in New Zealand last March before she had the chance to speak. Comparing the two incidents, she told MailOnline: 'The last time it happened to me, it provoked the mob that had already assembled to level up if you like and I genuinely thought I was going to lose my life that day, which sounds very hyperbolic but completely true. I though if I hit the floor, I'll never get up. 'That was the point of what he was doing with the soup [this time], it's all tied up in intimidating women so we don't feel like we can speak in public.' Ms Keen said it feels 'very strange' when a substance is poured over you, adding: 'It takes more than a couple seconds for your brain to process what it is.' The campaigners continued the rally but Ms Keen hit out at the police for failing to look out for women's safety. She said: 'It just feels from an operational level that our safety is not taken very seriously. The threat of the trans activists is not taken very seriously.' Ms Keen believes the trans activism is 'rife in the universities', adding: 'I think it's very frightening how much power this cult seems to yield.' Kellie-Jay Keen, who is also known as Posie Parker, has campaigned against transgender women using female-only spaces Ms Keen addresses a demonstration by Let Women Speak at the mound on April 6, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland She welcomed police quickly charging Lindsay but fears that he may be given a light sentencing - as she hit out at the heavy jail terms handed out to rioters who made despicable comments online. Ms Keen continued: 'I'm just very aware, over the last few months in this country people have been whipped into court, probably been given terrible legal advice and they've been told that if they plead guilty everything's going to be fine and dandy, and then they're going to prison for 15 months for a Facebook post that might be a shameful, despicable thing to say. 'But I'm thinking... if he gets less than 15 months inside for what I consider an act of terrorism, which under the stipulation of what terrorism is, which is an act with a political aim, and the aim here is to stop women speaking, I would really hope that he gets longer inside than a pensioner saying something off colour online, or even vile, online. A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: 'A 34-year-old man has been charged with two counts of assault by beating following an incident in Sheffield city centre earlier today (21 September). 'Ben Lindsay, of Fitzwilliam Street, Barnsley, was arrested by officers earlier this afternoon during a demonstration in Barkers Pool. 'He has since been released on conditional bail and will appear before Sheffield Magistrates' Court on 25 November'. A Solent University spokesperson said: 'This individual has not been an employee of Solent University for a number of years. 'Solent University does not condone any acts of violence.' Residents in a small California retirement town have been left devastated as landslides continue getting worse. Homeowners in Rancho Palos Verdes, south of Los Angeles - dubbed America's richest retirement town - have been left dealing with struggle after struggle as land movements left areas virtually uninhabitable. Tom Keefer and his wife Cindy have 'scrambled' as they've been left to survive without power for more than a month, leaving them with a new challenge of struggling to store food properly and depending on ice and propane from a local gas station to keep their lives going. 'We have scrambled. Not only is it stressful emotionally, but its stressful financially,' Keefer, 67, told LA Times. Through all of the hardships the destructive landslides have brought on, Keefer said the city isn't financially assisting the community. Rancho Palos Verdes, south of Los Angeles , has been dubbed America's richest retirement town, but now residents have been left dealing with struggle after struggle as landslides continue to take over. (pictured: Damage on Dauntless Dr. in Rancho Palos Verdes) Tom Keefer (pictured) and his wife Cindy have 'scrambled' as their power was cut, leaving them to struggle with how to safely store food, among other issues. He also said residents have been left to cover the costs of everything 'The sad thing is theres been literally no help, its been extraordinary. Theres been no funding. Its only through helping each other that were making progress,' he told the outlet. Keefer and his neighbors have been faced with endless road closures, damaged homes, no power, and trying to find a way to store food safely. Other than being tasked with having to fend for themselves to stay safe in the midst of an ongoing disaster, residents have also been left feeling anxious and angered over the lack of help. In July, residents, like Keefer, lost access to natural gas, and in the beginning of September, the city shut off power to homeowners who were warned to evacuate amid the land movement. Concerns over infrastructure breaks and possible wildfires have forced utility companies to shut off access as it's unsafe to continue providing electricity and gas in certain areas across the city. Additionally, residents, including Keefer, have lost access to the internet and landlines after Cox Communications disconnected service in August. Sallie Reeves, 81, is also struggling to stay afloat, but hopes that this will attract more attention to save Los Angeles County as it continues to slip toward the ocean. 'Its scary because its bigger than anything anyone imagined,' Reeves told the LA Times. Reeves and her husband have been managing a life on their Portuguese Bend property, which they've lived in for more than four decades. Meanwhile, Keefer's wife Cindy, 63, is worried about what future weather could do to the already intense situation. 'Do you know how scared everybody is for the first rain? 'Nothing is being done to prevent a major catastrophe. ... We dont want sympathy, we want work being done up there now,' she said. Gas was cut to 135 homes at the start of August before homeowner's power and water supplies were switched off on September 1. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Rancho Palos Verdes this month following the shutoffs, but did not address financial relief or the reasoning behind the severe damage. Meanwhile, utility companies have expressed that more shut offs could happen soon and did not specify when they will be restored during the 'fluid situation,' a Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison) spokesperson said. The coastal community has been blighted by landslides since torrential rain hit the area in spring of last year. The coastal community has been blighted by landslides since torrential rain hit the area in spring of last year. (pictured: An aerial view of damage in Rancho Palos Verdes) County Supervisor Janice Hahn has demanded intervention from Governor Gavin Newsom. 'This land movement is so gigantic and so damaging, that one city should not have to bear the burden alone,' she said Dozens of homes were destroyed by landslides in July last year and floods tore through the area during the storms that hit California in February causing 'considerable land movement' under the homes that survived. SoCal Edison made the decision to cut the supply after a fire was sparked by a power line that toppled at the end of August, and after 10,000 gallons of sewage spewed from a ruptured tank on Palos Verdes Drive South. 'At this point, land movement has created such a dangerous situation that we must make the difficult decision to disconnect power indefinitely,' spokesman David Eisenhauer previously said. 'We never want to have to turn off power unless we absolutely must. In this case, we absolutely must. 'We have an obligation that's higher than providing electric service, and that obligation is safety.' But resident Mike Hong said his neighbors were given just an hour's notice that the plug was being pulled. 'They are giving us even less time than the gas company,' he told the LA Times. 'Don't abandon us. Where's the humanity in this?' More than a quarter of the city's residents are over 65 and some have been ordered to start packing their bags. The city of 42,000 has a median income of $166,747, and was labeled the country's richest retirement town in a recent survey by CNBC. Keefer and his neighbors have been faced with endless road closures, damaged homes, no power, and trying to find a way to store food safely The coastal city of 42,000 has a median income of $166,747, and was labeled the country's richest retirement town in a recent survey by CNBC But residents say its wealthy reputation has left it ignored by politicians and placed its vulnerable residents at particular risk. 'Everybody must assume that everybody who lives in Rancho Palos Verdes is infinitely wealthy and that is not the case, especially for me,' Craig Cadwallader told CBS News. 'So I literally don't know where I'm going.' County Supervisor Janice Hahn said she had committed another $5 million in county funds to help with the disaster and repeated her demands for Governor Newsom to step in. 'There is no playbook for an emergency like this one,' she told a news conference. 'We're sparing no expense. This is bigger than Rancho Palos Verdes. This land movement is so gigantic and so damaging, that one city should not have to bear the burden alone. 'You'd figure if this was an earthquake or if it was a fire or a flash flood I feel like we might have got a different response,' Halm said. Reverend Al Sharpton's father has died at age 93, the social justice activist and TV personality announced Saturday morning. Al Sharpton Sr., who was once a real estate investor and a boxer, wasn't always on the best of terms with his family because of his decision to 'walk out' on them, his preacher son has said in the past. In 2006, the father and son would reconcile, though the younger Al Sharpton did allude to their 'complicated' relationship when announcing his passing. 'I'm deeply saddened to announce the passing of my father, Al Sharpton, Sr. Our relationship was complicated, but he was still my father,' Sharpton, 69, wrote on X. 'Over the past 18 years, I was able to work through my pain and feelings of abandonment, and we built a relationship that meant a lot to me,' he added. 'Though his weaknesses may have cost him, he instilled in my sister and me (and later our other siblings) a mentality of independence and self-pride. I've learned from my own mistakes and from his. May my Daddy rest in peace.' Reverend Al Sharpton announced Saturday that his father died. He explained that he had a 'complicated' relationship with him, being estranged from him for the majority of his life Al Sharpton Sr., then 89, poses with his son as he received an honorary degree from Bethune Cookman University Sharpton has spoken to several outlets about his father's decision to leave his family in 1963 when he was just 10 years old. He gave the most wide-ranging interview on the topic to New York Magazine in 2002, when he was still estranged from his father. 'My daddy walked out on us, and he married my half-sister, Tina. Tina was my mother's daughter from a previous marriage. This was a big scandal in the church world, where I was already this boy preacher. There was a lot of shame involved,' Sharpton said at the time. Sharpton's mother, Ada Richards, became a maid and had to go on welfare, while Sharpton had to relocate from a middle-class neighborhood in Queens to the projects in Brownsville, an area in central Brooklyn. 'It was rough for me growing up in Brownsville in the mid-sixties,' he said. 'I wasnt street. I was church.' At that point, Sharpton described his father as a 'slumlord' who owned some 20 buildings in Brooklyn. Sharpton revisited his father's abandonment in a sit down with Oprah Winfrey in 2013. Al Sharpton Sr., second from left, is pictured next to his son and the rest of his family Al Sharpton Sr. is pictured alongside Ada Richards, Al Sharpton's mother He revealed that his father had a child with Tina and later took his other sister who had been living with him and his mother. 'He came back and got everybody but me. I'm named after you. I look like you,' Sharpton told Oprah. In that same interview he said he was angry at his father for a long time for 'humiliating' his mother and leaving him in a worse-off spot than he was when he was born. But he seemed to hint that much of that fury had subsided over the years. 'When you wake up mad, nothing's even happened yet and you're just mad...at some point you gotta stop and say "what am I so angry about?"' In June, Sharpton posted a Father's Day message on his Instagram. 'Happy Fathers Day to my natural father, Al Sharpton Sr. Though he left when I was 10 years old, we reconciled many years later. Ive learned from his wisdom and tenacity,' he wrote. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein is placing the blame on Donald Trump for helping embattled North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson clinch the Republican nomination for governor. Meanwhile, Trump's running mate Sen. J.D. Vance, responding for the first time to the bombshell CNN report, said it's not up to him whether Robinson should continue in his gubernatorial race. He also cast doubt on the allegations and said he's holding judgment until they are proven true. 'The allegations are pretty far out there, of course, but I know that allegations aren't necessarily reality,' Vance told NBC Philadelphia on Saturday. He added it's 'ultimately up to Mark Robinson and North Carolina whether he's going to be their governor and whether he wants to stay in the race.' North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is facing increasing pressure to drop his bid to be governor amid allegations of highly inappropriate and racist comments on a porn forum Mark Robinson is absolutely unfit to be the governor of North Carolina.@JoshStein_ responds to a new CNN report on Mark Robinsons vulgar and disturbing comments on a porn website in an interview with @jaketapper. pic.twitter.com/2kmfPhO2fN State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) September 22, 2024 Stein said on Sunday that Trump and others who helped Robinson's rise should be held responsible at the ballot box in November for boosting the candidate who allegedly called himself a 'black Nazi' and a 'perv.' A bipartisan group of voices spoke up on Sunday, calling out Robinson for his vulgar and shocking comments made on pornographic forum Nude Africa. 'The charges are beyond unnerving,' Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in an interview with NBC's Meet the Press host Kristen Welker on Sunday. 'If they're true, he's unfit to serve for office. If they're not true, he has the best lawsuit in the history of the country for libel.' Meanwhile, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said the latest report from CNN is 'great news for Democrats.' 'I mean, Robinson is the new dream candidate to run against,' he told Welker in his own Sunday morning interview. 'Back in 2018 I thought Scott Wagner was the dream candidate we could run, and we smoked him by 17 points. And then of course Doug Mastriano came on in '22,' Fetterman said, listing some previous GOP candidates that were beaten by Democrats. 'But then Robinson's like, 'Hey, hold my beer.' And now of course Trump's not going to walk back, just because he's never going to admit what a disaster that is,' the Pennsylvania Senator concluded. Fetterman said he isn't sure it will impact the presidential race in November, but said it 'would be wonderful, and almost [a] ball game if Harris wins North Carolina.' 'She's made North Carolina competitive already,' he said of Vice President Kamala Harris. 'And then after Robinson, now we're in the best possible situation to win.' Meanwhile, the man running against Robinson for a residence at the North Carolina Governor's Mansion said it is Trump and others on the 2024 ticket that should face the consequences for backing Robinson. Sen. J.D. Vance says it's up to Robinson whether he remains in the gubernatorial race in North Carolina and says he isn't levying judgment until allegations are proven true Josh Stein is running as the Democrat in North Carolina's gubernatorial race and says Robinson is only on the ballot because of Donald Trump's backing 'Robinson exists because Donald Trump has lifted him up,' Stein told CNN State of the Union host Jake Tapper on Sunday. 'Candidates up and down the ballot in North Carolina need to be held accountable for supporting Mark Robinson and being part of his entire campaign,' he continued. 'They have been supporting him and now it looks like folks want to run away from him.' 'But Mark Robinson could not exist without the support of Donald Trump.' The Trump campaign has distanced itself from the Lt. Gov. in recent days. He did not appear at a rally with Sen. J.D. Vance in Raleigh last week, which he was originally scheduled to attend, and was not at a North Carolina rally for Trump on Saturday. Thirty-one people have been arrested in a Home Office crackdown on people smuggling gangs. Immigration enforcement teams and police officers seized 400,000 worth or criminal cash and 10 fraudulent ID documents in Belfast, Scotland, Liverpool and Luton as part of a three-day operation. The checks were carried out at major ports, airports, and road networks in an attempt to disrupt smuggling routes. It comes as more than 700 migrants crossed the Channel in 11 small boats yesterday, meaning a total of 24,335 people have been detected making the journey so far this year. Home Office figures show 707 people were detected coming across on Saturday one of the highest daily figures this year. It follows three days where no crossings were detected at all. Thirty-one people have been arrested in a Home Office crackdown on people smuggling gangs The checks were carried out at major ports, airports, and road networks in an attempt to disrupt smuggling routes Dame Angela Eagle, minister for Border security and asylum, warned the Labour government was 'taking the fight to them [criminal gangs] on all fronts' as part of Sir Keir Starmer's new Border Security Command. 'This government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people, risking their lives and giving them false hopes of a better life in the UK, Dame Angela said. 'Driven by greed, these gangs have no regard for human life or safety, charging outrageous fees, preying on those desperate to escape hardship, and forcing them into illegal and dangerous situations.' Home Office immigration enforcement inspector Jonathan Evans lauded the multi-agency operation as a 'huge success' and said it sent a 'clear message that the smuggling gangs who break our laws will face serious consequences'. 'We are taking action day in, day out to ensure we stay a step ahead of these criminal groups, disrupting them at the earliest possible stage,' he said. 'We will continue working relentlessly to ensure no one abuses the Common Travel Area or the UKs borders.' Footage seen by MailOnline today shows a French warship passing an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants which was overcrowded and sat floating in the water. British Border Force officials escort migrants into Dover Docks in Kent (pictured) Migrants wrapped in towels after they were picked up in the English Channel by British Border Force Eight men died earlier this month with six people including a 10-month-old baby being taken to hospital after a boat with 53 migrants on board crashed into rocks off the coast of Ambleteuse in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick alleged individuals linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda were among those who had arrived in the country. He said at least 1,000 people who arrived on small boats up until the end of 2022 were 'connected to criminality of all kinds' and had arrived claiming to be refugees. Writing for The Telegraph, Mr Jenrick said: 'In the year before I was immigration minister, more than a dozen known terror suspects crossed the Channel on small boats. By now, that figure is well into the dozens.' The total figure is up 1 per cent on the number of people who made the crossing by this time last year, but is down 20 per cent on 2022. Government sources previously dismissed Mr Jenrick's claims that those arriving were 'threats to our communities', who have 'waltzed in' with 'links to Islamic state and Al-Qaeda'. The Government also described the 700million Rwanda plan, which did nothing to cut migrant Channel crossings, as a 'gimmick'. A French warship was spotted passing an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants (pictured) Migrants picked up in the English Channel were escorted by British Border Force into the UK yesterday Your browser does not support iframes. A No10 spokeswoman told reporters: 'The cost of sending four volunteers was 700million, so we are very clear that this is a gimmick which saw increases in crossing in the first months of this year.' The highest number of arrivals in one day this year has so far been 882 in 15 boats on June 18. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. 'As we have seen with so many recent devastating tragedies in the Channel, the people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay. We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced this month that 75 million would be used to boost the number of border security officers amid the Government's bid to crack down on people smugglers, using money redirected from the scrapped Rwanda deportation plan. The cash will also pay for hidden cameras and better monitoring technology as the Home Office sets up its new Border Security Command, led by a former police chief, as it aims to speed up investigations and increase the likelihood of successful prosecutions. Earlier this year, it was also announced that an extra 100 specialist investigators will be allocated to the National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of efforts to curb Channel crossings. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also said during a visit to Rome that he was 'very interested' in Italy's efforts to curb levels of irregular immigration. The 'dramatic reductions' in the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea into Italy is something the Government wants to understand, he added. Border Force arriving at Dover Docks after picking up over 700 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel Migrants are escorted off the Border Force vessel on Saturday, September 21 Migrants head to the processing station after being picked up by Border Force in the English Channel Large groups of migrants who were picked up in the English Channel by Border Force Your browser does not support iframes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to smash the criminal gangs that run the crossings, but dinghies have continued to enter British waters since his electoral victory on July 5. Just last week, eight migrants were killed attempting to make the crossing, while a ten-month old baby was rushed to hospital after being rescued at sea. French emergency services received a Mayday from a dinghy that got into difficulty off the coast at Ambleteuse, near Calais, in the early hours of Sunday morning. 'Several migrants lost their lives,' said Jacques Billant, the Pas de Calais prefect, as he confirmed eight unidentified migrants were declared dead at the scene. Some 53 migrants were attempting to reach the UK on the stricken small boat, with 45 surviving the disaster. Mr Billant said that six people were taken to hospital 'in relative emergency', including a ten-month-old baby with hypothermia. Following Labour's General Election victory, Sir Keir (pictured) and President Emmanuel Macron pledged to strengthen 'cooperation' in handling the surge in undocumented migrant numbers The PM's plan involves creating a new Border Security Command, bringing together existing immigration units given new 'counter-terrorism style' powers (File image) Survivors of the accident come from Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt and Iran, he added. At least 194 migrants died attempting to cross the English Channel between 2018 and September 2024, according to estimates from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is part of the UN. Many of these deaths occurred in the Channel during a crossing, including 80 people known to have drowned. Following Labour's General Election victory, Sir Keir and France's President Emmanuel Macron pledged to strengthen 'cooperation' in handling the surge in undocumented migrant numbers. The PM's plan involves creating a new Border Security Command, bringing together existing immigration units given new 'counter-terrorism style' powers. He has also denied that scrapping the Rwanda scheme had made the situation worse, previously saying there was 'no link' between ditching the plan and the number of arrivals. A huge waste incinerator to be built on Britain's Jurassic Coast will threaten its prestigious World Heritage status, campaigners have warned. The government decision to approve the 264ft tall chimney stack in Britain's only natural World Heritage Site on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, has been slammed as 'deeply deplorable' and 'mad'. The incinerator, which will burn commercial, household and skip waste 24 hours a day, could see the Jurassic Coast being put on UNESCO's 'World Heritage in Danger' list. According to the UNESCO website, threats that could have 'deleterious effects' on the character of a World Heritage Site include human development projects. The main building for the incinerator will be bigger than Westminster Abbey while the chimney stack will be nearly twice the height of Portland Bill lighthouse. Campaigners have warned that a planned 150million waste incinerator on the Jurassic Coast will threaten the area's UNESCO World Heritage status. Pictured: The proposed design for the new facility with camouflaging screening Protesters hold up a 'no incinerator' banner. The government overturned a decision to reject the 264ft chimney stack on the Isle of Portland, Dorset The plans had been unanimously rejected by Dorset Council amid fierce opposition from local residents, MPs, and organisations concerned about the impact on the UNESCO site. But developers Powerfuel Portland appealed the decision to refuse it permission. Rushanara Ali, a junior minister has overturned the decision on behalf of the Secretary of State for Building Safety and Homelessness. Ms Ali said the 150million incinerator would not appear out of place or out of scale and would have 'no injurious effect' on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. But the UK government has now been warned by World Heritage Watch, an independent body that works with UNESCO to protect World Heritage Sites, that they need to go to UNESCO to get approval. Stephan Doempke, chairman of World Heritage Watch, said: 'World Heritage Watch finds the decision of UK government to grant planning permission for a waste incinerator in the immediate vicinity of a World Heritage Site deeply deplorable. 'It sends the wrong message by giving short-term economic gains preference over long-term benefits for the people and nature of the Dorset coast. 'The UK government should also be aware that a project of such magnitude and potential impact on a World Heritage site must be submitted to UNESCO's World Heritage Committee for approval, and according to Section 172 of the operational guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, the UK Government should avoid any decision that would be difficult to reverse. 'We request the UK Government to fully meet this obligation they have under international law.' According to the UNESCO website, threats that could have 'deleterious effects' on the character of a World Heritage Site include human development projects. The 95-mile long stretch of coast in Dorset and Devon is the only place in the world where rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods can be seen in one place, representing 185 million years of Earth's history. The Isle of Portland is not part of the World Heritage Site but sits in the middle of it. Recent rockfalls on the coast have also increased fears about the future of the famous area. But the possible installation of 'unsightly' barriers has been met with fierce opposition from experts. Sam Scriven, from the Jurassic Coast Trust, said: 'The Jurassic Coast Trust are very disappointed by the decision to grant permission to build the energy reclamation facility on Portland. Junior minister Rushanara Ali (pictured) approved the incinerator on behalf of the Secretary of State, insisting it would have no 'no injurious effect' on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site 'Although the development will lie outside of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site itself, there will be an impact to the site's overall setting. 'We will continue to advise Dorset Council and other stakeholders as needed on this matter, and carry on our work promote and conserve the outstanding Earth heritage of the Dorset and East Devon coast as a whole.' In 2019 Dorset Council declared a 'climate emergency' and pledged to go carbon neutral by 2040. The government decision for the waste incinerator will kill that aim, it is claimed. A spokesperson for the Stop Portland Waste Incinerator campaign group said: 'It is beyond disappointing. 'Here on the Jurassic Coast, England's only natural world heritage coastline tells mankind that climate change is an existential matter. '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.' Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, said: 'This ignores the views of thousands of Dorset residents, who oppose the burning of waste on the Jurassic coastline for environmental, economic and health reasons. 'Portland residents now face the prospect of a large-scale incinerator being built on their doorstep, in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with all the consequences that go along with it. 'Do you want to sit on Weymouth beach and look at a power plant knowing that you might not be able to see the emissions but generally they will be heading your way because of the prevailing wind conditions.' He also said he has instructed council officers to speak to a barrister and look into the possibility of bringing a judicial review over the decision. Lloyd Hatton, the new Labour MP for South Dorset, said: 'I'm deeply disappointed and frustrated with this decision. It's a poorly thought out proposal in a far from ideal place. People sunbathing on Weymouth beach. The new facility will be visible from the popular destination 'I haven't met a single person in my constituency who thinks it is a good idea. I firmly believe it is not the right idea I will do everything I can to oppose this.' Dorset councillor Laura Beddow added: 'I find it astonishing that this site over all others has been chosen. Where else can you name a Jurassic Coast? It's mad.' The plans were first unveiled in November 2019 but were met with fierce opposition and the application received more than 3,300 objections. Powerfuel Portland claim the huge building will be 'camouflaged' using printed PVC mesh screening - a high resolution photograph of existing vegetation to create a 'trompe-l'oeil' effect, an optical illusion. The firm said that the facility is consistent with national and local waste policy of harvesting energy recovery from waste, and will be capable of producing enough renewable low carbon energy to power around 30,000 homes. Bill Maher blasted Kamala Harris for her policy on the Middle East after she called for an end to the war in Gaza. The Vice President told a trio of journalists from the National Association of Black Journalists on Tuesday a ceasefire and hostage deal must get done in the Israel-Hamas war. While calling for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict she said the goal is to ensure 'the Israelis have security and Palestinians in equal measure have security, have self-determination and dignity.' The comedian condemned Harris for her take saying it is not a real solution and if she can't offer a plan of substance she should not say anything at all on his show 'Real Time.' 'I mean, everybody who talks about Israel these days is just so full of s**t.' Maher said. "'I don't want children to die.'" Duh. Who does? None of us want children to die. None of us want this war to go on, but it's not addressing what the problem is.' Bill Maher blasted Kamala Harris after she called for an end to the war in Gaza telling her to 'just shut up' The Vice President said a ceasefire and hostage deal must get done in the Israel-Hamas war. 'Here's what Kamala Harris said this week about what we should do when the war is over: "No reoccupation of Gaza, no changing of the territorial lines of Gaza" and an ability to have security in the region for all concerned in a way that we create stability." I feel like if that's what you have to say, don't say anything. Just shut up.' Her comments came after a recent poll found Harris has brought Democrats support among Jewish voters to the lowest in more than three decades. A new Pew Research Center poll shows 65 percent of registered voters who are Jewish say they will cast their ballots in November for Harris and 35 percent say they prefer Trump. The 36-year low for Democrats comes amid a raging war between Israel and the Palestinians de facto government run by Hamas terrorists. October 7 will mark a year since Hamas invaded Israel and killed 1,200 the largest single-day massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. Harris, whose husband is Jewish, insists that she will support the U.S.s only ally in the Middle East, but Republicans are worried that more liberal policies will embolden the terrorists to continue the conflict with Israel. 'The problem is that one side wants a two-state solution, or at least always did. It's a little more right-wing now, I'm talking about Israel, but that still has been their position,' said Maher. Bill Maher joked about Laura Loomer's 'arranged relationship' with Donald Trump 'One side never did and still doesn't. One side uses terrorism to get their goals. One side retaliates against terrorism. One side is accused of genocide, but doesn't do it. The other side actually would love to do it. People keep saying Israel has the right to defend itself, and then whatever Israel does, they object to it.' Last week Maher mocked conservative provocateur Laura Loomer when he raised her allegation that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are faking a relationship to sway voters. 'I think maybe Laura Loomer's in an arranged relationship to influence the election because she's very close to Trump', Maher said. 'She's 31, looks like his type ... Who's Trump f******? Because I said, it's not nobody. He's been a dog for too long. And it's not Melania. I think we may have our answer this week.' Loomer furiously responded on social media, denying any relationship with Trump: 'I should sue Bill Maher for Defamation. This is beyond the pale and its a complete and blatant lie.' A New Jersey couple made 15 offers and went $65,000 over the asking price for a dream home - but their bids were still beaten. Disgruntled want-to-be homeowners Tim Khalil, 30, and Kelcie Lesko, 28, bid on different properties in Monmouth County in hopes they'd be able to buy their first property. Those dreams were dashed when the 15 offers they'd submitted had all been turned down. In their last attempt, they found a two-bedroom home with plenty of space and a backyard. They told NBC Boston 10 they sensed it was the one and offered $65,000 over the asking price of $315,000. The seller shook their hand and said it was between them and another buyer. Tim Khalil, 30, and Kelcie Lesko, 28, bid on different properties in Monmouth County in hopes they'd be able to buy their first home. Those dreams were dashed when the 15 offers they'd submitted had all been turned down But they were once again rejected. Lesko told NBC 10 Boston: 'It was like a slap in the face telling us, "wake up, this is just not for you."' She said the housing market makes it almost impossible for them to buy a home even though they make good money and have stable jobs. For now, the couple has given up on buying a home and are continuing to pay a little under $3000 a month for their two-bedroom apartment. Lesko didn't immediately reply to DailyMail.com. In Monmouth County, New Jersey, the medium listing home price on realtor.com is at a staggering $790,000. New homebuyers don't just have to worry about a mortgage. In New Jersey, high property taxes are currently at 2.26 percent compared to the national average of less than one percent, according to SmartAsset. Currently, the average price of a New Jersey home is over $550,000 - 151 percent above the average US property amount. Lesko said the housing market makes it almost impossible for them to buy a home even though they make good money and have stable jobs. For now, the couple has given up on buying a home and continued paying a little under $3000 a month for their two-bedroom apartment. PICTURED: Marlboro in Monmouth County, New Jersey In Monmouth County, New Jersey, the medium listing home price on realtor.com is at a staggering $790K. Pictured: Beach along the Jersey Shore near Asbury Park in Monmouth County, New Jersey But there may be some good news for young couples looking to buy their new homes. New Jersey, California and Illinois are poised to experience a house price crash due to high numbers of underwater mortgages and foreclosures plus higher unemployment. Those counties most at-risk for a crash in New Jersey are Essex, Passaic, Sussex and Union counties. Home shoppers may wish to take advantage of softer markets as down payments have crept to an all-time high. The average down payment for US homebuyers is now a staggering $67,500, new data revealed. Elevated mortgage rates mean homebuyers are incentivized to put down more money upfront to soften the blow. This, alongside rising house prices, means down payments over $400,000 are now the norm in some American cities. Cheryl Hines was seen beaming during her birthday celebration following news of her husband RFK Jr's sex scandal with young journalist Olivia Nuzzi. Hines, 59, shared precious moments from the occasion on her Instagram story Saturday night as she posed for a picture with her daughter Catherine Young, 20, and step-daughter Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, 29. The joyous moment came just days after news broke of her husband's alleged affair with Nuzzi, 31, a New York Magazine Reporter. The actress, dressed in a white lace turtleneck top and black pants, captioned the photo of her with Catherine and Kyra: 'Me & my girls,' but her husband was nowhere in sight. In another snap posted to Catherine's profile, Hines was seen grinning ear to ear as she held her hands to her face while blowing out her birthday candles. Cheryl Hines (left) was seen celebrating her 59th birthday Saturday night alongside her daughter Catherine Young, 20, (middle) and step-daughter Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, 29 (right) In another snap posted to Catherine's profile, Hines was seen grinning ear to ear as she held her hands to her face while blowing out her birthday candles On Friday evening the Curb Your Enthusiasm star beamed as she stepped out in Milan, Italy without her wedding ring following a Gucci-hosted afterparty during Fashion Week. Despite the spotlight on her marriage, Hines seemed in good spirits as she waved to fans, wearing a stylish leather jacket, white shirt and blue suit pants. The bombshell photographs showed that she had ditched her large diamond wedding ring that she had been pictured wearing less than a week ago at the Emmy Awards on Sunday. As she greeted fans in Italy, Hines was swinging a set of keys from her finger, and in a blink-and-you-miss-it-moment, a smaller band could be seen on the third finger of her left hand. It is unclear if this was a keyring or a smaller, more subtle ring than the one she flaunted in her last public sighting on Sunday. Amid the fallout of the scandal, Hines has remained silent about the state of her decade-long marriage to Kennedy, 70. The joyous moment came just days after news broke of her husband RFK Jr's alleged affair with Nuzzi, 31, a New York Magazine Reporter. (pictured: Hines and Kennedy in April 2022) Nuzzi, 31, was placed on leave following news of her relationship with Robert F Kennedy Jr After word spread of the politician's alleged affair with Nuzzi that started when she visited his $7million California home to write a feature article, the journalist was placed on leave. Nuzzi, a Washington correspondent, admitted that 'the nature of some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal,' in a statement to DailyMail.com. She also claimed the relationship was never physical. Her editors confirmed that the other party was a 'former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign.' Status reported that the affair was with the former presidential hopeful, who is married to Hines. RFK Jr. has insisted he only met the political journalist once when she did a profile on him last year. 'Mr. Kennedy only met Olivia Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece,' his spokesman told CNN. A source added that the nature of the relationship was 'emotional and digital in nature, not physical.' But insiders told the New York Post the pair had engaged in 'sexting' despite RFK Jr. being married and Nuzzi being engaged at the time. On Friday evening the Curb Your Enthusiasm star beamed as she stepped out in Milan, Italy without her wedding ring following a Gucci-hosted afterparty during Milan Fashion Week RFK Jr. has insisted he only met the political journalist once when she did a profile on him last year. (pictured: Hines and Kennedy onstage at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall) 'Earlier this year, the nature of some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal,' Nuzzi said. 'During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source. 'The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict. I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I've disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York,' she said. New York magazine acknowledged an inappropriate relationship in a statement about Nuzzi's hiatus, deeming it 'a violation of the magazine's standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures'. 'Had the magazine been aware of this relationship, she would not have continued to cover the presidential campaign,' the statement read. 'An internal review of her published work has found no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias. 'She is currently on leave from the magazine, and the magazine is conducting a more thorough third-party review. We regret this violation of our readers' trust.' Nuzzi has been engaged to Politico's chief Washington correspondent Ryan Lizza, 50, since 2022. Nuzzi has been engaged to Politico's chief Washington correspondent Ryan Lizza, 50, since 2022. However, the couple have since called off their nuptials. (pictured: Lizza and Nuzzi) Amid the fallout of the scandal, Hines has remained silent about the state of her decade-long marriage to Kennedy. (pictured: The couple in April 2023) However, the couple have since called off their nuptials, with the New York Post reporting this was in the last few weeks. Lizza, the co-author of Politico Playbook, released a brief statement in the Friday afternoon edition of the newsletter confirming he would no longer be covering the former independent presidential candidate. The outlet's 50-year-old Chief Washington Correspondent also confirmed he had broken off his engagement to Nuzzi. 'Because of my connection to this story through my ex-fiancee, my editors and I have agreed that I won't be involved in any coverage of Kennedy in Playbook or elsewhere at POLITICO,' Lizza wrote. Nuzzi is understood to have met father-of-six RFK for a hiking trip last year as part of a profile that she wrote for New York magazine. A source close to Nuzzi told Status that the relationship did not begin until the new year, after the profile was published in November 2023. People close to the matter said she did not proactively disclose the affair and New York magazine only recently learned of it. Once described by her co-star Larry David as 'the one person in Hollywood who doesn't have a single enemy', the star's marriage to Kennedy has reportedly come at great personal expense over the years. Her friends were said to have warned the actress about Kennedy's history as a serial philanderer, while others questioned her silence in the face of her husband's anti-vaccine rhetoric during the pandemic. It was David who introduced his Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star to Kennedy in 2006 at a ski-weekend fundraiser in Banff, Canada, for Waterkeeper Alliance, an environmental nonprofit co-founded by Kennedy. Both Hines and Kennedy were married to other people when they met. Hines was married to Paul Young, founder of the management firm Principato-Young, with whom she shares one daughter, Catherine. Kennedy was previously married to his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy. He filed for divorce from Mary in 2010 but she died by suicide in 2012 before proceedings were finalized. By then, Hines and Kennedy had reconnected. They went public with their relationship in October 2011 and married three years later. A policeman has been killed by an IED blast that targeted a convoy of foreign diplomats travelling in Pakistan. The diplomats were travelling to a tourist area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan and is a base for militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban. The blast, which left four more injured, occurred at the tourist spot and hill station of Malam Jabba, one of Pakistan's two ski resorts, around 155 miles north of the provincial capital Peshawar. The diplomats in the convoy were from Indonesia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Iran, Russia and Tajikistan. All of them are safe and a heavy security contingent is at the scene, police officer Javed Khan said. They were visiting the area at the invitation of the local chamber of commerce and industry, Mr Khan added. The diplomats were travelling to a tourist area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan and is a base for militant groups The blast occurred at the tourist spot and hill station of Malam Jabba, one of Pakistan 's two ski resorts The diplomats in the convoy were from Indonesia , Portugal, Kazakhstan , Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zimbabwe, Rwanda , Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Iran , Russia and Tajikistan A statement from the Foreign Ministry said an advance scout police vehicle was hit by an IED A statement from the Foreign Ministry said an advance scout police vehicle was hit by an IED. The diplomats have since returned to the capital Islamabad. 'Our sympathies are with the families of the policeman. We honour our law enforcement authorities that remain steadfast in the face of terrorists,' said the ministry. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack. In a separate incident, in southwest Balochistan province, gunmen opened fire on a security patrol team in Zhob district and killed two officers on Saturday night. A third died from his injuries on Sunday, said assistant police inspector Ghulam Muhammad. This is the shocking moment lightning struck a home and sparked an explosion - causing neighbours to evacuate the area. Firefighters and police were called to Bambury Street in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, on Saturday to move people away from the scene and put a cordon up. Now security camera footage shows the very moment lightning looks to have hit the property's roof just before 5:25pm. In the 10-second clip lightning lights the skies as a loud exploding noise echoes around the neighbourhood as a bright yellow flash comes from the roof in what looks like flames. Last night a cordon went up as Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said they expected to be at the scene for some time. Security camera footage shows the very moment lightning looks to have hit the property's roof just before 5:25pm on Saturday Firefighters and police were called to Bambury Street in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, yesterday to move people away from the scene and put a cordon up following the explosion Severe lightning above houses in Great Oakley in Corby, Northamptonshire, on Sunday Surrounding properties were evacuated after hearing 'a massive bang'. One witness said a motorist had stopped and told them the home's roof was 'on fire'. The incident came at a time where the city was under a yellow warning for thunderstorms. One neighbour said: 'We'd only just got home. It was about 5:30pm and we heard a massive bang. A car stopped outside and the driver shouted that the roof was on fire. I think about four homes, including ours, were evacuated. 'We've all been sat in one of the neighbours' houses.' Last night's conditions saw around 1,700 homes across north Staffordshire left without power with scores of properties also witnessing problems with their water supplies. A number of key roads were also left submerged after heavy rain. Today a yellow warning for rain is in place while a flood warning and flood alerts are in place for parts of north Staffordshire. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to persist across parts of the UK as summer officially comes to an end. The autumn equinox takes place today - marking the end of summer and the start of autumn. A Met Office map shows which areas are affected this afternoon after 12pm A man sheltering with an umbrella next to his dog on Wimbledon common, south west London, this morning A Range Rover driving in a puddle at the Braywick roundabout in Maidenhead this morning People walking on Wimbledon common, south west London, after heavy rain this morning People running past a puddle on South Bank, central London, this morning Flooding in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, after a thunderstorm in the area on Friday A flooded car park in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, after a thunderstorm in the area on Friday A weather warning has been in place lasting all of Sunday for Wales and central south-west England, while two more will come into force on Monday, stretching to cover areas further east and further north. Thunder and lightning, hail and rain struck various parts of the country on Saturday, including Luton, Bedfordshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Cornwall, with heavy downpours in London, Wales and Birmingham. Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: 'With Sunday marking the autumnal equinox summer has now officially come to an end, and it ended with a bang for some of us. 'We've seen some very heavy showers and thunderstorms spreading their way in across southern areas of England, into parts of Wales as well during the course of today. 'This evening, those will continue to rumble their way on a bit, spreading again into parts of Midlands, Wales, then maybe just clipping the far south of Northern Ireland as well. 'Into the early hours of tomorrow morning we'll also see our next batch of thundery rain moving its way into southern areas of England as well.' He added: 'We do then have a rain warning in force throughout Sunday for this band of rain that's going to be moving across Wales, central southern areas of England. 'Some very heavy pulses are possible with some surface water issues, travel disruption, so it is worth taking care if you are out and about or travelling during the day.' Liam McArthurs Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill divides Scotland down the middle. New figures show public responses split almost 50/50. The Bill would make it legal for health professionals to assist in the voluntary suicide of a terminally ill adult who meets specified eligibility criteria. This is a subject that inspires strong opinions, based on personal experiences, and drawing on deeply held religious and philosophical convictions. The debate should take place in that spirit, but sides must be taken and they must be taken firmly. I am firmly against. There is no perfect death and no system for delivering death can ever be perfect. That is as true of euthanasia as it is of capital punishment. Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur is the driving force behind a bill at Holyrood proposing Assisted Dying for the terminally ill When the state becomes involved in the business of ending life, it brings with it all the flaws inherent to large bureaucracies. Whatever its qualities, the NHS is a bureaucracy and one prone to mismanagement, systemic error, and cover-up culture. But there can be no room for error with euthanasia, just as there can be none with execution. If we look to other countries when adopting policies like euthanasia, it is only fair to look to their outcomes. Canada legalised medical assistance in dying (MAID) in 2016 and it too was initially limited to the terminally ill. The courts then said it had to be made available to patients with severe conditions where death was not reasonably foreseeable. The House of Commons complied and amended the law in 2021. The Act has been changed again and from 2027 patients whose sole underlying medical condition is mental illness will be eligible for MAID. The first year of MAID saw 1,018 Canadians voluntarily euthanised but by 2022 that number had soared to 13,241, an increase of 1,200 per cent in six years. Doctors participating in MAID are now responsible for four per cent of all deaths in Canada, a figure that rises to almost seven per cent in the province of Quebec. The most commonly cited nature of suffering in MAID applications is loss of ability to engage in meaningful life activities but a patients perceived burden on family, friends or caregivers was cited in 35 per cent of cases. A 2023 study published in the journal Palliative Support Care identified issues with MAID practice and found increasing accounts of people choosing to end their lives due to suffering associated with a lack of access to medical, disability, and social support. The researchers concluded that Canadas euthanasia regime is lacking the safeguards, data collection, and oversight necessary to protect Canadians against premature death. If it can happen in advanced, enlightened Canada, it can happen here. None of this is intended to downplay the suffering of people stricken with terminal illnesses, bed-bound and spending their final days, weeks, or even months in agony. Surely they have a right to put an end to their pain and decide the terms on which their life will end? When put in those terms, I understand and even sympathise with the case for euthanasia. Not only because it is an emotive issue but because it is a human one. Whenever we hear about someones diagnosis of Stage Four cancer or motor neurone disease or something similarly cataclysmic, we try not to imagine ourselves or our loved ones in the same situation but we cant help it. There but for the grace of God. However, this debate is not over who is the most compassionate or empathetic, its about the practical feasibility and moral acceptability of the state, through its nationalised healthcare service, deciding who may and may not take their own lives and helping them to conduct their suicide. And what we call the state is really just us, the accumulation of our electoral and other preferences, the official articulation of who we are and the sort of country we want to be. The state does what it does on our behalf. That is why, much as it might seem like euthanasia is a personal matter, it is actually something that affects all of us. It will be our parliament telling our NHS that in our country doctors can opt out of their duty to care and instead help to kill. The issue of assisted dying has sparked a heated debate in Scotland That Scotland is a place where one minute a physician might be called upon to administer a drug to save someones life and in the next to hand someone a drug that will end their life. That both of those actions are clinically and morally equal and legitimate. They are not. Terminating human life, even if by patient request, is not healthcare. It is killing. It might be done with the best of intentions, by clinicians with an alphabet of letters after their name, to patients whose prognosis is grimly certain, but it is still killing. We know this already. Its why the law permits exceptions so that women can access abortifacient drugs or, more rarely these days, medical procedures that will terminate a pregnancy. Doing so outwith the circumstances set out in law is a crime. Ever since the Sixties, there has been a societal lurch away from anything that smacks of judgmentalism and towards a culture of autonomy in which we are all individuals entitled to make choices regardless of long-established moral or social strictures. This has been, for the most part, a good thing but even in a liberal society there are some things that we should be prevented from doing. Things that are civilisational fundamentals. Things like artificially altering the course of life and death. Asking what if questions about a proposal such as this is likely to see you accused of the slippery slope fallacy. But the slippery slope is not always a logical fallacy. It is often a simple observation of how policy operates and evolves. There are a number of slippery slope questions to be asked of this Bill. What possible safeguards could be built in that would ensure euthanasia assistance was granted only to those who want to end their suffering, as opposed to those who consider themselves a burden on their family? In other countries, euthanasia is most commonly accessed by older people, a demographic disproportionately affected by chronic loneliness and ashamed at the thought of inconveniencing their children or other relatives for a sustained period of time. The explanatory notes say there would be no duty on anyone, including registered medical practitioners and other health professionals, to participate in the process if they have a conscientious objection to doing so. But if euthanasia becomes a service provided by the NHS, for how long will a conscience exemption be sustainable? What happens when patients wishing to end their lives in remote and rural Scotland begin reporting difficulty in accessing lethal drugs? This could be a real possibility in areas where there is both a lower density of doctors and a higher percentage of religiosity and/or social conservatism. It seems likely that a great deal of pressure would be brought to bear on conscientious objectors to participate in what would now be regarded as healthcare. What happens when, a little further down the line, the euthanasia lobby declares the safeguards built into McArthurs Bill traumatising and humiliating for terminally ill patients and demands the process be demedicalised, rendering it primarily a matter of patient choice with clinicians role reduced to that of a signature on a prescription? I suspect we all know what would happen: Holyrood would ditch the safeguards and congratulate itself on its bravery and progressivism. I respect those who see this issue differently. I believe they are good people who mean well and want to see the terminally ill treated with compassion. But I dissent vigorously from the notion that killing can ever be a form of compassion. Compassion would be to invest properly in palliative care to make sure those who cannot recover are able to leave this life when their time comes in as much comfort and as little pain as possible. Life is precious and those departing from it should be treated that way. JK Rowling has launched a furious attack on the head of an under-fire rape charity, accusing her of arrogance and complacency. The Harry Potter author has demanded Rape Crisis Scotlands chief executive Sandy Brindley quit following a scathing review into a support service in Edinburgh. Ms Brindley has clung on to her role after a damning review found the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, under the management of chief executive Mridul Wadhwa, a trans woman, hindered victims access to biologically female counsellors. At the weekend the embattled chief executive told a newspaper Ms Rowlings remarks reduced her to tears. But yesterday Ms Rowling continued her broadside against Ms Brindley. JK Rowling (pictured) launched a tirade against Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley on Twitter Sarah Brindley (pictured) is under increasing pressure to step down following a scathing review into a support service in Edinburgh In a series of social media posts addressed to the charity chief, the best-selling author said: While youve been in charge at Rape Crisis Scotland, a man now serving time in prison for multiple sexual assaults was treated at the Edinburgh centre. The man in charge of the Edinburgh centre called rape survivors who wanted single sex services bigots. Under your leadership, multiple women self-excluded from the Edinburgh centre because of the male CEO you defended and praised. On your watch, a 14-year-old girl whod been raped felt unable to access support because she wasnt guaranteed a single sex space. For years, youve been told by womens groups and rape survivors themselves that your policies were harming vulnerable girls and women. You didnt care. You wouldnt listen. Backed by government funding, you behaved with arrogance and complacency. Mridul Wadhwa (pictured) stepped down after a damning review found the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) which she headed had hindered victims' access to biologically female counsellors She added: I can only assume your cosy relationship with the SNP government, which is a big fan of gender identity ideology, made you feel untouchable. You werent ever going to respond to womens concerns unless someone high profile challenged you. Finally, you decided to respond publicly to one of the women with concerns - me. And how do you address those concerns? You claim youre my victim. Perhaps you should reframe your trauma, as the man you backed publicly told rape survivors to do? Or we could have an in-person meeting where you express your pain, and my partner, who you didnt know would be present, harangues you - exactly as you did to rape survivors. Ms Rowling then made reference to the service she established for women in response to Rape Crisis policy on gender. She said: I set up Beiras Place, a single sex service for victims of sexual assault in Edinburgh, because survivors who fund it deeply traumatising to be told they must consider men as women if the men want to be seen that way had literally nowhere else to go. Youve placed higher importance on validating trans-identified men than on the needs of female survivors. If Im not moved by your tears, its because too many women have cried as a consequence of the ideology you insisted they should embrace [when] they were at their most vulnerable. Rape Crisis Scotland is the umbrella body for centres such as the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre. Ms Brindley, who once backed Ms Wadhwa as an amazing sister, last week said she believes there is no reason why transgender people could not work in rape support centres but that they must also provide women-only spaces. She told the Sunday Times she was in tears in front of her daughter when she was told by a journalist JK Rowlings demand for her resignation. She insisted she would not leave her post because of the furore surrounding the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre. And she said claims Ms Rowling has made about a previous meeting between Rape Crisis Scotland and a group of survivors were demonstrably false. Ms Brindley told the newspaper: What recourse do I have? I am a single parent that works for a charity. JK Rowlings a billionaire. I have no recourse, so truth doesnt matter. A cold case expert has been picked to head a fresh investigation into the controversial unsolved murder of banker Alistair Wilson. Detective Chief Superintendent Suzanne Chow is expected to head up the new inquiry ordered seven days ago by Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, head of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Ms Chow has had previous experience of handling unsolved murders as a senior member of the forces Homicide Governance and Review team. She will replace Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone, whose role in the 20 year investigation was publicly criticised by the Wilson family at the weekend. The senior officer has previously worked on cold cases with Police Scotlands Homicide Governance and Review team. Alistair Wilson was shot dead on his doorstep in Nairn in 2004 Alistair Wilson with his wife Veronica Police forensic officers at the scene of the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson Detective Chief Superintendent Suzanne Chow is expected to head up the new inquiry into Mr Wilson's murder Scotlands chief prosecutor announced a fresh investigation into Alistairs murder last Monday following a meeting in July with his family including his widow, Veronica, at her offices in Edinburgh. However at the weekend the Wilsons branded Police Scotland incompetent and criticised Chief Constable Jo Farrell for refusing to meet them to discuss their concerns over the long running investigation. Their statement said: Over the past 18 months, our relationship has steadily deteriorated because of unresolved and ongoing issues that are not being properly addressed. The poor judgment and lack of accountability at the highest levels of Police Scotland has regrettably eroded any trust we have in their ability to secure justice for Alistair. The Wilsons have made a series of complaints about Police Scotlands handling of the murder investigation, including the conduct of DCS Livingstone. They claim they were misled over the planned arrest of a suspect in May last year. Police Scotland have since apologised with a number of their complaints being upheld. Mr Wilson, 30, died on November 28, 2004, in what has become one of Scotlands most notorious unsolved murder cases. Around 7pm Veronica answered the door of their home in the seaside town of Nairn to a man who asked for her husband by name. At the time Alistair was reading his two young children Andrew and Graham a bedtime story. He went downstairs to speak to the visitor and was handed a blue birthday card-style envelope with the name Paul on it. Alistair showed it to his wife then returned to the door and the gunman opened fire. On hearing the three shots Veronica rushed to the front door and dialled 999. An ambulance took Mr Wilson to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness but he died an hour later. Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC has ordered a full re-investigation of Mr Wilson's murder Within 10 days of the shooting, police had the murder weapon - a highly unusual antique pistol firing rare 25 calibre ammunition He had just resigned from the Bank of Scotland and was due to begin a new job in Inverness with an environmental consultancy firm. Detectives turned up nothing that suggested his murder was linked to his bank work, his personal life or was a case of mistaken identity. Mystery still surrounds the envelope, which the killer took away. Ten days later the murder weapon, an antique German pocket pistol, was found in a drain half a mile away. No forensic evidence was found linking it to any individual. Two years ago cops revealed a minor planning dispute was now at the centre of their investigation. Shortly before he died, Mr Wilson had objected to a large decking area built outside the Havelock Hotel, opposite his home. Owner Andy Burnett received a copy of the letter from the council two days before Alistairs murder. Detectives even travelled to Nova Scotia in Canada to interview him, later stressing he was a witness and not a suspect. The 55-year-old had emigrated in 2013 with his wife after selling the hotel. Detectives also revealed details of two men seen with a handgun on Nairns East Beach a month before Alistairs murder. Police Scotlands Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said yesterday: Officers remain committed and determined to identify Alistairs killer and to get justice for his family. We are in the process of identifying the investigation team and it will be overseen by a Detective Chief Superintendent in their capacity as a Strategic Senior Investigation Officer. Passengers on board a Gatwick-bound flight were forced to swap aircraft when the plane had to land in Copenhagen because of a 'technical issue'. The Norwegian Boeing 737-8JP aircraft was just 40 minutes into its flight from Oslo when it was abruptly diverted east to the Danish capital as a 'precautionary measure' when midair above the North Sea. MailOnline understands the diversion was caused by a failure of the plane's weather radar. The system is vital piece of kit and helps pilots avoid and navigate hazardous conditions in the sky. The plane safely landed on the runway at Copenhagen airport just before 8.30pm where passengers were told that luggage had been offloaded and transferred to another aircraft. Passengers on board a Gatwick-bound flight were forced to swap aircraft when the plane had to land in Copenhagen because of a 'technical issue' The Norwegian Boeing aircraft was just 40 minutes into its flight from Oslo when it was abruptly diverted east to the Danish capital as a 'precautionary measure' when midair above the North Sea Some people stood in the the aisle when the plane became uncomfortably hot and stuffy when the air conditioning was turned off One passenger told us there were groans on board the DY1308 flight as they were told by the plane's crew they would have to wait a few minutes for buses to arrive in order to take them to another plane. Some people stood in the middle of the aisle with the plane becoming uncomfortably hot and stuffy when the air conditioning was turned off. Around ten minutes later, irritated looking passengers were ushered down some airstairs onto a waiting bus before being taken to the new plane. A spokeswoman for Norwegian told MailOnline: 'This was not an emergency landing, it was a normal landing. 'There were indications of a technical issue, and as a precautionary measure, the flight was diverted to Copenhagen for a technical inspection. One passenger told us there were groans on board the DY1308 flight as they were told by the plane's crew they would have to wait a few minutes for buses to arrive The plane safely landed on the runway at Copenhagen airport just before 8.30pm where passengers were told that luggage had been offloaded and transferred to another aircraft 'We are working on a solution for the affected passengers and we apologise for the inconvenience.' According to the Airbus safety magazine website, the airborne weather radar system 'is an essential tool for pilots' and 'enables the strategic and tactical planning of a safe flight trajectory'. The radar, which is located at the nose of the plane, scans 160 degrees from 0 to 60,000ft to give pilots a complete vertical view of the weather system ahead and across terrain. MailOnline has contacted Norwegian for further comment. A herd of bulls were seen breaking free from a Rodeo in Massachusetts on Sunday afternoon. Around 2.19pm the North Attleboro Fire Department announced that eight bulls 'are currently on the loose' after escaping the Emerald Square Mall rodeo. More than an hour later the department announced that the bulls were 'safely corralled in Attleboro,' before revealing in a second post that one bull 'is still loose.' 'There is no immediate threat to the community. Thank you to everyone who assisted and shared information with first responders,' the department added. When the bulls first escaped, the fire department warned residents in the area to 'exercise extreme caution' if they encounter the cattle. Around 2.19pm the North Attleboro Fire Department announced that eight bulls 'are currently on the loose' after escaping the Emerald Square Mall rodeo The herd of bulls are seen charging through the parking lot as stunned onlookers watch in shock 'The North Attleboro Fire Department reports that eight bulls are currently loose from the rodeo at the Emerald Square Mall. 'Community members should exercise extreme caution and not approach any bulls. If you see a bull, please call 9-1-1- immediately,' the department said. Video captured the moment the massive animals charged through a parking lot filled with cars and people as they jumped through a chain-link fence and galloped toward the road. The herd was seen running past vendor tables as one of them led the pack, jumping on top of the fence. A woman was seen nearly getting trampled as she ran out of the way in the nick of time. After knocking the barrier down, the rest of the bulls quickly followed behind as worried onlookers watched in amazement. The North Attleboro police spokesperson told DailyMail.com there is 'no update right now' on the escaped bulls Event staff personnel were then seen trying to move people out of the way as they tried to understand what just happened. The video ended with the bulls running toward the exit of the shopping center near a busy highway. Other clips of the runaway bulls quickly circulated online as one video showed some of the bulls making their way down a residential street as a person recorded from their porch. Another clip showed the group of bulls casually strolling along a road just after a car passed by. People quickly flocked to the original post and commented on the bizarre moment. 'They look so happy to be free,' one wrote. The video ended with the bulls running toward the exit of the shopping center near a busy highway 'This is AMAZING,' said another. Another person said: 'They been planning this escape for some time now today was the day.' 'I wasn't aware that they brought The Running of the Bulls to Massachusetts lmao #runningofthebulls,' said another. 'This is the most attention Emerald Square Mall has gotten since the early 2000s,' a commenter joked. Others weren't as thrilled about the bulls' escape, with many fearing for the animals' safety. 'Those poor animals. I hope they catch them safely,' a commenter said. A local resident wrote: 'Rodeos are animal abuse. Ashamed that this event was ever welcomed to our town.' The department warned residents in the are to 'exercise extreme caution' if they encounter the cattle and to immediately call 911 Other clips of the runaway bulls quickly circulated online as one video showed some of the bulls making their way down a residential street as a person recorded from their porch A person said: 'This wont end well for the bulls .. another reason not to have this foolishness where it does not belong!' 'Free them. They should go to a sanctuary now. If they don't get killed on the highway,' another wrote. Kyle Massey said he was stopped at a traffic light after leaving the mall when he saw the bulls. 'I looked over to my right and I'd seen 6, 7 bulls or something like that, and I thought they were just walking around the parking lot with the people (from the rodeo),' Massey told WBZ-TV. 'Then I noticed they were getting closer, so I told my daughter, "I think they're on the loose," although I still didn't really believe it, because it's kind of unbelievable. So I started recording,' he added. Government Press Secretary Alpheous Nxumalos response to an article published by the Star about the King muzzling the media is a testament to what I am talking about. As emaSwati who understand how government is administered, it is easy to see that the Star got it wrong. From an outsiders perspective, any decision or statement that the prime minister issues is authorised by the King as Head of State and executive monarch. Even where the King is not involved, the global media understands him to be playing a part in Cabinet decisions. The head of government is the King, while the prime minister is the leader of government business in Parliament. The King is the head of Cabinet, while the prime minister is the chairman of Cabinet. In essence, the King has delegated his powers to the prime minister to chair the Cabinet meetings. He appoints the Cabinet ministers to serve the nation on his behalf. Prime Minister Russell Dlaminis statement that government reserves the right to answer some questions and not respond to others is grossly irresponsible. Journalists pose questions that are in the public interest. It is absolutely wrong for the prime minister to deprive the nation of information that they need to shape their destiny. If such an irresponsible statement is not withdrawn together with demeaning words like take it, the media and public will lose confidence in the prime minister. Going forward, how are journalists to pose questions of public interest and get straight forward answers ? How are they to hold government accountable ? Or has the trust that had already been broken between the Eswatini Government and the public just been cemented? As he executes his duties as the prime minister, it is important that he understands that the executive authority of the country vests in the King. Section 64 (1) of the Constitution provides that the executive authority of Swaziland (Eswatini) vests in the King as Head of State and shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. The Constitution goes on to state that the King shall protect and defend this Constitution and all laws made under or continued in force by this Constitution. Section 64 (3) provides that the King may exercise the executive authority either directly or through the Cabinet or a minister. Based on the supreme law, the King, in his capacity as Head of State, has authority, in accordance with this Constitution or any other law, among other things to assent to and sign bills; summon and dissolve Parliament; receive foreign envoys and appoint diplomats and issue pardons, reprieves or commute sentences and declare a state of emergency. Prime Minister Russell must then understand that the executive authority does not vest in him. The King is an executive monarch, and whatever he does, as stated above, reflects badly on the King. He must start now learning how to protect the integrity of the head of State. If he continues to conduct himself in a manner unbefitting his status as the premier, we reserve the right to advise His Majesty the King to relieve him of his duties. The executive monarch has almost same responsibilities and powers with a presidential system. Anything bad that an official in the Federal Government of the United States does reflects badly on President Joe Biden. It is argued that the United States is the originator and primary example of the presidential system, a model that is followed in only a few other democracies, such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines. The presidential system, unlike the parliamentary form of democracy, has a strong and independent chief executive with extensive powers related to both domestic, or internal affairs and foreign policy. The problem with the prime minister is that he took Russells personal grievances to Cabinet. We want to interact with the prime minister appointed by the King, not a personal Russell. Section 68 (1) (f) provides how a misbehaving prime minister is removed from office. The constitutional provision reads: ....the prime minister is removed from office for misbehaviour or inability to perform the functions of that office (whether arising from infirmity of body or mind). Where the King considers the question of removing the prime minister from office for misbehaviour, the Constitution states that the following shall be done - (a) The King shall appoint a tribunal, which shall consist of a chairman who shall be the chief justice and two other reputable persons one of whom should have held the position of a minister, Speaker of the House or President of the Senate; (b) The tribunal shall enquire into the matter and report to the King whether or not to remove the prime minister from office for inability or misbehaviour. As ex-Botswana President Ian Khama warned his successor, President Mokgweetsi Masisi that he will someday be referred to as a former president, I can also extend a warning to the prime minister that the Constitution states that the prime minister shall not hold office for more than two consecutive terms. A prime minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini must learn to respect the people in the same way His Majesty respects emaSwati. He cannot execute his duties in the same way a prime minister of the United Kingdom (UK) does. The British prime minister is the head of the UK Government. In Eswatini, the head of the Eswatini Government is the King. Appointed In the UK, the leader of the largest party in a government or the leader of the party who wins an election becomes the prime minister. Of course, the British prime minister is officially appointed by the monarch. In Eswatini, the PM is the leader of government business in Parliament and chairman of Cabinet. Currently, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini is in New York, United States of America (USA), to represent the King. That must tell him something. Let me take you back to February 2024. When he assumed office, News24 reported in that same month that Eswatinis new PM Russell Dlamini had begun his term of office with a threat to regulate the media. In a meeting with members of the Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF) at the Cabinet offices on 14 February, 2024, Dlamini, according to News24, indicated that he would enact the long-dormant Media Commission Bill to create a government-controlled media regulation body. He was addressing editors for the first time since he was appointed by King Mswati III in 2023. Mark these words: since he was appointed by King Mswati III in 2023. Whatever he does, the name of the King comes in. That is a fact we cannot run away from. Editors left the meeting surprised by the prime ministers hard-line and fearful of their future in a country with limited media freedom. I quote: though the meeting was behind closed doors, the Campaign For Free Expression reliably gathered that Dlamini was highly critical of news content, especially in independent newspapers. One person who was present at the gathering said the prime minister cited the medias failure to set up a self-regulatory mechanism. What did he say on Friday during the editors breakfast meeting with him? He complained about negative news content. A few years ago, the EEF set-up the Media Complaints Commission (MCC), a self-regulation body that is yet to be operational. According to News24, he then said if editors were failing to operationalise it, government would have to revisit the Media Commission Bill. Dlamini is also said to have registered concern over poor salaries and working conditions in some publications that are making high profits. That he also mentioned in his first breakfast meeting. Some members of the EEF are said to have been displeased with his tone and asked to be given time and resources to make the MCC function. Editors pointed out that government was as much to blame for the MCCs inaction because broadcast media, which is controlled by government, had not shown any interest in it. News24 reported that the threat of government regulation is a common thread across several southern African countries. In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) threatened for some time to impose a statutory Media Tribunal because it felt the self-regulatory Press Council was not tough enough on the media. Although the party passed a series of conference resolutions on the matter, it has not taken the matter forward. The Botswana government has enacted a law invoking a Media Council, but has not yet set it up. A significant factor is that moves to set up independent self-regulatory bodies in several countries have been flagged, largely due to financial issues. South Africa is the exception, with an active Press Council in place. Constitution The matter was taken up by Afrobarometer which reported; as well that Prime Minister Russell Dlamini sparked concern about the future of press freedom in the country. The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa remarked that Section 24 of Eswatinis Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, but the countrys media environment is heavily restricted by laws such as the Suppression of Terrorism Act (2008). African Media Barometre (2018, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung) states that a range of colonial-era statutes also severely limit media freedom in Eswatini and critics say they are weaponised to punish the media for investigative reporting. These include the Cinematography Act (1920), the Obscene Publications Act (1927), the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (1938), the Magistrates Courts Act (1939), the Books and Newspapers Act (1963), the Protected Places and Areas Act (1966) and the Proscribed Publications Act (1968). According to the most recent Afrobarometer survey, in late 2022, emaSwati broadly agree that the media should act as a watchdog over the government, exposing government missteps and wrongdoing. Citizens value media freedom and reject the notion that public information should be the exclusive preserve of government officials. However, most believe that media freedom does not exist in practice in their country. I hope and so hope that the prime minister will change his attitude towards the media. Though I doubt. The Conversation wrote in 2018: if politicians want more trust from voters, they need to start behaving with civility and respect. Shocking cell phone video shows a gas station employee hurling racial slurs at a longtime customer, who is now working on filing a lawsuit. John Wong said he was shopping on September 5 in a Circle K in Houston to get food for his pregnant girlfriend when he was verbally attacked by a clerk. Wong said he was completely shocked, adding that he'd never experienced racism in the 10 years he'd been shopping at that Circle K. On video Wong recorded, the employee is heard saying: 'Hey, hello, Chinese, Asian mother******. Play it in your country, not in America. Get the f*** out of here.' Wong said the employee refused to sell him food and instead continued to lash out at him, FOX 26 Houston reported. Wong, left, stood in front of the Circle K he was racially harassed in to share his shock about what happened. He recorded a video of the employee, right, shouting slurs and curse words at him 'This is a complete shock to me. I have no idea why this person started berating me and saying what he was saying,' Wong said. In a press conference outside the gas station where Wong was confronted, civil rights lawyer Randall Kallinen shared his outrage over this instance of racism. 'Circle K needs to get together and put together a program about racial sensitivity,' Kallinen said. Wong said he's working on a lawsuit unless Circle K can respond adequately. Circle K said in a statement that it immediately terminated the employee who accosted Wong after finding out what happened. Circle K said it is continuing to investigate the incident and wants to speak with Wong and his lawyers 'to fully understand this experience from their perspective' 'After learning of a confrontation between an employee and two customers two weeks ago at a Houston location, we made the decision to immediately terminate this employee for violating company policies,' the statement read. It continued: 'We were provided a brief 45-second smartphone video clip of this encounter recorded by the customer that included audio of the exchange. Although the video doesnt capture the entirety of the incident, what it shows clearly goes against our values and code of conduct.' Circle K said it is continuing to investigate the incident and wants to speak with Wong and his lawyers 'to fully understand this experience from their perspective.' DailyMail.com approached Circle K for comment. Rachel Reeves is facing a union revolt today over cruel cuts to pensioners winter fuel payments. Union leaders were last night manoeuvring to force a vote at Labours annual conference calling for her to reverse plans to axe the payment to 10 million older people. A Labour source said the Government was likely to lose the vote this week but insisted that Ms Reeves would not back down. Well note it and move on, the source said. Its time for people to start understanding these tough choices are real. The Chancellor, whose gloomy warnings on the economy are blamed for undermining consumer and business confidence, will today try to strike a more upbeat note, saying her optimism for Britain burns as bright as it ever has done. Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured on Sunday) has come out fighting amid opposition to her cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves visit PsiQuantum, the world's largest quantum company, in Daresbury near Liverpool on Sunday But she will warn the country faces ruin unless the new government first moves to shore up the public finances. I can see the prize on offer, if we make the right choices now, she will say. And stability is the crucial foundation on which all our ambitions will be built. The essential precondition for business to invest with confidence and families to plan for the future. The mini-budget showed us that any plan for growth without stability only leads to ruin. In a sop to critics on the Left, the Chancellor will say: There will be no return to austerity. Conservative austerity was a destructive choice for our public services and for investment and growth too. She has also pledged to target tax dodgers. According to the Mirror, Reeves will hire 200 experts to catch those trying to escape paying their fair share. And hinting that spending will rise in the future, she will say: Stability, paired with reform, will forge the conditions for business to invest and consumers to spend with confidence. Growth is the challenge. And investment is the solution. But union leaders last night urged Labour to use its massive majority to turn the spending taps on immediately starting with the reversal of the cuts to the winter fuel payment. The Chancellors decision to means-test the annual payment, which is worth up to 300, will see ten million pensioners lose out. Official figures slipped out at the weekend show that 86 per cent of pensioners living in absolute poverty will lose the payment. Unite boss Sharon Graham (pictured) labelled the Chancellor's 'cruel' plans a 'misstep' and called on Ms Reeves to reverse her decision Unite union boss Sharon Graham said the cruel plan was a misstep and should be reversed. She warned ministers not to ignore the results of the conference vote. If they choose to ignore what people are saying outside, where this is a massively hot topic I am getting inundated with emails then I think they will pay the price at the ballot box. A Labour government has come in to make change and the first thing they do is pick the pockets of pensioners. I think theres a problem with that. She added: Dying in an early ditch for policies most people hate is not only silly politics, but it can also set the public mood. This is particularly so, when the decision you are defending delivers so little towards whatever plan you have and is instead seen as punitive. Targeting everyday people without much money is cruel, not tough. Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, also urged Ms Reeves to reverse the ridiculous cuts. He told a conference fringe meeting: I think the treatment of the question of poverty has been not just appalling from the point of view of any sort of socialist perspective, but also politically inept as well. He added: You can predict it now that over the winter people will die, and there will be front-page stories about an elderly person, and the headline will be something like Killed by Starmer cruelty. And if the smart Alecs who give advice to the Labour leadership havent woken up to that, then frankly they shouldnt be in their positions. The public backlash over the winter fuel cuts has panicked some Labour MPs, particularly at a time when leading figures, including Ms Reeves, Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner, are mired in controversy for taking thousands of pounds worth of free gifts. Labour MP Rachael Maskell said the move 'was against the values of the Labour Party' and risks pensioners going cold Labour MP Rachael Maskell said: I have been sickened by revelations of donations. It grates against the values of the Labour Party, created to fight for the needs of others, not self. Meanwhile pensioners are having their winter fuel payments taken, risking going cold. I trust conference votes to change this. Shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride said: What does Starmer haveagainst pensioners? The average pensioner faces higher energy bills and is more vulnerable to the cold but Labour didnt carry out a proper impact assessment before rushing through their winter fuel cut. Older people deserve better. Hundreds more oil and gas sector jobs could be lost within the next six years as Labours tax policies threaten to create a cliff edge for the industry, it has been claimed. The warning comes just weeks after the owners of the Grangemouth refinery announced it would close next year with the loss of 400 jobs. Andrew Gardner, chief executive of Ineos Forties Pipeline System (FPS), which transports oil and gas from 80 offshore fields to the UK mainland, now fears the effects of government plans to strip the industry of its tax breaks. Ineos said in 2017 that it hoped to operate until 2040 or beyond after investing more than 500million in the system to prolong its lifespan. But Mr Gardner says that if Labours tax policy stops customers offsetting their drilling against tax, it will make it uneconomical and decommissioning could be brought forward as early as 2030, leaving hundreds out of work. The Forties pipeline network comes ashore at the St Fergus gas terminal in Aberdeenshire Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden accused the UK and Scottish governments of turning their backs on the sector. He said: Labour have been clear from the very beginning that the oil and gas industry isnt something they prioritise. Those who work in this industry will rightly be worried about their livelihoods as both the Scottish and UK government have turned their backs on the sector. Mr Lumsden said only his party was standing up for the oil and gas sector. The Forties Pipeline System is a crucial part of the infrastructure that transports oil and gas to UK customers. According to the Ineos FPS website, it has a nominal capacity of over six hundred thousand barrels per day. But with Labours plans to strip the sector of some investment and capital allowances from November, there are fears many operations will no longer be viable. Mr Gardner told the Sunday Telegraph: Back in 2017, we told our customers and workforce wed operate [until] 2040 or beyond, because the amounts of hydrocarbons still left in the ground meant the oil and gas would keep flowing. But if Labours tax policy stops our customers offsetting their drilling and other investment costs against tax, then volumes will shrink and were looking at 2030-35 as a more likely end date. Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB Union, which represents many offshore workers, told the newspaper that successive governments had taken a hostile position and a fundamentally dishonest position on the realities of oil and gas. He said: We are going to need oil and gas for decades to come. What is totally counterproductive from a Labour perspective is taxing the industry out of business and putting bans on new exploration. 'Youre going to create a cliff edge for the industry which will have devastating implications. The St Fergus Gas Terminal, near Peterhead, also relies on the FPS. Unconfirmed reports have claimed that Hamas' leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed in an Israeli airstrike. The claims, first reported by Israeli broadcaster Kan, suggest the terror group's leader was killed by an IDF airstrike in Gaza, though details about exactly where and when he may have been killed are scant. Israeli journalist Ben Caspit quoted sources as saying: 'There have also been times in the past when he disappeared and we thought he was dead, but then he reappeared.' Israeli media has reported that the intelligence community is split on whether he is in fact dead. Israeli journalist Barak Ravid was quick to refute the claims, writing on X that 'Israel does not have any intelligence information indicating that Haya Sinwar is dead.' He quoted a senior official as saying: 'These are hopes and guesses that are based only on the fact that Sinwar has been cut off from contact for several weeks.' Unconfirmed reports have claimed that Hamas' leader Yahya Sinwar (pictured) has been killed in an Israeli airstrike Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi (C) attends a meeting at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel, as an Israeli military operation is undertaken in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 20, 2024 Smoke billows at the site of an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Zawtar on September 21, 2024 The Jerusalem Post also reported that no sources referred to any specific assassination operations run by the IDF to kill the Hamas leader, adding that a 'top source poured cold water on the notion.' The newspaper said that the IDF said it could neither confirm nor deny the reports, while the Walla news site noted that intelligence agency Shin Bet rejected the report and believes that Sinwar is alive. Local media reported that the claims were based on the idea that Sinwar has been out of touch with Hamas representatives present at ceasefire negotiations for longer than usual. This is not the first time Sinwar is believed to have been killed during Israel's war in Gaza. Palestinians living in tents provided by the Turkish Red Crescent and aid organizations in the Jabaliya Refugee Camp, located in northern Gaza where Israeli attacks continue, struggle with heavy rainfall affecting the region on September 22, 2024 It comes as the US admitted that little progress is being made in the ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas In December, Sinwar was reported to have been killed, wounded, or fled to Sinai in Egypt. It later emerged that he had been out of touch with his subordinates as part of his hiding tactics. This week, a letter written in Sinwar's name was sent to the Houthis in Yemen, in which he praised the terror group for attacking Israel. 'The resistance is in good shape. We will break the enemy's political willpower the same way we broke his military willpower,' Sinwar reportedly wrote. He is said to have added: 'We have prepared ourselves for a long war of attrition that will break the enemy's political willpower, just as the Bul al-Aqsa attack [October 7 attack] broke his military willpower.' It comes as the US admitted that little progress is being made in the ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. National security spokesman John Kirby admitted that diplomatic teams haven't made 'any progress here in the last week to two weeks. Not for lack of trying.' He says the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, doesn't appear to be 'negotiating in good faith,' citing the recent killing of six Israeli hostages in tunnels under Gaza. 'But it doesn't mean that we're not trying.' Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (CH4) Rating: Shut up! Stop fidgeting! Take that **@_!!_ smirk off your face! Yes, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is back. And the first episode contained a harsh lesson to anybody whose agent has their eye on next year's show. In the opening moments, there's a bit where the contestants explain what they're hoping to achieve. As former Health Secretary Matt Hancock might have said last year: 'I'm hoping not to get shoved in a lake then punched in the head by Jermaine Pennant.' Celebs, be warned: what you say might come back to haunt you. The big name this year is John Barrowman, best known for Doctor Who and Torchwood. A couple of years ago, he was accused of exposing himself on set, and joined Celebrity SAS to salvage his career. 'I want people to see the kind of person I really am,' he said. John Barrowman pictured taking part in Channel 4's latest series of Celebrity SAS Who Dares Win Yes, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is back. And the first episode contained a harsh lesson. (Pictured: Bianca Gascoigne, Chris Robshaw, Pete Wicks, Ovie Soko, Georgia Harrison, Bobby Norris, Anthony Ogogo, Shazia Mirza, Tez Illyas, Cherry Healey, Rachel Johnson, Marnie Simpson, Ellie Downie, John Barrowman and Lani Daniels) Teacher's pet was Rachel Johnson (pictured), who at 59 is the oldest contestant on the series Before Barrowman bailed out, the candidate least likely to survive the course was TOWIE's Bobby Norris (pictured) That didn't go entirely to plan. He lasted just half an hour before walking off the set and the series. So much for Who Dares Wins. That left 14 people on the condensed version of special forces training at a location in New Zealand. Apparently weedy Britain just isn't rugged enough. The early signs weren't encouraging. There were terrified shrieks as the group were driven to the set along a narrow mountain pass, even though Top Gear has negotiated narrower with barely a whimper. Before Barrowman bailed out, the candidate least likely to survive the course was TOWIE's Bobby Norris. As he made his way to the first challenge, shuffling across two poles susp-ended above a ravine, he was shaking like a jelly with a caffeine overdose. 'Let's do this,' bellowed the instructor, 'because it's as boring as **** watching you shake on the ladder.' I've cleaned up that sentence for anybody reading before the nine o'clock watershed. He was then sick in the truck going back to base, and went straight to the bottom of the class. But the instructors were surprisingly sympathetic, and are clearly determined to pull him through. The SAS do like a challenge. Teacher's pet was Rachel Johnson, who at 59 is the oldest contestant. She coped well on the poles, reaching the middle stage before collapsing in an undignified heap. (The only person to get across, by the way, was Ellie Downie, but so she should she's a champion gymnast.) Rachel was first to be called for an interview without coffee as they say in the Army with the instructors. 'How do you feel about being shouted at?' 'I don't mind,' she said. 'I like a real man. I live in woke, liberal, leftie London.' If you can't beat them, flirt with them. But she didn't do so well on the next task: bursting into a wooden hut to rescue a hostage. It is my solemn duty to report that the hostage did not emerge unscathed. Mainly because she shot him. When architect-turned-novelist Thomas Hardy completed his dream home in the heart of Wessex, it was far from the madding crowd. But the 1885 mansion is now set to be enveloped by 'ungainly and unnecessary urban sprawl' thanks to plans by the Duchy of Cornwall to build 107 houses. The Duchy, covering 130,000 acres of land, was headed by the now-King Charles when the scheme was hatched, until it was passed to the current Prince of Wales, William. The King himself has attacked 'uncontrolled urban sprawl', saying before taking the throne it was one of Britain's greatest challenges. But critics say the Duchy's 'purely financial greed' it brought in 24million in profits last year is going to 'destroy' the rural setting of Hardy's Grade I-listed house, Max Gate, in Stinsford, near Dorchester, Dorset. Max Gate, Thomas Hardy 1885 mansion near Dorchester, is now set to be enveloped by 'ungainly and unnecessary urban sprawl' thanks to plans by the Duchy of Cornwall to build 107 houses Among the many official objectors is the Thomas Hardy Society, which has as its president Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes (pictured with his wife Emma Joy Kitchener) Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) British poet, novelist and dramatist with his second wife, Florence Among the many official objectors is the Thomas Hardy Society, which has as its president Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. Yet the plans, also opposed by conservation bodies, have been approved by Dorset council. Views the poet masterminded from the windows 'will be lost forever', it is claimed along with the path he used to take to visit his first wife's grave a mile away. Trained architect Hardy left the profession after the success of his fourth novel Far From the Madding Crowd. He became one of Britain's most popular writers, enabling him to build Max Gate, near his birthplace in Stinsford. He wrote his most acclaimed books there Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Jude the Obscure and The Mayor of Casterbridge and spent 43 years in the house with first wife Emma, then second wife Florence. He dictated his final poem on his deathbed there, aged 87, in 1928. Herman Lea's portrait of Thomas Hardy. The great novelist showed photographer Herman Lea around his beloved Dorset to show him the real life locations he wrote into his works And while his ashes were interred at Westminster Abbey, his heart was put to rest in Stinsford along with both his wives. Tony Fincham, vice-president of the Hardy Society, said the plans to build on four paddocks would 'completely destroy' the area. 'Hardy's Wessex views will be lost forever,' he said. 'The Duchy are purely driven by financial greed. Max Gate warrants full protection from this incessant, ungainly and unnecessary urban sprawl, but Dorset council have no appreciation of the literary heritage or tourist impact of Dorset's most famous son.' The Duchy said the scheme will provide 'high-quality homes, including affordable housing, whilst complementing the unique historic identity of the area'. All charges have been dropped against six women who stormed the racetrack during the Derby in an animal rights protest witnessed by thousands of spectators. Six members of Animal Rising broke into one of the countrys biggest horse races two years ago but have just been told they will not face a crown court trial. The charges against them of causing a public nuisance at the track in Epsom, Surrey, have been dropped. They include Rose Patterson, 35, one of Animal Risings leaders. She said crown lawyers have lost their appetite for prosecuting people trying to make the world a better place after dozens of protesters from Just Stop Oil and other groups have been locked up. She also pointed to the prison overcrowding crisis. The protesters broke onto the track before 4.30pm on June 4, 2022, minutes before the race was due to start. An animal rights activist is detained after running onto the racecourse on June 4, 2022 Six women were arrested on day two of the Epsom Derby in 2022 Police dragged the group, then known as Animal Rebellion, off the grass as spectators including those in the Royal Box looked on. The event went ahead and was won by Desert Crown. The Epsom Six had been due to appear at Guildford Crown Court on Friday to enter pleas. But they were told by a senior crown prosecutor the case was being dropped as there was not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. Charges against Greenpeace protesters who climbed onto former Prime Ministers Rishi Sunaks home in Yorkshire were also dropped on Friday. Both decisions come amid an overcrowding crisis in which Labour has freed thousands of prisoners early to free up space. Last year Patterson, of east London, was exposed by the Mail on Sunday of attempting to disrupt the 2023 Grand National and arrested but not charged so far. She was charged with kidnapping lambs from the Sandringham Estate in 2023 for which she is due to be tried in November. Police and members of security worked to remove the six women from the racecourse Police dragged the group, then known as Animal Rebellion, off the grass as spectators including those in the Royal Box looked on The women were arrested but charges have since been dropped The protesters broke onto the track before 4.30pm on June 4, 2022, minutes before the race was due to start The 'Epsom Six' were due to appear at Guildford Crown Court (pictured) on Friday Claudia Penna Rojas, 26, of Brighton, another of the Epsom group, said they stood by their actions. These charges being dropped is another step towards the end of racing in Britain, and a kinder future for all life, she said. Their protest aimed to mirror that of suffragette Emily Davison, 40, who died after running in front of the Kings horse at the Derby in 1913 on the same date. Dozens of terror suspects have 'waltzed right in' to Britain posing as small boat migrants, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick has confirmed. Conservative leadership contender Mr Jenrick said Labour's scrapping of the Rwanda asylum scheme had put 'lives at risk' by leaving the country more open to terrorist attacks. Extremists who have arrived by small boat pose 'threats to our communities' and include some with links to Islamic State and Al Qaeda, he said. Mr Jenrick told the Mail: 'Labour live in their fantasy world where terror suspects and serious criminals aren't coming across the Channel, and naively treat illegal migrants as if they all have good intentions. 'Starmer's decision to scrap the Rwanda scheme has put lives at greater risk it's the height of irresponsibility.' Conservative leadership contender Robert Jenrick said Labour's scrapping of the Rwanda asylum scheme had put 'lives at risk' by leaving the country more open to terrorist attacks Mr Jenrick claimed extremists who have arrived by small boat pose 'threats to our communities' and include some with links to Islamic State and Al Qaeda He said the solution was for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights so that 'we can remove illegal migrants within days... before they can endanger the British public'. The number of small boat migrants to have reached Britain since the start of the year has topped 24,000 after 707 people made the crossing on Jenrick said a dozen terror suspects entered the UK by Channel small boats during his year as a Home Office minister, adding that the total is now 'well into the dozens'. In April last year the Daily Mail disclosed that 19 terror suspects had arrived in this country across the Channel during 2022, and of those seven were under 'active investigation' in other Jenrick wrote in the Sunday Telegraph: 'These are people our security services identified as known quantities, threats to our communities, with links to Islamic State and Al Qaeda. 'And they waltzed right in. Almost another 1,000 small boat arrivals were connected to criminality of all kinds. Your browser does not support iframes. File photo of a group of people thought to be migrants from October 2022 File photo of group of people thought to be migrants crossing the Channel in 2020 'They all go on to watchlists, of varying levels. 'But how can we expect our police officers and security services, already dealing with threats from home, to take on dozens or hundreds more cases?' The Mail reported in April 2023 that five of the known terror suspects who arrived in 2022 were Iraqi, five were Iranian, four were Afghan, four were from Somalia and one was Libyan. Of the seven under active investigation at the time, five were linked with terror group Isis. The other two were associated with Iranian terror groups. Most lodged asylum claims here and could not be deported due, in part, to human rights laws. Mr Jenrick served as immigration minister in Rishi Sunak's Cabinet from late 2022 to December 2023. He resigned saying plans to strengthen the Rwanda scheme were not strong enough. A Labour source said: 'If the former immigration minister thinks a gimmick that cost 700 million and sent four volunteers to Kigali needs to be brought back, he's living in a dream world.' READ MORE: Huge cash boost for more than five million Aussies Changes would see landlords unable to refuse pets without reason Landlords in New South Wales will no longer be able to reject tenants with pets unless they have a valid reason, under proposed new laws to be presented to parliament next month. Premier Chris Minns will introduce a string of housing reforms in October, including changes that will make it much easier for tenants with pets to find accommodation. Landlords in NSW are currently allowed to refuse a tenant with a pet without any explanation. Exceptions are only made for service or assistance animals. Under the proposed new law, landlords wishing to deny a pet-owning tenant must apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to demonstrate why the property is unfit for a pet or if there are already too many animals at the home. Landlords who live on site and rent out part of their property will also be able to refuse pets. Other reforms set to be introduced include a ban on extra fees being imposed on tenants when they pay rent. Some tenants are currently made to bear the cost of fees applied by third-party apps which are used for rent payments. Landlords in New South Wales will no longer be able to reject tenants with pets unless they have a valid reason, under new laws to be presented to parliament next month (stock image) The bill would mean landlords and real estate agents must offer fee-free methods for rent payments, such as bank transfers. 'You don't pay additional fees every time the mortgage comes out, and you shouldn't have to pay, to pay the rent,' Mr Minns said. 'We believe this bill makes things a bit less stressful for renters, while getting the balance right.' Landlords are currently required to offer one fee-free payment but this saw some tenants forced to take cash out every time. Under the proposed laws, there will also be bans on no-grounds evictions and charging renters for background checks performed during lease applications. The state of Montana took its electronic absentee voting system offline shortly after it went live when prospective voters discovered Kamala Harris wasn't on the ballot. While Harris is considered a severe underdog in Montana, Democrats are still hoping they can voters to turn out to save incumbent Senator Jon Tester against Donald Trump-endorsed Tim Sheehy. Max Himsl, a voter living in the United Kingdom, wanted to make his choice once the ballots were online on Friday at 8am. The ballot listed both Trump and the now out of the race independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. but not the vice president. Himsl said: 'I'm upset my democratic process was interrupted'. The state of Montana took its electronic absentee voting system online shortly after it went live when prospective voters discovered Kamala Harris wasn't on the ballot While Harris is considered a severe underdog in Montana, Democrats are still hoping they can voters to turn out to save incumbent Senator Jon Tester against Donald Trump-endorsed Tim Sheehy The Montana Secretary of State claims that the errors were only found in their online system. 'Our team and the vendor quickly investigated and found that only a few voters may have been impacted,' the Secretary of State's Office told the Daily Inter Lake. 'As a precaution, the Electronic Absentee System has been taken offline until troubleshooting is completed.' They promised that the system would be back online shortly after they'd taken it down. The voters impacted will be allowed to complete their ballots once it returns to functioning. 'This does not affect any other ballots, including those that will be sent by mail,' the Secretary of State's Office said. Himsl, a first-time absentee voter, is worried about what this experience might mean for others. 'This is very concerning to me,' said Himsl. Donald Trump is considered a huge favorite to win Montana again Max Himsl, a voter living in the United Kingdom, wanted to make his choice once the ballots were online on Friday at 8am. The ballot listed both Trump and the now out of the race independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. but not the vice president Citizens living overseas, including members of the armed forces, are allowed by law to vote absentee in elections. In Montana, a functioning absentee system allows them to vote starting 45 days until Election Day. While Democrats aren't expected to come close in the presidential race, they're still hoping to keep Tester in the Senate. Cook Political Report rates Tester's race a 'toss up,' and former President Donald Trump won Montana by more than 16 points in 2020. Tester has held the Montana seat since 2007, in a state that heavily backed Trump during the 2020 election. Republicans see the battle as crucial to their hopes of taking control of the Senate. They expect to pick up a seat in West Virginia, where Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin is retiring, and need just one more to secure a majority in the upper chamber. The result is that millions of dollars is pouring into the battle between Tester and Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL. Democratic Montana Senator Jon Tester is in a tough race against GOP challenger Tim Sheehy in a state Trump won by sixteen points in 2020 Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, is the Republican candidate. He has the backing of Donald Trump Latest campaign finance report show Tester has raised more than $43.7, a record amount, and three times more than he had collected by this stage in his 2018 race. Sheehy has raised $13.7 million since entering the contest a year ago. The importance of the race will be on full display on Friday, when former President Donald Trump holds a rally in support of Sheehy. He won the state by more than 16 points in 2020 and by more than 20 points over Hillary Clinton in 2016. Sir, Former Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Moses Vilakati, should be supported by government in his quest to become African Union (AU) Commissioner of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development (ARBE). He acquitted himself well when he was Minister of Agriculture, steering the country through one of the worst droughts in decades.It was during his term also, that the National Maize Corporation was able to supply maize adequately. It was only after he had departed that problems started. He ensured that the financial drain Tractor Hire Pool was closed and tractors were taken to NMC, for best administration. Very little, if any, jobs were lost because the merger was smooth. Introduced He also introduced the input subsidies for farmers, which was a step in the right direction, for poverty alleviation. Madam Editor, Eswatini stands to gain enormously if Vilakati lands that continental assignment. The AU is Africas connection between the continent and the rest of the world. So, if we have a representative, he will ensure that Eswatini is top of the list of aid beneficiaries.He will come at a time when Africa needs drought resistant crops and affordable fertilisers. As Commissioner of Agriculture, his job entails travelling extensively internationally, where he will meet experts in agriculture. He can always refer those experts to Eswatini. He dedicated himself in fighting rural poverty and issues of climate change. During his time, farmers were introduced to international markets for sugar, beef and other agricultural products. I believe he has capacity to also aid sub-Saharan Africa, with research on innovative farming techniques and technologies, for both women and the youth, as they are the majority farmers. He is not the first former Cabinet minister to have campaigned for a continental position, as the late Albert Heshane Shabangu also came close to getting the top AU Chairmanship. I ask that government supports Vilakati by sending good credentials for him, because he served two terms in Cabinet, which means he is good at leading. Themba Vilane The mother of a teenager who was brutally murdered in 1997 has expressed fears that the justice system may soon allow his killer back on the streets. Christopher Hartley was just 17 when he was murdered, decapitated and dumped in a bin in Blackpool by Stuart Diamond in 1997. The teenager's head was never found. Diamond, then 21, was found guilty by a unanimous verdict at Preston Crown Court in 1999 and sentenced to life in prison. But next month the ruthless killer will appear in front of a tribunal which could see him released on parole - leaving Christopher's mother Jean Hartley a 'nervous wreck'. Jean, 73, said: 'Diamond is a monster. He should never be released. I am speaking out to make sure he does not kill again. 'How can he be fit for release when he still has not told me where my son's head is?' Christopher Hartley (pictured) was 17 when he was brutally murdered in Blackpool Stuart Diamond (pictured) was found guilty of murdering the teenager. He was sentenced to life in prison Jean, 73, told Ann Cusack of Focus Features: 'Diamond is a monster. He should never be released. I am speaking out to make sure he does not kill again.' The boy was the fourth of five children and described as being 'full of mischief and fun'. In July 1997, at the age of 17, Christopher moved from his family home to Blackpool where his older siblings Michelle and Steven were already working. Christopher told his mother that there was 'plenty of seasonal work there' and that he would stay with Michelle to keep costs down. Although Christopher had to work on Christmas Day, he had plans to return home to spend New Year's Day with his family. But on December 30, Michelle's landlord announced that Christopher had to leave and the 17-year-old found himself homeless. That night, Diamond 'saw he was vulnerable and needed a place to stay'. The 21-year-old lured Christopher back to his bedsit before strangling him, smothering him and cutting his body up into three pieces in the shared bathroom. Police later found Christopher's headless remains in a bin behind the New Central Hotel in Blackpool just before New Year's Day - when his mother was expecting him at home. At a trial in 1999, the court heard how police had found blood stains in the flat as well as Diamond's fingerprint on a stool leg in Christopher's blood. The sentencing judge Mr Justice Douglas Brown told Diamond: 'It is clear you are a very dangerous young man. The most anxious consideration will be given as to whether it will ever be safe to release you.' But now the cold-hearted killer is set to appear in front of a mental health tribunal next month with the chance of being released on parole. Christopher's mother Jean Hartley, 73, said: 'Diamond ripped my family apart' Christopher's dismembered body was found in a bin behind the New Central Hotel in Blackpool but his head was never found The tribunal could determine whether Diamond, who is currently detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act, is able to be placed in prison instead. If the tribunal believes moving him to prison is appropriate for the safety of himself and others, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood will have the final say. The Parole Board will then decide if Diamond is ready to be released. Diamond previously appealed against his conviction, trying to get the charge reduced to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. 'He shouldn't be given the option to be allowed out,' Jean said. 'He is sick and is a real danger and a risk to the public. 'I've asked the probation service for a photo of him, but I've been told I can only see it and not copy it, so I won't know what he looks like. 'The possibility of passing him in the street and not knowing fills me with dread. 'I am a nervous wreck at the thought of him getting out and destroying another life and another family.' Jean blames Diamond for the death of her son, as well as two of her other children. Her daughter Julie suffered a short illness and died a year after Christopher's murder - on his birthday. Christopher was 'full of mischief and fun', his grieving mother said Jean has spoken out about her fear that Diamond will be released on parole. The mother-of-five is comforted by her sister Maureen Kimpriktzis (right) Jean's second daughter Michelle, whom Christopher was staying with in Blackpool before he was made homeless, 'never recovered' from his murder. Following a mental health battle, Michelle passed away on New Year's Day in 2024. It was the 27th anniversary of Christopher's death. Jean's husband also died last year. She said: 'Diamond ripped my family apart. He took Christopher from us in such horrific circumstances that my daughters never recovered. In my mind, he is responsible for their deaths also. 'The thought of him being on my street terrifies me. They should keep him in indefinitely.' Warehouse workers for delivery service DHL will stop work for four hours on Monday as part of a push for higher wages, slowing down package deliveries. The strike is expected to involve 1,200 DHL warehouse workers from 23 sites across New South Wales and Victoria. Despite the strike, the delivery of life-saving medications will not be disrupted. Victorian DHL workers are pushing for three yearly pay increases of 10 per cent, while NSW workers want three yearly raises of 7 per cent. The company was notified of the strike last Tuesday by the United Workers Union. DHL reportedly offered two yearly pay increases of 4 per cent, and 3 per cent in the third year, according to The Australia. Workers had been negotiating pay with the company since March this year. DHL serves more than 220 countries and has a workforce of 594,000 people. DHL workers in New South Wales and Victoria will stop work for four hours on Monday as part of industrial action (pictured is DHL worker in Sydney) The stoppage will impact big brands including Mattel, Nike, Australia Post and Samsung. 'This is a cost-of-living strike,' UWU National Secretary Tim Kennedy said in a statement. 'Workers at DHL sites are earning below industry standards, working very hard to make ends meet.' The union has also complained about a proposal to pay new employees less. 'How can they justify lower new starter rates when cost of living is going up?' DHL workers wrote in a statement. 'It can cause friction between people who do the same role for different pay rates, that isn't fair.' A DHL spokesperson said the company had been 'engaging with our employees in an effort to reach new agreements and provide wage increases with an up-front one-off payment'. 'We regret that the UWU has been determined to lead the taking of protected industrial action against DHL, despite the fact that a large part of the workforce have accepted and received our offer,' they said. 'However, we are confident that DHL employees will be able to vote up these agreements and receive wage increases as soon as possible. 'DHL has taken all appropriate and necessary operational contingencies to ensure service levels for our customers are maintained. 'This is supported with the assistance of over 3,000 DHL team members nationally who continue to service our customers.' Train passengers yesterday branded London's Euston station as 'Like Squid Game but with a Boots' as they faced a day of hellish delays. Commuters were fuming as they stood shoulder to shoulder inside the 'dangerously overcrowded' station as people reported seeing megaphones and police being used for crowd control. Others described chaotic scenes as people made the 'terrifying' dash to their platform with just a minute's notice after cramming round 'a few 1980s TV screens' for updates on their trains. The misery did not end for some passengers once on board their trains with a video showing water dripping from the ceiling of an Avanti West Coast service heading to Glasgow. 'Carriage C is leaking like a sieve every time the train brakes or goes round a corner,' one passenger wrote on X. Train passengers yesterday branded London's Euston station as 'Like Squid Games but with a Boots' as they faced a day of hellish delays Commuters were fuming as they stood shoulder to shoulder inside the 'dangerously overcrowded' station with megaphones and police being used for crowd control The misery did not end for some passengers once on board with a video showing water dripping from the ceiling of an Avanti West Coast train heading to Glasgow 'With the price of train tickets absolutely unacceptable.' Another picture showed cloths stuck to the ceiling with yellow tape in a bid to stem the flow of the leaking roof. Others were 'treated like cattle' as they were forced to stand or sit on the floor of the 1445 London Northwestern Railway service to Crewe. One traveller spoke of how he missed his train when he backed out after being 'crushed' in the crowds stampeding to the platform. The travel nightmare continued into the evening with National Rail warning of hour-long delays in and out of Euston until the end of the day caused by a trespasser blocking some lines. Avanti West Coast services between Euston and Wolverhampton, Liverpool Lime Street, and Glasgow Central were all disrupted. While the London Northwestern Railway faced delays between Euston and Milton Keynes Central, Northampton, Rugby, and Crewe. Meanwhile, a fault on a train tonight disrupted Overground services between the embattled station and Watford Junction. Others described chaotic scenes as people made the 'terrifying' dash to their platform with just a minute's notice after cramming round 'a few 1980s TV screens' for updates on their trains Others were 'treated like cattle' as they were forced to stand or sit on the floor of the 1445 LNRailway service to Crewe The travel nightmare continued into the evening with National Rail warning of hour-long delays in and out of Euston until the end of the day caused by a trespasser blocking some lines One fuming passenger wrote on X that they had never seen the station as crazy as this. 'Megaphones and police being used for crowd control,' they said. 'Gateline shut because of a train being full and standing to Crewe. This is not my idea of a safe environment, and I work to this station.' Others compared the dash to the platform to the dystopian survival thriller Netflix show Squid Game. 'The sheer angst of staring at the board until they announce the platform with three minutes until your train. Like Squid Games but with a Boots,' they wrote. One passenger said the 'mad dash' was 'not safe, and it's even less safe for the elderly or less able. A public service that endangers the public'. Another passenger slammed the 'horrendous scenes' as people 'pushed and shoved' through the overcrowded station. They said: 'Now totally overcrowded station hundreds of people pushing & shoving far too many people no crowd control dreadful potentially very dangerous to have that many people never travel on a Sunday in the Uk.' And Euston station was branded as 'easily the worst station in western Europe'. 'It's like being taken away to be machine gunned in the woods by various mobile phone and soft drinks companies,' one person said. 'Congrats to everyone involved.' People vented their anger on social media platform X as they described the station as being 'dangerously overcrowded' One commuter added on X: 'It's an assault on the senses and everything about it feels deliberately designed to torment the human brain. 'It was so hideous one time that I chose to stand outside in the peeing rain.' A conductor was forced to repeatedly apologise as people described being 'dangerously overcrowded' on one LNR train. 'The conductor apologising repeatedly, clearly embarrassed,' a commuter said. '2024, and we're still being scammed by rail companies who only care about ripping people off.' MailOnline has contacted Avanti West Coast and LNR for comment. A boy of 14 caught up in the post-Southport riots was so sternly told off by his parents that police and prosecutors decided to take no further action. The Director of Public Prosecutions said the anger of the mother and father, who took their son to a police station after learning of his part in the disorder on social media, was punishment enough. Stephen Parkinson said: 'The wrath visited on that child by his parents was more effective than anything the criminal justice system could deliver.' But he said there were others who viewed taking part in the riots as a leisure activity, with 'families regarding it as a day out'. Mr Parkinson, who took up the post as head of the Crown Prosecution Service last year, said he is 'very alive' to the risk of children being criminalised unnecessarily after becoming involved in the riots, which erupted in the wake of July's Southport stabbings which left three young girls dead. Riot police hold back protestors in Southport on July 30, 2024 Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Stephen Parkinson said: 'The wrath visited on that child by his parents was more effective than anything the criminal justice system could deliver' One of the youngest defendants was a 12-year-old boy who hit the headlines after his mother chose to fly to Ibiza for a holiday the day before he was due in court. A judge later ordered her to pay 1,200 compensation and go on a parenting course. The boy was given a 12-month referral order after admitting violent disorder. 'Sometimes the state has to intervene,' said Mr Parkinson. 'A referral order would mean that rehabilitation can take place. 'That's the objective with youngsters, not to criminalise them, it's to put them on the right path.' According to data collated by the PA news agency, more than 600 people have been charged over the Southport disorder. Of these, 75 are children under the age of 18 13 per cent of the total. Mr Parkinson said the first sentence handed down in connection with the riots 'sent shockwaves' and helped stop further violence. Police officers stand their ground as far-right protestors shout 'Enough is Enough' in reaction to the fatal stabbings in Southport A police van is set on fire in Southport during the riots Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer walks with a floral tribute for the three child victims of a knife attack in Southport He added that the CPS was 'proud of the way we responded'. He said the CPS would 'review' its part in the disorder prosecutions and 'reflect on lessons to be learned'. And Mr Parkinson said his 'highest priority' over the next year is tackling delays in cases progressing so 'justice is delivered more quickly', as well as providing better support for victims in a bid to cut the number withdrawing from prosecutions. A teenage boy has been stabbed to death after a street fight in south east London. Metropolitan Police detectives are hunting for the knifeman tonight who is still on the loose. The schoolboy died at the scene after he was found with stab wounds on Eglinton Road in Woolwich at around 6.35pm. His next of kin has been informed with a crime scene still in place, reported The Sun. A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: 'Police were called approximately 18:35hrs on Sunday, 22 September to reports of a disturbance on Eglinton Road, SE18. A teenage boy has been stabbed to death after a street fight inWoolwich, south east London. He died at the scene in Eglinton Road Metropolitan Police detectives are hunting for the knifeman who is still on the loose tonight 'Officers attended and found a teenage boy with a stab injury. Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics at the scene, he sadly died a short time later. 'His next of kin have been informed 'A crime scene remains in place. 'There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.' Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 5989/22Sep. Ukraine's ambassador yesterday issued a fresh plea to use Western long-range weapons to strike Russian territory, saying they are 'critically important' for Kyiv's success. Valerii Zaluzhnyi warned it was a 'critical time' for allies to show 'fortitude' and 'patience' in bolstering Ukraine's defence, as Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged allies to show 'guts'. Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Mr Zaluzhnyi insisted that lifting restrictions on the weapons would be crucial to Kyiv's defence. He said: 'Modern weapons with long-range air and ground abilities are critically important. Lifting restrictions on use of weapons against military targets in Russia is critical. This would help protect civilians from Russian missiles and bombs. 'This winter in Ukraine will be the most difficult. As we know, I believe in the resilience of the Ukrainian people, but without additional help the price will be very, very high.' Valerii Zaluzhnyi (pictured on Sunday) warned it was a 'critical time' for allies to show 'fortitude' and 'patience' in bolstering Ukraine's defence Sir Keir Starmer (R) and Foreign Secretary David Lammy (L) at the British ambassador's residence in Washington before a meeting with with US President Joe Biden on September 13 The UK and US have stopped short of explicitly giving Kyiv permission to fire Western long-range missiles such as Britain's Storm Shadow weapons (pictured) at targets within Russia despite repeated pleas from the country's government The UK and US have stopped short of explicitly giving Kyiv permission to fire Western long-range missiles such as Britain's Storm Shadow weapons at targets within Russia despite repeated pleas from the country's government. Western concerns include the risk of escalation, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning such a move would mean that Nato countries were at war with Moscow in the wake of speculation that a change of position could be imminent. Sir Keir Starmer travelled to Washington earlier this month to discuss the issue with US President Joe Biden but no decision was made, with both leaders continuing to resist green-lighting use of the missiles. It is likely to come up again when Sir Keir, Mr Biden and Mr Zelensky all attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week. The Ukrainian ambassador to the UK was speaking at a fringe event at the conference alongside Mr Lammy, who said international partners were engaged in a 'very real-time discussion' about how to help. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council on September 20 Mr Lammy said: 'I think we have to recognise Putin's bullying bluster and rhetoric for what it is: a sort of deliberate psychological warfare that is usually indicative of his own fears about losing this ridiculous and horrendous bloody escapade of his. 'He tends to throw dust up in the eyes.' He added: 'Now, look, there is a challenge. The challenge is that obviously in a democracy with a free press that, of course, underpins our democracy, and is important in our democracy, there is a sort of public debate and discussion, and sometimes that discussion becomes quite detailed in terms of tactics and how you prosecute a war in a way that the tactics of Russia, Iran and North Korea are not public. 'That relies on the intelligence capability of us and our Five Eyes partners particularly, in sometimes revealing what we know what is happening 'I have to err on the side of not going into too much detail about how we are assisting Ukraine and are going to continue assisting Ukraine.' Angela Rayner has been reported to the parliamentary standards commissioner accused of failing to properly declare a stay in a New York apartment. In the letter to the watchdog yesterday, the Conservatives say the Deputy Prime Minister may have broken the rules by not admitting she was staying with former MP and her ex-boyfriend Sam Tarry. Ms Rayner insisted yesterday she correctly declared the five days in the lavish $2.5million (1.8million) Manhattan apartment gifted to her by donor Lord Alli. But while she registered the trip, she failed to mention that Mr Tarry stayed with her, in what the Tories say is a breach of the House of Commons code of conduct. She and Mr Tarry stayed in the apartment which has a roof deck, courtyard and fitness suite from December 29 to January 2 this year, The Sunday Times reported. Angela Rayner has been reported to the parliamentary standards commissioner accused of failing to properly declare a stay in a New York apartment In the letter to the watchdog yesterday, the Conservatives say the Deputy Prime Minister may have broken the rules by not admitting she was staying with former MP and her ex-boyfriend Sam Tarry (pictured in March 2023) Ms Rayner insisted yesterday she correctly declared the five days in the lavish $2.5million (1.8million) Manhattan apartment gifted to her by donor Lord Alli (pictured) The Manhattan at sunrise as seen from the 86th floor observatory of the Empire State Building The building's website describes it as being at the heart of the theatre district with 'incredible views' over the Hudson river and New Jersey. The two-bedroom 1,300 sq ft property was lent to Ms Rayner by the Labour donor at the centre of the row over gifts to the PM and his wife. She says that Lord Alli who has given her more than 50,000 over the past four years is primarily a personal friend but she chose to report the stay because he was also a donor to her political activities. The parliamentary commissioner for standards investigates potential non-compliance with the MPs' code of conduct and can order members to update their register or issue an apology to the Commons. According to the parliamentary register of interests, Ms Rayner was given a flat as accommodation for five nights to enjoy a 'personal holiday' in New York. The rules say MPs must declare foreign trips which they, or anyone connected to them, undertake if a donor pays for 'part or all' of it as a result of their 'parliamentary or political activities'. Ms Rayner's team claim that she did not need to declare that Mr Tarry, the ex-Ilford South MP, had joined her because Lord Alli was not aware that he had. Angela Rayner pictured with Sam Tarry in June 2022. She has been involved in a row for taking a break with him in a luxury Manhattan apartment owned by millionaire donor Lord Alli Sam Tarry (pictured in June 2022) flew out to join her for the festive stay in the 56th floor Manhattan apartment, with a gym, jacuzzi and pool Her relationship with the former trade union official came into the open in 2022 after he was pictured leaving her flat with what appeared to be a toothbrush in his pocket. That year he was sacked as a transport spokesman by Sir Keir Starmer for giving an unauthorised TV interview from a picket line during train strikes. Ms Rayner, a mother of three and grandmother, separated from her husband Mark Rayner in 2020. Yesterday she insisted that she had been 'overly transparent' in registering the accommodation during her 'personal holiday' in New York. She told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 'I don't believe I broke any rules. I had the use of the apartment and I disclosed that I had the use of the apartment.' The Tories also questioned her claim that the property cost 250 a night, saying similar Airbnb properties went for upwards of a total 2,000 for the same length stay. Sources close to her say she simply reported the commercial value of the property as estimated by Lord Alli himself. Ms Rayner and Mr Tarry declined to comment on the Sunday Times's story. When were having a bad day, what can loved ones do to help? Give us some chocolate, it seems. A study of more than 3,600 people found that a sweet gift gave a bigger lift during tough times than a listening ear. Its because gifts are perceived as a greater sacrifice, as they are more focused on benefiting the receiver than the giver. In an experiment carried out by researchers from Canadian business school HEC Montreal, State University of New York-Albany and Duke University in the US, people were told to imagine someone had driven into their car and they had contacted a friend for support. Those who were told their friend wasnt free to talk but would send a gift instead felt better than those who were told their friend would call them. A sweet treat can give someone a bigger lift than a listening ear after a tough day, a new study has found (file photo) In the study, those who received a chocolate gift rather than a conversation said they felt better and that their partners had made more of a sacrifice In another experiment, individuals in a couple were asked to tell their partners they needed emotional support. The partners were then randomly assigned to respond with a small chocolate treat or by having a brief conversation with them. Those who received the gift said they felt better and felt that their partner had made more of a sacrifice than those who had a conversation. Lead researcher Holly Howe, an assistant professor of marketing, explained: When people think about sacrifice, they take the sacrificers motives into account. When it comes to conversation, they assume that the supporters motive is to benefit both parties. When it comes to gifts, the supported person assumes that the supporters motive is more altruistic that they are sacrificing solely to benefit the recipient. And the size of the gift isnt important. Mrs Howe added: We know that the sacrifice effect is not driven by the fact that gifts cost money while conversations cost time. We also know its not driven by the gifted object itself. This implies its almost impossible for gift givers to mess up. It does not matter what you give, or how much it cost, it just matters that the recipient knows that you thought of them and that you took time and effort to send them something, despite it not benefiting you at all. Voters want special needs schools to be exempt from Labours planned tax raid on private school fees, a poll has revealed. While 50 per cent of the public support the plan to add 20 per cent VAT on private school fees, there is little backing for applying it to special schools. Labour has vowed to exempt children with an education, health and care plan known as an EHCP from the fee hike. But the legal document is hard to obtain, and thousands of pupils with special educational needs do not have one. Industry figures have warned Labours policy will force children with special educational needs and disabilities into state schools, where their needs may not be met. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson gives an interview at the Labor Party Conference in Liverpool on Sunday Labour plans to add 20 per cent VAT on private school fees and 50 per cent of the public support this move (file image) Now, an exclusive survey for the Daily Mail reveals the public wants all special schools to be exempt from the tax hike. Some 54 per cent of voters think VAT should not apply to private special school fees with just 28 per cent saying they should not be exempt. A majority of Labour and Tory voters are against hitting special schools with the tax, the breakdown of the poll of 2,047 adults by Survation for the Mail found. Overall, the survey found net support for the policy at 50 per cent, while 21 per cent oppose it. Earlier this year, Sir Keir Starmer was confronted by a headteacher of a school which caters for dyslexic children who warned that pupils without an EHCP would be forced into the state sector. Michelle Catterson, head of Moon Hall School in Reigate, said all of her pupils have a diagnosed special educational need, but 30 per cent do not have an EHCP. The former chief inspector of Ofsted, Amanda Spielman, also warned that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities could be priced out of specialist schools. Earlier this year, Sir Keir Starmer (pictured during a primary school visit on September 2, 2024) was confronted by a headteacher of a school which caters for dyslexic children who warned that pupils without an EHCP would be forced into the state sector The former chief inspector of Ofsted, Amanda Spielman (pictured), warned that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities could be priced out of specialist schools Meanwhile, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said yesterday wealthy private schools must continue community outreach schemes like bursaries and sharing facilities once VAT is charged on fees. It came after The Sunday Times revealed that some private schools are planning to cut back on offering bursaries for poorer children, and may raise the cost of using facilities such as swimming pools. From the hunt for the philosopher's stone to the snake oil salesmen of the Wild West, the history of medicine has had more than its fair share of fraudulent 'cure-alls'. So, when I first heard of a device that claimed to cure everything from depression to my rapidly deteriorating attention span, I was understandably sceptical. To make things even stranger, this potential wonder-cure isn't a pill, powder, or trendy new supplement. Instead, the Nurosym is a 599 gadget that claims to rewire your nervous system - by zapping your ear. MailOnline's Wiliam Hunter bravely tested it out - and, as strange as it all might sound, he's almost ready to believe the hype. The Nurosym (remote pictured) claims to treat everything from depression and anxiety to post-Covid fatigue and poor irritable bowel syndrome by stimulating the vagus nerve MailOnline reporter Wiliam Hunter used the device for weeks at home and in the office to put these health claims to the test What is vagus nerve stimulation? Vagus nerve stimulation is a treatment which uses electrical signals or mechanical stimulation like needles to activate the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is an important part of our central nervous system responsible for several key functions in the body. By activating the vagus nerve, it is possible to reduce the body's stress responses. Vagus nerve stimulation is used to treat severe depression, opioid addiction, cluster headaches, and epilepsy. Research has also found a connection between vagus nerve stimulation and improved memory and focus. Advertisement At first glance, Nurosym's bold claims of universal wellness seem not only too good to be true, but also a little silly. The company's website promises that the device can treat anxiety, sleep problems, depressive thoughts, tinnitus, long-Covid, heart failure, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, and even irritable bowel syndrome. That is all on top of a 35 per cent reduction in stress and anxiety and 19 per cent 'improvement in sleep'. These near-miraculous effects are achieved by sending small electrical impulses through the skin and into a key bundle of nerve fibres called the vagus nerve. Since the tragus, a small part of the ear, contains a high concentration of vagus nerve fibres, the device can stimulate the nerve through the skin. According to a statement sent to MailOnline by the team at Parasym, the company which makes the device, this sends 'targeted signals to the brain, correcting the dysfunctional signals that contribute to disease states.' While that description is a little fanciful, there is now a growing body of evidence backing up the idea that stimulating the vagus nerve can have a wide range of benefits. In particular, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been successfully used to treat clinical depression through devices implanted within the neck. The handheld device is sold for 599 and claims to use electrical impulses sent through the vagus nerves to correct the 'dysfunctional signals' which create illness Dr Tiago da Silva Costa, a researcher from Newcastle University who studies vagus nerve stimulation, told MailOnline: 'It seems that VNS can improve mood, improve the chances of being free of depression and reduce the chances of depression coming back.' Additionally, research has found that VNS applied through the skin can 'significantly reduce the symptoms of fatigue' in patients with chronic immune-mediated diseases such as post-Covid syndrome. Currently, the only FDA-approved uses for this technology are for treating opioid withdrawal and cluster headaches. The Nurosym device is made up of a handheld controller, which doubles as a battery, and a cable which clips to the user's ear What is the Nurosym? The Nurosym is a vagus nerve stimulation device sold by the company Parasym for 599 ($796.49). It claims to activate 'specific therapeutic mechanisms that can counter dysregulation in the nervous system and significantly improve health outcomes. The device clips to the ear and sends electrical signals into the vagus nerve through the skin. Advertisement While I don't suffer from any of these conditions, Parasym claims that the device would be good for me even as a relatively healthy person. I was especially intrigued by the promise that using the device could improve my stress levels, help me focus and even boost my memory and cognition. As a naturally forgetful person working an often busy job, I frequently struggle to stay alert throughout the workday. If zapping myself in the ear is enough to keep the typos at bay during the post-lunch lull then this little box could really be a massive help. Asked for his opinion on the matter, Dr Costa told me: 'As a clinician, I don't really have good reasons to recommend the use of VNS in healthy people outside of research trials. 'Having said this, there is plenty of evidence that non-invasive VNS is very well tolerated and safe, both in clinical populations and in healthy volunteers. 'So, I would also have no particular safety concerns.' The battery part of the device is slim enough to fit in your pocket so you can use it as you walk around. Parasym says that you don't need to sit still or change your activities at all while you shock your ear While not the glowing endorsement I had hoped for, 'no particular safety concerns' seemed like a good enough green light to get started with my own experiments. The Nurosym is made up of two parts: a palm-sized oval device which functions as a battery and controller, and a cable with a simple metal clip. To use the device, the instructions say to take the clip, place it on the tragus and turn up the current until you feel a slight 'comfortable' pulsing. Flicking on the device, I tentatively cranked up the power until I could feel a rhythmic throbbing in my ear. Finding a comfortable level proved a little tricky as I found the sensation would often jump from imperceptible to feeling like my ear was about to explode. But, after a little fiddling, I was able to get comfortable enough to sit through the half-hour treatment cycle. Using the Nurosym, I felt an almost nervous, twitchy sense of energy like I'd had just the right amount of coffee. The Nurosym comes with a travel pouch (pictured) to hold the controller, ear clip, and charging cable. This bag has held up well despite living inside a reporter's backpack since May To use Nurosym, the user attaches the metal clip (pictured) to their tragus. This allows the device to send electric currents into the vagus nerve through the ear But at the same time, this burst of attentiveness came with none of caffeine's usual attended anxiety. Although the effects are subtle and a little hard to pin down, the more I used the device, the more pronounced the effects became. After about five minutes of zapping my ear, I generally found myself to be calmer, less distracted, and a little less jittery. In fact, in the weeks I used Nurosym while writing this review, I actually found myself reaching for it during the day as an effective way of managing stress. This is because, as Dr Costa explains, the vagus nerve is 'not just another nerve'. By essentially turning down our bodies 'fight or flight' system, stimulating the vagus nerve reducing the effects of stress. Research has found that using VINS can block the stress response of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While there isn't much research on how this affects people without psychiatric conditions, it's possible that my feelings of calm were a product of the same mechanism. Professor Douglas Bremner, director of the Neuroscience Research Unit at Emory Univerity School of Medicine, told MailOnline: 'I think even healthy people could use it as an acute stress reduction tool.' MailOnline's reporter Wiliam Hunter puts the device to the test, sending electric currents into his nerves through the Nurosym's clip What positive effects has vagus nerve stimulation been proven to have? Reduced stress response in patients suffering from PTSD. Improved mood and lower rates of depression among patients with hard-to-treat depression. Lower mortality rate in patients with depression. Improved short-term memory and recall. Reduction in fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue conditions. Improved heart rate variation. Reduction in inflammatory conditions. Advertisement However, VNS has the potential to do a lot more than simply calm people down. Professor Bremner says: 'Not only does it sort of block the stress response. We also showed that it enhances memory. 'If you were to stimulate yourself while you're learning a list of words in a different language you would probably be able to enhance your ability to remember.' In his own experiments, Professor Bremner gave PTSD patients a paragraph to read and asked them to recall as much of it as possible in 15 minutes. By pairing stimulation with reading the paragraph, Professor Bremner found that the patients' performance improved by around 99 per cent. Feeling inspired by Professor Bremner's comments, a few weeks into using the device I decided to put his claims to the test. Using the flashcard app Quizlet I collected a randomised set of advanced Mandarin vocabulary - something I would have had no chance of knowing in advance. I gave myself five minutes to memorise 10 new words and tested myself after a minute pause - awarding one point for remembering the meaning of a character and a point for remembering its pronunciation. The Nurosym claims to produce its benefits by stimulating the vagus nerve (pictured) which runs from the skull and ears down into the chest where it spreads out into many of the body's major organs (stock image) In the first trial without using VNS I scored a fairly disappointing nine points out of 20. After a short pause, I repeated the trial with a new set of words and hit a slightly less rubbish score of 11. Setting up the Nurosym and bringing it up to a comfortable level, I let the simulation run for five minutes to ensure it had time to trigger any positive effects. On my first trial memorising an entirely new set of terms while using VNS I was able to score 16 out of 20. In my second test, almost unbelievably, I achieved a perfect score of 20 - memorising the full list with surprisingly little difficulty. While vagus nerve stimulation has been used medically to treat depression and opioid anxiety, Parasym claims that its device can be used by anyone - whether they have these conditions or not As someone who's failed almost every language exam I've ever taken, that was an extremely surprising result. On average, that means using Nurosym improved my score from 10 to 18 - an 80 per cent improvement. Professor Bremner points out that by reducing stress, VNS might make it easier to concentrate and so improve learning. Additionally, activating the vagus nerve stimulates the production of a brain chemical called noradrenaline within the hippocampus - a region associated with memory and learning. Dr Costa says: 'Noradrenaline is very important for mood regulation, being one of the targets of many effective and widely used antidepressant drugs. It could be that VNS modulates brain noradrenaline networks in important ways.' Stimulating the vagus nerve has also been shown to improve neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural pathways. However, how these changes cascade through the brain and what immediate impact this has is still uncertain. While my test was obviously small and entirely unscientific, the striking improvement to my scores was fascinating - if a little troubling. If using VNS has such a profound ability to improve learning, would it be fair to allow these in classrooms or exams? Vagus nerve stimulation is used to treat epilepsy through an implanted device. MailOnline wanted to test whether the ear-based version was able to have any health benefits To test the effects of VNS on memory, MailOnline reporter Wiliam Hunter attempted to memorise a series of totally unfamiliar Chinese words (left) - scoring points for recalling pronunciation and meaning (right). Across a short trial, Wiliam's scores improved by 80 per cent During Professor Bremner's earliest experiments with VNS, which were funded by the American Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), this was considered such a pressing question that a conference was held on the ethics of 'enhancing normal human function'. However, ethical conundrums aside, there still remains the question of whether this device is really worth its 600 price tag. For that much money, even with the impressive results and scientific promise, I would find it hard to recommend this product. Purely in terms of functionality I have absolutely no complaints about Nurosym as a product. I found the interface to be clear and easy to use, the device never malfunctioned or failed, and the battery held up well over several days of use. But as Dr Costa pointed out, there is so much we don't know about how this affects healthy people and 600 is a lot of money for something that might not work. While I enjoyed using the device as a stress relief tool, I still wonder whether a few deep breaths and some time outside could achieve a similar effect. That being said, the potential for this device to enhance learning and study is tantalising. For anyone who wants to learn a language or a new skill, an 80-99 per cent increase in memory scores could make a noticeable difference. Given that there are no serious safety concerns, if you really want to get an edge in your studies 600 might feel like a reasonable investment. For my own part, writing with electricity pulsing through my ear and Mandarin vocab still stuck in my head, that might be an investment I would be willing to make. MBABANE Was there a conflict of interest? While the nation awaits in anticipation for Parliament to debate and adopt the forensic report into Ecsponent, concerns that the consultant that conducted the work might have had a conflict of interest have come to the fore. The concerns are that the consultant, has in the past, allegedly been involved in business dealings with a company that is believed to have ties with one that has had vested interests in Ecsponent Eswatini. The consultant is Cliffe Deykker Hofmeyr (CDH), a reputable South African law firm that specialises in providing comprehensive legal support to clients located in Africa or looking to do business across the continent. According to its website, the law firm provides experienced corporate and commercial legal support and authentic, knowledge-based and cost-effective legal services for clients looking to do business in key markets across Africa. The investigation by this publication is that CDH has in the past, engaged with Get Bucks (Proprietary) Limited, a company believed to have had close links with Get Bucks South Africa. Get Bucks South Africa has been a subject of investigation in the loss of the millions of Emalangeni. Ever since the issue of the E340 million funds lost, came into the public domain, Get Bucks South Africa has been cited as among subsidiaries where part of the money was invested. Proof that Get Bucks has done business with CDH is reflected in a copy of a tax invoice slip, which the latter submitted for services rendered. The alleged business dealing raises the question whether CDH did not have a conflict of interest when conducting the forensic audit. Decision-making In the world of business and other sectors, a conflict of interest arises when personal interests or relationships may affect professional duties, causing potential bias in decision-making. To preserve transparency, trust and ethical standards, companies will want to make sure to identify, disclose and manage these conflicts appropriately. Meanwhile, in the forensic report presented by CDH, Get Bucks Ltd is among companies that are cited as relevant entities which are now domiciled in South Africa. The forensic report contains that one of the persons of interests who was interviewed by CDH shared that during his tenure, the relationship between Get Bucks Eswatini, Get Bucks South Africa and Ecsponent South Africa was through loan facilities. The person of interest, according to the forensic report, further explained that whenever money was deposited into the Get Bucks Eswatini bank account, he would immediately receive an instruction to transfer same to Get Bucks South Africa. Also contained in the report is that another individual who was interviewed explained that challenges with payment returns began in the latter part of 2019, before Ecsponent Eswatini ceased paying investment dividends completely in December. Also, the individual is said to have said that the issues that were faced by Ecsponent Eswatini were as a result of challenges between Ecsponent South Africa and MyBucks, the holding company of Get Bucks South Africa and its subsidiaries. According to what is contained in the CDH forensic report in terms or relevant persons and entities, Ecsponent Eswatini operated as an investing company, wherein emaSwati invested sums of monies for return on investments. The company offered two investment products being the Five-year Income Provider and the Five-year Capital Growth Provider. The products offered were preference shares which were further classified in classes from A to F. The CDH said its investigation established that while the company operated in Eswatini, it was wholly owned by Ecsponent SA in South Africa and the executive and operational decisions were made at the South African based entity. Subsidiaries In addition, the forensic report said it was established that Ecsponent Eswatini was linked directly and indirectly to the subsidiaries of Ecsponent SA and its related entities. The forensic report has a section that deliberates on the entities that were discovered to be linked either based on being the recipients of the funds that were invested into the company or through the individuals who shared multiple directorship statuses and had executive authority in the same companies. The identified entities are divided into primary and secondary. The primary entities are those that had shareholding in Ecsponent Eswatini, had the authority to influence the operations of the company, and those that entered into direct financial transactions with the company. The secondary entities refers to those that fall under the controlling companies, share the same directorship statuses with the other subsidiaries and those that were not identified to have directly received funds, but a reasonable inference can be made in that regard. On the list, Get Bucks South Africa is listed as a primary entity. In terms of the findings, the CDH said it was established that Get Bucks South Africa was incorporated for the purposes of exchange monetary control and that the company held 100 per cent of issued share capital of Get Bucks Eswatini. It was also mentioned in the forensic report that Get Bucks South Africa acquired all the assets and liabilities of Ligagu Investments in accordance with an Assets and Liabilities Purchase Agreement that was entered into on May 1, 2018. Agreement Additionally, the CDH report states that in May 2019, a facility agreement was entered into between Ecsponent Holdings (lender), Get Bucks Eswatini (borrower) and Get Bucks South Africa (new borrower). It was stated that with effect from the agreement, Get Bucks South Africa agreed to replace Get Bucks Eswatini and have all its obligations ceded to Get Bucks South Africa. Through the transaction with Ecsponent Holdings which wholly owns Ecsponent Eswatini, Get Bucks South Africa was, therefore, linked to Ecsponent Eswatini, reads part of the CDH forensic report. In terms of background, it was in November last year when the CBE announced that it had roped in forensic experts to expose how E340 million was ransacked at Ecsponent Eswatini. When the appointment of CDH was announced, it was said that the law firm was going to work in conjunction with a dedicated internal team from the bank. The Dr Phil Mnisi-governed bank described CDH as an independent, business law firm specialising in legal consulting, forensic accounting and fraud examination. Worth noting is that the appointment of CDH happened after PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) South Africa pulled out of the forensic investigation. The CBE notified the nation and the Ecsponent investors in August about the pulling out of PwC through a media statement. Before that, Mnisi had said that during the probe exercise, PwC became aware of the existence of various entities related or with links to Ecsponent Limited (South Africa), an entity with a vested interest in Ecsponent (Eswatini), to which PwC had previously rendered various audits and professional services. Professional reasons In this regard, PwC has since advised the bank that for professional reasons, they are unable to continue with the probe, explained the bank. The bank explained that to maintain independence and protect the integrity of the important exercise, it had accepted PwCs decision to discontinue its involvement in the probe. The bank is cognisant and fully appreciates the negative impact these developments will have on the progress and traction of this exercise to all affected and pertinent stakeholders, reads part of the statement. The scope of work for CDG, as communicated in the request for proposal, included to investigate and establish whether there were any irregularities in the way in which Ecsponent placed investments with its investment managers and its foreign subsidiaries. The forensic was also aimed at investigating and ascertaining whether assets were invested in line with its investment policy and further ascertain whether all Ecsponent assets had been accounted for and appeared in its books. Also, the forensic had to ascertain whether Ecsponent conducted its business affairs, including the operations of any investment schemes in line with the requirements of the Securities Act read together with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority Act 2010. It also had an aim to ascertain whether Ecsponents directors had the necessary authority to act for the company (i.e. Ecsponent) and whether all investment decisions were backed by Board resolutions and effected through authorised signatories in line with the companys governance manuals and procedures. Assessments Furthermore, the forensic had to investigate and ascertain whether Ecsponents directors conducted proper due diligence assessments before placing investments. The investigation also had to ascertain the source of Ecsponents assets and where they were subsequently invested and the investment method(s) that were utilised. CDH also had to ascertain whether Ecsponent was able to meet its financial obligations in terms of paying the promised returns to investors and further establish the flow of funds from Ecsponent and whether such flow of funds involved possible money laundering or fraudulent activities and transactions. Meanwhile, the forensic report reflects that about E50 million of the monies invested by emaSwati in Ecsponent Eswatini were used to pay for consultants plus operating costs. SHOPPING Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Mail Best article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail.com will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information. No one can resist beautiful jewelry especially when it's the luxurious pieces from the house of Abbott Lyon. Striking yet completely accessible, these wallet-friendly accessories never fail to elicit joy. Never has that been truer than right now, as the brand has teamed up with Love Is Blind star Jessica Vestal to release a collection of stunning necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and watches. Every single item is designed with meticulous attention to detail, and many can be customized for a special touch. Perfect as a special treat for yourself, a holiday gift, or just to show someone you care, these pieces from the Jessica Vestal x Abbott Lyon collection are sure to delight. Enter DM30 at checkout to save 30%, too! A charming lakeshore city has been dubbed 'the Cape Cod of the Midwest' after winning over tourists with its abundance of award-winning beaches, spas and galleries. Located in Saugatuck right on the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is home to fewer than 900 people. But its picturesque harbors and quaint downtown has now seen it compared to the iconic Massachusetts town that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Just this spring, the city's charm secured it a top spot on USA Today's 10 best US coastal small towns list - losing out to just one community in Florida. Located in Michigan, Saugatuck has earned the title of 'the Cape Cod of the Midwest', thanks to its local lifestyle More of a town than a city, the community of less than 900 can be found right on the shores of Lake Michigan 'This lakeside destination is home to award-winning beaches, spas, breweries, art galleries, and so much more,' the website wrote of its runner-up, which is widely considered a four-season town. Locals and visitors alike say that Saugatuck, which is both traditional and trendy, has even more to offer, including secluded, tranquil stretches of coast. State parks, booming art exhibitions and galleries add to the allure as well, as does an equally impressive culinary scene. With seafood shacks, and lighthouses, Saugatuck is more reminiscent of an East Coast seaside fishing village, except this Midwest town is just two-and-half hours away by car from Chicago and four hours from Milwaukee. The town boasts abundance of award-winning spas and art galleries The comparison to the Massachusetts town comes from the city's picturesque harbors and quaint downtown. The town's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is seen here While serving as a romantic Michigan getaway for couples, it is also popular among families thanks to its Coghlin Park's sculptures and an active waterfront, which includes the Ox-Bow School of Art, on the shores of the Great Lake. Founded in 1908 by a pair of artists from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the artist's haven is part of the town's rich history as an open-minded art scene that has galleries, studios, and festivals regularly lining its streets. In addition to the annual Village Square Art Fair and Waterfront Invitational Art Fair, visitors can also enjoy watercolors, pottery, and jewelry as they stroll through town. For those who interested in moving permanently to the city on the 'Art Coast' of Michigan, Zillow currently lists roughly 50 lakeside properties for sale at affordable prices. The town offers a unique charm more akin to Cape Cod than communities near Milwaukee and Chicago on the other side of the lake Despite all this, it's clear Saugatuck, at its heart, is a quiet fishing village - not so different from the ones littering the East Coast While some of the more palatial residences boast price tags in the millions, a three- or four-bedroom there will likely run you between $150,000 and $300,000. However, there's been a major uptick in housing prices in 2024; the median three-bedroom home sold for $605,000 in August, a 6.6 percent increase from the same time last year. Advertisement Lonely Planet named Mongolia the No.1 country to visit in the world this year and these images and videos show why. They were shot by Mongolian Gan-Ulzii Gonchig, a photographer with over 100,000 Instagram followers who claims in one post that his country is like Hawaii, Iceland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Canada rolled into one. His imagery and footage underscore his point, revealing a landscape containing turquoise waters, dramatic snowy valleys and the spellbinding dunes of the Gobi Desert, home to Bactrian camels and the otherworldly peaks of Yol Valley. Gan-Ulzii's photos take viewers to all four corners of the 1,564,116-square-kilometre nation. In one shot, taken in Tsengel, Bayan-Olgiy, the Tsagaan Gol River is shown flowing into the Khovd River - the former's unusual white hue stark against the latter's deep blue. Gan-Ulzii Gonchig, a photographer with over 100,000 Instagram followers, claims that his home country of Mongolia is like Hawaii, Iceland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Canada rolled into one. Here, he captures the Tsagaan Gol River flowing into the Khovd River This photograph was taken in northern Mongolia, where the Eg and Tarvagatai rivers converge. It could certainly be Canada, or Switzerland LEFT: The 85-mile-long beauty spot Khuvsgul Lake could be Hawaii, with Gan-Ulzii revealing deep blue waters splashing against lush islands. RIGHT: The undulating sand dunes in South Gobi - where it reaches 42C in summer could be the Arabian Desert, says Gan-Ulzii WANT TO SEE MORE OF GAN-ULZII GONCHIG? Follow the photographer on Instagram under the username @ganulzii_photographer or on Facebook at gonchig.ganulzii. Advertisement Another photograph, taken in northern Mongolia, where the Eg and Tarvagatai rivers converge, shows a verdant scene of a winding waterway surrounded by bright green grass, peaks and trees with fluffy clouds suspended above them. It could certainly be Canada, or Switzerland. And 85-mile-long beauty spot Khuvsgul Lake, in the north, could be Hawaii, with Gan-Ulzii revealing deep blue waters splashing against lush islands. Gan-Ulzii comments: 'Known as the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia", this pristine lake is surrounded by dense forests and majestic mountains. 'The crystal-clear waters, which make up nearly 70 per cent of Mongolia's fresh water, are perfect for those seeking tranquillity, and stunning scenery.' The undulating sand dunes in South Gobi - where it reaches 42C in summer could be the Arabian Desert. But, Mongolia is a nation of contrast and Yol Valley, despite being within the Gobi Desert, is home to an icy stream that is frozen solid with metres-thick ice until mid-July each year. Gan-Ulzii says: 'The vast, open landscapes are much larger and emptier than many expect.' Pictured here is the Kherlen River LEFT: Yol Valley, despite being within the Gobi Desert, is home to an icy stream that is frozen solid until mid-July each year. RIGHT: The towering Altai Mountains - home to snow leopards, lynx and golden eagles - are snow-kissed behind fields where nomadic locals live in gers, traditional round-shaped tent dwellings Fire and ice? It could be Iceland. Other images include the towering Altai Mountains - home to snow leopards, lynx, golden eagles - snow-kissed behind the fields where nomadic locals live in gers, traditional round-shaped tent dwellings. The tents can also be seen in photos of Khovd Province, where dozens line the banks of a meandering river surrounded by open green plains. The photographer says: 'Many Mongolians still live in traditional gers and follow a nomadic lifestyle, which can be quite striking.' Gan-Ulzii's photos also show the jaw-dropping tiered roofs, red columns and enclosing walls of Amarbayasgalant Monastery from above, framed by winter snow. Gan-Ulzii also shoots dynamic images of horses galloping and bucking in the open field as well as grazing by gers he says they 'spend 24 hours [a day] foraging for food themselves'. Gers in Khovd Province, with dozens lining the banks of a river meandering through a plain LEFT: This photo shows the jaw-dropping tiered roofs, red columns and enclosing walls of Amarbayasgalant Monastery. RIGHT: A dynamic image of horses in an open field Does Gan-Ulzii have any favourite spots? Khuvsgul Lake, the Gobi desert and Orkhon Valley make the podium. Does he have any travel advice for tourists who want to visit Mongolia? And are there any places people should avoid in Mongolia? Gan-Ulzii comments: 'Tourists should be cautious about visiting extremely remote areas without proper preparation. For example, avoid remote wilderness regions without a guide, as the lack of infrastructure and potentially harsh weather can be risky. 'High-altitude areas like the Altai Mountains are very cold in winter, so adequate preparation is essential. The Gobi Desert can be extremely hot in summer, which can be challenging if you're not used to extreme heat. It's best to travel with a local guide or join a tour group for safety.' Are there any social faux pas people should avoid committing? He explains: 'Yes, there are several social customs to keep in mind in Mongolia. Gan-Ulzii comments: 'Tourists should be cautious about visiting extremely remote areas without proper preparation.' Above are the cliffs of Ulaan Yavar in Govi-Altai Gan-Ulzii says: 'Many Mongolians still live in traditional gers and follow a nomadic lifestyle, which can be quite striking.' In the image on the left gers are pitched below the Altai Mountains while on the right the land spills into Khar Lake - also called the Black Lake - in Western Mongolia 'Avoid stepping on the door threshold when entering a home or ger - always step over it. Don't touch someone's hat, as it's seen as very personal. Never point your feet at people or the family altar inside a ger. 'If offered food or drink, it's polite to accept, even if just a small sip. Use both hands or at least your right hand supported by the left when giving or receiving something. 'Whistling indoors is believed to bring bad luck. 'Finally, show respect to elders by greeting them first and offering them the best seats. Being mindful of these customs will help you navigate social interactions respectfully.' Is there anything that might shock visitors to Mongolia? Gan-Ulzii says: 'Visitors to Mongolia might be surprised by several things. The vast, open landscapes are much larger and emptier than many expect. 'The extreme weather conditions, with very hot summers and very cold winters, might also be a shock. 'Visitors will likely be impressed by the warm hospitality of the locals, who are known for their generosity. Additionally, traditional festivals like Naadam, feature unique events such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery, offering a vibrant cultural experience that can be quite different from what visitors are used to.' Strictly Come Dancing viewers cheered on Chris McCausland with an epic standing ovation after the comedian gave an 'inspirational' performance for Saturday's first live show. The actor, 47, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, was quick to become a favourite already in week one - with countless fans tipping him to win. The BBC star displayed his impressive dance skills, surprising both fans and judges, as he and his pro partner Dianne Buswell performed a Cha Cha routine to Twist and Shout by The Beatles. The dancing pair moved viewers with the incredible routine, which earned them 23 points. Taking to X - formerly Twitter - Chris was flooded with touching messages and was hailed as 'the most inspiring contestant ever', with people writing: Strictly Come Dancing viewers cheered on Chris McCausland with an epic standing ovation after the comedian pulled on a gruelling dancing performance on Saturday evening's episode The actor, 47, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, was quick to become a favourite already in week 1 - with countless fans praised him for being a 'true inspiration' 'I sincerely hope this doesnt come across as patronising, but I cried all the way through Chris McCauslands routine. He has never seen any of the dances or the colours of Strictly, but he brought so much joy & spirit, and that for me is what its all about. #StrictlyComeDancing'; 'Not a fan of Strictly Come Dancing celebrity thing. But how Chris McCausland learned all those moves/ postures & avoiding partner whilst shes swinging between alternate leg-just wow. Huge inspiration for all with different abilities cos u cant call what he has disability'; 'Chris McCausland is a national treasure and it was bloody amazing. #Strictly'; 'From this moment forward, anytime I hear anyone say I cant do that, Im going to show them a video of Chris McCausland dance on Strictly! #inspirational #StrictlyComeDancing'; 'Chris McCauslandI love this man desperately #Strictly Dianne has performed a miracle'; 'Bloody hell! Chris McCausland was epic! How the actual fuck did he manage that? Absolutely amazing. He's made me cry'; 'For Chris McCausland to deliver that dance there is something seriously special about Dianne Buswell. She is an incredible teacher and mentor. My mind is blown. #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #chrismccausland #diannebuswell'; 'This man is LITERALLY BLIND! Chris did a bloody amazing performance- stand up, hat off, brilliant. My eyes work fine and I couldnt dance like that with twice as much time to prep! Congrats.' The BBC star displayed his jaw-dropping dancing skills, surprising both fans and judges, as he and his pro partner Dianne Buswell performed a Cha Cha routine to Twist and Shout The dancing pair moved viewers with the incredible routine, which earned them 23 points 'You were A-maze-ing, Chris! I was speechless watching you dance tonight (in a good way!) Massive congratulations! Will be cheering you on every week xx'; 'Chris McCausland was superb tonight. For Chris to dance the way he did whilst not being able to see where your arms and feet are going is extraordinary. Full credit to Dianne as well for uniquely adapting her Choreo to suit Chris's needs. She is the best female pro on #Strictly'. Meanwhile, Saturday's episode further proved Chris is being tipped as a potential winner of the glitterball trophy by several fans. The comedian had already won over viewers, having left them in hysterics with a string of viral gags. The funnyman has previously detailed how he made a shock career change after losing his sight 20 years ago, forcing him to give up his job as a web developer. After finding success with his role in the cBeebies series Me Too, he's become a fixture of the comedy scene. After growing up in Liverpool, Chris started losing his sight 20 years ago, between the ages of 16 and 21, due to retinitis pigmentosa, a condition which according to the NHS, sees sufferers lose their sight as the light-sensing cells of the retina gradually deteriorate. The comedian had already won over viewers, having left them in hysterics with a string of viral gags Chris started losing his sight 20 years ago, between the ages of 16 and 21, due to retinitis pigmentosa He previously opened up about his blindness while appearing on Channel 4 series Scared of the Dark, admitting that he 'still has an awareness of the space around him' Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina - the light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. The NHS website explains that people with RP lose their vision as light-sensing cells of the retina gradually deteriorate. It is generally characterised by a black pigmented appearance of the retina when a specialist looks inside the eyes. Speaking about his visual impairment previously while taking part in Channel 4 series Scared of the Dark, Chris explained: 'I'm blind but I don't see black. 'I still see light and space, I still have an awareness of the space around me, not in terms of objects and things, but in terms of the room and whether there might be something in front of me. 'It just gives you that awareness that you're taking that away from me. I'm a slave to my iPhone like everybody else. So on paper you go, 'Well, I should nail this,' but in one area I should be more practically adjusted. 'It'll be quite interesting to see how quickly everybody else gets to that point. I'm quite looking forward to being the most able bodied person for a while. It doesn't happen often.' After losing his sight, Chris was forced to give up his job as a web developer, saying in 2012: 'I used to be a web site developer but my eyesight got worse and worse and the websites just got uglier and uglier. 'I decided that nobody wanted an ugly website and so made the decision to get out of IT completely. After losing his sight, Chris was forced to give up his job as a web developer, and decided to become a comedian after trying his hand a new act night in 2003 (pictured in 2009) His career soon skyrocketed, going to to have a seven-year stint at the Edinburgh Fringe and an appearance on Live At The Apollo in 2018 (pictured at the Royal Variety in 2021) 'I ended up working in a call centre for a while just until I could figure out what I wanted to do with my life, and it was while I was there that I dared myself to give stand-up comedy a go and here we are nine years later!' After trying his hand in comedy during a new act comedy night in 2003, Chris was soon recognised for his humour after winning the Jongleurs J2O Last Laugh competition, before gaining recognition in other competitions. His career soon skyrocketed, going to to have a seven-year stint at the Edinburgh Fringe and an appearance on Live At The Apollo in 2018, before continuing on to make several TV appearances. Strictly Come Dancing: Week One Scores 1. JB Gill and Amy Dowden - Waltz to When I Need You by Leo Sayer: 31 out of 40 2=. Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola - Quickstep to 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton: 30 out of 40 2=. Tasha Ghouri and Alja korjanec - Cha Cha to Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter: 30 out of 40 3=. Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe - Foxtrot to Is You Is or Is You Aint My Baby by Dinah Washington: 26 out of 40 3=. Wynne Evans and Katya Jones - Samba to Help Yourself by Tom Jones: 26 out of 40 4=. Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell - Cha Cha to Twist and Shout by The Beatles: 23 out of 40 4=. Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin - Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes: 23 out of 40 4=. Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas - Viennese Waltz to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone: 23 out of 40 4=. Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova - Tango to Golden by Harry Styles: 23 out of 40 5. Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu - Samba to Do I Do by Stevie Wonder: 21 out of 40 6. Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez - Cha Cha to Love At First Sight by Kylie Minogue: 19 out of 40 7. Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk - Jive to We Built This City by Starship: 18 out of 40 8=. Paul Merson and Karen Hauer - American Smooth to Vindaloo by Fat Les: 17 out of 40 8=. Pete Wicks and Jowita Przysta - Paso Doble to Breathe by The Prodigy: 17 out of 40 9=. Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones - Tango to Ray Of Light by Madonna: 12 out of 40 Advertisement In a 2021 interview with The Guardian, Chris shared that he also applied to be a spy with MI5, but ended up failing to make the cut due to his eyesight. 'I got down to the last 30 out of 3,000 for MI5 selection,' he said. 'Eventually, I got refused because of my eyesight. Fair play. It's perfectly acceptable to discriminate for the safety of the nation. The job was identifying and targeting terrorist threats, which obviously you need to do in a limited amount of time.' Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Who are the couples? Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk Paul Merson and Karen Hauer Pete Wicks and Jowita Przysta Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez Wynne Evans and Katya Jones Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu Advertisement . Fans of Netflix show The Witcher could be forgiven for assuming their leading man was on set as filming continued in North Wales on Thursday. But the flowing grey wig and black costume typically worn by Liam Hemsworth in his role as Geralt of Rivia were instead modelled by his stunt-double. The Australian actor, 34, replaced Henry Cavill in the show's lead role in 2022, a move that initially proved unpopular among die-hard viewers. While he wasn't present on Thursday, his stand-in certainly looked the part as he relaxed between takes on the location shoot. Netflix revealed earlier this year that Hemsworth would see the show through to the end after announcing that it would end with the forthcoming season five. Fans of Netflix show The Witcher could be forgiven for assuming their leading man was on set as filming continued in North Wales on Thursday But the flowing grey wig and black costume typically worn by Liam Hemsworth in his role as Geralt of Rivia were instead modelled by his stunt-double While Cavill's unexpected recasting has been met with scepticism from fans, the show's producers have pulled out all of the stops to ensure Hemsworth's introduction as Geralt of Rivia is as seamless as possible. And a shooting schedule earlier this year suggested their latest attempt to paper over the cracks included revisiting Cavill's legendary season three fight scenes with feared sorcerer Vilgefortz of Roggeveen. Geralt was badly wounded by Vilgefortz in a beachfront battle during the assault on Stygga, a scene that appeared to be recreated for a potential season four flashback scene. Indeed, Hemsworth was joined by Vilgefortz actor Mahesh Jadu for a combat scene on a closed off portion of Devon coastline, while his stunt double Joel Adrien waited to be called into action. It is thought that the scenes could either be a flashback to the moment from earlier in the series or that the new season could open picking up exactly where the last one left off. Hemsworth wrote at the time that he was 'over the moon about the opportunity to' play the famous monster hunter. 'I'm honoured that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure,' he wrote of Cavill. So far, no release date has been announced for The Witcher season four, although it is thought that it will arrive on screen at some point in 2025. His stand-in certainly looked the part as he relaxed between takes on the location shoot So far, no release date has been announced for The Witcher season four, although it is thought that it will arrive on screen at some point in 2025. Previous scenes featuring Hemsworth suggested he was revisiting Cavill's legendary fight scenes with the feared sorcerer Vilgefortz of Roggeveen 'The Witcher to end with season five as production on Netflix series begins on season four' Meanwhile, Cavill explained he was passing the torch to Hemsworth, who will 'be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf.' He said: 'As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men 'Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.' Kyle and Jackie O bill themselves as the radio show with 'cash, cars and stars' - but their Nova rival Lauren Phillips is determined to keep the stars as far away from KIIS FM as possible. Phillips, one half of the Jase and Lauren show that KIIS punted to make way for Kyle and Jackie's expansion into Melbourne, is telling her celebrity mates to avoid doing any interviews with the Sydney-based shock jocks. Despite already having a comfortable lead over K&J in Melbourne, Phillips, 41, wants to twist the knife by making her show with Jason 'Jase' Hawkins the No. 1 destination for celebrity interviews. With a black book that includes A-listers such as Matt Damon, Zac Efron and Chris Hemsworth, sources say she has 'pleaded with her famous friends' to turn down any offers from Kyle and Jackie O and speak to Nova exclusively. 'She's asked them to say no to KIIS for the next few months. The plan is to block Kyle and Jackie O from gaining access to the Byron Bay set - of which she is a major player,' an insider told Daily Mail Australia. 'If Lauren can get these stars to turn down Kyle and Jackie O, that is a big advantage. Especially since KIIS prides itself on being the home of Hollywood stars. 'Kyle and Jackie O has really been the only radio show in the market to boast A-list guests consistently until this point. 'But Lauren's genuine connections to Byron Bay celebrity crew could be a threat to their monopoly if she can convince the Hemsworths and all their friends to boycott KIIS.' Kyle and Jackie O bill themselves as the radio show with 'cash, cars and stars' - but their Nova rival Lauren Phillips (pictured with her co-host Jason Hawkins) is determined to keep the stars as far away from KIIS FM as possible With a black book that includes A-lister such as Matt Damon, Zac Efron and Chris Hemsworth, sources say Phillips has 'pleaded with her famous friends' to turn down any offers from Kyle and Jackie O and speak to Nova exclusively. (Pictured: Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson) The source revealed Phillips was continuing to build new contacts with A-listers while attending star-studded events with her fiance Paul O'Brien, who flies stars all over Australia with his private jet business. For example, she recently attended the wedding of personal trainer Luke Zocchi, Chris Hemsworth's best friend and right-hand man. O'Brien runs the high-end aviation charter group AVMIN which boasts celebrity clients such as Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso, as well as the Hemsworths. 'Lauren has been smart to mix with the Hollywood heavyweights and I bet she'll be networking like crazy to make these stars "friends of the show",' the source said. When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Phillips denied she had personally solicited her famous friends to not appear on The Kyle and Jackie O Show. Despite already having a comfortable lead over Kyle and Jackie in Melbourne, Phillips wants to twist the knife by making her show the No. 1 destination for celebrity interviews. She is seen second from left at the 2021 Gold Dinner with Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky (together, centre), Luciana Barroso (left), and Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks (together, right) 'She's asked them to say no to KIIS for the next few months. The plan is to block Kyle and Jackie O from gaining access to the Byron Bay set - of which she is a major player,' an insider said. Phillips is pictured in Byron Bay with her friend Luciana Barroso, the wife of actor Matt Damon Phillips is building contacts with A-listers while attending star-studded events with her fiance Paul O'Brien (second from left), who flies stars all over Australia with his private jet business Phillips rubs shoulders with A-listers at the races, including Pia and Patrick Whitesell (centre) Phillips was a guest at the Hemsworths' famous 'white party' in May 2021, which was attended by a Who's Who of the elite Byron Bay set comprising Australian and U.S. celebrities who live either full- or part-time in the coastal NSW town. (Pictured: the guest pose for a group photo) Phillips is seen centre left with Elsa Pataky (left) and Luciana Barroso (centre right) Chris Hemsworth famously surprised Phillips on air when she was a weather presenter for Weekend Today back in September 2020 The Jase and Lauren radio show had the ultimate revenge last month when it was crowned Melbourne's most listened-to breakfast radio program. 'The battle lines have been drawn and at this point Melbourne has been less than impressed with what Kyle and Jackie O have delivered. These small wins actually could mean something,' the source added. Jase and Lauren took home the coveted number one spot in the fifth GFK radio survey for 2024. It grew its audience by 0.3 points and rose to a 9.9 per cent share, giving it a clear lead over Kyle and Jackie O, which trailed significantly with a 6.1 per cent share. Despite initial hopes the KIIS FM provocateurs would replicate their No. 1 success in Sydney with Melbourne listeners, the duo are only the city's fifth most listened-to breakfast show. A Noughties pop legend who had bottles and even a wheelchair thrown at her while she performed at Reading Festival has turned her back on fame. Karen DiConcetto, 43, formerly known by the moniker Daphne, shot to fame as one-half of an American pop duo which took the UK by storm. Musical act Daphne And Celeste - featuring Karen and Celeste Cruz - burst onto the scene at the turn of the century with their debut single Ooh Stick You. The teens achieved further success in June 2000 with the release of cheerleader-style chant song U.G.L.Y. - famously included in the soundtrack of cheerleader film Bring It On. But, Karen is now worlds away from that life, living peacefully as mother of son Samir, four, and married to husband Damian. Noughties pop legend Karen DiConcetto, 43, has turned her back on fame and now works as a producer and a writer (pictured in 2016) Teenage musical act Daphne and Celeste - featuring Karen and Celeste Cruz (left) - burst onto the scene at the turn of the century with debut single Ooh Stick You and later hit U.G.L.Y. Karen has unveiled her new life as a happily married mother of one (pictured with husband Damian) She keeps her fans up-to-date with her everyday life where she regularly makes political statements and has voiced her support for Kamala Harris. One of the more memorable moments of her career came in August 2000 when she and Daphne were invited to perform at the Reading Festival - and were immediately bottled. Despite being hit with bottles of water, toilet paper, bottles of urine, a bag of meat and even a wheelchair, the girls not only stay put, but they even mocked the crowd. 'You guys are such a good crowd,' Celeste declared at the time, while Daphne added: 'I'm loving the signs. "Die!" Yes, I will!' However, for their safety, the girls left after performing two of their three scheduled songs. Fans were incensed that the organisers would invite bubblegum artists to perform rather than the alternative music the festival was known for. Karen later proudly declared: 'Backstage, Slipknot and Rage Against the Machine were coming up to us and telling us how hardcore we were - how they wouldnt have stayed out there.' In August 2000, Daphne And Celeste were invited to perform at the Reading Festival where they were immediately bottled with wee, toilet roll, meat, and even a wheelchair But, Karen is now worlds away from that life, living peacefully as a wife and mother In 2015, Daphne And Celeste launched a comeback, releasing single You and I Alone 13 years after they last performed together Reflecting on the event in a chat with The Guardian in 2015, Daphne And Celeste revealed that Celeste's mother got hit by the onslaught and it took three people to lift the wheelchair onto the stage. When Karen reminded Celeste that her mother got hit, Celeste said: 'Oh yeah. 'Because, of course, we invited our families along, not thinking at all how it would be for them! When we came off, my sister was crying!' Karen added: 'Someone lost their mobility because they hated us so much!' The BBC wrote at the time: 'They were only scheduled to sing to their backing tape for 15 minutes but their performance will be infamous for years to come.' In 2015, Daphne And Celeste launched a comeback, 13 years after they last performed together. They released single You And I Alone and, three years later, BB. Daphne And Celeste followed BB up with their second studio album: Daphne & Celeste Save the World - 18 years after debut We Didn't Say That! Both the singles and the album failed to chart. As part of their press tour they reflected on the Reading Festival and revealed that Celeste's mother got hit by the onslaught and it took three people to lift the wheelchair onto the stage Karen proudly declared: 'Backstage, Slipknot and Rage Against the Machine were coming up to us and telling us how hardcore we were - how they wouldnt have stayed out there' Celeste, 41, went back to school before enjoying a string of small acting gigs in programmes such as Cupid and 30 Rock (pictured in 2015) Since their last effort, the New Jersey natives have moved away from the music entirely. Karen is now a screenwriter and a television producer whose credits include 2016s Recovery Road. Celeste, 41, went back to school before enjoying a string of small acting gigs in programmes such as Cupid and 30 Rock. Now Celeste Seaman, she is married to Abram Seaman, whom she has been with for a decade, and the pair share son Leif, four. TV presenter Ruth Langsford has been widely praised for her quiet dignity as she watches her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes date a much younger woman. But when an opportunity for some mischievous payback came up, friends say the Loose Women star just couldn't resist. After all, Ms Langsford, 64, has had to endure pictures of Mr Holmes' new girlfriend Katie Alexander 22 years his junior arriving at his new bachelor pad in Kingston, South West London. So when wheelchair-bound Mr Holmes, also 64, asked his wife of 14 years and partner of 26 if he could return to their 3.5 million marital home in Weybridge, Surrey, to pick up some holiday clothes to go on a freebie cruise with Ms Alexander, Ms Langsford spotted her chance. She cheekily removed the 2,000 stairlift that was installed at the house to help Mr Holmes, who suffers from a debilitating back condition, get up the curved staircase to his old bedroom. Ms Langsford made herself scarce for the visit but knew that when he arrived he would struggle to get up the stairs to get what he needed for the seven-night trip around Europe. Loose Women's Ruth Langsford has cheekily removed the 2,000 stairlift installed at their house so that Eamonn Holmes, who suffers from a debilitating back condition, couldn't get up the curved staircase to his old bedroom to get his clothes One said: 'Ruth has remained quiet and classy. Even when people bring up what Eamonn has been up to, she stays silent and just smiles. She thinks that is the best way. She has had a lot of support from her friends. 'But one thing she would see every day was the stairlift which Eamonn installed. Ruth doesn't need it. She's super-fit and healthy but she knew Eamonn probably would struggle when he had to go the house to get some bits he needed for the holiday. The bedrooms are upstairs and he needed to get to them. 'It might seem petty but Ruth's friends think it is absolutely hilarious as they think he has really taken her for a ride. You can imagine how furious Eamonn was. He was probably expecting to be able to use the stairlift to get his stuff and quickly get out again and pack for his holiday. 'It has been humiliating for her to see Eamonn and Katie together and that was before the cringe photos while they were on holiday. She must be thrilled that she did it after seeing those photos.' Mr Holmes, 64, has been on holiday in Ibiza, Spain, with his new, much younger girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42 Mr Holmes installed the stairlift in January 2023 to help him get to bed as he struggled with chronic back pain from slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis. He had had surgery four months earlier but still needed help around the house. Soon afterward family friend and TV presenter Rylan Clark visited the now estranged couple's home. He posted a video of himself going up the stairs on it. Following Ms Langsford's revenge, Mr Holmes and Ms Alexander were pictured in Barcelona where they boarded a Virgin cruise ship, The Scarlet Lady, to tour the Mediterranean. They were seen stopping off at Ibiza. Soon after the device was installed last year, family friend and TV presenter Rylan Clark visited the now estranged couple's home and posted a video of himself going up the stairs on it The Mail revealed the luxury break was a free holiday as part of his deal with firm Not Just Travel. In return, he filmed video content for its social media platforms. Mr Holmes and Ms Alexander first exchanged messages on Twitter, now X, in 2015. It's not clear when the friendship began to develop, but reports suggest that Ms Langsford discovered that, in the year running up to their split, Mr Holmes had been showering Ms Alexander with gifts. Ms Langsford hasn't addressed the end of her marriage on Loose Women. A friend says: 'Ruth is just getting on with it. It's a case of actions speak louder than words.' Ms Langsford declined to comment but sources close to her confirmed that she has dismantled the stairlift. They were the sitcom sixth-formers whose crude antics and hapless quests to lose their virginities had Channel 4 audiences in hysterics. And now, ten years after the stars of The Inbetweeners were last on set for the second movie the series spawned, fans had hoped rumours of a lucrative new film deal could reunite Simon, Jay, Neil and Will. But I can reveal that despite playing such tight-knit on-screen friends actors Joe Thomas, James Buckley, Blake Harrison and Simon Bird, are a world away from their characters in real life, with bitter rivalries dashing any hopes of a reunion. In fact, one source said: 'Weirdly, none of them are really mates and they haven't been for a few years. 'Fans all like to think that they're best pals in real life but Simon Bird [who played briefcase-carrying geek Will] and Blake Harrison [nice-but-dim Neil] are mega snooty.' Bird was forced to disappoint fans this week when he confirmed there was 'no prospect' of the stars making a comeback. The Inbetweeners followed [from left to right] Simon (Joe Thomas), Will (Simon Bird), Neil (Blake Harrison) and Jay (James Buckley) as they navigated their way through sixth-form in the late Noughties In an interview following reports of a third film in the pipeline, the 40-year-old said: 'I'm afraid to be the one pouring cold water on this but it's not happening.' But while the actor went on to explain that the busy diaries of the show's leading lights were to blame, industry insiders believe that scheduling is only part of the reason. One joked: 'There's as much chance of a comeback for The Beatles.' Because, like many groups of teenage friends, the actors have 'grown apart over time', the source said, amid jealousy over their respective careers in which some have achieved greater success than others. The source added: 'Of course there have been a few cross words shared between them over the years, but there has never been one big barney. 'The truth is, they all have long-term partners. The boys are all dads now and they have moved on with their lives.' And there are further clashes with other members of the cast, including rumoured bad feeling between Emily Atack, who played the boys' school crush Charlotte, and Buckley, who played foul-mouthed Jay. The pair are said to have had a behind-the-scenes fling, but the relationship soured. It has been reported that this led to Atack who will next month star in Rivals, the much anticipated Disney+ series based on the Jilly Cooper bonkbuster being axed from a reunion show Fwends Reunited on Channel 4 in 2019. Emily Atack, who played Will's love-fixation Charlotte, is said to have had a brief fling with Buckley behind the scenes - causing her to be axed from the show's 2019 reunion Coining an Inbetweeners catchphrase, in which Jay is mocked by the other boys for making a new 'fwend', the show didn't feature Atack because Buckley reportedly told producers: 'It's her or me.' Sources say the brief romance 'was nothing but a bit of fun' to Atack, who has always played it down to friends and was disappointed to find he may have used his clout to have her dropped from the comeback. An insider adds: 'She was gutted. She didn't see it as a big deal, it was a bit of fun years ago and they've all moved on, but he clearly harbours some sort of grudge. 'He made it very clear that he wouldn't share a set with her again in any form. It's just yet another issue.' The Inbetweeners took Britain by storm in the late Noughties as a coming-of-age comedy that followed the lives of the four suburban teenagers as they endured life at the fictional Rudge Park Comprehensive. A film followed in 2011 and a sequel in 2014. It seems a decade is a long time in showbusiness because I'm told another major factor stopping them reuniting is that the foursome are embarrassed their juvenile antics on the show may damage their future careers. Buckley is believed to struggle with being associated with his foul-mouth, sex-obsessed character from the hit Channel 4 series A source said: 'It's James Buckley who wrestles with it the most. 'He's the one who most wants to cling on to the show and would be most up for a reunion, but is also the most embarrassed by what people think of him because of it.' Which is hardly surprising given Jay's crude descriptions of his imagined sexual conquests, videos of which are still shared widely online. The source added: 'People seem to still talk to him as if he's Jay from The Inbetweeners, and sometimes he plays up to it and then at other times he has real crises of confidence and panics that the public think he really is an idiot. 'Either way he hasn't managed to shake it off and move on from the show quite like the others have.' Buckley, who married former glamour model Clair Meek in 2012, continues to run a podcast titled Completed It Mate one of his character's catchphrases and has made more than 1 million on celebrity video website Cameo by recording expletive-filled clips for his paying fans. It's a far cry from his co-stars, who have gone on to enjoy significant acting success away from the show. Harrison went on to appear alongside Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw in acclaimed drama A Very English Scandal, with Catherine Zeta-Jones in a film remake of classic sitcom Dad's Army, and with Billie Piper in Sky hit I Hate Suzie. Bird has become an in-demand director and producer, as well as starring in popular sitcom Friday Night Dinner, while Thomas, who played Simon, has appeared in comedy dramas Fresh Meat and White Gold, alongside stage performances, including his own show at the Edinburgh Festival. The four's last get-together was for Fwends Reunited, the reunion show hosted by the acerbic Jimmy Carr who Buckley later said teased them relentlessly. He explained: 'It became a thing that wasn't a celebration of this good thing I did in my life, it was me being taken the p*** out of for hours on end. 'I didn't have the personality or the intelligence to cope with it, especially when you're up against someone like Jimmy Carr, who's super quick and super funny. So I come across as a complete moron through the whole thing.' The much-loved comedy saw 18 episodes across three series and two films produced, but fans' hopes of a comeback have been dashed by talk of friction between the four stars He revealed that he felt conflicted between playing up to his character and speaking as his real self: 'I got caught in this spot between Jay and myself where I was going, 'You're acting like a f***ing idiot, you're being a moron, you're being a d***.' ' It was only a fear of being a 'stick in the mud', he said, that meant he kept going: 'I didn't want to go, 'Can we stop for a second because I don't know what the f***'s going on here you're talking to me like I'm Jay from The Inbetweeners. I'm really not'.' No wonder the show was widely panned, with one viewer criticising the cast 'who looked like they didn't want to be there'. In short, the four lads as is frequently the case in real life have grown up and grown apart. 'They don't want to keep harking back to the past,' a source says. 'They want to remember The Inbetweeners for what it was, a bit of fun when they were young. 'Despite the big-money offers there is no way the four of them will be donning those school uniforms again.' Channel Nine is investigating claims of a heated on-set incident between star news presenter Georgie Gardner and staff last month. It's alleged the confrontation took place off air after Gardner, 54, finished reading the Sydney news bulletin. A complaint has been made by a young staff member and Nine has launched an internal investigation, according to The Sunday Telegraph. 'It is the talk of the newsroom at the moment,' an insider told the publication. Gardner did not appear on the program for two weeks after the alleged incident but her absence was unrelated and classed as 'scheduled leave'. 'People were upset by the incident, but when they thought she had been stood aside for a few weeks, could stomach it,' an insider said. Gardner returned to her newsreader schedule on September 13 and was presenting on Friday and Saturday night. Nine did not comment on the allegation when contacted by The Sunday Telegraph, and instead said in a statement: 'Georgie Gardner is a highly regarded longstanding member of our Nine News team. We offer no further comment.' Channel Nine is investigating an alleged incident between news presenter Georgie Gardner (pictured), 54, and a young staff member on set last month Daily Mail Australia has also contacted Nine for comment. Gardner is a presenter at Nine News in Sydney and reads the 6pm bulletin on Friday and Saturday nights. Joining the network in 2002, Gardner began her time at Nine as a weather presenter and hosting afternoon updates. In 2006, she replaced Leila McKinnon as presenter for National Nine News Morning Edition and became news presenter on the Today show for eight years. Gardner was also appointed weekend presenter for the 6pm news in 2009 while still co-hosting the Today show. She left her role at Today in 2014 to spend more time with family but continued occasional reporting for 60 Minutes and 9News. The alleged occurrence took place off air but still on set after Gardner (pictured last month) finished reading the Sydney news bulletin A complaint has been made by a young staff member and Nine has launched an internal investigation on the matter. Pictured: Channel Nine headquarters in Sydney The blonde presenter then replaced Lisa Wilkinson on the Today show in 2018 and sat alongside Karl Stefanovic on the Channel Nine breakfast show for one year. She then co-hosted the show with Deborah Knight in 2019. Last year, Gardner opened up about why her co-hosting role alongside Karl Stefanovic didn't work out. Speaking on the It's All Her podcast, Gardner shared details about the job, saying that it was a 'privilege' to take on the role. But with issues surrounding Stefanovic's very public divorce from ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn, as well as his relationship with now-wife Jasmine Yarbrough, things started taking a toll inside the studio. 'Unfortunately things that were out of my control meant that it was a short-lived stint,' she said. 'I had a year hosting with Karl, which was a lot of fun. But it was also a period in his personal life where there was a lot going on. And there was a lot of noise. 'We were never sort of able to get traction because there was always so much speculation about his private life. It was really tough for him. And it was tough for us.' The journalist then quashed previous reports of the pair's tense relationship. 'We really got on well and really liked each other and had, it was a great chemistry actually,' she continued. 'Anyway, one thing led to another he was moved off the show. In fact, they moved everyone off, which was very, very tricky for me.' Stefanovic was axed from the Today show before Deborah Knight moved in alongside Gardner in 2019. But after giving the show a complete overhaul and bringing in new hosts, Gardner hinted that the breakfast show was still struggling and she decided to step down from the role. 'It got to a point where I could see it just wasn't going to work. So I just gracefully exited stage left and just continued on with my news, which is what I'm still doing today,' Gardner added. Joining the network in 2002, Gardner began her time at Nine as a weather presenter and hosting afternoon updates Gardner was confirmed as the highly anticipated replacement for Lisa Wilkinson six years ago. But the stint alongside Stefanovic was short-lived, with The Sunday Telegraph claiming at the time the pair 'cannot stand one another'. According to the publication, Gardner only agreed to do the Channel Nine break show 'after having been assured she would only have to do one year with Karl,' however a network spokesperson has dismissed the report as 'rubbish.' Stefanovic viewed Georgie as 'humourless', while she in turn sees him as having an 'expansive ego', News Corp claimed. Gardner is said to have only agreed to take on the Today hosting gig on the condition that she wouldn't have to work with Karl for long. 'She signed on to the show after having been assured she would only have to do one year with Karl,' an anonymous senior executive reportedly told The Sunday Telegraph at the time. 'After that, hes gone and Nine will recast and she will get to work with someone else.' Stefanovic 'agreed' to Gardner's conditions because he has been 'agitating' to get off Today for a while, the story claimed. However, a Channel Nine representative said there is no truth to the report, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'That is rubbish.' NHLANGANO Police report that a bus overturned on Friday at Mhlosheni in the Shiselweni Region. Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, said there were no passengers on board, except the driver and bus conductor who were injured. She said police ethics did not allow them to reveal the name of the bus. She said the bus was from Nhlangano heading towards Sihlutse. The police spokesperson said it overturned when it was moving down the road. John Jwankie from Phinduvuke confirmed the accident. He said the bus was from Nhlangano to Big Bend. Jwankie mentioned the driver failed to negotiate a curve, as the road was slippery, hence, he lost control of it. He said the passenger vehicle was extensively damaged. He also mentioned that the driver sustained serious injuries while the conductor was injured on his arm. Speedy recovery The bus had ferried maidens who participated in the second leg of the reed dance, which is being held at Mbangweni Royal Residence in Nhlangano. Jwankie was happy that the accident occurred when the maidens were not on board. He wished the driver and the other employee a speedy recovery. On another note, police reported that a 30-year old woman of Siphambanweni was shot once in the left eye with a pistol by two unknown men at Mbhuleni. She was certified dead upon arrival at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini. This happened on Friday. A 28-year old man of Ngololweni was charged with contravening the Arms and Ammunition Act as he was found in possession of a 9mm pistol, a Girsan Mc 9s with one live round of ammunition without a permit or licence while at KaKhoza in Manzini. He was arrested on Friday. Holly Willoughby has reportedly moved out of her 3million family mansion - two months after stalker Gavin Plumb was jailed for his kidnap, rape and murder plot. The TV presenter, 43, stepped down from presenting This Morning after 14 years on the show due to the terrifying kidnap threat and subsequently took time out from the spotlight. But in a sign that she may be moving past the horror ordeal and starting fresh, Holly is set to move out of her home, according to The Sun. Pictures obtained by the publication saw removal vans outside the six-bed London property - where Holly has lived for 10 years. A source said: 'The house was central to Plumb's terrifying plot. Holly Willoughby (pictured in 2019) has moved out of her 3million family mansion - two months after stalker Gavin Plumb was jailed for his kidnap, rape and murder plot The television presenter's deranged stalker Gavin Plumb, 37, who had plotted to kidnap, rape and murder her, was jailed for a minimum of 16 years in July 'It can never feel the same again for Holly and her family. She just wants to move on and put this all behind her.' MailOnline has contacted Holly's representatives for comment. After Holly's stalker Gavin was sentenced, she released an empowering statement, thanking the police and her legal team who brought him to justice. She said: 'As women we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes. 'I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat, and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response. 'Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women. 'I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery this conviction may not have been possible.' Holly's ex co-presenter Phillip Schofield left the show after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague and lying to his co-star when questioned about the mounting speculation. After she returned to the ITV programme without him, Holly was mocked for the statement she made addressing the nation, asking whether viewers were 'okay' following the revelation. Morbidly obese Plumb claimed he wasn't physically capable of abducting the former This Morning presenter, had no one qualified to drive to her London home, and that vile conversations he had with 'like-minded' people in dark recesses of the internet were 'just online chat' The TV presenter stepped down from presenting This Morning after 14 years on the show due to her terrifying kidnap threat and subsequently took time out from the spotlight For the first time in her career she's now a 'free agent' and is keen to explore opportunities across the pond and draw a line under her domestic troubles She then faced a further setback as Plumb was arrested for an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, leaving her terrified. According to reports, she was too afraid to leave her house after Plumb was charged for the crime, forcing her off-air for months. She deliberated over whether to present Dancing On Ice with new co-host Stephen Mulhern, finally deciding to return to work in the New Year. The presenter made her TV return in January with Dancing On Ice and has been busy filming Netflix show Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls. The show will see former SAS trooper Bear hunting down the celebrity contestants in order to eliminate them from the programme. In a sign that she may be moving past the horror ordeal and starting fresh, Holly is set to move out of her home, according to reports She is also set front an ITV reboot of the iconic 90s challenge show, You Bet!, alongside her Dancing On Ice co-host Stephen Mulhern. Previously fronted by Darren Day, as well as the late Bruce Forsyth and Matthew Kelly, the beloved programme will return to ITV1 and ITVX with two action-packed primetime event specials this autumn. As the classic show gets a revival, members of the public will use their unique abilities to pull off the most outrageous challenges imaginable, all for the chance of winning a big cash prize. It comes after Holly made a triumphant red carpet return at the NTAs earlier this month after stepping back significantly from public life. The TV presenter, who co-led This Morning for 14 years, beamed as she posed for a photo alongside This Morning regulars Alison Hammond and Rochelle Humes. Rochelle wrapped her arms around Holly, alongside Davina McCall, while fellow This Morning stars Dermot O'Leary and Ashley James were also present in the snap. On the red carpet, Holly shared a kiss with Dermot and a laugh with Alison as the gang were reunited at the 02 London. Holly looked incredible in a glistening strapless dark silver dress with a high split and a extra-long train. Dermot, 51, wore a classic black tuxedo with a white shirt but opted for a black tie rather than a bowtie. It comes after Holly made a triumphant red carpet return at the NTAs earlier this month after stepping back significantly from public life The TV presenter, who co-led This Morning for 14 years, beamed as she posed for a photo alongside This Morning regulars Alison Hammond and Rochelle Humes Holly, who co-led This Morning for 14 years, beamed with Alison as the pair enjoyed a happy reunion at the 29th NTAs held at the O2 Holly's ex co-presenter Phillip Schofield left the show after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague and lying to his co-star when questioned about the mounting speculation Alison looked glamorous in a long black dress which she paired with a white cape which trailed the floor. Earlier on Wednesday, Holly led the stars at the annual BGC Group Charity Day in Canary Wharf. Earlier that day Holly was joined at the event by Louise Redknapp, Davina McCall, Ashley Roberts, Gareth Southgate, and Princess Beatrice, amongst a host of other famous faces. BGC Group's annual charity day commemorates those whose lives were lost on 9/11 by providing their global revenues to hundreds of charities. It's a long way from the glitz and glamour of winning Strictly... but actress Rose Ayling-Ellis hopes this role in a scruffy old green fleece coat will earn her just as much acclaim. Rose, 29, who has been deaf since birth, is pictured larking around in Hertfordshire on the set of ITV thriller Code of Silence. She plays a deaf catering worker who becomes a heroine by lip-reading criminals' conversations to help to put them behind bars. ITV's synopsis says: 'She's struggling to make ends meet, juggling two jobs, in a police canteen and a local bar, while also doing her best to support her deaf mum. Rose Ayling-Ellis, 29, is pictured larking around in Hertfordshire on the set of ITV thriller Code of Silence She plays a deaf catering worker who becomes a heroine by lip-reading criminals' conversations The former Strictly winner and Eastenders star, Rose Ayling-Ellis is leading a new ITV drama Rose Ayling-Ellis is seen laughing after larking in between takes of Code of Silence on ITV The new ITV series is being billed as an 'exhilerating six part thriller'. (Ayling-Ellis is seen joking around on the set) Ayling-Ellis left EastEnders in 2022, after playing deaf character Frankie Lewis for two years Rose Ayling-Ellis hopes this role in a scruffy old green fleece coat will earn her just as much acclaim as in Strictly The six-episodes drama is Rose's first major role since winning Strictly in 2021 with Giovanni Pernice (pictured) 'When a policewoman calls on her to lip-read the conversations of dangerous criminals, she is plunged into a new, exhilarating world.' The six-episodes drama is Rose's first major role since winning Strictly in 2021 with Giovanni Pernice, who has since quit the dance show over bullying claims, which he denies. They also won the 'must-see moment' award at the Baftas for their silent dance to Clean Bandit's song Symphony. She left EastEnders in 2022, after playing deaf character Frankie Lewis for two years. Earlier this year she was awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for voluntary services to the deaf community. Nicola Peltz Beckham shocked fans on Saturday after she dyed her dogs bright pink and orange - and showed off the results in a new TikTok video. The actress, 29, looked happier than ever in her latest video as she cosied up to the usually white Bolognese dog. After the makeover, Nicola's dog is now an eye-catching pink colour with orange dyed ears and back legs. It comes after Nicola and her husband Brooklyn Beckham launched legal action in June against a dog groomer after the sudden death of her beloved chihuahua Nala. In the video, the beauty was seen dancing in her kitchen with husband Brooklyn before picking up the pet pooch and hugging it. Nicola Peltz Beckham has completely shocked fans on Saturday as she dyed her pet pooch bright pink and orange in a new TikTok video Meanwhile David and Victoria Beckham's eldest son took to Instagram to share a snap of the couple's second dog of the same breed, called Lamb, who was also dyed pink with purple ears Earlier this year, Nicola took legal action against a dog groomer after the sudden death of her chihuahua Nala Meanwhile David and Victoria Beckham's eldest son took to Instagram to share a snap of the couple's second dog of the same breed, called Lamb, who was also dyed pink with purple ears. As the pet pooch relaxed in an empty suitcase, Brooklyn simply penned: 'My baby girl x' Fans were left in shock by the video of the dogs dyed bright pink and took to the comments. 'The dog looked so sad; the way I thought the dog was a toy and'; 'Omg the dog'; 'That dog omg; you did not do that to that poor dog; poor dog!' It comes after Brooklyn and Nicola retained a lawyer and were planning to 'go after the grooming company' located in upstate New York, sources told TMZ. The groomers attended to Nicola's dog at the home where she was staying, shortly before Nala experienced a fatal medical emergency, per the insiders. In an Instagram post on June 15, the star revealed that a vet had recently assessed Nala and declared her 'perfectly healthy' before she was taken to the unnamed grooming company. However, when Nicola picked up Nala and noticed the dog was 'hyperventilating and couldn't catch her breath', she immediately rushed her to an emergency vet, but the dog tragically passed away a few hours later. The actress, 29, looked happier than ever in her latest video as she cosied up to the Bolognese dog, which are usually a white colour However, after a makeover, Nicola's dog is now an eye catching pink colour with orange dyed ears and back legs In the video, the beauty was seen dancing in her kitchen with husband Brooklyn before picking up the pet pooch and hugging it Fans were left in utter shock by the video of the dogs dyed bright pink and took to the comments Nicola and Brooklyn share two Bolognese dogs and previously had a chihuahua called Nala The couple are advocates for animal rights and normally the Bolognese breed are white coloured Brooklyn regularly shares snaps of himself with his pet pooch Lamb According to TMZ's sources, veterinary records indicated that the dog had fluid in her lungs, neurological problems, and a rapid heart rate before her death, though the exact cause of these issues remains unknown. Nicola and Brooklyn had previously used the grooming service without any issues, according to the outlet. TMZ's sources claimed the actress' legal action is not motivated by money but rather by a desire to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again. Nicola, an advocate for animal rights, is seeking answers about Nala's time with the groomer. However, there were no cameras in the grooming van, per the sources, raising questions about what happened inside. 'Im sharing this in hopes that it might prevent this from happening to other dogs,' Nicola added in her June 15 Instagram post. 'Her life was taken away from her way too soon. 'Please be careful who you send your dogs to because you dont know what goes on behind closed doors. 1 day without nala on earth feels like an eternity. i wish i could have her back in my arms.' In an Instagram Story, Nicola stated that the grooming company had ceased cooperating with her team, per USWeekly. 'My heart has been shattered,' she wrote. 'I am relentlessly investigating the situation to find out exactly what happened in that groomers van. I am doing everything I can to uncover the truth.' In an Instagram post, the star revealed a vet had recently assessed Nala and declared her 'perfectly healthy' before she was taken to the unnamed grooming company and died later However, when Nicola picked up Nala and noticed the dog was 'hyperventilating and couldn't catch her breath', she immediately rushed her to an emergency vet, but the dog tragically passed away a few hours later 'If her death was not due to foul play, then why isnt the groomer cooperating with our investigation they currently are not,' she added. Brooklyn had taken to his social media on June 15 to announced the loss and pay tribute to their beloved pet. 'Dear Nala, we miss you so much, you were unexpectedly taken from way us too soon and hope others dont experience a loss after something as simple as a grooming,' he wrote alongside a snap of himself holding Nala. 'You were the cutest little baby girl and we will always think of you. We know you are looking and barking down on us. We love you so much and miss you beyond.' In a surprising visit to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego, Kim Kardashian met with Erik and Lyle Menendez, notorious for their high-profile murder trial in the 1990s. The meeting, reported by TMZ on Saturday, comes shortly after Erik publicly criticized Kardashian's collaborator Ryan Murphy and his Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which dramatizes their lives. Accompanied by her sister Khloe Kardashian and mother Kris Jenner, Kim engaged with a group of around 40 inmates to discuss her ongoing commitment to criminal justice reform, per the outlet's source. Notably, they were joined by actor Cooper Koch, who portrays Erik in the series. A significant topic of discussion was Greenspace, an initiative led by Lyle that focuses on beautifying prison yards as a means to aid rehabilitation, according to the insider. In a surprising visit to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego, Kim Kardashian met with Erik and Lyle Menendez, notorious for their high-profile murder trial in the 1990s; (pictured April) The meeting, reported by TMZ on Saturday, comes shortly after Erik publicly criticized Kardashian's collaborator Ryan Murphy and his Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which dramatizes their lives; (Erik and Lyle in 1990) Erik and Lyle were convicted of brutally murdering their parents in their home in Beverly Hills in 1989, and both brothers are currently serving life in prison sentences. The news of the meeting came after it was revealed Erik shared his thoughts on the miniseries on Lyle's Facebook page, calling out Murphy for what he called its 'horrible,' 'blatant lies' in the series. 'I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show. I can only believe they were done so on purpose,' Erik's lengthy post began. 'It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent.' Erik is portrayed in the series by Koch, while Lyle is played in the series by Nicholas Alexander Chavez. Javier Bardem plays their father Jose Menendez and Chloe Sevigny plays their mother Kitty. He continued: 'It is sad for me to know that Netflixs dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime have taken the painful truths several steps backward back through time to an era when the prosecution built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused, and that males experienced rape trauma differently than women.' Monsters premiered on Netflix on September 19 and depicts the brothers as spoiled brats who went on a spending spree after they gunned down their parents. Convicted murder Erik Menendez is sharing his scathing opinion of Ryan Murphy 's new Netflix limited series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story; Murphy is seen September 16 in LA The 53-year-old shared his thoughts on Lyle's Facebook page, calling out Murphy for the 'horrible' and 'blatant lies' in the series He continued: 'It is sad for me to know that Netflixs dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime have taken the painful truths several steps backward back through time to an era when the prosecution built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused, and that males experienced rape trauma differently than women' Later in the series, the sexual abuse of the brothers from both of their parents is shown, which alludes to Lyle and Erik's real motives for the killings. 'Those awful lies have been disrupted and exposed by countless brave victims over the last two decades who have broken through their personal shame and bravely spoken out,' Erik pointed out. 'So now Murphy shapes his horrible narrative through vile and appalling character portrayals of Lyle and of me and disheartening slander,' he wrote. The criticism comes after Murphy first teamed up with Kim for American Horror Story: Delicate, which premiered on September 20, 2023. In this groundbreaking series, Kardashian took on her first major scripted role as Siobhan Walsh, a character facing the surreal and disquieting challenges of pregnancy. Following her performance in AHS, Kim signed on for Murphy's upcoming project, described as a high-end, glossy and sexy adult procedural called All's Fair. The reality star is set to portray Los Angeles' top divorce lawyer and the head of an all-female law firm. For Kardashian, stepping into the role of a lawyer feels particularly fitting, as she is actively pursuing a legal career in real lifehaving passed the baby bar exam last year, she is now preparing for the full bar exam. The criticism comes after Murphy first teamed up with Kim for American Horror Story: Delicate, which premiered on September 20, 2023 In this groundbreaking series, Kardashian took on her first major scripted role as Siobhan Walsh, a character facing the surreal and disquieting challenges of pregnancy. Kim's advocacy for criminal justice reform began in earnest in 2017 when she championed the cause of Alice Johnson, a woman serving a life sentence for a non-violent drug trafficking offense. Initially, Kardashian reached out to Ivanka Trump to bring attention to Johnsons case. This advocacy culminated in a meeting with former President Donald Trump, where she passionately campaigned for Johnson's clemency. Kardashians efforts paid off in June 2018 when Trump granted Johnson a pardon, leading to her release from prison after more than 20 years. Inspired by this success, Kardashian has since expanded her advocacy to include other individuals facing similar injustices, such as Kevin Cooper, who has been on death row for over three decades, and Julius Jones, a man wrongfully convicted of murder. Through her ongoing efforts, Kardashian has established herself as a prominent voice in the movement for criminal justice reform, using her platform to raise awareness and effect change for those trapped in a flawed system. Kim's advocacy work dates back to 2017 when she got involved with fighting for clemency for Alice Johnson; Kardashian pictured with Johnson in 2018 Kim spoke passionately about criminal justice reform at the White House in June 2019 In May 2022, during the inaugural season of her familys Hulu show The Kardashians, Kim captured the moment she discovered she had passed the "baby bar" law exam. Sitting in her car with her friend and publicist Tracy Romulus, Kardashian logged into her online account to check the results of her third attempt at the challenging test. The emotional revelation marked a significant milestone in her journey to becoming a lawyer, reflecting her determination and commitment to her legal education. 'Everyone told me this was the impossible way and there was no way I would ever pass this test, and I did,' she later said in an interview confessional. Cheryl Burke is sharing her insights after Nikki Garcia filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, which came in the wake of his domestic violence arrest last month. 'This is just a really unfortunate situation, and I just hope everybodys OK,' the former Dancing with the Stars pro told People on Friday, referring to Nikki, Artem and their four-year-old son Matteo. She added: 'I hope that Nikki and Artem are protecting their heart, and I hope that, more importantly, their son is OK.' Cheryl sent her love to both Artem and Nikki, emphasizing the importance of taking time to heal, even if it requires putting their careers on hold. She then offered some advice to former WWE wrestler Garcia, drawing from her own experience of going through a public divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence in 2022. Cheryl Burke is sharing her insights after Nikki Garcia filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, which came in the wake of his domestic violence arrest last month; seen in 2023 Cheryl sent her love to both Artem and Nikki (pictured 2019), emphasizing the importance of taking time to heal, even if it requires putting their careers on hold 'It's not easy, but I believe if you just give the time that you need to grieve, we all grieve differently, there's no one way that someone should experience grief, but also, it's just important to choose you and to protect you,' she explained. 'Because I think especially in society today, we tend just to take care of everyone else's needs or what we think people want from us without really sitting with ourselves and just figuring that out, even if it doesn't necessarily mean you agree with society today.' On August 29, Artem was arrested on felony domestic violence charges following an incident at the $1.5 million California home he shares with his wife, Nikki. He was released just hours later on $25,000 bail, while Nikki has since departed the state with their four-year-old son, Matteo, as shown in exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com. In the aftermath of the arrest, Cheryl was the first among Artem's former Dancing With The Stars colleagues to publicly address the situation. During an episode of her Sex, Lies and Spray Tans podcast, pro dancer Burke said she'd been left 'in complete shock' over Artem's arrest. 'I hesitate to smile right now because of the current news,' said Burke, who has considered the Russian-born star a good friend for years. 'It's just really hard for me because he was he's my family,' she continued. 'I don't know what to say here other than I hope everybody's okay.' In the aftermath of the arrest, Cheryl was the first among Artem's former Dancing With The Stars colleagues to publicly address the situation 'Brie encouraged Nikki to leave the marriage. Any sort of violence does not fly, and they were very worried about Nikki and her son,' the insider said Burke's connection to Chigvintsev predates their DWTS fame, with the star revealing that they'd literally 'grown up' together. 'We used to live together in my family's home in the Bay Area,' Burke said. 'It's so shocking. I get kind of emotional. My heart goes out to everyone involved,' Burke concluded. Meanwhile, Artem's DWTS co-star Maksim Chmerkovskiy has decided to hold off on condemning Artem, stating that the allegations don't match the man he knows, but he will hold Artem accountable if they're true. The dance pro discussed his friend and former costar on The TMZ Podcast, revealing that he texted Artem after hearing about the arrest. Maksim said he is confident that the Artem he knows wouldnt harm a woman, but he told him that if he did hit Nikki Bella, he needs to take responsibility. While he can imagine various scenarios, he prefers not to rush to judgment since he wasn't there. He also expressed support for Nikki, wishing her well during their difficult divorce. Regarding Artem's potential return to DWTS, Maksim stated that if it's based solely on skill, he should return, but he seemed less certain if the allegations against Artem are proven true. Insiders told DailyMail.com that Artem has to be supervised 'if and when' he wants to see his young son Matteo, four His arrest which reportedly happened after Nikki threw shoes at him came days after he and Nikki celebrated their second wedding anniversary; they are seen in 2017 The podcast comes after Artem, who briefly removed and then re-added Nikki from his Instagram profile, has responded to her divorce filing by citing 'irreconcilable differences.' He listed August 29 as the separation date, which coincides with his arrest for felony domestic violence following an alleged altercation at their home. In addition to seeking joint custody of their son Matteo, he is requesting spousal support and that Nikki cover his legal fees. The move follows sources telling DailyMail.com that Chigvintsev is desperately trying to salvage the marriage. Keith Urban shut down an interviewer who asked about his wife Nicole Kidman following her mother Janelle's death two weeks ago. Janelle Kidman passed away aged 84 earlier this month with the announcement coming just hours before her daughter Nicole, 57, was awarded Best Actress for her role in Babygirl at the Venice Film Festival. The Australian actress was forced to leave Venice Film Festival to return to her native Sydney to be with her family. Speaking with The Times in a profile published on Friday, Keith provided little insight into how his wife and their family were handling the devastating news. 'Yeah, everybody's good, man. Thank you for asking,' the 56-year-old told The Times journalist Ed Potton in an article published on Friday. But the country rocker then shut down the writer, refusing to address his mother-in-law's death or Nicole's emotional state. 'I just don't want to give you guys a headline about my wife, Ed,' he continued. Janelle died just hours before Nicole was awarded Best Actress for her role in Babygirl on the final day of Venice Film Festival. Keith Urban shut down an interviewer who asked about his wife Nicole Kidman following her mother Janelle's death two weeks ago 'Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed,' Nicole revealed in a statement read by director Halina Reijn upon her win. 'I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her, she shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. 'I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken. We love you all.' One week later, Nicole broke her silence and made an heart-wrenching Instagram statement alongside several never-before-seen photos of the matriarch. In her post, the Perfect Couple star thanked her millions of fans and supporters for expressing their condolences during their time of grieving. Janelle Kidman passed away aged 84 earlier this month. Pictured with Nicole Kidman in 2018 Speaking with The Times in a profile published on Friday, Keith provided little insight into how his wife and their family were handling the devastating news 'My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,' Nicole wrote in the joint statement. 'Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express. Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other.' In an interview with the Fresh Air podcast in January 2022, Nicole spoke briefly about her mother's health issues after temporarily moving back to Sydney to support her. Her comments came as she told how she had taken Janelle to the Art Gallery of New South Wales after hours, where they saw the Matisse: Life & Spirit exhibition, describing it as a 'soothing balm' amid the Covid-19 pandemic. 'We're down here primarily to take care of my mother and to have her surrounded by her grandchildren,' she said. 'So luckily yesterday, even though Omicron is raging through this country, we were able to take her into the gallery after hours and show her the Matisse exhibit, which coming from a mother who's raised me in the arts, it was soothing balm. Matisse was soothing balm last night.' Janelle died just hours before Nicole was awarded Best Actress for her role in Babygirl on the final day of Venice Film Festival Nicole has long had an incredibly close relationship with her beloved mother Janelle and often spoke about her support and influence on her career over the years. Nicole was born in Honolulu and raised in Sydney by Janelle and her psychologist father Antony, who died in September 2014. After spending time in the United States, the Moulin Rouge star and her younger sister Antonia spent much of their childhood in Sydney. Nicole pursued her passion for acting when she was a teenager and was supported by both of her parents as she soared to global fame. They both remained closely involved with her career over the years, with Nicole recently admitting she would still go to her mother for advice. After the news of her mother's death, Nicole has travelled back to Australia to be with her family, including her sister Antonia. Pictured in April Nicole Kidman (right) broke her silence one week after announcing the death of her mother, Janelle (centre). Pictured with Antonia Kidman (left) 'My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,' Nicole wrote in the joint statement In November, the Big Little Lies star told how she would often ask her mother Janelle for advice on her outfits, despite working with a whole string of professional stylists. In a sign of their close bond, Nicole told People: 'My mother is still she's so involved in what I wear.' Nicole is known for her daring fashion choices but told how it was her mother and grandmother who first fostered her love for clothes. 'I love fashion. I've always loved fashion,' she gushed while speaking at the Planet Omega pop-up launch in New York. 'I grew up as a little girl with a grandmother that loved fashion and could sew and my mother the same. They loved beautiful clothes. They could make beautiful clothes,' she went on. 'I watched them sew, embroider, and knit, crochet. And I think when you grow up seeing the people in your household do that, then you love that.' Nicole was never shy of gushing over her affections for Janelle, sharing a touching tribute on her mother's 82nd birthday last year. Taking to Instagram, she posted a gallery of photographs of herself and her family celebrating with Janelle at a party and penned some sweet words in a caption. 'Happy birthday, mumma. You are so loved by all of us,' Nicole wrote. She had also taken the time to send her mother birthday well wishes while on the Oscars red carpet in Los Angeles with her husband Keith Urban. 'It's my mum's birthday today. Happy Birthday, mama. We love you soo much,' Nicole said to the camera. 'We did a party for her when we were back in Sydney. She is the heartbeat of our family, so we love you, mama.' In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald in May 2020, Nicole also spoke about missing her mother while living abroad in the United States. Nicole had an equally close bond with her father Antony and was left devastated when he died of a heart attack in September 2014 at the age of 75 (they are pictured in 2005) 'I would love to be able to have a cup of tea with Mum and sit on the balcony and talk about life, and have her tell me what I should be doing,' she said at the time. Nicole had an equally close relationship with her father Antony and was left devastated when he died of a heart attack in September 2014 at the age of 75. The Oscar-winning actress previously revealed that the 'sudden' death of her father, as well as a string of other losses, had deeply affected her. 'I've been given death as a very sudden thing. I've not nursed someone through a slow death, I've just had people taken,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald in 2020. 'I've now had it happen repeatedly, I almost get scared saying it because I get terrified it's going to happen again. I still have a lot of fear of that.' Salma Hayek marked her daughter Valentina's 17th birthday with a touching tribute, sharing a series of nostalgic throwback photos of her look-alike. The 58-year-old actress who recently celebrated her own milestone with stunning bikini shots used the occasion to reflect on Valentinas 'last birthday at home' in an emotional Instagram post on Saturday. The post featured a collection of videos and photos showcasing Valentina's journey from childhood, highlighting moments with her husband, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault. One photo shows Valentina in the backseat of a car with playful cat face paint, while another features her grinning with plastic fangs. A third captures her adventurous side as she climbs a tree. 'My baby last birthday at home (for now) Im already having separation anxiety she makes me laugh all day, teaches me so many things, keeps me motivated, inspires in so many ways makes me want to dance sing and cook and makes life so exciting I love you sooooooooo much mi Vale,' Salma captioned the post. Salma Hayek marked her daughter Valentina's 17th birthday with a touching tribute, sharing a series of nostalgic throwback photos of her look-alike; seen March 2023 The post featured a collection of videos and photos showcasing Valentina's journey from childhood, highlighting moments with her husband, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault The mother-daughter duo share a close bond, with Valentina expressing her desire to follow in her Oscar-nominated mothers footsteps. 'I want different things, but I almost always move between four,' she told Vogue Mexico in 2023. 'I would like to be an actress and then a director because that is what makes sense in my head.' She continued: 'Also, I think it must be more difficult to be a director if you don't have experience on the other side of the screen, that could help directing.' The actress, who is also stepmother to Pinault's children Mathilde, Francois, and Augustin, has often had Valentina by her side at red carpet events and premieres, including glamorous occasions like the Oscars. In 2022, the duo took their bond to the next level, gracing the pages of Vogue MExco together for a special feature. Salma and Francois-Henri, who married in 2009, recently appeared on The Sunday Times Rich List for 2024 with a combined net worth of approximately $7.7 billion. Their fortune has decreased from around $10.1 billion in 2023, causing their rank to drop from 21st to 31st on the list. Pinault has served as the chairman and CEO of Kering since 2005, while Salma Hayek's personal net worth is estimated to exceed $125 million, thanks to her successful film career and lucrative beauty and fashion endorsements. Before meeting Salma, Francois-Henri had been previously married to Dorothee Lepere, with whom he shares two children, Francois and Mathilde. He also had a brief relationship with supermodel Linda Evangelista, with whom he has a son, Augustin. The 58-year-old actress who recently celebrated her own milestone with stunning bikini shots used the occasion to reflect on Valentinas 'last birthday at home' in an emotional Instagram post on Saturday One photo shows Valentina in the backseat of a car with playful cat face paint, while another features her grinning with plastic fangs One snap captures her adventurous side as she climbs a tree The mother-daughter duo looked adorable in the throwbacks Salma, on the other hand, was romantically linked to actor Edward Norton. The birthday celebration also comes after Salma revealed one of the last thoughts she had when she believed she was going to die in a plane crash with her pal Penelope Cruz. Salma and fellow Hollywood star Penelope, 50, who have been friends for more than 20 years, had a terrifying experience when their plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Mexico. Penelope already had a fear of flying and the pair realised something had gone wrong when a member of the crew dashed out of the cockpit and put on an oxygen mask. During an interview for Vogue Arabia, Penelope asked Salma what she had learned from the hair-raising experience. Salma told her: 'Youve always had a fear of flying and you always give me instructions of what to do if you die in a crash!. The mother-daughter duo share a close bond Valentina has previously expressed her desire to follow in her Oscar-nominated mothers footsteps 'I want different things, but I almost always move between four,' she told Vogue Mexico in 2023. 'I would like to be an actress and then a director because that is what makes sense in my head' 'That day we were together on a flight and the plane had an emergency and had to land in the middle of nowhere in Mexico.' 'I knew it was going to happen because I saw the flight attendant coming out of the cockpit and grabbing oxygen. 'So, I took your hands and said to you that were going to be OK. There is something wrong with the plane, but I need you to calm down. And I was so proud of you because I could see you struggling to calm yourself down.' 'We could do a whole movie about this! And then you said something so beautiful that I will never forget. You said, "I thought maybe we were going to die. But we were going to die together. And we were going to be OK".' Rebecca Judd looked every inch the supermodel as she showcased several pieces from a leading Australian fashion label in Paris. Last week, the 41-year-old AFL WAG revealed she will be the new face of Melbourne label Bianca and Bridgett as the duo announce a rebrand which officially launched on Sunday. Photos from the French photo shoot show Bec modelling the label's feminine and chic pieces, including a mini dress that featured a black fitted bodice with a plunged V-dropped waist line and white full skirt. Another mini dress was fitting among the Parisian backdrop as Bec modelled the red number that had multiple 3D rose flower details at the lower panel of the skirt. A similar dress, this time floor length, had the same detail but with one large rose at Bec's hip while a thigh split featured on the same side. Bec also showed off her business side in a smart, pinstripe three-piece suit, plus a red suit that featured a plunging neckline. Standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, the former Postcards presenter rocked another mini dress that boasted a classic design with a sophisticated edge, featuring a bubble skirt, fitted panelled bodice, off-the-shoulder neckline and thin shoulder straps. The rebrand appears to follow a red, black, navy and tan brown colour scheme, with many pieces being able to be mixed and matched with skirts, trousers and jackets. Rebecca Judd looked every inch the supermodel as she showcased several pieces from a leading Australian fashion label in Paris Photos from the French photo shoot show Bec modelling the label's feminine and chic pieces, including a mini dress that featured a black fitted bodice with a plunged V-dropped waist line and white full skirt Last week, the Roccisano sisters wiped their Instagram on Monday as they announced that their brand will be going in a new direction. In a single post to their platform, the siblings say they have found 'extraordinary new partners' and will be launching a new collection in sizes 4 to 18. Bec was quick to re-share the post to her own Instagram Stories, revealing that she'll be part of the new move. 'Congrats girls. I'm proud to be the face of the rebrand' the Jaggad label owner wrote in her caption. Standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, Bec rocked a mini dress that boasted a classic design with a sophisticated edge, featuring a bubble skirt, fitted panelled bodice, a white off-the-shoulder neckline and thin shoulder straps Bec looked effortlessly chic in a black suit that had white piping down the outer pant leg and contrasting detail on the lapel... plus a red suit that featured a plunging neckline This red dress was fitting among the Parisian backdrop and had a large 3D rose at Bec's hip while a thigh split featured on the same side In June, Rebecca was living it up in Paris as she documented several luxurious activities alongside designer sisters Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano and stylist Lana Wilkinson. Bec was seen outside Hotel Plaza Athenee, enjoying a fine dining experience at Girafe, shopping at designer stores like YSL and Celine and exploring the sights like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. She spent the morning at a nine-hour shoot at several locations across the French capital for Bianca and Bridgett. On her Instagram Story, Bec praised the hair and makeup artists for the shoot after her look held in place for the entire nine hours. A similar dress, but mini, had multiple 3D rose flower details at the lower panel of the skirt Bec also showed off her business side in a smart, pinstripe three-piece suit 'Unbelievable. This was at the end of the day after 9 hours of shooting at multiple locations across Paris. Bravo!' she wrote. The label's design team have been working for over a year on the Bianca and Bridgett rebrand, announcing that Bec is the face of the new campaign. 'We have new manufacturers with an incredible quality that we are so incredibly proud of! The good news? Our price point isn't changing!' they revealed in an Instagram post. 'We wanted to celebrate this launch in a special way! We thought a beautiful new collection needs a magnificent campaign which we thought was only fitting to shoot in our favourite city, Paris!' Bec modelled a stunning black strapless gown that had detachable white puff sleeves The same dress is also available in baby pink It comes months after Bec hinted at a number of exciting career opportunities coming her way in the future. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia during a trip to celebrate Virgin Australia's new direct flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Uluru, the model revealed she will soon be announcing a new chapter in her life. 'I've got some good things coming up. I can't say anything now, in another month or two,' she said. 'It will pretty much take up all my time. I won't have time for other things.' The social media star and businesswoman shares four children - daughter Billie, nine, son Oscar, 12, and twin sons Darcy and Tom, seven, with her ex-AFL star husband Chris. The brunette bombshell balances her busy life as a designer and influencer with raising her kids. Bec flaunted a black and white maxi length fitted halter neck dress that crosses over at the neckline This stylish, short-sleeved mini dress features contrasting detail at the sleeves, hem, welt pockets and finished with contrasting buttons at the centre front Naomi Watts has shared a glimpse into some quality time she shared with her eldest child, son Sasha. The 55-year-old British-Australian actress took to her Instagram Stories over the weekend to share a sweet photo of herself and the 17-year-old while out for a walk in New York City. Her teenage son, who she shares with ex Liev Schreiber, towered over the King Kong actress as they posed for a candid snap. The mother-son duo both wore black tops, with Naomi accessorising with a chunky gold pendant. The Mulholland Drive actress completed her look with statement sunglasses and smiled as she took the selfie. Meanwhile, Sasha dressed casually in a simple black T-shirt. Alongside the sweet photo, the actress wrote, 'Saturdays with my boy, Sasha Schreiber.' Naomi and Liev, 56, started dating in 2005, and welcomed their two kids, Sasha in 2007 and Kai, 15, in 2008. Naomi Watts has shared a glimpse into some quality time she shared with her eldest child, son Sasha. Both pictured The couple split in 2016, with Naomi tying the knot with her Gypsy co-star Billy Crudup in June 2023 and Liev marrying Taylor Niesen in July 2023. Both Naomi and Liev have maintained an amicable relationship as they co-parent their children. Liev and Naomi were together for 11 years before they broke up in 2016 - a development eclipsed by the much more publicly acrimonious divorce of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie around the same time. By contrast, Liev and Naomi retained such an amicable co-parenting equation that they went into self-isolation together with Taylor during the coronavirus lockdowns so that Sasha and Kai be with both of their parents. The 55-year-old British-Australian actress took to her Instagram Stories over the weekend to share a sweet photo of herself and the 17-year-old while out for a walk in New York City Naomi shares Sasha and Kai (second from right) with ex Liev Schreiber, 56, who is now married to Taylor Neisen (right) Naomi previously revealed that Sasha (and her other child Kai) has developed an interest in acting, but she admitted she was ambivalent about it. 'It seems they've got the bug,' said Naomi, confessing that she harbours 'mixed feelings' about her children becoming performers, via Net-a-Porter. The Ring star also noted that her children have been given the opportunity to pursue their interest at performance arts camps. 'Hashtag not my childhood,' she joked at the time. Married At First Sight's Domenica Calarco has found love again. The reality TV personality, 31, has officially gone public with her new romance, sharing a loved-up snap on Instagram with Bondi skater Jarod Bogunovich. After taking a few months off from the public eye to focus on her mental health, Domenica looks happier than ever as she posed arm-in-arm with her new beau. The couple, enjoying the stunning backdrop of Bondi's iconic Icebergs restaurant, looked relaxed and effortlessly stylish for the romantic outing. Domenica wore a chic oversized brown blazer, showing off her toned legs with black stiletto heels, while Jarod kept things casual in a white T-shirt, light blue jeans, and white sneakers, with a red jumper casually draped over his shoulders. The couple wasn't alone for the nightone of Domenica's cousins from Croatia joined them for dinner, making the evening a family affair. While little is known about Jarod, he's no stranger to the local Bondi scene, as he's followed by high-profile comedians including Chris Lilley and Jesse Noonan. The laid-back skater has clearly caught Domenica's eye, offering her a fresh start after a difficult few months. Married At First Sight's Domenica Calarco has found love again. The reality TV personality, 31, has officially gone public with her new romance, sharing a loved-up snap on Instagram with Bondi skater Jarod Bogunovich. Both pictured While little is known about Jarod (pictured), he's no stranger to the local Bondi scene, as he's followed by high-profile comedians including Chris Lilley and Jesse Noonan Domenica has been open about her recent struggles with mental health, revealing earlier this year that she took some time off to focus on her well-being. Domenica revealed the depths of her struggle, describing a moment when she realised she needed more help than her friends and family could provide. 'It was a moment where I just was in a sadness that I'd never felt before,' Domenica shared. Jarod has been nothing but supportive of Domenica, recently taking to his Instagram channel to share photos of Dom from a recent shoot 'And things that would generally make me happy, like my dog or having my morning coffee, those little things couldn't even get me out of it. I just knew I needed a circuit breaker.' Calarco admitted she was in such a dark place that she didn't want to be here anymore. Reflecting on where she was just four months ago, she expressed disbelief at how far she has come. 'It's really sad even when I think back to four months ago where I was at I'm a changed person now.' Domenica has been open about her recent struggles with mental health, revealing earlier this year that she took some time off to focus on her well-being 'I think I'm still dealing with the anxieties and the depression, like I feel like that'll be my journey for a while. But having all of those new tools in my tool kit now to help me through is just, oh my god, it's amazing.' Living in the public eye has only added to the pressure, Domenica admitted, but she has found solace in the very platform that often draws criticism. 'People are really quick to judge and say get off social media, get out of the limelight,' she explained. 'But hang on, this is a career that I've chosen and that I really enjoy. And social media has actually been a great part of my healing.' The former makeup artist shared her harrowing journey through depression and anxiety in a candid interview on the Today Extra earlier this month Domenica revealed that group therapy during her stay in the mental health ward was a turning point for her, and she now uses her social media platforms as a form of extended group therapy, where she fosters a safe space for her followers to share their struggles. 'I've built this really amazing community on there, and it's something I'm very proud of,' she said, highlighting the positives of social media in contrast to its often negative reputation. Looking to the future, Domenica is determined to use her platform to make a difference in the mental health space. She acknowledged how fortunate she was to have access to private health insurance, which allowed her to receive the care she needed, but she expressed concern for those who are not as privileged. 'Being in a mental health ward, knowing how hard it was to even get into one I think Australia really has a lot to learn when it comes to mental health,' she said. Domenica also touched on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, noting how it exacerbates mental health struggles. Domenica revealed that group therapy during her stay in the mental health ward was a turning point for her, and she now uses her social media platforms as a form of extended group therapy, where she fosters a safe space for her followers to share their struggles She called for greater focus on equipping people with the tools to help those in need. 'I really want to partner with a charity We need to focus on that mental health first aid,' she urged. 'If your friend, your wife, your sister comes to you and says I'm really not struggling, we don't have the tools to help that person. To triage them.' As she continues her own healing journey, Domenica is committed to sharing her story in the hope that it will help others. 'Just being open and vulnerable I know that it helps so many people. And if sharing my story can help one person, then I'm just going to keep doing it.' For those struggling with mental health, help is available. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 MBABANE Be warned! Government, through the Office of Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, has advised emaSwati, especially the youth, against attending the upcoming event set to be attended by exiled former Member of Parliamet (MP) Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane towards the end of the year. In July this year, the former MP announced that he will visit neighbouring South Africa on November 2, 2024 and be in attendance at an event organised by his party, the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO). The event has been dubbed The Gathering of the Nation and is set to be held at KaMhlushwa in Mpumalanga. Last month, Simelane announced that he has been granted a conventional travel document by the United Kingdom (UK). A convention travel document allows the holder to travel from the UK and re-enter without an issue upon returning. Excitement But while his fans have shown excitement at his coming, based on their reactions on different platforms on social media, the government spokesperson has issued a strong warning. This comes at a time when other fans of the exiled for MP have raised fears that government could use the opportunity to arrest him. In a statement issued yesterday, Nxumalo said government has no authoritative information that indeed Simelane will be in South Africa, save for what has been published in the media. Nxumalo said besides, government is not in a position to disclose public yet as to what strategic or tactical plans are in place to effect the pending warrant of arrest against Simelane and where and how it will be executed. Contemplating He said, however, government wishes to warn emaSwati who may be contemplating or considering to attend the event and others, that they will be exposing themslves to a toxic, dangerous and polarising political environment disguised as a Christian or Spiritual event.This is especially because it is obvious that the target audience that is being canvassed and hoodwinked to attend the event is the youthful one. Mobilisation This event apparently will be yet another form of mobilisation for a similar Kungahlwa Kwenile tragedy. There is no doubt about how it will end-jeopardy, said the government spokesperson. Nxumalo also urged parents and guardians to ensure that Simelane and his accomplices are not allowed to use the youth in another revolutionary adventurism that will cripple and destroy their respective potential future. Rumours Our message is simply that, stay away from events that have the potential to attract tinkhabi as we are hearing rumours that they will invade the Kamhlushwa stadium on that particular day, he said. When sought for comment, Simelane, who is SWALIMO President, said in their view, Nxumalo has articulated what is being said by the government behind closed doors. Simelane said unfortunately, there is no amount of intimidation, propaganda and or manipulation that work to stop emaSwati from attending the event. We cannot come this far to stop now. The prayer goes on. From this, we understand that a government is salivating for the impossible, there is no way they will effect the so-called warrant of arrest, he said. Protocols Elaborating, Simelane said the statement by Nxumalo proves that the spokesperson is not privy to international protocols. He speaks of polarisation and toxicity, what could be worse than the daily toxic situation emaSwati live in at present? The purpose of the prayer is exactly that, praying against the toxic situation we find ourselves in as people, and the youth will converge in numbers at Kamhlushwa, he said. He said the opinion of Nxumalo on the gathering does not matter that much, as the people who matter are confirming that they are coming and the numbers are great. Monumental After November 2, our country shall never be the same again. There is power in prayer. This shall be a monumental and historic day, he said. When he announced the event in July, Simelane said it was all about uniting all emaSwati who want democratic change since they cannot be allowed to gather in the Kingdom of Eswatini.He vowed that all talk at the event will be directed to God and that by the end of the year, there will be a huge change in the country. Also, he said his political party will engage certain institutions, one of them being the United States Embassy to enquire about a petition that was delivered over two years ago. He said since the general elections have been concluded in South Africa, SWALIMO will make sure to mobilise the political parties of the neighbouring country in calling for a democratic Eswatini. Refugee asylum According to Simelane, an anticipated huge turnout at the upcoming event will convince the people of South Africa that emaSwati want change. It should be noted that early this year, this publication reported that Simelane had been granted a refugee asylum stay in the UK for the next five years.Before that, Simelane fled the country and shared that he was in the UK in a quest to spread the word about the alleged human rights violations in Eswatini. The Bachelor's Jimmy Nicholson and Holly Kingston have taken to Instagram to reveal the gender of their soon-to-arrive bundle of joy. In an exciting post shared on Sunday, the reality TV stars announced they are expecting a baby boy, and the news was met with overwhelming joy from friends. The couple were seated in a stylish outdoor setting, surrounded by lush greenery, visibly ecstatic as they hold up an envelope revealing the baby's gender. Jimmy, looking dashing in a crisp white t-shirt and beige trousers, has an expression of shock and excitement on his face. Beside him, Holly, glowing with happiness, covers her face with her hands in a delighted reaction. Their post was quickly flooded with congratulatory messages from Bachelor friends and fellow reality stars. Among the first to chime in was fellow Bachelor star Laura Byrne, who wrote, 'Firat Bachi boyyyy!!!!! So happy for you both,' alongside several celebratory emojis. Matty J and Brittany Hockley also shared their joy, with comments like 'YTB!' and 'Congrats guys.' The Bachelor 's Jimmy Nicholson and Holly Kingston have taken to Instagram to reveal the gender of their soon-to-arrive bundle of joy. Both pictured In an exciting post shared on Sunday, the reality TV stars announced they are expecting a baby boy, and the news was met with overwhelming joy from friends It's been a big year for Jimmy and Holly who announced they're expecting their first child back in June. The lovebirds announced the news alongside a gallery of beachside photos of the beaming couple. 'Coming 2024,' they wrote alongside a hatching chick emoji. It wasn't long before the news was inundated with well wishers. The Bachelor's Osher Gunsberg appeared to take credit for the couple's pregnancy, with the former host writing, 'You're welcome' alongside a red love heart emoji. The lovebirds announced the news of their pregnancy alongside a gallery of beachside photos of the beaming couple in June Jimmy and Holly fell in love on the 2021 season of The Bachelor Australia, and the pair went on to tie the knot at his parent's house in Sydney in August 2023 'Congrats guys enjoy your last few months of freedom before you enter hell! Just kidding, parenting is great,' added Matty 'J' Johnson. 'It's out!! Woohoooo. So excited for you both. Love you! Congratulations x,' wrote Married At First Sight's Jules Robinson. Jimmy and Holly fell in love on the 2021 season of The Bachelor Australia. The pair moved into an apartment together in North Bondi in September that year, shortly after The Bachelor finale aired on TV. Tom Cruise was seen with his agent Maha Dakhil as they arrived together in London in his helicopter on Sunday. It comes almost a year after the A-list Hollywood agent stepped down from her leadership roles at the Creative Artists Agency for sharing a social media post accusing Israel of genocide. Maha, 49, resigned from her role at the internal board of CAA after she shared the inflammatory post on Instagram amid the Israel and Hamas conflict. Despite this she still manages Tom, 62, and she has joined him on his most recent trip to London where they arrived at Battersea heliport in style. The trained pilot looked in great spirits as arrived on the capital, as did Maha, as the pair strolled with their arms around one another. Tom Cruise was seen with his agent Maha Dakhil as they arrived together in London in his helicopter on Sunday It comes almost a year after the A-list Hollywood agent stepped down from her leadership roles at the Creative Artists Agency for sharing a social media post accusing Israel of genocide Maha, 49, resigned from her role at the internal board of CAA after she shared the inflammatory post on Instagram amid the Israel and Hamas conflict The controversial agent who also represents major stars including Dakota Johnson, Madonna and Natalie Portman offered to resign from the board of CAA at the end of last year after the Instagram post. The agent, who is half Libyan, shared a post on her Instagram stories from an account that goes by FreePalestine and shared its take on the October 7 attacks on Israel. The post partly read: 'You're learning who supports genocide.' 'That's the line for me,' Dakhil wrote alongside the post. 'What's more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial that genocide is happening,' Dakhil wrote in a second Instagram post. A source told The Ankler that Dakhil tried to organize a meeting with some of her Jewish colleagues to further explain and apologize, but several of the co-workers were so furious they refused to attend, an allegation that has since been refuted. The agency confirmed that she also stepped down from her position as co-head of the motion picture department. Since then however she has been promoted to Managing Director of the agency. Dakhil deleted the messages shortly after posting them and apologized in a statement to Variety, saying: 'I made a mistake with a repost in my Instagram Story, which used hurtful language. 'Like so many of us, I have been reeling with heartbreak. I pride myself on being on the side of humanity and peace. Despite this she still manages Tom, 62, and she has joined him on his most recent trip to London where they arrived at Battersea heliport in style The trained pilot looked in great spirits as arrived on the capital, as did Maha, as the pair strolled with their arms around one another The controversial agent who also represents major stars including Dakota Johnson , Madonna and Natalie Portman offered to resign from the board of CAA at the end of last year after the Instagram post The agent, who is half Libyan, shared a post on her Instagram stories from an account that goes by FreePalestine and shared its take on the October 7 attacks on Israel. The post partly read: 'You're learning who supports genocide' 'That's the line for me,' Dakhil wrote alongside the post. 'What's more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial that genocide is happening,' Dakhil wrote in a second Instagram A source told The Ankler that Dakhil tried to organize a meeting with some of her Jewish colleagues to further explain and apologize, but several of the co-workers were so furious they refused to attend, an allegation that has since been refuted. The agency confirmed that she also stepped down from her position as co-head of the motion picture department Dakhil deleted the messages shortly after posting them and apologized in a statement to Variety, saying: 'I made a mistake with a repost in my Instagram Story, which used hurtful language' 'I'm so grateful to Jewish friends and colleagues who pointed out the implications and further educated me. I immediately took the repost down. I'm sorry for the pain I have caused.' But the posts had made their way around the Hollywood community, Variety reported, and many of her colleagues at CAA were reportedly 'offended and saddened.' Dakhil addressed her comments again on Instagram, writing: 'Choice of words is important. Dialogue is healing. As each excruciating day passes, I'm listening and learning more from my friends. Thank you. 'I'm holding all our families in my prayers I am grieving for everyone who is suffering right now. I continue to mourn all innocent lives. My mission is peace.' CAA, arguably the most powerful agency in Hollywood, issued its own statement supporting Israel after the October 7 attacks. The company said it 'stands with the people of Israel, the Jewish community, and all innocent victims in the face of horrific acts of terrorism. For those with family, friends, or loved ones living in or connected to Israel and the region, our thoughts are with you. We wish for peace for all people.' Dakhil also works as an agent for Madonna, Anne Hathaway and Steven Spielberg, and signed former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground. But the posts had made their way around the Hollywood community, Variety reported, and many of her colleagues at CAA were reportedly 'offended and saddened' CAA, arguably the most powerful agency in Hollywood, issued its own statement supporting Israel after the October 7 attacks Tom dressed for the cooler weather in a padded navy jacket and jumper He dressed the look down with jeans and a black shoes and carried a rucksack with him He helped her down from the helicopter after they landed She wore a stylish black coat and jeans He sheilded his eyes from the sun as they landed in London They then headed to a waiting car after landing at the heliport A beloved Emmerdale star who tragically died last year has left 63,000 in his will. Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle, in the soap, died in December aged 77. The soap star had played his character for almost 30 years and was a well-known face on screen. In his will it was revealed that he left the proceeds of his acting career to his family. The veteran actor had originally joined the village in 1994 and reportedly earned as much as 200,000 a year during his stint, according to The Sun. Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle, in the soap, died in December aged 77 and it's now been revealed he left his wife and daughter 63,000 The veteran actor had originally joined the village in 1994 and reportedly earned as much as 200,000 a year during his stint, according to The Sun (pictured with actress Jane Cox) Steve's role on Emmerdale as Zak Dingle was only meant to be temporary but he quickly became an integral character and was loved by fans of the show (pictured with Danny Miller, left) Stars of the show can get up to 2,000 per episode but official documents reveal that the star only had 63,000 to his name. The actor was also living at the St Helenas Caravan Park in Horsforth, near Leeds, before his death last year. In Steve's will he left all the proceeds from his acting career including future royalties to his second wife and widow Valerie and his daughter Charlotte, 40. Steve married Valerie in 1984 before he found fame on Emmerdale and after splitting briefly in the 1990s, reconciled and had a long marriage. The soap actor battled alcoholism and depression during his life and believed he could be suffering with bipolar disorder but admitted he had never been officially diagnosed. He gave a candid confession about this in his autobiography If the Cap Fits: My Rocky Road to Emmerdale. The star entered rehab in 2003 to combat his alcohol addiction. Steve married Valerie in 1984 before he found fame on Emmerdale and splitting briefly in the 1990s, reconciled and had a long marriage (pictured together in 2008) The soap actor battled alcoholism and depression during his life and believed he could be suffering with bipolar disorder (pictured on 2014) He also fell in trouble with the law and at one point he was arrested for sleeping rough in an empty government building in London. Steve shared: 'I was sent to Ashford remand prison for two weeks and then I was put on probation and sent home.' Speaking to The Mirror in 2014, he opened about his demons, saying: 'There's depression, drinking and having to fight your way out of situations. I've lived all those things and more.' Steve told the TV Times: 'I can see a pattern to me leading to playing Zak. I went on a journey and it seemed to be my destiny to play this man who I understood. 'Everything the Dingles had been through, I had too trouble with the police, fighting, being evicted. And if there were any aspects of Zak's life I hadn't lived, I knew people who had.' Before launching his acting career, Steve was an apprentice at the cotton and paper mills in Bury, Lancashire, where he was born. He later honed his craft at the Mountview Theatre School in Peckham, South London, of which Dame Judi Dench is the president. Before landing his role in Emmerdale, Steve starred on shows such as Here I Stand, Heartbeat and Coronation Street. Steve's role on Emmerdale as Zak Dingle was only meant to be temporary but he quickly became an integral character and was loved by fans of the show. The iconic character was known for his flat cap, wellies and wax jacket and he featured in a number of dramatic storylines, including divorcing his first wife Nellie, played by Sandra Gough, and marrying Lisa, portrayed by Jane Cox. He failed to find a connection when he was paired with 'bridezilla' Tayla Winter on Married At First Sight in 2023. But it seems like Hugo Armstrong hasn't given up on his journey to find love. The IT account executive, 33, has made a surprise appearance as one of suitors looking for love on popular TikTok star Olan Tekkers' dating series, Pop The Balloon. In a surprise twist, Hugo has been revealed as one of the suitors on the hit series, which is quickly gaining popularity for its unconventional approach to matchmaking. Unlike typical dating shows, Pop The Balloon has contestants evaluate each other's looks, personality, and compatibilityall with one unique twist: they must decide whether to pop a balloon and eliminate a potential partner as they go through a series of questions and interactions. Some participants pop the balloon based purely on initial impressions, while others wait for deeper conversations before making their decision. If neither person pops their balloon by the end, the couple goes on a date. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, host Tekkers opened up about the inspiration behind the show. He failed to find a connection when he was paired with 'bridezilla' Tayla Winter on MAFS in 2023. But it seems like Hugo Armstrong (pictured) hasn't given up on his journey to find love The IT account executive, 33, has made a surprise appearance as one of suitors looking for love on popular TikTok star Olan Tekkers' dating series, Pop The Balloon 'I wanted to help dating in 2024, especially since people really struggle to meet each other,' he said. 'The idea was to create a space where contestants can connect and have fun while getting feedback and moving forward'. Tekkers also teased that viewers can expect more familiar faces from shows like MAFS and Love Island making appearances on the show. Unlike typical dating shows, Pop The Balloon has contestants evaluate each other's looks, personality, and compatibilityall with one unique twist: they must decide whether to pop a balloon and eliminate a potential partner as they go through a series of questions and interactions 'We're bringing in contestants that people already know and loveor love to hate,' he added with a laugh. Hugo's pairing with Hobart-based Winter on MAFS was anything but smooth, with tensions running high between the two from the outset. The bridezilla label came after a string of fiery confrontations and heated exchanges, leaving Hugo at a loss for love. James Argent looked more loved-up than ever with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson as the couple went Instagram official during a lavish getaway in St Tropez. The former TOWIE star, 36, seemed besotted with his former Miss Sweden love as the pair enjoyed a romantic date night. The couple looked happier than ever as they cosied up a the dinner and coordinated in their purple outfits. James looked dapper in a purple open collar shirt while model Nicoline, 31, stunned in a matching lilac plunging maxi dress. The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other as they were seen dancing in another video before packing on the PDA and kissing. James Argent looked more loved-up than ever with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson as the couple went Instagram official during a lavish getaway in St Tropez The former TOWIE star, 36, seemed besotted with his former Miss Sweden love as the pair enjoyed a romantic date night The reality star gushed: 'I honestly started to think that it might not happen for me but I found you and everything changed! I love you'. Nicoline won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch. She was also asked to take part in the French version The Bacherlorette but declined to focus on her studies. Rumours swirled on the pair's romance after James liked a picture of Nicoline shared to her Instagram at the World Vision Gala last month. Sharing a snap of herself in a navy satin one-shoulder wrap dress, complete with a high-leg split, Nicoline wrote: 'It's an absolute pleasure to be apart of this years WORLD VISION GALA to help everyone come together for a greater cause! 'Huge thank you to everyone who attended for all the support and contributions! 2011 I was crowned as Miss Sweden and it's a Title I've forever cherished and honored for its deep purpose.' It is James's first relationship since splitting from his ex Stella Turian last November. In March, Arg told the My Dirty Laundry podcast that he really struggled on Valentine's day because of his single status - and had to stay off social media because it got him down so much. Having tackled his demons, staying sober for two years and losing 15 stone in weight, James said: 'I'm in a really good place. Everything in my life is perfect, apart from my love life. It would be nice if that would change. The couple couldn't keep their hands off each other as they were seen dancing in another video before packing on the PDA and kissing The couple looked happier than ever as they enjoyed dinner and coordinated in their purple outfits The reality star gushed: 'I honestly started to think that it might not happen for me but I found you and everything changed! I love you' Nicoline, 31, won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch 'I'll be completely honest, this year I really struggled on Valentine's Day. I remember, I woke up and thought, I am not going to look at social media. 'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew it's not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend. 'But, I couldn't help it. There was times where I'd just have a little glance and all you would see was couples. Everyone's madly in love. Everyone's happy. 'Everyone's out on dates. There's flowers, there's balloons, there's chocolates,there's date nights or trips or happily married couples - and yeah, it did start to affect me a little bit.' But James has said that rather than wallow in misery, he tried to go out to make himself feel better, but a trip to the shops didnt' help the situation at all. He said: 'I thought, I'm gonna get out the house and a food shop and I went to my local supermarket and what made things a million times worse, every single aisle that I looked at was a Valentine's Day dine-in meal for two... James broke up with Stella, 16 year his junior, in November after a year-long romance and said 'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew social media was not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend. Before that, James dated his former TOWIE co-star Lydia Bright - they were childhood sweethearts and dated on and off between 2008-2016 and he now credits her as being one of his best friends (pictured in 2011) 'It was starters, main, dessert and a drink for 20 quid. And I was like, 'oh no', it just absolutely, it just got to me. 'But I went to bed that night, had a good night's sleep and then the next day I was fine. I was happy again, I was fine. 'So it just goes to show you that you can have good days, you can have bad days, you can have days where you're feeling a certain way. 'If you get a good night's sleep, the next day is always a new day and it wasn't that bad. For some reason, Valentine's Day this year, I didn't think it would even bother me, but it wasn't a great experience.' Petra Ecclestone was snapped looking chic after a dinner date out in Santa Monica on Saturday night - after speaking out about a concerning skin cancer scare on Wednesday. The F1 heiress, 35, looked stylish in a knit long-sleeve black jumper teamed with smart grey wide-leg trousers. The model added elegant black stiletto and a matching small handbag, while keeping her blonde locks neat with a headband. Petra was seen exiting the Muse restaurant after enjoying a lavish meal with her husband and real estate agent Sam Palmer, 39. On Friday the socialite took to her Instagram page to reassure fans about her recovery, thanking them for the overwhelming support. Petra Ecclestone was snapped looking chic after a dinner date out in Santa Monica on Saturday night - after speaking out about a concerning skin cancer scare on Wednesday Petra was seen exiting the Muse restaurant after enjoying a lavish meal with her husband and real estate agent Sam Palmer, 39 Recording herself as she gave a surgery update, while still wearing bandages on her head, she said: 'Good morning guys, so I got loads of messages. 'I guess it was an alarming site my head being bandaged. 'I just posted it because I really want people to be careful about going the sun and having the right protection.' Petra tried to raise awareness as she continued to talk about her own experience, revealing she didn't use to care about protecting her own skin until recently. Captioning her latest clip, she penned: 'Thank you to everyone who reached out yesterday about my story. 'Im doing well and recovering but this is your reminder to take sun damage seriously please wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds at all costs!' Earlier this week, the heiress firstly sparked concern after sharing a selfie with her head wrapped in a bandage. The media star was makeup-free in the Instagram snap as she pouted down the lens while clad in her pyjamas. And on Friday the socialite took to her Instagram page to reassure fans about her current recovery, thanking them for the overwhelming support 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. 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. 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. 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 week, the heiress firstly sparked concern after sharing a selfie with her head wrapped in a bandage Petra and husband Sam Palmer tied the knot in July 2022, enjoying a lavish ceremony at Petra's 170 million London mansion, but now live together in Los Angeles 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. Natasha Webster has lost her unborn baby, 19 weeks into her pregnancy. The former Love Island Australia star shared the devastating news to Instagram on Sunday. The 30-year-old posted an image of her ultrasound along with a teddy and a vase of flowers. 'Grieving the loss of our baby who I held for 19 weeks in my belly and forever in my heart, god has gained an angel' she wrote. The reality star had announced that she was expecting her second child less than a month ago, and asked her fans to suggest names for a baby boy. Natasha and her husband Dan Bulley already have a two-year-old son, Atlas. The pair were married last year in an 'intimate elopement' at Lake Como, Italy last . 'The day was perfect, from getting ready in our beautiful suite at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como with my mum,' the bride said at the time. Natasha Webster (pictured) has lost her unborn baby, 19 weeks into her pregnancy. The former Love Island Australia star shared the devastating news to Instagram on Sunday 'Grieving the loss of our baby who I held for 19 weeks in my belly and forever in my heart, god has gained an angel' she wrote She continued: 'To walking down the aisle with my dad to Pachelbel J. Canone in re maggiore played on the violin. 'Greeted by our gorgeous [son] Atlas then holding the hands of my handsome husband sharing our personal heart felt vows. 'I promised not to cry but I did tear up a bit knowing that Ill be spending the rest of my life with this beautiful soul.' The pair got engaged a year prior, following a luxurious trip to Singapore together to the W Hotel. The reality star had announced that she was expecting her second child less than a month ago, and asked her fans to suggest names for a baby boy Natasha and her husband Dan Bulley already have a two-year-old son, Atlas. All pictured at their wedding-themed engagement photo shoot '14/11/22 We are engaged. The most special day that I will remember forever - my best friend asked me to marry him. I'm on cloud 9,' she wrote. The couple's son Atlas was born in October, 2021. Natasha announced the pair were expecting their first child together earlier that year. She shared the exciting news to Instagram, by posting a photo of a grey plush toy and balloons. 'We are so excited to announce that I'm PREGNANT. Our little bundle of joy is arriving in spring,' she wrote. The pair were married last year in an 'intimate elopement' at Lake Como, Italy last year Natasha was eliminated from Love Island Australia early on in the first season, after failing to form a connection with any of the male contestants Natasha was eliminated from Love Island Australia early on in the first season, after failing to form a connection with any of the male contestants. At the start of the series, Natasha had openly expressed her desire to find a man who owns a boat, and also hinted at 'spending two nights' with pop star Justin Bieber. 'I was lucky enough to party with Justin. I'm not allowed to say anything. A girl doesn't kiss or tell,' she said in her introductory video. Natasha added that she prefers dating 'doctors, surgeons and millionaires' because they can afford the finer things in life. Rachel Weisz has said she 'felt terribly for Prince Andrew' while watching the Amazon drama of his Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis. The Oscar-winning actress, 54, also praised Michael Sheen's portrayal of the disgraced royal in A Very Royal Scandal which was released on Thursday. She said: 'What I love so much about the series is the empathy with which Prince Andrew is played, and the pathos and humanity in this character, which is something that the writer and Michael Sheen had to invent. 'That was an imaginative act. [I was] watching the drama and feeling just so terrible, I felt terribly for Prince Andrew.' She made the remarks at the Cliveden Literary Festival while in conversation with Maitlis, 54, who she described as her 'oldest friend'. Rachel Weisz has said she 'felt terribly for Prince Andrew' while watching the Amazon drama of his Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis The Oscar-winning actress, 54, also praised Michael Sheen's portrayal of the disgraced royal in A Very Royal Scandal which was released on Thursday The former Newsnight presenter, who acted as executive producer on the Amazon series, confessed that she called upon her Hollywood actress friend for advice. She said: 'I was calling up Rachel and saying, 'Help, this is your world, and I don't know how to deal with this'.' 'I went to Rachel, first of all, and said, 'What should I be doing? How much of myself should I give? Should I open up my freezer and let them see the vodka?' Ms Weisz, who has starred in The Mummy and The Favourite, revealed that she 'felt incredible anxiety' for her friend letting the production crew into her life. The actress said: 'Em's a deeply private person, and I suddenly got worried that your life was going to be invaded in this way, and I felt very protective. And tried to give you some advice.' In the new series, Maitlis is played by Ruth Wilson, and is seen bickering with her husband at home, making breakfast for her children, and drinking vodka from her freezer. Maitlis even gave Wilson her own jacket and a handbag to use on set. Ms Weisz added: 'We've watched each other in our respective worlds. 'My world is fiction. Your world is not, it's about finding the truth. She said: 'What I love so much about the series is the empathy with which Prince Andrew is played, and the pathos and humanity in this character, which is something that the writer and Michael Sheen had to invent' She made the remarks at the Cliveden Literary Festival while in conversation with Maitlis, 54, who she described as her 'oldest friend' The former Newsnight presenter, who acted as executive producer on the Amazon series, confessed that she called upon her Hollywood actress friend for advice The former Newsnight presenter, who acted as executive producer on the Amazon series, confessed that she called upon her Hollywood actress friend for advice Emily reflected on her history-making interview with Prince Andrew in 2019 as she appeared on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain (a scene from A Very Royal Scandal is pictured) 'I wanted you to have a sense that even though there needed to be facts investigated, that some of you needed to stay in private. So I felt protective of that.' The presenter also revealed that as a child she had 'tried to lure Rachel into a prospective career in news' but failed. Ms Weisz was accompanied at the event by her husband Daniel Craig. The 56-year-old actor looked a far cry from the slicked back hair and dinner jacket of his James Bond days. Instead he opted for a floppy-haired look, pairing stone-washed denim jeans with a leather jacket. Emily reflected on her history-making interview with Prince Andrew in 2019 as she appeared on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain. 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. Ruth (left) stars as journalist Emily Actor Michael Sheen (left) portrays the Duke Of York (right) in the new production '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.' Jack Whitehall and partner Roxy Horner enjoyed a family trip to Disneyland as they shared adorable Instagram snaps with their daughter Elsie on Sunday. The comedian, 36, was seen carrying around his baby girl, who celebrated her first birthday in September, on his shoulders as they made their way around the magical theme park. Model Roxy, 33, couldn't contain her smile in another snap as the family of three enjoyed the Dumbo ride. Roxy and Jack were also joined by Roxy's family as they posed for a group photo in front of the Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle. Captioning the posts, she wrote: 'Disneyland with 3 generations'. Jack Whitehall and partner Roxy Horner enjoyed a family trip to Disneyland as they shared Instagram snaps with their daughter Elsie and Roxy's parents on Sunday The family were seen enjoying some the attractions after travelling to France following Elsie's first birthday Jack was seen carrying around his baby girl, who the couple welcomed in September 2023, on his shoulders around the magical theme park For the fun day out, Roxy showed off her amazing figure in a beige cropped T-shirt and leggings while Jack opted for a white T-shirt and jeans. Elsewhere in the collection of photos, the couple looked more loved up than ever as Roxy planted a kiss on Jack's cheek during a date night. She looked incredibly cool in a black racer bomber jacket while Jack opted for a brown polo shirt. For the final snap, Jack beamed as he carried Elsie on his shoulders along the beach in Los Angeles. Roxy captioned the photos: 'A little trip away'. Roxy welcomed Elsie at the iconic Lindo Wing, in which a host of royals have given birth, last year, after which Jack admitted the experience was both 'utterly overwhelming' and 'joyous' in ways he 'couldn't have imagined'. The trip comes after Jack had reportedly become one of the Britain's richest comedian behind Peter Kay, Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais. The funnyman is said to have amassed a whopping 11.4M fortune, after raking in 2.3M and welcoming his first child with Roxy. Elsewhere in the collection of photos, the couple looked more loved up than ever as Roxy planted a kiss on Jack's cheek during a date night For the final snap, Jack was all smiles as he carried Elsie on his shoulders along the beach in Los Angeles It comes after the funnyman is said to have amassed a whopping 11.4M fortune, after raking in 2.3M and welcoming his first child with Roxy According to The Sun Jack's earnings are mostly thanks to his Netflix shows, including Travels With My Father in which he globe trots with grouchy dad Michael, as well as his own comedy special that debuted on the streaming service last year. Last month, the publication reported the comedian's company Jackpot Productions grew its shareholders' fund to 11,420,635 from 9,585,293 over the last year, as well as having a whopping 4.4M in the bank. A source said: 'There is no stopping Jack. Even becoming a dad hasn't slowed down his earnings and the commissions keep coming. He remains hugely likeable, and crucially his comedy appeals to advertisers as it's safe and clean... 'Leaning on the relationship he has with his grouchy dad Michael and fun-loving mum Hilary has helped take him from laddy topics to more relatable topics, too. It's hard to see a time when Jack won't be popular.' Olivia Munn and John Mulaney have welcomed a second child, a daughter born via surrogate. The couple announced the arrival of Mei June Mulaney on their Instagram accounts on Sunday with photos of the newborn. 'Mei June Mulaney came into the world September 14, 2024, the year of the dragon,' Olivia, 44, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, captioned the post. 'I had so many profound emotions about not being able to carry my daughter. When I first met our gestational surrogate we spoke mother to mother. She showed me so much grace and understanding, I knew I had found a real-life angel. Words cannot express my gratitude that she kept our baby safe for 9 months and made our dreams come true. 'I am so proud of my little plum, my little dragon for making the journey to be with us. My heart has exploded. Mei (pronounced may) means plum in Chinese.' Olivia Munn, 44, and John Mulaney, 42, have welcomed a second child, a daughter born via surrogate The couple announced the arrival of Mei June Mulaney on their Instagram accounts on Sunday with photos of the newborn The Newsroom vet shared a precious snap of her with her baby girl in her arms Mulaney, 42, announced her arrival with his own post, sharing the same images along with an adorable video of him burping the newborn as she lay against his shoulder. 'Mei June Mulaney came into the world September 14, 2024, the year of the dragon,' he captioned the post. 'We stole so much stuff from the hospital. I love my little girl so much. 'Mei (pronounced may) means plum in Chinese.' The couple are now parents of two - in addition to baby Mei, they also share two-year-old son Malcolm. The sweet photos they shared also included a snap of Malcolm, wearing a rocket outfit, as his mother doted on him. His father held Mei as he enjoyed their waterfront views. Olivia and John began dating in 2021 before tying the knot over the summer in an intimate ceremony. The former Newsroom star revealed in March of this year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2023, and since then she has undergone four surgeries - including a double mastectomy and hysterectomy - with the treatment putting her into medically induced menopause. The sweet photos they shared also included a snap of their son Malcolm, two, wearing a rocket outfit, as his mother doted on him. His father held Mei as he enjoyed their waterfront views. John's post included an adorable video of him burping the newborn as she lay against his shoulder The couple welcomed their first son Malcolm in November 2021 She previously revealed she had frozen her eggs and undergone egg retrieval in the hopes of expanding her family with John. In an exclusive interview with Good Morning America's Michael Strahan, the X-Men: Apocalypse actress confirmed that she made the decision to go through a round of egg retrieval because she and John 'weren't done growing our family.' 'John and I talked about it. Right after the double mastectomy I went through a round of egg retrieval. That's scary because I have a cancer that feeds off of hormones so I knew there was a risk,' Olivia explained to Michael, whose daughter Isabella was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in October 2023. 'Our doctor said, "look, we're going to get one for you and then we're going to call it". Then the doctor called and he said, "hey, we got the results back, it's two healthy embryos". We just started bawling crying, both of us.' 'I really just hope it works out for us to have another baby. We just want one more. I'm not going to ask for too much more in this life, I promise. I just want one more baby,' Olivia said. Referring to the treatment, the mother-of-one continued: 'The hormone suppression therapy is brutal. It gave me next level debilitating exhaustion, I was in bed all day long, all day long. My quality of life was so minimal. I wasn't able to be there for my baby.' When Michael asked if Malcolm had 'noticed a change' in his mother, Olivia replied: 'Yeah. I mean, whenever Malcolm would come home, he would run to my bed because that's where he knows I am. 'That's what he associated with me, that was just too difficult for me to take. I had to find out if there was another option so I opted to do the hysterectomy with the ovariectomy. Almost immediately after that my energy just came back full force,' she added. She previously revealed she had frozen her eggs and undergone egg retrieval in the hopes of expanding her family with John Olivia revealed in March of this year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2023. She has since then she has undergone four surgeries - including a double mastectomy - with the treatment putting her into medically induced menopause Munn previously said she intended to use a surrogate for her second child during an interview with Vogue where she revealed she had undergone a hysterectomy. 'When you're pregnant with your own baby, its like teamworkyou and the baby working together to make their little life come true,' she said. 'Youre doing all this work to eat well, try to not have anxiety, just do all the right things during the pregnancy. With a surrogate, you have to try to go find a version of yourself somewhere out in the world. 'Somebody that you trust as much as yourself to live their life as a pregnant woman the same way that you would. But a surrogate isnt a scary prospect to me anymore because theres nothing I can do. 'I dont have the ability to carry a baby anymore, so if we want to build our family, this is our option.' 'This journey has made me realize how grateful I am to have options for not only fighting cancer, but also having more children if we want, because I know a lot of people dont have those options.' Mulaney and Munn took fans by surprise in July when they announced they had secretly tied the knot in New York City. The pair were first linked as an item in May 2021. Munn and Mulaney got married in July. They were first linked in May 2021, on the heels of his split from his wife Anna Marie Tendler; they are seen in June They announced that she was pregnant with their first child in September, amid a romance that went public on the heels of his split from his wife Anna Marie Tendler. The lovebirds welcomed their baby the day before Thanksgiving, after a whirlwind year in which John went to rehab and filed for divorce. The former Saturday Night Live writer went public with the pregnancy on Late Night With Seth Meyers, whose host had been part of his intervention in 2020. He gushed about their 'incredible' new relationship, saying: 'Olivia and this baby have helped save me from myself in this early journey out of recovery.' Naomie Harris was the epitome of sophistication in a silver suit as she led the stars at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards 2024 during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday. The James Bond actress, 48, looked incredible in an eye catching grey blazer and matching trousers as she attended the event held at the Teatro Alla Scala. She added inches to her frame in a pair of towering black heels and toted her belongings around in a glittering clutch. Styling her long brunette tresses in loose waves, the Pirates Of The Caribbean star completed her evening outfit with a pair of silver drop Lanvin earrings. Meanwhile Kelly Rutherford stunned in a gold satin dress which boasted a jacket style top and cascaded down into a long skirt. Naomie Harris was the epitome of sophistication as she led the stars at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards 2024 during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday The James Bond actress, 48, looked incredible in an eye catching grey suit as she attended the event held at the Teatro Alla Scala The Gossip Girl star carried a black jeweled clutch and opted for a pair of black drop earrings. Styling her blonde tresses in a neat up do, Kelly flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed for photos on the red carpet. Freida Pinto cut an elegant figure in a strapless black gown which boasted a full netted layered skirt. The Slumdog Millionaire star looked stunning as she teamed the look with a chain necklace and earrings. Elsewhere former Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn showed off her amazing figure in a biege cut out midi dress which she teamed with a pair of clear heels. Model Isabeli Fontana looked nothing short of sensational for the evening as she donned a red lace sleeveless gown. Last year Naomie revealed she censors herself because she is 'terrified' of cancel culture and said she wants to be part of a society where there is 'discussion'. The Skyfall star admitted that she often doesn't say things that she 'truly believes' because she doesn't feel like she can voice her opinions in a 'safe space'. Styling her long brunette tresses in loose waves, the Pirates Of The Caribbean star completed her evening outfit with a pair of silver drop Lanvin earrings Meanwhile Kelly Rutherford stunned in a gold satin dress which boasted a jacket style top and cascaded down into a long skirt Freida Pinto cut an elegant figure in a strapless black gown which boasted a full netted layered skirt The Slumdog Millionaire star looked stunning as she teamed the look with a chain necklace and earrings Elsewhere former Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn showed off her amazing figure in a biege cut out midi dress which she teamed with a pair of clear heels Model Isabeli Fontana looked nothing short of sensational for the evening as she donned a red lace sleeveless gown She told Amazing magazine: 'I may hate someone's opinion, [but] I'd rather be part of a society in which they are allowed to say it. 'So often I don't say things I truly believe, because I don't feel there is a safe space in which to say them, because people are so quick to call 'cancel'.' Naomie admitted she is 'absolutely terrified' of the current climate of cancel culture as she appeared as Amazing's Issue Two cover star in a sensational shoot. She went on to explain that during her career, she has steered clear of playing 'stereotypical' roles and said she admires her younger self for sticking to her beliefs, despite being a 'starving actress'. 'I said I will only play roles that represent positive depictions of black women, which is extraordinary,' she added. Charlotte Crosby has announced she is pregnant with her second child, almost two years after she and fiance Jake Ankers welcomed daughter Alba Jean. The reality star, 34, shared a clip on Sunday with the news and declared she was 'so excited' while also showcasing her blossoming bump. Charlotte looked gorgeous in the video as she modelled looks from her new clothing range Pepper Girls Club, before slipping into a figure hugging dress as she joined Jake and Alba Jean on the beach. Writing: 'In my babies and business ERA delighted to announce baby Ankers number 2 is due January 2025'. Jake reshared the clip and commented: 'Our family is growing, baby number two on the way'. Charlotte Crosby, 34, has announced she is pregnant with her second child, almost two years after she and fiance Jake Ankers welcomed daughter Alba Jean The reality star shared a clip on Sunday to announce the news and declared she was 'so excited' while also showcasing her blossoming bump Writing: 'In my babies and business ERA delighted to announce baby Ankers number 2 is due January 2025' Fans and famous friends rushed to the comments with pal Sophie Kasaei writing: 'How I ever kept this a secret I do not no. Im so proud of you forever my girl!! I cant wait for the day to come we all have our families together!'. While fellow Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan said: 'Absolutely love this so so soooo much love you all!'. TOWIE's Amber Turner commented: 'Ahh congratulations' and Love Island's Demi Jones gushed: 'Ahhhh! This is amazing!'. Charlotte and Jake welcomed Alba Jean in October 2022, before getting engaged a year later. Charlotte revealed she was expecting her first child in May 2022 with Jake, who she had at that time been dating for one year. Charlotte previously told how she decided to start trying for a baby in December 2021, not long after she and Jake started their relationship. The couple then decided to stop trying, realising it was quite soon into their romance to welcome a child, and bought ovulation sticks to refrain from having sex on her fertile days. Charlotte and Jake welcomed Alba Jean in October 2022, before getting engaged a year later Jake reshared the clip and commented: 'Our family is growing, baby number two on the way' Fans and famous friends rushed to the comments But then in February on Valentine's Day, the star found it strange when she wasn't in the mood to drink or have sex during a surprise romantic getaway to a swanky London hotel - before realising then she was pregnant. Jake popped the question on a rooftop in Dubai, while surrounded by rose petals, candles and a heart shaped backdrop. Taking to Instagram Charlotte shared a snap where she held her hands to her mouth in shock, while in the caption she declared herself the 'happiest woman in the world'. She penned: 'Happiest woman in the world, Yes yes yes and yes @jake_ankers you are my best friend you are my life i CANT BELIEVE IM ENGAGED AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh. Best night ever'. While Jake shared his own snap of the proposal and wrote: 'Finally plucked up the courage and did it... I love you with all my heart'. Earlier this year the couple pulled out all the stops to celebrate their engagement with a lavish party. After popping the question in Dubai, the pair finally got round to celebrating the proposal with a spectacular bash with their friends and family. Jake popped the question on a rooftop in Dubai, while surrounded by rose petals, candles and a heart shaped backdrop Jake shared his own snap of the proposal and wrote: 'Finally plucked up the courage and did it... I love you with all my heart' The couple rented the luxurious Grantley Hall in Ripon, north Yorkshire, luxury hotel and spa, which also boasted a Michelin restaurant. Among the guests were Charlotte's mother Letitia and her Geordie Shore co-stars, Holly, Sophie and James Tindale. Everyone dressed to the nines for the special occasion, with Charlotte taking the opportunity to don a figure-hugging bridal white gown. She showed off her curves in the off-the-shoulder number and added extra glamour with diamond encrusted high heels. Later on in the night she changed into a second white outfit - this time a lacy minidress that flashed her tanned legs. While Holly, 31, and Sophie, 34, complemented each other in coordinating black sparkly dresses. Holly opted for a halterneck style, with a sexy backless design, while Sophie chose a one-shoulder number, with cutouts at the side. Holly's husband Jacob Blyth and Sophie's TOWIE star boyfriend Jordan Brook were also in attendance at the fancy shindig. The group took to their Instagrams to share glimpses into the fun-filled evening, showing them sitting a beautifully decked out marquee. The venue was decorated with strings of fairy lights and huge indoor trees, while the drinks were freely flowing. Earlier this year the couple pulled out all the stops to celebrate their engagement with a lavish party (Charlotte and pal Sophie pictured) After popping the question in Dubai, the pair finally got round to celebrating the proposal with a spectacular bash with their friends and family The couple rented the luxurious Grantley Hall in Ripon, north Yorkshire, luxury hotel and spa, which also boasted a Michelin restaurant Holly shared videos of her and Sophie singing along to Dreams by Gabrielle, as they threw back glasses of wine. The guests then hit the dance floor to party the night away, Jake seen in one clip chatting away to James and Jordan while the trio indulged in more drinks. Sophie cosied up to her former co-star James and gave him a sweet kiss, before posing for a selfie. She also shared a glamorous group photo, including James' girlfriend Leah, which she captioned: 'Couple goals'. Mother-of-one Holly looked to be enjoying the chance to let her hair down, as Sophie filmed her downing drinks while dancing and singing along to Nicki Minaj's Superbass. Janet Jackson admitted her claims that Kamala Harris is not black and has a white father were 'based on misinformation.' Jackson, 58, sent shockwaves through social media when she confessed her controversial views about the Democratic 2024 presidential nominee to The Guardian. She said: 'Well, you know what they supposedly said? Shes not black. Thats what I heard. That shes Indian.' 'Her fathers white. Thats what I was told. I mean, I havent watched the news in a few days. I was told that they discovered her father was white.' In response to a whirlwind of criticism and disappointment with the popstar's comments - which are similar to ones made by Republican 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump - her manager issued a statement to Buzzfeed. Janet Jackson, pictured during a British TV interview, has claimed Kamala Harris is not black and that the Vice President's father is white Donald Trump said that Harris 'happened to turn black' while discussing her race with black journalists in July, with the former president since doubling-down Mo Elmasri, Jackson's manager, tried to clear the air by saying Jackson was misinformed on the matter. She told Buzzfeed: 'She deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman. 'Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse.' She ended off the statement by saying that her and Jackson are 'committed to promoting unity.' But this attempt to save her image did not go over well with everyone. One X user posted: 'Janet Jackson sounded an absolute fool in that interview and I am very disappointed.' Harris was born to Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian cancer researcher and Donald Harris, a black economics professor from Jamaica (pictured together in the 1960s) 'We are less than 50 days away from the election. We gotta talk smarter!' Another user posted on X: 'Janet Jackson is one of the most influential people in music history. It was simply irresponsible of her to repeat something she heard regarding the very thing that they use against Kamala! Her own race. Harris, 59, was born in 1964 to Dr Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian-born cancer researcher, and Donald J. Harris, a black Jamaican economics professor. The couple wed in 1963 and separated in 1971, after welcoming Kamala and her younger sister Maya, 57. Gopalan died of cancer in 2009 aged 70, while Donald Harris, 86, is now a professor emeritus of economics at Stanford University after retiring in 1998. Jackson's late brother Michael faced controversy about his skin after it changed color from black to white over the course of his career. He blamed a medical condition called vitiligo and denied bleaching his skin. Trump claimed Harris 'happened to turn black' while addressing a the National Association of Black Journalists' convention in Chicago in July. He said: 'She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. 'I didnt know she was black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn black, and now she wants to be known as black. 'So I dont know, is she Indian or is she black? 'I respect either one, but she obviously doesnt, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went she became a black person. I think somebody should look into that too.' Harris shrugged off the remarks days later accusing Trump of 'the same old show, the divisiveness and the disrespect.' She added: 'The American people deserve better.' Trump is pictured at the National Association of Black Journalists event in Chicago in July where he made the remarks about Harris' race The vice president has yet to comment on Jackson's remarks about her race. Trump's comments on Harris race outraged many conservatives, with even his own supporters said to be annoyed at the former president for not focusing on attacks on Harris' policies. Earlier this month, Trump appeared to double down on his comments about Harris' race. 'I don't care what she is. I don't care. Whatever she wants to be is okay with me.' Polls show that the race between Trump and Harris remains on a knife edge ahead of election day on Tuesday November 5. Jamie Foxx proudly walked his eldest daughter and Beats Shazam co-star - Corinne Foxx - down the aisle during her lavish wedding to college sweetheart Joe Hooten in Los Angeles on Saturday. The 56-year-old Oscar winner also enjoyed a miraculous daddy-daughter dance with the 30-year-old bride at her reception - 17 months after suffering a near-death 'medical complication,' which put him in a 20-day coma and left him unable to walk. 'I'm hoping he can get down the aisle without crying,' Corinne - whose mother is Air Force veteran Connie Kline - told Access Hollywood last May. 'I don't think he's going to make it! He's really excited, though.' The wedding footage was shared by Garcelle Beauvais, who portrayed Jamie's leading lady in The WB sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show (1996-2001) as well as Roland Emmerich's 2013 film White House Down. Jamie Foxx proudly walked his eldest daughter and Beats Shazam co-star - Corinne Foxx - down the aisle during her lavish wedding to college sweetheart Joe Hooten in Los Angeles on Saturday 'Last night we got to witness and celebrate the love of @corinnefoxx and @joe.hooten,' the 57-year-old RHOBH star gushed on Instagram. 'Your love and respect for each other is palpable. Corinne you looked stunning!' Foxx (born Corinne Marie Bishop) originally met her groom while attending USC where she earned a degree in public relations and he earned a degree in film & TV production. When Joe popped the question to the DJ last December following a five-year romance, Foxx (born Eric Bishop) gushed that the couple were 'a perfect example of what being in love is... You care about each other's life mental and physical... and you have each other's back.' 'Congratulations on your engagement,' the life-long bachelor - who boasts 31.3M followers - wrote on Instagram. '@joe.hooten when you whispered to me a while back that you were gonna ask my baby girl to marry you I had tears of joy in my soul. And @corinnefoxx you have and have always had a special place in my heart. 'You deserve love abundantly. So again, congratulations you [two]. [I] can't wait to walk you down that [aisle]. @corinnefoxx you have a great soul in @joe.hooten I love you both dearly. I have my tissues ready #tearsofjoy.' On October 3, Jamie will celebrate the sweet 16th birthday of his youngest daughter Anelise Bishop (with former publicist Kristin Grannis). The 56-year-old Oscar winner also enjoyed a miraculous daddy-daughter dance with the 30-year-old bride at her reception - 17 months after suffering a near-death 'medical complication,' which put him in a 20-day coma and left him unable to walk Corinne - whose mother is Air Force veteran Connie Kline - told Access Hollywood last May: 'I'm hoping he can get down the aisle without crying. I don't think he's going to make it! He's really excited, though' The wedding footage was shared by Garcelle Beauvais (R), who portrayed Jamie's leading lady in The WB sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show (1996-2001) as well as Roland Emmerich's 2013 film White House Down The 57-year-old RHOBH star gushed on Instagram: 'Last night we got to witness and celebrate the love of @corinnefoxx and @joe.hooten' Garcelle continued: 'Your love and respect for each other is palpable. Corinne you looked stunning!' Foxx (born Corinne Marie Bishop) originally met her 6ft5in groom while attending USC where she earned a degree in public relations and he earned a degree in film & TV production When Joe popped the question to the DJ last December following a five-year romance, Foxx (born Eric Bishop) gushed that the couple were 'a perfect example of what being in love is... You care about each other's life mental and physical... and you have each other's back' The life-long bachelor continued: '[I] can't wait to walk you down that [aisle]. @corinnefoxx you have a great soul in @joe.hooten I love you both dearly. I have my tissues ready #tearsofjoy' On October 3, Jamie will celebrate the sweet 16th birthday of his youngest daughter Anelise Bishop (R, pictured June 16) with former publicist Kristin Grannis Foxx had only eight days left of filming on Seth Gordon's spy comedy Back in Action - premiering January 17 on Netflix - when he suffered what he thought was just 'a bad headache' While accepting the Vanguard Award at the Critics Choice Association event on December 4, the Grammy winner said: 'I've been through something. I've been through some things' Jamie continued: 'I cherish every single minute now it's different. I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy because its tough when it's almost over... when you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel I didn't see the light. It was hot in that tunnel too, I don't know where I was going. "S***, am I going to the right place?"' The newlyweds' Over the Moon wedding registry included items as cheap as a $65 Issy Granger candlestick and as expensive as a $1,850 Match Insieme knife set. Hooten is currently employed as the TV department director for John Wells Productions, which oversees projects like MGM+ series Emperor of Ocean Park and Fox's Rescue: HI-Surf. Foxx had only eight days left of filming on Seth Gordon's spy comedy Back in Action - premiering January 17 on Netflix - when he suffered what he thought was just 'a bad headache.' 'I've been through something. I've been through some things,' the Grammy winner said while accepting the Vanguard Award at the Critics Choice Association event on December 4. 'I cherish every single minute now it's different. I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy because its tough when it's almost over... when you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel I didn't see the light. It was hot in that tunnel too, I don't know where I was going. "S***, am I going to the right place?"' While many proposals offer a streamlined approach, significant reforms are still needed to address gaps, such as mid-term election disruptions Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the recommendations of the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. While many of these proposals are commendable, there are still gaps that need to be addressed. Notably, the plan should encompass not just Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections but also local body elections. The current recommendation to hold local body elections 100 days after the simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections falls short of a truly unified electoral system. As a one-time reform, it is necessary to hold all elections, including to local bodies, concurrently. Another issue that remains unresolved by the Kovind Committee is the problem of mid-term elections, which arise when a State government or the Lok Sabha falls due to a hung house or the collapse of a coalition. This challenge can be addressed by electing Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers simultaneously with Speakers and Deputy Speakers through a secret ballot, utilising Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) equipped with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). Such elections should require nominations signed by at least 34 per cent of members. This system ensures stability, as a Prime Minister or Chief Minister could only be removed through a similar process, but with the mandatory nomination of an alternative leader in the same motion. Failure to vote in this process would result in the loss of voting rights in the House, though membership would remain intact. Implementing this system is crucial for the success of the "One Nation, One Election" initiative, as it would prevent the frequent dissolution of assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Current officeholders could also be re-elected using this method. In terms of candidacy rules, a person should not be allowed to contest elections from more than one constituency or hold both Parliament and State Assembly memberships simultaneously. Additionally, any sitting MP or MLA who seeks to contest for a different seat should first resign from their current position. This would prevent situations like the one that arose during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, which fell due to a single controversial vote cast by Odisha Chief Minister Giridhar Gomango, who remained an MP after assuming office as Chief Minister. Another important reform is the need to restore secret voting for Rajya Sabha elections, again using EVMs equipped with VVPATs. Additionally, the constitution should be amended to abolish legislative councils, which are often seen as redundant. Only those who have never contested any election should be nominated to the Rajya Sabha, ensuring that this house remains a body of experienced statespersons rather than active politicians. MPs and MLAs should also be barred from holding any party or social positions to avoid conflicts of interest. Ministerial positions should be limited to 10 per cent of the strength of the lower house, and the post of Parliamentary Secretary should be abolished. Candidates who lose their security deposits in elections should be barred from contesting for the next six years. The "None of the Above" (NOTA) option, introduced to allow voters to reject all candidates, should be made more effective. Candidates who receive fewer votes than NOTA should be barred from contesting future elections, even though the candidate with the next highest vote tally could be declared the winner for that particular term. Furthermore, immunity for MPs and MLAs from legislative proceedings should be reconsidered. In the infamous JMM bribery case, the Supreme Court was unable to act against guilty individuals due to parliamentary immunity. Parliament's rules should be rewritten to introduce fixed penalties for members who violate norms, removing the discretionary powers of the Speaker. This would prevent lenient punishments like the one imposed on MP Rajesh Manjhi, who faced only a brief suspension for taking his lady friend, pretending she was his wife, on a foreign trip at government expense. Absconding parliamentarians, if present in the House during sessions, should not be allowed to leave until legal authorities execute pending warrants against them. Additionally, MPs and MLAs with less than 75 per cent attendance should be barred from contesting elections for the next six years. Cases like that of George Fernandes, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha despite losing his memory, highlight the need for a minimum medical fitness certificate for candidates. Parliamentarians should also be required to disclose all details of their assets, including the names of their spouses, to avoid cases of undisclosed multiple marriages, as occurred with actor-turned-MP Dharmendra. All dues, including those for utilities, rent, and government accommodations, should be deducted from their salaries or pensions. Pensions should be withheld until former MPs and ministers vacate government accommodations. Additionally, political parties that fail to contest elections for five consecutive years should be de-recognised. Finally, electoral reforms should be accelerated by empowering the Election Commission to implement reforms with a one-year notice to Parliament. If Parliament does not disapprove the proposed reforms within this timeframe, they should be deemed approved. To reduce the influence of black money, sections of the Income Tax Act that allow for contributions to political parties should be abolished. Moreover, the controversial MPLADS scheme, which allocates funds to MPs for local area development, should be scrapped. It is time to bring sweeping reforms to India's electoral system to ensure a more transparent, accountable, and stable political process. (The writer is Guinness record holder and an RTI consultant, views expressed are personal) PM Modi highlights Quads role in promoting peace, stability and inclusive growth in Indo-Pacific The latest Quad Summit in Wilmington, USA, highlights the growing importance of cooperation between the four member nations India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, especially in a politically volatile Indo-Pacific region. It also underscores the importance of India in attaining peace in the region. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his opening remarks, reaffirmed the groups commitment to ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, emphasising that this priority is shared by all Quad members. Addressing fellow leaders US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi noted that the summit was taking place at a time of heightened tensions and conflicts globally. His message was clear: the Quads strength lies in its shared democratic values, its support for a rules-based international order, and its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution. PM Modis address reflected Indias delicate balancing act in maintaining strategic autonomy while engaging in critical international collaborations. The Indo-Pacific region has become a key area of focus, particularly due to the shifting power dynamics in Asia. India, with its strategic location and economic influence, sees itself as a natural leader in advocating for an inclusive, prosperous Indo-Pacific. PM Modi emphasised that the Quad is not an exclusive group but one committed to advancing collective interests, particularly in areas of health security, climate change, emerging technologies, and capacity building. India's role in the Quad has grown significantly over the past few years, positioning itself as a key player in advancing shared objectives in the Indo-Pacific. PM Modi's proposal to host the next Quad Summit in India in 2025 is a further testament to the countrys increasing involvement and influence within the group. The Wilmington summit comes at a time when global challenges such as supply chain disruptions and geopolitical conflicts have increased the urgency for international collaboration. India's contribution to health security initiatives and capacity-building efforts within the Quad has bolstered its standing as a critical partner. As the Quad moves forward, India remains committed to working with its allies to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains a region where the rule of law is respected, and prosperity can be shared by all nations. The Prime Ministers visit to the US was part of a broader diplomatic engagement, which also includs bilateral talks with President Biden and an address at the UN General Assemblys Summit of the Future. This diplomatic push underlines Indias active role in shaping global conversations on peace, stability and inclusive growth. In the evolving international landscape, Indias leadership within the Quad reflects its commitment to fostering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring that it remains a region of stability and shared prosperity. India has extended emergency financial assistance to the Maldives by renewing its subscription to government treasury bills worth $50 million for a year. It is the second time this year India has offered such aid to the Maldives. The move comes amid signs of a thaw between the two countries after their relations plunged to a low when President Mohamed Muizzu came to power in the Maldives last year on the back of an India Out campaign and demanded New Delhi withdraw more than 85 military personnel deployed in the country to operate three aircraft. The State Bank of India (SBI) subscribed the Maldivian governments treasury bills worth $50 million for a period of one year from the date of maturity of the previous subscription, which was September 19, 2024, the Indian high commission in Male said in a statement. In May this year, the SBI subscribed to treasury bills worth $50 million under the same mechanism, again at the request of the Maldivian government. These subscriptions were made at the special request of the Maldivian government as emergency financial assistance, the statement said. India has assisted the Maldives in times of need and the current subscription of T-bills, along with the government of Indias decision earlier this year of extending special quota for export of essential commodities for the Maldives by one more year reflect Indias continued support to the Government and the people of the Maldives, the statement said. India described the Maldives as a key maritime neighbour and an important partner under the Neighbourhood First policy. Maldivian tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb, in a social media post, expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for extending the crucial budgetary support with the rollover of the treasury bills worth $50 million. This strengthens the deep bond between our nations and reinforces our path towards economic stability and growth, Adeeb said. The Maldives is currently grappling with a serious economic downturn, with its revenues and foreign currency reserves having been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the fallout of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday made a whirlwind tour of the frontier districts of Rajouri and Poonch to generate momentum in support of the Bharatiya Janta Partys candidates ahead of the second round of polling on September 25. Shah addressed five election meetings, two in Rajouri and Poonch and one in the Akhnoor area of Jammu. In all his meetings, the Union Home Minister appealed to the voters to elect BJP candidates in their respective constituencies to transform the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Shah continued his tirade against the three dynastic families namely Congress, the National Conference, and the Peoples Democratic Party, and urged the votes to defeat them. He also slammed the Congress and the National Conference saying that during their rule, terrorism increased in Jammu and Kashmir with thousands of people being killed. Congress and National Conference ruled here for 35 years, terrorism increased, 40 thousand people were killed, Jammu and Kashmir remained closed for three thousand days, it remained immersed in darkness for eight years. You (Congress and National Conference) are responsible for this, Shah said in an election rally at Surankote in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Wooing voters from the Gujjar/ Bakerwal and Pahadi tribes, the Union Home Minister said, The people of the nation are proud and salute Pahadis, Gujjars, and Bakerwals who safeguarded the borders in 1947 and took bullets on their chest when terrorism erupted in 1990 because of the kindness of Farooq Abdullah, who fled to London to enjoy a holiday. Addressing two back-to-back rallies in Mendhar and Surankote, close to the line of control in Poonch, Shah said there is peace along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistan fears Prime Minister Narendra Modi and would not dare to open fire knowing fully that Indias response will be befitting to silence its guns. Striking an instant chord with the audience in the presence of a party candidate Murtaza Khan from Mendhar, Shah said the Centre wiped out terrorism by replacing guns and stones in the hands of youngsters with laptops and added the Government would not allow guns to resonate in the hills of the Jammu region. We will construct more bunkers along the borders for the safety of people. I want to remind you of cross-border firings in the 1990s Is cross-border firing happening today, Shah asked? It is because the earlier rulers here were frightened of Pakistan, but now Pakistan fears Modi. They would not dare to fire but if they did, they would be given a befitting reply, he added. Shah claimed that National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah is frightening people about the revival of terrorism. I want to tell from here that despite your tutelage, Modi and Shah will not allow them to resonate in these beautiful hills again, said Shah. Accusing the National Conference, Congress, and PDP of encouraging terrorism, the senior BJP leader said this election will ensure an end to the three families rule in the Union Territory. It is necessary because these families never allowed the democracy to grow in J and K, he said, adding had the BJP Government not been formed in 2014 and elections to different Panchayat Raj Institutions held, the 30,000 elected panchayat members would have never got an opportunity but instead would have worked to strengthen their kingdom further. Referring to the National Conference (NC) manifesto that they will review the reservation given to different communities, Shah said, I want to assure you that we will allow them to touch the reservation under the scheduled tribe status to you. We will extend the reservation to promotion (avenues of the Government employees). The Union Minister also targeted LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his comments against Sikhs. Rahul Gandhi talks about Mohabbat Ki Dukan and from that Mohabbat Ki Dukan he issues orders for terrorism and says -- hold talks with Pakistan. There will be no talks with Pakistan until Pakistan stops terrorism. Talks will only be held with my Pahadi children, he said. Shah also addressed election rallies in the Thanamandi, Rajouri, and Akhnoor to woo the voters in support of BJP. AAP leader Atishi took oath on Saturday as Delhis third woman Chief Minister and became the youngest of all three to hold the top office in the national Capital. She also became the 17th woman to hold the post of Chief Minister in independent India. Along with her, five other ministers - Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, Imran Hussain, Kailash Gahlot, and fresh face Sultanpur Majra MLA Mukesh Ahlawat were also sworn in. The senior AAP leader, however, will have a brief tenure in office as Assembly elections in the national Capital are due in February. Atishi was administered oath as the eighth Chief Minister of Delhi by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at Raj Niwas. Saxena administered the oath of office and secrecy to Atishi who is now Delhis third woman Chief Minister after Congress Sheila Dikshit and BJPs Sushma Swaraj. Among her new Council of Ministers, Saurabh Bharadwaj was the first to take oath followed by Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Imran Hussain and Mukesh Ahlawat, a new entrant in the Delhi Cabinet. AAP convener and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and other party leaders and MLAs were also present on the occasion. Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, BJP MPs, including Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, and Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora also attended the ceremony. As per the portfolio allocations after LGs approval, Atishi has kept herself 13 major portfolios including Public Works Department, Power, Education, Revenue, Finance, Planning, Services and Vigilance department. Bhardwaj has been allocated eight major departments including Urban Development, Irrigation and Flood Control, Health, Industries. Rai will handle Development, General Administration, Environment, Forest and Wildlife department. Gahlot will be in charge of Transport, Administrative Reforms, Information & Technology, Home and Women and Child Development. Imran Hussain retains Food & Supply and Election while newly inducted Mukesh Ahlawat will look after Gurudwara Elections, SC & ST, Land & Building, Labour and Employment departments. Atishi allocated portfolios among the ministers after consultation with the party. Addressing a press conference, Atishi said it is an emotional day for her as Kejriwal will not continue to be the Chief Minister. In her first remarks after taking oath, Atishi hit out at the BJP for hatching a conspiracy against her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal and urged the people of the Capital to ensure that the AAP national convenor returns to the top post again after the Assembly polls due early next year. As the Assembly polls are due early next year, Atishi said the people of the national Capital must ensure that Kejriwal becomes the Chief Minister again so that the services like free electricity and water continue. She accused the BJP of trying to stop the facilities being enjoyed by people under the Kejriwal Government. I assure you that since Kejriwal has come out of jail now, we will not let any conspiracy of the BJP succeed, she said. The most daunting task before Atishi, however, will be to establish healthy relations with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in view of the latters approvals required for a variety of governance as well as development work of the Delhi Government. She will also be holding the crucial National Capital Civil Services Authority meeting for Group-A postings, resuming the doorstep delivery of services scheme, approving the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 and the Solar Policy, among others. South Delhi BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said that the Atishi government should fulfill the promises made by the AAP to the public. The new Government should give relief to the public by reducing electricity and water bills; property tax should be waived in Delhi rural. Apart from this, The Central Governments Ayushman Bharat scheme should be implemented in Delhi, Bidhuri said. Senior Congress member and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday asked the Sikh community whether there was anything wrong in what he had said during his recent visit to United States and if India shouldnt be a country where every Indian could practise their religion without fear. Rahuls response came on a day when Union Minister Rajnath Singh attacked Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he tarnished Indias image abroad and tried to provoke the Sikh community. Rahul Gandhi visited the US... He tried to provoke the Sikh community by saying that India is not safe for them. He is tarnishing the image and reputation of India in foreign countries, Singh said at a rally in Jharkhand. Accusing the BJP of spreading lies about his recent remarks in the US, the former Congress chief said the BJP was desperate to silence him because they could not stand the truth. The BJP has been spreading lies about my remarks in America. I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad -- is there anything wrong in what I have said? Shouldnt India be a country where every Sikh -- and every Indian -- can freely practice their religion without fear? Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post. As usual, the BJP is resorting to lies. They are desperate to silence me because they cannot stand the truth. But I will always speak up for the values that define India: our unity in diversity, equality, and love, he added. Rahul also shared a short clip of his remarks in the US that shows him referring to a Sikh man. His remarks came after the BJP on Saturday cited a joint statement of several Sikh groups to ask him to withdraw his statement, which it alleged had created an atmosphere of fear in the country. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa told reporters several Sikh and Gurdwara management bodies had met Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai over the issue and that he told them the sacrifices of the Sikhs had made the country strong. Addressing a gathering of Indian-Americans in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, Rahul Gandhi had said, First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial. During the course Rahul asked one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows to give his name. What is your name, brother with the turban? he had asked. The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a Gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions, the Congress leader had said. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said his party would launch an agitation against threats to Rahul Gandhi. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modis failure to take action against BJP leaders who used derogatory remarks against Gandhi, the leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. BJP, RSS leaders, including MLAs and MPs, talk about chopping off the tongues of our leaders. Rahul Gandhi is under attack for speaking the truth and an atmosphere of hate is created against him like (it was done against his grandmother) Indira Gandhi, Kharge said at a press conference in Ja Chinese doctors reach Bangladesh to treat quota stir victims Dhaka, Sep 22 (UNI) A Chinese National Emergency Medical Team on Sunday arrived in Dhaka to provide treatment to people injured in the July-August mass upsurge over reservation, media reports said. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Additional Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Sheikh Sayidul Haque welcomed the team at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport this afternoon, the Daily Star reported. The team comprises experts from the West China Hospital, one of the top hospitals in China, with specialty in general surgery, trauma care, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, critical care, ophthalmology and other fields. US President Joe Biden commended Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic visit to Ukraine last month and his message of peace, as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks that figured pressing global challenges including the situation in the war-ravaged country. The US President hosted Modi at his personal home in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday afternoon hours after the prime minister arrived in the US on a three-day visit. Modis bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden in Wilmington was an emotional one, marking their final meeting in an official capacity as the American leader is not seeking reelection. The US President hosted Modi at his personal residence in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday and the two leaders held wide-ranging talks covering various key aspects of India-US ties. At a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while answering a question on defusing the Ukraine crisis, said very important conversations are underway with multiple people on all sides of the conflict. In the talks, Biden conveyed to the Indian prime minister that the US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect Indias important voice, including permanent membership for New Delhi in a reformed UN Security Council, according to a joint fact-sheet on the meeting. Though the Modi-Biden talks primarily focused on bilateral ties, the two leaders also touched upon key global challenges including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Indo-Pacific that has witnessed increasing Chinese muscle-flexing. The fact-sheet said President Biden expressed his immense appreciation for Indias leading role on the world stage, particularly Modis leadership in the G-20 and in the Global South and his commitment to strengthen the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. It said India is at the forefront of efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world. President Biden commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter, it said. It is understood that Modi briefed Biden on his visits to Moscow in July and to Kyiv last month. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, when asked at a media briefing on the extent of discussion on the Russia-Ukraine conflict between the two leaders and whether the Indian side mentioned any kind of peace proposal, only said New Delhi is involved in a set of negotiations. In their meeting, Modi and Biden reaffirmed their support for the freedom of navigation and the protection of commerce, including critical maritime routes in the Middle East where India will assume co-lead in 2025 of the Combined Task Force 150 to work with Combined Maritime Forces to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea, the document said. The leaders voiced their view that a closer US-India partnership is vital to the success of efforts to build a cleaner, inclusive, more secure, and more prosperous future for the planet, it added. Modi and Biden also deliberated on ways to further bolster India-US cooperation in areas of semiconductors, clean energy and defence. In his meeting with Quad leaders both in multilateral and bilateral settings, Modi put forward Indias views and commitments for global growth, development, peace and security. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made these remarks at a special briefing in New York on Sunday. Modi on Saturday had three separate bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden along with the Quad Leadership Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. Prime Minister Modi reached New York on Sunday after wrapping up the Quad Leaders meeting in Wilmington, hosted by President Biden. In a rare gesture, Biden hosted Modi for a bilateral meeting in his home, and the Quad summit was held at the Archmere Academy in Wilmington. From standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE, Lord Vishnu in Bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE, Anthropomorphic figure in copper from North India belonging to 2000-1800 BCE, Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE and Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE are some of the stolen antiquities from India which was handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ensuing visit to the United States. The majority of the antiquities are terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, while others are made of stone, metal, wood and ivory and belong to different parts of the country. These belong to a period of almost 4000 years, from 2000 BCE - 1900 CE and have origins in different parts of India. According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) a total of 297 antiquities stolen from India were returned to the Prime Minister on Saturday. With this, the total number of stolen Indian antiquities recovered from the US since 2016 went up to 578, the maximum antiquities returned by any country to India. According to MEA, the Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to the 10-11th century CE, Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to the 15-16th century CE, Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to the 3-4th century CE, Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st-century BCE-1st century CE, Lord Ganesh in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE were handed over. In previous years, PM Modis trips to the US have also facilitated the return of numerous artifacts. In 2021, 157 antiquities were handed over, including a bronze Nataraja statue from the 12th century. Following the PMs 2023 US visit another 105 antiquities were returned. India has also successfully recovered artifacts from other countries, including 16 from the UK and 40 from Australia. Taking to social media platform Modi said Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. MEA said that the artefacts were returned in keeping with close bilateral ties and to foster greater cultural understanding. The statement said the pieces will be shortly repatriated to India. It added that a select few pieces were showcased to Modi and Biden during their bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. The US State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture, Union Government, signed a Cultural Property Agreement in July 2024 to strengthen cultural ties. The agreement aims to fulfil the commitments made by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi to enhance cooperation in protecting cultural heritage, as stated in the Joint Statement issued after their meeting in June 2023, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Modi gifts antique train model to Joe Biden, pashmina shawl to Jill PM Narendra Modi gifted an antique silver hand-engraved train model which is a stunning tribute to the steam locomotive era, to President Biden and a pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden on the third day of his US visit for the Quad summit. This silver hand-engraved train model - a rare and extraordinary piece, masterfully crafted by artisans from Maharashtra - is made of 92.5% silver and the model has been customised by inscribing Delhi-Delaware on the sides of the main carriage and Indian Railways on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India, officials said. In view of the growing demand during the festive season, South Eastern Railway ( SER) has announced the operation of Puja Special trains starting from September 2024. These trains are being introduced to cater to the increased passenger traffic during Durga Puja and Diwali, providing additional travel options for the public. The special trains will connect key destinations, including Kolkata, Puri, Chennai, Patna, and more. A spokesperson of SER stated, "We are committed to facilitating smooth travel for passengers during the festive season. The introduction of these Puja Specials will ensure that no one faces inconvenience while traveling for Puja celebrations. We have scheduled these trains to run on high-demand routes, making it easier for passengers to reach their destinations." According to the schedule, the Kolkata-Puri Special (train number 03101) will depart from Kolkata at 23:50 hours every Thursday between October 3 and November 28, 2024, arriving in Puri at 09:35 hours the next day. On the return journey, train number 03102 will leave Puri at 15:00 hours every Friday between October 4 and November 29, reaching Kolkata by 02:00 hours the following day. Another key service, the Shalimar-MGR Chennai Central Special (train number 02841), is set to operate every Monday from September 30 to November 18, 2024, departing Shalimar at 18:30 hours and arriving in Chennai the next day at 23:20 hours. In the opposite direction, train number 02842 will depart from Chennai on Wednesdays, ensuring connectivity between these two major cities. "These services have been carefully planned to provide maximum convenience to passengers traveling long distances during the festive season," the spokesperson added. Among the other notable trains is the Gondia-Patna Special (train numbers 08897 and 08898), which will operate on select dates in November, allowing passengers to travel between Gondia and Patna with ease. In addition, there will be special trains running between Ranchi, Secunderabad, and Ajmer, among other destinations. The Santragachi-Ajmer Special (train number 08611) will depart from Santragachi every Monday from September 30 to November 18, 2024, arriving in Ajmer two days later, while the return service (train number 08612) will operate on Thursdays during the same period. SER encourages passengers to book their tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes. "The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year, and we urge travelers to plan ahead," emphasized the spokesperson. In total, 31 Puja Special trains have been announced, offering thousands of additional seats across various routes. "We are also taking steps to ensure that sanitation and hygiene are maintained on all Puja Special trains, making sure that passengers have a safe and enjoyable journey," the spokesperson concluded. Nazirabad police have booked two unidentified miscreants who stole 47 cattle from Shri Krishna Gaushala in Runaha, when the footage of the CCTV camera installed in the Gaushala was seen, two masked miscreants were seen taking the cattle on September 19. In the CCTV footage captured of the incident two masked men could be seen stealing the cattle. However they failed to steal all the cattle as 15 cattle were found near the cow shelter. In the complaint it was stated that out of 47, 15 cattle were found some distance away near the pond, but the rest were not found. Nazirabad police have registered a case in the matter. The incident occurred late at night on September 18. The employees locked the cattle in the Gaushala and left in the evening. In the morning of September 19, when they reached the Gaushala, only 3 cattle were present, while the total number of cattle in it was 50. After this, the search for the cattle began in the surrounding area. There is a pond some distance from the Gaushala. 15 cattle were found there, but 32 were missing. The employees informed the Nazirabad police station about this matter. When the police reached the Gaushala and looked at the CCTV footage, two young men were seen taking the cattle out of the Gaushala's back door late at night. One of them had a cloth tied over his mouth. After this, the police have registered a case of cattle theft. Five ministers took oath along with Atishi on Saturday. Except one new face, all the other four were allocated the same portfolios they were holding in the Arvind Kejriwal government. Mukesh Ahlawat is the only new face in the cabinet. The ministers in the AAP government led by Chief Minister Atishi, after being sworn-in on Saturday, asserted that the mission before them was to ensure that Arvind Kejriwal was brought back to the top post after the assembly polls early next year. Gopal Rai: Gopal Rai was the Minister for Environment, Forest & Wildlife, Development and General Administration in Government of Delhi in the previous government. He is also a member of the Political Affairs Committee of the Aam Aadmi Party. Rai is a Post-graduate in Sociology and began his career with the All India Students Association in Lucknow University in 1992. He is a member of the National Executive of the AAP. Currently he is MLA from Babarpur assembly constituency. Environment Minister Rai said the "mission" now was to bring back Kejriwal as the chief minister with the support of the people of Delhi. The objective in front of all of us now is to take forward the work that was started in Delhi under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal to new heights by the time of next elections. Along with this, we will work as a team to control pollution that increases during the winters. We will also work on other pending work, he added. Saurabh Bharadwaj: Bharadwaj is representing Greater Kailash constituency in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. In the past, he was the Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board and Minister of Health, Urban development and water from 9 March 2023. He is also the National Chief Spokesperson of the AAP. He completed his early schooling from the city. He graduated as a Computer Science Engineer and also completed a bachelor's degree in law. Before entering politics, Bhardwaj worked with Johnson Controls India, and his expertise was in microchips and coding. 3. Kailash Gehlot: Kailash Gahlot is an AAP MLA who was Transport Minister in the Arvind Kejriwal-led government. He represents the Najafgarh constituency and is a member of the Aam Aadmi Party political party and is a cabinet minister of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government. He enjoys close relationship with the AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and is also a non controversial face. He has a good reputation among the party leaders. His announcement will also help AAP in Haryana assembly elections. Gahlot was born in a Jat family of Gehlot gotra. He attended the University of Delhi and attained Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws degrees. He was a cabinet minister in the Kejriwal ministry and holds the charge of Transpor, Revenue, law & Justice, legislative Affairs Information & Technology, Administrative Reforms, etc. We have only one sankalp' (resolution) which is bringing back Arvind Kejriwal through the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal says that we need to serve the people of Delhi as their brother and son. We need to go amongst people and take our (development) work from door-to-door, Gahlot said after taking oath. 4. Imran Hussain: Hussain represents the Ballimaran constituency of Delhi. He has been inducted in the Delhi Cabinet as a Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and Election. He comes from the walled city area of Delhi. He studied at Crescent School in Daryaganj and attended the Jamia Millia Islamia and attained Bachelor of Business Studies degree. He was inducted into the Delhi Cabinet as a Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and Election on 18 October 2015. He was re-elected in the 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly election and became an MLA in the Sixth Legislative Assembly of Delhi Hussain said that AAP leaders, workers and people of Delhi were "hurt" by Kejriwal's resignation. He was framed on false charges and then he resigned himself. Delhi's public is unhappy about it. They have decided to re-elect Arvind Kejriwal as the CM after four months, he added. 5. Mukesh Ahlawat: Belongs from dalit community, is a first-time MLA has been inducted to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Social Welfare Minister Raaj Kumar Anand. Anand resigned from the Kejriwal government and the AAP in April, subsequently joining the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Ahalawat is currently the co-incharge of the party's Rajasthan unit.By profession, Ahlawat identifies himself as a businessman. Born on November 9, 1975, Ahlawat completed his education up to class 12 from Ravindra Public School, CBSE, in 1994. Ahlawat said that he was "shocked" to get the call for being made a minister and added that he will try to properly discharge the responsibility entrusted to him. he Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, is hosting a "Cleanliness Fortnight" from September 17 to October 2, 2024, under the "Swachh Bharat Mission." This year, the theme established by the Government of India is "Swachhata Hi Seva; Sanskar Swachhta, Swabhav Swachhta," emphasizing the importance of cleanliness as a collective social responsibility. On Saturday, an enthusiastic team of students, faculty, and staff participated in a comprehensive cleanliness campaign under the guidance of Director Dr. K. Ravichandran. The campaign involved thoroughly cleaning the institute's premises and the neighbouring areas, including Nehru Nagar Square. The participants demonstrated a commendable spirit of teamwork, embodying the campaign's community engagement and environmental stewardship ethos. In a bid to streamline waste management, participants employed four distinct types of biodegradable bags for waste collection: blue bags for recyclable materials, green bags for biodegradable waste, yellow bags for plastic, and red bags for biomedical waste. To enhance community engagement and raise awareness throughout the fortnight, the student theatre group "Pratibimba" is set to perform a street play today at DB Mall. The Delhi BJP on Saturday slammed the AAP in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) claiming it had submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that the three major landfill sites in Delhi would be cleared by 2028 but work is not progressing in this direction. The BJP also accused the AAP of backtracking on its earlier promise to flatten the garbage mountains by January 2024. At a press conference, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said the AAP had promised to clear the Ghazipur, Okhla, and Bhalswa landfill sites by early 2024, accusing the party of taking a "U-turn" on its election pledge. He also pointed out that the AAP's tenure in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) ends in 2027, raising concerns that the new 2028 deadline goes beyond its term in office. "In November 2022, AAP won the MCD elections. Before coming to power, it promised to clear the landfill sites by January 2024. However, they have now submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating the work will only be completed by 2028," Sachdeva said. Sachdeva further accused the party of using the landfill crisis as an electoral issue to gain power in the MCD but failing to deliver on its promises even after nearly 22 months in office. "The AAP promised the people that the landfill sites would be cleared by 2024, but 22 months have passed, and nothing has been done. Now, they claim the work will be completed by 2028, conveniently after their tenure ends in 2027. This is a clear attempt to deceive the people of Delhi," the BJP leader added. Referring to Kejriwal as a "betrayer", Sachdeva said the BJP, during its tenure, had initiated the work of clearing the landfill sites, with specific deadlines for the Okhla site set for 2024 and others for 2026. "Thirty per cent of the work at the Okhla landfill was already completed. But it's shameful that the man who calls himself the 'son of Delhi' has gone back on his promise," he said. Raja Iqbal, Leader of Opposition in the MCD, also addressed the media, accusing the AAP of failing to deliver basic civic services in key areas such as sanitation, education, and healthcare. "The AAP has failed on all fronts -- ?cleaning, education, and healthcare. Kejriwal and his party have a habit of taking U-turns. With the pace they're working at, they won't be able to clear the landfill sites even by 2030. Every day, 4,000 metric tonnes of garbage are being piled up," Iqbal said. There was no immediate response from the AAP regarding these allegations. The first day of the much-anticipated Jharkhand General Graduate Qualification Combined Competitive Examination-2023, organized by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, concluded smoothly across the district. The exam, held at 82 centers, saw 8,405 candidates out of a total of 23,368 registered participants, with no reports of misconduct or disruptions. Under the vigilant leadership of District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, senior administrative and police officers closely monitored the examination process. Officials, including Deputy Development Commissioner Manish Kumar, ADM SOR Mahendra Kumar, and NEP Director Ajay Sao, conducted inspections, ensuring all procedures were followed meticulously. To maintain the integrity of the examination, a robust security plan was implemented. Each center was equipped with sufficient police personnel and magistrates, including static magistrate-cum-examination center supervisors, to oversee the process. Flying squads were deployed to patrol the venues, and prohibitory orders were imposed within 100 meters of all examination centers to deter any interference by anti-social elements. In addition to the on-ground security measures, the district administration utilized advanced monitoring techniques, including CCTV surveillance and real-time oversight from a district-level control room, to track the proceedings and ensure that no malpractice occurred. Ahead of the second day of the examination on September 22, the district administration has further tightened security protocols. Inspections are being conducted at hotels, guest houses, and hostels, with operators receiving formal guidelines to prevent any potential malpractices. This successful, incident-free start is a testament to the thorough planning and execution by the district authorities, setting a positive tone for the remaining days of the examination, said an official. Stanford University, USA has included Dr. Satyabrata Mohapatra of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University as among the World's top two percent Scientists 2024 in the field of Applied Physics. For the fifth time in a row, his name has been included in the coveted list. In a press statement, GGSIP University said that it is a matter of great pride for the university that Dr. Mohapatra, Associate Professor of Nanoscience & Technology of University School of Basic and Applied Sciences has been included in the elite list of World's Top 2% Scientists 2024. Stanford University expert have recently published a list of the Worlds Top 2% Scientists working in various fields. This list of Worlds Top 2% Scientists is created by the Stanford University expert on the basis of indicators like citations, h-index and c-score (composite indicator for career-long impact). Dr. Mohapatra obtained his Ph.D. from Institute of Physics (IOP), Bhubaneswar, India. After a postdoc from IUAC, New Delhi, India, visiting scientist from SAINT, South Korea and visiting fellow from CSNSM, Orsay, France he joined Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India in 2008 where he is currently working as Associate Professor of Nanoscience & Technology in University School of Basic and Applied Sciences (USBAS) and is now leading the Multifunctional Nanomaterials Laboratory. He is a Member of the National Academy of Sciences, India and also a Member of the Academic Council of the University. Dr. Mohapatra has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers in international journals, one book chapter and edited one book. He is an Editor of international journals NANO, Materials Open and Associate Editor of Frontiers in Nanotechnology (Nanocatalysis) and Frontiers in Chemistry (Nanoscience). He has been working as a reviewer for over 100 international journals of repute. His research is focused on the development of multifunctional hybrid nanostructures, 2D nanomaterials and metal oxide based hybrid nanostructures and nanocomposites and their ion beam engineering for applications in photocatalysis, catalysis, gas sensing, SERS, biosensing, antimicrobials and water purification. The Vice Chancellor of the university Padma Shri Prof. ( Dr.) Mahesh Verma congratulated him for this outstanding achievement and said it will inspire others for research and foster a culture of research in the university. Various crafts of Madhya Pradesh will be on display at India International Trade Fair to be held in Kolkata in December. Following instructions of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, an initiative has been taken to provide online sales facilities to small businessmen and craftsmen associated with cottage industries. The Cottage and Village Industries Department has started using online mediums like Amazon and Flipkart along with the development of its own portal. In the last six months, sales of Rs 11.82 crore have been made in the state from Mriganyani Emporium as well as from organization of fairs. Small businessmen will be provided the facility to sell such products in Madhya Pradesh as well as in the country and abroad and to export them in future. Facilities will be developed in Bhopal Haat on the lines of Delhi Haat. Arrangements will be made for the sale of various products in the weekly Mahila Haat for women traders at Bhopal Haat and other places in the state. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, reviewing the schemes of the Cottage and Village Industries Department, recently apprised himself about the progress of setting up Unity Mall in Ujjain as a one stop market place for the promotion and sale of One District-One Product, GI Products, Handicraft Products and other local products. Revive Sagar's Agarbatti Industry Chief Minister Dr. Yadav believes that the Cottage and Village Industries Department should also encourage bamboo producers and encourage cottage industries like Agarbatti (incense stick) making. Some districts of the state including Sagar have been major centres of Agarbatti manufacturing. Yadav said that the cottage industry should be revived by ensuring the availability of bamboo. In districts where bamboo production is low, instructions have been given for dense plantation of bamboo on the banks of rivers. This plantation will help in preventing water erosion. Along with this, bamboo production will also be very beneficial. Wilmington/New Delhi, Sep 22 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Indias contribution of $7.5 million for sampling kits, detection kits, and vaccines towards the Quad Moonshot Initiative for the detection, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. In his address at the QUAD Leaders' Cancer Moonshot Event in Wilmington, Delaware, PM Modi said India has a very cost-effective ongoing cervical cancer screening program on a mass scale. He said that India also runs the world's largest health insurance scheme. And, special centres have also been created to make medicines available to everyone at an affordable cost. India has also developed its own vaccine for cervical cancer. And new treatment protocols are being launched with the assistance of AI. He said the Quad Cancer Moonshot event reflects the Quad countries shared commitment to affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare. During the Covid pandemic, we had launched the QUAD Vaccine Initiative for the Indo-Pacific. And, I am pleased that in QUAD, we have collectively decided to tackle a challenge like cervical cancer. In Cancer Care, Collaboration is essential for Cure. An integrated approach encompassing prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment is essential to reduce the burden of cancer. He said that India is ready to share its experience and expertise in the field. Today, many experts from India working in cancer care have joined us for this event. India's vision is One Earth, One Health. In this spirit, I am pleased to announce our contribution of $7.5 million for sampling kits, detection kits, and vaccines under the Quad Moonshot Initiative. India will also offer support in radiotherapy treatment and capacity building. He also said that through the initiatives of GAVI and the QUAD, India will contribute 40 million vaccine doses for Indo-Pacific countries. These 40 million vaccine doses will become rays of hope in the lives of crores of people. As you can see, when the QUAD acts, it is not just for nations it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach, the PM added. Through the Cancer Moonshot initiative, the Quad leaders committed to work together to address gaps in the cervical cancer care and treatment ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific countries. As part of the initiative, India will share technical expertise in digital health through its National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) portal. As part of its $10 million commitment to support the World Health Organization (WHO) led Global Initiative on Digital Health, India will provide technical assistance to the Indo-Pacific region. This includes offering technical support for the use of its National Non-Communicable Disease portal, which tracks long-term data on cancer screening and care. India commits to providing HPV sampling kits, detection tools and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. This significant contribution aims to strengthen local efforts to prevent and detect cervical cancer and empower communities with affordable, accessible tools for early detection and prevention, while supporting vaccination programs to reduce the disease burden across the region, a statement said. India is scaling up population-based screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers through its National Progamme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. In particular, India uses the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method for cervical cancer screening, which is simple, cost effective and efficient and allows healthcare workers to detect early signs of cervical cancer without the need for advanced laboratory infrastructure, making it a model for other regions in the Indo-Pacific. India is expanding access to specialized cancer treatment centers under its "Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Centres program. The Government of India is supporting both states and union territories to improve treatment capacity across the county, ensuring that people from all parts of the country, including underserved areas, can receive high-quality care. India is committed to affordable cancer treatment through Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). As part of its broader health coverage efforts, PMJAY, India is committed to providing affordable cancer treatments to its citizens, ensuring financial protection for those most in need. Indias commitment to cervical cancer elimination is further supported by implementation research led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The research is focused on enhancing cervical cancer screening, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The results and findings will be shared with the Indo-Pacific countries in the coming years, to strengthen regional collaboration, a statement said. UNI RN Chief MinisterMohan Yadav said that an action plan is being formulated to develop medical tourism in the state, focusing on natural and alternative medical methods, similar to Kerala's model. This initiative will also generate new employment opportunities. The state has approved 46,451 new positions in its health institutions, and 800 Ayush Arogya Mandirs have already begun their operations. The number of Ayurvedic institutions, along with medical and nursing colleges, will further increase across the state. Dr. Yadav emphasized on the goal of establishing a medical or Ayurvedic college in every district, ensuring that citizens do not need to leave the state for treatment. The state government will collaborate with Arogya Bharti for support and guidance in planning and implementation, aiming to provide better healthcare facilities, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create a disease-free society. Yadav delivered these remarks virtually at the All India Delegation Conference of Arogya Bharti, held in Gwalior, from Samatva Bhavan in Bhopal. Assembly Speaker Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, officials from Arogya Bharti and representatives from the Union Ayush Ministry were present at the event hosted at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior. The Chief Minister said that the construction of Government Medical Colleges in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni has been completed, and these institutions will soon be inaugurated. To improve healthcare services across the state, a decision has been made to merge the Medical Education and Health Department. Yadav highlighted the widespread use of Ayurvedic methods and Ayush decoction to prevent disease during the Covid period. To further promote the Indian medical system, Ayurveda hospitals will soon be established in five districts: Balaghat, Shahdol, Sagar, Morena, and Narmadapuram. The state government is also encouraging the establishment of Ayurvedic hospitals by private entities as part of its initiative to support traditional medicine. Additionally, the Devaranya Yojana is being implemented to promote medicinal farming in tribal regions. To raise awareness about medicinal plants and support their marketing, small forest produce fairs are organized annually. Yadav emphasized that a healthy nation begins with a healthy village, which in turn relies on healthy families and individuals. He expressed his pleasure that Arogya Bharti is not only raising awareness about health but also conducting research-based work to promote well-being in society. In Indian tradition, health is regarded as the greatest wealth, aligning with the belief that a healthy body is the foundation of happiness. Yadav praised Arogya Bharti for its commendable efforts in inspiring people to lead disease-free lives by adopting healthier lifestyles. He extended his gratitude for the organization's decision to hold its annual conference in Madhya Pradesh and warmly welcomed the representatives. Yadav also released Arogya Bharti's souvenir "Arogya Phaldayakam" and the organisation's magazine Arogya Sampada's special issue focused on Indian health principles, Arogya Bharti's diary and calendar. Yadav honoured Yogacharya Pandit Damodar Lal Sharma with the "Late Madhavrao Dhakras Swasth Jeevan Shaili" award. Mementoes were presented to the guests. Arogya Bharti's patron Praveen Bhavsar, President Dr. Rakesh Pandit were also present. Assembly Speaker Shri Tomar said that the coming tomorrow belongs to a healthy, clean and great India. Arogya Bharti is playing an important role in the direction of building a disease-free society by adopting Indian health systems. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that there is a need for every possible effort to make Bhopal slum-free. He stated that buildings should be constructed first before vacating the slums to ensure minimal disruption for residents. Yadav also stressed the importance of coordinating with public representatives for this crucial task. He directed that work should commence on making the city slum-free, with tenders finalized by October. Additionally, he instructed officials to complete the ongoing road projects within the set timeframes, ensuring the timely passing of awards after the tender process. During a review meeting on saturday at Samatva Bhawan, his official residence, Yadav assessed the city's development projects and sought updates on the preparations for slum-free initiatives. The Collector of Bhopal provided a presentation outlining the development works. Yadav said that infrastructure projects should be completed with a long-term vision, aiming to transform Bhopal into a metropolitan city over the next 25 years. He directed the Bhopal Metropolitan Development Authority to develop a comprehensive action plan for the growth of areas such as Raisen, Mandideep, Salamatpur, Sanchi, Rajgarh, Pilukhedi, Berasia, and Sukhi Sewaniya. Yadav called for the timely completion of flyover construction across the district, including Bhopal city, and proposed the creation of an elevated corridor that preserves the aesthetic of the Upper Lake. He stressed the importance of maintaining quality in the construction of CM Rise schools and ensuring hospital buildings are completed on schedule to enhance healthcare services. Additionally, he instructed the completion of the AMRUT Yojana projects according to the established plan. The Adampur Bio-CNG Plant and waste management systems should be developed using modern technology. The district has also received approval for approximately Rs 1,522 crore towards sewage, water, and pond revitalization projects. Yadav emphasized the need for generating electricity in government buildings using solar energy and called for a campaign to make Bhopal a model city in this regard. He urged motivating residents to install more solar panels on their rooftops. He also instructed the phased completion of the Metro Rail project and proposed the development of a plan for the Vande Metro. Moments after Atishi and her cabinet took oath, the opposition BJP and Congress criticised the AAP government. Both the parties said that only the face has changed, the government remains the same, so corruption, irresponsibility, and chaos will continue. Meanwhile, BJP MP from North East Delhi Manoj Tiwari wrotes to the Delhi CM over Delhi excise policy and repair of roads in the city. Delhi BJP said that she has been unsuccessful as a minister, and the people of Delhi have no expectations from her government moving forward. The Congress party said that as a Minister, Atishi had run away from her responsibilities so it is futile to expect any better from her as Chief Minister. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva stated that with Atishi becoming chief minister, only the face has changed, not the character of the government. Since the government remains the same, corruption, irresponsibility, and chaos will persist. He further added that if Atishi wants to offer a changed government, she should first open former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's luxurious bungalow, built at the cost of over Rs 60 crore during the pandemic, to the public, so they can see how they were exploited. He also mentioned that Ms. Atishi assumed office against religious beliefs today, which indicates that the Delhi government will remain entangled in tough times. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said that the Aam Aadmi Partys propaganda that Atishi, who was sworn in as the chief minister following the resignation of Kejriwal, will perform miracles in the next few months to turn around the deteriorating condition of the Capital, was a wishful thinking as she had failed to address the problems of Delhi in the past one and a half years as a Minister, holding 13 vital portfolios. He said that Kejriwal destroyed Delhi in every possible manner in the past 10 years, and it was futile to expect his successor Atishi to do any better, as her performance as a Minister has been below par. He said that Atishi had washed her hands off when the Capital got waterlogged, and many people died due to drowning and electrocution, as neither the PWD, nor the MCD, could salvage the situation, in the absence of any desilting work before the monsoon, leaving the people to their own fate. Cyber crime Bhopal have arrested 5 accused who sold the account to a gang that duped people of Rs 9.35 lakh in the name of investing in the share market. The accused are from Kozhikode, Kerala and Bhusaval, Maharashtra. All the five accused were produced in court on Saturday and sent under judicial custody. Additional DCP Shailendra Singh Chauhan said that Mohammad Zainul, resident of Kohefiza, had lodged a complaint with the cyber crime cell. In the complaint it was stated that Karan Birla contacted him on WhatsApp and lured him to invest in a company named Sahaj Solar in the share market through an application named PMHDFC. Falling into the trap, money was transferred online to various bank accounts. The accused duped him of Rs 9.35 lakh in about 11 times. Initially, when small investments were made, the accused gave returns with profit. As soon as more investments were made, the accused ended all kinds of contact. The team of cyber crime Bhopal took immediate action and tracked information of the real users of WhatsApp numbers, applications and bank accounts used in committing the crime and the accused who sold the bank accounts to the real accused were identified by the team members at the field level using the information obtained. On the basis of technical and field level information, 04 accused who sold the account to the gang for money were arrested from Kozhikode, Kerala and 01 from Bhusaval, Maharashtra and 4 mobile phones and 04 SIM cards used in the crime have been seized and search is on for other absconding accused. In the above case, 3 accused have already been arrested from Bhusaval, Maharashtra. The nabbed accused were identified as Riyaz father Sharif resident Badkara district Kozhikode Kerala, He used to open fake accounts in his own name and sell them for money. Rasal of Kuttiyadi district Kozhikode Kerala used to buy fake accounts and sell them for money to accused Mohammed Mubashir. Sachu of Nadapuram in Kozhikode, Kerala opens fake accounts in his own name and sells them for money. In a strong statement during a press conference on Saturday, former MP and senior Congress leader Dr. Ajoy Kumar expressed deep concern over the rising atrocities against tribals, women, and army personnel in BJP-ruled states. He criticized the silence of BJP leaders in the face of increasing crimes and injustices, stating that the safety of vulnerable groups has been severely compromised. Dr. Kumar highlighted a disturbing trend of rising crimes, particularly in Odisha. "The law and order situation has deteriorated drastically under BJP's rule," he said. He referred to specific incidents, including the September 18 assault on a woman lawyer, the fiancee of an army captain, by police officers in Bhubaneswar, and the tragic case of a woman whose body was found in Jharbeda forest, Sambalpur district, on September 1. He also condemned several recent incidents of sexual violence, including a gang-rape of a 22-year-old in Dhenkanal district, and the brutal rape and murder of an 18-year-old tribal girl in Sundargarh district on September 16. Dr. Kumar emphasized the silence from Odishas Chief Minister and top BJP leaders regarding these alarming events, accusing them of being "silent spectators." Referring to similar incidents in Jharkhand, Dr. Kumar reminded the public of Seema Patra, a BJP leader who was accused of torturing a tribal domestic worker for months. "BJP leaders, who often claim to protect tribals, must explain why their own party members are involved in such heinous acts," he remarked. The Congress leader went further, accusing the BJP of protecting criminals, including those involved in high-profile cases like Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual exploitation of women wrestlers, and Kuldeep Sengar, convicted in the Unnao rape case. He argued that the BJP consistently shields rapists, referencing incidents such as the Bilkis Bano case, where convicts were supported by party members. Dr. Kumar also raised concerns about the safety of army personnel in BJP-ruled states, citing the beating of two army officers and the gang rape of their friends in Indore. He lamented the plight of army officer Serto Thangthang Kom, who was kidnapped and killed in Manipur. He concluded by condemning the apathy of BJP leaders towards soldiers, quoting a former BJP MPs callous remark that "if they are army soldiers, they will definitely die." A large number of people from all walks of life including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, MP Mahua Maji, senior journalists and hundreds of others today paid their tributes to journalist Ravi Prakash at Ranchi Press Club. Prakash, a senior journalist of Jharkhand and a cancer awareness activist breathed his last in Mumbai during his cancer treatment on September 20. His mortal remains were brought to Ranchi today and were kept at the Ranchi Press Club for Antim Darshan. Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid tribute to Ravi Prakash ji by offering a wreath on his body kept for the last darshan at Ranchi Press Club. He said that the demise of senior journalist Ravi Prakash, who made valuable contributions in the field of journalism, is very painful. This is an irreparable loss for the world of journalism. Whatever is said about him will be less. The examples set by this young journalist dedicated to journalism in the field of journalism should be kept alive in future as well. I express my condolences to his family in this hour of grief. I pray to God to give peace to his soul and strength to his bereaved family to bear the grief. Ravi Prakash (48), who was battling fourth stage lung cancer, passed away on Friday afternoon while undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital. Ranchi based Prakash had been suffering from lung cancer since January 2021 when it was diagnosed at an advanced stage. Ever since his battle with cancer began in January 2021, Prakash had been tirelessly advocating for cancer patients on various forums. Even on social media he had been raising his voice regarding their struggles, the cost of the treatment, medication and the various problems faced by the patients. Recently, Prakash had also received the Patient Advocate Education Award by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) - a prestigious organisation working in the field of lung cancer on September 7 during the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) held in San Diego city in America. Prakash in his quest to educate and inspire others was also the director of Lung Connect India, a voluntary organisation working for cancer patients. Last year he also addressed the conference of SAARC Federation of Oncologists held in Kathmandu where he highlighted the obstacles faced by cancer patients. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said the maintenance of the crest gates of the Pampa Sagar dam on Tungabhadra river would be taken up as per the experts report. The chief minister was speaking to reporters after offering Baagina (traditional thanksgiving) to the river at the dam. Celebrating the Pampa Sagar dam filled to the brim a month after its 19th crest gate was swept away on August 10, Siddaramaiah along with his deputy D K Shivakumar and ministers B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan and Shivaraj Tangadagi offered Baagina to the Tungabhadra river on Sunday. Siddaramaiah said the dam gates should be replaced after 50 years. However, the gates have worked well for over 70 years since its inception. The chief minister said, "Tungabhadra reservoir is full again with 101.77 TMC water available in the dam. Water will be available for monsoon and winter sowing." Speaking about the 19th crest gate of the dam which had washed away, he said dam expert Kannaiah Naidu, officials and engineers worked day and night to install the gate as quickly as possible. According to the CM, the farmers were worried about whether they would get water for their crops. However, there is no problem now after the dam is full to its capacity. Siddaramaiah said efforts will be made to provide water for the second crop as well. Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik met Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray here on Sunday and said he will campaign for the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the upcoming Maharashtra polls. Speaking to reporters, Malik, a vocal critic of the current administration, expressed confidence that the MVA will emerge victorious and claimed the ruling BJP would be "wiped out" in the state elections, likely to be held in November. He suggested the MVA allies -- Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) -- to make adjustments and stay united for the assembly polls. Malik, who had played a crucial role in the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, met former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence in Mumbai. The ruling Mahayuti in the state comprises the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP and the Ajit Pawar-headed NCP. Asked about his views on the upcoming polls to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, Malik said, "The BJP will not just receive a major blow, but the party will be wiped out in the state elections. Uddhav Thackeray will play the most important role in this election. You need not worry." "I have extended my full support to the MVA. I will also campaign for it," said Malik, the last governor of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. Malik said they discussed the status of Maharashtra and issues concerning the state. Asked about his message to Thackeray, he said, "As per my information, the BJP is losing; you (MVA) people will win." "I also asked them to make some adjustments but stay together in the assembly polls. We had a cursory discussion about the (opposition) INDIA bloc. However, I assured them that the MVA will form the government (in Maharashtra)," he said. Malik on Saturday said the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra will significantly influence the political landscape of the country and asserted the state poll results would serve as "the last nail in the BJP's coffin". Royal Bank of Canada restated their outperform rating on shares of HubSpot (NYSE:HUBS Free Report) in a report issued on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $700.00 target price on the software makers stock. Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on the company. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their target price on HubSpot from $700.00 to $600.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on HubSpot from $650.00 to $625.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and issued a $570.00 price target on shares of HubSpot in a research report on Thursday. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $730.00 price objective on shares of HubSpot in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Oppenheimer cut their target price on shares of HubSpot from $725.00 to $625.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-one have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $610.79. Get HubSpot alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on HubSpot HubSpot Price Performance HUBS opened at $526.88 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.85 billion, a PE ratio of -198.82, a P/E/G ratio of 3,140.82 and a beta of 1.63. The firms fifty day moving average price is $489.80 and its 200 day moving average price is $566.20. HubSpot has a 12-month low of $407.23 and a 12-month high of $693.85. HubSpot (NYSE:HUBS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The software maker reported $1.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.30. HubSpot had a negative net margin of 1.15% and a negative return on equity of 2.33%. The company had revenue of $637.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $619.28 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($1.17) earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 20.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that HubSpot will post 0.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Yamini Rangan sold 116 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $491.19, for a total transaction of $56,978.04. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 67,203 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $33,009,441.57. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, CEO Yamini Rangan sold 116 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $491.19, for a total transaction of $56,978.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 67,203 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $33,009,441.57. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Dawson Alyssa Harvey sold 384 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $467.23, for a total value of $179,416.32. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 9,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,548,484.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 38,012 shares of company stock valued at $21,300,253 over the last 90 days. 4.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On HubSpot Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of HUBS. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in HubSpot in the 2nd quarter worth $3,689,000. Sycomore Asset Management lifted its stake in shares of HubSpot by 9.5% in the second quarter. Sycomore Asset Management now owns 2,988 shares of the software makers stock valued at $1,699,000 after buying an additional 260 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its position in HubSpot by 17.8% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 4,706 shares of the software makers stock worth $2,776,000 after buying an additional 712 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP bought a new position in HubSpot during the second quarter valued at about $146,000. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in HubSpot by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 3,344 shares of the software makers stock valued at $1,972,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. 90.39% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About HubSpot (Get Free Report) HubSpot, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform for businesses in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's CRM platform includes Marketing Hub, a toolset for marketing automation and email, social media, SEO, and reporting and analytics; Sales Hub offers email templates and tracking, conversations and live chat, meeting and call scheduling, lead and website visit alerts, lead scoring, sales automation, pipeline management, quoting, forecasting, and reporting; Service Hub, a service software designed to help businesses manage, respond, and connect with customers; and Content Management Systems Hub enables businesses to create new and edit existing web content. See Also Receive News & Ratings for HubSpot Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HubSpot and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Entergy (NYSE:ETR Get Free Report) had its price target increased by research analysts at UBS Group from $143.00 to $144.00 in a research report issued on Friday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the utilities providers stock. UBS Groups target price indicates a potential upside of 11.41% from the companys previous close. A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Entergy from $135.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH reiterated a neutral rating and set a $109.50 price objective (down previously from $117.00) on shares of Entergy in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. KeyCorp upped their target price on Entergy from $123.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 16th. Guggenheim lifted their price target on Entergy from $118.00 to $128.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Entergy from $131.00 to $141.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $127.35. Get Entergy alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ETR Entergy Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ETR opened at $129.25 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81. The firms 50 day moving average is $118.52 and its two-hundred day moving average is $110.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.96, a PEG ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.73. Entergy has a 52 week low of $87.10 and a 52 week high of $129.70. Entergy (NYSE:ETR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.16. Entergy had a return on equity of 10.10% and a net margin of 14.75%. The firm had revenue of $2.95 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.84 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Entergy will post 7.22 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Entergy In other news, CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 19,200 shares of Entergy stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.35, for a total value of $2,310,720.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 150,731 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,140,475.85. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, COO Peter S. Norgeot, Jr. sold 3,250 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.56, for a total value of $398,320.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 34,993 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,288,742.08. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 19,200 shares of Entergy stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.35, for a total value of $2,310,720.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 150,731 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,140,475.85. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 42,888 shares of company stock valued at $5,110,766. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC boosted its stake in shares of Entergy by 12.4% during the 2nd quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC now owns 6,926,492 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $741,135,000 after buying an additional 763,834 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Entergy by 47.1% during the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 6,479,044 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $693,260,000 after acquiring an additional 2,075,776 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its position in Entergy by 64.2% during the first quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 4,170,045 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $440,690,000 after purchasing an additional 1,630,057 shares during the last quarter. ClearBridge Investments Ltd grew its stake in Entergy by 0.6% in the second quarter. ClearBridge Investments Ltd now owns 3,137,110 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $335,671,000 after purchasing an additional 20,025 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors lifted its holdings in shares of Entergy by 22.5% during the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 2,753,248 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $290,963,000 after buying an additional 505,705 shares during the last quarter. 88.07% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Entergy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. It generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Entergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.